MI-NY - Mascara Dark Lady

ENG: I received this awesome mascara from Mi-Ny Cosmetics as Jury Prize (I also got an eyeshadow palette ad a nail polish, as I already posted here) in the last contest on their facebook page called "Be Glamour with MI-NY". I attended with two pics (this e this), and the first one was the winner. ^__^

There are two things I can't talk about: first of all, duration, because my lids are always very wet and even waterproof mascaras don't last on me so long; second thing is curling, because I always use an eyelash curler, so I can't say how much was done by mascara or not. Sorry, I'm useless, but I can still say that this mascara is not much volumizing, but increases lenght and defines eyelashes very well: result is discreet and tidy, perfect for day time. Last, but absolutely not least, the packaging is gorgeous: the combo of satin metal and flowery velvet decorations is totally sophisticated. I had never seen such a beautiful mascara! *__*

ITA: ho ricevuto questo mascara dalla Mi-Ny Cosmetics come Premio Giuria (oltre ad una palette di ombretti e uno smalto, già postati qui) nell'ultimo concorso indetto sulla loro pagina facebook chiamato "Be Glamour with MI-NY". Ho partecipato con 2 foto (questa e questa), ma è stata la prima a vincere. ^__^ 

Premetto che ci sono due cose di cui non non sono in grado di parlare: la prima è la durata, in quanto le mie palpebre sono sempre molto umide e perfino i mascara waterproof spesso non reggono a lungo; seconda, la curvatura, perchè uso sempre il piegaciglia, quindi non so più dire quanto venga fatto dai mascara o no. Scusate la mia inutilità, però posso dire che, sebbene questo rimmel non sia molto volumizzante, allunga e definisce le ciglia egregiamente, pettinandole molto bene: il risultato è discreto ed ordinato, perfetto per il giorno. Ultimo, ma decisamente non ultimo, il packaging è spettacolare: la combinazione di metallo satinato con applicazioni floreali in velluto floccato è di una raffinatezza unica. Mai visto un mascara così bello! *_*

ENG: product overview / ITA: panoramica del prodotto

ENG: packaging details / ITA: dettagli della confezione

ENG: brush details / ITA: dettagli dello scovolino

ENG: eyelashes before and after application / ITA: ciglia prima e dopo l'applicazione

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Labels: eyes-mascara, makeup, mi-ny

Comments: 6 comments

TOTALLY RANDOM SUNDAY #38

INFO ABOUT FOLLOWING / INFORMAZIONI PER SEGUIRE IL BLOG

ENG: just a quick notice to let you know that you can follow this blog in more ways  in addition to Google Friend Connect from now on: take a look on the right menu for Bloglovin, Google+ and/or E-mail. :)

ITA: solo un avviso veloce per farvi sapere che da ora potete seguire questo blog in altri modi, oltre a Google Friend Connect: nel menù a destra trovate tutto il necessario per Bloglovin, Google e/o E-mail. :)

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HAUL
ENG: a few weeks ago I took advantage from a very interesting promotion on the E.L.F. website to buy a few needed items plus a one whim more as extra cuddle. :)

ITA: alcune settimane fa ho approfittato di una interessantissima promozione dal sito della E.L.F. per acquistare alcune cose basiche indispensabili più un piccolo capriccio. :)

E.L.F. STUDIO - POWDER BRUSH

ENG: people say that this brush works very well as multipurpose helper: it's for pressed and mineral powders, and even for creamy and liquid foundations, so I'm curious to figure out if it's true. I read a lot of good reviews about it, so I ordered it as soon as I could, more it costs a lot less of other high quality items I really like but I can't afford right now, for example the Everyday Minerals or the Neve Cosmetics ones.
Update: I'm using it for almost a month so far and I'm happy with it especially for blushes. I prefer a softer brush for powders (to avoid that leads around the unferlying foundation) and a thicker one for mineral foundation (because a kabuki attivates microcirculation better). I didn't try it for liquid foundation, yet. ;)

