My February Beauty Favorites!

Most Loved Beauty Products February 2013

I haven't done a monthly favorite in ages and I feel like I have so many products to talk about with so little time! I used so many different products throughout February, but I wanted to keep the list short and sweet. All of the products in this post have been used and loved throughout the whole month of February. Reviews will be up shortly for several of the products!

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream - $15

A moisturizer, foundation and SPF all wrapped up in one product. I honestly didn't have high expectations for this product but I seriously love it. It's been my go-to makeup every day for my "no makeup" makeup days and I even like it so much that I've been wearing it on nights out. The coverage is great for a BB cream and it makes my skin look like my skin but better!

YSL Multi-Action Concealer - $35

Two words when I first tried this. HELL. YES. This concealer is amazing and I don't think it gets the proper attention it deserves. This is by far the silkiest concealer stick I've ever tried and it glides on the skin like butter. (I know some of you hate that analogy, but it's seriously smooth - like a rouge volupte in concealer form.) It provides full coverage while remaining lightweight.

NARS Oasis Blush - $29

The moment I thought I didn't need another Nars Blush, I discovered this beauty. It's a really pretty rosy pink with a hint of plum and sparkles. Somewhat similar to Nars Sin, but rosier. Although it looks scary sparkly in the pan, they thankfully play a disappearing act once applied to the cheeks. I've been wearing this just about every day. Love!

Step by Step Smokey Brown Eyeshadow Tutorial!

Smokey Brown Eyeshadow Tutorial

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A brown smokey eye is a great look if you want a dramatic look, without being too dark. The pop of gold on the inner third of the eye really brightens up the eye and adds a bit of light to make the eyes really stand out. This look works really well on all eye colors - brown, hazel/green or blue. If you're light complected and don't feel comfortable with a look this dark, you can soften it up a bit by skipping the black liner and using a deep brown or charcoal - or you can skip the liner all together. If you have small eyes, black on the waterline can make the eyes appear even smaller, so to avoid this, make sure the eyeshadow on your bottom lash line is extra smokey and extended out and apply a good coat of mascara to the bottom lashes. Adding a flesh toned, ivory or brown liner to your waterline is also an option to open up the eyes. To keep this look more daytime appropriate, you can stop at Step 7 and finish off with mascara. 

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Products Used:

Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (used in step 1)
MAC Wedge Eyeshadow (used in step 2)
NARS Galapagos Eyeshadow (used in steps 3 and 5)
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow (used in step 4)

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow (used in step 6)

MAC Chamomile Eyeshadow (used in step 7)

Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Eyeliner (used in steps 8, 11, 12 and 15)

MAC Carbon Eyeshadow (used in steps 10 and 11)

Ardell #45 Eyelashes (used in step 13)

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara (used in step 14)

You will Need:

• A matte, light brown eyeshadow
• A dark brown eyeshadow
• A shimmery brown eyeshadow
• A gold eyeshadow
• A light matte eyeshadow for the highlight
• A black eyeshadow
• A black eyeliner pencil
• Mascara
• False Eyelashes (optional)

Sneak Peak - MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick for Spring 2013!

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick for Spring 2013

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MAC's love affair with lips has led to the launch of a new MAC masterpiece. Introducing Mineralize Rich Lipstick - it's larger in size and scope and lavishes lips with nutrient-rich moisture. Featuring a luxurious formula and gorgeous colour, enhanced with a mineral moist complex that provides lips with nourishment and lasting hydration. Lightweight colour glides on with ease for an intense bright with shade retention. (Permanent)

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Select Shades Available in North America, UK, AU & NZ)

• Luxe Naturale - Light beige cream
• Posh Tone - Soft warm nude cream
• Glamour Era - Mid-tone warm brown frost
• Style Surge - Neutral coral cream
• Lady At Play - Mid-tone cool tangerine
• Lush Life - Deep cool plum
• Dreaminess - Soft cool pink cream
• Grande Dame - Mid-tone neutral rose cream
• Elegant Accent - Mid-tone warm rose cream
• Divine Choice - Mid-tone cool pink cream
• All Out Gorgeous - Deep warm red
• Everyday Diva - True red cream

Other shades (See locations for availability): 

• Ultraprecious - Soft peach cream* (North & South Asia)
• Smart & Sweet - Soft coral cream* (North & South Asia)
• Utterly Delicious - Bright coral cream* (North & South Asia, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, India, Latin America)
• Splurge - Mid-tone cool tangerine* (Europe, South Africa, Middle East, India, South America)
• Ladies Who Lunch - Light cool pink cream* (North & South Asia)
• Strikingly Fabulous - Mid-tone warm bright pink* (North & South Asia)
• Red Coquette - Vivid bright bluish red* (North & South Asia)

*To see the full list by location, click here.

