All Things Beautiful XO

Stephanie Louise Telford & her guide on beauty, style, & glitter!

Victoria’s Secret Sparkle & Shine Shimmer Kiss Flavored Gloss Review & Swatches

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photo VictoriasSecretsparkleandshineshimmerkissflavoredglossesforholiday2013swatchesreview01_zps642172a0.jpg

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I could tell you that I have enough lipgloss which to most people I likely do. Not for me though! I absolutely love the tube style glosses from Victoria’s Secret & have been using them for ages. One of my favorite glosses of all time is from their line but was discontinued (RIP Cupquake) so I’m constantly looking for something to fill my broken heart. I believe the Victoria’s Secret Shimmer Kiss Flavored Glosses are limited edition for the holiday season & I went ahead & picked up all 6. These are super shimmery/glittery but I like that so if you don’t…well these won’t be for you! Keep reading to see what I think!
From Victoria’s Secret: Shimmery color and delicious shine create the sexiest gloss ever. It’s a grab-and-go makeup essential that’s perfect for the holiday season. 

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Left to right we have Victoria’s Secret Sparkle & Shine Shimmer Kiss Flavored Gloss in Berry Flashy (super glitzy deeper berry), Golden Caramel (super glitzy fine gold), Spotlight Vanilla (iridescent & pink ultra fine shimmer), Sparklemint (holiday red with flashy red shimmer), Sweetest Bling (light peachy pink ultra fine pink shimmer), & Shiny Cherry ( Light cherry red/pink with pink shimmer).

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My very favorite shades are Berry Flashy, Golden Caramel, & Sparklemint & they’re all definitely holiday-esque. I’ve been looking for a nice fine shimmer that is gold to top some random shades with & this one looks & smells lovely. Sparklemint is a shimmering red…& absolutely lovely. Berry Flashy is my absolute favorite & super flashy indeed. I think I need to buy a backup! I love the other shades but I don’t always love cherry reds on me & the lighter shades are more dupeable. I love the light topper shades so if you don’t have any then you might consider trying these in the center of your lip. Cute lace packaging detail at the top of these tubes too right?

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I’ve been wearing these a lot the last week to test them out & I can’t tell much of a difference on my lips from the original line (check that out here) feel wise but they are definitely more glitzy! All of these shades smell different (see the names for the scents!) & amazing, again, I won’t force you to buy them if you don’t like yummy smelling, glitzy glosses.They are a bit sticky but that doesn’t bother me personally. I absolutely love these & wish they were permanent!

Victoria’s Secret has these available online for $9 each but they always have a 5 for $20 sale so I suggest taking advantage of that!

Have you tried out these holiday shades? What are your favorite tube-type lip glosses? Anything catch your eye?

My Top 10 Random Gifting Guide for Holiday 2013 + Giveaway!

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When it comes to the holidays you should always have backups. Never run out of flour. Never run out of wrapping paper. & never be caught without a gift. Has anyone else had that happen? I did & I was mortified. Some nice person thought of me & bought me a gift & I had nothing. Obviously that stuff with me because now I have a bit of a gifting stash for just such occasions! Keep reading to see the 10 items on my list this year!

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#1 A festive scarf (like this beautiful option from FRAAS) is the perfect gift for a woman in your life. Think of the pattern, shade, & make sure to wrap it in fun but protective paper. I like silver because it says “winter” & not necessarily specifically Christmas plus the print on this one is just really fun. I always make sure to have one ready in case an unexpected gift from a coworker, friend, or family member comes along. You can find FRAAS scarves available at online retailers such as Amazon & the FRAAS website as well as ASOS & Bloomingdales.

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#2 Something for a child or the young at heart. I love these throwback Pac Man toys (they even make the classic sounds!) that I can gift to just about anyone. The best part about having a kid-friently toy is that children tend to show up in the office more this time of year & you’ll have something fun for them to play with. You can purchase these Pac Man toys for $12.99 each, available at Toys “R” Us and Walgreens for the holidays. Sawyer is obsessed with these, the littlest of our animal bunch just loves that they make noise & was constantly trying to steal them off my desk!

