My First Beauty Review!

Well, this post is so long overdue and I apologize, but between work and school I had next to no time, which you could tell from my other blog ( littlemisslovelytimes.com ). So I decided that a review would be a good thing to start with. Now seeing as I am just building my makeup collection and only just trying new things, or things that are not so new, I don't have much to review on. I do have a pretty good collection of Maybelline Baby Lips. Here are some pictures of my collection:

From left to right: 25 Pink Punch, 90 Yummy Plummy, 30 Peach Kiss, 20 Grape Vine, 60 Melon Mania, 15 Cherry Me, 50 Twinkle, 70 Coral Crush

Sorry the pictures aren't all in the same order (that would have been a smart idea!), but I love all of these. I love that they all have such a great color payoff for the most part. They are exactly what they claim to be, a tinted lip balm. They give a nice tint of color while moisturizing your lips. I have put some on before bed and wake up with my lips feeling really soft.





I also really love to take these with me on a daily basis just to have with me. Since I am just starting to get into lipsticks and other lip products I like that this is like I am wearing a sheer lip gloss. It is convenient for a quick on the go kind of day.

My favorites up to this point have been the dark purple Grape Vine color which was perfect for winter and the red Cherry Me is also a nice way to wear red, which is something that I am not too big of a fan of at the moment. There is also the nude Peach Kiss which is a really pretty nude with a bit of a shimmer to it, I like to wear this on days where I just want a nude lip. Most recently though, I am liking the bright pink Melon Mania and orange Coral Crush for a light wash of color that is bright, but not too in your face.  I also like the not really there pink Twinkle because it is perfect for under lipsticks if I feel that they are a bit drying. ]

Overall, I would recommend you go out and get these. They are all pretty and smell and taste delicious. The last two being factors that are kind of important to me. I don't like to have something that tastes nasty on my lips because that is something that I will have to taste all day and smell too, so I like it to be pleasant. Get these in as many colors as possible, I would specifically recommend the ones I just pointed out.

"Life of Pi" Book and Movie Review!

Well I have completed "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. . Let me start by saying that I was not really interested in reading this. Honestly if my brother didn't get it on audible (I use his account) I wouldn't have tried to get it on my own. That being said, I actually really enjoyed reading this. So here is a review, completely in my opinion, of the book and the movie. Before I start I should probably give you a mini-summary. It is a book about a young boy whose family runs a zoo in India. They are moving to Canada and because of all the animals, they are on a cargo ship. Something goes wrong with the ship and he ends up the only one off the ships. He tells his story of how he survived over 200 days stuck at sea with a tiger. The story is told from his perspective for the most part and also from the point of view of his therapist (I thought when reading), but in the movie it is someone who wants to write his story. All I know is that the voice changed between the two. That is basically it in a nutshell, without me getting too into detail and ruining anything for you. Sorry I am bad at summarizing, never was really good at it in middle school either.

The Book:
Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I have. I liked it a bit more maybe because I was able to listen to it and it was so convenient for me most of the time. As for the actual content of the book, it was all beautifully written. Very detailed in a way that has you envisioning everything. But I feel like that may be a little misleading because it isn't very detailed at all. To me it was almost as if it was vague. There were parts where it went into full detail, such as about one of the fish changing colors when he killed it, but there were parts that were left strictly to the imagination. I understand this a little bit though, because how many times can you describe the same ocean? The book is very captivating. There were times when I just stopped what I was doing and just listened. I stood in place and I listened to the words being read to me. There were also parts that I listened to again, just because I can. I am sure I'm not the only one who has ever reread a passage from a book out there. The religion aspect that the book brings up also intrigues me. I really enjoyed hearing about all the different religions and it made me want to take a religion class, and even consider shifting my major. That detail was just enough for me because it wasn't so overbearing and in your face, it gave the perfect amount of information. Something that bothered me a little was that it took so long before he made it into the boat. The whole first half I believe was just background and his childhood and little excerpts from the therapist/writer. I was getting anxious and I think I missed some things because I was just plain impatient and wanted to get on with the story. After reading it though I appreciate it as a whole and it bothers me a little less.

