Makeup Moment

Birchbox: June 2013

2013-06-20T00:51:00.001-04:00

It's Birchbox time! I received my June box in the mail a couple of days ago and I was surprised to see that Birchbox totally revamped their look. Not only have they changed their logo and website, the product information cards have also gotten an upgrade. The cards don't just contain info on the items, but how to use them as well. I really like their new look and it's a very welcome change.

This month's theme is "wanderlust". The boxes were curated with an assortment of beauty items that are travel friendly and perfect to have at hand for that next getaway. I am really pleased with this month's items and I can't wait to see what July's box has in store.

Let's check out what I received in my June box!

Color Club Reign In Spain Nail Lacquer: Birchbox has teamed up with Color Club to create an array of exclusive pastel shades that were inspired by Birchbox's four international headquarters-Barcelona, New York, London, and Paris. I received the shade Reign In Spain and I couldn't be anymore pleased with this selection. This vivid coral peach is just the perfect shade to sport in the summer months. I love it! (Full Size: $8)

Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo: I have heard a lot of nice things about Davines hair products. I am excited to give this shampoo a try. This shampoo was specially formulated to help tame tangle-prone and frizzy hair. It contains Indian fig extract which helps moisturize, and olive oil to gently cleanse. This product sounds like a nice option for my dry and frizzy hair. I appreciate the generous 2 oz bottle sample size, which will surely be enough for quite a few uses. (Full Size: $24)

Oscar de la Renta live in love Foaming Body Scrub: Smooth skin is a must for this warm summer weather, and body scrubs are the perfect products to achieve just that. This hydrating exfoliator works into a lather, and leaves behind a light floral fragrance. I have a feeling I am going to like this one. Anything with a light floral scent is alright by me. (Full Size: $42)

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder: This mineral powder not only helps absorb excess oil, it also contains very fine particles which reflect light and minimizes the look of flaws. My skin does have the tendency to get oily-especially in this warm weather, so this powder will definitely come in handy to eliminate shine. (Full Size: $40)

Davines Oi/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: These two Davines sample packets were the beauty extras in my box. This oil is packed with antioxidants to prevent breakage, and it also helps strengthen the hair with continued usage. I really enjoy hair oils; they add a healthy looking shine to my hair, and they help tame my unruly frizz. (Full Size: $41)

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner: Infused with borage seed oil, this moisturizing conditioner helps protect tresses against breakage, while managing tangles and taming frizz. I am actually on the market for a new conditioner so I have high hopes that this one will work wonders for my dry hair. (Full Size: $27.50)

Right in tune with the "wanderlust" theme, I also received a set of postcards in my box. I think these are nice to have around, and they are super cute to boot.

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my referral link, here.

What did you all receive in your June Birchbox?

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. Signing up by using the referral link that I provided in this post is optional but if you do, extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop. Once you have signed up for a Birchbox account, you will receive your own unique referral code to share and gather points of your own.

Broadway Nails: imPRESS Press-On Manicure

2013-06-17T02:27:00.002-04:00

For a couple of years now, I have been taking the minimalist route when it comes to my manicure choices. A solid color is usually sufficient enough for me. And when I want to add a bit of pizzazz to my nails, a glitter accent does the trick. But lately, I have been wanting to experiment more with my nails, and what better way than with imPRESS' Press On Manicure set!

Press-on nails are a fun and quick way to instantly spruce up nails. They are a cinch to apply, and require no drying time. It can't get any better than that. I received the imPRESS Press-On Manicure "Sexy Fresh" Set in my Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox, and I couldn't wait to give them a try. The bright and colorful feather designs are super fun, and the shiny finish these nails impart is just amazing.

Press-On Nails (love the cute nail polish bottle packaging!), Prep Pad, Mini Nail File

imPRESS Press-On Manicure: "Sexy Fresh"

These press-on nails are super easy to apply-as expected. First, you lay out the ten nails that size up best with your natural nails-tab aligning with the cuticle (the nails are numbered on the back, so one can easily find which two to pair together), then you cleanse/wipe your natural nails with the included prep pad. After that, peel off the clear film on the back of the nails and firmly press the nails on. That's it! The set also includes a mini nail file, but I didn't really feel the need to use it. I liked the shape and length of the nails as is. But the file is handy to have, in case you want to file down or round out the edges of the press-on nails. Quick tip: When applying the nails, start at the pinkie and work across from there, leaving the thumb nails for last. This way, application is so much easier.

The imPRESS Press-On Manicure set promises up to one week of lasting power. I started to get some tip wear three days in, and one nail came off on day five. Not bad. To remove the nails I just carefully peeled them off from the sides. I loved that no damage was done to my natural nails.

I think those with wide nail beds will benefit the most from these press-on nails. My nail beds are on the wider end of the spectrum, so I didn't have much trouble finding a good fit. But there were a couple of press-ons that didn't quite fit over my entire nail bed. For a few nails, the sides of my natural nails still peeked through. Luckily it wasn't something that was majorly noticeable.

Overall: For the most part, I was very pleased with the imPRESS Press-On Manicure set. The nails were comfortable to have on, and for press-on nails, I am really impressed (no pun intended) with how long these nails held up. I like that 24 nails were included in the set, which is enough for two applications. Gotta love that. I am definitely going to pick up a few more of imPRESS' Press-On Manicure sets next time I stop by my local drugstore. I hope to find some bright colors, which are going to be so fun to sport this summer!

What do you all think of imPRESS' Press-On Manicure?

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from influenster for testing and review purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow: Inked in Pink

2013-06-13T16:30:00.001-04:00

It's no secret that I am a major fan of Maybelline's Color Tattoo eyeshadows. I just love how these creamy gel shadows have the ability to last all day on my oily lids. Maybelline's Inked in Pink Color Tattoo Eyeshadow is part of their metal collection, which is comprised of gorgeous shimmery metallics. Out of the five shades available in the collection, Inked in Pink was the one that stood out to me most. I just couldn't pass it up.

Inked in Pink is a gorgeous soft pink that contains a dazzling dose of shimmer. I love shimmered shadows, especially in the summer. Something about shimmer and radiant sun-kissed skin just works for me. Inked in Pink is surprisingly a very wearable color. While pigmented, it's definitely on the understated side, and the shimmers don't look overbearing on the lids in the slightest.

The creamy gel formula is an absolute dream to work with. It's smooth consistency makes application effortless. Love that! One can use a flat shader brush to apply the color tattoo shadows, but personally, I like to apply them with my finger. Not only do I feel I get the best results that way, but the warmth of my finger makes spreading and blending the shadow so much easier.

I noticed that I don't have to worry about over-blending with this. The color stays true and it's easily buildable. Lasting power doesn't disappoint-not really surprising, at least for me. Applied atop an eyeshadow primer Inked in Pink pretty much hangs on all day on my oil-prone lids, with very minimal fading.

