Collar Necklace Trend and JewelMint Avalon

From runway to sidewalk, collar necklaces are a leading trend. These inspired accessories are popularly sold at local boutiques, department stores, or online at places like Topshop or Etsy. There are literally hundreds of different types of necklaces and collars. Which type do you like the most?

Collar Necklace Trend
A few collar necklaces from Topshop.


I am personally a fan of the rounded Peter Pan collars, but I find that the edgier collar necklaces work better with different outfits. I just ordered the Avalon Collar Necklace from JewelMint. I don't really like to wear these types of necklace on my bare skin, so I would probably use it to add some dimension to plain tees and blouses.
JewelMint Avalon Collar Necklace Outfit
JewelMint Avalon Collar Necklace


The collar necklace look wasn't too popular when it was first introduced, but now it looks to be popular with young teens and adults alike. It seems like this trend may stick around for another few seasons. What do you think of it? Tried it and loved it? Or simply don't care for it?

Collar Runway Inspired Necklace
Collar necklaces are an even bigger deal on the runway this season.

World Luxury Watches: de Grisogono Tondo by Night

de Grisogono Tondo by Night is a highly unique wrist watch designed with the capability to completely transforms itself from day to night. When illuminated, the colors shine and the precious stones crowning the watch are highlighted. The effect is enhanced by other precious stones carpeting the self-winding mechanism. When exposed to darkness, the fire stored up from exposure to light suffuses the Tondo by Night from the inside, restoring life to the pearly high-tech material of which it is made. A whole new watch appears, featuring subtle new color shades, as well as lines re-sculpted by the luminescence.

de Grisogono Tondo by Night


Tondo by Night lights up from inside due to the condensed light from the the composition of the material from which the case and buckle are made: Pearly Photo-luminescent Fibreglass, a composite made from tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl and other precious materials. You can see the magic of the Tondo by Night transformation in the video below:

Motilo £2,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway (Designer brands, Chanel, Prada and more!)

What would you do if you had £2,000 to spend on designer goods? Personally, I would probably buy myself a Balenciaga handbag, maybe some Louboutins or perhaps Chanel and Prada. But enough about my fantasy shopping spree. How would you like to fulfill yours through Motilo?


Louboutin ShoesBalenciaga Handbag


Three things I'm loving this week

Manuscript Mini-Wedge Blue Suede Shoes
Manuscript Mini-Wedge suede shoes worn by Emily (via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

Arm Candy Hardware Bracelet Tutorial
Arm Candy DIY Bracelet Tutorial by Anne (via anneorshine)

DIY pan collar tutorial
Handmade Peter Pan Collar Tutorial by Erica (via Honestly WTF)

US Cellular Hello Better

US Cellular Hello Better Campaign


I am sure some of you may remember my whole fiasco with getting out of my T-mobile plan. I stuck with them for quite some time despite the poor reception (in my town) and lack of phone selections. When my contract expired, I immediately made a switch over to US Cellular - mostly because they don't require I continue contracts after the initial one. I figure I could give them a try and then cancel later if I ever changed my mind. I ended up sticking with US Cellular because they delivered as promised. Had I wanted to change, however, it would have been much easier with US Cellular than the traditional carriers that required long term contracts.

Colorful Summer Arm Candy - Sara Designs launched at ShopBop

Sara Designs, previously sold only at Free People and Anthropologie, has finally launched at ShopBop! Sara Designs is a NYC-based accessories line that embraces a colorful and unique world view. Each creation is carefully constructed and crafted by hand. The result is accessories that are classy and luxurious, yet personal and timeless.

Sara Designs Watches
The Collection is inspired by Sara’s world travels that celebrate the colorful life of an independent, free-spirited woman. Sara Designs remain focused on constructing unique styles with high-quality materials and continue to win the praises of department stores and boutiques. In fabulous bright colors, each accessory can make any dull outfit stand out!

I am absolutely in love with these Sara Designs watches. They are so unique and eye-catching that everyone constantly compliments them. They're perfect to brighten up any outfit - even for work. Wear the watches alone or stack them with each other or with other bracelets. No matter how I pair these, they still look fabulous!

