Thursday, February 17, 2011

Cake Beauty Strawberry Shortcake

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com

I cannot think of a more appropriate cherish childhood icon that Strawberry Shortcake to be apart of Cake Beauty's limited edition line [and most delish way of celebrating 30 years]. The name alone, Strawberry Shortcake, makes you think of abandoning that horrible diet, and indulging in that sweet tasty oh-so-soft pieces of cake...[Oops, I got a bit side-tracked!]..or reminisce about fond childhood memories.. [of cake most probably]

The limited edition line include hand cream, shower gel, body butter and very coveted lip butter all fabulously adorned with Strawberry Shortcake herself. The collection is smells like warm vanilla cake with a generous helping of cream and strawberries. What a guilt-free way to indulge!

P.S. Any order over $75 gets free shipping automatically!

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Hand Creme

Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Bath and Shower Suds
Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Lip Butter
Photo Credit: Cakebeauty.com - Body Butter
 -Andrea

2/19/2011 Updated:  Apparently, this limited edition is only available to Canadian customers. Bummer.

Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate

 









Photo Credit: Pomega5.com


When I first came across this concentrate, I thought it was a supplement at the very worst a suppository. Thank god, it wasn't! Instead it is a little capsule in which you twist off the smaller end and apply the oil either directly to the skin/fingertips and spreading it out thoroughly. It is directed to apply twice daily on a clean face, preferably in morning and night. You can follow up with your traditional moisturizer if necessary.

Even though putting oil on your skin might seem to be asking for breakouts, it actually has a host of benefits.  Oils are known for having antiseptic properties, help alleviate redness and dryness along with minimizing pore size. Each capsule is packed with 60% pomegranate seed oil, omega 5, Calendula oil, Rosehip oil, jojoba oil and Grapefruit oil that hydrate, smooth, and brighten your skin.

I like the way the oil is packaged, but I hate how difficult it was for me to open without something sharp. Most of the times, I wasted a capsule trying to twist it open. It was fairly easy to apply and it absorbed relatively quickly into the skin. I do not have oily skin, but I only use this concentrate nightly, given that I see some of the oil still glowing on my skin in the morning. The oil is very moisturizing and has nice light smell, and not the cod liver smell that the concentrate resembles. I would reccommend starting with a small of concentrate and work your way up if necessary.

-Andrea

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Rosie Jane Lip Dew – Elderberry

I love the sweet packaging this lip dew came in. It came in a little pink box wrapped up in a white satin bow.  It was like opening up a little present. The lip dew is moisturizing and has a very delicious vanilla cupcake smell and taste. The formula is not sticky and leaves subtle light pink nude gilt on the lips. It can either be worn alone or on top of your favorite lip color. The dew is packed with softening shea butter and  conditioning beeswax. Even after you lick the delicious gloss off your lips [trust me, the temptation is hard to beat]; your lips are still soft. The only downside is that the no matter how tightly I close the cap there are always some gloss around the edges of the applicator. I am not sure if I just bought a defective tube or that is how it is made. Either way, that little defect won’t stop me from buying this again.
The set the lip dew came in

A nice pink bronze color

A better view of the color

Sweetriot Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs - Flavor 70

Photo Credit: Sweetriot.com


One hundred percent lightly roasted dark cacao enveloped in 70% dark chocolate with a hint of espresso. Each little 'peaces' has roughly 1 or 2 calories, while the whole container itself  is only 140 calories. Each little container is chocked full of antioxidants, as much as blueberries!  The nibs are gmo-free, dairy-free, kosher, gluten-free and sourced responsibly. Each tin is also specially designed by artist and are limited edition. Inside each tin, are fun facts where the cacao was sourced, even though it reminded me of a fortune cookie [lucky numbers included].

The nibs have a strong dark chocolate/espresso taste. They also left a bitter taste in my mouth after consuming. The nibs were not that great tasting, but I found myself addicted to the crunchy texture. As an added bonus, it did help that it has only 6 grams of sugar along with being packed antioxidants, so really it was  like having healthy  treat [even if it is not, I like to tell myself that it is]. If you are fan of dark chocolate or coffee, then you should try it!



