I picked up this little guy (no seriously, it’s little) on a whim.  I knew I didn’t need another powder brush, but the limited edition siren was going off in my head.  I didn’t want to miss out on something that could potentially be wonderful!  So, did they little guy disappoint?

Website description:  Specially designed for the lightweight application/ blending of face powders, highlighters and bronzers this short-handled brush of white goat hair is dome shaped, luxuriously full and fluffy, to create a flawless look.

This is a limited edition brush, released with the “Hey Sailor” collection in May 2012.

My thoughts:

Packaging:  The handle measures 3.5in and the brush head 1.5in.  The handle circumference is 2in, a little chubbier than most MAC brushes.  The “SH” stands for “short handle.”  Since it is smaller than most brushes, it tends to get smashed when it’s in my makeup kit.  However, the short handle makes it convenient if you wanted to carry it around for touch-ups.

Brush head:  The goat hair fibres are very soft and densely packed.  It sort of reminds me of a kabuki but much softer and slightly smaller.

Application:  The goat hair picks up a lot of product and dispenses it softly onto the skin.  It’s great for really soft powders (like the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish), it almost “dusts” it onto the skin.  It also works for applying blush, it fits perfectly onto the apple of the cheek and gives a nice flush of color.   It’s fibres are too soft for liquid foundation application, it comes out streaky.

Who would like this:  Someone looking for a multipurpose brush for powders.

Who wouldn’t like this:  Someone looking for something dense and stiff for liquid products and who dislikes short-handled brushes.

Overall:

I’ve had this for a couple of months and it’s become my favorite blush brush.  It’s great for when you’re in a hurry (which is most days for me) because you can just quickly brush it on and not worry about looking like a clown.  It is the best brush to use with MAC’s Mineralize Skin Finish (pressed finishing powder), it’s like the were MFEO.

Glitter rating:  4.5 / 5

The MAC 167SH is $34.00 and can be purchased at any MAC store or counter (keep in mind that it’s limited edition).  It is available here online.

Have you guys tried the 167SH?  What’s your favorite powder brush?

Something else that blows my mind?  This eyeshadow from Bobbi Brown!

That’s why it’s today’s Friday Favorite!  Why?  Well, just keep readin, why don’t ya?  

It’s the Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Ivory.

Website description:  This silky, matte powder shadow goes on smoothly & blends easily. The densely pigmented formula can be layered and comes in a range of beautiful shades for defining lids and lining eyes.

Matte eyeshadows are usually cursed with chalky textures.  I have several MAC eyeshadows in a similar color, and while they work pretty well on the skin, I lose a lot of product when swirling my brush in the eyeshadow pan because of their chalky texture.

Ivory is the closest thing you can get to white without being white, so it’s more wearable than pure white.  It has a very rich and smooth texture, and guess what?  It’s not chalky!  :)

The color is so versatile.  It can be used as a brow and inner tear duct highlight.  You can also dust it all over the entire eye to even out any discoloration.  My favorite use for it is patting it all over the eye with a flat brush, thus making any eyeshadow that I apply over it appear to be more vibrant.

It’s my favorite eyeshadow of its kind!  It’s muted white color and creamy texture is superb!

The Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Ivory is $21.00 for 0.08oz.  It is available at any Bobbi Brown counter and at Sephora.  It is available here online.  

What’s your favorite matte brow highlighter?

I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!  Party hard!  Or… spend it on the couch painting your nails, like I do.

Significant other:  ”… he makes makeup?”

Me:  *rolls eyes*  Yes, the lead singer of New Edition is into the high-end cosmetics business.  That makes perfect sense.

Silly boyfriend talk aside, the makeup artist Bobbi (with an i) Brown makes some amazing products.  This blush is no exception.

A bright matte pink that isn’t powdery and wears all day?  That’s crazy talk!

It’s the Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink.

Website description:  Silky formula glides on smoothly and offers a matte finish with long-lasting wear.

Packaging:  Very simple black square.  It measures 2in vertically and horizontally, and 0.5in tall.  It has a secure “click” closure.

Color:  A bright cool toned pink with a matte finish.

Formula:  Pigmented!  It takes a careful application, use a fluffy natural fibre brush to apply.  It looks beautiful on the apples of the cheeks and blended out toward the temples.

Longevity: 9 hours.