ITA: mi serviva assolutamente un pennello che, come questo, funzionasse bene sia per polveri compatte che per minerali liberi, e anche per creme e fondi liquidi: un passe-partout, insomma, quindi ora vediamo come si comporterà. Di lui avevo sentivo sempre parlare così bene che ho voluto ordinarlo appena ho potuto, inoltre costa un terzo rispetto ad altri pennelli simili di buona qualità, quali quello di Everyday Minerals e Neve Cosmetics, su cui sbavo da un bel pezzo ma che, ora come ora, non posso proprio permettermi.
Aggiornamento: lo sto usando da quasi un mese e l'utilizzo per cui mi sto trovando meglio è per il fard. Per la cipria ne preferisco uno più morbido (onde evitare che porti in giro il fondotinta sottostante), e uno più folto per il fondo minerale (un buon kabuki attiva di più la microcircolazione durante il "massaggio" dell'applicazione). Non l'ho ancora provato per fondi liquidi, invece, ma vi farò sapere. ;)

E.L.F. STUDIO - EYE TRANSFORMER

ENG: and this is the whim! It's a palette with 4 opalescent eyeshadows. You can barely see the differences between the colors, if you apply them alone. With a dark base, instead, they transform themselves into enchanting metallic reflections in green, copper, purple or blue. Amazing. I can't say nothing more today, but I'm going to do a review of this as soon as me and "it" we'll be closer to each other. ;P

ITA: e questo è il capriccio! E' una mini palette con 4 ombretti opalescenti di cui si riesce a malapena a distinguere il colore, se applicati da soli. Sopra ad una base colorata, invece, e preferibilmente scura, trasformano il colore sottostante in una incantevole riflessione metallica sul verde, rame, viola o blu. Spettacolare. Non so dire altro per ora, magari farò una recensione quando saremo più in confidenza. ;)

E.L.F. STUDIO - WATERPROOF LENGTHENING & VOLUMIZING MASCARA - BLACK

ENG: my faithful mascara: I simply ended the previous one and I don't want to replace it with something else, so I rebought it again. It's the only one that doesn't run away from my wet lashes. :)

ITA: il mio fido mascara: avevo semplicemente finito la precedente confezione e non volevo sostituirlo con qualcos'altro, così l'ho ricomprato. E' l'unico che non fugge via dalle mie ciglia sempre bagnaticce. :)

E.L.F. STUDIO - PRESSED POWER - PORCELAIN

ENG: my E.L.F. Mineral Booster ended... My other E.L.F. mineral-powder-that-I-don't-remember-its-name ended... My Lily Lolo Finishing Powder in Flawless Silk ended... Argh! Need some decent rescue powder! So I've tried with this. It seems good, I must to admit it, but it's too soon to say it for sure. ^^
Update: I'm using it every day and I'm liking it very much, I must to admit it. I like its coverage (by the way, lighter shade could not fit for pale skintones), I like the fact it doesn't create the cakey effect, I really like it. Just one defect: it isn't long lasting, and you'll need of touch ups. I don't care about being perfect all day long (because I'm not at all, even as soon as I've did my makeup XD) so this powder is very good for €4,50! :D

ITA: la mia cipria E.L.F. Mineral Booster finita... L'altra mia cipria E.L.F. di-cui-non-ricordo-assolutamente-il-nome era finita... La Lily Lolo Finishing Powder in Flawless Silk era finita pure lei... Mapporc! Necessitavo subito di una cipria al volo di qualità decente! Così ho provato a prendere questa, e, devo ammetterlo, non sembra niente male per ora, ma è ancora presto per dirlo con certezza. ^^
Aggiornamento: la sto utilizzando quasi ogni giorno e al centro ha già raggiunto la cialdina. Mi sta piacendo devo dire: mi piace la coprenza (attenzione che, anche la tonalità più chiara, potrebbbe essere troppo scura per le pelli pallide), mi piace che non faccia l'effetto mascherone, mi piace proprio tanto. Unico difetto, non ha una lunga durata sulla pelle, e necessita di ritocchini se ci tenete ad essere sempre a posto quando state fuori molte ore. A me non frega granchè (sono ben lungi dalla perfezione anche appena truccata e/o miracolata! XD), quindi per 4 euro e spicci mi va da Dio! :D

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Labels: elf, eyes-mascara, eyes-shadow, face-powder, haul, makeup, tools-brushes, tools-palette

Comments: 10 comments

TOTALLY RANDOM SUNDAY #19

ESSENCE HAULS IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS

Huge post! Actually I don't buy so many things, and most of them are very cheap, or from swaps, or gifts, or taken on sale... But some shopping is needful to make you feel better, and Essence helps you a lot in this, saving your wallet at the same time! All next items are picked up during the past 6 months! 

