Laptop issues

Internet on my laptop died!! Gotta format it after this semester is over, am now on a borrowed laptop :(

In other news...

Sigma is launching five new products later this year. I LOVE the Bunny Collection, the colors are so cute!

 

It's vegan friendly so I wonder how well they'll work. I love my EcoTool brushes but IMO the eyeshadow brushes don't pick up powders as well as my MAC brushes. Or maybe I just need to start using them again....

Dammit, I'm thinking of placing a Sigma order but I just might have to wait until after the Bunny Collection's out. Or, wait until Black Friday... they better have some good deals! With the amount of brushes I have, I can always wait until there's a good deal before I buy :)

Lastly, I did manage to shop a little online and in-stores. I'm also waiting for a few more packages to arrive.

-Annie

Holidays

Holidays are coming up, I MIGHT finally have time for shopping!! :) Hahaha, its been so long I forgot to change my age!

Thinking about getting some new brushes online... Like Sigma's new line of Sigmax brushes which I STILL haven't gotten yet. Could also use one of those dry 'n shapes too.

Will there actually be a haul coming up soon?

-Annie

Barnes & Noble Nook Color - Guide to Repartioning

Just wanted to document MY experience into rooting and playing with the Nook Color. I recently bought a refurbished one from Barnes and Noble's website. I don't really know much about technology but I can follow directions... so here goes!

Repartitioning

My Nook Color had the blue dot next to the barcode so I wanted to repartition it. I bought a 16gb Sandisk MicroSDHC. Although Staples' website does not sell class 4 cards, my card is a class 4. This is the "Mobile microSDHC card" and the adapter is sold separately. 

Based off this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1094371

1. I did not have ClockworkRecovery installed on my Nook, and I wanted to boot it off a microSD. To get it onto the card, I had to download win32.

Use this website to download win32: https://launchpad.net/win32-image-writer/+download

I created a folder on my desktop called "win32", you can name it anything you want. Just unzip the file into the folder.

Version .01Win32 Binaries of ImageWriter worked for me. I have a Windows Vista laptop (if that makes any difference). I did download another version that did not work on my computer. I kept getting error messages that said my disk did not have enough space.

2. Download the correct img file from this site: http://mrm3.net/nook-color-updated-clockwork-recovery-bootable-sd/

I downloaded the 1gb file that is FOR blue dot Nook Colors. It is a zip file, once you unzip it, moved it onto the desktop.

2. Follow this guide to get ClockworkRecovery booting off the card: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOLaYp_P9xI

Or.. continue reading. Open the folder you created with the unzipped win32 file. Click on "Win32DiskImager"

Next to the search bar, click on the icon that looks like "..." select the img file you downloaded in step 2 then select "Save". Under Device, the letter should be the same as what you see under "Computer". For example, when I click on Computer, my SD card's drive is (F:), and so under Device, I will select (F:).

Click "Write" and wait. Once complete, you have now successfully put ClockworkRecovery on your microSD.

3. Go back to xda-developer's guide. Download ONE of the repartioniong install guide. I downloaded the custom option.

In addition, download from the link in step 2 in xda's guide.

Leave both files zipped, then drag them into the drive for your microSD (In my case, it's the (F:) drive).

4. Remove microSD from computer. Power off the Nook if you haven't done so already and put the microSD card into the slot.

5. Turn on Nook, and you should see a screen that says "Loading" with skulls.

6. Turn Nook to view it in landscape. Use the volume button to navigate, the home screen for "enter" and the power button for "back".

7. Scroll down to "Install from SD card" and you want to install the repartition zip file FIRST. Once you select it, a bunch of words will start appearing on the lower left.

8. Once complete, go back a couple pages until you can install the reformat zip file. In xda's guide, it said "mandatory REBOOT", which I tried to do. My screen was frozen on the Nook logo, so I had to turn it off and back on. I pressed a couple buttons until I saw the black screen with the orange words on it again. My assumption is.. if it's back on the black/orange screen, you should be able to complete the steps to install the reformat file.

