Quack's Passion Pit

5 Sephora Collection Must-Trys

2012-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have recently become a huge fan of the Sephora Collection- I'm really impressed with the quality of these items, the competitive price tag, and well, the way they make me look! So, I thought I would share 5 of the Sephora brand items that I have fallen in love with!!

5.) Brushes
Sephora has a variety of brush lines, from basic to pro. I find that every brush I have tried has been made of the softest hair, and frankly, the quality seems even better than the majority of my MAC brushes!! One of my favorites is the #41 large powder brush, which I also reviewed a while back, here. In addition, I love the #48 Bronzer Brush (soft as hell, and great for face and body), and the #55 Foundation Airbrush, all of which are comparable in price to MAC but completely different from anything the MAC line offers. I love the innovation of the Sephora brushes.

4.) Bronzer
In searching for the perfect bronzer color and finish (we're talking a slight matte finish with a natural tone), I stumbled across Sephora's range of bronzers. They have several different colors and finishes (my favorite is Bora Bora) which should appeal to a broad range of skin tones. The $15 price tag also made me pretty happy. :) I use this every day (in conjunction with my MAC 150 brush), and the final result is a natural and effortless bronze! For even more bang for your buck, there is also the Sun Disk, which for $22, is a super-sized bronzer (comes in the shade Aruba). But yea, I had spent a ton of time looking for a good bronzer, and this is definitely it!!

3.) Mattifying Compact Foundation
The 5-star reviews from over 2300 users piqued my interest in this one- being a Bare Escentuals Matte foundation fan, I am always on the lookout for other stellar (and perhaps even less-expensive) powder foundations. While I wouldn't exactly describe the finish of this as matte, I will agree that it contributes to a gorgeous complexion! I use my Bare Escentuals brushes to apply. At $20, this is an affordable alternative for me!

2.) Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist
During these dreary winter months, I sometimes like to give my face and décolletage a little color, and the best way is definitely with Sephora's Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist. It's only $14 for a can, and each can easily lasts for a couple of months. I just like how easy it is to use, there's no mess, no fuss, no strange smell. Just spray on and voila! It's also enriched with glycerine to help moisturize the skin, so when I get out of the shower, I spritz my face quickly, let it dry down and by the time I'm done blow-drying my hair, it's dry enough to apply my normal moisturizer and makeup.

1.) Blush
If you're like me and you like to experiment a lot with color, the Sephora blushes are one of the best ways to do so without spending a ton of money. At $13 a pop, it's reasonable enough to try several different colors. My sister was looking for a good bright pink, and settled on Icy Fuchsia #11. It is seriously perfect for a whole slew of skin tones! Very girly and cute color for spring.

Update +FOTD

2012-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Well, yes, it has appeared that I have kind of fallen off the face of the earth, hasn't it! I have been going through some kinda crazy personal stuff this year, so obv the blog was one of the first things to take a back seat. :/

But, I am back and excited to share my adoration of makeup with you again!

I start with this impromptu FOTD- granted, the pics might not be the best quality, but I was inspired by this photo:

I really loved the way the blue popped with the golds!

For the look, I used a variety of yellow and gold shadows by MAC:

-Amber Lights

-Goldmine

-Goldenrod

-Motif

-Gorgeous Gold

...I basically just experimented with these golds in no particular fashion :)

And now, for some photos in horrible incandescent lighting! :)

Well, I hope to be posting more regularly, so I'll talk to you soon!! :)

Viva Glam Gaga II Lipstick

2011-03-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share my love for Viva Glam Gaga II!! The color is a bit interesting, and I've heard a lot of people can't pull it off, but with my NW20 complexion, I think it is pretty fun!!

And a silly "glamour" shot for ya!

Here it is compared to 'Fleshpot' that I had in my purse the day I got this lipstick:

top: VG Gaga II; bottom: Fleshpot

Based on other reviews I've seen on the internet, it seems like this lipstick is one you will definitely need to try on in person; However, I am certain that fairer chicas like me will find it pretty flattering.

What do you think of VG Gaga II?

FOTD: MAC 'Saffron' Eyeshadow

2011-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share a look I did last week with 'Saffron' eyeshadow from MAC's Mickey Contractor.

'Saffron' is a gorgeous burnt orange shade. Unfortunately, it is hard to get a hold of these days, but you can substitute it with 'Rule', 'Red Brick' or 'Off the Page' for a comparative look.

Products used:
-Saffron e/s
-Vanilla e/s
-Brown Script e/s (in crease)
-Dark Diversion f/l

Thoughts?

MAC Wonder Woman!

2011-02-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Well I am sure you are all excited for today's official release of MAC's Wonder Woman collection! I have so far only hauled two goodies (ordered online last week), but will swing by my counter tomorrow to see what else I might like. The two items I ordered online have, so far, been awesome, so keep reading to find out what I got!

I got: 'Pink Power' MSF and 'Mighty Aphrodite' blush! I would daresay these are two of the most popular items of the collection, and I can certainly see why: the products are beautiful and flattering, and the packaging is actually really fun, a lot cuter in real life!

'Pink Power' MSF is HUGE! I took a photo with a regular-sized MSF so you can see how big it is:

The size is really fun, and definitely a smart move from MAC, in my opinion. At $35, the price makes it totally worth all of the fun inside!

But packaging only gets you so far- in addition to the lovely container, this MSF is simply gorgeous when applied. There are obviously three sections, a bronzer, a blush and a highlighter. Not sure why they divided it the way that they did, because it can be tricky to use a larger brush like the 187 in the smaller portions. But, the colors are fantastically flattering. I have been thinking about getting a matte bronzer lately, because I need a little warmth to my NW20 complexion! So this was perfect for that, and the highlighting colors complement perfectly.

Overall, 'Pink Power' is a must-have on my list!

'Mighty Aphrodite' blush is also grande-sized! Here is a comparison between it and regular powder blush:

It is very reminiscent of Ripe Peach, although I feel it is a bit cooler in tone than Ripe Peach- a bit more pinky coral. The two colors are also strangely divided up in this compact, again I'm not sure why they gave less of the darker color, I would have found it more aesthetically pleasing had it been more symmetrical, but that's just me!

I know this is the product everyone is clamoring for, but it is not my favorite. It's hard to put a finger on the problem, but I felt like it pulls red on my skin a little even though I hardly touched the deeper color. Even when I only applied the light side, I felt like it simply didn't complement my skin tone- I was hoping for a true coral. But, I guess that means there is pretty good color pay-off if that's what you're looking for, right?? I hope it works out better for others than it did for me!

l to r: light side, dark side, both blended

Anyways, as soon as I get my hands on the other things I want, I will be sure to post them! I am eyeing Amazon Princess blush, Heroine lipstick, the colored mascaras, and possibly Golden Lariat MSF (if it's not too dark!).

What about you, what did/will you get?

Korres 'Vitamin E' Face Primer

2011-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

After Temptalia's readers voted this the #1 primer, I kinda couldn't help myself from wanting to try it too! I don't have some long, elaborate review, but I do have to say that I am also very pleased with the results! Keep reading for photos!

The formula feels like a moisturizer, but dries down to a semi-matte, almost filmy (but light-weight) texture.

looks and feels like a moisturizer...

...dries down to a semi-matte

A little goes a long way: only half a pea size is what it takes to cover your entire face as it is very smooth and spreadable.

The tube is 1.01 fl oz, and costs $28. This is just a couple dollars less than Tarte Clean Slate (my other favorite), so the two are certainly comparable in price, and in the fact that they are both made from natural ingredients. This primer, for example, is 98.93% natural origin!

Anyways, I definitely agree with Temptalia's verdict- this is a great primer with amazing long lasting results!

MAC 'Peacocky' Mega Metal Eyeshadows!

2011-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize that I am way behind with posting these eyeshadows, but in my defense, I didn't pick any up until this past week when I just couldn't hold out any longer!

I love the finish of these shadows, they're so smooth and perfectly pigmented. Keep reading for photos of my fave 5!

Spectacle of Yourself- Was not originally my first choice, because I do already have similar colors in my collection. But, I decided that it would look gorgeous with the next two, Paparazz-She and Tweet Me. Sure enough, the three combined looks like a beautiful sunset.

Paparazz-She- Very similar to Amber Lights, though with more orange. I can't get enough of oranges, so this was a no brainer!

Tweet Me- I got this only to go with Paparazz-She, as they make a great pair. It is a cute color but certainly not one I'd ever wear alone. If you have Melon pigment, you will be happy to know that Tweet Me does not match in color payoff or intensity at all, so stick with Melon pigment!!

Prance- This is probably one of the most unique colors in the collection. It is as if Naked Lunch and Shale had a baby, with Naked Lunch's genes being a bit more predominant. But really, it has that gray-mauve tone in a much lighter shade. So, appears to be just your average highlight shade, but in my eyes, this is a really great color. Would go well with Unflappable, a color I would also love to own!

Dalliance- Another unique shade, that I can't find a dupe for. Yes, there are "similar enough" colors but nothing perfect a union of silver and gold as this! Very metallic bling bling! I love it.

Swatches:

l to r: Spectacle of Yourself, Paparazz-She, Tweet Me, Prance, Dalliance

Ok, so there you have it. If you haven't grabbed these yet, do so soon, because they are pretty awesome! The price sucks, and I still can't believe I spent $100 for 5 frickin' eyeshadows, but I'll let myself go this time :)

Too Faced 'Romantic Eye' Palette Photos + Look

2011-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

When I saw this palette on Sephora's website, I knew it had to be mine! It took me a while to finally get my hands on it, since my Sephora store didn't have it stocked for quite some time, but I am pretty happy that I did get it, because it is just so pretty! Keep reading for swatches and a look!

For $35, the 'Romantic Eye' palette brings 9 gorgeous eyeshadows to the table to help you achieve the perfect romantic look.

You'll notice that 3 of the eyeshadows are significantly larger in size, and that is because they are used more frequently, such as an all over color, on the brow bone, etc. Makes sense right?

This palette also includes 3 "look" cards, which help anyone create the desired looks. They are conveniently tucked into the flap, to keep them with the palette at all times.

Here are some lovely photos and swatches:

t to b: Soulmates, Kiss the Bride, Bouquet Toss

t to b: I do, Cut the Cake, Honeymoon

t to b: Un-Veil, First Dance, Ever After

Swatches:

l to r: Soulmates, Kiss the Bride, Bouquet Toss

l to r: I Do, Cut the Cake, Honeymoon

l to r: Un-Veil, First Dance, Ever After

And, here is a quick look I did with the palette, using the "Classic" shades of Kiss the Bride, Cut the Cake and First Dance.

Another thing to keep in mind about this palette and all other Too Faced palettes: the color-payoff is fairly light, which can be a little weird if you're used to the pigmentation of MAC, UD, etc. However, I actually appreciate this because it allows users of any skill level to create the perfect look without over doing it. Sometimes you need to work a bit harder to get the colors to show up, but it's worth it, because it will look fantastic and not too intense!

Overall, this is an amazing palette at a very reasonable price!

MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Controversy?

2011-01-31T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well hello, long time no talk! Things have been a bit hectic for me over the holiday season, and I just started a new, very time consuming job- which is a great challenge for me, but super exciting! And, I hate to say it, but sometimes I just need a bit of a break from the internets!

Never fear though, because I'm back, and with a review of MAC's Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. This powder is kinda MAC's version of MUFE's HD powder, but certainly with a twist. Is it better or worse? Keep reading to find out!

PS: There is quite a surprise to be had!

First, allow me to draw your attention to this vid by GossMakeupArtist, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM4foAf1tHc, who addresses the recent celebrities who have been photographed with white powder on their face. His verdict? Makeup Forever's HD powder is the culprit!

It was also in this video that I first was intrigued by MAC's Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, because he said that he tested this powder as well, and found that it did not create the same white effect. So, on a recent trip to MAC, as I was purchasing the Pro-Longwear foundation, I decided to also pick up this sheer finishing powder.

I have been wearing it for a week, and have, quite simply, liked it. It keeps my makeup from wearing off, and goes well with the Pro Longwear foundation (which as the name suggests, is also longlasting). I also liked the feather-light feel and finish- it does not look cakey or make me feel overdone.

unblended

So, all was well...until today! I obviously wanted to share this product with you lovely folks, and so as I was photographing the product, I noticed some very disconcerting things:

When I took photos without a flash, it looked great....

No Flash/ Flash

...However, when I used a flash, I got the white face/tan body look! This is a deal-breaker for any foundation or powder- doesn't matter how great it makes me look in person, if I can't be photographed and look human, then I don't want it! I don't want to have to hide any time someone pulls out the camera!!

I then took a photo of this powder blended into my skin, first with a flash, then without.

l: this blended in, invisible to the naked eye!! r: no flash, you cannot see the white powder.

You will notice that with a flash, the white powder is visible, even though it is completely invisible without the flash. This is exactly what Goss showed with MUFE's powder, and here it is occurring with MAC's.

Needless to say, I am ~~kinda~~ VERY disappointed with this product. I got my hopes up that maybe I'd found the perfect skin routine, only to have those hopes squashed with my newest findings. Now, I am not saying that this is ALL the powder's fault- it seems to me a combination of the powder and foundation- but, due to the photos I took with the powder alone, it appears that it plays a significant role.

Verdict: Gorgeous application for day-to-day use, but you'll get caught looking like a ghost in flash photography!!

An update from this slacking blogger! :)

2010-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season thus far! I had an amazing time in Europe, though I admit I'm still trying to catch up on life since I got back, hence the absence of posts here. I hope to be updating soon with "real" posts, but for now, I have a question:

What did you get with your $15 or $20 Sephora gc?

Me, I picked up some Bare Escentuals foundation and mineral veil! Very exciting, right? ;)

Hiatus!

2010-11-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I won't be posting for a good couple of weeks, because I am going to London and Paris for Thanksgiving (and then some)! I'm very excited, and hope to maybe pick up some fun things while I'm there to share with you when I return. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo

Review: Bare Escentuals Brilliant Gold Beauty Duo

2010-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love Bare Escentuals' foundation, and was intrigued when I saw this limited edition Mineral Veil with a gold sheen to it. Keep reading to see what the fuss is about. :)

First, here is Bare Escentuals' description:

This limited-edition Brightening Gold Mineral Veil finishing powder, with real gold powder, imparts a subtle, sheer pearlescent glow to your skin. The lightweight formula gently absorbs oil and minimizes the look of fine lines and pores for a fresh, flawless look all day.

When I swatched it at Sephora, there was a bit of shimmer in the product but not overly so, and that intrigued me. I was a little worried that it would be too shimmery for all-over face application, but it still looked good to use as a highlighter, so I thought I'd take it home to try.

For $29, you receive a full-size jar of this special mineral veil, as well as a retractable application brush. The brush is actually very soft and fluffy, but dense enough to apply this mineral veil evenly and quickly, so it's a nice added bonus.

As for the "brightening gold" mineral veil itself, I am very pleasantly surprised by this product! It is amazing how it looks like it might be shimmery, but when applied, does not look oily or greasy at all- in fact, it gives a very VERY subtle glow, but for the most part is almost inevident.

In fact, here is a comparison of the traditional mineral veil and this new brilliant mineral veil. I wouldn't claim that this one keeps the oilies at bay quite as long as the classic formula, so maybe for oily skin types you'll wanna stay with the regular. But, if you are dry you will appreciate the extra oomph this product gives to your skin.

l: Traditional Mineral Veil; r: Brilliant Gold Mineral Veil

The packaging is a little odd though- the lid has this strange contraption or feed built into it- I guess the idea is that it is spring loaded so when you open the lid, it allows a tiny amount of the product to come out, so you don't spill or over do it. I think it's great that they are trying new things, but sometimes it takes several tries to get anything out.

l: inside compact, the oval hole is where the product comes out; r: bottom of lid, displaying spring action

Overall, this is a great product to liven up dull skin, and impart a little holiday cheer to Bare Escentuals fans!

FOTD: MAC Reelers and Rockers Palette

2010-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick look that I did with MAC's Reelers and Rockers palette from the holiday collection, A Tartan Tale! Keep reading for more photos and a run-down of products.

