Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Dutchess Lounge Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

February 17, 2013 By StephanieLouise 535Leave a Comment2013-02-17+15%3A41%3A00StephanieLouise

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I’ve been holding off on this review because, well, I’m sad. I was so excited about the Fergie Centerstage collection (I do love the Fergie Black Gel Eyeliner & lots of other items!) but these eyeshadows are definitely not what I was expecting. I love the Wet n Wild Color Icon eyeshadows, they’re beyond exceptional. Ultra pigmented, wearable, buttery, & I could just go on & on. Fabulous. These, unfortunately, are not the same formula.

When looking at the palettes available, I went for Dutchess Lounge because it looked like a hard rock glam smoky eye palette. Seriously pretty. The packaging is plastic & has 5 shades. It comes with a curved eyeshadow applicator.

The middle shade is the only non-smoky non-shimmer color. It is a very cool toned purple & has pretty poor pigmentation. I will have to seriously pack this onto a primer to get it to even show up. The silver shade also has weak pigmentation but it is a bit buildable. It leans a bit metallic. The blackened re-toned burgundy is pretty & has okay pigmentation. The bottom two shade are black with the addition of shimmer. One side has purple & blue while the other has silver. Pigmentation on these is okay.

Pretty much all of the shades are a bit patchy & sad. I’m sad. I’m disappointed. I feel like they cheated on me with a cheap knockoff. For one, this palette needs an eyeshadow primer, no ifs, &s or buts about it. It costs more than the wonderful 8 pan palettes but is significantly inferior quality. Not impressed. In fact, I’m still a bit shocked which is why it has taken this long to write. I bought another palette (Metropolitan Nights) & returned it immediately to see if I got a dud. I didn’t, they’re just duds.

Not happy with this outcome. Have you tried the Fergie 5 pan palettes? Better response? Same? I’d love to know!

NEW Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Sticks Review & Swatches (6 Shades!)

February 16, 2013 By StephanieLouise 5361 Comment2013-02-16+20%3A29%3A00StephanieLouise

If you’ve seen my first review of the 3 Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohls Eyeliners in some basic shades then you know I loved them SO much that I went out & bought a bunch more shades. In this new line & idea, Rimmel has come out with these jumbo eyeshadow pencils & I grabbed up 6 of them. I found these at Walgreens for approximately $5 each.

These pencils are supposed to be waterproof & last for 24 hours. I’m pretty impressed. Although I wish I had some matte/cream options ( I would KILL for the Nude Rimmel Scandal Eyeliner Pencil in a jumbo stick!) these are a wonderful starting point color-wise. I prefer all my jumbo eyeshadow pencils to be long wearing which is why I haven’t invested much into NYX shadow bases & why I love the Milani Shadow Eyez. These aren’t as thick as the Milani Shadow Eyez but I find them a lot easier to use because they’re thinner. They fade a bit around the 6-9 hour mark but not dramatically.

These colors are all beautiful & I honestly think they’d each work on all skintones. Do be aware that they do set so if you want to blend, do it directly after application. These work well as bases but I especially love them under my lower lashline because my watery eyes don’t break them down. You will need a good eye makeup remover to get these off!

Witness White: Frosty white. Not as opaque as the others. Better coverage with 2 layers.

Bulletproof Beige: Nude champagne slightly metallic. Nice pigmentation.

Gossip Green: Cool sage green with light sheen. Not as reflective. Great coverage.

Tempting Turquoise: Bright aqua with slight white shimmer. Not as reflective. Good coverage, 2 swipes for opacity.

Bad Girl Bronze: Warm chocolate with warm bronze shimmer. Great coverage.

Guilty Grey: Gunmetal grey with silver shimmer. Great even coverage.

For something bright, the Tempting Turquoise is impressive & the shade reminds me of my first Tarte purchase so long ago. Witness White & Bulletproof Beige both make awesome highlights & bases. I see myself using Bulletproof Beige more just because I totally love this shade & coverage. I love Gossip Green, it is super wearable & perfect for any season. I see myself rocking this a lot this spring. Bad Girl Bronze is the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze only warmed up & summer perfect. I’m so excited for this shade when it warms up some! For now, awesome liner shade & it makes my blue eyes pop! Guilty Grey is a great gunmetal (a shade I normally prefer to silvers) & makes the perfect base or liner for a smoky eye. Beautiful.

