GRADIENT Along the SEASHORE'S EDGE

It's been a while since I last made a nail tutorial!

Gradient nails were really popular not too long ago, and maybe they still are. I'll show you how to get the classic gradient as well as something else that is just a tad bit more creative that resembles the seashore's edge!

CLASSIC GRADIENT

STEP 1

Use a makeup sponge and paint 2-3 colors(for blending, best if the colors are similar shades) straight across.
TIP: Soak the sponge in water and squeeze out the excess so that the sponge doesn't absorb the polish.

STEP 2

Dab onto your nails and if needed continue these two steps until satisfied with the color.
TIP: while dabbing, go up and down the long axis of the nail for a better blend.

STEP 3

Apply clear coat and clean up the sides.

SEASHORE'S EDGE

STEP 1

Paint your nails with a base color. I chose nude.

STEP 2

Use a circular sticker/paper hole reinforcement and cover the base of your nail.

STEP 3

Paint on the base color. Let dry.

STEP 4

Paint the tip of the makeup sponge white and dab onto the nail along the sticker edge. Repeat this again with a darker color but make sure you do not go beyond the white.

STEP 5

With a clear coat drag the colors towards the tip of your nails. 

This may get your clear coat brush to pick up some color, but don't worry too much :)

Then remove the sticker and apply one final clear coat over the entire nail.

OPTIONAL: 

Line the edge of where the sticker was for a clean finish.

And you are done!

Hope you enjoyed :)

If any of you try this out let me know!

Giveaway happening on my blog:

http://tht-christina.blogspot.ca/2013/05/2-year-blogiversary-giveaway.html

FACEBOOK | TWITTER |  INSTAGRAM 


--
THT Christina

I. Fairy Moe Moe Brown

Hey y'all!

I've been reading all your comments you have posted for my 2 Year Blogiversary Giveaway and I'm keeping note of what you all are saying! I'm constantly busy now and it's hard to find time to keep up with my reviews so that's why I haven't had any time for other posts :( But I'll do my best whenever I can!

Just said that but this is a lens review x)

ps. I went for a trim and the lady gave me a cut. An Asian mullet to be exact orz I was super duper sad but I got over it. Hair grows T^T So I won't be able to do a tutorial for my Maya Mori Inspired hair.

I. Fairy Moe Moe Brown

I took out my old pocket sized camera today. I must say, I miss cameras with lower quality. 

It hides your flaws LOL

Lens Info:

Water Content: 55%

Base Curve: 8.6

Diameter: 15mm

Duration: 1 year disposable

Price: $22.00
Link: http://www.lensvillage.com/i-fairy-moe-moe-brown-lens-16-2mm/

LENS CLOSE-UP

W & W/O MAKEUP

NATURAL LIGHT

FLASH

Color&Design: ★★★.5☆

I knew they were going to be bright and opaque, but I didn't expect them to be this grey! Makes me wonder how grey the grey one would be. The lenses are very pretty but it is a must for makeup, not natural makeup either. This is a very unique pair of lenses imo both the design and color are what I haven't seen on other lenses.

Enlargement: ★★★★★

15mm, oh yeah that's a definite enlargement.

Comfort: ★★★★☆

I felt quite comfortable with these lenses. A bit of dryness but that is just the usual for me.

Overall: ★★★☆☆

I think it's something that needs to grow on me. They are lovely lenses and paired with a nice look to accommodate the them, they look stunning! But if these were more brown then I would like them so much more! 

FULL FACE

Same pose, different lighting

If you haven't joined my giveaway yet, here's the link:

http://tht-christina.blogspot.ca/2013/05/2-year-blogiversary-giveaway.html

Till next time,

THT Christina

♥ 2 Year Blogiversary Giveaway ♥

I completely missed my first year blogiversary and it's actually past my second one. Better late than never though, right? So this is to thank all my readers and followers ♥

 Now let's get to the breakdown:

 MANDATORY 

Be a follower via: GFC & Bloglovin

That's it :) Because I'm thankful enough as it is!

 ADDITIONAL ENTRIES 

Like my new Facebook page!
Follow my twitter (@thtchristina)

Leave a comment on this post letting me know what you'd like to see more of.

Create a blog post about this giveaway

Put my giveaway banner on your side-bar

And for my regulars ♥

Just leave your GFC/comment name and email and you will get additional entries.

Prizes are:

Sephora makeup palette | 5 Pairs of lashes |  Pupa eyeliner, mascara & pouch | 2 spring colored polishes | under eye mask | hair velcro

Close up of the palette & lashes

This is an international giveaway and anyone can join :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway will end on JULY 11th 2013. A bit later than I had originally planned but unfortunately June is a hectic month for me. So until then, all the best to you guys!

---

THT Christina

The Versatile Blogger Award + Giveaway Winners

I just want to say THANK YOU to those of you have have nominated me for this award! And darn it because I'd like to give this award to you guys too haha These are the wonderful people who nominated me: Elaine(dear-elaine), Sarah(xliciousgirl), Nini(flyawaynini), Catherine(Rinkopuff) and Joshua(colorfulexistence).