Overall: For those who tend to shy away from color when it comes to eyeshadows, I think Maybelline's Inked in Pink Color Tattoo is a great shade to sport on the lids. It gives off just the right color pop that looks delicate, and not overpowering. Ever since I added Inked in Pink to my color tattoo arsenal, it quickly became a new favorite that I reach for constantly. This shadow is definitely on the road to becoming one of my summertime staples.

What do you all think of Maybelline's Color tattoo in Inked in Pink?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

MAC Fashion Sets Lipsticks: Ablaze, Embrace Me

2013-06-12T00:29:00.003-04:00

A couple of months ago-April to be exact, MAC came out with their Fashion Sets collection which was comprised of color coordinating bold and bright lipsticks, lip pencils, lipglasses, eyeshadows, and nail polishes. The products looked lovely overall, but for me, the lipsticks were the stars of the collection. There were four lipsticks in the collection and today, I am going to be sharing with you all the two that won me over-Ablaze and Embrace Me ($15.00, each). My sincerest apologies for not getting this post up sooner-these items aren't available anymore. But better late than never, right?

Embrace Me, Ablaze

Ablaze, Embrace Me

Ablaze

Embrace Me

Ablaze is a bright coral matte, and Embrace Me is a showstopping bright fuchsia. Both lipsticks are highly pigmented, and they contain matte formulas that are just a dream to apply. These effortlessly glide on my lips without tugging on the skin or enhancing dry areas, and as a bonus, the lip colors feel really lightweight and comfortable on. Because of their matte consistency, these lipsticks do pretty well when it comes to lasting power. Both lip colors can easily hang on a good few hours, before they fade to a very pretty stain.

Overall: I am just so enamored with both Ablaze and Embrace Me. No surprise, really, seeing as I love bright lip colors like these ones. Not only are these shades equally striking, but they are also great for adding a fun and edgy flair to my summer makeup looks.

What do you all think of Ablaze and Embrace Me? Which are your favorite summer lip colors?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased these products for my personal use.

NYC New York Color: Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm in Big Apple Red

2013-06-06T11:55:00.001-04:00

Even though I am a lipstick girl at heart, I can't help but reach for a good ol' lip balm from time to time. More so now that the weather is starting to warm up. During the summer months, lip balms are almost all I really use during this time. They not only feel lightweight on lips, but they are also conveniently low maintenance. I received this NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm ($2.99) in the shade Big Apple Red in my Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox, and it has recently since been in constant rotation in my routine. I haven't been this excited about a lip balm in a long time.

Check it out!

NYC New York Color's Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm offers color, moisture, and shine. All the good stuff is in the super cute looking, apple-shaped core. The core is infused with moisturizing ingredients like Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Shea butter, and Avocado oil. All amazing treats for dry and parched lips.

Big Apple Red couldn't have been a better shade pick for me. The red tint doesn't skimp on color, and the juicy bitten look that results is ridiculously natural looking. Not to mention, my lips have a much healthier appearance to them, thanks to the added glossy shine.

My lips are pretty dry prone, and for me, this lip balm is very effective at giving my lips a moisture boost, along with some added softness. Even though the lip balm fades away after a couple of hours, I love that my lips still have that moisturized look and feel which prolongs all day long. It may be no surprise that this lip balm contains an apple fragrance. It's a little artificial, but not terribly so. The apple scent is light, and I actually find it to be quite pleasant.

Overall: I can't rave enough about NYC New York Color's Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm in Big Apple Red. It not only contains moisturizing ingredients, it also offers a lovely tint to lips that I am sure many will find very flattering and easy to wear.

What do you all think of NYC New York Color's Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm?

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Julie G Nail Colors: Birthday Suit, Bikini, Gelato In Venice

2013-06-05T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hey, dolls! I hope you are all having a lovely day. Today I am going to be sharing with you all my thoughts-along with swatches, of the three Julie G nail colors that I picked up at IMATS back in April. While choosing which shades to get, I pretty much had summer in mind. So of course, I had to go with a couple of summer-ready colors that were sure to fit the bill.

Three coats, no topcoat

Birthday Suit: Milky pink creme. I am sure this pick comes to no surprise, seeing as I love and frequently sport similar shades like this one. There is just something about a milky pink creme that always has me coming back. Not only is the color beautifully understated, but it also gives a delicate look/feel to the hands. Super pretty. Birthday Suit went on streaky and patchy on the first coat, but a second-third coat resulted in opaque coverage, and helped even things out.

Four coats, no topcoat

Bikini: Neon pink creme. This shade just screams summer, with its showstopping vibrant hue. I am actually rocking Bikini on my toes at this moment and I just love it! It's going to be a summer staple pedi color for sure. Bikini proved to be quite tricky when it came down to application. I found this nail color to be very streak prone and super patchy. Thick coats are essential to obtain the best and smoothest looking results. Three-four coats usually does it for me. Since I love the color so much, I am willing to put in the extra work.

Two coats, no topcoat

Gelato In Venice: Mint green creme. This color may not be really unique, but it never hurts to have a couple of mint green nail colors in your collection. If you are a fan of mint green cremes, Gelato In Venice will not disappoint. The color is not only striking, but it had the best formula out of the three. I achieved opaque and smooth results with just two coats.

I loved that these resulted in a shiny finish when dry. Bikini had a semi matte finish-as most neons do, but the shine did peek through, eliminating a completely flat look. Of course, the addition of a glossy top coat heightens the shine factor a great deal. When it comes to lasting power, these do pretty well in that department. It's not until the fourth or fifth day in, that I start to see some tip wear and chipping.

Overall: For the most part, I am very pleased with my latest Julie G nail color additions. I found that the formulas were a little inconsistent, but they can definitely be worked with as long as one has the right application method down. Remember, thick coats is best with these.

What do you all think of these Julie G nail colors? Which are your favorites?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased these products for my personal use.

Secret: Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

2013-05-31T10:42:00.005-04:00

For as long as I can remember, I have always been one to prefer solid deodorants over gel ones. Solid deodorants are literally no fuss and the fact that they involve no dry-down time is an absolute plus for someone like me, who is always on a time crunch. Also, I never found gels to really do much for me when it comes to keeping my underarms dry. In it's defense though, no antiperspirant/deodorant hardly ever does-yes, even solids. But with solids I feel a little bit more "secure", if that makes any sense. Anyway, a number of solid deodorants have one major caveat. They usually leave unflattering white marks on clothing. Super annoying to deal with, especially when it occurs on dark clothing.

I received Secret's Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant ($4.59) in my complimentary Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster, and this product not only sets out to provide 48 hours of odor and wetness protection, it's also toted as leaving fewer white marks on clothing when compared to other invisible solids. Although with this being a gel formula and all, I was more than open to giving this a go. I had nothing to lose.