^^ with flash

^^ no flash

Eyes:
-Primer- MAC Painterly Paintpot
-Eyeshadow- Gaelic Gold, Family Treasures, Carbon (all in MAC Reelers & Rockers Palette)
-Liner- MAC Superslick Liquid Liner in Black; Smolder eye kohl (waterline)
-Mascara- Maybelline Falsies Mascara
-Brows- ELF Brow Kit in Medium

Face:
-BE Matte in 'Medium Beige'
-MAC Bronzer in 'Golden'

Lips:
-Revlon 'Fire and Ice'

PS- Pardon the hair, getting it done tomorrow! Yay!

Review: E.L.F. "Bamboo" Foundation Brush

2010-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

E.L.F. has recently released a line of bamboo-handled brushes as part of their mineral line. At just $5 a piece and with good user reviews, I thought I'd try a couple of them out. Keep reading to see if it was $5 well-spent for the "foundation brush".

Well, let me just cut to the chase: I'm not really a fan! The bristles remind me of straw, and feel a little less pliable than I'd like to push and blend liquid foundation on my face. It's also smaller than comparable foundation brushes, so it takes longer to cover the entire face.

Now, I will say, this brush is part of the mineral line, and I truthfully haven't tried it with powder/mineral foundation, so for all I know, it could be great if you are looking to achieve full coverage from a mineral foundation (which I generally get ample coverage from regular buffer brushes, so this would not be necessary).

Overall, there are better brushes for $5 than this one on the market.

Rating: Not Worth the Time

FOTD: MAC A Dashing Lassie Neutrals

2010-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick look I did with MAC's A Dashing Lassie palette from the holiday collection, A Tartan Tale! Keep reading for products and more pics!

Eyes:
-Base- MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot
-Shadows- Once Upon a Time..., Magical Mist, Bronze, Showstopper
-Liner- Dipdown f/l, Coffee eye kohl (waterline)
-Generic faux lashes (pardon the spiderweb effect; they were on their last leg!)
-Brows- ELF Brow Kit in 'Medium'

Face:
-BE Matte in 'Medium Beige'
-MAC Instant Chic Blush

Lips:
-KvD 'Celebutard' Lipstick

Revlon 'Fire & Ice' Vintage Packaging

2010-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of those times that just proves how much of a packaging whore I am! I ran across this fun limited-edition packaging of Revlon's 'Fire & Ice' lipstick at Target and had to have it! Turns out, it was actually a worthwhile purchase. Keep reading to see how cute this lipstick is!

First let's talk about this adorable packaging!

The packaging definitely reminds me of something I would've have found in my grandma's makeup drawer- it has that classic old school look that is hard to find these days. In reality, the packaging is just fancified plastic, but it still has a very sturdy, classic feel and look to it.

The color, though apparently classic red on the tag, is more of a pink, watermelon red. The formula is closest to MAC's amplified cream finish, in that it has great payoff, but is creamy as opposed to matte or satin.

I felt like it wore very well throughout the day; at one point, I stopped for a drink at Starbucks, and lots of the color transferred to my cup, but looking at my lips, they were still stained as true as the lipstick.

Here is a picture of it just barely applied:

I was also impressed with the price tag at Target; it was only $7.69, which doesn't seem half bad for a fun, limited edition casing like this. The regular packaged colors that also are included with Revlon's "vintage" collection are only about $5, which is also fairly reasonable.

Overall, I really like this color, it's a fun, classy color in adorable packaging!

Rating: Go For It!

Kat Von D "Adora" Eyeshadow Palette

2010-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I first heard Kat Von D was coming out with a line of makeup, I scoffed a little, expecting it to be just another excuse for a celebrity to make a bit of cash on a generic makeup line. However, lately I've opened the KVD door and been exploring her products a little more, and truth be told, I'm pretty impressed. I loved the look of the "Adora" palette, so I snatched it up immediately. Keep reading for pics and my thoughts!

There are 8 shades included in this palette, three of which are actually cream eyeshadows, the other five, powder. I am a little skeptical of the cream shadows, mostly because they tend to dry up quickly (seen the testers at Sephora?), and often times cream products will crease like a mo-fo. But, I actually did use "Slayer" in a look one day, and was impressed that it didn't crease at all. So, for now I will let them stay.

The left side of the palette kinda irks me, because three of the four colors look almost the same, with the exception that one is a cream. But still, it seems a bit of a waste to include three similar shades.

However, I do love the colors on the far right, "Ace of Spades" and "Oddfellow". They are great variations on your deep crease color, and don't just turn straight black when applied.

Anyways, here are some swatches for you:

l to r: Albino, Holy Bible, Slayer (cream), Glock

l to r: Crucifix (cream), Bloodletting (cream), Ace of Spades, Oddfellow

Overall, the shadows have great pigmentation and fun names, and can give you a smokey eye with a twist. However, several of the colors are similar or hardly useful, thus limiting the different combinations that can be done with it. At $34, is it worth just a smokey eye with a slight twist? That will be something you will have to decide for yourself!

Rating: Proceed With Caution

Benefit 'Some Beauty to Love' Kit

2010-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Value sets are the best! So, when I saw Benefit's 'Some Beauty to Love' kit at Sephora for only $29, there was no question I had to have it! Keep reading to see what's included!

Ok, so the Benefit 'Some Beauty to Love' kit includes:
-CORALista blush (full-size, retails for $28)
-Eye Bright eye pencil (full size, retails for $20)
-Bad Gal Lash Mascara (trial size, retails for $9)
-That Gal Face Primer (trial size)

So, considering that to buy the items separately would be $57+, $29 is a steal- basically you are just paying for the blush and everything else is free. I think it's a super smart idea when companies compile sets like this, because there will likely be impressed consumers that will return to Benefit over the years after "sampling" them here.

I have so far been really impressed with the Eye Bright pencil- I just dab a little in the inner corners of my eyes, and there is a noticeable brightening effect. The "That Girl" face primer is also cool, especially if you have dry or dull skin, because it adds a little life.

Anyways, I am sure I will be adding these products into many of my FOTDs, so keep a look out for more Benefit to come!

Rating: Go For It!!

PS: What is your favorite Benefit product? I would love to try more!

Photos (sorry, Photobucket won't flip my pics!):

Review: UD Book of Shadows III

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ok I have had this palette for well over a month now, and am just getting to reviewing it! But, if you are considering this palette, hopefully I will help you make your decision. Keep reading to see more!

The Book of Shadows III is a limited edition palette featuring 16 multi-colored eyeshadows, two 24/7 liners, and a mini primer potion, all for $54. I am not 100% positive, but I believe 5 colors are "new" colors- which ones, I couldn't tell you.

The focus for this palette is NYC, and the vibrancy of these colors certainly represents the city's character in my opinion. The packaging even features this pop up scene of NYC, including a light up mirror:

Sadly it doesn't stay propped up very well on its own, but is kinda fun to look at. The packaging is definitely bulky and heavy for the amount of product included, but is part of the charm of UD's "books".

Here are some swatches of the many different colors:

l to r: Perversion, Uzi, Loaded, Kush

l to r: Midnight Cowboy, Last Call, Rockstar, Money

l to r: Haight, Maui Wowie, Smog, Bordello

l to r: Radium, Snatch, Suspect, Psychedelic Sister

liners in Black, Ransom; UDPP

^^Pretty colors no?!

They have great color payoff! Most are frosts or shimmery colors, some have glitter (which can be cool or just annoying). There is one matte, Perversion (black) which is a great addition to tone down all the more shimmery colors. One thing I noticed this palette doesn't have, is a subtle highlight color! Not even a shell pink or anything. The closest is Uzi, which is a total silver glitter bomb, and looks a little too stark on the browbone. I hate having to reach into a totally different palette just for a highlight color, when one could have so easily been included in this set.

Overall, if you are looking for some fun vivid colors like blues, purples and greens, this is a great palette. The payoff is great and the colors last all day. There are couple down sides like no brow highlights, but the palette is still worth the $54 pricetag.

Rating: Go For It!

Review: tokidoki "Adios" palette + Look

2010-11-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

My awesome sister recently sent me this cute tokidoki "Adios" palette for my birthday, and I've been meaning to do a look/review for a while, so here goes!

The "Adios" palette is one of 5 different tokidoki palettes that each feature 4 complementary colors, as well as a fun caricature charm, which can be found in the bottom compartment of the palette.

The palette is encased in box-like packaging, big enough to fit into your hand. It's a little bit too much packaging if you are wanting to travel with it, but otherwise is kinda fun and different.

The "Adios" palette is your traditional smokey eye palette, with colors ranging from light silver, silver, blue-grey, and black. The two lightest colors are a very glittery, so you will experience some fall-out. They are very similar shades, almost impossible to tell the two apart when swatched side-by-side. The other two darker colors are smooth and pretty pigmented.

Swatches:

And of course, who can resist this adorable Adios charm? So cute!

Here's a look I did quickly:

Overall, the tokidoki "Adios" palette is cute and fun, especially if you are already a tokidoki fan. If you already have smokey eye palettes or shades in your collection, it is an easy skip.

Rating: Proceed with Caution

E.L.F. Holiday: Liquid Liner Set

2010-11-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you are a liquid liner fan, you might be excited to see E.L.F.'s Holiday set containing three of their liquid eyeliners in one little package. Keep reading to see if this is where you should put your hard-earned $3.

So, for $3, the set includes a Black, Silver, and Plum liner. $1 a piece isn't bad, which is why I was willing to fork out that much to try them. I'm an occasional liquid liner fan, as long as it isn't too runny, and the brush or applicator isn't totally cheap- it needs to bend a little, but not too much, and not fray. I also like when the liner stays put and doesn't break off in pieces throughout the day (hello, MAC's Superslick liners). So, those are my requirements for the E.L.F. ones, too.

The colors are pretty, and great for the holiday season. Thankfully they didn't do Green and Red, so you won't be super matchy matchy, but will still look appropriate at a holiday party.

The formula kinda varies from liner to liner- the Black, I felt it was consistent and not too runny; however, for the Plum it ran/dripped a little, and the Silver was chunky (?!) or something, not sure what was happening there.

Swatches:

The applicator on these bad boys is pretty decent- not too hard, not too soft- provides the exact line you need, whether thin or thick. However again, the formula can present problems, so use just a little product and build as needed.

I was impressed with the staying power of these liners- it was very difficult to wipe them off my hand with a wet wipe after just a couple of minutes- they were ready to stay put! So that's a plus.

Overall, if you are looking to try liquid liners on the cheap, or looking for a variety of colors without breaking the bank, you may like these. However, if you are a liquid liner aficionado, and have found a formula that you love, stick with it- if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Rating: Proceed with Caution

Review: Eyeko Nail Polishes

2010-11-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to try Eyeko products for a while now, so you cannot believe my excitement when I received an email with a 30% off offer from eyeko.com! Because they are a London-based company, it is usually costly to order internationally. However, with 30%, it made it worthwhile to try some products that I've heard a lot about. Did they live up to my expectations? Keep reading!

PS- Receive a free gift with your Eyeko purchase when you use code E12252 at checkout :)

So first off, this is what I ordered:

-Eyeko Cream (review coming soon!)
-Liquid liner in purple (review coming soon!)
-8 (!) Nail polishes
...plus free int'l shipping all for the price of $40. Not bad, right?!

I also expected my order to take a while, coming from the UK and all (they even advised that it could take up to a month), but in fact, it all arrived in less than a week's time!

Eyeko's nail polishes are mostly unique shades such as blues, camo green, etc. I am a sucker for "different" nail polish colors, so these are right up my alley!

They retail for $5.50 a piece, but you can usually get them in sets that are discounted a bit. They are also a bit smaller than your average nail polish- here is one compared to a China Glaze bottle:

However, that's not necessarily a bad thing- how often do you run out of a crazy colored nail polish, when you have over 50 different colors in your stash? :) I mean, it happens sometimes, but usually one or two manicures is all I end up using from a color before I pass on to the next. So, the size keeps the cost down and gives you enough to get your fill.

Well, here are the colors I got, along with a nail swatch. I didn't do the whole hand because I have just recently been wearing acrylic nails and didn't want to take polish remover to them so much in one sitting, if that makes sense. But I think my swatches are pretty representative of each color anyways :)

^^ Pretty Polish is a light taupe. It reminds me of OPI's You Don't Know Jacques, except a couple shades lighter. Very pretty, very simple.

^^ Nude Polish is a pearly, shell pink. It is sheer in the swatch because I only used one coat; however, it is certainly buildable. Not the most original color ever, but still pretty.

^^ Rain Polish is a sky blue with a slight pearl sheen. It is a fun color, one that I don't see all that often.

^^ Vintage Polish is a light mint green, akin to MAC's Peppermint Patti. I never get sick of mint green polish, it's just fun! One coat was used here; it is definitely buildable.

^^ Lilac Polish is exactly that: Lilac lavender in color! This is a cream base, but again, a color I feel I've seen before.

^^ Military Polish is a deep camo green. I can't think of ever seeing a color like this, and well, camo is in right now, so why not have it on the nails too? This was one of my favorites from the bunch.

^^ Cosmic Polish is a deep navy blue with multi-colored glitter. It is hard to see in the photo, but the glitter is very prominent. I really like this one- a little bit on the runny/streaky side, but a couple of coats, and you're golden.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the quality of these polishes. Beautiful colors, unique packaging and affordable to suit!

Rating: Go For It!

E.L.F. Holiday: The Beauty Encyclopedia "Smoky Edition" + Look

2010-11-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Perhaps, while perusing Target, you have noticed that E.L.F. has released their holiday collection? They have an array of holiday sets at your disposal, such as the above: a 16-shadow palette that includes a black liner and sponge brush for $5. Is it worth it? Keep reading!

(PLUS, I did a look with this palette!)

The E.L.F. "encyclopedias" have a history of decent success; they are often sold out on their website, and bloggers tend to praise them for getting the most bang for your buck. That's why, as soon as I saw it, I snatched it quickly so as to not miss out on trying the encyclopedia for myself. I've enjoyed E.L.F.'s mineral shadows, too.

Like I mentioned, this is the "smokey" edition; there is also a neutral palette for the same $5 price tag. The book contains 16 different shadows, a small pencil liner in black, and a little sponge brush. It also comes with a demonstration of how to apply shadows on the left side of the book (makes for a great gift for maybe a teen or someone who would like to learn how to use eyeshadow properly!).

The pigmentation of each shadow varies; some are reasonably pigmented, whilst others blend into the skin, looking like just another generic color. However, I kinda like that they have a subtly to them, because it calls for less blending. They're not invisible by any means, just have a softer payoff than say, MAC or Urban Decay. Here are some swatches:

In fact, I did a look today with several of the colors, and was quite pleased with how it turned out. Better yet, the shadows lasted just as long as any of they higher end brands, never wearing off or fading (I used MAC's Painterly paint pot underneath).

One annoying thing about it is that the book is it has a clear plastic sleeve that folds over the eyeshadows. It is attached to the book, and gets in the way when trying to use the shadows- it can probably be cut off, though. Also, I think the liner and "brush" are two very useless things- poor quality, I'd use something else! And, I would've preferred if the shadows had names, but that is just a small thing.

Overall though, I feel the product is worth $5 for sure. The shadows are usable and pretty, and there is great variety in the palette, whether you want to do a funky smokey eye, or a traditional smokey eye.

So, for inspiration, here is the look I did today with it:

Rating: Go For It!

What do you think of E.L.F.'s Beauty Encyclopedia?

Review: MAC A Tartan Tale Pigments

2010-11-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, I'm onto the pigments! A Tartan Tale features three "blackened" shades. I generally love pigments (and collect them like crazy, despite not using them very often haha), so was very excited to see some new ones lined up in this collection. Keep reading to find out what I thought of these!

These three pigments are reminiscent of Style Black, in the way that they are dark, blackened, but colors as well. They are deep and well-pigmented, so if you liked the Style Black look, you will find these appealing. For those looking for a more neutral softer look, these obviously won't be for you, lol.

^^The Family Crest is a blackened brown with noticeable copper shimmer. Will be a great crease color for brown looks.

