Yes I’ve moved to Blogger!!

http://alltheprettyshimmers.blogspot.com

Please update your links and bookmarks  

Goodbye WordPress, it was fun while it lasted, but your features just weren’t enough for me, I needed more freedom to customize, and you didn’t even allow javascript!!

OK Confession: I have been using the NARS Corduro eyeshadow duo every day for the past 3 days….!!!  I am so in love with this duo, it’s perfect.  If I was forced to just choose one eyeshadow to use for the rest of my life, this would be IT.  

I find that NARS shadows go on much more intense (than they already are) when used with a slightly sticky base, like a cream eyeshadow.  So that is what I did today…

Products used:

Oops forgot to include my mascara, Maybelline Define-a-Lash.  

I used the Vincent Longo cream eyeshadow as a base.

Used my long neglected custom blush mix created by moi. haha it is basically a blend of EDM Waffle Cone blush and this gold colored Becca shimmer  powder:

Also used my Shu Uemura lipstick in Dewy Beige and Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in 627.  This is discontinued! So sad I love this color, one of the few darker and more pigmented glosses that Dior had.  

What a dreary day today!! It was cold and rainy, making my apartment even more damp than it already is…sigh I can’t wait to get out of this crappy place.   At least I’m going out with the boyfriend tonight ^^ I’m thinking of trying to wear the falsies that Mona sent me from her giveaway a while back…haha we’ll see. 

————

New jewelry collection is up at audrie makes jewelry!!

It is more of a mini collection, only 2 pieces  

is up!  Please check it out here:  audrie makes jewelry

The collection is called Springtime Pastels. 

Whew what a weekend!  I helped the boyfriend move into his new apartment and it was so exhausting!  For some reason, tonight, I feel like sharing with you the story of my boyfriend and I.  Haha, feel free to skip this post if you do not like to read relationship stories…

We met in college when I was a freshman and he was a senior (haha cradle robber!!).  It was love at first sight.  haha jk but we totally hit it off and had a lot of chemistry when we first met.  The ironic thing is that he was in a fraternity, and people who knew me at the time will tell you that frat boys have got to be the LAST people on earth that I would ever date.  Well as it turns out he was really not your typical frat boy at all, first of all he cannot drink hahaha he is extremely lightweight and will puke his guts out after 5 or 6 drinks…(just like me!!), and second of all he is actually a genuinely nice guy, not the typical frat boy jerk.  

We started out a little rocky because he was unsure where the relationship will be headed when he graduates in a few months, and when he finally did graduate and moved to a city 1.5 hours away for work, we still stayed together and have been together since then.  It’s been almost 3 and 1/2 years of him driving to see me every other weekend and having made a lot a lot a lot of sacrifices, and I am so grateful to have such a wonderful person in my life.  

This past month, he finally was able to land a new job that is only 15 minutes away from where I live, which means he will no longer have to drive so far to see me all the time!! The position is much higher than his previous one, and they also raised his base salary 10%, in such a crappy economy, I am incredibly proud of him to have scored such an awesome job (if only I could say the same…lol).  So finally he’s all moved in to his new apartment this weekend which he will sharing with an old friend and frat bro from college.  It’s so cute because his friend is really excited that he moved in because now they can go to the gym, go out to eat, and do all sorts of manly activities together haha.  They are even talking about getting a cat together!  We’ve already decided that he would come see me and eat dinner with me every Wednesday, and of course we will get to see each other every weekend!! It would be so convenient now that he is so close.  Can you tell that I’m excited??  

Well that is my short little story, I hope I did not bore you  

Now for some pictures!

——————————-

I dug out my old Freshlooks Colorblends contacts because I had totally forgotten about them.  I bought a whole year’s supply and I have no idea why.  Now they are sitting there being wasted because I hardly ever use them.  I have them in the color Turqouise and I honestly think it looks super strange on me, like I can’t quite put my finger on it, there is just something OFF about them…I can’t decide whether or not  I like them, they are also ultra uncomfortable!

They look OK in this picture without flash, but when you turn on the flash…

WHOA.  wtf?! They look sooooooo weird on me, like I have alien eyes.  I don’t know, I can’t decide.  What do you think???

btw, I am wearing NARS Angelika on the cheeks, love this blush!!