1 Year Magazine Subscription for $5.99


I already extended my subscriptions =] It's a great deal given that one of my subscriptions ran me close to $15. So what are you waiting for start shopping! [P.S. This makes a cheap gift for anyone on your list for Valentines Day]

-Andrea

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm

Photo Credit: Sephora.com
I have tried tons of hair straighteners, anti-frizz serums, detanglers and countless mask applications. Nothing work as great as this did for me! It left my hair so soft, silky, less fizzy and shiny, that I just can't stop playing with my hair! This balm is applied to wet hair and make sure to comb out your hair to ensure that the product is  on evenly otherwise, it leaves little white patches of product in your hair. You can also continue with style as normal. This all natural balm is packed with plant mucilage, ferula, horseradish, sage and chamomile that moisturizes, smooths, straighten, and softens your hair.

-Andrea

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Stop Motion Animation

Finally managed to get my first post up! My posts will probably be a bit different from Andreas. Probably longer, and dealing with movies, videogames, tv series, or other things media. My goal is to put a spotlight on things, give you an introductions to them, and hopefully leave you with a sense of whether it's interesting enough that you want to go out of your way to sample it.


Today: Stop Motion Animation.

Stop motion animation is really a way of recording stuff, rather than a genre on it's own. These days, it's commonly recorded using digital still cameras with many animators taking pictures of dolls in parallel, but it can really be done in a lot of ways.

Here's a fun example of stop motion animation:


At 2:30 in the video, in particular, the video is very stop-motion'y, but there's also elements of slow-motion and time-lapsing, which are different photography techniques used for making video without recording video.

Generally, the sound for stop motion is added in post-production, and the general feel of stop motion films is sligtly alien while also feeling very real, since you can tell it's all pictures taken in reality, but it's mixed in a fashion that's quite unreal. The visual quality of what you're looking at really depends on the quality of the dolls and backgrounds themselves, or occasionally, on how much control the animators have over the scene, as is the case in the ok-go video.

Some of my favorite stop motion animation:

Pinchcliffe Grand Prix, a stop-motion "doll" film from 1975, produced in Norway, where it has sold more tickets than the total population. It's an absolute classic. It actually features a few parts were the dolls are live-animated, and some absolutely staggeringly impressive rube-goldberg contraptions. Particularly notable is perhaps the fact that the characters were designed in several different sizes, allowing for great detail both as the main character is sitting at his desk working, and as he's parttaking in a car race.

The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop motion musical film from 1993, with story by Tim Burton. One of Andreas favorite movies as well, this is 100% stop motion. Blending stop motion with the musical genre was a risky idea that really paid off. I can highly encourage anyone to give this a look.

Corpse Bride, a spiritual followup to the nightmare before christmas, released in 2005, is one of the first feature films to be filmed entirely on still camera. Previous stop-motion usually used silver-film from typical movie-cameras, rigged to only capture one frame at a time, and the change shows. The visual fidelity is incredible, to the point where it's easy to doubt just how what you're watching came about.

Wallace and Gromit, a series of british claymation animation. Claymation is a specific kind of stop motion animation, in which clay covers parts of or the entirety of the dolls used. it's able to give a look of incredible polish, and allows transitions to be incredibly smooth, making the animation itself look beautiful, even if each frame doesn't have nearly as much beauty on it's own. The Wallace and Gromit name covers 3 shorts and a feature length film, and the focus is very much on rube goldberg machines and comedy.

Mary and Max, an australian claymation production, dealing with serious issues like alcoholism and mental illness. While it has tragic elements, it's probably more reasonable to call it a drama-comedy. Strangely, the claymation helps the movie from becomming too dark, and ultimately I was left feeling content and happy after watching it.

Robot Chicken, which is really a sketch-show that makes fun of anything and everything, but particularly so 80es childrens television and pop culture. It's been running for 5 seasons, but since stop motion is a time-consuming format to produce in, each new season appears a year or more apart. Seth Green handles production and maybe as much as a 4th of the voice acting himself, and the project uses around 10-15 concurrent animation booths. The show airs on adult swim, but you'll probably need to see an episode yourself to find out if it's for you, since it relies very heavily on geeky references.

And that's about it ! I hope I've helped give a light overview of what stop-motion is, and i hope you'll want to give one of the titles I mentioned a look!

Mads

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Free Subscription to CBS Watch Magazine

Photo Credit: cbswatchmagazine.com
This magazine is mostly dedicated to TV shows airing on network television. It has behind the scenes and interviews from shows such: Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girls, Two and Half Men and many others.  It also has couple of  special feature columns dedicated to the luxe lifestyle such as travel, beauty, and lifestyle.

The subscription is free for three years. The offer is valid until March 1st, 2011.

Click Here for Free Subscription!  

