Affordable Brazilian Waxes?

In need of an affordable Brazilian wax around the Seattle area? I google'd exactly that plus Seattle, WA and several reviews were at a place in the University District called Sally's Nails. The reviews noted that a Brazilian cost only $20! I was definitely up for that because I've been bob'n and couldn't afford my usual spots. They are about $75 so if I can save $50+, then I'm all for it! Now, most of these smaller shops have questionable hygenic practices but I have been lucky *knock on wood*, to not have anything happen to me. When I got there, I remembered that I did come
here a few times to get my nails done while I was still in undergrad. The waxing room is small and "tidy" and the entire waxing was done in less than 10 minutes. She also did a better job than the other places I usually go to! She got all the hair off! I also got a mani & pedi for $30 which was good and cheap too! Including tip, I paid $60. Not even the price I would pay for one waxing!

Sally's Nails
4219 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

Cost: $20 Brazilian wax; $30 Mani & Pedi Combo

Would I recommend this place to a friend? Yes & no. Yes if you're bob'n and need a cheap waxing. No if you're very picky about cleanliness and no on the mani/pedi. I still have my fave place to go but if you're in the area and need a quick polish, stop in.

NOTW & POTW: The return of...

Dolly! Needed a mani & pedi so along with my brazilian earlier, I decided to get the nails done too. Love, love, love this color! Especially against tan skin! :)



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FOTD: Friday Night Smoked

For some reason I am so tired right now after I've done my make up. :( I need to get some pep in my step cuz I'm headed out for my girl's bday dinner! I still have some stuff to do so I can't be out partying late. One drink max!


Products used:

Face-
MAC Studio Fix in C4
Hard Candy concealer
Hard Candy blush in Living Doll

Eyes-
UDPP in Sin
MAC eyeshadow in Femme Fi all over lid
MAC eyeshadow in Gentle Fume in the crease
MAC eyeshadow in Black Tied in the deep-v
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Zero
Anastasia Brow Powder (dark)
Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black (review on this soon!)

Lips-
Kiehl's Lip Balm in Hue No. 30G (review on this soon too!)



Eye spy some bags. :/ I need some sleep!

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Non-beauty related post - new pursey purse!

I could NOT pass this up. I've been lemming for a teal colored purse and this was perfect and also marked down. During my day in DT Seattle I had to go to Nordstrom. Yes I had to. I needed more of my fave, eczema friendly Kiehl's Lipbalm & I meandered over to the handbags. Now, I didn't head over to the usual Gucci/Chanel niche stores, I went directly to the SALE items and found this gem. Perfect for travel and the best part about this purchase, I got it for $100 off!

American Apparel's Response - Really?!

From: stompkins@americanapparel.net
Sent: Thu 1/28/10 12:25 AM
To: leilei_79@hotmail.com
Hi Rhondalei, The issue is not with the nail polish per say but the glassware. It’s apparently prone to breaks and cracks. If you take it into a store we will offer an exchange of two new bottles or a $10 gift card for anyone who brings in a unit from the original run or a receipt. If you need more info I’m sure the retail store can provide you with more on your visit. Thank you

Sarah Tompkins

Really, that is their answer I get back? Most GLASS is prone to breaks and cracks. I'm still not satisfied with this answer since it does not clear up my question of why there was no info on their website regarding this pull and I did talk to someone in a retail store & they offered the explanation stated in my previous email. And who responds back at 12:25 AM??

CLEAN Petites Eau de Parfum Mini Rollerball Set

I have seen the CLEAN fragrances at Sephora and picked up the CLEAN Petities Eau de Parfum Mini Rollerball Set this week for only 10 bux! What a great deal! I've never tried the CLEAN fragrances, but I have smelled the bottles when passing by the perfume section and like the simple, uncomplicated scents. Oh how Leilei has changed and my tastes have evolved from the sugary sweet fruity scents I used to love so much to the more mature musk scents that I love on me and on someone special. Out of the three, I like the Original CLEAN and CLEAN Provence right now. I can see myself wearing CLEAN Simply Soap in a more warmer climate...like MIAMI! I like CLEAN and CLEAN Provence are all season scents but fit my liking for cozier scents in the winter.



What the website says:

CLEAN Petites Eau de Parfum Mini Rollerball Set ($26 Value)
Simply Soap evokes the spirit of beautiful necessities: a white cashmere bath robe, Egyptian cotton sheets, and—of course—a sudsy bubble bath with your favorite soap.

