New Haircut

Finally got time to have a haircut....chopped off my long hair since it took forever to dry and I really don't have forever to get dressed for work in the morning.

Ta-da~ My new hair style...

Honeymoon Gifts....

Sorry for neglecting Wickedly Sweet for a while, have been a bit busy...........and lazy lately.

My friend's back from her Asian/ Honeymoon trip and got me a bunch of goodies from Japan and Bangkok~

- Jill Stuart tote
- Slimity socks
- Eye drops
- Visee e/s palette
- Esprique foundation
- Crayon art nail polish
- False lashes
- Paris Kid's necklace
- Smurf tee from Bangkok (I ♥smurf + I ♥Thai Thai)


She said she got me the teddy bear necklace because the pendant looks like my travel buddy PoPo Bear, so sweet~ PoPo Bear has been traveling with me for 12 years, we've been to many different places together.

B, thank you so much for getting me all the goodies~

Another great gift from another great friend who just came back from her honeymoon in Europe. It's a hot chocolate on a stick..... it shaped like a chocolate lollipop, just need to put it in hot milk, stir and you got yourself a cup of hot sweet chocolate~ Thanks Jue!!!

Glossy Gift From Sephora

This lovely super shimmer lip gloss trio is a birthday gift from Sephora (one of the benefits for being a Sephora beauty insider)! There are 3 lip glosses in precious pink, rosy glow, and brozed beauty. All three colors look pretty and usable. I really like the size (7ml tube), perfect to fit in my little clutch which I use quite often recently. Thanks Sephora for this wonderful gift~

Rimmel SC Mascara On Sale @ SDM + Mini Haul

Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara bonus pack is on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart this week.....it's just $3.99! Walmart is selling this mascara for $6.98 without the bonus eye pencil. It's an amazing deal, grab it while you can~

Mini Haul :

• MAC eye shadow in Smoke & Diamonds
  
• Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat
• NYC Nail Polish in 210B Chinatown
  
• Forever21 Wide Elastic Belt
  

1st Birthday Gift in 2009

Got a big package in my little mailbox today. It's a very special package because it's my first bday gift!!! ♥Thanks Stef ♥

• BeautyMaker BB Mineral Concealing Cream
• BeautyMaker Magic Compact Duo (bronze/highlight duo)
  
• False Lashes
  
• 3 Beauty Sponges
• Majolica Majorca Neo Automatic Liner in BR622

She bought all these lashes when she was in Taiwan and they are all "made by hand" as stated on the box. There are a box of the famous Princess Lee in black crossed style #7 and 3 boxes of Beauty (亮麗) including #167, A1 (invisible bands) and B1 (lower lashes with invisible bands). I haven't tried on any of them yet but I think I'll really like Beauty A1 and Princess Lee since those two are more natural looking.


I was shocked when I opened my mailbox today, shocked by the sight of my jampacked mailbox. I actually know about Stef's lovely bday package and I was expecting to receive a pick-up notification card like I usually do with my other parcels. I don't know why but the postman decided to jam this fairly big package into my little apartment mailbox. I seriously had to pull out all the letters underneath the package and then jiggled it out of my tiny mailbox. Anyways, the beautymaker magic compact duo came broken. Luckily, it just cracked a bit at the edge making the whole compact a bit powdery.


Stef, thank you so much for all the bday goodies! I'll definitely try the BB concealing cream tomorrow~

Missing You

July wasn't a very good month for me...

My dearest cat Tiger passed away on July 25th. He's very special and precious to me and my mom. I know he's in a better place now, but my heart still aches with sadness knowing that I won't be able to see him again.... I just miss him a lot...

Tiger, thank you for all the happy memories. You'll always be in my heart, I love you~

Honey Moisturizing Toner

Honey has been used in skin care since ancient Egypt. It is a natural humectant which has the ability to attract and retain moisture. I found a recipe for a honey moisturizing toner in Niuer's book and decided to give it a try.

