Everytime I walk into a CVS or Walgreens, or even Walmart, I have come across the end-cap displays for Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear nail polishes, and find myself gravitating towards them. There are so many colors, it's like a rainbow! I decided to reach out and try something very different for me, which was to purchase the Lime Lights nail polish.
This color, although by the name one would think this was a true lime green, is more of a pale turquoise with green/gold shimmer. I really fell in love with the color because it isn't so *wild* that it is difficult to pull off for everyday. Also, being that it is so sheer, it can be worn over a color to alter the shade, or add some blue/green shimmer. 
Being the avid gardener that I am, the ability of a nail polish to list on me is true test to the lasting power. I was pleasantly surprised with this line (this is the first polish in the Xtreme Wear I've purchased), as it lasted for a good 4-5 days without top coat, and no chipping or peeling. Also, I felt like my nails had some *umph* to them, as they didn't bend or crack, like they typically do from my every day wear and tear.
Take a look at the colors your next time in a local drug store or super center - there are plenty to please, that's for sure! And, what an easy way to add a pick-me-up or brighten any look!
My most recent MAC purchase is the eyeshadow "Go", from the Starflash Collection. I believe this is discontinued, but I found it on Ebay for about $9.99. This color is a beautiful, shimmery, basic brown. The texture is extremely smooth and blends very easily. Depending on your skintone, this would be a gorgeous crease or lid color.
Seeing as I have purchased several brown MAC eyeshadows recently, I thought I would do a comparison of the actual shadows & swatches so you all could see how it compared to each.
I was very surprised that Tempting ended up "warmer" toned than Go, just based on the picture above. But, once I swatched it out, you can see that Go is a little bit cooler tone, and Tempting appears to be more copper colored.
Here is a quick look I did using Phloof all of the eyes, Go in the crease and Lancome Artliner Eyeliner in Starflash. A great color, I think Go is definitely one to add to anyone's collection!
Here is a quick look I did using Phloof all of the eyes, Go in the crease and Lancome Artliner Eyeliner in Starflash. A great color, I think Go is definitely one to add to anyone's collection!
If you love shimmery, soft and light lipbalms, then this collection is for you. MAC's newest additions, Baby Bloom, is full of gorgeous tinted moisturizers and tinted lipbalms with a hint of shimmer. Add the benefit of SPF20 on the lipbalm and SPF15 on the skintints, and you have a wonderful light product to use in these warm summer months!
I love when orders arrive unexpectedly early! That is exactly what happened with my most recent order from Fyrinnae, and I was so excited to get it because not only did I order a ton of eyeshadow/liners (Tyr, Mystiq, Freya, Drokkakar, Liquor is Quicker, Strip Poker, Equiality, and Intoxicating) but I order the infamous Fyrinnae Velvet-Gel Silica primer, which I have read so much about!
For all of $5.50, you get a very large jar filled to the brim with this fantastic primer for your face. At first look, this reminds me of a jar full of the Smashbox Photo Finish primer or the Monistat Anti-Chaffing Gel, but once applied it gives a completely different result. This smoothes evenly into the skin and dries almost instantly. It doesn't leave the skin with the "film" that the Smashbox primer does, which I find some people found very discouraging. Instead, this tightens, smoothes away and fills pores, fine lines, and imperfections, leaving the smoothest and easiest template for any foundation (liquid or powder) to be applied effortlessly. Even more impressive, this base allows the foundation to stay in place all day!
Here is what the website says (or go on over --> click here!)
"Our top seller for April and May 2009! Contains NO silicones!
After months of testing and tweaking, our gel primer ended up being very simple, consisting of 4 ingredients plus a teeny-tiny bit of preservative. With about 50-60% micro-silica spheres, this primer creates a smooth finish, blurring fine lines and pores, that not only can help stop excess oil, but allows any type of foundation to be applied more evenly. The aloe-based gel prevents this product from being overly drying, since silica alone can pull moisture out of your skin. The aloe is pure, not a commercial variety with alcohol and colourants. Tested on dry/sensitive and acne-prone skin with no adverse effects, but is favoured by people with oily skin.