———–

OH, I made a new jewelry blog, go check it out!  Audrie Makes Jewelry.

Well, there’s not much on there right now, but it will be updated very soon.  And yes, I take custom orders

Today I did a look using my new NARS products.  I am so in love with everything!

Used the Cordura duo, Angelika blush, and Sweet Revenge lipgploss.

For soe reason my left and right eyes are always uneven…I can’t seem to apply eyeshadow evenly to both sides! 

As you can see I have a little pimple on my nose ahhhh!! I hate this hot weather, it makes me break out

I loooove the Angelika blush!!! It’s perfect, the exact shade of baby pink that I was looking for, yay!!  I think this is a keeper.  

—-

I want to show you my (miniscule) notebook collection.  I like looking at and buying cute little journals/notebooks even though most of the time I really have no use for them.  

The black one is the one I keep in my bag for jotting down notes.  It’s called “little black book” which I thought was quite cute.  The picture on it is a sticker picture of me and my dog (haha so vain…)

I recently bought this one from Anthropologie, it was on sale! It’s big, kind of like a normal sized notebook but it’s so cute, and the paper quality inside is nice and thick, just how I like them.  This was made in Japan.

This one is my favorite.  It’s by Jill Bliss.  It’s called The Native Flowers Journal.   The pages inside are sooo pretty~

It’s just too pretty to use…

This one is made of recycled wrapping papers, it’s made in India.  The colors are soo vibrant and fun.  The pages aren’t exactly for writing though.

Each page is a different design! 

I want to get more journals and notebooks with pretty designs!

—-

I got tagged by the lovely Nic Nic.  Thank you for tagging me

What is your current obsession?

- jewelry making

What is your weirdest obsession?

- I am a grammar nazi, very very OCD about correcting people’s grammar haha. 

What are you wearing today?

- Denim shorts and t-shirt.  It’s too hot for anything else. 

What’s your favorite comfort food?

- ANYTHING my mom makes, she’s an awesome cook, and always makes me yummy dishes when I come home.  Her spicy eggplant with ground pork, pork shrimp and squash dumplings, black chicken soup, oxtail stew, and deep fried lotus roots with meat filling, MMMMMMMMM. 

What would make today special?

- If it were 10 degrees cooler.

What would you like to learn to do?

- scuba dive! I want to swim with the fishies lol.

What’s the last thing you bought?

- NARS stuff from Sephora. <3

What are you listening to right now?

- Nothing. 

What is your favorite weather?

- warm, blue-skied sunny. not too hot or cold light breeze… (I 2nd that Nic Nic)

What is your most challenging goal right now?

- finding a job! LOL. 

What do you think about the person who tagged you?

- I love her she is soooo adorable! And has the most awesome British accent.  

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be?

-  huge ass penthouse in San Francisco or New York. 

What would you like to have in your hands at right now?

- some lip balm, my lips are dry from this hot weather…

If you could swap lives with anyone for one day who would it be & why?

- Michelle Obama, I want know what it’s like being the coolest first lady!

If you would go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

- Back home to see my parents.

Which language do you wanna learn?

- French

What do you look for in a friend?

- STYLE.  haha jk, probably honesty, how they treat others, and level of energy, I can’t really stand very hyper people.  

Who do you want to meet in person?

- Blogger ladies! I haven’t met any yet…

What’s your favorite type of music?

- Trip hop, hip hop, dance/electronica, jazz.

What’s your dream job?

- Manager of a hedge fund, or owning a chain of boutiques. 

Any favorite model?

- I have so many! Natasha Poly, Coco Rocha, Du Juan, Karen Elsen, Julia Stegner.

If you had $100 now what would you spend on it?

- A cute little silk floral dress for the summer.  

Things you wish you could change in the past?

- Gotten an Ivy League education instead…I can’t believe I turned it down to go to California.  

Fashion Pet Peeve?

- Jeans that are too long and not properly hemmed, wrinkly clothes, neon stuff, flip flops.  

Do you admire anyone’s stye?

- Rihanna, she’s the only one that can pull off edgy!

Describe your personal style.

- American Apparel meets Anthropologie. 

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

-Pistachio.

