Stuff I Tried This Week: BA Star Zebra Lip Gloss

As a member of BrandBacker.com, I sometimes receive free products to try. A few months back, I reviewed an eye shadow palette from BA Star Make-Up (check it out here). BA Star caters mostly to dance teams and cheerleaders. I take this as a good sign since that usually means kids and teenagers use the products, so their quality is great and not harmful. The products are also inexpensive so you can try a lot of things without breaking the bank.

I was supposed to receive BA Star’s Stardust, a loose pigment that can be used on the eyes and I am sure more creatively. Instead, I got a Zebra Gloss from the Zebra Lip Gloss Duo. The gloss I received is clear with iridescent glitter suspended throughout. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed but as you know I will try anything in the cosmetics department.

They have tutorials on their website.

The glitter is very small and there is not a lot of it when you take out the doe foot applicator. I was a bit concerned it might be too “young” for me but I was pleasantly surprised.

Left is with flash.

When applied it is light and not terribly goopy. It actually feels quite soft on the lips but is a little gritty from the sparkles. Since it is clear, the glitter doesn’t make your lips look like a disco ball. Instead, the glitter catches the light here and there without making it obvious there is glitter on your lips.  It’s actually not really noticeable.

Glitter Lips

I decided to put on a lip stain and then put the Zebra Lip Gloss on top. It is more noticeable over color and would be great  for a night on the town.

Though not incredibly long lasting, the Zebra Lip Gloss is a fun addition to your cosmetics bag. I also have a coupon code for 50% off all Stardusts. Just enter BBDUST at checkout. The discount is available until September 30th so get to it!  I also  hope that BA Star gets back to me so I can actually review a Stardust!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

This is a sponsored post, powered by BrandBacker. The complimentary sample had no influence on my review.

Blue, Blackberry, Be Violet (Blah, blah, blah)

Hey PHs!  Thanks for all the feedback yesterday. I was surprised so many of you responded and am more than happy that you did!   As promised, I am reviewing Lipstick Queen’s Hello Sailor AND Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Vivid Violet. I decided that I would do both in one post because they are in the same color family. Let’s go!

First up is Lipstick Queen’s Hello Sailor. In honor of sailors, I wore this shirt today. Isn’t she cute?

Sailing away!

Here is the uber-cute box!

Oh! Sailor, why’d you do it?

LQ’s Hello Sailor is blue. Very blue. It reminds me of the blue mood lipsticks of the 1980s. This lipstick is more of a blackberry stain. At first I thought it would be more like LQ’s Medieval, a sheer, red lip treatment but it isn’t. Hello Sailor is more of a stain.

I’ve got the blues.

Application is smooth. Lipstick Queen lipsticks always feel good and this feels very light. At first the color is very light but eventually does begin to darken.

Applied lightly!

As it sat on my lips, it did darken. I was really surprised! I didn’t expect it to get as dark as it did, though it was totally wearable and didn’t have the winter lip look! In my (humble) opinion, this is a great sheer, “better than your natural lip” color and would be excellent for daily wear. Speaking of wear, this did not last as long as a stain but it did last longer than I expected. I also drink coffee in the morning, so time wise I am not sure, but I think this may need to be applied more frequently than a traditional stain.

Moi a few seconds after application. On my eyes are Sephora’s Le Waterproof Mascara and their Purple Stilettos Contour  12 Hour Waterproof Pencil

Now, for the more dramatic. A few months ago during a Brooklyn Make-Up Studio event, I noticed Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Vivid Violet ($20 US). They were sold out so I waited (and waited). I paid them a visit this week and it was back in stock. I spoke with Christina, one of their in-house MUAs, and she said this lipstick was more versatile than I thought.  She mentioned that it can be used as a lighter stain.  A multi-tasker?! Sold!

Top without flash.

The color is bright but not obnoxious (!) and I think more plum than a violet, though it does have blue undertones. Be Legendary Lipsticks are a favorite of mine and application was fabulous. It went on smooth and dreamy.  I found this to be long lasting, even after eating and drinking, though reapplying wouldn’t hurt.

Lips don’t flash!

