Jolie Laide Girl

Nail Varnish Sale

2010-11-11T08:06:00.001-08:00

I've been clearing out my nail varnish stash, so these babies are up for grabs! All have either never been worn, or worn once.

OPI - Dulce Du Leche - $3
OPI - Over The Taupe - $3

China Glaze - Lemon Fizz - $2
China Glaze - Breakin - $2
China Glaze - B-Girlz - $2
China Glaze - Strawberry Fields - $2
China Glaze - Short N Sassy - $2

American Apparel - Office - $3
American Apparel - Peacock - $3
American Apparel - Factory Grey - $3
American Apparel - Palm Springs - $3
American Apparel - Coney Island - $3

Essie - Body Language - $4
Essie - Mint Candy Apple - $4
Essie - Pink Parka - $4
Essie - Lollipop - $4

Color Club - Uptown Girl - $2

Sephora By Opi - Wired - $4
Sephora By Opi - 212-Sephora - $4

Rimmel - Azure - $2
Rimmel - Dancin - $2
Rimmel - Coralicious - $2
Rimmel - Portobello Pink - $2
Rimmel - Pillar Box - $2

L.A. Colors - Fuel - $2

Shipping will be $4 within the US for the first item, plus $0.50 for each after that until a maximum of $8.
Shipping will be $7 outside the US, plus $1.00 for each item after that.

Leave a message in the comments with your email and I'll be in touch!

Thanks for looking :)

Love and Toast Handcream is a Little Tube of Heaven

2010-10-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I usually try to post a review of everything new I try out on this blog. Reading product review, of both old and new things, is probably my favorite type of post, so I try and return the favor by posting my own. Sometimes though, I’ll realize that I have been happily working through a product without having posted a word about it on my blog. Case in point? My Love & Toast Handcream ($9).

Love & Toast are a relatively small lotions and perfume company that aims to do good as well as make you smell good. A portion of proceeds from each purchase goes to the Regional Affiliates of Girls Inc. They make perfume, hand cream, and lip balm. They are sold from a variety of retailers including Amazon and Urban Outfitters. I picked up my hand cream at a spa. (Haven in SoHo, for you NYCers).

I picked up the Sugar Grapefruit version. The other scents available are Pomme Poivre (Apple Pear), Honey Coconut, Gin Blossom, Mandarin Tea, and Paper Flower. Sugar Grapefruit comes in a gorgeous bright pink tube with pretty illustrations, so it will look cute wherever you keep it. It’s a lovely, reasonably rich cream that sinks in very quickly. It’s not a super rich cream, so those of you who have very, very dry hands may wish to keep that in mind. Love and Toast’s real selling point comes from its use of fragrance. I wish my blog had some sort of scent-o-vision, because I just cannot get over how good this cream smells. It has a beautiful, sweet but not cloying, crisp, fresh citrus smell that instantly wakes you up. Plus, the scent hangs around for about an hour after you’ve put it on.

For the sheer gorgeousness of the scent I more than highly recommend Love and Toast’s handcreams. I urge you to track them down immediately and start getting that amazing burst of energy that comes from smelling something really good. Plus, you can feel good about yourself as well as some of the proceeds go to charity. Fantastic.

Beauty Blog Link Love

2010-10-09T05:05:00.001-07:00

My Lips But Better writes about the MAC Venomous Villains launch party and shares her thoughts about the products.

Check out the duo-chromed awesomnicity (yes that is a word!) that Aijuswhanakno found through Persephone Minerals.

Tammerly at Pink Diva's Beauty Spot gives you the 'gloss' on the 2010 Sydney International Beauty Expo.

Amy Antoinette experiments with Kim Kardashian curls.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed gets to pretend she is a real makeup artist with the TEMPTU AIRbrush system!

Kim Porter reviews Dr. Miracle’s Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, a great product for dry, damaged hair.

With blogger events and launch parties, it's Illamasqua overload at Hellcandy make-up! Check out the photos from the launch party here.

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Mascara and Yinnie's lashes become BFFs over at Looking Glass Beauty.

Daily Polish professes her love for all things Catrice with the turquoise lacquer, "I Sea You!"

Over at The Glamorous Gleam, Mz. More gives you a sneak peek at the new Sleek MakeUp Bad Girl & Good Girl Palettes, due to be released on October 27th!

Eyelining uses some NYX pigments to demonstrate how bad packaging can ruin a perfectly good product.

Vex in the City shows you how to step up your nail game on the cheap, with the new Instant Nail Effects from Barry M.

Emma swatches the best Orgasm dupe yet for only £3.99 at BirdsDecorateBranches!

Melissa reviews Smell Bent's limited edition Halloween Killer Smellies over at LovelyAndroid.

