TLP Beauty: MUFE 50 Shades of Grey Sets

Alright, so with all the hype that 50 Shades of Grey is getting (I mean, it's coming out tomorrow, or today or whatever depending on where you are), I thought it'd be apt I write a post about it - makeup wise that is. 

Now just before I go in to this, I have to admit, I have never read any of the books. Truth be told, I own the first book, but only got to reading the first 50 pages or so before I gave up and moved on to something else. I definitely remember all the raves (and well, disses) people were giving the trilogy all over social media and well, it's a classic case of you either love it or hate it. I for one, am totally neutral. Not a fangirl, but not a hater either. To each their own, people. 

But, I totally caved once I found out there was going to be a makeup line coming out just before the movie was due to be released. Make Up For Ever released four exclusive limited edition movie tie-in sets in December, and man, they are pretty awesome. And really great deals too! Apparently the movie's makeup artist used a whole bunch of MUFE products to create Ana's looks for the movies, and that's what these sets are inspired by. I was only really interested in three of the sets, so check them out:

Tease Me Innocent Nude Lip Trio Set ($32US/$38CAD) - comes with a Aqua Lip waterproof lipliner in 3C, Aqua Rouge waterproof liquid lip colour in 3 and Lab Shine shimmering lip gloss in D16. This has got to be hands down my favourite of the three sets I got my hands on.

The lipliner I think is the perfect nude liner that matches any skin tone, and you could honestly pair it with any other nude lipstick you've got (or just wear it all over as a lipstick). It's that awesome. I also really love the berry lipliner from the Passionate lip trio, and again, that's something that can be used with any berry lipstick you've got. The colours they picked out for the lipliners in each set just work with things you've got in your collection! 

I was really impressed with the Aqua Rouge liquid lipsticks! I'd never been a fan of wearing liquid stuff on my lips, but I am a total convert. They are crazy pigmented (after swatching them on my hand, it took me a while to scrub them off with my Bioderma makeup remover, no joke!), dry down quickly and no fuss products. It stays put and you don't have to worry about touching up for like 4-5 hours. You can wear it as is if you want a more matte look, but you could apply the gloss (on the other end of the products) for a more shiny sheen. These babies are so great! You can check out swatches below!

As for the lipgloss? Well, I like them. Like I said, never been a fan of putting liquid products on my lips (and putting gloss as a matter of fact), but I really like these. The nude gloss from the Innocent set is quite sheer, with flecks of gold shimmer that really take the mauve/nude lip look to a whole new level that is still quite subtle. The berry one? Well damn, that's shiny stuff so if you like your gloss, you're going to like this one. It's very pink and quite opaque, with fleck of silver that definitely catch the light. 

Did I mention how all the three products from the lip sets are full size? How amazing of a deal is that? 

Tease Me Passionate Berry Lip Trio Set - comes with a Aqua Lip waterproof lipliner in 10C, Aqua Rouge waterproof liquid lip colour in 50 and Lab Shine shimmering lip gloss in D4.

Swatches

Above - Passionate Berry Lip Trio (Aqua Rouge lip colour in 50, Aqua Lip liner in 10C and Lab Shine gloss in D4)

Below - Innocent Nude Lip Trio (Aqua Rouge lip colour in 3, Aqua Lip liner in 3C and Lab Shine gloss in D16)

Desire Me Cheeky Blush Trio Set ($56CAD) - comes up with a trio of S-748, I-808 and I-526) a mini 150 precision blush brush and exclusive keepsake pouch. Valued at $128CAD, how could I not grab this set? A trio costs about $50, and this deal has that plus a mini brush and keepsake pouch. HOW COULD YOU NOT?

