HAPPY 12/12/12!

Just wanted to post a quick update. So today is the last day of classes, but there are still a couple of finals to take and a research paper to edit and some other manual work for classes before I can be done with this semester!

Lovely Hong Kong Postcard from my Best Friend Victoria  <3 

One of my best friend, Victoria, is currently studying aboard in Hong Kong, and I think she might actually be in Japan right now! I know super cool! The postcard was what arrived in my mall, and I hope to video chat with her soon, if you see this, message me.

Alright before I head off to eat dinner, I wanted to wish a happy two year one months with my boyfriend, Tommy! <3

UPDATE: Wow, just as I thought my day couldn't get any better, I just had an amazing dinner at Danforth Dining Center courtesy of Sam and invited via my roommate, Calvin. Here's some pictures, don't droll!

Nivea Lip PR Box - Won from TotalBeauty

      I can't thank TotalBeauty and Nivea enough for giving me the opportunity to win such an AMAZING prize! I actually do have a few Nivea lip products (remember the NIVEA USA PDA Lip Giveaway). That giveaway sent me a coupon for free Nivea Lip Product after uploading a PDA picture to their Facebook giveaway link. That was a pretty sweet deal. So imagine my surprise, when I was sent the entire collection of 15 different lip products! I am truly thankful for having won this amazing prize, I really wished I can test all 15 lip products, but I'll most likely start giving these away to my friends and family as a Holiday stocking gift.

COVERGIRL blastflipstick BzzCampaign Invite

I was more than thrilled to have been invited to this COVERGIRL blastflipstick bzzcampaign and immediately signed up to be a part of this campaign.

On the Covergirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor website, it shows all 13 duo shade lipstick duos. So what exactly is a blastflipstick? It's these two in one lipcolors that you can easily blend to make an endless combination of wearable, blendable lipcolor! There's also a color match tool on the Covergirl website that can help you find the best shade for you!

So, have you tried these new Covergirl blastflipsticks yet? If so, how did you like it and any tricks or tips on how to apply a flawless, beautiful lip look?

XOXO, 

BzzAgent MissXu




DisclosureI received a product sample, coupon, collateral or other special premium from BzzAgent

Happy Thanksgiving!

As the scent of a freshly home-cooked meal is being prepared for the dining table, I want to take this time to be appreciative of all the wonderful things that I am thankful for in my life.

Looking at life as riding a roller coaster with many ups and downs, I know that my family and friends will always be there supporting me wherever I am on this bumpy ride.

And now, I have a new group of people to be thankful for and that is YOU (my blog readers). Thank you to every single person who's ever passed through my blog, whether that's reading one post or coming back and reading more. I'm even more thankful for the individuals who are subscribed to my blog through Google Friend Connect or via email subscriptions.

Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream

Don’t let your sad waves & curls get you all in a knot. KINKY MOVES™ helps encourage natural curls by giving them that extra oomph they so desperately need. It eliminates frizz and fly-aways to show your true locks. Infused with natural grapeseed & jasmine this salon formula will add that extra bounce to your step.

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

The Spin Pin does the work of 20 bobby pins! Easily achieve chic updo styles; simply twirl your hair up and spin the Spin Pins in for a perfect top knot, undone bun and side bun!

Steps:
1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck (no ponytail holder needed) 

2. Twist your hair into a tight bun and tuck in the ends 

3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other from the base, taking care not to interlock pins." 

Link to Goody's Website and Product Information
http://www.influenster.com/review/goody-simple-styles-spin-pin


Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary to test and review from Influenster's Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

            To start off, I don't usually wear false lashes. I'm more of a eyeliner and mascara gal. So I was excited to try this product but really wasn't expecting much. The lashes itself are relatively lightweight and adds a great deal of volume to my lashes. They were really easy to put on but I wasn't sure how much to cut off, if any. So in the end I just put the entire lashes that came in the box. So the left side in the box goes on the right eye, and the right side in the box goes on the left eye.

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin

Based on my scores and demo info, I was able to receive this bonus Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin products of Cleansing Lotion and Night Cream, both hypo-allergenic and in Normal/Dry.

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes 

This a great intro palette for those just getting started with makeup. The colors are a little washed out, and I wished they were a bit more pigmented. Other than that, it's very affordable at $4.99. My favorite from the palette is definitely the primer, highlighter, and the illuminator that brings a very pretty light glimmer to your eyes. 

