HouseOfTheRisingSun : January 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Weekly Playlist 1/27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwk0zi217tI&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2FTNJyEExKZNRAzPWNRNYV7

1.) Infinite Daps- RL Grime & Baauer

2.) Flood- RL Grime

3.) Happy- Pharrell

4.) Radioactive (Remix)- Imagine Dragons ft. Kendrick Lamar

5.) Treasure- Bruno Mars

6.) Autumn Leaves- Ed Sheeran

7.) Goosebumpz- Mac Miller

8.) Talk Dirty- Jason Derulo (Totally obsessed!!!)

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

SPRING 2014 BEAUTY TRENDS

Need an update on your look for the new year? Well look no further. Here are 5 popular spring beauty trends fresh off the runway guaranteed to liven up your beauty wardrobe for the upcoming year.

1.) Violet Eyeliner: During the spring a lot of pastels and pinks come out from lip sticks to lip glosses to even eyeshadows. However no matter how much we may want to rock that pink eyeshadow if not applied correctly your eyes can look bloodshot like you haven't slept in 1,000 years. This year though it is actually possible to rock that pink. Instead of the boring black and brown eyeliner try to freshen things up by pairing your pink eye look with a violet eyeliner. The violet eyeliner is very flattering paired with pink eyeshadows and will make your eyes appear fresher and bolder.

Suggestions: Try MAC Fluid line in Phlox Garden ($16 @ www.maccosmetics.com)

2.) Two-Toned Nails: Let's get real nail art is sooo 2013. So let's get rid of the chunky glitter and nail art pens and try something new like two-toned nails. Basically choose any color to your liking and paint your nails. Then take a second color and paint only half of your nail sort of like a french manicure but bigger. To make that perfect moon crest use a tiny eyeliner brush or paint brush.

3.) Blue Eyes: No I'm not going back to the 70s/80s where our moms and grandmothers were still wearing that ugly hooker blue eyeshadow. It is actually possible to pull off blue eyeshadow and you won't believe how easy it is. Instead of a royal blue try a pastel blue or an icy blue. Just apply all over the lid and blend it up to the crease. Add a highlight to your brow bone something one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Finish off with a thin line of black liquid eyeliner and pile on that mascara and you are good to go! This works best with cream eyeshadows and make sure to keep the rest of your face makeup simple you want all the attention on the eyes.

Suggestions: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Ice ($25 @www.shiseido.com) Or Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal ($7 @ Drugstores nationwide)

4.) Look at Me Lips: Forget about the reds and nudes this spring it is all about the oranges and pepto bismol pinks. Bright, flirty and fun!

Suggestions: Maybelline Color Whisper in Petal Rebel ($8 @ Drugstores nationwide)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren ($8 at Drugstores nationwide)

5.) Last but not least CORAL CHEEKS- Once again we are moving away from the pinks and kicking it up a notch. Coral gives us that nice springy glow without looking too overdone. Plus it looks amazing on tan skin. Keep it simple with a pinky/nude lip gloss and some mascara and you are good to go.

Suggestions: NARS Super Orgasm ($26 @ www.sephora.com)

Dolce & Gabbana Luminous Cheek Color in Rosebud ($45 @ www.sephora.com)

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Weekly Playlist 1/20

Here it is another week of music keeping me sane :D Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XG_0iV2B40&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2GSvaFQKNvx2v7W33eK3feV

1.) Youth (Adventure Club Remix)- Foxes

2.) Of The Night- Bastille

3.) Baby Goodnight- J Reyez & Joseph Vincent

4.) For Now- Jay Loftus

5.) Holes Inside- Joe Brooks

6.) Hysteria- Muse

7.) Confident- Justin Bieber ft. Chance the Rapper

8.) Sad Song- We the Kings ft. Elena Coats

9.) Any Other Way- We the Kings

Friday, January 17, 2014

Current Reading List January 2014

Here is my reading list for the month of January. It definitely isn't as big as my other one due to the ridiculous amount of schoolwork that I already have only after two weeks. But anyways hope you guys enjoy and will take away some of these book suggestions.