What intrigued me most about this product was that it tackles a couple of issues that are of concern to me. For instance, my underarms have the tendency to get a bit moist throughout the day-especially during this time when the weather starts to warm up. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it's also a little embarrassing when the wetness becomes excessive enough to seep through the clothing.

It has been unbelievably hot here in New York City, so what better time to give this antiperspirant/deodorant a try, and see what it could do? I forgot how refreshingly cooling gels are-such a nice treat on warm days. This clear gel is very pleasant to apply, and I love how gentle it is on my sensitive underarms. 1-2 dials is usually all it takes for complete coverage on both underarms for me. Oh, and the best part? Almost no dry-down time. Score!

Secret's Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant didn't completely keep me dry throughout the day. But it did reduce the wetness a nice deal. I noticed that my underarms weren't as moist like they otherwise usually are. Pretty impressive I think, especially in 90 degree weather. I just can't get enough of the lovely clean fragrance. This stuff totally has me covered when it comes to odor protection, by keeping me smelling fresh all day. And, since the gel is clear, I don't have to worry about it marking my clothing. Yay!

Overall: Although I don't think I will give up my solids anytime soon, it's nice to have a gel antiperspirant/deodorant on hand that I am comfortable using. If you are one who doesn't sweat excessively, and are looking for a fresh gel antiperspirant/deodorant that leaves the risk of clothing marks out the door, I think this is an interesting product to look into.

What do you all think of Secret's Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant?

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

MAC: Diva Lipstick

2013-05-30T02:25:00.006-04:00

Like many in the beauty community, I was really into the deep toned lip look this past fall/winter. One of my lip color acquisitions at the time was MAC's Diva lipstick ($15.00). The intense color was perfect for the season and it had all the signs of being a sure staple. I don't know whether I was occupied with another lipstick love or something of the sort, but Diva somehow got lost and forgotten in my lipstick arsenal. I know. Sad. Well, I finally pulled it out recently and I am pretty upset with myself for not rocking this lip color sooner, and giving it the attention it deserves.

Diva is a gorgeous, deep reddened burgundy matte. I must say, for being comprised of a matte formula, this has got to be one of the smoothest matte lipsticks I have ever encountered. From personal experience, mattes are pretty notorious for enhancing dry lips and imperfections. But with this lipstick, I don't have to worry about any of that! Diva applies like a dream, offering a smooth looking finish and amazing color payoff. Diva doesn't disappoint when it comes to lasting power. It lasts a good couple of hours, fading into a lovely reddened berry stain.

When I wear Diva, I can't help but feel glamorous. In the look above I paired Diva with a smokey golden bronze eye, and I couldn't be anymore pleased with the outcome. I find that this lip color really brings out the strong features of the look in a beautiful way, making it all that more interesting and mysterious.

Overall: I think everyone should have a high quality, deep reddened burgundy in their collection, and I can't recommend MAC's Diva lipstick enough. Not to mention, a lip color like this is one that I find universally flattering. I will make sure not to forget about Diva come fall. I am definitely not making that same mistake again!

What do you all think of MAC's Diva lipstick?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Influenster: Spring Fever VoxBox

2013-05-29T16:05:00.004-04:00

Hey, dolls! I was pretty excited when I found out that I had qualified for a complimentary VoxBox from Influenster. I received my Spring Fever VoxBox in the mail yesterday and I am so looking forward to trying out all of these fabulous goodies.

Check it out!

Here is a little info on the items I received:

1.Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant: I am a huge fan of Secret antiperspirants/deodorants so I was really happy to see that this product was included in the box. This clear gel helps provide 48 hours of odor/wetness protection, and when up against other leading invisible solids, the Secret Outlast Clear Gel leaves fewer white marks on clothing.

2.NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm: Since the weather is starting to warm up here in New York City, I find myself gravitating more towards lip balms since they feel lighter on than a lipstick. I received the shade "Big Apple Red" and I am a huge fan of this juicy red hue. This glossy lip balm promises to deliver shine, color, and moisture. It also contains an apple shaped core that is infused with jojoba oil, Shea butter, vitamin E, and avocado oil.

3.Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure: How fun are the bright and colorful tie-dyed feather patterns on these nails? They just scream summer! I love how easy these are to apply-no messy glue required. All you have to do is peel the tab off, and press on nails. That's it!

4.Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Rough Rubber: This hair paste contains a rubber consistency that helps define the hair, while leaving behind a subtle matte finish. It also offers a strong style control. This product sounds like something my natural, thick curly hair could get a use out of, since I like the curls to be defined and separated. I really like the packaging of this. The round ball exterior is so cool!

5.Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes: The Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes are available in three varieties-peppermint, peanut butter, and the one I received, s'mores. This looks absolutely delicious and I can't wait to dig in!

Stay tuned because I will have reviews on each of these very shortly.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Earth Therapeutics: Intensive Heel Repair

2013-05-29T02:58:00.003-04:00

Hey dolls! I hope you all had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. Mine was pretty relaxing if I do say so myself. The hub and I went to the movies to see Hangover 3 on Sunday, and it was just hilariously funny! I honestly couldn't stop laughing. I loved it and I totally recommend you go see it if you love a good comedy. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Anyway, summer is just right around the corner; so you know what that means-sandal season is going to be in full effect pretty soon. To make sure my feet are in tip top shape I give myself weekly pedicures, and I rely daily on a good foot moisturizer. My heels are dry and rough, so when it comes to foot moisturizers I make sure to look for ones that help target that issue.

While shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond last month, I came across Earth Therapeutics' Intensive Heel Repair. Even though I picked this up on a whim, I am so glad I did because my feet/heels have never looked, or felt better.

Ingredients

Earth Therapeutics' Intensive Heel Repair helps moisturize, soften, soothe, refresh, and protect dry and callused heels. This moisturizer is infused with a chunk of skin beneficial ingredients like Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, peppermint, and Cocoa Butter. This product is also cruelty free, and Eco-friendly too.

As I mentioned before, I have pretty rough heels. Apart from that, the skin on my feet are constantly dry. I apply a quarter size of this moisturizer day and night (before bed), and my feet instantly look and feel so much smoother. Since using this I am happy to report that I have noticed a massive improvement in my heels. I don't find the skin texture to be so rough anymore like it used to be. Score! And overall, my feet just look much healthier.

This contains a peppermint fragrance which I love. The peppermint really works in refreshing and soothing the feet. The consistency of this balm is sort of in between a thin and thick texture. Nonetheless, it's very creamy and it goes on super smooth. The balm quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving behind a greasy or uncomfortable residue, which is a huge plus for me.

Overall: I have tried my fair share of foot moisturizers in the past but Earth Therapeutics' Intensive Heel Repair easily outweighs them all. This product has become a daily staple for me, and it's truly a gem that I am happy to have found.

