...of getting hair extensions!

Before anyone flips out or rapidly scrolls down to comment or anything, let me state my case.
The extensions that I have in mind aren't the clip-in sort, neither are they the glue-in type. I don't know how many of you guys have heard of this, but they are 'tie-in' extensions? I have never tried this out personally but I did have a couple of friends done it in the past. I am personally not familiar with the procedere so I can't elaborate much on it right now!

The thing is, I currently have some of these on hand.

And yes those are the hair extension bits they add on to your hair. From each 'hole' here are 2 bundles, so as you can see each bundle really isn't that thick.
Why do I have these? You might be wondering...
Well it's not that I had already set the plan to get these extensions done, but rather I got them for my school project.
I was doing a project whereby I had to design a brochure for a subculture, I chose Visual Kei, thus hair extensions as such were used in the aesthetics.

Thing is, I ended up buying waaaaay more hair extensions then required. As you can see, the missing 'holes' were all that I used (which I only realized are blocked in the photo, but you kind of get an estimate of how much I used), these are the remaining bits.
I am not thinking of putting them all in my hair just yet, maybe a couple just to try out (probably about 6-10 bundles?), and I am only using the blonde ones. I've tried holding up the red and purple ones to my hair, it didn't quite look right?

I don't know how the procedure is like and I am aware that these are rather temporary hair extensions. I've had friends put these in their hair for about a month plus (depending on how well you take care of it) before having to remove it because it just got all funky/frayed.
From what I know, these are super inexpensive, they are S$1 a piece though if you buy them in bulk or with their promotions you do get them cheaper. However, I'm not sure if you pay for the service of putting it in as well? I'll report back with more info when I do get it done, and for those who have done this sort of extensions before, let me know your experiences!

Since we're on the topic of hair extensions, a few days ago I was messing about with this clip-in extension of mine.

I've had this clip-in for a couple of years now but the first time I used it was a couple days ago! Back then I purchased it from SINMA for about S$3 or so? Not sure about it right now, but you guys can go to SINMA to check it out.

Here's the clip portion for those interested. it's a pretty good size (I think).

I know the glue work and all seems a little shody, but oh well it is afterall only 3 bucks.
Though I must say it does hold quite well in the hair and I had no problems at all with it moving when I wore it out.
Not to be too 'in-your-face' with my scalp as scalps can look quite scary, I scaled the next photo down a little.
Just to show you guys how it clips to my hair. Probably a unnecessary photo, but for the fun of, here you go.

And here's an overall look of the hair extension and my hair from a photo I took on dailybooth.

That's my entry on hair extension-related stuff.
I'll keep you guys posted if I do get those extensions done. I am just curious as to how I would look, how they would feel and the overall experience.

Also, I really do want to love my current hairstyle but I still feel it's a bit blah?
I know that this current hair color is probably a little more fitting then my previous one, as a lot of people do prefer it, but I don't entirely love it? Like I feel it's not really 'Sara', in a way. I am probably not really making much sense here. haha!

But that's that, if anyone has tried this, do let me know! And also let me know what you think, should I just throw in a red one in a discreet position for the fun of?
Since I don't have anything else to do with these extensions anyway...

As mentioned, here are photos of my new hair color! I am temporarily ditching the reddish hair and opting for something a little more understated.
I went for a darker brown shade and re-did my highlights since in the older hairstyle my highlights were all located at the lower half of my hair.

I don't know of any shade that is similar to what the hairstylist gave me as from what I have noticed, my hair isn't quite a true color. It's a dark brown but it leans towards the mousey brown at times and towards a slightly warmer brown at others. Rather strange, but I guess that makes it a little bit interesting? And my highlights are thin blonde strands that spread out across the whole of my head so it provides a lift but is subtle at doing that, not too much of an 'in-your-face' blonde streak.

Here are the shots of my hair I took when I was home.

(indoor lighting - flash)

And here was one my boyfriend took of me over the weekend.

(in more natural lighting - sunlight)

Ignore my expression, was caught off guard. ha.
But I do love how the colors in my hair show up in this photo.

In all honesty, I think I am rather partial to reverting back to reddish hair as soon as I get the chance to. I don't hate this hairstyle, I guess I am just sort of luke warm with it? It is nice and I do love the highlights, but I am missing my reddish hair already.
I guess going red is something addictive. I feel dark hair makes me look a little fairer or paler, whichever. It might just be my mind set though.