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#3 I absolutely love when new moms/dads start venturing into the “real world” again but I don’t always know what to get them. They’ve already had their baby shower but they still have baby on the brain. I love giving them something pampering that is still kid friendly, like this heating/cooling pad disguised as an adorable bear & 100% natural. Even if a newborn spits up on it you can wash it, plus baby can use it too. You can purchase my favorite Thermal-Aid Heating/Cooling bear from Amazon.

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#4 If you have a friend who loves to be pampered but has everything (maybe a beauty blogger or makeup artist?) consider these awesome Glove Treat options. These will be up in a full review soon but basically they are reusable paraffin wax treatments available for both hands & feet. They are super relaxing & effective at reliving dry hands. You can purchase these here.

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#5 You’re going to think I’m crazy but you won’t believe how many people have loved this as a gift! This is a handheld milk frother that works off batteries. You’ll love this as a gift to teenagers (coffee is so in), college students (fancy coffee is so expensive!), & even newlyweds. You can buy my favorite model here, I picked it up at Kohls & it works great.

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#6 Another item I’ll have a review on soon is this awesome set from Get Fresh! The grapefruit scent is intoxicating while still being rather neutral & the packaging is absolutely adorable. This trio includes the Get Fresh Spa Grapefruit Mineral Body Mask, Body Scrub, & Rich Body Creme. Also, close to me heart, they donate a portion of their proceeds to Military charities that help Wounded Warriors transition successfully back into civilian life. You can purchase this set & other Get Fresh products here.

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#7 Woodwick Candles are currently my favorite brand of easily accessible candles. Why? Because they actually contain a piece of wood as the wick & crackle as they burn, simulating a real fire. This is the perfect gift for a romantic, candle lover, or someone who hasn’t got access to an actual fire like us. Our favorite lately is the standard Fireside…which smells like a crackling fire. Yes, we’re simple folk. You can purchase Woodwick candles here from Kohls, JC Pennys, & even ULTA.

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#8 Name A Star. Yeah it might sound a little hokey but it really is an awesome gift. This is what I got my husband for our first anniversary (paper!) but it makes a really unique gift for grandparents, young kids just getting into astrology, & even educators. You can pick your star then name it whatever you like. We have both the gorgeous certificate (which has a lovely galaxy print!) & the location map hung up in frames. You can name & purchase your own star here.

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Photo credit: Sephora

#9 One of my favorite gifts to give or receive- the Pinch Provisions Minimergency kit. I reviewed this not just for myself but also the adorable men’s version. Currently Sephora has a silver version with 17 essentials for any emergency ranging from double-sided tape to hairspray to clear nail polish. Seriously, this thing is the best gift ever & you can give it to pretty much anyone 13 & up. You can check out the newest version on the Sephora website here.

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#10 Last but certainly not least is creating your own coupon book for someone you honestly can’t come up with a gift for. My husband is extremely hard to buy for so this is for him but it could be for anyone because they have a ton of options ranging from parents to children or spouses like mine. I chose to put our faces on ours because they’re HILARIOUS & I love them. My husband actually cracked up, it is just an overall awesome gift. I chose the cover, inside message, our photos (including the stylish hairstyles!), & all of the coupons myself…which was hard because the options are nearly endless with over 500 date ideas!

You can create your own coupon book on the Datevitation site here! Books normally start at just $25 so it makes for a thoughtful yet economical gift.  But as a special treat for my followers, you can use the code  ‘BEAUTIFUL10’  for $10 off your purchase plus free shipping (total value of $13.50)  That means you can get your loved one a one-of-a-kind gift for Christmas starting at just $15!  The order cut-off date for guaranteed delivery by Christmas is December 13 so make sure to get your order in before then!

