Aquaheart's Obsessions

MAC Cosmetics Cook MAC Tendertone Lip Balm in Hush, Hush - Swatch and Review

2012-02-17T16:29:00.001-08:00

Today I have a review of MAC Tendertone lip balm in Hush, Hush from the fairly new MAC Cook collection. Why do these Tendertones have to be so addicting? This is my first one and I already want more. I'm definitely obsessing over this! Haha.

MAC Hush, Hush tendertone is described as a sheer gold with yellow gold pearl. I am a big lover of lip balms, but I sometimes want one that will give shine in addition to moisturizing. This does exactly that. I love how this looks like a lip gloss but is not sticky at all. It also has SPF 12 sun protection which is great, because I have been leaving this in my purse for when I'm out and about.

I know some people don't like the idea of lip balm in a pot like this one, but I don't mind it. I use this as my own personal lip balm, so I know that I am the only one using it.

Now sadly I want more and they are all sold out from this collection online. Which I guess is a good thing so I don't spend anymore money. Haha! :)

Do you own any MAC Tendertones? Let me know!

♥ Stephanie

Preview - China Glaze Capitol Colors Nail Polish Collection

2012-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

With THE HUNGER GAMES about to begin, Capitol citizens can show their support for their chosen district through China Glaze®’s exclusive Capitol Colours nail polish collection. The collection combines rich crèmes, soft shimmers and bold glitters to create the limited edition 12 shade nail polish collection inspired by the most anticipated movie release of the year.

The China Glaze® Capitol Colours collection includes the following shades:

· Dress Me Up – A stripped down dark rose pink crème

· Foie Gras – Decadent dark crème taupe

· Fast Track – Soft sandy brown with a gold metallic shimmer

· Hook and Line –Pearlescent light grey

· Stone Cold – Matte slate grey with shimmer

· Smoke and Ashes – Black-based teal with multicolored shimmer

· Agro – Moss green with gold shimmer

· Mahogany Magic – Reddish-brown crème

· Harvest Moon – Crystalized copper shimmer

· Riveting – Bright orange shimmer

· Electrify – High-wattage gold and ruby red glitter blend

· Luxe and Lush – A high octane flaky overcoat

The release of the collection follows the debut of the China Glaze® Capitol Colours consumer and beauty trade advertising campaign featuring the story’s Effie Trinket, who is assigned by the Capitol to escort and prepare the Tributes from District 12 for the 74^th Annual Hunger Games. The ad features the tagline, “What will you be wearing to the opening ceremonies?,” encouraging fans of THE HUNGER GAMES to support their favorite tribute and district by wearing a corresponding shade. Full-page ads will run in the March issues of teenVOGUE, People Style Watch and InStyle.

China Glaze® Capitol Colours will be available in early March 2012 at salons and specialty beauty retailers including Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA stores, coinciding with the release of THE HUNGER GAMES in theatres March 23, 2012. Individual shades retail for $7. The collection will be available in a 12-piece counter display as well as open stock colors.

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze® is a division of American International Industries.

Giveaway! - Win MAC Cosmetics Cook MAC Nail Lacquer!

2012-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

I picked up an extra MAC nail lacquer in Kid Orange from the Cook MAC collection to giveaway to one lucky reader! You can see my previous post where I have a swatch of this one and I love this color so much. I'm excited to give this one away and have someone enjoy this nail polish as much as I do.

All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. A blog comment is required for entering, and the other options are extras. This giveaway is U.S. only because I can't ship international at the moment. I will hopefully have an international giveaway soon. Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥ Stephanie

MAC Cosmetics Cook MAC Collection Nail Lacquers (2 Shades) - Swatches

2012-02-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

I could not resist the new MAC Shop and MAC Cook collections that recently came out. I had originally went to the MAC Shop/Cook event to get all of the lipsticks. When I had got there, the colors I wanted were sold out! I was able to get a hold of Innocence, Beware! lipstick luckily, because I love it so much. So since I couldn't get any lipsticks, I went with these two nail lacquers which I'm glad I did. I'm not a big MAC nail polish fan, but these colors are really pretty and they are limited edition so I didn't want to pass them up.

MAC Salad Dressed Nail Lacquer - Midtone Aqua

MAC Kid Orange Nail Lacquer - Coral

I also bought the Call Me Bubbles eyeshadow quad, and Hush,Hush Tendertone Lip Balm which should be delivered to my door this week. So I will have swatches of those coming up. I will also swatch the Innocence, Beware! lipstick as well in another post.