You need an idea for Halloween? Vesna at Beauty addict blog has one: turn yourself into a Dark Fairy for this year's Halloween!

Love NARS makeup but not the price tag? Lipglossiping signals the "dupe alert" siren when she shows off a serious but affordable dupe for NARS Albatross!

The Pink Sith is less than impressed with the Too Faced Naked Eye Palette, despite it having a few great taupe shadows.

Jellyminx jumps on the naked band wagon and shares a look created using the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Jolie Laide girl gets to work showing you the best of the Elf Mineral Shadows.

Louise spends a day chatting with Daniel Sandler and getting a whole new look!

The Lip Print discovers a products with a Happy Philosophy; you can share the love too!

theNotice finds a fab product to banish under-eye bags, and it's under $5!

L at Beautifully Addicted To gives a run down on Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanse.

***

Jeweled Thumb is celebrating reaching her 400th post with a giveaway! Enter to win Stila, ELF, BE, Milani Bare To Wear and more!

Enter Phyrra's Beauty for the Earth The Wizard of Oz-Some Giveaway for a collection worth $60!

MAC Villainous Villains Review

2010-10-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wow!! The launch of the year has finally arrived! Yes, the much anticipated Disney MAC collaboration has finally landed. After having skipped the last couple of MAC launches, I was most excited to actually take part in some much desired hauling.

The collection is based on 4 classic Disney villains: Cruella (101 Dalmations, Evil Queen (Snow White), Maleficiant (Sleeping Beauty), and the most recent, Dr Facilier (The Princess and the Frog). I didn't haul based on any particular character, but it turns out I ended up with a lot of Cruella. Better not tell my pup, huh?

Okay, what did I end up and what do I want?

Let me start with the blushes and beauty powders.

Darkly My Dear is a matte dirty brown-y plum. When I first saw the color, it really reminded me of Prim and Proper from MAC's Liberty collection that came out in March. It's a matte color which is very pigmented, and is quite warm. I found that I had to use a very light hand with it. I have to admit, I do not love this color - it feels too strong for my skintone, and a little overwhelming. I'm not going to keep this blush. If you want it, please leave a message in the comments.

Her Own Devices is a very slightly shimmery beige. It looks quite pink in the pan, but it swatches almost nude. I'm going to love this for contouring. I don't have anything else like this in my collection.

Oh So Fair is a super pretty pale shimmery pink. It is pretty and sheer, but for me, I'm not blown away, and don't think that this product is super unique. I'm not sure I'll be keeping this.

Left to Right - Darkly My Dear, Her Own Devices, Oh So Fair

Next up - lip products!!!

I only ordered two lip products, but both are so good that it's a complete win. Wicked Ways is a gorgeous, cool, pink-toned red shimmery gloss. It's really fun to wear. It's quite simply deliciousness in a tube.

L-R Wicked Ways, Innocence Beware, Sweet Joy

Innocence Beware is an amazing color. It's my perfect pinky nude. If it wasn't madly sold out, I'd want another one! It is a slightly warmer, pinker toned version of creme d'nude. It's perfect for wearing with knock-out smokey eyes. I'm in love.

Normally I'm a real freak for eye shadows, but in this launch, I only got one - Sweet Joy. It's a shimmery, sheer gold. That sort of color is a must-have in anyone's collection. It has a gorgeous, soft, smooth feel, although it's quite sheer and I do feel I have to pack it on for it to show up against my skin tone.

I was incredibly excited about a new product that MAC debuted in this collection - their magically cool powders. They are powders that are made from 70% water. Don't ask me to explain the science behind it, because quite clearly that is something that is well beyond me. I got the lighter shade, Truth & Light. It is a shimmery, highlighting "powder" with peachy tone. When you put it on, it really does feel magically cool and "wet", which then dries down to leave a gorgeous, subtly shimmery finish. This product is a lot of fun. Make sure you try this for yourself.

My thoughts on this collection? Well, there are some truly fabulous products, and gorgeous, gorgeous colors to play with. The eye shadows to me felt either dupe-able or pantomime though. I love the multitude of matte blushes and beauty powders, since so often these have shimmer. The packaging is a real let down - the outside packaging using the illustrations is beautiful, but the actual packaging on the products is traditional and cheap looking, which is a real shame. However, I can see why products are selling like hot-cakes, and most things are already gone.

I have 2 products that I'm not going to keep. Normally I just return them to MAC Online. However, since I know that there are products that people are dying to get their paws on, and it would be a shame for them to be thrown in the trash, please let me know if you are interested in swatched Oh So Fair and Darkly My Dear.

What did you haul from this collection?