Want to win your very own love coupon booklet like mine or one especially for a child in your life? Datevitation has graciously offered one of my readers a free book to create themselves! Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below! Datevitation is a family business run by the husband-wife team of Alex and Olga Karpman.  You can get to know them on the Datevitation blog, where they offer video guides to date ideas and romantic gestures. You can even watch Alex propose to Olga in a video they posted on Youtube as a Save The Date, and now has over 1.5 million views (you can view the video here)! They will contact the winner directly, good luck everyone!

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Mark Hill Big Night Out Shampoo, Conditioner, & Treatment Review + Giveaway!

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Are you excited for my 5 Days of Giveaways kick off post? I decided Mark Hill would be the perfect starting point because these 3 products will get your hair absolutely ready for the holiday/party season! Mark Hill has created a new haircare line to me personally but it has been very popular over in the UK! Mark Hill himself is a famous celebrity hairdresser who has worked with clients such as Lady Gaga, Madonna, & even the royal family! Talk about big names right? I was super excited to try out some products from the Big Night Out line from Mark Hill which preps clean hair for styling! Keep reading to find out what I think & enter to win your own set of products!
“I’ve spent more than 15 years creating a range of hair care products that are of such high quality that they are used every day in my salon. To bring an effective, yet affordable range to the U.S. is absolutely a dream come true,” says Mark Hill in a press release.

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I feel like I’ve been looking for this type of line all my life: A line designed to not only wash/clean my hair but allows me to style it right after! Normally I literally plan around events (yes, pen & paper plan!) so that I can have at least second day hair to work with. As pretty as my hair is clean & freshly washed it just doesn’t want to do anything. Like…at all. It wants to just be hair. It looks slightly frizzy, floppy, & just like tons of thick hair. No pretty wave, no working with styling tools, & definitely doesn’t look how I want it to. This line is meant to give you the freshness of clean hair with the manageability of second day hair.

I started with Mark Hill Big Night Out Get Ready to Party! Pre Styling Shampoo (because I wash my hair like most people I suppose!) & immediately liked the scent. It is very soft, slightly floral, & doesn’t linger. If you’re going to be styling your hair & adding more product to it sometimes a heavy scent can mingle & become somewhat offensive. This shampoo is quite thin & is meant to prep your hair for styling. As I had hoped, it removed buildup, cleansed my hair, & didn’t leave it feeling stripped. If you’re looking for a super rich or super softening shampoo then this isn’t it, the whole point is to create a starting line for hair styling.

Following up the shampoo is the Mark Hill Big Night Out Get the Party Started! Pre Styling Conditioner. This also comes packaged like the shampoo & has a similar scent. I find this to be quite a light conditioner which I assume is the point: detangle & moisturize without going overboard & making hair un-styleable. Right? Right. So this does a very nice job, I have very thick long hair & it helped to detangle without being too hydrating. I personally can’t go without conditioner so this was a very pleasant surprise!

The last product I have is the Mark Hill Big Night Out Only Takes a Minute! 60 Second Detox Gloss Treatment. I think this is something really special, especially with only taking one minute. This does come in a smaller tube but it also takes very little time so does that balance out? I have VERY long & VERY thick hair but it is also fine so treatments can sometimes be finicky for me. I tend to leave them in as long as possible in the shower/bath. This one minute treatment seemed to do the trick though! You use this instead of conditioner so it takes a lot less time, smells a bit stronger than the other two, & is much thicker. I tried not to use too much (I have a habit of really laying down the treatments!) & it did leave my hair shinier & it also felt conditioner while still being able to style it!

Overall I’m very happy with this trio! For me personally, this isn’t something I’d use every day but before a big event or when I have product buildup & still have things to do this is perfection! I’m really impressed, why hasn’t anyone else come out with this type of invention? This would have been so amazing back when I was a cheerleader or for proms! Even better? You can purchase this line (& other Mark Hill lines, he has quite a few I hope to try!) from Walgreens! How awesome is that?

To launch my 5 Days of Giveaways you can win this line! There will be one lucky winner! Please note that this is limited to the US & they cannot ship to PO Boxes as the company will be shipping this directly. Thanks so much to Mark Hill for this awesome opportunity to win, just enter using the rafflecopter widget below!!! Good luck everyone! XO

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November 2013 Beauty Lust List + Update featuring Tarte, It Cosmetics, & Blogger Enablers!