To apply, smooth on a very, very small (much less than pea-size) amount with fingertips after applying moisturizer (& sunscreen). If it feels tight or looks flaky/streaky when dry, too much was applied or it was not rubbed in well enough over a good moisturizer. Or, mix in a drop of water while applying. Can also be mixed with moisturizer and worn alone for a "soft focus" look.
1/2 ounce jar (.5 oz). $1 samples are little leak-resistant flip-cap vials with enough product for 3-5 applications (the price in the drop-down selection is minus the regular price). To open the sample vials, hold upright and squeeze both sides to pop the cap.
Ingredients: Silica (silicon dioxide), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Purified Water, Acrylates/C-10 Alkyl Acrylates(this makes it into a gel), Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate "
I fell in love with my first go round of Fyrinnae Inks Liquid eyeliner (I already have Lover's Quarrel), and decided I need something more slate/taupe colored to wear with some of my cooler eyeshadows I've acquired over the past few months. This time, I decided on Intoxicating. An absolutely gorgeous shade, this turns from silver, to lavender, to taupe and is extremely shimmery!
Last but not least, I ordered several new shades of eyeshadow that I thought would work well as both shadows, but liners, too. Several of these have a black base, so I am hoping to use these as alternatives to dead black liquid eyeliners, for a change of pace. I also found two colors, that I have immediately fallen in love with: Liquor is Quicker, which is a fantastic matte white with iridescent shimmer/sparkles, and my sample Mystiq, which is very difficult to explain - it looks purple in the container, but changes to blue and taupe depending on the light!
Below I took closeups of the shades, and you can really see the difference between application wet (just with water) and dry with a dense eyeshadow brush. I love these and have already started playing around with different looks and techniques! For those of you who have been looking for a white eyeliner, I would definitely suggest Liquor is Quicker, because when applied wet, it is the most gorgeous freshly-fallen-snow-shimmering-in-the-sunlight-white I've ever seen!
When I got all of these home, I realized I have tons of other Fyinnae eyeshadows that I need to swatch all together for record here....that task is pending!
Mac
MAC Color Craft Haul Part 2: Mineralize Blushes "Hand Finish" and "Draft Pink" and Eyeshadow "Odd Bits"
10:21 AMSince I can't seem to stay away from MAC's newest collection, Colour Craft, I went by Nordstroms again and picked up a couple more colors that were on my "wish list". I decided I needed a couple of the mineralize blushes, so I picked up Daft Pink and Hand Finished. Both are gorgeous, light pinks, but Daft Pink has cooler undertones with raspberry swirled through it, and Hand Finish is truly a shrimp pink color.
I also picked up one more of the mineralize eyeshadow quads, this one in Odd Bitz. I don't know why, but I am definitely drawn to the beautiful mauve and purples of this collection, so I couldn't resist.
I have been on the look for some beautiful pale shades of blush to use, and these two fit the bill perfectly. I don't have a true berry pink blush that doesn't make me look like a clown, so when I tried Daft Pink out, I couldn't have been happier. Although you do need a light hand to apply this, it isn't so overwhelming that the color is not wearable. Hand Finish is just a beautiful color, no way around it. Perfect on it's own for a very light blush, I think this would also work extremely well over the top to tone down blushes, or as a high light.
Again, Odd Bits was calling my name when I first saw it, but I was trying to *budget* my purchases, so I didn't buy this during my first spree at the MAC counter. I love these colors, though. I am really excited to try them out in the fall because I have a lot of sweaters that have these shades running through them. Again, the texture is a bit gritty, but if you can manage that, the pigmentation and colors are beautiful!I know, I know - I'm way behind on getting my posts updated, which I will be working on tonight. In the meantime, enjoy free shipping from maccosmetics.com through July 24th!
FREE SHIPPINGALL PURCHASES JULY 20 - 24
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How many of you are trying to save money while still looking fabulous? Well, hop on over to Nouveau Cheap, where the lovely Recessionista gives us the details on all the drugstore brands, and even compares some high ends (like Nars, MAC, etc) against lines such as Wet 'n' Wild to help us find economical dupes! She thoroughly tests items to ensure the quality meets or exceeds that of the high end competitor!