Rules:

• If you are nominated, you have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award. 
• Thank the person who gave you this award. That’s common courtesy.
• Include a link to their blog. That’s also common courtesy. 
• Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you have recently discovered or follow regularly. 
• Nominate those 15 blogs/bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award. 
• Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

15 Blog Nominations

No particular order, not mandatory. Just saying that I love your blogs ;)

Jo-ann(panda-agenda)

Anna(jelly-anna)

Monica(monrabu)

Aki(xiaoqingqiang)

Emi(emi-doll)

Catherine(rinnieriot)

Wendy(wengie)

Emy(helloemy)

Lorina(aprilfoolromance)

Rhea(rheabue)

Izzy(metallicpaws)

Cathy(petitpoppy)

Ninoshka(okashiyummy)

Sparkle Apple

MissFeelo(filosophy)

Seven Things About Me:

1. Let's start off with something vain (lol). I hate my nose. It's small, yes, but from the profile view it just looks horrible imo. There's no nose bridge!!!! /rant. Probably I'm too influenced by what the perception of "beauty" is nowadays but nonetheless I do not like my nose. And that is why I love bright lighting and angles! LOL

2. I am very indecisive/passive when it comes to decision making. I tick myself off many times because in my brain I think "Y U NO KNOW!?" and things just don't get any easier that way. I've never had that strong of a personality and so I was very wishy-washy with many things. However, I have been able to work on this and getting to know myself better so hopefully this will change :)

3. I hate bugs. Many people do, but the thing is, I used to LOVE bugs when I was younger. Heck, I picked up worms and chased other girls around. Noo it's not because I grew up and had to be a lady or anything. It's because I had many frightening experiences that make me even afraid of ants and butterflies now ;^: 

4. I must have mentioned this before, but I love a variety of things. Even if they are polar opposites. For example music: I go from tear jerking ballads to pop songs to alternative to rock/metal to hip-hop to reggae to r&b and back. I guess I don't add all these types of songs to my blog because some just are too hard to find mp3 links to. But my phone is filled with all of it and I wish it could just generate a playlist according to how I feel that day.

5. I haven't exercised regularly for about 6 months now (  .__.) Thanks to my work schedule that started in October. So I have a belly that needs to be GONE by June (I'm a bridesmaid   ). So much for being an ex-health nut right?

6. I am a complete lover of (anything) fluffy and furry animals! I think it awakens something in me that causes me to go off into my own world with just me & the animal lol. Apparently, as a kid I'd love animals too much to the point where it gets dangerous... for the animal. I've had countless of pets a a child, let's end it at that.

7. I can crack my wrists and ankles and it's unlimited.. LOL Can you tell I'm running out of things to write!? HAHA I don't know why but since I was young it was like that. So tippy toeing was pointless because all you'd hear would be crack, crack, crack, CRACK. ughh I'll never be a ninja.

That was all~

If you read everything, wow thanks! haha 

Hope you learned something new, though useless x)

Till the next post,

THT Christina

--
For the winners of the firmoo giveaway, if you haven't checked it out yet they were announced on Kai Grafa's blog here: http://www.kaigrafia.com/2013/04/firmoo-summer-giveaway.html#.UV5-o5Okr44

i.Fairy Casper Violet Review

Hi hi,

I've tried and reviewed the same lenses in blue before and knew that this series is crazy bright and vivid. I needed a new violet pair too as I am planning on cosplaying this year :O
And what better lenses than a bright and noticeable pair such as these!? These lenses are by lensvillage.com and I will provide the link in this post for anyone interested :)

I. Fairy Casper Violet

Lens Info:

Water Content: 55%

Base Curve: 8.6

Diameter: 16.2mm

Duration: 1 year disposable

Price: $19.00
Link: http://www.lensvillage.com/i-fairy-casper-violet-lenses/
(10% discount code: 10THT)

LENS CLOSE-UP

BEFORE & AFTER(FLASH)

FLORESCENT & NATURAL LIGHT   

WITH LASHES & SIDE-VIEW

Color&Design: ★★★★★

Amazing! I've had this in blue and the colors pop out like there's no tomorrow. Of course, this is for those who want vibrant lenses. There are multiple colors in this one, different shades of purple with a concentrated yellow burst in the center. There is also a black ring and detailing throughout.

Enlargement: ★★★★★

The photos speak for themselves. I don't think it should get any bigger than this haha

Comfort: ★★★.5☆

Very comfy, but my eyes dried out a bit quicker with these ones.

Overall: ★★★★★

Awesome for cosplay or when you are wanting something bright and noticeable. The lenses are definitely true to picture and enlarges VERY much. I recommend wearing more makeup with these lenses, lashes especially!

FULL FACE

/END

If you have read my last post, you would know that I recently received my order from taobao and here is how the AMO wig looks! I'll review this one first ^^ But I will tell you now that I LOVE it! 

