tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Review

I really like the tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes. I think that they have a great color payoff, they last for a long time, they look natural and blend wonderfully. Because the colors are so pigmented, there is the chance that they can go on a bit strong, but that is why I love that they blend so naturally. I recommend setting foundation, if you use liquid or cream products (like I do), before adding your blush, to ease your blending. I also really like the packaging. I wish the mini-sizes had mirrors as well, that would be my one complaint. But I actually really like the plastic casing that matches the color of the blush. I find the cases to be very sturdy, and good for someone who is busy and on the go because you know what you are grabbing by the outside color.

I think the color selection that tarte has is great. I find that there is a great collection. I got a handful of these blushes this holiday season in mini-sizes. I really think the mini-size blushes are great because I don't know how I am going to get through all the full-size blushes I currently own, so the mini-size blushes are a great way to try out more colors. The full-size blushes are available at Sephora, Ulta, or tarte's website. Full-size blushes are 0.20 oz and are $25.00. I am thinking I might need to pick up the ever popular "Exposed" shade, but so far I have been drawn to more bold and bright colors. But I think I will make that the next one on my list to try out.

I have included a review with stock pictures of the products in this post.

Influenster: Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

I received the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin in Light Hair in the recent Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

This set of two retails for $7.29 at Target, drugstores, etc and you can check out all of Goody's offerings on the Goody Website. This set comes with two light or blonde shaded spin pins.

These are fantastic. I was skeptical at first, and I cannot tell you how many time I have walked by these in the store, tempted to pick them up and try them out, but have always hesitated. I think I hesitated because I thought even if they work, they wouldn't work for my hair because its so fine. 

I now keep these in my work makeup bag, as a backup for putting my hair up quickly, easily (even without a mirror) and professionally when I need it up and would otherwise have reverted to a ponytail.

Holidays Ahead...

This is the time of year when things seems to go in fast-motion. The last month has gone in pretty fast motion for me. My grandmother passed away November 7, and the days since then and even leading up to it, are kind of a blur. I have a short week at work this week, which is nice, and my sister is going to be coming home on Tuesday night, so we are planning for some fun family time on Wednesday night when I get out of work, complete with games and competition! :)

As far as the holidays themselves go, this year is odd, because for the past 4.5 years we have planned holidays around my grandmother, who needed someone in her home caring for her most of the time, and so our holiday plans are still geared towards her house.

I am looking forward to some family time with my mom and siblings this long weekend, and of course, we have to help with things having doing with my grandma, so I am guessing it will also be a very emotionally draining time, but it needs to be done.

Unfortunately, with all that going on, things have been a little bare on the blogging front. But I will try to get back on track with things.

Influenster: NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

I received the NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact in 08 - Dark Shadows in the recent Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

This compact retails for $4.99 at drugstores, and you can check out all of NYC's offerings on the NYC New York Color website. This compact is nice because in addition to having 4 eyeshadow colors, to create a full eye look and a sponge-tip applicator, it also contains a primer and cream illuminator.

I like the idea of having the primer enclosed in the package. It is not the absolute best eye primer I have used by any means, but it does the job. I think that especially, for the purposes, that I like to use such palettes for this, this primer definitely meets the needs.

The colors in this kit do not appear to have individual names, however, they are well labeled by their proper placement, i.e. highlighter, al over lid, crease/contour. I think that for a newer makeup user this can be especially helpful, but I have a lot of makeup and don't always follow the directions as listed with such things.

Influenster: Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

Kiss Lashes Website Link

I received the Kiss Ever PRO Lashes in 05 as part of a Influenster VoxBox. You can find these lashes at Walgreens for $4.99 and also can find lashes on http://www.everezlashes.com/home

I really like false lashes for a night out, wedding, etc. I think its fun to doll yourself up every once in awhile. For truly fancy occasions, I have had individual lashes professionally applied, as I think that is the most natural route, but can be so entirely time consuming when you are going to do it on a Friday night. 

I typically purchase Ardell lashes, in individuals and I really like the effect they give, but like I stated they can be time consuming. I feel that full strips can be very fake looking, but I was pleasantly surprised by these lashes.

I really liked that this these lashes were 100% human hair. They were a bit thicker for false lashes then I tend to utilize, and this is because I am always wary of looking like I am wearing false lashes. I want a perfectly full lashline that looks completely natural. These lashes didn't look perfectly natural, but that isn't to say they didn't look good, they just looked less natural than any other lashes I have used.

Influenster: Boots No7 Beautiful Skin

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion & Night Cream

I received the Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion and Night Cream for Normal/Dry skin in the recent Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012.

I love trying new skincare products, as I am always looking for the perfect products. My skin has changed in the past year, I used to be much more oily/combination, and I have found that I have some much dryer areas as of recent. I was excited to give this combo a try as a result.

