Palty Hair Color- Before!

Hello everyone! 

So, it's been about 3 years since I last touched any kind of color to my hair.   Last time I did, my hair was horribly damaged, dry, and it was like I had a dry blonde birds nest on my head.

For the year 2011, I am going to be changing my hair color for the first time in 3 years- Coloring my hair symbolizes (to me) the changes I plan to make for the next year. 

I decided this time I want to try Palty hair color, a Japanese brand that seems to be popular and work a bit better on dark hair (like mine).  I went to my local Japanese market (I have a Mitsuwa Marketplace nearby and the stuff is 10 bucks a box, not different from American brands you'd find at any drugstore.) and bought 2 boxes of a color called Milk Tea Brown.  This is what it is supposed to look like:

One thing I have heard about this brand is it tends to not do much within the 20 minutes that the instructions say to leave it on, I have heard of people leaving this color on for up to an hour, so I think that's how long I will leave it.   My hair is virgin (all natural) and in good shape so this shouldn't be too damaging. 

This is my current hair color:

I don't expect that my hair will lighten to that extent but we'll see. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised with hair color.

The dye kit is actually quite simple- it comes with developer, color, and a leave in conditioner. (I'll post pictures of what comes inside in my next post, as well as my version of English instructions because they are in Japanese ONLY)  It also has a nifty comb nozzle so you can just comb it into your hair. 

Well, I am probably going to color it today or tonight, and I will post pictures of the end result and a review next post.

We're getting revamped!!!

Hi everyone!!!

Long time no post!  This is just a little blurb about changes I am going to make for the new year. 

What to expect:

1. This blog will focus mainly on looks from Japan and Korea- both the mainstream styles and subculture styles (Gothic Lolita, Hime Gyaru, etc.) 

2. More tutorials!

3. New Layout!

4. New name- which is where YOU come in!

Send me suggestions for a new name for this blog! The winner will receive a tube of Lovely Girl BB Cream by Skin 79! (One of my favorites!)   I have some suggestions of my own but would also like my readers' input as well. 

Contest ends Jan 31, 2010 at midnight!

Haven't shopped in a while...

Hey guys!

It's been a while since I went out and got a haul of products. I am currently sitting here, thinking about which products I want to go purchase.

A list so far:

MAC

• Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (tried this on, it looked great on me)
• Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass (also looked great on me!)
• Any MAC false lashes
• MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara

Urban Decay

• Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows (If I can ever find it for a reasonable price, it would be GREAT)
• Shadow Primer Potion- Professional size- in a squeeze tube! In the old bottle (that I have) when you run low it is very difficult to get the remaining product out.

Makeup Forever

• Any of their products, I am relatively unfamiliar with this brand but have heard a lot of good things.
• Eye shadow #92- a recommendation from a friend. A very pretty purple. ^^

If you guys have any other ideas, please suggest them!!!

Product Review- Olay Quench Lotion

Hello!

With cooler weather coming soon here in the USA, also comes drier skin.  A lot of lotions need to be reapplied several times throughout the day to keep skin moist but I came across a lotion which claims to keep skin supple for a full 24 hours- Olay  Body Quench Body Lotion (ultra moisture formula).

This lotion can be found at the drugstore, the smaller size is about $6.00 and the large size cost me $9.99. 

The lotion claims to contain shea butter and vitamins E and B3, and also says that it breaks the cycle of dry skin by providing longer lasting moisture.

When I first tried it, I found that (at least to me) it smells really good.  It has a vanilla/floral scent that I like but others may find it strong.  When I put it on, I was pleased to notice that it did not feel greasy after I put it on- another plus for me.

But the bottom line- did it keep my legs moist for 24 hours? Yes, it did.  I put my lotion on after my shower before bed, and my legs still felt nice when it was the same time the next day.

I recommend this lotion not only as a reviewer but also as a person who suffers from dry skim myself.  Also, a little goes a long way! You don't need to put a lot on, and the fact that you don't need to reapply during the day also makes the bottle last longer and save you money in the long run.

MAC Eyeshadows vs Coastal Scents

Hello!

Long time no post, I know. College has been keeping me busy... 

I am going to cover something people seem to ask me a lot- 

Which is better? MAC Eyeshadows or Coastal Scents?

Well it really depends.  I can't say one is clearly better than the other but I can give some similarities/differences.  I personally like both.

Similarities:

1. Cruelty-free- neither company participates in animal testing for either the final product OR the individual ingredients.