Vivid Violet is another color that can be day or night friendly. It is pigmented and has a light sheen. You can build it up to vixen like proportions, too.

This is my diva face.

Since I am wearing the same make-up (except on my lips!) you can see how Vivid Violet changes the whole look. It totally looks more dressy and polished. I think Hello Sailor and Vivid Violet are excellent buys but for different reasons. If you want a more natural look and you want people to think you wear blue lipstick, Hello Sailor is for you. Vivid Violet is helping me gear up for fall and back to school. (Help me. Please.)

Here is are some swatches on my hand.  The top swatch is Hello Sailor and the bottom Vivid Violet. They are very different and with flash you can see the blue in both of them.

Left without flash.

What do you think? Would you try either one?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

HauteLook Summer Essentials Are Pretty Necessary

A week or two ago, I wrote a post about the HauteLook with Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag. (You can check out that post here.) I was totally annoyed, as the bag was $29 US and had mostly “deluxe” samples.  About a week later, HauteLook released its Summer Essentials bag and I ordered it. For $20,  I thought it might just be better. Lucky for me, it was.

What have you got in there?

There are 13 products in the Summer Essentials bag and though many are fun size, the full size products up the retail value of the bag. I’ll start off with skin and body care. For the face,  there is a small jar of Miracle 10 AHA Cream. An exfoliator for dry skin, this soothing cream is supposed to bring on even skin texture and fight aging. I will use this eventually but not during the summer. My skin has a tendency to burn, so even putting gentle AHAs on my face frightens me. (Interested in trying Miracle10? Visit Miracle10.com to get Super C & AHA Cream for $82 US. Enter promocode HAUTEBAG13)

Another miracle?

Yay! Another self-tanning product. I have so many tubes and sheets of glow goop that I don’t even know what to do with it. This single TanTowel is good for half body application and can even be used on the face. I loved the spray on one I used last week (there are still remnants on my legs) but I might just have to try a sheet, too. (Hey- don’t you want to know what happens?)

Vacation in a towel.

In order to keep your faux tan looking glowing and not blech, slather on Whish Body Butter in Orange Cream. I have tried Whish Shave Cream and the scent was reminiscent of Fruity Pebbles. This tiny tube will be good to throw in a getaway bag but I have a feeling there will be no getaways this summer. L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream is a cult classic and a little goes a long way.  Cooler weather will be here before we know it, so this will come in handy. (Handy- get it?)

Creamy.

I love Diptyque fragrance because though they are complex, they are magically singular. I find the fragrances to truly smell so natural on the body and wear Eau Duelle, a spicy vanilla, I now have a sample of L’Ombre dans l’Eau, which translates to The Shadow in the Water. On first spray, it is very green but rounds out to a floral with rose and blackcurrant. It actually reminds me of a perfume I used to wear but can no longer recall. Such is life!

Secret like a shadow.

Your crowning glory is up next. Blow Pro After Blow Strong Hold Finishing Spray is a quick dry spray that claims to keep frizz and flyaways at bay. I probably will never find out if this spray works but it sounds good.

Blow Pro then Grab and Go!

I’m loving L. Erickson Grab n’ Go Pony Compact. The compact isn’t very sturdy but it holds a few ponytail elastics in a place where they won’t get lost in my bag. Thank goodness.

Onto the make-up! Start off with great brushes. Since I love my Crown Brushes, I was happy to receive their Travel Brush Set. I don’t like to bring my big brushes on the go and  this set will make it easy.  I am also curious to try Lashfood Nano-Peptide Natural EyeLASH Conditioner. It is supposed to make my lashes stronger. After the lash perm I tried last year, I think this is a safer option.

Long lashes, little brushes.

For some more lash love, there is a tube of LORAC Special Effects Mascara in Black. One side has a primer and the other has a lengthening mascara. I remember when Revlon had a mascara like this many years ago and I miss it so this should be fun to try out.

Long and lovely lashes.

Now, we go from lashes to lips. There are three lip products in the bag and they are pretty fabulous. First in line is an NYX Lip Smacking Fun Color Lipstick in #597 Margarita. It looks more like a watermelon margarita to me, as it is a shimmery pink-orange shade. This lipstick is in the round tube and is under $4 US. I love NYX lipstick and am more than happy to add this to my collection.