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipsticks

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipsticks

I've read that they apply buttery, feel moisturizing on the lips and have good lasting power. I also like the chic packaging (they also have a magnetic closure). They also contain 4.4.g of product in comparison to the 3g in a standard MAC lipstick or 3.6g in a MAC Sheen Supreme.

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipsticks will retail for $22.00 US/$26.00 CAD.

Availability: February 28th online and March 7th in-stores.

I can't wait to try these! Do you think you'll be picking any of these up?

Credits: MAC-Guy on Specktra

Sneak Peak - MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation for Spring 2013.

MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation for Spring 2013

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M•A•C expands its innovative collection of foundations with a gorgeous NEW formula full of extraordinary benefits. Its lightweight lush texture feeds skin instantly with mineral-rich nourishing hydration, all day long. The uniquely creamy fluid, ideal for dry skin, blends beautifully, featuring shea butter, emollients and conditioning extracts to keep the face soft and supple. Its combination of powders creates an optical blurring effect that virtually diminishes imperfections and fine lines for a more even tone. (Permanent)

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I don't think it's any secret by now that MAC is my favorite cosmetic brand, so when I hear word of new product launches, I'm usually clicking my heels in excitement. Well, last year MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation came to the end of it's road and was discontinued - I've used it in the past and it was okay, but I wasn't really a fan of the thick texture in combination with the sheer coverage. So you wouldn't think MAC would discontinue their Mineralize foundation without coming out with a new one did you? Well, you're right. Early March, MAC is launching the Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation.

I'm crossing my fingers that the formula has improved, and hopefully the coverage has as well. It comes in a similar frosted bottle with a pump like the older version.

Vogue Beauty says:

"Every season, there is new product development that has make-up artists (and therefore us) all excited. For spring/summer 2013 it's all about this new MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF15 foundation, which has be causing quite a stir. Used in Paris at Costume National by make-up artist Sally Branka, it has also been seen in every city at pretty much every show, doing a fine job at creating the dewy, minimal make-up look that is proving to be ever so popular. Launching in the spring, this is going to be pretty major. Trust us."

Available in (18) shades: NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC37, NC40, NC42, NC44, NC45, NC50, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW43, NW45 and NW50.

MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation will retail for $33.00 US/$40.00 CAD.

Featured with the foundation will be the MAC #130 Short Duo-Fibre Brush, which is a permanent brush by MAC and retails for $42.00 US/$50.50 CAD.

Availability: February 28th online and March 7th in-stores.

Credits: MAC-Guy on Specktra, Vogue UK (image)

A Quick Review - Nail Magic Nail Hardener and Conditioner!

Nail Magic Nail Hardener and Conditioner

I just wanted to quickly share with you a product that I've been using constantly for the past several weeks and have seen great results with!

This winter my nails have really taken a beating to the dry air. In just one day, I broke 4 of my nails on one hand (all while grocery shopping and running errands). Any slight ding and my half of my nail was gone. It was at the point of ridiculousness, so in desperation I made a quick run to Sally's, which happened to be in the same mall - jagged nails and all.

So I walked out with a bottle of Nail Magic that was recommended to me by the sales associate.

Nail Magic contains a blend of ingredients that not only strengthens the nails, but also conditions them. It treats splitting, chipping and repairs weak and/or damaged nails.

You can use it alone, applied as a base coat, and it even says that you can use it as a top coat (which I haven't tried).

I've been applying two coats to my nails and leaving them bare of any other polish. In the bottle the liquid is tinted pale pink, but it applies clear and makes the nails look a little more primped and shiny.

I'm kind of hard on my hands with household chores so it does wear off my tips within a couple of days, but when it does, I'll usually just remove it with nail polish remover and apply it again.

LORAC TANtalizer Deep Body Bronzing Luminizer Review, Photos and Swatches!

