Essie's Braziliant Collection Review

After seeing a review of the collection on Juicystar07's youtube channel, I was super excited to try it out. Normally I don't buy Essie nail polish because of the cost (usually eight dollars a bottle), but last month I splurged a little and purchased the shade "Too, Too Hot".

I was immediately drawn to this color in the store because of my inability to indentify the color. It was sort of an orange-coral-red-hot pink color in the bottle and I knew I had to give it a try. Later on, I browsed around on Essie's website and read that it is a coral red but I don't think that description really does it justice. On nails it seems to change a little depending on the lighting.

Although the actual color is fantabulous, I prefer the wide brushes that come with Sally Hanson Salon polishes. They are easier to use IMO, but the Essie ones aren't terrible. Just average. Also, the paint itself chips as quickly as any cheaper polish.

So if you are willing to hand over a little extra cash for pretty summer (and back to school!) fingers and tootsies, go for it. I plan on buying another polish from the collection, a quirky sea foam color called "Absolutely Shore". I love pale neutral-y and pastel-y colors for fingernails, as it's less obvious when it chips. And let's face it, who has time to touch up manis everday.

So maybe my next post will have to do with my search for the perfect understated nail color? Who knows?

Another Review and Writerish Music

I knew that if I was starting to do reviews, Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer would be near the top of the list. If there is one product that it seems I'm always searching for, it's a good concealer. I have tried just about every drugstore concealer on the market. There's some really decent formulas out there, but I have little qualms with most.


For a super long time I only would use Cover Girl's concealer. Which was ok. But not great. And then recently... *drumroll* I found Glamoflauge. Or possibly it found me.



First of all, it's economical. the amount you get is pretty average, but this concealer will last you FOREVER. You only need the tiniest, eensy-weensy amount to get flawless looking skin. So for about eight dollars, fantabulous deal.
Another observation: the colors are lighter than they appear in the packaging. I used to think Hard Candy colors ran darker than other brands. Not true. I've seen this confirmed on YouTube as well.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was truly a full coverage concealer, which is soo hard to find these days. The coverage is buildable, and not nearly as cakey looking as Cover Girl. So there.
http://www.hardcandy.com/products.php?cat=5

On a more writery note, I have been working on a playlist for the never-ending-novel and I want to share a song. Or perhaps just share about a song.

Jonsi kind of rocks anyway, but Tornado is so lyrical and pretty. And it fits one of the big themes to a t. For now. Listen. Love. Share.
http://youtu.be/lQtzw5aipQA

New Blogging Ventures + Physicians Formula Review

OK! So a pseudo-interesting update! This blog has never really been for one specific purpose.It's always served as a sort of outlet for any of my crazy, creative whims. That won't change, but I think I'll be doing more makeup reviews in the next few months.

This is because a) I like talking (or writing) about makeup and b) I need do write something quick or this blog will die of neglect.

Also, since those types of posts are essentially my opinions, they don't take alot of prep work. In other words.....I'll be posting more consistently...hopefully lol!

On to the makeup! Recently, I have fallen in love with Physicians Formula's Custom Eye Enhancing Collection. I know a lot of drugstore brands are putting these eye color specific products out there right now, but I feel like Physician's Formula really does the best job.

The eye shadow palettes are my go-to every day shadows. I feel like they are true to their claim to bring out your eye color, but even if they didn't, the quality is pretty spectacular on its own. And they're shimmery. I adore that subtle baked shadow shimmer. So. Pretty.

There are several different options for the palettes as well. I own the classic and smokey palettes, but the brand also sells them in pop colors and candy colors. These last awhile, too. I purchased the smoky colors in the winter and I have not hit pan yet. Yeah.

My favorite product is probably the Gel Creamliners. What a great deal! Any time I can get 3 good quality liners in purty colors for ten dollars, it's worth it! Especially gel liners. The brand offers pencil liner as well, but I'm partial to gel liner. It's like liquid, but way easier to use:) I normally don't use applicators with come with products, but the brush included works pretty well. Also, I like how the black liner is infused with eye color specific glitter. It sets it apart.

I would totally recommend these products to a friend. I mean, I barely go a day without using them myself. So try it. Check out the website.



http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/default.html

Thoughts on a Tuesday

I am so flippin excited about this movie! Yes, I know it's cliche. Werewolves are still insanely popular and filmakers are all trying to get their money's worth while it's hot.



But still. Grimm's fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart and I'm happy to see them make it to the big screen. Even though the trailer is indicating the storyline will be quite different from the original tale. In fact, that's a good thing.



What has continually intrigued me about folklore and fairy tales is how they change with society.

Stories serve a purpose. They become what we need (or want) them to be at any given time. I'm not talking individually as much as an entire culture or society here.

I think a lot of it has to do with perception. Our life experiences color the way we percieve a story. How we interpret the actions/dialogue, the words we focus in on, how we read in between in the lines at what isn't in a story- all of these things determine our outlook on a certain story.
Fascinating stuff.



And also, it's time for Amanda Seyfried to play a character who is not named Sophie. For realz. First Mama Mia, then Letters to Juliet, what next. Typecasting to the extreme, people. I swear I will walk right out of that movie theater if hawt werewolf boy starts growling, "Sophie, flee before it's too late!"

Because I am a huge Shiver fan, it occured to me today that I have never heard a wolf howl before. So I google. And then I listen. I'm expecting to hear something hauntingly beautiful, something past expressing with words. I'm expecting to be moved. Instead, I laugh.

It will grow on me, I swear.


http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wolves/lonesome.html

Reinventing the classics, a.k.a idea recycling

Recycling isn't just for paper, folks. It just occured to me how often people take old ideas, whether they be classic works of lit like Pride and Prejudice, or Greek mythology, or some random story their great-grandma told them about ghosts in the cuboard, and insert it into their lastest novel and/or screenplay.



In an interview, Suzanne Collins said the Hunger Games was inspired in part by Greek legends surrounding th Minotaur demanding child sacrifice.



The Twilight Saga has many references and underlying themes rooted in classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice.

Practically half of YA books draw on some sort of mythology or folklore.

Why do people do this? The themes from classics are still relevant. There's a reason these books and legends have stuck around so long. They draw on the essential characteristics of human nature- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Whenever I read Shakespeare, I'm always amazed at how some things don't change in four hundred years. And it's usually those things that matter.



I've heard people complain of how afore-mentioned idea recycling leads people to ignore the originals, but I disagree. Authors wish to add, not subtract. Expanding on a particular idea creates more interest, instead of less, and often leads a reader to read the inspiration for a book they love.

So I guess my point is (If I have one) feel free to put your own spin on an old idea. Recycle. It's cool to be green.

Nanowrimo Excitement Overload

According to the official website, Nanowrimo starts in one day, ten hours, 25 minutes, and seven seconds! *cue hysteria and compulsive cookie baking* In case you aren't familiar with Nanowrimo(national novel writing month), it's pretty simple. 50,000 words. 30 days. Let the craziness ensue! If you're interested, there's a link in the side bar. Check it out!
Anywho, I am so phyched for november to begin. I have a tentative title, a somewhat sketchy plot, and a couple of core scenes I am so ready to write. And a playlist. Who can write without a soundtrack for your characters' woes and triumphs? For me, music really influences the mood of what I write. I try to create playlists that reflect the characters and the feelings I want people to take away from a story. Mood. It's a big deal. But plot is probably more important. Which is why I should go work on that sketchy outline of mine......