Hi all.

Had wanted to feature a blog shop over the weekends, and thought I might do so today. However, something has cropped up and I think perhaps I may not be able to update all that soon. (Also been busy with reality..)

At this point, I realise I have not actually done any conversational posts on my blog, and would like to take this opportunity to do so. Hello friends from all around the world! How can I help you some more? (: I know you readers are from a variety of countries, anything you'd like to share? Or requests for a post about certain brands or products? Just comment away! :D

Nice to meet you all.

Binosusume (Hair tutorial guru on youtube!)

Today I'm introducing an amazing hair guru that I came across on youtube. She's so amazing, no kidding!!

First of all, I believe ever hair tutor should have healthy luscious hair of her own so that it's

1. pleasing to the eye
2. easier for us to see the actual style she is producing
3. a good example obviously for us to follow for overall hair health and beauty

She has that nice loooooooooooooonnnnnggg hair. (without many layers so there's a lot of styles she can do there.. but it seems she might have snipped some length off recently) Very manageable, as u can see her hair seems to follow her every beck and call. Which is admittedly, not so easy for the rest of us.. but still something good to aspire towards.. She also has great skills in front of the camera, very good mastery of her curling tongs as well, and all the tools she needs. So it's really a joy to watch, of course we just gotta practise more and more before achieving that!

Her tutorials are silent, so even though she's Japanese, the language barrier is minimal. Video is clear and actions can be seen well. She also does English subs for some of her tutorials, so that is also very beneficial. She does many many styles, the girly ones and a little more edgy ones. Shall embed two vids below to show what I mean..






Cool eh? I also like her vids on how to fake a bob for girls with long hair, and she's got quite a few formal updos u can learn from as well (: Those of you who wanna learn how to do a bow in your hair like Lady Gaga's, she has that vid too! Check her out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/binosusume

Admittedly girls with short hair will not be able to reall use her tutorials, but she also has some vids on gel nails and hair products that might interest you. (: It's also always nice to just admire talent yea? :D on a side note, you don't get to see her face, but she looks pretty just looking at her eyes and skin ahaa.

Fing'rs Nail products

Tired of having to paint your nails, or chipping nails? Or maybe you lack the skills or don't have the time? Don't want to spend tons of money to get nail art done.. many many reasons!

Then you'll love Fing'rs fake nails! Bought a pack of the french argyle-tip nails a while back. And did some sticker DIY on it.. This is the effect:

Personally love these lots as argyle prints are one of my favourites, and it's a good mix of girly yet edgy. These nails come under the "EDGE hardcore nail addict" collection. (cool designs for girls with that bit of edge) Also comes in "California girl" collection (think girly french with bits of diamante on some), which is their default. Besides finger nails, they also have it in toe nails. So it truly meets all needs!

Here's some of the designs available under the EDGE collection.

(photo credits: http://scarletempress.blogspot.com/)

Quite a range, so I dare say there's something for everyone. Each pack comes with 24 nails, so you should be able to find the right sizes for a full set of fingers, and maybe even share it! If they're a little too big, you can file it down like I did. Fingrs also has a selection of nail stickers and  for grown girls, they also have a range called little fingrs for the young girls. I suppose grown ups with petite nails can also go for that if the designs suit them. The packs also come with nail glue and adhesives, depending how long you want them to last. (awesome!)

Besides these nails, they also offer nail art stickers and tools & glues. Extensive yet simple to use range of products just right for girls who love pretty nails yet wish for less hassle n cost (: Find out more at their webbie: http://www.fingrs.com/

The most important bit of information: Fing'rs products can be found at this places below!

USA-

Rite Aid

Kmart

Walmart

CVS

ULTA

Shoppers Drug Mart

Asda

Boots

(above list provided by Fing'rs webbie)

It's also available to everyone else at Beauty.com and Drugstore.com (: If you're in Australia, like I am, I bought my pack from priceline :D Happy experimenting and shopping!

