All Things Beautiful XO

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

Haul: Wet n Wild I Heart Matte & Baked Palettes!

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This was an accomplishment, let me tell you! The I Heart Matte Palette is gorgeous but it was in a ridiculous place. The hair aisle? Seriously?Anyways, mine was chipped, scratched, and multiple eyeshadows were cracked. You know I didn’t think twice about buying it though! So here’s the shots, swatches to come later on. I’m pretty sick, don’t want to touch all my makeup at the moment honestly!

& the coveted back eyeshadows I knew I wanted. Lovely aren’t they? The containers are weird though, like canals almost. Some bloggers/gurus don’t like them but I think they’re great. My product will finally stay in the packaging! Which palette is your favorite? I can’t wait to play with these!

Birchbox October 2011 Overview

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My October Birchbox arrived a few days ago, and the video went live last night! Here’s my accompanying blog post, including my video below.

So I know some weren’t as happy with their Birchboxes this month, but you won’t be finding that here. Was it my favorite? No. But certainly worth the $10 I paid.
Here’s what I received  in October 2011 Birchbox:
-Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment 
-Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze
-Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask 
-Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss –
-Extra: The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
 Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment
First Impression: Nice quality sample bottle, sealed, 0.34 fl oz. I love getting these kinds of items because I have only started using argan/Moroccan oils within the past 2 years and now there are tons of different specialties. I also use certain varieties on my skin! Probably going to be using this within the next few months, when my hair is its most dehydrated. Smells more fragrant than a lot of my other oils though, kind of similar to a sexy solid perfume.
Full Size: $34.00 for 3.38 fl oz.
Laura Geller  Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze
First Impression: Was SO excited to see this in my Birchbox! I love Laura Geller, but there are just some products I am hesitant to buy. Bronzers fall into this category because I’m light and pretty picky. I really think its a fine line between dewy/sexy and oily/slimy. One reason I love her products so much is because everything I own from Laura Geller is multi-functional, this being no exception. I used this as a soft bronze highlight on my cheekbones and as an eye primer for a natural eye. Loved it. Super soft, blendable, & you only need a small amount!
Full Size: $25.00 for 2oz.
 
Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask
First Impression: Ok let me remind you I dropped this in my video when I saw the price….but Birchbox is all about trying new things right? I don’t use white clay masks very often, but this one is nice and thick. So far, I’ve only swatched it on my arm to test for an allergic reaction, as I always do. Hello…its going on my face! But it tightened a lot, but not as much as my Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, but it also washes off a lot easier so less redness or irritation for most. It smells really floral to me, which surprisingly I didn’t mind. What  do mind is how I’d be too scared to use up a tube!

Full Size: $72.00 for 1.7fl oz.

 Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss
First Impression: Honestly, you can see in my video what my first impression is. “This is one tiny sample!” And it truly is. I get its not super cheap, but its also not the priciest on the market either so I think they could have done a lot better. ANYWAY the product! Weird applicator, like in the video. You can see its a clear spatula which didn’t make much of an application difference except that it freaked me out. Nice gloss, pretty shine and color, but not moisturizing or long lasting. Its supposed to plump, smooth, firm, and hydrate but I found it to be really similar to a few of my Sephora brand glosses.
Full Size: $21.00 for 0.07 fl oz.
 
The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
First Impression: I haven’t tried this yet because my favorite sweaters are still packed away. However, I am interested to see if it works any different than my Woolite…’ve been using it since birch pretty much. Its pretty pricey but if it helps me clothes last longer and look better, it migh tbe a worthy splurge for fall/winter. Cashmere isn’t cheap!
Full Size: $19.00 for 16 fl oz.

There you have it! What was in your Birchbox if you had different items? Have you tried any of these?

Spookfest 2011: Pirate Want A Parrot? Bright Eyeshadow Look

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So back in July my order from The Body Needs came in and I have been loving them ever since! These averaged out to a little over $1 each and the color payoff is great! For swatches from the Blackened Collection or Eye Candy Collection you can click those links and to purchase you simply got to The Body Needs’ Website. You’ll see them in the left hand bar if you’re interested! I am in no way affiliated, I just really like them!
Pirate Want a Parrot? 
Okay so I was trying to think of a costume for my friend to go as and it was tough. Her boyfriend is going as a pirate so that leaves…pirate or wench? She wasn’t really feeling either one. Then it came to me: Parrot! So here is the eyeshadow I thought would look fun and bright, paired with something fabulously feathered of course! 
 The 3 TBN shades used are Lemon Drop, Green Apple, & Raspberry Pink. All 3 are from the Eye Candy Collection.

