Shifting gears...

Shifting gears...for now. IG has been more convenient to capture snippets of my life/luvs. Follow me @leileiluvs_  :)

Hello Lashes!

It has been awhile again hasn't it?  Well my first post for this year is a goodie and when I say goodie, it is a luxe one!  As a member of the Influenster community, I was excited to be a part of the Marc Jacobs Beauty VoxBox.  For the last month, I have tested out the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume mascara in my daily routine. I have continued with a very simple routine of powder foundation, highlighter and blush, a mix of pencil or powder eyebrows and mascara.  

Excited when I saw this in the mail!

Even more surprised that this was a full size!

Easy as 1, 2, 3 to review.

While the ingredients do not have any parabens, sulfates or phthalates, this is not a natural formula.  I did a check on ThinkDirty and did not find the product and would have to do further research on the toxicity/

The packaging is pretty with a faceted design.  I do like having a larger bristle wand since it reaches the inner and outer corners.

Volume, yes!  Super wow length, not so much.  I do have short lashes to begin with, but this does give it a little bit more oomph.  This mascara does not flake, but at the end of the day, I do see smudges on the outer corners of my eyes.  Overall, this was a great trial and would consider purchasing.  

Cost: $26 @ Sephora

Pros:  

-Gel formula volumizes

-Brush can reach the inner and outer corners

-Buildable formula

Cons:

-Pricey

-Large packaging might not be to the liking of everyone

-Smudges at the end of the day

Would I recommend this to a friend?

Maybe.  If you have the opportunity to test out this product first before committing to the full size, do it.  Spending almost $30 on something that you change out every 3 months is expensive!

I'm a convert!

I used to use baby shampoo to clean my brushes. Now I am in love with the Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid! This little soap gets my brushes super clean! I thought this brush was stained for good, but it's back to it's original hue!

Generation Beauty 2015 - LA

Wow! I never posted this! It was chillin in my drafts. Smh!

Spent an awesome weekend with my college bestie Lyna in LA. We caught up, had beach time, went out to celebrate her birthday and attend Generation Beauty 2015 at LA Live. This was both our first time and I was hella excited to check it out. There were tons of people there and long lines, but most people were really friendly and understanding. I was surprised how generous the brands were with their giveaways and also the deals they had. I was glad I brought a check-in because I knew I would have quite a bit to bring back!

After an amazing meal at Bottega Louie, we had happy & full tummys, we were ready!

Love Crown Brushes! I picked up a few deals!

Awwhhh I finally got to see my mamas Gina!

Lashes done! I never wear full, glam lashes, so decided to go for it. Ardell had a few to choose from and applied them for you. 

Chella had brow makeovers that included a hydrating eye mask. It was HOT in LA Live, so this was a treat while waiting in line to get my brows shaped.

Day 1 done! That bag was full of stuff and heavy to carry. I was excited for what day 2 had in store!

Day 2 was more lines and I was sad I didn't get all the ones I missed from day 1. It was packed again and some brands even ran out of product. :/ Ahh well, I had fun running around with my friends and catching up while we were waiting in line.

The freebies - from the beauty experiences at the show and from the goodie bags from day 1 & 2. 

What I bought. The best brand with deals was LA Girl and I picked up 3 deals for only $10 each. 

Overall, this was an awesome experience and I will be back next year! There is another event happening in NYC this October. Tempting, but that's a pricey trip!

St. Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit

Testing this out!

Even after AT&T was fined

I pay for unlimited data. Getting these texts make me angry! 😡

Beauty Mail: Ipsy Offer and Julep Maven

I forgot to cancel Julep. Oops.  And my Alterna dry shampoo.

Time for...

a change!  I have been thinking about how I want to chronicle my life's adventures and it is time for me to make some updates.  Still in the process of figuring out my work plan, but I have some ideas floating around.  :)  I will still be around here for now, but stay tuned for when the new-new comes out!

Testing out some new goodies!

Just a few items picked up at Generation Beauty 2015 in LA!

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Free!

Smashbox Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner - Free!

Crown Brushes Flawless Face Blender - $5

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint - $2

Before I sleep tonight...

