Friday, April 27, 2012

Sigma Mr. Bunny Travel Kit Review!

sigma brush set

Sigma Mr. Bunny Black Travel Kit

The Sigma Mr. Bunny Brush Sets are Sigma's synthetic, or vegan version of their Make Me Up Brush (which I own and love) Collection.

If you're familiar with Sigma Brushes, this set uses the same "Sigmax HD Fibers" as the popular F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki. The bristles are super soft and fluffy, and although they are synthetic, the bristles higher quality than synthetic brushes you may find at the drugstore (Ecotools, etc).

This set includes:
Pencil E30 - Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, upper and lower lash line.
Tapered Blending E40 - Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease.
Eye Shading E55 - Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments.
Small Angle E65 - Essential for the application of gel or cream eye liner on the upper and lower lash line.
Large Powder F30 - Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body.
Large Angled Contour F40 - The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades.
Foundation F60 - Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. Recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas.
All of the brushes have the same name as the regular Sigma brushes, so it might be a little confusing, but you can't actually order these brushes separately, which may be the reason.


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipstick in Please Stay Plum.


Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipsticks launched at the start of the new year, and frankly, we haven't heard too much buzz about them.

Maybelline already has a Stain Gloss and Lip Color (the standard double-sided sponge applicator lip color with a clear conditioning balm on the opposite end), but they added a lipstick to the line, promising 14 hours of non-drying, comfortable wear.

Available in 20 shades: Perpetual Peony, Ultimate Blush, Fuschia Forever, Eternal Rose, Beige For Good, Never Ending Nude, Ceaseless Caramel, Consistently Truffle, Lasting Chestnut, Pout on Pink, Ravishing Rouge, Eduring Ruby, Timeless Crimson, Continuous Cranberry, Keep Me Coral, Infinite Iris, Till Mauve Do Us Part, Please Stay Plum, Endless Raisin, Wine and Forever.

I have Please Stay Plum, a deep, creamy wine.


I think the 14-hour claim is really alluring, as we all want our lipstick to last all day, but it also makes some of us weary because usually along with "long-lasting" lipstick formulas, you're usually left with lips that are shriveled, crying for moisture.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Reviewing an old favorite: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I've talked and recommended this foundation on many occasions, but I don't actually have a post dedicated to it. It's been requested on a few occasions, and since I've been wearing it almost every day lately, it's reminded me of how much I love this foundation and figured it'd be the perfect time for a review on it!

My love for this foundation dated back six years ago when I was in the market for a full coverage foundation. I was recommended Estee Lauder Double Wear and haven't looked back!

This miracle in a bottle claims to provide flawless, lasting coverage that will withstand heat, humidity and sweat while feeling lightweight on the skin and looking completely natural throughout the day.

It's also smudge-proof, oil-free, Non-acnegenic and fragrance free.

There are 21 shades in total, and the shades are broken up into three categories, making it easier to find the right shade for your undertone. *As a side note, neutral in the Estee Lauder Double Wear line refers to peach.

W = Warm (1W1 Bone, 1W2 Linen, 2W1 Sand, 3W1 Tawny, 4W1 Shell Beige, 5W1 Bronze, 6W2 Spice)
N = Neutral (1N1 Ecru, 2N1 Desert Beige, 2N2 Fresco, 3N1 Ivory Beige, 4N1 Wheat, 5N1 Soft Tan, 6N1 Truffle)
C = Cool (1C1 Shell, 2C1 Dusk, 3C1 Pebble, 4C1 Suede, 5C1 Rich Chestnut, 6C1 Rich Cocoa)

*Warm = red, yellow undertones, Cool = pink/rosy undertones. 

When I have no tan (MAC NC15-20 coloring) I use shade 1W1 Bone. When I'm tan (MAC NC35-NC40 coloring) I use 3W1 Tawny. Tawny is slightly light when I'm NC40, but the next shade up (Shell Beige) lacks enough yellow.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Bone and Tawny

READ MORE!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Step by Step Eyeshadow Tutorial with Dramatic Black Liner and a Darkened Crease.