The Movie:
Well, the movie is another story for me. I know that movies pretty much never live up to the book they are based on. It started off fairly accurate and I appreciated that. There was of course things that were added in there so that people who have never read the book get a little extra to better understand the movie. I wish they focused a little bit more on the childhood part of the book, considering it was such a big part. I was disappointed that they didn't add the few chapters that were about religion, they kind of just stuck him into it. They took out a couple of people that I liked in the book and that were the reason his parents found out about all his religion practicing. I missed that a bit. There was also a part that was a little bit more important, but obviously not important enough, while he was at sea that they completely disregarded. I don't want to ruin it for anyone if they are reading it, but they will see when they watch what I mean. It made no difference to the movie, but I remember that I was just waiting for it. Me and my brother who also read the book, were not the happiest about that. I understand that for time reason that they had to cut it out, but it was one of my favorite chapters. All I will say is that it involves an island, which we know by the fact that he makes it "home" that he doesn't stay on for long. It would have been cool to see the animation that would have been involved though. They missed some other things that I wasn't happy about, but I could deal with I guess.

Overall:
I think you should definitely get the book and read it and then watch it. I thought it would be heavy reading but it wasn't at all. Also the movie wasn't too bad if you want to watch it without reading. My mom and sister did that and they seemed to have enjoyed it more than me. The ending is very mind blowing (for me it was) because it has you thinking a bit. I remember I was in a daze for a bit after finishing the book and it hit me again when I watched the movie. Maybe it is just me because I get like that after reading, but because of those last couple of chapters I would recommend this book for anyone and everyone!


B/N I realize after rereading my book review that I contradicted myself a lot about the detailing of the writing, but I don't know any other way to say what I needed to say. Sorry if it is confusing, I just hope someone out there understands what I am saying. Also I should be working on my schoolwork seeing as finals are around the corner, so my mind is a bit scrambled!

Welcome Message!

Hello, you seemed to have stumbled upon my new beauty blog. I have never really written a beauty blog, and my original random topics blog is probably considered mediocre. However, that doesn't really matter to me at all. I am here to write and give my opinions, you don't have to agree with them but it would be great if you do. Maybe we can even be friends. Anyway I am getting off topic.

How I got into this and decided to start this was because I have recently discovered the wonderful world of beauty. I am 20 now and I only started wearing makeup 2 years ago. Before that I only wore it to parties and on holidays and things of the such. My everyday isn't all that glamorous and I can't do a smokey eye to save my life. But you know what they say, practice makes perfect. I am currently working on building my collection of beauty products and its coming along. I like to stay within the more affordable range of things when it comes to beauty, but I do appreciate my high-end things as well.

Bear with me through this blog, as I said I am a newbie. I hope to post more and more often as soon as I get my hands on a few more things on my list. I am aware that some of the reviews and things that I will be writing about soon probably already have many reviews by more well known beauty gurus. These opinions are completely my own and will probably go against what others say, or will completely agree; you never know. So I am excited to get this started already!

About my name: I chose Subtle Beauty because that is how I like my makeup. I feel that makeup should just enhance your natural beauty. I felt that this really represents me and how I feel. The 27 was added because someone already had the URL subtlebeauty. I checked and they don't use it anymore and haven't for a long time.

B/N (blogger's note) ~ While you wait for my next post, go check out my other blog where I have things that aren't beauty related. littlemisslovelytimes.blogspot.com

Current Read(s)

My oh my it has been a while since I have done one of these! Well you all should know by now that I am kind of a book worm and that I kind of like reading more than one book at a time. This is actually a new thing and I don't know if it because of the books and the accessibility to them or what, but it is new. I have three kinds of books for you today. I have one I am reading on my Kindle app, one I listen to on my Audible app, and one I am actually reading that is written on paper (yes, they still make those!). So I guess I will just dive right on in....even though I can't swim!

1. "Seeing Julia" by Katherine Owen
This has been in a couple of my current reads. I am slowly moving through it, faster now than I was before. The story line is building and I am getting a clear on who the characters are and that is something I like. I like to know the people in the books I am reading, I like to find them a bit relatable to me. I find Julia to be quite charming in a way. I also like Jake Winston and I am really interested to see if she will stop pushing away from him and just go for it all ready. I understand that she keeps losing people in her life and that this may make her stay away (also the fact that he is her dead husband's best friend! Scandalous!), but she needs to get over her fears. She needs to accept things for what they are. I really enjoy reading this is math class because it is right there on my phone and it isn't too noticeable that I am not paying attention.

2. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
I didn't really know what to expect when I first started this book. I honestly still don't know what to expect. At first I was a bit confused because I am listening to it on audible and I don't have a hard copy of it. It has two narrators: one speaking for Pi about what happened and about his life, and the second is a white man Speaking from his point of view as he meets with a more present Pi, the future one. This confused me at first because like I said, I didn't know what to expect from it. Anyway I really enjoy the detail that the story is told with. I particularly liked the chapters where Pi was describing the different religions: Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. There is so much detail and he speaks so beautifully about all of them. I of course really appreciated the things he said about Islam. May I just say though, I kind of find it funny that he can't pick a religion, but he explained it in a way that makes you understand his dilemma:
I know a woman here in Toronto who is very dear to my heart. [...]. Though she has lived in Toronto for over thirty years, her French-speaking mind still slips on occasion on the understanding of English sounds. And so, when she first heard of Hare Krishnas, she didn't hear right. She heard "Hairless Christians", and that is what they were to her for many years. When I corrected her, I told her that in fact she was not so wrong; that Hindus, in their capacity for love, are indeed hairless Christians, just as Muslims, in the way they see God in everything, are bearded Hindus, and Christians, in their devotion to God, are hat-wearing Muslims. (1.16.6)
He has managed to see the connection in all the religions. For a young boy of only 16 I believe, he has an incredible understanding of all three religions. Anyway, this isn't what the book is about, but it was definitely a favorite part of mine.

3. "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
I have finished part 1 of the book, and so far it is different from anything I have ever read really. I am starting to get a couple of answers here and there, but nothing that is good enough for me. I want so badly to look up the book on the internet and see what is going on with this book and see if there is some sort of hidden message that I am missing, but I am staying strong. I heard that the movie is really good and to be honest at this point that is what is keeping me to finish reading this book.

So, this is what I am currently reading. Reviews of all three will be up as soon as I finish them. Now I have a question for you all: Does it count as reading a book if you are only listening to it? I prefer reading an actual book, but my audible app is really convenient for me.

25 Facts About Me!

So I have been seeing this go around lately not only with blogs, but youtube videos as well. If you know me then you know that I have an obsession with watching youtube videos. Anyway as the title entails, here are 25 facts about me so that you may learn a bit more about me!

1. I am a Muslim and darn proud of it!
2. I don't swear/curse. My mom taught me it is unladylike and well that has stuck with me.
3. I am currently studying to become a teacher.
4. I don't like to watch movies that have scary little children in them. It intensifies the movie by a million for me!
5. I am the second youngest of seven children.
6. I could be content with sitting in my room all day watching youtube videos and netflix. Also with basically no connections to the outside world.
7. I can sometimes have weird insomnia attacks. Its is currently 3:55 am.
8. I have been wearing the hijab (Islamic head scarf) since I was 9. Contrary to popular belief, I chose to wear it on my own. I got a couple of parties to celebrate me putting it on. I have never regretted this decision.
9. I got straight A's all through middle school and most of high school. Darn you Chemistry and Film Studies!
10. My favorite color will always be green, like the basic green crayon that is vibrant and pigmented, but a blush pink is a close second and holds my heart right now.
11. I am a Winter baby, January 27th is my birthday and I am currently 20.
12. I am extremely empathetic and I will cry if I see someone crying and if someone has the sniffles my nose will start to run as well.
13. I really enjoy reading and I can spend a whole day reading and getting lost in the story line. To the point that my dreams are of what will happen in the book. This often confuses me and I have to decipher what is really in the book and what I have made up.
14. I have no problem re-reading a book. Some people have told me this is weird, but I love reengaging with the characters, and sometimes I will see a different meaning behind  the story.
15. I am a hopeless romantic. I often spin castles in the sky (Quote from one of my favorite books).
16. I am really into crochet and could do it for hours on end. I am also learning how to knit.
17. I have always been shy, up until my mid-junior year/senior year of high school. I became comfortable with who I am and really became more outgoing.
18. I was in my first car accident early Summer '12. Let me tell you: The semi-truck will always win! But I managed to come out with very minimal damage to my person. I thank Allah (SWT) for this and say alhamdulillah as much as possible.
19. I can count the amount of times I have driven since my accident on one hand. No one in my family will let me use their cars anymore. :(
20. The spelling mistake you're and your doesn't bother me as much as definitely and defiantly. Two very different words, but people allow spell check to ruin a sentence and it irks me.
21. Yes, I was born in America despite the fact that I am Arabic. Apparently it means I am from overseas and I don't understand anything you are saying, but the truth is I speak more properly than you do most of the time.
22. I get bad social anxiety sometimes. Even if I am with friends and family, I will start to get uncomfortable, anxious and just want to be alone in my room again. This is not too fun.
23. I don't like people coming out of nowhere, like from around a corner or out of a dark room. I am easy to scare and it freaks me out every time.
24. I don't like stupid humor, such as Family Guy and American Dad. I can watch them, but I get bored really quickly and lose interest. Snarky humor is the way to go for me.
25. I enjoy a good debate every now and then, but I can get really heated pretty quickly sometimes and I get frustrated when people don't believe I am right. Which I always am.