Generally Rambly Update Post

2010-09-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

t’s been a while since I’ve really written about any new products on the blog. I have to admit that since sometime around August, I have just not been that interested in buying any new make up. I have been unwilling to try out anything new for a couple of reasons. My make up drawers are beyond full, so sometimes it is hard to even imagine a scenario where there is some sort of void in my stash. Actually, there are plenty of voids, but because I am consistently drawn to the same shades again and again (hello, coral pinks!), but where there is already so much in there, it’s hard to think of anything new. I am trying to clear out a bunch of products by having a blog sale. Take a look and see if you want to get some cheap MAC, Tarte, and Philosophy!

I have also been spending so much time travelling and not wearing make up, that I have hardly had an excuse to think about new products. I have, however, really loved the make up that I do have. I took the Urban Decay Naked Palette home last week for a wedding, and was able to put together the most beautiful shimmery, lightly smoked neutral eye that made me feel gorgeous all night. I’ll be recreating that look soon for the blog, as I also had a lot of fun with the shimmery highlighting effect from MAC’s By Candlelight.

However, with fall really in the air, I’m starting to feel the draw of new products. This time last year, I was madly in love with MAC’s Style Black collection and hard core smoky eyes with a pretty pale pink lip. I was also falling for a bright lip with bare face. This year, in line with the clean, polished clothes coming off the catwalks from the likes of Celine and Chloe, I can feel myself being drawn towards grown up neutrals and minimalist polish. This isn’t bare faced minimalism – it’s highly thought out lady-like looks. There are a couple of products that have really caught my eye this year.

Tarte's LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stainlook unbelievably amazing. A gorgeous matte stain in a moisturizing jumbo pencil? Is that even possible? I had a great time with their original lip pencil this summer, so am going to try and limit myself to just two pencils to get me through the fall. I’m thinking a pale pink (Lucky) and a gorgeous matte raspberry (Lively).

With perfectly polished comes the requirement for perfect skin. For those who haven’t got it, it’s possible to fake it. I’ve spent the last couple of months using a tinted moisturizer I’ve mixed myself using foundations I’m trying to use it, but now it’s time for me to splash out on a new product. Two foundations have really caught my eye for trying out – the NARS Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow (which to choose?), and Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation. Both are available at Sephora now, so I guess I’ll have to get a couple of days product to try out before making up my mind. Does anyone else find buying foundation the most stressful part of make up?

Matte, polished neutral eyeshadows always have a place in my heart, and I’m currently putting together my list of must have shadows for the fall. I’m loving shadows like Soba, Bamboo, Rule, Wedge, and Brule from MAC.

One area where neutrals are completely out the window for me are nail varnishes. There have been so many amazing collections recently released that I don’t even really know where to start. Orly’s Cosmic Collection has the most fabulous shimmery, glittery, gorgeous finishes that I don’t think I can pick between them. China Glaze’s recent twenties theme shimmer collection also features some real beauties that I’m dying to pick up, like a beautiful shimmery camel, and a gorgeous dark green. I have far, far too many colors in my collection at the moment, so must clear out (another blog sale!) before adding to my stash, but I can see shimmers will be playing a big part in my fall nails.

Of course, being the lover of all that is new and MAC (In the Groove and Fabulous Felines excepted!), I have of course put in an order for the Villains collection from MAC, and am eagerly awaiting my “shipped” email. I’ll also be stopping in store tomorrow to check them out, and can’t wait to see whether the products live up to the serious hype. Full report coming soon!

BLOG SALE!!!

2010-09-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

NEW PRICES!!!

I've been clearing out my drawers so now you've got a chance of snapping up some bargains as I need some more space.

Shipping: $2.50 for the first item and 0.50 for each item after that within the US. $5.00 for the first item and $1.00 for each item after that for international shipping. Items will be shipped first class. Some

Payment must be made through paypal. If you are interested in an item, leave a comment in the box with an email address. I will be in contact and will send an invoice. Payments must be made within 24hrs.

I will also be doing a nail varnish sale in the next couple of weeks so look out!

Okay, here we go!

MAC Eyeshadows:

~~Night Manoeuvres~~ - used less than 5 times: $9
Crystal - 90% left: $5
All Races - used twice: $8
Swimming - used twice: $8

MAC Eyesshadow Vibrant Grape - used less than 5 times: $8

Urban Decay Box of Shadows pans - these have been pried from the Box of Shadows (various) and have a magnet attached to the back.