Two tutorials in one week, what!? Yeah I know, pretty unusual, but I thought it'd be a nice change from reviews all of the time. This particular look focuses mainly on the dramatic (thick) winged liner and the contrast against the precisely darkened crease and the contrasting light shade on the lids. This is more of a going out/nighttime look, as it's quite dramatic for the daytime. You can take it up a notch by adding black liner to the waterline or adding a full strip of false lashes.

Products Used:
MAC Groundwork Paint Pot (light brown cream eyeshadow, used as a base in step 1)
MAC Malt Eyeshadow (used in step 2 and step 8)
MAC Corduroy Eyeshadow (used in step 4 and step7)
MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow (used in step 5 and step 6)
Dior Rosy Tan (used the middle shade for a highlight in step 3)
Anastasia Shimmer Highlight Pencil (used in step 11)
Illamasqua Mislead Cake Eyeliner (used in step 9 and step 10)
Maybelline The Falsie's Mascara (used in step 12)
Andrea Medium Flare Individual Lashes (used in step 13)

Brushes Used:
Coastal Scents Concealer Brush
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush
Sigma Pencil Brush
Sigma Small Angle Brush
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush
Coastal Scents Small Eyeliner Brush


READ MORE!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

A few of my old never-fail products - and yep, they're all MAC.

I'm sure most of us makeup fanatics have a few products in our makeup stash that you can consider your "never fail" products. They are the often neglected, but never forgotten products that you know you can use, and they'll never let you down. You may not use them every day, but once you run out, you know you have to purchase another to replace it. Maybe it's a certain eyeliner or a particular blush. Maybe it's one item in each category. I'm sure I have a few more than I'm mentioning - but I wanted to dedicate a post to these few that stood out to me and always have a warm place in my heart: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, MAC Studio Finish Concealer and MAC Select Cover-Up.

It's a complete coincidence that they're all MAC products - and it's even a bigger coincidence that they are some of the first MAC products I ever tried.

I remember my first trip to MAC like it was yesterday. I was a senior in highschool and it was my first time ever buying non-drugstore makeup. I purchased (George purchased it, actually. We just started dating at the time!) Studio Fix Fluid in NC40, Blot Powder in Med-Dark, Select Cover-up in Peach, Paint in Bare Canvas and Eyeshadows in Gorgeous Gold, Moons Reflection and Aquadisiac. Aside from the shadows, I continue using all of those products till this day.

READ MORE!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Lust List Vol. 001

What's a lust list? It's basically a list (or collage) of material items you're "lusting" after or wish you had! Some people like to create these little collages as a way to organize items they admire, or to use it as kind of like a shopping list for items they'd like to purchase at some point. I think they are fun to read, and fun to create!

Well, I've got my eyes on so many things right now I knew I had to put a list together.

So, here goes my jumbled list of things that have running through my mind lately.