I know you guys have been excited to hear my thoughts on these so I hope you enjoyed the swatches & post! These are great drugstore additions & I honestly think they’re a steal for the price. I’ve spotted them in permanent display slots at Walgreens so you probably don’t need to track down any specialty displays! I’d love to hear what you think of the shades, jumbo pencils, & this line overall! Feel free to comment below!

My Valentine’s Day Smoky Eyeshadow Look + What Was Used!

February 15, 2013 By StephanieLouise 537Leave a Comment2013-02-15+14%3A31%3A00StephanieLouise

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So last night we ended up going to one of our favorite restaurants for Valentine’s Day expectantly. It is pretty casual so I went with jeans & a nice black top. For makeup…possibilities were endless. I haven’t done a smoky eye in awhile so I went with that!

Eyes:
– Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk (used instead of primer
– Base shade Last Call is from the Urban Decay Ammo Palette
– Black blending crease shade is Oil Slick from the Urban Decay Ammo Palette
– Highlight shade is Sin from the Urban Decay Ammo Palette
– Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Perversion
– Eyeko London Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black
– L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Waterproof Mascara
– Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara in Black

Face:
– Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in 805 Ivory
– Revlon Colorstay in Light
– Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Brightener
-The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer
– Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Heather Silk

Lips:
– Tarte Lip Surgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Hope
-Jordana Pretty Shine Lipgloss in Lovely (just in the center

So that’s what I’m rocking tonight! What about you guys? I definitely want to see what you’re working with!

5 Eyeshadow Looks Perfect for Valentine’s Night

February 14, 2013 By StephanieLouise 538Leave a Comment2013-02-14+19%3A50%3A00StephanieLouise

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So I’m actually working on a Valentine’s Day look currently because my eyes itched SO badly yesterday that I just couldn’t do it. Couldn’t. & honestly, it would’ve looked crap if I had tried. So, while I’m getting myself together, here are 5 looks perfect for tonight!

Each photo is linked to a tutorial or eyeshadow look. Check them out for more information!

What are you rocking today or tonight? I’d love to see! What is your favorite date night look?

Nails: My Valentine’s Day Manicure 2013

February 14, 2013 By StephanieLouise 539Leave a Comment2013-02-14+14%3A05%3A00StephanieLouise

I really love my nails today. I feel like I’ve been swatching so much that I’ve been seriously lacking nail art. I love this so much! Below you’ll find lots more pictures including photos of the polishes used in bottle shots & shade information.

Thumb: Base of Zoya Shelby, hearts are Sally Hansen Cherry Red, & glitter topper of China Glaze Fairy Dust.

Index: Base of Zoya Shelby,Light pink stripe is Nicole by OPI in Studio Mama, Red stripe is Sally Hansen Cherry Red.

Middle: Base of Zoya Shelby, glitter topper is Milani One Coat Glitter in Pink Flare.

Ring: Base of Zoya Shelby, heart is Sally Hansen Cherry Red.

Pinkie: Base of Zoya Shelby,glitter topper is Jesse’s Girl in Pink Tiara.

I used a base coat of Essie Grow Faster & a top coat of Seche Vite.

So that’s what I’m rocking today! Feel free to link your Valentine’s Day mani in the comments below, I’d love to see it! What are you wearing today?

10 Nail Polishes Perfect for Valentine’s Day 2013

February 13, 2013 By StephanieLouise 540Leave a Comment2013-02-13+20%3A59%3A00StephanieLouise

photo 10fornailsvday_zpsfcecd894.jpg In this post you’ll find 10 polishes perfect for the day of love. From pink to red to purple you’ll find shades perfect for the occasion. Most lean towards glitter, sorry! No cremes here this year! I’ll show you guys my Valentine’s Day manicure tomorrow but for now, just in case you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favorite things! Each photo is linked to swatches & reviews so just click on the photo to see more!

There you have it! Just in case you’ve missed my other Valentine’s Day posts, I’ve linked them below!

– Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her 2013

– Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him 2013

– These are a Few of my Favorite PINK Things!

– A New Take on Roses for Valentine’s Day

– 5 Sexy Ways to Add Scent to Date Night

Nails: China Glaze Strawberry Fields Swatches & Review

February 13, 2013 By StephanieLouise 541Leave a Comment2013-02-13+17%3A47%3A00StephanieLouise

Let’s talk about favorite polishes shall we? I wait until Valentine’s week every year (until I see sunshine & love is in the air) to break out China Glaze Strawberry Fields. This is one of the China Glaze core polishes which is a good thing…this is my 2nd bottle. When you have a stash like mine & buy a 2nd bottle of something you know it is a big deal.

