So... Once again I've gone crazy shopping! I have this friend, Elizabeth, in Austin who turned me onto this smudge wand from Pixi. For two months I have searched Target which is Pixi exclusive I guess but could never find it. Even today I asked her for the exact name etc and their website didn't have the same one she had. Oh, the nerve of the make-up world trying to hold out on me! Finally, I decided to just check on amazon and found it! yep! I finally found it so I'm guessing since it was on amazon that it is discontinued : ( Basically this smudge wand is like a liquid smudge in a stick form. You just press it along the lash line and use the spongy tip to fade it out. I've never seen anything like it and trust me I've checked every brand and store for something similar. It's like amazing for someone like me who can't pull off a smokey eye to save her life! This thing is like magic on a stick and I can't wait to get it in the mail! Mission Complete!
Secondly, I was watching this other beauty blog a few months back and she was talking about BB Cream. I had never heard of the stuff before and put it on the back burner. Now it's all over the place! Even drug store brands have BB Cream (look in the face wash section not makeup). To be honest, I'm still not certain what it is... but I ordered some on amazon to try it out. They had one with rave reviews and like 4 different types so I found a sample pack for like $3 - can't pass up a deal like that! This way I can try out all the formulas to see if they are worth buying in a bigger bottle.
Thirdly, I ordered my Skin ID acne treatment program. I took the little skin test online and answered all the questions to find out I was a 25.32.38??? Yeah, I have no idea what that all means but I got a spot treatment, skin smoother, and travel bag for free! The intro regimen came with a foaming cleanser(25), an acne treatment cream(32), and then a container of those acne pads/wipes(38). I started it last night and hope that I can continue to stay on my schedule. I'm suppose to use it twice a day but I just do it at night (shhh... don't tell on me!). I've never had issues with pimples or acne before so having some adult acne has thrown me for a loop! On my temples, laugh lines, and chin I get little white heads in clusters but aren't really noticeable. However, I do have a random pimple in those same areas but nothing crazy or anything except for my neck. On both sides I get these clusters of pimples that make it look like I'm sporting some serious hickey action. I've tried scrubs, cream cleaners, toners, spot treatments etc. but nothing was helping! Many people said to go with Proactiv but I don't have acne per say... it's more like whitehead colonies! So when I was deciding on the type I took the Skin ID test and liked that it asked me about what type of acne and my willingness to adhere to a routine etc. I felt like it asked me questions that really made me think it was the better of the two products. We shall see...
Fourthly, my friend, Carrie, who's birthday is today! SHOUT OUT TO CARRIE - HAPPY BDAY BESTIE! Okay back to the topic has given me a challenge of "whats the best mascara?". Well that got me thinking to the fact that I pretty much stick to two or three types and rarely branch out. But she was with me when I bought the They're Real! Mascara by Benefit and strongly recommended that I not waste my money. Yeah, Yeah... I should of listened but when I get on a mission I get fixated until it's complete. So I bought like three or four mascaras the other day to do a trail test run with. Figured if I had like ten brands/formulas that it would give me a descent idea of what's worth using and what's just plain-jane mascara.
And lastly, I have been wanting a deep conditioner so that was the next task to tackle. I've never really used heavy conditioners because for the longest time I thought they were only for thick, course hair. Well, recently I have decided to give it a try but just on my ends to help fight split ends. BTW-hair cut in two weeks! I'll have to blog about what I want to do since it is kind of extreme. Anyways... I thought I might do a deep conditioner text while I was at the mascara one. Found a few that I am going to test out and give the results of. I will do my best to post pictures in my next review blog but working and writing my book and taking care of 5 pets and a husband is way too much work for me. I miss being lazy! Damn this job getting in my way, but I must admit I have an awesome boss and I really like my job thus far.
Now on to the goodies...
Ordered from amazon
 SKIN79 BB Cream Samples Set - You can get total 10 pcs samples
- 1. Super+ Beblesh Balm Triple Functions Vital BB Cream
- 2. Super+ Beblesh Balm Triple Function Pink BB Cream
- 3. Super+ Beblesh Balm VIP Gold BB Cream
- 4. The Oriental Gold Plus BB Cream
- 5. SKIN79 BB Cleanser
Details & Links for each type
| SKIN79 Super + Beblesh Balm BB Cream Triple Function ( Pink Label )
40g SPF25 PA++
It smooths away lines, leaving skin elastic. It provides skin with moisture and freshness.