Gunmetal: $4 (used twice)
Midnight Cowboy Rides Again: $4 (never used)
Sphynx: $4 (used once)
~~Sin:~~ $5 (used twice)

Half Baked: $5 (used less than 5 times)
S&M: $5 (used less than 5 times)
~~Mushroom:~~ $5 (used less than 5 times)

Philosophy
Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (8oz). Brand new, unopened. $12
Hope in a Jar (2oz) Brand new, unopened. $20
Hope in a Tube. Brand new, unopened: $15
Hope in a Tube. Used 5 times. $10

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (no lid! - 80% left): $10
MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (2/3 left): $8
MAC Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask (1/2 left): $5

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (1/2 left): $10

Urban Decay DeSlick Oil Control Setting Spray (used less than 5 times): $15

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Deep Red (used less than 5 times): $1
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Chaos (used less than 5 times): $1
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Nude Rose (used less than 5 times): $1

Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful (used approx 10 times): $15

NYX Glitter Eyeliners each swatched once

Pink $1
Blue $1
Silver Disco $1

MAC Shadesticks in Cuddle and Nurture. Each swatched once. $8 each

MAC lipgloss mini in Morning Glory (never used): $5
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess lipgloss (used less than 5 times): $8
MAC Lipgloss in 3N (used twice): $8
MAC Lipgloss in Liquor (swatched once): $8

Benefit Boing (used 10 times): $5

NYX lipsticks. All swatched once, never used. $1 each

Louisiana, Rose, Hero, Snow White

Lipsticks, all used less than 5 times.

Lipstick Queen Saint Berry: $8
~~MAC Creme D'Nude: $10~~
Rimmel Coral Gold: $5
MAC Myth: $8

Eye Pencils, all used less than 10 times

MAC Minted: $8
Sephora Turquoise: $5
Sephora Shimmery Blue Crayon: $3
Sephora Shimmery Green Crayon: $3
NARS Aigle Noir Crayon: $12

NYX Glitter Jars - all never used. $1 each

Ultra Pearl Mania
Blue Glitter, Pink Glitter, Neon Pink Glitter, Gold Glitter

Korres Mascara, never used: $5
Stila Violet Smudge Pot - swatched once (mini size): $5
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess (used once): $8

NYX Chrome Powder never opened: $2 each

Stila Lip and Cheek Crush in Pomegranate swatched once. $5.

Comment please to let me know what you'd like!

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

2010-09-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last Bronze set - this one is my favorite. A pop of teal makes any neutral look hawt hawt hawt.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Lid: Bronze all over
Crease: Carbon
Liner: UD Flipside used wet.

If I was doing this again, I'd like it to be a bit more blue teal rather than green teal.

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

2010-09-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed from last week's posts, I'm a big fan of Cranberry eyeshadow. It was only going to be a matter of time before I worked it into a look with Bronze for a super rich fall look. Can't you just see the leaves turning and the crisp air?

Inner Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Middle Lid: Cranberry
Outer Lid: Bronze
Highlight: Ricepaper
Lower outer lid: Bronze

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

2010-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun discovering old favorites when playing around with Bronze, and have been wearing it a lot since I started thinking about the looks for it. This one was a dinner trip with friends.

I really like how Feline gives it a dark edge without being too over the top.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Shroom
Middle Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Outer Lid and Crease: Bronze
Highlight: Shroom
Liner: Rich Ground Liner
Liner: Feline

All products MAC unless otherwise stated.

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

2010-08-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Another week, another way to wear series. Since last week was all about color - hello pink!! - this week is more of a neutral. Bronze by MAC is hardly a sheer scaredy cat. Think more rich, luscious, silky pigmentation. Deliciousness in a shadow pan.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Goldmine
Middle Lid: Style Snob
Outer Lid: Bronze
Crease: Bronze and Smut
Lower Line: Feline
Lower Line: Goldmine
Highlight: Shroom

All products MAC

Ways To Wear Series: Da Bling

2010-08-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

A more traditional "pink eye" - doesn't that sound pretty!?! Cranberry is one of my favorite colors to use. I love how rich it is, and how well it plays with others. It is particularly beautiful with bronzey golds as well.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Middle Lid: Da Bling
Outer Lid and Crease: Da Bling
Highlight: Shroom
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

Ways To Wear Series: Da Bling

2010-08-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today's look is going for the classic sunset look. This is a great way to wear a pink shade without feeling ovewhelmed by it, as the more traditional golds and bronzes dominate. You know, these might be my 4 favorite MAC colors ever!