2. Both have a lot of colors to choose from and are highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

3. Both are versatile- can be used wet or dry (although certain colors of each brand are better at this than other colors)

4. Both are very popular among makeup gurus on YouTube and both get a lot of exposure this way.

5. Both companies also have the option of making your own custom palettes.

6. Both are very high quality shadows and are hypoallergenic. I have sensitive eyes and have never had problems with either brand in regards to irritation.

Differences:

1. MAC is more expensive.  For the price of one color (About 14 USD) you can get almost an entire palette of 88 colors from Coastal Scents (their 88 color palettes run about 25 USD)

2. MAC has a larger amount of color in each pot.  If you are someone who only uses a few colors regularly, MAC might be a better choice because there is a lot more and will last longer if you wear the same color every day.

3. Coastal Scents is a cheap way to experiment with lots of color if you are unsure of buying the more expensive MAC colors. 

4. MAC does get limited edition (and sometimes pretty cool) colors that Coastal Scents does not make anything close to sometimes. 

5. I believe Coastal Scents palettes are made in China (on the back of the box that my palettes have come in, it says Made in China), whereas MAC colors are made in Canada, USA, and Italy (so far as I have seen with the colors I already have.)

In conclusion, choosing between MAC and Coastal Scents is really a matter of preference.  For my regular makeup I do use MAC but when I try something with a wild color I normally wouldn't use, I use my Coastal Scents.

Attention Costco Shoppers...

Hello!!!

I was shopping at Costco last week and came across this lovely stuff-

Kirkland (Costco's generic brand) Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

It is sulfate-free (safe for color treated hair), paraben-free, vegan, has sunscreen in it, and smells really pretty (to me at least) and for about $8 per bottle of shampoo and conditioner (which is a pretty big bottle too!) I bought some to try it. And I am glad I did!

First, I like how it is in a pump bottle.   Easier to handle and don't have to mess with big bottles when  you are running low.

Second, the lather.... So thick and luxurious, and I only had to use about half of the amount I use of other shampoos.   Also rinses clean despite it being thick feeling.

Third, the conditioner was very good, the directions say to leave it on for 1-3 minutes, I have normal uncolored hair so 1 minute was very sufficient. Moisturizes very well.

And finally, the result- When my hair was dry, I haven't felt it this soft in years. Brushing my hair was a dream, and the scent stays in your hair for a long time also. 

Highly recommended whether you have color treated hair or not~

Don't call my name... Alejandro~

Hello!

I just saw Lady Gaga's new video yesterday, and the makeup is beautiful, simple, and even wearable during the day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA&playnext_from=TL&videos=rvmZEXwFeQ8

This is very doable and beautiful, and you do not need to make your face pale like that either to get the desired effect.

I am practicing it now so that I can whip up a tutorial for you!

Love

ObeyBeauty

Voting for the next video tutorial- For real this time!!!!

Hello!

The time has come for me to plan my next tutorial.  And this time I am going to need YOUR help!

I need you to vote for one of the following looks to be my premier moving video tutorial. The theme- Lady Gaga!

Please vote from the following~

1. Paparazzi "mouse" look:

http://www.cmt.com/shared/promoimages/bands/l/lady_gaga/paparazzi/320x240.jpg

2. Telephone chef look:

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/03/12/article-1257443-08AFDB30000005DC-8_634x371.jpg

3. Bad Romance Polar Bear look:

http://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/lady-gaga-bad-romance-official-video-6.jpg

4. Telephone truck scene look:

http://blog.mtvasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ladygaga_telephone.jpg

Cast your vote in the comments, or *points to the upper right* join my fan page and vote there! 



You can also vote on YouTube!


Voting video here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBjD_fQVW4Y

Airbrush systems- what do I use?

Hello~!


As you have probably earlier noticed, I do sometimes use airbrush makeup. But with all the brands and everything out there what is good, and not too pricey?


What I use for an airbrush machine is the Nuave Airbrush System


www.nuaveworld.com


Compared to Temptu and Luminess's systems, the machine itself is much more affordable and works very well with virtually all airbrush makeup.  It's also easy to assemble and clean and it's portable too!  It weighs about one pound all together so it can go with you anywhere.