Who would like this:  This looks great on everyone, I’ve used it on several clients.  Whether your skin is fair, cool, warm dark, Pale Pink seems to find a way to make you glow. It looks absolutely stunning on light african american skin (think, Beyonce).

Who wouldn’t like this:  Someone looking for a sheer coverage, neutral, cheek product.

Overall:  This blush isn’t for the faint of hearts, if you don’t like the way it looks in the pan then you certainly will not like it on your face.  It’s very pigmented, it’s imperative to use a light hand when applying.  Even though the color may look intimidating, it had sheer to buildable coverage (with the right brush).  It’s unique color (why is it called pale pink??), longevity, and formula is something that’s definitely worth checking out.

Glitter rating: 4.5 / 5

The Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink is $25.00 for 0.13oz.  It is available at any Bobbi Brown retailer or counter, or here online.

Have you tried any of Bobbi’s blushes?  I’m really interested in her Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks, I think it may be my next Bobbi purchase.

Today’s Friday Favorite is what’s been keeping my body squeaky clean for the past month!  Bonus?  It’s au naturel!

Today’s Friday Favorite is the Zum All Natural Goat Milk Soap.

Website description:  We’re hot on the cold-process saponification method.  This maintains the integrity of the natural ingredients. As the vegetable oils are mixing they saponify and produces a super-moisturizing by-product called glycerin. Most soap companies remove the glycerin and sell it for extra profit. Not us. It’s called glycerin not glycerout. That is one of the many secrets of how we make best best natural soap.  We load up our natural soap with massive amounts of pure essential oils (natural plant extracts that give the Zum Bar its fresh scent) so they are highly aromatherapeutic. With over 31 different scents you’re bound to find one (or 31) you just can’t live without.

I just started getting into all natural skin care, so naturally, it’s transferred over to my soaps as well.  I found this bundle a local health market and the deal was just too good to pass up.

More from website:

Rosemary-Mint:  Classic herbs unite for a common cause: awakening your senses with a gust of gusto.  Made with saponified 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, with herbs and pure essential oils.

Patchouli:  Cult classic! The hippie mainstay that continues to earn mainstream cred in earthy and woodsy.  Made with saponified 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, with herbs and pure essential oils.

Frankincense & Myrrh: Top seller! This classic couple is deep, sweet, woodsy and reigning Zum Bar King.  Made with saponified 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, with herbs, pure essential oils, fragrance oil and mineral pigments.

Lemongrass: Mellow and luscious, a top note that is crisp and calming.  Made with saponified 100% food grade olive, coconut, palm & castor oils, in a goat’s milk base, pure essential oils and mineral pigments.

These smell amazing and always leave me feeling squeaky clean!  They leave no residue whatsoever on the skin.  I just feel overall a lot cleaner when I use these all natural soaps (take a glance at your shower gel ingredients, it will freak you out).  My favorite is the Patchouli, only because it lathers up more than the others.  Other than that, they all work wonderfully!   The bundle includes four 6oz (1.5 ea) bars of soap (full size ones are 3oz).

The Zum Bundle is $5.95 for 6oz of soap.  You can purchase anywhere that sells Zum products or here online.  Each bundle varies.

Have you guys tried any all natural bar soaps?  What did you think of them?

I decided to give them some pampering (before I shove them back into a stiletto).

1) Soak your feet with the Geo Phyzz Bath Bomb.

How to use:  Put feet into a large tub filled with water.  Drop bath bomb into the water, watch dissolve.

My thoughts:  As someone who does not like baths, it’s a given that I’m not a fan of bath bombs.  My biggest issue with the bath bomb is that it’s a one-time-use thing.  You toss it in the water, and watch your $5 dissolve (it’s mostly made of salt and baking soda).  I wish that Lush would’ve included something that wasn’t single use for the foot soak (maybe tablets?).  I broke mine into a few pieces so I’ll be able to use it 3-4 more times.  I find the effects on my skin minimal, but some of you may enjoy the “fizz” effect.  Glitter rating:  2 / 5

2) Scrub your feet with the Stepping Stone Foot Scrub.

How to use:  Cut off a piece (1-2 inches) and rub onto damp skin.

My thoughts:  It smells delish!  And, well… that’s about it.  This is very fragile and dissolves when wet.  Be sure to keep the part you aren’t using away from the water.  It dissolves almost immediately when it comes in contact to damp skin, so you don’t really get a chance to scrub.  Glitter rating: 1 / 5

3) Apply the Volcano Foot Mask.

