Friday, October 29, 2010

Review: Senna Cosmetics

Have you heard about Senna Cosmetics? If you browse through beauty blogs & watch YouTube makeup gurus, then you might have come across this brand. If not, here's some information before the review:
  • Eugenia Weston: "the founder of Senna Cosmetics and founder of Senna Cosmetics and Emmy nominated celebrity makeup artist."
  • "Senna is used by top TV and film artists and seen on hit shows including 'Heroes' and 'Ugly Betty'."
  • Eugenia Weston places a lot of focus on eyebrows, which I think is so important because your eyebrows are one of your most important features. I would love to get my eyebrows re-shaped by Eugenia Weston herself!
For more information on Eugenia Weston & Senna Cosmetics, click here.


The Senna Cosmetics Goodies
I was sent 8 products by Senna Cosmetics to review a while back. I've tested out these products for a while now so I'm comfortable enough to provide an honest review on them. The words that are in a smaller font are product descriptions taken directly from Senna Cosmetics' website. This product description is followed by my pictures & review of the specific products. I've listed the products from my least favourite to my most favourite as well, so let the countdown begin!


1. Angle Blush 506
$20
Rounded front angle covers the apples of the cheeks and narrow tapered end softly blends color off the edge of the cheek naturally.
This brush would work really well as a contour brush. Personally, I think it's too small as a blush brush. That's also because I have high cheekbones so I don't like small blush brushes that will concentrate most of the colour in one place since that would sharpen my features even more. I've used this soft brush a few times though & I haven't experienced any shedding yet.

2. Liquid Ice - Illuminating Drops
Adds dewy overall glow or hints of moonlight - $17
This pearly white potion adds instant dewy glow to the entire face when added to liquid makeup, sheer tinted makeup and moisturizers. Dab onto the skin directly to highlight cheekbones, eyes, lip area, décolleté. No sparkles, just glow so it works well in daylight too. Just a few drops are all you’ll need. Oil-free formula is comfortable for all skins.
When I first tried this, I swatched a lot of it & didn't like the outcome, but a little goes a long way with this product. Since then I've only used a little bit & found that it's light, blends nicely, & adds a beautiful glow. I haven't used it on my cheekbones that much, however, I love using this as a highlight just under my brow bone & it would work great when applied to the décolleté as well. This product is great for nights out or special occasions!

3. Cream Lipstick in Plush
$18
I've included 2 swatches of this lipstick. The first picture is how the lipstick looks on my skin tone in person. The second picture is taken in different lighting & even though that's not how the lipstick looks on me, I thought I'd include it just in case people with a lighter skin tone want to see what the lipstick would possibly look like on them.
I absolutely love how this lipstick glides on & looks. It's so moisturizing & creamy but without looking too glossy. The only con I have about this is that I got the wrong colour, so I haven't been able to wear it as much because I don't like how this particular shade looks on me when I'm tanned. Since I haven't worn this lipstick as much, I can't add it to my list of favourites by Senna Cosmetics, but I know if I got the right colour, I'd like it more than the other products listed below. I'm waiting for winter to kick in & my skin to get a little pale so I can use this lovely lipstick!

4 & 5. CreamLine in Jet and CreamLine Brush
CreamLine in Jet: Creamy mistake-proof texture redefines eye lining - $18.50
This rich cream eyeliner glides over lids, yes even wrinkled lids, like a dream. Gives a well-defined and softly matte finish that lasts and lasts. This is the solution for all who dread that ‘lining step.’ Use with CreamLine Brush only.
CreamLine Brush: Works with CreamLine eyeliner - $16
Firm enough to pick up dense creamy CreamLine color and softly tapered to glide color close to the lash line in a clean, even line. A must have tool.
The CreamLine liner was the product that I was most excited to try. The liner really does glide on like a dream and looks like you have pencil eyeliner on, instead of looking like you're wearing liquid eyeliner. The liner itself is easy to work with & doesn't flake for hours! I wouldn't recommend CreamLine if you rub your eyes lightly by mistake once in a while when you're wearing makeup though.
The CreamLine Brush works well with CreamLine & I love how easy it is to wing my eyeliner using this brush! The bristles are short, so I find it easier to apply CreamLine with the CreamLine Brush on my lower lashline too.
The 2 looks that I've already posted in which I've used CreamLine in Jet and the CreamLine Brush are GLITTERED WINGS & PARAKEET PINK. Check them out!