What’s your favorite makeup brand?

- NARS! 

Do you get enough beauty sleep? yes or no? why?

- Most of the time yes, at least 8 hrs a day lol. 

Why did you start your (beauty) blog?

- Because everyone was doing it. haha.

I tag:

Angie

blu

dreamer0703

Mona

Mayaari

OMG it was so hot today….I slept with my window open last night, and it was so hot this morning that I woke up because I had difficulty breathing  It is supposed to cool down tomorrow, so yay!  

I did a very simple and fast look today with my new Kate Trick Eyes palette in GN-1.  

I like this palette a lot! The colors are very pigmented and go on nicely (except for that one useless glittery shade) 

I used Maybelline Define-a-Lash waterproof mascara and MAC Buried Treasure powerpoint to line eyes.  

Stay cool, guys

Thank you all for watching and giving me feedback on my first video! I made another one! hehe.  Please let me know if you have any requests/suggestions on what I should do for future videos. Today I tried out my new Lavshuca Gradate Select Eyes in GD-1 and did a quick review of it.  

Here is the video~

Basically, the palette was kind of disappointing.  The first two colors are really shimmery, sheer, and do not stay on my lids at ALL.  But the last two darker colors were very pigmented and smooth and went on nicely with the sponge applicator.  

I tried and tried but could not get the first 2 colors to work on me…so I only used the last 2 colors.

I also tried out my new Fresh Sugar Baby lipgloss today, I like it a lot!

I also straightened my hair today! Can you tell? Haha it is less poofy…

What I used:

Face:
- SkinFood Mushroom BB Cream
- Besame loose powder

Cheeks:
- NARS Laguna
- NARS Torrid (haven’t used this in so long!)

Eyes:
- TFSI
- Shiseido brow powder duo
- MUFE Lift Concealer #3
- 2 darker shades from Lavshuca Gradate Select GD-1
- MAC Femme Fi e/s to highlight
- MUFE Aqua Eyes 2L to tightline
- Prestige Intensity Liner in Bold Brown
- Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara

Lips:
- Prestige Honeysuckle lip liner
- Fresh Sugar Baby lipgloss 

—–

Diane asked what I had on my face in my first video, I believe I had either the Skinfood Aloe or Mushroom BB cream on, NARS Angelika blush (from when I tried it on in the store lol), and the MJ Majolook BR788 palette on the eyes.

I made a video!!  It took me a while to figure it out…I am so noob at this!! 

Here it is:

Please watch and tell me what you think, I am so new to videos, any suggestions on how to make it better would be really helpful  

Here are the pictures if you don’t feel like watching the video…

So I went to Sephora this weekend to take advantage of their 15% off sale, the store was sooo crazy I had to wait 20 minutes in line just to pay!! omg insane.  Anyway, since I was going to Sephora anyway I decided to take back the broken MUFE blush to exchange, but they were all out of stock at the store I went to…so I decided to just return it, because I spotted another pink blush that I like better!

My collective haul:

NARS Angelika blush, I checked it out because Fuzkittie suggested it, it’s really cute!

I was put off by all the shimmers, but when worn it’s actually  not very obvious which is good.  I was deciding hard between this and Desire, and ultimately chose this one because I think the pink is paler than Desire.  I really want a pale baby pink color, is that too much to ask for?? It’s sooo hard to find a good one that is pale but still shows up on my skin…

I think this one really fits the bill, it’s pale yet it’s also pigmented and actually shows up on my cheeks!  I hope this is THE pink blush for me, because all the other ones I’ve tried just haven’t been as *perfect*, we’ll see.

Then I got a NARS eyeshadow duo in Cordura.

I have been wanting this for a long time, ever since it came out!! NARS duos are definitely a splurge, so I don’t buy very often unless it’s something I really want and know I will use again and again.  And this duo is sooooo gorgeous! Seriously the most gorgeous eyeshadows I have ever laid eyes on. 

Check out how PIGMENTED they are!! That is just with one DAB, yes a dab not even a swipe, I just gently dabbed my fingers!   After all the sheer Japanese eyeshadows, I really felt like something intensely pigmented haha, and NARS never disappoints.  These two browns are the most perfect browns ever, I can’t wait to use this!  Japanese cosmetics are cute and fun, but…they cannot compare to NARS!