SKIN79 VIP Gold Super Plus Beblesh Balm
(BB Cream) SPF25/PA++
Ingredients with an abundance of nutrition keep skin resilient and moist and its whitening and wrinkle fighting properties helps maintain clear and resilient skin, while giving the skin a natural and bright look. SKIN79 BB Cleanser with Skin Detox Effect - One Shot and make up is away!
- Deep Moisture Clean
- Skin Detox Effect
| SKIN79 Super Plus Triple Functions BB Vital Cream 40g- UV Interception SPF50+/PA+++ (Whitening + Wrinkle Improvement), KFDA 3 Functions Certification.
- An Upgraded sunscreen that prevents skin discoloration and skin aging with UV A and B sun protection, a triple function BB cream that makes skin bright and smooth, strengthens skin's overall protection capacity and blocks melanin formation while giving elasticity to sagging skin.
- Phytosphingosine and Ceramide as similar ingredients to skin can strengthen skin's protective barrier and maintain balanced skin condition. OSMOPUR-N and Vital-V Complex soothe and protect a skin which can be easily damaged from various harmful environments to make a moisturized, healthy skin.
- Soft, moist texture with W/S component is lightly absorbed into a skin while excellent adhesion makes skin transparent and clean.
SKIN79 The Oriental Gold B.B Cream plus 40g SPF30 PA++ - Whitening / Wrinkle improvement
- Ultraviolet rays interception SPF30 PA++
- KFDA 3 functions certification
|  Exclusive By Pixi Smoky Eye Wand - No.1 Black Silver 1g/0.035oz
A convenient eye shadow stick that blends effortlessly to immediately create dramatic smoky eyes. Ideal for on-the-go use and long-wearing.
What's the best mascara?
 Benefit - They're Real! Mascara
They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!
What else you need to know:
94% saw dramatic length & volume*
90% saw base-to-tip curl*
94% saw visible lift*
100% saw long-wearing results*
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey
 Covergirl
Lastblast Length Mascara
(Brown-Black)
Our Elasta-Nylon™ formula flexes without flaking, giving you extreme, notice-me lashes all day long. Our longest brush ever gives you an 80% longer lash look.*
 Covergirl - Professional
Super Thick Lash Mascara
(Very Black)
For big, bold, thick lashes, Super Thick Lash is the one. Its Lash Builder brush separates, defines, and reaches for those little lashes so you get thick, full lashes – so easy, so beautiful!
 Covergirl - Professional All-In-One Waterproof Mascara
(Black-Brown)
This smudge-resistant, smear-resistant mascara magnifies lashes with a natural effect! Professional Mascara's pro-glide brush finds lashes you didn't know you had, for a great look without the usual clumps or globs.
 Maybelline - Volume Express One-by-One Mascara
(Very Black)
Why You'll Love It Finally, bold volume without any of the bulk.
• Patented Lash Catcher™ brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count
• Catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier
• Instant clump-free volume
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula
 Loreal Paris
Voluminous Naturale
(Blackest Black)
L’Oréal Paris introduces Voluminous® Naturale Mascara, for lashes with natural-looking volume and perfect definition. Its lightweight volumizing formula glides on smoothly and evenly to each and every lash to enhance fullness. And, the patented Volumizing Definition Brush perfectly builds and defines lashes, without clumps. - Smudge-proof, flake-proof and fragrance-free. - Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested. - Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. - Water-resistant.
Found an unopened package of this in my extras bin - apparently it is discontinued? but i found some on amazon!
Oldies but goodies
 Loreal Paris
Original Voluminous Mascara
Get longer, thicker, and bold eyelashes with the high volume LOreal Paris Voluminous Mascara. This fragrant-free LOreal mascara thickens your eyelashes by five times their original thickness. This ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested mascara prevents clumps, flakes, and smudges. This sensitive eyes mascara is formulated with Ceramide R that makes your eyelashes smooth and strong, and vitamin Panthenol that helps condition your lashes. A major highlight of this mascara is that it is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers too.
LOreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Resists ClumpingBuilds Lashes to 5X Their Natural Thickness. Patented Volume Maximizing Brush ThickensOphthalmologist and Allergy TestedSuitable For Sensitive Eyes and Contact Lens Wearers
 Maybelline - Full n' Soft
(Very Black)
Why You'll Love It • Builds full, healthy-looking lashes without the brittle feel
• Prevents loss of lashes with Quick Dissolve System that allows easy mascara removal
• Advanced thickening formula with Vitamin E helps to soften and nourish lashes
• No clumps, no globs
• Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula
 Maybelline - Lash Discovery
Mini Brush Mascara
(Very Black)
Why You'll Love It • Exclusive mini-brush allows you to get hard-to-reach lashes – from corner to corner, root to tip and the bottom, too!
• Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula
hair care & deep Conditioners
 Garnier Fructis
Daily Care Silky Secret Leave-In
Get an extra boost of strength and energy from the Daily Care Silky Secret Leave-In.
Works deep to strengthen the hair and conditions the surface for a healthy shine.
Gentle enough for everyday use.
 Suave Professionals
Waterless Foam Shampoo
This waterless foam shampoo, with aloe leaf and jajoba, revives dry and curly hair between washes. No water needed.
Stylist Recommendation: Pump foam 1-2 times into your hands. Spread product through dry hair, starting at the ends and working your way up the hair. Repeat if necessary. Absorb excess product with a towel. Helps to revive curls and moisture for smooth, tousled definition between washes.
 Garnier Fructis
Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo
Transform your hair with the most intense nourishment yet from the Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment
Nourishes hair to the core. Hair shines from within.
The ultra-rich texture nourishes deeply for stronger, healthier hair.
 Dove Nutritive Therapy
Nourishing Oil Care
Daily Treatment Conditioner
Dual-action formuation: For 3X the nourishing power of our regular conditioner.*
White Stripe–Contains conditioner that seals cuticles to lock in nutrients and smooth frizz.
Gold Stripe–With Weightless Nutri-Oils, deeply nourishes and replenishes essential nutrients without a greasy feel.
Instant deep nourishing power of a treatment in the time of a conditioner for amazing smoothness, softness and shine.
skin id - personalize acne solution
Foam Cleanser
25
| Anti-Acne Treatment
32
| Treatment pads
38
|
Valerie will be helping me with my beauty blog. While I love to test out new stuff I am no expert on makeup application. This girl however is! She is amazing with colors and techniques! I can't wait to get our first video tutorial filmed and posted for you all to see. I will also have Valerie post on my beauty blog anything interesting she finds or has to share along with tons of pictures! She's beyond talented!
-Nikki-
 Greetings all! My name's Valerie and I'm addicted to colors :) seriously though I'm a 31 year old former Jersey girl living and loving life in Texas. I married a man who has made my life fun and very interesting. We have two silly dogs Ladybird and Bashful. My hubby and I are expecting our first child July 2012! I love art, enjoy learning new and making cute things. I don't have a favorite color because it's so hard to choose just one! (sounds almost like a potato chip commercial doesn't it) I love makeup for that reason; you don't have to stick with just one color. There are so many color combinations and ways to wear it. It's exciting to shop for, fun to play with and you could lose hours exploring different ways to use it. Like life, makeup is all about having fun and making it work for you.
Valerie Choron
Makeup Shots
Product #1 Product #2 Product #3
Product #1 NYC - New York Color
Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lip Stain
in Persistent Pink
Product Description:
NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain stays put, providing a sheer to intense flush of color that sticks around longer than most guys in the City. This is no on-again, off-again relationship. Color stays faithful for up to 16 hours. Looking for happily ever after for a very happy price? Let your lips do the charming!
My Review:
I picked this up because lately I have been addicted to lip stains. This was half the price of the other name brand lip stains out there so I decided to give it a try. I am happy that I did because I loved it! The color was so cute and the stain glided on smoothly. However this one didn't come with a clear balm or moisturizing pencil formula so I had to put some clear balm/gloss over it. You don't have to but I thought it made the color pop more. For only like $5 I couldn't pass up trying this product. I have some berry colors and mauve colors and a pink color from other brands but this was the pink I thought I was buying (unlike the others). It came out the color the tube was and that saves a lot of time and money. The last hot pink I picked out was disappointing because it showed up differently on my lips then what I expected. I'm happy to say that these bargain products have been showing up some of the major brand names! I was looking at more colors tonight but decided to put it back so that I could get some new items to test out.
Product #2 Benefit
They're Real! Mascara
Product Description:
They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!