It is also a lot cheaper than Temptu's or Luminess's machines. The nuave is $149.95, Temptu's basic set is $225 (and requires you to use their special cartridges) and Luminess's basic model is 169.99 but only has one speed (Nuave has three for cheaper) and if you like Luminess's makeup, you can use it easily with the Nuave.  They also have a one year warranty on their systems and they come in a variety of colors as well.


As for inexpensive airbrush makeup, I found a great brand called Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.  They make a wide variety of things, I previously reviewed their lip tars.  Their airbrush cosmetics are also really good. They have foundations, contour/blushes, shimmers, and mixing bases/correctors.



www.occmakeup.com


I will be doing upcoming videos on how to use the Nuave, how to clean it, and looks I made using it.


If you have any questions about any of this, please ask!

Love,

ObeyBeauty


PS- See that facebook badge up in the corner? Join my page please~~! 

Joining my fan page automatically qualifies you to win on any of my giveaways.  I will be giving away a Nuave set also!

Contest details!

Minor detail I forgot- Contest ends June 30 at 11:59 pm~

Summer is here... And so is another contest!

Hello~

My finals are finally over, so now I can focus a bit more on this lovely blog of mine (at least for the summer!)

Also- For the month of June, I will be having another giveaway contest!   

You may have heard me talk about or mention in my other tutorials something called BB Cream.  BB cream is currently all the rage in Korea, Japan, China, and other parts of Asia. 

It is used as a base under makeup or alone on bare skin.  It supposedly helps improve your skin over time with use.  However, it is NOT a moisturizer, like in a skincare regime.  For me, it works great under my foundation, in particular my airbrush foundation.  It makes my skin tone look more even, even with other makeup on.  Also, many of them contain sunscreen, which is a huge plus!

For the month of June, entries will be accepted for a chance to win their own tube of Skin79 Lovely Girl BB Cream (one of the most popular in Korea right now~!) to try!

What's the catch?  Since the goal of BB Cream is to improve your natural skin, I want to see your best natural look with makeup!  

I will be putting up another YouTube video with rules and how to enter.  You can also enter another way.

1. Make yourself all pretty and natural!

2. Take pictures of your masterpiece!

3. Email pictures to me at obeybeauty@yahoo.com.

4. Don't forget to list all of the products you used, so that others can duplicate it~

The other way is to make me a nice video of your hard work.   Any technique is welcome- I can even learn new things from you as well!

So don't be shy! Enter! I will choose 1 winner, 2 if there are many entries!

Any questions, please email them to me, send me a message on YouTube, or even comment here~

Good luck!

ObeyBeauty

Bath and Body Works Haul!!!

Hello!!!



I know it's been a while since my last blog- but this time I have a haul!!!




Bath and Body Works was having a sale AND a coupon dealie going on.  I was running out of my Japanese Cherry Blossom body spray (which I use post-gym) so I decided this would be an opportune time to get more spray, as well as lotions and shower gel.


This time I chose my other favorite scent- Sweet Pea! 

From left to right: Fragrance Mist, 2 shower gels, another Fragrance Mist, and Body Cream.

I also bought my friend some Sheer Freesia stuff, the same at mine.  It seems they had given us 2 extra sprays, so she kept one and I kept one for the gym bag.  Sheer Freesia is an older scent that you can now only buy online.

Sheer Freesia Body Splash!

Last, but definitely NOT least, they were also having a sale on hand and foot stuff.  Since I rarely have time for a pedicure (and god knows in a perfect world, we would ALL get them every two weeks) I picked up these.

From Left: Toe The Line (Foot scrub), Footloose and Fancy Fizz (soaking salts for a footbath) and Tough Love (an Alpha Hydroxy Acid cream for removing calluses)

A review on all of these things will be coming within the next few days or so, I want to give the callus treatment a chance to work.

Good night everyone!

Love, 

ObeyBeauty

Face Shop Masksheets

Hello!




As I previously mentioned, I picked up some Face Shop masksheets from Walgreens a couple of weeks ago.  So far, I have tried 2-  Aloe Vera and Pearl essence.


I don't have any pics of the aloe one, I accidentally tossed the wrapper before I took a pic, but I do have a pic of the Pearl one so you can see.

The pouch

The mask itself (I look like a murderer while wearing it...)

First, the Aloe mask.

This mask was nicely scented, not too overpowering, and felt really refreshing on my face.  When I was done, my skin felt nice and dewy, not irritated or anything.  Also, not too greasy!  This might even feel nice on if you have a little sunburn on your cheeks.  