NYC New York Color website: http://newyorkcolor.com/
Product Information: http://www.influenster.com/review/nyc-new-york-color-individualeyes-custom-compact


Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary to test and review from Influenster's Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

Bath & Body Works Mini Candle 
$3.50 for 1.3 oz

Bath & Body Works Candles provide a source of light and warmth and are perfect for the upcoming winter season. These mini candles are absolutely adorable and a wonderful decor to any room.

The scent in the picture to the left is in White Barn No. 1 Nutmeg and Spice and it smells pretty darn amazing! The description on the back states, "a warm and cozy fragrance inspired by an elegant mixture of nutmeg and all of autumn's very best spices". It also smells like something that I'd like to drink, like a warm, spice drink. I just want to keep on smelling it because it smells that good.

This mini candles come in over 50 other scents, including many of it's signature collection scents such as Japanese Cherry Blossom. Right now, the new Holiday Mini Candles are on sale in stores and online of 2 for $5!

In addition, the Bath and Body Works candles also come in 4 oz. Small Candle for $10 on sale now for $5, 7.5 oz. medium candle for $15 and the large 14.5 oz. 3-Wick Candle for $20. So have you tried BBW Candles yet? If so, what's your favorite?

Bath & Body Works website (http://www.bathandbodyworks.com)
Product Information page: http://www.influenster.com/review/bath-body-works-mini-candles

WARNING: To prevent fire and serious injury, burn candle within sight, away from things that catch fire, children and pets.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary to test and review from Influenster's Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

Influenster Beauty Bloggers Voxbox 2012

Hello ladies, 

Since the influenster relaunch, this was the first voxbox that I received. It's also the second voxbox that I've ever received, the Spring Beauty Voxbox May 2012 was the first voxbox that I ever received. Remember, I still have four exclusive influenster invites, so if you're looking to join, here's your chance! Leave your email in the comment section below and I'll use of my invites just for you! 

Items included in the Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin: $7.29 

Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit: $5.99 

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes: $4.99

Bath & Body Works Mini Candles: $3.50

EBOOST: $28 for box of 20 effervescent powders, 

$39 for box of 30 effervescent powders, $39 for box of 12 shots

Not Your Mother's Kinky Curl Defining Hair Cream: $6.00 for full sized 4-oz bottle 

Bonus: Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin

Liebster Award

The Rules: 

1. Thank the one who nominated you. 
2. You have to write eleven things about yourself 
3. You have to nominate eleven bloggers who have less than 200 followers and tag them in your post. 
4. You have to give them eleven questions to answers 
5. You should not tag back

Thanks you Ms. Ann Mowet (http://ohhletmesee.blogspot.com/)

I'll answer your 11 questions, but I won't be able to nominate 11 bloggers since I don't follow enough.

11 Things about me: 

1. I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing an liberal arts degree.
2. I am the oldest of three, with two younger brothers. 
3. I am currently in a romantic relationship of almost two years. 
4. I love beauty beauty products!! 
5. I'm also a big fan of Apple products too. 
6. I can play many musical instruments including piano, flute, euphonium (which I managed to spell correctly in the first try), soprano and alto recorder. 
7. I really like taking surveys.
8. I may choose to pursue graduate school. 
9. I am clearly running out of things to say about myself, but I'll use this one to shout out to my boyfriend for being so supportive and caring of me. 
10. My favorite season is spring, as my birthday is in April. 
11. My favorite color is a lime green, like a light almost transparent pretty green.

11 Questions from Ms. Ann Mowet

1. What inspired me to blog? Well I've been a member of Total Beauty for quite some time now, and really enjoy writing reviews, so I thought hey, why not start my own blog? I would still say I'm in the early stages of blog writing, and this really is more of a hobby than anything. I'm so happy that my blog's turning out so well and I hope to continue nourishing it's potential! 
2. What is my favorite holiday and why? I would Valentine's Day because it's a special day to share with my significant other. 
3. What is my favorite song? This one is tough! I have so many it's hard to choose, but since I'm attending a Big Bang concert soon, I'm going to say "Fantastic Baby". 
4. Whats the most outrageous thing you have ever done? Donating 10+ inches of hair
5. If I could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Korea
6. Is there a word of saying that I can't stand, if so what is it? Not really, but will update if otherwise. 
7. If I won the lottery, what would be the first thing I would buy? Some more beauty products and Apple products. 
8. What is my worst fear? To be honest, I'm not really scared of much, but I would say losing family and friends is not good. 
9. What is my favorite candy? Chocolate, some nice smooth European chocolate. 
10. What is my favorite season and why? Oh, I answered this in my 11 things about me, but it's spring because the weather is the nicest and because of my birthday. 
11. What is my favorite childhood memory? This one really got me thinking, I would probably say imaginative play was the most fun and running around in the park! 

