HAPPY HALLOWEEN- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 31,2014

FIRST OF ALL HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE OCTOBER HAS COME TO AND END WHICH ALSO SADLY MEANS BLOGTOBER HAS COME TO AN END AS WELL. IT HAS BEEN SO MUCH POSTING EVERYDAY THIS MONTH AND I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. I WOULD NOT BE HERE WITHOUT YOU ALL. 

DO NOT FRET THOUGH I HAVE SOME FUN AND YUMMY POSTS COMING UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. HERE IS A QUICK PREVIEW ON WHAT'S COMING UP ON HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN

GOBBLE GOBBLE- ANNUAL THANKSGIVING RECEIPE SERIOUS

FOR ALL YOUR THANKSGIVING NEEDS

-RECEIPES

-DECOR

-TIPS & TRICKS

NEW FALL/WINTER BEAUTY & SKINCARE REVIEWS

JINGLE JINGLE- XMAS RECEIPES & TIPS

GIFT IDEAS 

AND MUCH MUCH MORE :D

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN AND HAVE A FUN & SAFE HALLOWEEN MUAH

XOXO

Favorite Halloween Candy :D- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 30, 2014

With Halloween only a day away it is definitely time to stock up on CANDY. Here are a few of my favorite candies I loved receiving as a child trick-o-treating and even as an adult now! Happy Haunting :D 

1.) NERDS

There's just something about this tiny little candy that just makes you jump for joy. It is not only adorable but so yummy to eat. I also like to put nerds in my soda. It maybe weird but adds such an interesting fun flavor to the soda.

2.) SNICKERS

Caramel, nougat, chocolate honestly what could be better?

3.) FUN DIP

To be completely honest I'm not a huge fan of the actual taste of this candy, but more on the candy structure itself. It's sugar dipped in more sugar. Hey it's Halloween we are allowed to have some unhealthy fun ;)

4.) Twizzlers

This stuff is so addicting and so much fun to eat during Halloween when they come in small little packs. The red ones are the best cause let's be honest who really likes black licorice? 

What's New! Chic to cheek: Deluxe Amazonian Clay Blush Set- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 29,2014

Chic to cheek: Deluxe Amazonian Clay Blush Set

 PACKAGING:

- Comes in a special limited edition plastic packaging with beautifully adorned leaves design.

- 4 Amazonian Clay Blushes in Deluxe Sizes (About half of full- sized)

FORMULATION:

Amazonian Clay Blushes are one of my favorite high-end blushes out on the market today. They are very nicely pigmented and last for a very long time. I have wore this blush for about 14 hours straight without touch ups and it still looked decent at the end of the day. 

This particular set is a great deal. These blushes normally retail at $26 each. This entire kit is $35 and includes 4 blushes in deluxe sizes. 

You can purchase this kit online @ Tarte Cosmetics

Ulta Stores & Macy's (Those only with Tarte counters)  

Book Review- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 28, 2014

Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty Style and Success- Online and Off

Michelle Phan

It is amazing how something simple as making a makeup tutorial and putting it up on YouTube can lead to such success. Today the most well known YouTubers are making 6 figure salaries. Honestly why am I even bothering applying to graduate school?

One of the top successes in YouTube world today and also the one that pretty much started it all is the one and only Michelle Phan. This woman has generated millions of subscribers and growing continuously each day. She has an average of 1,000,000+ views PER VIDEO. She is not only a YouTube guru but also has her own businesses like IPSY (monthly beauty subscription service), her own makeup line (em cosmetics) and now she is adding author to her amazing resume. In her book Make Up, Michelle talks about her own personal struggles she experienced growing up making the woman she is today. She offers great advice and tips from beauty to skincare to even basic etiquette. It is basically a life guide for the daily woman in a modern world.

Michelle's never give up attitude and ambition is such an inspiration. I recommend this book to anyone not just as a fun read but just a little pick me up on those dark days where nothing in our lives seem to make sense.

You can purchase Michelle's book at booksellers in-store and online nationwide.