NYX Lips

Margarita!

We are almost done! To keep lipstick in line, there is an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Naked. Since it is a neutral color, I think it can be used with pretty much any lip color.

Lining and a bomb!

The bonus in the bag is a Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in #27. It is a coral that errs on orange I’m guessing it is a gloss that will impart shine and stain the lip for lasting color. I have another lip product from Mirenesse that I really like, Maybe one of these day I will do a comparison.

What would you like to try from the HauteLook Summer Essentials bag?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Related articles

• HauteLook Summer Essentials Beauty Bag Review (genuinelyheather.com)
• Hautelook Summer Beauty Bag 2013 (addictedtobox.wordpress.com)

Lipstick L<3ve!

Ah, lipstick. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Lip products have been my favorite cosmetic item(s) since I was a kid. My very first lipstick was a tube of Brucci purple lipstick.  The obsession continues and I have enough lip glosses, tints, sticks, wands, balms, creams, stains, tars, etc. to probably span the globe. This post is an ode to my love for lippies and I am sharing my favorite lip stuffs (!) of the summer.

A few weeks ago I blogged about Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm. It is a glossy balm that is sweet and sheer. You can build them up for more color payout, too. I recently bought Apricot Pucker and I think it might just be my favorite in the line. (I own four, okay?)

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Apricot Pucker.

I only have on a thin layer and my lighting isn’t the best but can you see that pop of color?

Hey! It’s me!

Lindz, the Girl in the Glasses, was kind enough to do a semi-swap with me fairly recently. I sent her some requests and she sent me some lipsticks from KIKO  MAKE UP MILANO. I find it ridiculous we can’t get KIKO here yet. Trust me, I asked. Of course, I wanted the Smart Lipstick. Lindz sent me two to try, #912 Crimson Red and #904 Strawberry Pink. I was very excited when they made it to my mailbox.

How smart are they?

The case is super sturdy and looks pretty fabulous. I kind of avoided taking a full pick of the case because this post is pic-heavy as is.

#912 Crimson Red & #904 Strawberry Pink

Let’s talk Crimson Red. It is not super crimson red and it errs on more of a pink. In fact, I thought it would have had a pink name but I am not necessarily great at naming colors. Eh. The color is very daytime friendly and that makes me happy.

This is like your worst nightmare. You know, like that crazy aunt that wants to kiss you close-up shot.

Next up is #904 Strawberry Pink. I love this color. I actually favored #912 but this quickly became my favorite. The color is just summer perfect and isn’t too warm or cool. I can’t wear cool pinks. I look terrible. This shade is just plain pretty and feels great on the lips.

Some summer punch!

Since neither shade is matte or super shiny, they make for an easy look. The colors are both buildable, so you can work them up in you need to.  The lipsticks aren’t thick so your lips don’t feel coated. Application is very smooth. If you are in Europe, find a KIKO store and buy them!

The final color I am obsessed with (this week) is Tarte Complexion Brightening Lipstick in Medium-to-Tan. I have a few Tarte lipsticks and they are excellent. I received  this in my June GlossyBox and it is delightful.

Case love!

Smooth and creamy,Tarte Complexion Brightening Lipstick in Medium-to-Tan has a berry jelly core and is surrounded by a natural nude. I have a hard time finding a natural color that doesn’t make me look washed out and this does the trick.

Does this look naughty? Swatched on my hand and on my lips.

It is also difficult to find. I googled it and see it is available on QVC in a pack of both shades. I wouldn’t say that this is the longest lasting lipstick but if you want a “naked” face without being a total nudie, this is worth a try.

Lips! Lips! Lips!

What are some of your favorite summer lip looks? I am obviously onto the nudes and pinks this season!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

I Have A Lot of Beauty Boxes to Recycle

There were more. Trust me.