I used these samples for about two weeks, and I must say I really like the products. The Cleansing Lotion was a new concept to me. This product retails for $8.49 at ShopBootsUSA (http://www.shopbootsusa.com/), Target, drugstore.com, and Ulta. I followed the instructions for use, that I found on the Influenster website: Best applied to dry skin, massage upward and across the skin using cotton or wool, avoiding the eye area, and wipe off. I use Target Up&Up cotton pads, but I am thinking of checking out the Shiesedo face cottons as well, and I think they would work great for this. 

My only issue with this product is that it isn't eye safe, and while I really like the way it works all over my face, I often look for multi-functional products. But overall, I really like this product, and the way that it left my skin feeling, it was fresh and clean without feeling dried out or tight. 

The second-step in this two-step system is the night cream. I really enjoyed this night cream, it was rich but not heavy. I often find that moisturizers that are made for skin that borders on dry can be overly heavy and oily, but I really enjoyed the texture of this moisturizer. 

Influenster: Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

I am huge fan of Bath & Body Works, and I was super excited to receive the fall mini candle in Nutmeg & Spice in the Influenster Beauty Blogger Box. You can find these candles at: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com or at any Bath & Body Works store.

Bath & Body Works Nutmeg and Spice

I had never tried the Nutmeg & Spice scent, but I found I really like it. I tend to like "foody" scents from the fall and winter collections the most. I always love the Kitchen Spice, Caramel scents, and I love Twisted Peppermint.

Product Information:
Size: 1.3 oz
Scent: a warm and cozy fragrance inspired by an elegant mixture of nutmeg and all of autumn's very best spices.
Cost: $3.50 (often can find sales, such as 2 for $5)

October Favorites

I have been sticking to the same routine for basically the entire month of October. So I guess I can call these all my favorites.

1. China Glaze Urban-Night Nail Polish.  This is a deep plum purple cream nail polish. I really love it for the fall, I picked it up last year, and I am pretty much done with the bottle. I think this is one of the first nail polishes that I have used up, its not quite there yet, but the texture is getting goopy at this point. I am going to try to find something similar or possibly find this exact color and repurchase, I like it that much. I think its perfect for fall, and its even a hit with my 91 year old grandma, who normally looks confused by my nail polish choices, but early this month said that she thought it looked pretty.

2. Benefit Porefessional Face Primer. I am really liking this primer, especially combined with my foundation below. I love that it gives me a flawless finish, and that I just need a little bit to do my entire face. I am almost out, so I am going to be looking at some other samples I have right now, but I anticipate I will be repurchasing.

3. Revlon ColorStay Whipped Cream Foundation. I purchased this on a discount, combining coupons, and I am really glad I did. I think it gives wonderful natural medium-full coverage, and wears excellently throughout the day. I have other foundation products to use up, so I am not sure I will repurchase for awhile when I run out, but at the same time I have been using it this entire month, and have made just a bit of a dent in the foundation.

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dazzled. This is a beautiful rosy color with slight shimmer. It gives a natural glow to the skin, and brings some much needed color to my ever pale fall/winter skin. I could do without the shimmer, but it's slight and doesn't bother me.

5. Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12 hour primer. I got this in a small set with two face primers, and then picked up a full-size on a super deal at Ulta in September. I love this primer. A little goes a long way, and it really keeps my eye looks going. I work approximately 10-12 hours/day and my eyes look just as good when I get home as they did when I do my eye makeup.

6. Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Peach Sorbet. This is the one of the most boring nothing colors I own, but it gives a beautiful base to my eyes, and I love that it is pigmented enough to cover my freckles, without looking to light or white on my eyes. It really gives me a perfect looking eyelid look.

7. MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe. I have been combining this with the Revlon Peach Sorbet in the crease for a very classic look. Its perfect to deepen my eye look and give it some sophistication without being too difficult or complicated. I really love this color and I always find it to be versatile, but its really been perfect this month.

I am going to work on venturing outside this look for the next month. I am thinking I might be delving more into deep purples and greens on my eyes. I really like the idea of expanding on a classic look, with a little bit of fall color.

Influenster: Schwarzkopf Professionals BC Repair Rescue

I received the Schwarzkopf Professionals BC Repair Rescue System in the recent Influenster Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012. 

I have been using this system for the past few weeks, and I am really liking it. I got the system at the end of September/beginning of October, and I wanted to give my hair a good chance to adjust to see how it worked. I can confidently say I am loving it!

I had my hair highlighted about 6 weeks ago, and when I was at the Salon, my Hair Stylist recommended that I get a deep conditioning treatment, Sebastian Penetraitt. Unfortunately the Salon was out of stock, and they put in an order for me. The Sebastian product came in just when I got the VoxBox, so I have been testing them out together. 

I was my hair every other day usually. I have used the shampoo and conditioner for each wash over the last three weeks, and I have been using the Sealed Ends treatment after ever other wash. Its an easy leave in product which I love because I can put it in even if I am in a rush. I save my other deep treatment for once a week, per my stylist's suggestion, as it is a three minute treatment that must be washed out. 

I have noticed that my hair is feeling healthier. I had my hair cut and highlighted recently, so I was expecting some dryness, and I am loving how this new treatment system is stopping that from happening. I honestly had never even looked at Schwarzkopf products, so I am really happy to have had the opportunity to test drive these products, and I will definitely look to them when I run out as a replacement product. 

