VIDEO - Juanita's birthday haul

Hi everyone,

I haven't been posting round 2 birthday hauls as pictures haven't been posted as completely as last time, but here's a video of what Juanita received from everyone - she's adorable!!

REVIEW: Face Shop Spin 4D Motion Brush

With all the buzz about sonic cleansing brushes, the first brand to come to mind is Clarisonic. With a hefty price range of $150 to $250, it's more of an investment purchase rather than a whim.

There are a slew of other cheaper alternatives now though; many with pretty positive reviews.

Juanita recently purchased the Face Shop model (which I have to say, looks wise is amazing in it's retro green colour and gorgeous femme packaging), and at a price point of approx $45, far easier to stomach!

Here's her take on it:

The Face Shop brush can be found on Amazon here (as well as other beauty sites)

http://www.amazon.com/Vibration-Brush-Make-up-Foundation-Stylebang/dp/B00HYB2RSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392649702&sr=8-1&keywords=face+shop+4d

REWIND: LOOKING BACK AT THE CARLYJEANX & SKIN DEEP YOUTUBER SWAP

Hey all, 

Last year, 2 of our members did a swap and as luck would have it, both of them are bloggers/Youtubers  that documented their unboxings on their respective channels. It's always fun to watch unboxing videos, but it's a rarity to have a swap where both partners do so. 

I've been meaning to link them for a while and now I've finally gotten around to it!

Astrid is from the UK and Carly is from Canada

you can find them on the web here:

ASTRID:

http://www.skindeepbeautyblog.com

CARLY:

http://carlyjean.ca

Swap videos:

ASTRID:

CARLY:

BEAUTY IN BRAZIL - A TUTORIAL ON BRAZILIAN BRANDS (by JUANITA)

*Juanita is a Brazilian beauty currently living in Japan. We're happy to welcome one of her friends who is still living in Brazil, into our group, and in doing so, I thought it would be great to have a little introduction to some of the better known/popular brands native to the country. Thanks to Juanita for taking the time to write this entry!

~joy

Recently talking to Joy about Brazilian brands she asked me to make a post for the group's blog about what I love from Brazil in terms of cosmetics. I accepted the challenge and it's with my frozen feet in a day with the heaviest snow storm that I decided to write about my warm homeland.

I must tell you that when I lived in Brazil I wasn't fan of makeup but I always used to love skin care and body products. I always thought that makeup was too heavy to be used in that hot and humid tropical weather so I my memories are of fresh and handmade like products and tropical scents.

Besides the shoes brands like Melissa and Havaianas, which I love and collect. Keep in mind that Brazilians employ a less-is-more approach when it comes to their make-up choices, so full coverage foundations, pro-pallettes are not their forte.

Many products are collected by locals and sometimes they even do the first part of the manufacturing process.

Also things like L'oreal, Revlon, Maybelline and such are pretty expensive in Brazil. Not only is the dollar exchange rate really high, the import aspect makes even the drugstore brands we take for granted very expensive. So living in Brazil, if you want to buy cosmetics better bet on the local brands.

So here it goes a small list of my beloved ones.

Natura - My absolute favorite Brazilian brand.. They have many lines from hair to toes, men to babies, fragrances to makeup. 70% of the products are plant based and 10% come from the Amazon. All items have a south American touch, like a special ingredient or scent. I love how all their products reminds me of  forests and beaches.

O Boticário – Also another favorite. Full range of products. If you want to make a Brazilian happy or give them an awesome birthday present give them Boticário. It's guaranteed happiness.

Contém 1g – This brand taught me that I look sooo much better using foundation! I used to love their primers, foundation and eyeshadows when I had access to them.

Tracta – A drugstore brand but with great eyeshadows and lipsticks.

Mahogany – Awesome and long lasting body scents. I used to love their body lotions and gels.

And who doesn't love nail polishes? I still ask my mother to send me some time to time. (Though now I cannot wear glitters or flashy colours too often for work reasons) I like how the colors are unique and the lasting power is great. My favorites was Impala and Risquè. But recently I heard great reviews  about Ludurana and Hits!Specialità.

Hair products are also amazing in Brazil. Most of the population are mixed so it's not uncommon to have a super or slightly curly hair with lots of frizz! So hair is a really big issue there. I still have to ask my family to send me hair products for my hair. For treatment I really like Embeleze, many items are for salon use but they have lines to be used at home. But there are lots of other brands specialized on hair care.

