SF MAC and cheese

Chanel takes you to Bondi Beach

2010-05-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

The all-time classy Chanel takes you to Bondi Beach this summer with their summer 2010 collection. The only product that caught my eye was their super limited edition Aqualumiere Gloss called Bondi Beach (#727). I swatched the Aqualumiere (lipstick) in Bondi Beach on my lips and it did not show up -- totally blended in with my natural lip color.

Let me just tell you, Chanel's Glossimers and Aqualumiere Glosses are my new-found FAVORITE lipglosses. Somewhat trumps my beloved Shu Uemura gloss. I know Chanel glosses are $27 a pop but I don't buy gloss that often so I think it's worth it to find something you love AND will use up.

Here's an attempted swatch. Horrible lighting, I apologize.

You'll LOVE Chanel's Aqualumiere gloss in Bondi Beach IF you...
- love non-sticky glosses
- don't want a whole lot of color, just a sheer wash
- love peachy-colored glosses w/ a bit of gold shimmer
- get ecstatic about spending $27 on a gloss
- love the luxurious feeling of owning something Chanel (since their handbags are $$$)
- have a deep love for Australia (I studied abroad in Australia for half a year so owning a product named after the infamous Sydney beach just brings back awesome memories)

LOVE!!

LOL #1: Asian Helper

2010-05-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'm starting new things for my blog -- one of which is going to be a "LOL SERIES" about things that I randomly see that make me LOL. Or, for the unhip untechy folk, "laugh out loud."

Back in college, I used to live off of crab puffs (see previous post) as well as Tuna Helper and Hamburger Helper. Can I get a hell yeahhhh for Hamburger Helper's Stroganoff??! DELICIOUS.

In any case, I was grocery shopping the other night and I came across this:

Did I buy a box to try? No.

Will I buy a box? Tempting.

Will you?

CRAVE: Crab Puffs

2010-05-12T09:55:00.001-07:00

Crab Puffs from Oriental Express in Tucson, AZ
(taken from my iPhone camera so quality is low)

What's a crab puff?

I have two answers for you:
1) GREASY DELICIOUS GOODNESS
2) Cream cheese and bits of immitation crab wrapped up and fried in a wonton skin. Served with a sweet 'n sour dipping sauce.

Crab puffs from Oriental Express can definitely be titled a staple college food for me when I was at The University of Arizona. I was obsessed with these! For a plate of 6 they're $2-3 -- I can't remember. BUT I do know for a fact that they're definitely worth it!

If you happen to be in Tucson, definitely check out Oriental Express and support the family who owns it! I ♥ OE!

ONE LONG MONTH

2010-05-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

OKAY that was NOT how I envisioned my blog to be! I can't believe I haven't posted for a month! A MONTH! That's a long time!

I've been hoarding um...hauling a lot of beauty products as of late but haven't found anytime to post about them. I've taken so many pretty pictures of them (cosmetics porn?) and I just want to share them with you guys! I've also been eating a lot of tasty foods so I want to write about them and show you food pictures (yes...food porn).

At anyrate, I'll make it a goal to post at least 3-4 times a week. I leave you with a cute picture: My GUND Snuffles bear (his name is actually W'ffles [pronounced: waffles]) holding a 'Schnuki' (strawberry) cupcake from SweetieCups in San Francisco.

30% OFF!

2010-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

www.urbandecay.com

30% off for Friends and Family
Code: 1SFNF

What're you stockin' up on? Their infamous primer potion? Their awesome eyeliners? I think I'm caving and buying their deluxe shadow palette -- I've waited SO long for it anyway!

**fighting the urge to cave**

AT LEAST I HIT PAN...??!

2010-03-24T09:05:00.001-07:00

I can never say I have successfully "hit pan" on a makeup product before, but I can now! I was in a rush yesterday and my clutzy-self picked up my NEW compact of MAC's Shell Pearl (Liberty of London collection) and somehow it slipped from my fingers, hit the side of my sink, then plummeted to its death on my bathroom floor. Sigh.