Eyeko Beauty- introduction, review and promotion.

Introducing Eyeko beauty...  London's cutest cosmetics with a jap/manga flavour! "Eyeko" sounds like love in Japanese.

I found out about Eyeko by chance a few weeks back..attracted by the cutesy banners. Everything is really pink, girly and happy at their website, and their products too, as i soon found out! What's more, the pricing is really reasonable, and believe it or not, FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Eyeko cosmetics have been used by celebs like Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Gwen Stefani, just to name a few.. many name their signature products as their favourites and actually have eyeko cosmetics as part of their regime.

Their products have also been constantly featured in top international magazines: Glamour, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, InStyle and more! So if you're wondering if this brand is credible at all, it definitely is!

Upon further exploration of their website, I found out that it is really more than a shop! Eyeko's webbie is a place for girls to visit and really have fun with; they're constantly holding competitions, and what I love is that they encourage feedback and interaction with customers via their twitter and myspace accounts. They've also recently introduced their very own online manga (comic).

Another thing to love is that eyeko is very generous in sending free gifts, and letting their customers earn while helping them promote. Send in top beauty tips to share with the rest, and you may just get a free goodie bag!

Their delivery time is also really quick and good, even though it's free of charge! They emailed me telling me my order has been despatched on 2nd sept from London, and I received it on the 11th in Australia!

Now let me just get to introducing their 3 core products...

Eyeko 3-in-1 cream

Eyeko cream is a highlighter, moisturiser and eye cream all in one! Main function as a moisturiser but it is infused with skin perfecting light reflectors (hence shimmery) and antioxidant Vitamins A & E + Vitamin C for a radiant complexion. Sensitive enough for eyes as well, always a bonus! This is their best-selling product and I've bought one myself, comes in a 28 ml pink tub with shimmery goodness! As you don't have to apply a lot each time (it really spreads out!), it can definitely last you for quite a while.

When I first used it, thought it wasn't really very moisturising. Perhaps due to the weather here being more dry.. then I started putting on a thin layer of my own skin soothing gel, then layered it with the eyeko cream and it was great! If you blend it well, it really gives u an "inner glow", best used on the cheeks/ under the eyes to illuminate those areas. The cream is tinted slightly pink? yep.. Been using for about a week now, and now I can use the cream alone without my other gel. I'm not sure if it's other factors but the complexion seems to be getting better :D Smoother.. not to mention it makes me look more "awake" heh. And it's just £6!

[edit 290909] I uploaded a youtube video on the eyeko cream here! [/edit]

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Eyeko Fat Balm

Interesting? The fat balm is a tinted lip balm which can also double up as a cheek illuminator. Also one of the customer favourites! Comes in three flavours/ shades as seen above.

I personally have the minty fat balm: sweeten lips and freshen breath with this iridescent, cooling menthol balm for a super softshine. I love the cooling menthol effect, it's really evident yet it doesn't have a taste. It is not sticky.. The colour is a sweet shimmery pink. I'm impressed the colour shows quite well on my lips which are usually too dark for light pinks. I believe it's called the fat balm because it is voluminous, gives you more product for the amt u pay! £5 for a stick.. and now they're having a special discount. To buy all 3 balms at just £10!

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Eyeko Mascara

The mascara uses a lash friendly formula combining natural oils and silicones with added Panthenol (Vitamin B). Designed to prevent dryness, premature breakage and to promote lash growth. The brush has widely dispersed bristles for evenly coated perfectly separated long lashes.

I bought this but haven't tried it, waiting to finish my previous mascara. The special feature of this mascara is that it comes in a squeezy tube, which is not common! I think it'll help you to not waste any product cos you'd be able to squeeze the remains and be able to use it to the fullest.  And actually the image above seems to not do justice to the actual product cos the tube I received is longer! :D I've read reviews on this, I'm quite excited to try it soon! Goes at £6.