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Is November seriously over? I know a lot of people complain about time flying but holy smokes I must have conked out for like 2 weeks! I’m a day late because normally I try to post my monthly Beauty Lust List on the last day of the month but…hey I spent the holidays having fun! Anyway this month I don’t have nearly as many things on my wishlist because I’ve been totally spoiled the last few weeks in general. Check out what I’m lusting after, what I got off my list from last month, & which bloggers/vloggers have me yearning for new beauty finds!
From my October 2013 Beauty Lust List which you can see here I only picked up one item, go me! I absolutely caved & had to have the Lorac Pro to Go Palette. I even reviewed it here on the blog– hint…I love this so much! It is very “me” in terms of shades & the packaging is just so far out cool. Really, check out my review!

The Tarte of Giving Collector’s Set & Travel Bag– I’ve wanted this since I first saw it honestly…it comes with a TON of stuff. Makeup Geek (Marlena) actually gives an excellent in depth review which I’ll talk about below. I’ve been wanting a bag juuuuust like this for travel & everything inside looks like items I’d use. Palette, lip, cheek, eye, skincare… this is an amazing set that is available from Sephora for only $59 with a whopping $490 value. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it!

Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting– Um hi, I’ve never heard of this? I was watching a video on youtube (Ingrid aka Missglamorazzi) & apparently she hadn’t either until she saw it in the Sephora store. I have some hyper pigmentation & I love my Smashbox primer so this is definitely on my list!

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer– I’ve heard nothing but good things about this & especially lately my undereyes are so dark. Apparently sleeping isn’t absolutely necessary because I’m functioning with very little. I really need to get my hands on this! I need it in the lightest shade, someone had this in a set but it was in medium. I cried a little.

Cargo Let’s Meet In Paris Eye Shadow Palette– After totally falling in love with this Cargo Vintage Escape palette which I reviewed that was also limited edition I can’t help but want this one too. So pretty, so rich, lovely packaging…what else can I say? I’m lusting after it…but I have so many palettes I’m still try to decide if I need it. Who am I kidding?

Stila Color Outside The Lines Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Set– So basically this set is available for only $25 from Ulta online & includes 5 Stila Smudge Stick Eyeliners. Normally…one of these eyeliners alone retails for $20. What isn’t to love about this set? You get a pencil in colors that look black, navy, bronze, aubergine, & emerald. I need this in my life…especially on sale!

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Photo credit: Urban Decay site

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette- I’m thinking I’m one of the few who is still completely undecided on this one. I love the tones in this palette, I don’t have a palette quite like it either. But I’m not sold. Some of the reviews I’ve seen just don’t blog me away pigmentation/texture wise but I do love the packaging & overall look. I reach for my Naked 2 more than my Naked 1… but my Lorac Pro totally blows them both out of the water so I’m still unsure. Thoughts? This is sold out all over so I still have some time to ponder anyway!

BLOGGER/VLOGGER ENABLERS
The blogs I read & videos I watch that constantly leave me wanting to splurge on beauty.

Slashed Beauty Blog– She gave me an awesome tip about the ELF 50% off everything from the Studio line here on her blog! Fabulous, I got a good chunk of items since I usually buy fromt he Studio line anyway & I’ve been overdue for an ELF haul. She also posts about everything from nails to makeup so definitely check her out!

Bon Vivant Beauty– This isn’t so much of a “hey go buy this!” as a “hey I own this why aren’t I wearing it right now?” type of enable. I’ve had SO many polishes out to swatch & review that I’ve put aside some that came out months ago that I adored for this season- case in point Zoya Chyna which I reviewed here. Look how beautiful her post is, & she even labeled her doggie Lily, how totally adorbs is that?

Liesl Loves Pretty Things– She has me searching EVERYWHERE for the gorgeously textured L’Oreal shade on her nails! Check out her post here, it is absolutely beautiful (as usual on her blog!) & this color & glitter combo speaks to my soul. Must. Find . This. Polish. Don’t blame me, blame her if you happen to be hitting every local drugstore after reading.