How to use:  Just rub the clay mask all over the feet (even the bottoms) and let it set for about 10 minutes.  You can cover with plastic wrap if you still need to get up and walk around, or you can just use it as an excuse it sit on the couch (like me).  Then rinse off.

My thoughts:  It makes my feet feel so soft!  It feels cool when your first put it on, which is very relaxing.  The clay and enzymes help slough away dead skin.  The scent is very strong, but it only bothers me if I actually sniff the jar.  Glitter rating: 4.5 / 5

4) Apply the Fair Trade Foot Lotion.

How to use:  Massage all over feet.

My thoughts:  Very soothing and moisturizing, I love this stuff.  The arnica helps reduce swelling and almond and cocoa butter moisturize the skin.  And since I’m perpetually 13 years old I love that it’s pink.  Glitter rating: 5 / 5

The set also included knot-wrap with feet printed on it and an instruction manual on ways to use it.

Overall:  A very cute idea, I love that I was able to purchase all of the products in one instead of purchasing them separately.  The bath bomb and scrub are duds (although I know bath bomb lovers will disagree with me),  but the mask and lotion are very effective.  These are not full size products, but I will have enough Volcano Mask and Foot Lotion to use for a couple of months.

Overall Glitter rating:  3 / 5

The Lush Happy Feet set is $24.50.  You can purchase at any Lush store or here online. 

Do you guys ever pamper your feet?  What kind of products do you use?

But wait, won’t that require lots of time and weird ingredients that I have to go to a hippie store to find?

Nope.  This hand cream requires ingredients that you can find at your local drugstore.  And the best part?  It’s fabulous.

3 simple ingredients, 1 effective moisturizer.  Check it out! 

Ingredients:

• Petroleum jelly
• Baby lotion
• Vitamin E cream

*Baby lotion is a very gentle and contains lots of glycerin, which binds water to the skin.  The vitamin E cream helps heal the skin.  The petroleum jelly helps seal in the moisture*

Optional ingredients:

• Vitamin E oil
• Scented essential oil

*The vitamin E oil will add extra healing properties to the lotion.  Only use the essential oil if everything else that you’re using is unscented.  If you decide to incorporate these ingredients, only use a couple of drops.*

Tools:

• Hand mixer
• Injector

*You can mix by hand, but the formula turns out better with a mixer.*

• A glass bowl
• Measuring cups

*I suggest using a glass bowl because the lotion doesn’t stick to it as much.*

Containers:

*You can get these empty 2oz containers at any drugstore.  You can also store the lotion into Tupperware containers. You can also re-purpose old empty lotion containers*

Portions:

• 1 cup baby lotion
• 1/2 cup Vitamin E cream
• 1/3 cup petroleum jelly

*This recipe makes about 16oz  (2 cups) of lotion.*

Put all of the ingredients in the glass bowl.

Mix with the electric mixer for about a minute.

After mixing, your lotion should look like this:

Use a spatula to put the lotion into the injector.

*The injector is optional, but it’s the easiest way to transport you lotion into containers*

Put lotion into desired containers.

I love this stuff and I give it out to my friends and family all the time.  It not only works for hands, but you can use it on any dry spots on your body.  You can also mix it up, figure out what baby lotion works/smells the best (I picked the natural because it’s unscented).  I also tried the Vaseline with Cocoa Butter when I made this batch, so far I like it (although it does have a pretty strong cocoa scent).  However, regular petroleum jelly works just fine for this recipe.

*Special thanks for my grandma for helping me photograph this post *

Do you have any favorite DIY recipes?

I stand (er, sit and type) here before you today to share, ladies and gents, the best eyeshadow that I’ve ever used.

What’s so great about it?  Read on, my friends…

Website description: If you want to explore some of the more interesting colors of the Makeup Geek Eyeshadow collection, but don’t know where to start, this Expansion Kit is just for you. These eight shades were specifically selected by Marlena as her favorites (outside of those included in the Starter Kit). They are a great way to build out you color collection while saving some money.

If you don’t follow MakeupGeek.com, you may be confused by this description.  You make be asking yourself, “Who the heck is Marlena?”  She is a beauty blogger, vlogger, and entrepreneur.  I love her site dearly, and if you like make up I guarantee you will enjoy it as well.  Along with being a make up artist, she has also launched her own line of cosmetics, including the Makeup Geek Eyeshadows.