Zara Studded Evening Bag Box - I'm phasing out of my spike obsession, but I love edgy pieces and I think this clutch is adorable. I know I probably wouldn't get much use out of it though, so I may opt for the matching studded ankle strap sandals - something I could wear more often.
Zara Die-cast Pleated Shopper - I don't know why but I've been thinking about this bag for weeks. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. I know it's way too big to be practical and the handles are too small to wear it comfortably, but something keeps telling me that I need it in my life. 
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer - Apparently this cream foundation is pigmented enough to work as a concealer, while somehow looking completely natural. Reviews state that you only need a tiny amount for the whole face and a little jar will last for ages. I'm seconds away from placing an order. What doesn't sound good about this stuff!?
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Tumulte - I'm a sucker for Chanel blushes as well as anything pink, so naturally this newly released Joues Contraste ended up on my list. I have yet to see it in person, but I can tell from various blog posts that it's gorgeous!
Giorgio Armani Master Corrector - I think this product has been on my invisible lust list for the past couple of years but neglected ever purchasing it. Well, still neglecting it, but I'm trying to remind myself that I have to try it one of these day. I haven't read any reviews that weren't positive about this magic little tube for the under-eyes.
Guerlain Terracotta Blush in Sunny Pink - I freaked out when I first saw swatches for this Guerlain Summer Collection blush. Get a look at this swatch and tell me it won't look amazing on the cheeks. The only thing that's kept me from purchasing it, is that it may be reminiscent of Nars Orgasm - I don't need another one in my collection. Any insight for those that own it?
(Image Source: naturalchicmakeup)
Guerlain By Emilio Pucci Météorites Perles D’azur Illuminating Powder - I'm a huge fan of Guerlain Meteorites. They are such a luxurious product, and are fun to apply! I use them as a setting powder, and they erase any oily shine from my face, and leave a beautiful glow behind. My face is always glowing when I use these pearls. Do I really need another one? Probably not, but this one is so pretty that I think I may splurge.
Sigma Tapered Highlighting Brush - I've had it in my head that I need a domed brush in my collection. I'm not really sure if I do, but Sigma probably has the most affordable one, so I'll probably end up ordering it in the near future. Anyone have this brush? Do you like it?
Diorskin Nude Tan Nude Glow Sun Powder - Ahh, last but not least, the Dior bronzers from the Dior Summer 2012 Collection. I have yet to see reviews for any, but they look super pretty with the sleek silver packaging, and they come with a mini kabuki. How cute!

What's on your list?

P.S. What do you think of the newly designed Sephora site? I'm not too crazy about it. I liked the previous design better. It was easier for me to navigate
How do you like the new Sephora site?
I love it!
I'm indifferent.
I liked the old site better.


Hope you all have a wonderful night! Tomorrow is Friday - yay!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick Review!

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick

What do you guys think of Sonia Kashuk makeup? To be honest, I've never really tried any of their color cosmetics. When I shop at the drugstore for makeup, I'm usually looking for a really good sale, one where I can typically attach a manufacturer coupon with, to knock off a couple of extra dollars. Then, if it's something that didn't really work out for me, it wasn't a huge blow to my wallet.

Needless to say, Sonia Kashuk cosmetics are a little expensive and they rarely ever go on sale (maybe 10% off once in a while?) So, I figure for a few more dollars I can invest in some MAC. 

Well, Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette has caused quite the stir in the beauty blogging world. It's a little palette containing two concealers, a neutralizer and setting powder. The concealers look a little dark for my current "light" skintone, so I usually pass it up on my grocery trips to Target. But recently, I got a hold of Sonia's stick concealer in a makeup swap and it's a great match. 

"Buildable medium to high coverage concealer that perfectly hides skin imperfections with an absolute natural, non-powdery finish." - http://soniakashuk.com

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick is available in three shades: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk. I have the shade Dawn, which is a lovely light, golden beige. It matches my NC15-20 skintone very well.

(From left to right: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk.)
READ MORE! (before & after photos included)

Camera Update.


Good Afternoon, Beauties!

Some of you may know I was in a camera dilemma at the beginning of the month. My Canon Powershot SD3500 IS broke spontaneously, and with products piling up, I had to buy a replacement camera fast. I ended up getting the Nikon Coolpix P500, which I was really excited about and then quickly had my doubts about it after testing it out for a few days. When I photographed makeup, the colors weren't 100% accurate. I know many cameras won't be exactly accurate, but considering the purpose of this camera is to photograph makeup, I don't want to post photos that are misleading. I have to really give props to my old Canon for being very true-to-life in photos. I planned to return the Nikon, but with a busy schedule, I had no other choice but to use it for the mean-time (I have 90 days to return it if I'm not satisfied).