What do you all think of Earth Therapeutics' Intensive Heel Repair?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Birchbox: May 2013

2013-05-20T00:31:00.004-04:00

Hey, dolls! I hope you are all doing well and enjoyed your weekend. My May Birchbox arrived in the mail a few days ago and today I am going to be sharing what was in my box this month. The theme for the month is "beauty diaries". From our daily routine, to our tried and true techniques, this month's Birchbox is all about us and our beauty secrets. Cute concept!

1. Coola Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: Facial sunscreens are an everyday must for me. This one contains an SPF of 30, and it's infused with organic ingredients like borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, which are both great anti-aging treats for the skin. I just love the fresh cucumber fragrance in this moisturizer. It smells amazing! (Full Size: $32.00)

2. Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste: This was a rather interesting inclusion in my box. I have yet to open the tube but I can already tell that the peppermint fragrance in this is very prominent. I like strong, minty toothpastes so this is right up my alley. The size of the tube is perfect for travel, so I think I am going to reserve this for my next vacation getaway. (Full Size: $6.00-$10.50)

3. Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask: I love hair masks. I think they really make a difference when it comes to the health of my hair. This mask by Amika contains Vitamin C and omega acids, which helps boost shine and repair split ends-exactly what I am looking for. I love that this sample packet is filled with product. I will easily be able to get a few uses out of this. (Full Size: $12.00-$40.00)

4. Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner: This black eyeliner is definitely the stand out item in my box. The color is super rich and so creamy. I did a swatch of this on the back of my hand and I was rather impressed with the fact that it did not budge, no matter how hard I tried to rub it off. I can't wait to try this and I am confident that it will be long lasting. (Full Size: $11.00, Set of 4 mini pencils: $21.00)

5. Runa Guayusa Tea: These organic teas were the lifestyle extra in the box. I like drinking tea so I don't mind getting a couple of tea bags in my box every now and then. I received four antioxidant rich varieties to try-cinnamon lemongrass, traditional guayusa, ginger citrus, and mint. They all smell scrumptious! (Full Size: $7.00)

What did you all receive in your May Birchbox?

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my referral link, here.

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. Signing up by using my referral link that I provided in this post is optional, but if you do, extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop. Once you have signed up for Birchbox, you will receive your own unique referral link to share, and gather points of your own.

MAC: Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick

2013-05-16T00:02:00.003-04:00

After much lusting after, I finally purchased a tube of MAC's Viva Glam Nicki lipstick ($15.00). I don't know what took me so long to obtain this lipstick because I absolutely adore it! It's just all kinds of awesome, really. I like it so much that I may have to pick up a back-up tube. In case you aren't familiar with the concept behind MAC's Viva Glam products, every cent of the sales price of Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses is donated to the MAC Aids Fund, which helps women, men, and children affected by HIV and AIDS (source). I just love companies who do their part, and give back to such amazing causes. It makes purchasing the item that much more sweeter.

Viva Glam Nicki is a vivid, yellow toned pink that was made to stand out. The pigmentation of this lipstick is amazing. So much so, that one layer is plenty enough to yield saturated color payoff. The color is super bright and it definitely makes a statement. You all know that I absolutely love bright lip colors so I really don't mind the heavy pigmentation and boldness. But if you are one who tends to shy away from colors like this one I find that blotting on instead of swiping on the lipstick, will lessen the intensity and make Viva Glam Nicki a bit more wearable.

Viva Glam Nicki contains a satin formula that goes on smooth, without tugging on lips. It feels really comfortable and lightweight on the lips, too. If your lips on on the drier side though, I strongly suggest properly exfoliating and prepping lips before application because this lip color has the tendency to enhance dry areas. When sporting a lip color this bright, smooth lips are crucial for the best looking results.

When it comes to lasting power, I begin to see some fading around the 5 hour mark. This lipstick does leave behind a stain but the color doesn't fade very evenly-I get an obvious ring of color around lips. Definitely carry this lip color in your makeup bag for touch-ups.

Overall: MAC's Viva Glam Nicki is a great addition to my ever-expanding MAC lipstick collection. This shade certainly feeds my bright lipstick obsession, and it's going to be such a fun color to sport for the warm, summer months. If you favor bright lipstick colors like this one, MAC's Viva Glam Nicki is a total must-have that won't disappoint!

What do you all think of MAC's Viva Glam Nicki lipstick?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Palmolive®: Soft Touch® Dish Liquid

2013-05-15T01:35:00.000-04:00

Doing dishes is a daily task that is an absolute must. Liquid dish soaps are often comprised of strong formulas, that are really effective at cutting through grease and grime-as should be. But unfortunately, the soaps can be pretty rough on our hands. After washing the dishes with traditional dish soaps, the skin on my hands are always left feeling super dry and uncomfortable. I immediately slather on a hand cream just to get that suppleness and moisture back. Well, thanks to Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid, my hands can rest a little easier!

Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soaps are phosphate free and they contain mild formulas that are are not only tough on grease, but gentle on hands. I received two of Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soaps through Influenster to try out-Aloe and Vitamin E, and I couldn't be anymore pleased with them. These do a fab job at deep cleaning my dishes, and for once, my hands don't have to pay the price. My most favorite of the two has to be the one with Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a great moisturizer, so the fact this dish liquid contains it, is a nice treat.

Overall: If you are tired of the harshness that some liquid dish soaps induce on skin, then I suggest looking into these Palmolive® Soft Touch® dish liquids. They do the job when it comes to cleaning dishes, all while being gentle on hands. What's not to love?

Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® is available at Wal Mart.

What do you all think of Palmolive®'s Soft Touch® dish liquid soap?

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. My reviews are always honest, never influenced, and my own.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: Expert Face Brush

2013-05-10T02:38:00.002-04:00

I think it's become pretty obvious that I can't get enough of Real Techniques brushes. I have been nothing but pleased with the Real Techniques brushes I have tried so far, so it seemed only natural that I add another one to my growing personal assortment. The expert face brush ($8.99) has been on my wish list for a very long time, and I am so glad that I finally got my hands on it. It's a good one.

The expert face brush is comprised of super soft taklon bristles, and it's one that is very well loved in the beauty blogging community. I have read countless reviews on how well this brush applies liquid foundation-which was the intended purpose I bought it for. But I have to say, I think this brush excels in another department. More on that later. So, I tried to work the liquid foundation onto my skin with this brush and although it did the job, I found that the brush was too firm for my liking. I prefer a much fluffier brush, which allows for a gentler and quicker buffing experience-like the Real Techniques buffing brush from the core collection, for instance.

While the expert face brush doesn't quite do it for me for liquid foundation application, it does a fabulous job at blending cream blushes. I never really had a proper brush for cream blush application, other than stippling brushes. Even those left something to be desired. The expert face brush kicks them all to the curb! I dab a bit of cream blush onto the apples of my cheeks, and let the Real Techniques expert face brush get to work. This brush effortlessly blends out the cream blush on my cheeks, and the end result is a natural looking, well blended flush of color. Love it!

