Sephora 24 Karat Envelope Clutch Brush Set Review

First off, I need to apologize for not posting as much and not being able to catch up on everyone's posts! I have been extremely busy with school and work. :( 

Second off, there is nothing else. That is all. Haha.

I finally had a chance to do a little shopping to buy items for my giveaway winners and of course I had to go into Sephora to buy everything in that store for absolutely no reason at all.
Good thing my hubby was there to regulate me and keep me from spending too much. :)  

Anyway, I got this cute envelope clutch brush set for only $15! 

$102 value, original price $44...and for only $15?! How could I resist?!

 Looooook how shinnyyyyyyyyy everything issssssss!

*emphasize every word*

It comes with 5 travel sized brushes.

Powder

Foundation

Concealer

Shadow

Crease

And a gold envelope clutch to hold your brushes or use for something else. 

Perfect for traveling or a night out!

The brushes next to the UD Naked Basics palette so you can get an idea of how big the brushes are. They're not too small compared to other travel sized brushes, but not too big either. 

A close up of the bristles. Each brush is infused with real 24 karat gold in each bristle. 

They're soooooooo soft! I can't stop touching them. 

They all apply, blend, and pick up make-up just as well and evenly as any other quality brush.

This brush set is sold out online, but I'm sure that you can find them at your local Sephora still. :)  Get to it! Go, go, go!

Hair talk and GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

I get a lot of questions about my hair, which is no surprise to me because as you can see...my hair is pretty awesome. (haha jk.)
 I've had the same hairstyle/color for the past 5-6 years. I do small changes here and there, but I always find myself going back to my bleached highlights and layered hair look.

HAIR CARE:

- I wash my hair every other day and I switch up my shampoo/conditioner basically every other month. Sometimes when I use the same brand of shampoo/conditioner for too long, my scalp gets too dry and I find that switching it up every once and awhile definitely helps.

- I do not apply any heat to my hair at all, unless I need to curl my hair for a special occasion. Or, if I'm in a hurry and really need to blow dry my hair. But even then I use a diffuser and the cold shot.

- ARGAN OIL! It really does help! I haven't cut my hair in over a year and my split ends are not noticeable/prevented because of organ oil.

Let's rewind!

The beginning of the highlights and layers...here, it is more of a light brown than blonde because this was the first process to get it completely blonde. This was during my senior prom. My mom did my hair and make-up. :) That is my best friend on the right! She is still my best friend today! :) 

Apparently we found that lighthouse fascinating. Haha.

And then eventually, my highlights got blonder and blonder...along with majority of my hair.

I'm pretty sure it IS normal to take awkward selfies at a stop light.
Does anyone else not look directly at the front camera lens, but the screen? No? Just me? Okay. 

Then...my mom passed away and I went through that stage everyone goes through, you know...where something bad happens to you, like a break up, and you want to do something different to your hair?

 I dyed it a super vibrant red and I LOVED IT! I wish I could do it again but my profession doesn't allow crazy, red hair. :(

Hahhaa, this is the only picture I could find of my red hair. The sun was REALLY bright and we look awfully funny, so I decided to cover our faces with a shampoo bottle and a cat. :) Sup cat and shampoo bottle.

Yes, that is the Golden Gate bridge. My Home!

As much as I loved my red hair, the upkeep was a tiring and pricey. I had to redye it every month because it faded and I had to use certain shampoo/conditioner with the red coloring in it every time I washed my hair.

I used bumble&bumble's color minded line. It really does keep your hair color locked in! 

If you'd like to know how I achieved my red hair or any other questions about it , I'll be happy to answer them! :) 

*pictures taken from bumble and bumble website
Ack, I really want to switch the shampoo and conditioner around but I've already gone so far...
Okay, I found an easier way to switch it. It's done. I should delete this.
...Nah, I've already typed it. 

So to get the red out of my hair, I stopped retouching my hair and using my bumble&bumble products. I started using harsher shampoos, like Nioxin and did hot oil hair treatments with olive oil  (heat up a small bowl of olive oil for 30 seconds and place it on your head, focusing on your scalp and ends, for half an hour, then rinse and shampoo)...and eventually it faded away over time to my normal color. 