Suave Body Wash – Mango Mandarin

Photo Credit: Drugstore.com

Awaken your senses, with this sweet citrus body wash. Packed with mango and mandarin extracts, laced with Vitamin E, it leaves your skin feeling softer. The body wash lathers up well and surrounds your skin with moisturizing suds.The scent softly lingers for awhile but diminishes within 1 hour or so afterwards. The body wash is not very moisturizing and it is recommended to apply lotion after showering.  This body wash is average compared to other body washes available on the market. If you are looking for a cheap body wash that gets the job done okay, then this shower gel is for you. If you are looking for a more moisturizing body wash, I recommend trying Korres Shower Gel

-Andrea

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Illamasqua Throb Collection


Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
Illamasqua releases a new collection just in time for Valentines Day. The collection reminds me of the Queen from Alice in Wonderland.
Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
 The collection includes Intense ligloss in succubus, lipstick in Sangers and three nail polish in Scorn, Load and Throb. I like how the collection contains but bright reds and dark colors, because after all not everyone is a fan of Valentines Day. I think the description of the collection puts it very nicely, "Throb is a passionate red Nail Varnish, the colour of blood spilled by desperate, rejected lovers. Load is a rich, cream coating for the nails and Scorn’s midnight black matt finish is filled with contempt for the love of convention."

 
Intense Lipgloss in Succubus - Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
Nail Polish in Throb - Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
Nail Polish in Load - Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
Nail Polish in Scorn - Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
Lipstick in Sangers - Photo Credit: illamasqua.com
 I can't wait to try out this collection, but I checked online and Sephora doesn't carry it yet. =[


View collection at: Illamasqua Throb Collection

-Andrea





Sunday, January 16, 2011

Smashbox In Bloom 2011 Collection


Smashbox just released their new spring line. It is called 'In Bloom'. It is inspired by the fresh blooms of spring. There are three looks: Blossom, Grey Glam and Petal.

Blossom Photo Credit: Smashbox.com
 "A bright pink cheek and lip make for a look as strikingly pretty as blossoming florals."

Grey Glam Photo Credit: Smashbox.com
" The perfect sexy, yet soft smolder for spring? A grayish, lavender-blue eye with an alluring drop shadow. "

Petal Photo Credit: Smashbox.com
"Dreamy spring beauty is in full bloom with this veil of muted violet and whispery pink around the eyes."

These three looks are perfect for every day wear. I love the Petal look for a nice outing with friends, grey glam for a sizzling night out in the city and blossom for the office.

Andrea

Monday, January 10, 2011

Jonathan Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum


Photo Credit: JonathanProduct.com

My hair does not know what the hell it wants to be. Some days, I will have really straight, wavy, curly or frizzy hair. Sometimes one side would be curly, the other straight, or wavy. I have been told on numerous occasions, that I have ‘memorable’ hair, not because it is really nice but because people cannot describe it. Well, to help ease one of the many ‘symptoms’ of my hair, I decided to try coveted Jonathan Anti-Frizz serum, so maybe then my hair will at least be less frizzy. The product should be applied to damp hair and then style as usual. I usually apply the product after towel drying my hair. The serum is very thick and leaves your hands sticky. Make sure to fully distribute the product throughout your hair; otherwise you well end up with patches of gunk in hair [trust me it’s not something you want to have]. I noticed when the product dries that it leaves little white flakes on some parts on my hair. The serum did combat some frizz but not that much to make a noticeable difference or to justify the hefty price tag [around $30]. I don’t believe this serum was worth the sticky feeling and white flakes just to smooth a bit frizz. I have learn that combing with a boar bristle brush before washing your hair and running it through one more time when its partially dry leaves your hair less frizzy and shiny. 

Andrea

Lancome Bi-Facil - Double Action Eye Makeup Remover


Photo Credit: Sephora.com

One of the best makeup removers I have tried. It gets rid of the stubborn black smudge from mascara without much of an effort. I am used to scrubbing half of my face off while trying to remove my makeup; sometimes the only thing that ever comes off is pieces of tissue. This remover leaves your skin feeling softer; it doesn’t have leave your skin feeling dehydrated. 

Andrea

Coola Face 30 spf Sunscreen - Unscented

Photo  Credit: Dermstore.com
 
I love that this sunscreen is thick, absorbent and moisturizing. I am so used to apply moisturizer before putting sunscreen. To my amazement, this sunscreen keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. I also adore how this sunscreen does not leave a white film all over your face. I think this one of the best sunscreens I have tried. It doesn’t have a chemical scent, [I do believe it comes also in a cucumber scent], doesn’t leave a white film and it moisturizes like a moisturizer. What more can you ask for in a sunscreen? An added benefit, this sunscreen is 70% organic including all 12 botanical extracts.

