Swatches: Erika F Comparisions

When I was in Taiwan this year, I saw quite a few eyeshadows that I thought could dupe the infamous Erika F from Lancome. Of course, in the name of blogging, I bought the two that I saw: Shu Uemura ME471 and Art Deco 45. Here's how they stack up:

ME471: The most pigmented of the three, and the most olivey. I guess that's obvious because its named Olive ME471. Amazing buttery texture, and shimmery.
Ombre Absolute 144 Erika F: Super glittery and most green, and also lightest. This has probably the most issues with fall out, and its worst vice is because of all the glitter.
45: This looks hideously warm next to the other two, very bronze. It doesn't on its own, but now that I have this next to Erika F, it's nothing like 144.

So far, the closest dupe for Erika F is Shu Uemura number 471 but it doesn't have the glitter and more green / silver that Erika F is.

The search continues...

Perricone MD's Winner!

Gingitsune! Congrats! Please send your mailing address to me within 5 days to tiamodiamondintherough[at]gmail.com to claim your prize! Thanks!

Review: Shu Uemura Primitribe Gel Liners

This is a reader requested review! I'm sorry that I haven't gotten to this until now, but I've been soo busy and tired :/. So I won't elaborate TOO much--if you have questions, I'll answer them in the comments. This will be a quicker read, because I've gotten feedback that readers don't like to do much reading and prefer pictures.

Price- 24USD for 2.8 grams or 0.098 oz. It seems like SO much money for the small pot, because Bobbi Brown's are 21USD for .1 oz and 3 grams. But honestly, shu owns you Bobbi, and I'm not just saying that because shu is god.

Consistency- Shu's is thicker than Bobbi's [which I'm using as a reference because it seems like many have tried hers] and creamier. The creamy texture of the shu as opposed to a more gel texture of Bobbi Brown's makes it easier to use as a cream eyeshadow--as the Primitribe eyeliners are supposed to be used as.

Colors: The primitribe gel liners are GORGEOUS. They are bright, they are rocking, they are perfect. This is what MAC aspires to be, what Make Up Forever does so well in matte finishes. I realize that most people won't wear this regularly [heck I think I've only used them a few times!] but I LOVE them. They're loud, and in your face, and obnoxious, but I love them! The colors Shu released with this collection are:

Spinel: Bright warm hot pink.
Turquoise: Bright medium blue-turned teal.
Citrine: Bright sunny yellow.
All of these are very pigmented and creamy.

Got creasing? Well, yes. I must note though that the actual gel liner product wasn't meant to be used all over the lid; just these colors were. Also, I was NOT wearing a primer, and if used like a regular eyeliner, these wear great on waterline and lid.

These are the only pictures I could pull up. I had a horrid camera--the pink is warmer, the blue is a bit warmer and more teal and the yellow is what I think of when I think 'lemon' yellow, but darker and more vivid. Delicious!

This one is an accurate pic:
This one is too, maybe slightly darker in real life.
I like the packaging--but how creative can you get with gel liners? Glass pot, check. Black lid, check. Limited edition design on the cover, check. I really like the design though :D.

Overall, if you love brights, then you need these. They are a dream to work with and are beautiful. In my opinion, totally worth the 24$ price tag, and work fast--these are limited edition!

Side note: Spinel is an Asia only release.



* Another side note: To get it to show up to this intensity on my eyes, I did have to layer. However, I was using a brush that sheers the product out. I think I used three sheer layers.

What do I use to apply/blend these puppies? A brush like this! It says 6m sable on the handle but I'm really not sure if its available as it was part of a set. I think it could also be used as a lip brush, but I find it gives great control over the color.

What do you think? Will you be picking up a Shu Uemura Primitribe gel liner?

NEW WINNER!

I've picked a new winner because unfortunately, the one chosen never emailed me! You've got to email me within the time limit!!

This is for the Happy Birthday Diamond In The Rough Giveaway!

The new winner is...

Miss Wiggle!!!

Okay miss wiggle, congrats! But if you want to get the prize, read the following in red!

You must contact me within three days at monokoroboox3@aim.com. If you do not contact me within three days, I will choose another winner.

That's settled! Also, remember that there is a different giveaway that is going on by Perricone MD that will end on Wednesday August 26th. Go and enter now!

Haul: This Weekend

Oh god! I went absolutely crazy this weekend! It would be perfect if I could have tracked down Push The Edge pigment--its sold out in 2 days! I hit up Bath and Body Works, Ulta, MAC & Nordstrom Rack. I am totally marking Nordstrom Rack as my new favorite store, because I found a whole bunch of shu uemura, smashbox and stila for cheap!!

What I got:
OPI Here today...Aragon tomorrow
Stila eyeshadow duo in orchid
Bath & Body Works liplicious in frozen daiquiri [smells SO good]
shu uemura gloss lacquer in radical fucshia
shu uemura eyeshadow in IR550 [discontinued I think : (]
MAC Rated R & Strike A Pose starflash eyeshadows
Sample of Brash & Bold pigment from Makeup Art Cosmetics collection



Whewie! So, did you haul anything over the weekend?