Recently she posted about all the new drugstore products/collections that are available, and there are several I am going to be looking for:
1. Jesse's Girl Baked Eyeshadows
2. Milani Eye Am Perfect Liquid Eyeliners (I am SUPER excited about these!)
3. Prestige Skin Loving Minerals
Click the link above and see what she has found. What about you?? Have you seen these in your drugstores yet? I haven't, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for them to show up soon!
If you aren't a member of HauteLook.com, click my invitation link below! Great sales are updated every day!
http://www.hautelook.com/invite/439096
Lancome has come out with a new mascara, Lancome Hpnose Drama, and Sephora Beauty Insiders have an exclusive look/access to the product! For $24.50 you can get yours and try it before it's available!
I used to use Lancome Hpnose back in the day, but I stopped when I went to college and didn't have access to it anymore. Since then, I've just stood by my Lash Blast, but I am debating going back and trying this. Of those customers that have already rated it, it has received all 5 stars, so looks like it is getting pretty rave reviews!
From the picture, you can see the brush is a little wacky - kind of spiraled maybe? 
Below is from Sephora.com:
HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
What it is: A volumizing mascara that creates dramatic lashes instantly.
What it does: Hypnôse Drama creates full-bodied, high-volume lashes in a single stroke. The oversized, full-contact Convex Brush has an S-shaped curve that grasps and loads lashes for a fanned out, full-bodied fringe. It even dramatizes corner lashes that other brushes miss. Lancôme's new luxurious, texturizing complex features highly saturated waxes and intense black pigments that provide maximum lash coating and rich color. The triple-coating system with Pro-Vitamin B5 delivers a fluid and creamy application, with long playtime, to quickly and easily build big, battable lashes.
What else you need to know: This product is fragrance free and ophthalmologist and allergy tested. It's safe for contact lens wearers.
Size: 0.22 oz
Size: 0.22 oz
MAC Eccentricity is a quad with beautiful neutral-purples and golden taupes. I love these colors, especially in the summer when color is more approachable. I bought this quad in particular because of the gorgeous lavender (upper right). I don't have much in this shade, but it is a color I really enjoy wearing because it helps make the green in my hazel eyes pop. I was also drawn to this particular quad because I don't have a real golden/yellow, and instead most of my golds have a cooler undertone.
For this FOTD, I tried using all the colors, although I don't think the camera really captured the differences, as they appear in "real life".
Face:
Everyday Minerals Foundation - Fairly Summer
Bare Escentauls Tinted Feather Light Mineral Veil
MAC Smooth Merge Blush
Eyes:
MAC Eccentricity (light lavender) - all over lid
MAC Eccentricity (dark purple) - outer corner/crease
MAC Eccentricity (gold) - inner corner/lower lashline
MAC Eccentricity (brown) - lower lashline
Smashbox Caviar Eyeliner
Loreal Voluminous Mascara - Black
Lips:
MAC Pretty Pattern Lipglass
I am getting used to the texture and blendability of these Mineralize eyeshadows - they are somewhat gritty, and definitely not as smooth as the "normal" eyeshadows from MAC, but the colors and shimmer are beautiful. I figured out that if I apply with a brush, and then pat in with my finger, I help prevent the fall out that you usually get with the sparkly shadows. To be honest, these remind me of a pressed version of the Solar Bits.
I absolutely love the Lipglass in Pretty Pattern - it is such a great, neutral, pale brown color, and would work well with most skin tones, in my opinion. A great addition if you are looking for something basic and neutral to go with anything!
I went into the Marshalls around my house in hopes of finding some new makeup, and luckily stumbled across a section of Lancome! I their Artliner, which is a precision eyeliner that won't budge, smear, or skip when applied. These come in an array of colors, although this one in particular was a limited edition that made it's way to my Marshalls.
The color I picked up was "Starshower", which appears to be a deep olive/black with silver shimmer. I don't typically buy felt tipped eyeliners, but with my plethora of eyeliner brushes, I figured it I didn't like the application I could figure out another way to do so. Luckily, it applies extremely smooth, almost as if it had a brush, not felt tip. I am so excited to try this out, since I don't have a lot of Lancome in my stash.