What else you need to know:
94% saw dramatic length & volume*
90% saw base-to-tip curl*
94% saw visible lift*
100% saw long-wearing results*
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey
My Review:
I serious waste of my time and money getting this product. They were sold out at Sephora and then I had to go to Ulta to pick it up. The reason I gave in and bought $22 mascara was because a lady was returning a different brand a few Ulta trips back (didn't know you could return used mascara but good to know since I think this will be going back). The cashiers were raving about this mascara and even talked that lady into getting it. If my hand's weren't already stuffed with other things then I might of picked it up then but decided to wait since it was so expensive. Ahh... I can't even begin to tell you how much of a let down this crap was! And yes Carrie & Tiffany go ahead and say it, "I told you so..." because I totally deserve it. They both tried to talk me out of it but I just had to have it. The thought that I passed it up the first time was driving me nuts and then when it was sold out I had to get my hands on a tube. Yuck! Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic but for the price it was a sad excuse for mascara. I personally think my drugstore mascaras kick this They're Real! mascara's ass! I bought a few new drugstore brands tonight (3 that probably didn't total the amount I spent on the 1 Benefit brand) so I will give you a good mascara review soon! This crap worked but it was nothing like the box said or the stupid cashiers at Ulta... they suckered me once again! Don't waste your time or money!
Product #3 NARS
Blush-Bronzer Duo (Orgasm/Laguna)Product Details:Our most dynamic duo of signature cheek shades for achieving the ultimate in sun-kissed radiance. The Blush/Bronzer Duos deliver a healthy bronzed glow and a radiant flush of blush. - Iconic shades ideal for all skin tones
- Natural looking, imperceptible finish
- Made with transparent pigments to avoid heaviness on the skin
My Review:I follow a great makeup artist who posts videos on Youtube and she raves about these two products so when I found a combo I was over the moon! This little duo cost $40+ and it was a hard purchase to make to be honest. Well not at the time but now I think I might of been a tad impulsive. I haven't really tested out the bronzer but it is way way way lighter than it looks in the picture. I'd still go light and layer it on but it's not as scary as it looks. The blush is a shimmer pink that has gold undertones. It's very pretty but I don't think this duo was worth buying. The blush looks way better when layered on top of a deeper color but doesn't give me the effect I wanted by itself alone. Once again I got suckered into a product that really doesn't work for me. If you have the extra cash by all means go crazy! Like I've said a million times - I LOVE BLUSH! I LOVE DEEP COLORS THAT POP! This was a great duo but just not for me and not for the cost.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5
Product #1 - Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Sleek
Finish 5-in-1 Serum Spray
Product Description:
A Garnier Fructis Style first, Sleek Finish 5-in-1 Serum Spray gives the benefits of multiple styling products in one easy-to-use spray. Formulated with the smoothing power of argan oil from Morocco, the innovative fine mist aerosol provides instant smoothing, eases frizz, fights humidity, eliminates fly-aways and adds luminous shine.
How to use: Hold can 10-12 inches from hair and spray lightly over dry hair. For best results use the Garnier Fructis SLEEK & SHINE System of shampoos and conditioners.
My Review:
Rule number 1 - READ THE LABEL!!! no, scratch that, READ IT TWICE!!! I picked this up thinking it was a friz controlling hairspray but I was wrong! And of course I glanced at the label and say the 10-12 inches and thought, whatever! Don't WHATEVER this product! It will make your hair silky looking but if you spray too close and too much then you get a greasy hair! Trust me - this is NOT a hair spray by any means and if I took the two minutes to actually read the labels before using it I might of had a different outcome. I went crazy mad spraying this stuff like 4 inches from my scalp then tossed the bottle aside, looked in the mirror and wanted to cry! I had just washed, dried, and flat ironed my hair and I totally greased it back up! I have thin hair and this stuff is just too powerful for my baby fine strands. If you have thick or course hair then go at it but be cautious! I can not stress enough that this is strictly a shine spray and very potent.
Product #2 Covergirl
Smoky Shadow Blast in Purple Plume
Product Description:
The two different, specially contoured ends of our Smoky Shadow Blast stick make it easy to create a bold, colorful, smoky eye. A duo of expertly paired shades provide the bold, spotlight-ready looks loved by today's hottest makeup artists.
My Review:
I really liked this product when I put it on this morning but after a few hours it started to clump up in my eye crease. The more the day went the worse the crust got! Like I've said before, I have oily eye lids - makes no sense but I swear I do. So I don't know if my skin type doesn't mesh well with the gel shadow pencil. This product might work wonderful on someone else but I felt sad by the end of the day. The colors were nice and I liked how easy it was to use but hated that it kept spreading to my eye creases.
Product #3 NYX
10-Color Eyeshadow Palette
in Caviar & Bubbles
Product Description:
Craving purple peepers? New takes on neutral? Or shades handpicked to flatter your eye color? You asked—and we delivered. After so many NYX fans requested an eye palette containing 10 eye shadows, we designed this version.