Essence All About Eyes Eyeshadow Palettes- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 27, 2014

Essence All About Eyes Eyeshadow Palettes


PACKAGING:

All the palettes (4 total) come in a clear hard plastic case.
Each palette has its own theme and contains 6 eyeshadows.
Essence is a British drugstore brand that offers affordable good quality makeup. It is kinda like the British version of our Wet n Wild cosmetics.
They are available @ Ulta for $4.99 each

FORMULATION:

The formulation varies among the palettes. But the majority of the shadows are incredibly pigmented. The texture of these shadows are soft but easy to work with. The only issue I have with these shadows is that there is a lot of fall out due to the intense amount of shimmer. I definitely recommend a good base and for more pigmentation try foiling the shadows (technique where you wet the shadow either with water or a mixing medium).

All About Nude Eyeshadow Palette

More on the purple side rather than nude. I personally don't see this palette to be wore on its own but it definitely makes a great top coat on top of other shadows.

All About Eyes Sunrise Palette

This is my favorite palette out of all of them. This one actually has great pigmentation and not just shimmer. It is incredibly gorgeous and so silky. Definitely worth getting if you only want to try out one.

Get To Know Me Makeup Edition- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 26. 2014

-What foundation do you use?

For lighter days where I don't do much I stick with BB Creams. The one i'm currently loving is Maybelline's Pure BB Cream. For heavier days where I need a little more coverage I been loving Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. It offers just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy on the skin.

-How about concealer?

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind 

-Do you know your undertone color?

Yellow

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I think fake eyelashes can bump up a look when needed but I personally am not a fan of them for an everyday basis

-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes

-What brand of mascara do you use?

I can my mascara pretty often but my favorite for drug store mascara has to be L'Oreal's Butterfly Influenza and for a high-end mascara I love YSL's Babydoll.

-Sephora or MAC?

Sephora, it has a great variety of brands

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?

Yes 

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

Varies upon look I'm trying to create, but the best makeup tool you can have are your fingers!

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes

-For the face?

Yes

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

I love a nice shimmery champagne color for all over the eye lid.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner for my top lash line and pencil for under eye and waterline

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Definitely when I first started wearing makeup, now not so much but it does happen from time to time

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

Not a fan, can be gorgeous but too messy 

-Do you use mineral makeup?

I use to

-What is your favorite lipstick?

MAC Ruby Woo

-How about lipgloss?

Not a fan of lipgloss

-What is your favorite blush to use?

Benefit Hervana, it goes with EVERYTHING

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

I did a couple times a long time ago and each time was a bad experience so never again. Ebay is great for a lot of things but I don't recommended buying makeup on there.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?

YES!!!

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

Of course, high-end makeup at a discounted price= a makeup addict's heaven

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

I have taken some

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

Once in awhile

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Crazy eyeliner

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

Both

-Which celebrity always has great make up?

Nina Dobrev

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?

Concealer for my dark under eye circles

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I do it quite often

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Yes

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

This is a hard one but I have to say Tarte has really been stepping up plus they are also cruelty free.

-What do you think of Makeup? 

I think makeup is great tool to express oneself and let out creative steam but too much of anything is bad. So remember makeup can only enhance your naturally beautiful features it can't make you more beautiful than you already are! 

What's New! Tarte Away Oui Go Portable Palette & Collector's Set- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 25,2014

TARTE AWAY WE OUI GO PORTABLE PALETTE & COLLECTOR'S SET

Great for travel & holiday gifts! Available for a limited time @ an Ulta store near you.

PACKAGING:

The set itself comes in a beautifully adorned cardboard box. It is quite sturdy regardless of the material. The kit includes:

 -16 French- inspired Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows 

-4 Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes

-3 Deluxe Maracuja Lip glosses

- 1 Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

-1 Portable Collector's Compact

Retail Value: $410 however this kit is available for $48 right now! So definitely take advantage of this brilliant deal.

The kit's eyeshadows are divided into 4 individual palettes each including 4 eyeshadows and 1 blush. The palette itself is removable and can be placed in the blue portable palette.