This honey toner is surprisingly hydrating. I have been using it alone without applying any moisturizer after on my lazy stay-at-home summer days. I thought it'd be sticky but it's not. It smells wonderful, easy to absorb and it does a good job softening my skin.

Glycerin is not a must for this toner, you can simply use honey and water (ratio 1 : 20). Make a small batch and keep it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

If you would like to learn more about honey and its benefits, check out http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/food/honey_cure.html

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Honey, Glycerin, Preservative.

French Manicure - Quick & Easy Black

This is one of my favourite French manicure variations. The traditional French manicure is designed to resemble a natural nail with pink base and white tip. To give it a twist, I've used black instead of white for the French tip. I've also added silver glitter polish for a more elegant look and to hide any imperfections (I'm not very good at doing French tip, still practicing).

You'll need:
1. Base coat
2. Top coat
3. Black nail polish (eg. SkinFood Nail Vita BW705)

4. Silver glitter nail polish (eg. Ettusais Vacance Nail #8)
5. Toothpick

How to:

1. Apply base coat

2. Paint the tip with black polish, following the curve of your natural nail

3. Using a toothpick, apply silver glitter polish along the smile line

4. Finish with top coat

The Big Hair Affair

Lush.ca is offering a limited edition hair care trial kit which has 7 hair care products for just $15. I think it's perfect for those who are interested in trying Lush hair care products and can't decide which product to try 1st.



The kit includes 7 items :

• 1x H'suan Wen Hua hair moisturizer
• 1x Jungle Solid Conditioner 15g
• 1x Liquid Shampoo (Big - 30g / Curly Wurly - 20g)
• 1x Liquid Conditioner (American Cream - 15ml / Veganese - 15ml)
• 2x Solid Shampoo Bar 15g@ (Kama Komba/ Godiva/ Hybrid/ Seanik/ New/ Squeaky Green/ Ultimate Shine/ Soak N'Float/ Trichomania/ The Blonde)
• 1x Styling Gel 10g (King of Mods/ Goth Juice/ Big Tease)

Having problem choosing???

check out product reviews on MUA or Lush.ca

My Reviews:
Lush Shampoo Bar - Squeaky Green
More Lush Shampoo Bars - New! and Godiva
Lush Conditioner - Jungle

Lush Conditioner - Jungle

Jungle $8.95/100g

Jungle is the only solid conditioner at Lush, Amy got a big block of it and gave me some to try. Ingredients include cocoa butter, avocados, figs, bananas, passion fruit and kumquats etc. I found the easiest way to use is to get a chunk on my palm, mesh it into a paste with my thumb and then rub it with my hands and smear it on my hair.

Do not expect silky/slippery smooth hair after using it, but it does a good job softening and untangling my hair, much easier to comb through. However, I'm just not too fond of the scent. Smells like sunblock to me although it says "sweet, grassy scent" on Lush website. I just prefer fresh scent like citrus for my hair products, not a big fan of exotic tropical scent.

Repurchase? I'll have to say NO this time. I think it's a fine product, but it doesn't amaze me like the shampoo bars and I really don't like the smell of it. I'm still searching for the perfect natural conditioner, thinking of trying Kiss My Face next time~

*~1000

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my hard-working bunnies on the blog meter............1000, yes it's 1000!

I would like to thank everyone for visiting my blog! Your support means a lot to me, Thank you so much!

Happy Father's Day!!!

How to get up, eat breakfast and get ready for work in 5 mins!

***Thanks sweet_tracy for sharing this great video on BE forum

A funny yet practical video to share with your wonderful dad on his day. Amazement and laughter guaranteed.

Happy father's day everyone~

More Lush Shampoo Bars - New! and Godiva

Got two more Lush shampoo bars a while ago, haven't finished my squeaky green yet but I like it so much that I want to try some others. I was planning to get one bar only (kinda have my eye on the New! bar for a while), got two at last since they threw in a free tin if you buy two.