Look no further than these scintillating eye shadow palettes inspired by runway trends and modern style. Available in 16 different color combinations, and sleek enough to fit into a clutch, you’ll likely want more than one. The shades are wearable, covetable and fashionable. Expect rich, lasting pigments and glamour.
My Review:
I found this on sale at Ulta (Buy one get one half off) and couldn't pass up the great deal! It was only $10 so I got this and some blush which I will review next. As previous stated in my beauty blogs I have been on the hunt for a neutral eye shadow palette and finally found one that I like for a reasonable price. Not everyone can buy expensive eye shadow palettes so this is a wonderful substitute for those on a budget or just love a good deal like me! So far I've only used a few of the colors but they looked great to me! Nothing special or anything but overall it was a great find and met the purpose of neutral colors. I would probably buy some of the others colors on a future shopping trip.
Product #4 NYX
Stick Blush in Tea Rose
Product Description:
Add a touch of color with our creamy and extremely pigmented Stick Blush! Available in eight rich shades! Apply and receive the perfect glow every day!
My Review:
This was the second deal on the NYX special at Ulta. This is originally $6 but I got it for $3 since I bought the eye shadow palette. Sweet! I love, love, love this blush! I just lightly tapped it against the apples of my cheeks then used my finger to blend it out some. It was super easy to use and you can go as heavy as you like or just give your face a hint of color. I will be getting more of these on my next shopping trip! The Tea Rose color is a mauve pinkish color - I dunno really, but it works for my skin tone. I love blush just about as much as I love to shop! For some reason it is one of my favorite make up products and I love buying new kinds to try out. This is my first stick blush and I do really like it. I have the powers and the shimmers and the creams etc. but this is my first stick blush. Hopefully I can get another deal on NYX products so I can buy all the colors!
Product #5 Maybelline
Dream Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale
Product Description:
Now, blush has bounce! Revolutionary powder-gel formula. In 10 shades.
Freshest flush ever:
• Revolutionary gel formula provides a new bouncy texture.
• Lightweight like a powder, yet melts seamlessly into skin like a cream
• Natural sheer wash of color that is buildable for greater color intensity
• Dermatologist tested, Allergy tested
• Non comedogenic
For Best Results With your fingertips, blend a small amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks, applying from your cheekbones to your temples. To build color intensity, apply more blush.
My Review:
I sat there trying to pick a color and for some reason this Hot Tamale color kept screaming, "HEY NIKKI! BUY ME! TRY ME OUT!" So of course I listened to the little voice in my head and bought this color even though my intentions were to buy a hot pink color for the summer time. This is a weird mixture of red and pink - you'd have to see it to get it but it's a very intriguing color. The texture is also strange but unique to use. I just lightly tapped the spongy blush and blended it from my cheeks to my temples just like the instructions implied. See this time my intuition was right for one on how to use the product without reading the label. It's something that you just have to try and I really liked it. I don't know if I'd spend the money to buy other colors but I'm happy I tried this one out. Like I said, that color just yelled at me to give it a go and I'm happy I did because I've never ran across a powder blush this color. I'd say if you are a blush lover like me then give it a go!
I will get to reviewing some of the products I've been testing out. Sorry but I've been so busy editing my book and it is my priority at the moment.
On a happier note I have asked my friend, Valerie, to be a guest on my Beauty Blog! She is an amazing make-up artist and we plan on getting together soon to make a make-up tutorial!!! She is in the process of creating a bio for me to upload along with some still shots of her gorgeous work. I'm super excited to take this Beauty Blog to the next level and know that Valerie will be a great addition : )
I am currently staying in Louisiana visiting my family so the review will be posted on Sunday! (hopefully) I do start my job Monday so I might be slower getting things done on my site but please bear with me! Thanks!!! I am going to test out a bunch of the products tonight for a dinner with my parents & husbands parents! Gotta look my best so I can't wait to play with all my new products! Hopefully I can use several so that I can give you a well-rounded review on half of the products I bought. Please stay tuned to see my thoughts on my beauty spurge this past weekend!