Till next time,

THT Christina

TAOBAORING Review

Many of you most likely have heard about Taobao, no?

If not then a good way to explain it would be that it's a Chinese version of Ebay, but the prices of the items are much cheaper! (Shipping throws you off though) There are tons of selections and hours can go by with me on the site browsing through ^^;; 

However, with this site you need an agent to help you buy the items as some of these shops do not ship overseas. There are many agents you can find: taobaoring, taobaospree, yoybuy etc.

I chose taobaoring because it's service fees are 8% as opposed the the more common 10%. You can do your research about taobao and agents :)

TAOBAORING REVIEW

(will be shortened to TBR)

First off, I just wanted to test tbr and taobao so I just ordered two wigs. A brown one(for an upcoming cosplay :P) and a lilac AMO inspired one!

Timeline of process:

Apr 04-13: Placed an order, received an email that same day notifying that my items are available. Paid for order.

Apr 19-13: Received email stating that items have arrived. Paid second payment(shipping). Parcel sent out. TBR website had proof of the items: 

Apr 28-13: Parcel arrived! My photos:

Cost breakdown:

Order Summary

Order Id	TBR005130B818904	Order time	2013-04-12 09:31:04
Status	Received (Not received? Move to order manage.)
Items Cost	170 ¥	Domestic Delivery Fee	30 ¥
Service Fee	30 ¥	Shipping Fee	213 ¥ / 34.93 $
Shipping Method	EMS	Items Weight	925 g
Post Number
Ship to address

Payment Record - Transaction Number: 6HF90249GF0879523
Payment method	PayPal	Payer
Gross	39.05 $	Datetime	2013-04-12 10:36:52

Payment Record - Transaction Number: 7XN81776HF8507408
Payment method	PayPal	Payer
Gross	36.63 $	Datetime	2013-04-19 23:08:42

Items List

Picture	Description	Price	Qty.	Delivery fee	Total price	Available	Arrived
	★绝园的暴风雨★不破爱花 暖棕色 cosplay假发cos假发-淘宝网	85 ¥	1	15 ¥	85 ¥	yes	yes
	【kyouko假发】原宿/lolita/日常AMO同款 香芋紫粉混色空气卷70cm-淘宝网	85 ¥	1	15 ¥	85 ¥	yes	yes

In total this order was $75.68USD. I chose EMS shipping(they offer it with a 40% discount like many agents do) so that is why the price is quite ridiculous but I got the parcel in 9 days which is very fast considering it's from the other side of the earth.. lol

 LIKES 

constant updates via email

clear cost breakdowns

straightforward

 DISLIKES 

shipping D:

only USD conversions

length of time

All in all it was smooth sailing for me. At first I was wary because there have been some bad reviews for it. Glad I didn't have that experience. I will be reviewing the wigs soon for any who are interested ^^

That's all for this review. Hope it helps.

How have your experiences, if any, with taobao been?

Let me know by commenting!

Till the next post,

THT Christina

Fairy Drops Volume Burst Review (Purple)

My previous mascara was also from Fairy Drops(review) and I loved it! Being the sucker I am for trying new things, I went for one similar to it and purchased it in the purple version. They have the exact same in packaging, just different colors for the actual product, but were there any other differences?

Fairy Drops Japan Volume Burst Mascara WP LasVegas

photo from Ebay seller

Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fairy-Drops-Japan-Volume-Burst-Mascara-WP-LasVegas-Ltd-Black-/290669863418?pt=US_Makeup_Eyes&hash=item43ad4621fa

BRUSH: Sighh I think this was the biggest dislike for me. This type of brush really does not coat my lashes well at all! If you have seen the pink version of this mascara, the bristles are longer whereas this just looks.. spongy and short. The signature shape of the brush remains the same.

FORMULA: A lot lighter than the pink one! Which means it doesn't weigh down my lashes and so I do not need to recurl. The mascara also holds curl very well :) The downside though, is that it is sticky. So if you do decide to touch it up, it's not fun.

VOLUME x LENGTH: Let the photos below help to explain:

 The photos go from bare to one coat to two coats.

I'd say that in terms of volume, this one isn't as great as the previous mascara though it does do pretty ok. However, it is slightly more difficult to apply double coats, there isn't too much of a difference if I do anyways.As for length, this doesn't do too well :/ 

WATERPROOF: Very! Is that a good thing? Maybe for some of you! But not for me :( I highly dislike waterproof makeup because it's so difficult to remove. I only praised the pink version of this because although it was waterproof, it came off super easily with warm water. This wasn't the same way. It didn't come off nicely and stuck to my lashes, a sticky formula doesn't help either T^T

 LIKES 

light formula, no need for recurling

holds curl

adds volume

 DISLIKES 

short brush bristles, doesn't coat well

sticky formula

no length

too waterproof D:

So that's that. Though this in itself isn't bad, I will be returning back to my previous one until another mascara I like is discovered.

What are some mascaras you love?

Let me know by commenting below!

Till the next post,

THT Christina