Monday, January 30, 2012

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Liner Review

Do you want sexier eyes? 

Wearing liquid liner helps. But liquid eye liner is also hard to put on. Not only do you need steady hands to draw such precise lines, the product you use must also have superior quality. Formula itself has to be consistent. And what of the pen? Please make it as easy to use as possible.




I picked up L'Oreal Felt Tip Liquid Liner last week. It's supposed to be one of the best liquid liners in the market. Let's see if all the raves are true:


The Claim
  • "The uniquely designed applicator ... allows you to create delicately thin or dramatically bold lines with precision."
My Take
  • Felt tip was really nice to use.
  • Formula glided on smoothly.
  • It definitely created a thin line.
The Claim
  • "All day wear up to eight hours"
My Take
  • Not true. I would say about...four hours.
The Claim
  • "Fragrance-free"
  • "Ophthalmologist tested"
  • "Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearer"
My Take
  • No fragrance -- that fact is true.
  • No clue if it was ophthalmologist tested or not.
(By the way, an ophthalmologist deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. I did not know.)
  • I don't wear contacts. But the liner did not irritate my eyes at all, not even when I wore it on the water lines.

Likes
  • Felt tip was great to use. Very easy application.
  • Gorgeous, dark, consistent formula.
  • Precise lining. Strong pigment.
  • No fragrance. No irritation.
  • Gorgeous packaging.
Dislikes
  • Not exactly long wear.
  • Took some effort to take off.
Overall Rating
4.5 / 5

Repurchase?

Yes. Absolutely.

Love the gorgeous, gold pen.

Its felt tipped pen makes lines easy to draw.

Formula is consistent and rich. Line looks beautiful.


Have you tried L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Liner?



How did you like it?





Sunday, January 29, 2012

Weekly Blogging Tip - How Helpful is Your Blog?

Why should readers come back to your blog? Does it have informative content? Does it provide inspiration? Does it give others ideas? Or is your blog full of random rants that are completely useless?

When my husband inquisitively asked me why should people take an interest in returning to my blog, I honestly had no idea. As foolish as his question made me feel, it did spark a thought: Why do I go back to certain blogs and websites myself?

AHA! Because they are helpful.


The more you offer your readers, the more readers will return.


Hence, if I want people to come back to The Girlie Blog, I need to have something to offer. I need to give readers helpful information.

Always willing to learn, I composed a list of traits from fellow beauty, fashion and lifestyle bloggers that seemed helpful to me. I hope they give you ideas on how you can make your blog more useful as well:

Beauty Tips and Tutorials

Do you grow tired of the same skincare and makeup routine? Wearing the same shade of taupe everyday gets boring. 

To jazz up my look, or to learn how to do something better, I resort to fellow bloggers' tips, tricks and tutorials. 

Not only do they give me ideas, they help me become better at something I am interested in.

Problogger.net is a great place to learn better blogging.


Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

One area I need improvement on is to dress better. Seeing other fashion bloggers in various styles motivates me to be more thoughtful about outfits, and find my own personal style.

Product Reviews

Are you curious about how certain products work, but don't want to shell out the money to try them yourself?

Product reviews by other bloggers can help you with this. Spoken from first-hand experiences, reviews let everyone know the in's and out's, likes and dislikes, of things others want to try.

If you have used a product, blog about your experience. I'm sure someone out there is just dying to know.

Interesting Facts
People generally like to learn. So if you know of any interesting facts about something, especially something within your niche, do share.

By the way, why do pores appear larger as we age? How does one's hair turn gray?

You get the idea.

DIY Projects

Weather you make jewelry or radio controlled gadgets, DIY projects are fun to learn about. You not only teach others something new, these projects are fun to do as well.

Feel Good Content

Have you ever overcome fear of heights by forcing yourself out a plane? Stood up to death by beating an illness? Or discovered yourself again -- and the fact that electricity is totally unnecessary -- by taking a month sabbatical in the jungles of South America?

Tell me your experience, and the life lessons that you have learned. Please inspire me with great stories -- big or small. 

Please let me know that there are worthier reasons to live than facebook, Chanel bags, 400-dollar boots, and being the prettiest girl in the bunch.

Problogger's blog offers daily blogging tips.


Girlie Blog's Next Goal

In last week's blogging tip, I talked about having goals. Now, I am making a new one:

To have at least two helpful posts a week.

Sure there are filler posts in between, but from now on, I will focus on providing helpful content to readers, so they get something out of returning to The Girlie Blog.


