Nail product review: NYC nail polish

Hi everyone, I hope your doing well today. Spring is in the air and comes the warmer weather and bright or pastel colors of the season. Gone are the dark colors of winter. I love spring it's one of my favorite seasons maybe its because its a transition to summer or just the fact that there's color every where and fun bright colors makes me very happy.
Today I will be reviewing the NYC nail polish I bought 2 polishes or varnish. It was so inexpensive that I wanted to try a few colors.

Add caption

Product claims:

LONG WEARING NAIL ENAMEL

You work hard, so your manicure should work hard too. NYC New York Color Long Wearing Nail Enamel, in a cascade of luxurious shades, creates instant glamour that will resist any daytime or nighttime drama. Plus it delivers a glossy, high-shine finish that lasts. Effortlessly applied every time, find beauty that lasts all day, from work to play.
Benefits

High-shine finish that lasts

Gives nails a hard, smooth, chip-resistant surface

Covers imperfections for a perfect manicure look

UV filters prevent color fading
 

IN A NEW YORK COLOR MINUTE QUICK DRY NAIL POLISH

At last, a manicure that moves at the speed of Manhattan. NYC's In a New York Color Minute nail polish is slick, glossy polish that goes from wet to set in less than 60 seconds with a special control-flow brush that dispenses just the right amount of color for perfect application…even if you need to apply while heading across town in a taxi. Be vibrant, be brilliant and be bright for less.

Benefits

Formula dries in less than 60 seconds

Easy-to-use flat brush for ultra-fast application

Intense pigments for brilliant color

UV filters prevent color fading

Key Ingredients

Contains calcium, magnesium and iron

Product experience:

I did not use a base, or a top coat when I first tested out this products. I used my nail polish drier to dry the nails quickly. It's a combination of UV light and air nail polish dries.I wanted to figure out how well the product performs on its on. How long the product will last on my nails. I can be very rough on my hands.


NYC Long Wear in sky line blue
after 3 coats

NYC Long Wearing nail enamel
The product comes in .045 fl oz or 13.3 ml bottle for $2 USD in the color 151 skyline blue. This color is a nice pastel color, it's a cool tone light blue color with a hint of grey. This nail polish contains finely milled silver glitter.

This polish has a round skinny brush. The consistency is thinner than I would have preferred making even application difficult. I had to apply 3 good coats of nail polish to get a good color saturation and even with that there are still areas that are very patchy. I had to shake the product in between application to make polish smooth again.
I'm not very impressed with the product, it performed like any other nail polish on me. It chipped after two days of the wearing the polish.



NYC New York minute in Lexington yellow
after 4 coats

NYC Minute Quick dry polish
This product comes in .33 fl oz or 9.7 ml bottle for $1 USD. I bought the color 294 Lexington yellow. The nail polish is a bright mustardy yellow. This polish has a thicker flat brush.
The consistency of this nail polish is very thin, making the application very streaky. The thicker flatter brush did help apply the product a little easier but I still had a very streaky application. Just like the name says it does dry very fast but doesn't cure for another 30 to 40 minutes So don't plan on doing any rough with your hands or you will get dents in your polish

brush  NYC long wear enamel

Pros:

• Inexpensive the NYC long wearing nail enamel cost $2.
• NYC minute quick dry polish cost $1
• Both dried, fast even after several coats
• Both are Widely available at sears, target and pharmacy.

brush NYC new york minute

Cons:

• The both nail polish has a very thin consistency.
• Both nail polish doesn't apply evenly and streaked a lot even with different kinds of brushes.
• Both needed multiple coats to get full color saturation around 4 to 5 coats.
• NYC minute quick dry nail polish dried fast but did not hardened. I was left with dent marks on my polish.
• Doesn't have a wide variety of colors and finishes in store but online there are a lot of colors available.

Both polishes chipped after 2 days and that's the normal wear for me. For $2 it's not bad but I just did not like the very thin and streaky consistency of the product. Still for a couple of dollars it performs just like a high end polish that cost more.