Meet Original CLEAN, the ideal fragrance option for aficionados of that just-out-of-the-shower aroma. This mist begins with a fresh blast of freshness and dries down to a soft, squeaky-clean finish.

Clean Provence will pamper you with its inviting, just-lathered, delicate fragrance. The soft, fresh scent, captured for centuries by the fine milled soaps of France, channels freshly laundered linen and open blue skies.

Now take your favorite CLEAN signature essence with you—these portable essentials fit easily into your purse or travel bag!



Cost: $10 WHAT A BARGAIN!

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! Absolutely! As I've said, this is a great way to try CLEAN fragrances and travel friendly option.

My response to American Apparel

Re: American Apparel Nail Lacquer

I had recently purchased three bottles of the Nail Lacquer and I went in to the Downtown Seattle American Apparel location looking to purchase more since I did not see the product listed on the website. I was informed by the sales associate that the product had been pulled due to the bottles combusting from the high heat of the lamps in certain stores. I was surprised that this information was not outwardly mentioned on the website as this may pose a safety hazard to those who have already purchased the product. I would expect the company to provide consumers with information regarding a pulled product regardless if it may seem minimal.

Kind Regards,
Rhondalei Gabuat

Let's see what they have to say...

P.S. They spelled "Lynwood" incorrectly. smh and fail to the person in charge of demographics. Know the locations of your stores and get your web editor on the ball to make those corrections. Or better yet, HIRE ME!

Share Beauty And Hope

For those local gals that have not had a chance to indulge at Julep, they are now offering a special promotion for a Porch Pedi & Organic Facial for $98 and they are donating 10% of the proceeds to Haiti Relief. IMO there are several other charities that would have been better suited. *shrug* Otherwise, this is a great time for you ladies and gents to try Julep and see why I rave about their service...*ahem* Kate Gene! ;)

Interesting Tidbit

I'm in DT Seattle today and decided to stop by American Apparel to see if they had Office in stock. Well, the lacquer had been pulled due to the glass bottles combusting from high heat!! I didn't see any of this info listed on their website and would find it useful if they did post something to warn consumers. They will definitely be hearing from Leilei about this. Instead of Get Jesse, Get Leilei to do some investigative work!


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Philosophy Magical Minis

New skincare trial! Yay! I used and loved the Lancome High Resolution Anti-Wrinkle Skincare, but I'm always ready to try something new. I ordered Philosophy's Magical Minis skincare set the beginning of the new year and have been using it now for the past 2 weeks and love it! So far, so good and no adverse reactions.

What Sephora.com says about Magical Minis:

Magical Minis™ ($97 Value)
What it is:
A complete regimen of petite essentials that reveal an enchantingly perfect complexion.

What it is formulated to do:
Discover the magic of renewal, the magic of skincare. This set's power comes from Philosophy's best-selling skincare products, designed with topical ingredients that promote radiantly clear, beautifully bright, and impeccably smooth skin.

This set contains:
- 2.0 oz Purity Made Simple
- 0.25 oz Help Me Night Retinol Treatment
- 0.5 oz hope in a jar
- 0.5 oz Hope In A Jar SPF 20
- 0.25 oz Eye Hope™ Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream
- 2 x Microdelivery Peels

Sans make up and scary! Here is was the condition of my skin before I started using this set. A few blemishes due to the time of the month, lack of a certain glow (I blame turning 30) and some other areas I'm not too happy with.

Mainly, I've noticed freckles aka age spots forming on my cheeks. Some may think this is cute, but not me, especially when they become more prominent. I take care of my skin very well, but as you age, you can't prevent everything from happening. This hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure and I will admit, I am a sun lover in the summer. I can't help it since we seem to have a lack there of in the 206 at times. Well, I do use SPF everyday, but I need to add some extra work to fade these spots. I'm hoping that the Help Me product will aide in speeding up the process.

Mask time! I was excited and curious to try this out.

Step 1

Step 2 - this had a tingly and warm sensation

What the mug looked like right after - a little bit brighter and rosier.

I think I have found my next skincare line. :) I really like the Purity Made Simple Cleanser. Very effective with just a little bit for use. That would be a first for a higher end cleanser to be endorsed by me. The scent reminds me of a Aveda Green Science Cleanser which is fresh and clean.