^^Moonlight Night is a blackened teal. I don't usually do teals, so I planned on skipping this one. However, my friend bought it and ended up not seeing a use for it, so I grabbed it from her at the last moment. This is deep enough where you can use them as a hint of color, even if you're not into blues and greens like me. I can see this being deep enough to accent a myriad of other colors, such as violets, browns, etc.

^^Later is a blackened blue with blue shimmer. I bought this one with the summer's Alice + Olivia collection. It is definitely a must-have; once again, if you want to try blues but they don't generally work for you, this would be a good compromise.

Overall, I can see these used primarily for a different twist on crease colors, but they would also look fabulous used wet, foiled on the eyelid.

Swatches:

l to r: Moonlight Night, The Family Crest, Later

What about you, are you planning on rocking the dark pigments?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to all of my followers! I hope it's been a great weekend for you (I love when Halloween is on Sunday because that means it's a weekend-long celebration)! Anyways, just wanted to share a couple of my halloween looks. What am I supposed to be? Keep reading to find out!!

Ok, so last night I dressed up in "Derelicte" fashion- if you have seen the movie Zoolander, you will understand the reference! Trash is couture again! :)

My best Blue Steel impression :)

To get the Derelicte look, I used Stray Grey pp and Gazette Grey e/s, lined heavily with Coffee liner, and smudge Dipdown f/l on my cheeks!

Then today for ACTUAL Halloween, I just did my makeup in "witch" fashion, using my Tempting eye palette from CoC, and Bing mattene:

What do you think? What are you for Halloween?

Review: A Tartan Tale Eye Palettes + Swatches!

2010-10-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

I have to say that A Tartan Tale is easily one of my favorite holiday collections to date. Over the past couple of years, I have skipped most of the items, due to the fact that they were all repeats of the year before. This is somewhat true with A Tartan Tale, but in my opinion, it seems like MAC stepped it up a notch this year. Keep reading to find out what items I got!

So, like I said, I loved this year's holiday collection. However, because I am a long-time collector, I only got four things to avoid owning a bunch of repetitive products. I got:

-Dashing Lassie neutral/smokey eye palette

-Reelers & Rockers metallic eye palette

-My Highland Honey blush (to be reviewed in subsequent post)

-The Family Crest pigment (to be reviewed in subsequent post)

-Moonlight Night pigment (to be reviewed in subsequent post)

Other items that stood out to me were: Cut-A-Caper l/s (unique pink-coral, might go back for this), The Faerie Glen l/s (besides the name, a gorgeous nude); Semi-Precious e/s (beautiful, jeweltoned purple/burgundy); The brush sets (particularly, the bags- adorable! Too bad I have plenty SE brushes, sigh).

Anyways, here are my thoughts on the palettes (I will add reviews of the other things I bought in the next post!). Like I said before, the palettes usually tend to be repetitious year-by-year; they always have Warm and Cool palettes, and some variation on Smokey/Neutral and a Metallic, etc. They're pretty predictable, which is why I was going to skip these without a second glance, but in fact, when I saw them in person, I was kinda surprised by the color variation in the palettes, as well as the general color pay-off. The shadows felt smooth and not flaky or overly frosty.

^^Reelers & Rockers is the "metallic"palette, and it sure lives up to its name. It focuses on the stark silvers and golds that you would expect to see from your favorite punk "rocker". :) The first thing I thought was that Melt my Heart and Gaelic Gold are Silver and Gold pigments in eyeshadow form. They may not be exact, but the color pay off is great, and perhaps those of you who are into those pigments, this might be a nice substitute. Family Treasures is also a notable shade, because I feel like I've seen similar shades from MAC, but they've been blotchy in payoff; however, this one is so smooth, I was pleasantly surprised!

I can see some great, edgy looks coming from this palette- you might find that you already own plenty of silvers and gold to warrant passing this palette, but for me, it inspires the rocker in me. :)

^^Dashing Lassie is the neutral/smokey palette- it not only covers the neutral aspect, but will make a pretty, yet subtle, smokey eye as well. If you have been interested at all in UD's Naked Palette, but haven't been able to get your hands on it yet, you might find Dashing Lassies to be an appropriate substitute. It doesn't have nearly as many colors, but the colors that it does contain are gorgeous, sultry neutrals. The two lightest colors, A Dashing Lassie and Once Upon A Time, are pretty similar to each other, with ADL being more satin (despite being labeled a frost), and OUAT being more frosty. Magical Mist is a silvery taupe with solid payoff; Bronze is classic bronze, as the name implies; Buckwheat is a mid-tone brown with shimmer and great payoff; and Showstopper is a matte blackened-brown. It has been repromoted endlessly this year, but for good reason- it is a fabulous color, one that I use regularly!

So, why did I skip the other two palettes (Play it Cool and Twists of Tartan)? Well, if I wasn't worried about the $36/piece price tag (good deal for 6 shadows, but still adds up!), I would probably have been tempted by the other two. Play it Cool (the cool palette) was so pretty, and I think it would be a lovely variation of the smokey eye- it was a hard decision between this one and the Dashing Lassie, which ultimately I decided would be of more use to me. Twists of Tartan was kind of intriguing, with many new, different shades- but the color payoff seemed a bit lacking, and I wasn't entirely sure how I would incorporate all the bright shades into one look. I love palettes because you can pick them up and have a look right there, with no effort- ToT seemed harder to see it that way.

Swatches:

Reelers & Rockers Palette

Dashing Lassie Palette

Anyways, there ya go! What palettes did you get (if any)?

Haul Sneak Peek: A Tartan Tale

2010-10-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just a quick look at some of the items I'll be reviewing for you shortly! From Tartan Tale, I got:
-Dashling Lassies Palette
-Reelers & Rockers Palette
-My Highland Honey blush
-The Family Crest pigment

Stay tuned :)

I'm back...with a vengeance!!

2010-10-24T21:12:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to apologize for the long hiatus! The last couple of months have been a little bit hectic, with me moving and such. But, I am back with lots of time on my hands, and promise to update shortly! I've bought all sorts of goodies recently, and look forward to share my thoughts and FOTDs with you! Anyways I'll be back with more SOON.

Abby

Review: Urban Decay 'Naked' Palette

2010-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, I gave in to the hype of this palette and snagged one from ulta.com! Was it worth it? Keep reading to find out!

So first off, my experience with ulta.com: Shipping time was relatively quick (less than a week, which is good for an AK girl! ha-ha); Shipping was NOT free for me because I don't live in the continental U.S. (boo), and even though they tout "3 free samples" with the order, they don't really invite you to pick any- it's weird. Oh, and other parts of my order were not available at time of shipment so they just canceled it! Instead of waiting til it was restocked (which happened like 2 days later), they just flat out canceled it. Overall and odd experience but I'm glad the Naked palette was available.

I digress...on to the palette itself.

This thing is huge! I was not expecting it to be quite so large. I took pics comparing it to the AIW palette, which of course is much bigger, but it still gives you an idea of how big this one is. But I guess since it houses 12 full-size shadows, it is only expected to be big!

It also comes with a small Primer Potion and a dual-ended liner pencil in brown and black.

Then, I opened it and...

Flash

Non-Flash

Ooh Ah!! Beautiful!

I have to say, I was not expecting this palette to be so pretty. It looked just like a bunch of blah neutrals in the photos I've seen- and maybe in my photos it looks the same. But in real life, these babies are gorgeous!

They are grouped in to three sort of "sections" - 1) light beige-y colors, 2) deeper shimmery bronzes, and the 3) smokey, nighttime colors. It's kinda cool that there are so many looks grouped in to one palette.

l to r: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar

l to r: Buck, Half-Baked, Smog, Darkhorse

l to r: Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

The shadows themselves are definitely up to par to my expectations of the quality. I have to admit (and don't kill me!!) that I am gradually becoming a bit fonder of UD's formula over MAC's. They're just so smooth and creamy! I love the shadows with glitter because they're big enough to see when applied.

Anyways, without further ado, some swatches:

l to r: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar

l to r: Buck, Half-Baked, Smog, Darkhorse

l to r: Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

And so? What do you think of UD's Naked Palette?

EOTD: 'Dare to Wear' Greens

2010-08-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

I got Sassy Grass and Lime eyeshadows from the 'Dare to Wear' collection, but there was just one problem- I didn't know how to wear them! Not a clue. Well then I after some inspiration from this FOTD, I started playing around, and this is what I came up with.

Keep reading for more pics!

The rest of my makeup looked horrid on this day- I don't know what was up but my foundation was not working with me at all! So I just took some eye pics. :)

Products (all MAC):
-Sassy Grass e/s
-Lime e/s
-Plumage e/s
-Unbasic White e/s
-Blitz 'N Glitz f/l
-Opulash mascara
-Painterly p/p

Now I wanna know: What are some combos you've come up with with the new Dare to Wear eye shadows?

Review: E.L.F. Mineral Lipsticks + FOTD

2010-08-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

As part of my E.L.F. haul, I picked up 3 "mineral" lipsticks. Not sure exactly why they're called mineral but they're cool anyways :0) Anyways, carry on to see the colors in action!

I got (l to r):
-Natural Nymph
-Runway Pink
-Prime Plum

The texture of these lipsticks are somewhere between a MAC lustre and an amplified cream finish. I would say cremesheen but I like this formula a bit more than cremesheens! They can be fairly sheer, but they're also buildable. They are smooth and soft in application. I was very impressed by the product in terms of application and consistency.

^^Natural Nymph is a typical pale peach-based nude. It reminds me a lot of MAC Creme d'Nude- it is your basic, every day nude, probably best for light to medium skin tones. But because it is so sheer, it doesn't look like foundation lips.

^^Runway Pink is a light rose pink. On my lips it is only slightly different from Natural Nymph, but I love the pink cast. It is kind of like the color of my lips but a shade or two lighter- it's very pretty and natural. I almost considered a backup but it's permanent so I won't be doing that :)

^^Prime Plum is a browned red. I fully expected a more purpley plummy color with a name like "Prime Plum", but I really like this color anyways. It's not what I would usually pick for myself but it is so pretty! I'm glad this was only $5 because I was able to take a stab at a new kind of color!

Overall, these were yet another "win" from E.L.F. I have thus far been fairly impressed with all of the stuff I've ordered from them (except the makeup sponges, they smell like mold!! Stay away from them hahah). These have a great formula, a great price point, and are all very lovely colors.

Swatches:

Natural Nymph:

Runway Pink:

Prime Plum:

l to r: Natural Nymph, Runway Pink, Prime Plum

AND a quick E.L.F. FOTD!

I used E.L.F. eyeshadow, blush and lipstick in this look and I really liked it! :)

What do you think of E.L.F.'s lipsticks?

More 'Dare to Wear' Glosses for your viewing pleasure!!

2010-08-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist these amazing glosses! I ended up getting two more: 'Dare to Dare' and 'Wind me Up'. These two apply just as well as the rest, and are just as gorgeous! 'Wind me Up' has the same glittery cast to it that 'So Bad' does- just very shimmery and frosty. 'Dare to Dare' is really cool! It looks like 'Pink Pearl' pigment with the pink/blue duochrome.

Anyways enough rambling, check out more pics under the cut! :)

l: Wind Me Up r: Dare to Dare

^^ Wind me Up

^^ Dare to Dare

Round up of all 4:

l to r: Wind Me Up, Dare to Dare, Ban This!, So Bad

l to r: Wind Me Up, Dare to Dare, Ban This!, So Bad (sorry for the glare)

l to r: Wind me Up, Dare to Dare, Ban This!, So Bad

E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadows

2010-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I hauled a little bit from E.L.F. (Eyes Lips Face) the other day, and coincidentally, they were also offering ten (yes, 10!!!) free mineral eye shadows with my purchase. I definitely don't "need" any more eye shadows in my life, but I'm all for free ones! But are they any good? Keep reading to find out!

The best part about the offer was that I got to pick the colors I wanted out of E.L.F.'s 20 offered colors. I love that the free gift was something I could choose!

These are loose eye shadows, and E.L.F. compares them to Bare Minerals' eye shadows, both in size and quality- they even come in the same kind of jar. The only major difference? E.L.F. shadows are only $3, where as BM's are $13 a pop! So, a big savings for sure!!

Ok, now for a run-down of colors:

^^ Temptress is a light, rosy pink. It is a matte, powdery finish. I have noticed that the matte finishes from this line are not super intense, so they take some work to show up. But this is very pretty- a bit mild for a temptress though, don't you think? ;)

^^ Socialite is a sable gray-brown with multi-colored sparkles. The sparkles are pretty faint, but it is still somewhat frosty. This color is smooth and very pigmented.

^^ Wild is a warm brown with shimmer- it's an unusual finish, because it definitely has some matte to it, but also has noticeable sparkles. Not frosty by any means though.

^^ Confident is a cool purple brown with multi-colored sparkles. Again, the sparkles are faint, but the frosty-pearl finish ensues. This color reminds me a lot of MAC's Sable. You might even find it looks similar to Mothbrown. Very pretty, and great staple color.

^^ Partier is a cool matte grey. It has fairly decent color payoff for a matte; I found it a little harder to work with than the rest, but I think the work is worth it-- this color is straight up gorgeous!!

^^ Innocent is a matte creamy white. It reminds me a lot of MAC's Blanc Type. The color payoff is pretty impressive, especially for such a light color.

^^ Caffeinated is a frosty gold brown and reminds me a bit of MAC's Woodwinked, a.k.a. another staple color! Smooth and easy to work with!

^^ Enchanting is a light warm terra cotta brown. It is somewhat of a satin finish, faint, but buildable. I'm trying to think what is similar...maybe MAC Texture?

^^ Elegant is a beautiful frosty shell beige. It is very light, but so pretty! Reminds me a bit of MAC Hey, but much lighter in shade. This color will make you look wide awake!

^^ Royal is plummy purple with subtle gold frost. Gorgeous and smooth just like the rest of the frosts.

Overall: I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with E.L.F.'s mineral shadows. I think it was partially because I was skeptical that $3 shadows could be worth wearing- but these are truly gorgeous. I did wear a couple of them today (Enchanting and Socialite, I think?) - it was a quick look but they lasted all day and I was very satisfied with the way the shadows wore. I will definitely have to do a FOTD soon!

Swatches (swatched with triangle sponge):

l to r: Temptress, Socialite, Wild, Confident

l to r: Partier, Innocent, Caffeinated, Enchanting, Elegant, Royal

Anyways, have you tried E.L.F.'s mineral line? What do you think?

Awesome Bargains

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd pass along these current deals!

-Glamour Doll Eyes- Customer Appreciation sale - 50% off any orders of Eyeshadows, Eye-Lights and Twi-Shadows. Must buy a minimum of 8 before discount code works, but if you spend $30+, you get free shipping worldwide! Use code: lovegde
(expires Aug 12)

-Tarte Cosmetics- Friends & Family 40% sale- Includes a "free gift"- Use code: FFAUG
(expires Aug 9)

-Eyes Lips Face- Free Shipping with Orders of $10 or more! Ends tonight though, so hurry! Use code: TA2M

Review: MAC 'Dare to Wear'

2010-08-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

Yay, my goodies came! And in good time too- it "only" took 5 days- hurray! :) Anyways I have thoughts and swatches ahead so keep reading!

Ok so I ended up with:
-Goin' Bananas e/s
-Sassy Grass e/s
-Zingy e/s
-Ban This! l/g
-So Bad l/g

...and I already have:
-Aqua e/s
-Sky Blue e/s
-Free to Be e/s

Eyeshadows

^^Goin' Bananas is a frosty pale yellow, akin to, well, a banana! Which by the way, aren't bananas the silliest of fruits? I came to that realization this week, actually! :P No but back to the eyeshadow: G.B. has long been a sought after shade, and so when I saw it coming out in this collection, there was no doubt that I needed it in my life. However, upon actually swatching it and seeing it IRL, I have decided that it's not. that. great. It reminds me of Crest the Wave e/s, and certainly Nylon is a dupe too, when applied. But it's just too frosty and very little of the yellow is actually seen with this shade. I am sure I will find ways to apply this as I love Crest the Wave. But it is not as exciting as I'd hoped.

^^Sassy Grass is a true green. Like when they talk about the primary colors, this is as true green as you can get! Every other green from MAC pales in comparison. The texture is so-so; it's a typical MAC matte, but compared to eyeshadows from Sugarpill, the payoff is slacking. But seriously, with a MAC 242 brush, this is going to be awesome! Now I just gotta figure out how to wear it....