9. I'm not even sure if you can power off the nook when ClockworkRecovery is running. I pushed the back/power button until the screen went dark, then removed the microSD. Then I turned it back on and had to re-register the Nook. I checked the specs: 4.2gbs of available storage instead of the 1gb I had before doing this. To check specs, just click on "settings" then "device info".

Good luck!

First Tiffany's Piece... Reveal!

Ready?

Size: .05 carats, one stone

Material: Sterling Silver

Got this as my b-day present. I went with the one stone because I wanted something simple. I also had it shortened by an inch so the SA (sales associate) ordered it for me last week and I received it in the mail today!!

Under a yellow-ish lamp

April & May Haul

First off, my beauty haul!

My Beauty Diary Face Masks Variety Pack (99 Ranch Market), $14.99

Sonia Kashuk Contour Brush (Target)

Sephora order:

Miss Dior Cherie Deluxe Sample, Free

Benefit Feelin' Cheeky! Minis, $15.00

L-R: Posietint, High Beam, & Benetint

Just showing the size of everything in comparison to the Nano. The minis are smaller than expected, but $15 to try three items isn't bad. High Beam is great for the top of my cheekbones because it gives the perfect highlight.

Beauty Box, $48

This set comes with a full sized.. 

-Girl Meets Pearl (Luminizer): $30

-Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner (in  R.S.V.P.): $19

-Dallas (Luminizer): $28

-Some Kind-A Gorgeous (cream foundation in Medium), $28

and a mini badGal mascara

Next up... Accessories haul!

Ray Ban New Wayfarers (Polarized), $100

I got this during Macy's Friends and Family which gave me 25% off. I also had a couple gift cards, bringing the price down to about $100.

Rings from H&M and Forever 21

I REALLY want the turquoise version, not the coral, but I haven't been able to find it yet.

Hat, $6.80

-Annie

Hair Change: Virgin Black to Palty's Sakura Creamy

Before

Started with 2 day old hair and no makeup :(

After

Process: I used 1 1/2 boxes for Palty's Sakura Creamy. I left it in for about an hour with a shower cap on. When I applied the hair dye, I started at the roots first then worked my way down and I did it in layers. I used a hair dye brush that you can buy from Sally's. I thought the comb attachment was ineffective because my hair's so long and it didn't detangle my hair well enough.

Outcome: My bangs are A LOT lighter than the rest of my hair. I think I should just do it in layers starting from the bottom. It still looks OK and has washed out to a golden color instead of being reddish. Since I did this back in May, my roots are now showing.

-Annie

NOTD: Rimmel Sunset Orange

 
Hi, long time no post... again! :(

NOTD from.. who knows when? Hehe... Anyways, here's a swatch of.. Rimmel's Sunset Orange.

I LOVE their wide brushes (gets the job done fast!), and I only need one layer! It's super affordable at around $5. The color looks more red in the bottle, but comes out more orange. But... not an ugly shade of orange, if you get what I mean. I love using this on my toes because it's a super nice color for spring and summer.

-Annie

First Maxi Dress!

Whoops, been neglecting  my blog because I've been working so much. Not really a good thing, but I had Eggettes last night as a treat for working so hard.

I'm behind on my makeup haul, which I will do... hopefully within the next month.

Anyways, this dress was $15 from Forever 21. I love Grecian style and I never thought I could rock a maxi dress. Sorry for the horrible cell phone quality pic. I got this last night along with a bunch of accessories which I will take pics of. I really want this turquoise ring, but only found the pink version :( I will have to keep going back until I find it.

 Front

Back

I love the back! Can't wear a bra with it, but it's okay because it has padded cups. The dress definitely makes me look skinnier too. I also need to hem the bottom about 2-3 inches. I haven't decided which method I'll use to hem it, I'll have to ask my mom about that first.

-Annie

Super Large Cumulative March Haul! Beauty & Fashion Related...

Broken down by store:

First off... Target, my new love! Btw I have another Target shoe order on the way, it won't ship until sometime in April.