6. HD Hydra-Cover Concealer in Shade 02 (Medium to Dark Skin Tones)
Editor’s choice high tech flaw fixer - $38
High tech HD light diffusing pigments, Hyaluronic filling spheres, and collagen stimulating Malachite create this unparalleled wonder working total face concealer. This silky, light as air formula uses light reflection instead of opacity to diminish flaws as it brightens skin, fills in wrinkles, and boosts skin renewal. Licorice extract helps firm up puffiness. Three corrective shades cancel under eye darkness, facial pigmentation, redness and blemishes. Brush included.
I love how smoothly this concealer goes on & blends in without much effort. I've been using this a lot especially since my sleep schedule is messed up & I wake up with dark circles a little too often these days. Since I'm usually at university almost all day, I don't like having much makeup on & I'm so glad that this concealer is actually "light as air," which is why I've been using it a lot more too! The 3 different shades are great because you can most likely use this all year round depending on how much you tan or how pale you get.

7. Airbrush Face 25
$28
Softly shagged brush is ultra soft for swirling in powders and blending color over the face.
I feel like this brush is the perfect size for a blush brush for me because of my facial structure, so I actually use this with the cream blush instead of using it as a face brush. I've only had 2 or 3 bristles shed so far & let me tell you, I've used this brush A LOT already.

8. Cheeky Blush in Daydream (soft apricot)
A brilliant cream blush that is a powder too - $19
If powders act dry and creams too short-lived, you’ll love this combination blush. You’ll have the lively glow of a cream with the lasting power of a powder. Dab it on and forget it all day.
The pictures below are of the same swatch. The one on the left shows less of the colour but more of the glowy effect that the blush gives. In the right picture, the colour is prominent.
This bring us down to my favourite product & of course it's a blush! Ever since I've started using blushes, I've fallen in love with them & this blush is no exception. You can tell how much I like this blush & how much I've used it by looking at the lid (the logo is almost off)! I would definitely justify paying $19 for this baby! You can build up the gorgeous colour as much as you like. I like using this blush at night, especially if I'm going out since it gives my skin a glow. It also lasts longer than I had expected it to.


So there you have it. My review on the 8 products sent over to me by Senna Cosmetics! But, I'm not done just yet...

Other products that I'm loving from the site:

It should be no surprise that blushes are on the top of my list!
Sheer Matte Blush in Sateen and Joy
Sheer Glow Blush in Rapture Too
Cheeky Blush in Tigress
Eye brushes: Crease 27, Angle Fluff 505, Feather 15
Matte Eye Colours in Midnight, Chocolate Plum, Eggplant, Sphinx
Cream Lipstick in Veronica
Read More »

Monday, October 25, 2010

Parakeet Pink

I wanted to try out my recently purchased NYX jumbo eye pencil in Milk as an eyeshadow base because I've heard so much about it. This was the first look that I tried with it.

I like how the pink adds a little something to the look. Figuring out different colour combinations that go well together is always fun. The green & yellow combination reminds me of parakeets, hence the post title.

Products Used:
  • NYX jumbo eye pencil in Milk (eyeshadow base)
  • 120 palette (yellow, pink, highlight, & tear duct)
  • Annabelle Cosmetics' Studio Pigment in Greed
  • Senna Cosmetics' CreamLine in Jet
  • Mascara (forgot which ones)
Which colour combinations do you like or would like to see?
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Nailpaint & Eyeliner

The other day, I was browsing around & came across a nail design post on Sabrina's blog. I loved the trick so much that I tried it right then & there!