New! $9.95/55g

New! is packed with cinnamon and clove oil which help stimulating scalp and is great for hair growth. The bar smells like cinnamon which I like and it actually has cinnamon barks in it. It's vegan, paraben-free and SLS-free.

I love New!, I have to say it's my favourite Lush shampoo bar so far. My scalp and hair feel squeaky clean and refreshed after using it. It doesn't leave my hair with a strong cinnamon scent which I know some people don't really like (personally, I love the cinnamon scent). Like Squeaky Green, I do recommend using a conditioner afterwards. I can't tell about the hair growth part now (have to use it for a longer time to be able to tell), but my hair is less frizzy than before.

Godiva $10.5/55g

Godiva is one of Lush best sellers. I got this because of the free tin and the heavenly jasmine scent (it smells sooooo good). My whole bathroom smells like Jasmine now. It's a 2 in 1 bar which has chunks of conditioner in it. It does leave my hair softer compare to Squeaky Green and New!. Moreover, the fantastic scent actually lingers in my hair for the whole day.

I wasn't paying much attention on the ingredient lists when I bought it (obviously distracted by the jasmine scent), but it does contain SLS which could cause irritation. Although I absolutely adore the scent, I doubt that I'll buy it again.

MAC Cosmetics Friends and Family Sale - 25% off @ MacCosmetics.ca

Found this great deal @ SmartCanucks.ca:

"MAC Cosmetics Friends and Family Sale will take place from June 16th to 18th, 2009 online only (as far as I know) at MacCosmetics.ca. Get 25% off all MAC Cosmetics.

You need to use coupon code SUMO or SAVE25 to get your discount."

It's time to stock up with your favorite MAC products, enjoy shopping~

Miso Mask

I know it doesn't look appealing but it's surely good for your skin. Miso contains Kojic acid (a natural by-product from the fermentation stage) which helps lighten skin by blocking an enzyme crucial in the production of skin melanin.

Ingredients:

Miso ..... 2 teaspoons

Soybean Milk ..... 1 teaspoon

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a small dish

2. Apply to a clean face and relax for 5-10mins

3. rinse off with lukewarm water

**Miso is very salty which could be irritating for some people. Always do a test patch before applying to face. Not recommended to sensitive skin.

New Materials for a New Craft Project

Pretty fabrics, eh? A new craft project coming up ~

♥ ♥ ♥

Picked up a big package from the post office yesterday. My silly mom sent me 2 bags of masks, there must be at least a hundred of them in total (swine flu **alert**). She also sent me some nice pictures taken at my brother's wedding banquet......I miss my family.....

Also received some samples and coupons from L'oreal.

Advanced Revita Lift
- Day lotion (2ml sample)
- Night cream (2ml sample)
- $3 off on any Revita Lift cleanser coupon
- $5 off on any Revita Lift moisturizer coupon

Skin Genesis
- Serum (2ml sample)
- Day Lotion (2ml sample)
- $3 off on any Skin Genesis cleanser coupon
- $5 off on any Skin Genesis moisturizer or treatment coupon

Interested to receive L'oreal skin care samples too? Register to be a myL'oreal member and you can order samples and coupons online with just a few clicks:

http://www.lorealparis.ca/_en/_ca/club-vip/index.aspx

Grapefruit Foaming Face Wash

I like keeping a bottle of foaming face wash near my sink in the bathroom. Call me lazy but I enjoy having foam straight from the bottle.

I used a recipe from Niuer's book for reference, lowered the total quantity of cocamide betaine and added glycerin (a humectant to attract moisture). I was in a hurry and got a white grapefruit instead of a pink one. It's still grapefruit, just without the nice pink color that I was looking for.

Grapefruit is a natural skin whitener. It has citric acid which can soften skin, loosen dead skin cells, cleanse and tighten pores. Grapefruit also contains an enzyme named bromelain, which helps cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.