 

 

 

 

Coastal scents 22 piece brush kit

Hi Everyone,

storage/carrying pouch

I hope your having a wonderful weekend, today I decided I wanted to review one of my Christmas gifts.My cousin decided to give me a brush kit from Coastalscents for Christmas. I was very excited, because my brush collection is made up mostly of drugstore brushes purchased from different brands.
I have been looking for a good set of brushes that will not break my wallet. I know the value of quality brushes, but I'm not a make up artist by profession. So I don't feel that need to invest on high end brushes like MAC, Hakuhodo, Ray Morris etc.
What my cousin got me is the 22 piece brush kit from Coastalscents, it comes in a black leather carrying case and all the brushes are inside.

brushes and carrying case unrolled

Product description:

Looking for a complete set of the best makeup brushes? You can create an endless array of looks with our 22 Piece Brush Set. This complete collection of luxury makeup brushes includes the essentials used by the pros. Each makeup brush caters to a different need no matter what look you’re trying to achieve. All twenty-two cosmetic brushes fit perfectly together in our matte black, Coastal Scents imprinted roll up case making this set ideal for travel. Roll it, snap it, and you’re set to go!

The set comes with a Large fan brush, powder brush, round brush, flat stippling brush, angle blush brush, foundation brush, concealer brush, large shadow brush, blender brush, doe foot blender brush, done shadow brush, dome blender brush, medium shadow brush, detail shadow brush, lip brush, detail concealer brush, pointed blender brush, brow brush, smudge sponge, large liner/brow brush, medium liner/brow brush, small liner/brow brush and a compact case.

Face brushes left to right
Angled brush, flat top brush, flat foundation brush, fan brush and stippling brush

Product experience:

First thing that I noticed when I first opened the kit was the strong scent of turpentine. I don't know what they used it for, but the smell was just everywhere, on the brushes and on the case. The company recommended that you clean your brushes first before using them. I assume to get rid of the smell and any left over chemicals used on the brushes.

concealer brushes

To clean the brushes I used olive oil and a regular shampoo. I just poured some olive oil in plastic cup and worked it in the brush hairs. I then used a little shampoo and worked in the brush to get rid of the oily residue and then I rinsed the brushes clean tap water. I just felt that the brushes needed to cleansed thoroughly because I could smell turpentine.
The scent of turpentine was hard to remove on the brushes and even harder to remove from the carrying case. It took a few deep cleanings before I was able to get rid of the smell off the brushes and I had to air the case for a few weeks to remover the smell.

basic eye shadow brushes

Some of the brushes broke after the first cleaning. The ferrule of the large stippling brush and buffing brush came loose from the handle and eventually broke off. I had to glue the handle back with super glue.
The kit is either made up of pony, goat, nylon or synthetic bristles.When I used the rest of the brushes I must say I was sort of disappointed.
The angle blush brush sheds like crazy, I find a lot of hair on my cheeks and my shirt even after a few cleanings and use.

dome shaped brushes

The flat brushes that is used to lay color on your lid is too soft I ended up with a lot of fall out especially eye shadows that has some glitter. I did like there are 3 different sizes for most of the basic eye brushes.
The dome shaped brushes in this kit is very scratchy. I find that all the domed shaped brushes have the same size only different animal hairs. So if you have bigger eyes then the dome shaped brushes will not work blending your eyeshadows.

angled eyeliner brush

I don't mind that they have 3 different size of liner/brow brushes. The sponge tipped smudger is practically useless since all the dome shape brushes are small enough to smudge and blend eyeliners.
I did liked that it came with it's own pouch so storing the brushes is easy.

lip brushes and smudger brushes

Pros:

• A nice long handled brushes.
• A kit contains basic face and eye brushes.
• Carrying case makes storing brushes easy.
• Inexpensive brushes $34.95 per set of 22 brushes plus a carrying case.

my first casualties after my first cleaning

Cons:

• Inconsistent quality of brush.
• Some of the brush hairs are too scratchy even after several deep cleaning and after using hair conditioner to try and soften the hairs a bit.
• The ferrule on two brushes has become loose and eventually fell off the handle. I've only owned this brush set for over a 1 year.
• The scent of turpentine was hard to remove, I had to air the carrying pouch for a few weeks before the scent went a way and deep cleaned the brushes twice.
• There is not a lot variety of brushes in this kit, its the same brush either different animal hair or just a different size.
• The storage/carrying pouch too bulky to travel with.
• Can only be purchased online.