I tried picking up the pieces that were still in big chunks and tried to salvage most of the powder without collecting up dust and hair (haha yes, ew...) from my bathroom floor. I'm not sure what to do with my compact yet. So far, the product is still in it's loose chunky pizza-like powder form, sitting in the compact. There will be a day where I drop it again, I know it!

What are my options?
1) Leave it as is...
2) Get a sifter jar, crush it up and use it as mineral makeup...
3) Re-press with rubbing alcohol -- but I'm scared this will alter the softness of the powder!

SIGH. I am quite sad.

TAG - 40 Questions

2010-03-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

Whatever happened to 21 questions? Hah! I guess there's too much to know in the "beauty world." I saw this tag on my favorite Canadian MUA, Jessica. She has super clean-cut and helpful videos on YT. Check her out!

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Once!

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Combo but more so dry

-What is your current facial wash?
Shu Uemura's Clensing Oils

-Do you exfoliate?
Once a week with my Clarisonic

-What brand do you use?
Aveeno

-What moisturizer do you use?
Shu Uemura red:juvenus vitalizing retexturizing cream

-Do you have freckles?
Negatory

-Do you use eye cream?
Yes! It's a must. Shu Uemura's red:juvenus vitalizing line reducing eye essence

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Negatory

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Negatory

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?
I'm trying out MUFE's HD foundation. But otherwise, since I don't need much coverage, I just stick to MAC's MSFN

-How about concealer?
MAC's Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW25

-Do you know your undertone color?
Yellow -- I'm Asian!

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
They're fun but I hate the feeling of it blocking your vision!

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes but sadly I do not adhere to that rule.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
Shiseido's Lasting Lift Mascara

-Sephora or MAC?
MAC -- hands down!!

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
DUDE, I WISH. Sigh :( Someone hook me up?

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
MAC, Sigma, Shu Uemura, and Bare Escentuals (for their bent eyeliner brush!)

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes! I either use...
1. MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
2. Bare Escentual's Prime Time (for eyes)
3. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden (I'm allergic to the original one!)

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
MAC's Satin Taupe

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil and gel!

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never. But now I probably will.

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
LOVE 'EM! But they're SUPER messy.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Yes. MAC's MSFN

-What is your favorite lipstick?
I don't have one...

-How about lipgloss?
Shu Uemura's Gloss Unlimited in PK382S

-What is your favorite blush to use?
Right now it's MAC's Ripe Peach blush ombre

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Um, hell no.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
HELL YES!

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes! I want to take some MAC classes.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Depends! Usually no...

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
HARSH LINES FOR EYE MAKEUP

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like neutral lips but as for eyeshadow, bring on the colors!!

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
I love Taylor Swift's cat eyes!

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
Concealer. I can actually leave the house using no make up!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Of course. I do it all the time.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
My boyfriend thinks so, haha!

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
MAC

-What do you think of Makeup?
I love how it can change someone's look or cover up something that makes people feel self-conscious. And it's also damn expensive!

Anddd I'm off to Vegas. It's your turn to do this tag!

MAC Liberty of London

2010-03-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

OH HELL YEAH!!

I ♥ LIMITED EDITION PACKAGING!

Well, actually...I just LOVE limited edition anythings. Yeah, the words "limited edition" really does it for me. Why? Probably something psychological where I can't bear to not have it when I can't get my grubby paws on it anymore. So hence why, I am a hoarder. Confessions of a hoarder. New blog name? Hah!

I was able to see this collection at MAC counters at Nordstroms and Bloomingdales already and I am so in love with it. The packaginig is cute but has a retro-ish feel to it. It's not drop-dead bubbly and adorable but it's colorful and somewhat edgy.