Did you get anything from these collections? Let me know in the comments!

♥ Stephanie

China Glaze ElectroPop Collection (3 Shades) - Swatches

2012-02-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that I can swatch and review three nail polishes from the new China Glaze ElectroPop collection. There are 12 shades in the entire collection, but these three completely remind me of Spring! They are so gorgeous, I love all three. Here are the swatches.

My nails are complete nubs right now, so that's the reason I ended up swatching them on a nail wheel. I hope that is okay. :)

The colors are really gorgeous and opaque. I had to do three coats with Sunshine Pop and the other two only have 2 coats.

Let me know what you think! Which color is your favorite?

♥ Stephanie

Preview - Nicole by OPI at Target Spring 2012

2012-02-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

(February 07, 2012) — Nicole by OPI believes once you respect yourself, you can share it with the rest of the world. Nicole by OPI nail lacquers are free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde, and are packaged in recyclable glass bottles. The new Nicole by OPI Target-exclusive collection, launching in March 2012, features irresistible shades that bring a burst of color and feel-good energy to any look. Price: $7.04 each.

New offerings include:

Great Minds Pink Alike ($7.04)

Look at Me, Look at Me ($7.04)

Purple Yourself Together ($7.04)

That’s Totally Red-ical! ($7.04)

♥ Stephanie

Press Release and photos provided by Target PR.

Milani Cosmetics Marbleized Baked Eyshadows in Copper Excess and Green Fortune - Swatches

2012-02-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the new Milani marbelized baked eyeshadows. I was really excited when I saw the display for these and almost couldn't choose just two. These are the first time I tried any of Milani's baked eyeshadows, but I have heard great things about them from others. Let's see the swatches of these two.

Copper Excess

Swatches of Copper Excess dry and wet.

Green Fortune

Swatches of Green Fortune dry and wet.

At first, I wasn't at all impressed by these when I swatched them dry. But when they were wet? Huge difference! I love the way Green Fortune looks! It comes out like an olive green but with undertones of different colors? I don't even know how to describe it, but it's great. It's so gorgeous and I'm so happy I didn't skip of this one. I really like the copper one too, and will definitely be a color that I can wear all the time. They are definitely long lasting and as stated before, I like to use them wet more than dry.

Have you seen these new Milani Marbleized Baked Eyeshadows?

♥ Stephanie

NYX Cosmetics 5 Color Eye Shadow Palette in I Dream Of Antigua Swatches and Review

2012-02-08T23:58:00.000-08:00

Today I have swatches of this NYX Cosmetics 5 Color Eye Shadow Palette. This one is from the Caribbean Collection and it is called "I Dream of Antigua." I'm not usually a big fan of blue eye shadow, I always feel like it's a color that's hard for me to pull off. These blues, however, are more of darker blues, even kind of blue grey so it makes it easier to work with.

I like to use this palette if I want a smokey eye other than the typical black/grey smokey eye.

I love the colors and how pigmented they are. The range of light blues and dark blues that are in this palette are great. Are they long lasting? Yeah I would say they are. As always with an eye primer helps the longevity of these shadows. I also can't believe the price of this palette. Only $8.50 (will vary on if buying in stores or online) and you get 5 eye shadows are are actually pretty awesome in quality. I definitely want to get the color palettes, which there are 9 other palettes like this.

Do you own any of these 5 eye shadow palettes from NYX?

♥ Stephanie

Product provided by NYX and Total Beauty apart of Review Opportunity.

Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powered Bronzer Review

2012-02-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

When I saw the display for these new products from Physicians Formula, I was intrigued in trying out this Bronzer. There are two other products that are available as well: a blush and a lip gloss. I had such a bad experience with one of their lip products before, so I didn't want to try the lip gloss. Also, I have so many blushes I didn't want another one so I went with the bronzer. Here is what I thought.

Here is a description of the pH Powered Bronzer:

Fluorescein Based Dye-senses the pH level of your skin & adjusts within 60 seconds to create your perfect bronze glow. Photochronic Powders-light adjusting pigments adapt to your environment so color looks the same indoors & outside. LED-powered compact lights up and features a full-size mirror for touch-ups anywhere & everywhere!