Then I got a NARS lipgloss in Sweet Revenge, my first NARS lipgloss!

It’s described as “sheer grapefruit pink” on the website, I guess that’s what it looks like.  It is sheer, but also very pretty and surprisingly not at all sticky or gooey.  I like it!

Finally I got a Fresh lip gloss in Sugar Baby.  

I love Fresh!!  I’ve only tried some of their bath/body and skincare stuff but never tried their makeup line.  This lipgloss used to be $25 at Sephora but it’s now marked down to $18, so I think it’s a good deal because it contains a lot of product and it’s Fresh!  This is a pretty nude beige color with iridescent shimmers, also on the sheer side, non-sticky and very moisturizing.  

Swatches:

That’s my Sephora haul, good thing I had 15% off  I really wanted NARS Belle de Jour lipstick, it was really the most perfect nude lipstick I’ve ever tried, but I had to stop myself because I was already getting so many things, maybe next time…or maybe I can try to find a dupe for it.  

I also did a look with the MJ Majolook palette in BR788.  I used only the sponge applicator! It was weird not using any brushes, but I think these Japanese eyeshadows go on better with sponges since they are sheer. 

I used the cream shadow on top as a base, it really makes the colors more vibrant.

Haha as you can see I did not do a very good job of blending…it’s very hard to blend with sponge applicators.

The Sale is still going on here.  

My Adam Beauty haul came!! I was so excited to receive everything.  I bought all Japanese drugstore cosmetics because I wanted to try how the drugstore lines were like before venturing onto the more high-end ones.  It’s my first time trying these brands!

I got the Majolica Majorca Majolook palette in BR 788.  It’s a lovely neutral palette. 

I love these types of bronzey brown colors.  Packaging is super cute!  Pigmentation is medium I would say, not fantastic, but definitely impressive for a drugstore item.

Swatches:

I also got the Lavshuca Gradate Select Eyeshadow in GD-1.  I wanted the purple one but it was all out of stock  I didn’t swatch the cream shadow on top because I didn’t want to mess up the pretty pattern lol.

Whoa super shimmery!!! 

The two lightest colors are just pure shimmer.  They are kind of chunky shimmers but they’re not rough, intead the texture is very very smooth so I don’t think it will irritate my eyes.  But still, a little TOO shimmery for daytime wear I think.

Swatches:

The last two colors are super super smooth and pigmented!! 

Then I got the Kate Gradation Eyeshadow in BK-1.

Omg this one is loooove!!  I especially adore the black eyeshadow with microshimmers.  It is intensely smooth and pigmented.  I was definitely very impressed with this palette, all the other colors were very smooth and pigmented as well!

OK I didn’t do a very good job of swatching this one, but believe me the colors were fantastic! 

Finally I got another Kate palette, the Trick Eyes in GN-1.  Ummm so weird but Adambeauty no longer sells this color on the website now…

All the colors in this palette are very unique!  Although I think the leftmost cream glitter thing is quite useless.  

The order also came with a sample of Coffret d’Or powder compact.  It’s so cute!  The powder is extremely fine, I’m really impressed.

Overall, I liked my haul, and was kind of surprised at how shimmery everything was!  I think the main difference between Japanese eyeshadows and American/European eyeshadows is that Japanese ones tend to be sheer with very fine shimmers whereas American/European shadows don’t really know how to do shimmer, they do frosty.  haha.  I hope that makes sense.   

I can’t wait to do some looks with these! I am already eyeing some more palettes on Adambeauty… I’m thinking of making another order and trying out different brands.  I’m totally eyeing the Esprique Precious True Impact Eyes T-1 that Fuz talked about, and the Coffret d’Or TD Eyes #04 or the SA Eyes 01. Both are so pretty I can’t decide! I also want to pick up an Integrate palette.  I want one palette from each brand haha. 

OK on to my next haul from the lovely KT!  I ordered the mini Hello Kitty bows and a custom Hello Kitty bow 2.0.

!!!!! So adorable!!!!

The two mini HK bows are actually bigger than I imagined!  Good thing I got the mini because I have a small head haha. 

I love these!