Also... I have some serious Adult Acne that is not wanting to go away no matter what I try on it. I've never had a problem my enntire life with acne so this is hard for me. I don't know what I'm doing so I've tried toners, gels, creams, and lotions etc! You name it I've recently bought it and it has failed me : ( I don't think I have the typical acne but rather whiteheads - like these tiny bumps along my jaw line from my chin to my temples with a random pimple here and there. I've decided to go with the Skin ID program and have it being mailed to me. I figured since it's more specific to my type of acne it might work better than the Proactiv. It's a money-back trial so if it fails me then I'll order the much-loved Proactiv. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!?!?! I will be sure to add on my blog the Skin ID (plus questions to my skin indicating why i got the formula i did) and keep you updated on the results! I hope this works because I can't stand this feeling! Yuck! Should have the product in next week or so... I'll let you know what I think after the first week of trying it out. If you have used it before please let me know your thoughts on it! THANKS!
Ulta - Sephora - walmart shopping spree! Over the past week I have been on a little shopping spree! I've bought tons of stuff to test out and I can't wait to write reviews on it all. Only thing I've tried so far is the Maybelline Baby Lips and I LOVE THEM!!! They smell great, they taste wonderful, and they work beautifully! They glide on like butter leaving your lips with a slight coating of color that doesn't feel heavy. I like to wear the grapevine (berry color) over the pink punch (bright pink color) so that it gives me a nice combination color. But both on their own are gorgeous!
I've never been to a Sephora before so I just had to go! I ended up finding the NARS blush that I wanted to try out and lucked upon an eyeshadow kit at the front counter. I swear they put stuff on those counters by the checkout for impulse buyers like me! I can't resist no matter how hard I try! They don't even try to rush you along to buy your stuff, they just sit back and watch as you go crazy with sample size and newly released items. I'm a total sucker! They get me every single time I go shopping! Anyways, thats how I came across the KAT VON D eyeshadow kit and I thought, why not!
I've also been tempted to try that Benefit They're Real Mascara so Sephora was out of it and I had to make a trip to Ulta again! Darn the luck, right? So I will let you know if it is worth the price or if you should just stick to your cheaper drug store brand that works equally as good.
The Burt's Bees Tips & Toes kit was part of a present for my belated birthday from my friend Tiffany (THANKS!) so I decided to add that into the mix as well. I've always been a fan of Burt's Bees products so I'm excited to test this out. However, I hate hate hate coconut everything coconut so the Coconut Foot Cream will not be tested. I'm sorry but I just can't do it! You will never see me buy or test any product that smells like either coconut or bananas... I just can't make myself go there. So I'm sure some lucky friend of mine will be getting some new foot cream to test out for me. Everything else is the kit is coconut free to my knowledge! Well, I guess that's about it for now so stay tuned to see my reviews on everything! THANKS!!!! NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush
Laguna/Orgasim Color Duo What it is:
A blush-bronzer duo compact.
What it does:
These complementary pairings, ranging in shades from shimmering iridescent pink to deep golden brown, deliver summer's quintessential glow both with ease and convenience—anytime of year. benefit They're Real Mascara
Description:
THEY'RE REAL! lengthens, volumizes, lifts, curls & separates. Benefit cosmetics jet black, long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out!
maybelline Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm
Pink Punch & Grapevine - Moisturizing lip balm with SPF 20 sunscreen
- Gives eight hour moisture plus lip renewal
- It's clinical care for baby soft lips
- Available in 2 clear or 4 tinted shades
burt's bees Tips and Toes Kit Fingers and toes need a little love? This amazing collection of rich creams and softening butters will do the trick. Seriously softening and happily hydrating. Your fingers and toes will thank you. • Softens skin with butters and rich creams Contains: - Almond Milk Hand Creme (0.25 oz)
- Hand Salve (0.3 oz)
- Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Hand Creme (0.75 oz)
- Coconut Foot Creme (0.75 oz)
- Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (0.3 oz)
- Replenishing Lip Balm (0.15 oz)
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo Get the most intense smoothing yet from Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo. The formula with ultra-smoothing argan oil and apricot locks out frizz for a full three days, even in 97% humidity. - Smoothes for long-lasting frizz control and shine
- Stays sleek for 3 days, even in 97% humidity
- Moroccan argan oil and apricot
| kat von d Mini True Romance
Eyeshadow Palette
Little Sinner - Color What it is:
A set of four shadows that create mysteriously beautiful smoky eyes.
What it does:
Achieve Kat’s gorgeous smoky eye or get that rocker-chic look you‘ve been trying to perfect with this palette of four eye shadows, each with a deep, rich pigment that will make your eyes pop. From an iridescent white to pretty, pearlized hues, these luxurious formulas can be used wet or dry, alone or layered, to create numerous looks for both day and night.