I did a video with this hair color and also talked about upcoming videos, you can see the video here:
YOUTUBE// Vlog: Brunette Hair & Upcoming Videos

Let me know what you guys think of this hair color. Love it, hate it, prefer the older one?
I personally prefer my older reddish hair. ha. But oh well, in life you have to experiment!

Edit// Looking at the photos of my new hair, it seems like my hair isn't that much different, so here's an older photo to compare it to.

I am sure some of you have already seen Sophia and Sarah's coverage on the event. But for those who have not, here is my version of it.

I was contacted by Elizabeth Arden's PR to attend their Product Preview/Workshop. During that workshop we were introduced to their anti-aging line, Prevage. Though the main purpose behind this workshop is to preview the newest addition to the Prevage line, their Prevage Day Cream (Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++). This is not yet available in the market, but is set to launch next week (Friday the 13th! November 2009)

Now, the first reaction some of you might have is 'You are 19! What anti-aging?! You don't need that'.
To be honest, my mentality was rather similar though I was open to the idea of trying out an anti-aging product. As michellephan likes to put it, it's never too early to start. (unless we're talking about the richly formulated ones specifically made for mature skin!)

From what was mentioned during the event, it seems that the Prevage line is not just made to correct any signs of aging and wrinkling, it's purpose is also to prevent it. One of the presenters mentioned that anti-aging or at least aging prevention products are things that you can start using after the age of 18. Based on what I had heard during the workshop yesterday, I am intrigued by the product. Aside from the age prevention factors, the other effect mentioned that caught my interest is that it makes your skin less dull and rejuvenated, which is something I am looking forward to since my sleep hours are so pathetic my skin can't rest enough.

I will be trying this product out over the span of the next week or so and feedback on the effects of it, if I do notice a difference or not.
But for now, here are some pictures from the event. I didn't take a lot because everyone who was anyone there had a camera. Their staff had cameras, all the bloggers had cameras. It was a little overwhelming so I didn't think it was necessary to constantly whip out my camera and join in the photo taking fun.

Picture quality is blah, brought a handy digi-cam instead of busting out my SLR.
Also cause my SLR's battery was kind of dead from a photoshoot I had earlier in the day.

We all had individual shots taken, here's behind the scenes for Sarah's!

Prevage line display

The following pictures are courtesy of Sarah

From the event, we received a goodie bag, with the product to sample and some information about it.

I get a cheap thrill from the lanyard. haha!

That's my little blog entry about the event. I wanted to get it up yesterday but I was beyond tired I wasn't even sure if the entry was going to come out in English. ha.
And yes I need to get a hair cut soon. My hair looks so limp and unlayered. I am probably getting it cut and colored (getting highlights I hope!) sometime mid next week. Will keep you all posted on that again. :)

Thanks for reading!

I Nuovi is currently having this super cool program where you can stand the chance to shop at I Nuovi for free!
Sounds pretty cool doesn't it?

I was informed of this program by mail and I thought it was something really interesting and something you guys might be interested in.
Just a quick word though, this is open to those residing in Singapore only, not my choice! I'm just spreading the word, I don't set the rules.
I am sure most of you are familiar with the brand I Nuovi right now with the reviews, sales information and all that so I shan't go into detail about explaining the brand.

Now I am sure you want to hear the details.
Here is a poster with the information on it but I feel the poster might not be indepth enough. Because I was a little unsure of the program when reading it the first time around. It's not complicated, but it was just not too clear on what the requirements of the program are. However, I did discuss it with Deborah (of I Nuovi) via mail to clear any doubts I had, so I will provide an explanation of the event for those unsure after reading the poster.
(click on poster image to view full size)

The program:
Simply sign up for the program by filling up the form in the format stated in the poster (where to mail to is also listed in the poster). Within 1 working day, they will let you know if you have been chosen for the program.
If you have been chosen for the program, you will receive a S$40 I Nuovi voucher and also a complimentary brow trim card (which is something you don't have to do, but it would be better if you do). What would be required of you is to visit 2 of their outlets as listed in the options (in poster). Either A or B only. After spending your gift voucher and having your brows attended too, all that's left is to feedback to I Nuovi (via e-mail I suppose, they will elaborate further if you're chosen) about the services. You do not have to blog about it if you do not wish to. From what I gather, you might also stand a chance to win another S$40 Voucher on top of what you have been offered in the program if you submit your reviews before 20th November 2009.

So that is all I know from my end. I am not in this program nor am I working for I Nuovi.
I just get sent these mailers and if I think it's something interesting that you guys might like, I'll be sure to let you all know about it!

