See Stephanie Read: My Life Map (A Journal!)

November 16, 2012 By StephanieLouise 655Leave a Comment2012-11-16+00%3A09%3A00StephanieLouise

So this book is definitely quite different from my usual reviews… My Life Map by Kate & David Marshall is written in a journaling format. I won’t be showing you my answers here but I will be talking about what I thought about it! If you guys want to see anything from this journal such as my past or my Ten Year Map…just let me know!

This is a hardback book (not sure if it comes in other formats) & the first thing I noticed flipping through it were the quotes. At the beginning of each chapter, there are 2 quotes from famous folks…the ones who really knew what they were talking about! Each empowering & short, they rev you up to fill out each section. One of my favorites is at the beginning of #6. The Next Ten Years: “Whatever your past has been, your future is spotless.”- Anonymous I’ve been thinking a lot about the future so that hit home!

Overall I liked this book & enjoyed the format. It asks specific questions without being too textbook. There is a somewhat school vibe to it which I honestly enjoy. I haven’t been in school for awhile so it was nice to put pen to paper. Very rare these days unless we are playing Clue! I feel like it was personal without being too personal. It was kind of like writing to an aquaintence: You’re nice, but not insterested in oversharing. I think this would be a great tool for a newly married person or someone fresh out of college. I enjoyed it!

To join in on BlogHer Book Club discussions about My Life Map, check out the main book page here. The copy of this book was provided to me in consideration of review & I was compensated for my time. This in no way alters my opinions or my review.

Dramatic Night Fall Tutorial Using Christina Choi Cosmetics Eyeshadows in Martini Olive & Black Forrest!

November 13, 2012 By StephanieLouise 656Leave a Comment2012-11-13+20%3A55%3A00StephanieLouise

If you caught my review of the Christina Choi Cosmetics sent to me yesterday, then you know I hinted at a tutorial! I’m still working with some lighting so be kind! I hope you guys like this, my husband really did!

I think I did a pretty good job explaining how to get this look in the video but just in case you need a refresher: Martini Olive on the lid & Black Forrest into the crease. I also used a bit of Wet n Wild Creme Brule under the browbone.

Before Mascara/Liner

After Mascara/Liner

Hubby rarely comments about my makeup unless it is bright colors…honestly he’d be cool if I was Rainbow Brite. But he DID say how much he liked this! It really caught the light & when we shopped at the BX to do a little shopping before going out I got compliments from the sales girls. Always nice! These are genuinely unique shades, I tried to compare them but I don’t have anything that comes close enough!

What do you guys think? Are you digging this look as a going out/date night dramatic eye? You can pick up these products at http://www.christinachoicosmetics.com/

Some products used in this tutorial were sent to me. This post was not asked of me, I just enjoyed them this much! All opinions are 100% honest & my own!

Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Swatches in Moonstone & Firefly (FINALLY!)

November 13, 2012 By StephanieLouise 657Leave a Comment2012-11-13+13%3A37%3A00StephanieLouise

Let me start off with I am SO sorry these took so long! I have been backing up & transferring everything off my computer & totally lost all of these photos. I’ve been working so hard to find them & FINALLY I did! Normally these have their own posts, but because I took so long here are the last 2 together! No more waiting! If you missed my other swatches, I will have them linked below!

Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in Moonstone: A white peal that leans purple, green, pink, & blue. Not heavily duochromed but most visible in the shade.

I have this swatched over black except on my ring finger where it is on its own. I do not recommend wearing it on its own if you like opacity, it took 5-6 coats! Over black, I used 3 to really get the white effect. You can get a neat effect with just one although I don’t find it super original.

Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in Firefly: This shifts from a golden mauve, a green leaning turquoise, a pale golden green, with the main color being a pink toned bronze.

I love this shade! This also was definitely one of the easiest Lustre Shine polishes to apply. Seen here in 4 thin coats, no base shade. Love this shift & it is more apparent on the nail than in the bottle. Check it out with my cheetah print over it, gorg right?