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Eyeko VIP set

If you can't decide what to get, or feel like getting almost everything, the VIP set is your answer! This VIP set's contents are modified as seasons come and go. As mentioned above, the mascara, cream and fat balm are their only core products. All other products featured are temporary limited goods that usually will not be re-introduced once sold out.

So this round of shopping, I actually got for myself a VIP set and the eyeko cream. I was so thrilled at the savings I had buying this set! It comes with: "Eyeko Mascara for long and luscious lashes, skin perfectors Eyeko Touch Up & Go Concealer and Eyeko Touch Up & Glow Highlighter and nail polish must-haves Punk and Vamp. Topped off with Eyeko Glitter Liquid Eyeliner, Eyeko Minty Fat Balm for lips teamed with Eyeko Rosy Pink Lip Gloss make your VIP look complete! All wrapped up in our limited edition Eyeko Silver Shopper complete with 5 cute Eyeko badges. " All at just £25!! Actual contents valued at over £40!

You can probably understand my excitement upon receiving my parcel haha. So many goodies!! This set is really worth it! So far, I've been using the eyeko cream and the minty fat balm (reviewed above), also the touch up & go concealer which is easily applied and works well for my skin tone. (rather tan..)

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For spending £31 and putting in an ambassador referral code, I also earned myself some free gifts! I got the Eyeko face-off! (which is a cleansing wipe/ makeup remover) and also a tiny tube of Beauty Rehab Rose Salve! It has a very pleasant rose fragrance, made of rose oil and shea butter, used to soothe, nourish and protect. Can be used on the lips, dry patches of skin, nail cuticles or even split ends! Just a tiny bit goes a long way and it's really moisturising without being sticky-feeling.

With the products I've already tried, and my shopping experience, I am convinced this is a good brand to stick to, and I believe you guys should try it out too! Never have you seen such cutely packaged cosmetics! And they're reasonably priced and they work! If you decide to make a purhcase, do enter "E5435" under ambassador code when checking out. Yes i'll benefit but you'll also be able to receive awesome free gifts! Remember that there is free shipping worldwide and no minimum purchase, what a great deal!

VISIT HERE!

(order within 48 hours of 17/09/09, right now eyeko is having an extra 20% off! plus enter my code E5435 to get freebies!)

Candy Stripper

Candy Stripper is a female-centered Japanese brand that features apparels and accessories in somewhat punk-rock styles. Going through the online shop, you'll find lots of baggy tops/ dresses; vests and sweaters also in abundance. Stuff that on first look are dull and unfashionable.. But I believe if coordinated well, especially with their fun accessories and jewellery, the look can be real fab. And unique, no doubt.

Besides the alternative chic style, there is also some stuff available for those who love their stuff cute! Think overalls and miniskirts. There's also a selection of cute tights/ leggings to go with them. Also cute are definitely their bags and purses (:

Before we continue, I gotta alert you that the site can be navigated in English, but there's still words written in Japanese. Especially in product descriptions. However, it is simple enough to navigate through the shop..
Some of my picks! (comments in magenta!) Once again I do not claim ownership over these photos!! They belong to Candy Stripper!

Riddle Bone skirt

I like the exposed zipper, and the water-colour effect this print has.

Ability Check Shorts

I love!! Plaid is also one of my favourite prints :P

Who? Long sleeve tee IVORY

How cute is that? Remind me of the McDonald's character.. forgot the name. hmm.

Lace bra Asymmetry Tank Heather Gray

I don't think there's anything not to like about this top. Baggy tank. Heather grey, one of my favourite colours. And it shows attitude!

Funny Dwarfs Raglan One-piece (Ivory-lightblue)

They called it "funny dwarfs" but it's really a few blind smurfs running around. real cute.

Peep Bear Border One-piece (ivory)

I love the concept of a bear hiding in your tee and peeping out. The sneaky little eye!