The Pearl mask

This one smells really good too (different than the Aloe).  It is meant to give a brighter complexion, I think it is meant to go with their White Tree whitening line (which I have as my winter skincare because it is very moisturizing).  During this climate, that skincare line and this mask is a bit greasy for me.  It is a very good moisturizer, perhaps better for mature, drier skin.

I still have a collagen and a pomegranate one. Reviews to come!

Contest winner update!!!

Hello hello!






The winner of my Rainbow contest has been decided! 




YouTube user halaybabyyy is March's winner!




Her video and look can be seen here-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBVpaouL8HE




Congrats! ^^




I will be having another giveaway for May- It will be Asian beauty based- and I will be giving away up to 3 tubes of BB cream- a product VERY popular in Asia for creating a nice finished, natural look to your skin.  I use it too, and it also makes a great base for under airbrush makeup. ^^  It looks good with most skin tones, it blends in well (Not sure about darker skin tones though.)




I haven't posted in a while because my computer DIED!!!!!! >___<  So while I get that cleared up, I am using other people's computers/laptops/etc so bear with me!




Love




ObeyBeauty

The FaceShop Hits Walgreens!

Hello~~~




As some of you may know, I am an avid user of products by the FaceShop.  They are a Korean cosmetics company whose items I have only been able to find in ONE store near me. Not anymore!




I went into my local Walgreens and lo and behold- a whole stand of FaceShop masks.  2 for $5! So yes, I got one of each (except Lemon, which they were sold out of.  They were almost sold out of ALL of them! Mostly I got the last ones.)


The ones I have are:


Pearl- for whitening
Collagen- for firming
Aloe- for refreshing
Pomegranate- for many benefits


They had a Lemon one too but it was sold out.




Tonight, before bed, I am going to use one, then post about it tomorrow~


Good Night!

My contest!

Hello!




Just an update on my contest for the 88 color Coastal Scents palette- I only have one entry ladies and gents... 


Here is the contest-




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzec3rAVomA




I am giving away a brand new Coastal Scents palette (winner's choice of ultra shimmer or original) to the winner!


I also will pay all shipping charges and the contest is open worldwide! 






Contest ends on March 31~   Please submit entries via video response on YouTube or shoot me an email to obeybeauty@yahoo.com.  It doesn't have to be a video, pics are fine too, just tell me what was used to create the look as per the rules. 




Enter! Enter! I don't bite!  Also I have many more contests coming up, including weekly giveaways in the works~




To those of you entering- Good Luck! I can't wait to see your looks!




Love,




ObeyBeauty

Body wash haul!

Hello!




I was at the store today buying some groceries, and there was a huge sale on body wash. All kinds of it.  So, I grabbed a lot, and I will be reviewing them. 


In my past experiences, not all body washes are created equal, I have even used some that left me feeling a bit greasy and dirty. :(




Also, I think I smell another MAC haul coming. Or some other cosmetic purchase. :D  Don't know yet though.  I need to update what I have, my collection has almost DOUBLED since I started my blog!  I can barely fit all of it in my makeup case. 




Well, keep posted!




Love




ObeyBeauty


PS- remember the rainbow contest!!!! 

Telephone video update

Hello~




I completed and photographed one of my Telephone tutorials, but I am sick as a dog, and in my pictures I really look like it... >____< 


I really want to do it over although my makeup looked fantastic.  My raw red nose (seen even through my makeup from me blowing it all the time) isn't.




So when my nose heals up and when I get better, I will post a new vid!





Love




ObeyBeauty

Upcoming videos~

Hello!!!!




I am going to make more vids although it's been forever..... 




Unfortunately they won't be moving vids yet as I have hoped, but slide shows, etc like before. BUT I have cool stuff in store for you!!!



Most of them are Lady Gaga looks-  I want to do the Telephone looks of hers and Beyonce's so bad! They look dramatic and beautiful yet easy to create.  




Also more contests! I have lots of stuff to give away!  More Coastal Scents and some other stuff I have. I am considering doing monthy giveaways! Tell your friends! Enter yourself! 


Reminder as always- Contest #1 is on until the 31st~~~~ 




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzec3rAVomA




Now, off to photograph for my next video~


Keep posted!



Love.




ObeyBeauty

Sorry I'm late... :(

Hello!!!

Sorry about no posting for the past couple days.  My computer has been acting up badly and I have a beautiful, sexy sinus infection... =____=;;;


But I'm back (still a bit sniffly~)!