China Glaze Strawberry Fields– A slightly hot medium warm pink jelly with golden glass flecks. 2 coats, no base or topcoat.

I would be most upset if this wasn’t part of the core line because this polish simply makes me entirely too happy. Every year I know it is Strawberry Fields time about this time in February. With nail art or by itself this is a stunning jelly packed to the brim with shimmer. It has a lit from within look that is absolutely stunning. There isn’t anything about this polish I don’t absolutely love.

Do you own Strawberry fields? What will you be wearing on your nails tomorrow? Any other shades from the China Glaze core line you consider must haves?

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her 2013

February 13, 2013 By StephanieLouise 542Leave a CommentValentine%27s+Day+Gifts+for+Her+20132013-02-13+15%3A11%3A00StephanieLouise

Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Normally I would celebrate with my folks (it is their wedding anniversary) then with my hubby for dinner. Being that we are so far away, clearly we won’t be doing that. We usually exchange gifts & such as well! So, if you give gifts to your wife, sister, cousin, co-worker, daughter, or any other female, I hope you find this helpful! I tried to include some options that you could go pick up eight this minute along with some others I personally just love.

Lips & Blush – Let’s start with one of my favorite blushes ever, Everyday Minerals Blush in Wild Vines. This is the easiest to wear cool toned rose pink blush, perfection. In the red lip spectrum I chose OCC Lip Tar in Stalker & Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 111 Kiss of Life. Both are gorgeous reds that last a long time without the tight long wear feeling. For pinks I had to throw in one of my very favorite brighter pinks in 06 from the Rimmel Kate Moss line. For a cupcake/vanilla scented pink gloss there’s Palladio Herbal Lip Gloss in Eleventh Gorgeous. Want something more natural? Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter is without fault.

Eyes – My splurge gift this year is the oh so sweet & loved Glinda Palette from urban Decay. I’ll be reviewing this soon but it is perfect in both shades & packaging for Valentine’s Day. Want to give out some smaller gifts? The Wet n Wild Trio in Spoiled Brat is perfection & at only $3 it is a steal. Want to spend even less? Check out this pink based quad from ELF called Pretty N Pink for only $1!

Dr. Hauschka Aromatherapy Bath Kit – I honestly think this kit is perfect for someone who loves a bit of luxury. With scents like Spruce & Sage this kit is super original & smells lovely. Other scents are Lemon, Lavender, & Rosemary. I have found you should use less than recommended, these are intense! Great gift idea for someone who needs a bit of stress relief & relaxation. This set is from Cut & Blow.

Pinch Provisions Minimercency Kit for Her – I included the for Him kit in my Men’s roundup & clearly love this one as well. What a fantastic idea! The Pinch Provisions Minimercency Kit for Her contains a bit more than the men’s but when don’t we need more stuff? With everything you’ll need in a mishap this kits is seriously the perfect kit for anyone. From elastics to clear nail polish to earring backs this kit kick butt!

Cleanlogic Soap + Sponge in Peach Berry – Let’s start with: I am now obsessed with soap sponge combos. I got one in a Glossybox & have been seeking out more. This one smells incredible & fruity & is just more special than your average bar of soap! I’ve also found these to be easier to grip & they don’t wear away as fast. This would be a great addition to a bath set!

Ghirardelli Chocolates – If nothing seems to quite fit, go with a winner. Ghirardelli is some of the best & my house takes chocolate pretty seriously. Dark chocolate is usually my flavor of choice. Dark Chocolate with Strawberry Filling? Yeah that doesn’t last long with my husband. Not into dark chocolate or even milk chocolate? Try the Ghirardelli Sublime White Vanilla Dream All Natural Chocolate which is made with real vanilla beans. It is ridiculously good.

Fragrance – If you are in a really giving mood (& preferably if you know the person & their preferences) then a fragrance can be an amazing gift. On the left is Victoria’s Secret Seduction Dark orchid which is a super sultry, sexy scent. The adorable bottle on the right is Betsey Johnson Too Too which is kind of a sexy rocker scent. I think this one might be going away (I’ve been seeing it on sale) so if you want it, grab it fast!

So there are my picks for Valentine’s Day this year, hopefully you can find something to suit your needs. What did you pick up for the women in your life who you love? Still unsure what to get the men in your life? Jump on over to my Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Men 2013!