 Pre-Mascara. Just have my Hard Candy Lash Tint on.

What do you guys think? I think it looks super fun!
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Spookfest 2011: Pumpkinette Makeup Look & Tutorial!

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Yay! Halloween Makeup/Costume Ideas! 

So I try NOT to buy the face paint and stuff every year, mostly because it does something awful to my skin! So I’m going to be putting together makeup looks with MAKEUP instead of something you’ll only use once a year! Instead I’ll be using low-cost options which means: affordable, reusable, & easy to find! Enjoy!
Here’s the breakdown: 
– Super affordable looks with items you can wear again and again!
– Mainly drugstore/low cost options!
– Use a lot of makeup you probably already have while supplementing!
End result? A beautiful Halloween look without a bunch of one-use products!
If you would like a high end version of any of these looks or you want to see a certain look in particular, just let me know and I will do my best to fulfill your request!
Pumpkinette Makeup Look! 
This look was requested by a busy mom who wants to wear fun makeup for her son’s first Halloween! He is a pumpkin!
For This Look: 
Items you probably already have:  
-concealer
-powder
-eye primer
-foundation
-bronzer (preferably with shimmer as its not for contouring)
-black mascara
-black gel eyeliner
-nude lip liner ( I used NYC Jumbo Lipstick Pencil in Bewitching)
-nude/brown gloss (I used ELF Liquid Lipstick in Maple Sugar)
Items needed:
– LA Colors Trio in Boardwalk ($1-$2)
– Wet n Wild Color Icon Shadow Single in Envy ($1 or less)
For the Dramatic Look:
-Lash glue of your choice
 
Create this look!

Step 1: Apply your face makeup as you normally would as well as your eye primer. Save bronzer till after you have cleaned up any fallout since its shimmery!
Step 2: After letting your eye primer sink in, apply your gel liner on inner eyelid, both bottom & top. Then slightly on the upper lashline on the outer corner if desired. I would definitely do this if you wanted to apply false lashes to give yourself a line to follow!
LA Colors Trio in Boardwalk
Step 3: Starting with the yellow shade, go directly under the browbone. This is your highlight so use a lighter touch.
Step 4: Take the orange shade and go from lashline to crease. Blend and add additional for impact if desired, but this is REALLY pigmented. Don’t apply too much or it will crease throughout the evening.
Step 5: Take the deep green shade and an angled eyeliner brush. Line the outer 3/4ths of each eye. If you want a pointed/winged look like I have here, bring the brush up from your outter bottom lash line and use that line to connect your top lid for the point. Once again, this is very pigmented!
Step 6: Take the orange shade again and put it in your inner corners to smooth the section between where the green shadow ends and to brighten your eye.
Step 7: Remove any excess with a fan brush and then apply your bronzer to entire face, blending down the neck. Apply more to the apples of your cheeks as you would blush.
Step 8: Curl lashes and apply mascara.
Step 9: Apply your lipliner to entire lip to make the lipstick really last! Then add lipstick or gloss in a neutral color so it will wear off naturally throughout the night.
Optional: I chose to wear a messy up-do for this look and then added a feathered headband in a brown shade. I bought this for only $1 at a discount store! You can make your own easily using a few feathers, ribbon, and a jewel! You can also wear any kind of Halloween hair accessory because it will likely compliment the makeup.


For the dramatic look, add these FABULOUS green & orange polka dot feather lashes! (Try saying that sentence 10 times fast, I about put myself into a seizure!) These are from KK Center and are only $3.69. They have tons of other types/shades/varieties but I like the dup colors the best because if I need to I can cut them in half and have 2 for the price of 1! These were sent to me for review awhile back, but I have been waiting to show you guys for Halloween!

 You can also pick these up and INSTANTLY have a cool Halloween look.

What do you guys think? Anything you would like to see in particular? Ideas for what YOU will be this year? I’d love to play with some more looks!
XOXOXO 

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Hair Care Review: Wen by Chaz Dean Conditioner

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I recieved this in my Green Vox Box last month and have been using it for 2 weeks straight! Normally it is purchased as a 30 day supply containing 5 products. 
WEN® Cleansing Conditioner is sold as a complete Healthy Haircare System of 3 products (Cleansing Conditioner, Styling Creme, Re Moist Intensive Hair Repair Mask) plus 2 bonus items (Texture Balm and Wide Tooth Shower Comb).  Learn more at www.notshampoo.com. 
Look forward to the full monthly review next month! 
 