So there you have it! If you missed any of my prior swatches here they are!: Lava, Scarab, Copperhead, & Plume. Here are the bottle shots of all 6 as well so you can compare them!

I still think these are pricey, even for duochromes. Do I regret paying the hefty price tag? Maybe a tad because I don’t see myself wearing a few of them. But that’s how it goes! I would have paid even more for Lava so it is totally worth it! I also love Scarab…perfect mermaid shade!

Did you end up purchasing any of the Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Collection? Would you like to see them release more?

Christina Choi Cosmetics Review: Martini Olive + Black Forrest Eyeshadow, Jetsetter Luxury Gloss, & Contour Crease Brush

November 12, 2012 By StephanieLouise 658Leave a Comment2012-11-12+20%3A33%3A00StephanieLouise

Whenever I check out a new brand, I try to get my hands on some original shades. Do I love nude gloss? Yes, but I also have quite a few! I like checking out colors unique to my collection & all 3 of the Christina Choi Cosmetics products I’m going to be showing you definitely are! Along with the Contour Crease Brush, I have 4 products to share with you & soon a tutorial perfect for a dramatic fall look! Swatches at the bottom of the post!

I really like the packaging on these, super sleek while not being your standard black. The packaging is also really smart, I don’t have to dig them out. Just take the cut out on each side & remove it! The compacts themselves are also really sleek & flatter than a lot of other eyeshadows.Think more the Sephora brand shadows & less the MAC shadows.

Christina Choi Cosmetics Eyeshadow: Our silky smooth pressed eyeshadows will be your new best-friend. The collection comes in a wide range of pigments.You can customize the intensity you desire by using the products wet or dry. They contain vitamins C and E that hydrate and protect the eyelids. It is a non-drying formula that conditions during wear and provides amazing rich color payoff.

– Hypoallergenic
– Cruelty Free
– 100% Fragrance Free
– Not Tested on Animals

Martini Olive Eyeshadow LIMITED Shade $17.00

Khaki mossy green with a golden luster. Soft shimmer pearl finish offers an ultra-reflective finish.
Christina’s Pro Tips:
– Use wet for intense and luminous finish.
– Great color to frame around the eyes as an eyeliner.

My Take: I love this luster shade, especially paired with a dark green or plum for fall. I love this as a base shade & it could easily be used alone because it catches the light so beautifully.

Black Forest Eyeshadow LIMITED shadow $17.00

A rich black smoky-green with golden shimmer flecks. A dual finish has both a soft matte base and a sparkling surface for an exciting, multi-dimensional effect.
Christina’s Pro Tips:
– Apply wet for intense high shine payoff.
– Great color for a smoky eye or eye lining.
– For a liquid liner effect, apply wet.

My Take: This is definitely one of the most beautiful dark green eyeshadows I’ve ever tried. I love this as a dark crease shade & as a dark eyeliner in the outter corner. Seriously pigmented, just touch your brush to it & tap lightly. If you don’t want to use it wet as a liner, use it to set black liner for a great effect.

Jetsetter Luxury Gloss $18.50

A vivid orange coral gloss with an opaque finish. This feather-light formula imparts superior shine and provides long lasting hydration in a single sweep.
Christina’s Pro Tip:
– Dot the gloss on lips for a “stained” sheer appearance, then blend with finger tip.

My Take: I am in LOVE with this gloss. You can see my camera rejected it a bit int he tube as it often does with bright colors. This is shiny, opaque, & the perfect color. I like it worn sheer or opque but obviously sheer it quite a bit easier. This is an awesome bright orange leaning coral…which has me yearning for spring again!

Contour Crease Brush $23.00

The tall tapered bristles are perfect for creating an airbrushed appearance to the eyeshadows. This long-handled brush diffuses color and buffs out harsh edges.
Christina’s Pro Tips:
– This brush is great for contouring a larger crease line.
– If you have a small crease or creaseless eyes, this brush is great to smooth out color at the lash base or middle eye area.