Hope you find something that instigates your curiosity! I'll leave the links from the brands I talked about. Please use Google Translate to help you.

http://www.natura.com.br/nossasmarcas

http://www.boticario.com.br/

http://www.contem1g.com.br/

http://tractashop.com.br/

http://www.mahogany.com.br/

http://www.impala.com.br/

http://www.risque.com.br/

http://www.ludurana.com.br/

https://speciallita.com.br/S3/

http://www.embelleze.com/

ROUND 2 OF BIRTHDAYS BEYOND BORDERS 2014/2015

We've had so much fun testing this out and now that the first wave is coming to an end, it's time to start wrangling up wish lists once again, with a new group of ladies (some returning, some joining)

I will add the lists as I get them…

First up in this round will be:

JUANITA - JAPAN - MARCH 

Keep in mind that living in Japan, finding foundation and powders made for women of colour is almost impossible so let's help her out! 

* NOTE - please refrain from any bath products, she is using a special line for allergic/sensitive skin right now. Also, no lip glosses or nail polish.

TOO FACED Beauty Blogger Darlings

BEAUTYBLENDER beautyblender®

BENEFIT COSMETICS They're Real! Mascara

BENEFIT COSMETICS Boi-ing ITEM # 1395383 SIZE 0.1 oz COLOR 04 Medium/ Deep

BENEFIT COSMETICS How To Look The Best At Everything ITEM # 1449982 COLOR Deep

Inglot eyeshadows

Yankee candles - no florals, mint, chocolate or coffee scents please, but other cake or fruity smells would be great.

TheBalm CabanaBoy® Shadow/Blush

MAC Liquid Foundation Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 NW44

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Medium Deep Rich Golden Tan

MAC Select Sheer/pressed NW43

Giovanni, Smooth As Silk, Deep Moisture Shampoo/conditioner

Burt's bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Catrice Matt Plus – Shine Control Powder 030 Warm Beige

KAT VON D Lock-It Powder Foundation COLOR Medium 64

Bourjois BASE SERUM MATITÉ HAPPY LIGHT

Kiko Colour Evolution Must Have Eyeshadow Palette

Sleek Makeup I-DIVINE PALETTE Original, Lagoon, Storm and or Sunset

Sexy Hair products Soy Renewal™ Nourishing Styling Treatment
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Sao Paolo, or any except pink
NYX Makeup Setting Spray matte or dewy
NYX Powder Blush in Amber or Spice
Milani Baked Blush in Coralina

Chubby lipstics matte colors

Products for oily skin like face scrubs

Maybelline DREAM WONDER™ POWDER IN CARAMEL

Maybelline INSTANT AGE REWIND® ERASER DARK CIRCLES CONCEALER + TREATMENT IN HONEY

LIEN - USA - APRIL

Models Own: All pastel fruit scented nail polish, Jack Frost nail polish

Sleek cosmetics I-divine palette in new Garden of Eden

Kiko cosmetics Impact eyeshadow palette in Bright

Night Light Softening toner Cleansing milk and toner 2 in 1

Bioderma: I love their cleansing and toner in pink bottle but I am willing to try their milk product . Tell me what else you like from this brand!

Cake beauty: Milk Made! and maybe other scents. Just no shampoo please.

Anastasia Beverly Hills eye brow kit in brunette

Tarte balanced & beautiful amazonian kit

Urban decay book of eyeshadow 5

Too faced sweet blush

Mac Pro long wear concealer NC20

Bliss toner or moisture lotion

H2o toner or moisture lotion

Etude house BB cream

Etude house Sweet recipe highlighter

Etude house Minnie blush

Play colors eye chic palette

Happy green tea cleansing foam

Holika Holika Makeup eyes wonder drawing 24hr auto eyeliner in black

Lush : fairy shampoo and any bath bombs!

Soap and glory : I like their makeup so you can surprise me!

In general:

I am a fan of long false lashes! Any style but easy to put on.

I like kawaii such as little twin stars . Anime like one piece . Naruto.

Eye products: I love eyeshadow but no blue, red or orange . I like smokey and natural.

I like black eyeliner, gel & liquid liners

I like mascara in black

Primers are fine with me

Eye brow pencil in brown or dark brown

Face products: face primer, blush , foundation I am in nc20 or light natural?

Lip products: no lip balm cause I have a bunch. Lip stick and lip glosses in nude, natural nude, pinks & plum colors. (no browns and no dark red)

Nail polish, I have tons so just the Models Own if you can get it. I like pastel colors . No reds, neons, white or black.