EOTD/LOTD: Another Soft Day Look

Quick post because I am busier than ever now!! This is one of my FAVORITE looks at the moment, I find that I keep recreating it!

What I Used:
UDPP
shu uemura IR850 eyeshadow
shu uemura drawing pencil M black
BB black gel liner [top and tightline]
KATE gel liner BK-3 [bottom waterline]
Imju fiberwig
MAC Carbon over KATE BK-3
Shu uemura hard brow pencil seal brown
MAC Patisserie [lips]






What do you think?

NOTD: Jill Stuart 31

I just realized how long ago my last Nail Of The Day post was! And since I LOVE this particular color that I have on now, I'd like to show it off!

What I Used:
Jill Stuart 31
Creative Nail Design top coat [super shiney]
Seche Vite base coat
3 nail stickers that I got in Taiwan. I regret not getting more as they are cheap, fun, and easy to apply!! So cute too!






Do you like it? Oh and Jill Stuart nail polish are SCENTED! :D With a rosey floral scent that lasts for about 3 days. SOO awesome *sniffs nails*!

And the winner is.....

*dum dum dum...*

KALOPSIA!!!!


To collect your prize, please send your mailing address to monokoroboox3[at]aim[dot]com. You have five days to contact me, otherwise I will select another winner!


Thank you to everyone who entered! Good luck on the next one!

[P.S. There is a Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator sample up for grabs here that ends on August 26th!]

EOTD: Soft Neutrals

REMINDER: Diamond in the Rough's birthday giveaway is almost over! You have one more day! Click on the reminder link above to enter!

I did this look a few days ago, but doesn't show up that great in this lighting. I thought it just emphasized the softness though, so here goes.

What I Used:
UDPP
Imju Fiberwig
MAC Dazzlelight [all over]
Outer V/Creaseish: shu uemura ME471
Clinique Egyptian creamshaper
Brows: Shu uemura hard brow pencil in seal brown




What do you think?

Review: Etude Glassade Lipgloss

Ah, OK I'm back with another review! This is from the brand Etude [of which the more popular Etude House is derived from] from Korea, which made waves through the blogosphere after several blogs reviewed items from it.

I jumped when I saw the counter in Taiwan! I had been looking for it earlier but Etude [House] seems to have left Kaohsiung and so I couldn't find it, and had given up. But I found a small, picked over selection of Etude at Hanshin [and am now regretting not getting their makeup base. Damn!]

But anyways, I picked up this gloss for around 12 USD [400NTD, with a buy one get one free of equal or lesser value....so I also got a brush. But that's another review!].

From a rough translation, this lipgloss is enriched with moisterizing essences and shimer; the liquid texture wraps your lips in delicate shine.

Let's see how it really is!

Here it is:
Cute packaging right? It actually holds 5 grams, which I probably won't EVER finish but it seems like less than my other brands because I've only used it a few times and there's a bit of space at the top now. The wand handle is pretty tall and is a pinky silver, and a nice heart motif on the top. Cute, but not too overly princessy, which I like. [Yes, there can be too much of a good thing!]

Anyways, I think this comes in 10 colors, of which I have number 2, Apple Jelly, a bright reddish pink. The range comes in a nice selection from bright pinks to lighter ones, peaches and even clear and gold ones.

The picture seems to give the impression that this color is a 'jelly' finish--slightly translucent creme. It isn't, there's quite a bit of shimmer that my camera couldn't pick up.
It's actually not that pigmented on lips. It gives a slight tint, but a very glossy finish. I would like it if it didn't cost 12 bucks! I'd pay like 5 dollars for it. It's a good thing it lasts quite awhile without being overly sticky!

I notice a very very slight fruity scent but its so light that I can't discern what it is. Whatever it is, it dissipates very quickly upon application.


Okay, whats the bad thing about this? The wand. I never thought that there could be a bad lipgloss wand--I've never met a bad one! The bad thing about this wand [a standard doefoot] is that it doesn't pick up enough gloss. WTF? But I have to redip the wand to have enough for my whole lips. Turnoff!!!

The consensus? Save your money from something better from Etude [House]. You don't need this!

Review: SANA Make Essence Concealer

Who can resist this amazingly cute concealer? You have to love all the extremely cute things the Japanese come up with, and paired with makeup, unbeatable!

Anyways...Sana made waves when this came out! Everyone tried it, and you either loved or hated it. As for me, I was making my innocent way along the drugstore aisles and then--oh noes! My eyes land on this epicly cute little bear and I have to have it! I got it for around ten US dollars, [300 something NTD I believe]. SANA also makes a light pink concealer that has a walrus design on it, as opposed to light yellow and a bear.

So anyways, we've established that the packaging is cute. The actual tube gives you 12 grams in a metal/foily yellow tube with a small opening to squeeze your product out.

This color is a bit washed out by the sun, but it's a good representation of how thick the formula is and how pigmented it is.