PART 1 - NAIL POLISHES

- ESSENCE - CIRCUS CIRCUS TE - 03 APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE!: a polish buddy of mine, Cristina from Pee Before Polish blog, tried this polish as soon as it has been released and swatched in this post, and she was so enthusiastic that I searched for it, but Essence displays were all plundered... ç__ç Another polish buddy, Simona from Light your Nails! found it and sent to me, yay! I was searching for a red creme with high quality since a life, and I've found it, at last!!! I've worn it twice but no made pics, yet... -__-

- ESSENCE - NAIL COLOUR 3 - 06 TICKET TO THE SHOW: I wasn't going to buy it, actually, because it looked like another polish from Vampire's Love collection I own, but it doesn't: it has multicolored microglitter inside of it and I fell in love with it, shame on me... :P

These four polishes come from the new permanent collection Nail Colour 3 and they were sent to me by my friend Francesca from The Beauty Case blog as a swap between us, and they are ALL beautiful, really. Essence did a great job with this collection, I advice them with no doubt.

- ESSENCE - NAIL COLOUR 3 - 04 A WALK IN THE PARK: a grass green with subtle turquoise shimmer +  pastel green and light blue microflakies, a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Already swatched but no photos, sorry. 

- ESSENCE - NAIL COLOUR 3 - 01 MIDNIGHT DATE: a shimmer dark blue + jelly blue base green/blue duochrome flakies. A must have. Actually not for me that "shimmer dark blue" is something doesn't miss in my stash at all... And those flakies are quite similar to an Nfu.Oh I own. Shame on me again! ^__^;

- ESSENCE - NAIL COLOUR 3 - 03 KISS ON TOP OF THE ROCK: another real red creme + transparent top coat with orangey opalescent reflection and yellow shimmer. No tried yet, but curious about it!

- ESSENCE - NAIL COLOUR 3 - 05 BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN: dusty dark mauve creme + pink and turquoise shimmer effect. I love it! Already tried it and maybe I already own a top coat like this from H&M, a gift from my cousin. Sigh, I hate having dupes. >_< *SWATCHES SOON*

- ESSENCE - SEASON OF EXTREMES TE - 01 IT'S TWO BRIGHT: luckily I found this trend edition very soon and picked up two duos. Creme + effect don't match so well, but they are great alone. This creme is a wonderful colour, I'm sad because camera doesn't catch it as beautiful as it is. *SWATCHES SOON*

- ESSENCE - SEASON OF EXTREMES TE - 03 WE ARE ALL BRIGHT: another great creme in this duo, really, one of best cremes I've tried EVER. Reflections of this top coat on nails are still a mistery to me, instead... I need to try it as soon as I can.

- ESSENCE - VAMPIRE'S LOVE TE - 04 - THE DAWN IS BROKEN:  when this collection was released I didn't find this one, that I love because it reminds me a kitchen worktop. *_* Nicely Simona sent it to me!

- ESSENCE - REBELS TE - 04 REBELIZER: nothing interesting in this trend edition to me, but I picked up this polish on sale for just € 1 because I like weird and acid colors like this. Not a good purchase, by the way: bad application and doesn't match with my skintone, I'm sad for it... ç__ç

- ESSENCE - FRUITY TE - 01 BANANA JOE + 04 ONE KIWI A DAY: lovely collection! Just it wasn't released in my area... My cousin from Nail Polish Crazy blog picked up these 2 polishes for me from where she lives. I've already worn the kiwi one with a kiwi slice of fimo and it was sooo cuuuute!!! *^__^* *SWATCHES SOON*

PART 2 - MAKE-UP

- ESSENCE - VAMPIRE'S LOVE TE - 01 LOVE AT FIRST BITE: since I didn't find it where I live, Simona (holy woman!) bought it for me and I have to admit that's an amazing palette, very well pigmented. Just the glitter charcoal isn't in this world anymore, because... Ehr... A depotting accident... :P Box became a very useful pillow case! 

