Jul 27, 2010

July Makeup finds

The last haul of July....Apparently the need for more beauty stuff continues!

The random stuff first:

Lash Blast $7 (because I haven't used it in more than a year!)
ELF eyelash curler (only 99 cents and works great!)
Beauty Rush 'Bronzinger' $7 baked shadow (I love the name)
NYC white polish, 99 cents (so I can franken something....)

I love the shimmer in this


The very gorgeous Michelle a fellow blogger (shellylicious1.blogspot.com), model and beauty guru, made a video on youtube a few weeks back and talked about this bubble bath and a facial mask she had gotten from Dollar Tree...unbeknownst of the quality of this stuff, I tried it out anyways.....


Let me start by saying I underestimated....Dollar Tree bubble bath turned out to be some great stuff...I used the April Vanilla Sugar one, I have yet to use the Spa Series, but it smells amazing! Truth be told, I was all set to be disappointed....but actually the bubble bath worked better than some Bath and Body products. I only used 1 cap full for the entire tub to fill with bubbly goodness...
  • The aroma is amazing
  • One dollar for a huge bottle 
  • One cap full is plenty
  • Come in a few scents
And the April Facial toner is a lavender scented toner that comforts the skin. I wouldn't say it is the best but it's nourishing, moisturizing, and leaves your skin soft. Scent is amazing too! The April Mask is something I have yet to try, so I'll let you know how that goes.....


As many of you probably saw in my post a few days ago, a Shu Uemura eyelash curler ($19) was at the top of my wishlist- so many people love this eyelash curler so I thought I'd give it a whirl....
  • No pinching, ouchieee!!
  • Soft dome shaped padding
  • correct pressure on lashes
  • lashes stay curled....most of the time :)


So, I've totally gone Dollar Tree cookoo....
even making a list of Dollar Tree's in my area that I have not been to (I know, it's nuts)..... 
A few other things I got from Dollar Tree include 2 pairs of eyelashes (above), 1 Sally Hansen Moisture plump lip balm in Nude Shimmer, 1 cherry scented Donna Michelle lipgloss, 1 pack of Nailene press on nails, 1 Smackers lipgloss, and 3 boxes of NYC mineral powders and blushes.

I didn't swatch any of the lip stuff since they are all sheer :)

The NYC Mineral blushes and powders have always been a favorite of mine but up until last week only one color was available- Almost Apricot, which happens to be a great color....Last week I spotted Mocha Pearl and grabbed it....I had no idea it was a shimmering blush. Do I love it? Yes!




Great to use as a highlight on the cheeks....

The other day I walked into Sally's Beauty Supply to look for Orly's Royal Navy nail polish, the newest polish from In the Navy collection.....Sweet bright blue color, like half creme half jelly based with turquoise shimmer:


I also got a lipgloss in 'LOL' a pretty pink with gold shimmer shade....

Here is the swatch of that along with the Neutrogena Moistureshine Angel's Blush lipstick and the Revlon Matte Pink Pout lipstick....




If you own MAC lipstick in A Rose Romance, you probably won't need Angel's Blush as it is a very close dupe, actually the RR has a slight lilac tone and Angel's Blush is pure pink. I love Angel's Blush though because it has SPF 20 and it is a mostly creme formula with slight shimmer :)


I don't know how this palette slipped through the cracks last month :) I realized I forgot to mention it when I saw it sitting quietly in my makeup drawer....

LA Colors e/s palette 'Tease'


They are nice colors, I am dying to use the pink one but all the others are really nice.

Along with the lipsticks I was able to find the ELF Beauty Books for $5 each....
These can be found at Target and at some grocery stores (which is where I found mine) but don't get these mixed up with ELF Beauty Encyclopedia's, which differ considerably with each other....The colors all have nice color payoff except for a few....


I got mine in the Eye Brights edition....Along with the Eye Brights, they also have Smoky and Neutral editions....



Note: First top row was used wet because they wouldn't stay put, and the purple one on the bottom is wet as well.....but you have to admit is a nice color :)

Jul 25, 2010

Shontelle: Impossible, Eye Makeup

Ever since seeing Shontelle's Impossible video I've been craving to try her gorgeous makeup....I love her huge lashes that she had and found the ELF dramatic lashes seemed to be a close match.... She used alot of neutral colors, I had fun trying to recreate the look!


I started with a base, I used UDPP, added Sallygirl baked eyeshadow in #388122 on the entire lid, which is a shimmery golden tan, after, I used the LA Colors Traditional eyeshadow palette for the contour and highlight color....


I used an eyeliner brush and used eyeshadows as a eyeliner on my upper and lower lashline and winged out on the outer corner....I used Avon quad Mocha Latte (the darkest shade) and Milani runway eyes Coffee Shop, together.



On top of the eyshadow liner I used Maybelline Line Stiletto eyeliner in Brownish Black....

