Archives for August 2012

She Wears It Well Palette from Anastasia of Beverly Hills Swatches & Review

August 21, 2012 By StephanieLouise 743Leave a Comment2012-08-21+15%3A04%3A00StephanieLouise

This nude eyeshadow trend is taking over & I’m bathing in it. Seriously. Shimmery, matte, metallic…I’ll take em. Nudes are just so timeless, I urge you to find a more classic look with eyeshadows that can be worn day & night, work & play, & everywhere in between. Go nude or go home.

The She Wears it Well kit from Anastasia of Beverly Hills is no exception to the obsession & has some unique additions as well. First, these shades can be worn dry OR wet giving you 18 shades instead of 9. Woohoo! Double your money & color selection. Another note is the brush which is what I’ll be using to create my eye look from this palette this week/ I honestly love it. Its small, precisely what a palette needs, & is anything but a throwaway.

From the Anastasia of Beverly Hills site:
Classic Hollywood glamour with modern moxie. Nude meets knockout with these nine pigment-rich, matte and shimmer shadows that give your eyes enough sophisticated smolder to woo them, every time.
No matter how you wear them, you’re sure to wear them well.

No Flash

Flash

Trophy- a shimmering light taupe

Glow- shimmering (almost metallic even dry) golden bronze
Latte- shimmery peachy nude
Foxy- shimmering (again almost metallic even dry) coppery brown

Sunset- a shimmering gold with bronzey hues

Frosting- shimmery pink
Almond- a very light nude…its more pigmented but honestly blends into my skin
Onyx- a matte black (any shimmer you see is overspray from other shades)
Toffee- a rich medium brown

Please keep in mind all swatches are on BARE skin, NO primer. Each applied like butter. Almond was a bit less buttery but still easy to apply & blend. Great base shade for my coloring. The shadows make my blue eyes pop like crazy! First photo is dry swatches & second is wet ones after they’ve dried. I swatched them as they appear in the palette.

At $34 the She Wears It Well palette is more reasonable than many others out there currently. The shades are versatile & I love that they can all be worn wet or dry. I especially love using wet shadows as a liner, pigment galore.I think they really listened to what feedback was given for other palettes because 1/3 of the shades are matte including a black. This was a common complaint. Also, I love that Sunset is large since I always fear “running out of that main shade” & then the palette becomes less inviting to use. The huge mirror, pigmentation of shades is superb, & the packaging is sturdy while still being different from everything else I own. If you love nudes as much as I do or if you’ve been looking for a palette that makes getting ready effortless, I urge you to check this out.

The She Wears it Well Palette from Anastasia of Beverly Hills is available from their website & Sephora.

Nail Challenge 2012 Day #1: Red with Sally Hansen’s Ruby Stilettos

August 20, 2012 By StephanieLouise 744Leave a Comment2012-08-20+15%3A29%3A00StephanieLouise

I have one of the most nostalgic polishes I own to show you for Day #1 of the 31 Day Nail Challenge I’m starting. If you want to join, do check out Kimber’s Laquer Korner! My camera has never liked it but I honestly still can’t believe it hasn’t made it onto my blog. At one point, I owned 4 bottles. Used one up, gave one to my mom, & now I have this one & my backup. This is the older version of the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear polishes & on the top it say 19 Ruby Stilettos. Also, its mine. Mine mine mine. I did see when trying to research this shade (no info about when it was released or anything unfortunately!) that they have some available on Ebay for only $3. Something to keep in mind if you like it!

Ruby Stilettos from Sally Hansen- A very hot pink toned red with visible red micro glitter. 2 coats.

This is saturated enough that I used to wear one coat all the time now I just always do 2 within the last 3 years or so. Its gorgeous. I tried to photograph the glitter so you can see that its not shimmer but ACTUAL glitter. In the shade it appears to have almost a cool tone but in the light, well, it will blow you away with its glory.

Normally I’d like to go all out with a challenge, but this shade is always worn on its own. Always. It just makes me so happy. Now I want to eat a candy cane & put bells on my dogs. What? Nail polish doesn’t do that to you?