As with all the Real Techniques Brushes that I have tried, the expert face brush is of great quality. It's really sturdy, and after a good cleanse it always retains it's shape and softness, once dry.

Overall: If you are on the market for a firm face brush, the Real Techniques expert face brush will surely not disappoint. I can't recommend this brush enough for cream products. I haven't always been very comfortable with cream blushes, but I think it was because I never found the right tools to apply it with. Now that I have seen that the expert face brush makes cream blush application not so scary and a pretty easy process, I am much more open to experimenting with more cream products.

Rock Your Hair

2013-05-06T18:45:00.002-04:00

Ever since I can remember, I was never one for voluminous locks. When it comes to style, the straight and sleek look is more my thing, and what I usually go for. A couple of weeks ago I received a few Rock Your Hair products for review-a line designed by celebrity hairstylist Michael O' Rourke, and I have to say, since using these and putting them to the test, I think I am slowly beginning to build an appreciation for volume. After all, a little oomph in the hair department never hurt anybody.

Before I get into the individual product reviews I just have to take a moment and gush over the super adorable bottle packaging. I just love the bright pink coloring of the bottles, and the shiny heart-shaped studs. So girly and glam!

1. Big Hair Rocks Shampoo ($17.00 for full size bottle) And Big Hair Rocks Conditioner ($20.00 for full size bottle): The volumizing shampoo is paraben and sulfate free, and it does a nice job at cleansing my hair without being harsh and stripping it of essential moisture. I love the fresh scent of this and for being sulfate free, I was pretty impressed with the amount of lather this silky shampoo produced. Like the shampoo, the big hair rocks conditioner is also paraben and sulfate free. For my thick hair, I find that a quarter sized amount of conditioner is enough for me to distribute onto my hair, making sure to concentrate the most product on the shaft and ends of the hair. I let the conditioner sit in my hair for about 3-5 minutes before I am ready to rinse it out. When I rinse, right away I can feel a smoothness in my hair, that's luxurious to the touch. Because of this shampoo and conditioner duo, I have definitely noticed that my hair has more body and bounce than it usually does, after I blow dry and style.

2. Miracle Leave In Conditioner Weightless Detangler ($20.00): This detangler contains soy, wheat and oat proteins to help strengthen hair from the shaft to the ends. This product is great for replenishing moisture to dry locks and it's great for all hair types, including color treated. I spritz a bit of this all over my towel dried hair, then proceed to comb through it. And thanks to this, detangling my hair is a much more manageable/bearable process. The only thing I am not crazy about is the fragrance of this. I wish it had a fresher scent.

3. Bombshell Big Hair Powder ($17.00): I have never used a volumizing hair powder before so I was excited to see what this could do. I just sprinkle a bit of this talc and Micah based powder onto my limp roots, and I love how this gives my hair not only a nice lift, but some added texture to boot. This hair powder is lightweight, and it's so cool how it liquefies once you start working it into the roots.

4. Spray it Hard Big Volume Hairspray ($22.00): I am really fond of this hair spray. In fact, it has become one of my most reached for hair products. This gives my hair a shiny, flexible hold that prolongs all day. It doesn't make my hair feel crunchy or weighed down, either, which is a plus. I have tried my fair share of hair sprays and most of the ones I have encountered have caused flaking, which I totally hate. Well, I am happy to report that this hairspray does not flake on my hair, whatsoever. Score!

5. Size Matters Big Volume Root Lift ($20.00): Before blow drying and styling, I like to spritz a bit of this humidity resistant spray mousse on my damp roots, to give it some extra volume. And, this product doesn't weigh down the hair, either. A little spray goes a long way.

Find out more at www.rockyourhair.com!

What do you all think of the Rock Your Hair products? Any favorites?

Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned in this post from PR for review consideration. I am not being monetarily compensated for this review and as always, my opinions are honest, never influenced, and my own.

O.P.I. OZ The Great And Powerful Mini Nail Set

2013-05-02T03:38:00.003-04:00

While doing some online shopping on the Ulta website a few weeks ago, I came across this O.P.I. mini nail set which contains colors from their OZ The Great And Powerful collection. The shades are I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, and What Wizardry Is This?, which is a liquid sand. I love mini nail polish sets like these because it allows you to trial a few shades from a collection, without having to get the fuller size bottles.

If you love neutrals that are on the sheer side, these nail colors are sure to please. Personally, I am quite fond of sheer neutrals, so it only seemed fitting that I order myself this set. I don't see this nail set on the Ulta website anymore, but the fuller size bottles of these are still available, in case any of you fancy a couple of the shades in the set.

L-R: I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, What Wizardry Is This?

Swatches From L-R (3 Coats Each): I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints Of Glinda, What Wizardry Is This?

I Theodora You: Milky pink creme. This milky pink is one of my favorites in the set. Even though the color has a sheer base, the pink tone still peeks through and adds a girly touch to an otherwise basic shade. I found this one to be the most prone to streaking.

Don't Burst My Bubble: White/beige creme. I love colors like this one when I am going for an understated nail look. Shades like this are always nice to have at hand, and I think they flatter everyone. I did experience some streaking with this one but not as bad as with I Theodora You.

Glints Of Glinda: Beige/brown creme. This one is my least favorite of the bunch. I tend to avoid sheer, brown-toned nail colors because I find them to look the most unflattering on me. Also, the color seems to alter the whites of my tips and makes them appear yellow! It's such a shame that I am not fond of this shade as it applied beautifully, with no streaks in sight.

What Wizardry Is This?: Murky golden taupe with small glitters/shimmer. I was most excited about trying this new liquid sand formulation. The effect is actually pretty cool and unlike any other nail polish I have used. Once dry, the nail polish has a semi-matte grainy texture, that feels gritty to the touch. One coat yielded a semi-sheer coverage, but 2-3 coats will result in a nice opaque saturation of color. The removal process of this one wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I did have to put a little work in but, this was definitely easier to remove than a traditional glitter polish.

What do you all think of these nail colors from O.P.I.'s OZ The Great And Powerful Mini Nail Set?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Origins: Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream

2013-05-01T01:53:00.003-04:00

When it comes to skincare, my routine is never complete without an eye cream. My eye area tends to be on the drier side more often than not, so a moisturizing eye cream is a total must have for me. A few weeks ago Sephora had a special offer for VIB insiders where they would receive a full-size jar of Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($43.50 value), with a $35 purchase. A full size jar of eye cream? You know I couldn't pass on this offer. Count me in! I was actually in need of a new eye cream so this product couldn't have arrived at a better time.