What I will be purchasing:
Eyeshadow in Dame's Desire
Blush in Prim & Proper

What I'm contemplating:
Lipstick in Ever Hip
Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl

MAC will be the death of my savings this spring/summer. There are a ton of new lines coming out!! MAC Art Supplies Collection, MAC Pret-a-Papier, MAC To The Beach...

Btw, those links are to 3 of my FAVORITE beauty blogs.

Sharpie, the new eyeliner??!

2010-02-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

She wears high heels, I wear sneakers

She's Cheer Captain and I'm on the bleechers

Dreaming about the day when you wake up and find

That what you're looking for has been here the whole time...

While Taylor Swift's infamous "You Belong to Me" song was on the radio, I was looking at my Twitter and...
Say whaaaaaaaaat??
Can you even imagine trying to REMOVE Sharpie marks from your eyes? It's so hard to remove when it gets on my hands!

HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS? I'm interested. Aren't there harmful chemicals in Sharpies that shouldn't go near your eyes? Eeps!

Taylor Swift, I hope your eyes are OK...

Deena & Ozzy Colorblock Wedge

2010-02-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm 5'7" and that's pretty tall for an Asian girl. I rarely wear any heels because I feel self-conscious and I don't want to tower over the BF who's only 2 inches taller than me (on his good days)!

BUT a simple trip to the MAC PRO store on Saturday turned into a day filled with shopping. My girl and I went to MAC, stuffed our faces with macarons from Paulette's (post coming soon), downed a cup of Cafe Mocha from Blue Bottle Co. (post coming soon as well), and then proceeded to do damage at Urban Outfitters. We can't pass up the word SALE. I mean, who can?

I don't think these shoes are quite photogenic on their own but once they're on, they're SUPER CUTE. My initial thought to these shoes were "hm...ew..?" but then after trying them on, I fell in ♥ with them super fast! Online they go for $88.00! Dayum! I snagged them for $39.00+tax. I thought that was a good deal.

I'll definitely be wearing these babies come March...in VEGAS!

Project Femme-Fi

2010-02-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

If you guys follow lollipop26, she's doing her "Project 10 Pan" where she's trying to finish 10 beauty items. I don't know her given time period but after reading her blog yesterday, it definitely gave me inspiration to actually USE UP the products that I have purchased.

On my awesome (sarcasm) bus ride home from work yesterday, I mentally sorted through all the makeup that I did have and decided on a few items that I wanted to try to finish or at least hit pan. Gotta go baby steps so we'll just aim for "hitting pan."

I purchased this one product back in May 2008 when MAC launched their Neo Sci-Fi line with the awesome neon orange packaging. I remember when I first wanted to purchase from this line, I was so turned off by orange packaging because the OCD in me was dying for their normal black packaging. I remember a MAC MUA told me, "this packaging is awesome! I mean, you're going to end up having a lot of individual black pots so having a few neon orange ones would liven it up a bit." I guess so? I mean, since then, this has been my favorite packaging from MAC.

Low and behold, my holy grail for a highlight color: Femme-Fi (veluxe pearl -- frosty cream color with a bit of a gold sheen to it). This was repromoted in MAC's Blonde Brunette Redhead line in early 2009 and I didn't get to pick up another backup because I figured I would never use it. Luckily, I just found a pot of Femme-Fi at my CCO the other week so I snagged it as a backup. Too bad it's not in the awesome orange pkging, just the normal black but I'm not complaining because it was $10.25 vs. $14.50! Holla

May 2010 is coming around the corner so having this eyeshadow for 2 years is kinda crazy especially if I use it everytime I need a highlight color. I'm going to try to use it everyday and we'll see how far I get. I'm halfway through the pan but I can't see any silver metal. I will update on my progress in about 2 weeks time.

So, what products do YOU need to use up?

Tacos in chip form! What..?

2010-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Doritos,

You are GENIUS. First your Nacho Cheese flavored chips are my childhood favorite. Second, you sweep people away with your Cool Ranch flavored chips. And lately, there's been buzz about "COLLISION" Doritos where you pair two flavors together like pizza & ranch. But now there's taco flavored chips?

