Sparkled Beauty

Remember how excited I was to finally owned Claire's 3-in-1 polishes? Well, one failed, sorry to report.

When I got Liberty (pink/ white/ blue), it was already mixed up a little inside the bottle. The 3 layers weren't clearly separated, but I thought they would eventually anyway.

The thing is the brush isn't long enough to touch the blue colour at the bottom, and as a result, I could only get the pink at the top. As I painted to the 7 and 8th nails, there was a bit of white coming up with the pink, but not noticeable on the nails.

I would say this is a convenience of packaging, have 3 colours in 1 bottle but I wouldn't expect the mixing effect or any miraculous colour appeared on the nails.

On the positive side, the pink is intense and smooth, opaque after 1 coat. By itself, it doesn't really work well with my skin tone, so I added China Glaze Nova, the silver glitters that shine many colours of the rainbow. Together, it's a cool manicure. The blurr picture is to show the bling.

I'm loving my nails this weekend! What do you have on your nails?

It is the right time to shop around here, ladies. It's 20% off event at the mall today, 8am - 10pm. Participating stores only, so check before you shop. Winners is in the list, so I'm gonna be there bright and early. Their boots and dresses are so cool, 20% off would be helpful.

Also, next Tuesday, Mic Mac has Holiday Head Start Sale (20%, No Tax or special discounts) 9:30am til midnight. The next day is a holiday (Remembrance Day), so no worries about getting home early for some sleep.

I'll be doing some Christmas shopping for sure, gotta get it done before going home in 2 weeks.

Shoppers: x20 Optimum points w/ $75 purchase of beauty products (makeup, facial skin care, fragrances, jewelries, bath foam & gel, nail care) all week
*** Sun & Mon only:
- Gosh: 40% off (rest of the week: 25% off)
- No7: 30% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
- Avene skin care: 25% off (rest of the week: 20% off)
- L'Oreal Pro Manicure nail enamel/ cosmetics: 30% off (rest of the week: 25% off)
- L'Oreal Skin Genesis/ Demo Expertise facial moisturizer: CAD16.99 (rest of the week: CAD19.99)
- L'Oreal Ever Pure shampoo, conditioner: CAD7.99 (rest of the week: CAD9.99)
- Feria/ Excellence cream hair colour: CAD7.99 (rest of the week: CAD9.99)
- Maybelline eye/ lip products: CAD3.99 (rest of the week: CAD4.99)
- St. Ives facial cleanser: CAD2.99 (rest of the week: CAD3.99)

*** All week:
- Olay skin care: 20% off
- Nivea body wash, lip, skin care: 25% off
- Balea skin care: 30% off
- Vichy Purete Thermale skin care: 30% off
- Rimmel (selected types): CAD4.99
- Maybelline Define A Lash, Full & Soft, Line Stiletto mascara, Superstay foundation: 20% off
- Marcelle cleansing cloths, Essentials cream, cosmetics: 20% off
- Marcelle New Age Anti-wrinkle set: CAD40
- Cover Girl: 15% off
- L'Oreal Bare Naturale: 20% off
- REvlon eye/ makeup, Almay blush/ makeup: 20% off
- Physicians Formula: 20% off
- Quo eye makeup remover: CAD8
- Quo makeup (selected types): CAD15
- Quo brushes: 20% off
- Gosh hair care: 20% off
- Body Delices/ Neutrogena bath products: 20% off
- L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick: CAD9
- Twilight Lip Venom or Luna: from CAD18

Lawton: Coupons for $10 off with $50 purchase - incl. taxes (Nov 14 - Dec 24)found in the Christmas gift ideas booklet. Also Free photo album (reg. CAD9.99) with $25 purchase (incl. taxes) of cosmetics, fragrances or giftware
- Revlon nail polish: 50% off
- Calvin Klein makeup kits: from CAD34.99
- Markwins holiday gift sets: from CAD2.99

Superstore:
- Olay body wash: CAD2.99
- Olay Total Effects/ Regenerist facial moisturizer, serum or treatment: CAD19.88

Zellers: I'm wondering whether my store has elf kits yet
- Revlon nail polish/ Double Twist mascara: 25% off
- L'Oreal skin care: 20% off
- L'Oreal Voluminous/ Lash Out mascara, HIP duo shadow: CAD5.99
- Olay Classic/ Garnier skin care: CAD1 off

The Bay has Elizabeth Arden GWP until November 15 with any purchase of CAD38.