I was disappointed with this brushes, some are good but some are just bad. The quality is just hit and miss. There is not a lot variety especially with the dome shaped brushes and you need those to blend your eyeshadow. I have Asian eyes, they are small but even I can't use those brushes to blend my eye shadows. In the end I can't recommend buying this brushes invest your money else where.

 

Make-up reveiw: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick

Hi Everyone,

I hope your doing well, a few weeks ago I picked up the Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick. I heard about some rave reviews about this product. I have been interested in trying this type of products. I think almost all brands have released their on version of lip product.

Product description:
NEUTROGENA® MoistureSmooth Color Sticks instantly moisturize lips, while continuously conditioning them so they are softer and smoother in just 3 days with nothing on them. Made with fruit extracts along with mango and shea butter, the balm-like formula glides on easily, providing a sheer wash of moisturizing color that lasts for hours. In addition, the twist up package allows for perfect application each time – with no sharpener needed.

• Twist-up color; no sharpener needed
• Lips feel moisturized for hours
• Dermatologist tested
• Available in 8 shades

swatches left to right
Sweet water melon and Juicy peach

Product Experience:

I bought the two color, one is #10 Juicy peach and #30 in sweet water melon.
The product seems very pigmented and opaque, from the packaging it looks like there is shimmer
The moisture stick apply's very easily and feels hydrating. The texture  feels very gritty on the lips I think it might be because of the shimmer. The product has decent pigmentation, I can only swear by the two I bought. The product does have a strong scent and I'm not easily annoyed by scents this one annoys me. The juicy peach smells like peach

juicy peach

Pros:

• Comes in 8 different shades
• Inexpensive
• Widely available, you can purchase this product at your local pharmacy.
• Moisturizing, doesn't feel dry on the lips.
• It's a mechanical jumbo lipstick so it doesn't need sharpening

Cons:

sweet water melon

• The lighter shades looks chalky/milky on the lips
• Doesn't stay on your lips very long
• Feels gritty on the lips
• Contains glitter
• Has some very annoying scent
• The lipstick does accentuate dry flaky lips so make sure to exfoliate before you use this product.
• The lipstick feels like it just sits on my lips and doesn't blend well.

I had such high hopes for this product but the scent coupled with the gritty texture was something I couldn't tolerate.I was some what disappointed with this product, I had such high hopes that I would like it. It just didn't do anything for me.

 

 

Asian skin care product review: clear pore pack eggshell essence andcharcoal

Hi everyone,
I hope your starting your week right, today I will be reviewing a product I bought from Marukai. For those who doesn't know what Marukai is. It's a supermarket specializing in all things Japanese from food, some household items items, some skin care and make up. We have a few branches throughout Southern California.
I have heard of this place for a while but has only visited a store now. Because The branches are mostly scattered throughout LA or San Diego.

Product claim:

Naris Up N.U.P. Pore Clear Pack is specially designed to clean away blackheads formed at the nose tip, nose wing and chin. It contains eggshell essence and charcoal to thoroughly eliminate blackheads and impurities that clog pores. It leaves skin of the parts where blackheads can be easily formed soft and delicate again.
It is applied by smearing and removed by tearing. It is skin-friendly. It gives lighter burden to skin.
One tube is enough for about 30 applications.
How to use it
After cleansing face, apply an appropriate amount to the nose tip, nose wing and chin.
Leave on for 10 – 15 minutes before tearing off.
Rinse well.

Ingredients
Eggshell essence, charcoal

Add caption

Product review:
First time I used this I took a small amount and spread it on my nose and a little bit in the cheek area. I have large pores and the product emphasized the pores and did not fully cover them. I struggled a little bit trying to get a good amount of product on my nose and cheek area.
I waited 10 mins if not more for it to dry. You just peel off the product. I did not find that it took a lot of my white head. I don't think it cleaned out my pores as well.