My other regular hair care products include: Bumble & Bumble Tonic, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray, Sebastian Penetraitt. I don't use a lot of product in my hair for styling purposes, other than those listed.

If my opinion changes, I will keep updated. Also, when I run out I will keep you updated if I end up repurchasing or finding something different. 

Disclosure: This item was sent as a part of Influenster's Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012. 

Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

I received this VoxBox in the middle of last week. I was super excited to try out the products. I have had a chance to try out all the products, and I will be reviewing them shortly. But first I wanted to give a sneak peak into the contents of the box.

Influenster: Dream Water in Snoozeberry

I received the Dream Water in Snoozeberry (blueberry pomegranate) flavor as part of a Influenster VoxBox.

I decided to give it a test run on Sunday night after a very long and draining weekend.

I must say that I was completely skeptical. No doubt about that. I liked the taste of this product a lot, but that wasn't a surprise to me, I love all things pomegranate! :)

I liked the taste and I don't know if it was that I was utterly and completely exhausted or the dream water, but I fell asleep really easily Sunday night.

I don't know for sure if I will look into purchasing, but I can imagine for some extremely stressful and sleepless nights that it could be helpful to have one around.

My work is very demanding and stressful, I work approximately 60-70 hours each week in an often high stress environment, which can be mentally and physically exhausting.

I see this as a once in awhile type thing, and for its purpose, it seems to work. Like I said I may pick up one to have around, but I don't see myself drinking these on a regular basis.

Have you ever tried Dream Water? What do you think of it?

Disclosure: This item was sent as a part of Influenster's Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012.

Influenster: Rescue Gum

What an interesting concept, stress relief gum. I am not a big gum chewer, in part because I suffer from TMJ and my jaw gets sore from chewing gum. I do like to have some on hand for after eating in the event of strong smelling foods, i.e. anything with garlic, and sometimes, especially when I am driving for work I find gum can be refreshing and help me stay awake. 

This gum is not really good for either of those two things for me. The taste does not linger long enough, nor does have it enough potency to really mask highly scented food breath, but I have not tried this, just my initial thoughts on that. And it doesn't invigorate me, but then again its not supposed to. This gum is supposed to be calming, soothing, stress relieving. 

I gave it a go, for what its supposed to be, and just before a bi-monthly department meeting at work, I grabbed a piece and shared with a couple of coworkers, and asked them to share their opinions as well. I don't know if necessarily destressed me, but I didn't get as anxious and stressed as I normally get in these meetings. To me I think that may be more of a placebo because I was expecting it. No one I was with really noticed destressing results necessarily, but I and my coworkers liked the fresh taste that the gum had and felt that if anything it had a soothing effect. 

I could see myself checking out the products from this line more generally, for gum, I will probably stick to the choices I use for specific purposes, but I will definitely keep this one in my purse and use it strategically, when the stress hits and see if I have any more poignant results.

Disclosure: This item was sent as a part of Influenster's Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012.

Influenster: Kiss everEZlashes

I received the Kiss ever EZlashes in 03 as part of a Influenster VoxBox.

I really like false lashes for a night out, wedding, etc. I think its fun to doll yourself up every once in awhile. For truly fancy occasions, I have had individual lashes professionally applied, as I think that is the most natural route, but can be so entirely time consuming when you are going to do it on a Friday night. 

I typically purchase Ardell lashes, in individuals and I really like the effect they give, but like I stated they can be time consuming. I feel that full strips can be very fake looking, but I was pleasantly surprised by these lashes.

I wish I had snapped a good picture to show you the effect these lashes had for me, but sadly I didn't. I wore them out last weekend when I went out for a night out, dinner and then out for drinks with some girlfriends.

I really liked that they were subtle but added volume to my lashes. I have naturally long lashes, that are lighter, but I hate the look of piling on mascara, so I tend to go for a quick coat of black mascara just to darken them up, but this also volumized my lashline and I really liked the effect.

I will definitely look at more styles of this style of Kiss with the applicator strings. I found it super simple to line up and apply. 

One downside is I don't know how it would work if you had to cut the lashes down to fit, which I gladly didn't have that issue with. 

I think these are a great idea for those who are just starting out with lashes because the easy application takes some of the drama out of the application process. The glue dried fast and they stayed put for at least 8 hours! :)

Disclosure: This item was sent as a part of Influenster's Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012.

Influenster Bride-to-Be VoxBox 2012

I received this VoxBox a couple of weeks ago. I was super excited to try out the products. I have had a chance to try out all the products, and I will be reviewing them shortly. But first I wanted to give a sneak peak into the contents of the box.

QVC Tarte Perfect & Treat Kit

I ordered this QVC TSV in July, with auto-delivery. The set cost approximately $60 with shipping and taxes. I will be getting shipments in November and March as well. I am not sure if I am going to get the November shipment, as I don't need more foundation at this time, and it will have a bronzing powder in the place of the brush. I am fair and I would rather not go blindly with a bronzer, as they tend to be much too dark.

