PlePle Wrap Pencil Case $16

I'm a hobby generalist. I'm interested in a bunch of different things but I never devote my full passion on any one. One of my many obsessions is stationary. I dunno why but I think it has something to do with being Asian - how nerdy right? Well it's ok because I don't take it overboard (remember I'm only a generalist :)

One of my favorite sites to surf for stationary is at JetPens. They've got pens galore. Pens you've never heard of. Pens you've never seen. And more pens than you could imagine uses for or where to store! It's hard not to covet some of them - trust me it's hard. They've also got beautiful and stylish writing pads and some very innovative pencil cases.



I would like to introduce the PlePle Wrap Pencil Case. I originally bought it to store pens because it made me feel artsy.



But then I discovered it's even better used as a brush roll. Tada!


I mean seriously! It's so different than the typical black MA brush satchel and I personally think it's cuter. I usually keep my brushes in an empty candle jar on the counter but this wrap case works great for transporting brushes.

The outside of the case is made of a thin suede and it feels leather-like. The inside is felt-lined with a polka dot pattern and the felt has a corduroy texture to it. There are also 3 sectioned slots for holding pens....er brushes.



The Verdict: A+
As I mentioned before, I like to use this for travel since the flap on the top of the case protects the bristles from getting frayed and tugged. The length of the case comfortably fits most full-size brushes.

Since it's actually meant for pens not brushes it's hard to fit brushes with different sized handles in the same slot. If you put a fat handled brush in the same slot as skinny handled brushes, they won't lay flat and will start to roll around.

Also the slots can only fit about 2-3 brushes each. If you've got a large collection of brushes, you may have to get 2 cases to fit all the brushes. I only have a small collection of brushes and only a few that I use on a regular basis. So for me this is just the right size for travel.

P.S. If I had a reason to get a 2nd wrap pencil case...I'm eyeing this one.

NARS Bridal Palette $65 Review

I know this NARS Bridal Palette (aka Makeup Artist Palette 9945) has been out there forever but I kinda forgot about it and then re-discovered it a couple of weeks ago.

At the end of next week I'm heading to sunny Malibu to celebrate the wedding of a good friend and I wanted a simple all-in-one makeup kit. I found this to be practical for travel since I won't have to fiddle around with a bunch of little tubes of lipstick or separate little eye and cheek compacts. O and did I mention the HUGE mirror on this baby? It's gonna make on-the-go touch-ups easy peasy!

I love that this palette includes 9 of the best-selling NARS shades in neutral colors that would flatter any skin tone....but especially mine :) Below are some close-up pics of the compact.

Eye Quad

Neutral but versatile shades for the eyes that can go with any outfit or occasion. I could keep my eyes simple or do a smoky eye by adding some eyeliner and mascara.

Cheeks

I love Orgasm! It's always my go-to blush so having it in the compact just makes packing simpler for me. Albatross is a highlighting shade and complements Orgasm really well. I'm not real big on highlighters but I'm liking how the 2 shades pair up.

Lip Quad

Again neutral colors but I found them to be very hydrating and easy to apply with a lip brush.

The Verdict: B+
I don't really have any complaints about the NARS Bridal Palette. I know some may say the shades aren't colorful enough but I knew what I was getting myself into and I'm a happy camper. But I do have 1 complaint...

Shipping Experience
I ordered this directly from NARS as it's no longer available anywhere else. It was shipped super fast (under 3 days) but the packing quality was disappointing. I have this thing where I gently shake packages to see how "secure" they are. This was NOT secure at all - I could hear and feel the THUD-THUD as the compact rolled around and landed on the opposite side of the box. When I opened the box the palette was wrapped in some tissue paper but there was no cushioning to fill-in the empty space! I braced myself for the worst. I crossed my fingers and opened the cover of the palette hoping I wouldn't fine the mirror or any of the quads cracked. Well, I got myself worked up over nothing. Everything was fine and in one piece. A little dusty, but fine.


See? Everyone's alright :)

Caudalie Eau de Beaute Beauty Elixir $15/$49 Review

This product is a 2-in-1 toner and serum combo. It claims to hydrate and smooth skin using essential oils and plant extracts. It also tightens pores and makes skin radiant. There are 2 sizes available: 1 oz for $15 or 3.8 oz for $49. The 1 oz bottle is meant to be travel friendly (also the size shown in the pics).

It can be misted on clean skin or over makeup and used as a toner or to hydrate the skin at any time of the day. The product has to be shakened up before use because the oils in it separate from the water and it forms little yellow gobs that float towards the top.


Close encounter with the yellow gobs!!!

The Verdict: A+
This is currently my favorite Caudalie product! If you are considering the Caudalie Grape Water - skip it and go straight to this! I thought the Grape Water smelled like old bottled water and was grossed out when it was misted on my face. The Beauty Elixir's got it's own smell too but it smells more medicinal than dirty. I should warn that the medicinal smell does linger for some time before it dissipates - about 1-2 minutes. Also, my final complaint - this stuff seems to go quickly. Even after a few spritzes I actually notice the level of product has gone down. This leads me to think the bottle must be made of really thick glass so that it only appears to contain a lot of product.

When I mist this on, it gives skin a cool refreshing feeling. There is alcohol in it to give it that astringent effect, but it's not at all drying. It hydrates without overly wetting skin and the smell combined with the coolness literally "wakes up" my skin! Once it dries, it's either absorbed by the skin or evaporated so there's not a trace of film left behind. I really love this product but I have a feeling it's a love it/hate it kind of thing. Definitely try it out before taking the plunge!

Colgate Wisp 4pk $2

I was really excited to try these out! It's the handy dandy Colgate Wisp! They come in 3 flavors: Peppermint(blue), Cinnamint(red), and Spearmint(green). It's a single use, disposable mini toothbrush for on-the-go use. There's no need for water or rinsing.


Each Wisp is indiviually sealed and there's a small pull tab to help you open it.


The opposite end of the brush is pointed so you can use it as a toothpick too.

The Verdict: D-
I think I now have a better understanding of how cavemen kept up their dental hygiene. The little plastic bristles on these things are so tough! It's like brushing with a twig. I really really hope they improve the design. I felt I couldn't really use it as a "brush" as it was more or less just scraping over my teeth.


On the positive side, the little freshening bead was fantastic! It's the little colored sphere in the middle of the brush. When it bursts it releases the liquid toothpaste that is so refreshing! The sphere's not huge so the amount that is released is just enough to leave you with that minty feeling but not enough to make your mouth foam.


If Colgate can just get the bristles of the brush right - I'd be all over this! For now I'll just stick to my travel brush and travel toothpaste :D If you wanna give it try, check out their website and print out a coupon to save 50 cents.

Eyelash Curlers

I got this plastic pinky curler one way WAY back when I was in high school. I really like it cause it's just cute looking and I don't have to worry about it getting banged up when I carry it around with me. I don't remember what brand it was....I want to say Wet 'n Wild because I remember getting it at Walmart. It was pretty cheap too - probably only $2-3.

The other eyelash curler I have is THE famed Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler $19. I find that I have to be careful with this because it does pinch me sometimes.

The Verdict

I really don't see a difference between the two. They can both give me a great natural curl when used right but they can also both give me 90 degree angled lashes if pressed down too hard or long. I love both because one's cute and the other one is so glamorous!