Target:

Dolce Vita for Target

Buckle Ankle boots: $34.99 --> $12.24 

Lace-Up (Combat) Boots: $34.99 --> $17.48

Xhilaration Tops
L-R
$24.99 --> $17.48 & $21.99 --> $10.98

Xhilaration Pants
$14.99 --> $10.48

Dr. Scholl's Three pack insoles & Ball of foot gel pad

Sonia Kashuk Small Hair Brush

Next up are my beauty hauls from this month:

Walgreens:

Revlon Photoready: $

I got these when they were 40% off about two weeks ago.

It also came with $3 Register Rewards which I used on the Rimmel stuff below.

Medium beige (006) matches my skin better than Natural Beige (005) which was too dark for me

L-R: Rimmel Polish in Sunset Orange ($1.82*),
Crush & Airy Fairy (went to 5 Walgreens before I found 2...) ($2.75* each),

EOS Hand Lotion in Cucumber $3.18 (smells so yummy! I haven't seen them at Target),

Rimmel Lipliner in Eastend Snob ($2.97*)

Rimmel is 40% off at Walgreens this week! *Employee/family discount pricing*

CVS:

 Milani was B1G1 1/2 off last week.

I also combined it with a 25% off coupon, which was YMMV.

Top: Baked Bronzers in Golden which is too dark!

They didn't have the lighter shades so I will exchange them for Glow & Soleil when they are in stock.
Bottom: Luminous & Mai Tai
PAID: $9.41 The rest was covered by a gift card

Shu Uemura:

Finally got the curler

Shu items are exclusively online now.

My credit card charged an extra 3% ("Foreign Transaction Fee") + $19 = $19.57

because they shipped/billed from Canada.

Lastly, my very first Lush purchase!

Angels on Bare Skin: $8

I got a small one because I wanted to try it out before buying a bigger slice. 

So far I'm using it in the morning & loving the smell.

It's a nice gentle exfoliating cleanser.

Bottom Left: Blackberry Bath Bomb $6.25

Bottom Right: Avobath Bath Bomb $6.25

I got the sales associate to cut them in half. 

I haven't used them yet, but I'm storing them in my closet.

-Annie

NOTD: ORLY - Spark

From last week: ORLY - Spark
This is my only ORLY polish. I bought it from a beauty supplier in LA's Chinatown.

I took this with flash on.

I felt that the color didn't look accurate and retook it a few days later:

This was taken in natural light.

I was too lazy to use a base or top coat so it chipped pretty quickly.

Now that it's Spring, I've been feeling bright nails. I do have to give them a break every once in a while... But I want to paint them because my thumb was in an unfortunate accident back in December. It left me a purple nail :(

I'm now working two jobs which totals up to 40 hours a week. I really want to get into swatching more during the day but I only have one free day a week... which I use to spend with my boyfriend.

Seems like there's so much I want to do but I don't have the TIME to do it all.

-Annie

NOTD: China Glaze - For Audrey & OPI Black Shatter

NOTD (not today, but March 12th lol)

I painted this at my cousin's house. She got the last OPI Shatter from a beauty supply store in downtown. I always thought it gave off a cool effect, but haven't really given a thought to buying it. After trying it out though, I really do want one! Doubles the number of nail polishes you own! Follow the formula for an example:

# you own x 2 (thanks to shatter) = SO MANY MORE POSSIBILITIES!

I asked my boyfriend for his opinion on it. Thought he would like it since it looks more punk than the typically seen mature/classy/vampy/neons. He didn't like it!! Asked another guy and he didn't like it either! Asked three girls? Loved it!

Conclusion? Guys might not like b/c it's so busy/flashy/weird/different/jealous they can't wear it/a million other reasons. Girls, on the other hand, are fighting for the last bottle hence it being sold out at so many places...

What do you think?

-Annie

Target, Urban Outfitters, and More!

From TJ Maxx:

Three pack bra strap converter: $5.99

M.I.A. Sandals: $25.00 --> $20.00

From Urban Outfitters:

I forgot to include this in the last Urban Outfitters haul!!
It was marked down to $5 but there was an extra 50% off, making it $2.50!!