If you have a TJ Maxx or Marshalls by you, I would definitely try and stop by. Mine had tons of Lancome, some Nars body (and I've read that some around the country have blush duos), and lots of fragrances available.
If you go by, you'll have to let me know what you find!
Mac
MAC Color Craft Haul - Smooth Merge MSF, Eccentricity & Natural Flare Mineralize Eyeshadow and Pretty Pattern Lipglass
8:00 AMAs promised, I went to the MAC counter over my lunch on Thursday to check out the new MAC Color Craft Collection, and of course, pick up some goodies as well. I was pleased with this set - the eyeshadows were much prettier in person, the blushes are gorgeous and the lipglass and lipstick have a broad range of colors that are sure to work on everyone. This collection is full of different colors, so the options are definitely limitless, if you enjoy some shimmer and color.
Below, I bought Mineralize Skin Finish in "Smooth Merge", Mineralize Eyeshadow Quads in "Eccentricity" and "Natural Flare", and Lipglass in "Pretty Pattern".
The lipglass, Pretty Pattern, is a swirl of cream, brown, mauve and hints of lavender sparkle. Once applied, it is a gorgeous light mauve/brown. I can already tell this is going to be one of my "go-to" colors in my purse - it's not an overwhelming or "look at me" type color. It's natural and beautiful.
The Mineralize Eyeshadow in "Eccentricity" its a beautiful collection of gold, lavender, purple and golden-taupe. These colors work very well together to create an entire look, but I love purples and needed some new shades to add to the collection, and this was the perfect set. The lavender is a beautiful, light purple with a hint of pink. The deeper purple is truly a wearable egg plant color. The taupe has hints of gold/bronze in it, that allow it to work well with the purples and the light gold in this quad as well. All of these are very shimmery, and remind me of a pressed version of the Solar Bits.
As you can see below, these are very shimmery, and borderline glittery, colors. I love this type of eyeshadow, but if you don't care for shimmer, or the potential for fallout, I wouldn't recommend these for you.
Smooth Merge is an absolutely GORGEOUS trio of Mineralize Skin Finish - I think this color would work well on anyone. It has a strip of cooler pink, and two outer stripes that are a bit warmer. Once blended together, it makes such a gorgeous warm flush color! The functionality of all of the colors go well beyond that of just a blush. The lighter colors can be used as a high light, eyeshadow, flush, blush, lipgloss, you name it.
There are other sets I am still eyeing, and may go back to take a look at this week. I wanted a couple of the blushes, and maybe two more of the eyeshadows, so keep checking back as there may be more swatches to come!
Although I post daily about makeup, skin care is something else I try extremely hard to maintain, be that face, body and/or hands. L'Occitane is a company this is known for not only their wonderful fragrances, but fantastic skin care products as well.
Recently I came across L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Hand Cream . Made with shea butter honey, this product is formulated to protect and aid in the nurouishment of the hands and skin. The fragrance is truly that of fresh honey, but ends in a light crisp lemon scent.
As the L'Occitane website states:
Honey & Lemon Hand Cream
Rich in Shea Butter and pure Honey from Provence, this creamy moisturizer is perfect for softening, protecting and nourishing hands.
(Review for Olive Hair Paste to follow - I am going to test this out this weekend!)
This product is extremely creamy, rich and moisturizing - but more importantly, it manages to accomplish all of this without being greasy and/or sticky. The fragrance is so fresh and it lasts throughout the day. Below, you can see the consistency of the cream.
(Yes, I need a manicure, but I thought I would show you how powerful this hand cream is.) A little goes a long way, that's for sure! To make sure my hands were in need of cream, I washed the dishes in the skin with soap and water, and waiting for them dry so I could apply the L'Occitane. As you can see, not only is my skin dull and dry, but I have dry skin around the cuticles and finger tips. This is pretty typical for me if I am not maintaining a constant application of hand cream/lotion.
I took this picture 30 minutes after I applied the L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Hand Cream so you could see that this does, indeed, last. All too often do I purchase hand creams only to find that they don't last! As you can see, the skin is moisturized, my dry skin has been replenished, and overall, everything looks a whole lot better! And, even better, the fragrance is so refreshing!