My Take: I LOVE this brush! This applies product perfectly to my crease area, not too much or too little. This really buffs the color in but also places it perfectly for a dramatic look.

Left to right: Christina Choi Cosmetics Black Forrest Eyeshadow, Martini Olive Eyeshadow, & Jetsetter Luxury Gloss.

You can pick up these products at http://www.christinachoicosmetics.com/ & check out their other shades. Some of them are limited edition so that is also something to keep in mind! I really love these shades & I honestly can’t imagine running out of either eyeshadows, you just dot your brush in & you have amazing pigmentation. If you’re looking for a nicely pigmented gloss or eyeshadow, I highly recommend checking these out!

Products were provided for unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

New L’Oreal Infallible Shade in Blinged & Brilliant Dupe Alert & Comparisons!

November 9, 2012 By StephanieLouise 659Leave a Comment2012-11-09+14%3A09%3A00StephanieLouise

Okay, I know you guys have think I lost it. “Omigosh she finally let the eyeshadow get to her head, she’s telling us NOT to buy a L’Oreal Infallible shade?” I know right! But seriously, there’s a VERY good reason. Of course I still love these shades…in fact I love them so much that I own the key to your salvation if you are still unable to find the holiday L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow shade in Blinged & Brilliant.

First let us compare Blinged & Brilliant with the 2 closest shades in the L’Oreal Infallible eyeshadow family, Iced Latte & Amber Rush.

Left is Iced Latte & right is Blinged & Brilliant: Iced Latte is definitely lighter, whiter, & doesn’t lean copper/brown.

Left is Blinged & Brilliant & right is Amber Rush: Amber Rush is definitely darker & leans more copper.

Left to right is Iced Latte, Blinged & Brilliant, & Amber Rush.

Dupe Time!

Iced Latte + Amber Rush= Blinged & Brilliant!

On the bottom: left is Amber Rush & Iced Latte mixed & right is Blinged & Brilliant.

I’m pretty much positive of this guys. I mixed just a smidge & although if you continuously mix it you’ll get a bit different results, it is most definitely identical. & you know how picky I am about dupes. Like…really picky. Am I mad I bought it? Not at all. I love both Iced Latte & Amber Rush so naturally I love Blinged & Brilliant. BUT if I didn’t collect eyeshadows like a hoarder (I really do guys) or I couldn’t find the new shade, I think this tidbit would be super helpful!

What do you think? Do you use your L’Oreal Infallible shades to warrant purchasing Blinged & Brilliant or will mixing them a bit do the trick?

If you dug this, I highly suggest you check out my comparison of the shades Primped & Precious & Liquid Diamond! Also check out all 3 of the new shades for the holidays (Blinged & Brilliant, Primped & Precious, & Gold Imperial) swatched side by side!

GIVEAWAY!: Pureology A Touch of Glamour Clutch!

November 8, 2012 By StephanieLouise 660Leave a Comment2012-11-08+15%3A27%3A00StephanieLouise

Remember when I reviewed the Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum line? Well Pureology is letting you guys win a set called “A Touch of Glamour” set! This has a mini Perfect 4 Platinum shampoo, conditioner, & Anti Frizz Shine Spray. These are perfect for blonde or highlighted hair & contain no sulfates! Even if you aren’t blonde, what a perfect holiday gift! The bag is so cute, it is a woven purple that almost feels like ultra-soft leather! The are both a snap & zipper so this is definitely purse/travel friendly!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Don’t be sad, I have an international giveaway (jewelry!) coming ASAP! Please wait for the rafflecopter widget to load below & enter through there!
Big shoutout to Pureology, without them this giveaway wouldn’t be possible!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See Stephanie Read: Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

November 8, 2012 By StephanieLouise 661Leave a Comment2012-11-08+02%3A33%3A00StephanieLouise

Sylvia Day is a NY Times best seller but this is NOT one to read in public or you may find yourself busting into giggles. Is this book that funny? Oh no, that is just what I do in awkward situations. Perhaps this is why I am a blogger & not a spy? Oh that realization hurts folks.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the soap-tastic book that is Reflected in You. This is the 2nd book in the Crossfire series & preceded by Bared to You. I could lie & say I read these for their intellectual qualities but we both know I would be lying. A lot.