I'd been eyeing a few MUFE shadows for quite some time now, so when I came across this set, I saw it as a sign and the perfect opportunity to try them out. Blush wise, they are definitely the sorts of colours I gravitate to. You've got your highlighter and a choice between pink or coral/orange for the cheeks. That's awesome. I also love the fact that they can double as eyeshadows (given that you know, two of the products are actually marketed as eyeshadows - the pink and orange), so you've got your bases covered with this set. Again, they are pretty pigmented and stay on for quite some time (I got mine to last a good 5-6 hours for a full day). 

Now the brush? Well, I wouldn't really recommend using the brush to apply the blushes. Granted, it's super soft and nice on the skin, but it barely picks up the product. You can use your own brushes to apply these blushes. That's not to say the 150 blush brush is no good, but you can use it for applying your face powder instead. That's just my personal opinion of course. 

And the pouch? Pretty damn good quality! It's super soft and roomy so you can fit quite a lot of products in it. And I love the little touch of 50 Shades of Grey on it with the key. It feels quite luxe and sturdy. What I would put in it, I personally have no idea as I've got enough makeup bags lying around, but we'll see. 

How gorgeous do the colours look in the pan? *drool*

Swatches!

Desire Me Cheeky Blush Trio - S-748, I-808 and I-526 (on my MAC NC40/Clinique Honey skin for reference). 

If I were to judge the book/movie based on the makeup line alone, well, I would give it an A+ because damn, these colours are great! Overall, I give these sets two thumbs up - both for quality and price. So, even if you aren't a fan of the books, I'd definitely suggest you try these babies out. And if you haven't tried Make Up For Ever, these sets are a great way of testing them out. All the sets come with 'How to Achieve the Look' guides, so that's a bonus if you aren't quite sure what to do - especially with the blush set. All in all, they are worth every single penny - you won't regret it. 

The sets are available both in stores and online over at Sephora. Get them while you can! 

Happy discovering!

PS, if you do end up getting the other mahoosive set from the line (and by that I mean the one that's got the quad, mascara, eyeliner and all that jazz), what do you think? Is that worth it too?

And of course, who's going to see the movie?

TLP Reads: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

It's absolutely no secret that I'm a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell's (you can check out my other reviews here) so here I am with her latest book Landline - yet another great read that had me tearing up, literally laughing out loud and kicking my feet up in glee. And yes, I'm serious about that last part. I'd originally been eyeing this since last summer but I never got around to picking it up until the Christmas holidays. It's been on my book wish list for so long that man, I can't even begin to describe the immense sense of satisfaction I felt when a copy finally called my bookshelf home. And the even more intense sense of satisfaction I felt after reading it? Damn... 

---

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it's been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply - but that almost seems besides the point now. Maybe that was always besides the point. Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can't go. She's a TV writer, and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - Neal is always a little upset with Georgie - but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go without her. 
When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything. That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts ... is that what she's supposed to do? Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

---

The ending to me was quite predictable from the start, but then again, aren't all love stories like that? So I can't hold that against Landline. It's the cheesy cliche that gets you all giddy and makes you melt with happiness. But it's the kind that we all love. But what I really think made Landline such a great read was the build up to its ending. How everything fit into Georgie and Neal's timeline. How it unravelled and came together for both of them. I recall squeals, fist pumps and big grins going on as I turned the last few pages of this book. 

Another thing that really lent to its amazing narrative was the flip between the past and present. From 18 year old, aspiring comedy writer Georgie who knows what she wants to 40 year old yet is now doubting everything Georgie. The switch between these two versions of Georgie isn't confusing at all, and gives readers a great glimpse as to who she is as a whole. In fact, who she was in college and who she is in present day are pretty much the same - she's still passionate about her work, insanely in love with Neal, and hopeful that all her aspirations can be reached. Well, with a few bumps in the road, she's certainly attained quite a lot of her goals. Married with two kids and a kickass job (literally) as a screenwriter, she's living the dream. Well, almost.

