Regular blogger?

I've put a lot of time and thought into this and I've considered blogging regularly.   As a young teenager years and years ago, it was my hobby and my passion to log online and connect with the world.  Blogging was huge when I was young.  YouTube wasn't quite around yet at the time.  I'm sure people reading this now would ask, why blog when you can film like everyone else? Yes, that's true, but there's just too many things to consider (as with many others who would like to do the same but are just as hesitant).

Let's just say if I were to fast forward my life 2.5 years down the road where my boyfriend and I have finally gotten a place of our own, the chances of me blogging would be much higher.  

Anyway, I feel like vlogging and filming is some sort of an investment.  As of now, we are trying to save up for a house.  It's been long time coming for the both of us and I think it's also a huge milestone in our relationship.  I don't feel comfortable with filming if the quality "sucks".  I don't want to deal with the issues where the colour isn't right, or the video isn't clear, all because I don't have the proper equipment.  Not saying I have to spend a fortune on equipment to achieve optimum quality, but I want quality work (I'm not willing to spend $250 on a camera if this goal of mine doesn't last).

It seemed so easy back then the amount of effort I put into web design, graphic design, and just sitting down to write.  The inspiration back then was endless.    Then again, blogging is very different than filming.  

I also work a full time job and cook every day after work.  With that being said, I'm often pretty tired.  

I do live in a place that snows for about 7 months of the year, so natural sunlight doesn't last for very long.  Weekends would be the best time I could "film".  Not sure how I feel about people giving me the weird look talking to the camera (we don't live alone).  

I will try my best to take pictures of things I'm using that are beauty related.  Let's hope this will be the beginning of an inspirational journey.  

PS.  I can't believe this was created back in 2010....time passes by so fast.

Skincare

Hi everyone,

It's funny when you look back at old entries and realize how much time as passed relative to how much you've changed as a person.  You know you're getting old when.... =P

I'm not going to post any pictures, but I thought updating should do for now.  I would like to work on this blog a little more if time permits.

I may have mentioned it in a previous post that I went back to school and finished about a little over 6 months ago.  I'm working full time now...yay.

Anyway, I'm not going to post any pictures, but I thought I'd go over my skin regime.

I experienced the worse skin crisis I've ever had in my entire life.

As a background, there are certain foods I don't eat because through past experience, they break me out.  For example, popcorn.  Don't get a wrong, I watch movies with the bf all the time, but we never buy popcorn; reason being is because it breaks me out really badly.  I've always been a petite girl, but have noticed I'm put on some slight weight - a healthier weight for a girl my size (only from this past half a year).  So my bf's parents bought "Chicago" mix and I decided to try it out....bad idea.  Long story short, my face was hating on me for a good 2-3 months.  This way back in December by the way.

Hot sauce isn't so bad.  I have learnt to tolerate it because I eat it in my pho (which tastes great when you add it when you're over half way done....you get the best of both worlds!  you enjoy the original broth itself AND what it'll taste like with lemon juice and hot sauce.  Is it just me?)

Back on topic...so the cleanser I switched to prior to breaking out was Clinique Normal/Combo.  I was using the whole system.  I was also using BB creams at the time...which I find now is way too oily for me.  My acne is bumpy and on my cheeks.  When I break out, it's normally in my t-zone.  To say the least, it was a point in my life where I never felt so unattractive with a naked face. I should note that during this time it was winter, and our winter months are very dry.  Oh and did I mention that I switched to Clinique's Oily skin kit?  Pretty sure it made it worse, go figure.

For xmas, the bf got me the Clairsonic Mia 2...heard great things about it, but because I had yet to figure out why my skin broken out, not sure it was the best time to try this device out.  I used it everyday, and it felt like it resurfaced more breakouts...great.  Now, I use it twice a week.  I switched cleansers to Fresh "Soy Cleanser" and then "Murad".  Murad definitely helped calm down the acne.

..Sorry guys, I just realized this post is getting really long and before I jumped to the present of how my skin is now, I'd really like to thoroughly go over the process of what I had to go through and what products I used.  I'll have to save it for another day.  I guess 10 years ago it was easy to blog on and on...what happened to the inspiration?  But to be fair and rather skip details (I also switched foundations which I think ties into this whole thing too), I'm gonna have to split this post up a bit.

Til then!

-Apologies for the abrupt end to the post..there's too much to say and too much to type haha

I'm Alive!!

Yes, so I realize it's been a long time. One of my excuses being that I can't really get good close up focused shots with my camera. It's a canon with 7.0px, so it's a little outdated. But as I'm typing this I remembered the other day I discovered I am able to focus in really close with my iPhone 4's back camera.

Anyway, I didn't check the date of my last post, but I know it's been a really long time. Since I don't have a review, I did a tag. Now, I've been following Jen from frmheadtotoe and watching her videos for a long time and I saw her do this tag the other day. I thought it was pretty neat, and at the same time, pretty hard questions to answer...some a little weird, not going to lie. So you can head over to the Random page to check out what my answers are. I had fun doing them!! My answers would have more enthusiasm to them if I had finished them the same day I started, but I had things to do...so I attempted to hiberate my laptop and come back and finish, but I had to start over.