The gift has:
- Giraffe Print Tote with Orange Trim
- Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer (50ml)
- Prevage Anti-aging Night Cream (7ml)
- Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in Black (3ml)
- Compact Duo Eyeshadow in Pink Clover
- Pretty Eau de Parfum Spray.

After the false alarm last week about this, it is confirmed that Old Navy has door crasher deal this Saturday: $1 all fleece scarves (limit of 5 per person).

Also, the outerwear is 50% off until November 12, I might check out some jackets.

H&M also has BOGO deal on selected knitwear for the whole family. Are you going?

It is snowing around here, woo hoo! Not really :-) I expected a few flurries flying in the air, not the heavy wet snow flying from all directions. We had to come back inside, changed to our snow boots and stood outside for an hour hoping for the bus to come. I live on a hill and the bus was rerouted to avoid steep rides while failed to let me know when I called.

Squirt made it to school 5 minutes late and me an hour late. Oh well, at least we made it :-)

On a positive note, Redz2486 at A Girls Live sent me this award all the way from Scotland. I'm so happy that you love my blog, thanks so much!

The rules:
- Post the award on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link
- Pass the award to 15 other blogs you've newly discovered
- Contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I am always looking for more blogs to read, so much that my blog list overflows. It's interesting to learn about products that aren't available to me, to share feeling about life, or sometimes just to get to know a new friend who has similar addiction to beauty product as mine.

So here are the blogs that are new to me but keep me busy coming back for new posts:
- Aquahearts Makeup Obsession
- Cheeserland
- Citrine's Blog
- Get Gawjus
- Hedonist
- Iceomatic's Nails
- K. Lo Dot Com
- KONADomania
- Kris Primps
- Magic Maid
- Makeup Before Coffee
- Nihrida's Blog
- Shop N' Chomp
- The Kronicles of a Konad-er
- Zoella

There are certainly lots of great blogs out there, I'd love to see which ones you have found and love :-)

More giveaways to win, skim through the prizes to see whether you want to win as much as I do :-)

Lisa at He Qi Crystal Designs are hosting 2 giveaways of her awesome handmade jewelry. You gotta check it out.

The New Moon giveaway closes today, so you'll have to hurry.

The prize includes:
- New Moon Inspired Swarovski necklace
- Golden Shadow Swarovski moon earrings
- Clinique lipstick in Plum Brandy, and
- Clinique Lash Doubling mini mascara.

The link to Lisa's website is in her giveaway post. If you are not interested in the prize, check out what she makes. You might find some great holiday gifts for yourself or friends/ family.

I'm not paid to say this, I genuinely admire her pieces and am trying to save to buy a piece myself.

The second giveaway is for her 200+ followers, closes on November 14, so you have a bit of time to enter.

You can win:
- Swarovski Starfish necklace
- Origami Butterfly earrings
- Clinique eyeshadow and moisturizer
- Facial mask, and
- Oil blotting sheets.

There are options to earn extra entries, so please read the rules for more info.

Once in a while, Lisa posts specials on her blog. Save you a bit of money, good idea right?

dot...dot...dot... is having a Twilight giveaway too, expires on November 8.

If you are a Twilight fan, you'd love the prizes:
- Twilight on DVD
- New Moon book with movie poster cover, and
- a vinyl wall art set that reads "I'm just a Bella waiting for my Edward!" by Home Sweet Walls.
Cute huh?

Lauren is partnering with asos.com (you all know this website very well, don't you, lol) to bring you a competition, going on until November 8.












First prize:
- Benefit LE 'Powderazzi' blusher compact with Coralista, Dallas and Hoola, and a mini blush brush.
- Bourjois LE Vintage eyeshadow in Beige Rose.
Second prize: Bourjois LE Vintage blush in Amber D'Or.

