Pictures just don't do this manicure justice. So like I mentioned before, I got a huge haul from Born Pretty Store, which included mermaid powder, and I also got a bunch of colored chrome powder. The only crappy thing about ordering from that place is that the bottles all look identical, and nothing is labeled. So I figured, let's paint the nails black and slap each color onto a nail. It was an easy and fun way to swatch everything, and I was able to label my bottles correctly! I added some of those fun holographic cat stickers, and BAM. New favorite mani. The only problem is I can't figure out how to keep the tips from rubbing off, as you can see. Ah well.
I've learned that I've grown out of my 3D nail art phase. And I learned that after I finished this manicure. I didn't hate it, but I definitely didn't love it. I like the addition of the clear holo, which makes it look more like stone. I guess this manicure knew I didn't like it, because the very next day it peeled off. So, I guess it worked out. lol
I've been looking for a subscription box that has Japanese or asian makeup items, and I thought Kira Kira Crate might satisfy my craving since it does include Japanese cosmetics. All of the items are from Japan, in fact, which is a nice departure from the Korean cosmetics and skincare that I'm used to. It's not that I've been getting bored with Beauteque, I just wanted to try something different, and I missed getting Japanese cosmetics.
Kira Kira Crate is a part of Japan Crate, which offers all kinds of monthly subscription boxes such as snacks, beauty, and various kawaii things. Kira Kira Crate is the beauty subscription box, which costs $29.00 a month. A little bit on the pricier side, but not by much. It includes six to eight full-sized products from four different categories: Daily care, cosmetics, pamper, and bath and spa. Shipping does take a little while since the box ships directly from Japan, and there is no tracking provided, which is a little annoying. I screwed up and can't tell you how long it took to get to me from the time I ordered it until the time I received it, but I want to say it took at least three weeks. This includes waiting for it to ship from the time I purchased it, and then waiting for it to get to me. The shipping itself took at least a week and a half.
The box itself is cute, in a nice turquoise greenish color with pretty designs.
The guide that comes with the box is pretty impressive. It's actually a little booklet with detailed pictures and descriptions of each product you received. There's even photos from other subscribers in a little feature section. The only thing it doesn't tell you is the value of each item, which I do like to know.
Shisedo Super Mild Shampoo & Conditioner
I'm pretty excited to get some Shisedo hair products, but I'm bummed that they are travel sized and not full sized. I do like the little plastic case they come in, though. I'll be taking it on my next trip for sure.
Fuwa Marsh Eyebrow Powder: 03 Angel Baby
Ah, eyebrow powders. Japanese powders never seem to match my hair color as they tend to be on the lighter side. But, I think I might be able to use this one, albeit only a couple of shades. The guide says that this palette is made specifically for the perfect gradient brows, and also comes with three different eyebrow stencil shapes!
Jewelry Scrub: Sapphire
I've never gotten a body scrub before in any of my subscription boxes, so this is kind of nice. This scrub contains sapphire powder to exfoliate your skin. I feel like that's kind of...unnecessary? Is that just me?
Disney Minnie Mouse Nail Decals
I think it's really refreshing to see nail products in a box that aren't just polishes. I'm not a huge fan of nail decals, but I appreciate them. I can see someone wanting to use this for their day at Disneyland.
Hello Kitty Face Mask: Cherry Blossom
I was pretty stoked to get a bag that contained eight sheet masks! This particular one has a light cherry blossom fragrance, and contain collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Light Liebe Milk Bath Salts: Mango
I don't have much to say about the bath salts. I can't use it, since I don't have a bath tub, so I'll probably give it to a girlfriend who can enjoy it.
Now, the honest truth...I haven't used anything from this box. I know, I know. I usually like to try out the products before I blog about them so I can at least tell you an opinion, but...nothing really interested me out of this box. I'm sure the products are good, but I was feeling pretty meh about all of them. I think if I try any of it, it will be the eyebrow palette, and I will keep the Shisedo shampoo for the next time I go on a trip. As for the rest, well...meh. Do I think this box is worth $29.00 a month? I think you get a lot for the value. But as for me personally, it's not what I was looking for. If anyone knows of a subscription box that just gives you asian makeup, please let me know!
I got a huge haul from Born Pretty Store recently, which included holo nail art stickers, and mermaid powder! So of course I had to combine the two, and I LOVED this manicure. I think I'll definitely be doing this again! I wanted this to be pretty pastel, but it ended up being the same colors as the Starbucks Unicorn Frap, and it happened to be around the same time. So, that's what I'm going with.
This is a new Long's that recently opened in the fairly new Shops at Kukuiula, an expensive shopping center catering to the tourists in Poipu. Needless to say, items are pretty expensive at this particular Longs. The story isn't as big as the other Long's on the island, and their variety is very limited.
As usual, they sell Physicans Formula, but I couldn't find prices anywhere on this section! Isn't that crazy?
The sections were clean and well stocked, but a little overpriced.
For example, the Lumi Cushion is $17.89 here, but is only $16.47 at Walmart, and $16.99 at the other two Long's on the island.
Their displays of new items aren't separate from the sections, which is nice. Everything is in one place, so there's no chance of missing something.
What this Long's also has is high-end skincare. They carry Vichy and La Roche-Posay. No other drugstore on the island carries these brands.
Variety:
This Long's carries the following items:
- Revlon
- L'oreal
- Almay
- Neutrogena
- Covergirl
- Physician's Formula
As you can see, this Long's is very limited. They don't even carry Nuance or Prestige cosmetics. The prices here are also marked up more than any of the other stores, probably due to the fact that it is located in a very touristy section of the island. The largest sections belong to Revlon and L'oreal, and there are small sections for Neutrogena and Almay. I didn't even see Maybelline, which is very unusual as that's one of the major brands. I could have missed it though as I was rushing to snap pictures since that entire shopping center is a madhouse. Seriously, parking is impossible. I got out of the car and Kevin circled the parking lot while I snapped pictures.
Ease of Browsing:
It was easy to browse this department as it was located along one wall. Everything was really well stocked and clean and new. I liked that the new product displays were with the actual brand, and not located in a separated place. I think this store was the most well-stocked for the brands that they carried.
On-Trend:
Although they didn't carry many brands, it appeared that they were very up-to-date with the latest lines. This was the first location that I saw the TruNaked Jewels Eyeshadow.
Prices:
This place is pretty dang expensive. Some of the items are the same prices as other locations, but some items are really marked up, which I noticed with the L'oreal TruMatch Lumi Cushion ($16.47 at Walmart, $17.89 here) and the Revlon Ultra Matte HD liquid lipsticks ($8.77 at Walmart, $10.49 here).
Conclusions:
As far as I can see, there's no reason to ever go to this Long's for cosmetics. It has the least amount of variety for the highest price, and chances are you'll never even get to go into the store because you won't be able to find parking. Steer clear of this place unless you want to pay far more than what the items are worth.
I didn't realize I had holo foil, but when I figured that out, you bet I was all about putting it on all my nails! the picture really doesn't do it justice. It was so, so shiny and amazing. I liked the reverse french thing going on with the black polish, and I was pleased with my stamping placement with the diamonds. The only thing I didn't do was file down my base before adding the foil. That meant that this manicure didn't even last a day before it peeled off. Ah well. At least I know what to do next time!
Or CVS, to the rest of you on the mainland. I don't know why we still call it Long's in Hawaii. But anyway. This particular Long's is located in Kukui Grove. The store has been around for decades. I found that the variety at this particular store was much more than the others. For example, this is the only place I've seen that sells L.A. Colours, albeit a small section.
Long's Lihue displays newer collections in places separate from where they usually are, in the small aisles near the main cosmetics section. If you're looking for the newest lines, then chances are this is where they'd be.
The rest of the cosmetics are located along one long wall running the length of the store.
This Long's carries Milani in a small section. It's just about as big as the section at Kmart, but they carry some items that K-Mart does not, like the rose blushes. This Long's did not have the latest lip care trio like K-mart did.
This Long's has the largest Jordana section on the island, which is well-stocked.
Variety:
Long's Lihue carries the following brands:
- Nuance
- L'oreal
- Covergirl
- Rimmel
- Physicians Formula
- Prestige
- L.A. Colors
- Neutrogena
- Revlon
- NYX
- Wet n' Wild
- E.L.F.
- Milani
- Jordana
Long's Lihue carries many brands that Walmart and Kmart don't, such as Nuance, Prestige, Physicians Formula, and L.A. Colors. Nuance, Physicans Formula, and Prestige can only be found at Long's. The largest section belongs to Revlon, followed by L'oreal, Maybelline, Covergirl, and Almay, believe it or not. There are small sections dedicated to Neutrogena, Prestige, Rimmel, NYX, L.A.Girl, Wet n' Wild, and E.L.F. The E.L.F. section is mostly tools and barely any makeup, and both the L.A. Girl and NYX sections are miniscule. As stated, there is a pretty large Jordana section, and a decent size Milani section.
Ease of Browsing:
Almost all of the cosmetics are located along one long wall, which makes browsing easy as you don't have to worry about bumping into anyone. The aisle is wide, and it is well lit. However, some of the sections aren't labeled, and you wouldn't know it was there unless you were looking hard. For example, the L.A. Girl, NYX, Neutrogena, and Milani sections are completely unlabeled.
On-Trend:
Most of the newest items are located in the aisles near the cosmetics wall.
There are many of the latest lines from different brands in this store, but there are also items that I am still looking for that aren't here, especially from the Wet n' Wild line. There is also barely any E.L.F. cosmetics.
Prices:
Longs has decent prices, and they often have great sales, like 25% off certain brands and items. That's the best time to buy items, and you often save money with coupons if you're a CVS Care member. There's also a CVS ExtraCare Beauty Club that gives you money back after you spend so much. More info on that here.
Lately I've been feeling the regular polishes, and I decided to try out a design I saw from The Saracen on their YouTube channel. Its a design for gels, but I think it came out alright with regular polish. I need to work on my freehand skills, but I also think I need better brushes...