Dysfunctional yet Charming » Shopping

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

Shamini — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:45:54 +0000

I don’t always buy makeup when I’m on one of my shopping rampages, mind you. Yesterday I ordered the Canon Speedlite 430EX II for my EOS 450D SLR camera. I do love my camera, but I’ve been kind of disappointed in it ever since I bought it. The reason for this is that I always know how I want my pictures to turn out, and I’ve always been told that I have a “good eye” – but I never seem to get my photos exactly the way I want them with this camera. There’s always something wrong, like the colors being completely off or something like that, and it’s driving me insane. Insane! Thankfully I have good friends who are into photography and willing to help a clueless soul as myself, so now I’m hoping this flash will do the trick. Time will show!

The next time I buy something for my camera I think it’ll be a new objective, as I’ve been planning to buy the Canon EF 28mm F2.8 for quite some time now. I guess I’ll have to prioritize a new objective instead of all that tempting and oh so colorful makeup, so I’m actually able to shoot some acceptable EOTD’s for my blog.

One’s gotta love new gadgets!

Photo © Canon Inc.

OCC Lip Tars

Shamini — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:29:31 +0000

First of all, I absolutely LOVE the name. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I mean, hello! It’s maybe not politically correct, but I can’t help myself and I think it’s pretty perfect. I’m sure you’ve heard of these Lip Tars some time or another? They have been a pretty hot topic in the colorful world of makeup for quite some time now, and I’ve managed to steer clear – until now. I’m blaming VampyVarnish for that. She recently published a little review and some swatches of her six newly acquired Lip Tars, and when I saw them on her lips I was completely and utterly sold. I’ve seen people raving about these Lip Tars before, but they seemed so.. moist to me. Now I realized, after seeing VV’s pictures, that the trick was in the amount of product – and her application was flawless!

I therefore decided to invest in a few of these Lip Tars. They come in every color you can imagine, and if you by any chance should happen to imagine a color which isn’t part of their selection, well, then you’re free to mix it up yourself. Fantastic! I went looking for some good swatches, and ended up choosing five pretty neutral colors. These thumbnails doesn’t show the colors any justice at all, so you’ll have to use Google to really see how these fabulous lip colors work.

Each tube contains 8 ml, and costs $12.50 (which would be about 78,- NOK with today’s exchange rate) if you choose to order them directly from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics – and yes, OCC ships worldwide! You only need the tiniest little blob, and it should be applied with a lip brush. A tube of Lip Tar will pretty much last you a life time.

I tried doing some swatching of my own, but since these Lip Tars was a lot more liquid than I had ever imagined it was a little hard getting only the tiniest amount of products out of the tube. Please disregard the sloppy blobs! I’m happy to discover that all five colors look quite different in real life as opposed to the tube, but I don’t really understand why I would order a color like Melange. Anyway, they smell faintly of peppermint – which I like – and they look immensely cool to mix! I’m also happy to announce that they are completely non-sticky.

Photos © Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics & Shamini Thevarajah ’10

M·A·C for Playboy 2003

Shamini — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:24:18 +0000

In light of my recent post about this adorable bunny jacket, I find it very fitting to be talking about my newest treasure, a M·A·C for Playboy lipstick in “Bunny Pink” (clean mid-tone pink). M·A·C collaborated with Playboy long time ago, long before I discovered what was to become my absolute favorite makeup brand, but ever since I read a post on Specktra regarding a haul done by a Danish girl, I’ve been lemming these items. It’s extremely difficult to find information about this collection, but it seems like it consisted of only two items: the lipstick in “Bunny Pink”, and a glitter cream in “Playmate Pink”. Apparently a similar collection was released exclusively to Asia in 2004 with three other items: two lipsticks in “Centerfold” and “Pinkmate”, and a glitter cream in “Bunnysheen”.

I don’t have any hopes of getting my hands on the rest of these items, I know that Danish girl paid a lot of money for hers and I’m don’t want them that much, so I’m happy with my one gorgeous lipstick. Maybe M·A·C will do another collaboration with Playboy some time soon? If that happens I’ll be first in line to grab me a full set of product from this collection.

Photo © Temptalia

Oh, how I luv you Bunny!

Shamini — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:19:35 +0000

I think I might need someone to smack me! I’ve been sitting here for at about two hours now, just browsing websites offering alternative clothing – or what some people might call “emo clothing”. Personally I don’t have a specific style, but I always envy those who have have a style and the passion to wear it all the way. I did fall in love with another hoodie, and this one is called “Luv Bunny”. C’mon. It’s got my name written all over it, can’t you see?

I wouldn’t be too surprised if it suddenly appeared to be stuck in my mailbox some time next week.