The Plastic Diaries– What do mean there is a NEW Tangle Teezer??? Here she has photos & a review of this new (to me at least, i have the original which I love to use in the shower!) on her blog here! Although Kimmi isn’t crazy about the shape I just might give it a go since I drop the other brush constantly!

Makeup Geek Blog/Video– The Tarte of Giving Collection was on my list before, but she totally convinced me I needed it in my life. Check out her review/swatches on her blog, her video review, & her palette smackdown for 2013 which is one of my most looked forward to videos from her every year!

See? Not nearly as many items on the list this month! Perhaps just maybe you have some more for me? If so, leave them below! There is always room on the Beauty Lust List for more things to love & want!

Glossybox Holiday Romance for November 2013 featuring Emite Makeup, Mastey, & More!

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PR Sample. Affiliate links.

Glossybox is here! Woohoo! This box has some makeup, a tool, hair care, & a skincare product. I have swatches & mini reviews below… & I might have found my very blackest eyeshadow ever! Please enjoy my thoughts below!

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Here’s the card for this month with the card info & such. I also received another card (pictured below) that offered 20% off your first purchase from Mastey with the code GLOSSYBOX. Shhhh don’t tell them I told you okay?These boxes are awesome (I’ve been storing everything from pictures to Christmas gifts in them!) along with some crinkle worms which Sawyer (our kitten) absolutely appreciates.

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Let’s take a peek inside my November 2013 Glossybox!:

Emite Makeup Micronized Eye Shadow in Dams– This eyeshadow is ridiculously black! I mean, to a crazy degree! I swatched it below with the brush provided & then on my finger as well. SO black & SO pigmented! I haven’t compared my black eyeshadows in a long time…I might need to do that again soon!

Jelly Pong Pong 2 in 1 Eyeliner & Shadow Pencil– I’m a bit confused with this pencil…I have no idea what shade it is! I can’t find it on the pencil anywhere & I doubt the only shade they have is this deep green? Either way, it is really pretty & will make a lovely eyeshadow base! Love the shimmer & smoky look to it.

Mastey Color Protection Color Protecting Leave-In Oil Treatment– This is a nice big sample, 2 fl oz of oil! I don’t love the packaging of this sample, I definitely appreciate having a glass bottle with a dropper now! No big deal because this is a sample but just something to note! This smells SO good & somewhat floral.

Nicka K New York Professional Eyeshadow Brush– This is a blending eyeshadow brush from a brand I’ve never tried before, thanks Glossybox for something out of the norm! I personally like boxes that include a variety of brands I already love & new brands to check out. Anyway, this is a really lightweight brush made of “quality pony hair”. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a pong hair brush before but it is really soft but still has the perfect density to pick up eyeshadow & actually blend into the crease.

The Aloe Source Jojoba Radiance Cleansing Polish-This is a sulfate-free cleanser that is supposed to remove makeup, oil, & impurities. On top of that it has jojoba microbeads & alpha & beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate. It promises to nourish & soothe skin with aloe vera & says it is suitable for all skin types. It smells like a regular cleanser & looks like a clear gel with white micro beads in it.

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Here are the swatches! On the left is the very finest line I could get next to a thicker line of the Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner. Next to that is a quick swipe of the Emite Micronized Eyeshadow in Dams using the brush & then a swipe using my full finger. Look how black it is right?

If you’re interested in signing up for Glossybox USA it is a monthly subscription service for only $21 a month. I have posted lots of reviews so check them out for reference!

I liked this box, definitely some fun new items to play with including some full sizes! Do you receive Glossybox? What did you get this month?

Laura Mercier Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbons in Emerald Trio Review, Swatches, & Eye Look!

