Urban Decay Book Of Shadows IV + EOTD

Hello Everyone! I didnt let 2011 go without any last minute makeup splurge, and I decided Id spend my moolah on the UD Book of Shadows IV. It was not on my wishlist, but I'm pretty sure you gals (or guys) know where I'm coming from when it comes to impulse buy on cosmetics ;)

This is my very first BOS ever. Couple months prior to buying this, I have been debating whether to get it or not. For $64 dollars, I just don't think I can spend my money on a palette that I'd probably would barely use. Most of the time when it comes to eyeshadows, I prefer buying single eyeshadows (MAC or NYX) and if I had to buy palettes Id get something off coastal scents or ebay. But when I saw they dropped the price to $45 dollars, I'm like "oh well effed it, it doesnt hurt to try..just your wallet (lol)" So I gave in and got it.

Now, Im not going to do swatches or tell you guys what else is in included since I'm pretty sure there are a million blog posts and youtube videos sharing these information to you guys.

Overall, I'm not quite impressed by this palette at all. I can't make any contrast to any previous BOS since like I said earlier, this is my very first BOS. I appreciate the effort on the design but I think its overdone and its not quite creative. I understand they tried to be innovative by including this speaker but really its all gimmick. My phone speaker does a better job than that thing!

The palette is split with neutral and bold colors. Another disappointing thing is the color payoff on some of these shadows. Blue Bus, such a pretty unique color, yet IMO is too sheer. Hijack is another beautiful color...if you want to use this as a lid color it would turn out great, however, you decide to use this as a crease color..I noticed that the color would rather look "washed-out" if you don't use a primer with a tinted shade. , I believe if my memory served me right was introduce in the 15th anniversary palette, (correct me if I'm wrong) is probably my least favorite one...horrible glitter fall out, my wet-n-wild one can do better than that! Not all eyeshadows are disappointing.. I personally love Bender, Lost, Sin, Zephyr; texture and color pay-off wise, those 3 eyeshadows are great!

LOVE the 24/7 Eyeliner in Perversion! Its waterproof, but if you make a boo2x, its fixable. Haven't tried the mascara yet. And of course the classic UDPP in a smaller size tube is included.

Used the neutrals from the palette as of now.. Im kinda boring lol

A lil close up

Its not a bad palette, however, definitely not worth the hype. Is it worth the money? Not really. If this was on sale for 30 dollars or something could be, but not for $64 nor $45. I guess I'm cheap lol. But really, save your money and invest on a better palette than this.

Have you tried this palette? What are your thoughts on this?

My birthday is coming up...eeeekkkkkk. Im not quite sure if Im looking forward to it. I sure am looking forward to Sundays game... NINERS vs GIANTS baby!!! Lezzgooo 49ers!

xoxo

FTC disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the brand featured on this post. Product(s) was purchased with my own money. Opinions are honest and based on personal experience

On The Spot: Hana Professional Flat Iron 1"

Hello everyone! First post of the year..yay! I want to greet everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know I know, kinda late.. but its better than never right? I kind of what to start the year by doing a review since its been forever since my last one. Let's get it on!

I have once again been contacted by Misikko to do another review for their product. Working with them has been pleasant and I'm not saying this because I get to do a review for a product but I am speaking from experience; it's been so far amazing. I'm so glad to be given once again an opportunity to do another review from them and this time its one of their top sellers which is the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1".

Misikko is an online store that offers a variety of professional hair products such as professional hair straighteners, curling irons, flat irons etc. They offer top notch products such as HANA products, CHI flat irons, etc.

The package

Look at those goodies, how can you NOT be happy? :)

Came in a tin box

Love the fact it comes with this travelling leather pouch

Le Product

The product itself is very lightweight. Has a very nice grip that wont slip through your hands. The cord swivels 360 degrees so you can style your hair effortless.

The flat iron has 2 settings.. On/Off switch and of course the temperature setting. The temperature dial can adjust from 140-450 degrees F. Once you turn on the product, you will notice the red light on top solid. Indicator that the product is ready to be use is when the light starts blinking or flickering. This flat iron heats in about 40 seconds! Now that's freakin fast! Very ideal for people like me who always rushing, and it don't matter what temperature you set it in.

Product Features According to the Brand:

Dedicated to high ceramic content and top of the line components, Hana's pursuit of high tech styling without hype led to the Hana Professional Flat Iron - Advanced Fusion Molding delivers glass-smooth ceramic-tourmaline plates while acccelerated negative ion output repairs hair follicles, sealing in natural oils for a conditioned, sleek, salon shine that lasts all day.

With professional features like damp-to-dry styling, floating plates that self adjust to different textures and adjustable temperature, the Hana Professional hair straightener is engineered to deliver luxury at a down to earth price.

My thoughts:

I have used several professional hair flat irons in the past, but what makes flat iron stand up among all the ones i've used is how light weight yet sturdy this product is. TRUE STORY- I used this product one morning before going to work. Little did I know, I forgot to turn off the item O_O I came back to see it was still ON on top of the heat proof silicone mat, and still working perfectly fine after 8 hours! At first I thought "that's it, this product is busted already" to my surprise its still working fine and I'm just sooo glad I used the silicone mat to put this item on or else my carpet would've been toasted already!

Like I said earlier, its very lightweight and easy to maneuver. It glides very smoothly on your hair, there is this no "gritty", kinda like "frying" sound or feeling when you run it down your hair-- that's when you can tell its a high quality flat iron. The plates are made out of ceramic tourmaline, that prevents the hair from being "static-y" and frizzy after use. My hair is color treated and it never affected the color whatsover. What I love about it too is how this cuts down the time to get my hair straightened. Having a thick, frizzy hair..it takes forever to straighten it... I find myself running the iron just once or twice max down my hair and its all good!

The Result:

Before: This is my natural hair texture.

After: All straighten up in just 20mins!

Pros:

Lightweight

Cord rotates 360 for easy maneuver while styling

Different heat settings

Durable

Easy grip

Heats up in less than a minute

Straightens hair in one or two glides

Easy to clean

Cons:

Expensive

Does not have an automatic turn off if item has been on for several hours (as much as I like the fact that even if its ON for 8 hrs based on my experience, I still would prefer my product having this feature because if it wasn't for the silicone mat, this could burn my carpet or whatever surface it is on)

Thank you again Misikko for giving me an opportunity to review another great product from your company! Please check out their website by clicking HERE.

Hope you guys have a wonderful week!

xoxo

FTC disclaimer: Misikko has provided me with this product for review purposes only. No monetary compensation was involve. Opinions are honest and based from experience.