FORMULATION:

Eyeshadows:

Tarte's Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows have always been hit/misses. While they do last for quite some time on the eye, the pigmentation and texture varies. Tarte's matte shadows tend to be the least pigmented and quite often powdery. But over the eyeshadows are pretty decent and easy to work with. The colors in this kit are absolutely beautiful. The colors are all on the neutral side and great for everyday and special events. The kit separates all the eyeshadows into 4 distinct individual palettes which can be used as a look on its own or mixed with the other shadows. Each palette also includes its own individual blush color

Palette #1 

Top: Champs-Elysees Shopping- Matte clay color
Middle: Stargazing On The Seine- Shimmery Toasted Caramel color
Bottom Left: Eiffel Tower Engagement- Matte Taupe Brown
Bottom Right: Secret Soiree- Plummy purple w/a satin finish

Blush in Limitless- Matte Peachy Coral

Palette #2

Top: Private Chateau- Matte Cream color
Middle: Cafe for Creme Brulee- Matte cafe brown
Bottom Left: Tea for Two- Mid-tone Chocolate brown w/a satin finish
Bottom Right: Marvel At The Mona Lisa- Matte Dark Chocolate Brown

Blush in Irresistable- Matte Light Peachy Pink

Palette #3

Top: Snow Angels in The Parc- Shimmery champagne color
Middle: Navigating the Metro- Satin finish light brown color
Bottom Left: Midnight Stroll- Matte plum
Bottom Right: Liaison at the Louvre- Matte violet purple

Blush in Intrigue- Mid-tone berry color

Palette #4

Top: Macarons for You- Matte brown beige color
Middle: Champagne & Chocolat- Shimmery cafe champagne color
Bottom Left: Kisses Under The Arc- Shimmery light coral color
Bottom Right: Art in Montmartre- Satin finish brown with orange undertones

Blush in Envisioned- Neutral Peach Color

Lip Glosses & Mascara:

The Maracuja Lip glosses are something that I have just tried myself. I am a huge fan of Tarte's lip stains and lipsticks so I figured I would also love their glosses. 

My first impression was that these glosses are so incredibly sticky more so than MAC Lip glosses which is something I despise in a lip gloss. However the stickiness does help prolong the wear of the product. The color payoff is pretty decent. The glosses have a brush applicator so it does hold a good amount of product. As for scent wise, these glosses do have a minty scent to them much like Tarte's other lip products. 

From Left to Right:
Paris- Pinky red
Nice- Nude Pink
Cannes- Beige Nude

Lights Camera Flashes Mascara (Purple Tube in Set): 

I already did a mini review on this mascara if you guys want to check it out. 

But here is a quick rundown... This formula is definitely more on the wet side. It does give good length and volume. It also has a beautiful and unique packaging.  The only issue I have with this mascara is the wand. The bristles tend to irritate my eyes. So if you have sensitive eyes do be careful.

Netflix vs. Amazon Instant Video vs. Hulu Plus- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 24, 2014

With so many online streaming services out there today which one is really worth all the hype and money? Today I break down the top 3 streaming services out there today and hopefully this will help you guys decide.

Let's start with the most popular one NETFLIX. Netflix has been around for a couple years now and combines movie and tv show streaming. In terms of variety Netflix has done a pretty good job. There is something for every type of genre including foreign movies and has a good combination of old stuff and new stuff. I have noticed more and more that while Netflix has deleted a lot of their popular stuff like the Law and Order: SVU series they have been adding more and more like the entire series of Gilmore Girls plus all the previous seasons of popular shows like Vampire Diaries, Grey's Anatomy and such. Netflix also has their own exclusive shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black which are both amazing. Netflix also has a tendency to take over shows that are no longer on TV like The Killing and Arrested Development.

Pricing: The basic package is $7.99/month which will be raised to about a dollar for new customers. This price allows you unlimited streaming on 2 devices. You will have to pay more if you want the DVD service which is around $15-20 depending on how many DVDS you want to check out. 

Amazon Instant Video has become quite the success in the last few months or so. It is included when you sign up for Amazon Prime and is not available on its own.  The prime package includes free shipping and other various amenities. Amazon Instant Video features a lot more older movies and tv shows like Sabrina the Teenager Witch which I personally enjoy these blasts from the pasts. Only recently it has begun to feature newer stuff as well as shows from HBO which is something Netflix and no other streaming service has yet to achieve. In terms of streaming, Amazon doesn't have little previews when you want to fast forward like Netflix does, however if you are a prime member you can access the Instant Video just through amazon.com and not a separate service like Netflix or Hulu Plus. You can also purchase TV shows and movies kinda like what you do on iTunes. It is available right after purchase and doesn't require any download time like iTunes (although you can choose to download it to your device later on). I only recommend this service to those who use Amazon quite frequently.