I only have one issue with the Crossfire Series: The main character’s name is Gideon & as an avid Charmed fan (I’m geektastic IRL) all I can think of is how evil he is. But once you get sucked in, you forget all about the creepy Charmed Gideon & get into the “I’m bad but I’m tormented” Gideon. Oh yes, he is one of those. If you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey, I would definitely recommend this as it has a similar angsty feel but, in my opinion, better writing.

For anyone that dated a project (guilty) you wanted to fix because he was just so BAD but you knew deep down he really WAS good…this is for you. With lots of phrases like “damaged & tormented on the inside” & sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession” you should know what you’re in for. Romance at its most ridiculously dramatic. Is it something I would read all the time? No. But I do like the occasional romance read & this happened to be a good pick!

If you’re interested in participating in the upcoming BlogHer Book Club, then check out our Reflected in You discussions here. Although this copy was provided to me & I have been provided a very small compensation for my time, all opinions are my own.

NEW Pure Ice Nail Polish Bottle Shots (16 of them, PIC HEAVY!)

November 7, 2012 By StephanieLouise 662Leave a Comment2012-11-07+13%3A50%3A00StephanieLouise

While I may not have gotten every single new Pure Ice nail polish…I did get quite a few! I tried to grab shades that looks really original & unlike things I already own. The majority are clearly glitters (it IS me!) but I think they are going to be amazing for layering, especially with jellies. Many of these have diamond shaped glitter which I totally love! For only $1.99, these are a total steal. Enough chit chat, let’s do this!

NOTE: One of these polishes didn’t get a shot taken of it 🙁 It is called Royal Flush & it is similar to Temptress. You can see it in the first photo! It has a lot more shimmer. Also similar to Are Mermaids Real? from Sinful Colors but more pigmented & darker.

Stop Flirtin: A light blue small hex glitter with larger silver hex glitter in a clear base.

Meet Me in Monaco: A sheer black base with light peach & faded orange hexes ranging from small to medium.

After Hours: An indigo & bright blue small hex glitter with larger silver hex glitters in a clear base.

Cha-Ching: A hot pink shimmer which can be used as a top coat or on its own.

Tinsel Town: Bright blue tiny hex glitter with light blue & silver holographic diamonds in a clear base.

Alter Ego: A shimmering metallic chocolate brown with gray glass flecks.
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Get on Top: Mini light blue hex glitter with medium silver hex glitter in a clear base.

Material Girl: Mini soft pink hex glitter with light pink & silver holo diamonds in a clear base.

Hot-Rocks: Silver scattered shimmer with small silver hex glitters & silver holo diamonds in a clear base.

Sea-Quin: Light lime green/chartreuse green mini glitter with light green holo diamonds in a clear base.

Call Me!: Orange mini hex glitter with medium silver hex glitter in a clear base.

Vegas Strip: A light green with a bit of lime flash composed of shimmer. Can be worn on its own or as a top coat.

Turn It Up: A perfect medium green mini hex glitter with medium silver hex glitter in a clear base.

Temptress: A very dusty purple with an antique gold shimmer.

Treasure Hunt: A light seafoam green mini hex glitter with lavender & pale turquoise holo diamond glitter in a clear base.
Mine were somewhat picked over, but I think I got a lot of winners here! I found them on their own display at Walmart & like I said, only $1.99 each. I am SO impressed & I can’t wait to show you swatches! Any you want to see first? Any shades especially catch your eye?

How I Wash my Hair Brushes!

November 6, 2012 By StephanieLouise 663Leave a CommentHow+I+Wash+my+Hair+Brushes%212012-11-06+19%3A06%3A00StephanieLouise

Hi guys! So I had a question about how I wash my hair brushes! Since I often tease my hair (it is super fine!) & have flyaways I often use quite a bit of product. I do have a new favorite duo for getting product OUT of my hair which I’ll talk about in a future post but for now this will have to do!

