Birthday Haul 2013

Nothing says "Happy birthday" like a giftcard (or a few) to a makeup store. It's like someone handing you money and setting you free....and that is just what I did this past week.

~Sephora~



Beauty Insider Gift



Sephora Samples



I initially went online trying to figure out what I'd want so I wouldn't go in blind-sighted. Yeah, that plan went out the window real quick.

Nars Orgasm Blush

I have been wanting this for a very long time but could never bring myself to actually buy it...ironically, I've probably spent more money than what it actually costs picking up all of it's more affordable dupes.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I must have walked past this about five times before I finally decided to go ahead and get it. I really like UD shadows but for all the neutral shades I own, I really didn't think this was something I needed. The funny part is that the general response from my family and friends once they saw it was "Oh, you've been talking about that a lot"...yeah, I didn't realize...

~Ulta~
bareMinerals The Next Big Thing Quad

This came out pretty recently and is from their Remix collection. From the moment I first saw this a couple months ago, I knew I wanted to pick up these shadows. I love the quality of these but not all of them have really wowed me as far as shades, however, this set really caught my eye (no pun intended).

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes

Being my HG mascara, I figured it couldn't hurt to pick up an extra. I've said this before and I'll say it again-this is the best mascara I've ever used. They're not joking when they say this is waterproof.

Last but certainly not least...

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette

Jason had ordered this a few weeks ago and was disappointed to find that the company sent the wrong product. I have been lusting over this ever since it came over and can't wait to use it!

I was really surprised and appreciative by everyone's generosity...and the fact that they were more than willing to cave into my addiction ;)

I'm going to go and play with my new makeup now...

As always, I thank you all for of your support...have a great weekend :)



Treat Yourself To Gorgeous: A Review

Back in December, Tarte had a TSV which was truly a great value, the Treat Yourself to Gorgeous Collection. This company is known for their wonderful holiday palettes and this one certainly was no exception. In fact, it sold out before the night was over.

I meant to review this sooner but in a way I'm glad I waited. Initially I had planned on returning this  but having had more time has granted me the ability to give it more of a chance.

The set comes with:
-4 Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Glosses
-4 Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliners
-20 Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows

The nice part about this is that the glosses are in one gift box, eyeliners are packaged in another, and the shadows are in one large box that slides open. All three are magnetized which makes it easy to keep everything together or you can chose to separate them.

Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss
*Darling (soft pink)
*Brazen (bright rose)
*Genuine (creamy pink)
*Giddy (coral pink)

photo courtesy of qvc.com

This was the only part of the set that I truly did not like. The glosses are packaged in a click-pen, which made it very difficult for application. There were times when I either could not get the product out or a ton came out of the tip all at once. I did try these on several occasions but they ended up either looking solely like a clear gloss or resulted in a gluey look. Eventually I just gave up.
I tried keeping everything together for this review but somewhere along the line I ended up losing these...

Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner
*Black
*Black-Brown
*Bronze
*Black-Orchid

These are automatic pencils, meaning, they do not need to be sharpened. I quickly learned to be very careful when twisting the top to bring up the pencil because you can't bring it back down...I actually almost lost one of them that way even before trying them out. The pencils themselves are really great quality with wonderful pigmentation and staying power. If I had to rate these on a scale of one to five, I'd give them a four (I took one off due to the packaging). Out of all the brands I've been playing around with, I think these might be one of my favorites.

Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow

This is more of a neutral palette that ranges from a light buttercream to a deep charcoal. Of course, there are also some gorgeous purples thrown in as well. Basically, this set gives you enough options to go from the most neutral to a great smokey eye. The shadows are nicely pigmented and feel amazing. They're so soft and silky, not to mention apply quite easily.

Overall, I really like this kit...it's great to give as a gift for others or even just for yourself. Aside from the glosses, I feel like Tarte certainly did not disappoint.

For more information and/or to place an order, you can find the Treat Yourself to Gorgeous Collection here.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this blog :)

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Favorites of 2012

For the most part, putting together my list of H.G. items was pretty simple, especially since I like to keep a bag of back-ups under my makeup table. The following are all the products that I've used throughout the year and have repurchased.

~Hair~
*Wen*

Even though I've been using this product for a couple years, back in the Spring, I started using it more as a conditioner than cleanser. With regular shampoo, it makes my hair look shiny and feeling healthy. I did attempt to try out different products but nothing else could compare. For the winter months, I'll be using Fig, which is more moisturising than the other "flavors".

*TRESemme' Thermal Recovery Shampoo*

After spending over a year of only using a cleansing conditioner on my hair, the search for a great shampoo proved to be a tad difficult. Luckily, on my second attempt, I found my now go-to product. Just like Wen, I absolutely love the way my hair looks and feels...plus, there's the added bonus of heat protection.