I've been using the Nikon for all of my recent posts, starting from the 9th of April. After messing around with the settings for several days, I figured out the setting that works best and is the most accurate. I can get pretty good photos in the daylight, but at night, it becomes difficult to get accurate coloring. I didn't have that problem with my previous camera and a few daylight bulbs - for whatever reason, the same set-up doesn't work as well with my Nikon.

But, after using it for a couple of weeks, I've grown to really like it. I can't really say yet if I'd recommend it for photographing makeup, but it really is a fabulous camera otherwise and takes very good photos for a point-and-shoot. It's probably the next best thing before purchasing a dslr.

I don't think at this point I'll be returning it unless I happen to come across something else that is much better at a similar price (I paid $299.99 on clearance at Target). I will let you know if my opinion has changed at all. And of course, if you have any questions about the camera, you can leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Lastly, my blog is featured on the front page of Hellocotton today as "top in beauty"! If you haven't heard of Hellocotton, I urge you to check it out. It's an awesome blog directory with blogs in every category in a very easy to navigate format. Join or Connect with Facebook and Like, Comment and Share your newly discovered favorite blogs!


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Step by Step Golden Bronze Eyeshadow Tutorial.

gold eyeshadow tutorial

I haven't done a tutorial in a while, so I thought I'd share with you one of my go-to looks when going out. It may seem like a lot of steps, but it's actually very simple, and it takes me all about five minutes to do. You can step it up a notch for night-time wear by adding false lashes and/or liner on the waterline, or you can tone it down for day-time wear by subtracting the outer-v color and liner.

Products Used:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer (used in step 1)
MAC Brule Eyeshadow (used in step 5)
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow (used in step 2 and 4)
MAC Soba Eyeshadow (used in step 3)
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow (used in step 6)
MAC Brun Eyeshadow (used in step 7 and 8)
Loreal Endless Pearl Infallible Eyeshadow (used in step 10)
MAC Dipdown Fluidline Eyeliner (used in step 9)
Clarins Extra Definition Mascara (used in step 11)

Brushes Used:
Coastal Scents Small Eyeliner Brush
Sigma Small Angle Brush
Sigma Pencil Brush
Sigma Large Shader Brush
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush


CONTINUE READING!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Avon Plumberry Shine Attract Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

Avon Plumberry Shine Attract Lipstick

Call me crazy, but as soon as I twisted up this tube of Avon Shine Attract Lipstick, I wanted to take a bite out of it. Yep, that's right. I wanted to eat it. Doesn't it look like Jell-O? Or a Push-pop? The clear, surrounding layer is actually a stick gloss (for extra shiny lips), while the middle is the actual lip color.

Avon Shine Attract Lipstick is available in fifteen (15) shades: Shimmer Pink, Rose Pink, Mysterious Mauve, Plumberry, Cherry Pie, Guava, Nude Love, All Around Russet, Rose Bouquet, Fuchsia Flare, Wrapped in Raisin, Orchid, Passionate Red, Caressing Coral, Copper Connection.

I have it in the shade plumberry, which is a medium toned plum with fine shimmer.

Because of the clear layer of lipstick, the color is quite sheer with a shiny finish.


Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation Review!

Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation

Shiseiso Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a product I've been wanting to try for years. After being turned down at a couple of Shiseido counters for a sample, I basically forgot about it for a while. It wasn't until lately when I ran across a YouTube video by Fleur, who raved about how she loves it (even more than her favorite Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua) that I decided I need to get my hands on a bottle.

As a part of Shiseido's Sun Protection line, the Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a thin consistency liquid foundation with high sun protection (SPF 42) that claims to be non-transferrable through heat, water and sweat while looking completely natural.

What stinks about this foundation is the itty-bitty shade selection. It's only available in seven (7) shades: SP10, SP20, SP30, SP40, SP50, SP60 and SP70.