NOW, I have this. I took this maybe a month ago. It looks a lot shorter when I curl it. My hair is way past my back and when I twerk, it gets in everyone's way (hahaha, I'M JUST KIDDING!)

I pulled out one hair and measured it out of curiosity,  almost 40 inches! (around 101 centimeters for my readers who are not in the US. Thank you, Google!)

My hair is very layered, so I have those random stray hairs everywhere after I hair spray it. 

A better look of the color. 

I'm definitely due for a new haircut and root touch up!

How do you take care of your hair? Share your hair tips! :)

ANNNDDDDDD NOOOWW...
GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

First I made a list on random.org and randomized it.
just proof that I did not pick someone because I preferred them over another person. :p

then entered it through the random number generator.

I decided to pick two winners. :)

I wish I could pick all of you!
Though the 2nd person only gets a mac lipstick or eyeshadow of her choice.

FIRST WINNER

KIERSTEN at http://girlandcloset.blogspot.com/

She's the cutest girl ever. She loves food, tea, and mint green like i do!

Check out her blog! Her nail art is on point.

SECOND WINNER

ANGELA at http://notanobession.blogspot.com/

She has wonderful reviews and she looks exactly the same without make-up. *Jealous* Haha.

 Congratulations and thank you to everyone who entered!
I really enjoyed learning more about each and every one of you.

& I will definitely be doing more giveaways!
Tell me what products you would like for my next giveaway. :) 

GIVEAWAY!

I started this blog as a way to share my passion for art/beauty...and since I've started blogging, I've met such wonderful people! 

So! I've decided to start a giveaway to meet more new people!

 & for the people I've already "met" through blogging, I want to know more about you! :)

The winner will receive:

1. Tokidoki Love From London Palette. (Limited Edition)

  Includes eight eyeshadows, one bronzer, and a key chain.

 2. Ciate Sequined Manicure Set in Tutu Pink*

  (OR a MAC lipstick/eyeshadow of your choice!)

3. Dior Diorshow New Look Mascara. (Deluxe sample)

4. Sephora by OPI Betsey Johnson Trend Tips -- Nail Polish Strips

5. Model 21, No. 18 Eyelashes. (10 pairs)

*If your country does not allow nail polish shipments, I will replace it with a MAC lipstick or eyeshadow of your choice! :) 

How to Enter: 

1. Follow me on GFC and bloglovin'

2. Comment below with a way for me to contact you (email, twitter, or instagram) 

and since I am giving 5 things away, tell me five things about yourself! 

That way I can get to know you better AND you get a chance at winning all of these wonderful goodies! :p

For extra entries:

Share this giveaway on your twitter, instagram, or blog.

(+1 for each one. Post the link to this giveaway then #luxeandlushhgiveaway if you share this on twitter or instagram)

If you do this, please be sure to include in your comment where you shared it!

Of course I'm not going to leave you hanging and not tell you five things about myself...

here are five things about me. :) 

1. I'm mixed and fluent in every language I am.

 (Nationalities: Asian/Pacific Islander/Latina)

2. I am located in the SF Bay Area. (United States) 

3. I am a professional ballerina dancer...on Tuesday mornings...in front of the bathroom mirror. 

5. I work and study in the law field, though I have a huge passion for art and anything that has to do with art!  I paint, draw, play musical instruments, produce music, do the occasional picture-taking with my expensive camera :P, and of course...make-up!

5.  It took me years to decide to go public with this blog.

I am a very private person, so it was very hard for me to decide to do this and open up some of my life to complete strangers! Glad I finally decided to go through with it because I've met such wonderful people. :) 

THE WINNER:

The winner will be chosen randomly, using a random website generator, and announced on my blog the day after the giveaway ends.

If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Winner will receive all the items stated above and more extra goodies from me! 

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! 

Everyone is allowed to enter.

If you are under 18, ask your parent(s) or guardian(s) before you enter.

Last day to enter is FRIDAY, MAY 31ST.
I've decided to extend this giveaway and I will be adding a lot more goodies to this!

This is not sponsored. The items were not given to me and I purchased all of the items on my own.

Ciate Very Colourfoil Manicure Review and Application -- Wonderland (Foil Nail Art)

I bought this at Sephora for $19 US Dollars.

