Anything and Everything LePooke! Talk about Makeup, cosmetics, skin care, anything beauty related! Smart spending! I may update you on my personal life as well. Anything goes!
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
This isn't makeup or beauty related but I received this email and thought I would share it to those who want to read it. Reading it put a lump in my throat as i tried to hold back tears. I pray to have Faith like this...
I finally got around to posting some pictures of me wearing the circle lenses so that you guys can see the what they look like up close and sort of a "before and after" wearing a lens in one eye and leaving one "naked"
So i recently got my very first pair of circle lenses from LensCircle.com (use the coupon code: LePooke to save 10% off your order) I got the Grey Fresh Color ones.
It was packaged really nicely and securely and came with a really cute cow print pouch! Here's what the lenses looked like in the bottle.
Looks Kinda creepy huh? LOL but really neat too!
These are authentic Geo Lenses. They have the Geo anti-fake sticker on each bottle.
You scratch off the silver bottom half of the sticker and a serial number can be seen.
This number can then be entered at one of Geo's sites, the US site is http://geo.fw1860.com/
*note that there are fake stickers out there that are made to look like Geo's. read more info HERE
This is what it looks like once you enter the unique serial number
I tried to re-input the same serial number to see how well this system worked. Here is the message I was given when I attempted to do so:
Each serial number is unique and once it is entered on one of Geo's sites it is "checked" off and can no longer be used, guaranteeing that you are receiving an authentic pair of lenses.
So you're probably wondering what circle lenses are. They are basically colored contact lenses used for cosmetic purposes. The colored area has a larger diameter than regular colored contacts giving the eye a more "doll-eyed" look. These are very popular in Asia (Ulzzang), but of course anyone can wear them.
Many people wonder, are these safe? Are they FDA approved? Here is what LensCircle.com had to say:
"Circle lenses are not illegal in North America, but have not yet been approved by FDA. They have been approved by Korean safety standards including KFDA (Korean Food and Drug Administration), CE0434 and ISO13485. There are many products in North America that have not been approved by FDA, like many shampoos, cosmetic accessories and the like, but that does not mean they can not be sold, nor does it mean they are dangerous.
"Circle lenses are safe if you care for them properly, just like any other contact lens. Proper instructions of use are included with every package for both new users and even those who wear lenses on a daily basis. With the proper treatment of your lenses, it will both extend the wear of the lenses and be safer for your eyes."
There are risks to most things, even makeup. How many times have we used an eyeliner on our waterline that wasn't necessarily "waterline safe?" or used a pigment as eyeshadow that isn't "safe for eyes?"
Simply put, if you are at all concerned about circle lenses, Consult your eye doctor or don't wear them at all! Like having the ability to change your hair color, nail color, or makeup, circle lenses give you the ability to temporarily change your eye color.
So, I know I've been MIA lately, and if you follow me on twitter you probably already know why...I GOT A JOB =)
Okay, it has nothing to do with what i went to school for (Genetics) and its only a seasonal job, but I am so thankful to have some sort of an income. It's a retail job, my first one, and I had no idea how physically demanding it was. I stand on my feet all day, my back aches and my poor toes feel so sore by the end of the day. I have a new found appreciation for those who work in retail. And for those of you who haven't, let me tell you, it takes a lot more work than you think and I urge you to be patient and show your cashiers some respect!
I don't plan to work in retail forever, I hope to find a job in a field related to my degree, but right now, with the economy the way it is, it might be a while before that happens.
For those of you in similiar situations, recent grads looking for a career, people who have lost their jobs and looking for a way to make ends meet, Keep your heads up! I know times are hard right now, but don't give up! My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you!
Well, just wanted to give you guys a quick update as to why I haven't been around lately. Thanks so much for understanding =)
If you've ever had a Ferrero Rocher, Nutella is the same creamy center in those addictive little balls of deliciousness! I grew up on Ferrero Rocher, my parents would buy me those big boxes from Costco and I could eat the whole thing on my own. But it wasn't until my Freshman year of College that I actually had my first taste of Nutella from the jar =) thanks to my lovely dorm mates!
You can eat Nutella on basically ANYTHING and EVRYTHING (my friend actually dipped her hot cheetos in it, LOL). Some faves are animal crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, fruit, Crepes (Strawberry Nutella Crepes are to die for, banana isn't bad either), and Nutella Wontons are easy to make but scrumptious! Lately, for a more healthy approach, I've been eating it spread over whole wheat bread...
You're probably thinking, "eww, chocoalte on bread?" haha, I thought the same thing when I first heard it myself, but its actually very tasty! Nutella is made mostly of hazelnuts, some skim milk and a hint of cocoa. It was originally created during World War II when the chocolate supply was low, adding hazelnuts to what little cocoa was available extended the chocolate supply. Nutella has hung around even after the War because, let's face it, its Yummy!
So whether you eat it drizzled over cake for a simple dessert or eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon (or a finger) Nutella is definitely a staple in many kitchens around the world!
Many of you have asked to see a tutorial on how i curl my hair, so here it is...
All you need is a heat protectant spray, something to section off your hair and a large barrel curling iron. I use a Revlon ceramic (I've had it for over 5 years) 1 1/2 in curling iron.
I was really excited about MAC's Style Black collection because it meant the return of the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator that everyone was raving about. I wasn't able to get my hands on it last year, and after hearing that this along with the mask was selling out fast I knew I couldn't let it get away again! I went the day after its release and I was able to get both, the MA at my counter informed me that I got the last Mask! YAY, that just made it so much better, LOL, like it was a special tube...