Products used:
Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Da Bling
Middle Lid: Goldmine
Outer Lid and Crease: Bronze
Highlight: Shroom
Liner: Urban Decay El Dorado
Mascara: The Collossal

Ways To Wear Series: Da Bling

2010-08-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

As promised, another way to wear the gorgeous pinky goodness that is Da Bling eyeshadow by MAC. This time I've gone for for a sheer pink wash over my lids, and a gray shadow liner underneath. I saw this look in Lucky magazine this month, and love how simple it is. Apparently, keeping the pink on the lid and the gray underneath stop the dreaded pink eye effect that we fear from pink eyeshadow. If I was doing this again, I think instead of using a smudgy shadow liner, I would go for more crispness in the form of a pencil liner.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Lid: MAC Da Bling
Lower Liner: MAC Knight Divine
Highlight: MAC Shroom
Lashes: Maybelline Falsies

Ways To Wear Series: Da Bling

2010-08-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks I've been putting together a little series for the blog. Sometimes I look at my eye palettes, and I always end up picking the same combination of colors, or only using one shade with one other. I wanted to challenge myself to get more use out of the current colors I have, and think of new ways to wear them, and I'd like to share that with you all.

The first shade I've picked out to work with is Da Bling. Da Bling is one of my favorite permanent MAC shades, and probably one of the first that I picked out for myself. It's a mid-toned pink with gold shimmer. Pink is a color a lot of people avoid, but Da Bling is a great one to start out with if you are scared, because it really does play well with others.

For the first in my Way To Wear Series, I picked one of my all time favorite color combinations: Gold and Pink. For this look, I've used another classic MAC color (I'm trying to only use permanent colors in this series so that anyone can try out these combinations), Goldmine. This look can be softly worn during the day, and then by adding black liquid liner on top and on the lower inner rim, it really takes it up a notch for the night.

All colors MAC unless otherwise stated:
Base: ELF Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Goldmine
Outer Lid and crease: Da Bling
Highlight: Shroom
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

Pan Time!

2010-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Why do we get so excited about hitting pan? For me, it’s almost a proof that I was right, that it was a great product, and that I have stuck with something to the end. Weird, no? But we all feel it. Plus there’s that other element which is that it’s an excuse to go shopping, of course. I’ve been working away at a couple of products for the last couple of months that I’ve finished up (or are close to) in the last couple of months.

1.       Elf Studio Brow Kit – I’ve hit pan on the wax side, but the powder looks like it is going to be good for YEARS to come. This product can go on a little blotchy and uneven, but once you even it out with a wispy brow brush (I use an only mascara wand), then it’s actually really nice. I’ll keep using the brow powder but with some clear brow gel I have lying around.

2.       MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation – I got this in June of 2009, and I must have had a tan at the time, because it always felt a shade too dark. It also feels incredibly heavy. I got a nice finish out of it when I used it with a large, kabuki style brush spritzed with a lot of MAC Fix +, but even then I felt I was getting too much coverage. I then started mixing it with Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer, which ended up being an amazing tinted moisturizer – a hint of color, a little bit of hydration while still feeling light. It did take me a whole year to finish the tube though, which drove me crazy. I have a bottle of Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich foundation which I also don’t love, so I’ll start mixing that with my Kiehls until I really need to get something with more coverage, in which case I’ll probably try NARS Sheer Glow or Bobbi Brown Skin. I don’t have perfect skin, but I don’t like my foundation to be too heavy. It just doesn’t wear well on me.

3.       MAC Paint in Bare Canvas. MAC Paints come in a tube form, and act similar to Paint Pots in that they are pigmented creams. This product was recommended to me by a MAC MUA as an eye shadow primer. I am so surprised that they are not more popular, because it works so well. Eyeshadows don’t budge at all when I use this, but colors remain blendable when they are applied. I have a hard time blending colors sometimes when I’m using Urban Decay Primer Potion. When I first got this, about a year ago, I wasted a lot of product because the tube form is not so easy to control, but once I’d used it a couple of times I got it figured out (be very gentle!), and fell in love. However, I’m not going to be replacing it any time soon, mostly because I have about 85 mini UDPPs lying around from the various Box of Shadows, so I want to use those up first. I also have an ELF Shadow Primer which is surprisingly effective, especially given the $1 price tag. Based on the number of primers I have in my dupes drawer, I won’t be buying any replacements for at least a year.

4.       NARS Orgasm Cream Blush – This is part of a duo with Laguna cream bronzer. I find the bronzer quite dark on me, but the blush is amazing, and completely lives up to its reputation. I’ve had this for about 18mths before I got to this stage, and for a good 9mths of that, it was literally the only blush I owned! Shocking, I know. Now I have about 6 or 7, including at least one other NARS one. Anyway, I still use this at least once a week, if not more, because it’s just a classic, flattering, easy color to wear. Although I’ve hit pan on this, I am sure I’ve got a good while to go yet before I’m actually all out. Then I’ll have to decide whether I want it in cream or powder form. Decisions!

At this point I feel like I should also confess that I’ve never, ever finished a lipgloss or lipstick. I’ve lost plenty over the years, but finished? None. And although I’ve been wearing a couple of shades again and again this summer (Hello Ever Hip by MAC, Perennially High Style again by MAC, and Tarte Raspberry Lip Stain), I’m months, if not years, away from finishing anything.