And I only mean that after I have opened them and emptied the contents! I got FIVE beauty packages in the mail this week. In this post, we will take a gander at my GlossyBox and Birchbox deliveries. In the next post, we need to discuss the HauteLook Summer Beauty bag and a package all the way from someone Short (and Sweet) in Texas. I will give you a quick rundown of each box and then pick and choose the items I really think you need to know about in future posts.  Here we go!

First up is the July GlossyBox, le Grand Bleu, or the Big Blue, or the Grand Indigo (I made that up.) Very disappointing delivery- probably most disappointing of the lot and there was no magazine! Actually, that’s good news because that means things will be looking up from here. There were five products plus a “bonus.” At $21 a month, I deserve a bonus. Unfortunately, I will not use three of them and only one is a full size product and the cheapest in the box.

Okay, give to Cindy, give to my sister, okay, throw in travel bag, give to someone that needs it

The Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Mask will be used up when I need to deep condition. (Remind me to tell you my Rio acai story sometime. I was fun in my 20s!)  Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel is the third product from the white tea fragrance line. Though I like the scent, enough alread, my friend Cindy likes the smell and just like I passed off the soap to her, she will get the shower gel. Nails Inc. Baker Street Nail Polish may look like a regular bottle but it is small and I know because I already own it. My sister is lucky. That girl ends up with everything. Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Balm Tube is full size and is $9 US. I thought it was an L’Occitane hand cream. Nope. I will use it since I like the way the tube looks. My “bonus” is Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing towelettes. I have said it before and I will say it again- they sell this brand at my local beauty supply and the make-up runs around $3 US on average. Lastly is the Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum. I rarely get acne and I like my good old tea tree to handle that.  I am not impressed with this month’s selections- they are way too run of the mill and small!

Every year, the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) have the Insiders’ Beauty Awards. Birchbox curated two boxes of winners. They were recently on sale- $26 for both. I thought that was pretty good and had some points left, so I managed to score both for $23.31. I’ll start with the Prestige Headliners – Birchbox for CEW. Originally priced at $18 US, this little box had the stuff you could buy at Sephora or a department store.

Birchbox Prestige Headliners

Since there are so many, I’ll list:

-IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil (might be a full size- Sam over at Samandro22 got me into filling in my brows!)

-Living Proof Prime Style Extender (Decent sized tube. Eh.)

-Julep Nail Color in Teri (It’s a full bottle!)

-Julep Essential Cuticle Oil (Another biggie! For my dry cuticles, I need a miracle.)

-Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (“Deluxe”Sample)

-La Fresh Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser, Scented (2 wipes. I’m cool with that.)

Next is the Birchbox for CEW Mass Market Finalists. This box is a treasure trove of drugstore finds and I have only tried two out of the six! Five of the products are full size, making for a great value.

On the cheap.

-Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment (Sample tube but it should last a bit because you only use a few drops at a time.)

-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (Love these!)

-L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in #557 Glistening Garnet (I hope it is way better than the Armani Eyes to Kill one I bought.)

-Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream (Full size tube- since I finished my most recent favorite, I will try this next.)

-Nivea A Kiss of Olive OIl & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care (Finally! My favorite balm is LaBello- it is Nivea in the States and this flavor is more European!)

-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (I love eye rolls…)

What do you think? I have a lot of work ahead of me, huh?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

–

FabFitFun and Fantastic!

Earlier this week I wrote a post about the HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag (click here to read the post). I was very disappointed. Luckily, I received my FabFitFun (fff) box by Giliana Rancic, too, and this delivery did not disappoint! Though it is $49.95 a box, it only comes quarterly and this being my second box, I find the contents are valued way beyond the cost. Here are the goods:

Five full size products, sunnies, and something good for travel.

I will start off with skincare. First up is Purlisse-Pur-Delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser ($36 US). A Vogue favorite, it is a gentle, soap-free cleanser that does double duty as an eye make-up remover. I am currently using a soap-free ultra gentle cleanser and I do like them since I find they cut the oil in my skin enough without drying me out. I can’t wait to try it!

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray ($12 US) has been around forever. I currently am using Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir but I am close to finishing it up. I will use this first before I buy another.