- ESSENCE - LEGENDS OF THE SKY TE - 01 - FROM ZERO TO HERO: and this is a gift from my cousin! Another great palette, and I swear I'm sincere about this feedback. With a primer these matte eyeshadows are discreet but amazing, I love the orange and the red the most. *__* 

- ESSENCE - I LOVE EXTREME - VOLUME MASCARA: this mascara is a must-have for lots of girls and bloggers and youtubbers, so I've tried it... Ok, it does its job, and it does it very well, i can't complain about this: lashes are illegally longer with this mascara, just... My eyes are always wet so I need of a waterproof mascara, it can't be helped... I use it under my waterproof mascara and it's better than alone, and I love it, but I can't love it as much as other ladies do, sorry. :(

- ESSENCE - CRYSTALLICED TE - LIPGLOSS - 01 IT'S A SNOW-WOMAN'S WORLD: I know I know... I know the reflection you can see in the tube doesn't show off on your lips, but... Come on! On sale for € 1, sometimes I feel better just staring at that shimmer! XD

- ESSENCE - STAY WITH ME LONG LASTING LIPGLOSS - 06 BERRY ME: another purchase on sale for 1 €, this is a lipgloss with very different feedbacks. To me is a pretty lipgloss, quite pigmented and with a smell of sweets that I love. Doesn't last so long, but I always use a bit of lipstick under it and the world is a better place XD

- ESSENCE - XXXL SHINE LIPGLOSS - 16 WANTED!: this one was a gift from the store, instead. € 10 of Essence shopping and you could choose between this cute lipgloss and an eyeshadow duo. On my left: two matte nude colors for eyes. On my right: silver sparkle for lips. Challenge never started. 

PART 3 - VARIOUS 

- ESSENCE - CRYSTALLICED TE - NAIL ART STICKERS: Cristina and Barbara (my cousin) are crazy! They knew that I loooove nail stickers and I looooooooove snowflakes, so I looooooooooove THESE nail stickers and they gifted to me SO MANY!!! XD

- ESSENCE - NAIL & HAND CARE GLOVES: found them on sale for € 1 and tried. Not so happy, actually... They work perfectly, just... My hands are very small and my nails are short, but these gloves is a size quite bigger than mine and maybe even for ladies with long nails. When I wear them, I feel like Edward scissorhands.  >__<

Finished even this week, at last! I'll finish all the old pics in my pc, I swear!!! è__é/

That's all for this week. See ya! ^__^/

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Labels: essence, eyes-mascara, eyes-shadow, haul, lips-lipgloss, makeup, tools-palette, tools-various

Comments: 2 comments

TOTALLY RANDOM SUNDAY #18

HAULS

A WONDERFUL SWAP WITH JULIA! 
This swap started with a couple of things, just a fast swap... Nothing so challenging... Nothing so complicated... Then... Ehm... One thing leads to another so it took months to buy and arrange everything. But the most important thing is I guess to have found a new friend. Thank you Julia! ♥

Let's go start with the items!

PART 1 - NAIL POLISHES

- China Glaze - Brownstone: I totally fell in love with this polish since the first time I've seen the Metro collection, and my hopes were not disappointed. I've already worn it twice, but no made pics, silly me.

- China Glaze - Stone Cold: more China Glaze!  :D This one comes from one of the latest collection of this brand, the Hunger Games one. It's a silver charcoal that dries satin, beautiful! Another polish I've used but not photographed... ç_ç

- China Glaze - Grape Pop: another simple creme from ChG that I would since a lot of time. I've already tried it and, again, no photos. Sorry, but when I've used these polishes the first time was a very hard time in my life and I didn't think to capture my manicures. Sorry Julia, but I'll wear them again for sure! >_<

- China Glaze - Lorelei's Tiara: something twinkling, finally! :P I really like this polish because it really sparkles a lot, but I have not tried it on my nails so far, but just on false tips and I can't wait to wear it for real.

