Thursday, September 22, 2011

Gal Makeovers: Americana

I finally am posting another installation for the Gyaru Makeover series! I wish I had more time to devote to blogging lately. I have a lot of posts planned, and things I want to talk about - but I've been too busy! Hardcandy house is leaving for Atlanta on Thursday - so excited! Will I be seeing any of you at AWA?

Our model for the Americana style is the beautiful Liz! I didn't know much about this style originally, but Rin loves it! She says its something she likes to look at but would never wear personally. I only did the hair and make up for these shots, and Rin put together most of the outfits. She even remade a lot of the pieces!

Before:
These pajama before shots really don't count, lol. But they do make for an impressive before and after!

Casual Style:




Saturday, September 3, 2011

Recent gets and mini review

I have been trying to save up money so I can spend it all in Atlanta, but I was running low on some products so I decided to go bargain shopping! I bought some e.l.f. make up from Target - its the cheapest make up I know of!

All the products below were only $1 apiece!

e.l.f.  Tone correcting Concealer
I really needed concealer, and this one does not cut it! Honestly can't tell any difference. Don't buy it.

e.l.f. Translucent Matifying Powder
This is not translucent! When applied with the provided sponge it goes on darker than my skin tone! But it looks perfect when applied with a brush. It works out better that way since I prefer loose powders over pressed.

e.l.f. Total Face Brush
I needed this to apply my powder. I am quite pleased with it - it is very good quality for $1. Especially when considering how expensive brushes usually are!

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzer
I like these colors, they have a gold shimmer to them, but don't find them at all suitable for contouring. Maybe a darker toned person could pull it off, but using this as a contour on my pale skin looks very unnatural.

e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
I do love this product, even more than  some better brand tinted eyebrow gel I bought. But I am obsessed with eyebrow gel - I don't want a hair out of place! I don't see much of a difference between the eyebrow and eyelash side, other than the shape of the brush. It also says to apply the eyelash formula over your mascara - but I've been applying it under. My lashes get a bit tangled, so this helps me get them in place before mascara. The eyelash side also has a wet-look finish that I don't really care for.

e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner
This eyeliner is very easy to use, goes on smooth, and has a nicely shaped  felt tip. However, it also has a slightly shiny finish, and seems to rub off a bit easily. Not suggested if you touch your eyes a lot.

e.l.f. Brightening Eyeliner in Ash
I bought this one since the only black liner I could find had sparkles in it. To me sparkles in eyeliner just takes away from the black and looks weird. The Ash seems pretty dark in the package, but it goes on so light! When I put it on it just looks like my make up smeared a bit. Don't buy!

e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip
I have been into using a frosted finish for my highlights instead of the usual white lately. I love this product, and a little goes a long way. The only downside is if you apply too much it can look a bit silvery.

Overall I think a lot of e.l.f.'s products are hit and miss. I think the brand is excellent for young girls who are just starting out with make up, and for those who don't wear much. But the price really can't be beat, so its also I good idea for girls on a tight budget - or if you just want to experiment!

My Aunt also suprised my by sending this super cute necklace!


I was surprised to see its by Express. My Aunt is addicted to yard sales and thrift stores, so I didn't expect to get such a nice brand item!

Good night ladies!

Friday, September 2, 2011

A bit of camwhoring

I have been feeling so awful and kinda guilty that I haven't had/made the time to devote to gyaru lately. I blame being busy - I'm working more hours. Also, I'm excited to announce that hardcandy house will be at AWA's Artist Alley at the end of this month! So excited - if anyone is attending you should definitely come and visit our table! So we have been working working working on cute accessories. I have been working so much that I haven't even been wearing make up on my days off!

But last weekend I went out with my friend Ellen to shop for a baby shower we are throwing for our friend Alena, and I took the opportunity to dress up! We met pretty early in the morning, and  I'm surprised my outfit and make up came together so nicely since I was rushing so much! I was going to straighten my hair too, and got a quarter through with it before I realized I wouldn't have time to finish. I did the only acceptable but still fashionable choice I knew with part straight and part curly hair - and threw it in a good 'ol side pony.

I decided to push myself a little harder with my image, and go for some bigger accessories I'm usually too scared to wear. I wore a fur beret - which I wasn't sure about since I feel like its a better winter item? But I needed something to balance the other half of my head! ha ha And then I felt my face looked too plain so I added lensless glasses.


Ellen's adorable fruit tart earrings! Sadly I didn't make these - I'm no good at making clay canes ):


The ever reliable bathroom mirror shot. I've lost my camwhore skills! I can hardly take a decent picture of myself without a mirror. 

We went to Five Guys to eat. Ellen was pretty set on it, but I wasn't too hungry.


We shared some cajun fries , but they weren't as delicious as usual :/

I wish we had shared my gigantic burger. I forgot their regular burgers are so huge! T_T so many calories...ugh

Painted my nails with Revlon's Minted. And my gum matched!

Later that night I took some "make up shots", but I forgot to reapply my lipgloss. >.>



Good night! Tomorrow I get up early to make more cute exciting accessories!