Well there you have it! 25 things you probably didn't know about me, unless you know me in which case you probably know all of these. I was getting a bit stuck around 10 and was wondering how I was going to finish, but around 15 it picked up and I was wondering if I was going to have to make this a 50 facts post. Maybe I will do another one of these again in the future. I like the idea of seeing how I will be later on and the different things I will write then. I probably will also be saying to myself, "really I was like that?", but I guess only time will tell.

Fast February/March Madness!

Well February has come and gone and it has been a while since I have posted. I have a lot of posts that I have started because the idea came to me on a whim, and well now I have no idea where I was going with most of them. I feel like everything is a little bit crazy for me right now and I have no time for anything, and unfortunately that includes blogging. In particular I don't have time to write these monthly update things. I will stay up with my goals (not sure about the 3 posts a month one) so you don't have to worry about that. Now I have a couple of things I have in the works. They are still ideas and I am working out details on them.

So basically what I am trying to get at it is, I will not be doing a monthly update anymore. I feel like there is a kind of pressure that comes with it if that makes sense. It is like people expect it at the end/beginning of every month and I don't like that. I don't have time to write a update every month. I mean it is difficult for me to write a post and to have a certain time that I need to post by is a bit annoying for me, especially considering that I made it myself. I like the idea of posting when ever I want, not when I need to. The fact that it is the 8th and I have yet to blog about my goals, or whatever I was calling it, for February actually bothers me. It should have been up, but unfortunately things happen and I can't always blog.

I know this is rather a useless blog for most people, but I had to say it. Please bear with me, this awful semester it almost over and I will never take 18 credits in one semester ever again! I will definitely try to be posting more often. Like I said, there are plenty of drafts that are waiting to be finished and maybe one day they will be! So I will hopefully be writing soon! :)

The Selection Book Review

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass is the most recent book that I have finished. You may not recognize the title; and that is because it was never a part of any of my current reads. I finished this book in a matter of three days. And lets face it, had I not been bombarded with more school work than I can handle this semester, I would have finished it in less than a day. Well let me tell you a bit about the book. I'll try not to put any spoilers!

So there is this girl named America and she is the main character. The story is set in the far future. There is a caste system and you are in your caste (1-8) based on how comfortably your ancestors lived. Within each caste you can get a certain job. America and her family are fives, which are singers, artists, actors. Every once and a while there is this competition called The Selection. 35 girls are "randomly" chosen, regardless of caste, and are invited to stay at the palace while Prince Maxon makes his choice of which one he wants to make his wife and the future princess. Obviously, America being the main character, gets chosen and she goes to the castle. She didn't want to enter because she was already in love with a boy, Aspen, from caste six. It was unacceptable to want to be with someone of a lower caste because after you get married you become of the same caste. America makes it clear to Maxon from the start that she is only there for the check that gets sent to her family and because she doesn't want to be home. Aspen broke her heart before she left and she tells this to Maxon but with less details. They decide to be friends and all is going well until some things happen.

I don't really know if I can get into much more detail than that without ruining anything for you. I feel like this book is a cross between "The Hunger Games" and the TV show The Bachelor. At first I didn't think I would enjoy it, but I was surprised that I didn't want to put it down. It may not be a cup of tea for everyone, but I recommend it. It is a part of a series of novels that are still being written. I can't wait to read the next ones that are out already. Also they are planning on making a TV show on CW. They already shot the pilot and I like the cast that they have put together. I think it is going to come on Fall of 2013. I hope they don't ruin it, but I am happy they are making it into a TV show rather then a movie. Best of luck to the cast.


Overall, I would definitely recommend this book for everyone. Even if you are not all that into Young Adult Fiction, it is still a great read!