Nicole Reviews Beauty

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum: Before and After Review

2013-05-13T11:20:00.002-07:00

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

Hello, my fellow beauty fiends! I apologize for my long absence. I was finishing up my Master's degree, which is quite a time-consuming and stressful endeavor. Now that I'm done, what better way to celebrate than with a review of a lash growth serum? Let's go!

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($49.95) is a non-prescription product intended to condition, strengthen and moisturize your eyelashes (and eyebrows, if you want), with the ultimate goal of helping them grow longer. RapidLash is one of the most popular competitors to Latisse, the gold standard of prescription lash growth products.

In addition to the usual ingredients in over-the-counter lash growth products such as peptides and biotin, RapidLash contains isopropyl cloprostenate. Isopropyl cloprostenate has molecular similarities to bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse. While there is no hard scientific evidence that isopropyl cloprostenate affects lashes in the same way that bimatoprost does, it could be part of the reason why so many people have achieved more success with RapidLash than with other non-prescription lash serums.

I, for one, had moderate success with RapidLash. After about four weeks of use, I saw noticeable growth in my lash length. Some of my lashes were reaching Latisse-like heights, and I was super excited.

However, that growth was not sustained. Now, after using RapidLash for about four months, my longest lashes have fallen out and my lashes overall have regressed to a more moderate length. They're still longer than they would be naturally, but continued use of RapidLash did not cause them to grow longer and longer. Not a bad outcome, but it's one that I think potential users should be aware of.

You can see this in my Before and After:

BEFORE RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

AFTER RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

I'm sorry about the poor quality of the After picture. While some of the other photos I took were sharper, this one had the most similar angle of the Before so I thought it provided a better comparison despite being blurry + different lighting.

So, you can see that my lashes are slightly longer after using RapidLash, but the difference isn't huge. I believe that my lash length is sustained better with Rapidlash than with Cilea Eyelash Enhancing Treatment, which stopped having an impact after awhile. Also, a major plus is that I didn't experience any negative side effects with RapidLash. No irritation or discoloration whatsoever.

Overall, I'm glad I tried RapidLash and I believe it had a noticeable, positive impact on my lash length. However, now that my tube has run out, I don't have an urge to repurchase. Instead, I think I will opt to try another non-prescription lash growth serum or repurchase Latisse.

Have you tried RapidLash or any other lash growth product? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Disclaimer: I received a sample of this product from the company for consideration. My review is based on an honest assessment of the product and was not preapproved by PR or brand representatives.

United Scents of America Fragrance Collection Review

2013-03-16T11:08:00.002-07:00

United Scents of America is a new fragrance line inspired by each of the 50 states. Each fragrance is meant to evoke the spirit of a particular place, so you can be reminded of all the locales that hold a special place in your heart. So far, United Scents of America has developed fragrances for 7 states, with plans to eventually release a special scent for all 50. Neat idea, huh?

I first learned about United Scents of America when I saw some of the fragrances available for sale on HauteLook. I was intrigued, but too cautious to purchase one without smelling it first. I emailed the company inquiring about a sample pack and they sent me small vials of all 7 of the currently available scents.

Talk about an exciting package to receive! I was so excited that I wanted to smell all of the fragrances at once, but perfume forces you to be patient. Each fragrance is like a mini olfactory journey, so it's wonderful to take the time and savor the experience evoked by each of these unique scents.

The United Scents of America fragrances each cost $58 for 1.7 oz. They offer good sillage, so you don't need to use very much to get a nice aura of scent. However, I find the longevity somewhat lacking. The scents fade after about 2 hours. The website and sample cards do not specify the concentration of these fragrances, but my guess is that they are along the lines of an Eau de Toilette rather than a stronger Eau de Parfum.

Here's my impressions of the seven United Scents of America fragrances:

Texas: Texas is described as having a top note of ruby red orange, heart note of red cedar, and bottom notes of white musk, cedar leaf, and amber. When I first dabbed it on, I got a refreshing zing of orange and lemon. The cedar began to fade in and out, which added a woody coolness. The entire composition reminded me quite a bit of Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue, except with a more subtle dose of amber. Considering that the heavy amber is what keeps me from wearing Light Blue, I found Texas to be a much more pleasing alternative.

Hawaii: Hawaii is described as having top notes of pink plumeria and night-blooming jasmine, heart notes of golden pineapple and papaya, and a bottom note of sweet coconut palm. I must say, I absolutely adore this one. The lovely blend of plumeria, jasmine, and pineapple makes me feel like I am sitting at a delicious tropical brunch surrounded by lush, blooming flowers. It has a relaxed femininity that makes it a perfect summer vacation fragrance. This is one of United Scents of America's newer scents, so it's not even posted on their website yet. Sorry I don't have a link for you, but keep an eye out!

California: California is described as having a top note of fresh cut coconut, heart note of eucalyptus, and bottom note of vanilla bean. I was super excited to try this one since CA is my home state, but this scent didn't quite work for me. That said, it's pretty unique. At first whiff, the coconut top note smells like sweet sunscreen -- very Banana Boat! Then, it gets even sweeter with a dose of creamy vanilla. While I like the smell of sunscreen and am open to wearing a fragrance inspired by it, I found this scent to be too literal and sickly.

Florida: Florida is described as having top notes of fresh ozone, florida orange and grapefruit, ocean breeze and key lime, heart notes of jasmine, violet, rose and melon, and bottom notes of sandalwood, rosewood, white musk, peaches and orange flower oil. I really enjoyed this fragrance. It opens with a lovely blast of citrus, followed by melon and hints of aquatic breeze. After awhile, I smell peach, soft rose, and orange flowers for a feminine composition. This fragrance reminded me of Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia without the dose of mint. As was the case with Texas, I prefer Florida to its bigger name counterpart -- the mint in Acqua di Gioia makes it smell a little bit like a mojito, while Florida steers clear of cocktail territory to remain refreshing.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts is described as having top notes of bergamot, sage and lemon zest, heart notes of cranberry and jasmine, and bottom notes of white musk, tobacco leaf and northern red oak. Like Hawaii, Massachusetts is a new fragrance that is not yet listed on the brand's website. I wasn't too excited by this scent. I primarily smelled citrus, cranberry and sage, which combined to remind me of a candle or potpourri. Nevertheless, while it didn't mesh with my chemistry, I could imagine this smelling great on someone else's skin. It did seem like this scent had longer staying power than the others.