I'm not positive how the numbering system is figured, but I compared the three lightest shades - SP10, SP20 and SP30. They actually all looked like the same, or very similar depths, but with different undertones. SP10 appeared the pinkest of the three, SP20 appeared fairly neutral (nor pink or yellow - a good in-between) and SP30 appeared yellow toned. I ultimately ended up with SP30, which I would say is equivalent to around the MAC NC15-20 coloring.

Here's a comparison-
shiseido sun protection makeup swatches
From left to right: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15, Neutogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory and Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in SP30.

The darkest shade isn't very dark at all. P70 is equivalent to the MAC NC40-NC42 (medium-tan) coloring.

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation

Friday, April 13, 2012

Covergirl Flashy Blastflipstick Blendable Lip Duo Review, Photos and Swatches!

Covergirl Flashy Blastflipstick Blendable Lip Duo

Have you spotted the Covergirl Blast Flipsticks on the racks yet at your local drugstore? Covergirl launched these lip duos at the start of the year, and to be honest, I dismissed them after spotting them at Walmart back in January because A) I didn't spot any barbie pink, and B) I wasn't too fond of the packaging. How shallow I must have been!

Well, I recently got the chance to try one of them, so I can share my thoughts with you all!

If these tubes look familiar to you, it's because the packagaing has a striking resemblance to the Covergirl Smokey Shadow Blasts I reviewed a couple years ago (Which I thought were pretty cool but gave my eyes an allergic reaction. My eyes were waterworks every time I wore them!). It's basically a double ended lipstick wand, with a darker cream shade on one end, and a lighter, shimmery shade on the other. Both colors can be worn separately, or you can layer the lighter shade over the darker one.

There are thirteen (13) shades in total: Whisper, Pucker, Glimmer, Flashy, Vixen, Perky, Tease, Cheeky, Stunner, Snap, Smooch, Minx and Intense.

I own the shade Flashy, a deep purple with a blue duo-chrome, and a light, shimmery magenta. This wouldn't have been my shade of choice, but it's a fab combination for deep to dark skintones!


Covergirl Flashy Blastflipstick Blendable Lip Duo

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dolce and Gabbana Shimmer Illuminator Review, Photos and Swatches!

Dolce and Gabbana The Illuminator Powder in Shimmer

I picked up this powder recently through a blog sale as it was a great deal, and I was curious to step into the world of Dolce and Gabbana cosmetics. It's not a D&G product you hear much about, nevertheless I still wanted to write a review for it, because there isn't much info online about the product, and I figure it may help someone sooner or later.

Dolce and Gabbana Illuminator is described as a "lightweight powder highlighter offering effortless radiance. An enviable natural glow is created as every area of the face is brightened by the exquisite blend of pearlescent tones."

The Illuminator is available in two shades: Eva and Shimmer.

For a product that is labeled as a highlighter, Shimmer is not one to follow the crowd. In fact, Shimmer, isn't very shimmery at all. I'd say that Eva (light, golden-beige) is more of a traditional highlighter.

Shimmer is a soft, mauved-taupe with a sprinkle of ultra-fine shimmer. So sparse that it's barely there.

It actually doesn't work as a highlighter for me, and I can't really see this working as a highlighter for anyone - rather, a shade to add warmth and depth to the skin. For myself, it works great as a natural contour through the hollows of my cheekbones, or as a nude blush (ya know, the kind of blushes that are a cross between a bronzer).

In some ways, it reminds me a bit of MAC Taupe Blush (Pro shade) but more sheer with an added hint of rosy mauve, whereas Taupe is purely a pale, neutral brown that pulls slightly plummy on my cheeks.


Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters Review, Photos and Swatches!

revlon lip butters

Revlon Lip Butters

I'm so excited to finally review these lip butters for you all. After seeing them featured on just about every blog known to man, I figured you all would be bored of seeing them, and neglected purchasing any. But, after finally trying them, I'm totally head-first on the lip butter bandwagon. I want more - heck, I want them all.

