Hello June! - Out with the empties!!

Hello June!

Honestly, I don't understand how people can have "empties" every month...maybe I'll get it one day haha. Instead, since my empties rate is so low, I'm lumping them all into one post that covers January to May products that I've used up!

Milani's face powder has become my ultimate fav!! I've tried a number of mattifying powders from the drugstore and Sephora and this has come out as the all out winner. Light weight but still provides coverage, doesn't break the bank, has no smell and is pretty long wearing. The range of shades is also decent in my opinion. You can find this online on Milani's website but if you're looking for it right away check your local Walmart--hopefully they'll have it in stock!

Milani - Multitasker Face Powder ($6.99)

I was really skeptical about this purchase but I just HAD to have it. I mean Lady Gaga is a GENIUS for creating a black perfume (that doesn't stain), pure genius. The scent was much stronger than I had anticipated but really just takes getting used to. Sephora describes this beauty as:

"...(the first) of its kind in fluid technology, it is black like the soul of Fame but invisible once airborne. This black fluid exudes a lustful, floral, fruity essence for fabulous little monsters. Enriched with tears of belladonna, a black veil of incense, and pulverized apricot, this fragrance may cause illicit fits of extravagance, unrivalled rushes of adoration, and prolonged moments of ecstasy and rapture."

Enticed? You will be.

Lady Gaga - Fame, 1 oz. Eau de Parfum Spray ($42.00)

FINALLY. FINISHED. THIS. I think I may have purchased this a year ago...by far my FAV foundation. Granted that I haven't tried that many, please take my opinion with a grain of salt. I would say I am a def UD fan though...this product is also genius! Light weight and gives adequate coverage. I also feel like it brightens and gives my skin some kind of glow because I always get compliments on how great my complexion looks! There's also a wide range of shades available! This can be purchased on both the UD website or Sephora website; I would suggest seeing which one has any promos going on ;) FYI my shade is 3.5!

Urban Decay -  Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($39.00)

Good mascaras always seem to be the hardest things to find...or maybe make a decision about haha. I went through a waterproof mascara kick, very wearable and durable especially since I used to be an active person/athlete. However, I realized that it's so hard to take off at the end of the day! Leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Covergirl commercials got me--the endorsements for this particular mascara made me get up, get out and go buy this specific one--note the "Olympic" packaging. I so would do that...either way, I've found my go to mascara! While this one is not waterproof, it lasts even through an intense volleyball workout/session. It also makes my lashes look fabulous in one coat! This can be purchased from various retailers; I would suggest checking your local drugstore!

 Covergirl - LashBlast Volume Mascara ($6-$8)

In late 2012, my love affair with LUSH began...& it's still going strong!! I purchased this in December 2012 and only recently finished the pot. I have to admit that I freaked out when I saw the price of this, but the employee who helped me assuaged me that it would last forever--and it did!! Great natural product that works well is lightweight and can easily be used under or over makeup; it's good for combination skin and has soothing properties. This does have a slight odor that may be sensitive for some but I'm fine with it. I apply this after using LUSH's Ocean Salt (coconut cream and sea salt scrub) & Eau Roma Water (toner), which is also very refreshing and soothing (e.g., lavender); I am on my 2nd pots of these as well!

LUSH - Vanishing Cream ($42.95)

So gal pals, that's all that I could come up with for now...I'm sure I have other empties around...perhaps I can do a monthly type of thing. We'll see :)

xoxo

~carlykins

Memorial Day Weekend Stay-cation - Turtle Bay Resort & Spa

5.30.13.

Posting an early (and recent) Throwback Thursday! #tbt

(Sorry, no thrifts today).

Someone take me back to this past Memorial Day Weekend!! I was fortunate to go on a little staycation with a couple of my best gal pals; thx AnaB!

Turtle Bay, Kahuku, HI

...& I made some new friends too! Say hi to Brucie :)

(Hawaii Shark Encounters)

xoxo

~carlykins

5/24/13 Friday Fashion Files - The Wedge Sneaker

Fridays will be all about trends that I love...please feel free to inform me of others as I am not always up to date on these things...but in general these will be from my POV ^_^

The Spring/Summer trend that has been taking the fashion world one step at a time--the wedged sneaker! At first I was totally against this, like how I was VERY opposed to the idea of Uggs; I am now a HUGE fan of Uggs, so ingenious especially for cold places. As such, I have also come to LOVE the idea of the wedged sneaker & I HAD to get myself a pair!