Andrea

Ahava Pure Melt Body Sorbet Caress: Syringa - Green Apple


Photo Credit: BeautyEncounter.com

The world – renowned Ahava is well known for their products rich in Dead Sea minerals. They are in almost every beauty store and spas world wide. Some how or the other this product did not seem to live up to their brand image of good quality; heck it might have even tarnished it. Even though this cream gel melt is packed with Dead Sea Minerals, vitamins E and B5, Aloe Vera leaf juice, and chamomile extract it still left my skin feeling dry. The little moisture it does provide is gone within 1 hour of applying. The texture of the melt itself is very watery.  The scent of Syringa and Green Apple is very light. When I first bought the cream melt, the fragrance was sweet but after couple of uses, the scent became very disgusting. I am not sure if it is because the jar itself or the formula; that causes the cream to have that pungent stench.

Andrea

Monday, January 3, 2011

Lancome DÉFINICILS - High Definition Mascara

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

This mascara is well worth the money and then some. It has become my new favorite go-to mascara [sorry, YSL your still my second favorite]. The mascara makes your lashes appear longer, darker and more voluminous then many other mascaras. Compared to other mascaras, it doesn’t smudge or leaves me with raccoon eyes. The brush is decent size and very easy to use. Even though, this was still quite pricey compared to my usual mascara, I do not regret buying it at all. 

P.S. I applied my makeup in a rush, so the mascara looks a bit clumpy.

Bare lashes without mascara
Lashes with mascara

Bare lashes without mascara
Makeup with mascara


Displayed at angle to show the length of my lash

Andrea

Korres Fig Showergel

Photo Credit: Sephora.com


This all natural Greek treasure is one of the most moisturizing shower gel, I have ever tried. Upon opening the bottle, the sweet smell of freshly cut figs envelop you.  The fragrance is not overpowering and leaves a sweet lingering scent on  your skin The gel lathers up quite generously and leaves your skin feeling soft to the touch. After showering, usually I have to immediately put on lotion to lock in the moisture, but I noticed that after using this gel, I can usually wait till the later in the day before I need to apply lotion. The shower gel is packed with Vitamin C, E and zinc, that leaves thirsty skin quenched. Pamper the Greek goddess in you, with amazing skin.

Andrea

Canyon Ranch 'Balance' Light-Weight Moisture

Photo Credit: Nordstorm.com


Canyon Ranch is a wellness spa that spawned their own skincare line, so their clients can bring a bit of the spa home. The lightweight moisture cream does not live up to the spa quality skincare one expects to get from a spa. The cream itself is lacking. The texture feels very watery and does not moisturize very well. One of the company's claim is that it evens out skin tone, but I did not notice any change in my skin tone.  It is recommended to be used twice daily, but even when applied twice daily, it still left my skin feeling very dry. If you are looking for a no frills moisturizer, bypass this $75+ dud and check out Aveeno’s skincare line.

Andrea 

Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream

When I was a little girl, I worried about three things about the future [not necessarily in this order]: finding a perfect mate, getting older (oh the wrinkles!), and gaining weight. For my 21st birthday, I decided to visit Sephora get a skin consultation, and much to my horror I was told I should work on the fine lines around my eyes [What a great way to celebrate one’s birthday]. When I laugh, I tend to squint my eyes; which makes the fine lines more visible. Thankfully, Kinerase Intensive eye cream helped alleviate some of the fine lines surrounding my eyes. I noticed after couple of months of usage that the fine lines around delicate eye areas were smoother and less pronounced. I am usually prone to get dark under eye circles, I noticed that they were less noticeable and at times I saw no sign of them.  It is directed to use the cream twice daily, but I usually use it once nightly. Kinerase intensive eye cream have highest allowed anti-aging Kinetin available.

Andrea

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Bioelements Sleepwear

Photo Credit: Bioelements.com
I absolutely love this creme. I applied this creamy lotion every night and wake up to softer and firmer skin every morning. I love the velvety texture and how it delivers noticeable results immediately upon use. An added bonus of vitamin - packed creme, it smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while revitalizing the look and feel of the skin. The creme is packed with topical calcium PCA, protein peptides, retinol and cranberry seed oil.

Updates:


I received my Sephora and Beauty order Yay! What a great way to spend the new year.
Andrea