Revlon Lip Butters are a hybrid of a creamy lip balm and a lipstick. They are super "buttery" smooth, pigmented, hydrating and pack lots of shine. Whats more to want? And you wonder why they have everyone going nuts. Plus, the packaging is pretty cute and they're affordable at around $6.

These Lip Butters are available in twenty (20) shades: Pink Truffle, Sugar Frosting, Raspberry Pie, Tutti Frutti, Brown Sugar, Peach Parfait, Candy Apple, Red Velvet, Cotton Candy, Berry Smoothie, Cupcake, Gumdrop, Creamsicle, Cherry Tart, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sugar Plum, Sweet Tart, Creme Brulee and Fig Jam.

I own three - Strawberry Shortcake, a natural pink, Sweet Tart, a vibrant, watermelon pink and Red Velvet, a deep, vampy red.

Revlon Lip Butters from left to right: Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart and Red Velvet.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer Lip Balm Review, Photos and Swatches!

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer Lip Balm

I was recently chosen to be a Ladies Home Journal Beauty Ambassador for their first-ever reader beauty awards! I'm so honored and excited to be apart of their program, and in the meantime, I have a bunch of lip products to share with you (courtesy of Ladies Home Journal) that I'll be posting about throughout the week. The first lip product I'll be talking about is Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer Lip Balms is a product I've always noticed, but never purchased. I always figured they are a little expensive for a lip balm, and would end up going to the dollar rack and picking up a tube of strawberry Carmex. It's funny how certain products that get no hype in the beauty blogosphere get neglected on the racks, because had I known sooner, I would have picked up a couple a while back. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as: Coconut and sunflower oil, Vitamin E, Beeswax and Shea Butter, these lip shimmers are 100% natural. 

These lip balms are flavored with Peppermint, so they give your lips a nice, cooling sensation and slight tingle that sticks around for a bit. That may or may not be your cup-of-tea, but I love lip products that provide a small burst of refreshment to my lips.

Lip Shimmers are available in twelve (12) shades: Cherry, Plum, Strawberry, Caramel, Champagne, Fig, Guava, Peony, Radiance, Raisin, Rhubarb and Watermelon.

I own five, three of them being newly released shades - Cherry, Plum, Strawberry, and two shades that have been around - Caramel and Rhubarb.

Strawberry is a soft, natural pink, Caramel is a sheer, bronzed tan, Plum is a deep raisin, Cherry is a sheer, warm red and rhubarb is a cool-rosy red. For those of you freaked out by shimmer, don't fear because these little tubes are incredibly subtle. Caramel is the only shade that's noticeably frosty, but it's not overwhelming. (See swatches at the end of this post)

My favorite color from the bunch is of course Strawberry, as I'm a lover of easily wearable light pinks.

From left to right: Strawberry, Caramel, Plum, Cherry and Rhubarb.

From left to right: Strawberry, Caramel, Plum, Cherry and Rhubarb.

Forget the Twix, I'll take those lace Meundies briefs in slot B3.


For those of you that haven't been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you'll know that fashion & beauty monthly subscription sites have been booming. You can get a monthly subscription for everything imaginable now-a-days, including (I'm sure you already guessed) your underwear.

Yep. Meundies.com is just that. You first take a short questionnaire or "style quiz/profile", so the website can generate a selection of items that will fit your personal style. Once your selection pops up, if you see something you like, you can make a one-time purchase. If you don't see anything you like, there's no obligation to purchase anything. You also have the option to "auto-ship" on your favorite pair to receive them each month for 20% less. 

After choosing auto-ship, just like other sites, you can choose to "skip" the month and you won't be charged. Just make sure it's within the first five days of the month.

The price is $20 a pair. Sound pricey? Meundies.com claims to have "the world's most comfortable underwear". All undies are handcrafted with high quality fabric and lace for ultimate quality and comfort. Not happy with them? There's a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

You have a choice of a thong, boyshorts or briefs. I chose the black briefs, which is my absolute favorite style of underwear to wear for every day.