New York: New York is described as having top notes of apple, violet, ozone, melon, lime zest, cyclamen and rosewood, heart notes of jasmine, basil and lily, and bottom notes of peach and kiwi. If you are a fan of the DKNY Be Delicious line of apple-inspired perfumes, you will love this scent. New York is a sweet and tangy apple scent that is grounded by the delicate powderiness of violet and the richness of jasmine. It's easy to wear and I believe that it offers an extremely wide appeal.

New Jersey: New Jersey is described as having a top note of fresh buttered popcorn, heart notes of cotton candy, caramel & coconut, and bottom notes of vanilla extract, peach, patchouli. This certainly wins the award for the most whimsical and fun-loving fragrance! To me, it opens with a blast of cotton candy, followed by a swoop of buttery popcorn. The combination reminded me of pink popcorn from a fair -- remember that? As you might imagine, New Jersey is quite a sugary fragrance. It's probably not a good option if you're aiming for sophistication, but I think that you can pull it off as long as you have a sense of humor. The cotton candy top and the patchouli in the base reminds me a little bit of Flowerbomb, except fed full with popcorn and funnel cake at a carnival.

I really enjoyed sampling all seven of these fragrances from United Scents of America. They already offer such wonderful variety; I can't wait to see what other scents they will come up with.

If I were to spring for a full bottle, I think that Florida and Hawaii would be my top choices. And boy, would that be a tough decision, because I have no idea how I would choose between the two. They are both beautiful, evocative scents that spark my imagination. I know I will be trying to make my sample vials last as long as possible...

What do you think of United Scents of America? Is your home state in the above list? Which fragrance would you most like to try?

Disclaimer: I received a sample of this product from the company for consideration. My review is based on an honest assessment of the product and was not preapproved by PR or brand representatives.

Mario Badescu Hair Care Review

2013-03-04T13:21:00.001-08:00

Did you know that Mario Badescu makes hair care products?

It's true! In addition to the brand's popular and expansive skin care line, Mario Badescu offers shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizing hair products.

I tried out Mario Badescu's Chamomile Shampoo ($8), Hair Rinsing Conditioner ($8), and Nucleic Moisturizing Hair Rinse ($8), and I am quite satisfied with the results. Like their skin care line, Mario Badescu's hair products have simple formulas with relatively short ingredients lists.

Mario Badesu Chamomile Shampoo: This product contains chamomile extract and coconut oil to keep hair looking soft. I prefer to use this shampoo when my hair is looking particularly oily, because it includes several deep-cleaning sulfate ingredients. Mario Badescu Chamomile Shampoo is not appropriate for the sulfate-and silicone-free hair care method, but if (like me!) you still use some silicone hair care products, this shampoo is effective at removing product build-up.

Mario Badescu Hair Rinsing Conditioner: This is a basic, effective conditioner. It includes ingredients like lanolin and castor oil that reduce dryness and leave hair soft. I find this conditioner to be a reliable choice that keeps my hair looking nice without any crazy, unnatural ingredients. Plus, it won't build up on your hair because it is silicone-free.

Mario Badescu Nucleic Moisturizing Hair Rinse: This spray-on hair moisturizer just might be my favorite of the bunch. It makes hair super smooth, silky, and shiny while also detangling to make combing and styling a breeze. Instead of silicone, this product contains panthenol, which is a fabulous glossifying ingredient that does not build up on your hair. Thus, Mario Badescu Nucleic Moisturizing Hair Rinse is a great choice for people following the sulfate- and silicone-free curly girl method.

All in all, I've fond my foray into Mario Badescu's hair care line to be successful. Just like with their skin care products, the brand offers a nice array of options, and the short ingredients lists make it easy to pick a product that will work for you.

Have you tried Mario Badescu's hair care products? How do they work for you?

CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black Review and Swatches

2013-02-22T17:35:00.002-08:00

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara in Very Black

CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara ($6.99) has been receiving tons of attention on beauty blogs, magazines, and forums for its supposed ability to lengthen lashes to sky-scraping heights without any pesky clumps. But does it live up to its positive reputation? I tried CoverGirl Clump Crusher in Very Black to find out.

CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black is packaged in a chubby, lime green tube and features a unique curved brush. I found that the curved shape of the brush made it easy to coat the typically hard-to-reach the short lashes in the inner and outer corners of my eyes.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara in Very Black

When it comes to clumps, I find that CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black does a good job of living up to its name. This mascara is fabulous for lengthening your lashes while maintaining separation. Additionally, the formula isn't stiff or sticky so your lashes stay looking soft.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara in Very Black

In the above photo, I'm wearing two coats of by CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black. As you can see, the separation is quite good. My lashes aren't perfectly straight though, so it would still be beneficial to run through them with a lash comb.

One drawback of CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black is that it doesn't provide much volume. My lashes are pretty short, so I want them to have more volume to compensate. I have to use at least 2 coats of Clump Crusher to get the volume I want.

CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black has fabulous wear time. I usually struggle with smudging from mascara, but I don't experience any flakes or smudging over the course of the entire day with Clump Crusher.

All told, I think CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast Mascara is a very good mascara that would work well for someone looking to increase their lash length. I think it is particularly well-suited for those with naturally long lashes -- your lashes will look amazing with Clump Crusher! However, if you are more concerned with increasing volume, you might prefer a different mascara.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 Review and Swatches

2013-02-16T12:05:00.001-08:00

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2

Long time, no see, blog buddies! I'm in my last semester of grad school at the moment and, let me tell you, things are C-R-A-Z-Y! I'm really busy trying to complete my final projects (and get a full-time job), but I miss blogging on a regular basis and I feel bad for neglecting my readers. So, let me quickly tell you about a product that I am enjoying before I go back to working on an upcoming presentation :-p

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 ($16) is part of a release of eight metallic, shimmery eyeshadows from the Sephora Collection. Each shadow is embossed with a crisscross, lattice-work design to catch the eye (and encourage impulse buys!). I succumbed to the allure of a pretty package and decided to try Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 Swatch

I really love the color of Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2. It's a mid-tone gold shade with subtle hints of peach that make it super wearable. I find it to be slightly more bronze-y in hue than the popular Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 has lots of shimmer. Most of the shimmer is fairly fine, but there are larger pieces throughout for a more glittery effect. This eyeshadow generates a medium amount of fallout.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 has a very smooth texture, but you have to break through the embossed pattern on the pan first. I've noticed this problem with a few other embossed shadows. It seems like whatever process the manufacturers use to emboss a pattern and seal it in the pan makes the top layer of shadow a little hard and difficult to use. It gets better once you swipe your brush back and forth across it a few times to break up the top seal.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2

And here it is on my lids! I applied it dry, but I think it still gives a nice, bright shimmer effect. Plus, it lasts FOREVER. Even without primer, Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 doesn't begin to crease until about 7 hours after application.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2

Overall, I think that Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach #2 is a good value for the price. It's soft, well-pigmented and very long-lasting. Additionally, you get a lot more product compared to some more expensive eyeshadows -- this one offers 0.12 oz for $16, while others include only 0.05 oz for the same price or more.