I don't have any of these products, so I'm excited! But there're more!

Check out this K. Lo Dot Come giveaway to celebrate the domain name for the blog.

$100+ in prizes:
- 12-count lucite lipstick holder
- Lancome Sunny Manorama Bronzer
- MAC Lipstick in a choice of 1 among Saint Germain, Fleshpot, or Peachstock
- Pink Guerlain Meteorites Brush
- LUSH Bath Bomb
- 3 Mini Sephora Lipglosses
- Hello Kitty pouch and notepad.

So cute! I want to win! If you do too, enter before US Thanksgiving.

How about high end and drugstore products in 1 win?

Here comes the giveaway at Tart-y for the Party.

Prizes are:
- L'Oreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Platinum and Matte Shadow Duo in Dashing
- Revlon Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over, and
- Chanel Nail Colour in Allegoria.

What do you think? Love it?

Closes midnight November 30.


Helen and Sheenie is having a Nice Things giveaway until 9am GMT on November 16.

You'll have to guess the time when Helen was born, fun idea. In return, you can win:
- Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Lust
- OPI Designer Series Diamond Topcoat
- OPI nail file
- OPI Drip Dry Drops
- OPI Russian Navy
- Models Own Bluebelle, and
- 2Faced Cheek & Lip Tint.

Again, I don't own any of these products, so you can imagine how I feel. Pigments and nail polishes are my absolute obsession!

This next giveaway closes midnight tonight, so check it out quickly. It's Little Miss Queenie's giveaway. It's a double prized one too.

First prize pack: Cutesie Dollie
- Harajuku Lovers makeup/pencil case
- Harajuku Lovers Baby perfume
- Tweezerman skull matchstick nail files
- 2 Mac Lipglass
- 2 Mac Liplustre
- Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy mini perfume, and
- The Cute Institute ice cream earrings.

Just in case you don't like the cute look, she has another prize pack, but you have to be the first winner to be able to pick. The second winner will get the one that didn't get picked.

Second prize pack: Sexy Rocker
- Sephora's Vampire Kit: false eyelashes, grey eyeshadow, silver glitter lash, silver glitter liner, black eyeliner and black nail polish
- Lancome mini makeup pouch
- Lancome Hypnose perfume sample
- Lancome Cils Booster XL sample, and
- Feather earrings.

I like the idea of 2 different themes of prizes even better, don't you? :-)

Now the next giveaway is for konad lovers. I never tried, as it scares me that I'd screw up and make a mess. Just need a bit of courage :-)

But if you know what you're doing with stamping and stuff already, try to win this giveaway at KONADomania. She's giving away:
- Konad C set: M2, M3 discs, and small special stamping polishes in red, white, and blue, stamper and scraper
- 2 S-he polishes and 2 Essence polishes, colours of your choice
- Suki, Aubrey, John Masters samples, and
- Local goodies.

What are you waiting for? What's a better way to try products you haven't seen before by winning a giveaway?

This giveaway ends November 20, midnight (Slovenia time).

Nani's Nails has a My Lip Stuff giveaway.

If you are a lip balm lover like I am, you would understand why I want this: a prize pack of 6 natural handmade lip balms, chosen from 500+ flavour options. Looking through the flavour list, I feel like I'm at a smoothie/ candy shop or out in nature doing outdoor stuff. Can you imagine that?

You have until November 12 to try and win these cute babies. Just in time for the winter!


And last but not least, my fellow Canadian blogger blu3 is hosting her 2nd anniversary giveaway from now until November 11.

What can you win?
- China Glaze nail polish in For Audrey
- Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate
- Dior High Shine mini lipstick in Catwalk Mauve, and
- MAC Pro makeup remover sample.

Quite a colourful and fun package, isn't it? Head over and support her, will ya?

Yes you guessed it, it's Claire's time again. I know you probably wouldn't want to see any more of similar "10 for $10 hauls", but I have my reason for this one.

It's the 3 little bottles in the middle there. I got my first dip of Claire's 3-in-1 nail polishes, at CAD1 each.