I wanted a gray HK 2.0 bow with a silver fabric button, and KT did just that!  I love this one, it’s big!  And I chose gray because it goes with everything in my wardrobe. 

Doesn’t it look so cute?? It’s a big statement though haha I will have to find the right occasion to wear it.  

Thank you KT I love my bows, do check out her awesome crafts! 

——-

Finally, I want to show you some new jewelry that I made! I’ve been kind of busy so I haven’t made very many new pieces.  

First one is a simple trendy necklace that my friend wanted me to make for her.  She wanted something to wear for the summer.

This was extremely simple to make, and she really loves the little dragonfly.  
24″ Antiqued brass chain and clasp with an antique brass dragonfly pendant, rose quartz beads and one green glass bead.  

Then I made another necklace with my new faceted citrine briolettes.  OMG citrine is to die for, if they weren’t so expensive I would make a huge necklace full of citrine beads. 

My lovely boyfriend volunteered to take some fancy photos with his fancy camera

16″ gold chain and clasp with a cascading drop of faceted citrine briolettes and freshwater pearls.

These citrine briolettes look amazing against gold, in fact I don’t think citrine should be used with anything BUT gold!  It really brings out the brilliance in these stones.

This one is with flash

Yes it’s that time again.  I’m cleaning out my stash because I will be moving to a new apartment soon so I’m letting go of some stuff.   Please read on for the rules first!

DETAILS:

-  Items are sold “as is” and prices are not negotiable.
- Purchase 1 item, get 1 free item (from the list of free things)
- Purchase 2 items, get 2 free items
- Purchase 3 or more items, get 5 free items
- First come first serve, I cannot hold an item for you. 
- Shipping is flat rate $3.50, regardless of how many items you purchase.
- I accept Paypal only.
- Email me at alltheprettyshimmers@gmail.com to place an order.
- U.S. and Canada only.

That’s all, jump for the sale!

Things for SALE:

Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator in 01 Natural.  About 80% left.   $10.

Hard Candy SoCal Glow Bronzer.  This thing is huuuuge.  Used 2x. $6.

*SOLD* Full Size Everyday Minerals Foundation in Winged Butter, Semi-Matte formula.  Brand new and sealed.  $8.

Dior Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor in Hong Kong Festival (Asia exclusive LE color).  Tested 1x. Includes original box.  $15.

*SOLD* Shiseido Aupres Concealer compact in 02.  Each side used 3-4x.  $8.

Highlighter on left, concealer on right.

ck Calvin Klein Beauty Infinite Matte oil-free foundation in 201 Soft Beige.  Used 4-5x. $20.

*SOLD* MAC Mineralized Duo Eyeshadow in Fresh Green Mix. Used 2-3x. $12.

*SOLD* MAC eyeshadow in Greensmoke, pro pan form (not depotted).  About 90-95% left.  $6.

*SOLD* MAC Pressed pigiment in Your Ladyship.  Used 1x. $5.

Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner in Crash.  Used 2-3x.  $7.

*SOLD* 88 Shimmer Palette. Each color swatched 1x, a couple used no more than 2x.  $16. 

It has some stickers on it…hope you don’t mind

—–

Things for FREE:

*GONE* Awake lipstick.  Used 1x.

Sephora lipglosses, L to R: Precious Pink, Rosy Glow, Bronzed Beauty.Each tried 1x.

*GONE* Cover Girl TruShine lipstick in Cherry Shine. Tested 1x. 

*GONE* Everyday Mineral Spring concealer. 4g jar. 85% left.

*GONE* Eyeko Touch & Go concealer. Tried 1x. Too dark for me.

Eyeko Minty Fat Balm. Tried 1x. Includes box.

MAC Melon pigment sample.  This is a LOT more than the standard 1/4 tsp.  I would say 3/4 tsp. 

Bare Escentuals eyeshadow sample in Socialite. 1/4 tsp.

*GONE*Pure Luxe eyeshadow sample in Peach Champagne.  1/4 tsp.

NYX eyeshadow powder samples, I can’t remember the names so I will just assign them numbers.  From L to R: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

*GONE* MAC Golden Lemon pigment sample.  1/4 tsp.

The end.  Have fun shopping!