1.) Confessions: The Private School Murders By James Patterson- Yes, yes another book by James Patterson. But seriously I cannot get enough of him. All his novels are fast-paced and very intriguing. You will never get bored and this one is no exception. I don't want to give too much away but basically there is a serial killer on the loose killing wealthy women at this private school and along with it the main character's brother is charged with murdering his pregnant girlfriend. It's pretty much like reading two different stories in one. Even if you do have a busy schedule you won't regret taking some time off to read this.

2.) David And Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants By Malcolm Gladwell- This is definitely somewhat out of my reading comfort zone; motivation novels. However I got this suggestion from a friend of mine and decided to take a look at it and I'm very glad I did. Gladwell in his novel challenges us in terms of the way we deal with our everyday obstacles and whether or not there is a way out of them. Whether if it is being discriminated against for your race or disability or even loss, Gladwell pretty much covers it all. He takes out the suffering in horrible situations and transforms it into something beautiful. Highly recommend this.

3.) The White Queen (The Cousin's War) By Philippa Gregory- Gregory tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner who marries the newly crowned Edward IV. The novel is loosely based on the actual life of Elizabeth Woodville, who is the great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth I. I'm a sucker for historical novels but this is something I think most people would enjoy since it is very difficult from reading an actual text book. There is romance, war, jealously etc etc... This was also recently made into a TV show staring Max Irons from movies like The Host and Red Riding Hood.

All these books are available at booksellers nationwide (Prices will vary). But Amazon does have the best prices especially if you own the Kindle or Kindle App.

LOVE IS LOUDER!!!

Love is louder is a campaign dedicated to addressing issues from bullying to discrimination, loneliness and depression. This is a cause that is very near and dear to me. I myself have been a victim to bullying and depression and believe me having no one there to support you while you are going through all this is one of the worst feelings in the world. Recently Benefit Cosmetics teamed up with the Love is Louder campaign along with some fabulous YouTube beauty gurus like MeghanRosette and Kandee Johnson not only to help spread the message but also help you embrace your inner beauty. I wanted to write about this because one of the many ways we can stop all these negative feelings and attitudes is to spread awareness. If you know someone who needs help don't be afraid to reach out or if you yourself need help don't be afraid to ask for it. Remember LOVE IS LOUDER and can not only help you strengthen yourself but to conquer all those obstacles in life.

For more information on the Love is Louder Campaign and how you can help check out their website at http://www.loveislouder.com/

For Benefit's collaboration check out their YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/benefitcosmetics/videos

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Review: Wet n Wild Balm Stains Spring 2014 Collection

For Wet n Wild's Spring 2014 Collection along with the release of new eye shadow palettes, nail polishes and such, they also released a new lip product; Balm stains. Balm stains have been dominating the cosmetic industry both in the high-end and drugstore department. It is a cross between a lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm however it has a longer staying power than each of these products separately.

I think there is a total of 8 of these however don't quote me on this. I was able to only get my hands on 4 of them from my local WalGreens which is the only drugstore in my area that has the new Wet n Wild Collection.

Here are the colors...

Pinky Promise- Light pale rosy pink

Nudist Colony (Sorry for the unclear picture but the color is very nude)- Beige nude

Rico Mauve (Love this name)- Berry Mauve

Red-dy or Not- Mid tone berry red

Packaging: Like most balm stains or lip lacquers whatever you choose to call them come in a crayon form and this one is know different. The outer tube along with the clear cap is plastic. It is pretty durable and I like that you can see the color makes organizing a whole lot easier. This balm stain is retractable so don't worry if the balm starts to run out.

Formulation: The texture and feel of these balm stains are very much similar to the Clinigue Chubby Sticks. They apply very smoothly and feel really nice and light on the lips. These are pretty well pigmented and leave a luster finish. So if you are not a fan of glossy lips this probably isn't the product for you. In terms of wear time these last for awhile in terms of the staining. The gloss does disappear after an hour or even more depends if you are drinking or eating. But irregardless it leaves a stain that stays on until you want it off. The only issue I have with these is that the stain changes to a different color than the color you start out with.

OVERALL: 4.8/5

You can purchase these at drugstores nationwide. So far WalGreens is the only drugstore I have seen in my area that has the new collection. But no worries these will come out to other drugstores eventually. At WalGreens however for a limited time there is a dollar off coupon on the stains. They retail for $2.99 so along with the coupon it will only be $1.99! For the quality and also compared to other drugstore balm stains this is a great deal so hurry up and get it while you can!