This is the stock photo from QVC of the kit:

QVC Tarte Prefect & Treat 6 Piece High Performance Collection

Looking forward to this Fall...

I am really looking forward to fall suddenly, maybe its the dip in weather, its been in the 50-60's of late, or the college football in full swing as Big Ten games start this week, but for some reason I am embracing the jewel tones I love in fall, in my clothes and makeup, cardigans and sweatshirts, and cozying up with a down throw on my couch with a candle burning and a good book. Perfect fall afternoons.

Some of the makeup products I am most looking forward to this fall include:

- Cranberry, purple and green (think sumptuous olive or humid from MAC) eyeshadows - these tend to be staples for me in the fall, replacing the more bright and summertime shades I tend to wear when the weather is warm. I just painted my nails with China Glaze Urban-Night, deep purple, to match this cold weather.

Benefit Dallas Boxed Powder

- Benefit Dallas Blush. This is one of my all-time favorite blushes, but I only wear it in the fall/winter for some reason and I do love breaking it out.

- Nude colored lipstick. Another staple for me in the fall. I think its to balance my deeper/darker jewel toned colored eyes and even berry cheeks. I like to go with a more satin nude/mlbb type color. I don't do pinky-nudes, more so natural nudes, a la Benefit Lady's Choice and Estee Lauder's Pinkberry.

- Vanilla fragrances. Whether in perfume, body sprays, lotions or body wash, I tend to favor scents with a touch of vanilla as it is a warming and cozy scent to me.

I am also really looking forward to the influx of scarves into my daily wardrobe. I love scarves as an accessory piece and because my work environment often swings from warm to cold, I also love cute scarves that function for warmth as well. I tend to pick scarves up on clearance/after season sales if I can, and as a result I can pick up a couple of colors when I find such a great deal. I am excited to break my more functional scarves out. As well, I have packed away my summer purses, anything light and airy and summery, which was quite sad, but as a result I have also pulled out some long time favorites, including a coach wool houndstooth print with purple trim and embellishment, its a smaller bag that I don't use every day but I try as often as possible to grab for it.

Summer Favorites

I wanted to go through some of my favorite products from this past summer. This summer I have been rediscovering my own makeup collection, I got sucked into a few too many good deals, and decided to try to stick to what I have since then. I was using lots of different products but here is a run down of my favorites from this summer.

1. Most worn nail polish: Zoya Maya - a beautiful and bright pinky-coral that has a jelly-like finish

2. Most worn hair product: Bumble & Bumble Tonic

3. Most worn bag: White Coach Hobo

4. Most worn shoes: Old Navy Flip Flops (Casual), Nine West Purple Heels (Work)

5. Most worn accessories: Tortoiseshell sunglasses

6. Most worn foundation: Tarte Maracuja Foundation in Fair

7. Most worn blush/bronzer: Benefit Bella Bamba

8. Most worn lip product: Fresh Rose Lipbalm

9. Most worn mascara: Tarte lights, cameras, lashes and Rimmel Sexy Curves

10. Most worn eyeshadow: MAC Satin Taupe

Sampling Products and What I think

Like I stated previously, I have been going through several samples and less used products, in an attempt to use up some items that I rarely/never touch, and as opposed to purchasing any new items. I wanted to do an overview of some items, and what I think of them.

Benefit Stay Don' Stray

I had this as a mini-sample from a set at Sephora. I think that this is a great eye primer. Its a light peachy color that blends into my skin instantly. I don't have a lot of discoloration from veins, etc on my eyelids, therefore this light eye primer works great. I found that this kept my eyeshadows on really well. I really like this product, but I am currently using a Tarte primer that I enjoy a bit more, that I got for a great deal.

Cargo LashActivator

This is a higher end mascara with a plastic wand. This mascara is supposed to be good for your lashes, and "activate" them. I didn't notice anything about that. If anything I felt that this mascara was extremely drying and actually made my lashes almost brittle feeling, and I went for several weeks without wearing mascara to try to restore them. I would definitely not recommend this mascara.

ELF Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter

This is a two-in-one product, with a white pink-tinged highlighter on one end and a creamy concealer on the other end. This product was $3, and I would say that it is well worth it. The concealer has good pigmentation and does a great job covering undereye circles, although I still prefer my Benefit Erase Paste and Tarte Maracuja Concealer. What I really like this product for is touchups, nice to carry in my makeup bag for efficiency and space-saving. There is one thing to point out, the highlighter has small pink glitter particles in it, and I don't really like adding actual glitter to my face look, but this is almost hidden. I think for the money, this is a good product. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

I had this as a sample from gift with purchase. I am not a huge fan of Estee Lauder mascaras. I find that they tend to irritate my eyes. This one didn't cause any immediate concerns, however, as the formula dried out, I started to get flaking and had to toss this sample. Overall I did find it to be a good mascara, but I think that I will not be purchasing a full-size of this.