READ MORE!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Jewelmint Armor Ring Review! Plus 65% off code!

 Jewelmint Armor Ring

It's been a while since my last Jewelmint post, so I was excited when I received my April selection in the mail this morning. I wasn't too crazy about anything these past couple of months, but when I saw the Armor Ring, I knew I had to have it.

Jewelmint's Armor Ring features a pale, oxidized silver 2 1/4" long, finger-hugging shield filled with rows of shiny crystals.

I found no flaws in my ring, and after wearing it for a few hours, find that it's really comfortable on my hand while going about my routine, writing and typing on the computer. Every now and then I glance at my hand to admire the glistening crystals.

I know it's not too unique or anything - I actually own a bunch of similar shaped rings that I purchased from various places (mostly Forever 21) for a few dollars, but after wearing them often, the color of the metal changed on just about all of them. This brings me to the reason I wanted the Armor Ring. I own several items from Jewelmint and actually, I wear my Jewelmint rings most days out of the week, and none of them have changed color, lost stones, etc. I wanted a good quality ring that is still inexpensive, but will last me for much longer.



Monday, April 9, 2012

Nails of the Day: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Pacific Blue!

Two Coats of Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

Sally Hansen Pacific Blue is a bright, royal-blue cream polish with a shiny finish. It's almost a cross between royal blue and periwinkle blue. There are so many different shades of blue, and this particular shade is at the top of my list. I think it's a great summer shade, especially with the current "pop of neon" trend. This shade goes particularly well with neon yellow. 

When I think of neon yellow, I think of this Cambridge bag I've been lusting over for the past few months. But I can't help but think that I'll probably never wear again after the summer. What do you think?
(Image Source)

Here's a comparison to what I'd call true blue. Note the difference?
Love and Beauty Blue (link)

Application with this polish is pretty good. It applies evenly and almost completely opaque with one coat. If you're an impatient gal, you could definitely get away with one coat of this polish. I opted for two for full opacity and a shiny top coat. I did notice with the second coat the polish seemed slightly thick. I may add a couple drops of thinner to the bottle.

Absolutely love this shade and I'm sure I'll be wearing it all summer long.

What's on your nails?

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!


Wishing you all days filled with love, happiness and hope.

Happy Easter!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Reminder: 15% off for VIB's at Sephora!

If you're a Sephora "Very Imporant" Beauty Insider and haven't placed your order yet, today is the final day to receive 15% off sitewide at Sephora.com (includes sales items!)

Use the code: CHICVIB

Also, if you haven't heard of ebates by now, I always make sure to use ebates when ordering from Sephora to receive money back on all of my purchases. Right now, you'll get 8.0% cash back on your purchase with Sephora! All you basically do, is search Sephora, and click the referral link which will bring you to the Sephora website. Shop as usual, and your ebates account will track your purchase and will be credited the 8%, which you can then transfer to your paypal account. It sounds more confusing than it really is.

(Click EBATES to create an account)

Pretty sweet deal.

Unfortunately, for regular Beauty Insiders, yesterday was the final day to make a purchase and receive 15% off.

*To be a VIB with Sephora, you have to spend $350+ online or in-store in one calendar year, using your Beauty Insider card.

I have yet to purchase anything - hopefully I can get an order in by the end of the day. Anything you think I should get?

Thursday, April 5, 2012

A little patience, please.

After two days of messing around with my new camera (crying in frustration for one of those days) I've come to the conclusion that the Nikon Coolpix P500 isn't for me. Don't get me wrong, it's a really awesome camera. It takes very clear and crisp photos of just about everything.. except my makeup products. No matter how much I tried, the color accuracy was off. It was accurate when photographing scenery and people, but when it comes to photographing my lipsticks - nope, no good. My pink lipsticks looked peach and when everything in person looked nice and bright, it photographed dull and neutral. My previous camera photographed everything as I saw it in person.

So now I'm kind of ambivalent about what I should do now. Return this thing and invest a couple hundred dollars more and get a Canon Rebel? Or, just buy another Canon Powershot for the time being.