Of course, being me, I didn't want to invest in one that "everyone" had... I scoured the internet and FINALLY found one that I thought was sufficiently unique, fun, on trend and versatile! I settled on these JC's that brought together two trends in one--FLORAL, WEDGE SNEAKER?!--SCORE! Not to mention discounted to only $61 (thank you Lori's Shoes; sign up for emails to get $10 off)?! It was inevitable that this was going to be a part of my closet.

Jeffrey Campbell - Aversa

(can be found here)

Now, I know, this may not be to everyone's taste...(my sister personally told me "WHO WOULD BUY THOSE?!")...but like she also says "I DEGAF" hehe :) Just as a note, it's probably best to buy your pair in-store so you can try these styles on; I would probably suggest going a size up since the heel part will jam your toe in the front if it's too tight!

When I first decided to buy into this trend, I was adamant that I only needed one pair. However, my will power has been wavering--eek! Especially with JC's, they are my weakness!! I currently have my eye on these babies (courtesy of Homecoming Honolulu; once again, ENABLERS!!):

Jeffrey Campbell - Venice-Hi, Taupe

(can also be found here)

Other (sometimes cheaper) alternatives can be found at a number of places...Target, etc. I am particularly in LOVE with an ALDO pair that Insta-glamazon PineapplePrincess purchased; the stud embellishments are so rad!!

So would you buy into this trend? Lmk & share your favs!

xoxo

~carlykins

5/23/13 Thrifty Thursday - Valerie Joseph Boutique

Thursdays will focus on all the ways a lovely lady can keep up to trend without breaking the bank! Let's be thrifty gal pals, time the share the steals & deals!!

For you 808-ers, are you looking for a store that offers hip, trendy items at reasonable prices? Hit up Valerie Joseph Boutique located on the ground floor of Ala Moana Center!

If you've never shopped here before, they sure know how to make your experience GREAT! Sizes & stock of clothing, accessories, etc. are LIMITED, it's just the way VJ herself runs her store. It ensures that your items will be as unique as you are! Check out their Facebook page & Instagram; there are constant updates for new merch!! (I have to admit I have become quite the stalker on their social media platforms since VJ's style is awesome)!!

There always seem to be promos running all year long--thanks for thinking of us fashion hungry gals V! As such, one of my more recent visits had me walking out with more items than I had originally planned...started with the jacket, then I threw in a necklace... The sales girl was a TOTAL enabler and mentioned VJ's buy 2 get the 3rd 50% off! Naturally I couldn't pass up a good deal, and I am SO happy with my purchases--I can't wait to show them off :)

 

(How cute is the packaging?? All about the details baby!)

Customer service here is also FABULOUS! You'll leave feeling like a Queen. If you still need more convincing as to why you need to give this place a look-see, check out the rave reviews on Yelp! Happy retail therapy shoppaholics ;) See ya there!

xoxo

~carlykins

5/22/13 Wishlist Wednesday - 5 Things We Love

The blogger-verse has been blowing up with these wishlist posts...so of course I'm hopping on the bandwagon!

I've always loved the weekly "5 Things We Love" column in the Star Advertiser. So my Wednesday Wishlists will be a hybrid of wants, loves & of course wishes!

1.  Celine - Luggage Tote (SOLD OUT); WAHHH!

Of course I am lusting after something that is COMPLETELY out of my price range and is sold out. I've grown to love the look of this bag: simple, subtle, functional and reminds me of LV's Never Full (if you can't tell I like my bags BIG)! Oh well, this is what WISHES are for :)

2.  Jeffrey Campbell - Cantu ($160, Homecoming Boutique, Honolulu)

To buy or not to buy, that is the real question. These are SO within reach, (not so much within budget), but I'm so so SO tempted!! Especially since my Google search was not able to find this color?! Homecoming you are an enabler >.<

3.  mStand Laptop Stand ($45, Amazon)

Ok, so this has been in my Amazon cart forever! It is totally justified as a NEED, seeing as my desk area is a mess and I think it would totally free up some space--we like desk efficiency! But some other (unnecessary) purchase has always taken precedence. I first saw this on my advisor's desk and thought it was genius. While it technically doesn't fit my 17" MacBook...I think I can make it work...