Too Faced Pixie Perfect Imperfect Set: 
Bummed that it's missing the eyeshadow quad because the shadows were so pretty and neutral.
Should I keep it since I only paid $14? I tried finding another one, but no luck.
I really wanted it for the bag...
$42.00 original price --> $19.99 - 30% --> $13.99

Sparkle & Fade Top: $24.00 --> $9.99 - 30% --> $6.99

Flat Black Romper: $78.00 --> $19.99 - 30% --> $13.99 

S Loves C Sweater Dress: $58.00 --> $29.99 --> $9.99

Picture is of the back of the dress. IMO, it can be worn both ways...........

From Target:

Two pack gloves:
$1.50 --> $0.75 x a million pairs = One for every jacket for mom & me

Mossimo skinny jeans - Weird, its a 4R but a bit loose in the waist.

$24.00 --> $17.48 --> $6.24

Hanes ComfortSoft Tank:
I believe this was around $10.00 for a three pack

Rose Gold Bow Necklace:

18" in length, but adjustable

$19.99 --> $13.98

 Xhilaration Wedge Sandals in Tawny: $24.99

From Kohl's

Croft & Barrow Sweater:

For mom, but she'll share with me :)

Looks short b/c it's a petite size

$40.00 --> $16.00 - 15% = $13.60

I have an online Target order on it's way too. Maybe that's why my bank called me about suspicious charges... You can also tell by the way I shop that I'm a sucker for things on sale..................

-Annie

Sigma Affiliate

Hi,

I've been going shopping a lot lately, pic will be coming soon. *Sigh* It's HARD trying to take a full body picture of myself without using a mirror (quality is too bad!).

Anyways, I'm now a Sigma Affiliate! Click the link below:

-Boudoir Beauty

Wow! It's been 3 weeks already...

Ok, haven't gone anywhere, just been lazy, semi-busy, and sick!! You can also find me on LUUUX, my e-mail is: annie.tang87@gmail.com!

Beverage of the day: Peet's Jasmine Green Tea

Rave - ELF Studio Brushes
Rant - MAC 224
Anyways, I FINALLY washed my new ELF Studio brushes and I have to say, only ONE hair shed out of all the ones I washed (which was around 15 brushes or so). That is pretty impressive because I also washed my MAC 224 and about 3 hairs shed from that brush. The 224 I've had about 2 years and finally started using it with my BB cream. It sheds almost every time I deep clean or spot clean it, and I've had 1 or 2 hairs shed while I was using it.

Rant - Neutrogena AHA

On another note, about two weeks ago I decided to try Neutrogena's AHA lotion. I have used it before and it made my skin red and flaky. I used this lotion three times, every other day. It made my cheeks red AGAIN!! Not only that, there were small bumps along my jawline. It wasn't visible but it felt so ICKY. The redness was so noticeable that my parents asked me what was wrong with my face. They knew it was a lotion that did it too!

I know that you're supposed to stick with AHA because your skin has to get used to it. But, I couldn't go around with my face looking like this. I was using BB cream to cover up the redness and while I don't really suffer from acne, I just wanted BETTER skin with no wrinkles. Not that I really have wrinkles.... I just wanted really good looking, magazine cover skin.

I went OFF it, and now my skin's a lot better. I don't know if I want to try AHA again for the third time, it's probably best if I threw it out now so I don't get tempted to use it again.

A few days after I stopped using it

Below is my "Skin Profile" which will tell you what kind of skin I have to give you more info on whether or not you want to use AHA.

Routine
Morning: No cleanser (on most days), Olay SPF 15 Moisturizer

Night: Clarisonic* on medium for 1 or 2 minutes using a NORMAL brush head, with L'oreal 360 deep cream  cleanser, followed by Dan Kern's moisturizer.