On my lower lashline I made a small line using Jordana eyepencil in Espresso and afterwards smudged it a bit,

Applied Loreal Bare Naturale mascara then applied lashes (but I didn't use the ELF glue!)


I hope you all like it!


Shontelle 'Impossible' Video



Jul 23, 2010

Just a few items on my wishlist....

Pretty soon we won't be able to purchase Shu Uemura items since his products will be withdrawn from US stores.

The Eyelash curler $19
from what I heard is very good!

Avon Blackhead Remover $5
(you don't know how many times I've used my nail or tweezers, ouchiee!!!)

Avon Blackhead remover also removes whiteheads....

ELF cream eyeliner in Black $3

Not in the color above but in Black...Unfortunately for me, the Black is SOLD OUT!! Just my luck, lol

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lipglosses Denimania LE's $7

If you know me and have been following for a while, you'll know that these are a favorite of mine, I have about 15 of them!

Looking forward to shopping! Have a great weekend everyone :)

Anime Eyes

The very talented FUNKYEYESHADOW will be having an Anime Eyes video Contest. When I first saw this I thought "This is insanely gorgeous!"

Anywho, check out her Youtube channel if interested....

FUNKYEYESHADOW youtube
Anime Eyes Contest Video

Everyone have a glorious weekend!

Jul 21, 2010

Poshe: superfast drying topcoat Review

Cost $3

I bought mine from Dollar General, but you can find them at RDA stores also...Store locator found on Poshe website....Visit Poshe website for more details......

What Poshe Nail Care says about Poshe topcoat.....

"New Generation Topcoat!

Dries Manicure Completely in 5 to 6 Minutes!

Dries To The Touch in 1 Minute

Dries To The Nail in 5 Minutes

Highest Gloss Of Any Product On The Market

No Formaldehyde

No Toluene

No Nitrocellulose

Cannot turn yellow, even in tanning beds.

2 UV Inhibitors

2 U.S. Patents

Chip Resistant

Protects Nails

Self-Leveling

Non-Dragging

Ideal For Nail Art

No UV Lights or Heated Dryers Needed

A True Topcoat - Must be applied over polish or basecoat

5 Time Winner - Allure Magazine's

BEST TOPCOAT AWARD"............


Does the product do what it says? Yes it does, in my opinion. The only time I have had a problem with it not drying all the way is when I used it on one of my polishes that was frankened, but all other times that I've used it, it has been successful at its drying time.

product 5 stars


packaging 5 stars


quality 5 stars


overall 5 stars

Buy again? Yes I would, at $3 a pop (only at Dollar General)! Absolutely would....under the circumstances that it is over $9 per bottle on the Poshe website which is a substantial increase in price. I have no clue what they cost at other retail outlets....So, Dollar General is pretty developed around the US, that would be my #1 store to purchase Poshe Topcoat.

Is it worth the price? Yes, Absolutely. If the Poshe topcoat was never at a reduced price, I probably would not buy it and I'd probably look into other/cheaper quality topcoat alternatives.

Pros: Super great shine! fast drying time, great price, re-wets and revives older polish on nails, easy to use, no strong fumes, found in Dollar General stores, (CHEAPER THAN SECHE VITE)

Cons: complete drying time varies between 5 minutes to 10 minutes (not always 5 min. as Poshe states)

My thoughts: I probably needed to include a pic of me wearing the topcoat but what for? it's clear and you can't really see it, haha. What I loved most about this topcoat is that it SHINES! Yes, high-shine on your nails. Have you ever applied nail polish, was so impressed with it that you go out of your way to keep it from getting scratches/dents and is super excited for them to dry completely but then you look at them later on and they aren't as shiny as when they were wet? With the Poshe topcoat, I no longer have that problem!Once you put it on shiny, it stays shiny, no if's and's or but's.

Now typically I change my nail color everyday.....I'm glad I've found a drying top coat to put on since I have such a small time frame of when I can do my nails (before I got Poshe and since I've had my baby, it was nearly impossible to do a manicure)....Now I can do my nails when I have about 20 minutes to spare....I try to do them the night before so I can wear the polish for the next day, and I repeat every night.

So if you are looking for a cheaper but quality drying topcoat, try Poshe's Topcoat

Jul 18, 2010

Mini Birthday Haul

What a great birthday I had! My husband took care of the kiddos while I went shopping at the outlets with my sister in law. It was so much fun, we had a blast! We ate lunch, went shopping of course, and gossipped throughout the day. When I got home I had my favorite cake waiting for me, a german chocolate 2 layer cake, that my nice husband managed to bake despite the babysitting duties, he's totally great!

So, I'm disappointed as I did not haul alot of things as I planned on at the CCO....to be honest, they just didn't have much of a selection, grrrr.... But I did get a few things, here is what I got on my Birthday Weekend :)


A trip to the outlets started with Bath and Body to load up on the Antibacterial hand soap which were being clearanced for $1.50 each so I got a few of those and had to stock up on my favorite Country Apple stuffies....