From L-R: Jen Jen (green with multi-coloured micro glitters), Ninja Turtle (yellow/ green/ orange layers - creams) and Liberty (red/ white/ blue layers - micro glitters).

I can't wait to try these out. I have heard that only the bottom colour among the 3 would show on the nails, we'll see.

The rest is a pair of Halloween glasses (the lenses are orange, pumpkin shaped), 4 pairs of earrings, a sleep mask (animal print) and a Reese-flavoured lip gloss pot. Cool huh?

Check out the picture below for closer shot at the nail polishes, click to enlarge.

I'm throwing in some other polishes I got from post-Halloween sales too.

Last Saturday, Winners had all Halloween stuff on clearance for 70% off. People bought costumes, skeleton/ pirate deco so fast, I didn't even get a good look. But I managed to grab some Halloween socks, and the 2 Fantasy Maker Glow-in-the-dark polishes, very cheap.

The Fright Night Claw polishes were on 50% off at Lawton (CAD2.49 each). I got the Spellbinding top coat (red glitters) and Toxic (darker green). Didn't care about the black or red colours, missed out on the purple (Poison) though.

Oh, I added a "Giveaways" tab at the top of the blog, just for easy browing. All my giveaways will be in that tab, if you want to look for them. Have a nice day!

So everybody knows Jimmy Choo for H&M is launching November 14, right? Don't worry, this is not a PR post, just some thoughts about what'd be going on that day :-)

I was so excited that our very first H&M store was opened in August (on my birthday, to be exact). It is a drive to get there, but at least we have a store now.

And next Saturday, it gets even more exciting. Do you know what are waiting for you in store? Not only the gorgeous shoes and clothes, but this (direct quote from H&M website):

The first 160 people in line will receive a bracelet; on the bracelet you will be given a specific time for shopping in our designated area. The bracelets are only needed for the women’s shoes, bags and accessories. Customers shopping the men’s collection or the women’s garments will not require a bracelet.

If you are not one of the 160 first in line, you will of course have the opportunity to shop from the rest of the collection or within H&M. After about two hours we will also open up the designated area for all of our customers.

When your time has come, we will let you into the designated area to shop. Our goal is to create a better shopping experience for all of our customers. To make sure as many customers as possible are able to buy from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection, we have a limitation. Every customer can buy the whole collection but with a limitation of buying maximum one per product, i.e. not more than one size (shoes/garments) or piece (accessories) per product per customer. The limitation covers the whole Jimmy Choo for H&M Collection. Your place in line does not guarantee any items from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection.

My very first time hearing about "timed shopping" and "quantity limitation". I guess Jimmy Choo is famous :-) Even better, I found out that the only store I have doesn't even get the goodies. The "selected stores" list only includes Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, lol. I guess it wasn't meant to be :-)

So have fun, the lucky ladies who live in the above 3 cities. Are you going to be one of the first 160? Or are you waiting for the public opening after the first 2 hours?

Photo credit: The internet!

I saw the 20% off promotion from Cherry Culture from the weekend, thinking I don't have anything to buy from them.

Until today, I found out on twitter that they have Milani Black Magic polishes - from the drop down menu of shade names, the last 6 colours. $4.49 isn't really the best price, but after discount it would be the same US drugstore price, I guess ($3.59).

I always wanted to have these black bottles after seeing Steph's swatches. I don't really care it's not Halloween anymore, I'm just on a polish kick.

Shipping would start from $6.95 (no free shipping offer for outside US). Do you guys think I should get them?

Also found these Kleancolor polishes on sale from $2.50 to $.99 ($.79 after discount).

I have seen swatches of a few shades of this brand and was intrigued. Again, haven't seen them around here.

The sale is over midnight today, so I need some advice ASAP please. If you have used these brands, please let me know your thoughts about the polishes, or your suggestions of shades. Is Cherry Culture's customer service good (packing, shipping, etc.)? Never shopped with them before.

I hate impulsive purchases, but always end up making one, lol.