*TRESemme' Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray*

I didn't notice this until it was mentioned in an Emilynoel83 video and have been using this ever since. Not only is it affordable, but the hold is great without leaving any sticky residue.

~Face~
*bareMinerals Foundation in Golden Fair*

I started using this in the beginning of January, when I was suffering from horrible breakouts and acne scars. Over the past 12 months, it has not only covered up any imperfections but my face has also cleared up wonderfully. This is a product that I simply can't imagine being without and has been the absolute best foundation I've ever tried.

*bareMinerals Bisque*

Adding this to the mix has given me even more coverage and truly erases everything from dark circles to the occasional breakout.

*bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil*

This offers such a great airbrushed look and really evens everything out. Before I initially tried this I really didn't understand the purpose for a "finishing powder", however, this have been a product that I never leave the house without.

*bareMinerals Prime Time*

When I use this, my make-up stays on all day and rarely needs to be touched up...plus, it hasn't caused any break outs.

~Eyes~
*Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara*

I've been using this for over two years and have continued to repurchase. I love everything about it from the way my lashes feel and look to how bulletproof it is. I don't doubt that this will be on my H.G. list for quite some time.

*Smashbox Limitless Liner in Onyx*

This is another product that I have been using for over two years. Over the past twelve months I've been having a lot of fun using a colored liner on the top on my lids and Onyx in the waterline. It's quite rare when I need to reapply in the middle of the day.

~Skincare~
*Philosophy Hands of Hope*

Last year when I bought my first tube, I didn't think I'd repurchase...ironically, I've had HOH in my bag ever since. It's so moisturising, especially perfect for the cooler months, and has no scent so I don't have to worry about it competing with my perfume. I'm yet to find a cheaper dupe for this.

*Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream*

I absolutely love this product! After the first month of use, I could see such a difference in the tightness of my neck and decollete area...the smooth feeling is a bonus as well.

*bareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser*

Last January after using BEs makeup for a few weeks I decided to venture toward their skincare and haven't looked back since. I use the exfoliating cleanser first thing in the morning and as a mask once a week. I also really like the fresh scent it has.

*bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser*

I use this every other night and it's such a gentle cleanser that takes the day off.

*bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam*

I use this on nights when I don't reach for the Purifying Cleaner and it applies almost like a mask.
I've been using all three cleansers for a year and not only has my skin cleared up immensely but it also looks a lot brighter. I don't think I'd want to use anything else.

*bareMinerals Skin Rev-Er Upper*

I use this morning & night and it's really helped to clear my skin without drying it out.

*bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum*

This is such a light serum that goes right into the skin. My face has looked amazing since I've been using this product and I fully believe that this is what helped to erase all my acne scars...that and the Skin Rev-Er Upper.

*bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer*

This moisturizes my face without causing any breakouts, which is what I think was initially my problem, using the wrong face cream.

~Shower~
*Philosophy Candy Cane*

This 3in1 is part of the holiday collection, however, I keep it in my bathroom all year long. I'm not 100% sure but this has to contain Menthol because it really opens up your nasal passages and gives off a nice cooling sensation. I love using this when I'm sick or on hot summer nights....I use this on my son as well.

~Lips~
*EOS Lip Balm*

These are great to use prior to applying lipsticks or glosses. They're not greasy, smell really good, and leave my lips nice and soft. I take these wherever I go.

*Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick*

As of right now I have seven shades from this line and love all of them. The colors range from sheer to a bold pink and feel just like a lip balm.

*bareMinerals Moxie Lip Gloss*

After I tried a couple out, I soon became addicted and loaded up on more...and more. They're long lasting with shades ranging from clear to a deep berry. What I love it the candy scent they have and the minty feeling I get when I wear them.

So there you have it-my list of 2012 Go-To/Holy Grail/Repurchased items. I apologize for the long length of this post...thanks for sticking with me :)

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...for Sephora VIBs

I've been meaning to post this for a while...
This year's VIB opening party was pretty dead, although, I don't doubt that Sandy and the snowstorm that followed played a role in it. It's a shame, too, because it seemed like my Sephora tried really hard to host a great event. Unlike last year they had a table full of food, a DJ, and all different services throughout the store.

Personally, I only went to redeem my 20% off, especially being with my son who wasn't too thrilled to be there (thank god for Jason, who was kind enough to walk him around while I shopped).

I walked out with...
-Philosophy's Gingerbread Man Hot Salt Scrub
-Philosophy's Snow Angel Hand Cream
-bare Mineral's shadow duo in The Phenomenon
-Tatre's Lights Camera Splashes mascara (HG item!!!)
-Sephora VIB tote

Certainly a much smaller list that last year, which, I'm actually proud of :)


I thank you for reading this (late) post :)
Feel free to share-what was it like in your store and what did you use your 20% (or even $15 and $20 cards) to buy?