More from the website:

- These are all highly-pigmented – just check out the swatches!
– Half the price of MAC shadows without sacrificing quality
– This kit is for the eyeshadow pans only — they do not come in compacts or a palette
– These pans can be placed in empty palettes such as MAC Pro Palettes or Z-Palettes.
– With a separate palette, you can build your own custom palettes (and save the extra cost and the plastic that eyeshadow compacts bring)
– All our shadows are cruelty-free — we do not test our products on animals
– These eyeshadows are Talc and Paraben-Free
– We ship worldwide at affordable rates

My thoughts:  The website description lays it all out pretty accurately, these are MAC quality eyeshadows, some are even better.  I’ve been using the starter kit for a couple of months and I fell in love with it, which is what inspired me to purchase more.  They are highly pigmented, blendable, and wear for a good 12 hours.

Just to compare, MAC eyeshadows are $11.50 for a refill pan ($15 in a compact) which includes 0.05oz.  Makeup Geek eyeshadows are $5.99 for a refill pan ($7.99 in a compact) which includes 0.64oz.   Therefore, you get MORE product for less money.

MakeupGeek.com also has 2 kits for $45.00, which include 8 eyeshadows.  There’s a starter kit (all neutrals) and the color expansion kit (featured in this post).  That breaks down to $5.63 per eyeshadow.

Downside: As far as the product goes, there isn’t one.  Great quality, great price.  The only downside is not being able to try the colors before you buy them (unlike you can at the MAC store).

Glitter rating: 5 / 5

The Makeup Geek Color Expansion Kit is available on their website for $45.00

I hope you guys are having a great week!  Remember to smile, you could just make someones day!

The best part about it?  It costs 5 bucks!  

It’s the Wet ‘n’ Wild Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette.

Website description: Eight dynamic, perfectly color-coordinated shades with high pigment and pearl for ultra-impact color. Shades can be used together or individually to create an endless variety of looks.

This palette has either been sold out or has been all damaged and broken every time that I’ve tried to buy it.  I finally found a brand spanking new one at Walgreens about a month ago.

My thoughts: I can see why this palette has been sold out everywhere  because it is amazing!  The shadows have great color pay off and blend easily.  I didn’t expect much from this palette because I have a few of their Color Icon Eyeshadow Trios and wasn’t that impressed with them.  However, this palette is superb quality, well worth the wait!

Downside:  The browbone shade on the left is a tad frosty, it’s not something I’d use for an everyday look.  The browbone shade on the right doesn’t really work well as a browbone color, it’s a tad ashy.  However, it does work well as a blending color, or even on the lid.

Lighting #1

Lighting #2

Glitter rating: 4.5 / 5

You can purchase this item at any drugstore that sells Wet ‘n’ Wild, click here to find one near you.  You can also purchase it at Drugstore.com.  It is $4.99.

BATTLE OF THE MAC CONCEALERS

Who will win? 

I have 3 (of the 6) MAC concealers to compare.

Lets start with the Select Cover Up.  It is $17.00 for 0.33 oz.

Website description: Liquid camouflage for the skin. Texture-free, virtually invisible. Comes in a tube. Blends in. Brightens and lightens dark areas, erases spots, evens-out skin tones.  Makes skin flaw-free. Use pre-foundation, or on its own. Don’t reveal it, conceal it!

My thoughts: It gives light-medium coverage.  It doesn’t feel thick and spreads easily.  The tube packaging is nice because it’s easy to control how much you dispense.  It works for under eyes and the redness around the nose, but for blemishes I need something thicker.  Downside, the light coverage.  It almost has a “watery” consistency.  It also doesn’t last all day, maybe 6 hours (but less on my oily skin).  If you have close to flawless and normal skin, this may work for you.

Next, lets discuss the Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer.  It is $17.00 for 0.24oz.

Website description: A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin’s imperfections and discolourations. It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains Silica to help adsorb the skin’s oils. Concealer has an SPF of 35 and is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied with a medium to firm fiber brush (try the 242 Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

My thoughts: This is the BEST for covering blemishes.  It’s pretty thick (even though the description says lightweight) but it doesn’t feel cakey if you apply it correctly.  I use it for blemishes and it’s like they were never there.  A true HG product for me.

Downside, although it’s great for blemishes and redness around the nose, it (quite frankly) stinks for under eye circles.  It’s too thick and looks cakey when applied on the under eye area.

And lastly, we have the Pro Longwear Concealer.  It is $17.00 for 0.30 oz.