The texture is not that runny so it'd be hard to use, but isn't so creamy that it's hard to blend either. It's a very nice formula that blends easily to a smooth, almost powdery finish. A+!

The color sort of scares me. It's a very pigmented, light, bright yellow [No one can be this shade naturally!] that is supposed to combat dark under eye circles. While I don't have very severe under eye circles, I gave it a whirl.

Guess what? That freaky formula works! The yellow neutralizes the blueish skin very wel; keep blending and it brightens up. You'll notice it [because, of course, you have just applied it and are waiting for your fabulous results] right after, but look away from the mirror and back again and you will be amazed at how natural it looks.

This lasts all day, even through sweaty and humid weather. I admit I was skeptical of this concealer because of the color, but now I kind of want to try the sister product in light pink! My skintone is the opposite of pink but I have a feeling SANA's products can magically work for me.

I approve this concealer for people who just want a bit of brightening up around their eye area [not for those who have very dark circles]. After all, at ten bucks for a quality product, you can't really go wrong!

Giveaway: Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator!

Time for another giveaway! This time, we are hosting it with Perricone MD!
What is Perricone MD? It is a brand that produces anti-aging skincare that's favored among celebs like Oprah.
Here's their website.

So, what's up for grabs?


[photo from their website].
It's a sample of Advanced Face Firming Activator! This just happens to be Perricone MD's best seller, and is valued at 120$. Want more info?

"Our best seller, Advanced Face Firming Activator, transforms skin to appear firm, toned and absolutely glowing, while preventing further damage. Formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE that work synergistically to visibly resurface skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, and reveal a radiant and healthy complexion." Paraben-free."

Does that sound tempting or what?

And if you're interested in the accompanying treatment, it's called the Firming Neck Therapy.
Perricone MD even has a fun quiz for you to take here!

So, how do I enter?

Unfortunately, this is another contest that is for residents of the United States only! I swear, international readers, I'll get something for you one day! Only one person will get this prize!
One comment per person. If you enter more than one comment, I will delete the extras.

1. Become a follower of my blog.
2. Leave a comment answering: Why do you need a product like this?
3. This contest will end on August 26th 2009 at midnight GMT Central US/Canada time. That gives you two weeks [14 days] to enter!
I will announce the winner on August 25th and you will have to email me within 5 days at monokoroboox3@aim.com with your full name and address to claim your prize. If you do not email me within 5 days, I will choose another winner.


*please note: by entering my contest, I now reserve the right to give your name, email and mailing address to Perricone MD representatives. This is not unwarranted, because they are the ones who will mail your prize. Giveaway sponsored by Perricone MD. Open to US residents only.

Swatches: Shu Uemura Glow On & ArtDeco Eyeshadow

Readers' requests :) Here we are, Shu uemura glow ons in P pink 30 and P wine 25, and ArtDeco single eyeshadow in 243, 45, 239, 206, 77 and 264.




Comparision of 45 with shu uemura ME471 and Lancome Erika F:




Hope that helps :)

EOTD: Shu Uemura Primitribe Gel Liners

So, haven't worn makeup in a long time, because in Taiwan it was too humid for me :X. Well, today I'm back and wearing brights!

What I Used:
Imju Fiberwig
UDPP
Bobbi Brown Black Gel Liner
shu uemura citrine and turquoise gel liners






I swear it's better blended IRL [you can see that it is in the less close up photos] than it looks in the bright pics of my eyeball lol!

Haul: A few photos from Taiwan

Sorry for the lack of posts recently! I'm still unpacking and am a bit jetlagged and busy but the weekend is almost here so I can think up some things then :D.

So, for my haul! This is by no means all of it, but its some. Most of the rest are already put away, @@.

GIVEAWAY! Happy Birthday Diamond in the Rough!

This giveaway is long overdue as actually my first blog post ever was July 22, 2008, but I was writing up swatch posts, and thought that I should get home before I did this giveaway. As a side note, now that I'm back in the USA, there won't be any more swatching as obviously those brands aren't available here : (...

Anyways!

What's up for grabs? [All items are brand new and haven't been opened]





VOV Color Song liquid foundation in 02, a light yellow based shade
Majolica Majorca Honey Pump Gloss in PK122, a light pink
Samples:
Shu uemura depsea moisture replenishing essense
Shu uemura ACE B-G reinforcing gel cream
Shu uemura WR EX activating whitening essence

Rules to enter:

Unfortunately, this giveaway is for readers living in the USA only. I'm sorry international readers, because I know there are a few of you, but I hope to make it up to you one day and do an international reader only giveaway.

1. Become a follower of my blog [the panel is just on the left! Hit become a follower!]
2. Leave a comment stating your favorite Japanese brand [high end or drugstore, or in between! I don't care!] and why!
3. The giveaway will end on August 19th, which gives you about 2 weeks to enter. I will announce the winner on the 19th, and you must contact me within five days at monokoroboox3@aim.com. If you do not contact me within five days, I will choose another winner.

Good luck!