Colourpop Mini Haul

It’s finally beginning to cool down here in the Bay Area. We even got our first day of rain in a while the other day. Bring on the sweater weather! I also got a few lip products from Colourpop that I felt would make a nice transition to the season.

 

Here’s what I purchased:

Lippie Stix in Lumiere (Dusty mauve pink with matte finish)

Ultra Glossy Lip in Master Plan (Mid-tone dusty plum with creme finish)

Ultra Satin Lip in Barracuda (Warm deepened rose)

Check out the swatches!

Top to bottom: Lumiere, Master Plan, Barracuda

I’m glad Lumiere turned out as nice as I thought it would. I think the Lippie Stix would feel more comfortable on me compared to their Ultra Mattes, some of which I own. Master Plan surprisingly was more on the purplish side, but applied much sheerer on my lips. It’s moisturizing too, a definite plus for any gloss. I’ll try out Barracuda soon. I felt that this shade looked similar to another one that I own, Frick N’ Frack. But the following swatches show there’s a difference between the two.

Top to bottom: Barracuda, Frick N’ Frack

I’ve had some hit or miss moments with this brand because sometimes the colors aren’t always the same when comparing website photos to real life view. I also check Instagram posts of their swatches against different skin tones before I confirm my decision. What are some beauty products for Fall that have caught your attention?

 

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An Evening with Alton Brown

This past Wednesday, I picked up a copy of Alton Brown’s cookbook Everyday Cook. This is his 4th cookbook, and his latest in 10 years. I’ve been a fan of his ever since I watched an episode of his show Good Eats on Food Network. Thanks to Netflix, I’ve been able to marathon the series (Sometimes falling asleep to it. Not his fault, I’m just tired after my 8 hour shifts!). He had 2 Bay Area appearances in San Jose and Menlo Park. I attended the latter since it didn’t fall during my work hours. It was nice to get to know a little more about him before the audience got their books signed.

Here are some random facts I learned:

• One of his favorite recipes from the book is the Midnight Mug Cake for 2 (Although he’s never shared it).
• All the book’s photos, with the exception of one at the beginning, were all taken on an iPhone.
• A favorite food he enjoys that he cannot make himself is sushi.
• His favorite part of a chicken is the drumsticks/thighs.
• He tends to say “Oh, bother.” Someone in the audience asked where he got that from. His answer? Winnie the Pooh.
• Although he watched his mother and grandmother cook growing up, he finally got around to it from reading magazines (most likely ones about cooking or food, I forgot what he said).

 

There was a good number of attendees, including kids. When it was finally my turn to get my book signed, I told Mr. Brown I was glad to hear he was a fan of sushi and drumsticks (I too love them both). “I wouldn’t eat drumstick sushi though”, he said. 😛 He’s funny and awesome, just like he is on TV.

After his book tour, he’ll kick off his live show Eat Your Science. I’m hoping to check it out when  it comes to SF next year. It’s still a but surreal to me that this opportunity actually happened, but it did. I look forward to trying out some new recipes!

 

e.l.f. Brushes: Yay or Nay?

This past weekend I finally decided to find a suitable replacement for the blush brush I’ve been using for what seems like years. The glue at base of the ferrule finally separated from the wooden handle. I currently have e.l.f’s bent eyeliner brush and spoolie, which I think are both OK.

The first Target location I visited didn’t have the actual blush brush, so I picked up their complexion brush. I was able to locate what I needed at another location later in the day. So the question now is, should I return the complexion brush or just keep them both? They’re both reasonable in price, but I’m iffy about their quality. If you’ve tried or currently own any brush from this brand, I’d greatly appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

Coming Soon – Kira Kira Crate by Japan Crate

Just scrolling casually on my IG feed after work when I came across this post.

NEW CRATE ALERT: Introducing Kira Kira Crate (@kirakiracrate)! Your monthly delivery of quality beauty items directly from Japan. This is the first ever crate to include free shipping worldwide! Crates will be available soon, learn more and sign up to be first to know when crates launch! Link in bio 🙂

A post shared by Japan Crate (@japancrate) on Oct 6, 2016 at 4:08pm PDT

 

You better believe I signed up for it! Hopefully the price and amount of items the crate contains is reasonable. But really, free international shipping is pretty sweet. Visit this link to sign up to get notified when they go live.

Japan Crate Mini, Volume 15

I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve done a JPM review (it’s actually only been over a month). Last month’s crate had 3 sweet items, 1 savory item, and a bonus item to celebrate Japan Crate’s 2 year anniversary.

 

What’s inside:

Kagikko Choco – The key shaped packaging containing M&M type chocolate candy was made to resemble the house keys that children with working parents in Japan had.

Lucky Corn Puffs – It still shocks me to say that I’ve finally come across a Japan Crate item that was less than spectacular. The flavor of these puffs is reminiscent of corn potage, a popular sweet corn soup. That part was good, but after eating a few of these, it left a not so pleasant after taste. Looking at the ingredients, it contained a sweetener similar to Sweet N Low (which contains saccharin). Noticing this type of taste is kind of like a 6th sense, so unfortunately I didn’t end up finishing the bag.

Potato Chips – Black Pepper – This may not win the award for most original product name, but I did enjoy the flavor of these chips. It’s pretty hard to mess up a potato chip with a flavor as simple as salt and pepper. Unless it’s overdone, which this thankfully wasn’t.

 

Soda Gum – As with previous crates I’ve reviewed, soda or cider flavored items are pretty common to receive. The package contained a 6 inch rope of gum, and the flavor lasted a good while.

*Anniversary bonus* Pote Usa Loppy Squeaker – This large eared bunny is one of several characters produced by Amuse, a popular maker of Japanese arcade prizes. It makes a squeaking noise when you squeeze it. If I had a dog at home, they’d most likely go nuts for this.

 

Kawaii!

Interested in trying out Japan Crate? Use code MSA5 for $5 off your first Original or Premium box (code courtesy of My Subscription Addiction).