BRAND ATTRIBUTES

  • Adds moisture, body, and shine
  • Works great on straight, wavy, curly and ethnic hair
  • Leaves hair soft, manageable and touchable
  • Can be used before and after any chemical treatment or when hair has been stressed
  • Strengthening action repairs damage, renews elasticity, and reduces chemical stress


What Wen by Chaz Dean says about this system:
WEN® Cleansing Conditioner is a revolutionary new concept in hair care. A 5-in-1 formula, this one product takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos—it is designed so it won’t strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention.
Unlike many ordinary shampoos, WEN®cleansers are made with natural ingredients and contain no sodium laurel sulfate or other damaging detergents. They don’t lather; instead, they create smooth foam when mixed with water for shinier, healthier-looking, more manageable results. 
My Take:  I received the conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint and have been loving it ever since. The scent is way different than everything else I have. Normally I switch between Ojon, Herbal Essences, & random other brands. This is a bit different. As you guys know I’m all about saving time, so this was definitely an awesome addition. You use just this in the shower instead of anything else and can even use it as a leave in conditioner! Definitely added body and shine to my hair, but I did have a hard time removing all of the product. However, while traveling, I would take this especially since I could use it as a leave-in conditioner as well.  

Note: I don’t wash my hair every day, but every 2-3 days as this is when my hair is at its best. I also have very long, thick hair. I believe this would last me a month, but if not I would only be off by 1-2 uses.  If you wash your hair daily and have long/thick hair, please let me know if you find this doesn’t last long enough for you and I will add that to this post.

They also just came out with a pumpkin/ginger scent, which I REALLY want to try!!!


Urban Decay Loose Shadows Review and How to Use Them!

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If you saw my Urban Decay Haul Post yesterday, then you know I stocked up on loose shadows! With beautiful colors and a pretty decent selection, I was already planning to pick a few up. Then…the sale hit. $1 for each? Yeah I couldn’t pass that up. With adorable packaging, unique colors, and the Urban Decay seal I knew it was too good to pass up. Everyone who follows me on twitter has been asking for how I use these because some people had issues. Keep reading and I promise I’ll explain how to use them to make stunning eye looks with less fallout AND less mess!


So here are the pigments I picked up, I got all 10 of them. Some of them are the loose form of my favorite Urban Decay colors (Shag & Smog especially!) so I knew I would love at least a few of them. The packaging is adorable, as with all Urban Decay products. Purple metallic tubes, fun bottle shape, and a peekaboo bottom section so you can see the pigment. Oddly enough, one of my favorite things is the sticks at the base of each pigment. Not only does it have the shade on it (duh) but the sticker is also the same COLOR making it super easy to differentiate between them!

First is No Flash & Second With Flash.

Urban Decay Loose Eyeshadows from left to right: Rockstar, Shag, Protest, Shattered, Smog, Asphyxia, Goddess, X, Graffiti, Gunmetal.

I had read a lot of reviews about these and here are some of the issues I was concerned about: fallout, difficult to use, messy. So after receiving them, these were the first things I wanted to evaluate!
Fallout: There’s always a bit of fallout with loose shadows IMHO. The best ways to counteract that is with a primer and (most importantly) application. You can’t apply loose shadow the same as pressed because its completely different. Instead, use a patting motion, taking care to tap of excess before applying. You can layer like with any eyeshadow, in some cases even better. You have a lot of blending options as well.

Difficult to Use: I think this relates back to my tips about fallout, but there is a bit more to it. With this product in particular, there is a learning curve. When you open the container you should immediately note that taking the included brush directly to your lids will be difficult. Why? You won’t have much control, you will make a mess because the pigment climbs up the sides of the bottle as it is moved around, the brush isn’t made for this. From playing around with this, 100% of this problem was cured by using this brush to “paint” the loose pigment onto my standard makeup brushes. If you use a smaller brush, you can even dip straight into the container which I prefer. Just don’t forget to tap off the excess!

Messy: If you combine tips from the above two issues, this should clear up a lot of the mess. With loose shadows, its hard not to have a little bit of a mess. Remember to use a primer and tap off the excess and you should be golden!

All in all, I’m thrilled with my purchases. Would I have bought all of them at full price? No. But at the sale price, it was well worth the leap of faith!
Questions & Comments are always appreciated! Any requested looks?
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