If you're curious to hear about my first impressions on these two products check out this video...
So Far, I am very impressed by the Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask. I've never tried a mask that "warmed" when applied with water, it was trippy and really neat! I do like the exfoliator but honestly it's not as special as the mask. So if you ask me which one I'd rather purchase, it would ahve to be the thermal mask, but hurry, its selling out fast!
I will update you guys if my thoughts on these products Change!
It was time to switch out my caramel apples scent shot from Candles By Victoria, which by the way, I love! I was debating between Chocolate Strawberries and Nutella. Well i couldn't decide to I decided to mix the two! I used the smallest chunks, maybe 1/12 of each (LOL, i cut the scent shots in half, then cut a third off of half and cut that in half) and the scent throw is insanely strong, which is another reason why I love Victoria's scent shots!
(can you see my "surprise tarts" in the background?)
So, what does it smell like? Well, I mostly get chocolate from it, but with a nutty undertone (the hazelnut from the Nutella). The strawberry scent is very light in the mixture, but i get whiffs of it from time to time. I was trying to recreate the scent of a Strawberry Nutella crepe, which is my fave, but obviously without the "crepe" scent and the addition of chocolate, LOL. Overall, the scent is definitely very foody and strong, if you like chocolate these are scents to check out!
Do you have any must have Pigments? Let me know what i should check out next =)
Blue Brown, Rushmetal, Chocolate Brown, Tan, Gold Mode
Melon, Jardin Aires, Naked, Vanilla, Milk
Cocomotion, Museum Bronze, Vintage Gold, Golden Olive, Night light
Vintage Gree, Teal, Deep Blue Green, Steel Blue, Mutiny
Tea Time, Violet, Grape,Heritage Rouge, Rose, Bright Fuchsia
And Finally, the only Full size pigment I own, Sweet Sienna
If you're looking a place to order cheap MAC pigment samples, check out TheBeautySampler. I've placed two orders with them and I'm very pleased! Let them know LePooke sent ya =)
Candles By Victoria never disappoints! With her creative works of art (the cinnamon buns candle is all wax) and super strong scents, its a candle lover's dream! With over 500 scents to choose from, from bakery to perfume and even Lush scent dupes, there is definitely something for everyone!
Victoria, with the help of her husband Matt (aka "Candle Man"), and daughters Chelsea and Melissa, hand-pours each candle and tart, and you can definitely smell the love in these candles! Victoria is always willing and ready to answer your burning (I love my puns, LOL)questions. From candle emergencies ( I've had my share, hehe) to scent requests, Victoria goes above and beyond the call of duty!
Big CONGRATULATIONS to miss Aarin Elizabeth! iVi Scents has been open for a month and recently sent out their 100th order! WooHoo! To celebrate this milestone Aarin is holding a contest. You could win free iVi Scents products!
From left to right: Cool reserve, For Fun with Fuchsia glitter (also from MAC) on top, Rich Dark Delicious, Beyond Jealous, Dry Martini
It was hard to resist picking up cool reserve cause its so pretty! I also love the combination i created of the For Fun nail polish with MAC Fuchsia glitter patted on top of it. Looks like a pink disco ball =)
My camera does not do it justice, its so pretty =) I want it!!!
Look at my sad little Candy Fluffing candle from Candles By Victoria...
Its almost completely gone, this may be the last time i burn this little guy. But not to worry, I have a larger one coming on Wednesday (if UPS delivers it on time) so YAY! If you guys haven't tried Candles by Victoria yet, i highly recommend them =)
This tastes more like a brownie rather than a cake. The "cake" does have a crunch similar to the edges on a brownie. The thin (approximately 1/4-1/2 in thick) layer of cake encloses the chocolate "lava"
The consistency of the lava is a cross between chocolate pudding and hot fudge and tastes like a cross between the two as well.
Retails for $3.99 (for two) and can be purchased at a Domino's near you!
I dont know about you, but i haven't completely mastered the roundbrush blowout. The bathroom ends up feeling like a sauna after a while and i start feeling like i have carpal tunnel. Well now you can put the round brush and hair dryer down and pull out your large barrel curling iron instead and get the same effect!
Try one of there smoothies from the secret menu! Maybe a Sour Patch Kids, Fruity Pebbles, Red Gummi, White Gummi or my favorite Chocolate Gummi =) Yummi!
The E.L.F. eye transformer can be purchased at www.eyeslipsface.com/ under their Studio Line. It retails for $3 but ELF always has a ton of coupon codes so you can get it for less. The eye transformer is used to "convert your shadows into brand new shades with these four opalescent shadows."
The best way to see their transforming "power" is to use it over a dark shadow or base. I swatched them over MAC's blackground paintpot.
There is a greenish, goldish/orange, pinkish, and purplish (lots of "ishes") shade. You can see that swatched alone they look like white shadows but over the shadow you can see the difference.
I think this is awesome because it gives you endless possibilities of colors with the shadows you have already, and for $3 for 4 shadows, i think its a great deal!
Green nail polish isn't always that wearable in my opinion. Irene by Zoya, however, is a gorgeous olive golden green that I think would compliment most skin tones. I think its a perfect color to transition into the fall season.
What do you guys think? I am loving this color and I'm wearing it on my toes too!
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On a different note, these pictures really bring out my paleness, LOL.