Be sure to check out all the fabulous Red Nails everyone is posting today! Just click on the links below:

-Kimber at Kimber’s Lacquer Korner
-Kat at Hooked On Polish
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Aly at Wonderland Beauty
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Nicole at The Color Republic
-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails
-Cee at Absolutely Cee
-Sam at Polished Art
–Nail Narcotics
-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed
-Shelby at Shelby’s Swatches
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful
–Mixed Mama
-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine
–Patty Greenberg
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa
-Mari at Nailista
-Greta at How Was Your Day?
-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L

CHALLENGE DAY #2 2012: ORANGE NAILS

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly

August 20, 2012 By StephanieLouise 745Leave a CommentBeauty+Blog+Coalition+Weekly2012-08-20+03%3A52%3A00StephanieLouise

Making Up the Midwest reviews Maybelline’s The Mega Plush Volum’ Express Mascara – her new favorite!
Add trendy colors you covet, to your lashes.Until the end of August only, Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara is being offered in FOUR Limited Edition shades – Go Go Green, Blink of Blue, Totally Teal and Pop of Purple. The Advice Sisters check them out, and report!
Enter BeautyTidbits giveaway to win a cool ULINX Magnetic Charm Bracelet.
Retrodiva doesn’t allow any heat to touch her hair for 30 days. Find out what she used to tame all that frizz at Retrodiva’s Beauty.
The Stepford Witch reviews The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Cream Foundation – read on to find out what she loves and doesn’t love about this product.
Emily, from Emily Hudspeth hair design and makeup artist has seen great results from Viviscal Hair Repair. Emily has been using this supplement for about 6 weeks and is seeing incredible results. Its almost time for another haircut and she just cut off about 8 inches!
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom tries Cover Band Sticks ‘n Stones over a few different bases.
There are affordable and fabulous new beauty products at CVS. Here are two of my favorites!
Laura at My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog tries out products that hold the secrets to Geisha-like skin!
Hand-made and based in Scotland, Scottish Beauty Blog catches up with makeup artist Ana Cruzalegui, the lady behind amazing false eyelash brand WE ARE FAUX.
Lola from Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog has Determined that My Weightless Eye Cream is one of the Best Beauty Secrets that Everyone Needs to Know about!
Phyrra loves the gorgeous Fall 2012 Beauty Trends this year. Which ones are your favorite?
So you cried a river last night and you have to go to work (or school) today. TheFabZilla shares tricks on how to hide signs of over-crying, a.k.a Makeup after a Breakup.
Miss L from Beauty by Miss L reviewed eco-friendly Derma E makeup remover this week, which is now one of her new favorite makeup remover.
BeautyJudy stopped by the Orly booth at Cosmoprof North America last month and saw lots of nail BLING!
The Lacquered Lady shows off OPI Danke-Shiny Red from the new Germany collection and goes on a dupe search. Will there be a perfect polish match?
Everyone needs eyeshadow primer! Sheila from Painted Ladies shows you why in the latest Breaking Down Beauty.
Midnight Manicures is giving away Sea Lore Nail Polishes from the Triton’s Daughters Collection. Tell us which one is your favorite and enter to win!
The NARS Joie de Vivre palette is all kinds of awesome. Cosmetics Aficionado has drool worthy photos and a full review.
Butter London’s Autumn/Winter 2012 nail polish collection is out! Check out a preview from Christina at Curls N Pearls – what’s your favorite shade?
Addicted to “monthly” members-only beauty sample subscriptions? Pammy Blogs Beauty sure is! Just for a change, she tries out JustFab: a monthly boutique shopping site for cute and trendy shoes, handbags, and accessories. Cute stuff for a great price!
Mama Fashionista loves Julep so much she wants to give you a code so you can try it out for A PENNY! Plus she’s giving away an introductory box!
Beauty Info Zone has another great giveaway. This time you can win 4 fab goodies from Miracle Skin Transformer.
Hello Dollface tests some great new shampoos and ends up with bigger, blonder, softer hair. Check out the best new haircare here!
Always a fan of neutral wash of color, the Beauty Professor is thrilled to have discovered Beauty Is Life’s matte eye shadow in Camel!
While still enjoying summer till it winds down and fall fast approaching, Mimi’s Mani’s shares some Zoya love with Kimber from this summer’s Surf collection.
Polarbelle shows you what blogging was like before blogs…doing it Caveman Style!
Still lemming Unicorn Pee? Nidia at Lit From Within shows you a few dupes from some Indie polish makers that might just do the trick.
Stephanie Louise-All Things Beautiful FINALLY duped her beloved MAC shadow in Humid…with a low cost option! Click for swatches & comparison!
Clarisonic has just released a new Acne Cleansing Set. For more information, and a chance to win your own, head over to Blushing Basics.

First Look: Coastal Scents Creative Me #1 Palette Eyeshadows!