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream+

I really liked this sample. I believe I got it with a Birchbox, but I can't recall for sure. I used it while on vacation, as it was a nice little travel friendly size, and I like the products that I use on a daily basis for moisturizer. But I think when I do run out, this one may be a contender for repurchase. It was a nice thick white cream moisturizer. When I say thick, I don't mean that it felt thick on my face though, and that is really important. This moisturizer melted into my skin and felt fantastic. I have combination skin, but have noticed some increased dryness in the last year or so, and I really enjoyed the way that this made my skin feel. From what I remember, the smell was not extremely strong, or at least it didn't bother me, but didn't seem perfumed either. I scraped every last bit out of the jar, and didn't think to write anything down about the scent. I do recommend this product. The sample was 0.25 fl oz, and a full size is 1.69 fl oz for $48, so this seems appropriate for a department store brand moisturizer, I usually purchase Estee Lauder Day Wear. 

Korres Antiageing Primer

I purchased this with the Korres Vitamin E Face Primer from Sephora for I believe $12. The samples were each 0.34 fl oz, which is a third of a full-size (1.01 fl oz), and a full-size is $33. Therefore, I thought it was a great way to get to try the new anti-ageing primer, as I already have purchased and used the Vitamin E Face Primer several times. I try to avoid silicone based primers, which is what lead me to the Korres line primers to begin with. I must say that I enjoyed the anti-ageing primer more than the original vitamin e primer. I think that when I run out of my full-size Korres vitamin e primer and various samples that I will likely purchase the anti-ageing primer. There is a light lemon-y/natural scent to this primer. I would recommend this primer if you are adverse to silicone based primers.

Korres Face Primer, Vitamin E

I have a full-size of this, and it was a tried and true product for me, although I have found a different non-silicone based primer that I like better at this point. This is a lightweight primer that helps to maintain a fresh face. I like the light scent to this product. I had this deluxe sample as part of a package I purchased from Sephora for $12, the full-size which is 1.01 fl oz and retails for $28. I do like the way that this primer works, but I have found that I like the anti-ageing primer a little bit better.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

If there is one high end mascara that I perpetually find myself drawn to, and that I will spend the money on, its this one. The full-size is $26. I have purchased this mascara several times, but I tend to purchase it around "special" occasions, i.e. anniversary, holidays, weddings. I like to get as much bang for my buck as possible, and since this mascara usually ends up getting tossed around month four, I try to buy it at a time when I know I will get to use it as much as possible for special events. I love wearing this mascara whenever I know I am going to be taking pictures, this mascara makes my eyelashes look fantastic. Its both lengthening and volumizing and never gives that spider lash effect. The bristles are natural fiber and are shorter in the middle than on either end. I would definitely recommend this mascara if you are looking to splurge.

Laura Mercier Full Blown Mascara

I got this as a sample with my points at Sephora. Its got a natural fiber bristled brush that is long but about medium thickness. The bristles are essentially all even the length of the brush. I really liked this mascara, but not sure that I can bring myself to purchase a full-size, I find it really hard to purchase full-size high end mascara, its one thing that I don't like to spend too much on because it only lasts for such a short time. I think that this mascara gave good volume and still kept the look very natural.

L'Oreal Voluminous Million

This is a great drugstore mascara. It has a plastic large wand. I enjoyed the look that this gave my lashes. I have decent length and volume to my lashes naturally, but they are light and without mascara you wouldn't know I had much to my lashes. I have already repurchased this mascara, although it is currently sitting unopened, as I am planning on only having two open mascaras at a time. Mascara has a short life, and should be disposed of after 3-6 months of opening the product. I tend to err on the side every three months, but it depends on the formula. I would recommend this mascara to anyone who wants to amp up their lashes, in both volume and length.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup

This is a foundation that I really enjoy. Its light weight and I really like it for days that I am not needing a lot of coverage, just neutralizing color. It neutralizes redness on my face, and my face still feels like I don't have anything on it. I used to wear this everyday, however, I have started to wear a slightly higher coverage foundation in the last year or so, but I still have a backup of this one always available. I would recommend for someone who doesn't need a lot of coverage or who is looking for a lighter weight foundation. It definitely has more coverage than a tinted moisturizer.

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

This was a sample, and though I really enjoyed it, I don't think I could bring myself to spend $30 for the fullsize of this. This is a natural fiber brush and there is nothing special about it. I don't think that there is anything really special about this mascara. I would pass on a rebuy.


I have really enjoyed a lot of these products, even if I don't think I will be repurchasing most of them. I would say the winners that I will consider or that I have repurchased are:

- Kiehl's Abyssine Cream+ 

- Korres Antiageing Primer
- Lancome Hypnose Mascara
- L'Oreal Voluminous Million *(already repurchased)
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup *(already repurchased)

QVC TSV Tarte Miracle of Maracuja Set Review

I just realized I never reviewed my QVC TSV Tarte Miracle of Maracuja Set Review after I received it.

I skipped the July 2012 shipment, I have barely made a dent in my maracuja oil, and I don't really enjoy the boxed eyeshadow set, so I decided to skip it. I haven't decided for sure on the October 2012 collection that is coming out.