What type of blog do you find helpful?




Thursday, January 26, 2012

PURPLE EYES AND PINK LIPS - A MAKEUP TUTORIAL

A delightful way to welcome the spring is to wear spring-y colors. 

I know. I know. Spring is still far away. But it's never too early to think warm, and add soft but bright colors like purple and pink to your makeup.

Want to see a subtle way to wear purple and pink? Read on.



Step 1

Apply pencil liner to the bottom of your eyes.

(Because this is more of a day makeup, I skipped the top liner.)

Skipping the top liner still emphasized your eyes, but appear much less dramatic.


Step 2

Apply a dark purple shadow to your lids.

Remain as close to the lash lines as possible.

Using REVLON matte shadow in Aubergine.

Applying shadow as close to the lash lines as possible lines your eyes in a natural way.

Step 3

Apply a medium-toned purple shadow to your creases.

Using Covergirl Eye Shadow in Purple Blast.

Blend well to give the different shades of purple a gradient effect.

Step 4

Apply a violet or soft pink highlighter. Blend well.

Using Covergirl Eyeshadow in Pink Chiffon.

A highlighter brush blends really well.

Step 5

Add mascara and curl lashes.


Step 6

Add pink gloss.

NOTE: I am doing my lips rather unconventionally. I dabbed a pink eye shadow onto my lips, and topped it with vaseline.

Using Covergirl Shadow in Knock Out Pink.

Topping with Vaseline creates a smooth, shiny finish.

No need for lip brush, just use your fingers to dab and blend.

If you don't have a gloss that you like, you can always think outside the box.

Done.


Subtly, spring-y purple and pink.


Have you ever used eye shadow on your lips?


How do you wear purple and pink?



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

BIKER CHIC - AN OUTFIT POST

When comfy met rock n' roll, biker chic was born.

I was thrilled that the biker chic trend stuck around, as I've always been a bit lazy when it comes to fashion. So if an outfit of tank, jeans and jacket has become the latest trend, I'm all for it. 

Sometimes a lack of effort also exudes style. After all, being fashionable isn't about wearing the latest and greatest. It's about being comfortable in your own skin.


Wearing my newly acquired biker jacket - only $20 from ROSS.

Wearing boots and skinny denim to add a feminine touch to a tough outfit.


Just a simple tank top underneath to complete this easy style.


How do you like the biker chic trend?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

ACCESSORIZE BUDGET-WISE – HOW TO AVOID OVERSPENDING WHILE SHOPPING FOR ACCESSORIES

Ever find yourself in debt after accessory shopping? 

Don't worry. It happens to every girlie girl. You start a shopping trip with one bracelet in mind, but become overzealous at the stores, and try on every piece of jewelry you see. Before you know it, you have just recovered the U.S. economy by walking out with the entire store.

Unwise as it may seem in hindsight, buying all those pretty things felt so good at the time.


If you are just now cringing at your credit card bill, and vowing to never overspend again, there is hope. Just know that it takes an awful amount of discipline, so good luck girlies!


Trying on a stack of bangles during a recent accessories trip.



Shop in one place

On any given shopping trip, you are surrounded by temptations. Take the local mall, for example, every other store has some type of accessory staring at you in the face. 

To avoid buying too much of the same thing, stick with one store. Get what you need from that place and stop right there.


Create a shopping list

Ever wonder why some people are anal about having a grocery list? It helps them save.

Prior to going shopping, create a "must" list and a "lust" list. Find things on your "must" list first. If you still have money left, then move on to the "lust" list. However, if you have exceeded your budget, then re-prioritize.


Stick to your budget

This one is a no-brainer, yet it is so hard to accomplish. But do try to stick to your budget.

Forever21 - always trendy, always full of choices.

I looked utterly happy.


Shop cheap for trendy items


Feather in your hair? Neon clutches? Anything that looks like a trend will eventually go away. So why spend a fortune on them?


My neighbor K, who happens to be a fashion stylist, suggested going to stores like Forever 21 for trendy accessories. Not only will you get this season's hottest stuff, you also stretch your dollar.

Always try stuff on before committing to a purchase.



How do you avoid overspending on accessories?



Thursday, January 19, 2012

MAKEUP PRODUCTS I AM LOVING NOW - JANUARY 2012

Hi girlies, how is everyone's new year so far?

2012 started off warm and rainy in Seattle, with a record high of 60's in early January. Too bad our lucky streak ended in recent days' never-ending snow.