Website description: A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

My thoughts: This is the most versatile concealer, it works for under eyes and blemishes.  I really like the formula, it blends easily under my eyes (I use the 286 or the 224 and my finger to blend) and even effectively covers blemishes.  It’s a liquid concealer (as opposed to the Studio Finish cream) but the consistency is thick enough to get good coverage.  Downside, the pump packaging.  It’s easy to dispense too much product (which I do… every time I use it).  I wish that it came in tube form!

*Note— the far left (Select Cover Up) is in shade NC35.  The two on the right (Studio Finish and Pro Longwear) are in shade NC30.  Click any image to enlarge.

Overall: I could do without the Select Cover Up, I just see a need for a light coverage concealer.  The Pro Longwear is the most versatile but I absolutely hate the pump package.  The Studio Finish earns a bonus having the SPF, but loses points since it stinks for under eye coverage.

The winner: The Pro Longwear!  Even though the Studio Finish is my favorite for blemish coverage, the PL wins me over with it’s versatility.  It does a great job of undereye and blemish coverage, it’s a one stop shop!

Glitter rating for Select Cover Up: 2.5 / 5

Glitter rating for Studio Finish: 3.5 / 5

Glitter rating for Pro Longwear: 4 / 5

You can purchase these on their website or at any MAC counter or store.

Not much has changed since then, I still love my MAC lipsticks and still choose the colors that I buy very carefully.  Check out my two favorite (carefully chosen) pinks!

Which ones are they?  

First up is Chatterbox!

It is an opaque, warm toned, rosey pink color. It is the amplified crème finish, and MAC describes it as a “bright red-pink.”  The wonderful thing about this color is that it’s bright without being neon or overwhelming.  This would work on any skin tone.

Next up is Lovelorn.

It is a sheer, glossy, cool-toned pink.  MAC describes it as an “emotive blue pink” with the lustre finish.  This would work best on light-medium skin tones.  The only reason why I purchased Lovelorn is because I thought my beloved Chatterbox proved to be too much when I wore a dramatic green smokey eye or bright blue eyeshadow.  I marched into my local MAC store and said “I need a daytime Chatterbox! ”  And, ladies and gents, that is exactly what this is.

Nekkid Lips

Pink lipstick fans, I consider both a must-have.

Glitter rating for Lovelorn: 5 / 5

Glitter rating for Chatterbox: 5 / 5

You can purchase these at any MAC counter or store.  Purchase Chatterbox online here.  Purchase Lovelorn online here.  They are both $14.50 (ea) for 0.1 oz.

Hay girlfriends (and boyfriends)!  What’s shakin’ this Wednesday?  I’ve been in a really chipper mood this week because I started cosmetology school!  I have a thing for buying school supplies, there’s just something about the idea of being really organized that’s really appealing to me.  It’s sort of like I am with cosmetics… I’m always on a mission to find THE perfect pen, or THE best notebook.  #whyamicrazy

On that note, I want to share with you today THE perfect GLITTER!  Behold:

LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre!  

Website description: A shimmering top coat for the eyes or cheeks.  This long-lasting liquid shimmer can be applied over eyeshadow or worn alone on eyes and cheeks for luminous, prismatic, three-dimensional sparkle and shine.

It comes in a rectangular glass tube with a dropper.

The best way to apply is to drop on the back on your hand, then use your finger to dab onto your desired area.

My thoughts:  WHOA SPARKLE CITY.  This is not for the faint of hearts.  However, I think it’s a nice alternative to applying loose glitter to a sticky base (which is generally what I would normally use to get the most sparkley effect).  There is less fall out than you would have with loose glitter because of its liquid base.  It’s a little tricky to use, the product is really potent and if you put too many drops you will have a glitter covered hand.  I’ve found that one (1) single drop gives both my lids a good amount of sparkle.  You can also layer it to get more sparkle.  It’s also advertised as a cheek highlighter.  I’ve tried it on the top of my cheeks a couple of times and felt a little ridiculous.  The microfine glitter just looks really out-of-place on the cheek area.

Before mixing

It takes about a minute for the product to set, then it lasts a good 8-9 hours.  The mixing medium that they used in this product is amazing, I’ve never used anything like it.

After mixing

One drop

One drop, slightly spread out

Lighting #1

Lighting #2

Unfortunately, these photos do not do this product justice.  It doesn’t capture how potent and iridescent the glitter is, it leans more silver in the pictures.