Influenster Re-launch + Invites

Hi all!

You may remembered how excited I was toward the end of May, when I got my very first VoxBox from Influenster. Well recently, they completely re-launched their webpage and I just want to say, it looks amazing!

So what exactly is Influenster? 
Well I would describe as a community where individuals can gather together to share their favorite products and unlock badges relevant to your lifestyles! And occasionally, you might get selected to receive VoxBoxes full of amazing products to test and review.

I'm interested in joining but I need an invite? 
That's right, guess what though? I have four exclusive Influenster invitations! And so the first four (ONE MORE REMAINING) people to request an invite will able to join immediately! All I need is your email in the comment section below and I'll send an invite your way!!

There's nothing for you to lose but all for you to gain! Trust me, getting a VoxBox for free is just the best feeling in the world!

Until next time, 

XOXO MissXu

P.S.: Guys and girls can both join this site! 

Charlotte Russe Clothing Video Haul

Last week, I was in an online shopping craze and bought some new boot and clothes from Charlotte Russe. I saved opening the package until I filmed the video below, so I hope you guys enjoy watching my first clothing haul video! 

Items Purchased from charlotterusse.com

Low-Heel Wester Boot $17.08

Cap Sleeve Peplum Tee $8.54

Lurex Stripe Hi-Low Tank $4.27

Contrast Ascot Chiffon Dress $6.20

Refuge Low-Rise Bermuda Short $5.31

Double Breasted Canvas Blazer $17.08

Let me know where else I should do a haul from next in the comments below and I might even give a shout out to you in my next video/post! Until next time, my lovely blog readers, ciao! 

XOXO,

MissXu

Ulta THE SALON cut-a-thon - Hair Donation

Hello readers!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! And so today from 11 am to 6 pm, Ulta had the salon cut-a-thon where I got a wonderful hair cut and shampoo with a minimum $10 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation along with a mini-facial with an addition minimum $10 donation as well.

In addition, I donated over 10 inches of hair as well. Here's a before and after picture!

Visit: http://www.ulta.com/donatewithakiss/ for more information! 

Thank you to my boyfriend for the monetary donation to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to which I donated my hair for. 

GLADE EXPRESSIONS® COLLECTION

I was absolutely thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this wonderfully scented Glade Expressions Collection featuring the Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser products. The first thing I was sent from BzzAgent was this coupon booklet that provided me with one free Fragrance Mist coupon and one free  Oil Diffuser Coupon, along with ten $2 off Fragrance Mist Starter Kit and ten $4 off Oil Diffuser Starter Kits.

My suite-mate and I were shopping at Wegmans for groceries when we decided to stock up on a set of these. I use my coupons to get a free set for my room, and then we used the coupon to get another set for the living room. In total we got two sets of both Glade Expressions Pineapple & Mangosteen. I remember the first time we opened the Oil Diffuser, and set it on my living room counter table, the entire room, including the kitchen was just full of this wonderful pineapple aroma. It was so overwhelming and strong but in a good sense. 

My suite-mate's friend came over and immediately noticed the scent and complimented on how well she thought our apartment smelled! I was thrilled since we had just opened up the Oil Diffuser and sprayed a bit of the Fragrance Mist as well. I think it was a wise decision to get the two in the same scents, but I'm also a bit curious about what the other scents smell like. The other three scents include Cotton & Italian Mandarin*, Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice, and Lavender & Juniper Berry. The reason I haven't been able to get the other scents, was because they weren't available at my local store, either because they were sold out already or just was never stocked in the first place. Note that the Cotton & Italian Mandarin is available in the Fragrance Mist only, whereas all the other scents are available in both the Fragrance Mist form and as an Oil Diffuser. 

Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist: 

• Pros
• Spray it when you need to freshen up the a room 
• Long-lasting, use it only when you need to 
• Chic container that can be an extra decor to the room 
• Easily refillable, so you can switch up the scent if need be
• Clearly see which scent you have in by the color that peeps out 
• Gold: Pineapple & Mangosteen
• Blue: Cotton & Italian Mandarin
• Red: Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice 
• Purple: Lavender & Juniper Berry 
• Cons 
• Scent can be a bit overwhelming if you spray too much 
• Refilling is a slight pain, really have to push new bottle in 

Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser: 