Cleanser, face spray, cleansing wipes

Usually fff throws in a surprise. My first box had two- a Butter London Nail Polish and a GoSmile Pen. In this package, there is a travel pack of Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes ($2.99 US). There are ten towelettes of all- natural, hypoallergenic goodness and at this size, will fit into my purse for quick clean up. Though not as expensive as the previous surprises, I know I will get use out of these.

But I’m not finished with surprises! The next is a bottle of Orly Nail Polish in Mayhem Mentality ($8.50 US). It is a neon orange and since orange is my favorite color, I am loving this, The application is only okay and it dries matte, which is easily fixed with a shiny topcoat. It also needs three coats or it is streaky, so this is definitely only for when I go for a manicure and pedicure. I would botch the color up if I used this color myself.

Pardon my foot.

For a perfect pucker, there is a Catalina Su Lip Gloss ($14 US).  Catalina Su is Giuliana Rancic’s male-up artist. This is not normally a shade I would wear but I am trying more nudes as of late and will give this a try. I also think this is the only color in the collection so it must be universally flattering. We will see!

Flip flop friendly!

The big ticket item in the box is a pair of Ivory Mason Sunglasses in the Trudel Sunwear Style (On sale $135 US). They are very chic but the style is too small for my face. I also wear glasses and prescription sunglasses so I probably wouldn’t be able to use these. There is a way to exchange the sunglasses but I think I will pass these off  to my mom.

It Hair Care Surf Spray ($6.99 US)is supposed to create beachy waves. This is probably the third or fourth beach wave spray I have received (I got another in my ipsy delivery, too) and I just can’t use it. I don’t like the way my hair looks after a day at the beach. It looks like a mess.

As for sunless tanning, I need to get on the train. My legs are still pasty! Infinity Sun Glow on the Go ($40 US) is an aerosol spray with anti-aging properties. I will give it a whirl.

Beach Essentials?

KIND Bar in Dark Chocolate Chili Almond & Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt is great to throw in a bag for a snack. KIND bars are delish and this sounds ridiculously tasty.

The retail value of the FabFitFun box is $235. I think it was a fabulous buy for the money AND I have a coupon code for $10 off your first FabFitFun VIP box. Just visit their website, sign up, and type 647993 in the coupon code box. The offer expires on August 11th.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Beauty Boxes & Bags

Hello there! Since canceling my Birchbox subscription, I have been trying not to order any other beauty by month mailings. I did receive two packages this week and I want you to meet the first… The HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag.

The HauteLook & Nordstrom Summer Beauty Bag was $29 US and since I loved the HauteLook Spring Bag, I figured I would love this just as much. Well, for $29 I am disappointed. First of all, there aren’t any full size products. They are all pretty much deluxe size samples. Second of all, I would have never ordered it if I knew that HauteLook’s Summer Beauty Bag was coming out a few weeks later. It was like a bait and switch. Knowing that HauteLook is a Nordstrom company, adding Nordstrom to “HauteLook Beauty Bag” seemed pretty okay. Is it only me that would infer that they were one and the same in beauty bags?  Yeah. I ordered the HauteLook Summer Beauty Bag, too, for $20 and it seems to me that the things in that bag are going to be way better.

I’ll give you the goods. The way too overpriced goods.

Let’s start with the cosmetics pouch. I like the design and the the size is great for a weekend getaway.

Classic colors

Okay, onto the make-up. The first item shown below is Laura Mercier Tinted Moistuizer SPF 20 in Nude (o.5 oz). I happen to love this product and it is a bit pricey. A 1.5 oz tube is $43 US, making my sample worth about $14 US. Coverage is pretty good and I like that the SPF keeps me a little sun safe. It also comes in a range of 14 colors, so it is easier to find a match.

Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen in Light to Medium is next in line. I happen to like Supergoop! products but as you all know, being an oil heiress (on my face), this is probably not a good idea knowing my history with BB creams. It is a little unfortunate because this is a self-adjusting shade. The sample is 3 ml which means probably enough to use once and maybe cover half of my face. A full size 1.6 oz tube is $32 US.

Teeny tiny

I don’t think I have ever tried a Napoleon Perdis product and in my bag is a 5 ml/.17 fl oz tube of Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer. I will give this a try but again, I might get only one or two uses out of the teeny tube. A full size tube is $59 US, so even if I love it, that is never happening.