I recommend that you check out Sephora Collection Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow! If gold's not your thing, maybe give the metallic taupe, silver, or purple a try!

Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne Review and Swatches

2013-02-08T13:35:00.001-08:00

Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne

With their new Color Balm Lipstick ($22), Stila seems to be trying to take advantage of the wave of popularity brought on by tinted lip balm products such as the now-iconic Revlon Lip Butters, L'Oreal Colour Riche Balms, Maybelline Baby Lips, and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments. Unfortunately for Stila, their new offering seems to be missing some of the key characteristics that made those other products attractive in the first place.

For example, the Revlon Lip Butters have a glossy, moisturizing texture that feels and looks great. Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne, on the other hand, feels fairly dry and not at all glossy. The shine is very minimal and the texture lacks that slick, smoothing feeling that I look for in a lip balm. I suppose some people might not want their balm to have a glossy finish, but why not buy Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($6.99) for a third of the price if that's the case?

Another drawback about this product is the packaging. Sure, the silver tube is pretty but the balm stick is quite wide. I don't really have thin lips, but I found the diameter of the balm to be too large for easy application. I feel at risk of going outside my lip line when I use Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne.

Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne Swatch

On the bright side, Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne is an attractive, "my lips but better" shade that would flatter many complexions. It's a terracotta rose shade that I find to be neutral in tone. Vivienne is quite subtle and would be appropriate for daytime wear at school and work.

Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne

Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne lasts about 3 hours on me. After it's gone, my lips don't really feel softer or more moisturized. They don't feel dry either, but a product marketed as a lip balm should be more nourishing. Additionally, Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne starts out with a strong peppermint scent that makes my lips tingle, but that sensation fades within one hour of wear.

Overall, I recommend that you pass on this product. It does not provide enough moisture or shine to be worth the $22 price tag. Besides, the drugstore offers several tinted lip balms that are superior to Stila Color Balm Lipstick in pretty much every way!

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette Review and Swatches

2013-02-04T11:21:00.001-08:00

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette

I haven't tried a whole lot of Tarte's products. In fact, I think my experience has so far been limited to the Gifts from the Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection (Liked) and the Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer (Disliked). I was eager to try something new to refine my opinion, so I got my hands on the Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette ($36). After trying it out for about a week, my opinion of Tarte has improved! This palette is nothing revolutionary, but it's still a wonderful selection of basic shades for a sure-fire pretty look.

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette is a beautifully selected set of eight complementary shadows. It's got a nice mix of matte and shimmer finishes in shades that are subtle, on-trend and easy to wear. Plus, it's got a good-sized mirror and leopard print packaging that many ladies are sure to love.

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette

I love how the colors are organized in the palette. There are three main groupings of light, mid, and deep tones to make it easy for you to craft your look.

Additionally, I love how the shades progress from warm to cool. The shadows on the far left are very bronze-y and warm, the middle shades are fairly neutral, and the shadows on the far right are quite cool-toned. This organization also helps you to coordinate looks. While shades on either end can be mixed with shades in the center of the palette, the layout makes it more obvious that you probably shouldn't use a shade from the far right with a shade from the far left!

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette

As for quality, thee shadows in Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette are pretty nice. I found some of these shadows to be a little hard to the touch. The pigmentation is hit and miss. Some of the shadows have great color payoff while others are merely good.

All of the shades have adorable, jungle cat-inspired names too, which is pretty fun.

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette Swatches
L-to-R: Meow, Jungle, Call, Instinct

Unless otherwise stated, I experienced minimal fallout with these shadows. The shades in Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette include:

Meow - shimmery bronzed gold. Good pigmentation.
Jungle - deep bronze shimmer. Good pigmentation.
Call - light peach with just a hint of sheen and shimmer. Decent pigmentation and some fallout.
Instinct - shimmery snowflake white. Decent pigmentation.
Wild - deep burgundy bronze. Stellar pigmentation and softness.
Lynx - greyish taupe matte. Great pigmentation.
Primal - light blue grey matte. Decent pigmentation.
Roar - navy blue grey matte. Good pigmentation.

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette Swatches
L-to-R: Wild, Lynx, Primal, Roar

For this look, I applied Call from lashline to browbone. I used Wild to contour in the outer third of my lid and in the crease. I also used Wild for some smudgy eyeliner along my upper and lower lashlines. I used Instinct to highlight my browbone and inner corner. I found all of the shadows in Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette to be easy to blend.

Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette

The lasting power is fantastic. The shadows in Tarte Call Of The Wild Palette lasts for 8 hours without primer! I have oily lids, so that is quite a feat. I wonder if that's due to the Amazonian Clay that Tarte's always hyping in their products?

All in all, I think the Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette is a great buy for a beginner or someone in need of neutral, everyday shadows. The lasting power is great and the quality is good.

It may seem expensive, but $36 for 8 shadows comes out to only $4.50 per shadow. Plus, the square pans hold 0.09 oz of shadow and the skinny rectangular pans hold 0.10 oz. This is double or even triple the amount that Urban Decay offers in their palettes. Sure, I find Urban Decay shades to have slightly better pigmentation, but you won't suffer with Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette either. It's definitely a more cost-effective palette.

What do you think of Tarte Call Of The Wild Amazonian Clay 8-Shadow Collector's Palette? Have you tried Tarte's eyeshadows before?

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked 200 Review and Swatches

2013-01-31T09:45:00.002-08:00

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked 200

I wasn't expecting much, but it turns out that CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked 200 ($4.99) is a pretty amazing nail polish!

More than anything, CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked seems like an improved version of Revlon ColorStay Long Wear Nail Enamel. It has a similar texture (a little goopy) and opacity level (high). Most importantly, it also has similar wear time -- I found that CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked lasts for over a week even without a top coat. After 7 days, it still wasn't really chipping, but instead showed signs of wear and tear such as loss of shine and minor denting.

Where CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked differs from Revlon ColorStay Nail Enamel is dry time. While Revlon ColorStay Nail Enamel takes seemingly forever to dry, CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss has a much more average dry time. The result is better-looking nails because I have fewer opportunities to smudge them while they're still wet!

As for the color, Always Naked isn't my ideal neutral shade but it has grown on me quite a bit. First of all, I thought I was getting something entirely different based on the picture on Drugstore.com, I was expecting a mid-tone khaki. Instead, CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked is a light, taupe-y nude cream. After my initial disappointment, I find myself really enjoying the color. Always Naked is a polished (heh) and professional shade that makes my hands look long and slender.