This seriously tastes like Taco Bell in a bag. Some might say EW but for those who secretly ♥ Taco Bell (raises hand) and are afraid to admit it or be seen with food items from TB, this is definitely something for you.

What to try next: Doritos Late Night Last Call Jalapeno Popper

Fabulous Fashionista

2010-02-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

BCBG, Ella Moss & James Perse
SAMPLE SALE!
Everything up to 70% OFF
Saturday, February 13th, 2010

10:00am - 4:00pm

Fort Mason Center in San Francisco

[This was last year's set up. Racks of BCBG dresses and behind the racks is voila, your changing room.]

I was able to attend last year and it was just one big warehouse room with racks and racks of BCBG dresses, tops/bottoms from Ella Moss and a huge crowd of hungry women looking for a bargain. I saw things from previous lines and new things from their upcoming lines.

What I thought was a bit sketchy about this event was the pricing. I was able to find a dress I liked but there was no price tag. I waited in the long line to pay and I saw the gears in the lady's head turn as I asked her how much. She just blurted out a number.

Another thing some girls might be uncomfortable with is the changing room. Ok, what changing room? No seriously, your fitting room is bascially the warehouse [refer to picture above]. There's mirrors behind the racks and racks of dresses so you really can't be seen trying on dresses BUT there are 20 other girls around you changing. Not to mention the men that are shopping in there with their ladies so if you're uncomfortable about situations like these, make sure you know your size to avoid the fitting 'room.'

SFMACandcheese's recommendations:

1. Study the prices of BCBG and Ella Moss clothing items. BCBG dresses are anywhere from $150-300+ so know how BCBG price their dresses so you don't get ripped off at this sale. I'm not a fan of Ella Moss clothing so I can't say much about that. Definitely do the math before you pay for the clothing items!
2. This event opens at 10:00am so show up early! Parking can be a bit difficult but if you're the first one there, there shouldn't be a problem. Most dresses only come in one size so 'the early bird gets the worm' saying really pertains to this sale.
3. Wear leggings and a thin tank top under your clothes in case you want to try on items at this sample sale. Who knows if this year's set up will be worse than lasts! Either way, if you're uncomfortable changing in a big big room, then do your best to cover yourself up.
4. Bring cash. You'll get 10% off your whole purchase.

5. Do NOT bring a purse/handbag. They will either tell you to leave it upfront where anyone can snag it or tell you to bring it back to your car.

Happy Sample Sale Shopping, Ladies!

What's today's forecast?

2010-02-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

In San Francisco, it's about 59F out and cloudy.
Typical San Francisco...

At MAC counters and MAC stores, it's about 100 degrees! It's on fye-yahhhhh! Why?!! Well, because the long anticipated Spring Colour Forecast Collection released TODAY. Yup, TODAY.

[Image Source: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4251516006_b25c5a11af.jpg]

I was able to go to the unveiling party at the MAC PRO store in San Francisco on February 2nd where I picked up 4 items out of the 40+ pieces in this collection (hot dayummm!). My goal was to stay below $100 and I was shy about $5 from hitting a benjamin after tax. GO ME!

What my grubby hands got a hold of:
- Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape
- Crushed Metal Pigments Stacked 1!
- Very Violet eyeshadow
- Hot Hot Hot eyeshadow

What I'm returning:
- Crushed Metal Pigments Stacked 1!
Why: They're TOO chunky. It's like a mix of Solar Bits and chunky pigments (i.e. Kitschmas) gone wrong.

What I'm planning on getting today:
- Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach
- Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom
- Straw Harvest eyeshadow (MAYBE, leaning more on NO) only because I have Evening Aura eyeshadow [Image Source: flickr.com] from the Neo Sci-Fi collection back in 2007 and it's pretty much the same. Could it be a repromote with a new name and no one realized? Hmm!! Plausible.