Here is the stock picture of the items included:

Included in the kit are the following:

Maracuja Airblush Creme Blush, Amused Shimmering Poppy - I like this blush, but I don't love it. I love the Amazonian Clay blushes, can't say the same for this one. Its a lightweight cream deep coral colored blush.

Airblush Brush - I use this all the time, but not for the included blush. I tend to use it with either a finishing powder or a truly opaque powder blush.

Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss, Peaceful - I rarely use this, actually I'm not sure I've used it more than once when I originally got the kit (must add to my purse makeup bag). There is no color to this gloss, it left a pretty gloss, so my plan is to use it up by wearing it over more pigmented lipsticks that need some shine.

Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, Fair - I LOVE this product. I don't often say that, but I truly do. I am discovering quickly that my favorite Tarte products tend to be their corrective products, foundation and concealer, rather than the their color (with the exception of lipsurgence and amazonian clay blushes). This concealer has great pigmentation, it can be thick, so you need to be good about blending it out, I suggest using your fingers to apply as it warms up the product and allows you to easily sheer it out. I do have one complaint, although not about the concealer that came in this kit - it came in a previous QVC kit I ordered, the product packaging broke around the nozzle and the product started coming out near the base of the nozzle when I squeezed, luckily I have this one to use on the go, and the other one I am going to attempt to put into some other packaging. 

Pure Maracuja Oil - I like this, but I can't say I am crazy about it. I do enjoy oils, but the smell of this one is nauseating. Its very moisturizing and you need just a little bit of product, which is perfectly portioned for you with one pump of the top.

Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara - A great mascara. Lengthening and thickening, but still natural looking, which is what I like. 

Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner, Black - Extremely rich black eyeliner which I have used maybe a handful of times, but thats because I don't often wear dark eyeliner, so I may have to try to incorporate into my daily routine somehow.

Eyeshadow Quad, Evoke the Smoke - this Quad has beautiful colors, but I really don't care for it. The purple is much too deep to work with as an everyday color and it can come off muddy. I really love the grey/silver and light pink. 

Overall, QVC had listed the value of the kit at $207, and I got it for approximately $70 when you add shipping/tax to the TSV price of $59.96. I think it was on overall good deal, but honestly, if I hadn't bought it this way, I can't be sure I wouldn't have just bought the brush, concealer and mascara (which I believe the value equals approximately what I spent) and I am using the oil and blush a fair amount. 

Sometimes these kits truly are too good to be true, what are you thoughts?

I've switched candles...

In my house, decor doesn't really change season-to-season, with the exception of Christmas time. I don't store away clothes, as I am lucky enough to have ample closet space in my bedroom, so I keep everything out all year long, but for me, the real change comes in the scented candles I choose to burn. I love nothing more than picking out fall scents and letting them bring a cozy warm smell to my house, as the whether gets chilly. And when I start to get cabin fever in the winter, I always break out a stored summer candle or two.

Right now I am burning Salted Caramel from Bath & Body Works. This is a new take on Salty Caramel, I believe, and its not as strong as the one from last year, but its still got a rich caramel scent with almost a salty undertone. It makes me think of hayrides and caramel popcorn. As a child my neighborhood held a halloween hayride each year, and that is one thing that brings it back to me.

Stock Photo from Bath & Body Works
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13115382&cp=12586994.12936192.4147333

I also have a Leaves candle out, and I already burned through one of the new Cinnamon Sugared Donut candles, which I also really liked, and an Autumn candle that I had left over from last year.

too many products, too little time.

I have found recently, after a thorough purging and reorganizing of the majority of my entire house since August, that I have more makeup than I can ever start to use up. I know, I already knew this is some sense, but it really hit me. I have been fairly good about not purchasing cosmetics lately. Although I did indulge in a Tarte QVC set in July, and on auto-delivery, but I skipped my previous tarte set's auto-delivery for July so I figured that was an almost even swap.

I have not done as well with nail polishes, so I need to make sure I hold back on any and all nail polish purchases going forward.

And I shouldn't need bath products for quite some time, as I received a ton of Philosophy 3-in-1's for my birthday in July.

As a result, I have decided to try to use my makeup before I can purchase. The only thing that I will allow myself to repurchase, if necessary, will be skincare products, but even with that, I have a good selection of samples/freebies (I picked up a full-size Origins moisturizer on Earth Day for free!) that I would like to give a try after I use up the products that I have.

As such, I imagine that if I stick to this plan, I will not actually be purchasing cosmetic products of any sort until sometime next year, at least not by necessity. I have decided that I will allow myself one of the auto-deliveries set for the fall for Tarte QVC sets I have ordered, and I really like the Tarte holiday sets, and saw images of some that look especially fantastic, the lipsurgence and the amazonian clay blush mini's, so those may possibly end up breaking my commitment not to buy any makeup.