I guess if you have any more queries about it, it's best to contact the staff directly as I've listed down everything I understand and know of this situation.
Good luck and for those who do get chosen, have fun shopping!

Remember, the deadline is 20th November 2009. And if you get your feedback in before that date, you stand to win more!

I was wandering around Anchor Point with the boyfriend (opposite Queensway Shopping Centre, for those who aren't sure) this afternoon after my medical appointment at Alexander Hospital. I always thought Anchor Point was kind of blah, but we thought to drop by anyway, to kill time.
And thank goodness we did, cause who would have thought to find this:

(excuse the quality, it was taken with a 2mpx phone-cam)

Yeap, stacks and stacks of Everyday Minerals products ranging from eyeshadows, blushes, foundations and all. The best part is that they have testers available, so if you have always wondered what your Everyday Minerals foundation shade was, you could go down and swatch a little.
Apparently this cart of gold was found in a very blah looking shop. It's one of those shops that are rented for a couple of months to house a sale so they don't bother doing it up.
To get what I'm saying, this is the front. And yes it's a FOX Sale.

As for FOX merchandise, I'm sad to report I got so fascinated with finding Everyday Minerals here that I didn't browse the racks.
I have never purchased Everyday Minerals from Singapore before, so I don't know what good rates are, but here are the prices:

(click to enlarge)

Though it's not worth buying, it's still nice to see the colors of the products in person. And as mentioned, for those looking for a foundation match, you can swatch here and go back and place a spree order if you feel this is pricey.

I tried to take close-ups of the products but failed quite miserably. Damn phone camera.


Eyeshadows

Blush

I have kind of gotten out of the Everyday Mineral phase and am not that into it anymore so I didn't purchase anything.
I did swatch some of the gorgeous blushes though! haha.
But I just thought I'd share this with those who are interested.

OH! And if you want to grab these, or check it out, do so before the 1st of November!
That's when the FOX Sale is said to end.

Demi Lovato on cover. Not a fan of hers... but she looks good here.

I found a little something in the November issue of Seventeen magazine.
Under the section where people are able to mail in and submit their stories or something, I saw this:

p.s. Bel I see you! haha.

I wonder who Mary-Anne is, but regardless thank you very much for writing this in (and seventeen for publishing).
It definitely made my homework-filled day (:

Though it's in the mail-in section where people don't usually read, it's still awesome. Or maybe I just get excited over little things, but this means quite a lot to me!

Who knows? Maybe seventeen might take from that letter and feature us in future articles.
Probably a long shot, but a girl can dream, right?

Thanks again Mary-Anne!!
And of course everyone who bothers reading and watching my stuff. (:

Much Love!

This blog entry was actually spawned from a twit that I had posted while I was doing my makeup for this dinner function I was going to attend.

With that twit, I had been requested to post pictures of my lashes up, so I figured why not do a blog entry instead! That way I can explain a little on what I define false lash-esque and I get to post a couple more pictures up.

While I do love a more dramatic lash effect,
I am personally a noob when it comes to applying false eyelashes.
On top of that I always procrastinate practicing it and when the time comes to use it, I tend to not bother. After all, I wouldn't want a loose false lash at a formal function, that would be a disastor!
So that is a bit of a vicious cycle and while I do intend to practice false eyelash application eventually, for now I try to create a similar effect it with mascaras.

Today, while doing my makeup I decided to pair L'ancome's Fatale Mascara with a primer, which is something I never thought of doing before.
The only primer I have on hand and sort of swear by is the Majolica Majorca Lash Bone primer.

I do know that everyone has a different definition of the false lash effect, but to not mislead anyone with this, no I don't mean those wacky humongous lash effect. It is more of as if you're wearing a pair of natural false lashes.
But again, I do know many people can achieve this effect with normal mascara with the length of their lashes. So just for a comparison, here are my lashes as is.
Not curled or anything (so it might tend to look longer from this shot, since it's not curled upwards)

I did try to take the shots of my lashes as best as I can, but apparently I can't seem to make it as true to how it looks in person. It does seem longer and a tad more dramatic, but regardless...
Here's how my lashes looked with the combination.

But I guess I don't want to relate this too much to the whole false lash ideal.
It is generally a combination that makes my lashes look the way I have always wanted them to look (without falsies) and I will continue using this for days when I want that oomph in my lashes.

And just for the fun of it, here's a full-face shot I took after I got home.
Excuse the fact that I don't have lip products on and I look stunned. I hate using flash on portrait shots at night.

