Ofra Liquid Lipstick Haul! + Swatches + Before/Afters

 If you check back to my January Lip Monthly Unboxing blog post you will see that I got an Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in that bag in the color "Laguna Beach" and I fell head over LIPS in love with it.

Ofra had a 50% Valentines day sale! These long lasting liquid lipsticks (gloss to matte) are regularly $19.90 each. Which means I got two for 19.90! I love deals. Deals for mealllsssss. I wouldn't have bought two otherwise. I was planning on buying a second one and ending our relationship there.. for a good long while. Ha ha. These are the only two colors I wanted. If they get a berry color.. someone let me know. Ha ha.

Here is what came in the box! In the upper left corner is a 40% off coupon/card thing for Ofra. It says it doesn't expire so I'll be using this if they add any more colors to the line that I like. Ha ha. There are the two colors I bought in the lower left. I got a basic red "Atlantic City" and a purple "New Orleans." In that baggy are some free samples! Ha ha. Read on for more details and swatches.

Here are my two colors out of their fancy boxes. The samples I received starting from lower right to upper left are: "Soft pearl peel", "biotech cream", and two "peptide complex series moisturizers."

Their website says this about each one:

Soft Pearl Peel: Soft Pearl Peal is a gentle and effective exfoliating cream for the face and neck and is suitable for all skin types (avoid friction movements on acne skin). This peal can be used wet or dry and will leave skin clear, clean, smooth and fresh. Soft Pearl Peal will also reduce pigmentation, remove dead skin cells and eliminate black heads. 

This product can be used in two different ways: dry (gomage), or wet, For a dry application, apply a small quantity on clean skin on the face and neck. Let dry for 5-10 minutes, then rub off gently. As a wet application apply on clean skin on the face and neck and wait 5 minutes, then use wet fingertips and rub for one minute before washing off with warm water. In cases of acne, apply on clean skin then wash off after 10 minutes. (Do not rub this peel on acne skin as the pustules can open up and infect other parts of the face.)

Biotech Cream: Hypoallergenic and hydrating day and night cream, which consists of an effective network of antioxidants and nourishing ingredients. Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types. Cutting edge peptide technology – 5% Argereline acts similar to a topical face muscle relaxer, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and acting as an alternative to toxic injections assisting in the formation of the skin's regenerative layers. It is a firming cream which dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps increase elasticity. It promotes younger, smoother looking skin. Continued use repairs and strengthens the skin, restoring it to its natural health and vitality. Results are significant and long lasting. (Argereline is a peptide made synthetically in a laboratory environment and consists of Amino Acids, which are the basic unit for protein. Protein is composed of Amino Acid. Two or more Protein becomes Peptides. Amino acids and protein have many functions in our body. Amino acids Protein make up the human body.) Use as a moisturizer day and night or as a neck firming cream. For maximum results first use Biotech Face Gel and finish with Biotech Eye Cream.

Peptide Complex Series Moisturizer: OFRA Cosmetic Laboratories’ Peptide Moisturizer is made from a blend of sophisticated ingredients to create a luxurious cream with unbelievable results. This face moisturizer is a wrinkle reducing premium peptide based cream that will hydrate the skin while producing anti-aging effects. The moisturizer helps correct signs of aging, uneven tones, enlarged pores, loss of radiance and smoothness, dryness and discoloration. This hypoallergenic, high-performing, smooth cream delivers anti-wrinkle action with the feel of absolute comfort and can be used day and night. It also provides full sun protection. Suitable for combination, normal and dry skin types.

So, all three of these are for my face! Haha. I wasn't sure by their names. I'm pretty excited about these. I know some people hate the little foil packets they get but I love them!

L to R: New Orleans, Atlantic City, and Laguna Beach

 Above are the three colors right after I swatched them so you can see them wet. Below is after a minute and they had dried or "matted" lol This shows something important about these. If you put too much on it will NEVER matte. See how the laguna beach still has wet spots on the top? That is because I put too much on there. You need VERY LITTLE to cover you lips. I've seen people complaining about them being wet and sticky. This is went there is so much product that they can't matte. I did this the second time I wore the product. It was horrible. It isn't difficult just dab a little and rub your lips together and then get the edges. A little goes a long way.

Below is a before and after of Laguna Beach

Below is a before and after of Atlantic City

Below is a before and after of New Orleans

 wet

 matte

I've always wanted a purple lipstick and I'm SO glad that my first is one of my favorites! This is me doing a little dance in my head while swatching.

Thank you so much for following along!

DIY Pink Yarn Bow w/video walk-through

I filmed, edited, and posted a video about the products I have used up. I didn't like it. When I made it, I made it because I thought people expected that kind of video. It was wrong of me and set me off balance. I knew I wasn't taking my YouTube channel in the direction I felt comfortable. I'm not a beauty expert or "beauty guru" by any means. So, I sat down and made of list of things I am an expert in. Two things were at the top. Lipstick and Crochet. The only beauty videos that will ever be on my channel will be about lipstick, that's okay. My YouTube channel is for me and my family and if others like to watch it, that is great too!