So first, let me start out with the packaging. It's very bulky and big, considering this is supposed to be a compact that you can carry around with you "anywhere and everywhere." It's interesting that it comes with lights on the compact, which they are pretty powerful for being small lights on a makeup product. The light really do light up my whole face.

Here is is with lights on.

Now the bronzer itself is good. It goes on kind of dark but doesn't stay that way. It was so dark I was scared to put it on! Haha, but it did end up changing. So I'm guessing the whole "adjust to your skin tone" really is happening. The only thing I wish about this bronzer was that it was matte. It has shimmer in it for that glow effect. So I ended up using this not to contour, but kind of where I needed color. I really do like the way it give my skin this almost natural glow and the shimmer is not overpowering. But it is there. I like this product, but I don't love it. It also comes with a brush on the bottom, I didn't use it though. It cost $15.99 which to me you can any kind of bronzer for way cheaper. You are mostly paying for the packaging. I used extrabucks and coupons with this and got it for $6.99 which I didn't mind paying. I'm not sure if I would of bought it at regular price. If you have coupons, use them so you don't pay full price if you want to try this.

Picture is blurry on purpose so you can see the shimmer.

What do you think? Is this bronzer something you would try out?

♥ Stephanie

Review - Korres Lip Butters in Wild Rose and Jasmine

2012-02-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

I have decided to review these Korres lip butters that I have had in my makeup stash for a while now. I love lip balms, and these are no different. The Korres lip butters are a product that will give you shine and a slight tint to your lips.

A rich buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish.

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS
Rich butter leaves lips deeply moisturized, supple and kissably soft

Formulated with natural oils and extracts to soothe and condition lips

Packed with a shiny, juicy pop of color

Ideal for dry lips

Petrolatum free

KEY INGREDIENTS
Shea butter and Rice wax: provide lasting hydration and softness.

AVAILABLE IN
Pomegranate

Guava

Wild Rose

Plum

Quince

Jasmine

Mango

My Review:

I really like these lip butters, but surprisingly not for moisture. You would think since they are lip "butters" they would be extremely moisturizing. I hate to say not really. But I do really like how they are lightweight and add some sort of color to the lips. You can see from the swatch of Jasmine that it is almost just a shine, it doesn't really have any color. The funny thing is that's one of my most used lip products that I own, and you can tell by the picture above. I really like the way it looks and it's super easy to use when I'm in a rush.

These lip butters retail for $12 and you can find them online or at Sephora. I would like to try Mango which looks like a peach coral color.

Do you own any of these Korres Lip Butters? Which ones?

♥ Stephanie

Review - Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacer™ with Dragon's Blood Complex

2012-01-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today I have a review of this Resurfacer serum by Peter Thomas Roth. This has recently been one of the most popular products by them. I am awful at using any sort of anti-aging products, though now that I'm going to be 25 this year, I should really start thinking about it more now. I have been using this for a good month now continuously and here is how my experience has been.

Here is how it is described by Peter Thomas Roth on their website:
Laser-Free Resurfacer™ helps lessen the appearance of noticeable signs of aging as a result of time, UV and environmental damage while helping to dramatically improve the appearance of texture, tone, skin ruddiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Skin appears smoother, softer, younger and clearer looking.

My thoughts:
I can definitely notice and feel a difference ever since I started using this and putting it into my daily routine. I want to say even from the first time of using this, my skin felt slightly softer. Then after about the first week, my skin was brighter, smoother, and even toned. I don't really have any problems with fine lines or wrinkles (yet), but I have been using it where I would eventually have those things happening. Now that it's been a month, I am seriously hooked. I can't go without using this every morning before I start my makeup process.

You can find this at Sephora, and for the hefty price of $75. Now I know what your thinking, Stephanie, your crazy! Yes, it is expensive, but it is something that is effective, works, and is truly amazing. It has to be something that you are willing buy for the results. I'm not saying this is for everyone, but if you are looking for a great serum, this could be for you.

I hope this review helped! If you have any questions feel free to ask me in the comments.

♥ Stephanie

Jordana Cosmetics Glitters Specialty Nail Polish Swatches

2012-01-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to be able to provide swatches of the Jordana Glitters Specialty nail polishes today. If you saw my preview post, then you know there is 6 that are coming soon, so I don't have swatches of those. I do have swatches of the rest which is 18 bottles. Since these are glitters, you can wear them along or over any other nail polish. I have done the swatches with only one coat and no polish under, so you can see exactly how they are.