Polka Dot Black Bag

This bag is in such a cute shape and polka dots just work so well here. They add quirkiness yet cuteness to anything! This bag also comes in "foil pink and silver"

Tough and Survive Tights (Black x Silver)

I think it's self-explanatory :P

Eyeball Dot Thunder Sneakers (black)

My Favourite item, no doubt about it at all!! Cool shoes with a cute twist! These come in violet and also white/pink.

I linked every item to their specific page, so you can browse easily. There are more stuff in the shop, I assure you. Think jackets, some jewellery.. more skirts and tops!  And their webbie also has got their scrap book (designs by seasons), more on their designers and press. Even a staff blog! so u could go check that out. Although it MIGHT be in Japanese... hmm. Oh well, u don't let language barrier get in the way of appreciating their goodies yea? :D Visit at http://www.candystripper.net/ !

Meet Lizzie Miller

Lizzie Miller - An aspiring 20-year-old plus-size model. She was relativly unknown until her recent shoot where she posed in her underwear for Glamour magazine, showing off her tummy to the world. The photo was used for an article about feeling good in your own skin, and many readers have been feeding back that they absolutely LOVE her because she is REAL and NORMAL. They make them wanna celebrate their own figures too!

She also brings about the question: Is the fashion world gonna change?

The girl on page 194!

Well, She certainly isn't obese! And by American standards, she IS normal. I love how radiant her smile looks though, so beautiful! And may I add that I absolutely admire her courage... I would never dare to pose almost-nude like that, much less deliberately exposing my tummy to all!

Many readers loved this photo, while some hated it. They thought it was disgusting despite them agreeing that it's normal, but they were hoping it wasn't publicly displayed. I think it IS disturbing at first, just a little. But, I so admire her courage and her bright disposition, just makes me feel like she's so empowered. And I gotta love that.

Well.. what do you all think?

My obsession with bows

Twisted Chain Bow Necklace

(Forever 21)

I LOVE it in the silver/gold mix. (:

Betsey Johnson Silver Mesh Bow Pendant Watch

(Betsey Johnson)

So amazing! The large mesh bow is making me drool. I imagine it'll look classy, yet edgy. And it's fuctional too!

Multi Strand Necklace with Ribbon

(Marc by Marc Jacobs)

This just proves to me that you can never have too many ribbons and bows.. 

Bow & Charm Necklace

(Banana Republic)

A short charm necklace, all those ribbons wrapping snugly around your neck, must be absolutely gorgeous!! I especially love the silver ribbon with the rose pink gem in the middle!

kawaii large pink bow ring

(IceCream Candy)

Looks so simple.. but its hyper size and pinkness is just sheer cuteness!

Beaded Bow Headband

(So Lovelee)

Yea, it's a pretty pricey headband. But a lot of work must go into the beading. And it's oversized, and cute! I like this black bow, it comes in the inverse colours as well (:

Some of above stuff are admittedly WAYYY too pricey, and way out of my league too ): But it never hurts to look cos one just gets so inspired by yummy designs!

And some stuff you may not necessarily "buy".. but you might be able to have them too ;)

P!nk's bow tattoos!

(Credit: InOut Star)

Saw her tattoos on a very cool P!nk poster, but I can't seem to find that image on the web. That's the best picture I could find, but seriously! Looks especially good if you've a hot ass of course ;P

Lady Gaga's bow hair

(Credit to: Kittyhell.com)

I came across a web tutorial to do this bow hair! And I'll feature the hair tutor soon cos she's awesome!!

Sick for cute!

Formerly known as kidpirate, the website has now expanded to feature more artists, and hence more variety! Still as irresistably cute as before, but with even more adorably characters and stuff now than ever before. Imagine my surprise when I visited the webbie again!

http://www.sickforcute.com/shop/

Their merchandise ranges from female/male apparels (they cater for plus sizes as well!! w00ts!), to bags, jewellery and even stationery for the home or office. If you like your stuff cute, but yet with a hint of edge, this is where u can shop shop shop!

Some picks (pictures all credits to sickforcute.com, I don't claim ownership to any images below):

APPAREL

The RAWR dino has always been my favourite original kidpirate character. Love this tee to bits!