Anyway, I have so many products that I want to review, but haven't tested them out yet because I want to photograph them first. It's really killing me not to bust open one of these Revlon Lip Butters.

Hopefully I'll get this all figured out very soon as I have so many posts in store for you all!

(For those who wanted to know, my scarf is by Theodora & Callum! I love their scarves.)

Talk to you soon!
xoxox

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

A recent trip to the CCO (Cosmetic Company Outlet)!



I took a recent trip to my "not so" local Cosmetic Company Outlet, as I've had to urge for several months to stop in and see if I can find any good, discounted cosmetics.

I was mostly hoping to get my hands on some MAC brushes, but the items that particular CCO had in stock were a little on the "sad" side.

I did manage to find some things, though!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 1W1 Bone - After wearing countless foundations that don't get me through a long day, I started to miss an old favorite - Estee Lauder Double Wear.

It's a foundation that I could always rely on that provides full coverage on those shy-of-perfect skin days, is transfer-resistant and long wearing. Love this stuff.

MAC #192 Cheek/Face Brush - A small, synthetic paddle shaped foundation-type brush with a tapered tip that was designed for use of face products, such as moisturizer and/or cream blush. This brush has been discontinued.

I was drawn to this brush immediately as I love using foundation brushes to apply my concealer as opposed to tiny concealer brushes. This brush looked like the perfect brush to apply my concealer. I haven't tested it out yet, but I'm pretty anxious to!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in #55 Pink Cloud -The only thing that stinks from buying makeup from a CCO (other than it being very old) is finding an awesome shade, and then later finding that it's a discontinued shade. Le sigh.

Pink Cloud has the potential of being my favorite pink lipstick, but it appears that our love will be short lived, as I'm sure I'll have trouble finding a back-up.

It's a creamy, light yellow-toned pink (which makes it appear slightly coral/flamingo pink in the tube). On the lips it's a little bit lighter, and more of a bubble-gum pink. It reminds me a little bit of one of my older favorite lipsticks by MAC called Colour Crafted (but much more wearable).

MAC Royal Azalea Sheen Supreme - A shade that would typically be very unlike me to purchase in the past. It's funny though how certain colors I couldn't wear when I was tan, are flattering on me now. And vise-versa. I wouldn't get near a blue-based pink in the past (being a tan MAC NC40), but now, chillin' in my au natural NC15 skin, MAC Snob doesn't look all that bad, and my HG MAC Shygirl doesn't look too HG status anymore.

Royal Azalea is a light, cotton candy pink with blue undertones. It's incredibly creamy with opaque coverage, and very comfortable on the lips.

MAC Kissable Lip Color in Enchantee - MAC Kissable Lip Color Lip Glosses were limited edition glosses that launched early last year in the MAC Peacocky Collection. They claimed to be a hybrid of a lipstick and gloss, giving you the coverage of a lipstick, with the finish of a gloss that is lightweight and will last for hours.

Enchantee is a cool toned light pink. It's very lightweight, non-sticky, provides good coverage and lasts longer on my lips than typical lip glosses. Bummer this was limited edition!

 MAC Enchantee, Bobbi Brown Pink Cloud and MAC Royal Azalea.

If you'd like to see individual reviews for any of these products, let me know!

New Camera.


Good Afternoon!

Just wanted to do a quick post to let you know I purchased a new camera yesterday (The Nikon P500 I mentioned in my previous post) and I'm excited to put it to use!

I've never owned a Nikon before - every single camera I've owned up until now has been a Canon, so it's a little bit of a change for me. I'm impressed with it so far, but I'm still playing around with it to figure out the proper settings I should be using for product photos and things like that. Any tips would be appreciated!

Also, not sure if you can tell by my photo, Instagram was released on Google Play - Yay! So you can now find me on there with the username 'Missnattyngeorge".

Talk to you all soon!