01 Magenta Magic, 02 Celebration, 05 Pixie Pink, 06 Fairy Dust

08 Sequins, 10 Gemstones, 11 Cosmic, 12 Celestial

14 LA City Lights, 15 Blue Bash, 16 Green Glitz, 17 Copper Blaze

19 My Superstar, 20 Gold Glam

21 Funky Gold Town, 23 Rhinestones, 24 Lunar Lights

Now I have pictures of each one (click on each one to make it bigger) -

These Jordana glitters nail polishes are available at Kmart, and also you can order online at jordanacosmetics.com

Let me know what you think! Which one glitter would you love to own?
I hope this post was helpful in some way. :)

♥ Stephanie

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation Review

2012-01-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today I have a review of the new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse foundation that has recently came out. When I saw the display at CVS, something about this was calling out to me to give it a try. I had been using Maybelline FIT Me foundation ever since Summer of last year, so it was time to switch it up.

Foundation is (of course) going to vary on each person how it works depending on someone's skin type, how much coverage one needs, etc. My skin is dry, even on my t-zone. No oily or combo skin at all. I also have pretty good skin, so I don't need a heavy coverage or trying to hide anything on my face like scarring or what not. Just something that will make my skin look more even in skin tone. So, this review is based on my skin type and my overall experience.

I really liked this foundation right from the start. It's light weight and gives a decent amount of coverage. It even does make my skin have that "airbrushed look" to it like it is supposed to be doing. The only thing I really didn't like about it, is the shimmer! So much shimmer, which I guess is also in the original PhotoReady foundation (I have heard from other bloggers). I knew about the shimmer prior to buying, so it wasn't a shock. It's weird because I like it and I don't like it. It's mostly sunny here in Los Angeles, so if I wear this out when the sun is out I look like a shimmery face of shimmer. If I wear this when it's gloomy out (which is rare) or at night, I really like the way it looks. So this will not be my everyday foundation, which bums me out because I wanted it to be. I'm only going to use it if I go out at night, or a gloomy type day.

Have you tried this Revlon PhotoReady Mousse Foundation? Let me know what you think.

♥ Stephanie

Preview - China Glaze ElectroPop Spring 2012 Collection

2012-01-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, CA - (January 2012): Where heavy metal meets rocker chic, China Glaze® introduces the Spring 2012 collection, ElectroPop. Inspired by all things girly, edgy and fun, the 12 shades of ElectroPop bring out the inner rock star in all. For flash and glam this spring, China Glaze® hits the stage in style!

ElectroPop Shades include:

Kinetic Candy – Touch the sky in light blue crème
Electric Beat – Periwinkle nails for a wink worthy performance
Aquadelic – Pool blue for nighttime gigs and daytime fun in the sun
Gaga For Green – Green lacquer for the girl craving the limelight
Sunshine Pop – Shine in the spotlight in bold yellow
Make Some Noise – Rock the mic in tangerine
Wicked Style – Party cocktail tropical punch
Fuchsia Fanatic – Fuchsia pink for the rocker diva in us all
Gothic Lolita – Steal the show on girls night out in seductive purple
Dance Baby – Hit center stage in cotton candy pink
Sweet Hook – Blow a kiss in dreamy lilac
Techno – Glitter confetti polish for a dazzling topcoat finish or all over finger tip bling

ElectroPop is also available in:
- 6 Piece Collection of “Brights”: Techno, Aquadelic, Sunshine Pop, Gaga for Green, Make Some Noise and Wicked Style

- 6 Piece Collection of “Lights”: Fuchsia Fanatic, Dance Baby, Electric Beat, Kinetic Candy, Sweet Hook and Gothic Lolita

- 12 Piece 3D Counter Display
- 36 Piece Rack

ElectroPop will be available February 2012. Individual shades retail for $7; 6 piece collections retail for $42.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadows - Review and Swatches

2012-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Seems like everyone is trying to get their hands on these new Maybelline cream gel shadows, obviously myself included. I couldn't find as many as I wanted to but I did get the colors I originally was looking for. I actually only had bought Tough as Taupe, but I couldn't resist getting more when I went to CVS. Let's see swatches and my review.

Audacious Asphalt, Bold Gold, and Tough as Taupe.