Exfoliate (once a month, I would like to exfoliate twice a week): I switch between Clinique's Pore Minimizer Thermal Active Skin Refiner with SkinFood's Black Sugar Scrub, and a home-made aspirin mask (two tablets of aspirin with honey).

Skin Type
Combination skin - oily T-zone with dryness around mouth & nose, and cheeks

Sensitivity - I am allergic to nickel and am prone to rashes for unknown reasons. I am not allergic to most cleaners (Biore's Pore Unclogging Scrub made my face bumpy and rashy in L.A., but does not do that to me in San Francisco) and lotions. Seems like my skin can tolerate different products in different environments.

Sun Burns - On a "normal" day when I don't use SPF moisturizer, I don't burn. I don't burn most days in the summer, unless I'm in another city and in the sun the WHOLE day. I used SPF 4 lotion on my legs to suntan, and I don't burn there. I haven't had a sunburn in a long time, and I try to practice "safe sun" by wearing SPF lotions.

Allergies - I am allergic to: nickel, MOST mascaras (Covergirl LashBlash, Maybelline Full N Soft, L'oreal Voluminous). I am sensitive to falsie lashes glue. My eyelids will be swollen, red, and itchy after I use these products. I have learned to use mascara once in a while and only at the tips of my lashes. It will still irritate my eyes, but you know the saying.. no pain, no gain :) I am NOT allergic to any foods or drinks, which is quite awesome.


*I will do a seperate review for the Clarisonic at a later date. I want to use this for a couple months first to see what it does to my skin. I have been using it for about two weeks and haven't noticed any VISIBLE differences in skin texture.

So... in conclusion, Happy Lunar New Years, Happy Valentines, I've had skin issues, I might have had pink eye, a sore throat for five days (and counting), started developing a cough, infected my boyfriend with a sore throat, and getting ready for a second job.

-Boudoir Beauty

Zoya Order

I finally received my Zoya order!!

L-R Casey, Penelope, Piper: $6.95 (only paid for shipping)

Casey: Dark/Blackened purple with a tiny amount of fine glitter. 

Penelope: Coral pink with NO glitter

Casey: Soft light pink shade with no glitter

My First E.L.F. Haul + Other Items

I'm so excited to show you guys my FIRST E.L.F. Order!! I ordered a couple items with a friend and heres what I got:

 E.L.F. Studio 11 Piece Brush Collection: $30 - 50% = $15

E.L.F. Studio Angled Contour, Blending Brush:

$3 + $1 = $4 - 50% = $2

2x Shine Erasers: 2x $1 = $2

I had a code for 50% off brushes so that's why I purchased mainly brushes. I'm also missing a couple items from my order and have contacted customer service about it. I sent an e-mail in on Friday so I'm hoping to hear back from them soon!

.
.
.

Next, I purchased only ONE item from CVS during their huge cosmetics sale. Everything that I wanted is gone already :(

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 413 Twinkled Pink: Approx. $2

I also went shopping at the mall this weekend. I picked up some basic leggings (they're called "capri leggings" but come down to my ankle, I'm 5'1) and tops that I can wear everyday or for ballet. (Excuse the quality of the pic, I was in a hurry)

Forever 21: Long sleeve top, purple top $9.80 + $5.50 = $15.30

Target: 2x capri leggings (clearance), socks (clearance) $4.20 each + $1.40 = $9.20

Lastly, I FINALLY got this lipstick. I don't know why I'm getting more when I already have a couple red lipsticks. I do love how sheer and buildable this lipstick is.

MAC Cyndi: $14.50

I should put myself on a shopping ban except there are a couple items on my wishlist:

1. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - How is it that I still haven't bought this yet? Cause I have a Tarte one that curls and works although it does pinch my lids. And, I want to avoid shipping charges so I've been waiting till my Tarte one breaks.. or malfunctions... Which is soon, hopefully, because I've had it for years.

2. Sigma Synthetic Face Kit (comes with F80, F82, F84) - I've been hearing SO SO many good things about these brushes. I don't use my MAC 187 very often, I think I'll like the F80 a lot more.

-Boudoir Beauty