Review: Wet n Wild Spring 2014 Collection Color Icon 5 Pan Palettes

Well they are finally here! The Wet n Wild Color Icon 5 pan palettes part of their Spring 2014 Collection (This particular line is not connected with the Fergie Spring Collection). This collection has a total of five 5-pan color icon palettes. I just got 2 of them because the blue palette in this collection is a smaller version of the Blue Me Away palette that is already in the Wet n Wild permanent line and the same goes for the purple one in this collection it is basically a mini version of the Petal Pusher palette. There is also a basic black smokey eye palette but that on is very similar to a trio in the permanent Wet n Wild collection.

The first one I got....

The Naked Truth (395A)

Packaging: Comes in the standard Wet n Wild packaging except instead of 3 colors or 8 like the other palettes in this line these new ones come with 5 shadows.

Formulation: These palettes are really nice. They have a nice mixture of matte and shimmers which is not like the other palettes in the Wet n Wild line. They are usually all matte or all shimmer. I was slightly disappointed with the pigmentation of this palette. While the texture was very nice, the pigmentation wasn't very consistent. The matte shades are very nicely pigmented but the shimmer shades not so much. The Naked Truth however is still overall a nice palette. Great variety of neutral shades that are awesome for everyday wear for school to work. You can also darken your look for going out at night or just to kick it up a notch.

The other palette I got...

Art in the Streets (391A)

Packaging: Comes in the standard Wet n Wild packaging except instead of 3 colors or 8 like the other palettes in this line these new ones come with 5 shadows.

Formulation: This is probably my favorite palette out of the entire collection. First of all can we just admire the insane bright colors this palette has. All of these colors are not only well pigmented but all MATTE. There are very few drugstore brands that make all MATTE palettes especially with insane colors like these. The texture of these shadows are very soft and surprisingly blend able for matte shadows. They are a bit powdery however so make sure you are careful when applying.

Both of these palettes retail at $3.99 however @ Wal Greens select palettes from the new collection have a dollar off sticker attached to them so in the end you are only paying $2.99! Definitely a bargain you don't want to miss!

Because these palettes are new products they might be available everywhere just yet. However Wet n Wild prices are fixed (except when it comes to coupons) everywhere available.

Weekly Playlist 1/13

ENJOY :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5uXsFrmnOE&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2EFHYzzdgH9VOVU0OPFOSnr

1. Out of Town- F.U.N

2. The Other Side (Jason Derulo)- Luke Conard & Alyssa Poppin Cover

3. Amazing- David Banner FT. Chris Brown

4. So Fly- Slim Breezy FT. Usher

5. The Ballad of Big Poppa & Diamond Girl- Cobra Starship

6. Better Days- Goo Goo Dolls

7. Closing Time- Semisonic

8. Bitter Sweet Symphony- The Verve

9. Wonderwall- Oasis

Review: Wet n Wild Spring 2014 Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection

Color Icon Palette in Poster Child (737A)

Packaging: Comes in the standard Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette. Total of 8 eye shadows ranging from pinks, blues, a yellow, an emerald green and a dark grayish black. This is the only new Color Icon Palette for their Spring 2014 Collection.

Formulation: These shadows like the other color icon palettes shadows have a very similar soft texture to them. They apply very smoothly without any creasing. The only issue I have with this palette is that the colors aren't as vibrant compared to the other Wet n Wild Color Icon palettes. However they still give off enough pigmentation to play around in. Definitely a fun palette to look into for the upcoming spring and summer months!

Overall: 4.5/5

This is a permanent edition to the Wet n Wild line so don't fret if you cannot find it yet. It just started to be released into stores at the moment it may take a bit of time depending where you are for these to come to you.

All Color Icon Palettes from Wet n Wild are $4.99 no matter where you purchase them. Walgreens is the only drugstore I have seen carrying these products as of now.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Review: Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder

Packaging: Comes in a similar plastic packaging like the Dream Matte Powder with the exception of a clear top and rather the bottom layer sliding to reveal the mirror and sponge this powder packaging opens up.