Bottom Line: I found the quality of CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Always Naked to be a wonderful surprise. The coverage and dry time are good, and the wear time is great. I hope that this product becomes a hit at the drugstore!

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift Review and Swatches

2013-01-26T10:47:00.001-08:00

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift

As part of the brand's new "Visible Lift" line, L'Oreal has released L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift ($12.95). While L'Oreal's Visible Lift products are ostensibly "age-reversing," you won't find any anti-aging ingredients here. Instead, this is simply a silky, lightweight blush infused with subtle shimmer to contour and illuminate your cheekbones.

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift has a very interesting texture. It's a powder, but it feels very creamy and almost springy to the touch. In fact, the texture reminds me very much of L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadows, except without the fallout problems I encountered with those products.

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift Swatch

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift is quite a lovely shade. It's a rosy pink with subtle gold shimmer that will flatter a wide variety of people. I see some peachy undertones in this blush, though far less than you find in blushes such as NARS Blush in Orgasm. Additionally, I think the shimmer in this blush is more refined than the gold glimmer of NARS Orgasm. It's not obvious at all once applied.

However, L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift is not very pigmented. Unlike the strong pigmentation of the L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hr Eye Shadows, this blush is decidedly sheer. That's fine if you don't mind building up layers (and it certainly prevents over-application errors), but I sometimes get tired of having to return to the pan over and over to get enough color.

L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift

The sheerness of this blush also affects its lasting power. Because it's so subtle, I noticed it fading away after 5-6 hours. Of course, that's not horrible wear time, but it could be better.

Honestly, all told I think that L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift is overpriced for what you get. I think you can find better blushes for a similar price at the drugstore. For example, I am far more impressed by Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Flushed (though the comparison is slightly off because it's a cream blush and L'Oreal's is a powder). On the other hand, L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift might work well for you if you are looking for a sheer, subtle shade.

What do you think of L'Oreal Visible Lift Colorful Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift? Is it going on your wish list?

Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco Review and Swatches

2013-01-20T11:46:00.001-08:00

Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco

Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco ($3.49) is a pretty good quality nail polish for a low price -- the dry time is fine, the coverage is decent, and it lasts for about four days -- but man, this shade is NOT for me!

Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco was developed in collaboration with the pop singer Fergie, currently of the Black Eyed Peas. I like Fergie well enough, but this black and chunky red glitter polish does not work for me whatsoever. It looks very tacky with the rest of my style. Perhaps it would look better on someone with more of a goth look?

Because of the chunky glitter, Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco has a fairly rough, uneven finish. This polish could definitely use a top coat to smooth it out and provide a glossy finish.

I personally didn't apply a top coat in order to more accurately assess this polish's wear time. I think it made a difference too, because I got most of my chips when rough edges from the glitter pieces got caught on something as I went about my day. This caused sections of the polish to peel off. On Day 4, huge swathes of polish started to peel off as I showered, did my hair, etc.

So Wet n Wild Fergie Nail Color in Make Them Boys Go Loco certainly is not a long wear polish, but I've encountered worse from more expensive brands. The Fergie line includes 23 shades, so I'd be willing to try another bottle in a more flattering shade. It's not amazing but I think it does the job for $3.49.

Have you tried Wet n Wild Nail Polish? How did it work for you?

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer Review

2013-01-18T11:15:00.002-08:00

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer

The claims for what Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer ($7.99-9.99) will do are pretty high:
"Skin looks instantly transformed into a perfectly smooth canvas for ideal makeup application,"
"Wrinkles, pores and imperfections appear to instantly vanish in just one step,"
"Subtle pink tint for youthful glow."

Given these lofty expectations, how does this new drugstore face primer stack up?

After using it for about a week, I've come to the conclusion that Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is not terrible, but nothing to write home about.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is almost all dimethicone, which is a type of silicone. This means that this primer has a very slippery, smooth texture that fills in pores and imperfections somewhat. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer also includes stearyl heptanoate and pentaerythrityl tetraoctanoate, which are moisturizing ingredients, and silica silyate, which is another type of silicone. And that's pretty much it.

Given this short ingredient list, applying Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is pretty similar to using pure silicone on your face. The texture is slippery smooth but also feels greasy. The consistency reminds me of Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer, except Maybelline's does not have the same balling issue as Tarte's. My pores and imperfections look reduced but definitely not "vanished." I also can't seem to detect the "pink tint for youthful glow" promised by the packaging.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer helps my foundation go on smoothly, evenly, and last for a long time, so those are pluses. However, because this primer lacks any absorbent ingredients, my skin gets oily pretty quickly when I wear it.

I certainly love silicone-based primers for their ability to smooth skin and provide a great base for makeup. Nevertheless, I still like my primers to include other ingredients to improve performance. For example, my favorite primers all include absorbent ingredients to keep shine at bay. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer just doesn't impress me that much.

On the other hand, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer is very similar to some high-end primers with basic ingredients, like Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. If you like Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer might be a good way to get a similar product for much less money.

Although if you want to go really dirt-cheap, consider trying Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel ($5.99) as a foundation primer. I'm serious! The ingredients list is remarkably similar to both Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer Skin Transformer and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. It sounds like a weird substance to put on your face, but it's basically silicone and Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. I haven't tried it yet, but I hear lots of buzz about its utility as a foundation primer in the makeup world. If you can get over the weirdness, it could be a good primer option if you're searching for a silicone-smooth makeup canvas.

Drugstore Dupe: L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains in 188 Coral Tattoo, 190 Endless Red, and 193 Eternally Nude Review and Swatches

2013-01-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains

Yes, yes, yes! The buzz you've heard is true: the brand new L'Oreal Colour Caress Wet Shine Stains ($7.99 - $9.99) are an extraordinarily good dupe of the wildly popular (and expensive) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Levres Glossy Stains ($32). Seeing as I wear YSL Glossy Stain in 12 Corail Fauve almost every day, I was eager to try this product out ASAP. I got my hands on L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains in 188 Coral Tattoo, 190 Endless Red, and 193 Eternally Nude and was stunned by the amazing results.

Considering that L'Oreal owns YSL's Beauty division, it makes sense that the two companies would end up sharing formulas and the like. What's surprising is just how well L'Oreal has managed to duplicate YSL's stellar product at a third of the price without compromising quality.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains in 188 Coral Tattoo, 190 Endless Red, and 193 Eternally Nude

Like YSL's Glossy Stains, the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains are packaged in a sleek gold tube. However, while YSL's tubes feel sturdy and luxurious, these tubes feel quite a bit more flimsy and cheap. Packaging is probably one area where L'Oreal is cutting costs in order to offer a lower price.