Overall:  I love this glitter, it’s my go-to anytime I’m wanting this kind of look.  Although, be careful not to spill your precious bottle when you have the dropper out (I speak from experience), it’s like seeing your glitter dreams wash down the drain.  The application is a little tricky, but I still would choose to use this over loose glitter.

Glitter rating 4.5 / 5

You can purchase this at Sephora, Ulta, or LORAC.com.  It is $16.00 for 0.17oz.

Ow ow!

Ok, not really.  I love and respect the actor Jack Black (Shallow Hal is a classic in my book), however, that’s not what today’s post is about.

It’s about the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balms!

I have gotten several people hooked on this stuff.  Keep reading to see why! 

Website description: Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips. Unlike waxy sticks, it penetrates quickly to provide instant relief. Offers broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25; also guards against windburn and temperature extremes.

The balm is $7.50 for 0.25oz.  The one pictured is a duo that I purchased from Sephora was $10.00 for 2 full-sized tubes.  *Sephora’s website says this duo is no longer available, however, I’ve seen it in stores recently*

My thoughts: This balm is clear, smooth, non-shiny, and has a slight scent to it (scent depending on which one you purchase).  It has SPF 25 in it (wowza!) and it leaves your lips feeling SMOOTH AS BUTTA.

Jack Black is meant to be a brand for guys, but who cares?  That just means you can share it with your beau without him feeling embarrassed.  It cures my dry, cracked, winter lips in one application.  I usually put it on before I start applying my make up, let it soak it while I’m applying make up (10-20 mins), then apply a bit of gloss on top of it for some color.

The formula and texture feel similar to the Mary Kay Satin Lips Lip Balm ($9.50 for 0.3oz).   However, I prefer the Jack Black ones because of the SPF and the smaller price tag.

Glitter rating: 5 / 5

You can purchase Jack Black Lip Balms at Sephora, or you can purchase online here.  Prices are listed above.

My craving for summer weather has transitioned over into my make-up… that’s when I came across this lavender gem:

It’s Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in the color Fancy Pancy.  One of the best eyeshadows I’ve ever used.  Check it out!

Fancy Pansy is a cool toned lavender with a hint of iridescent lilac shimmer sheen.

My thoughts: The texture is silky, smooth, velvety, soft, and buttery.  It’s finely milled so it blends easily.  I get little to no fall out.  The color reminds me of spring and summer and it really makes my brown eyes “pop.”

I’m surprised that I haven’t heard more about these eyeshadows because they are really solid, great quality.

Benefit Fancy Pansy, natural light

Benefit Fancy Pansy, with flash

The packaging is really cute (I’m a sucker for cute packaging!).  It even comes with a little paper insert that gives you different ways to use the eyeshadow (it’s a nice touch!).

Overall:  I am in love with the color alone, and the fact that the formula is AMAZING makes this one of my favorite products, ever.  It wears a good 8 hours on me.  It’s a really pretty, soft, purple that’s not over the top.

Glitter rating 5 / 5

Benefit Velvet Eyeshadows are $18.00 for 0.11oz.  You can purchase them from their website or any Sephora or Ulta.

Top 7, here we go!

#7) theBalm, “The Step Brother”

 

Forest green, velvet finish

#6) Bobbi Brown, “Jade”

 

True green, matte finish

*this picture leans more sea foam green, but the actual color isn’t this blue*

#5) NP Set, no color name, from “Party Set” palette

 

Lime green, shimmer finish

#4) Too Faced, “Nice Stems!”

 

Golden clover, shimmer finish

#3) Nars, “Tropic”

 

Teal green, matte finish with silver glitter

#2) Wet ‘ N ‘ Wild, “Cool as a Cucumber”

 

Dark green, shimmer finish

#1) MAC, “Humid”

 

Green khaki with golden shimmer

 

With flash

 

Without flash, natural light

*Hey look!  I spelled “cucumber” wrong.  Doh!*

Do you guys have a favorite holiday eyeshadow that you like to use?  I have to say, I’m in love with “Humid.”  I wear it year round!  Such a great green, every gal should have a good green in their make up collection!