I love how from this distance you can still see that I have lashes.
The problem I usually face is from afar, my lashes aren't too obvious like such:

Covergirl Lashblast

That is my quick random update.
I will have individual reviews of these mascaras in future, so don't worry about that!

For my viewers who are residing in Singapore, I Nuovi is holding a public sale this Thursday thru Sunday (15th-18th October). - click on image below to enlarge

Their blush in the shade D36 Dolly was the one I was sent to try out and though I will be doing a proper review, I would suggest you to go check it out. Especially since it is on sale at S$9.90. It is a product that I truly enjoy using and might be featuring in my favorites this month! But with that said, don't forget to check out the other stuff on sale.
Just thought I'd let you guys know of this (:

I was nominated by retail_therapy and clarachan for this. Thank you dears! (:

Rules:
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 Kreativ 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.

So first, I have to share 7 things about myself and in all honesty, I'm running out of things to say! After staring blankly at the screen for a couple of minutes, I've managed to churn out seven facts about me.

1. I've had a short bob hair cut (down to about my ears only!) for the most part of my primary school days. My parents only allowed me to leave long hair when I was 12, which is probably why I hate having short hair so much.
2. I work best under pressure or if I have a lot of tasks on hand. If I'm too 'free' I'll end up procrastinating and all.
3. As much as I love having reddish hair, the hair color I truly truly wish to have is a mousey medium ash brown. I've tried getting it once, but after a couple of washes, reddish tones showed through again.
4. I never like my hair neat. I have been told I touch my hair too much, but that's because my hair falls limp naturally and I constantly have this desire to scrunch it up every couple of minutes.
5. I don't have a very sweet tooth. I believe I've mentioned this... I don't eat candies or chocolates very much. When drinking 'pure' coffee, I don't like adding sugar either. Though I do drink frappes and all that fancy stuff at cafes, just not the uber sweet ones.
6. I need to get braces done, but I'm procrastinating. Probably not a good thing... but I hate going to the dentist. I received the slip when I was in secondary school and stashed it away till now... =/
7. I like listening to oldies, probably influenced by my parents playing music around the house when I was a kid. Think Abba, Air Supply, Bee Gees.

Okay with that done, I'm now supposed to nominate 7 people for this. And though I'm sure some of these people have already been nominated, I'll still nominate you guys again.

heavenlygorgeous
maddymadeline
linnera
lynn (lxflickr)

So rightfully, there should be 7 names there, but it's 3AM now I'm too tired to think.
I'm pretty sure most people I know have already been tagged so I'm going to leave it at this.

Thank you for reading!

Being inspired by retail_therapy's post on customizable MAC palettes, which is a pretty new function on MAC Cosmetic's website, I decided to try that out too and blog about it. Just for the fun of it.
I personally am not extremely interested in MAC's regular powder blushes or eyeshadows. Sure I do want to collect them if I can, but I hardly get crazy tempted to pick up a MAC eyeshadow unless I have been thinking about it for over a week. So technically, I would never purchase 15 MAC eyeshadows in one go, unless I seriously went on a mad splurge.

But regardless, I think this is a pretty fun exercise as it makes me feel momentarily happy. I don't know if that's weird, but I think it's fun and it'll be interesting to see what other people's choices are, So if you are interested in doing this, feel free to do so!

Most of the choices for my palettes are based off of what I had seen on youtube videos or makeup blogs as I hardly frequent the eyeshadow section in the MAC store. The rules for this as stated by retail_therapy (Sophia) is to not have any repeat colors in either palettes, unless there is an absolute must for it.

So here are my picks for the 15 Piece palette:

I chose these colors not based on how 'portable' this is, but rather on the colors that I have been eyeing. What I mean is, that would explain why there isn't a black eyeshadow or a lot diverse colors to work with, etc.

Next up, we have the 4 piece palette:

This would be my 'portable' or travel palette with colors that you would be able to create a complete look with.
(I already have Brule so I wouldn't actually purchase it again, but I didn't want to repeat Vanilla. Lol)

And finally, my 6 piece blush palette:

Yeap, no pink (like pink swoon sort of pink) blush....
I have actually been eyeing Margin and Ambering Rose for the longest time EVER. So I might eventually pick them up... who knows!

So that would be how I would fill my palettes up! Realistically, I doubt I would ever hit the 'add-to-cart' button or the 'check out' button after filling these up, but it's still fun to play around with.
How would your palettes look like?