I happen to think Estee Lauder mascara is decent and the pouch included Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in 01 Black. A tube is $24 US and I think this little guy might last a week.

With face and lashes covered, the last cosmetic piece is a Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain. Again, super small and cute but what the heck will I be able to do with this? Forget the obvious here. These samples are way to small to really make an informed decision!

Be soft.

The two creams I received in the bag were the most “deluxe” in size. AHAVA is a great line and their Body Firming Cream might just be lovely. A full size tube (6.8 oz) is $38. 50 US. AVEDA Hand Relief will eventually make its way into my bag since I like to carry hand cream. AVEDA actually sells this size tube for $8.50. I guess this is the official full size product in the bag.

Not for your lips!

The next item might be a dangerous addition to my bag. Sole Goddess Blister Protection Foot Balm is supposed to help prevent blisters caused by shoes that rub against feet. The tube sold on the Sole Goddess website doesn’t really look like a tube of lip balm and is $18.75 US. The stick in my bag is clearly marked “sample size.” It will probably never get used.

Now, for the last products.

There is one Emi Jay Hair Tie– ONE. A 3 pack is $5.99 US and you shouldn’t wear these in water. Give me the ones from Walgreen’s.

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Somerville 360 Body Tanning Towelette is a disposable towelette that is applied to the body for self-tanning. I’m just curious as to what the ONE towelette I received will do, as the Somerville website explains, “Use as often as needed for a deeper tan or to maintain your glow.” A box is expensive, too, at $48 US for eight towelettes.

Xen-Tan Face Tanner Luxe Sunless Tan in Medium/Dark can be used daily to  give an instant glow and self-tanning power. Self-tanner on my face scares me. I’m afraid I might channel an Oompa Loompa. A full size tube is $24 US for 2.7 oz.

Sunless tanning towelette and a hair tie that can’t get wet.

As I was writing this post, I realized how disappointed I really am with this $29 bag. I know I will not use four of the samples I received and the ones I will use won’t last for very long. What HauteLook & Nordstrom did was really deceiving and that is unfortunate because I do like both the website and the Nordstrom store. There also weren’t any coupon codes for discounts on any of the products. I did find a card about Nordstrom’s Anniversary and Beauty Bash, explaining that there will be some deals on some cosmetic brands. The kick-off is Friday, July 19 and is in-store and online. If I remember I may take a look on Nordstrom’s website.

Is there anything you think you would use in this bag? Are the bag and its contents worth the $29 US I spent? I want to know what you think!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Wanna-Be London Girl

My sister, Shazzer, and my Mom, returned from their trip to London last week. My mom came over yesterday and brought me a bunch of goodies from across the pond. I just took some quick pictures and I really can’t wait to start trying everything! Shazzer and Mom are the best!

When I visited England in 2005, I got to visit Portobello Market. I loved all of the cool items they had for sale and bought a military jacket and great amber earrings. My mom remembered my fondness for the colorful street and brought my presents in this…

A 9 year old created the design. As a teacher, I can really appreciate their talent. Note my thigh. At least I shaved.

Portobello Market is in Notting Hill, I think!

I had a few cosmetic requests and almost fainted when I saw Shannon was in Poundland. She picked me up a few things from there, as well as some Barry M. and a lipstick from 17.

I’m so glad I have this sparkly goodness in another color, too. There is a Barry M. eye pencil, 17 lipstick, a lip balm, and nail polish. I need to use one. NOW.

More glitter!

I don’t know what Chit-Chat Mascara is but I will soon find out!

Cheaper than Armani- even with the exchange.

I also got some pretty eye shadows. The neutral palette looks like it has a primer with two colors. I had a powder from Collection 2000 from my trip to Ireland. It is long since gone but I can’t wait to try this lime eye shadow.

Mix and match?

For my nails, a Bewitched glitter polish and Barry M. polish that mimics a lightening bug.

Glitter and glow.