These are described as:

- Dare to wear our longest-lasting shadow.
- Our ink technology creates super-saturated color.
- Cream gel smooths on for vibrant color that does not fade.

I really enjoy these and the colors that I ended up buying. Tough as Taupe is one that I have been wearing on a daily basis. They are pretty long wearing, I was able to go from morning to night when I took my makeup off with no creasing. They don not smudge at all, I tried rubbing it off a bit with my fingers but nothing. I think for being a drugstore product and the price, they are definitely worth it.

I'm hoping that in the future they will make more colors, since there are only 10 shades. I feel like they could make way more of a selection. Other than that, they are great, long lasting, and smudge proof.

Have you tried these? Let me know what colors you picked up!

♥ Stephanie

Preview: Jordana Cosmetics Glitters Specialty Nail Polish

2012-01-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

This post is to announce the launch of a new polish line for 2012: Glitters Specialty Nail Polish! These are now available through Jordana's website, and 12 shades will launch at Kmart this February. You will notice that there are 6 shades that will be coming soon, and are currently not available.

The 12 shades that will be available at Kmart are: 01 Magenta Magic, 02 Celebration, 06 Fairy Dust, 08 Sequins, 10 Gemstones, 11 Cosmic, 12 Celestial, 14 LA City Nights, 15 Blue Bash, 17 Copper Blaze, 21 Funky Gold Town, and 23 Rhinestones.

Have you tried any of Jordana's nail polishes? I should be having swatches of these in another post soon! I'm excited to try them out. :)

♥ Stephanie

L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Tender Mauve - Review

2012-01-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

You know when you find a lip product that just works for you? This is one of those products for me. L'Oreal recently came out with these Colour Riche Balms that are available in 8 shades. I went with a mauve color to get away from my usual nude attack when it comes to lip products. Here is what I thought about this balm.

My review:

I have really been loving this lip balm ever since I bought it. I can't stand how amazing the packaging makes it look sleek and more expensive than it actually is. The color that I bought, Tender Mauve, is definitely a "my lips but better" color which makes it more harder to stay away from it. I also notice that my lips feel smoother and lightly more moisturized than before.

The only thing that bothers me is the way it tastes. I mean, obviously I know your not supposed to eat it, (swear I'm not), but if you just slightly get a taste of it, it's awful. I can deal with that being that I love the way this balm makes my lips look and feel. I like how it still feels like a balm so it's not sticky at all, but yet gives your lips this shine almost like a lip gloss.

If you are wondering how these compare to the Revlon Lip Butters, they don't. The Lip Butters and this are not the same, being that each one gives a different look and feel to your lips. Lip Butter comes in way more colors while this one only comes in 8. I do love the feel of the these more than the lip butters, just personal preference. I still love the Lip Butters, just a different kind of love.

L'Oreal Colour Riche balms retail for $7.95 (prices vary). I bought mine a Target for $6.99. Just depends on where you find them.

Let me know what you think of these. Have you tried them?

♥ Stephanie

The Makeup Show - Final 2012 Dates Set

2012-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

THE MAKEUP SHOW SETS OUT TO FEATURE ANOTHER FULL YEAR OF INSPIRATION, EDUCATION AND BEAUTY

Throughout 2012, the show will hit 5 locations, bringing beauty and fashion pros inside tips from top industry artists, new beauty products, and exclusive offers

The Makeup Show sets out to feature another full year of inspiration, education and beauty. All five shows spanning throughout the year will bring beauty and fashion pros to the largest industry event with elite and some first time ever appearances from top artists, leading brands and exclusive product offers.Don’t forget to mark your calendar as the show crosses through your state to stay on top of the looks for the upcoming season and network with industry professionals to gain valuable tips and tricks.

The Makeup Show LA

Saturday, March 17, 2012 & Sunday March 18, 2012

California Market Center

The Makeup Show NYC

Sunday, May 13, 2012 & Monday, May 14, 2012

Metropolitan Pavilion

The Makeup Show Chicago

Sunday, June 17, 2012 & Monday, June 18, 2012

Venue One

The Makeup Show Europe (Berlin, Germany)

Saturday, September 22, 2012 and Sunday, September 23, 2012

STATION-BERLIN

New Show!