One of the many freebies from this weekend's Generation Beauty event in LA. I'll have more details in another LONG post.

Countdown! 3 days until Generation Beauty!

Generation Beauty 2015 in LA this weekend! 

Overdue Pedi!

Omg the last time I got a pedi was last month before Vegas. I really did have clawz on my feet. "Scratch you like an animal." I was pretty sedentary today working, so decided I would walk to the nail salon to get my feet done since it is sandal/chinelas weather now!

Morgan Taylor - Tokyo á Go Go

Ipsy Offer: Alterna Haircare Dry Shampoo Set

Hurry and snag this deal! I hope I like the scents!

Babe Lash Trial Starts Now!

Let's see if I can get the same results that some of my other galpals have had! :D

On The Go: Sonia Kashuk Beauty Organizer for Planner Supplies!

My Sissy is just as bad of an enabler as I am when it comes to #treatyoself.  She convinced me that I needed this case after I told her I saw Belinda Selene's review that included using this for planner supplies!  I love the bright floral of this bag and had to have it.  Plus it was the last one at my local Target.  

Two clear, detachable, zippered pouches on the left side.  The middle is for brushes and other accessories.

The back is clear and zippered and can hold other items securely.  

This holds a lot of stuff!  I was pleasantly surprised at what I could carry in this and also still had room for more.  I'm behind in my #listersgottalist for May and will be trying to do some outdoor creating while we have some nice weather.  The top left pouch holds some washi, scissors, roller adhesive and the list prompts.  The lower left pouch holds page flags, my LG Popo printer and the Zink printer paper.  The middle holds stickers and pens.

The back portion fit my #listersgottalist notebook for May and can also fit my Webster Pages Color Crush planner.  Eeeep!  So happy!  Hoping to get some time to create this week since last weekend was busy with actions, events and spending time with friends.  So many ideas, so little time!  At least with this case, I can grab and go just in case I can squeeze in some time.

Cost: $24.99 at Target

Nails Did: Nails By Catia - Sand & Sky

Only 1 hand because the other one had a bandaid my index finger. Result of paper cutting.  Rotary Cutter:1, Rhondalei: 0.  :(  LOL though because my friend Tiffany was helping me make inserts for my fauxdori and told me it was like cutting pizza.  

Morgan Taylor - New School Nude

Julep - Jeanne

Kikkerland Hedgehog Dryer Buddies

I have heard of people putting tennis balls in the dryer to help fluff fabric up, like towels.  I found these cute little hedgehogs instead at World Market for $6.  

How cute are these guys?  I'm sad to report that the eyes do wear off and the noses fall off too.  So sad!  Noseless, eye less hedgehogs, but they still do their job.  Thanks guys!  

I still use Honest Co. dryer cloths every now and then, but for loads like my towels and athletic gear, I toss these guys in to help fluff and prevent static.  

These do get pretty loud in the dryer! I would suggest drying during the day time.  Overall, these work great and are a good deal.  I'm looking for other alternatives for washing and drying that are renewable, sustainable or recyclable. Any tips you can share?

Unboxing: May 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag - Jet Setter

What I got:

-Luxe Tapered Blending Brush

-Bella Pierre Gel Eye Liner in Ebony

-Amie Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturizer

-Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave In Conditioning Spray

-Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone and samples of Revolution High-Color Lipgloss

What I like:

-Bella Pierre Gel Eye Liner: matte, black pencil gel liner.  Went on nice and didn't tug.

-UD 24/7 Lip Pencil: I have this in a full size, so this deluxe size is purse friendly.

What's Ok:

-Luxe brush: I have so many brushes and will probably give this one to Sissy.

What I didn't like:

-Briogeo spray: the scent was kind of bleh to me.  I'll see if Sissy likes it.

Beauty Mail: May 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag

The perks of working from home sometimes.

Sunday Night - Mask Time!

Sheet mask for me! My skin has been very temperamental with some dry areas. I'm using Balea Moisturizing Face Mask that I picked up in Canada awhile back. Smells nice and feels cooling.