SFMACandcheese's recommendations:
If you could only get 1 blush, 1 lipstick, 1 lipglass and 1 eyeshadow from this collection, here is my list of "must-gets."
- Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom
- Lipstick in Victorian
- Lipglass in Lavendar Wind
- Eyeshadow in Hot Hot Hot

So what's on your "I HAVE TO GET IT!!" list?

BUXOM Lashliner in...

2010-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

. . . BLUE VELVET !

What it says on the packaging...
Lash-Enhancing & Conditioning Treatment
Nourishes & Strengthens from the roots for longer, fuller foxy lashes
You can get THAT BUXOM LOOK
Tips & Tricks inside
Paraben-Free formula
2g/0.07 oz

Are you sick of black or brown eyeliner?
I kinda am so I wanted to venture off into the realm of color. I do own a lot of colored eyeliner (24/7 pencils from Urban Decay) but I have never been able to pull off blue eyeliner on my top lash line because I think it makes me look sleepy.

However, I do like this for the following:
1. Doesn't make me look sleepy (woo-hoo!)
2. Good blue shade to transition from black if you're scared of color because it's dark AND definitely work-safe
3. PARABEN-FREE!! Hollaaa
4. Mineral-rich -- gel formula that is made with natural ingredients, such as vitamins A, C and E, Honeysuckle, Jojoba Oil, Soy Protein, Tourmaline (what dat?) and Biotin (vitamin B).
5. Decently priced although MAC Fluidlines come out to be cheaper since they're 3g and Buxom Lashliners are 2g

I would definitely pick up a BUXOM Lashliner if you're looking for a gel eyeliner in a color other than black or brown. I first got this in "Leatherette" (aka black) and I loved it so much that I had to pick up their newest color in "Blue Velvet."

SFMACandcheese's suggestion: If you're nervous about wearing blue eyeliner, mix this with a little bit of black gel liner so you get a hint of blue but nothing overbearing.

Purchased at Sephora for $15

FTC: I purchased this with my own money and am not being paid for my review.

Crack-laced Chicken Wangs?

2010-02-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

San Tung Chinese Restaurant

1031 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122

Click here for my Yelp review!

For those who live in San Francisco and have not yet tasted these chicken wings, SHAME ON YOU. These are the best chicken wings that you'll get in the city! If you don't agree, please tell me where else you can get even better wings (better not be KFC...). They also come boneless but please please pleaseee do not order that. Who knows if it's leftover chicken? Plus, I got it once and it was super battery. No bueno!

For $9 and some odd change, you'll get 12 chicken wings which will leave you asking for more. They're sweet like honey (sometimes too caramelized), mildly-spicy and super crispy. How does San Tung do it? I HAVE NO IDEA.

The proper name for this tasty devil: Dry Fried Chicken Wings

Why "SFMACandcheese" ??

2010-02-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Three explanations detailing the madness behind this makeup and food blog . . .

1. SF? San Francisco?
Yup, I live in the beautiful city of San Francisco, California!

[Image Source: www.geraldbrimacombe.com]

2. Why is 'MAC' capitalized?
I am by far no beauty expert but just a big makeup junkie!
Correction: A big MAC (Makeup Art Cosmetics) makeup junkie! I know I'm not alone when I say I loooove me some MAC makeup!

[Image Source: www.maccosmetics.com]

3. Mac(aroni) and cheese?
The best food ever (hands down!!) to make you feel fat and guilty. I will probably never reject a good serving of macaroni and cheese. I'll even eat Kraft's Blue Box and some say that's not even mac and cheese. I think the only mac and cheese I'll reject is if it's made solely with goat cheese. Ew..?

[Image Source: www.myrecipes.com]

Stay tuned for...
- My reviews (rants & raves) about beauty products
- Photos of delisshhhhishh foods
- And occasionally, the random craziness of San Francisco, CA