XOXO! ]]> http://peaceloveandglitter.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/where-have-you-been-all-my-life-thebalm-review/ Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000 Peace Love and Glitter http://peaceloveandglitter.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/where-have-you-been-all-my-life-thebalm-review/ theBalm theBalm, where have you been all my life?  I’ve spotted you at my local Sephora, but your brand isn’t as big as some of the others that they carry so I usually just pass right on by.  That is, until I read a review on Temptalia’s site about how outstanding your eyeshadows are.  After that, I was intrigued.  I had to try theBalm’s products.

Was she right?  Did they live up to my expectations?  Check it out! 

My first purchase was theBalm and The Beautiful eyeshadow palette.  It includes 16 eyeshadows, 2 lip/cheek stains, and one lip gloss.

Let me tell you people, these eyeshadows are AMAZING.  They are pigmented, long-lasting, and blend like a dream.  The only thing I would criticize as the palette as a whole is that there aren’t any matte finish shadows included.  However, all of the velvet finish shadows in this palette are very nice.  The packaging is slim and great for travel.  It comes with a cardboard sleeve.

The lip/cheek products work okay, but they have a funky smell to them.  They smell like chemicals (at least in my opinion).  The pigmentation is nice and they last a good 4 hours.   See my swatches of this entire palette here.

For me, the real star of this palette is the eyeshadows.  If you haven’t tried theBalm eyeshadows, I urge you to grab some when you get the chance.

The second thing I tried was the blush in Frat Boy.

It is described as a  ”peachy apricot.”

This blush has a such a velvety smooth texture, it feels like butta when I apply it to my cheeks!  I don’t feel like there is anything special about the color, but the texture is definitely unique.  It wears a good 8-9 hours on me.

Lighting #1

Lighting #2

Glitter rating for theBalm and The Beautiful 4 / 5

Glitter rating for Frat Boy blush 4.5 / 5

Note: I could not find a place to buy theBalm and the Beautiful palette anywhere online.  However, they do have other palettes that are worth checking out.

You can purchase theBalm products on their website and Sephora.  Frat Boy is $21.00 for 0.3oz.  

Happy Thursday my sparkly friends!

]]> http://peaceloveandglitter.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/naked-2-palette-swatches-and-comparisions/ Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:03:58 +0000 Peace Love and Glitter http://peaceloveandglitter.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/naked-2-palette-swatches-and-comparisions/ If you recall about a week ago I posted some hardcore breaking news on here: Urban Decay was coming out with a sequel to their classic Naked palette, the Naked 2.  The world stood still for a moment.

The original Naked Palette came out in the summer of 2010 and took the make-up world by storm.  It’s a sleek, well designed neutral palette containing 12 full size (0.5oz) eyeshadows for $45.   That equals to less than 4 bucks per eyeshadow (which normal costs $17 for 0.5 oz.).  Genius, Urban Decay, genius.

They were smart to come out with a sequel, because I sure took that bait… I was one of the lucky 5,000 to purchase one the weekend that it came out.  So… is it worth the hype?

Here’s the palette:

12 full size eyeshadows (0.5oz ea.)  Click pictures to enlarge.

My thoughts:  The eyeshadows are rich, pigmented, and smooth.  It’s exactly what you’d expect from Urban Decay.  The quality is superb and very comparable to the original Naked Palette.

Now here’s the big question:  How does it compare to the original Naked Palette?  I swatched them both together, comparing the shades that looked similar in the pan.  The only eyeshadow that they repeated is Half Baked, the rest are all different shades.  There are 5 new shades and 7 repromotes.

Here’s the original Naked Palette (Naked 1):

And here are the comparisons:  Again, you can click pictures to enlarge.

As you can see, they are very similar.  Do you NEED the Naked 2 if you have Naked 1?  My answer is no.  Both are really solid palettes, but I would say you could go with one or the other.  The biggest difference is that Naked 1 is warmer toned (bronze, cocoa neutrals).  Naked 2 is cooler toned (taupe, greige neutrals).  Naked 2 is also $50 ($3 more than Naked 1) and includes a mini lip junkie gloss and a brush.  Naked 1 comes with a mini primer and a brush.

UNLESS- you’re a make up junkie /collector…. then yes, you need this palette

Glitter rating : 5 / 5

Right now Naked 2 is only available on UrbanDecay.com (currently sold out but you can sign up to be notified when it’s back in stock).  Word has it that it will be in Sephora’s and Ulta’s late January / early February of 2012.  You can purchase the original Naked at any Sephora or Ulta store, or here online.

**Update:  Here’s the link to purchase Naked 2 online*

So… what do ya think?  Will you be purchasing?