To their credit, L'Oreal has still managed to deliver a great applicator. Once you untwist the tube, you find a high-quality doe foot wand. The angled wand and tapered tip allow for easy and precise application.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains

Of course, it's what inside that counts, and L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains certainly deliver on that front. Like their high-end twin, L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains offer rich-yet-sheer saturated color, a gel-like texture with a good dose of shine, and killer staying power.

Picture this: I applied L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains in 193 Eternally Nude, worked out for 40 minutes, took a shower, and still had a lovely, even stain across my lips. The L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains also survive admirably well through eating and drinking, though the gel finish transfers and fades over time.

Unlike other long-wearing lip products, L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains do not dry out my lips. Instead, I find these stains to be very easy on the lips and rather moisturizing.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 188 Coral Tattoo, 190 Endless Red, and 193 Eternally Nude Swatches

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 188 Coral Tattoo is more orange than coral. I was worried that it would be too bright, but the sheer nature of this product makes the shade so much more wearable. If you are scared of orange lip products, L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 188 Coral Tattoo is a really easy way to experiment with the trend. This shade is a great way to warm up your face for a radiant, Spring-y look.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 188 Coral Tattoo Swatch

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 190 Endless Red is a beautiful deep red. It looks pretty neutral when swatched but pulls a little warm against my skin tone. Similar to Coral Tattoo, the sheer formula of Endless Red makes it a great way to experiment with red lips if you're shy about using bolder lipsticks.

One thing to note is that 190 Endless Red looks magenta in the tube, but it doesn't really apply that way. However, as the stain fades over time some of the pink tones come out.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 190 Endless Red Swatch

Like 190 Endess Red, L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 193 Eternally Nude doesn't apply exactly how it looks in the tube. Instead of a pinky nude, this is more of a rusty peach shade. It looks more muted in person, especially if you apply lightly. I have been loving this shade for an everyday look that's perfect for both work and play.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 193 Eternally Nude Swatch

Have I sparked your interest yet? If these particular shades aren't your style, L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains are available in a total of 12 colors, including pale pink, berry, and plum.

I am so excited about this new product line! Seriously, the main difference between the L'Oreal and YSL formulas is the scent. YSL Glossy Stains have a strong rose scent (which I love), while the L'Oreal Wet Shine Stains have a milder, more generic odor.

Additionally, the two product lines offer fairly different shade options. Sure, they both seem to hit some of the basics, but if you're looking for a dupe of a particular YSL shade you might not find it. For example, as stated above, I love YSL Glossy Stain in Corail Fauve. L'Oreal doesn't offer a similar shade at the moment (188 Coral Tattoo is very different), but I imagine they will be expanding their shade selection in the future.

One additional word of advice: these products are listed under slightly different names at different stores. Here's a quick list to help you on your search:

1. L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

2. L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer
3. L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain

Bottom Line: I wholeheartedly recommend that you try this product! L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains are an amazing dupe of Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stains. Both offer beautiful color, shine, and lasting power, but only L'Oreal's product is available for less than $10.

Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic Review and Swatches

2013-01-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic

Sephora has introduced a new line of nail polishes called Sephora X, which includes nail-transforming top coats and special effects shades along with more traditional colors. Sounds cool, but I haven't had much luck with Sephora's nail polishes in the past (see: Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in Seeing Pink Elephants or Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold). Still, I tried Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic ($11.50) which is a silver purple metallic with flecks of gold glitter. The verdict? I love it!

Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic is a very multidimensional metallic shade: I've never had a polish that looks purple one minute, then silver, green or gold the next. Additionally, it has good coverage and a thin, ultra fast-drying texture that really reminds me of high-quality nail polishes like Butter London or Julep. Plus, it has fabulous wear time -- here are my nails after wearing Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic for an entire WEEK without a top coat:

Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic

Finally starting to chip after a full seven days. That's quite good performance, in my opinion.

Oddly enough, I haven't noticed Sephora promoting their new Sephora X nail polishes very much. I hope they get the word out soon, because these polishes are great! They're not super cheap, but Sephora X is still cheaper than Butter London and Julep while providing comparable quality.

I hope you get a chance to check out Sephora X The Prismatics Nail Polish in Hypnotic for yourself!

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown Review and Swatches

2013-01-05T13:43:00.003-08:00

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown

From Jane Iredale's Simply Magical Fall 2012 collection, Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown ($28) is a bewitching trio of sultry, smokey shades. Additionally, this eyeshadow is vegan, gluten-free, and not tested on animals.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown contains three cool-toned, purple-tinted shadows. There's a pale lilac white, a dusty medium purple, and a dark, muted violet-y blue. All of the shades have a bit of shimmer, and the pale lilac has small bits of glitter as well.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown Swatches

I think the colors were well selected for this trio: there's a highlight shade, a mid-tone, and a darker shade for contouring and lining. Easy peasy!

All of the shadows have a nice, silky texture, great blendability, and minimal fallout. The pigmentation is good but not particularly outstanding; thankfully, using primer ensures much better color payoff with these shadows. I found that these shades lasted about 4-5 hours without primer and all day with primer.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown

Here, you can see the medium purple on my lid and crease and the pale lilac on my browbone. I used the darkest shade to line but unfortunately you can't see it in this picture! Because they're not too bright, I think that the shades in Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown are a nice way to add color into an unobtrusive everyday look.

Overall, I think that Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown has a nice, silky formula and attractive shades. However, I'm somewhat wary of the $28 price tag because the pigmentation is not as good as some other, top-tier eyeshadows. On the other hand, this product has the benefit of being vegan and gluten-free, which I certainly feel is often worth a little extra expense.

What do you think of Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Sundown? Do you think it's an eyeshadow trio that you'd like to add to your makeup arsenal?

Disclaimer: I received a sample of this product from the company for consideration. My review is based on an honest assessment of the product and was not preapproved by PR or brand representatives.

OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold) Review

2013-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold)

Maybe I'm just clumsy, but I am having so much trouble getting OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold) ($4.29) to work!

I've been wanting to try out nail stickers for awhile now. They seem so easy and mess-free, and stickers can provide intricate designs without the painstaking effort of traditional nail art. I was so excited when OMG Nail Strips contacted me to select one of their products to review.

OMG Nail Strips offers two main types of products: nail stickers and nail foils. I decided to try a set of nail foils and opted for a metallic red and gold filigree design.