LORAC TANtalizer Deep Body Bronzing Luminizer

LORAC TANtalizer Deep Body Bronzing Luminizer ($32) is a shimmering deep-dark bronzing cream for the body. It provides instant, long lasting color to the skin without the sun or the hassle of self-tanning - and it washes off easily by the end of the night.

I've been using self-tanner for years to maintain a dark tan, but I've slowed down a lot in the past couple of years and have been keeping up with a more natural sunkissed glow.

Whenever I feel that I'm lacking color or if I want to enhance my fresh, faux tan, I always go for a tinted body moisturizer.

I always used L'Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Gel and it worked great, but I'm pretty sure it's been discontinued, as I can't find it anywhere. I've also used Milani Body Bronzer, and it worked fine, but the results were slightly orange. That too was discontinued. So, my quest in finding a new instant bronzing tint led me to LORAC.

LORAC Tantalizer Deep Body Bronzer has the typical creamy water-based moisturizer consistency that you see in most body bronzers. It's a deep bronze shade with loads of ultra-fine golden iridescence.

It smells like vanilla, and although I loathe the smell of artificial vanilla, it's light enough where I can't smell it unless I put it up to my nose.

You can apply it as you would a self tanner or moisturizer (bare hands is fine, it washes off immediately) and the color blends out really well without looking patchy or uneven. I like mixing it with equal parts moisturizer so it smoothes on easier and so the product goes a longer way. Depending on how much you apply, you can get pretty dark, but because of the shimmer, I only use a light coat to keep it looking natural. On my skin, it's a true bronze with brown and slight red undertones. I wouldn't consider it orange.

My main use for this product is applying it on my neck and décolleté to make my skin sunkissed and glowing. It's really useful for the days when I forget to self-tan and need my face makeup to match my neck.

MAC Archie's Girls Betty Bright Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches and Comparisons!

MAC Betty Bright Lipstick

MAC Betty Bright Lipstick ($16.50) is one of the three new limited edition lipsticks that recently launched in the MAC Archie's Girls Collection. Betty Bright is described as a light, vibrant peach, but I don't find it very peach at all. It's more along the lines of a vibrant, coral-pink. I'd almost consider it a lighter, slightly less pink version of Viva Glam Nicki (I'm sure if you mixed Nicki and Myth together, you'd get something very close).

Betty Bright was one of the first Archie's Girls lipsticks that sold out on the MAC website because, well, who doesn't love a good coral?

I was excited to see that it's a MAC Satin, so the coverage is opaque with one swipe. With this particular lipstick, applying less is more. I found that if I apply more than one layer, the color settles in my lip lines when I rub my lips together, the color can look uneven.

Also with light shades like this it can emphasize dryness. I own several bright peach, coral and pink lipsticks from many brands and they all do the same thing. It's almost unavoidable unless you exfoliate your lips regularly and apply a good, hydrating lip balm prior to application. Applying a lip gloss over top always helps mask dryness with shades like these.

One thin layer of MAC Betty Bright Lipstick on my lips.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer ($9.99) is a super-concentrated and pigmented liquid concealer combined with goji berry and haloxyl to help erase the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. It has a unique tube design in that when you twist the top, product will be released in the round, squishy applicator sponge.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer is available in (6) shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Honey, Neutralizer and Brightener. Although the neutralizer shade can be used on it's own, it's also recommended for extreme dark circles to apply underneath your regular concealer for maximum coverage. The brightener shade is pink based used to brighten up areas of the eyes and face.

I was conflicted which shade to purchase. For reference, I have medium skin with warm undertones (MAC NC35 coloring currently). Fair and Light looked too light for me, and Medium looked too dark. So, I ended up with Neutralizer.

Neutralizer is a light peachy yellow color. It seems to apply slightly lighter than it looks in the tube, and it's a little too light for me, but works fine if I blend a little foundation on top. (See swatches at the end of this post.) Medium would've probably been a better match for me.