- Zoya - Neeka: this is the first polish I've used as soon as I received my package from Julia. A lot of people complimented to me for it, because it's really charming, and I regret very much to have not made photos. ç__ç

- Butter London - Victoriana: I think this polish was the first (and only) reason for this swap, int he beginning: it's all its fault!!! :D By the way, it's amazing as I hoped, and this one... Has pics! Yeeee! Soon on this screen! ;D

- OPI - My Private Jet (2nd version): this is a gift from Julia, a wonderful gift!!! It's not the holo version, but the holo microglitters version, but who cares? The colour is sooooo close to chocolate that I couldn't stop to stare at my nails when I've worn it (of course no pics XD). I _have to_ swatch it again! è_é/

- Lyndderella - Connect the Dots + Snow Angel: Ahw! So cute, both! I have to confess I tried them just on false tips, because I would to have longer nails for them, and they are getting stronger recently, so I hope to be able to wear these polishes soon! ;D

- Sinful Colors - Green Ocean: another gift! :D This one... Ehm... It's perfect for bricolage!!! I've used it to decorate a wooden box, but I didn't finished it, I need more time (and patience) ;P

PART 2 - MAKE-UP
I decided to learn how to wear make-up, so I need... Stuff! Yes, I'm 35 and I never learned it before. XD I'm taking advantage from swaps for this, so I asked to Julia to purchase something for me, but she did a lot more and sended me a lot of other pretty things!!! *__*

- Wet'n'Wild - Blue had me at Hello: *drooling* I asked for this palette for the four eyeshadows in the middle, and I depotted them to a custom palette. I use them very often and I'm totally in love with them. By the way I've swatched all 8 colors before the selection and I'm going to do make-up posts as soon as I can with all my stuff (that's not so much :P)

- Wet'n'Wild - Cool as a Cucumber + Don't Steal my Thunder: from these trios I've kept everything, but I depotted them anyway :P

- NYX - Dramatic Chromatic Eyeshadow Pigment in Seclude: this one is a gift from Julia *droooooling* first swatch is dry and second is wet. Beautiful! *__*

Next three items are surprises by Julia! *__*
- ANEW - Lash Transforming Mascara + Serum: I'm not using the serum, but yes for mascara. it's light but very defining, perfect for everyday looks.
- AVON - Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Eye Duo in Bronze: cream eyeshadow + brown eyeliner (swatches on the right of the pic), spectacular both. The eyeliner is a bit too liquid, but I'm not an eyeliner fan , so I use it just to do a reinforce the shade of the lashes.
- NYX - Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in 903 Dark Brown: I use brown on brows during the day and black in the night, and a brown pencil was something I missed. Such a luck!

- Lip Smacker in various fruit: these are gifts for my friends! Previously I received a Lip Smacker in watermelon as gift in another swap and I love it so much that I wanted to share this love with other people, so I asked for a set of them to give away! :D

PART 3 - VARIOUS 

Next 3 items come from an order on TKB online store (as a CP inside the swap), an amazing shop online that sells pigments and other stuff to custom and storage your makeups.

- Color Wheel: it's pretty hard to find in Italy a good color wheel, moreover it's almost impossibile to find a cheap one! On TKB $3.75 and go on! ;P

- Franken Polish Bottles in Caroline (5 ml) + Monster Beads: I would to buy a lot more of these!!! I always want to make gifts to my friends but it's hard when you haven't a job, so these bottles are the ideal stuff for this purpose: I can share a lot of my nail polishes with them! :D
Share your treasures? Are you crazy, Jessica? Bloggers, let's be honest (for once!): how many nail polishes do you own? And how many polishes you'll finish in your all entire life? Cooooome on! Don't be greedy and share your beauties with your lovely friends! ;D

- Large Square 36 mm Palette with Mirror: another useful purchase. They are perfect for Kiko's mono  eyeshadows and other brands (for example Neve Cosmetics refills), they are also magnetic and sleek and with a very high quality plastic. A must have!

Finished, at last!!!! Such a yummy swap, don't you think? There also were a couple of other items but I can't find the pics, sorry! I'm a lost cause, I know... >__<

That's all for this week. See ya! ^__^/

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Labels: butter london, china glaze, eyes-eyebrows, eyes-mascara, eyes-pencil+liner, eyes-pigment, eyes-shadow, haul, lips-balm, lynnderella, nyx, opi, sinful colors, tools-palette, tools-various, wetnwild, zoya

Comments: 6 comments

TOTALLY RANDOM SUNDAY #11

HAULS

DECEMBER HAUL FROM ELF!