The Makeup Show Orlando

Sunday, November 4, 2012 and Monday, November 5, 2012

The Peabody Hotel

About The Makeup Show

The Makeup Show travels internationally stopping in multiple locations throughout the United States and in Europe. Bringing each destination a unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional. Each show offers an unparalleled lineup of education and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community. The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business. http://themakeupshow.com/

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick Review

2012-01-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Happy new year! New year, new beauty products to review. I picked this lipstick up recently at CVS and could not wait to try it out. I absolutely love the PF Happy Booster blush which I use constantly, so I had big hope that I would love this as well. There are two different lipsticks available, I ended up going with "I ♥ Nude." I always tend to wear nude lipsticks so I knew I couldn't go wrong with another nude. Haha. Here are my thoughts on this lipstick.

Cute! It has a heart right on the lipstick!

My Review:

Wow, okay.. I expected to LOVE this lipstick that I might of been too excited which ended up with me getting disappointed. Packaging wise, it was fine. I like the case that the lipstick comes in, so girly and cute.

I had major problems with the lipstick itself though. The texture of it made me feel like I was using a crayon on my lips. Felt really dry once it was on and can you tell by the swatch? Not really getting why they called it "I ♥ Nude." It gave my lips this coral pink color which looked so awful. The swatch makes it look so moisturizing and smooth, but application was neither. I've never had this kind of bad experience with a lipstick before. I tried to give it another go the next day. and it was the same thing. I couldn't get used to it. The texture, the color, everything.

Heart was gone after a few uses.

I really wanted to enjoy this, but sadly I didn't. The only thing I did love was the scent of Violet that it has. But I'm not going to keep a lipstick because of the smell. I would rather take this back and get the Happy Booster Bronzer which is also new. My final take? Don't buy this, and instead pay the few more dollars to get the bronzer or blush if you really want a Happy Booster product.

I had to start the year off with not the greatest product out there, but only uphill from here on right?

Let me know if you have tried this lipstick of seen it in stores!

♥ Stephanie

Influenster Holiday Vox Box Review

2011-12-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

Finally having some time to sit down and blog after the holidays feels pretty good. Sorry for the lack of posts these past few weeks. How was your holidays?

Today I have a post about my Influenster Holiday Vox Box that I received about a week ago. I have been using the products ever since I got the box and all the products have been pretty exciting. I'm going to include all reviews for each product in this post , just to make it easier and so it won't get too confusing with so many blog posts.

Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap - I was a little worried about this soap having a very strong "coconut" smell in it. I don't usually love anything that has coconut and/or a coconut smell. This soap though was very moisturizing and the smell was almost just a hint of coconut. Nothing overpowering or offensive in anyway. I really enjoyed this soap, and I still have the other bar left to go. I would definitely go out and buy this myself.

imPRESS Press-On Manicure By Broadway Nails in Space Cadet - There will be a full review coming up in a separate post.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask in Pulped Pomegranate - I love these kind of face masks where you peel the mask off once it's dry. My skin is sensitive so luckily I didn't have any reaction to this. It made my skin feel softer and a bit smoother after using it.

New York Color Liquid Lip Shine in Nude York City - A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others. Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!
I tend to always reach for my nude lip glosses for everyday use, so I was happy to see it was a nude color. I'm not sure if they all have the same smell, but this one has a caramel kind of smell. The smell is actually appealing, I really like it. The consistency and how it feels on my lips is great. Nice and smooth, not too sticky at all. I really like the shine it gives, with some color as well. Super shocked at how much I loved this, I will be buying more colors.

Mentos Pure Fresh Gum - I hate chewing gum, so I don't do it often. I figured I would toss these to the side and not really use them up. They are gone! I used them all up, they were so refreshing. Well first it took me forever to open them. The tab had broke so I couldn't open it. Once you start chewing the gum, one you get to the center the fresh mint is there. Definitely takes over your whole mouth, in a powerful sort of way. Then once that's gone, you still have this fresh feeling while still chewing the gum. Amazing. Great way to freshen your breath fast, maybe after a meal.

Larabar in Cherry Pie - This is SO good, and I love cherry so it was great. Plus did everyone did two in their box? I did, so I got to enjoy another one! :D

*Bonus* Garden Botanika Lash Primer - I'm still currently testing this out, so I will do a review in a separate post for this. I don't want to review it without fully using and testing it out. So check back.

Let me know what you think! Here is the website more about Influenster.