Formulation: This particular powder has a very smooth and silky texture. Compared to the other powders from Maybelline this one offers a build able medium coverage so definitely use a light hand if you don't intend to use it as a powder foundation. It leaves the skin with a semi-matte finish. It also left a rosy finish nothing too crazy but for some odd reason it made my skin pinker (very odd for an Asian with yellow skin undertones)

Wear Time: Wear time varies with skin type. Oily skin I recommend staying away after awhile it can get greasy and oily looking. For dry skin this powder gives a natural luminosity to the skin. I have very dry skin especially with the recent temperature drop. It lasted on my skin for a good 8 hours without any touchups. If definitely won't last this long during the hotter months coming up but you can always use a setting spray on top to enhance wear time.

The color selection is very nice comes in 16 shades. If you have a darker complexion you may have a bit of trouble finding your color.

Overall: 3.5/5
Not a bad powder overall. For me this isn't a powder I would use on an everyday business especially with the upcoming warmer months. I prefer my powders to feel light along with coverage. This powder had the coverage but not the light weight.

$ and Where to Purchase: Since this product is brand new it can be a bit tricky to find. CVS for sure carries them and other drugstores like Walgreens are just starting to get them in. Select Targets as well as Target online have them in stock. And of course prices will vary depending on where you purchase but it will be less than $10 where ever you decide to purchase it.

Weekly Playlist 1/6

First playlist of 2014! Happy New Year everyone! May all your wishes and dreams come true xoxo- S

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LUd51IuiA&feature=share&list=PLEusLI9-6r2GLhdiyMdklAfhHdLvDL5s2

1.) Gas Pedal- Sage the Gemini

2.) Last Night- Sebastian Mikael

3.) Stand Down- Little Mix

4.) Headband- B.O.B ft. Chainz (Coucheron Remix)

5.) Invisible- Jason Chen ft. Megan Nicole

6.) Pompeii- Bastille (Kat Krazy Remix)

7.) My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Up)- Fall Out Boy

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Best of the best 2013: Beauty Edition LIP PRODUCTS

(Sorry for the lack of pictures on this post I been dealing with some eye issues these past couple of days but really wanted to get this post up better posts will be coming soon stay tuned! xoxo HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!)

MAKEUP

Lipstick-

High End: Tie between MAC Lipsticks (Favorite MAC Colors: Rebel, Diva, Ruby Woo, Jubliee, Sail La Vie, Angel and Girl About Town) & Makeup Forever Lipsticks (Favorite Color: Moulin Rouge)

Drugstore: Tie between Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks (Favorite Colors: Black Cherry & Plum Velour) & Maybelline Color Whispers

Lip Gloss-

High End: Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie

Drugstore: Rimmel Show Off

Lip Stain-

High End- Tarte Lip Surgence

Drugstore- Jordana Lip Crayon Stains

LIP CARE

Moisturizers-

High End: Dior Creme de Rose Plumping Lip Balm, C.O. Bigelow Apple Rose Salve

Drugstore: Nivea Olive Oil and Lemon, Nivea Lip Butter

Best of the best 2013: Beauty Edition EYE PRODUCTS

MAKEUP

Eyeshadow Primer-

High End: Lorac Behind the Scenes

Drugstore: Rimmel Exaggerate

Eyeshadow-

High End: Lorac Pro Palette

Drugstore: L'Oreal 12hr Infallible

Liner-

High End: Marc Jacobs Gel Eyeliner Crayon

Drugstore: Jordana 12hr Liquid Eyeliner Pencil

Mascara-

High End: Tie between Too Faced Better Than Sex & Estee Lauder Sumptuous

Drugstore: Maybelline Lots of Lashes

Brow Products-

High End: Red Earth Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

Drugstore: Jordana FabuBrow Brow Pencils

TOOLS/BRUSHES

Bare Minerals Synthetic Blending Brush

Sonia Kashuk Eye Brushes

Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler

Urban Decay Dual Ended Synthetic Brushes

EYE CARE

Eye Cream-

High End: Chanel Sublimage

Drugstore: Tie between Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream & L'Oreal Revitalift

Eye Makeup Remover-

High End: Lancome Bifacial

Drugstore: Equate Eye Makeup Remover

Best Eye Drops: Refresh Optive

Best of the best 2013: Beauty Edition FACE PRODUCTS

The year has finally come to an end. Welcome to the Best of the best of 2013. These are the best of the best products I have used during the 2013 year. First up FACE PRODUCTS.

MAKEUP

Face Primer-