Have you finished up anything recently? Any products you think you might?

New Project: Run Girl Run!

2010-08-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with all my lovely readers that I've started up a new project. Over at Glowing Girl, I'm going to be blogging about my attempts to run a half marathon in just six weeks time. I'm really not much of a runner at all, but over the last couple of months I've been working out at lot with Core Fusion and taking a lot of yoga. Running has always held a fascination with me; it's always something that I have envied in others, that I've wished I could do myself, and that every so often I actually do, and even then occasionally enjoy. A Half Marathon is perhaps a crazily long race to start with, but I'm looking forward to the challenge, and I really hope that some of you take a look at my progress.

Thanks for looking! :)

Elf Mineral Shadow Haul Part 2

2010-08-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I brought you the first half of my Elf mineral eye shadow haul. Now it's time to take a look at the other 6 colors I picked up during the sale.

From L-R: Temptress, Trendy, Celebrity, Sassy, Seductive, Socialite

Temptress is a matte light brown. I think it's a really useful color for darkening the crease on a neutral look, and am pleased with it's color and wear. It goes on smoothly and has good pigmentation.

Trendy is a very shimmery peachy gold. I didn't love this one as I found it quite sheer and it blended out to just large chunks of shimmer. I haven't tried it in a look, but it looks like it will be fallout central.

Celebrity is a lighter, cooler toned gold. This one had much, much better pigmentation than Trendy. It is much lighter toned. This one looks gorgeous as a wash across the lids.

Sassy is a beautiful rich copper tone. It reminds me of Orly Rage, or MAC's All That Glitters. It is very shimmery, so you need a light hand, but it is beautiful, rich color.

Seductive is a matte charcoal gray. It's not quite black, but it's nearly there. I'm actually super wary of this color in powder form, as it is so easy to get too much, and too much of loose dark pigment can just smudge up a look, but if used lightly, this could be nice. For me though, it's too much work, and I'll stick to Carbon and Nehru for my dark looks.

Socialite is a shimmery pewter taupe. It reminds me of MAC's Smoke and Diamonds, but it isn't quite as rich. It sheers out very nicely, and looks particularly gorgeous with Sassy. The shimmer content is very high, and it's not incredibly pigmented, but it leaves a gorgeous molten metal look on the eyes.

So there you have the final round up of the Elf Mineral Eye Shadows. At just $3 a pop, and plenty of deals and discounts on the site, these are worth a look. My favorites? Sassy, Socialite, Natural. and Golden. Pass on Seductive and Trendy.

Puppy Shot of the Day: Mucky Mucky Pup

2010-08-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've had a puppy shot here on Jolie Laide Girl, but Moose continues to be the most adorable little guy. He also has a nose for trouble, and managed to find a Never Ending Story esque swamp while walking through Central Park yesterday. He actually looked pretty scared as he sank chest deep into the mud. He did quite a bit of flailing around before managing to pull himself out of the mud. His bottom half? Completed covered in an inch of mud. It took 3 baths to get this bad boy clean.

Beauty Blog Link Love

2010-08-13T19:22:00.001-07:00

Phyrra shows you Meow's Friday the 13th Collection, just in time for Friday the 13th!

Louise wonders about the Thierry Mugler wisdom of Womanity.

Lismarie from Beauty Crazed opens up Pandora's Box - Pandora's Makeup Box that is!

Take a look at swatches of Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipglosses and see what Sophie thinks of them.

The fish pedicure has come to London via Aqua Sheko and Beautywoome tries it out.

Lipglossiping has the scoop on the NARS Christmas Bento Box Lip Set that EVERYONE will want, but that at £95, few will be able to justify!

Krasey Beauty swatches her entire collection of Make Up For Ever eyeshadows, for all the world to see!

Retrodiva discovers a mascara that's almost identical to her beloved Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper. a solution to her oily skin, she just can't get enough of it!

Want soft skin, smooth legs and shiny hair? Cindy at Prime Beauty has your solution--find out what ten must-have beauty products are in her shower.

Broke your nail and don't know what to do? Musicalhouses will show you how to fix your nail with a DIY nail wrap!

Rachel's been finding possible Liz Earle alternatives.. is Soap and Glory's Hot Cloth Cleanser "the one"?

Jeweled Thumb reviews a miniature blush from a brand that doesn't seem to get quite enough love (PS she loves it!)

Are you looking for some everyday nude lip products? Check out Spiced Beauty's top 3!

Jolie Laide Girl falls in love forever and its with the creamy Make Up Forever Aqua Creams.