Have a good night everyone!

Yay!!! New Review on: Make up Haul

I'm sure my bf would be proud of me if he stumbles upon here randomly and sees this...I UPDATED! Anyway, the second I thought of this, the instant I grabbed my camera and took some pictures. You can check the Make Up link above to check out the review. It's really just a mini haul. But as "kinda" promised, I made the effort to update, so here it is!!

Been a VERY long time

Alright, so I realize it's been a long time. Honestly, life has pretty much kept me busy and tired. Although I'm well aware no one really see this place, but I thought I should update it anyway...why not? From time to time it's in the back of my mind to update this, but then by the time I remember, it's dark and I absolutely hate taking pictures with flash...I like to take pictures using natural lighting, and that never happens. So I thought, okay, even if I don't update with any review, why not just update for the sake of updating.

Like I mentioned the last time, I'm still at my "new" job...which by now, in a few more months I'll be there for a year now. I mean, it's alright...it's my career, I hate and love it depending on how my day goes, and some days I question if this is what I really want to do. I'm a pretty committed person when it comes to a job though, I like to stay through the good and bad times because I feel that being able to do that makes me a stronger person, and it shows that I'm serious.

To summarize the past year really, the biggest change I've had is that I've purchased my first car. Going to work was a hassle without a car, especially on the one work night I had a week, there was no way I was going to commute there in the winter we get here waiting outside for the bus. Aside from having the job and having a new car, everything has pretty much remained the same for me. I will say that because of work though, it drains me; which I find these days I spend a lot of time sleeping or taking nap during the day because I am so tired...hence I don't have the time to update here either because it is time consuming to put together a review and honestly, if I don't have the time to put together something I feel is presentable, I rather not put anything up because it then looks rushed and crappy. I have discovered a lot of new things I love using, and things I find that I'm not such a big fan of...I don't know where to start though, it's too overwhelming to put it all in one update.

However, I guess for a new years resolution...just a thought mind you, I want to be able to use Mon-Wed to update this...although who knows when will be the next time I'll log on. I don't normally see my bf until thurs-sun, which I'm unlikely to update, but he's usually busy too when we see, but its inconvenient for me to take pictures when I don't have the materials and products with me and upload it to update. All in all, I'm going to try, but no promises. Oh, and I guess laziness could be a possible factor too?? At least I'm admitting it. Anyway, for the very few viewers, if any that see this, hope you had a great xmas and new years, and have a great v-day/singles awareness day.

Busy busy busy

So I'm still around, but I started working again last week and I've been really busy. Anytime I have after work I'm either do errands of spending time with the hubbs. It's been a long time since I've been on my feet for hours. Incase anyone is wondering, I'm a hairstylist. But yeah, apologies for the lack of updates, but some days I'm just way too tired. However, there's lot of products I want to review. The salon I work at has introduced me to new products I've never heard of, and has an overwhelming amount of other products aside from just hair. Too many things and not enough time! Well I hope to have something up before the end of the month...no promises but I'll try. Maybe next Wednesday.

Anyway, hope everyone is having a great May.

More Nail Polish!

So lately I've been taking advantage of all sales and promotions.  If you didn't get a chance to buy some nail polish from ELF, Sally's is actually having a sale of their own.  It's buy 2 get 1 free for all of their nail enamels.  So that's for like China Glaze, ORLY, etc.  Great brands!!  I remember about a year ago hauling a few polishes home, and regretting not buying more.  This must be a yearly promotion?  I don't know, but I don't care...so I bought another 6 new ones.  I won't be needing anymore for a long time since I just got in my other 12 polishes from ELF (which by the way, was an awesome promotion as well).  I'll put up some pictures another day of my french tips.  

I'm also liking the Maybelline Express Finish.  I only have one because I got it for free for spending a certain amount on drugstore make up from a past purchase.  My tips are black and I put a sparkling glitter finish on top.  I can't wait to use all of the colors...I'm constantly changing my color weekly.  

Click here for the Sally Promotion Flyer

ELF B3G3

I know it's a tight deadline, but Elf is having a great deal for their nail polish line.  If you buy three nail polishes, you get another 3 for free!!  So in total you get about 6 polishes altogether.  The promotion works also if you purchase another 3 after that (paying for 6 polishes), and then totalling of another 6 being free...and that'll be 12 polishes.  You get the jist.  For myself, I ordered 12 polishes.  Along with the purchase, you also get a free nail block.  It's a pretty awesome deal and I couldn't pass it up, so if you're interested, below is the coupon code.  Enjoy!

Coupon code:  EGNP3

Get a Pair of Free Glasses!!!

So clearlycontacts.ca is currently having a promotion where they're giving away 25000 pairs of free glasses to people all over canada (so, obviously only exclusive to canadians).  Each province in Canada has a set date in which the glasses are scheduled to be given out, and on that day (currenty going from west to east...check the map from the link below), only the first 500 people will recieve a free pair.  You can find more information and how to enter this free give away at freeglasses.clearlycontacts.ca

I have also gotten myself a pair as well!!  Currently wearing them and loving them.  The only thing that's not free is the shipping, but honestly, for a pair of free of glasses and I only had to pay for shipping (totaling $13)?...That's pretty awesome.  Not only that, it came within 2 days of shipping (overnight shipping/priority).  I've purchased regular contacts from this site before, and it came promptly...so definitely would go back to and do business again.  Coupon code is obviously not available to you guys since you have to personally enter in, but it doesn't take long, and they'll actually e-mail you day of the give away for the respective province a unique coupon code.  So what are you waiting for??  Check the link above!

