Back to the Earth Swatches *Pic Spam*

The one thing I love most is being able to look pretty without wasting hundreds of dollars on mediocre products.

Besides drugstore products, another good option would be to try out handmade makeup from Etsy. Not only are the products safer, but they're also a lot cheaper!

So long story short, I did a MUA swap with the owner of an Etsy shop called Back to the Earth (linked for those interested) All of their makeup is vegan, natural and organic.

I got the 5pc deal, where it only costs $12 for 5 eyeshadows of your choice (I got them free though, since it was a swap) and I have to say, I was really impressed with the pigmentation!

Here's what I got:


Illuminated
This is probably my favorite of the bunch. It's a bit hard to tell, but this is a sort of cream colored shadow in disguise. When you shine it in the light, it turns into a really amazing sheer gold.


Diamonds and Shamrocks
This was a bit darker than I expected (I was hoping for something like pastel green),
but still a really pretty shade nevertheless. Honestly, I can never say anything bad about glittery eyeshadow, they're just so pretty!


Northern Lights
Another one of my favorites, this is a really beautiful and intense shade of purple. The sparkles are really amazing, it really does look like the stars!


Starry Night
I was really disappointed that it was more black than purple, but if you forget about that, the black in itself is really amazing! When applied wet, it's a really intense purple/black with hints of purple glitter. Have you ever seen the ocean get all sparkly when it hits the sun? Sort of like that.


Water Elemental
Although it's a really intense color, this is probably my least favorite out of the five. I just didn't see the wow factor from it. It's just my POV though...

Anyways, here are the swatches I promised you:





Overall, I give this shop an A+ :)

Question: What's your favorite etsy makeup shop? If you've never bought from one, are you planning on doing so?

Victoria's Secret Haul + Swatches

So as you all know, Victoria's Secret does this huge semi-annual sale twice a year. Although I was really disappointed at the clothing markdowns (even plain t-shirts were $10!), I loved all cheap beauty products! Most of them were 75% off and some were 50% off. Since I only had $10 in my pocket, I had to really pick my favorites.

Here's what a got:



VS Radiant Face Trio -$4 (Orig. $16)
Wow, this is probably one of the cutest packaging I've ever seen! I checked online, and a lot of people said that it looked similar to the YSL version. I love both of them!



VS Brilliant Shimmer Eyeshadow in Nightdust - $2.50 (Orig. $10)
What really shocked me was that part of their more mature makeup line was also on sale! I'm not sure if it was by accident (there were no sale signs), but I'm still happy about it!



VS Brilliant Shimmer Eyeshadow in Skydust - $2.50 (Orig. $10)
Another eyeshadow I decided to pick up. Yes, it was an impulse buy. I actually have way too much eyeshadow for a 14 year old, but it looked so much like the mac packaging, that I couldn't resist!

Here are the swatches (dry and wet for eyeshadows):



Question: What items did you score from the Semi-Annual Sale:

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P.S. Did you notice that I changed my heading? What do you think about it? I'm thinking about changing my blog layout though, because it doesn't really match.

Surprise Second Giveaway Winner!

Well it turns out that Anna only wanted the Victoria's Secret Lotion and ELF Bronzing Blush, so I decided to pick out another winner for the rest of the goodies (plus a few extras)!



And the winner is... Ezzy!


Congrats!
Rules are the same as before, reply to my email within a week, or else there will be a new winner.

Don't you just love surprises? ;D

Giveaway Winner

And the winner is... Anna!


Congrats! Please reply to my email within one week or else another winner will be selected.

Overall, I think this giveaway was a success!
Thank you everybody for participating! To those who didn't win this time, look forward to another one in the near future!

Grace~

Paul and Joe Nail Polish

First of all, I would like to say that I've finally reached 50+ followers! Thank you so much everybody! When I first created this blog, I was worried that no one come here, but I'm so glad that I continued to blog! Each and every new follower I get, always gives me more motivation to blog. Therefore, THANK YOU! <3

Now on to the highlight of the post:



A while ago, I won a $25 Apothica Gift Card from Liza Mae and I finally received my shipment yesterday! (also ordered some perfume, but they were shipped separately)

Recently, I've been obsessing over Paul and Joe's adorable makeup, so I had to try out their stuff! I bought the (Pink) Classical Nail Polish from the Holiday 2010 Symphony Collection and I am totally in love with it!

Wow, just look at that gorgeous packaging!
I think Paul and Joe's makeup is definitely worth it. Especially since they're made in Japan. ;P

Here's a close up:



It's a bit hard to tell, but there are tiny hints of gold shimmer mixed into the pink. A really lovely shade.

The bottom line is, you have to try out Paul and Joe for yourself! They definitely have my approval. :)

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If you haven't done so yet, make sure to enter my New Years Giveaway! Hurry, there are only 3 days left to enter! Just click on my giveaway picture at the top of my sidebar.

Grace~

Winter Wonderland?

I love taking pretty pictures in the snow, but WOW! That must've been the biggest snow storm I have ever encountered! My family and I were driving back from a party and we got stuck in the middle of the road! (Thank goodness no one dared to drive in this weather)

We just had to walk one more block back to the house, but that was the hardest block I have ever had to walk in my life! The snow was about 2 feet high, plus the crazy wind, plus the freezing weather, and I think you get the picture. ;)

Don't you ever get that rush of adrenaline whenever you feel like you're about to die?

Oh, and I know I'm too late for this but...

Merry (belated) Christmas!!!

And while you're warming up near the fireplace and drinking hot chocolate, be sure to enter my New Years Giveaway! Just click in the picture at the top of my sidebar. :)

Jewels in the Sea - NOTD

Since it's nearing Christmas time, I thought I'd show you another NOTD! I've been experimenting with Konad lately, and I'm pretty satisfied with my results. :)

For the NOTD, I used 2 new polishes I got: the Sephora OPI Mermaid to Order (I fell in love when I saw in stores!) and Zoya Jo from a swap.

After using the Konad stamps, I just finished it off with a little nail sticker and revlon top coat.

Here's a close up:

Please share me your thoughts!

Also...

Jill Stuart Giveaway @ Makeup and Life!


Makeup and Life is giving away a few Jill Stuart items to celebrate the Christmas and New Year. Thank you so much! ^_^

Prize:
Jill Stuart Blush Blossom - 03 Amaryllis or 04 Seductive Rose (winner chooses one color of their own choice)
Jill Stuart eyelash curler - to enhance and curl eye lashes with extra refill pad.

Ends December 28th

Also, be sure to check out my New Years Giveaway! Just scroll up and click on my giveaway picture.