I was dazzled when the package arrived in the mail -- these foils certainly have a lovely pattern! OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold) include 16 strips consisting of 8 pairs ranging from smallest to largest. I have narrow fingers, so I applied the very smallest size to my pinkies and worked my way up.

Here's my nails after I first applied the foils:

OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold)

OMG Nail Strips recommends that you file off the excess. I tried this on my right hand and ran into some trouble. It took a lot of pressure to get the excess to break off, and I ended up with jagged rough edges. I decided to use nail scissors to cut off the extra on my left hand. This produced better results, but my edges were still uneven.

At this point, OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold) weren't sticking very well to my nails. The next step was to blast them with a blow dryer. This caused the strips to better adhere to my nails and made it easier to smooth out bumps and bubbles. However, I still struggled to get the strips to look anywhere near smooth overall.

OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold)

So many creases! Likely as a result of the creased application, these nail foils didn't last very long. They started peeling around the edges within an hour and every last one was off by the end of the night.

Overall, OMG Nail Foil Strips in Floral (Red/Gold) were not successful on me. I'm not sure if I applied them poorly or if there are flaws in the design. I also wonder if I would have had better luck with a set of OMG's nail stickers instead of the foils. Too bad, because I love the beautiful design and wish I could get the foils to work.

Have you tried nail foils or stickers? Did you have better luck than me?

Disclaimer: I received a sample of this product from the company for consideration. My review is based on an honest assessment of the product and was not preapproved by PR or brand representatives.

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom Review and Swatches

2012-12-29T11:25:00.002-08:00

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom ($24) is a bright, loose powder blush dispensed from a built-in grinder. It's an innovative idea, but I have trouble making it work. Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom is a very bright shade so it's difficult to dispense an appropriate amount of product.

On Sephora.com, In Bloom is described simply as "pink." I was hoping for a true hot pink shade, but In Bloom is really more of a coral pink. No problem for me since I love corals, but I think the shade description should be more accurate so that customers can make informed purchases.

And boy, is it bright! Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom is an extremely pigmented, matte bright coral pink. Very little product was used to create the swatch below. If you're scared of bright blushes, consider using a more muted color along your cheekbones and only dabbing In Bloom onto the apples for a pop of color.

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom Swatch

While I think Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom is a lovely and luminous shade, I'm having trouble with application. Even when I twist the grinder just a liiiiitttle bit, it seems like too much product comes up. Sure, I swirl and tap my brush to get rid of as much excess as possible, but it's still difficult and messy. For best results, dab a very small amount on cheeks and blend, blend, blend.

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom

Once applied, I find that Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom looks quite pretty and wears well. I find that it starts to fade after 7 hours but remains present for about 12. This would be a great blush to last you through the work day.

I'm hesitant to recommend Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in In Bloom because of my problems with the grinder. However, if you can manage this packaging issue, the product inside is nice.

Additionally, I think some of the other shades are more sheer (I'm looking at Warm Glow and Peachy Dream) and would thus be easier to manage in larger doses. I'm not a huge fan of loose powder blushes in general, but I could imagine Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush working well for someone else. The pigmentation, appearance, and wear time are all very good!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Review and Swatches

2012-12-24T11:21:00.001-08:00

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

The new Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27) is a petite palette featuring six versatile neutral eyeshadows. Gone are the glimmer and shimmer that characterize many of Urban Decay's other palettes; instead, the Naked Basics Palette offers demure shades that are must-haves for everyday makeup.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

The Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette is packaged in a mirrored compact with a rubbery, suede-like finish. I personally think it feels a little strange to the touch, but it's what's inside that counts. Here we have six full-size Urban Decay eyeshadows, four of which are new and exclusive to this palette:

Venus: pearly vanilla white. This satiny shade has a bit of shimmer and is exclusive to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.
Foxy: light pastel yellow matte. This shade is available in the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette or as an eyeshadow single.
Walk of Shame (or W.O.S. for short): very light seashell pink/cream matte. This shade isn't strictly exclusive, but the only other way to get it is by purchasing Urban Decay's Build Your Own Palette.
Naked2: medium matte brown. This shade is cool-toned with mocha tones. This shade is exclusive to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.
Faint: medium-to-dark matte brown that's warm but not overly so. This shade is exclusive to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.
Crave: inky matte black that is seriously DARK. This shade is exclusive to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Swatches

Some cosmetic companies have trouble creating smooth, pigmented eyeshadows that don't generate a lot of fallout. Urban Decay is the exception to that rule, especially since they altered their eyeshadow formula. All of the shades in the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette are very silky and have great color payoff. However, Foxy and Walk of Shame are pretty similar to the color of my inner arm so it was really difficult to get them to show up on camera when swatched. You can see them better on my lids, as evidenced below:

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

For this look, I applied Foxy from my lashline to browbone. I then applied Naked2 across my lid and blended it into the crease. I added Faint to the outer third of my eyelids, used Crave to line my upper lashline, and added Venus to the browbone and inner corner of my eye. I also used Faint to fill in my eyebrows a little. I then "completed" the look by accidentally smearing mascara on my lid, ugh!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This look is pretty darn subtle. I could have ramped it up by using more Faint and Crave, but I was happy with the whisper-soft effect obtained through the light application. My boyfriend complimented me on it, so I guess it must have been flattering enough! I have been getting all day wear out of these shades, but that's due in part to my favorite eyeshadow primers (Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Prestige Primed and Ready).

When it comes to price, this palette is falls right in the middle for Urban Decay products. A single 0.05 oz Urban Decay eyeshadow costs $18, but this palette includes six 0.05 oz shadows for $27. Waaay better deal. On the other hand, larger palettes like Naked and Naked2 include twelve 0.05 oz shadows for $50, which is about the same price per ounce. However, those palettes include added bonuses like mini size primers, glosses, or shadow brushes to sweeten the deal.

Personally, I am pretty happy with the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I love matte shades and I'm sure I will never feel "overdone" with this palette. Nevertheless, I think the shade selection should have included one more mid-tone shade. Venus, Foxy, and Walk of Shame are all quite light, and I think swapping one out for a slightly darker shade would have made the palette more balanced.

Still, I'm convinced that the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette will become a core part of my makeup routine. These shades are like lingerie -- the fundamental, pretty basics that you need to build your wardrobe!

Do you think you will be picking up the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette?

Fekkai Holiday Promotion

2012-12-18T12:32:00.001-08:00

I must say, holiday beauty deals are helping me stave off the winter blues!

The latest promotion to catch my eye is for renowned stylist Frederic Fekkai's hair care line. While supplies last, you can get 10% off your total order PLUS a bejeweled holiday headband. To take advantage of this offer, use code: HEADBAND. In addition, each Fekkai order comes with free shipping and samples.