Conscious Box July 2012 - The Great Just Stuff Bar

Last year when I published a post listing a bunch of sample subscription programs, I said that I had never tried any of them. Now I am slowly sampling and reviewing them all. This time, I am reviewing the Conscious Box. It's not quite a beauty sample box, but it surely has its beauty.

Conscious Box July 2012

My July Conscious Box came with a whopping 13 items!

  1. All Natural Face Vegan Eyeshadow: I was pleasantly surprised to receive this lovely, loose eyeshadow. The color and shimmers are beautiful and it even comes with a little sponge applicator.
  2. Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Deck: This deck of aromatherapy card has beautiful pictures and explains the benefits and uses of many plants and oils.
  3. Aura Cacia Brightening Pure Essential Oil: This oil can be mixed with other essentials to use with the skin or can be used alone. Sweet orange's gentle, clarifying nature cheers the heart and brightens the mood.
  4. GoGo squeeZ Apple Mango Sauce: I have never been a huge fan of applesauce, but this apple-mango-sauce really takes the cake. It's portable and tastes really good!
  5. Jadience Herbal Formulas Muscle and Joint Therapeutic Cream: I keep this little convenient packet of therapeutic cream in my handbag in case it is ever needed.
  6. Just Great Stuff Organic Superberry Acai: You have to try this. It's that good. More on it below.

Summer Hairstyles, Braids and Inspirations

Summer Sidebraid Hairstyle
Twisted side ponytail via A Beautiful Mess

Bow Wire Hair Tie
Bow tied bun (plus instructions on how to make the wired bow) via Skunkboy

Little Black Bag Thoughts, Photos: Nila Anthony Doctor Bag and Freestyle Adrenaline Watch

News of the Little Black Bag has been booming all over the Internet as of late. If you haven't heard of it, Little Black Bag (LBB) is loosely based on the Japanese "Lucky Bag Sale" tradition in which retailers sell mystery bags of products and customers buy these bags and trade the items inside with their friends.

To join Little Black bag, you start by taking an interactive style quiz in which you pick your favorite brands and styles. You then pick one item that you would like to purchase. After you buy it ($49.50 for monthly subscription and $59.95 for one time purchase), the stylist picks 2-3 more items for your bag. You can trade the items you do not want with other users and when you are ready, just click ship!

I immediately went for the Nila Anthony Doctor Bag as my first choice. The bag is a gorgeous mint green (although a little bluer on the website) and retails for about $80. It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap. It can also be made into a backpack, but it seems like you would need to obtain another strap for that. (I have no intention of wearing it as a backpack, so I don't mind that part.) I think the color I bought is sold out, but LBB restocks new bags and products every week.

Nila Anthony Doctor Bag Pictures


I was given two jewelry items, which I can't really recall right now. I wasn't particularly fond of either items and traded them for the Freestyle Adrenaline Watch because I have been looking for a bright oversize watch like this for a while. It's vibrant and such a fun accessory to dress up outfits for the summer. The freestyle watch retails for about $50.

Little Black Bag Freestyle Adrenaline Watch


July Conscious Box, Little Black Bag And Flying Tomato

I apologize for the lack of updates. I am going on a little holiday this weekend so there will be no new posts until I get back. (I'll try to approve the comments throughout the day via my phone.) There are many exciting things waiting for me once I get back. For instance, my newly arrived conscious box:

July 2012 Conscious Box

Conscious Box Review

I've already devoured the apple-mango sauce, eaten some peppermints and cracked open the aromatherapy cards and oil. I'm most excited to try the tea. I'm bringing the Just Great Stuff bar and cucumber basil tea with me on vacation to enjoy. Everything else will have to wait until I get back. I'll definitely do a thorough review once I get back. I also have a shipment of the Little Black Bag coming my way. I can't wait to come home to my new handbag and accessories! Everyone has been raving about LBB for so long that I'm glad I'll finally get the chance to try it.

Three things that make my day just a little better

Body Shop Lily Cole Pearl Radiance Primer Review
The Body Shop Lily Cole Pearl Radiance Primer looks and feels messy upon application, but becomes a brilliant, illuminating highlighter once blended thoroughly. 

gud by burts bees
Güd by Burt's Bees body mist and hand wash smell wonderful and add more joy to my day!