You have to twist the tube several times to get it going at first and thereafter a small amount is dispersed with each twist. You can apply it to your undereyes with the sponge directly, or you can wipe the product off with your finger to apply or wipe the product off with a concealer brush. I like using it directly from the tube, as I think the sponge is the funnest part of using this product!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Before & After. (my skin is not moisturized prior, so you can see it looks a bit dry and powdery)

Here's how it looks with my skin moisturized applied over my foundation. (you can see it looks much better)

NARS Shanghai Express Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

Nars Shanghai Express Lipstick

Nars Shanghai Express Lipstick ($26) is a warm, brick red with a semi-matte finish. It's applies slightly deep, like a ripened cherry red - It's not what I'd call a Snow White or classic, bright red. It doesn't lean orange on me, which many warm reds have a tendency to do, and it doesn't turn rosy pink which many cool reds tend to do on my lips. Brick red is a really good description for the color as there are some definite brown undertones, which seems to flatter my skin tone very well (medium with warm, yellow undertones).

The finish is mostly matte. If you see any shine on my lips, it's because I prepped them with some lip balm. With any matte finish lipstick, an good exfoliation and layer of lip balm as a base is usually necessary so the lipstick won't dry the lips out or accentuate any dryness.

The lipstick itself isn't crazy opaque with one layer - I'd say it's more of a medium coverage with one layer, but buildable with an additional layer. I found that when I used a lip brush, I didn't get as opaque of coverage, so I prefer applying it directly from the tube and only using a lip brush for the outer edge of my lips. I actually don't own a good red lip liner to pair it with, but I'm definitely going to have to purchase one! Any recommendations?

Nars Shanghai Express Lipstick on my lips.

NYX Apple Strudel Butter Gloss Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Apple Strudel Butter Gloss

I don't go to ULTA as often as I use to, but when I do I always make sure to stop by the NYX section (I feel like I just quoted a Dos Equis commercial.. ha!) On my recent trip, I was excited to see a few products that I didn't recognize that are new for 2013.

NYX Butter Glosses ($5) are a new line-up of lipglosses that are described as providing a sheer to medium coverage without feeling sticky. NYX makes some awesome lip glosses (especially their extreme lip creams and megashine lip glosses) and as usual, they come in a great variety of my kind of shades (pinks galore!)

NYX Butter Glosses are available in (12) shades: Strawberry Parfait, Eclair, Peaches and Cream, Merengue, Creme Brule, Peach Cobbler, Tiramisu, Apple Strudel, Vanilla Cream Pie, Cherry Cheesecake, Maple Blondie and Cherry Pie.

Naturally, I chose a light coral shade called Apple Strudel. It provides enough coverage to be worn alone, but if you want opaque coverage you may want to layer it over a lipstick. I find that if I apply more than one layer it feels too thick and gooey on my lips, so one layer is all I need.

It feels super moisturizing on the lips and has pretty decent lasting power - similar to the Megashine Lipglosses.

They're unfortunately scented, but it's not a scent that bothers me. It smells sweet, and reminds me of strawberries and cream.

NYX Apple Strudel on my lips.

NYX Glam Lipgloss Aqua Luxe in the shades Paint the Town, I'm Coming Out and Glitter Dreams Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Glam Lipgloss Aqua Luxe 

NYX Glam Lipgloss Aqua Luxe ($6) is a newer line of super shimmery, glitter lipglosses with just a hint of color. They can be worn alone or layered over your favorite lipstick to enhance your lip color and add lots of shine.

NYX Glam Lipgloss Aqua Luxe are available in (11) shades:  I'm Coming Out, Do the Hustle, Beat Goes On, Glitter Dreams, High Society, Disco Playground, VIP, Paint the Town, Underground Boogie, The Last Party and Velvet Ropes.

The majority of the shades are pink toned with the exception of a couple beige/gold shades. I ended up getting three shades that I thought would look good topped over some of my favorite pink lipsticks.

The consistency of these glosses is thin, yet fairly creamy and comfortable on the lips. They are non-sticky, tacky or heavy feeling on the lips. Glitter glosses can tend to feel gritty on the lips, but I didn't have a problem with these. The shade Glitter Dreams contains the most shimmer of the three glosses I purchased, and you could feel the glitter when you rub your lips together, but it's not bad by any means.

The applicator is large, narrow and flat (love!!) so it scoops up the perfect amount of product, so you won't have to double dip for additional product.

I'm Coming Out is a medium toned cool pink with golden shimmer. It looks pretty on it's own, but since it's so sheer, I prefer wearing it over a similar pink or fuschia colored lipstick.