I like face masks, toners, moisture lotions…

Treats I love gummies, chocolates and white chocolates.

For USA girls : please don't get me any American drugstore brands since I have easy access to them

For everyone: I don't want any bath and body products other than the ones I specifically listed. I have too much and won't be able to finish it.

No candles, hand sanitizers, bronzers or hair products either please.

CARINE - MONACO - MAY

Ted Baker washbag in black / Pink

Milani baked blushes (particularly the Downtown browns)

Too faced Beauty blogger darlings

Wet n' Wild palettes

BBW candles

Inglot blushes

Yankee candles

Sèche vite

OPI gwen stefani

Zoya nail polishes

Julep nail polishes

Blue cross cuticle remover

BBW foaming hand soaps

Vaseline spray and go moisturizers

Tarte products
In general: I love nail polish, any indie brand polish is welcome (I just don't wear yellow, mauve and purple). I need a good face cream for normal to dry skin. I love makeup in nude and smoky colors. I also love scented candles and never have enough of them! Feel free to go out of track and surprise me!

MELISSA B - USA - JUNE

SIGMA BRUSHES E15,E21,E26,EO4, E45, E65, F25 AND F80

bare skin pure serum foundation by bareminerals in #1

XOBEAUTY THE ROMANTIC LASHES

XOBEAUTY THE INNOCENT LASHES

XOBEAUTY BRUSHES- WOULD LIKE TO TRY ANY OF THEM

CHI CHI COSMETICS GLAMOROUS EYES PALETTE IN BRONZES

CHI CHI LIP STICK IN GAME ON

BABY FOOT PEEL PACKS (WOULDNT MIND MULTIPLES)

KIKO COSMETICS BB GLOW COMPACT #01

KIKO COSMETICS SOFT LIGHT POWDER # 01

LIOELE SUPER GOLD SNAIL BB CREAM #01

ANYTHING FROM THE LIOELE HYDRO PEEL COLLECTION

ANY HAIR PRODUCTS FOR DRY DAMAGED HAIR! I LOVE HAIR MASKS

PLEASE NO CANDY, FACE WASH, LIP GLOSS, SHOWER CREAMS OR LOTIONS I HAVE WAY WAY WAY TOO MANY TO GO THRU!!

DEBRA - USA - JULY

(Note, I don't mind getting duplicates because I like to stock up!)
Caudalie:
•Mousse Nettoyante Fleur de Vigne (Raisin and Sauge), •Vinosource Quenching Sorbet Creme and SOS Morning Eye RescueDirty Works: Eye Cream and bath gel/scrub•Les Petit Marsailles (sp?) Après Shampoo Cheveaux Longes• Yves Rocher skin brightening scrub with apricot kernels.• Nectar of Nature Pomegranate shower scrub (and gel if they have it)Face masksNight creamsUS ladies: anything BBW, especially the Sugar Scrubs in Paris, Twilight Woods and Cashmere Glow. Too Faced Rock n Roll Eyeshadow collection Face masks Soap and Glory: Foot Balm, anything you think I may like
For the girls from Japan...I am HIGHLY anticipating Japanese goodies as I've never swapped with someone there yet! Cutesie things, masks, pretty lippies in like a berry or pinkish color. Also Anime- Sailormoon (Eternal or Pluto specifically, but I am open to anything!) and trinkets from an anime called Fushigi Yuugi- very specifically Hotohori-sama

JENNY - UK - AUGUST

BBW - anything but in particular body mists, pocket bac, candles & shower gel

Victoria's Secret - I would love to try some body mists as although I have never seen or smelt them I LOVE the colourful bottles haha x

Urban Decay - if I still haven't got Naked 3 by August I would love this - maybe two people could share cost on this one #cheekyme

Urban Decay - I would love to try the Naked Skin Beauty Balm x

Nail Polish - I would like to try some holographic polish (they don't seem as popular in the UK as over the pond) - I love receiving nail polish in most colours and in any brands

Bath - I love my baths! Any beautifully scented additions would be gratefully received x

L'Occitane - just smells amazing FULL STOP - the Almond Shea scent is probably my favourite or maybe the Cherry Blossom or maybe.....