Treat Yourself To Gorgeous

photo courtesy of QVC

I'm certainly not the first person to report this but today Tarte is having a TSV on QVC...I ordered mine, have you?

It's such an amazing value!

For 49.98 (on easy pay!) you get four maracuja divine shine lip glosses, four cashmere waterproof eyeliners, and 20 amazonian clay eye shadows. Did I mention everything is full sized?

photo courtesy of QVC

The products are separated into three different boxes so they can be broken down as different gifts or can be one giant present because each package is magnetized.

Initially I wasn't going to order because the shadow quality wasn't exactly up to par, however, I'm interested to try the "newer" formulation (I've had a set in the past but don't remember it being made with Amazonian clay).

Can't wait to play around with this set!!!!

If you're interested, you can find more on this set HERE or feel free to check out the presentations on QVC throughout the day.

Maureen Kelly will be presenting throughout the day but will have hour long Tarte shows from 10-11am and 8 to 9pm.

 

Have a great Wednesday everyone and if you like this set I suggest you make a move on it quick because I just heard there have already been over 28,000 ordered!!!  :)

Today's Eye Look

I decided to go for a natural look so I went with a quad from Bonne Bell, Cafe Classics. In my opinion, there's more shimmer than pigmentation but it was cheap...plus, it's the same one (newer, of course) that I wore for my prom. The nice part about this is how it makes my eyes look open and awake.

Here's how I came up with my look:

*Peach shade all over my lids and brow bone

*Taupe shade pat on my outer lids

*Deep Plum shade smoked out in my crease and also used on top of my liner

*Silver shade in the inner corners

Then, I used Laura Geller's Plum Paradise liner on my outer lid (on top) along with my Smashbox's Onyx liner all over my waterline. I only line the outer part of my lid because I've found it creates a nice shape for my eyes and makes them look more open.

Of course, as a finishing touch I used Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes mascara.

FOTD Featuring LG's Toast of The Town Collection

With Spring right around the corner and the weather as nice as it's been, I decided to go with some bright colors from Laura Geller's Toast of The Town Collection.

On My Face:

Be Prime Time primer

Be Foundation in Golden Fair

Be Bisque

Be Warmth (for contouring)

Be Faux Tan

Laura Geller Blush and Brighten in Mimosa

Be Pure Radiance

Be Veil

On My Eyes:

ELF primer

Laura Geller Eye Dreams in Belini

Laura Geller Brightening Eyeliner in Bone

Laura Geller liner in Purple Passion

Smashbox liner in Onyx

Laura Geller Brow Marker in Taupe

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara

On My Lips:

Laura Geller Tropics Lipstick

Laura Geller City Lights gloss

FOTD & Review

I centered this look on my new Bare Escentuals Ready shadow set-The Scenic Route. While it was love at first sight, I admit I was a little intimidated at first. I think I did a nice job with it, though :)

~Face~ (after moisturizer & primer)

I mainly wanted the attention to go on my eyes, so I kept my face natural and glowy.

What I used:

*bareMinerals foundation in Golden Fair

*bareMinerals Warmth used as a contour

*bareMinerals Faux Tan All Over Face Color

*Laura Geller Baked Blush in Mimosa

*bareMinerals Pure Radiance as a highlight

*bareMinerals Veil

Eyes

*bareMinerals Ready shadow in Breathtaking (shimmery white with a bit of gold from The Scenic Route)

I applied this lighter color in the inner part of my eyelid and around the tear ducts to look more awake.

*bareMinerals Ready Shadow in Spectacular (shimmery green with a gold undertone from The Scenic Route)

This was applied on the outer corners of my lid (a little goes a long way)

*Tarte Light green eyeliner from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

I lined the outer corners of my top lid to make the green shadow pop. I've found that by only lining about half of my upper lid, it makes my eyes more defined and open.

*Tarte shimmery deep gold shadow from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

To me, this looks like it's just a bit deeper than Spectacular-I used this to smoke out the outer portion of my crease.

*Smashbox Limitless Liner in Onyx

As always, I used this to line my waterline.

*Tarte Shadows from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

To balance out all the shimmer from the shadows, I used a light cream shade (matte) as my highlighter on my brow bones. In order to make my eyeliner pop a little more, I used a deep green shimmery shadow over the green liner and a shimmery purple on the outer corner (near my waterline) for an unexpected pop of color.

*Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara

*Laura Geller Brow Marker in Taupe

~Lips~

*Laura Geller The Tropics Lipstick

~The Scenic Route: Review~

The shadows feel like silk and are incredibly pigmented-you only need a slight touch to pick up the product. The colors are absolutely beautiful...they're bright, yet are quite wearable. Just like all Bare Escentuals products they enhance your features as opposed to hiding them. I have a big feeling that I will be picking up more in the (very) near future.

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.