Fekkai is a professional quality product line, and Frederic Fekkai and his staff personally test each formula in the Frederic Fekkai Salon before public release. This line offers such a wide variety of products that I'm not sure what I would like to try most. I've been into big, curly-wavy hair lately, so I'm definitely eyeing the Full Blown Volume Styling Whip ($25) and Perfectly Luscious Curls Wave Activating Spray ($25). Anything to amp up my thin strands!

This is the headband that comes with the 10% off Fekkai promotion. The silvery-grey band is studded with mirrored beads and rhinestones for a shimmering, festive hair accessory. I'm picturing this with an ultra teased crown for a sexy, retro look.

Something like this, perhaps?

Or this?

I imagine that Fekkai Full Blown Volume styling products might come in handy for creating these 'dos! Totally perfect for a holiday party.

Have you used Frederic Fekkai hair care and styling products? I hope to get my hands on some in the near future to get my hair looking ultra-fab for the season!

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon Review and Swatches

2012-12-14T11:19:00.002-08:00

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon

I use Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon ($16) almost every day. I adore the glossy pencil format, which makes it an uber-convenient way for me to slap on some color and moisture when I'm on the go. Who doesn't love products that you can apply without a mirror?

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon Swatch

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon is an extremely wearable shade. It's not super bright but still deposits a healthy-looking dose of pigment that turns your lips the color of a ripe peach. It has a smooth, slightly glossy finish to make things look extra juicy. Yum!

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon

I get about 2-3 hours of wear from Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon. Not incredible, but my wear time expectations are a little lower for lip balms than lipsticks, which I want to have better staying power.

Certainly, Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon isn't the best lip balm in the world. It's texture is a little waxy and I doubt that it's emollient enough for super chapped lips. My lips are usually in fairly good condition though, so Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon is a great way for me to maintain their softness with very little effort.

Clinique Chubby Stick is one of those products that get tons of attention in the beauty world. Have you tried it? Do you think it deserve so much hype?

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set Review and Swatches

2012-12-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set

[UPDATE 12/13: Turns out the Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set isn't discontinued! It's currently back at Sephora!]

Just my luck: I've been testing and photographing the recently-released Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set ($14) for awhile now, but after a quick visit to Sephora.com I've discovered that it's already been discontinued! This came as a big surprise to me because it just came out around November. I guess it was just a limited edition item with low stock?

I'm disappointed that Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set has been discontinued because I think it's a great product. Each of the 5 glosses are fun shades with great pigmentation and a soft, absolutely non-sticky finish that feels great. At $14, I thought the set was a pretty good deal too, and I was hoping that my readers would get a chance to check it out.

If you (understandably) have no interest in discontinued products, please feel free to browse elsewhere. Otherwise, let's just gaze upon the photographs and dream about what might have been :)

Like the Sephora Collection Izak Baked Eyeshadow Palette that I previously reviewed, the Mini Lip Gloss Set is adorned in the whimsical illustrations of French artist Izak Zenou (Oddly enough, the Izak Baked Eyeshadow Palette is still available even though I reviewed that way back in June). Check out that adorable packaging!

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set

The first gloss (covered by the illustration on the far left of the box), Candy Floss, is a neutral pink with gold shimmer. Candy Floss is a nice, casual pretty shade:

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set -- Candy Floss

The second gloss, Sunset, is a coral pink with gold shimmer. I'm a big coral fan and I love layering this on top of lipstick for a lively and radiant finish.

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set -- Sunset

The third gloss, Tea Rose, is a lovely berry cream. There's no shimmer in this shade, and I think it is perfect if you want your makeup to look polished and demure. I seriously love it.

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set -- Tea Rose

The fourth gloss, Fiesta Red, is a bold red cream. A single coat veers a little pinky-red while two coats will give you something warmer and more fiery.

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set -- Fiesta Red

The fifth gloss, Berrylicious, is my least favorite of the bunch. It's a grape-plum shade that may work better on ladies who can pull of dramatic, vampy shades better than I can. It's similar to Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Panache, but Berrylicious is darker and more purple.

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set -- Berrylicious

Here's the glosses swatched all together:

Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set Swatches
L-to-R: Candy Floss, Sunset, Tea Rose, Fiesta Red, Berrylicious

Again, I really like the Sephora Collection Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set so I'm sad that it's discontinued! Since the other Izak products are still around, I'm crossing my fingers that Sephora will bring back something similar in the not too distant future.

Merry Mario Badescu Giveaway!

2012-12-10T08:35:00.002-08:00

Mario Badescu Skin Care Products

The friendly folks at Mario Badescu are offering one Nicole Reviews Beauty reader the fantastic opportunity to receive their own customized skin care regimen! The winner will work with an expert at Mario Badescu to design a set of products including a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, mask, eye cream and exfoliant.

Previously, I shared my skin concerns with a specialist at Mario Badescu and received a set of 6 products to address my individual complexion needs. It was a fun and interesting experience, and I am so excited to now offer that opportunity to one of my lovely readers!

Here's some background on the brand:

"Mario Badescu Skin Care is dedicated to providing personalized service and customized skin care for all of our clients, including regular folks and major celebrities. With a tradition that began in Romania over 40 years ago, our skin care products use soothing botanicals, fruit extracts, seaweed, high quality vitamin oils, aloe, chamomile, and caviar to provide the highest quality skin care products available. Let Mario Badescu Skin Care help you discover your own personal skin care regimen for glowing skin!"

Additionally, Mario Badescu is currently giving away a $500 Nordstrom Gift Card on their Facebook page! The contest runs through Saturday, December 15th. Check it out here:

http://www.facebook.com/MarioBadescu?sk=app_143103275748075&app_data=dlt-1

Here's how to enter my giveaway for a customized product regimen. Best of luck! This contest is open to U.S. residents only and will run until midnight on Friday, December 15th:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold Review and Swatches

2012-12-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold
L-to-R: Olive Gray, Starfish, Latte

Love the shades, hate the wear time.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold ($18) is a beautiful set of three mini nail polishes that create a lovely array of shimmering, festive shades. The colors include Latte, a gold shimmer, Olive Gray, a molten metallic green/grey, and Starfish, a gold glitter.

As is the case with all Sephora + Pantone products, the Opulent Lacquer Trio arrived in a sturdy, high quality case. The packaging has a modern look that could serve as a nice addition to someone's vanity.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold Swatches
L-to-R: Latte, Olive Gray, Starfish

These shades don't provide that vinyl-like finish that I love in other polishes, but the polishes in Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold apply fairly smoothly and provide good coverage despite having a thin texture. Unfortunately, Latte and Olive Gray chip like crazy.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio in Gold

Look how festive! I'm wearing Latte on all of my nails, plus Starfish on my ring finger. I love this fun and sparkly combination. I've received lots of compliments on this look, particularly on the single blinged out accent nail.