I sterilized an empty foaming hand wash bottle for this formula. The foam is not as dense as I normally like, probably caused by the reduction of cocamide betaine (a foaming agent). However, It does a good job cleansing my skin and the citric scent is very refreshing and uplifting. It's wonderful for summer time especially for combination and oily skin.

Grapefruit juice could be irritating and I don't recommend it for sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Distilled Water, Grapefruit Juice, Cocamide Betaine, Glycerin, Preservative

Herb Garden in Progress

I'm not into gardening at all but I love to cook and have been dreaming of having my own herb garden for a long time. I know it's not a garden yet, but it's a start and a step closer to my dream. Meet the 1st member of my herb garden .... sweet basil~

Sweet basil is not just a culinary herb, it can also be used in skin care. Basil contains antibacterial compound which kills the free radicals that causes various skin disorders. Basil oil is a de-toxifier as it stimulates circulation of the skin. It rejuvenates skin tone and can be used for acne and minor skin infections.

羅勒 (Basil) - 輕度抗菌劑,治療擴散性紅腫,對抗因為氣候轉變所引起的發炎。具鎮靜效果，且可抗皺紋

Buddha's Birthday Gift

Got this package in the mail today. It's a Buddha's birthday gift from my generous friend Amy (she's giving me gift even it's not my bday).

She sent me a majolica majorca jeweling pencil and the latest catalogue~

The jeweling pencil is in BL503 which is deep blue with silver glitters in it. I just saw a youtube video by MakeupByTiffanyD the other day about using blue eyeliner to make your eyes look whiter. It the most perfect timing to receive this lovely eyeliner since I was thinking to get the stila kajal eyeliner in sapphire.

Thank you so much for the Buddha's birthday gift!!! I'll try it very very soon.

Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask

This homemade hair mask is wonderful for dry hair and it's so easy to make. You'll need honey and olive oil (1:1) which you probably have in your kitchen cabinet.

Ingredients:

1. Honey ...... 1 tablespoon

2. EVOO ...... 1 tablespoon

Directions:

1. Mix olive oil and honey in a small bowl.

2. Massage the mixture through your hair.

3. Cover hair with a shower cap OR wrap it in cling wrap and then a warm towel.

4. Leave it for 30 - 60 mins.

5. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

My hair is about 2 inches over the shoulder, straight and not too thick, 2 tablespoons of the mixture were enough to cover all my hair. You can add more depends on the length and thickness of your hair.

The easiest way is to use a shower cap but I don't have one so I went for the cling wrap and towel. The honey I used is quite runny and I didn't have problems mixing it with the olive oil. If it's hard to mix, try heating it up until it's runny.

I treated my hair with this luxurious hair mask this morning and I have been tounching and running through my hair ever since. My hair is so soft and it's not as frizzy as before. I hope you'll like this hair mask as much as I do. Enjoy~

My 1st Homemade Herbal Extract

I have been thinking of purchasing licorice extract ever since I started making my own skin care. While I was researching for a supplier, I found a great article on mountainroseherbs.com about making your own herbal extract. Only 2 ingredients needed : fresh/dried herbs and alcohol, seems so easy that I couldn't resist to make my own.

Ingredients:

1. Dried Licorice ...... 15g (got it from a Chinese herbal store)

2. Vodka ........ 100ml

Directions:

1. Wet a paper towel with distilled water to wipe the dried licorice.

2. Put the ingredients into a glass jar and close the lid tightly.

3. Place it in a dark place and allow the herbs to soak for 4-6 weeks.

甘草萃取液 - 殺菌、消炎、增強肌膚免疫力, 舒緩敏感肌膚, 抗氧化、抑制酪胺酸脢作用，減少黑色素形成

Licorice Extract is effective for skin lightening. It also has properties including anti-inflammation and antioxidation.

More information:

http://sadatan.com/products/pdf/Depigmentation%20Complex.pdf

http://blog.pharmacymix.com/licorice-%E2%80%93-an-active-ingredient-that-can-lighten-skin

Great Deal on MAC

Let's check out my recent deal on MAC and see how much I've saved.

Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Earthly Riches - US$11.75 (Orig. US$19 / CDN$23) 38% off
Shade description: Deep plum and dirty deep grey with pink veining (Frost)

Fluidline in Silverstroke - US$10.5 (Orig. US$15 / CDN$18) 30% off

Got these 2 from the CCS at Brich Run Prime Outlets on the way to visit my aunt in Michigan.

Eye Shadow/Pro Palette Refill Pan in Club CDN$7.8 (Orig. CDN$13) 40% off
Shade description: Muted reddish brown duochrome with green opalescent shimmer (Satin)

224 Tapered Blending Brush CDN$20.1 (Orig. CDN$33.5) 40% off

Pigment in Vintage Gold CDN$14.1 (Orig. CDN$23.5) 40% off

One of my colleague from my last job is a MAC freelance makeup artist and she gets 40% off as staff discount. So nice of her to get me a few items~ 40% off baby.

~*Club (can u see the green shimmers?)

Pigment in Sweet Sienna US$13.75 (Orig. US$19.5 / CDN$23.5) 29% off

Also from the CCS, got it from Fashion Outlets Mall at Niagara Falls this time.

Total Saving: US$17.5 + CDN$28
* Enough to buy 2 more pigments from MAC

Here are a few ways to pay less for MAC:

1. The Cosmetic Company Store/ Cosmetics Company Outlet

Always check out CCS/CCO when you're in the state. They have brands such as MAC, Bobbie Brown, Clinique, Origins etc for a discounted price. You can find mall locations for the CCS at mallseeker.com.

2. MAC Pro Membership Program

MAC PRO Membership Program is a paid for membership program open to makeup professionals.

How to enroll?
- fill out the M·A·C PRO Membership application
- provide proper professional documentation (such as business card) and a copy of photo identification
- pay a annual membership fee US$35/CDN$45

Discount :
Makeup Artist - 40%
Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Fashion Stylists, Nail Technicians, Costume Designers, Models, On-Air Talent/Performers, and Photographers - 30%

3. MAC Pro Student Program

M·A·C PRO Student Program is open to individuals attending a school or institution of makeup artistry or the performing arts.

How to enroll?
- fill out the M·A·C PRO Student Membership application
- provide proof of enrollment in approved school
- pay a semiannual membership fee US$10/CDN$10 (*I don't remember paying $10 for the membership when I was a makeup student, but that was some years ago)

Discount : 20%

~*Swatches

~*Altogether

Have fun saving~

Daiso Eyeshadow Palette

Look familiar? Integrate?

Oh well~ you got me, it's a dupe. Don't you think it looks exactly like Integrate e/s palette in RD751(耀眼深邃眼影盒)? I was actually looking for the Integrate one when I was in HK last year, couldn't find it anywhere. Just when I was about to give up, I saw this dupe at Jusco $10 store. Yes, it's HK$10 only (around CDN$1.5)! An amazing deal for a good quality palette~



Name : Layered Eyeshadow
Palette code : C
Brand : Daiso (大創)
Net Weight : 7g
COO : Made in China
Color : White / Soft Pink / Rose Pink / Dark Burgundy (all w. shimmers)

Comes with an instruction for a gradation look.

~*Swatches

Packaging : ♥♥♥ (3/5)
Plastic case w. a double-sided sponge applicator and a small mirror inside.

Pigmentation : ♥♥♥ (3/5)
All 4 colours go on a bit sheer but can be layered to build up pigmentation. I actually like it sheer since pink could be hard to handle.

Finish : ♥♥♥♥ (4/5)
Shimmery. Very fine shimmers, not chunky at all.

Texture : ♥♥♥♥ (4/5)
It's smooth, easy to glide on skin and blend well.

Value for money : ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5)
HK$10 for a palette with great colors, can't really ask for more.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5