Basil tofu recipe
I made basil tofu - with plenty of peppers and greens. Next time I will add some cashews!

How to Buy and Wear Circle Lenses

Find a good seller

The absolute first thing need to do is find a reliable retailer. Do your research and do it well. If you have astigmatism, for example, you want to get toric lens, which some retailers don't sell.

Pinky Paradise reliable circle lens
My last circle lens shipment came with free gifts: cute animal circle lens case and 2 velcro hair clip.

Talk to your optometrist

If you are from the US, your optometrist would probably advise you against circle lens - or any sort of lens not sold by the US. Regulations are a lot tougher in the States, so that is understandable. (You need a prescription from your eye doctor to buy any sort of correction lens in the US, but you can order them from overseas.) If you are adamant about buying circle lens, at least hear out your optometrist's advice for warnings and recommended uses. If you have any sort of eye problem or concern, seeing an eye doctor is necessary.

Pick suitable color, size and prescription

If this is your first time wearing any sort of contact lens at all, start with a small diameter so you will be more comfortable. Pick something closer to the standard prescription contact lens. Large circle lens cover up a larger surface area and prevent oxygen from reaching certain areas. Pick any color that you like and remember to add in the correct prescription if you want prescriptive circle lens. You can also buy regular lens if you have good eyesight or want to wear the lens under your prescriptive glasses.

Make sure lens are sealed

Please make sure the circle lens case is sealed tight when you receive it. Check for any damages. If opened or damaged, do not use!

Pinky Paradise Circle Lens Review
My Vassen Rainbow Eyes circle lens came sealed tight.

My Week in Instagram Photos - I Caved

Not going to get sucked in, I told myself. I'll never get into Instagram. Well, here I am. I actually saw some bloggers do "my week in Instagram" posts, so I decided to follow suit. I don't take that many Instagram photos, so it's more like my weeks/months in Instagram. I just want to say that the Urban Outfitters owl earrings are officially my favorite earrings! Thanks for encouraging me to get it!

Handmade Reviews Instagram


As you can probably tell, my week consists of being in the sun, wining and dining. Oh, and working out the giveaway winners! That's actually huge chunk of my week. I am still sorting through emails and getting the winners' information out to the sponsors. All be done before the end of the week.

Winners of the June Giveaway A Day

After over a week, I've finally gotten the winners sorted out. Winners will be contacted shortly if not already contacted. Please respond within 3 days or I will pick new winners.

Email winners, please respond to your emails.
Twitter/FB winners, please respond to my message and DM/PM me your email address.
If you've left only your website address, then I probably found your email address through your site.
As previously noted, emails have been cleared from all public comments and the ones previously marked spam have been included in the draw.
Regular visitors/commenters, I sought out your email or twitter even when you forgot to leave a form of contact. ;)


June Giveaway Prizes and Winners



The winners -

Three Things I Learned on a Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Organizing is difficult


organizing your makeup

I am such a disorganized person. I allot time to clean regularly, but it takes me only a few minutes to mess things up (particularly when I am in a hurry).

Skincare is good


skincare and exfoliating

I ran out of my Biore exfoliator so I am using my Neutrogena Naturals one. I have to admit that I really, really love this line. Everything is really gentle. This exfoliator is not as effective as my usual Biore one, but it is so gentle and calms my skin like a little princess. I've not much to say about the Origins serum yet, but I am hopeful it delivers on its promise of fading pigmentation.

Best things in life are those lost and found again


Things you lost in life

I dug up my CoverGirl Bistro Burgundy lipstick and am using it regularly now. It's amazing the things you lose to the bottom of your drawer.

SM Youth Star Audition (Girls' Generation, Super Junior)

I know some of my readers are huge K-pop fans, so I thought I'd share some information about the Youth Star Audition taking place in USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Korea, China and Japan. It is sponsored by S.M. Entertainment, the company that discovered KANGTA, BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, etc.

Girls Generation Audition

Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage Now!