This set contains:
4 x 0.05 oz eye shadows in:
- Galore (pearlized golden nude )
- T-Rex (pearlized olive)
- Swan Song (iridescent white)
- Brave Awakening (pearlized maroon) covergirl Smoky Shadowblast
Eye Shadow
#810 - Purple Plume n.y.c. SMOOCH PROOF
16HR LIP STAIN
#490 Persistent Pink NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain stays put, providing a sheer to intense flush of color that sticks around longer than most guys in the City. This is no on-again, off-again relationship. Color stays faithful for up to 16 hours. not your mother's Beach Babe Texturizing
Sea Salt Spray Now everyday can be a day at the beach, minus the sunburn. Beach Babe has everyone fooled into thinking you just left the beach (you little liar!). It adds sexy, tousled waves and a light matte finish to any hair type. - Spray
- 8 fl oz
- Texturizing
- Dead sea salt and sea kelp
Sleek & Shine Conditioner Get the most intense smoothing yet from Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner. The formula with ultra-smoothing argan oil and apricot locks out frizz for a full three days, even in 97% humidity. - Smoothes for long-lasting frizz control and shine
- Stays sleek for 3 days, even in 97% humidity
- Moroccan argan oil and apricot
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overall look
| From my Ulta haul the other day... these are some of the test results. I will show you all the hair products that I used as well as the new product I tested out. I will also show you all of the make-up products that I used including the new items I bought. I'll let you know what I liked and what didn't work so well. Please forgive the picture quality - took it with my webcam and they aren't the best but they will do for now. If you have any suggestions on what camera works best for things like this please let me know - thanks! BTW flower & blue tank tops are from Target :D ENJOY!
hair
| Yes... I know I use a lot of hair products! I blow dry and flat iron my hair so I like to have as much in between my strands and the heat as possible. I have thin hair that is naturally curly. I need a lot of product to keep it weighted down and straight as well as healthy from all the torture I put it through. Since my hair is so thin and fine, it gets oily extremely fast! I like to cleanse the roots to avoid build up as well as get that oily crud out of the way. Then I color treat and style my hair often so I like to use oils and conditioners to help the ends from splitting. I use a Chi Hair Dryer and a Chi Flat Iron.
eyes
lashes & Lips
| eyes & cheeks
| My review
Okay, so here are my thoughts on the Smashbox makeup kit I got from Ulta as well as the Hemp Thickening Cream. I did use some of my basics from my fave product list, but this review is mainly about the new stuff. ENJOY!
HAIR PRODUCTS
I love, love, love this Hemp Thickening Cream that I got - plus I found it on the clearance, even better, right!?! A little goes a long way and I could see an obvious fullness and volume at my roots with this product. I will use this in the future and recommend you try it as well. Doesn't stink which is a huge deal with hair products for me. I don't want stinky hair so it has to smell yummy for me to even buy it. Weird, I know, but that's me! Secondly, the price on sale was about $12 but I think it was worth it. I like to combine drug store products with higher-end products to make an overall look. So I can't really complain about a splurge for a product that works when I skimp on other things. Drug store shampoo and conditioner, healing oil, blow out cream, molding cream/putty. I even think it has helped with the oiliness of my hair, if that makes any sense. I don't find that it is as oily today as it typically is after a night of sleeping on it. Only thing I used that was different was the thickening cream so I am guessing that is what is helping it? IDK, I could be totally wrong but I for one like this products A LOT!
MAKE-UP
When I was in Ulta testing out the samples I came across this Smashbox Beauty Kit. It was about $40 which I thought was a steal considering the eye shadows alone, if I bought all the ones in the kit, would probably have cost more than the kit itself. I've been on the lookout for a neutral eyeshadow without a lot of shimmer. Something calm and basic for an everyday look. Bonus was I've also been looking for a new pink blush so this kit had everything and more. I forgot to use the primer but I have a similar primer by Smashbox that I've used before and I would suggest it if you are going to be taking pictures or needing your makeup to last extra long. I personally don't use it for an everyday item because it cost a lot and I don't think the outcome is worth the extra step and money. I have combination/normal skin that isn't dry and isn't oily so I don't have problems per say with my foundation fading throughout the day. I do however have issue with my eyelids... I find them to be rather large and oilier than the rest of my skin. So I do use a primer on those before I apply eyeshadow. I used the MAC's Paints in a neutral shade after applying my foundation and powder etc.