Quick Product Facts: (source)

*Clinically proven to correct crow's feet and fine lines under the eyes

*Helps hydrate and visibly repair major aging signs

*Helps lift and firm eye area, resulting in smoother skin

*Formulated without parabens, sulfates, or synthetic dyes, among other ingredients that we could do without

I am 25 years old so, aging eyes aren't that much of a concern for me at the moment. I can't really comment on how well this eye cream performs when it comes to lifting the eye area, since I am primarily looking for hydration. But I will say that I do have a few fine lines underneath the eye area that I would love to soften out.

I have been using this eye cream both day and night and I have to say, I quite like it. The creamy, rich texture is a dream to apply, and I love how quickly this absorbs into the skin. After application, my concealer just glides on over this stuff, and the skin around my eyes feels and looks so much smoother. Also, I have noticed that the lines under my eyes aren't as prominent-looking, like they usually are. I have sensitive skin so it's a huge plus that this eye cream is gentle and doesn't irritate my delicate eye area.

Overall: Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream delivers the results I want to see, and I am glad I came across it. I do wish that this would have contained some sort of SPF, though. That inclusion would have been a nice addition. I do like this eye cream and I am going to use up every bit of it, but truthfully, I don't know if I would purchase another jar of this when I am done using this one up. Taking care of your skin is important and I understand that skincare products are an investment-especially eye creams. But I think I am going to try other eye creams before I decide whether or not I will purchase this again, as I am sure there are other eye creams on the market that perform just as well, without the hefty price tag.

What do you all think of Origin's Plantscription™ Anti-Aging Eye Cream? Which are your favorite eye creams?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I received this product as a free gift, with a purchase that I paid for with my personal funds.

Revlon: Nearly Naked Foundation

2013-04-19T07:27:00.008-04:00

I am always looking for the "next best thing" when it comes to foundations. Even though I have an assortment of reliable foundations that work well for me and do the job, the foundation aficionado in me finds it hard to turn away from trying out more-especially, those that are new on the market.

A little over a month ago while shopping at CVS, I stumbled upon Revlon's latest foundation-Nearly Naked ($9.99). This foundation contains an SPF of 20 and sets out to provide even, buildable coverage, that blends seamlessly into the skin without feeling heavy or giving off a cakey appearance (source). Revlon's Nearly Naked definitely sounded like something that was right up my alley, so of course I had to pick up a bottle to try out for myself. And let me just say, I am not disappointed. In fact, Revlon's Nearly Naked may just be one of my newest favorite drugstore foundations.

Revlon's Nearly Naked Foundation comes housed in a sleek glass bottle. Although I like the simplistic look of the glass bottle, I really do wish that it would have contained a pump of some sort. A pump not only allows for product distribution control, but it also lessens the mess factor-which is pretty inevitable with this bottle. Ugh.

When it came down to the shade selection, I went with shell, which actually turned out to be a pretty nice match for my NC25 skin tone. In the bottle, the color looked to be mostly on the neutral side, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it also contained a bit of a yellow tint, that compliments the yellow in my skin perfectly.

The consistency of the foundation is very creamy, albeit thin, it's not runny. This foundation blends onto my skin effortlessly, it feels lightweight on, and I love that this doesn't enhance pores or cling to dry patches. Nearly Naked doesn't set right away, so you have a lot of time to work with it before it does.

Coverage-wise, I would say this is light-medium buildable. For the most part, one layer is enough for evening out skin tone, and blurring out small imperfections like acne scars. But personally, I like a bit more coverage. For extra coverage I add a second layer of this foundation, and dab on some concealer to hide those stubborn spots that peek through.

If you are fond of a radiant, satin finish, this foundation will deliver. I find that after application, my complexion looks so much healthier, in a natural looking way. It's almost like a "my skin, but better" sort of thing. Lasting power is not too bad. For the most part, Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation holds up well on my skin, with very minimal fading by the end of the day. But I do notice that it starts to break down a bit on the really oily areas of my face like my nose, a couple of hours into wear time. I always make sure to bring along with me a setting powder for those mid-day touch-ups. I have sensitive, acne prone skin and I am happy to report that I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation from the usage of this foundation. Sweet!

Overall: I think Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation is a nice option for drier skin types. It gives the complexion a natural looking, healthy, moisturized appearance that I am sure will be very appreciated. I wouldn't recommend this foundation if your skin is on the oilier side, as this quickly breaks down on oil-prone areas. My skin gets unbelievably oily in the summer so I don't think this foundation will be good for me then. But this is for sure going to be one of my preferred foundations come fall/winter, when my skin goes through that never-ending, unbearable super dry phase.

What do you think of Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Stila: After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink

2013-04-18T02:07:00.003-04:00

With Spring already here, and Summer not too far behind, it's time to set aside the deep, autumnal lip colors and bring out the brights! I am no stranger to bright lip colors, my weakness being vivid pinks. There is just something about a bright pink lip color that has me coming back for more. I simply can't get enough! My latest bright pink lip color acquisition is Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink ($18.00). I spotted this over at Sephora a few weeks ago and it was literally love at first swatch. We have been inseparable ever since.

Stila's After Glow Lip Colors contain florescent pigments, that help intensify the vibrancy of the lip color when in sunlight. So on point. When I am out and about on a sunny day, the pink is pretty hard to miss on my lips. The color is super bright and it most definitely stands out. Aside from being florescent, the pigments are also black light sensitive, which means that this lip color glows in the dark when exposed to UV lighting. Now, I haven't tried this lip color under UV light just yet, but when that day comes, you can bet I am looking forward to seeing the glowing effect. How cool is that gonna be!?

These lip colors are infused with a few beneficial ingredients that lips are sure to love. Vitamins C and E provide the antioxidants, sunflower seed oil helps nourish and moisturize, and oat kernel extract calms and soothes lips. These are also free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Isn't the jumbo pencil packaging just all kinds of cute? It's sleek, easy to travel with, and I love how the shiny black exterior contrasts with the vividness of the lip color. I also really appreciate the retractable function of the pencil. Since no sharpening is needed, there is no product waste, which is a huge plus. I do detect a sweet, fruit-like fragrance to this lip color. It's pretty subdued though, and not offensive in the slightest. I actually quite like it.

My camera gets all wonky when it comes to taking pictures of bright colors. Please believe me when I say that Electric Pink is so much more vivid in person. My swatch picture simply does not do it any justice.

Electric pink contains a lightweight texture that goes on amazingly smooth, without pulling or tugging lips. This lip color gives off a shiny finish that is really flattering. When I have this on, my lips not only look and feel so much smoother, they also feel moisturized, to boot. The color payoff on this does not disappoint. it contains a medium coverage that is easily buildable.

I was happy to see that this lip color didn't settle into lines. But this does have the tendency to cling to dry areas. As with all lip colors, I suggest properly exfoliating and prepping the lips before application, to obtain the smoothest looking results. When it comes to lasting power, I get a bit of fading around the 4-5 hour mark. This leaves behind a pretty stain that lasts a good while on lips.