Skincare Update!

Hope everyone is well. Been doing a bit of procrastinating on updating, but no worries, I'm always thinking of what to review next...there's just so much to choose from. I've had quite a few things come in the mail, but I don't think I'll review them just yet because there's many products I feel like other people don't review, and it's a good opportunity for me to get ahead start on it. 

I purchased some products from ELF from their studio line, and I'm waiting for it to come in the mail. I used the 50% off coupon as well, and it was well worth it. If I were to review the brushes, I'll probably review the original brushes first so we have a comparison. Anyway, I've added a new review under skincare, it's for drugstore cleansers that I've tried out.

Until next time. :)

Skincare Review and More Promos

So I got a new update up in the Skincare section about Lipcare.  It's for the Burt's Bee and Carmex brand lip balms, so if you haven't tried those out and need to know how they work, then go check that out.  

Other than that, I have 2 promo codes for ELF.  

50% OFF Minerals - Code:  MIN50 (Expires today)

50% OFF Studio - Code:  STUDIOSAVE (Expires March, 15, 2010)

New Nail Review and Store Promotions

Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well. So I just finished a review on nails, so you can go check that out under MakeUp&Nails.

The other thing is a promotion at Forever21. If you spend $40, you get free shipping (normally a minimum of $75 I think for free shipping). This is sale for Valentine's Day, so obviously this promotion ends on Feb, 14th, 2010. Anyway, below is the promo code:

CODE: ILUVF21

Enjoy!

Beauty Choice

Just a quick update to say that BeautyChoice.com is having a Super Bowl Sale for 20% off everything with the excepton of gift cards, CHI appliances, and gift bundles. So that's actually not bad considering many of the things they sell are cheaper than most retail. Anyway, below is the code that you use at check out, and it's valid until March 1, 2010. Enjoy.

Coupon code: SUPERBOWL7

First Review: Hair

Okay, today has been hectic, but everything does get done.  As promised, I'd have a review ready by today, and it's still Tuesday for me, so I made it on time.  So the first thing I decided to review on, and I thought it was good timing since I had to go out and buy some anyway, it's hair coloring products.  Review turned out a little longer than I expected.  There's just too much to say about it, and I tried to keep it brief, and educating as much as I could.  So if anyone has questions about anything I didn't mention, just comment the entry.  I've gotten many things in the mail recently, so I'll eventually review those products as well.  That's it for tonight, going to relax since I've been doing things non-stop today.  Again, probably next review is next Tuesday?  If I have time, tomorrow is possible, but I highly doubt it.  Hope everyone had a great weekend, and has a great start to this week. :)  

QUICK UPDATE:  Apparently on some pages the comments link isn't showing up even though I have it enabled.  Others are having the same problem as well.  Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

All set to go!

Ok, so everything is pretty much set to go. It's been a long time since I've dealt with html (5-6 years or so?). Originally I was going to just use this one page and have everything on it, but taking into consideration how much content it can hold later on, I thought adding more pages would provide easier navigation around the site and that it would be much more organized. This way everything would be under a certain section and searching back on topics would be more convenient. If you look above this update, and hover over the row of links, it'll light up and they lead to the following page as labelled.

Anyway, the earliest actual product review won't be until next week Tuesday at earliest. My plan is to start with hair, that way it's easier to follow. The rest will be updated in the following navigation order shown above. So I'm going to allow some time to collect what I would like to review and lay it out to see how I'll be doing this. As far as the site goes, everything is done, so hope everyone likes it.

Until next time.

QUICK NOTE: If you live in Canada, for today (currently Friday, 29th, promotion ends Saturday 30th) and tomorrow, Old Navy is having 30% off entire purchase if you walk instore wearing Red, or have a maple leaf, or have the word Canada on you. Remember instore only.

Halfway there...?

Thanks for stopping by cosmetelligent!   This page is still under development, but I'm looking into adding more here and there if blogspot permits me to do so.  Anyway, since I'm lacking an "about" page, to briefly sum up the purpose of this page, it's basically a review site.  I'll be focusing mainly on hair, make-up, nails, and other beauty related products/tools, and possibly little side notes on gaming (whatever is worth a mention ;) ).  So as time goes on, each time I update I will probably adjust the page to hopefully provide improved navigation and more neat tools.  

Approximately sometime next week I'll have up my very first review (hopefully), if not by tomorrow...so something to look forward to.  Just to make it clear, everyone is entitled to their own opinion when it comes to products.  Skincare products on one hand all comes down to each person's skin type (products used on myself), so other skin types similar to myself can get an idea of the product and how it works.  

This pretty much concludes this entry.  We'll see next post. :)

Brushes:  Brushes Download