I know what you're thinking at this point: There's no way she is writing about sunscreen - again. Well, yes I am. I have to emphasize to you the importance of sunscreen. It is more important than your daily moisturizer and definitely more valuable than your $300 anti-aging cream (which is probably just an overpriced moisturizer). This is why:

69 Year Old Driver Exposed to Sun
Photo is from the New England Journal of Medicine courtesy of Gizmodo.

Sigmax P88, F88 Comparison Photos, Review: Sigmax Kabuki Kit, Precision Kit

I took some comparison photos of Sigma's latest Sigmax brushes (to be released on Wednesday, July 11, 2012). Some of you were asking for comparison shots with the original Sigmax brushes, so I went crazy and produced this picture heavy post. Enjoy the comparison photos and excuse the spotty brushes as I use these brushes daily so they're always dusted in color. These brushes are really great for covering getting every area of your face. The Sigma F88 ($16) and Sigma P88 ($14) brushes will be sold individually and in the discounted updated 5-piece Synthetic Kabuki Kit and Synthetic Precision Kit.

Sigmax F88 and P88 brushes review
Sigma Sigmax P88 Precision Flat Angled Brush and F88 Flat Angled Kabuki Brush

Sigma 5 piece synthetic kit review
Another view of Sigma's latest, Synthetic Sigmax brushes. Soft bristles made from synthetic, organic fibers!


Many Sigmax comparison pictures after the jump!

Three Ways to Exfoliate to Fade Acne, Brighten Skin

Our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. As we age, this natural process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the epidermis. This creates duller, rougher and less radiant looking skin. Regular exfoliation will encourage the removal of dead skin cells to reveal the newer, younger skin. It also reduce dullness, speed up skin recovery and help fade acne scars faster.


Even in my teenage years when my skin was at its best, I enjoyed exfoliation. It helps brighten the face and encourages skin turnover so that acne scars and pigmentation fade faster. I now rely on exfoliation to bring back youthful radiance whenever my skin begins to dull.

Should you exfoliate

Soaking up the sun with Miracle Skin Transformer

Happy Independence Day to my US readers! Before I go bathe myself in sunlight, I have to rave about my new favorite facial sunscreen: the Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20 Face.

Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20 Face Review


It isn't advertised as such, but the Miracle Skin Transformer is basically a BB cream. It does everything a traditional BB cream promises to do - with a little extra gorgeous on the side. It's a mattifying formula, but the sheen finish is gorgeous and gives my face a whole new glow. It isn't supposed to be a foundation, but it's good enough as an all-in-one for me. It's slightly hydrating, primes, mattifies, contains SPF and gives my skin slight coverage. Before I make you fall in love with it (further), let me warn that at $48 for 50 mL, this product can be pricey. But if you don't require too much coverage, it might be worth the price as the Miracle Skin Transformer is all encompassing.

Foundation Swatches: Chanel, Clinique, La Bella Donna, Revlon

Today I am doing a swatch comparison of some of my more recent foundations. The variations in terms of color and undertone are really varied - which leads me to conclude that I need to swatch and test my foundations before buying a shade.

Chanel Vitalumiere, Clinique and Revlon foundation swatches
Revlon PhotoReady, La Bella Donna Ultimate Pure Perfection, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Clinique Acne Solutions
Compare Chanel Vitalumiere foundation with Chanel and Clinique
La Bella Donna Ultimate Pure Perfection in Nicoletta,  Revlon PhotoReady in 002 (Vanilla), Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in BR20 (Beige Rose - Tendre), Clinique Acne Solutions in 02 (Fresh Ivory)

La Bella Donna, once blended in, matches my skin the best. Unfortunately, the texture is too thick for my taste. Chanel Vitalumiere would have been perfect in in a yellow undertone. Unfortunately, I got the Beige Rose one (because I am cheap and bought the only available one for a discount). Clinique Acne Solutions Fundation is my go-to under foundation spot treatment and concealer. As for the Revlon PhotoReady, I've recently written about it and won't be ready to use it until the Winter.

Sigma Beauty Favorites and Recommendations

Some of my favorite products from Sigma include (in no particular order): Paris Makeup Palette, Dry'n Shape, F80 Flat Kabuki, Cleansing & Polishing Tool, E25 Blending Brush and Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit!