^^Zingy is a deep sky blue with a hint of turquoise. And by hint, I mean hint. It looks exactly like Clarity or Electric Eel. Sad, because I own Clarity and NEVER wear it. I don't think I have EVER worn it actually. The only difference, though, is that Zingy has less color payoff, hence, when it mixes with your skin color, it looks more turquoise than blue. So that's exciting! Makes me wanna sport it!!

^^Aqua is a light aqua color with a hint of green. It is similar to Aquavert, but it is very very matte. It is chalky but has GREAT color payoff. I love this color; I wore it over Pharoah paint pot once, when I was re-creating the Alexander McQueen for MAC Cleopatra look in makeup class :)

^^Sky Blue is a light shimmery sky blue color. I used this the other day actually, and decided I don't like it. The payoff is horrible- it's like a sheer shimmery color when applied. Barely lasts and takes lots of coats to stay on.

Free to Be is a pinky coral. It was not too long ago released as a perm color, and also released in the Liberty of London collection. It's a very pretty color with this unusual brightness to it. The payoff could be better, but I love this color!! Oh and hai, I totally forgot to take a pic of it!! So sorry- but I did swatch it :)

Overall, the eyeshadows were a slight disappointment. Maybe I'm getting old or maybe I've collected MAC for too long, but a teeny more effort could have been put in to the selection or creation of these eyeshadows. I would just die if they were as smooth or pigmented as Sugarpill! But I do like Sassy Grass, Aqua and Free to Be! Sassy Grass is really an unusual color, so definitely pick it up if you can!

Lip Gloss

As you may know, the Dare-to-Wear glosses are a new formula that promises to deliver high impact color while lasting forever on the lips. I have to say this is very accurate! Of the two glosses I got, I couldn't believe how smoothly and easily they applied; the color is bright and vibrant; and the doe-foot applicators work wonders for the application process. I bought only 2 to start, but have already put in an order for 2 more!!

^^Ban This! is a deep berry purple. It even has a hint of blue duochrome. I just cannot believe how easily this color applied- it is so incredibly smooth in just one stroke! And they feel really smooth on the lips. They do last longer than the normal gloss, but I wouldn't say that they're like incredibly long-lasting or anything. I will say, that I got 3 compliments in the span of 5 minutes today- everyone said my "lipstick" looked good and in the sun it was very sparkly!

^^So Bad is a midtone coral. I am a sucker for corals, what can I say! It is significantly sheerer than Ban This!, but just as smooth, and definitely buildable in color. It is very shimmery- perhaps a little too much for me- looks quite frosty. But a pretty color nonetheless!

l: So Bad r: Ban This!

I am waiting for Dare to Dare and Wind me Up to arrive, so I will update you on those!!

Overall, the glosses are a huge win for me. The tubes are so chic and sophisticated- I'm kinda thinking of never buying a regular lipglass ever again!!

They definitely need to re-promote these in the future, and have a slew of colors and finishes- because honestly, with the ease in which this applied, I can see these being my choice over lipsticks! So much less fuss, ya know?

Swatches:

l to r: Sassy Grass, Zingy, Goin' Bananas, Aqua, Sky Blue, Free to Be

l to r: Clarity, Zingy

l to r: One-Off, Humid, Sassy Grass, Bio Green

Clock wise from Top Let: Sassy Grass, Aquadisiac, Humid, One-Off

l to r: So Bad, Ban This!, Boys Go Crazy d/g

Doe Foot Applicator! Love it :)

Ban This! (one swipe!!)

ANYWAYS, did you haul from Dare to Wear?

Review: MAC 'Dazzle' Lipsticks Part II

2010-07-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so the day after I posted my Dazzle lipsticks, I received 2 more in the mail: Smash Hit and Sweet Bits (which I get those names mixed up sometimes- like Smash Bits and Sweet Hit haha- they're kind of similar!). Anyways, to check them out, continue reading!

l to r: Smash Hit, Sweet Bits

Smash Hit is a cream/ivory white with orange and pink duochrome glitter. It reminds me a lot of Tanarama lipstick, and is also pretty similar to Liquid Lurex but far less gold. It applies fairly sheerly like Liquid Lurex, so I don't think it is necessary to have both.

Sweet Bits is lavender with silver sparkle. It is like Fashion Mews on glitter crack :) The formula is one of the smoother ones- applies perfectly and I love lavender lips so I couldn't skip this one!!

Swatches:

l to r: Smash Hit, Sweet Bits

Also as I showed in my first post, the glitter residue is crazy- like when I tried to wipe away the swatches on my hand, it left tons of glitter on my arms, which I decided would be handy if you were going clubbing Ke$ha style and needed some impromptu glitter? :D

No but I after collecting 6 of these, I have decided that they are fun for the rare occasion, but you really don't need 6 of these- one, maybe two will definitely suffice! I also realized I only got light colors, so maybe if you get 1 darker color and 1 lighter one, you are covering your bases pretty well.

Oh and I forgot to mention that these are being released MAC-wide on August 5, so if you don't have a Nordstrom near you, you still can pick them up!

Thoughts?

FOTD: Style Warriors

2010-07-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am going back in time by using eyeshadows from the Style Warriors collection, but it was such a gorgeous collection! Read more for additional photos and products used.

Products used (all MAC unless stated):

-Tempting e/s

-Bright Future e/s

-Night Manoeuvres e/s

-Femme-Fi e/s

-Blacktrack Fluidline

-Maybelline Define-a-Brow

-Instant Chic Blush

-Lazy Day l/s

And, later that day, I received Dressmaker, Dressmaker l/s in the mail. Same eye look, different lips- what do you think? I quite like D,D myself! :)

MAC Dare to Wear: What are you hauling?

2010-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

As usual, it will probably take a week for my goodies to get here. But I did order:

-Going Bananas e/s
-Sassy Grass e/s
-Zingy e/s
-Ban This! l/g
-So Bad l/g

I also got Kinda Sexy l/s from the perm line.

What about you, are you hauling from this collection?

Review: MAC Dazzle Lipsticks + 'Boys Go Crazy' Dazzleglass

2010-07-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! In celebration of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, MAC has released 13 "Dazzle"-finish lipsticks. I liked the idea of sparkly, dazzly lips, so I picked up four of these: Win-Win, Liquid Lurex, Hellraiser and Glaringly Hip. Keep reading for pics and my thoughts!

Bonus: I have quickly reviewed 'Boys Go Crazy' d/g at the bottom of this post too!

First, my overall thoughts: These are definitely a unique formula- I can't think of any lipstick that boasts glitter. They are a mix of glaze and frost formulas with tons of glitter! The glitter can be felt if you try really hard, but it's not rough at all. Some of them apply a little unevenly, but nothing too inconvenient- and it definitely varies from shade to shade. And, they are kinda sheer so layers are required for a more intense look. The glitter is very noticeable when on the lips, and almost creates a "vinyl" or wet appearance which just looks really cool! I like that they really deliver on the glitter, unlike dazzleglass, which look great in the tube but don't really shine on the lips.

^^Win-Win is a light (but on the bright side) pink. It is pretty, but a little brighter than I had hoped for.

^^Liquid Lurex is a gold with flecks of orange and white glitter and maybe some other colors? It almost has a greenish cast to it. It is a bit sheer, so I tend to think of it as a sheer layer of shimmer when applying. I have heard people comparing this to Vex eyeshadow, and I would agree that is quite similar.

^^Hellraiser is plummy purple with blue glitter. It looks a LOT like High Top from Fafi, but is a bit lighter in color. I love this color a lot- it applies the most evenly, and is most vinyl-y of the bunch. As you can see from the pictures, I couldn't wait to wear it, so I have used up a lot of it!

^^Glaringly Hip is a peach with pink sparkles. It reminds me of Motif eyeshadow with the peach/pink duochrome. It is a gorgeous soft color, although it is one of the colors that I have had the most difficulty applying without cakeyness/unevenesss. But, if you use 1-2 coats it's not bad at all!

Here are some swatches:

l to r: Win Win, Liquid Lurex, Hellraiser, Glaringly Hip

l to r: Hellraiser, High Top Fafi

^^ The aftermath when I tried to wipe the swatches away with a wet wipe! It took a Clorox wipe to rid myself of the glitter :)

Now, for 'Boys Go Crazy' Dazzleglass. I haven't bought a dazzleglass for well over a year, mostly because I realized that, as beautiful as they are, they are a horrible deal for the amount of product you get. However, BGC is just simply too stunning to pass. It is definitely sheerer than in the tube, but when worn over the right lipstick, it is gorgeous.

What do you think of the new 'Dazzle' lipsticks from MAC?

Review: Eyes-Lips-Face Eyebrow Kit

2010-07-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Eyes-Lips-Face (aka E.L.F.) has recently begun selling a variety of products at Target stores. I recently picked up a couple things, including this mini brow kit. I am always looking for ways to improve my brow application, and it looked pretty interesting, especially since it was only $3! But, is it even worth $3? Read on to find out!

First, the compact is sleek and chic- it looks very similar to NARS compacts! Inside there is even a mirror, which is a nice bonus.

The compact includes brow powder, brow wax and a dual-ended brush for a variety of application options.

Truth be told, I am actually very impressed with this compact! I have used brow powders in the past but they have never been my cup of tea. However, this one is easy and quick to apply, and lasts throughout the entire day. The brow wax is great for a little extra hold or some darker color, but even if I don't use it, the powder does an excellent job of forming a perfect brow.

Here is a quick shot of me and my brows, using this kit in 'Medium':

Not bad!

I am actually considering placing another order at ELF because the price is right and the products seem to be up to par.

Have you tried any ELF products? What do you think?

PS- The eyebrow kit can be ordered at Eyes Lips Face's site:
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/eyebrows/eyebrow_kit

Review: MAC 'In the Groove' Collection

2010-07-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

My goodies finally arrived! I am so excited to have my hands on it all- although I was definitely surprised on my ultimate thoughts on certain products. Anyways, keep reading to see what I think!

Ok so, I have already reviewed Stereo Rose, so I will spare you on that one. I also got:
-Go For it l/s
-Jazzed l/s
-Chillin' c/g
-Hang Loose m/b
-Happy Together m/b (forgot to take pics of this one so I will have to share it later)
-Petticoat MSF

I skipped the MES because, as pretty as they are, I could totally picture them in my sale thread one day (and probably sooner than later).

Anyways, on to the products (PS- sorry in advance that some of them are sideways- I don't know why photobucket isn't behaving lately):

^^Go For It l/s is a purple with very blue undertones. It almost looks duochrome, that's how obvious the blue is. It is a cremesheen which is not my favorite finish, but I adore this color, as it is just straight up purple- quite unique, in my opinion.

^^Jazzed l/s is a coral with pink undertones. I have picked up a ton of coral lipsticks from MAC lately, not sure exactly why I need so many (lol), but this one is certainly different from Dressmaker and Ever Hip- it is not as pink as Ever Hip, but not as orange as Dressmaker. Kinda a mix of the two. I have provided swatches below for reference.

^^Chillin c/g is a ice blue with a slight green shimmer. I bought this so I could wear it over Go For It l/s, however as beautiful as it looks in the tube, it does not have any color payoff! It is sadly very very sheer. I regret paying $18 for basically a clear gloss.

^^Hang Loose m/b is half- satin powder pink and half- shimmery lavender. It mixes to a nice cool shimmery pink blush. I was hoping the lavender side would be more purple but it is quite pinky. However, this is a beautiful blush- I adore the cool cheeks look. It is definitely similar to Well-Dressed.

^^Petticoat MSF is light pink with raspberry veining. The veining in Petticoat can definitely change the overall color of the product. Mine has medium veining, which I suppose is good because the veining tends to give a metallic look. This MSF is not the smoothest I've ever felt, and there is still definitely a metallic cast to it.

Happy Together m/b is a beige dual sided blush. I forgot to take pics but will definitely post some up soon! It is a little orangey but not terribly so. I think it works best for NC25 and darker, although with a light hand, fairer ladies like me can still pull it off. I just was really surprised how pigmented it was the first time I tried it.

SWATCHES:

top to bottom: Dressmaker, Jazzed, Ever Hip

Chillin c/g

l to r: Ever Hip, Jazzed, Go For It, Violetta

Hang Loose m/b l to r: lavender side, pink side, mixed.

Anyways, there you have it! What about you, what did you get from 'In the Groove'? Are you still diggin' this collection?

Things I am excited about!

2010-07-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! So, sadly my camera broke the other day-- my husband was using it and dropped it face down while the lens was out, so the lens is totally broken now :( My sister is going to let me use hers, but anyways, in the mean time I wanted to share some of the things I've recently purchased and am so excited to receive:

-MAC Blue Pigment
-MAC Nightlight Pigment
-MAC Win Win and Liquid Lurex Dazzle Lipsticks

...and from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I ordered:
-Vigoss Jeans
-Steve Madden boots
-Polka Dot Hosiery
-Fire Ruffled Dress

Anyways when it all arrives I will definitely love sharing it all with you.

What are some things you're excited about?

June Favorites!

2010-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

I know that it is already halfway through July (where does the time go?!), but I wanted to share my fave products for June- all MAC, coincidentally!

1) 219 Pencil Brush- I have owned this brush for a few years now, and lately I've really liked using it for crease work. It allows you to create the most detailed placement of your crease. I then use the 226 to blend out the crease better.

2) Lazy Day Lipstick- This is a gorgeous pale pink- just what I've been looking for! Sadly, mine arrived already falling off the base, and since it is such a pretty color, I picked up a second one from Bloomingdales. It also is kind of soft and fragile but still usable.

3) Dressmaker, Dressmaker Lipstick- I love this coral from Pret-A-Papier. It was sold out pretty much everywhere, but I was able to locate it from Bloomingdales. I am so glad I picked it up, because it's one of the few wearable corals I've found lately.

4) Blitz-N-Glitz Fluidline- Because it has little gold flecks, it is much more wearable than Blacktrack. It is softer and great for a smokey eye. Loves it!

5) Hipness Blush- Just a really beautiful summer color! :)

What are your fave products lately?

Review: MAC 'Tawny One' Look-In-A-Box

2010-07-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Although the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale doesn't start for another day or so, I was able to get my hands on the Nordstrom exclusive, MAC's Look-in-a-box in 'Tawny One'. Read on for more deets!!

Actually, thank my good friend Bethany, to whom this set belongs. We ordered some stuff from Nordies together, so I was able to take a sneak peek. And, that will explain why there are no swatches to be had, as I didn't want to touch her brand new cosmetics. :)

Anyways, 'Tawny One' is a box designed to give you that bronzed, sun-kissed look. It features five full-size MAC products: Refined Golden bronzer, Coppertone blush, By Jupiter mineralize eyeshadow, Love Nectar lustreglass and Zoom Lash mascara in Black. While all of this retails for $80, the set costs just $59.50- a fairly reasonable deal especially for MAC. There are also 2 other box sets with various themes.

And, now for the products!

^^By Jupiter mineralize eyeshadow is actually a re-promote from long ago. This seems like a beautiful bronze that would suit pretty much any skin tone. I think it looks like a cute, mini MSF too- maybe it could also be used as such? Hmm...

^^Refined Golden bronzer is probably the least exciting product in the kit, well of course except for the mascara. However, if you're looking for a very beautiful shade to give you that sun-kissed appearance, this is it. It also now retails for $20, so to get it included in this set is a big bonus.

^^Coppertone blush looks like a bronze-rose. It is matte so you don't need to worry about the attack of the shineys when using this and the bronzer together.

^^Love Nectar lustreglass is a gorgeous pinky peach gloss with gold sparkles. I used to have this color and loved it-- until I lost it. :( But it definitely fits with this box's sunny summer theme. Even if you don't want to get the whole box, you should at least pick up Love Nectar from the permanent line because it is very flattering for every set of lips out there! :)

Zoom Lash mascara seems boring, and it is. But at the same time, it's always a bonus to get a brand new mascara, and I think a crisp application of mascara puts the whole look together pretty nicely.