Cost: $45 for Sephora Beauty Insiders only!

Would I recommend this to a friend? YES! This is a great affordable set that will allow you to try a range of Philosophy products! I would even buy this again to have the smaller sizes for travel.

V-day Prezzie for myself?

I'm already thinking of what to get myself. Hahaha! Last year it was a mini lappy toppy and some new kicks. This year is a bit more BOB'in so something useful and not too pricey. :)

Image from www.sephora.com

Last minute hair & make-up session

My Ate Donnalyn had asked me last min to do her hair and make up for a cocktail party she attended last night. Oh and she attempted to drag me out but I made the decision to stay in since last weekend was bartuk bartuk with several double shots of Crown. LOL Nice try Ate. ;)

The wonderful fluorescent lighting in the garage didn't do justice but it gave these shots a cool edge. She has amazing, beautiful eyes that are defintely her focal point. She used her own foundation and powder. I first primed with UDPP Sin and used Malt & Vex from my smoky eye palette along with her ELF Socialite Mineral Eyeshadow that I am really tempted to buy! Filled in her brows with a little Anastasia Light Brown Brow Powder and added some volume to her lashes with Ardell Individual Lashes in Medium & Short Flare and lined with my fave MAC Blitz & Glitz Fluidline and Orpheus Kohl Liner. I mixed Hard Candy Living Doll & NARS Deep Throat on her cheeks. The liner and gloss are her own.

For her hair she wanted something pulled back and slightly curled. I started off giving her hair some texture by running the curling iron through pieces in her crown and then back combing and spraying with hairspray. I pulled her hair back at the temples leaving her fringe to frame her face. I didn't pin all her hair back. I left the top loose to cover the pins and set in place with more hairspray. Since her hair is assymetrically cut, I curled the remaining pieces on the ends to even it out. Then....I shellacked her do with hella hairspray. Hahaha!





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NOTW & POTW: American Apparel Creamies

I am in love with the new American Apparel Nail Lacquers and can't wait to finally pick up Office! I decided to use the pastel creamy shades for my at-home manicure & pedicure and name this NOTW & POTW the AA Creamies. :) 2 coats of the nail lacquer and the color is true to the bottle. I was hoping that 1 coat would suffice, but since these are cream shades, they will streak. Be sure to add top coat for that patent leather shine!

Cost: $6 ea or 3 for $15

Would I recommend these to a friend? Hell yeah! These are a great deal and the colors are fab. From dark to light!




Products Used:

1x coat Orly Bonder Base
2x coats American Apparel Nail Lacquer (Dynasty on the tips & Rose Bowl on the toes)
2x coats Orly Top Coat
Used Zoya Hurry Up drops to dry my nails too

Tips with Dynasty

Toes with Rose Bowl

Vanity Mark The Lash Mascara & Daiso Mascara Guard

Two products I've been using and now getting around to reviewing. In one of My Pretty Pink Boxes, I received a Vanity Mark The Lash mascara. Since I can only test out a new mascara every 3 months, it takes awhile for me to get around to test them. I also picked up a mascara guard at Daiso sometime last year that I got to try out as well.


From www.vanitymark.com

THE LASH mascara
net weight: 8.0 m. / net 0.270 fl oz.

The thickest, blackest mascara on earth

Shade: Blackest

* Not Too Wet - 'the LASH' has a satiny texture that dries quickly and resists clumps

* Shine - I like a pretty, healthy sheen to lashes, so I made sure that 'theLASH' dries to a crisp, polished finish

* Blackest - I like a mascara that's REALLY dark, so I chose the deepest blue/black shade humanly posssible

* Curl Safe - Since I always curl lashes before and after applying mascara, I had FLEXI-LASTIN added to 'the LASH' so there’d be no worries...curl like crazy...its okay!

* Weatherproof - Holds true, yet removes easily with your favorite facial cleanser

-Cruelty free & not tested on animals

Cost: $16 Now on sale for $8!

Would I recommend this to a friend? I'm on the fence. I do like this mascara, but it seems a bit dry for me and I feel like I can't layer this on as much as I would like.

Here are the naked lashes. Just curled a bit with my trusty Shu Uemura curler.