Have you guys seen Lady Gaga and Beyonce's new video for Telephone?   Tarantino fans will LOVE it. I did!  Also, it has many new looks I want to try, very colorful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY


Also a reminder, my contest is still on until March 31!  Win a coastal scents 88 color eyeshadow palette!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzec3rAVomA


Enter soon! Contest is open worldwide and the winner pays no shipping~

Replay Your Fragrance

Hello!




Recently, a friend of mine received a gift from his friend in Europe-  a cologne called Replay Your Fragrance. (That IS the whole name of it).  


http://replay-your-fragrance.com/EN/








Here is a picture of the bottle:

The reason they call it Replay is that apparently they have designed it so that after a while, when the scent starts to fade, you splash a bit of water on it to reactivate the scent.  The men's version (the one my friend has) has a very nice, clean smell to it, almost addicting (to me, very much like Axe sprays for men).  And yes, the water reactivation DOES work, you only need a drop or two of water to make it work.  


One drawback- this stuff is apparently only for sale in Europe. Too bad, it smells REALLY good and I think it would sell well here! 

BB Cream

Hello!

So, some of you who are into Asian cosmetics (like me) may have heard of something called BB Cream.  If not, keep reading, this is good stuff!

BB cream is short for Blemish Balm.  What is does is minimizes and hides pores, lightens skin blemishes or covers them completely, and evens out the skin tone.  It can be worn alone or under more makeup.  It is important to know that it is NOT a moisturizer, but more like a base foundation you can wear under other makeup.  Usually they are tinted but quickly adjust to your skin color. 

Does it work? I should think so.  I use it and it makes the bigger pores on my nose and chin vanish, and hides most of my little freckles. My camera isn't that great at taking closeups so that I can show you the difference.

Before: see the pores and unevenness.

After: pores are minimized, skin color is more even.

There are MANY brands of BB cream, most of them Korean.  I have two different kinds: The Face Shop Hydro Splash BB Cream and Skin79 Lovely Girl BB cream.

Hydro Splash is more water based, and gives a bit lighter coverage.  Skin79 one is wonderful for covering the pores.  These before and after pics are after using the same one.

Tip! Using BB cream before airbrushing makes airbrush foundation look even BETTER!!!!

Spoiler: My next contest, I will be giving away a full sized bottle of Skin79 Lovely Girl BB Cream!

For now, enter my current contest here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzec3rAVomA

Keep visiting! It makes me smile! ^^

Love, 

ObeyBeauty

Eyelid Glue and Eyelid Tape

Hello-




This post is mostly aimed toward people with single layered eyes (mostly Asian) who want to achieve the double eyelid look without getting surgery.


There are two main ways to do it- either using eyelid glue or tape.




Here is an example of using glue, you can make your eyelids fold in several ways.

Both ways are equally effective, it really is something that should be chosen based on preference.  Sometimes people say shadow clumps up over the glue. 

Even though I have double eyelids myself, I have tried both tapes and glues even on my own eyes.  I did see a little difference.  Personally, I like the glue better because my eyes got oily and the tape started to come off.

The products I used: 

Koji Eye Talk (Lid glue) 

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://hairbb.com/hair-care-products/images/KOJI%2520EYE%2520TALK.jpg&imgrefurl=http://hairbb.com/hair-care-products/koji-eye-talk-8ml-p-585.html&usg=__tVXppYfOjLz027kqbHlb7OT7kqY=&h=320&w=320&sz=19&hl=en&start=1&itbs=1&tbnid=zKHkRu6T8Xk2DM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkoji%2Beye%2Btalk%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1

Koji Technical Tape (wide)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://prettyandcute.com/store/images/kojiwide.jpg&imgrefurl=http://prettyandcute.com/store/product_info.php%3Fproducts_id%3D723&usg=__zIed9JOt77xRojKoikVzBA-IK00=&h=458&w=380&sz=217&hl=en&start=19&itbs=1&tbnid=0bPge8GMfYOMxM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=106&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkoji%2Btechnical%2Btape%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1

They are relatively inexpensive and have a little tool to help push the lids to the shape you want.

Using either one also takes practice! So if you try, don't get discouraged if it looks funny the first few times. 

Reminder: Contest for a rainbow theme!  Win an 88 Color Coastal Scents Palette!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzec3rAVomA

Contest end 3/31/10 and is open WORLDWIDE! ^^

Love, 

ObeyBeauty