This kit includes:

- Foil Fix Glue

- Nail Polish (paint pot) in Cream Soda, a nice soft gray color.
- 30 Colourfoil sheets in 6 different colors.

The Colourfoil Sheets.
They're very, very thin! It's so hard to put it back into the packaging because it's so thin.

Application Process:

First off, you need to paint your nails with 2 coats of polish. 

2 coats of Cream Soda. (No flash)

With Flash.

Then, apply a thin coat of the glue wherever you would like the Colourfoil to be.
Wait for the glue to become clear (tacky) and apply the Colourfoil over the tacky glue. Press down the Colourfoil firmly onto your nail. 

Pull off the Colourfoil in one quick motion...and you end up with something like this. 

Continue and repeat with other Colourfoils. 

How my nails turned out with no top coat. 

After one coat of top coat.

Though it does say to seal your manicure with a Top Coat, I prefer it with none. It seems to lose it's shine after a top coat is applied.

Overall, I really liked the idea of this. I've always wanted to try Nail Foil and this kit was perfect for that.  Buy it here at Sephora. 

What do you think of this nail polish trend? 

OPI's OZ, The Great and Powerful Mini Lacquer Review and Swatches

From left to right:

 I Theodora You - A sheer pink.

I liked this color the most out of the sheer polishes. It's a nice soft, pink color that compliments my pale skin tone very well.

Don't Burst My Bubble - Soft white jelly with a hint of pink.

This reminds me of OPI's Don't Touch My Tutu from their NYC Ballet collection, only this polish is a little more visible. It did take me 3+ coats to get to the same color as the bottle though.

Glints of Glinda - A soft beige jelly.

Really was not a fan of this color, it's such an off putting beige color.

What Wizardy is This? - Textured, matte taupe with gold glitter.

I am loving this liquid sand formula! It dries extremely fast and the color is gorgeous!

3 coats of each polish with no top coat.

Top picture has flash and the bottom picture has no flash. 

Overall, this collection did not appeal to me as most collections usually do.

I think it's because I have a polish already similar to these colors...and that beige polish is such a hard color to pull off. 

What do you think of this collection? 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Drawquest

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been extremely busy! 

I've been addicted to this app on iTunes called drawquest lately. (Download for iPad here.)

It was created by moot (the founder of 4chan) and canvas. 

You get a daily drawing quest that comes with a scenario already and use your creativity to complete it. 

This is the quest of the day. You earn 5 coins for every quest you do. 

Coins are used to unlock color combinations. I already have all the combinations and too many coins. (hashtag firstworldprobs haha)

On the upper left hand corner, there's a menu button that opens up your activity to make it easier for you to see who "starred" your drawing or which one of your followers posted a drawing.

 I wish I could show you the top girl's drawings, but I blurred it out for her privacy :) She draws really well!!

Here is the gallery where you can scroll through everyone's drawings and you can "star" or "play" the person's drawing, and that person earns a coin for every star they get.

The above drawing is my drawing from yesterday.

I love looking through the galleries...everyone is so creative! :)

My profile on drawquest. (Of course I promote my blog :p)

Excuse my typical vain & mirrored Photobooth photo!! haha.

Feel free to follow me! :) I do a drawing every day!

Euro Centrale Collection by OPI

I love getting these mini nail polishes!

From left to right:

- Can't Find My Czechbook: (An aqua creme)

- Suzi's Hungry Again! (Warm pink, almost coral)

- You're Such A BudaPest. (Periwinkle purple)

- OY-Another Polish Joke! (Shimmery gold)

...How do they come up with these names? 

With flash.

Two coats and my favorite top coat, OPI's Rapi Dry, which I feel works better than the beloved Seche Vite.

I apologize for the sloppy work, I was in a hurry. Hence the poor filing job! 

Also, there's no flash. There is a huge difference with flash, but I felt like no flash looked the best.

 The last polish is a Sephora by OPI color. The name is not on the bottle, so I have no idea what it's called. Sorry!

I'm in LOVE with this collection. I am probably going to end up buying the full sized versions of the rest of the collection. All the colors suit me so well! OPI never fails me. :)