Ragnaråkk, where I got both my piercings, celebrated their 6th birthday today with cakes and sparkling drinks – and a 30% sale on everything in the shop! I was planning on heading over there to pick up a bag and a hoodie I kinda wanted to get the last time I was there, but my neck has been bugging me severely the last couple of days so I decided to just relax at home instead. But since I’m blessed with such a loving boyfriend, he volunteered to go to Ragnaråkk for me, I now have both an Iron Fist-hoodie and a immensely cool handbag (with a skull) from Living Dead Souls in my possession.

Photo courtesy of Google

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Shamini — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:24:38 +0000

I sometimes happen to make a statement and then later change my mind, like when I said I wouldn’t be buying anymore palettes from Urban Decay until they started coming out with some new colors. In a way I haven’t really changed my mind, for both my newest additions from Urban Decay actually contain a few new colors – but is five out of seven really enough to justify the purchase? Anyway, “Naked” is something different than the usual palettes from Urban Decay. It’s an amazing palette of 12 neutral eyeshadows in a sleek, velvety case – and one of the more extraordinary facts about “Naked” is that it actually contains mattes!

I love the colors, and I hate the packaging. Who on Earth came up with the idea of covering an eyeshadow palette with velvet? It contains seven permanent shades which most of us are quite familiar with from before, and five completely new shades: “Buck” (matte nutmeg), “Creep” (onyx with gold sparkle), “Darkhorse” (bronze patina), “Hustle” (plum brown satin), “Virgin” (satin chamois). I’ll be the first to say how happy I am that they’ve left out those usual glittery devils this time.

You also get the same 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil as always, but this time it’s double ended so you have the brown “Whiskey” on the opposite end. I originally thought that “Whiskey” was the same color as “Bourbon” – I mean, it makes sense – but I can see from their website that “Whiskey” is indeed a new color. And also included is the little travel sized Primer Potion. We’re all familiar with that one now. Some people are also claiming that this palette contains full size eyeshadows, but that’s not entirely true. Urban Decay’s palettes usually range between 0.8g and 0.9g (the “Sustainable Shadow Box” is 0.56g while the “Deluxe Shadow Box” is the same as “Naked” with 1.2g per shade) and “Naked” is absolutely something else with its 1.2g per eyeshadow. A full size eyeshadow from Urban Decay is 1.5g, so as you can see it’s pretty close!

“Naked” is a permanent item, and costs $44 plus shipping from Urban Decay.

Photo © Alex Gambardella

Summer Hauling

Shamini — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:58:52 +0000

So guess who’s been out hauling again? Yep, that’s right. That would indeed be me. Or I haven’t really been out, I’ve just used my precious Internet access to the rest of the (fabulous) world (of shopping). Lunacy? Maybe, but oh.. so fun! My collective haul has been sitting at MyUS, just waiting for my Converse Dr. Seuss All Stars to arrive so everything could be shipped combined, and today the glorious red and yellow box arrived!

Going Bananas, Lime, Sassy Grass, Zingy, Atlantic Blue, Crazy Cool, Shock-a-holic, Louder Please

I’ve ordered a little from Sephora, Urban Decay and M·A·C (in addition to Converse) – my three personal favorites for online shopping! I had saved some of my Paris funds for the two upcoming M·A·C collections In the Groove and Dare to Wear, and picked up the items I wanted when those were launched. There are four more eyeshadows included in the bright and colorful Dare to Wear, in addition the ones pictured above, but I didn’t order those as I already had them in my collection. I also picked up two of the new Lip Glass in “Brash & Bold” and “So Bad”. From In the Groove I ended up with the two Cremesheen Glass in “On the Scene” (light coral beige) and “Going Casual” (sheer lilac).

I then went to Sephora strictly to get the items from MUFE I wanted but couldn’t get my hands on when in Paris – even though I must admit a few minor items snuck into my shopping basket without me noticing. Barely. Sephora had an available promotion code giving out a free eye shadow palette with any combination of three or more MUFE eyeshadows, diamond shadows or powder blush, so naturally I took advantage of the code and added the three eyeshadows I wanted in 005, 075 and 158. I was also lucky enough to get my hands on one of Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes before they sold out again, and I’m pretty pleased with that – finally a palette from Urban Decay with a couple of matte eyeshadows included!

Photo © Shamini Thevarajah ’10

Imagine that, I’m 31

Shamini — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:31:10 +0000

I’ve had an terrific day so far despite the fact that nothing special has happened. So far I’ve gotten 99 birthday messages on my FaceBook wall, I’ve received several texts and phone calls, and some have congratulated me through IRC and MSN. Awesome! I’m a little overwhelmed over all the attention, and I would never have thought that so many people have remembered me today. Thank you so much – you’re nothing less than frigging awesome!

I also got another birthday present today from Øyvind’s mom and dad: a gorgeous pair of hematite ear studs. I absolutely love them, and I know I will be wearing them a lot. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your gift.

I also decided to take a trip to Bohus today to look at new mattresses. I once had a bed from Jensen® which I loved very much, and when we were in Uddevalla this summer I had the pleasure of sleeping on a Jensen® mattress again. I instantly decided I needed to have a mattress like that in my life again, a good mattress is an investment, so today we ordered two brand new Jensen® Ambassador mattresses! Unfortunately we have to wait for about two weeks, but I’m hoping they’ll arrive a little sooner. I’m so happy!