I requested a magazine, too, and when I can pick up British Glamour here in the States, I do. They picked up Glamour for me. It was two British pound sterling, which comes to $2.99 USD. Magazines are at least $3.99 US AND they never come with ModelCo. Lip Gloss which retails for $16 US. US publications better get a clue. Just sayin’.

And Daniel Radcliffe.

When I was in Dublin, I bought a purse by Paul’s Boutique. My sister knows I love the fun and quirky style of Paul’s Boutique bags so she picked up this really cute wallet. The chain is just really funky and I can’t wait to use all of the crazy buttons. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

We finally get Paul’s Boutique in the USA. The original PB website ships to the US and ASOS also carries the line.

My sister had a few things on her “bucket list.” One was riding the London Eye. I scored a mirror on a key chain. It will get a lot of use. More than I should admit.

Eye told you.

And then… Shazzer and Mom went to see Robbie Williams! He very rarely plays in NYC and my sister managed to purchase tickets.

And all I got was this lousy key chain…

I love all of my presents! I am sure there will be a few reviews soon. A special thanks to Shazzer and Mom for going on a make-up hunt and fueling my product hoochie-ness!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Summer Lids & Lips

Hey all! I hope that the week went well for you. I had a fabulous getaway with the hubs this week. We went to Atlantic City, NJ. It is a small city beside the Atlantic Ocean and there is great outlet shopping and gambling. Not that I think gambling is necessarily good but is great fun in moderation, especially if you win! While we were away, I only brought one eye shadow palette (shocking!) and four different lip products to vary up my look.

An entry in the annual Sand Sculpting Competition- Atlantic City, NJ.

First up is Too Faced Summer Eyes palette ($36 US).  I picked it up at the Brooklyn Make-Up Studio at their last event and have been meaning to write a review about it for quite some time.  I even have pictures ready-  but just kept waiting. Anyway, I really got some great use out of it this week. I actually have no swatches (bad PH!) but I have a dupe for some of the colors.

Summer Eyes!

Back of the pack.

There are three sets of colors (DAY, CLASSIC, & FASHION) with three colors each. The largest pan in usually for the lid all the way up to the brow, the color next to it for the lid, and the third color for the crease and lower lashes. Using the colors in each row makes for an easy eye look or you can mix and match. The palette also comes with a pamphlet that demonstrates different looks you can create using the eye shadows.

Easy Eye Looks

Do you like how the shirt you see in the reflection has a tropical drink print?

My personal favorite is CLASSIC but I think DAY is a lot of fun and for a daily look, is a bit different from my usual neutrals. I wore FASHION one night and my husband commented on how glittery I was. Sunbeam is very glittery but not so much that it falls all over your face. Application is good, I had no trouble with fallout, and I like how put together the shades are. Well done, Too Faced! As for a dupe, Avon True Color Eye Shadow Sunkissed Duo with Shell & Refreshing Coral reminds me of the CLASSIC colors. I also paid about $3 US for it.

Not bad for 3 bucks.

On my lips, I constantly had Almay’s Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm ($5.99 US) in either Rosy Lipped (which is the perfect glossy barely-there nude for me) or Just Plum Good.

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Rosy Lipped & Just Plum Good.

I found that I could apply Rosy Lipped at any point in time with no mirror and I got a hint of color and great shine. Just Plum Good reminded me of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, though a bit more purple. I found that I needed to apply a lot, as the sheer formula can fade, especially the lighter color. Either way, both colors are great and I can’t wait to try a few more.

Top picture without flash- Rosy Lipped (top swatch) & Just Plum Good

If I wanted more lasting power or pigment, I reached for Rimmel London’s Show Off Lip Laquer (called Apocalips in Europe if you have seen them floating around other blogs)  in Luna or Aurora. You can see the color at the very bottom of the tube so you have an idea of what you are buying.

Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer in Luna (L) & Aurora (R).

I wore Aurora to a wedding last weekend and got a few compliments. I found Luna to be a bit more day friendly. The feel is very comfortable and soft. It is also not super glossy so the lasting power was better than Almay’s liquid lip balm but it did need to be reapplied after drinks or dinner. Oh! The doe foot applicator has a well that holds more product so you don’t have to constantly re-dip for more product. I think it works well but you need to wipe the wand a little to make application a little neater.