The realization that she's thrown herself too much into her career and forgetting about her family (I wouldn't say neglecting, but she really isn't around as much) is such a pivotal moment for Georgie. And that's what I think makes Georgie such a relatable character. She's someone who's driven, passionate and talented - but she's also someone who has forgotten the things that really matter to her. How many times have we, in general, lost sight of the important things in life because of our strive. Not to say that chasing your dream isn't important, but taking back the things we took for granted can be an even bigger struggle. Georgie, by some yellow telephone teleporting miracle, was able to really see the bigger picture once she took a humongous step back.

Makes me wonder where I can get a rotary telephone like that to store in the back of my closet and take out when circumstances call for it. 

And even though we don't see much of present day Neal in the story, college Neal is another character everyone will love too. Admittedly, I wasn't so sure about his character (as in, present day daddy Neal) when he was first introduced as he came off as a bit insensitive and cold. But my gosh, I regret ever feeling that way. College Neal is pretty much the type of guy we want to have around in our lives - he's talented, witty, supportive and such a great person in general. And once we see just how much he and Georgie went through, I started to feel really sympathetic to his character. It's amazing he's done what he has, and man, you really can't help but get  bit emotional once Neal lays it all out for Georgie - the countless number of times that he does.

"This person on the other end of the line was Neal as he was. Before he was quite hers. When he was still circling the possibility of Georgie. This Neal was harsher. Paler. Had a shorter temper. Bit this Neal hadn't given up on her yet. This Neal still looked at Georgie like she was something brand-new and supernatural. He was still surprised by her, delighted with her. Even now, as frustrated as he was." p. 166

And I cannot write this without mentioning Seth, Georgie's best friend since college and writing partner, who provides so much comic relief throughout this story - both his college and present-self. Like Georgie, he's super witty and talented, and not to mention good looking. It's no wonder he slept around during his college days. But whenever Georgie needed him (or anytime really), he's there providing snarky yet humorous remarks. Present Seth is pretty cool too, and he definitely hasn't lost his sassy and cool demeanor. Perhaps what I loved most about him was how caring and sensitive he was, despite his demeanor. Seth's been there with Georgie through thick and thin, and man, if I didn't love Neal so much, I would be rooting for Georgie and Seth. But no.

Seth never talked about the Saturday-morning girls now, but Georgie assumed the parade marched on.
"Thanks," he said. "For pushing through today. I know that something is seriously fucked up with you."
Georgie unplugged her phone.
"And it's killing me that you won't talk about it," he said. 
"I'm sorry."
"I don't want you to be sorry, Georgie - I want you to be funny."
- pg. 151, Georgie and Seth, present day

The witty one-liners and humourous conversations the characters found themselves in (and I mean all of them, from Georgie to her mother to her daughters Alice and Noomi) really made this story. Despite all the drama and verging-on-tears situations, Rowell really gave readers that sense of hope that things would turn out all right in the end. There was just that right touch of humour that kept me going through this story, and man, it was such a delight reading this.

Landline serves as a great reminder that nothing is more important than family and true love. Being able to know what you want and what you're willing to do for it is an amazing trait, and it sure helps when you've got friends supporting you (or perhaps, taunting you lightly) every step of the way. Rowell definitely gives readers a chance to figure out and reflect on their lives - their past decisions, their future and the realization that even if we could try and change things, we'll always end up wherever we're supposed to. With whomever we're supposed to be with.

Unsurprisingly, I'm giving this two gigantic thumbs up. If I had more thumbs, they'd all be up too. Landline was just such a captivating read that I'm sure anyone who picks this up will love it as much as I do, regardless if you can actually relate to Georgie McCool's situation. Heck, I'm only 20 years old, but I couldn't help but tear up during Georgie's meltdowns and emotional struggles. The characters, the pacing, switching narratives and descriptions are magical and touching. Rowell has done it yet again and tugged at my heart strings, and I love her even more for that.

So if you're in the market for a nice inspiring and thoughtful read, I'd definitely suggest you check this one out. Maybe you'll find a little magic within its pages like I did.

And seriously, where can I get me one of those magic rotary telephones?
Happy discovering!

TLP Reads: How (Not) to Find A Boyfriend by Allyson Valentine

Here we go with the first TLP Reads for this February! I spotted How (Not) to Find a Boyfriend at National Bookstore while I was in the Philippines, and truth be told, it wasn't exactly something I was really desperate to buy. But because none of the titles I was looking for were available (which is always a huge bummer), I decided to give this one a go, crossing my fingers that it would be worth my time. Well... it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, let's say. I laughed, I rolled my eyes, I sighed heavily... what do you make of that?

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Nora Fulbright is the most talented new cheerleader at Riverbend High. She may have been a friendless over-achiever in the past, but this year Nora is determined to transform from social larva to full-blown butterfly. But when Adam moves to town and steals Nora's heart with his ultra-smarts, she devises a plan to wow him with her intellect. Every move she makes getting closer to Adam is more complicated, and she quickly loses control of her strategy. Can Nora prove that she's not a complete airhead while keeping her image in check?
---

I'll be honest, it took me quite a while to get into this. 20 pages in, I had to stop, put it down and mentally psych myself to finish it. Not that I have anything against cheerleaders. Heck no way - I even dressed up as one many Halloweens ago. That's not what bothered me.

It's that Nora acts like the stereotypical type of girl who is trying so hard to be in the 'in crowd'. In the first 20 pages of this book, you already know that whatever Nora has planned to achieve anything, it'll backfire on her. Like with Lindsay Lohan's character in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen or even Mean Girls (by the way, who else remembers those movies?) This book embodies that type of thing. Not to say that it was horrible, but it wasn't an easy read for someone like me who doesn't like taking other people's crap or 'perfect plans' to get a guy. Just, no. So you know, fair warning, if you're like me, a little bit of perseverance and patience is needed to get half way through this book where it really starts to get good.

Nora Fulbright is supposedly book smart, and uber talented when it comes to cheerleading/gymnastics. She could potentially be enjoying the best of both worlds but no, apparently she goes to a school like the one from High School Musical. You gotta stick to the status quo. So she does her best to downplay her smarts despite her mother pestering her about being too preoccupied with dancing and waving pom poms in the air. It sucks for her. You feel some sympathy for Nora - she's trying to please everyone that's around her.

Nora's love interest Adam Hood is sweet, smart and definitely into Nora. He's pretty hilarious too, especially towards the end of the book. So he gets my vote, no doubt about that. The dynamic between Nora and Adam is pretty nice, and it almost makes up for the stupid things Nora gets herself into. She devises all these plans to get closer to him, not knowing that she doesn't even have to try that hard. Yes, it's the classic case of misunderstandings leading to embarrassing situations. Whether it was all worth it in the end, well, I know I personally wouldn't  go through all that trouble just to get a guy to like me.

But like I said, the book wasn't all that bad. My favourite aspect would have to be the family parts - Nora bonding with her little brother Joshie, and later on her older brother Phil. I loved her interactions with them, and it made me wish I had brothers. Joshie is adorable and super supportive, and Phil is pretty cool with his kickass smarts. Perhaps what really gets you though is the estranged father-bitter daughter dynamic this book also has. I don't want to spoil anything, but those moments are pretty sweet too.

So yes, this book is the epitome of the classic high school drama. And I don't even mean good drama like from Hilary Duff's A Cinderella Story or Bring It On. If there weren't so much drama, maybe I would have loved this book more and given it a massive two thumbs up. The title is an apt description for what this book embodies. THIS IS NOT HOW YOU GO ABOUT GETTING A BOYFRIEND. Granted, it works out for Nora in the end (bless her), but seriously. No one needs to go through this much trouble.

If you're into humourous, and pretty outrageous, girly high-school drama, then I would suggest this for you. It's a nice way of taking a break from all the serious and darker reading material out there, I guess. I wouldn't exactly urge anyone to rush out and buy this, but if you have nothing better to read, well then, give this a go.

Happy discovering!