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Eyeshadow: The kryptonite for me personally. I love blushes, highlighters, lip products…everything pretty much but lately I’ve come to realize eyeshadows are my “thing”. When the Laura Mercier Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbons in the Emerald Trio (which is limited edition!) arrived on my doorstep…oh man I can’t even express how excited I was to see it in person. Pictures can’t even do these incredible shades justice…but I tried! Also, I did an eye look which I’m totally in love with using these shades & I think it turned out lovely! Keep reading to check everything out!

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The trio of baked eyeshadows come housed in a sleek & very Laura Mercier-esque rectangle case which also has a mirror. On the back you have your basic information as well as the 3 shade names in the palette which is handy to refer to. Like I said, this is a limited edition trio but it is housed in the classic type packaging.

From Laura Mercier: Dress up your holiday look this season with Laura Mercier’s Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbons – Multi-Finish. Featuring three Baked Eye Colours in a range of finishes – from matte to shimmer – this petite and portable palette is the perfect way to take your look from day to night. For an even wash of colour, apply dry, or for more vibrant shimmer, simply dampen brush with water and apply wet.

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From left to right we have Aqua, Malachite, & Emerald. The first photo above…yeah that’s the opposite. Sorry about that ya’ll I had to hold it funny for a naturally lit shot. It is indeed winter here & I take what I can get! Aren’t they just gorgeous though? The shimmer on these…yum!

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Swatches left to right: Aqua, Malachite, & Emerald. (dampened, no primer)

I chose to swatch these wet so you can see them intense plus I actually like them wet a bit more for the crazy pigment. Dry they’re lovely as well but they are much lighter. Aqua is an ultra light blue frost with a bit of micro glitter, I love this as a highlighter used wet or dry. Malachite is ridiculously lovely. I see the base as like a classic blue jean with golden shimmer that creates nearly a duochrome. Emerald is a deep emerald green shimmer with amazing pigmentation that looks smoky & absolutely packed with gorgeous light catching shimmer.

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I wanted to show a look that was a bit more dramatic (obviously these are awesome used separately or dry) so I went with a wet application over a primer. The only extra eyeshadow I used was a neutral, matte shade that matches my skintone for my highlight shade.

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I also used my Laura Mercier Baked Matte Powder in Highlight which I reviewed here as my highlight. I’m wearing Laura Mercier Nouveau Weightless Lip Color in Coy which I reviewed along with other shades from the line here. I rock this lip color quite often in my day to day life! You’re probably sick of me wearing this beloved highlight like all the time but I don’t care because it is amazing!

The Laura Mercier Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbons in Emerald Trio is available for only $25 which I think is quite nice for such lovely shades. They also have an Amethyst Trio & a Bronze Trio available, also limited edition. You can purchase this trio from the Laura Mercier website, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, & wherever you are able to find Laura Mercier limited edition collections.

What do you think of this trio? Would you rock this kind of look for the holidays? I think I might use Emerald as a smoky, effortless eyeliner!

EOS Dupes? Walgreens Comes Out With A Cousin to the Famous Balms

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile then you know I have EOS lip balms in about every room. I use them & so does my husband, they’re just so handy. I’ve reviewed lots of them in the past like the Limited Edition Alice in Wonderland Set, Medicated Tangerine, & some originals. When I first heard about the EOS possibly being duped by Walgreens brand I was SUPER excited! I immediately sought them out & both Ryan & I have some thoughts!

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First of all, the packaging is similar while still being different. The EOS balm comes rounds while the Walgreens has a flattened top. The top is also different with a flattened Walgreens sticker on top in various shades. The side also has a striped grip instead of the EOS thumb type groove. Similar though no? The exterior matches the flavor/scent inside much like EOS but the Walgreens brand feels harder while the EOS has a slight softened feel. Overall similar but not quite the same right?

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Let’s talk about the product inside but that is what really counts with a lip balm no? Although these look similar to the EOS balms the texture, wear, & scents are very different. My husband & I both agree that these are slicker, a bit more greasy but not uncomfortable, & don’t last quite as long as the EOS balms. While we don’t find them as moisturizing…we’re both wild about these scents. The scents I have above are Watermelon (green), Strawberry (pink), Berry Frost (purple), Candy Cane (red), & Sugar Cookie (white). Watermelon & Strawberry were both found in the regular EOS/Walgreens lip balm location near medications but the 3 holiday (& I’m going to assume limited edition?) were located in a little bowl by the pharmacy & not hanging up with the others. I got a great deal on these & although $2.99 each isn’t bad I happened upon them when they were buy 1 get 1 free. Nice.