Sleepy Panda tee - under the Em and sprout label, but from the same designer behind Kidpirate. LOVES!

There's also a Alice in the Wonderland series in a different artist's style. Above is a Mad Hatter Men's Tee by "The Bold Banana".

BAGS

"Eat me" tote.. Cutest grocery/tote bag ever right? And environmentally friendly too. Red is all sold out though, maybe try green.

I'm sorry, I adore the sleeping panda so much i couldn't resist picking this field bag as one of my favourites!

Besides totes and field bags, they also have purses and messenger bags. Click here for more.

They've also got a variety when it comes to jewellery- necklaces, earrings, bracelets. You've got the cutesy, loud characters and some of the more classy, simple ones. Also, the funky ones are my favourite. See below:

JEWELLERY

Sneaky Ninja Necklace by Finest Imaginary

Who knew a dachshund on a red polka background would be so lovely? I love that heart on its behind!

Just gotta add this set of 4 bows earstuds cos i've an unexplainable LOVE for ribbons (and hearts)!

ACCESSORIES

They've TOO MANY accessories that i looooove, i swear! It's hard to just pick a few, but I shall..

Bite Me Sunglasses

Pretty Panda Headband

Frankenstein Belt

BFF Pin - Poo and Toilet Paper Roll

Gotta love the idea!

They've also got postcards and pins in their stationery section. You should check out the entire site! I guess I wouldn't say it appeals to all. But if any of my picks above fascinate you at all, no harm visiting 'cos it's a treasure trove of coolness and cute! They've got special deals each week as well, resulting in items going out of stock quickly. So.. if you're feeling sick and are in need for some cuuutee, they've got your pill! what're you waiting for? ;) Shop!

Monroe Misfit Makeup

Now I know there're quite a bit of makeup tutorials out there on youtube, but somehow MonroeMisfit really struck something in me. She's awfully talented and I think what she does is not plain makeup, it's an art!

From what I've gathered, she's Jody from Seattle, USA. The video I embedded above shows off her many makeup faces. You may click on the links in this post to go find her tutorials for any of the looks in this video.. What i simply love about her, which I suppose works to her advantage of course, is that she's got a face that can take lots of makeup! AND she's really versatile. What do I mean? I don't think everyone has features and skin that allow you to apply tons of outrageous colourful products and not look horrifying! She in fact, looks like she is born for this stuff! Yet, she does the classic Monroe pinup glamour girl look really well too. (The pinup girl look is clearly not cut out for me though, not especially since I'm Asian. ha)

I love her creativity when it comes to experimenting with styles and genres and COLOURS! I also like many of her extreme getups.. Guess it also helps that I share a secret love for the extreme dramatic lashes (feathers, diamantes.. bring them on!), and lots of shine and quirks. I'd have to admit I won't do most styles cos I'm probably 1. not suitable for them, 2.not courageous enough to try them, or 3. I simply don't have such a situation for it! But I definitely can drool over her tutorials and dream that one day I can do them successfully (and look smashing in it!) :P

In conclusion, she's everything her moniker suggests: MonroeMisfit. She manages to pull off both classic looks and her own edgy style superbly. And if you're a fan of makeup, or even if you're NOT, you gotta check her out cos she's an artist! This is her youtube profile again: LINK

Anyone else that impresses you so? What do you think of her?

xoxo Daph

The initial hellos ;)

Hi all, the name's Daphne. I've been re-starting my blogging of late. Somehow though, I just had too much to blog on my personal blog that I realise I should just start another blog where I can concentrate on posting about some of my loves...

Beauty

Fashion

Entertainment

So expect skincare, hair care, makeup, clothes, accessories, jewellery, gossip and features of my favourite stars. I expect I'll be posting the random bits of quirky stuff I find on the net too, that don't fit into those categories. Hope to find people who share similar tastes out there, and this blog is all about appreciation and love. Leave your comments anytime! xoxo Daph