After that, a purchase for 4 $5 pajamas at Victoria's Secret...(sorry no pics because they have all been worn and are in my hamper! lol) After that was the CCO.... I picked up a MAC pigment in Kitschmas and Dazzleglass in Phiff!



A short stop at Icing because my sister in law wanted to look at the rings but I was not planning on getting anything until I saw the polishes! I yanked Jaded off the shelves as soon as I saw it...What a gorgeous jade creamy color....good thing we stopped in there :)

Icing 'Jaded' w/flash

'Jaded' in natural light no flash....Sorry if the swatch is with messy cuticles and all, I was in a hurry!

I finally decided to re-purchase this one perfume, an ol' favorite of mine Hypnotic Poison by Dior...I love this scent, I've gone through 3 bottles of this, so I'm happy to rekindle the love again


At a flea market I spotted some Avon makeup, unused and still in boxes and for a fraction of the catalog price, I got Coral Radiance blush for $4, a blush that I've been after but could not find myself to pay $8 for...

It's a pretty light peach/coral shade with tiny little sparkles :)

And I also bought a purple glass stone bracelet, cute!


The gold hoops on the first pic and this silver bracelet are from Burlington Coat store and the Sonia Kashuk precise eyeshadow brush is from Target. That is all!

Jul 17, 2010

Gossip Girl inspired Nail Polish...Nicole by OPI


So, skimming thru my Target today, I ran across these....

Who is a fan of the show? If you are a fan of the show and just happen to be a nail varnish lover, these just might be a collectors must for ya....I just wanted to say that I saw the colors today and they are quite nice. Not sure if I would buy all of them, the blu-ish and grey glittery ones look very nice :)

So here are the colors - They go in the order of the picture as they are read:

Too Rich For You - Deep shimmery blue/teal

Scandals, Secrets & Sparkle - Shimmery white/silver with silver sparkle

Party In The Penthouse - Metallic blue with light blue shimmer

Nicole.. Spotted! - Blue/teal jelly base with hex holo's w various glitter
 
To see swatches click here

Jul 15, 2010

Illamasqua Pure Pigment

One of my most wanted items right now is a Pure Pigment by Illamasqua in the color Furore, which is a pretty shimmering light pink...Has anyone tried these? If you have, what is your opinion on them?

Jul 12, 2010

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' express mascara review


cost: $5.99 and up, I paid $6.99 for mine....
where to buy: CVS, Walmart, Target, Walgreens

what the product says: "Instant false glam in a tube,
-The Falsies Mascara delivers a false lash look; giving you a full set of voluminous, bold, fanned out lashes and the appearance of no gaps from any angle. The Pro-Keratin and Fibre enriched formula is designed to deliver immediate results, distributing volume and visible intensity to your lashes. The patented ‘Spoon’ shaped brush helps fan lashes out. The Falsies Mascara is designed to give the appearance of no gaps and spaces. In a wink lashes you didn’t even know you had look visibly thickened!"

In my opinion, Does the product do what it says? Yes it does, I naturally have very little eyelashes and they are visibly straight without any curl to them at all, the mascara actually added more lush lashes making them fuller and also created a decent curl without an eyelash curler...My preference is that I do not use an eyelash curler so for those that do I feel this mascara would benefit even better on those lashes than on mine. Application is wonderful, no clumps, no stickiness and no slippery/watery feeling.( I hate that feeling of watery mascaras, it doesn't feel like anything is going on the lashes.) and yes, no gaps.


I used a silvery shadow as a background to see the lashes better


The left picture is view from the top or facing the surface of the spoon, the right pic is a side-view.

product- 5 stars

packaging- 5 stars

quality- 5 stars

overall- 5 stars

buy again?
 I most certainly will

is it worth the price?
The mascara is worth it, especially for a drugstore mascara

pros:
No smudging, not sticky or watery, no smell, does what it says, inexpensive, packaging is pretty, wand is different but is functional.

cons:
none

my thoughts:
The spoon-like wand confuses me a bit as to wonder if I would be applying the spoon against my lashes or I would turn it to apply the edge of the wand to my lashes, I've tried it both ways which seem to create the same lashes. Either way my lashes look great. I'm really loving this mascara and plan to get a few more!

How I store my pigment samples

Those pesky little pigment sample baggies get everywhere especially if you have too many, like me!
So I decided to do something about it :)

Basically I got a little plain photo album and placed the baggies inside like so....
It's great because you can see the colors and they are in a neat place....

These photo album are non expensive so you can choose a design to your liking.....
I've had them like this for about 2 yrs already but decided to share the idea with you all just now...maybe you have a neat little idea or way yourself, if you do please share with me!

I once had them in alphabetical order but that quickly faded away, hahaha

This little basket is full of the jar pigment samples and regular Loreal or Cinema Secrets pigments