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Finally, over to theNotice for Rae's Silicone Giveaway, which includes a lustrous hair lotion, a Canada-exclusive powder, and a bit of Urban Decay!

Tarte Matte Lipstains Are Not A Rumor!

2010-08-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post press release related things on the blog, because I like to test things out before actually sharing them, but I'm make an exception based on the most recent release I got from Tarte. They are coming out with two products I've just heard about: the Natural Lip Surgence Matte Lipstains, and the Radiant & Rested Luminous Complexion Collection.

I seriously heart my Tarte Lipstain - it has been one of my favorite lip products all summer, and, as early readers may know, one of my favorite fall/winter products are the NARS Matte Lip Pencils. It's as if my favorite products had a baby, and it's already in stores! They come in 6 colors: lucky (light pink), hope (warm rose), lively (hot pink), envy (mauve berry), fiery (true red), exposed (nude), and are filled with the Tarte goodness and none of the bad parabens and synthetic products. Yum! I can't wait to try.

And oh-my-goodness the Radiant and Rested Complexion Collection - doesn't that just sound divine?

It comes with:

smooth operator™ Illuminating serum: a brightening serum that can worn alone or mixed with foundation

emphasEYES™ inner rim brightene: a pencil that brightens eyes for a wideawake look and can be used on the inner rims or browbones

ReCreate™ silicone-free primer with Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology: smoothing uneven skin and minimizing the

appearance of pores.

park ave princess mineral bronzer (Deluxe size) a gorgeous natural toned bronzer

glisten limited edition illuminating natural cheek stain: a soft, dewy tone for brightening the skin.

Doesn't that all sound incredibly beautiful and amazing? I can literally feel myself become less tired and more radiant just reading it. The Collection is $42 and available in Sephora now.

Clinique City Sun Block Elevated to Super Hero Status

2010-08-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

When I first reviewed Clinique City Sun Block, I had been using it on a daily basis for a couple of weeks. At the time, I felt that it was a good product, but not amazing. Today’s post is about how a product can move from pretty good to must have simply by doing their job really, really well.

As a city girl, giving Clinique City Sun block a test ride on the streets of Manhattan seemed like a fair trial, and it lived up to its promise. It felt light, I didn’t burn, and my skin didn’t feel too clogged. Two months later, and I’m still using it every single day. My skin has not felt clogged or dirty even though there’s an extra step in my routine, and I’ve had limited extra shine. I’ve not had any burn, or really, any tan, since I started using it. What makes this product go above and beyond for me is its versatility. I’ve worn it running, on boat trips, while biking around Cape Cod, while wandering around the city – basically everywhere for the last couple of months, and never had a single problem with it. It has literally gone everywhere I’ve gone this summer, and my skin looks fine, or even good. In previous summers I’ve had problems with feeling greasy or dirty, with build-up and general not in tip-top condition. Not this year, and I really do think that a big part of that is the hard-working, but lightness of Clinque City Sun Block. It’s a simple product that works well, doing exactly what it says it will. And in the beauty blogging world, that is actually saying a lot.

MAC Dare To Wear Haul

2010-08-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have not been this excited about a MAC collection since To The Beach, and that was two months ago! Sorry, but In The Groove just left me feeling meh. After much perusing of online swatches and reviews, I finally headed to the MAC store over the weekend. I decided not to pick up any permanent colors, instead leaving those on my incredibly long "to purchase" list, and focused only on the limited editions. It may have been the blue, blue sky, or the slightly cooler weather, but I found myself drawn to the blues in the collection, and ended up with Zingy, Sky Blue, Aqua, and Going Bananas.

L-R Zingy, Aqua, Sky Blue, Going Bananas

Zingy is a matte bright blue. It's a gorgeous color in the pan. When I got it home, it swatched HORRIBLY. Patchy and hard work.

Aqua is the most delicious, pretty, matte aqua. If Essie Mint Candy Apple came in eye shadow format, this would be it. The one I swatched in store came up fine, so why when I came home did it barely show up at all??? Matte shadows can be a pain to swatch only to play nice on the eyes, so I'm going to try a look with this this weekend. If it sucks, it's going back.

Sky Blue is a cool, sky blue frost eye shadow. Where frost eye shadows usually are the bold, badly behaved children in the crowd, Sky Blue is a pretty, breath of fresh air. I want to dab this on the corner of my eyes or lash line to brighten up my look. Like a cool, blast of AC on a humid day.

Going Bananas is BRIIIGHT!!! It's a frosty bright, straight yellow. It is ever so slightly cool toned. This is a knock your socks off in your face shimmery, frosty bright. Can't wait to figure out how to play around with it.

I was sorely tempted by Free To Be and Louder Please, but Louder Please just didn't look far enough away from Passionate for me to be able to justify it.