Your hair tools are so incredibly important, often even more so than products. As much as I love my curling iron/straightener/hot tools, nothing beats an awesome pick or the perfect brush. If you want to see a seperate post about my favorite combs/brushes then just let me know!

Before you even wash your brushes, make sure you get all the hair out of them. I like to use my teasing end of my comb to do this! Try to get every piece out!

The first thing I do is fill up my sink with warm-hot water. None of the brushes shown here are wood so I know I can soak them. If you are afraid hot water will mess up your brushes, don’t risk it. Just because I do it doesn’t mean you have to. What I do find is that the hotter water tends to separate the gunk off the tools much faster.

So you’ll notice that I throw a washcloth in the bottom of my sink. We live in military housing & unfortunately they don’t care much about items wrong with the house unless it is life or death. The washcloth is to help my sink hold water because although our house is lovely, the fixtures are not.

So I know a lot of people just use their regular shampoo which I’m sure is fine but I opt for baby shampoo. I often use this for my makeup brushes when I travel so it is easy for me to snatch it out of my cupboard. I don’t use anything specific, in fact, I normally choose the generic option. I drizzle just a tad of this over my brushes then dip them in the water quickly.

If I’m in a rush, I’ll just wash them quickly. I use an old comb to scrunch through the brush which gets it nice & clean. For brushes that are more in desperate need of cleaning, I let them soak for an hour or two. When I soak them, I put a wash cloth over the top to force the brushes down. If you notice, they float…but not so much with a wet wash cloth on top!

Another question I got was how often do I wash my brushes! Unfortunately, & I feel so unhelpful saying this, but I do it when I feel like they need it! I don’t have excessively oily hair & I do go through phases of using hairspray vs. gel vs. whatever. So basically…I wash them when I think they need it!

Starlooks Starbox October 2012 (A Subscription with ALL Full Sized Products!)

November 6, 2012 By StephanieLouise 664Leave a Comment2012-11-06+14%3A41%3A00StephanieLouise

So the Starbox is from the makeup company Starlooks & everything inside the box is from their brand. I got my first box last month (click here to view my September Starbox) & was very impressed. For $15, you know you’ll be receiving full-sized items…no foil packets here!

Here are the cards that came with this Starbox, pretty right? Plus it gives you a sneak peek for December. if you have been considering signing up I think it is the perfect time!

Inside my October Starbox
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Starlooks Eye Dust in Posh: This is a loose pigment that can be worn both sheer & built up to be brighter. I love purples so this shimmering shade is right up my alley! I always use a primer with loose product & this lasted all day!

Starlooks Eye Pencil in Gold Dust: This is a really blendable yellow-toned gold shade. Again, this is buildable. Use a little to have a slight golden sheen or another layer to make the gold really pop.

Starlooks Lipstick in Masquerade: This is a warm orange/pink toned red base packed with orange shimmers! This looks a lot more dramatic in the tube than on the lips/swatched. I love this shade! Such a pretty wearable orange shade for fall!

Extras: We always get the crystals in our box which I love. Plus we got a kind of eye tattoo? I’m sticking this in my costume drawer. How fun is that though? Great extra!

Swatches left to right: Eye pigment in Posh, Eyeliner in Gold Dust, & Lipstick in Masquerade.

I get so many questions asking me which beauty boxes are the best & this one is definitely making that list. Sure, it is only my 2nd box, but this encompasses the requests I so often get. When someone asks me what kind of box they’re looking for I always ask what THEY want out of a service. Often they want all makeup, bug samples, & nothing too expensive. I think this definitely fits the bill!

What do you think of the products I got in this Starbox? Have you signed up? What services are you currently signed up for?

**This Starlooks Box was provided for an unbiased review. This is not sponsored & all opinions are my own. No affiliate links have been used.