Sigma Favorite Products of 2012


The Recommended Sigma products:
Paris Makeup Palette - (See swatches and photos here)
Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit - (Read review here)
Dry'n Shape - (Read review here)
Cleansing and Polishing Tool - (Read review here)
F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
E25 Blending Brush
See all Sigma reviews

Back in 2010, I said that the MAC 187 was my favorite brush. Two years later, I realize that the Sigma F80 has long replaced the 187 in my heart. Sigma F80 is much easier to work with and it helps apply foundation so quickly and smoothly. I can easily do makeup in seconds and I have Sigma to thank.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Urban Decay S&M Eyeshadow Review and Swatches

I am not one to wear silver or gray eyeshadows, but the Urban Decay S&M eyeshadow is easily one of my favorite UD eyeshadows. Of course, most of their eyeshadows are pretty great, aren't they?

UD Eyeshadow Photos

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in SM

Three Things: Custom Palettes, Luffas and JewelMint

I depotted some of my eyeshadows earlier this week and cracked a good few. I squished them, both rectangular and round, into an old Physicians Formula palette and ta-da: my own custom travel palette consisting of Nvey eyeshadows (which I reviewed here) and Physicians Formula matte eyeshadows. I just got sick of "netural" palettes being either too plain or way too glittery.

Homemade custom eyeshadow palette for depotted eyeshadows
Eyeshadows in a augmented Physicians Forumla plastic eyeshadow case.

I have been in love with my loofah/luffa sponge as of late. If you didn't know, luffas are made from from the luffa plant. If you're up to it, Wandering Chopsticks demonstrates how to make a good luffa sponge.

Making a Luffa Sponge
This natural Loofah sponge is grown and sold by the Luffa Farm. How cute is that?

When I received my Setting Sun necklace, I was afraid. Afraid it would be too big, too gaudy, too costume-y, too much. When I realized how well it paired with a plain sweater, it became a personal favorite. Now I've broken it and lost the piece it came with too. It's amazing how losing one little piece of the necklace ruins it completely.

Broken JewelMint Setting Sun Necklace
Goodbye JewelMint Setting Sun Necklace

Making a Difference

Growing up in a very green home, my niece Jenny has always been a environmental fanatic. Ever since she joined her high school environmental club, she has been more determined than ever to clean up the earth. She recycles absolutely everything possible. She is not only responsible for all the recyclables in her home, but she also makes it her duty to keep everyone in the neighborhood in check. If a piece of cardboard is ever thrown into a trashcan instead of the recycle bin, she'll be there. If someone so much as accidentally drops a tissue, she'll be there. I have never seen so much determination in a young teen. It makes me feel inferior, like I should get out there and make a difference too.

educational charity
Recycling is good for the mind and spirit.

One of Jenny's most passionate hobby is gardening. She plants everything from grass to flowers to fruits to trees. She also makes her own compost. I've seen her countless times asking neighbors and friends for bits of leaves, grass or kitchen scraps. Sometimes she would have excess and return the extra compost, offering to help others with their gardens or lawns. She is a generous girl, always willing to help out and make a difference in this world. She is a small teen who can only contribute so little, but the impact of her kindness goes far beyond initial actions.

Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask, Euro 2012 Final

I am watching the Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy right now and I am super excited! (Though I am fairly certain Spain will win.) Watching ESPN happily while lying on my coach with laptop by my side, I pamper myself with the Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask. That's my perfect Sunday.

Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask Review
Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask 
The Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask is by far the best cloth mask that I've ever tried (and I've reviewed quite a few cloth masks on this blog). The cloth is thin and adheres to the face very well. It holds more serum and liquid than most masks despite it's sheerness. Apparently the fiber cloth is a special, all-natural fiber that retains 50% more moisture than its synthetic counterpart, allowing pores to fully dilate and drink in the beneficial ingredients. I started this mask shortly after the Euro Final began. I just watched Spain score their 4th goal against Italy and this mask is still moist and cool! That's at least over an hour of intense moisture. 

Handmade Reviews Karuna Brightening Treatment Mask Review
Karuna Mask is thin and light but packed full of serum!