My cousin and I we bought few items in December taking advantage from the offer 17,50 euros of products + free shipping + mystery box. Here we go with my choices and what was into our mystery box. 

- E.L.F. Essentials - Mechanical Eyelash Curler: very cheap, comfortable grip, it's not broken, yet, but doesn't curl eyelashes as much as my previous curler. Cute but maybe not so useful. :/

- E.L.F. Studio - Waterproof Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara: actually I'm not sure this mascara extends and expands for real the lashes, because my eyelashes are already long and thick and very black, but the waterproof thing... Oh! I finally found a real waterproof mascara: you can apply this mascara and, in case you blink by mystake one second after the application, you will not have black spots all around; you can forget your mascara when you go to sleep and the next morning you'll be still perfect... Amazing, really. No other words. My mascara for life. I need for stocks! A+ with all my heart!

- E.L.F. Mineral - Booster in Sheer: this is the first powder of my entire life, so I cannot claim to give you an opinion. I bought it because I've read a lot of very good reviews, but I need for more and more time before I can really understand its quality. Sorry, I'm useless forthis... :P

- E.L.F. Holiday 2011 - 6 pcs Eyeshadow Palette in Natural: *breath* I was in love with the colors of this mini and cute palette, but I have to admit this wasn't a good purchase... The eyeshadows just don't write... You need to wet them and work them pretty much, for a final result disappointing, however. I paid it half then its price, only 2 euros, but I'm sad anyway, because I did really fall in love with the colors at first sight. ç__ç I thought: even the quality was bad, I could customize the palette for my lipsticks, at least... But I can't do that, either: also the packaging is pretty cheap... You're lucky this was a limited edition and I'm unlucky that the same palette of the past holiday (xmas of 2010) was a lot better. *sigh* Wait! The brush is useful for small corrections with concealer, at least. ;P

- E.L.F. Holiday 2011 - Beauty on the Go in day to Night: these ones were a lot better, luckily!!! Don't you expect fireworks on your face, no, please, resize your expectations; but these palettes are a good solution for an easy make-up. Half of shades are not well pigmented and they are quite invisible on your skin, but those ones are good? They are really pretty. I'm especially in love with the blush of the night palette and few of the shimmers from both palettes. The lipglosses are almost lipsticks, this was another good surprise. Important thing! ELF is releasing storage cases for this kind of palettes, but I've found a hygienic and comfortable and easy and FREE solution: put the second palette inverted in the transparent plastic case and cut all around. I can't understand the thrauma in the blogosphere for the lack of another case... Really, I can't... XD

LINKS OF THE WEEK
SWATCHES & COMPARISONS

- Nail Art Sakura: Nfu.Oh - 59

A cherry jelly base + flakies, pretty close to my new Barielle - Elle's Spell

- My Lucid Bubble: Amour - Rain Glitter

One of my lemmings that screams Carnival!!! I love it!

- Nihrida: Panvel Make Up - Congo

Such an interesting discover! Very close to Orly - Iron Butterfly I would a lot

- The Swatchaholic: Chanel - Peridot and its dupes

Finally a complete comparison for the big trend of these past months

- Temptalia: SpaRitual Twinkle Collection

SpaRitual is a brand that intrigue me, this collection is another crush for me: especially Shooting Star!

NAIL-ARTS 

This week I link 4 very simple nail arts, but with color or finish combos that win for many reasons: a simple idea for a great result!

- Neglelakkmani: Tape stripes mani

- LovebeanGirl: Pop stripes and stars

- Wacky Laki: Zoya Avery in Polka Dots...

- Chloe's Nails: Matte Checkers

VARIOUS

- All Lacquered Up: Fanatic Favorites 2011 – The Winners

An interesting poll with a lot of categories to check recent nail trends

- Lacquerdicted: New Essence items for Spring 2012

I'm so in love with this yummy posts, and I envy German girls a lot, too ;P

That's all for this week. See ya! ^__^/

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Labels: elf, eyes-mascara, eyes-shadow, face-blush, face-powder, haul, links, lips-lipstick, makeup, tool-various, tools-palette

Comments: 2 comments