The tip/trick was that you can use liquid eyeliner as a nail art tool & once the liner dries up, lock the eyeliner nail art in place by applying a top coat over it. I'm horrible when it comes to doing my nails, but that trick sounded so easy that I just had to try it!
I already had 2 coats of my yellow nail colour on so I grabbed my black liquid eyeliner quickly. I didn't want my nails to be too bold (since yellow & black are already such contrasted colours) so I opted for tiny black dots & was pleased with the result.

What I loved about this trick was that I had a lot of control with a felt tip eyeliner, so it was easy to do nail art on my left hand as well (which I usually suck at). & if I made a mistake, I could easily wipe off that bit with a Q-tip.
Tip: When you apply the top coat, do it quickly & gently.

Next time I'm definitely trying something more than just tiny dots!
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Monday, October 18, 2010

[CLOSED] $25 Apothica.com Gift Card Giveaway

Apothica.com is an online beauty boutique, which carries the finest selection of skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including the most natural, organic products available. We are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.
- About Us page on Apothica.com
One of my favourite products that I own & spotted on Apothica.com is the Pink Leopard Bronzer by Too Faced. This product gives you healthy glow without looking too bronzed or too shimmery.
Apothica.com carries a wide range of products from cosmetics & hair care to home fragrance. A few of the brands that caught my eye on their site are Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder (absolutely love their mascaras), YSL, Bvlgari (BLV is one of my favourite perfumes), Clinique, Korres, La Mer, & Aveda. The list goes on & on!

Since there are so many amazing brands & products to choose from, Apothica.com has decided to share the love by sponsoring a giveaway here on Saimese! YOU could win a $25 gift card to shop at Apothica.com, SkinCareRx.com, and SkinBotanica.com

Giveaway Details:
  • This giveaway is open internationally
  • To enter this giveaway, you HAVE to complete the 3 required fields under "Required Entries" (see ENTRY FORM)
  • I highly encourage you to complete the "Additional Entries" to increase your chances of winning (see ENTRY FORM)
  • This giveaway will end on November 02, 2010 at 12 a.m [EST]
Once the winner is chosen:
  • I'll provide Apothica with the winner's contact information (name, number, shipping address, & e-mail)
  • Apothica will contact the winner to verify the contact information
  • After verification, Apothica will e-mail the code for the gift card to be used at Apothica.com, SkinCareRx.com, & SkinBotanica.com

Remember, the giveaway ends on November 02, 2010 at 12 a.m [EST] & the winner will be announced later that week.


Click here to fill out the entry form:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFUxb3RYNkJIQUdvS2JDNDVLSUVxRFE6MQ


Good Luck!
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Glittered Wings

"The eye speaks with an eloquence and truthfulness surpassing speech. It is the window out of which the winged thoughts often fly unwittingly. It is the tiny magic mirror on whose crystal surface the moods of feeling fitfully play, like the sunlight and shadow on a still stream."
- Henry Theodore Tuckerman

Note: Picture edited to bring out the blue in the glitter eyeliner
Products Used (eyes only):
  • MAC eyeshadow in Mylar (lid)
  • MAC eyeshadow in Carbon (outer V & crease)
  • Almay Blendable Eye Pencil in 301 Black (waterline & tightlined)
  • Senna Cosmetics CreamLine in Jet (lid & lower wing)
  • NYX Candy Glitter liner in 05 Lavendar (lower lashline wing)
  • Maybelline's Great Lash Blackest Black mascara
Read More »

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Life Lessons via Vacation Pictures

DO YOUR OWN THING
Bringing down the decorated elephants for the Teej Festival [Jaipur, Rajasthan, India]
There's so much drama and negative energy that comes along with paying attention to others and their lives, which isn't necessary at all. Such a waste of our time, really. If elephants can walk on one side of the road without disrupting the traffic, why can't people just keep walking instead of digging their noses in everyones business?