Sorry about that long intro! I just want to be clear that anything I post on my channel is there because I want it to be. I do this for fun! These are things I love. There has to be someone out there who loves lipstick AND crochet right? Or at least someone who loves lipstick and wants to LEARN a craft. That works for everyone.

Here is the video walk-through of the DIY PINK YARN BOW (this is crochet... I'll teach you!)

Don't worry! This tutorial walks you through not only how to make it but how to buy your supplies.

SUPPLIES
Scissors
A Tapestry Yarn Needle (not sharp)
A crochet hook that fits your yarn
Yarn (Size 4 Worsted Weight)

1. Buying your yarn! Go to a Walmart or craft store and find the yarn section. Then look at the label. They all have something like this on them. On the far left you can see the little yarn picture with a number FOUR in the middle? That is where you look for the number. They ALL have something like this. This is the size you'll need. There will be a wide variety 1-6. You'll notice right away #1 is TINY thin yarn and #6 is HUGE THICK yarn. We want a #4. Honestly though if you want a smaller yarn it will still WORK. It will just be a MUCH smaller bow.

2. To chose your crochet hook you'll need to look at this same label. The second square over says the knitting needle you'll need for that yarn. The third over has a picture of a crochet hook (a stick with a hook at the end) and it says the SIZE you'll need. For this yarn label it says I need a size I or 9. Here is my I-9 in the picture below. See it says US I9 then the mm that makes it an I-9. Easy as pie. You can buy a SINGLE crochet hook for $1 something or a pack of them.. it doesn't matter. They are super inexpensive like these! Make sure the pack you're buying has the size your yarn needs.

Before I go on let me explain the crochet hook sizes. Just like yarn is a 1 for small and a 6 for large.. crochet hooks get smaller the closer to a size A you get and larger the closer to a size Z you get. You need a specific size hook for each size of yarn because the hook at the END needs to be big enough to HOOK your yarn. If you have a size F crochet hook (small) and try to use it on a size 6 (large) yarn... the yarn will SLIP off. Not saying it can't be DONE! As far as I'm concerned even if you your yarn SAYS it needs a size I... you can use a size H and J just as well. The difference is literally millimeters. That being said if you DO chose to use something smaller the piece you are making will also be smaller. See the example below.

Now I don't remember if I used a different crochet hook on the one above. The hook I used for the one below was an I-9. I also held my yarn SUPER loose while making the below one because I made it on camera LOOKING through my camera so I could see what I was doing. That is why in the video I'm a little STABBY with the crochet hook. Ha ha. The results are the same though. This is the kind of difference you'd have using the wrong crochet hook. It isn't the end of the world.

3. Here is the VIDEO! Follow along!

If you already know how to crochet here is the pattern for this bow

CROCHET PATTERN
1. Begin with a magic circle with a LONG tail (1ft)
2. Chain 2, work 6 triple crochet into the circle, ch 3. sl st into your circle.
3. Repeat step 2.
Pull your beginning tail to tighten your circle and close the hole. Wrap that tail around the middle of your bow to hide this hole. Sew in ends.

If you do make this bow make sure and sent me a picture below in the comments, on instagram, or in the youtube comments! I'd love to see your creations!

Thank you so much for following along!

NYC Smooch Proof Lip stain 16h Review

After the slight disappointment in Elf's Lip Stain in Pink Petal I bought this one from NYC. Click here to read the review for Elf's Pink Petal.

NYC Smooch Proof Lipstain 16h 
#495 Endless Spice

I love this color. As you can see it is akin to a bright red lipstick. Especially, in comparison to my natural lip color. I have to admit I really thought this would be a brownish color because of the name, don't you think?

Here, I've added an un-tinted lip balm and finished the lips in the color.

This is an update 3 hours later after eating one meal and 12 oz of water (I drink a lot of water.) As you can see its completely gone. 16 hours indeed.

This lip stain is drying but nothing too terrible. I also happen to be obsessed with lip balms so my lips are VERY hydrated.

I'm still a huge fan. I'll just be looking for higher quality and longer lasting versions.

After having the Elf lip stain for three days it dried up (read about that here) So, I always store these upside down so the liquid in the tube is always in the tip.

Thank you for following along!

E.L.F. Lip Stain Pink Petal Review

So, I've never liked lip gloss. Its always sticky and comes off on everything. Lipstick is better but also comes off on everything. Cups, food, husbands... I usually stick with chap-sticks (tinted and un-tinted.)

Honestly, I've been afraid to jump on the lip STAIN bandwagon because of the fact that it stains. Plus everyone always complains about how drying they are.