Honestly, I wish I didn't like this look so much, seeing as it only lasted one day! I'm talking really big chips too: about half of my index nail was bare by the next afternoon. Starfish has been lasting longer though, which I expected. Glitter polishes tend to last forever on me.

I really like the appearance of these polishes, but I would say that you probably shouldn't bother buying this set unless you definitely plan to pair these polishes with a good base and top coat. Even then, be prepared to do touch ups.

In related news: today Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2013! This year's big shade is going to be......EMERALD! Get excited for limited edition, exclusive makeup releases for this shade to come in Spring 2013.

What do you think of this news? Are you excited for emerald makeup, clothes and accessories?

Bare Minerals: The Star Treatment Set Review and Swatches

2012-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

Bare Mineral: The Star Treatment Set

What an interesting neutral eyeshadow palette!

The limited edition Bare Minerals "The Star Treatment" Set ($40) includes 8 powder eyeshadows along with a mini version of Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer. All shades are in Bare Minerals new Ready eyeshadow formula. Rather than your typical neutral browns and taupes, this eyeshadow palette is packed full of unique and versatile shades.

As you can see, my Bare Minerals Star Treatment palette looks a little messy right now! The black shade, VIP, experienced some breakage during shipping and smudged over the other shadows. I was bummed out by this, but it's nothing that a little cleanup can't fix. Otherwise, the palette is very nice-looking. It has an attractive mirrored case with a large mirror inside. The set also includes a double-ended brush. The brush's bristles are stiff so I haven't been using it, but it would work in a pinch.

Bare Minerals The Star Treatment includes:

VIP - a black shade with gold and silver glitter. This shadow is wonderfully silky to the touch and well-pigmented. Though it's not the inkiest black ever, it's still great for glam, smudgy smokey eyes. Watch out for fallout with this shade.
Connoisseur - a brassy, coppery gold shimmer. This shade has a particularly creamy texture. The color is one of my favs in this palette. I love applying it to my eyelid and my lower lash line! Killer pigmentation, not much fallout, but a little difficult to blend. Bonus points for teaching me how to spell "Connoisseur."
Carte Blanche - a pearly ivory shimmer. This is pretty much the only highlight shade in the Star Treatment palette. Works well for me, but cool-toned people might wish there was a highlight shade without a yellow base.
Ritzy - a deep brown with dense shimmer and great pigmentation. This shade is fairly neutral in tone and works well for contouring. Unfortunately, I notice fallout with this particular shade.
Kudos - a pearly, icy mint. I think this shade is very interesting and I can imagine it being incorporated into a variety of creative looks. Quite a bit of fallout though.
Bragging Rights - a "copper penny" shimmer. This shadow has a lot of red so it's difficult to wear, but I think it can look nice if you apply it in the crease rather than the eyelid. Red right next to the eye = tired bunny eyes!
Elitist - an olive green with gold glitter. Great for green eyeshadow lovers. I bet this would look gorgeous with brown eyes. What is up with these shade names though? Elitist, really?
Extravagance - a pale, pearlized cornsilk. I think this shade looks nice swatched, but the pigmentation isn't stellar and I don't like how it looks on my lids. I also experience quite a bit of fallout with this shade.

Bare Minerals: The Star Treatment Set Swatches
L-to-R: VIP, Connoisseur, Carte Blanche, Ritzy

Bare Minerals: The Star Treatment Set Swatches
L-to-R: Kudos, Bragging Rights, Elitist, Extravagance

Given my experiences with Buxom Stick Around Eye Primer (Buxom and Bare Minerals are the same company), I didn't have high expectations for Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer. Turns out I was pleasantly surprised! Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer provided a great base that increases color intensity and helps shadows adhere without losing blend time. The wear time was fantastic as well; I consistently get all-day wear with Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer.

For the below photo, I started off by spreading Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer from my lash line to brow bone. I then applied Kudos to the crease and blended up to the brow bone. I added Elitist to the crease to contour. I covered my lids with Connoisseur and used Carte Blanche to highlight.

Bare Minerals: The Star Treatment Set

I also used Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer for this next look. This look incorporates Bragging Rights in the crease area for a "sunset" effect. I applied a dash of Ritzy to the outer corner of my crease, but it's not really visible in this photo. I again used Connoisseur on my lid and Carte Blanche on the brow bone. You can also see Connoisseur along my lower lash line. I apologize for the scary deer in the headlights expression!

Bare Minerals: The Star Treatment Set

Bottom Line: I love the color selection in Bare Minerals The Star Treatment Set. While I still consider it a neutral palette, the shades are a lot more unusual than what you see in other neutral palettes like Urban Decay Naked 1 and 2. Most of the shadows are well-pigmented and silky, and the mini primer works very well. However, I dislike the fallout, so-so pigmentation, and inferior blendability of some of the eyeshadows. Additionally, while I like the appearance of the mirrored case, it's prone to fingerprints and smudges that diminish the compact's attractiveness. The majority of shades (though not 100%) are warm-toned, so cool-toned folks should consider this purchase carefully.

What do you think of Bare Minerals The Star Treatment Set? Are you intrigued by the unique shades, or do you think this palette looks like nothing special?

JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque Review and Swatches

2012-11-30T18:21:00.004-08:00

JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque

JINsoon Nail Lacquer is a new line of polishes from celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi. Currently available at Sephora, the fledging brand includes 12 shades that all look great for fall and winter fashion.

Unfortunately, after trying JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque ($18), I'm in no hurry to try more polishes from this new brand. This lacquer isn't horrible but I don't think the quality merits the high price.

JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque is described as a "black red" so I was expecting something along the lines of a deep burgundy or oxblood shade. In reality, JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque is more of a blackened eggplant.

One coat of JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque allows the purple tones to shine through but does not provide full coverage. I definitely needed a second coat. Sadly, two coats of JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque basically look black. Black nail polish is fine and all, but I was expecting a more unique color. It's not even that glossy either!

JINsoon touts the short dry time of its lacquers. I found the dry time to be average to slow (and ended up with smudgy nails!). Try Butter London or Julep for a much faster dry time.

On the bright side, the wear time of JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque was good. I got about 4-5 days before it started chipping badly. Then I had to remove it immediately because nothing looks worse than super dark, chipped nail polish!

Overall, I was disappointed by JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque. I expected something more impressive for the price. I think I will stick to Butter London or Julep for my nail polish splurges for the time being.

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