Overall: Since I first obtained this beauty, I have been sporting it loads. I can already tell that Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink is going to be one of my staple lip colors this spring/summer. If you love brights and/or are in search of a punchy bright pink lip color that would be perfect to sport for the warmer weather ahead, Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink is totally worth a closer look. This lip color made such an impression on me that I already purchased another shade from the After Glow lineup called "tangerine dream". I will be showcasing that one on the blog soon, so stay tuned!

What do you all think of Stila's After Glow Lip Color in Electric Pink?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Birchbox: April 2013

2013-04-11T01:00:00.013-04:00

It's Birchbox time! I got my April box in the mail, and the theme for this month is "tiny tweaks, big results". I couldn't love this theme, more. It's those small changes that really make a difference when it comes to feeling good from the inside out. For this month's box, Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health, to bring us tried and tested products that will help add a little positive pizzazz to our lifestyle.

I have to admit, when I first saw the contents in the box, I didn't think I would be very thrilled with the products. But after playing around with them a bit, it turns out that I am very happy with the items I received. They all fit in nicely with the theme, and they were all a pleasure to try.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: This nourishing leave in conditioner is not only great for all hair types, but it also contains a load of hair care benefits that many are sure to love. This offers thermal and UV protection, it smooths hair, locks in color, detangles, and adds shine, just to name a few. I spritzed a bit of this on towel dried hair and the outcome was amazing! After blow drying, my hair was so much softer than usual, and this made my hair smell so good. This didn't weight down my hair either, which is a plus. I think once I am done with this sample, I am going to invest in the full size. (Full Size: $21.95)

Caudalie Divine Oil: This multipurpose oil can be used on the skin, hair, and nails. It's made up of grape, argan, sesame, and hibiscus oils. I love the woody fragrance, and I can't wait to try it on the ends of my hair and cuticles. (Full Size: $9-49)

LAFACE Laboratories BEAUX YEUX Beautiful Eyes Concentrate Intensive: My eye area is constantly in need of moisture, so eye creams are always a must have for me. This one contains hyaluronic acid which helps boost moisture, and an advanced peptide complex to halt the formation of wrinkles. I tried a bit of this under my eye area and since the consistency of this eye cream is on the thin side, a little bit of product goes a long way. I found this to spread easily and it absorbed right away. My eye area was definitely left feeling smoother and supple. (Full Size: $160)

Supergoop! Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream: First BB creams and now CC creams! This CC cream helps cover and correct, while offering UVA, UVB, and infrared A-Ray protection. Supergoop!'s CC cream did even out my skin tone a bit, and the light to medium shade was a great match for me. But I am one who prefers more coverage so I don't think I would use this on it's own. I bet it would be fab under foundation, though. This CC cream blended in nicely, and it felt really light on my skin. (Full Size: $32)

Hail Merry Chocolate Macaroons: I just love receiving healthy treats in my Birchbox. These macaroons are gluten free, vegan, and made with only natural, pure ingredients. These were so yummy! They had a strong chocolate taste, and that bit of coconut really gave it a delicious extra kick. Loved these! (Full Size: $5)

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my referral link (optional), here.

Disclaimer: I purchased a monthly Birchbox subscription for my personal use. If you use my referral links that I provided in this post, extra Birchbox points will go into my account which are good towards future purchases in the Birchbox shop. Once you have signed up for Birchbox, you will also receive your own unique referral link to share and gather points!

IMATS NYC 2013 Haul

2013-04-10T03:20:00.001-04:00

Hey, lovelies! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your week so far. I attended IMATS NYC this past weekend and boy, was it a blast! So much so, that I am already looking forward to next year's event. Today, I am going to be sharing with you all what I hauled over at IMATS. I am really happy with the items I picked up and, I am looking forward to trying them all. Make sure to be on the lookout for future reviews.

Let's get started!

Royal & Langnickel: Makeup brushes was something that was at the top of my shopping list so, you will see quite a few in this post. When I was browsing the Royal & Langnickel Brush booth I had a really hard time deciding on which brushes to pick. They all looked to be of nice quality, and they were pretty reasonably priced. Apparently, I was really into the eye brushes as you can see.

Bdellium Tools: More brushes! From the bdellium tools booth I picked up a duet fiber blush brush, an all purpose blush brush, and a small angle brush. I love the look and feel of these brushes. They are very sleek, and the hairs are super soft.

False Lashes: Imats was a great opportunity to stock up on lashes, since they were all at such fabulous discounted prices. I picked up four pairs of Ardell lashes, and at the Lady Moss booth I got five pairs of Red Cherry lashes. I am really excited about the Red Cherry lashes. The hairs are so soft and natural looking. I am sure these are going to add an awesome flair to my eye looks.

Model In A Bottle: I finally got my hands on this beauty classic! I couldn't decide weather to get the original or the sensitive skin formula, so I got both! Summer is just right around the corner and my makeup is very prone to melting off my face. And it doesn't help that I have oily skin, either. I am hopeful that these setting sprays will keep my makeup hanging on all day. These give off a matte finish to the skin, and they are toted as being smudge, humidity, and water resistant.

Julie G Nail Polishes: At the Jessie's Girl booth I picked up three Julie G nail colors. (From L-R) Birthday Suit is a soft pink which of course, I had to have since I am always drawn to shades like this one. Bikini is a vivid almost-neon bubblegum pink that is sure to stand out against a tan. And Gelato In Venice is the essential mint green that is always great to have at hand. These hues are just so perfect for the spring and summer months. I can't wait to sport these!

China Glaze Nail Polishes: Can you believe that these are my first ever China Glaze nail colors? I made sure to pick up a nice mix of shades and finishes. The shades I chose (L-R) were White Cap, Papaya Punch, 108 Degrees, Poinsettia, and Joy.

Eve Pearl: I could not leave IMATS without picking up Eve Pearl's Dual Salmon Concealer & Treatment. This concealer has been on my wishlist for so long, and I can't wait to see what this concealer can do for my stubborn, dark under eye circles. I also picked up a set of two metal palettes. I have always wanted one of these to conveniently pour and mix liquid and cream products like foundation and concealer.

Thanks for checking out my IMATS haul, everyone!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased all of the products listed above with my own funds, for my personal use.

Benefit: Real Birthday Turn-Ons!

2013-04-03T00:38:00.001-04:00

Hey, dolls! Over the weekend I did a little shopping over at Sephora, and while checking out at the register I received my beauty insider birthday gift (my birthday was on the 1st of March). Last year my beauty insider birthday gift was Fresh's Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo, and this time around I got a super adorable Benefit set which contains deluxe miniature sizes of They're Real Mascara, and Watt's Up! Highlighter. I am really pleased with my birthday beauty treats this year and I can't wait to see what Sephora has in store for next year's beauty insider birthday surprise.