Well, after looking (and drooling!) at this kit, I have to say, I am pretty much sold! I think I am going to be ordering myself one as well. Even though I already have the bronzer, I can always sell it, or hey, think of it as: I just bought these products and they threw in a bronzer for free! :)

So yea, if you have a chance, I definitely recommend checking out these look-in-a-box exclusives at Nordstrom (and the Bay in Canada?). They're a decent deal for a ton of product!

Will you be picking up anything from the Anniversary Sale?

Review: Bare Escentuals 'Flawless Radiance'

2010-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, BE recently held a 20% off sale, which prompted me to stock up on a couple of my favorite BE products. In addition, I picked up 'Flawless Radiance', a highlighter-type product, described to give you a "gentle luminosity and the appearance of a naturally flawless complexion". Well hey, I'd love to have flawless skin- real or not!- so I thought why not?

What's the verdict? Keep reading to find out!

Just like the rest of the BE line, Flawless Radiance is a loose powder packaged in a sifter jar. It's fairly decent-sized, not as big as a full-size jar of foundation, but at the rate of using this, this will get you pretty far.

It is an ivory-colored powder, that blends down to a shimmery, reflective translucent powder.

Even though the idea is great, I find that this product is a bit unnecessary in my daily routine. Since I use MSFs for a bit of highlight, this is redundant. In fact, here I am wearing it, and it basically looks like I have butter face. :(

It's not terrible I suppose, but it's kind of a little more shiny than I prefer. But, I do think that in certain situations, if you're looking to add a soft glow to the skin, this would be a worthwhile product.

What do you think? What is your favorite highlight product?

Stereo Rose- What is your story?

2010-07-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Sorry I've been so M.I.A. lately- work has kept me kinda busy lately, but I definitely wanted to share my thoughts on Stereo Rose, since it seems to be such a hot topic lately, right? So, if you can stomach a bit more on Stereo Rose, keep reading!

Ta-Da!

Up-Close and Personal with my Stereo Rose!! :D

Ok so like everyone, I have Stereo Rose story: I pre-ordered one from my Nordies MA about 1 week prior to the release. She said they'd only received 3! Well, I had heard a lot of horror stories online about people whose pre-orders didn't pan out, so to ensure I got my hands on SR, I woke up "early" on Tuesday- 5:30am my (Alaska) time. Pretty early, right? Well the problem is, that is 9:30am Eastern time, so by that time, even though the site accepted my order, it was kinda late, and I had a gnarly feeling that it wasn't going to go through just like everyone else, so I hurried and ordered it on Nordstrom.com. A couple hours later, it was sold out there as well, but around the same time I got a shipping confirmation from them, saying it had shipped- no tracking, just confirmation. I had a "I'll believe it when I see it" mentality, but sure enough, I later got an additional email confirming the tracking #. The good thing is, they shipped it from the Anchorage Nordstrom, is the closest Nordstrom to me, even though it is still 700+ miles away from me. Anyways, so it arrived on Saturday! So excited!

Now, I have to admit that I wanted Stereo Rose mostly for the hype. Sure, it looked like a gorgeous product, but I was still more interested in getting my hands on Stereo Rose, just to get my hands on Stereo Rose. Sad but at least I'm honest, right? :P But when it arrived, I was so pleasantly surprised! It is a medium pinky-red coral color, and in the pan, it looks a little too deep for my skintone (NW20), but when applied it is actually sheer enough to not require a light application. It adds such a pretty, flush glow! And, because of the rose shade, it acts as a blush and a highlighter in one.

Oh, and...I had heard that Laura Gellar's 'Pink Grapefruit' was a dupe. I bought this last year, but haven't used it much, but I decided to pull it out to compare the two:

L: Laura Gellar 'Pink Grapefruit' R: Stereo Rose

Sure enough, they are uncannily similar in the pan. However, when applied, LG's tends to be a bit darker, and has less color payoff. It is kinda weak when swatching it. But, if you couldn't get your hands on Stereo Rose, it may be worth looking in to Pink Grapefruit.

Oh, and a quick shot of me wearing Stereo Rose:

So, while I'm waiting for the rest of my In the Groove goodies, let's hear from you-- what is your Stereo Rose story?

MAC In the Groove: What are you hauling?

2010-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well things are kinda hectic here right now, so I haven't had much time to update! But I did manage to pre-order for MAC's In the Groove collection, which is being released on July 8. This looks like such a beautiful collection- I'm really excited for it! I pre-ordered:

-Stereo Rose MSF
-Hang Loose MB
-Jazzed l/s
-Go for it l/s
-Chillin' c/g

I have had my eyes on several of the mineral eyeshadows, but when it comes down to it, I am swamped with eyeshadows, and I hate to buy things that I will probably end up selling off later anyways. I love that satin texture though!

The lipsticks seem so pretty from all the pictures I've seen- they just look rich and vibrant- can I have them all? :D I am drooling over how Go for it l/s with Chillin' c/g on top will be! Totally funky!

And although I try to avoid most mineral blushes (just b/c I have too many!), I couldn't skip the lavender/pink Hang Loose.

Finally of course is Stereo Rose. I will be limiting myself to one (some people are getting 3 or 4- crazy!), since I am honestly just buying it for the hype. I imagine it will be beautiful like in the pictures, but I have not used an MSF up yet, and I've got some from 5 years ago.

Anyways, what about you- what are you eyeing from In the Groove?

FOTD: So Fresh and So Clean!

2010-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

The other day, it was super hot here, and after exercising, I just didn't feel like putting on a full-face of makeup. I was pretty happy to see how my skin looked though!

Face:
-Bare Minerals 'Fairly Medium'
-BE Mineral Veil
-MAC 'Beach Bronze' Cream Bronzer
-Illamasqua Cream Blush in 'Lies'
-Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Eyes:
-MAC e/s in 'Texture'
-Maybelline Define-A-Brow
-MAC Opulash Mascara

Lips:
-MAC 'Fleshpot' Lipstick

PS- Excuse all the crap in the background- my makeup area is in my loft which is also my storage area! :P

Review: Clean & Clear 'Finishes' Moisturizer

2010-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

I learned about 'Finishes' Pore Perfecting moisturizer from...television! That's right, I saw the commercial three times :) But really, the commercial touts this product as a moisturizer that uses light to perfect your skin, and that sounded good to me, so I decided to try it! The results? Keep reading! Warning: You are about to see my BARE face, so be prepared! :)

I do have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about this product. It seems unlikely that a product that dries and blends down to clear is going to also conceal imperfections, especially on skin like mine. Well, see below to find out what kind of skin I have!

The consistency is like a normal moisturizer, and dries down to a clear, almost filmy finish:

Just by applying this moisturizer, I can tell that it has a special feel. But, did it work?

Well first off, here is my skin sans 'Finishes'. Au naturel!!

Yep, my skin is far from perfect. I have acne scarring and larger pores. Not bad, but definitely not amazing.

And, here is my skin with the 'Finishes' moisturizer. I used a flash because this is what the moisturizer claims to do- makes you look flawless due to light reflection:

So, did it work? What do you think? Obviously, in light and with a flash, I look slightly better. But I definitely wouldn't say this gives me flawless skin. Further, in an environment without much natural light, I don't think this is effective at all.

As a moisturizer, it is not very good. In fact, the word "moisturizer" should be taken very lightly. I definitely needed my regular moisturizer in addition to this.

Have you tried 'Finishes'? What do you think?

LOTD: MAC So Chaud Lipstick

2010-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ok I don't know if this really counts as an FOTD, because the eyes are the same as the Stowaway Quad FOTD I did earlier, but I wanted to quickly highlight MAC So Chaud lipstick. It is a gorgeous orange-red matte, just so pretty! I honestly don't know how popular it is as I never hear anyone talking about it, and since I love wearing bright colors every now and again, I figured I might as well share it with you all!

What do you think of So Chaud?

FOTD: MAC Stowaway Quad

2010-06-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

I had a couple requests for a FOTD of my use of the Stowaway Quad (which I recently raved about on this blog), so here you go! I get frustrated that I can't get very vivid photos of the colors with this camera, but hey, I tried! Keep reading for more :)

Face:
-Bare Minerals in 'Fairly Medium'
-BE Mineral Veil
-MAC Instant Chic Blush
-MAC Beach Bronze Cream Bronzer

Eyes:
-Stowaway Quad (Awash, Satin Taupe and Sea-Cadet)
-Blacktrack Fluidline
-Opulash Mascara

Lips:
-Fleshpot Lipstick

Review: Flirt! 40-Piece Eyeshadow Set

2010-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

I know this is sort of an irrelevant product right now, as Christmas is still a few months away, but reader l0verada requested a review of this, and it just so happens that I conveniently had photos of this, so why not! Plus it will get us excited for the holidays! Keep reading to see more :)

In my recent Flirt! cosmetics review, I mentioned the holiday 40-piece eyeshadow set that Kohl's sells for about $30. A steal if you ask me- that's less than $1 each!

As you can see, the shadows are the same size/shape as MAC, and there's a great variety of colors. The payoff is pretty impressive. Some of them, I felt were better payoff than MAC, whereas others were of lesser quality.

There are clear dupes of Prussian, Amber Lights, Henna and Talent Pool in this collection, along with plenty of others.

Also, oddly enough, I found some colors that are very similar to a couple recent MAC quads:

Photorealism Quad vs. Flirt

Notoriety Quad vs. Flirt

Not exact, but kind of the same color scheme.

Swatches of random colors:

Anyways, cross your fingers that we see this again this year (it has been released the past 2 years)!

QOTD: What is your favorite MAC packaging ever?

2010-06-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

MAC is notorious for their fun and festive special collection packaging. In the past 7 years, I have items in turquoise, white, orange, gold, pink, red, purple, and avocado green packaging- and so forth!! The list is endless. What is your favorite special packaging of all time? What is my favorite special packaging ever? Keep reading to find out!

The answer is...Heatherette!

This collection was the one that really got me serious into collecting MAC 3+ years ago and I've been addicted ever since! I just love pink, and the holographic details are just fun. Not to mention that what's inside the packaging is pure sex! :P

And just for giggles, allow me to revisit the products that made this collection:

The trios were the first of their kind, and just tons of fun! I originally just got Trio 1, but found Trio 2 at the CCO this year and just couldn't resist...

Trio 2

Trio 1

The lipsticks were all really fun and gorgeous. I fell in love with 'Fleshpot' with this collection, and 'Lollipop Lovin' is a classic- who can forget it? Sadly mine came melted :(

l to r: Fleshpot, Melrose Mood, Lollipop Lovin'

But my favorite I think is 'Melrose Mood', as it was my first foray into the world of pale pink- I just adore this color. Heck, I decided to take some pics to honor it!

Of course we can't forget the complementary lipglasses, which may not necessarily all be unique but they were the first kind of those colors in my collection, and I love them!!

t to b: Sock Hop, Starlet Kiss, Bonus Beat

Finally, the pigments, which are not in special packaging. But they are so pretty!

l to r: Pink Pearl, Jardin Aires

Jardin Aires is not super crazy, but it's pretty and went so well with this collection. Disco party! And Pink Pearl, I love anything duochrome.

Swatches:

l to r: Sock Hop, Starlet Kiss, Bonus Beat

l to r: Baby Petals, VIP, Cassette

l to r: Lollipop Lovin, Melrose Mood, Fleshpot

l to r: Hoppin', Moodring, Cloudburst

l to r: Pink Pearl, Jardin Aires

Ok, so now it's your turn: What is your favorite packaging, OR your favorite LE collection?

Review: Victoria's Secret Soothing Lip Balm

2010-06-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

I truly did not expect to ever find a beauty product from Victoria's Secret that I would swear by- sure, I love their bras, but I guess I don't usually consider VS to be the leaders in lip care. But, when nothing else seemed to tame my chapped lips, I came across VS' Soothing Lip Balm. Keep reading to see why I love them so much!

I actually got my first one of these in a holiday kit. I had purchased the kit on sale this winter, and it honestly sat around for a good 3 or 4 months before I even cracked it open. For some reason, my lips all of a sudden just were super chapped, not responding to any lip balm that I normally used. I admit that Lip Smackers may not be the best for you, but they had been working throughout the winter no problem.

Anyways, on an odd chance, I decided to try this out of the holiday set. It has a sort of minty smell, soothing feel. The consistency is thick, not sticky per se, but definitely has a slight adhesive quality. I mean if I were to rub my lips together, they wouldn't "glide", but at the same time I'm not getting hair stuck in my lips or anything (like lipglass haha). And guess what, my lips aren't chapped anymore! I was worried that eventually my lips would get used to this formula and get even more chapped (as has indeed occurred in the past). However, I've been using this for 2 months now, and it's been just as great as ever. My lips don't come anywhere near chapped.

An added bonus, is that when I use this under lipstick, my lips do not get chapped or flaky, and frosts actually look good over it! Is that even possible? :) Well apparently it is! And it acts as a primer for the lipstick to adhere to, so my lipstick tends to last longer.

Onto the colors/pics!

The one that came in the kit is called 'Petal Soft' and it is a mid-tone pink.

Petal Soft

Recently, I bought a couple more from victoriassecret.com. They retail for $7, but they do have a 5 for $20 deal, making them $4 each. Not that you'll ever need 5 at once, because they last a decent while, check out their size:

Compared to MAC eyeshadow

Like I mentioned, I've been using Petal Soft for 2 months and it's about 1/4 full still.

But I did pickup a couple extra. I got 'Pretty Buff' which is a nude with slight shimmer.

Pretty Buff

And, I got 'Pink Sugar' which is a bright pink.

Pink Sugar

Online, the swatch appears to be a light white pink, but obviously in real life it is a bit more intense! Still, it's sheer enough that I think it will actually look like the swatch when applied. :)

Swatches:

l to r: Petal Soft, Pretty Buff, Pink Sugar

Anyways I love this product and am so excited that I found a product to work w/ my crazy lips!

What do you think? What are your lip products that you swear by?

A Surprise in the Mail!

2010-06-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I kinda had a fun surprise show up in the mail today. Definitely not expected :) While I do shop online a bit, I have never purchased anything from walgreens.com, so imagine my surprise when I got a small little box addressed to me, from Walgreen's.

I opened it up, only to find this Revlon 'Porcelain Pink' lipstick inside:

No note, no information about where it came from, just a lipstick (and a coupon for Chapstick).

It is a fun, pearly pink- this color is right down my aisle!

What do you think of my surprise?

Speaking of free lipsticks, I recently got a call from a friend who found a MAC lipstick on the ground and was wondering if I wanted it. I asked what color it was, and he said Pink Plaid- which amazingly I didn't have, but I am so excited because I've wanted to try it out for a while! It is almost brand new. I haven't figured out how to sanitize it yet, but I figure a little rubbing alcohol should do the trick.

Thoughts?

Review: Flirt! Cosmetics

2010-06-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Flirt!, allow me the pleasure of introducing you to one of Estee Lauder's most recent acquisitions. Flirt!, available at Kohl's (and kohls.com) is a makeup line targeted to young adults. It has a similar style of MAC, and some products I would argue, certainly rival MAC in terms of color and quality. However, Flirt! is able to hold its own by offering some unique (and awesome!) products that MAC does not. Wanna know Flirt's best-kept secrets? Keep reading to find out!

I remember the first time I checked out Flirt!- I couldn't believe how similar some of the products were to MAC- some of the eyeshadows were dead ringers for MAC eyeshadows, which I assume is possible since they are both EL companies.

However, as I have thought about it, they really are two different animals. I would agree that overall, MAC is better all-around quality, but since Flirt! is up to 30% less than MAC, that is not a surprise. Then, there are products that are incomparable because MAC does not have such a product (or vice-versa). Well ok I'll stop rambling and start showing, how's that? :)

Whipped Mousse Eyeshadows

l: Sand Castle. r: Snow Angel

I usually avoid eye products that are anything other than powder or paints, because the chances of them creasing in the first minute of wear is close to 99.9%. However, I loved the look of these Whipped Mousse Eyeshadows, as when you apply them, they don't feel like any kind of eyeshadow I've tried before. Mousse is definitely the best way to describe them, although they do dry down to some what of a satin finish.