Photo credit: cherryculture.com

I received a nomination for this Kreativ Blogger award from Jenn at Everything Makeup and Fashion Related. I was so stoked, lol. Thanks so much, Jenn.

To accept the award do the following:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreative Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

I'll attempt a few things that might be slightly interesting about myself, lol:

1. I wore no eye makeup almost all my life until last summer, and now it's all I buy. I see my eye lids as a blank canvas and I could paint them the way I want (still need practice!). It isn't always the case with my face or lips.

2. I have no girlfriend around here who is into makeup to go shopping with. Squirt becomes my shopping pal for everything. She sometimes does have an opinion about colours that I should pick :-) I also drive my bf nuts for asking him to help me pick an item at the store that would look good on me.

3. My family lives way too far away from me and Squirt. There's always a bit of a void in my heart that needs to be filled with family love. I'm gonna get to see them in November, can't wait. I dread the long flights though.

4. I give everyone a hard time trying to pronounce my last name (blame my parents, lol). It was never a problem where I come from, lol. At least my first name is easy.

5. I got my license 2-3 years ago but never drive. I'm terrified of getting into an accident of some sort and hurting Squirt. Wish they built a skytrain system here, I could ride it everywhere.

6. Lots of people guess my age wrong (i.e. I look younger than I really am) which is a huge plus. Hate facing the age question, but it'll come as I can't fool them much longer when fine lines show up :-)

7. I love reading beauty blogs more than fashion magazines. I need to read more books though. In the last few years, I read more children's books (with Squirt) than books for myself. Good thing she can and loves to read now :-)

I nominate:
- Cheryl at Cheryl's Beauty Blog
- Le Midget at Dirt on the Rocks
- Jade at Enamored Enamel
- Crystal S. at Makeup by CrystalS
- Suzi at Suzi Style
- R. at Nouveau Cheap
- Millie at Glitter Millie

Cheers!

If you go to The Body Shop front page today, you'll see the Originals making an appearance.

The classic 80's scents (Dewberry, Passion Fruit and more) are brought back, starting today, for a limited time only. They have been revamped to incorporate community trade ingredients and packaged with 100% recycled PET plastic bottles, with a reasonable price (CAD8.99).

The Body Shop also gives you a chance to vote for one of these retro scents to stay on the shelves. If you see something you like, make sure you vote :-)

On to the most exciting part: To celebrate the launch of the Originals, The Body Shop Canada has offered a giveaway for my readers. Only Canadians are eligible to win though, I'm afraid. Get cha next time, my international readers.

The prize package values at CAD45 and includes:
- Banana Shampoo and Conditioner
- Green Apple Shower Gel
- Dewberry Body Lotion, and
- Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel.

Rules:
1. You need to be a Canadian follower of this blog. New followers are welcome!

2. Please leave a comment on this post, telling me which of the Original scents is your favorite or which one you want to try.
Your email address needs to be provided either in your profile or in the comment for me to contact you if you win. If I can't contact you, I'll have to pick another winner.

3. Extra entries (not mandatory) for posting about the giveaway on your blog and/or twitter (by using the RT button at the bottom of the post) with links to this blog and the giveaway. One extra entry for each method. Please leave the link of your post or tweet in separate comments.

4. The giveaway starts today (November 2) and ends Friday, November 13, 2009 at 11:59PM ADT (Atlantic Daylight Time)

5. The winner will be randomly selected from all qualified entries (through random.org) and be notified on Sunday, November 15, 2009. He/she will have 48 hours to get back to me with shipping information, or a new winner will be selected.

6. The prize will be shipped directly to the winner from the sponsor.

I was not sent any product or compensated for this giveaway. Thank you to the sponsor and good luck to everyone!

Thank you so much for all of you who entered my first giveaway hosted on Sparkled Beauty.

I am excited to announce the winner: Fay. H. She won by retweeting my giveaway on twitter.

Fay, as you didn't leave an email address, I have contacted you on twitter. Please email me your shipping address within 48 hours.

Sorry that I had to disqualify a few entries for not following the rules. For future giveaways (which are coming very soon), please read the requirements carefully to not miss out on a chance to win.

Have a wonderful day!