As you can probably see from my ideas colour and smell are very important to me - I am a firm believer in a scent having the power to uplift your mood x

I would really LOVE to try your favourite things - these can be beauty related or not - above are just that a few ideas but surprises are fun too

Thanks girls for spending the time to think of me - I appreciate it so much more than you know <3

KATZ - SWEDEN - SEPTEMBER

Too faced chocolate bar palette

Benefit First Class Fits
Too Faced Rock n Roll eyeshadow collection

MAC Maleficent collection - anything but mostly a lipstick, super high on the wishlist, probably Number 1 .)

Smashbox full exposure palette 

Kat von D, tattoo foundation nr 46

Zoya polish 

Julep polish

Anything from Kiko's 2014 collections

China glaze polish

Bath and Body Works candles, pocbac and shower cremes

Please no bodylotions and no creams that smell chocolate

Juanita ur always welcome to send me small cute Anime figurens/anime stuff instead of make up *wink wink* like from skip beat, bleach, hellsing or vampire knight. God i love thoose so much XD

Anyways feel free to suprise me as well, some of u girls knows me pretty well so i know u can def find me amazing stuff ️

here is my pinterest too :) http://www.pinterest.com/iorkatta/wishlist/

HOLLIE - CANADA - OCTOBER

I love love love Ojon and don't have anywhere to buy it locally. My hair is very fine, long and straight. Ojon is a bit expensive, so I wouldn't mind if 2 people wanted to go together to get an item.

Ojon Revitalizing Mist (I use this every day and love it!!!! I wouldn't mind doubles to stock up on it) Ojon Revitalizing Foam Ojon - any Shampoo Ojon - any conditioner Ojon Full Detox Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector

A-England Nail Polish - Briarwood A-England Nail Polish - Sleeping Palace A-England Nail Polish - Fonteyn A-England Nail Polish - Her Rose Adagio A-England Nail Polish - Encore Margot A-England Nail Polish - Dancing with Nureyev

Boots Comforting Day Cream

JOY (me :D) - CANADA - NOVEMBER

Note: *please please pretty please* no lip glosses, body butters or nail polish* I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of these I already have :p

For our US ladies – these are some things I’ve been drooling over but don’t ship to Canada (or have ridic shipping rates to Canada) - HELP!  ;)

Missha cranberry palette
Farmhouse Fresh Whoopie Pie hand cream
http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/one-fine-day-flawless-face-polish.html

For the UK ladies – This brush case was supposedly sent to me in a previous swap but the box never made it to Canada *sad face*

Instead of sending a replacement I received a refund...but I’d still love to have it:
http://www.soapandglory.com/bath-body/travel/bags-and-accessories/big-makeup-bag
Also would love to try out Ted Baker makeup if possible - I missed out on one of the special xmas sets a few years ago. 

Canadian ladies – if you’re at a loss, I’m always open to Cake products as I am a bit of a Cake hoarder. Esp powders, shower gels, scrubs, and the travel sized hand cream sets and special limited edition lines. Dying to try the coloured "RUSH BRUSH" hair powder/dry shampoo that come with a brush applicator

I’m really loving the Kate Spade items from Hudsons Bay + Chapters/Indigo

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/home/silver-street-business-card-holder

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/home/about-town-mug--city-0018-836133--24
http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/home/silver-street-stow-away-covered-box-0048-827043--24
I'm also really curious about the Michael Kors makeup line: 
http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/beauty/makeup/glam-lip-lacquer

In general:
Benefit brush for cream shadow
Anastasia brow gel
Anastasia brush #12
Too Faced 3-way lash lining tool:  http://www.sephora.com/3-way-lash-lining-tool-P374934?skuId=1442193
Sephora upside down mascara
Real Techniques silicone liner brush
Canmake pink powder brush
Clarisonic replacement heads 
Julep shade: "JOY" 

 Prettily packaged lipsticks and single shadows from Anna Sui, Jil Stuart, Holika Holika, Etude House etc
THIS GORGEOUS LIPSTICK! (any colour)
http://www.jillstuart-beauty.com/en/products/detail.php?jan=25020

ArtDeco Dita Von Teese  - if anyone has access to this line on clearance I’d love to have some more lipsticks and highlighters before they’re gone forever

Nic-nacs – just cute things in general – As an idea of my style/taste, I love anything Betsey Johnson! Alexander McQueen/Vivienne Westwood/Great Frog London inspired accessories (scarves, bracelets, necklaces etc), old school rock n roll (think: GnR, Crue, Stones, Bowie) I also collect Juicy Couture food shaped charms lol

SUSAN - CANADA - DECEMBER 2015

NARS 'Audacious' Lipstick in Dominique (nars.com)