• Pros
• Beautiful decor that instantly enhances any room setting 
• Strong, continuous bursts of fragrances all day and night
• Long-lasting scent still strong even after a month  
• Wooden, tree leave design for Pineapple & Mangosteen
• White tree leave design for 
• Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice 
• Lavender & Juniper Berry 
• Cons
• Scent can be a bit overwhelming at times
• Oil diffuses upwards and turns the inner white sheet yellow 
• Sign that the oil diffuser sheet should be replaced

Overall, this Glade Expressions Collection is definitely worth the try, and is very affordable. For one week only, I'll send my blog readers one of each coupon to try both the Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist and the Oil Diffuser Starter Kits. Feel free to request one in the comment section below with a valid email address. Also, if you're friends with me on FB, you'll be able to instantly access a virtual coupon! A few of my friends have already gotten the Fragrance Mists and told me how much they loved the way their house smells!

Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul (6 for $20)

Currently  are having their 4 for $15 or 6 for $20 Anti-Bacterial Soap sale in stores and online. These soaps are individually $5 or $5.50 each. So it's as if you bought 3, get one free OR buy 4 and get 2 free! SWEET DEAL! As you can tell, I got two coconut lime verbena because that's my favorite scent. 

Free stress relief eucalyptus spearmint body wash & foam bath
Obtained free offer through claiming offer through BBW's FB page 

Anti-bacterial gentle foaming hand soap
left to right: kitchen lemon, japanese cherry blossom and coconut lime verbena 

Anti-bacterial gentle deep cleansing hand soap
left to right: kitchen mandarin and fresh thyme, coconut lime verbena, fresh market apple

As you can see I got three bottles of foaming hand soap, and three bottles of deep cleansing hand soap. I think it really depends on your preference. The deep cleansing have anti-bacterial beads that are more useful for cleaning away more dirt, whereas I feel the foaming hand soap is more suitable for daily use. 

Currently, I'm using the coconut lime verbena foaming hand soap in my bathroom and am loving it thus far. Did I mention it was my favorite scent? Leave your favorite scent in the comment section. 

Disclaimer: The above was bought with my own money and is my honest opinion. 

Fortune Update

I actually usually take two fortune cookies when I get Panda Express. To my great surprise, the first fortune cookie was empty! Completely, utterly, as in no fortune paper was inserted into the cookie, empty. That was disappointing since I look forward to reading good fortunes!

My second fortune cookie expressed the following: "Lavish spending may be disastrous, be careful." (Side note: so I notice the fortune is written in all caps, must I say the people writing these fortunes must think they're more intelligent than I am!) Anyhow, this warning fortune is actually great! I was actually quite in the shopping mood and hasn't gotten a package in a while so I was going to go online and buy something to ship to myself. In fact, the minute I got home, I was on Forever21 website browsing and adding enough merchandise to get the free shipping for $50+ orders! I ended up not checking out, nonetheless the virtual shopping was fun and quite satisfying.

I will now listen to the fortune cookie until I'm at the mall this Friday! In which case, I'll splurge just a little bit. At the very least, buy an umbrella that I unfortunately left in a classroom and couldn't find it even upon two returns back, one of which was only minutes within leaving class. Conclusion, someone must have took it and hopefully will return it.

Until next time, xoxo
MissXu

TotalBeauty Collection for HSN Exclusive

So as some of you may know already, I am an elite member on TotalBeauty. So what does that mean? It means I worked hard to earn 50,000+ points to get that status and be a part of a super awesome community! It also meant that Total Beauty send me a sneak peek of their brand new TotalBeauty Collection for HSN.

         I've tried all the products and written reviews for all of them. Overall, I think this is a great sampling collection of new products and to just test what you like and don't like. Some of my favorites from this box include the LORAC lip gloss in chuck, and surprisingly the Boscia luminizing black mask. Both are products I would consider repurchasing! If you guys like to check out these products for yourself, be sure to tune in to HSN and keep an eye out for this totalbeauty collaboration collection! 

Limited quantities will be available. Get on the list and be the first to know when it's time to shop this special Total Beauty Collection for HSN.

Schick Hydro Silk™ Razor

This Schick Hydro Silk Razor provides one of the greatest and closest shaves ever! I've used this to shave my legs and underarms in the shower. Although I've experienced some bleeding on my underarm, probably due to human error, this razor is still one of the best on the market. 

Shaving is definitely one of the fastest and easiest ways of hair removal. Usually there's not pain associated with shaving, so I was really surprised when my underarm had drips of blood. It may have been due to the epilating and waxing that I've done during the summer months. The other downside of shaving the underarms is the dark pigmentation that appears. However, there are ways of reducing that as well.