Paint the Town is a soft coral with subtle golden shimmer. It's the least gritty of the three because it contains the least shimmer. It looks really pretty topped over coral, warm pink and peach lipsticks. (See below where I paired it with MAC Cut a Caper Lipstick)

Glitter Dreams is a reddened raspberry with tons of multi-colored glitter. It's the flashiest of three, and if you love lots of shimmer, this is your gloss. When worn alone it makes my lips look a bit more berry pink toned, shiny and a bit fuller. I think this will pair well with any medium or dark shades of pink, plum - even red!

Love this combo! MAC Cut a Caper Lipstick with NYX Paint the Town on top.

Read more for additional photos and swatches...

Winner of the LORAC Pro Palette Giveaway!

The Winner Announced!

Thank you so much for entering my recent LORAC Pro Palette Giveaway! Every giveaway is always so much fun because I love reading through all of the entries. I usually ask a bunch of random questions (for instance this time I asked you if you went out for breakfast what would you order? So many of you said eggs benedict! I have to try it.. haha!) Also, so many of you left such sweet comments telling me how much you enjoy reading my blog, and it means so much to me!

As always, I went through each entry and tallied them up and picked a winner using random.org. The winner is always picked at complete random so you all have a fair shot at winning.

And the winner is....

Konfidentialglitter!!!!!

Please email me with your shipping information so I can send out your goodies!!!

Thank you again for entering my giveaway, and stay tuned for additional giveaways in the near future!

Urban Decay Friends and Family Sale 2013!

Urban Decay Friends and Family Sale 2013

Urban Decay started their Friends and Family Sale today! Receive 20% Off your Order with code FFSPRING13. Now is a great time to stock up on some of your favorite products — all items are included; even sale items! Sale ends 2/17.

Weekly Poll Results - What is the Most Money You'd Pay for your Perfect Face Makeup?

What is the most money you would pay for your perfect face makeup? 

As a makeup fanatic, I invest a lot of my money to try as many brands and products as my wallet can withstand. But the reality is, I only have one face and as much as I'd like to get through products as fast as I can so I can go out and replace them with new and different products, sometimes products just don't get finished before they get tossed. So if you think about it, that $50 foundation ended up costing you more if you ended up tossing it with some product left. *Keep in mind, you should toss a foundation after a maximum of two years - some say less, but it sometimes depends on the foundation.

Although I always like to keep the overall value in mind (sometimes I justify an expensive blush or bronzer if it comes with a hefty amount of product), but when it comes to face makeup, no matter what brand you go to, you're most likely going to end up with that same 1 oz of product, so you kind of have to offset the value for the price.

Also, face makeup (or foundation) typically gets used up the fastest from any other item of makeup and has to be replaced often. I rarely ever use the same foundation for more than a couple of weeks at a time, but I remember back in '06-07 when MAC Studio Fix Fluid was my "ish", and I was buying a bottle every 4 weeks. If you're using an expensive foundation, that can get pretty expensive!

So my question for all of you is - What's the most money you'd spend for your perfect face makeup? Whether it be a liquid foundation, powder, tinted moisturizer, etc.

The Results are:

Whatever the price may be! - 9 votes ( 3%)
$100+ - 6 votes (2%)
$80 - $95 - 5 votes (2%)
$60 - $75 - 38 votes (15%)
$40 - $55 - 95 votes (39%)
$20 - $35 - 65 votes (26%)
$15 and under - 23 votes (9%)

This poll is based on 241 votes.

I'm actually in the majority vote, which is $40 - $55. I personally don't like going over the $60 mark. I'll buy a Chanel Foundation for $55 and Guerlain for $58, but I've never gone over that for face makeup. There are so many products I'd like to try (Chantecaille, Cle de Peau, Tom Ford, etc) but I just have it engraved in my head that anything more than that $58 I pay for Guerlain Parure Extreme is just too much, and I'll look elsewhere.

Have you already found your HG face makeup? If they raised the price by $20 would you still continue to purchase it, or would you look elsewhere? Do you find certain items of makeup more justifiable than others? Do you usually keep value in mind when purchasing expensive makeup, or do you solely look at the price tag?

NYX Gala Round Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Gala Round Lipstick 

NYX Gala Round Lipstick ($4) is described as a soft blue-toned pink with shimmer. It's a very light pink, and applies a bit lighter than it looks in the tube. It's slightly too light for me, but it'd work great for mixing, and when worn alone it'd look best on fair, light and light-medium skin tones.