Well, you guessed it. I took the plunge and I'm hooked. I love the colors. I love the stain. It NEVER comes off on things. I just wished it lasted longer. Ironic, I know. I expect I'm going to have to spend money on a more expensive lip stain.

Here is my review on my first and second lip stain purchases. Elf Lip Stain in Pink Petal and NYC Smooch Proof Lip stain 16h 495 Endless Spice.

Elf Lip Stain in Pink Petal

The color is perfection. Just enough pink for my lips.

Here is a picture with half nothing and half lip stain.

Here it is fully on and after I added an un-tinted lip balm. This was taken at 11am.

It is drying but I don't notice that much until its been a few hours and it's nothing too horrible. My lips weren't peeling/cracking or anything like that. They just started to feel a little bit tight.

Here is another picture 3 hours later. After one meal and two 24oz of water (I drink a lot of water.)

Its faded to this barely there pink. It may look worn off but if you look at the first picture with half and half you'll see its still pink. Just not the original BRIGHT pink. It stayed this color until I washed my face before bed. Not exactly what I was looking for though. I like that it's pumped up but I prefer the brighter.

After having this for only three days though the felt tip was very dry! I took the tip out and the tube is full of liquid!

So, I put it on my lips with the back end. Now I store it upside down so that the liquid is constantly pulled down.

So, I bought the NYC Smooch Proof Lip stain 16h in Endless Spice. Click HERE to read that review.

Ella the Crochet Pink Elephant

Our friends, we'll call them Tee and Vinnie, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl a couple of months ago. Tee found a crochet pattern for a pink elephant on Etsy and wondered if I would make it for them.

You can find and purchase that pattern here. I'll put pictures of my finished Ella The Elephant throughout this post.

To say that this was a challenge for me would be an understatement. It might have something to do with the fact that I am a perfectionist. It could have something to do with the fact that I don’t make a habit of crocheting toys. There is a huge difference between crocheting jewelry, scarves, purses and a stuffed toy. They are just made differently. I'm not sure what to expect or how things will turn out making round bodies and trunks. Nevertheless! I finished her.

As you can see I chose to make a grey flower instead of a pink one because I knew Tee chose pink and grey colors.

I spent most of the time worried that the baby would pull something off and choke. Thus, items are sewed on so heavily that they are rather stiff in the joints.

At the same time I've been in school full-time and working at daycare Monday through Friday. Regardless of that and after a few communications with the authoress of the pattern it was sent out today. I purchased it on February 1st and it sent out March 1st. That is pretty good. What do you think?

I think the hardest part was sewing the legs on in the end. As a crocheter, sewing.. is my WORST "skill."

I think this was a challenge I needed. I should loosen up and not expect everything to be perfect or see fault where there isn't any. I can't wait to see pictures of the little angel with her new pink pachyderm.

Thank you so much for following along! 

Review: Merona Purse

My Merona purse from Target is amazing. One of the presents that Hubbins got me for Xmas 2013.

You can purchase this here at Target. for $34.99 if you are interested. It does come in SIX fantastic colors.

(Brown<--mine, Beige, Gray, Blue, New Mint, and Pink)

Gawd, if I wasn't afraid of color I would love to have the new mint color.

Its the perfect size for all of my garbage. 9.0 " H x 13.0 " W x 6.0 " D. It has handles AND a shoulder strap that can be made into an over the shoulder strap. It is very long.

Makeup, wallet, sunglasses,emergency supplies, random supplies, water bottle, phone, and keys.

I love the feel of the outside (Polyurethane) It is really soft leather feeling and the inside is the same color and polyester.

The inside has a cell phone pocket, an accessory pocket, and a zippered pocket. I use the cell phone pocket and accessory pocket for random items like receipts, lip gloss and lotion. The interior zippered pocket I use to hold all of my emergency supplies.

Emergency Supplies (inside right now):

Eye glasses repair kit

Band-aids

Tums

Ibuprofen

Tissues

Sleeping Eye Mask

Pad

Tampon

Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Inhaler

The exterior has one zippered pocket, and two side pouches. The exterior zippered pocket I use for non-emergency type items.

Non-Emergency Supplies:

Extra lip gloss

A Lighter

A mirror

Spare set of keys

Hair ties

Lipstick

A step counter...

One of the side pouches I use for my keys and cellphone and the other I use for my water bottle.

Complaints:

The top can close with a zipper. Personally I do not use this and I'm not sure I ever will but I hate it. I don't like the feeling of the two zipper edges scraping both sides of my hand and arm while I'm fishing around inside.

Also it isn't the BEST quality. There were a lot of strings hanging off everywhere when I first got it and I've had it over a month now and there are still some that I find.

In every other way though it is perfection.

What is your favorite purse and why?

Thank you so much for following along!