♥ Stephanie

'Tis The Season For Red Lips - Favorite Red Lipsticks

2011-12-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

It's the season to get out those red lipsticks and wear a gorgeous red lip for the holidays. I admit that this year has been the most I have worn a red lip and felt confident to pull it off. I really enjoy wearing a red lip now and will probably start doing it more often. These are a few of my favorite red lipsticks.

From left to right:

Senna Cosmetics Cream Lipstick in Valentina

Flirt! Cosmetics High Wattage Lipstick in Fling

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in True Red

L.A. Girl Creme Lipstick in Love Letters

Wet N Wild Mega Last Lip Color in 911D Stoplight Red

Senna and WNW look a bit similar in color and finish, here are swatches of both side by side:

Senna is a tad bit darker and more pigmented, but still very similar.

Let me know what you favorite red lipsticks are.

♥ Stephanie

Preview - China Glaze "Colours from the Capitol" Official Swatch Sheet‏

2011-12-14T23:23:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge

China Glaze “Colours from the Capitol” Official Swatch Sheet

This is the official swatch sheet from China Glaze’s “Colours from the Capitol” collection. This collection of 12 new nail polish shades is inspired exclusively by one distinct setting in The Hunger Games - the Capitol of the nation of Panem. Awash in lavish fashion, food, and entertainment, Capitol citizens enjoy extreme cosmetics and body modifications, bold wigs, and outlandish costumes.

Let me know what you think of this collection!

♥ Stephanie

December Giveaway - Win a Christmas Stocking full of Beauty Items!

2011-12-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Since this is the "season of giving", I have decided to have a giveaway for all of my amazing readers! This month has been so busy for me already with Finals for school and Christmas shopping, and it's still the beginning of the month. Hopefully I can survive. Haha Have you finished Christmas shopping? Hats off to you if you have. I'm one of those late shoppers no matter how early I shop.

So, one reader will win this Christmas stocking with all of these beauty goodies:

- Incoco Nail Polish Strips in Berry Rich

- Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Quenched

- NIVEA Creme Body Lotion sample size

- 2 Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipes

- Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer sample size

- Revlon Nail Polishes in Sheer Rose and Plum Night

- Revlon Matte Eye Shadow in Vintage Lace

- Revlon Satin Eye Shadow in Nude Slip

All you need to do is follow the directions below with Rafflecopter. You MUST be a reader of my blog. Good luck!

♥ Stephanie

NOTD - Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color in Big Money

2011-12-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

I feel like Gem Crush was an appropriate name for these polishes, because I have a crush on this one. These Sally Hansen polishes are new and there are 8 different glittery polishes available. I ended up getting Big Money, which is a champagne pewter color. I decided to add a base color so my nails wouldn't be loaded with just glitter.

I used: Zoya Shay, Gem Crush in Big Money, and Nailene Acrylic Strong Topcoat.

I definitely love this polish! This is the only polish though from the 8 available that I was attracted to. I don't plan on buying any of the others. But this one.. is amazing. I'm wearing this now and I can't stop looking at my nails. They are really distracting considering this is finals week. Haha. Anyways, I ended up getting this at CVS, which they had them for $6.99. Then I had a coupon (CVS extra bucks) for $3 off, so it was $3.99 plus tax of course. That was a great deal since they are new.

Let me know what you think! Have you picked up or seen these polishes?

♥ Stephanie

Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit Review and Swatches

2011-12-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

Brows are one of the most important things to keep groomed and make your entire face look more polished. I've had this highlighting brow kit for months now, and it's one of my favorite products from Anastasia. I haven't done swatches or a review on this yet on my blog, so why not feature it now. Plus, I see it on sale at a certain website which I will mention at the end of this post.

Swatches: same order, dry, no primer/base.

My Review:
This is definitely my go-to product for my brows when I have some extra time to focus on them. I usually won't use this if I'm in a rush, but on a normal makeup day I will. I like how you get 3 different shades of brown, which I kind of mix them to get a nice natural color. Then the 3 baked shadows are amazing quality. They are super pigmented and even more intense wet. I do prefer to use them dry, since they are so shimmery. A couple of times I have used them wet and they have great staying power.

This is super great as well. Right now you can buy this on Sephora's website for $16! The original price of this is $32, so you are getting this for an amazing steal! I can't even believe the price, I was thinking of getting another to give away for Christmas because that is an awesome price. I love a lot of Anastasia products, so this did not disappoint.

Let me know if you own this, or what you think.

♥ Stephanie