4.  Muji - Acrylic Cases

Functionality at it's best! Organization and display all in one. These acrylic cases from Muji have been growing in popularity, primarily through Youtube makeup gurus & vloggers. As a Japanese brand, quality is expected as the raves have justified. Sadly, you have to be a hawk on the site; these guys sell like hot cakes and are usually sold out. This model is $25.25 but there are a number of models that have different features/sizing. Check out the review by one of my fav beauty bloggers: hollyannaeree!

5.  Jeffrey Campbell - Soiree

Lucite + heel = one KILLER shoe for Spring/Summer. It's all the rage, and I have been wanting IN for MONTHS! Forget the Mom lectures of these types of "clear heels" being trashy--the black fade on this lovely pair is to die for!!--simultaneously subtle & mysterious. Dream shoe FOR SURE.

xoxo

~carlykins

5/21/13 How-To-uesday - D.I.Y. Bridal Shower Headband

Day 2 is How-To-uesday!

It's wedding season, meaning parties galore! Bridal parties are especially important and of course the bride-to-be needs to feel like a queen. How can you make your friend feel special? Make her a lovely headband to wear at her shower/party!

All you need is:

• Headband (1)
• White ribbon (1 roll)
• Netting/tulle (1/2 yd)
• Embellishments (e.g., jewels, feathers, flowers, sequins, etc)
• Hot glue gun/glue sticks
• White/pearl puffy paint

Begin by finding a clean, clear workspace with an outlet nearby for your glue gun. If you have a rubber working mat to rest your glue gun on, even better!

Take your headband and glue an edge of ribbon to the end of one end of the headband. Start wrapping the ribbon around the headband in a diagonal pattern; like using floral tape. Continue until you get all the way to the other end and finish (e.g., cut ribbon, etc).

Cut your netting/tulle to the length you like. Scrunch the material on one end and arrange to the width you'd like it to be glued down at the top part of the headband. Using your hot glue gun, glue the scrunched part to the headband.

Pre-embellishments (top); after embellishment application (bottom).

Apply embellishments like flowers, feathers and jewels, enough to hide the scrunched part you just glued down. 

Fan out the netting and apply final embellishments (e.g., sequins); use the white/pearl puffy paint to tack down and add detail.

Let dry and try it on! You now have a thoughtful, handmade gift that can be personalized to your bride-to-be's style! Your gift to the bride will be the most cherished of all!

Now it's your turn to c's the d.i.y.!!

xoxo

~carlykins

5/20/13 Makeup-Mani(c) Monday - Dior Lip Glow

Hello Blogger-verse!

I know it's been a while :)

I've decided to take on a new direction for this blog & cover a whole range of things that I LOVE (in typical Gemini fashion). As I am setting an ambitious goal for myself with daily themes, I am hoping I can upkeep with these lofty aspirations!

So here's to new beginnings & say hello to Day 1 of the week, Makeup-Mani(c) Mondays!!

Today's fav will be a makeup product that I have fallen in love with thanks to a dear friend, AnaB...

Dior's Lip Glow is fabulous, not only in packaging but also in product. If you are looking for a hydrating balm that leaves just a hint of pink on your lips, this is your IT balm. Sheer, lightweight, non-sticky, moisturizing and supposedly "engineered" to enhance your natural lip color; I believe this is flattering for all skin types, totally wearable for all occasions and also gives a hint of flirtatiousness ;) The perfect lip product for the summer!

Dior Lip Glow

At $31 a pop, this baby isn't cheap but the benefits far outweigh this economic dilemma! Plus, it lasts for quite a while; I've had mine for a few months and am only hitting the middle, and I use it daily. I purchased my gal at Sephora (and took advantage of a V.I.B. discount early this year) but I believe this is also carried at Nordstrom as well!

If you are looking for a relatively cheaper alternative that offers similar benefits check out the following dupes:

1. Loreal's Universal Lip Glow (<$8); online, I believe it's only available in the UK?
2. Sephora's Color Reveal Lip Balm ($12); Sephora
3. Tarte's LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint ($24); Sephora

Better snag this little beauty ASAP so you can pucker up for that summer lovin' ;)

xoxo

~carlykins