Pricing: For students it is $45 a year and non students about $99 a year (however there has been talks that the price will reduce soon).

Hulu Plus comes from the Hulu that we have all grown to love. Hulu allows us to catch up on our TV shows once it has just been aired. Hulu Plus is the next level. Recently some shows have only been available to Hulu Plus which allows users to watch the episode right after it airs and don't have to wait for it. Hulu Plus does have a variety of movies and clips. Personally unless you are a big TV buff I don't recommend this. The streaming quality is so and so and the variety isn't as big as Amazon Instant Video or Netflix. But it is great for TV shows.

Pricing: $7.99/month

Streaming platforms for all 3 include iPad, Smartphones (No for Amazon Instant), and computers.

Weekly Playlist- HALLOWEEN EDITION: BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 23, 2014

Welcome to another special edition weekly playlist. In honor of Halloween, I decided to dig out some spooky tunes. Some of these may seem already very familiar. So get yourself a bowl of sweets and enjoy.

CLICK TO LISTEN

1. Halloween (movie) theme- Tyler Bates 

2. This is Halloween- Nightmare Before Christmas

3. Sweet Dreams- Marilyn Manson

4. Thriller Micheal Jackson

5. Running With The Devil- Van Halen

6. Highway to Hell- AC/DC

7. Ghostbusters- Ray Parker Jr.

8. Monster Mash- Bobby Boris Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

Halloween Movie Marathon: Favorite Halloween Movies- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 22, 2014

With Halloween fast;y approaching, it only makes sense to binge watch horror movies. Here are some of my top favs throughout the years! Happy Haunting!

1.) HALLOWEEN (1978 Version)

The title pretty much says "WATCH ME". What's a Halloween without a little Micheal Myers running around killing babysitters. Just make sure you guys get the 1978 version and not the Rob Zombie version. The rest of the franchise is pretty decent however you can never beat the original.

2.) NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984 Version)

Old man haunts kids in the dreams (and kills them of course). Who doesn't love Freddy Kruger and those knife fingers and Christmas sweater. Plus Johnny Depp was so fricking adorable back then. And once again watch the original version not the Rob Zombie version. No disrespect towards Zombie but every remake he has made has been pretty pornographic and Johnny Depp wasn't in the remake enough said...

3.) FRIDAY THE 13TH 

Jason Voorhoes!!! Crazy mother murders people preventing them from re-opening Camp Crystal Lake after her son Jason drowns due to the camp counselors fornicating with each other rather than watching the children. Crazy mother eventually gets decapitated by a camp counselor. Jason "returns" from the dead and starts his revenge. 

4.) DUMPLINGS

I may be a little biased but Asians seriously make the best horror movies. Dumplings is about a washed up actress who is obsessed with preserving her youth to keep her husband's attention. And guys I am not talking about plastic surgery or Botox. This lady goes to the extreme. I'm not going to reveal her method you guys just have to watch for yourself and find out.

5.) SAW

Old man dying of cancer decides to teach a lesson to those who are not appreciative of the life they got. This is one of my all time favorite horror movie franchise. I understand where the guys is coming from (not the whole murder part) and I think it is relatable to many people. 

6.) TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (Any of the versions)

Family of cannibals, guy wearing skin mask slaughtering people with a chainsaw can it be anymore Halloweenie?

7.) 28 DAYS LATER

What's Halloween without a good zombie movie. This is probably one of the more decent ones and less cliche. What is scary about this is that it could happen to us some day.

8.) ROSEMARY'S BABY

If you really want a satanic paranormal movie gotta go with this classic. None of that Paranormal Activity crap.

9.) CABIN IN THE WOODS

This is for those of you who want a nit of comedy in their horror. This like 28 Days Later also has a bit of a realistic setting to it. I'm not going to say anything else other than you won't be disappointed.

10.) RESIDENT EVIL FRANCHISE

This is a modern day classic. A little more comedy for me than horror. Not sure why but this zombie franchise is super entertaining.