Up-close-and-personal: Snow Angel

I bought Snow Angel because it was a pretty, frosty white, and Sand Castle because it was a nice soft taupe that looked like it would be perfect on those no-makeup look days. I was hoping they would create a tawny, natural look.

Just like any other shadows, I use a paint pot as a base, and I apply these with brushes- the 242 to apply, and the 217 to blend out any harsh edges. I usually just wear these by themselves, because they are really only used on less-complicated-look days. And believe it or not, they have not really creased on me! I mean, not like I'm expecting a lot anyways, but it's impressive that they don't wear off in 5 seconds.

Lipstick

Blush 21

The lipstick I got is a soft slightly frosty pink called 21 Blush. I got this around the time that 'B-Babe' lipstick was released with MAC's Brunette, Blonde, Redhead collection. 'B-babe' had sold out, so when I saw this color, I was stoked, because it is so similar. It is gorgeous, glossy but pigmented, and killed my lemming for 'B-Babe'! Lipsticks are $12.

Multi-Use Stick

This stick, unfortunately, may not be sold anymore. At least I can't see it on Kohls' site. But this is just like the NARS Multiple (same size as the mini ones that came in a set), except that it is half as much! It is a beautiful gold color that can be used on the cheeks, lips, eyes, etc- great for a quick makeup day- and creates a soft dewy glow.

Other Products:
-At Christmas time, keep your eyes open for 40-piece eyeshadow palette- the shadows are the same size and shape as those at MAC, but the whole set is about $30! A total steal! I compared some of the shadows to MAC, and not only are some of them total MAC dupes, but some of them swatch better than MAC.

-Sheer Powder Cheek Color (aka Blush). They come in squirrely looking packaging, but many of the colors are similar to MAC, and they last forever!

Swatches:

Snow Angel

Sand Castle

TIP: Check out these color stories and shop the products used to create the looks- they are so gorgeous. My favorite is Snow Bunny.

Do you use Flirt!? What is your favorite product?

Makeup 101: Foundation

2010-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

The name "foundation" often makes us think that foundation is just that- a foundation to your makeup routine. While this is not exactly true (remember, good skincare is the real foundation!), it is usually the thing that makes or breaks your overall makeup. That's why the right foundation is most important- because in my opinion, there is no one "right" foundation for everyone. Here is a guide to some of MY favorite foundations.

Bare Escentuals' Bare Minerals: This is a loose powder foundation; it is also a mineral foundation, which has recently been a popular formula for many people, mostly because it is made of pure natural minerals, less likely to clog the pores or cause skin irritations. I have been using Bare Minerals for the past 3 years, and even when I try a different foundation, I always come back to this! It is also convenient that BE has recently come out with more shades to accomodate many different skin tones. There is also a Matte finish, which may appeal to oily skin types.

An assortment of shades/finishes

The good: Easy to apply, natural looking finish. Doubles as a concealer, and in my experience, conceals better than most foundations. Great for most skin types, including dry skin. SPF 15.

The bad: Original formula contains bismuth (matte does not), which can irritate some users' skin. Mineral Veil is also needed with Original formula, so by the time you buy the Foundation ($25) and Mineral Veil ($19), price can get steep.

BONUS: Save 20% at bareescentuals.com from now until 6/20. Use code SHARE at checkout.

^^Makeup Forever Duo Mat Powder: This is a powder foundation with a very matte finish. Can be applied with a brush for a lighter coverage, or with an included round sponge. Good for normal/oily skin types.

The Good: Flawless matte coverage; can be used as a blotting powder throughout the day, even if you didn't use it in the a.m.; Plenty of colors to choose from.

The Bad: Fragile- don't drop!; Expensive ($30+).

^^Makeup Forever HD: A foundation created with high def in mind; natural coverage for all skin types. Use with MUFE HD Powder (which lasts forever!).

The Good: Comes with a pump for easy application; versatile for any skin type; great for all skin tones including extremely fair skin (try 110!).

The Bad: Pricey at $40.

^^Revlon Colorstay Normal/Dry: Drugstore brand foundation that dries down to a nearly-matte finish. Note that Revlon Colorstay comes in either Normal/Dry or Oily/Combo finishes; I find that the Oily/Combo is not as flawless or long-lasting as the Normal/Dry. Check local grocers and drugstores for sales on Revlon for an even cheaper price. By far my favorite finish of any liquid foundation!

The Good: Perfect, flawless coverage; Lasts all day long, no touch-ups needed; Provides high-end quality at drugstore prices.

The Bad: Known to cause breakouts (did for me sadly); Glass bottle with no pump is hard to use; Color selection is limited, not many cool shades to choose from.

^^Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse: Advertised to create a pore-free complexion, this foundation's finish is one of my favorites on the drugstore market. Colors are select, but can work with many different tones.

The Good: Pump bottle is easy to use; Sales on Maybelline are rampant making this very affordable; Beautiful, natural coverage.

The Bad: Not long-lasting; requires occasional touch-ups.

^^Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: A long-lasting powder with light coverage. I find that this is the best powder and sets any foundation without looking cakey or too dry. Compact includes retractable mirror and optional powder tool. Try with 168 or another dense, natural-haired brush.

The Good: Perfect and natural coverage; Extremely affordable; Mirror is handy.

The Bad: Hmm...can't think of anything!

Mac Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15: For lighter coverage (ie you've got great skin!), try this tinted moisturizer. With tinted moisturizers, it is safe to try a shade darker than usual to give you a soft tan glow.

The Good: SPF 15; Light and easy to apply (try fingers); Doubles as a moisturizer in a pinch.

The Bad: Not heavy enough for all skin types or situations; May be too oily for most skin types and may require setting powder.

One foundation that I forgot to feature are cream foundations (usually in a compact). Cream foundations are good for dry skin (liquids are not so good for dry skin), so if that's you, definitely consider one. I like MAC Select Moistureblend- it is almost a cross between a gel and a cream- applies effortlessly. And it is SPF 15!!

And now, for the tools!

For liquids, I honestly just prefer a sponge, but if you're not the sponge type here are a few brushes that I've had fantastic luck with. Also I find that natural-haired brushes seem to distribute product more evenly.

^^ MAC 109. Blend with small circular strokes, and use the sides of the brush to get rid of any leftover streaks.

Sephora #55 "Airbrush". Designed to provide a flawless "airbrushed" finish to your foundation

^^MAC 180. Currently discontinued, but can be found at CCOs, or any flat-top brush will substitute. It's large so it covers a lot of ground quickly, and provides a streak-free finish.

^^Sonia Kashuk sponge. The many different facets of this sponge allow you to get into all the awkward places (by the nose, undereyes, etc). Reusable too!

^^ Classic Triangle Sponge. Hands-down my favorite applicator for liquid foundation- fast and easy to use, nothing to clean, and cheap. Find them in bulk at Sally Beauty Supply.

Did you see your favorite foundation on the list? If not, what do you use?

Depotting: Yes or No?

2010-06-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Do you depot your eyeshadows? Why or why not? This has been a debate for a lot of collectors- whether they should depot all their lovely eyeshadows and put them in to one place (and exchange them via B2M!), or if they should keep them in individual pots. To see what I did, keep reading!

A year or so ago, after I had accrued over 100 individual eyeshadows, I decided to depot them and put them in one place- 15-pan palettes. I felt like this was saving room (as pots take way too much room), and of course, the lure of free lipsticks was very tempting! I successfully depotted most of them (except for my special packaging e/s), and continued to depot any new additions for the next few months.

10 palettes!!

But, what I soon learned was that when they were in 15-pan palettes, I never reached for them. Instead, I found myself picking up pre-made quads or holiday palettes. Since I have depotted them, I very very rarely reach for my 15-pan palettes, unless I am recreating a look or needing specific colors. It is just harder for me to see what is inside the palettes, and because they are so big/bulky, I refuse to haul them around.

Well, anyways, here is some MAC porn(everyone loves a little MAC porn once in a while!) for you, my ten 15-pan palettes! Can you name the shadows? :P

So, I stopped depotting recently. One, because I just love the look of individual eyeshadows; Two, because there are not many lipsticks I'm interested in (and I only have counters in my state, so I can't get e/s or anything). So far, I am loving my new generation of potted eyeshadows, and find myself reaching for them a bit more often than my palettes.

Here are my individual eyeshadows. I never depotted my special packaging shadows:

And of course, my more recent shadows that I haven't depotted...

So, what about you, do you depot?

NOTD: MAC 'In the Buff'

2010-06-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I promised I would do a NOTD of 'In the Buff', so here it is! I love this nail polish! It is such an unusual color, akin, as I've said, to an aging avocado (and yes baby poo hehe). But I've also seen a similar color on people's dining room walls, and it usually looks good, haha. I like that it can look green sometimes, or taupe in other lights.

What do you think of 'In the Buff'?

QOTD: Have you ever had an unexpected love w/ a product?

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a product that looked fug at first sight, only for it to become one of your favorite products ever? I think I am always attracted the least-favorite products of a collection anyways, but I will say there is one product that I almost did not buy, but thanks to an open mind, it has become one of my favorite products! What is it? Keep reading to find out!

It is...

...the Stowaway Quad, a Nordstrom Exclusive from 2008!

When I originally saw the promo images for this quad, I thought "pee and poop"- none of the colors looked like they could possibly go together in one quad. However, I had a good friend who had just started working at MAC, and she was raving about this quad, insisting on its amazingness. I ordered it before I even had a chance to look at it in the stores, and when it arrived, I was surprisingly pleased!

L to R: Awash, Crest the Wave, Satin Taupe, Sea Cadet

Awash (F) has been compared to White Wheat, and it is a perfect, shimmery highlight color. It has a gold undercast, which makes is unique. I have not found any color to dupe this.

Crest The Wave (F) is a whitish yellow- looks bright, but when applied, it's more like a goldish white. Very versatile and fun! I love this color, and so does MAC, because they repromoted it in the Makeup Art Collection in 2009. Super unique!

Satin Taupe (F) is a classic MAC color- as the name implies, it is a taupe, albeit slightly cool and more frost than satin. I like this color and have learned to use it in a variety of looks!

Sea-Cadet (S) is a navy blue, great for creases or doing a more intense smokey look. I don't use this a whole lot, but when I do, I love the way it turns out! Blendability is great!

As you can see, this quad has gone through a lot and there's lots of wear-and-tear.

Good news is, I recently found a back-up online (rockthecatwalk.com), so I have another one coming my way.

What about you, what is your unexpected favorite product??

To Back-Up or not to Back-Up?- That is the Question!

2010-06-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to backing up makeup products, it seems most of us are either avid backer-uppers, or adamantly refuse to do so. Then, there are people like me, who will backup occasionally, and selectively.

So, what are my back-ups? Keep reading to find out!

So, I didn't think I had that many back-ups, but when I opened my "back-up drawer", I was surprised to see how many I actually had! FYI though, this drawer is not very big- it is maybe 8"x8" big. :)

Lips:

I love lighter lipsticks, so of course they are all lighter shades. Viva Glam Gaga is the perfect pink lipstick, so I never want to run out of that (plus it's Lady Gaga, guys!). Equality (all ages, sexes, races collection) is one of the lightest nudes I've ever seen and it a nice warm hue- so glad I got this back up, because my current one is dwindling quickly! Fleshpot is hard to get a hold of because it's PRO, so when I was in NYC, I got a back up. But it also lasts a long time, so it will be a little bit til I crack this baby open. Finally, Bubbles, which originally debuted with Sugarsweet was just so fun and festive, I couldn't imagine running out of that!!

Naked Liner is a perfect lipliner, 'nuf said. Funtabulous dazzleglass looks gorgeous over a nude lipstick, hands down my favorite dazzleglass. Sadly I don't wear too many lip glosses lately, so I doubt if I'll get to this anytime soon!

Eyes:

Vanilla is one of my favorite brow bone colors, and this was at the CCO, so it made sense to get another one. Hey was in the Fafi quad, and was one of my favorites- so excited to see it in the Prep w/ Colour collection.

And, of course ^^Tea Time- absolutely the most amazing pigment/color ever created!!

Face:

I got my first Ripe Peach when the SCF collection was released- a few weeks later, I was at a counter in Alabama, and I casually asked if they'd gotten any in- the MA smiled and slyly pulled open a drawer with 3 that they had just gotten in! I am whipping through my first RP, and this one is more peachy than my first, so I am looking forward to using this soon. Fun'N'Games is a very flattering peach blush- and my current one is lasting forever! Hipness is a blush I just recently started to like, and the To the Beach packaging is so cute! Couldn't resist.

Backups on the way: Just ordered a 2nd Stowaway Quad (thanks to rockthecatwalk.com) and Instant Chic blush.

Backups wishlist: Lazy Day lipstick! I love this color, but it's sold out on all the sites :( Let's cross our fingers that it will hit the CCOs soon. Also I love Beach Bronze cream bronzer, but again that will be something to look out for at the CCO.

Review: MAC 'To the Beach' Collection

2010-06-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, I am like a month late in sharing my haul with you, but since I find myself living in the middle-of-nowhere, Alaska, this is pretty much the reality of my life! :P And, I found myself enjoying this collection a lot more than I originally expected! Keep reading to find out what I got, and what I think about everything!

Like I said, I was sucked in by this collection a lot more than I thought I would. Originally, I was super disappointed by the packaging, but when I received my items, the packaging turned out to be fun and summery.

I got:
-Marine Life beauty powder
-Hipness blush
-Beach Bronze cream bronzer
-Firecracker e/s
-Sand 'N Sun e/s
-Temperature Rising l/l
-Lazy Day l/s
-Flurry of Fun l/g
-In the Buff n/p

^^I admit that I got sucked in to the Marine Life hype. When the two colors mix together it is a lovely, perfect-toned coral. However, it isn't AMAZING, and certainly not worth paying much more than retail for. The first time I tried it, I didn't realize how pigmented it was, so it ended up looking a bit clownish. Since then, I have used a little wisdom and a lighter hand and it turns out to be quite pretty. Again, nothing special (there are plenty of other colors like Hipness and Instant Chic that provide a similar look).

l: hipness from Fafi; r: hipness from TTB

^^I already had Hipness blush from the Fafi collection, but I hadn't used it at all until I started hearing chatter about it with its re-promotion in this collection. It is a lovely pink-coral, just perfectly pigmented, and slightly chalky for a satin finish. I had heard that this one was slightly different from the original, so I picked it up. Plus the packaging is adorable. Indeed, it is a bit different- check out these swatches:

l: Fafi r: TTB

^^Beach Bronze cream bronzer is easily one of my favorite items in this collection. It is so light that it never looks overwhelming or too bronze. It is creamy and blendable so it doesn't splotch. And, the shimmer/creaminess is a perfect summer look. I am very pleased with this product!

^^Firecracker (right) e/s looks a lot like Hot, Hot, Hot from Spring Color Forecast. But, when you actually apply it, a lot of orange comes out and it then looks like a mix between Firespot and Hot, Hot, Hot. It is a warmer tone than it appears!

Sand 'N Sun (left) e/s is a matte, light pinky-peach. It is very light, and kind of hard to see unless you use a dense shader brush like the 242. Pretty color, but not exceptionally unique. I love the color of the packaging for these- gorgeous!

^^Temperature Rising l/l is a bright neon pinky-orange. I have been wanting to buy an orange lip liner, and figured this time was better than ever. It looks great on its own- no need to use a lipstick if you don't want- but I envision that it will look equally great under Morange or So Chaud lipsticks.

^^Lazy Day l/s is a pale pink, and I absolutely adore it! I am looking for a backup, and regret not buying one earlier, as they are sold out online! Even more sad, mine is broken at the stem already- it is a very soft formula. How sorry it looks already! But this is, essentially, the perfect pale pink lipstick- what I have been searching for for years!

^^Flurry of Fun l/g is orange with pink and teal sparkles. I'd heard a lot of hype about this one too, but it's not as exciting as I thought. I was hoping for more sparkles, but they are very minimal. It applies pretty sheerly. I usually don't buy a lot of lipglasses, so I wish I had kept up with that.

In the Buff nail polish admittedly looks like baby poop, or an aging avocado. But I like it- alot! It's professional looking (which is what I need lately), lasts for a while, and is just plain old pretty when applied! I will have a NOTD soon!