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Ladies room at Al-Muntaha Restaurant in Burj Al-Arab [Dubai, U.A.E]
No matter how bad your situation is, there's always someone in a situation that is worse than yours. Be thankful for the blessings bestowed on you so far & smile.

SELF-REFLECT
Connecting with my spiritual side at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque [Abu Dhabi, U.A.E]
Always do something that will make you proud. After all, you're the one who has to live with your actions. If you reflect back on your actions & are not happy with something, then don't beat yourself over it, just use it as a form of guidance to help you in the future.

LOVE & BE LOVED
Getting love from my dolls at At the Top, Burj Khalifa [Dubai, U.A.E]
Tell the people who you care about the most that you love them. Even though I'd encourage you to show someone that you love them first & foremost through your actions, don't rely on just that. At times people just need to hear it as well & you might be surprised at how comforting those words can be.

LET LOOSE
Dubai Museum [U.A.E]
Don't get too caught up with everything to enjoy the little moments in life that you'll most likely remember the most in the future. Relax once in a while because once this time passes you, you won't get it back. Act a fool, laugh, do something silly, & make memories.

STRIVE TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
Taj Mahal [Agra, U.P, India]
A lot of people make goals or new years resolutions and in a few days, months, weeks the list is... wait, omg, where did that list go?? Do you remember where your list of new years resolutions is? There are still a little over 2 months left..
The point is, don't just make a target but think about ways that you can achieve that target as well. The planning will take up time & energy, but it's the first step to your success in the future!

REMINISCE
Lucknowi kabab with hot parathas & tamarind chutney at Al Afadhil Restaurant = best. food. ever. [Dubai, U.A.E]
Always remember the good times that you shared with people. Even when things turn sour, thinking about the bad times or bad qualities of the person won't do you any good. Instead, bad memories will just put you in a bad mood. Try to focus your energy on the positive.

PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR PLACE
Entertainers at Chokhi Dhani [Jaipur, Rajasthan, India]
Sure, many of us would like to think that we have an open mind & that we're empathetic but are we really? Do we really try to understand a persons situation or their point of view? Try to understand others and their views - they might just get you thinking in a direction in which you had never thought before.
I haven't been able to forget the look on this performer's face when she stepped down from the glasses. She seemed like she was in so much pain, yet in a few seconds she continued performing. To top it all off, there was an infant (the child of one of the female performers) sleeping on the side with the rest of the performers. I don't think I've ever clapped that loud before, not because of the performance, but because of the situation.

DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE
The night before Eid [Dubai, U.A.E]
Next time you're going through a rough patch or lacking motivation, do something you love or used to love that you don't do anymore. Sometimes this can soothe you & lift your spirits in the shortest amount of time.

DON'T LOOK BACK
Desert safari camel ride [U.A.E]
Dwelling on the past is not worth it. Get on with your life & focus on what's next.

CONQUER YOUR FEARS
Para-sailing [Dubai, U.A.E]
I'm scared of heights but maybe I was comfortable para-sailing because I'm a Pisces.
In any case, the only way you'll get over your fear is if you go ahead & face it. Your knees might feel weak before you take the step & you might get butterflies in your stomach but how would you feel after you've faced your fear? Let that thought spark your curiosity & go for it!

INDULGE
Trying on some antique rings at one of the stores in Central Souk [Sharjah, U.A.E]
Unwind in a spa. Go on a shopping spree. Read a book. Eat half a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries.
Pamper yourself in any way you like because you need some "me" time & taking care of your wants & needs is a priority too.

LOOK AT THE WORLD WITH A NEW ATTITUDE
Admiring the view from Hawa Mahal [Jaipur, Rajasthan, India]
Take each day as it comes with a smile because a positive attitude & a strong will can get you through the hardest times. As long as you have an appetite for life, there's nothing that can stop you.
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