Sometimes light colored lipsticks can emphasize cracks and dryness on the lips and Gala does just that. If I want to wear Gala, I have to make sure to apply a good lip balm and scrub my lips to remove any flakes. Even after I've exfoliated my lips really good, it still shows a little dryness.

I really like NYX Round Lipsticks — they are great for the price, but not every shade is created equal. Some are very pigmented and apply great, while some (like Gala) take several coats for opaque color and can apply uneven. The majority of the Round Lipsticks I've purchased have been pretty good.

It's still overall a very pretty light pink, and if you're a lover of soft baby pinks, you might really enjoy this lipstick. I'd personally skip because of the formula.

NYX Gala Lipstick on my lips.

Shoemint Abi Booties Review with Photos!

Shoemint Abi Boots 

Shoemint Abi Boots are my latest Shoemint purchase. Actually, I've been skipping every month since my first Shoemint purchase over a year ago because I just find $80 a bit high to spend every month on shoes that I don't really need regardless of the quality.

I was very impressed with the quality of my first pair of Shoemint Shoes (the Pauline booties). I've worn them countless times and they still look brand new. So, when Shoemint added a bunch of their current shoes and boots to the Sale section, I hopped on it.

Although I really love cute and trendy pieces, I like finding classic and practical items that I can toss on with anything and get loads of wear from. I thought these Abi Boots would be great and practical boots that I can wear every day and that'd match with just about anything. Even though they are just plain black, I like how they are composed of several panels of leather to give them a little extra style.

I have to say I'm not at all impressed with the quality. Although they aren't in any way bad, they are suppose to be comparable to high-end brands that are double the price ($160+). I've owned both cheap and expensive shoes, and usually when a shoe goes over the $100-$150 mark, you can definitely tell the difference in quality. These boots to me don't feel like they would cost any more than $40. The leather looks and feels plastic/synthetic-like and I wouldn't think they were real leather unless I looked on the inside label. They also smell like cheap plastic.

They ended up being $39.99 (with free shipping) regularly $79.95.

Nars Ashes to Ashes, Night Star and Etrusque Eyeshadows Review, Photos and Swatches!

 Nars Ashes to Ashes, Night Star and Etrusque Eyeshadows

I've accumulated a few Nars eyeshadows in the past couple of months and I've been trying to put off using them before reviewing them, but as you can see.. I've been using all three!

I love Nars Eyeshadow. Although like any brand, some shades can be a hit or miss, I've been pretty pleased with all of the Nars eyeshadows I've purchased (which is only a small handful).

Some shades are smoother/softer than others, but all of the shadows commonly are very pigmented, and you only need the lightest touch of the brush for good color pay-off (especially the darker shades).

At $24 a pop, these eyeshadows are quite pricey, so I don't purchase them too often, but once in a while I get swayed by the sparkles or the silky textures end end up caving in.

Ashes to Ashes is described as a violet-brown with shimmer, or basically a soft taupe. It's a really common shade (in the same family as MAC Satin Taupe or Wet n Wild Nutty), but if you have "taupe disease" like me, and feel the need to purchase every taupe on the market, then this shade is very necessary. haha!

I find it to be a great every day shade and I often wear it solo on my lid and smudged on my lower lash line for a soft wash of color, topped with lots of mascara.

From left to right: Nars Night Star, Etrusque and Ashes to Ashes.

Swatches from left to right: Nars Night Star, Etrusque and Ashes to Ashes.

The Balm Cosmetics is on Hautelook!

The Balm Cosmetics on Hautelook 2/1-2/4

If you're a member of Hautelook, make sure to check out the Beauty section for a big selection of The Balm Cosmetics on sale now through Monday at 8AM Pacific. Many items are at least 50% off, so if you've had your eye on any products, now is a great time to buy!

I'll be picking up another one of my favorite highlighters - The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer, which is only $12, regularly $24. I'm also curious about The Balm's concealer and foundations. Anyone tried them?

If you're not familiar with Hautelook, it's a website with "flash sales". Each day at 8 AM Pacific, shop new sale events featuring brand names in women's and men's fashion and accessories, beauty, kids' apparel and toys, and home décor at up to 75% off. The good stuff sells out quickly, and items only stay in your cart for 15 minutes before they automatically get removed, where they will be available again for others to purchase. Membership is free. It's a highly addicting site!

Click here to shop Hautelook!