L-R: They're Real Mascara, Watt's Up! Highlighter

They're Real Mascara: I recently reviewed this mascara on here, and if you read my review you may remember that I didn't get on very well with this mascara at first. But now, we are like the best of friends! This does pretty much everything I look for in a mascara. It lengthens, volumizes, and defines my dull, frumpy lashes in a flash. They're Real has become one of my favorite mascaras. I just love it!

Watt's Up! Highlighter: I am so happy to have received this highlighter in the set because it's one that I have been longing to try for quite some time. I have always used powdered highlighters so this was actually my first time trying a cream highlighter and I have to say, I am very impressed. Watt's up! contains a smooth, creamy texture that makes application and blending a cinch. The frosty golden champagne color is very flattering on the skin, and a bit of this on top of cheekbones imparts a pretty luminous radiance, that doesn't look overbearing. If you are looking for a quick and effortless way to highlight, Watt's Up! surely won't disappoint. I just know I am going to sport this loads come summer.

Swatches From L-R: Watt's Up!, They're Real

Have any of you tried these items from Benefit before? What do you think of them?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

Benefit: They're Real! Mascara

2013-03-28T01:45:00.007-04:00

I am always looking for the next best thing when it comes to mascaras. Anything that lengthens, volumizes, and defines my dull-looking lashes is alright by me. I got this mini tube of Benefit's They're Real Mascara ($10.00) back in November, when Sephora was having their fabulous black Friday sale. I have had a lot of time to properly test out this mascara so today, I am finally going to share my thoughts on it with you all.

When I first tried Benefit's They're Real Mascara, I didn't exactly fall in love with it straight away. In fact, there was a point where I concluded that this mascara just wasn't for me. The formula was too wet for my liking, my lashes clumped up, and somehow I would always end up with mascara on my lids. I am sure you can all imagine how frustrating that can be. The brush was pretty neat, but I gotta admit, it took some getting used to.

I put this mascara to the side for about a month or so, and when I went ahead and gave it another try, I was really pleased with what I experienced. The formula was much creamier so it was easier to work with, there was no clumping, and after a bit of practice the brush was much user-friendly. The bristles effortlessly separate my lashes, and the domed tip on the end is great for coating the lashes in the inner corners of the eye.

After getting through the rough obstacles, I finally was able to see what this mascara is capable of. This gave my lashes beautiful length, definition, volume, and separation. Not only that, but I even got a little lift and a curl, to boot!

2 coats on top lashes, 1 coat on bottom lashes

They're Real feels fantastic on my lashes-very lightweight, not hard or crunchy. I usually stick with 2-3 coats of this stuff, as I find that to be satisfactory enough, but it does build up nicely. Applying this with soft strokes is what works best for me. I love how fluttery and wispy my lashes look with this mascara on. I am not sure if this gives me that false eyelash look but, I like to think that it comes close. Longevity is fantastic with this. This mascara hangs on all day without smudging or flaking away. Removal is a breeze. A bit of eye makeup remover does the job in a pinch.

Overall: This is one of those mascaras that seems to work better with time. I am really glad that I didn't totally write off this mascara in the beginning because I have come to really love it. If you are looking for a mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and defines, Benefit's They're Real Mascara is one that I think is worth looking into. They're Real is one of the better department store mascaras that I have encountered, and I will definitely be repurchasing a full size tube once I am done using up this miniature one.

What do you all think of Benefit's They're Real Mascara?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Rimmel: Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick #101

2013-03-20T00:52:00.006-04:00

It has been such a long time since I last used a Rimmel lipstick. I remember when I first got the infamous, Airy Fairy Lasting Finish Lipstick. It was constantly raved about in blogs, and with good reason too. It's such a pretty pink/nude color that was/is a favorite for many. While browsing around on the Ulta website, I came across Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks from their Kate Moss collection ($5.19, each). I decided to order a shade to try, so I went with shade number 101.

Rimmel's Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in 101 is a beautiful pink, with a slight mauve undertone. It does pull more pink, though. This lip color comes housed in a sleek, red matte tube that I quite like. It's sturdy enough, and it adds some interest to the product. I do detect an artificial fragrance to this lipstick. It's not really bothersome for me, but it does dissipate after awhile.

The lipstick has a creamy texture that makes application a breeze, and it feels good on too. It's so lightweight that I sometimes forget I am wearing anything on my lips! This lipstick has the tendency to settle a bit into lip lines so, I suggest applying a light layer to avoid the lines being so obvious. I would say that the finish of this is more satin-like. The end result is not quite matte, but it does gives off a subtle sheen that is very flattering.

When it comes to longevity, I start to see some fading around the 3-4 hour mark. This definitely needs to be brought along when traveling, for those mid day touch-ups.

Overall: I really love how this lip color looks on. The pink coloring is right up my alley, and this is a great everyday sort of shade that I can easily apply without any fuss. I like! I will definitely be picking up some more of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks in the near future.

What do you all think of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks? Which are your favorites?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased the products mentioned in this post for my personal use.

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: Blush Brush

2013-03-19T01:43:00.000-04:00

Real Techniques brushes have become one of my favorites. Ever since I first tried the stippling brush and the core collection brushes, I can't seem to put them down. They are an absolute bargain for the superb quality, and they always get the job done. While shopping over at a nearby Bed Bath & Beyond store a few weeks ago, I was surprised to see that they carried a few Real Techniques brushes. Since it was one that had been on my wishlist for quite some time, I went ahead and picked up the blush brush ($8.89). Good thing to, since it was the last one left on display! It was obviously meant to be :)

This blush brush is comprised of taklon bristles that feel amazing against the skin-so soft and plush!

I initially got this brush for powdered blush application but, I have found that I much prefer this brush for other uses instead. Because the head of the brush is quite large, I can't seem to get the precise blush application that I am looking for. Also, the brush doesn't pick up enough of the blush color, so I usually have to keep going back to layer on some more of the blush until I get the intensity that I desire.

Not all is lost, though. Just because this brush didn't quite work for me as a blush applicator, doesn't mean that it's not great for other purposes. For starters, I think this brush works wonders for bronzer application. Sometimes I can get a bit heavy-handed with bronzers, and since this brush picks up a bit of product at a time, I can easily build up the bronzer to achieve a softened bronzed look, that beautifully blends into my skin without looking overdone. I also like using this brush to apply a light dusting of finishing powder-specifically, my Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder.

I have cleansed this brush a few times and I am happy to report that the brush hairs have still retained their softness and shape, after they dry overnight. I haven't experienced any shedding of the hairs either, so that's a plus.

Overall: I am really happy that I added this brush to my arsenal. It makes for a great bronzing/finishing powder brush, and it has easily become one of my new staples. I can't wait to try some more Real Techniques brushes. I have my eye on the expert face brush, next!

What do you all think of the Real Techniques blush brush? Which are your favorite Real Techniques brushes?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased the products mentioned in this post for my personal use.