So are these EOS dupes? Nope! But they are a similar concept! & the holiday scents/flavors in Candy Candy (EXTREMELY tingling peppermint!) & Sugar Cookie (nom) are amazing so I highly recommend finding them if you can. Ryan likes Berry Frost because it smells like berry/grape. The Watermelon is my hands down favorite although Strawberry is nice too. I’m just a sucker for Watermelon, we even have a Watermelon one in the car now!

I don’t see these available on the Walgreens website yet but I’m sure they’ll be there soon! I think if you dig flavored or very scented balms these are a nice treat!

Ipsy Glam It Up Bag for November 2013 featuring EM Cosmetics, Nailtini, & More!

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

This month Ipsy really put together something special & very makeup related.With a bag of all makeup & one nail polish the value is way past the $10 the bag cost to purchase. Plus, this month we received 6 products. I think they added the EM by Michelle Phan as a kind of “extra” which was smart. I’ve seen lots of reviews on EM products, some favorable & some not so much so I was very interested in trying it for myself! Keep reading to see mini reviews & swatches of the items I received!

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The items I received in the Ipsy November 2013 bag:

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Lip Crayon in Hot Damn– I love lip pencils & automatic twist ups are my heart song. So easy to use! This is a very bright red shade & actually feels like more of a satin rather than a matte or glossy finish. This has some very fine shimmer in the formula as well which makes it appear more interesting. I actually like that this isn’t your expected holiday red.

Starlooks Gem Pencil in Topaz– This is a normal eyeliner pencil (as in you have to sharpen it) but it is super creamy & pigmented. I’m not sure why it is called topaz because it is definitely a silver…but whatever. This is a nice shade for the winter season & it applies without tugging. You can smudge it out so this might even make a nice base?

Nailtini Lacquer in Champagne– Another Nailtini! I actually enjoy getting nail polishes in my Ipsy bags so I look forward tot his. I love this shade, it is a champagne-ish rose gold. I haven’t applied this yet but it is a metallic with some ultra fine shimmer throughout. Pretty!

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched– I wouldn’t call this a bronzer, even on my super fair skin. This is almost a slightly bronze shimmering finishing powder? I have no idea how I’m going to use this, it goes on super light but I don’t really reach for bronze-y highlights. This is going to take some thinking.

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow in Aphrodite– I absolutely LOVE this shade, it is so pretty! This is a cranberry based burgundy baked eyeshadow that can be used wet or dry. I love the red tones that shine through & pink-ish shimmer when the light hits it. So lovely. I’d actually be interested in picking up this palette since the single is apparently from the full sized palette & they aren’t sold as singles.

EM Michelle Phan Creamy Color Classic Lipstick in Nude Lace– I was really excited when i saw I was receiving this lipstick in my IPSY preview but I was pretty bummed in person for one reason: wayyyy too brown for me! I don’t think I can pull this off without looking like a 90s reject because I’m so fair. Anyway, the basics: wonderfully creamy, very pigmented in one swipe, & the packaging feels very heavy & luxe. I’m impressed overall (good thing since it costs quite a bit!) but I wish I had gotten a shade I could use, probably something with more pink.

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Swatches left to right: Em Michelle Phan Creamy Color Classic Lipstick in Nude Lace, Starlooks Gem Pencil in Topaz, Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Lip Crayon in Hot Damn, BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow in Aphrodite, & Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched.

Overall I’m really happy with the overall value of this bag. in case you aren’t familiar, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that costs only $10. Please use my referral link if you choose to sign up, I really appreciate it! I think they did a nice job choosing products I’d use for a night out & throughout the holiday season. My least favorite thing about this month? I think the bag looks & feels super cheap…I won’t be using this. I consider this an “extra” though so it doesn’t phase me much.