Add caption

Pros:

• Squeeze tube

sample/swatch

Cons:

• The product is hard to work with. It's had to spread across the face evenly.
• You need a lot of the product
• Did not clean out my pores at all
• Can only be purchased at marukai stores online at sasa.com and marukai.com

I was very disappointed with this product. I had high hopes that it would be a cheaper alternative to the constricting pore strips. But it didn't do anything for my whiteheads. I especially placed a thicker coat hoping that it will work better but it didn't.

Face Make up review: E.L.F. Studio Concealer and highlighter duo

Hi everyone,

I hope your having a wonderful week, today I will be reviewing the ELF studio line concealer and highlighter duo.
Like everyone else I'm starting to have dark under eye circles. I get plenty of sleep but age is starting to show and I am in need of a little help to brighten my eyes.

Product claims:
Corrects under eye problematic areas such as dark circles and bags easily and effectively.
Contains vitamins A & E, chamomile, green tea and caffeine to moisturize, soothe and tighten the skin around the delicate eye area.

Product experience:
The product comes in a rectangular shaped tube. One end is the concealer and the other end is the highlighter or brightener. It has a doe foot one applicator and you get 0.17oz/ 5g for both concealer and highlighter. First I think I bought the wrong color light is too light for me right now, since summer is beginning to end I still have my tan. The concealer is very light in texture, it will not hide any heavy under eye circles.

swatches, highlighter and concealer

Pros:

• Compact, the packaging is sleek, doesn't take much room easy to store and good for travel.
• You get both the highlighter and concealer in one
• Price $3
• Can be purchased online or at participating target stores.
• Great for cleaning up fall out from dark eye shadows.

Cons:

• Comes with a doe foot wand, not very sanitary but it's okay for personal use.
• It only comes in 3 colors fair, light and medium.
• It's a very light concealer, it will not cover really dark under eye circles.
• The highlighter is a stark white, unless your very fair then this is not going to work on your skin and will look ashy.

All in all I wasn't crazy about this concealer duo, I liked the idea of having two items in one compact case. The problem is the formula, I think I got the wrong color, I feel this is too light for my skin. The highlighter is just too stark white that it looks unnatural.

Asian Skin care review: Cure Aqua Gel

Hi everyone,

Finally after a long wait and after searching high and low. I finally found sample packs of Cure. Well your probably thinking what is great about this exfoliator. Well this exfoliator is very gentle and this particular exfoliant does not contain any beads or crushed particles floating around a thick gel or cream. With that in mind I wanted to try the product for myself, I just didn't think that finding sample packs of Cure would be a little difficult. I also didn't want to purchase the full size product since I was not sure if will work for me.

sample packs of Cure liquid gel, each sachet has 3 gram of product
and you get a set of 5 pcs

Product claims:
Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a gentle and natural exfoliating gel that removes dead skin effectively without causing undue stress to the skin.

Very gentle and removes only unwanted dead skin.

Neither dries or thins your skin, preventing irritation and vulnerability to sun damage.

Contains 90% revitalized hydrogen water and natural plant extracts from aloe vera, gingko and rosemary.

Does not use preservatives, fragrance, artificial colorings or alcohol that can irritate skin.

Gently and effectively removes old and dead skin cells to promote skin renewal and prevent skin problems.

Complements any facial regimen to allow moisturizers, serum and other skincare formulas to penetrate deeper and better.

With regular use, Cure keeps your skin healthy, smooth and glowing.

How to Use:

Simply apply a small amount on desired area after cleansing.

Leave it for a few seconds to allow Cure Natural Aqua Gel to react to the skin cells.

Avoiding the eye area, gently massage in a circular motion from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

The gel will turn into a milky liquid and dead skin particles will be visible.

Rinse well with water

For more info go the website http://www.japalang.sg/cure/About_Cure.html they have a list of ingredients and every possible information about cure. They also give your free sample of cure for those living in Singapore.

Sample of the product, it's a clear gel but does wonders

Product Experience:

The product comes in two sizes the full size bottle of 250 ml between price of $35 to $55 USD, the full size bottle comes in a clear bottle with a pump.The sample sachets which contains 3 g of product and you get a set of 5. The product itself is just clear colorless gel.

After my usual cleansing routine.I just gently spread a sachet of Cure all over my face and neck, I let it sit on my skin for a few seconds and gently rub my skin in circular motion. I saw the product work immediately.This white balls started forming, I am assuming are dead skin cells. Started dropping down from my face. There will come a point when the little balls will no longer form no matter how much you rub. Then you know it's time to rinse your face.