Even though it’s my birthday I’m not wearing any makeup today (either) since I’m having a bothersome headache, and we’ve decided to postpone our movie and restaurant plans for the evening. I am on the other hand wearing MUFE Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara, and I’m absolutely loving it! Naturally it’s a little too early to proclaim my love for a mascara after having worn it for a single day, but the first impression is flawless and I’m looking forward to several days with this mascara.

Now I’m spending the rest of my birthday watching TV series, eating homemade pizza and possibly consuming a little alcohol. I’m craving sour apple martinis!

Photo © Shamini Thevarajah ’10

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star: Dr. Seuss

Shamini — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:15:31 +0000

Speaking of Converse All Stars, I recently noticed that Converse launched the super cute Dr. Seuss Collection and I feel completely in love with one of the pairs from this collection! Dr. Seuss isn’t really all that known here in Norway, but if you’d like to you can read more here. Have you heard of “The Cat in the Hat”, “Horton Hears a Who!” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”? These are all the works of Theodore S. Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, and are among more than 60 books published by him. Who doesn’t love the adorable Horton the Elephant?

The pair of Converse I lost my heart to has the text “The Cat in the Hat” on its tongue, white and orange striped laces just like the Cat’s hat, and are quite unique. Most of the All Stars in this collections are only available in different kid sizes, which is quite natural since Dr. Seuss wrote books for children, but a few of the pairs are also available in adult sizes! Needless to say, I needed this pair in my life – and hopefully my pair will arrive in my inbox at MyUS in not so long.

Unfortunately Converse Inc. is another one of those places that doesn’t ship internationally, but if you have access to some kind of personal shopper service you’re able to get your hands on any pair of All Stars – and buying them directly from Converse Inc. ensures you authentic All Stars. The price of the pair I’ve mentioned here is $60, which would be about 357,- NOK with today’s exchange rate, and shipping from Converse Inc. is also free!

A little birthday present for myself, I guess.

Urban Decay Vegan Palette

Shamini — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:24:46 +0000

Some time ago I did a quick look through my Urban Decay palettes to see which shadows I actually owned, and which ones I’d like to add to my collection. I got some disturbing results which made me so disappointed in Urban Decay that I didn’t even post it back then. I even decided not to buy any more palettes from them until something changed, so I skipped their “Summer of Love” palette even though I absolutely loved the adorable hippie theme.

This fall Urban Decay launched another limited edition eye shadow palette, and for the first time it’s exclusively vegan. Rejoice! It’s simply called “Vegan”, and the artwork is immensely cute. I’ll happily admit to the fact that I need this mostly because of its packaging. I mean, there’s a little Chihuahua on the lid – and how am I supposed to resist that?

The palette contains: “Minx” (blue-green shift w/ glitter), “Urb” (metallic celadon w/ lots of silver/gold microglitter), “Gunmetal” (gunmetal gray w/ silver glitter), “Twice Baked” (brownie brown w/ gold glitter), “Smog” (deep coppery bronze) and “Half-Baked” (subtle lustrous bronze). You also get the regular travel-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Zero” and a tiny bottle of Primer Potion in “Sin”. The three first colors are all new and luckily enough to justify the purchase to me.

I did notice that Urban Decay have raised their prices slightly, so the price is now $34 for six colors, a mini eyeliner pencil and primer potion – which would be about 204,- NOK with today’s exchange rate. Not too bad for a cute little palette with good quality eye shadows! Once again I’m sorry to inform you that Urban Decay doesn’t ship out of the US, but hopefully the adorable “Vegan” palette will be available from one of the international webshops soon.

“We don’t do animal testing.. How could anyone?”

Paris Haul: Lipsticks

Shamini — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:02:32 +0000

Speak Louder, Lovelorn, Creme d’Nude, High Tea, Peachstock

Morange, Rebel, Red Pepper, Chili, Ladybug

As I promised yesterday here’s pictures of all the lipsticks I got in Paris. Some are from the regular M·A·C store, while some are from M·A·C Pro. You’ll find their names under each picture, from left to right. I haven’t added their finishes, but if you really want to know the finish of a specific lipstick, then just leave me a comment below. I feel like I’m repeating myself endlessly, but do remember that eight of these lipsticks was financed by Back2MAC, which means I actually only paid for two.

Some of you know I’ve been on a hunt for a red lipstick for a very long time. I mean, it’s not difficult finding a red lipstick, but I’m drawn to the ones with a blue undertone – and they make me look like a two-dollar hooker. The look I’m going for is something like hot and sexy, not cheap and tacky – and I just adore red lips on a mysterious brunette! Unfortunately I have yet to find the perfect shade of red for myself, but I hope some of these will be suitable.

These pictures make me smile, I guess that proves that I’m most certainly a color junkie!