What did you get in your Ipsy bag this month? Anything I should check out? Any products you want to see in a look or tutorial?

OPI Nail Polish in You Don’t Know Jacques Swatches & Review

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

Yes, I really am swatching this oh so popular OPI Nail Polish in You Don’t Know Jacques. I’m fully aware you’ve likely seen it before but just in case you haven’t (& because eventually I’d love to swatch everything in my collection eventually!) I figured I’d whip this out & give you my thoughts!

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OPI You Don’t Know Jacques– Classic brownish taupe. 2 coats with topcoat.

Even if you’ve seen this shade a million times I still think is is awesome. So neutral, so wearable, & so effortlessly chic. This shade also makes an awesome base for glitters or nail art! I reach for this whenever I don’t want to think or need a palette cleanser. She’s gorg. This was released way back in 2008 as part of the OPI Fall Collection called La Collection De France. I can’t believe it has been that long & at the same time it seems like it has been around ages.

Do you own OPI You Don’t Know Jacques? Do you love it or is it just not a you shade?

Birchbox for November 2013 featuring It’s a 10, Color Club, & More!

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

This month I bring you a Birchbox that actually made me smile. Inside we have our normal beauty products, a special treat, & a cute Birchbox made holiday guide-type booklet. I’m pretty happy with this box for random reasons, keep reading to find out what is inside!

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So we have our regular card which if you click to enlarge you can see more product information 🙂

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I really like this little booklet, super cute & fun for the holiday season filled with tips & tricks ranging from beauty to advice.

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Inside my box I received for November 2013:

Color Club Nail Polish in Dark ‘N Stormy– This is a nice metallic darkened gray & always a nice sample from Color Club. I have a lot of shades like this unfortunately so I wish it had been something either more original or even more holiday themed.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips– I was SO excited to see this in my box because those I read/watch across the pond absolutely love it. This is OOBER thick but somehow not slick at all? I was concerned because I figured it would be slick but it is actually hard to explain how NOT slick this is & isn’t really shiny either! I really want a full size of this for winter!

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product– I’ve been wanting to try this forever & for some reason I just never splurged despite all the amazing things I’ve heard. I’ll be washing my hair today which is when I assume it will be more noticeable? I’m excited to see how it works & also terrified I’ll love it & have devote a ton of money to it since I have such thick hair.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir– I’ve smelled this in the stores before which is a good thing…since my sample wouldn’t spray 🙁 Bummer right? I actually really like this scent, it is sexy & has notes of honeysuckle which I really enjoy & seems to be rare in sexier type scents. i really wish my sample worked, this would have been nice for travel.

Supergoop! Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream– This wasn’t a great sample for me because it is in the shade Light to Medium & claims to be self adjusting…but not on my super pale skin! I can’t wear this out in public. Too dark. I will say that I really liked the formula though & it appeared to blur imperfections & my freckles. This isn’t moisturizing at all but it made my skin feel super soft!

Birchbox Find is like an added mass-market extra & this month it was a full sized Ghirardelli chocolate bar in the flavor Toffee Crunch which was super creamy with bits of crunchy toffee- yum!

Overall I’m very happy with this box because I finally get to try the It’s a 10 & the Dr. Lipp products, they were nice surprises! I wish the CC Cream was in my shade but I really love it so maybe I’ll seek it out… Wish my Juicy perfume sample worked, would have been great to carry in my purse to transition to night.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription costing $10 a month. If you review each product monthly you also get credit money in the Birchbox shop. If you review each product each month (assuming there are 5) that equals $5 so the box itself pretty much costs $5 which is an awesome deal! If you’re interested in joining, please subscribe using my Birchbox referral link!

Have you received a Birchbox this month? Feel free to share your links below! Any products in this Birchbox that interested you?

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This blog at times uses affiliate links, sponsored material, & receives some products as samples in hopes of review. This in no way alters the articles/posts written & all opinions are my own or that of a guest writer. Please see my disclosure tab above header for more info.