Too Faced Palette - Country (Ulta)

Too Faced Palette - Rock n Roll (Ulta)

Too Faced Sugar & Spice Palette (Ulta)

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium

YSL ROUGE PUR SHINE Pink Diamond Looks like this.. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/202450945724212583/

Tree Hut 18oz Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut, Shea, Italian Mocha or Olive & Shea etc.. Ulta carries

these but I am not sure who else.. I don't mind repeats as I heard they are really nice!! Looks like this http://www.pinterest.com/pin/202450945724432801/

Anastasia concealer in the pot in shade 0.75

Kiko Kabuki brush:

http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/accessories/brushes/face-brushes/Luxurious-Face-Brush/p-KM0050101200121

Kiko Precious Illuminating Bronzer http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/face/bronzers/Precious-Illuminating-Bronzer/p-KM0010500100121

Kiko Magnificent Highlighter in shade 02 Noble Rosey Silver http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/face/illuminating-powders/Magnificent-Highlighter/p-KM0010600100

Here is the link for my pinterest wishlist... Yes I have huge issues lol.. http://www.pinterest.com/sentimentalrose/my-wish-list/

Please none of the following as I have lots and lots: no body butter/ lotions, nail polish hand creams, hair or skincare unless on my list..

MELISSA M - CANADA - FEBRUARY 2015

Anything home-made/locally made from farmer's markets/fairs etc.

Something that is YOUR favourite item for me to discover.

I'm just learning to crochet, so crochet-related items would be fun.

Anything homemade/locally made crafts, goods, products from farmer’s markets/fairs Lorac PRO palette Sleek blush by 3 in pink lemonade Sleek idivine palette in Garden of Eden MUA Elysium palette, Winter Forest matte palette Peeling foot masks (Asian) Anything themed in the following 80s memorabilia i.e. muppets, jem, cabbage patch kids, popples, she-ra, Disney villainesses i.e. maleficient, Ursula etc I love rock/alt music, anything steampunk, anything cocktail or citrus themed/scented/flavored i.e mojito, peach bellini, grapefruit etc My fave treats are gummy/sour gummy candies, white chocolate
Please no lip glosses/products (I have way too many), no lavender scented items, no matcha flavored things, and I try to support cruelty free products whenever possible.

BIRTHDAYS BEYOND BORDERS - AUGUST - ASTRID

Believe it or not, Astrid is ANOTHER August baby - popular month! 

She's offered up some commentary to go along with the photos, so all the text you see below each pic is in Astrid's own words :) *Note that this is first of a two part entry for Astrid, this is only half of what she's gotten!

From Yik-Yan

I've used That Gal before & really liked it as a brightening primer but had run out so I'm excited to have this back in my collection 

Love high beam-one of my fave highlighters & I'm running low on mine so great to have a back up. 

I'm also a big fan of they're real mascara-it's difficult to remove but really does deliver on its claims

I've always wanted to try bad gal eyeliner so can't wait to use this- have heard great things.I've tried Dandelion powder at a friend's house but never owned it (I have a couple of their boxed powders & rate them v highly). I remember liking it so I'm excited to own it & look forward to having a play around with it.

From Maud:

 This one's from Maud- a yummy apple scented shower wash, a Lush red lip colour & the Too Faced Editor Darlings kit from my wish list-excited to try the famous Shadow Insurance which I've never used before

Inside of the Too Faced kit & also some chocolate drinking straws which look fab!

Chocolate treats from Belgium! I asked Maud if she could get her hands on Milka caramel chocolate as I love it but we can't get it here & what a star, she found some!

From Joy:

I love the Canadian touch! Also can't believe you found all those eye primers-can't wait to try them all out & do a comparison. I might even do a video on my YouTube channel all about eyeshadow primers! x

So many treats-both edible & good enough to eat! The Annabelle duo looks amazing & now I've taken the photo,I can't wait to crack into the packaging & try it out! I'm a big fan of the maybelline color tattoos so excited to have another one to add to my collection- a gorgeous colour! Thanks again! X

From Katz:

I've had the wet & wild walking on eggshells trio before & loved it so much that I've just hit pan so perfect timing!

Can't wait to try the naked basics palette-I've had my eye on it for a while & it was on my wish list. X

BIRTHDAYS BEYOND BORDERS - JULY - MELISSA B

July's Birthday Girl, Melissa, from the USA, is another August baby who volunteered to take an earlier month. 

Look at alllll the fun goodies!