All’s well that ends well. (This is Luna.)

For about $4.99 US, it is worth a try.

Top without flash. Luna (top swatch) and Aurora.

What do you think of some of my summer picks? I also need to get a new waterproof mascara. I am using Maybelline Falsies but it is drying up fast. I also have to finish my Giorgio Armany Eyes to Kill- can’t waste that!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

GLOSSYBOX and I are Exclusive- Almost.

Hello, gorgeous! I hope the week as treated you well and that the weekend treats you even better. I have some interesting PH news to share. It actually isn’t that interesting but after months of complaining and disappointment, I have cancelled my Birchbox subscription. I really thought about it, considering it has started to get a little better but when I received the email that it would be renewed on July 1st, I took the plunge and bid Birchbox adieu. I would post pictures of some of my monthly boxes but why live in the past? Besides. my ipsy and GLOSSYBOX subscriptions should keep me busy enough. I also decided to keep up with FabFitFun, since the first box was excellent and they only ship four times a year.

And after waiting a looooong month, I did get my June GLOSSYBOX today. Curated by Dallas Shaw, the theme is “American Beauty Box.” (You can read more about Dallas Shaw by visiting her website. I really had no clue about her until I read a bit about her today.) I purchased a six month subscription to GLOSSYBOX for $90 US, which was a decent discount. The June box is better than those I have gotten recently. Are you ready?

Pull tab here.

On top is the GLOSSYBOX magazine. I really wish they would save a tree. I always find typos and it takes all of five minutes to read.

Good things come in small packages.

The box has an illustration by Dallas Shaw and this one might be a keeper. Inside there is an insert with the same illustration, a note, and a listing of products.

She hopes I love her selections. I do, too!

The body and hair care portion of the box is actually quite nice. First up is c. Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist (2 oz. bottle, $4 US value): An oil that can be used on the body and the face, it absorbs quickly and leaves a “light, lasting glow.” I am attending a wedding tonight and I will try this out of the shower. (Full Size 8 oz., $8 US).

For my tresses, there is Philip B. Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner (2 fl oz tube, $8 US) which seems to be a frizz fighting, color saving, heat protector for you tresses. My two ounce tube will come in handy since I am running out of my usual hair cream. It is also a Paraben & Phthalate Free Formula.

I will smell so nice.

I got an email from GLOSSYBOX about two weeks ago stating that some product was unavailable but that there would be a great replacement. I don’t really remember if these Essential Luxuries by Oscar de la Renta are the consolation prize or if it is another product in the box. Whatever the case, I like three out of the six samples. This is Uncle Oscar’s tailored line of six scents that are “imbued with his love of beauty and luxury.” They are: Granada (love it), Oriental Lace (smells divine), Sargasso (I can’t even- delicious), Coralina (yeah, no), Santo Domingo (for those of a certain age), and Mi Corazon (gardenia- a lot of gardenia). A 3.4 ounce bottle of one is $150 US. Pure peanuts in my book, especially if I love it.

Lips and tips weren’t left out either. I have been itching to try SpaRitual Favorites Nail Polish, as it is vegan, certified organic, and made with fair-trade ingredients. Clay Creme was in my box and though I am not particularly fond of the color, it will make for a nice autumn shade. (Full Size bottle $12 US)

Tarte’s Complexion Enhancing Lipstick in Medium to Tan is an interesting addition. I am kind of on the light to medium skintone side, though maybe with a little sun, more medium. I will give this a try in about a week after I get a little more sun (and yes, I use SPF and I never bake myself.) It is a jelly core lipstick in a nude shade that will give the appearance of more youthful lips. I am hoping this works for me because I love a good nude lip. (Full Size Tube $14.50 US).

Lips and my tips!

This month’s GLOSSYBOX retail value is roughly $36 US, which isn’t bad since six months was 90 bucks.

Spoiler. Or just spoiled?

I think the lipstick and nail polish are my favorites though the oil and hair cream will be useful. If you would like to try GLOSSYBOX, use my referral code by clicking here.

See you soon!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO