Category: review

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beauty crystal review Uncategorized

Japanese Gel Nail Art at M&M Studio in NYC

I was just in NYC visiting a friend and told her we had to make a stop at M&M Studio after I saw them tagged in a photo of some gorgeous nail art on Instagram. Luckily they were able to squeeze us in on a short notice.

M&M Studio is located in Midtown and very close to a subway station. It wasn’t too hard to find, just follow the signs. The space was cozy but facilitated individual attention, which is especially important for working one-on-one with a nail artist to perfect a design.

The two nail artists we were booked with, Sayaka and Maiko, are both professionals at Japanese style nail art, meaning they can dream up really complex, intricate designs, even in 3D. I brought a photo of a style I wanted to emulate and Sayaka executed it flawlessly and even customized the look a little so that my nails would be unique. Check out my friend’s amazing nails in the above photo!

The salon has a wide selection of colors and an impressive quantity and variety of embellishments. They have your normal glitters and rhinestones, but they can do glass-style nails (the hottest new nail trend from Korea) and have very kawaii 3D shapes (bows, donuts, and hearts just to name a few) that can be glued to your nail design. This is just one tray of their possible designs.

My friend and I felt that our two nail artists didn’t skimp on the manicuring of the cuticles/nails but cut time by being very efficient, showcasing their experience. For example, my manicurist drew quickly but didn’t make any mistakes, turning a process that usually takes about 1.5-2 hours into a relatively quick 1 hour appointment.

It’s been about two weeks and my nails still look perfect. I noticed that Sayaka was really great about applying the gel polish underneath the tips of my nails too to prevent chips and really create a solid base.

To see examples of M&M Studio‘s nail design work check out Sayaka and Maiko’s Instagram here and here.

What are your thoughts on Japanese style nail art? 

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beauty make up for ever review Uncategorized

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Review

I’ve been a fan of Make Up For Ever for years and years.  Their Duo Mat Powder Foundation is a staple in my make up bag and I seriously buy it in bulk as I can’t stand the thought of running out of it.  I had seen their new Ultra HD Foundation and was curious about it, so when Make Up For Ever sent over a few products, I was excited to test it out!

 
FOUNDATION BRUSH   LIQUID FOUNDATION   STICK FOUNDATION
FINISHING POWDER LIPGLOSS PRIMER

Knowing how much I loved the powder foundation, the liquid foundation had a lot to live up.  I have to say, it exceeded expectations!  I absolutely love this foundation.  It goes on so smooth, you don’t need a lot.  I just put on a couple dots all over my face and blend it with the brush.  It covers everything I want to cover (dark circles, the occasional pimple, dark spots) and completely evens out my skin.  A big thumbs up from me!  I love that it comes in so many colors to match any skin tone.  I’m R250 – Beige Nude and is a perfect match for my skintone. 

 
Foundation Brush // Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I’ve never used a stick foundation before but after playing around with it, it’s definitely going to be something that I always keep in my makeup bag!  It’s great for touch ups and to cover up dark spots.

The other products that I got:
Hydrating primer – I love that this primer has more than just the purpose of being the base of my foundation.  It actually balances out my skin before I apply the foundation and with it on, it helps with the staying power of not just my foundation but other make up I apply as well.

HD Microfinish Powder – Now that I use the liquid foundation I don’t need to use the powder foundation that I was previously using.  I love having this powder to use after I’ve applied my makeup and it helps keep everything on and keeps my makeup in place all day long.

Artist Plexi-Gloss – I’ve been more of a lipstick girl these days but I do like to layer gloss on top sometimes and this is a great layering gloss.  It is a bit thicker than most glosses but it really stays on all day!

Thank you to Make Up For Ever for sending over the products for review.  All opinions are mine.

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Designer handbags my handbags review saint laurent Uncategorized video

Saint Laurent Monogramme Matelasse Chain Wallet Review + Video

I posted about this little bag when I bought it (see my original post here) but I also did a video review so you can see it in action!
SAINT LAURENT BAG

So far I’m loving the bag.  The size is great, it fits in everything that I need.  I especially love that it has the credit card slots and zipper pocket so nothing falls out.  It keeps everything so organized!  Anyway, watch the video to see the full review, I hope this is helpful if you are thinking about getting the bag!
Saint Laurent Monogramme Matelasse Chain Wallet Review + Video

 

Photos from my instagram.  Follow me @tiffanyish!
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dressing room Nordstrom review shopping Uncategorized

Cupcakes and Cashmere clothing review

I’ve been a fan of Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere forever.  What she has done with her blog and her brand is very admirable.  I love that she came out with her own clothing line so while I was shopping at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale I tried on some of her pieces that caught my eye.