August 16, 2012 By StephanieLouise 746Leave a Comment2012-08-16+19%3A27%3A00StephanieLouise

So this isn’t a review..yet. This is one of many of my Coastal Scents palettes involving the “hot pot” method & I haven’t shown them yet. I’m slowly but surely testing them out but I want to show you the basics. This is the Creative Me #1 Palette from Coastal Scents & it really is lovely.

Here it is fresh out of the packaging before use. Look at how huge that mirror is! LOVE that!

So why am I showing you this? When I went to IMATS LA 2012 I passed by the Coastal Scents booth & bought this palette. I also checked out all the new single hot pots coming out & was impressed. Not all of them were as pigmented as I’d like but some of them blew my expectations out of the water. Basically, I have a new single eyeshadow obsession. I have a huge amount of Coastal Scents palettes now including one just for singles. Excited to share them with you!

So what do you think of the shades in this palette? Have you tried any Hot Pots from Coastal Scents yet? There are tons of colors & pre-made palettes available on their website which is where I bought mine! Look for a detailed review with swatches coming up! XO

I Finally Duped MAC’s Humid! + What AREN’T dupes!

August 14, 2012 By StephanieLouise 747Leave a Comment2012-08-14+18%3A15%3A00StephanieLouise

It happened. After all these years, I didn’t think the day would come. What am I rambling about? I duped Humid from MAC, the one eyeshadow I’ve EVER repurchased from MAC. It may have taken a lot of tries, but boy was it worth it…success is sweet.

What shades aren’t DUPES & why (my opinions only of course!):

NYX MERMAID GREEN

People keep trying to tell me NYX has a dupe in their shade “Mermaid Green” but I disagree. While the shades are similar it doesn’t go on the same for me. I like being able to see the smokiness & Mermaid Green just doesn’t have it. Its also not as pigmented.

WET N WILD COOL AS A CUCUMBER TRIO

I LOVE this trio & the dark green is fabulous. but it IS a hair of a difference. This green leans a tiny smidge more teal whereas Humid leans more lime in the shimmer department. I love this trio & for $3, this would satisfy 99% of people’s dupe needs.

These are the TOP 2 shades I’ve been told are dupes, clearly these aren’t all the dupes out there. I’ve tried some others which are close but not as close as these 2!

Mattese Elite in Emerald is officially a dupe. You won’t see dupes on here very often because I’m very picky about them. I say things are close, but rarely dupes so I savor this discovery!

Left to right: Mattese Elite Emerald swatched once, next swatch is 2 on top of one another. Swatch 3 is Humid from MAC swatched twice & the 4th is Humid swatched once.

MAC shadows contain 0.05 oz & Mattese Elite Shadows contain 0.06 oz.

Mattese Elite might be a tiny bit more pigmented, but it absolutely blends & wears the same. These are listed as $12 each which wouldn’t be a huge savings from the MAC shadows but these are VERY often on sale from what I’ve witnessed. They’re usually about $6. Right now, this comes in a set for only $10 along with some other products I really liked & showed you guys in a haul.

MAC HUMID

MATTESE ELITE EMERALD

You can pick up Mattese Elite Eyeshadows online from Ricky’s NYC & if you are lucky enough to live in New York, you can walk right in! (Jealous!)

Can you tell I’m excited? I rarely spend money on MAC eyeshadows anymore so this was a fab find for me! What do you think: Are they dupes? What are some of your favorite dupes?

Nails: Thinking of Blue from Sally Hansen CSM Swatches & Review

August 13, 2012 By StephanieLouise 748Leave a Comment2012-08-13+16%3A19%3A00StephanieLouise

So after I swatched the lovely & oh-so limited edition Dani-Mite from Nails by Laura over Thinking of Blue, I got some requests to swatch it on its own. I checked back & saw I hadn’t…how strange! This is definitely my most-used navy & I love it. Really. I’m a fan of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line altogether really, although I think they are quite pricey & there have been 1 or 2 “ehs” in the bunch. Overall though, a very nice line. Some people dislike the brushes but I can deal, they tend to be wide but not as wide as Spoiled. They are also rounded which I actually like.

Thinking of Blue by Sally Hansen- A medium navy blue. Opaque in 1-2 coats.

There’s not much I can say about this polish other than from all the blue I’ve aquired this is the navy I reach for. I love it. If I’m careful, its a one coater with a somewhat medium hand. I love the color, it has shine on its own if you don’t use a top coat, & it wears really well on me. A winner, truly. It took me a long time to find a navy I loved & this one even doubles as a stamper polish for me. WIN. I love using this over white with my anchor design. So summery!