All in all, while the colors in this collection are gorgeously amazing, I'm a little disappointed by the quality, and it looks like I might be returned a couple, which is sad, sad. The only consolation is that it's 3 weeks until Fabulous Felines!!!!!

Zingy, Aqua

Sky Blue, Going Bananas

Elf Mineral Shadow Haul

2010-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from top: Angelic, Elegant, Innocent, Golden, Sweet

A couple of months ago I came across one of my all time favorite products: Elf Mineral Eye Shadow in Natural. It's a gorgeous shimmery peach color that is so flattering. As I was so happy with this product, I was excited to try some more colors from the range during their recent 60% off sale.

L-R: Angelic, Elegant, Innocent, Golden, Sweet

I ended up picking up about 10 colors, which I'll review in phases. (I'm sorry, I just can't handle all that typing right now - my legs are aching from a ridiculous work-out and yoga session, so it's all I can do to keep my fingers moving across the keyboard!). I'll start with the lighter shades:

Angelic is a very shimmery, cool, white. This is quite a strong, bright, white, with a lot of shimmer. One for a very light hand.

Elegant is a more golden peach toned shimmery color. It's lighter than peach though. This is pretty and wearable. I like it a lot.

Innocent is a matte sheer cream. This didn't swatch very well so I did not have high hopes for this color at all, along with my general lack of experience with mattes (is it just me, or are other people a lit bit intimidated by them?). Having said that, I did a look a couple of days ago using Innocent, and really loved it! It goes on nice and smoothly, and provides a gorgeous, matte, sophisticated wash of cream. Definitely worth trying out, especially if you haven't played around much with them.

Golden is probably my favorite out of this batch of colors - it's a very simple, shimmery wash of golden. I think that it runs closer to amber rather than golden (more orange than yellow), but it's a beautiful rich color that looks pretty in both summer and fall.

Sweet is a cool, sheer, shimmery baby pink. This color was an experiment, and I'm not yet sure if I can pull it off. It is not very pigmented, but it is definitely pink. I feel like if you use this shade with Elegant it might work, but on it's own, it's too much shimmer, too much pink.

Elf Mineral Eye Shadows retail for $3, but ELF frequently run sales and coupon codes, so be sure to look out for a deal. Even if not every color is a winner, They come in small tubs with a shaker top to control how much product comes though. I do like the quality of these shadows - as a rule they last a long time, have decent pigmentation, and are easy to blend. They do have quite a lot of shimmer, so be warned if shimmer is not your thing.

Have you tried Elf Mineral Eye Shadows? Is there a shade you like I've missed out?

Celebrations!!

2010-08-01T17:06:00.001-07:00

I hit 100 followers!!! Yay!!! I'm currently doing the happy dance. A giveaway contest to follow this week.

Beauty Blog Link Love

2010-07-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried epilating? Well, now Rae has -- and she just loves her new Emjoi Emagine!

Vote NOW on what Makeup Series you'd like to see next on Betty Girl Makeup. Poll closes Friday, August 6th @ 11:59pm.

Jellyminx shows a summery golden pink look and features a surprise guest!

Kim Porter swatches products from the MAC In The Groove Collection to show you what it looks like on NC50 skin.

Krasey Beauty has exclusive swatches of the new Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Collection.

Rachel's been trying out new mineral makeup from Lily Lolo over at Queen of Turquoise.

Hot Beauty Health shares a list of the top 10 virtual hairstyle and makeover sites to try out a new look!

Musicalhouses makes Illamasqua's Beg blush wearable in her latest FOTD.

Find out everything about Summer 2010 makeup trends in the Makeup4All on-line beauty magazine.

Joeybunny over at the PinkSith blog tells us what worked and what didn't during her testing of Raw Minerals Makeup and Brushes.

Jolie Laide Girl gets all hot and bothered playing with the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Check out what makes Guerlain's Meteorites Perles primer so special on Beauty Addict.

Fed up of struggling to access your new makeup? Yeah... Lipglossiping is, too!

Christelle from Beauty Crazed learns that multiple X's are not always inappropriate... sometimes they mean mascara!

I Heart Cosmetics has become totally obsessed with the Clarisonic.

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Retrodiva is giving away the brand new Sampar's Good Weekend Kit, a new travel-friendly kit for urban skin survival.

Win an Infiniti by Conair You Curl curling iron from Audrey Dao.

There's still time to enter the Summer Smooth Skin Giveaway at The Gloss Menagerie!

Got troublesome skin? Enter Hellcandy's skincare giveaway for the chance to win some B-Liv products!

Do you want a new traincase? CSN stores is giving one Spiced Beauty reader a $40 gift card!