 
TOP SWEATER JACKET DRESS

First off, I have to mention that the red top on the left I don’t have photos on because I couldn’t even fit it over my head!  Literally the hole to slip it through your head was tiny and had no stretch.  I’m not sure if I just grabbed a weirdo one as I didn’t get another, but that was my experience.  It was definitely cute, just wish it could have fit over my head!
This sweater is the perfect chunky knit.  You know how some chunky knits make you look, well, chunky?  This is actually really flattering!  Love the quality of the knit the the turtleneck was not suffocating.  This piece is on the top of my list to wear for winter!
 SWEATER – Size XS (true to size)
JEANS – Size 25 (true to size)

I love the dress and the fit was great but to be honest, I would probably wait for it to go on sale as I’ve tried on a lot of dresses that are very similar to this and it didn’t feel like it was anything different or special for $110.  

 JACKET – Size XS (true to size)
DRESS – Size XS (true to size)

The leather jacket is beautiful in person, sorry about the bad photo quality on the left but I wanted to show you a close up of the leather.  It’s not super soft but still a great quality leather and it does drape really nicely.  As always the sleeves were too long on me but nothing a little alteration wouldn’t be able to fix.  I didn’t get this since I did end up picking up the Vince jacket that you saw on me in my Nordstrom Anniversary shopping post but I did love it and price wise it’s pretty reasonable for a leather jacket.

 
JACKET
TOP – SIZE XS (true to size)
JEANS – size 24 (runs big) 
Other items from Cupcakes and Cashmere that I love:

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beauty home review Uncategorized

Antica Farmacista: my favorite home fragrance

I absolutely love a good home fragrance.  I think it started in college when every girl I knew had scented candles to make their room smell good. I caught on to that and definitely had my own candle stash!  I’ve moved on beyond Bath and Body Works although that store definitely brings back some good memories and I think they are genius for coming up with such creative and unique fragrances, it’s just not me anymore.  But I have found some more brands that I think align to my tastes now.   Antica Farmacista recently reached out to me to try some of their products.  I’ve actually been a fan for awhile now, most of my home fragrances are from them, so was excited to recieve some new products. I actually did not realize until just recently that they are based in Seattle too!  I love that! 

I’ve always loved room diffusers, not only are they pretty, they make any room smell great!  I got a few diffusers and put this one in my office.  This is the Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud which is a gorgeous floral scent that does not over power. (get it on sale here!) I’m loving the size of these mini diffusers as they just fit in so well when you have a lot of small knick knacks, like I do.

I also didn’t realize that they had lotions and soaps!  I got the Orange Blossom, Lilac & Jasmine hand wash and the Bergamot & Ocean Aria body moisturizer.  Both are in the guest bathroom as I like to keep my fancier soaps and lotions for guests to use!  They both smell delightful and the best part is that it’s not super fragranced that would bother people, it’s just enough that you can smell it but doesn’t overpower.

I also got a hand cream to keep in my purse!  This is the Acqua fragrance and oh man this is my favorite ever for a hand cream!  It’s so light and sweet but just smells like fresh air.  The lotion itself is moisturizing and not too greasy.  Definitely a must have if you love hand creams like I do.

Nordstrom has some great scents and sets that are on sale for the Anniversary Sale!  It’s the perfect time to stock up!

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beauty monthly faves review Uncategorized

May Beauty Favorites

I am loving the weather, the flowers and everything spring.  My makeup changes to fun pretty colors and less about the neutrals that I wear all winter long. 

 
BLAIR WALDORF PRINT


I am completely obsessed with this tinted lip balm.  It definitely feels like a balm and is great for dry lips but the color payoff is surprisingly good for a lip balm and it looks so pretty on! It’s sheer but it’s still there and since it’s a balm it keeps your lip soft but the color stays for a long time as well.  Seriously obsessed.  I have it in the Rose Amber and Rose Plum.  I want the Rose Nude now!
 