**Some items provided in consideration of review while most were bought with my own money.

Wet n Wild Flora & Fauna Overview & Swatches

February 13, 2013 By StephanieLouise 5434 Comments2013-02-13+15%3A06%3A00StephanieLouise

I know this has been all over the blogosphere so I won’t go into too much detail. I picked mine up at Walgreens as I don’t live anywhere near a Rite Aid. As the packaging says, these are only $4.99. These are limited edition from Wet n Wild although a few items can be purchased from their displays. All of these were taken with artificial lighting. I wanted to show each item next to each other because if you just want one collection I figure this will make it easier to compare.

Let’s start with the 2 WnW Fast Dry Nail Colors as I was terribly excited for these. On the left is a brand new polish called Twining Vines. This appears to be a fierce green foil! On the right is Teal or no Teal which is part of the regular line.

Next are the two new trios. From left to right the trios are called Fauna & Flora.

Fauna has all shimmers including a champagne, blue that looks teal in certain lights, & purple that leans a bit lavender. I love these shades & although the purple isn’t as pigments I think I could easily apply it with more of a packing motion to achieve the color in the palette.

Flora has what appears to be a matte tangerine/orange, a medium shimmering green, & a lime/grass green packed with shimmer. Super creamy & pigmented.

Wet n Wild has had some form of tube gloss since I can remember…I think… These are Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Glasses in Mow the Glass & Glass Confusion.

Left to right are swatches of Glass Confusion & Mow the Glass.

I love Wet n Wild blushes so I was happy to have these smaller sizes.

Left to right: Fauna came with Pearlesant Pink & Flora came with Mellow Wine.

So what do you think of these collections? Has Wet n Wild wowed you? I’m glad I picked both of these up, especially for the price! Which set are you most interested in?

A New Take on Roses for Valentine’s Day 2013

February 12, 2013 By StephanieLouise 544Leave a Comment2013-02-12+19%3A26%3A00StephanieLouise

photo PicMonkeyCollageroses_zps89efdd6a.jpg I love rose scented just about everything. When Valentine’s Day rolls around, I find myself even more intoxicated with the scent. Finally…more rose things to add to my stash! If you’re not wanting a bouquet this year, check out these beautiful options for the perfect rose gift! The links below lead to prior reviews or blog posts.

– Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray: I’ve mentioned this in numerous favorites videos & posts because…I love it. This smells divine & works like a charm. A refreshing mist that isn’t too heavily scented but still makes your face look a bit lighter & wears longer as well.

– Conair Rose Impressions Hair Brush: I reviewed & gave away one of these brushes awhile back & I still think it has just the coolest rose print. With swirls of pink & red this looks really artsy while still being functional.

– Badger Damascus Rose Face Sunscreen: I love this, have repurchased it, & still adore it. It is so rare I repurchase a moisturizer so this is a big deal. The scent is incredible & I love it. This might be my favorite of the entire post.

– Mark Lipclick Luxe Lipstick in M.Powerment Petal: I received this oh-so-cool looking lipstick in my December Glossybox & I’m still loving it! With the pink metal packaging, magnetic opening, & holo writing I can’t get over the appearance…so cool! The color is a pretty universal rose shade.

– Prestiche Mineral Treat Bath Salts in Rose: I freaking adore these. I got quite a few Prestiche products to try awhile back & this is one of my favorites. This has made it into favorites for its pure rose scent & lingering scent when tossed into a hot bath.

– Maybelline Line Stylist Lip Liner in Rose 120: An opaque pink toned rose, this lip liner is lovely. The Maybelline Line Stylist pencils are super tiny at the tip making it effortless to apply color where you want it.

– L’Occitane Rose 4 Reines Body Milk: If you love complex rose scents, this is one to take a whiff of. L’Occitane has lots of creative scents that I normally go for but this lotion contains Grasse, Bulgarian, Moroccan, & Turkish roses. Fabulously feminine.

– Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Rose: I don’t know why Revlon did away with this line because, well, they were some of the very best. Beautiful, pigmented, & nicely packaged. Soft Rose in particular is a favorite because it goes with pretty much any makeup look. If you can still get your hands on it, do it!

– 525PR Makeup City La Vie en Rose Blush in Rachel: I absolutely LOVE this shade & it is super soft. The pigmentation is really wearable & when swatched it has kind of a light bronzer look with a nearly ethereal pink sheen. So lovely. This is pretty on the cheeks & chest as well. Plus, what a lovely rose!

Do you love roses? Anything here strike your fancy? What is your favorite floral scent?

** Some items sent for consideration. All opinions are my own.