I started Girlie Blog to share beauty and fashion info with fellow gal pals on cyberspace, and often announce products that I have discovered recently. Here goes what I have found in the new year so far:


H2O Eye Cream


Need to protect against crow's feet? This cream provides a surge of moisture to battle dryness and prevent wrinkles.

Plus, the pump is super easy to use.



Burt's Bees Night Cream



Cells repair themselves at night, and they need proper protection. That's why a good night cream is essential.


So far, I am impressed with how this cream lathers on thickly to battle the night.




Benefit Powder Brush



With the softest, bushiest bristles, this brush by Benefit applies powder and bronzer evenly and comfortably to the face.

I look forward to using it everyday.




Do you have any new products to share?



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

SHIMMER MADE EASY - 3 WAYS TO APPLY SHIMMER TO YOUR FACE

Shimmering in three places


Don't think you can shimmer? Think again.

Applied correctly, you can create a look with just one shimmery agent. All you have to do is use the same shimmer at three places on your face. The result is subtle and soft.

Here's how:

Using:

Maybelline Eyeshadow in Seashell

(It has a soft, peachy color with just a hint of shimmer.)


Step 1

Using your finger tip, sweep shadow all over eye lids.



Step 2

Dab shimmer on the apples of your cheeks.

Then blend with a makeup brush.




Step 3

Add shimmer to the tip of your upper and bottom lips.


Seal it with a layer of sheer to light lip gloss.




DONE!!




One shimmery shadow. Three ways.



How do you wear shimmer?



Monday, January 16, 2012

WEEKLY BLOGGING TIP - WHAT IS YOUR PLAN?

** Disclaimer: I am not an expert, just someone trying to become better at blogging by writing about it.

Do you have a plan for your blog?


Just like a business, your blog has consumed all of your past time. Yet you tirelessly keep keeping on, because you love what you do.

Also just like a business, your blog needs a plan. I'm not talking about a formal write up like business plans from management classes. I'm talking about a simple, immediate plan that includes precise and attainable goals of what, when, how and for how long.


A couple of months ago, I decided to take blogging more seriously, and created a plan. My plan had only two goals:

Goal 1: Increase page views from 100 to 400 visitors per day.
How? Exposure through commenting on other blogs, and connecting via GFC or Bloglovin.
How much? Each day, comment for two hours and add five connections.
For how long? Two months.

The result? I now average 450 visitors daily. :O)



Goal 2: Post at least three times per week.
How? Create "weekly series" and set up a day of the week to post on each series. 
For example, "Hump Day Hunks" happens every Wednesday. So I have a guaranteed post on that day.
How much? Three times a week.
Sunday night -- "Weekends in Seattle." 
Wednesday -- "Hump Day Hunks."
Friday -- "Friday Girl Crush."
For how long? As long as the blog exists.


The result? I now post anywhere between five to ten times a week. (Okay. I went overboard.)


Including the results above, I also started getting more sponsored posts, sponsors, companies asking for product reviews, and best of all, new followers of my own.

As you can see, having a plan gives you goals to strive for, and keeps you both entertained and challenged. Plus, the sweet success of achieving something -- small or large -- feels so fulfilling.





So, what is the plan for your blog?



Sunday, January 15, 2012

CASUAL DATE NIGHT - AN OUTFIT POST

When you have a kid, date nights are extremely rare -- and on these rare date nights, I like to dress up, just a little, to celebrate time away from parenting.


A while ago, hubby and I had a casual date night, when I wore this teal top. The top is fun and flirty, just like date with the mister.

Love this top -- so comfortable.

The shoulder likes to slide off. I guess the shirt has a mind of its own.



What do you wear on date nights?





WEEKENDS IN SEATTLE - SLEET AND SNOW

Hi girlies, how are your weekends going? 

I see a lot of snow over the blog-o-sphere. Has the white monster hit the best of us?

In anticipating snow today, sleet came down and drenched the entire neighborhood. I was just bouncing (from excitement) out the door, to the mall, and had to retreat back home.

No worries though. We still ate yummy Thai food and had a cozy movie night in. 

Though quiet and cold, this weekend in Seattle was still as lovely as can be.


A sheet of sleet shooting to the ground

Savory cabbage soup warmed us up

Curry chicken over rice

Garlic tofu for the kiddo

Hubby's beef noodle soup

Enjoyed Chai green tea by the fire place

Have you tried these? They are super yum.




What do you usually do on a snow day?