If you do decide to try this product, do note that there are several other items in this Honey and Lemon collection, which can be seen here. Several items are Limited Edition, including this hand cream, so stock up while you can!
Retail Price: $5.00 USD (0.5 floz) or $10.00 (1.0 fl oz)
Where to purchase: http://www.loccitane.com/ or the L'Occitane stores
Product: 5 out of 5
Price: 5 out of 5 - remember, a little goes a long way!
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Would I purchase again? Absolutely! As I mentioned above, this product has a very strong lasting power, nourishes the skin, and a fabulous fragrance. The packaging is great, and allows you to get every ounce out without messy bottles and pumps. Also, being that there are two sizes, the smaller 0.5oz can be put in the purse and doesn't take up precious space because it isn't too bulky. As the seasons change, I will have to pick up a different fragrance to keep on hand!
For those of you that did not receive the email, MAC's newest collection is available, Color Craft. A gorgeous collection consisting of every color imaginable, there are Mineralize Eyeshadow Quads, Mineralize Skin Finish and Mineralize Skin Finish Trios, lipsticks, Mineralize Blushes, and two brushes.
If you haven't seen swatches online of this collection, I would recommend that you go over to KarlaSugar's blog - The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself for Part 1 and Part 2 of her swatches. Not only does she have gorgeous and comprehensive swatches of this collection, but I would argue that she has the best blog online with regards to all the new collections and swatches associated with them - definitely keep her in your bookmark!
I am going to go over to my MAC store over lunch, so I'll see if I pick anything up - I'm pretty sure I will :)
Just a quick post to show you how beautiful the Yes to Carrots tinted balms are. I was so pleased with the pigmentation and lasting power (not to mention the moisture and smell), this product will always be in my purse to use when I don't feel like a gloss or lipstick!
Above I am using the Wet 'n Wild Ultimate Expression Eyeshadow Palette in Sand Castle, my go-to for any day that I don't know what to wear. For my blush, I am wearing L'oreal Front Page Peach. And, of course, the purpose of the post, for my lips I am wearing the Yes to Carrots Tinted Balm in Sunset Pink.
I went to Target yesterday to pick up another Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm since I lost the one I use all the time. Well, actually I think the washer and/or dryer ate it, but regardless, I can't find it anywhere!
While walking through the aisles, I found an endcap with a brand called Yes to Carrots. I had seen these once before when I was in Beauty Brands, and had always been curious about the quality. I decided that I would pick up a set of the three lip tints, since they were only $4.99 for the set, where Burt's Bees can be about the same price for a single lip balm. 
I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the product. The tubes are very similar to those for Burts Bees - very small, thin, and easy to keep in your purse. The actual product itself reminded me of the BB's as well: a very thick consistency with a hint of mint and shimmer to each of the tubes.
As described on the Yes to Carrots website:
C Me Blush
Lip Tints
2.6g - 0.09 oz.
Enhance your natural look with these sheer, alluring shades that work with every skin tone.
The all-natural formulas made with 95% certified organic ingredients soothe, condition and moisturize for soft, kissable lips.
Available in 6 blushing shades:
+ Chocolate Kiss
+ Natural Smile
+ Ready Red
+ Cotton Candy
+ Sunset Pink
+ Coral Sunshine
Key Ingredients & Benefits
All-natural, 95% certified organic ingredients
Organic vegetable extracts & vitamin E provide antioxidant protection
Coconut, jojoba & sunflower oils nourish and condition
Shea Butter soothes and hydrates
Beeswax locks in moisture to form a protective barrier
Mineral pigments add color naturally
What's Not Included?
Free of parabens & phthalates
Free of phenols & petroleum that can dry out lips
Free of carmine (a colorant & harsh additive derived from crushed beetle shells)
No animal testing
The texture is extremely smooth and the smell is very alluring. Not only does it give you the benefits of all natural ingredients, but the color payoff is great as well. Even better, there is NO animal testing, which is an A+ in my book!
If you take a gander at the Yes to Carrots website, you'll find all sorts of beauty and face/body/hand care items. After these great lip balms, I'll be trying out some of the other items as well!