Swatches!!!

l to r: Temperature Rising, Firecracker, Sand 'N Sun

Lazy Day

l to r: Hipness, Beach Bronze, Marine Life (dark side), Marine Life (light side), Marine Life (mixed)

Anyways, that's what I got- what about you, what did you get from To the Beach?

NOTD: China Glaze 'Dorothy Who?'

2010-06-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Since I work in the customer service industry, I am usually required to wear "natural" looking nail polish- which usually excludes sparkly rich blue shades, like 'Dorothy Who?'. However, when I had a nice couple of days off, this was the color on my mind!

'Dorothy Who' looks like a royal blue; but when it is actually applied, it is a lighter, cyan blue. Still just as amazingly sparkly, but the color is just gorgeous when on the nails. I picked up the entire 'Wizard of Ahz' collection, and I have to say, 'Dorothy Who?' is easily my favorite of the bunch!

Oh and by the way, I am giving away a brand-new 'Dorothy Who?' HERE. All you have to do to qualify is leave a comment-- but hurry, contest ends June 30th! :)

Refreshing!

2010-06-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just read an article about how Marie Claire's France edition used plus size models in their latest spread- You can see the article and some pics (watch out some nudity) at this link: http://fashiongonerogue.com/laura-catteral-hayley-morley-marie-claire-france-june-2010/

I am so impressed by this! First off, they all look beautiful. Second off, I am feeling pretty curvy these days and have been a little self-conscious about my new weight (20lbs heavier than I was when I got married 3 years ago!), but seeing these pictures, I feel much better about who I am. They aren't super heavy, no, but they're definitely huge compared to the rest of the industry's models. It's nice to see real looking bodies.

Sometimes I honestly think it's so ridiculous how we have this standard of beauty that is quite frankly, not only pretty unattainable, but also a little unnatural. I look around everyday and I see "real" women: women w/ unkempt hair, women with extra weight, women wearing clothes from Wal-Mart, women with an asymmetrical nose, small boobs, and big behinds. And yet I still think a woman is "supposed" to be thin, big-boobed, perfectly coifed and so forth. It's so odd how t.v., magazines and the internet keep telling me that I'm "supposed" to be something else. Why can't I just be happy who I am?

Once I heard something about how beauty standards were created so companies could sell products to people that would help them attain that beauty. Not sure if it's true but I'm not doubting that our social structure is also somewhat inspired by businesses trying to make money. Notice though, that one or two beauty products are never enough- we are constantly guzzling them down, buying them in bulk, trying out this foundation and that, this blush and that, waiting and hoping for the "perfect" item- and yet there's never one. We keep wanting more.

What do you think? Am I on to something or completely out in left field? What do you think of the Marie Claire spread?

Reminiscing...

2010-05-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

I was organizing my makeup earlier today and came across my very first MAC product I ever bought! Wanna know what it was? Keep reading to find out!

My very first MAC product was Tanarama lipstick!

I got it in 2003, during my first semester of college. I was familiar with MAC before, and my older sister had used it, but I had never bought anything until then. The reason I actually got it was because I had seen it in a spread in YM magazine (remember that mag?!), and had to have it! I wore it everyday for like 6 months, but when I dyed my hair from blond to brown, it didn't really suit me anymore.

What about you, what was YOUR very first MAC product?

Review: MUFE HD Blush

2010-05-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

There's been a bit of hype about MUFE's new HD blushes, and since I have generally been impressed with MUFE's products in the past, I decided to pick up a couple during Sephora's recent f&f sale. The two shades that looked the most flattering for me were #7 (One too Many) and #14 (Star Struck). What did I think? Find out after the cut!

Let's start off with the packaging. What's different about these cream blushes from most, is that they are in a pump bottle. I like this idea, because my brushes always shed in the blush, and those hairs are almost impossible to remove without messing up the blush or wasting product. The one thing that's weird about the pump though is that it is kind of hard to control how much comes out. I mean, you can get a smaller amount, but it does take a bit effort and care when pumping.

One full pump of #14...plenty of product!

These are also smaller than you might imagine. But, for comparison's sake, here is one of the blushes compared to MUFE's HD foundation:

Basically, plenty of blush in here, obviously I wouldn't expect it to be the size of the foundation :)

The formula of these is a bit thicker than say, foundation, but is creamy and blendable. They do dry down quickly, so you'll need to blend immediately.

For me, while I love the colors I got, I don't like the finish of these. I have tried a few different brushes, including the 187, and my fingers, and they kind of blend in with foundation and cause it to look kind of scaley over my foundation. For the record, I am currently using Revlon Colorstay (love!) with Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (double love!). I never really noticed this scaley appearance with other cream blushes, but at the time I was using Bare Minerals, so I wonder if these apply better over mineral foundation? Thoughts?

Ok on to the colors!

^^#7, One too Many, is a peachy beige. This is a pretty accurate description. It is definitely beigey, a little bit rose colored. Very beautiful.

^^#14, Star Struck, is a pale peach. This is lighter, great color for a soft glow or touch of color.

Overall, these are kinda useless to me because of the finish on the skin; but they are beautiful colors! I am going to play around and see if I can figure out a better application, because well, I wanna be able to wear these! :)

What about you, what do you think of these blushes?

NOTD: China Glaze 'Sun Worshipper'

2010-05-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a quick NOTD of China Glaze's 'Sun Worshipper'. The response I got from everyone who saw me wearing this was "Whoa, nice nails!". Not sure if they meant it, as the color is a bit crazy, but one thing is for sure: it draws attention!

The thing I was disappointed about, was that about 50% chipped off by the next day. It got these weird bubbles underneath. And that did not look very pretty. So definitely wear a top coat w/ this bad boy!

What do you think, is this color too bright?

Giveaway Time!

2010-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I just realized that my blog is well over a year old! Where does the time go? In honor of this, and in thanks to all my followers, I would like to do a teeny giveaway: China Glaze Dorothy Who? Nail Polish!

Kinda cool, right? Now, I know it's just a small, simple prize, but it's an absolutely gorgeous color, and is hopefully just the beginning of more even better giveaways to come.

There are two ways to enter to win (you can do both for a double chance to win):

1) Leave a comment with one suggestion of how to improve my blog; make sure there is a way for me to get a hold of you (link back to your blog, email address) so I can contact you if you win!

2) On your own blog, share this contest with your readers! Please leave a comment on this post that you have done so.

A winner will be selected at random on June 30! So hurry, get your entries in! :)

To the Beach: What did you get?

2010-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

So, I just placed my order for MAC's To the Beach collection...because I currently live in Alaska, I don't have a MAC within a 700 mile radius. :D So yes, it will probably be a bit before I'll have swatches and reviews for you.

Anyways, I picked up:
-Marine Life (luckily grabbed it when it was up on nordstrom.com)
-Sand & Sun e/s
-Firecracker e/s
-Temperature Rising l/p
-Lazy Day l/s
-Beach Bronze cream bronzer (very intrigued by this)

I think that's it. I already have Hipness, though with the green packaging it was definitely tempting me! So we'll see if I can hold out...the other blush (bronze one) is interesting too..and the eyeshadows- I almost got Sweet & Punchy, but as I already have Rated R, I managed to resist. I haven't even used Rated R! I have Humid, and although I don't have Shimmermoss, I can't find myself using it any time soon.

Now, can we just talk about the Marine Life hype for a sec! I have to say, in all my years of collecting MAC, I can't remember a product with as much hype as this one. The most recent one that comes close is Ripe Peach, but I feel like there was a delay in RP's popularity...it took a couple days to sell out, at least from my recollection. I admit I might have bought ML for the hype; but let's face it, the "chase" is kinda fun, especially when you find this sought-after item. I also LOVE these kind of pinky/coral colors, so I know it will get plenty of use from me.

What about you, what did you end up getting from To the Beach? What were the hits and misses?

Review: OPI Shrek Nail Polish

2010-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I should just start a nail polish blog with all these polishes I've been recently collecting! Anyways, I was able to pick up 3 of the OPI Shrek nail polishes- got them on eBay which is lucky, considering OPI is not allowed to be sold online anymore (and that's basically the only way I get stuff these days). Well, to see closeups and more details on the colors I got, keep reading!

I got Who the Shrek are you?, Fiercely Fiona, and What's with the Cattitude?. The other colors I skipped were, I believe, a lavender color (akin to the recent CG lavender), a true purple, and a deep blue. They were all very pretty, but I didn't see the need for those three, because I've either seen similar shades, or I didn't picture myself ever wearing them.

The formula of these is pretty straight-forward OPI. It took a couple coats to successfully apply Fiercely Fiona, but I generally expect that from any nail polish. And, without any changes to my routine, the OPI has absolutely lasted longer than my recent China Glaze purchases. No top coat or base coat, and it didn't chip the first day, so that's good!

^^Who the Shrek are you? is a lime green. I don't have anything like this, and it looked fun so I figured, why not? It is definitely the color of Shrek, so hopefully that won't be a turn off for many people.

^^Fiercely Fiona is a medium-to-pale yellow with a hint of green. Is Fiona kinda yellow-green? I haven't really seen the movies so I can't say. But yea, this is significantly lighter and much more yellow than the Shrek color. It's very banana ish. Check out a NOTD with this soon!

^^What's with the Cattitude is a beautiful sky blue. It is very creamy and applies perfectly. I like it for the toes, very summery and cute!

Although OPI is a bit more costly than say, China Glaze, I think these were worth the price. They're fun, creamy, summery colors, and definitely are different than other things being released this time of year. If you have a chance to check these out, do it!

What about you, do you dig the Shrek OPI collection?

Skincare: My Routine

2010-05-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

A lot of times, we tend to think of makeup as a safety net that will cover basically any flaws in our skin- have you ever thought, "eh I'll just cover it with makeup?" I know I have. This mindset can be risky though, because the truth is, beauty starts under the skin and works its way out. The better your skin looks, the better your makeup will look, and that's why skin care is so important to me. Here, I will share my skin care routine.

Before I start, please keep in mind that this is just a suggestion and what works for me. It will NOT be a solution for everyone, and this also doesn't mean I have perfect skin, but it so far these products been pretty good for me.

1) Olay Cleansing Wipes

One of the myths of skin care is the more products you use, the better your skin will look. Sometimes we tend to over work our skin with all sorts of cleansers, and they only make the problem worse- such as drying and sensitivity. That's why I only wash my face with a cleanser once a day at the most (sometimes only once every other day!). Instead, I use these Olay cleansing wipes to remove makeup and dirt. They are gentle on the skin, but effective at the same time.

2) Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

Sometimes cleansing wipes don't get everything off, so I take a cotton swab and go over my face with this pore refining toner. Not sure if it really refines my pores, but I have been pretty satisfied nonetheless. I love the clean feeling that I get with this toner, and it's amazing how much makeup and grime is left even after the cleansing wipe, so it's good to really get clean from this.

3) Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

Ok this is actually a pic of Active Moist, and, as they're both moisturizers I love (the smoothing cream is a bit heavier and comprehensive, the active moist is lighter and airier), it's ok. But a moisturizer, no matter what skin type you have, is absolutely crucial! This prevents premature aging to the skin. You may have to experiment to find the moisturizer that works for you, so keep an open mind- you may find one at the drugstore that works great, or maybe you're willing to splurge- I had really dry skin during high school and much of college. Today, my skin is a bit more combination, but over the years I tried TONS of moisturizers and finally found the one I liked the most which is the Dermalogica ones. Also, moisturizers with Mineral Oil tend to be the most universally effective- meaning they work on most skin types. Some people will tell you mineral oil is bad for your skin, but do your own research on the subject before shrugging them off completely.

4) Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Redness Solutions

Neutrogena has a whole line of oil-free acne washes, from their regular orange formula, to pink grapefruit, and now they have a calming one that apparently tones down redness. I like it because it's good for sensitive skin like mine. This is what I use when I wash my face, either once a day or once every other day. It's very effective and I feel like even though I don't have a lot of acne, it's a very thorough cleanser.

5) MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

An exfoliator is essential for any skin care routine. The trick is not to use it all the time, and when you do use it, to apply it gently, as being gentle is more effective anyways (and prevents microtears in the skin's surface which just get inflamed or infected). I like MAC's VAE, though unfortunately it is LE. Another great one is Neutrogena's Blackhead Eliminating exfoliator. As for how often you should use it, I would recommend it on an "as needed" basis, or 2 times a week. As I have slowed down on using exfoliators, I've noticed my skin is not as red as it used to be.

6) Clearasil Overnight Serum

In the event that I do have some acne popping up, I like this overnight serum which is pretty light and delicate, but effective as well. However, I usually get the under-the-skin, cystic type zits, so for those I actually read recently that you should apply a hot compress, then put a cooling acne cream on it.

7) Philosophy Hope in a Tube eye cream

Did you know, that the skin under your eyes does not have any oil glands? While this is the reason we don't get zits under our eyes, it also means that this area tends to age faster because there are no oils to moisturize and protect the skin. So, that's why an eyecream or SOME sort of moisturizer is very important, because it offers the moisture your skin cannot naturally produce. I like Philosophy's, but there are plenty of awesome and affordable eye creams.

So, there's my skin care routine. Pretty simple, but overall effective. What about you, what are your favorite products?

Review: China Glaze Poolside Collection

2010-05-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the Poolside collection came out well over a month ago, so I know I'm a bit late in this review. But, I still think they are so gorgeous that it would be a shame not to share the beauty of them with you all!

There are 6, uber-bright shades in this collection. They definitely scream summer! I ordered from Victoria Nail Supply, and while ordering, I was having such a hard time choosing which ones to get that I finally decided, "screw it, I'll get all of them!". When they arrived, they were packaged in a Poolside box, which was fun to get!

The finish of these is slightly matte/satiny- there's no shine here! I didn't realize this when I bought them. It's kinda cool, though I worry about their lasting power, when after all, I haven't had much luck with CG in the past. But we'll see if I can't find a good top coat. They're already chipping and I painted them like 2 hrs ago!

Well, on to the colors:

^^Towel Boy Toy is a bright blue. It reminds me of the color of a pool! Very pretty, very electric and summery.

^^Flip Flop Fantasy is a neon corally pink. This color is one of the standouts to me. It is not pink, not orange, not coral, but somewhere in between all of those colors.

^^Kiwi Coolada is an electric lime green. It is super bright, intense. I have not decided whether or not I will use it all that much because it does remind me of a highlighter, and I don't want to look like I was bored in class and colored my nails w/ one. :D

^^Sun Worshipper is basically a neon golden rod color with a touch more orange. This was the one color I wanted the most, because it's truly unique. It's not yellow, it's not orange, it's just very different. Expect a NOTD with this soon.

^^Pool Party is a neon pink. I already have a bright pink from CG, so I planned on skipping this but I feel this is a bit more warm pink. It's gonna be a fun, statement color for the summer.

^^Yellow Polka Dot Bikini is a neon yellow. Once again, it is very highlighter-esque. Not sure if it will get a lot of love but it's cool anyways. It looks nearly identical to Celtic Sun, as you can see:

l: Celtic Sun, r: Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Overall, these are fun, peppy summer colors- very fun and festive. I am not a fan of how quickly they are chipping, but so I hope that I can figure something out because it's such a shame!

What about you, what do you think of China Glaze's Poolside Collection?

The Search for True Beauty

2010-05-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

I love makeup. It's so fun and even therapeutic to apply it everyday, in a way different from the day before. I love it as a means of expression, a way to make myself stand out from the crowd. I love makeup because it's just pretty. But I would be lying if I said I didn't wear makeup to boost my self-confidence.

Last week, Kathy Lee and Hoda went makeup free on the Today show. They are just a few of the growing number of celebs who have recently posed sans makeup. One of the comments that stood out to me was that they felt "naked" without their makeup. When I heard this, I could definitely relate, as that's how I feel when I don't wear makeup. And I realized how much of a safety blanket makeup can be for me. Without it, I do feel naked, vulnerable even. But when I put my whole face on in the morning, it's like a mask I can hide behind.

Now, where do I draw the line between loving myself with or without makeup, but also being able to enjoy experimenting with this art form? Is there an easy medium?