This product got around the areas that is hard to reach or neglected areas, like around the sides of my mouth, the patch of skin between my eyebrows and chin.

dead skin cells getting exfoliated

Pros:

• A true non-abrasive, non-acid based exfoliator and non irritating.
• Easy to use and will not over exfoliate your skin.
• Very potent the 3 g that is in the sachet was enough to cover my face and neck area.
• Can be used with any skin regimen without massive side effects like break outs, rashes and any sort of inflammation.
• Comes in an a clear plastic bottle with a pump or little sachets.
• Can be used at other part of the body such as elbow, neck or knees.

Cons:

• Expensive you need to shop around for the best price, sample packs cost $9.99 USD for a set of five, Full size bottle 250 ml can cost anywhere between$ 35 to $55 USD depending on where you purchase.
• Difficult to find in the US
• Can only be purchased online or maybe specialty stores.

Hints

Samples of the product can only be obtained for free if you live in Singapore. U.S. residents have to purchase online. www.yesstyle.com sells the full size and sample size, www.imomoko.com and www.amazon.com sells the full size bottle.

some tips :)

I find that cure works best on dry skin, so after cleansing just make sure you take off as much moisture on your skin. You will find a lot more of those tiny white balls forming on your face.

I love this product, it's so easy to use and does what is claims to do. I felt my skin was so much softer. It's a product that is worth buying and worth every penny. After I finished my sample packs I decided to purchase the full size bottle.

 

Skin care review Up & up Makeup remover cleansing towelettes

Hi everyone,
I hope your having a wonderful start to your week, today I will be reviewing the brand Target Up & up make up remover cleansing towelettes its the one in the white and blue packaging. As a make up aficionado removing make up is important part of a good skin care regimen. In order to maintain youthful healthy skin and prevent break outs.

Up & up make up remover cleansing towelettes

Product claims:
Helps remove makeup and impurities
Quilted for deep cleansing
With triple tea antioxidant complex
Wash-away wonders

These Up & up make up remover cleansing towelettes are the easiest most effective way to maintain a complete skin care regimen. Use daily to deep clean skin and thoroughly remove make up, dirt and impurities. Skin is refreshed and toned to minimize the appearance of pores, while also nourished and moisturizer. No rinsing necessary.
Contains vitamin E and triple tea complex, plus chamomile that these towelettes a light refreshing fragrance. These hypoallergenic towelettes are alcohol and oil free. They have been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and are safe for contact lens wearers to use.
Direction:
Use in the morning and evening to cleanse face, no rinsing necessary.
Open label to access towelettes to close label tightly to retain moisture.
After use, place towelette in trash receptacle.

towelette with quilted texture

Product experience:
The product is in a blue and white packaging it lift of tab plastic seal, I think I paid less than $4 for a pack of 30 towelettes.
To use I just take one towelette and wipe my entire face with it. It's great for taking off my face make up but I still prefer to use a different makeup remover for my eye make up. Then I just cleanse my face normally.
It says on the package that it can be used as a daily cleanser, I don't think this towelettes alone will do the job especially on days that you have a lot of make up on and heavy duty eye make up and mascara.
On days that I don't have a lot of stuff on my face, say I just used some tinted moisturizer and lip balm it's okay to use as your only cleanser.

Pros

• Very convenient way to take off make up and cleanse your skin.
• Inexpensive I don't exactly remember how much I paid for this I think it's less that $4 and you get 30 towelettes in a pack.
• Available at your local Target
• The towelette is very soft and has a quilted texture great at removing face make up.
• The solution or towelette did not sting my eyes or skin
• great for travel

Cons

• The packaging is very cheap and doesn't seal in the moisture very well. You have to make sure there's a good seal on the edges or your product will dry up quickly.
• Not good at taking off very stubborn eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner so you need to use a different product for your eyes.

I love this product and this made taking off my make up really easy, I like that it's inexpensive but does the job really well and did not sting my eyes or skin. It will not take off your very stubborn mascara or eyeliner but it's okay since you don't want to use this around your eyes.