Well this is my endeavor to get through products, so wish me luck. I have already started to go through my surplus of lotions, and that might be something I will eventually have to repurchase during this holidays/winter as the weather is causing my skin to be super dry and its only just started to get chilly out. I have over 20 of the mini Bath & Body Works lotions that they have on special at various times for $1 or $2, and several of their spa collection lotions (the shea & cashmere is my favorite), as well as several philosophy lotions, and some unscented lotions.

QVC TSV Tarte Miracle of Maracuja Set

So I think I have become obsessed with Tarte. I ordered the newest set available on QVC. Its the Miracle of Maracuja set. I am super excited to receive it, the ETA is next Friday, so I am hoping I will have a chance to review it before I have to go out of town for work the next week.

Also I got the kit on auto-delivery for 2 more shipments, this is my first time doing that, but I think its too good of a deal to pass up, but I am unsure if I will go through the concealer/maracuja oil that fast.

Included in the kit are the following:

0.19 oz Maracuja Airblush Creme Blush, Amused ($25)
Airblush Brush ($29)
0.12 oz Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss, Peaceful ($21)
0.28 oz Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, Fair ($24)
1.70 oz Pure Maracuja Oil ($46)
0.24 oz Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($19)
0.01 oz Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner, Black ($18)
0.20 oz Eyeshadow Quad, Evoke the Smoke ($25)
Total Value: $207, the TSV was $59.96 and the regular QVC price is $72.50


I am excited to get my new kit.

Vacation Hiatus

I spent late February to early March on vacation in Florida, and came back to a lot of work and have been insanely busy. So unfortunately I haven't been updating.

I have a couple of posts coming up. I received my Influenster Love VoxBox this month, and I have been having a good time trying the products out and can't wait to share some details with you about a few favorites. 

But until then I wanted to share a picture of the sunset on my last day in Florida, made me want to not go back home. 

Nail Polish Collection and Swatches

I did color wheel swatches of all my nail polishes and divided them by color family theme.

Blues/Greens/Teals

- Sinful Colors Pearl Harbor

From Bottom Left to Right: Pearl Harbor, Ocean Frost,
It's All About Blue, For Audrey, Ancient Jade, Love Potion,
Mermaid to Order, Teal-y Fast, Ski Teal We Drop, Cynthia,
Navy Baby, Turquoise Shatter over Powder Puff. 

- Jordana Ocean Frost
- Piggy Polish It's All About Blue
- China Glaze For Audrey
- Orly Ancient Jade
- Sephora by OPI Ocean Love Potion
- Sephora by OPI Mermaid to Order
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Teal-y Fast
- OPI Ski Teal We Drop
- Zoya Cynthia
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Navy Baby
- OPI Turquoise Shatter over Revlon Powder Puff

Favorites:
- CG For Audrey, OPI Ski Teal We Drop

Glitters/Neutrals/Grays/Blacks

Left to Right: Starry Silver, Pear Harbor, Fairy Dust

- NYC Starry Silver Glitter
- China Glaze Fairy Dust
- Revlon Powder Puff Matte Suede
- Sephora by OPI Don't Feed the Hand Models
- Sephora by OPI Run With It
- Essie Steel-ing the Scene
- Sephora by OPI Already Famous
- China Glaze Below Deck
- Revlon Perplex
- Sephora by OPI I'm With Brad

Left to Right: Powder Puff, Don't Feed the Hand Models,
Run With it, Steel-ing the Scene, Already Famous,
Below Deck, Perplex, I'm with Brad

- China Glaze Tinsel Town
- Sephora by OPI Break a Leg Warmer
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Gunmetal
- Revlon Black Lingerie
- Revlon Scandalous

Left to Right: Tinsel Town, Break A Leg Warmer,
Gunmetal, Black Lingerie, Scandalous

Favorites:

- China Glaze Below Deck, Revlon Perplex, China Glaze Tinsel Town, Sephora by OPI Break a Leg Warmer, Revlon Scandalous

Pinks/Purples

L to R: Frozen Pink, Suzi & the Lifeguard, Touch of Mauve,
Maya, Promises, Promises Pink, Renee, La Paz-itively Hot

- Sinful Colors Frozen Pink
- OPI Suzi & The Lifeguard
- Revlon Touch of Mauve
- Zoya Maya
- Nicole by OPI Promises, Promises Pink
- Zoya Renee
- OPI La Paz-itively Hot
- OPI Significant Other Color
- Wet and Wild Gray's Anatomy

L to R: Significant Other Color, Gray's Anatomy, I Don't Bite,
Lincoln Square Lavender, Daddy's Girl, Domestic Goddess,
Purple Potion, Ms. Can't Be Wrong, Urban-Night, Flirt

- Sephora by OPI I Don't Bite
- NYC Lincoln Square Lavendar
- Sinful Colors Daddy's Girl
- Sephora by OPI Domestic Goddess
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Purple Potion
- Sephora by OPI Ms. Can't Be Wrong
- China Glaze Urban-Night
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Flirt

Favorites:
- Zoya Maya, Wet and Wild Gray's Anatomy, China Glaze Urban-Night

My Collection

I have noticed that I reuse the same makeup day in and day out, so I have decided to really go through my makeup and figure out what it is I have in my "Collection" that is constantly expanding. My plan is to organize and evaluate what I have in the coming weeks and start to use some different/less used products on occasion.