To be honest, that's a question that I've yet to answer. But I do know that us women, we spend so much time critiquing ourselves and dissecting our imperfections, and it makes me start to wonder how much of our lives we are wasting by constantly thinking, "I'm not skinny enough" or "My nose is too big". What if we were to stop judging ourselves and just enjoyed life?

I love makeup and the artistic freedom it brings me, but I don't want to feel like if I'm not wearing it then I'm not beautiful. One of the things my life coach has told me to do is to tell myself daily, "I'm outrageously gorgeous". And it really does help!

Anyways, what do you think?

Review: Stila Loves Barbie Smudge Pots

2010-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a bargain for you! Stilacosmetics.com is selling these Barbie smudge pots at a bargain basement price of $20 for all 3, with free shipping. Since they usually retail for $20 EACH, it is a deal that I couldn't pass up. Read on for swatches and thoughts. :D

Smudge Pots, in case you don't know, are like MAC's paint pots. These are very versatile, and can be used as a base, as shadow, or as liner. The intensity of these colors really excited me. I think there are so many looks that can be done with these.

The packaging is really fun. The box is detailed, even in the inside:

And the lids are holographic, each one has the color eyeshadow on Barbie's lid, so you know what color you're picking up. Smart!

Cobalt Clutch is a vibrant royal blue.

The site says it has "intense shimmer", though I didn't see any shimmer on mine. It is more a flat, creamy blue. But maybe I need to take a bit more layer off the top? I don't know of anything similar from another line, it's a cool color!

Purple Pumps is purple with pink shimmer.

On the surface, this also looks like just a flat purple, but after removing the top layer, it's clear that there is some good shimmer in this. It is another unique color that I haven't seen from anything similar from any one else.

Little Black Dress is black with pink shimmer.

I love this color! Think Young Punk. In a mad stupor I sold my Young Punk, so I can't compare them side-by-side but it is the same idea. I think this is a really fun color, very chic and in style!

Overall, these are really fun smudge pots. If nothing else, they will make great liners. At $20 I couldn't resist!

Have you tried Stila's smudge pots? What do you think?

Review: MAC Opulash Mascara

2010-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually a fan of MAC mascaras. In fact, after last year's so-so Dazzlelash, I had pretty much planned on skipping all future MAC mascaras. So, I'm not really sure how I caved and bought Opulash, MAC's latest and more premium mascara. I am definitely a sucker for packaging, so it could've been the new chrome-looking tube. So what did I think?

Well, first off, this mascara is in a huge, full-size tube- much bigger than any other MAC mascaras, and for good reason: the brush on this thing is massive! I always thought Plush Lash's brush was big, but this one makes Plush Lash look whimpy. It's huge, similar to Dior Show mascara's wand.

l: Plush Lash r: Opulash

That said, it applies really quickly in one foul swoop. I love that it is so easy and quick to apply. It also does give considerable length and volume. Probably not the most that you'll ever get, but it is a very solid mascara. Unfortunately, that seems to be the trend with MAC mascaras: It's solid, but not mind-blowingly awesome.

I didn't take any pictures of it applied because I didn't really think those pics are super effective, or really show how it looks in real life.

My sister also picked this up, and I asked her what she thought. She says she doesn't like it as much as Plush Lash (which is her go-to mascara), mostly because of the brush- which tends to be one of the biggest parts of mascara. :D

Anyways, have you tried Opulash? What do you think?

Roundup: Products I'm Loving!

2010-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd share some of my favorite products right now!

MUFE Mat Duo Velvet: I'm sure you're wondering why I'm showing you this broken-ass powder. :D I was super sad when I dropped it TWICE within the first couple days of buying it. Since then I have lost a lot of product, but it doesn't change how I feel about this near-miracle worker. This powder is superb, it gives just the most flawless, airbrushed finish. I had heard good things about it before, so I'm glad I got it. It actually works amazingly well for a touch-up powder, after a few hours when I need a little blotting action or something.

VS Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm: I got this in a holiday lip set from Victoria's Secret. I didn't think of even using it, figuring it probably would be cheapy crap. However, my lips had been super chapped for a few weeks, and it seemed like no lip balms were working, no matter how many I tried. So I figured it couldn't hurt to give this a try, and good news, it is amazing! Especially for curing peeling, chapped lips. I used to have such a hard time wearing most lipsticks because they would accentuate all my lips' imperfections, but this balm keeps them very moisturized and ready for any lip products, even lip pencils. The best thing I've used in...well, ever!

Maybelline Define-A-Brow: This brow pencil is so awesome! I had been using a MAC brow pencil, but I couldn't get a very fine line with it, and I had to constantly sharpen it, wasting a lot of time. I have also used MAC's self-sharpening brow tool in 'Lingering', but I felt that, for the price of $15, it didn't last long- it lasted less than a month! I am used to pencils, which last forever. Anyways, I found out that Maybelline has this define-a-brow which is just like the MAC one, but half the price! So at $7, I can afford to waste a little bit of it. :)

Instant Chic Blush: I did a review on all of my Pret-A-Papier goodies, but here it is again! It has been my staple, go-to blush these days. It applies so perfectly and smoothly, I love it!

Bare Minerals in Fairly Medium: I recently discovered that BE had added a few colors to the line-up. I had to grab this one immediately- it's a perfect color match for me! I used to love Medium BE, but it was a bit too dark, so this is Medium with a bit of fair mixed in. Perfect!

Tarte Emphaseyes Eye Liner: Got this in a little tester set from Sephora. I love that it is self-sharpening, and that the liner is so fine-pointed, that it reaches into the itty bitty inner corners of my eye. Very awesome!

So, what are YOUR favorite products right now?

Review: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer

2010-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of my favorite bloggers had mentioned this product, so I kept an eye out at the store. The first place, Target, was plum sold out. I figured it must be a good product if it was sold out.

The next place had it, and it was on sale to suit, so I grabbed it and took off. So what did I think?

Well, to be honest, it's not my favorite primer to date, but it's ok.

The consistency is interesting: It is like a paste, almost like a spackle that is thick, not liquid.

It seems like if you apply it over your pores that it would fill them in and even out your complexion. But I didn't see any such results.

To me, it applied evenly, and my makeup applied fairly decently on top. It does have a little weird "balling-up" action going on as you try to blend it in:

see how it kind of balled up on the skin? Eww!

I also noticed it didn't keep my oily face at bay. In fact, of all primers, I got oily faster on this one than any others I've tried. Super disappointing!

Overall, I only wasted a few bucks, so I'm not too bummed, and if push comes to shove, it's better than no primer. I liked the concept, and think maybe with some tweaking, this could be an awesome product.

Review: MAC 'Pret-A-Papier' Collection

2010-05-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

I know this came out a while ago, but I wanted to share my goodies with you! I didn't get a chance to see this collection in the store, since I was moving, so I don't know if I can pass much judgment on all of the products I didn't buy, but these 3 things I got, I'm pretty pleased with.

I ended up with:
-Instant Chic Blush
-Chromographic Pencil in NC15/NW20
-Gazette Grey Eyeshadow

My goal was really to stick to a small list of things. I was very tempted to pick up some other eyeshadows (Memorabilia and Tissue Weight to name a few), but I am proud that I stuck to my list- it's something I'm trying to do, limit myself to 3 or 4 things MAX in a larger collection, 1-2 in a smaller one, or none if I am not interested at all. :)

I digress...

^^Instant Chic Blush- Of course, there was lots of hype about this blush, so I needed to grab one quickly, haha. But I really enjoy the color. It's like a corally pink, with just enough peach and pink. It's not orangey at all, and it applies lightly enough that you can really control the amount that you use. It is a sheertone finish, which can be good and bad. Good, because it's sheer or buildable. Bad, because if you really want a noticeable blush, you have to pack it on, and so you will hit the pan considerably quickly in relation to other finishes. But I really like this, it looks great on my fair, cool skintone.

Instant Chic swatched

^^Chromographic Pencil NC15/NW20- At first, I was like, "what the heck is this for" but when I realized it can be used to lighten the waterline, I was pretty intrigued. I didn't think I'd use it a whole lot, but already I've used it quite a bit. It's great for those days when you don't want to deal w/ black liner migrating to your under eye area! :) Also, it can be used for touch-up coverage, like around the nose, a small imperfection, etc.

Chromographic on waterline

Swatched on skin

^^Gazette Grey Eyeshadow- This is a unique color, probably the most unique in the collection. It is a green-grey, with gold sparkle. I love Velvet finishes, they're great for the crease. This one is impressively pigmented; I have no problem getting this to work with me. It's kind of hard to figure out what to use it with, as it is a bit lighter than I'd like for the crease. But, I do think there could end up being some really awesome looks with this color!

So, that's all folks, what did you get from Pret-A-Papier?

NOTD: Orly 'Luxe'

2010-05-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sally Beauty Supply was having a b2g1, so I picked up Orly 'Luxe'. It's my first Orly polish, and the intense metallic finish seemed kind of fun and different for me. The color is so metallic that I can almost use it as a mirror. :) However, the one thing that bums me out about this polish, is it's a weird, thin consistency that doesn't last long at all. It doesn't really chip as much as it kind of wears away. Very odd, different from what I am used to. I think it would really benefit from a top coat.

What do you think of Orly 'Luxe'?

Review: Lime Crime Candyfuture Lipstick

2010-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I learned about Lime Crime lipsticks from Temptalia, who did a review a couple months ago. Although her review was not exactly favorable, a couple of colors really stood out to me, and so I decided to place an order anyways for Cosmopop and D'Lilac.

These run at $16 a pop, which is a bit high for my tastes, but because I felt they were unique colors, the price was okay. And they do seem to be selling well; I had to wait for a bit for them to be re-stocked. Shipping is about $5, or free int'l shipping over $100. I managed to find a promo code for like 10 or 15% off, which brought my total to $33.80 for two lipsticks, so in my mind I only paid $1.80 for shipping. Very reasonable.

The products arrived in a very timely manner, and unlike some reviewers, mine came in a cute turquoise and white polka-dot box, with the contents securely wrapped in hot pink tissue paper. It was an impressive packaging job, really fun to see a decorative box like that in the mail.

The packaging of the product itself is pink with a holographic unicorn.

I haven't decided if they are cute or gawdy, but I will say they are fun to find in a sea of black MAC tubes. I had heard criticism of the "cheap" tube packaging, but I can't find anything too cheap about it. It is maybe a bit less sturdy than MAC, but I don't expect a steel tube anyways! They seem fine for a lipstick tube.

Ok, onto the colors!

D'Lilac is a light lavender.

It is like say, Fashion Mews, in cream form. This color applies very smoothly and evenly, no streaks or patchiness (which is another criticism I've read, and I don't see how, because it applies perfectly in one and a half coats for me). I was hoping to wear these a bit sheered out, but I find that the color payoff is so intense on these, that it's really hard to just lightly dab this lipstick on.

What do you think of D'Lilac?

Too much?

Cosmopop is creamsicle orange.

I was really excited for this one because I have been looking for a creamsicle orange color. Unfortunately, this is a bit orangey for my skin tone, as I am fairly cool-toned. It looks kinda funny like I'm the Joker or that I've got spaghetti sauce all over my face! Doesn't help that I actually did get it on my face, haha. Applies very well though, no streaks with this at all.

Too Orange?

What do you think of Cosmopop?

Overall, I was satisfied with my order. I probably would not buy again because these colors are, realistically hard to wear on a day-to-day basis, and the price is a bit steep for my tastes. But the quality is definitely up to par, and due to some of the negative reviews out there, I wholly expected these to be crap, but was pleasantly surprised at their quality. I am not sure why they were so negatively reviewed, but I guess I have to chalk it up to it all being an individual experience with these lipsticks, because I know everyone has their preferences to textures, finishes, etc. So these may not be for everybody, but I think they're kinda fun!

FOTD: Glamour Doll Eyes Twi-Shadows

2010-05-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick look I did with the twi-shadows, and I thought it turned out kinda cool. 'Scuse the gnarly brows. :)

Eyes:
GDE Mind Reader e/s
GDE Black Ice e/s
GDE Skin of a Killer e/s
MAC Blacktrack fluidline

Other: I can't remember what else I wore, I've been testing lots of different foundations and stuff lately. But this is about the eyes anyways, so forget the rest! :)

Review: Sugarpill!

2010-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a very belated review. I am sure by now most people have already gotten their Sugarpill fix, and are enjoying the products for themselves. But I still wanted to add my 2 cents to the blogosphere on these much-discussed products!

It was so hard to decide what to get because everything from Sugarpill looks absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to buy everything, but I figured one order is good for now, and I can have something to look forward to later, right?

I picked up Goldilux and Lumi loose eyeshadows, and two quads, the Burning Heart palette and the Sweetheart palette. I was surprised how quickly they were shipped and delivered. I threw the box away because I moved, but if you look at any other review, it is the same great, fun packaging.

Now, onto the products! Let's start with the loose eyeshadows.

l to r: goldilux, lumi

Well, depending on the shade you get determines how much product will be in the jars. This is because the shadows are packed by weight, not volume, so by the time it arrives to you, it could very easily have settled and appears to be less. This was the case with Lumi loose eyeshadow. As you can see it is considerably less than Goldilux:

But this is okay with me because I will unlikely ever use up an entire jar of anything! And I had read the note on the site, so I was aware of this possibility.

Lumi is snow white with a turquoise sheen.

On Temptalia, she likened it to Reflects Teal glitter by MAC. Frankly that's what sold me on this color, because I have always thought Reflects Teal glitter looked so pretty, but I don't use glitters so I'm glad to find this in shadow form! In the photos, a lot of the teal sheen is not visible, and to be honest, in real life the sheen is also very faint. But it is still a pretty color with lots of possibility. I want to try it over a black base and see what happens!

Goldilux is a highly reflective metallic gold.

It is a true gold, very vibrant and yes, very metallic as the description claims. I got this because everyone, including Amy, the owner, was raving about how amazing this color was. I didn't think I needed another gold color because I have golds coming out of my ears. But this certainly doesn't disappoint. It is so sparkly, almost like glitter. I used it wet which made it shine even more. It is so beautiful, but remember it is sparkly!

l: Goldilux r: Lumi

Next, the palettes!

I love these bright colors, the remind me so much of being young, willing and wanting to wear any bright colored eyeshadow. I was a little worried because I am getting older (ok only 25) and don't want to look too high schoolish. But this entire makeup line has really inspired me to make a statement with my makeup. If Amy can pull off all these amazing colors (which she can!), then I can too, right? So I am really grateful for her inspiration!

Anyways enough blabbing! The Burning Hearts palette is named appropriately. All the colors are warm shades, very fiery and intense. They swatch like a dream too. The red swatches incredibly easily; the other colors take a very slight bit more to swatch but that really means nothing when you're talking about Sugarpill, because they all still swatch 10x better than any other eyeshadows I have ever worked with!

Burning Hearts Quad

You may be wondering how these compare with other similar shades. Well, here is a swatch of Mufe 92 vs. Sugarpill's purple:

l: MUFE 92; r: Sugarpill Poison Plum

Also, when it comes to reds, it can be a struggle to find a TRUE red. So, here is a swatch of MAC's Basic Red pigment vs. Sugarpill's Love+. I am not confident if MAC's Basic Red is eye safe, so even though it appears to be slightly more of a true red, Love+ is eye safe.

l: MAC Basic Red; r: Sugarpill Love+

Next, the Sweetheart quad!

I love the swatching power of all of these. The pink, Dollipop, and the blue, Afterparty, win the award for the best swatchers, though Midori and Tako are not far behind. I have probably used Tako the most so far, it's a great highlight color if you don't want to look gawdy, but want a little edge to your look.

So now that I own these two quads, the only eyeshadow I am missing is Bulletproof, a matte black. But I figured I have plenty of black eyeshadows, so I won't be rushing to get this shade anytime soon. But if you don't have a matte black, you might be interested in grabbing Bulletproof.

Overall, I absolutely adore this line! The prices are very reasonable ($12 per eyeshadow, pressed or loose, $34 per quad), and the amount of product you get is even better! These are the size of MUFE, so much bigger than MAC, but at a fraction of the MUFE price. And, if you spend over $75, you will receive free shipping. Plus, the products are long-lasting, and versatile. You can create any look with these simple colors, by mixing or blending them.

What do you think of Sugarpill?