Here is the Daiso Mascara Guard that I've been sitting on. Really, I don't have any issues getting mascara on my eyelid. Actually, it doesn't really bother me and I can easily clean it up with a wet q-tip. For $1.50, why not try it? I have seen some other guards, but this one in particular was nice because the handle has a comb to go through your lashes.

In action! See my lame attempt to hold it up and use it with my mascara? I was too lazy to set up the tripod and use the self-timer. Haha! You get the idea.

And the results after - clean and ok to my standards.

Here is the right side used without the guard. I'll admit, having the guard as a base helped to pull the lashes upward.

Cost: $1.50

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! Some gals have issues with applying mascara and this can help with a mess-free application. :)

Hard Candy Take Me Out Eyeliner - Dim Sum

Another Hard Candy Treat! My first attempt at buying this fell through the cart. :\ Then my next attempt, they ran out, so finally on to the third attempt and they had it!
Brown or muted gold liners have been a staple in my makeup kit. I have enough black liners and really didn't want any loud colored ones since I would probably only use them once in a blue moon.

See where my fingers are? That's where the end of the liner is. :( That is my only gripe about this product! You just don't get enough! I do like how there is a handle, but I would choose more liner over a fancy handle.


Similar in shade to the Walk The Line Eyeliner in Praline. I do like the pencil liner since they are smudgable & I like to smudge them on my lower lashline & waterline.

Cost: $5

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! The color is awesome, but I wish you got a FULL sized pencil for the price.

Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm

I'm always on the hunt for new lip balm, but nothing can fade the favorite Natural Ice Cherry! I have had this unopened for awhile now and finally got around to using it. I have been a fan of Carmex, but I wasn't a big fan of the pot or even the squeeze tube. This was right up my alley because I like balms in stick form.

Ingredients & their schpeel on not sacrificing fashion in lipcare. Haha!

I do love the slanted tip! I tend to press a divet into my lip balm so that it curves around my lips. This has the same properties as the original formula with extra hydration & spf. Something my lips need all the time. I haven't been using this or Natural Ice lately because my lovely eczema has been acting up and menthol/camphor can be drying. :( Hopefully this clears soon and I can use my tingly lip balms!

Cost: Around $3

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! Like I said, I'm not a fan of the pot or squeeze tube Carmex!

Revlon Fantasy Lengths in Flirty

Remember this lovely, generous sampling from Revlon? I've finally had the chance to use another pair of lashes. Friday night out with the girls, I decided to use the Flirty lashes.

These added a little oomph & fullness to my natural lashes. The strip was very pliable & soft and I had no issues applying. This set of lashes came with it's own small tube of adhesive which was nice.

Close up of the lashes. I really liked this pair and I'm not usually a fan of fuller strip lashes. I usually go for the ones with varying lengths, but this pair made me change my mind. I did have to trim about a quarter of an inch for a better fit, but I have to do that with almost all my strip lashes. I was a bit tipsy when we got back home, but I did take these off before I went to bed! Yay! Unlike my poor Intensifying lashes. :[

Cost: $6

Would I recommend this to a friend? YES! These were a great pair of lashes and I think most of my gals that wear falsies would agree as well! :]

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

One of my Xmas prezzies. I still haven't gotten around to use them, but the swatch are so gorgeous, I can't wait to use them! I was going to purchase this for myself, but of course, my gf told me to, "Stop buying things for yourself so people can buy you presents!" Haha!



Having these tip cards are great! I like having some direction, then adding my own personal touches.

I think my favorite trio is the Classic trio, especially Silk Teddy!

There is also an applicator included. IMO, it is useless. I guess I could use the spongetip end, but why dirty it? LoL!

Swatches of the shadows on my clean, bare hand with no primer. Very pretty! You can purchase this palette from Ulta Too Faced Natural Eye Kit.

Cost: $34

Would I recommend this to a friend? Heck yeah! I heart neutral shades of shadows and this set gorgeous!

Sweet Treat From A Friend :)

My very good friend Liz surprised me with this cute little lipgloss set. :) For once when she said, "I bought you something," it was 'food' but not something I could eat.

Not sure where she picked this up from, but she knew right away that it suited me. It was cute and pink. She knows me too well.

Not sure when I will actually use them, but I'll definitely be using a lipbrush if I can. I don't do finger-in-the-pot gloss often.

How frickin' cute are these?! I wanna eat 'em up!

My fave is the strawberry gloss cuz #1 it is pink and #2 its strawberry! One of my faves!