What’s your favorite navy? Any thoughts on the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Line? Favorites or any that I should check out?

July 2012: My First Beauty Box 5 Review

August 10, 2012 By StephanieLouise 749Leave a Comment2012-08-10+16%3A01%3A00StephanieLouise

When Beauty Box 5 contacted me about reviewing their July box, I said sure. I am kind of a junkie. Its kind of addicting these boxes…what’s one more right? Well, here’s what I got & my opinions! Get ready for another sample subscription review….

What is Beauty Box 5:
-This is a sample service that charges different amounts allowing you to test it out for $12 a month, pay $30 quarterly (saving $6), or $100 yearly (saving a whopping $44) which I really like. Even monthly it isn’t too unreasonable. Its only $2 more than Birchbox or MyGlam which is do-able in my book.

– Samples come in a blue/green colored cardboard box with a drawstring baggie of samples + an info card.

– You receive 4-5 samples a month.

Okay, first off, I think its strange they call it BB5 when the samples are stored in a little drawstring bag with only 4 products this time. Kind of defeats the name no? Maybe that’s just me splitting hairs but…I guess I’m spoiled with some other boxes out there lately.

What I got:

-Blinc Mascara
I’ve gotten this before… think twice? It just isn’t for me. Its supposed to be water-resistant, no smudge, flake-free, & is a tubing mascara. It just didn’t give me the length, volume, or lasting power. I know some people LOVE it though so this isn’t a bad sample.

Full size: $26.00 for 0.21 oz Sample: 0.02 oz which is $2.48

-Curls Gel-les’s
This is an organic curl styler that promises shine, banishment of frizz, & to hold curls in place. I have naturally wavy hair…unfortunately this did absolutely nothing for frizz & my hair isn’t even considered frizzy. Bummer.

Full size: $25.00 for 8 oz Sample: 2 oz which is worth $6.25

-Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer
This is an “at home spa experience” with a soft side to cleanse & moisrturize. Flip it over & its a buffer side to exfoliate. I love this. It smells very soapy & clean. Works great. My only request is that it lasts a big longer but for only $2.99 I better just deal.

Full size: $2.99 (one) Sample: Full sized so it is worth $2.99

-Bodyography Makeup Primer
This is a really decent sized sample but unfortunately…it just wasn’t for me. It made me break out which is actually pretty rare with primers. When I did use it, I didn’t notice anything mind-blowing or even all that helpful.
Full size: 1 oz for $30.00 Sample: 0.53oz for $15.90

Box Total: $26.62

So the box total is decent for $12. However, considering I didn’t like the makeup primer (reaction or not) it wasn’t. That was the bulk of the box cost. Now don’t think I’m being too harsh! This month just wasn’t for me. I think if I had a few more boxes to try it out, I’d be able to make a more well-rounded decision. Last month, the box looked fabulous & I would have been VERY happy with it. This month just wasn’t for me!

What do YOU think of Beauty Box 5? Have you tried it? Interested in trying it?

Claire’s 10 for $10 Sale Accessory Haul!

August 10, 2012 By StephanieLouise 750Leave a Comment2012-08-10+02%3A26%3A00StephanieLouise

So its been a VERY long time since I did back to school shopping with my mom. One of the odd traditions was always Claire’s because of the 10 for $10 sale. I think mom figured it was only $10 for some accessories that would make me happy, high quality or not. Plus…its hard to beat 10 pieces of jewelry for only $1 each. I went through many a phase at Claire’s : rubber bracelets, chokers, gothic details, even a time when I pretty much only wore punk rock everything. Aw the good ol days. Now I like to shop for fun. I find some cute stuff, especially more trendy items that I don’t want to invest a ton of money in. This time, I got a seriously random thing too. For Cobo.

I got these hoops that are neon pink & not too heavy. Cute right? I had to color correct them & of course its still not as neon as in person…love them!

I got this bow because, well, I’m a military wife. I mean I’m constantly at events & stuff. Plus, its cute right?

LOVE these rainbow clay roses. They’re studs & super light. Love these oh so much, cute color!

I honestly am not sure when I’ll wear these but I love the old-school, industrial feel of them. Plus the mix of metals is cute!

They’re hoops, they’re teal, they’re for me. I love them.