To be completely honest, I wish we didn't need to shave our legs and underarms so often, and wish there was a way of removing hair that's painless and permanently. But until then, we will have to turn to methods of hair removal such as shaving, waxing or epilating! (I've never tried laser hair remover, so I have no input on that.)

Detachable head

Skintimate Shaving Cream

One of my favorite things about this razor of course if the sturdy grip so that you don't have to worry about dropping it in the shower. Also the detachable head makes it easy to replace with new razor blades. I like using the Skintimate shaving cream for a even closer shave. So have your Schick Hydro Silk™ Razor arrive yet?













Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary to test and review as a part of Schick Hydro Silk Influencer. 

UNREAL™ CANDY

Who doesn't love eating delicious, sugary yet full of artificial, sweets? I know when I'm craving something sweet, I would indulge in my favorite treats. But now I can give myself that treat without feeling guilty.

UNREAL™ Candy is the perfect treat with no artificials, no corn syrup and no hydrogenated oils. Essentially a healthy treat that satisfies your cravings without making you feel guilty about eating it.

The collection of UNREAL™ Candy include:

UNREAL 54 is comparable to Peanut M&M's

UNREAL 8 is comparable to Snickers

UNREAL 77 is comparable to Reese's 

Unreal 5 is comparable to Milky Way

UNREAL 44 is comparable to M&M's

UNREAL 41 is actually the one that I decided to get myself using the coupon from BzzAgent.

REVIEW: 

• Candy coated chocolates taste much creamier chocolate taste as oppose to the name brand. 
• Comes in six colors: yellow, orange, blue, green, plum purple and dark blue/black

In conclusion, I feel UNREAL™ Candy is and will definitely suffice any sweet cravings you may have. It's a great snack to have at any party that'll allow friends to nibble on while you guys chat away. I'll definitely be stocking up on these UNREAL™ Candy for my next house party. 

By the way, if anyone would like a FREE buy 1 get 1 FREE UNREAL™ Candy coupon, leave a comment in section below. Quantities are limited so leave your email or email me at m0nk3y.l0v3@gmail.com with your name and address and I'll send a coupon your way! Trust me, these candies are worth trying, so chop chop, get off to feet to a local retailer that sells UNREAL™ Candy and treat yourself to something delicious! 

DisclosureI received a product sample, coupon, collateral or other special premium from BzzAgent.

Mary Kay® TimeWise Repair™ Volu-Firm™ Eye Renewal Cream

 After cleansing my face, washing with a facial cleanser, applying toner and moisturizer, I decided to try the Mary Kay® TimeWise Repair™ Volu-Firm™Eye Renewal Cream that my mother has been using for the past month! 

Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-firm Eye Renewal Cream
(Retail Price: $40 Size: 0.5 oz.)

This eye renewal cream is the latest, newest addition to the Mary Kay product line that's meant to smooth and leave you with beautiful, wrinkle-free skin. With all the products that we apply to our eyes, it comes a time for a product that actually helps our eyes! This rich, pampering, formula is part of the all-new Mary Kay® TimeWise Repair™ Volu-Firm™ line of products that contain ingredients that target sagging skin, crepiness, under-eye bags, puffiness and dark circles. 

 

Application Tips:

• Use morning and night. Using the special Zamac metal tip as the applicator, squeeze out a small amount of product onto the tip.
• Avoiding the inner corner of the eye, apply directly to the under eye area closest to the nose with a sweeping, outward motion. Lift and repeat.
• Also, gently apply on the upper eyelid area using the same technique. To help relieve under eye puffiness, with one sweep, gently massage the product onto the skin in an outward circular motion, moving from the area closest to the nose and outward. Repeat on the other eye.

What I liked most about this eye renewal cream was the cute packaging and the super adorable and sturdy application tip. The tube itself is a wonderful size and can definitely last you a long while.

My mom, who's been using it for almost a month now, says she likes the texture of the cream, and how once she applies it, she doesn't even notice that she's wearing anything. She also likes how her eyes feels very moisturized and that her eyes are noticeably more rejuvenated and younger looking. Also, the eye cream has such a light and sweet scent. I really want my own tube of eye renewal cream! Protection is the key, and using this product will definitely keep my eyes young and beautiful. Time to save up some money and buy my own Mary Kay® TimeWise Repair™ Volu-Firm™Eye Renewal Cream!

For more company and/or product information, please refer to Mary Kay's corporate website (marykay.com) and Facebook page (facebook.com/marykay).

Disclaimer: This product was sent from Total Beauty.com for testing and review purposes.