L’Occitane Peony Tinted Lip Balm

I am loving their new Peony line so I picked up their CC cream too which in a word is amazing.  I don’t use this all over but I have certain dark spots on my face that I hate so I use this on those spots and it totally evens out my skin without looking too much.

http://rstyle.me/n/2qx3dhmm 
L’Occitane Peony CC Skin Tone Perfecting Cream

For my hair I’ve been dealing with crazy frizzies.  It’s like our weather can’t decide between hot or cold so I’m always trying to figure out how to style my hair for the weather.  Living Proof sent me the best product for this which is their Humidity Shield.  I use it every day before styling my hair and it takes care of my frizz all day!  Also – how much do I love these travel size shampoo, conditioner and styling cream?  It’s the perfect set to bring on all my upcoming trips! 

 
Living proof No Proof Humidity Shield
Living proof Travel Kit

My love of Pacifica continues!  Their makeup removing wipes is so gentle and smells so good.  I love using these wipes whenever I need to get rid of makeup.  In the middle of the day I find that I have black underneath my eyes either from mascara or eyeliner and so I keep these in my bag so I can quickly swipe it away and apply some concealer.  It’s an easy way to touch up during the day without packing a whole make up bag.  I love Pacifica’s mineral makeup and this eye shadow pallete is so perfect with a ton of great neutrals but also some fun shades if you ever want to go a little bit more crazy!  It’s such a pretty palette too, I just love having it sit out on my vanity.

 
Pacifica Makeup Removing Wipes
Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Palette
I also picked up these Cargo lip glosses that have the best color payoff.  The color on your lips looks just like what it looks like in the tube! Love them. 
 
Cargo Essential Lip Gloss
Clinique Eye Shadows (was a GWP)
My fave $10 Sunglasses
t+j Designs Tassel Necklace
Chanel Perfume Print

Lastly these Pur Mineral Eye Liners that have become my go to liners.  I love the double ended sides so you can use the soft tip to get a pretty smudge-y look and the liquid liner/pen tip to get a really sharp, smooth line.

Pur Minerals Double Ego Eye Liner
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beauty perfume review Uncategorized

Scentbird Review – Monthly Perfume subscription

I don’t wear perfume every day but I do love wearing it on occasion.  Because of this, it takes me forever to go through a bottle of perfume.  I recently discovered scentbird which basically is a monthly perfume subscription except instead of an entire bottle, you get a small purse spray of perfume in a super sleek travel case and it’s supposed to last around 30 days!  I loved this idea and knew that it was perfect for me.

http://bit.ly/scentbird-s


The first step is to take a little quiz so they can figure out what kind
of scents you like.  At the end you get to select through various
scents that are similar to what you noted that you like in the quiz. 
You then choose which perfume you want and a few days later, a package
was at my door with my first vial of perfume!  It was perfect timing for
my trip so I carried it on the plane with me and spritzed myself after I
got off the flight.

 
The makeup illustration is by the super talented Rongrong Illustration
The first scent I got was Roses de Chloe which I loved!  It was a great pick for me and I was glad that it popped up in my picks.  I hadn’t tested it before so was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.  This month I got Marc Jacobs Oh Lola! which as you can see from my perfumes above I own three other Marc Jacobs scents so I knew that this one would be good for me as well.   You only get the case the first time, the second spray you can see laying in front and all you do is just pull out the old spray and pop the new one into the case!  I still haven’t even gotten through my first month’s perfume, so I’ve just been swapping them out.  There is an option to buy another case for $12.95 and I’m so excited because they now have it in pink!  You know I’m all over that 🙂

A glimpse into what’s in my bag.  As you can see the perfume case is about the size of my lipstick (which by the way is my absolute favorite lip product right now, the color is perfect!) And is perfect to take anywhere.  I just had to share as I think this idea is genius.  I love getting a new scent every month and not having to commit to a whole bottle.  Oh and it’s $14.95 a month which, in my opinion is totally worth it!  Use code PINK15 to get 15% off your first perfume. Check it out here if you are interested!  I highly recommend it.

Perfume Subscription Service