This trio is SO silly & awesome! Hot peppers, mustache avocados, & guacamole! LOVE!

This metallic green nails polish is pretty! It was actually catching my eye before I even knew it was clearance! Sweet!

Don’t these just scream summer? I love these hoola earrings! They’re fun, flirty, & totally have me wanting to put my toes in the sand.

So the last item I’m showing (because one item is a gift!) is this seriously cool UFO big top! HOW COOL IS THAT? I saw it & decided I needed it. Cobo loves it! Zeus couldn’t care less but Cobo loves things that move. How awesome of a mommy am I?

So, what do you think? Have you ever taken part in the 10 for $10 sale at Claire’s? Anything catch your eye?

Review: Covergirl LashBlast + P&G Launched a Site!

August 9, 2012 By StephanieLouise 751Leave a Comment2012-08-09+03%3A41%3A00StephanieLouise

CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara

So BlogHer sent me some info about P&G & their new site. Although they put a sponsored thing at the top of this post, I AM NOT making money separate from the usual affiliate program. I’m not sure what’s up with their sponsored disclosure, but whatever. Its the same stuff I always say: If you click on something affiliate-related & buy through my site, proceeds get put into products to be featured on this blog. Clear & simple!

Today I’m going to be talking my most reached for mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast. I wasn’t sent one to review or anything, I’ve just seriously bought like 15 of them. I have a problem, I know. So why do I keep going back? The formula is good, not too thick or thin. It gives me volume & length without getting clumpy. This is my FAVORITE brush so far. It covers all my lashes which seems to be my biggest issue. My lashes in the outer corner curl all funky making them just overly difficult. Annoying really. LastBlast has pretty decent lasting power too.

I’m trying out the CG LashBlast 24 Hour currently & it just might have surpassed it. Some people aren’t loving the formula…but I do. Plus, it definitely lasts long. Go for the gold Covergirl, seriously.

I seriously have 8 mascaras opened right now. Just currently. & at least 12 new ones waiting. I HAVE A PROBLEM. Why am I telling you this? Because! This let’s you know how serious I am when I say I<3 this mascara.

When you order this mascara or anything from the P&G site through MY site you’ll also get 10% off. Cool deal right? I love having things delivered to my door, I’m lazy like that. My favorite thing about this site is that you get free shipping after $25, something a lot of beauty sites still don’t get. I do not want to have to pay $75 for free shipping. Its cruel when all I want is ONE $10 item. They also have some cool bundles as well. In fact, I might pick up one of those suckers for myself…. You guys might laugh but I totally have that Olympics Themed Febreeze, & indeed it smells like winning.

So? What’s your favorite mascara? Thoughts on the P&G site?

Review: Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat from Anastasia Beverly Hills

August 8, 2012 By StephanieLouise 752Leave a Comment2012-08-08+13%3A40%3A00StephanieLouise

Have you ever gotten a product & thought to yourself: Where have you been all my life? That’s pretty much what happened when I started testing out Lash Genius from Anastasia Beverly Hills. When I explain this product to you its totally one of those “how is it this hadn’t been invented until now?” moments as well.

From Anastasia Beverly Hills: “Waterproof when you want it to be. Lash Genius Clear Waterproof Topcoat instantly waterproofs, refreshes, and protects any mascara all day, without the typical drying or clumping. It’s advanced, lightweight formula glides on smooth, dries quickly, and gives your lashes a touchably soft lacquer finish that lasts all day. Dermatologist-tested. Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free.”

What it is: A clear, waterproof top coat that transforms ANY mascara you’re wearing into a waterproof wonder.

I love this. Its lightweight so it doesn’t mess around with my mascara & it doesn’t add that weird shine I don’t like either. As much as I love eyelash primers, I oh-so rarely use them because I feel like the white is never COMPLETELY covered. Clear. Brilliant.

I have put this to the test with some of my favorite mascaras that aren’t waterproof & it definitely held up its end of the bargain! I don’t always love waterproof mascaras, sometimes they just don’t feel right. Know what I mean? My lashes looked fab morning to night, even through a chick flick or two. Plus, it didn’t bother my poor allergy eyes. Impressed? Yes, yes I am.

Where you can get it: I believe this is available at Sephora but since I don’t shop there I recommend getting the Lash Genius off the Anastasia Beverly Hills website. Its $21 & worth every penny. Whether you use drugstore mascaras or high-end, I find many waterproof versions just aren’t good. This totally saves me touch-ups, money, & lots of frustration. Worth. Every. Penny.