I am going to start organizing my makeup and evaluating what I have in the following categories:

- Nail Polish
- Skin Care
- Face Primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Blush/Bronzer
- Highlighters
- Eye Primer
- Eye Shadow
- Eye Liner
- Mascara
- Lipstick/Lip Liner
- Lipgloss

Influenster Love VoxBox

I got notification yesterday that I was selected for the Love VoxBox. I am very excited, I have really enjoyed trying out, reviewing and sharing my opinion about the Cosmo VoxBox and Holiday VoxBox items in the past. I am looking forward to sharing my opinion about the Love VoxBox. It is expected to ship next week Friday, February 24, 2012, so I will update once received, and then also after trying out the products, probably after a week or so, and then also after a longer period if its a skincare, etc item. Super excited!

Expecting Something in the Mail

I broke my promise to myself and made an order on QVC.

As of Monday, I should have in my possession some Tarte goodies valued over $200 that I got for just under $100 with shipping, so thats pretty exciting!

tarte Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15 in Fair ($38)
Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush ($32)
tarte Glow Your Way to Gorgeous 8-pc Maracuja & Clay Collection
   - 0.42 oz Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Fair ($24)
   - 0.20 oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Wear Blush in Peaceful ($25)
   - 0.10 oz Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow in Shimmering Taupe
   - 0.056 oz Amazonian Clay SmolderEYES eyeliner in Fig ($25)
   - 0.24 fl oz Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara in Black ($19)
   - 0.10 oz Lip Luster in Sweet ($24)
   - Blush Brush ($28)
   - Shadow Brush
   - Sharpener ($2)
   - Carryall Bag

I am looking forward to testing out these items and putting up reviews. I have been testing the tarte Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15 in Fair and Ivory. So I am looking forward to being able to wear this foundation every day. I am also extremely excited for the Amazonian Clay 12 hour Blush. In general, I think these purchases are going to be great. Granted I was trying to "no buy" but I didn't survive that plan so well. Next month I am going to be in Florida for a family vacation and Chicago for a work trip, so I was hoping to save money this month, but this deal was too good to pass up, and I needed a new foundation and I'm almost through my Benefit Erase Paste so I was in need of a good concealer, the blush, etc are just added fun.

Nail Polish Obsession Tag

1. What's your favorite nail polish company?
Sephora by OPI is my favorite

2. Glitter or no glitter?
I do love glitter, but its not an everyday look for me.

3. OPI, China Glaze or Essie?
OPI or China Glaze.

4. When do you change your nail polish?
Every couple of days, usually at night after work.

5. What's your favorite color on your nails?
Sephora by OPI "Metro Chic"

6. Darks or Brights?
Darks in the fall/winter, but brights for spring/summer and when I need a little sunshine.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
Sephora by OPI "Break a Leg-Warmer"

8. Matte Nails - In or Out?
I like Essie's Matte top coat, so I can add it to a look.

9. French manicure?
Yes, especially for interviews/business dress.

10. Favorite Winter Color?
OPI "Ski Teal We Drop", China Glaze "Urban Night"

January 2012 Favorites

Some Favorite things of January 2012:

1. OPI Ski Teal We Drop Nail Polish. I love this deep teal cream nail polish so much, and I am so happy that I found it and bought it at Ulta this month. I typically won't buy nail polish unless its on sale because I have more than enough and I don't really think $8.00 for a nail polish is necessary, but I did decide to splurge on this one. I truly prefer this to Zoya Cynthia which I received with the Zoya promotional code this month as well. Cynthia is a much deeper teal and looks practically black, a little too dark for me.

2. Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Foundation. I got a sample of this at Sephora this month, and I think I am sold. It gives a nice lightweight but long lasting finish with a good amount of coverage. Although this is toted as "full coverage" I do not think it is, but it provides great coverage for an uneven skin tone, and helps with undereye circles and some problem spots.

3. MAC Joie de Vivre Cremeblend Blush. This was a rediscovery for me. I love the brightening effect of this beautiful pinky-coral blush, and with my unusually dry skin this winter, I definitely prefer this lightweight cremeblend blush formula. Sadly its almost all gone.

4. MAC Fix Plus Spray. Another rediscovery. I haven't used this in a while, and I have been using it as part of my makeup all days that I have the time to really do my makeup. After applying primer, foundation, concealer and blush, I spritz on MAC Fix Plus and then after its dried down, I do a light dusting of Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder, and I have an all day/night look.

5. Tarte LipSurgence Lip Pencil. I got the special edition 5 piece set in December, and I love each and everyone of these for an easy lip look that lasts and smells very refreshing.

I am guessing that several of these things will be recurring as my favorites. My goal for February is to use what I already have and not spend any money on beauty related items, or really pretty much anything, as I am hoping to take a trip to Florida in March. I do have an Ulta gift card with maybe $10 left on it, and $25 Macy's gift card, so those don't "count", right?

shine until tomorrow.

let it be.