I liked the eye shadows that came in the kit. I thought that had staying power as well as the nice matte look with the slightest hint of a shimmer. They ranged from a dark to light mix of shades of brownish-pinks. There was a nice pearl color or the highlighting and a variety of colors to play up or down the overall look. Like I said, this was an everyday, simple look that I have in the pictures above. Just something that you can slap on before running errands or if you are running late for work. Quick and easy without looking or trying so hard.
For the eye liner that came in the pack - yuck! I did not care for it one bit! It didn't glide on or have a nice color to it. I use brown liner all the time but this wasn't a pretty shade of brown and the pencil itself was hard to use. I felt like I was having to press extra hard and coat over and over just to get a faint outline on my top lids. I would not recommend using the liner or buying it separate from the make-up kit. I personally think that drug store eye liners like the one I mentioned in my favorites work so much better and are so much cheaper!
As for the blush, lets just say I was disappointed. I had high hopes for this blush but it fell short of my expectations. I love blush! I Dolly-Parton-It-Up on an everyday basis! The more the better and most the time I have to remember to calm down with the blush before I get too carried away. This was a gorgeous color in the sample and packaging but that was about it. It came off very, very faint and translucent. Not the kind of blush I like to use, but if you like a light dusting of pink on the cheeks then you might like this product. I felt like I kept applying and applying and didn't see a result. But like I said, I like to overdo it sometimes so I prefer the MAC blushes because they appear on the skin as they do in the packaging. This blush felt like some false advertisement - it looks like a bright, cheerful looking bubblegum pink which I thought would pop against my olive completion. Wrong! It was barely there and I was extremely sad that it did not give me the results that I was looking for.
But on a happier note... I have recently discovered tinted balms and lip stains and have fallen in love! Normally, I am a chapstick (carmex) kinda girl but lately I have been lipstick obsessed! I didn't even look twice at the lip gloss that came in the package to be honest. I was like ahh whatever just give me the shadow and blush please! Surprisingly the lip gross was one of my favorite items from the kit. It was rather "sticky" but it is a gloss so I suppose it's suppose to be. The color looks a little different in the packaging than it appears on my lips, which was a good thing. It was a pretty pinkish tone that made my lips glisten. Smelt decent and didn't taste horrible (no, I did not do a taste test but I would of known if it left a funky aftertaste on my lips).
Overall I think the kit was well worth the $40 I spent on it. The eye shadows were wonderful and the lip gloss was terrific! Like I said I haven't used the primer but I am sure it is just as good as the other one I have from the same name brand. The eye liner was a waste of space in my opinion and the blush was a let-down. But, once again, I'd like to say that the blush is a pretty color and gives a faint dusting on the cheeks that might work for you but didn't work for me. If this sounds like something you might be interested in then I would say to check out the samples that Ulta has on display. I spent, I know, 30 minutes in the store looking for the perfect eye shadow kit. My poor hand was covered in smudges of shades and shimmers by the end of my journey. So I had a decent idea of what I was getting into before I made the purchase. I did buy some eye shadows and a cheek stick from NYX that I will be posting up next to let you know what I thought of those.
BONUS:
I went shopping at Wal-mart and got some new things that will be coming soon to my next blog. I will be out of town for a while so I don't know when I will get a chance to post it. I will probably bring them all with me so I can test them out while I'm gone and write the review when I get back.
Okay I went to Target & Ulta the other day and went hog wild! I had to have some new items for my new job... obviously, right? Anywho, I was on the search for some new eye shadows because I can't seem to find the perfect one just yet. Also picked up some nail polishes that were on sale at Walgreens but I haven't tested them out yet. Today I am just going to upload the items and tomorrow I will try and give you a better idea on which ones I loved, which ones I liked, and which ones I'd suggest you didn't waste your money on!
Ulta & wal-greens
Target
Since this is my first beauty blog I figured I would start out with letting you know all of my favorite hair products and make-up. Now cute me some slack because these pictures were taken with my cell phone so they aren't the best quality. Along with that, the products are half used because they are my all time favorites. From this point on I should be able to just blog about the new products that I've bought to test drive. I'll post my latest haul from target and ulta next. I figured the best way to start this is to make a slideshow for each type of beauty item - ie: hair - makeup - clothes etc. I will list in the captions the name and colors that are shown. I will also list the items by brand at the end of this posting. Hope this gives you a few ideas of what works best. Please let me know your thoughts and give me suggestions on products to try next. Enjoy!
Okay... So I started to cheat and copy pictures off the product's website. You kinda get a half & half but you get the jest of it. I will list in detail tomorrow all of the brands and colors that I use the most!
Make Up!!!
Hair products!!!
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