Orange 2 LA

Sorry for the lack of updates, but until then...

2011-08-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have had a rough month of tooth pain, summer heat, baby birds (don't ask), migraines, car troubles, car accidents, crazy work schedule, and much more that has kept me from blogging.

I have things lined up, and should be back to blogging in September. I feel so out of the makeup loop and hope I can jump right back in. I recently became a writer over at weheartthis.com and just had my first review posted on their site, so please check that out RIGHT HERE and support another wonderful blog.

Until I'm officially back enjoy these photos of squirrels that have taken over my front yard.

Thank you,
Diane

It was super hot that day =)

The Lipstick League - week of 7.25.11

2011-07-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What's your favorite skincare line?

I really don't stick to one skincare line. I use different products from different lines, but right now the skincare lines I like are: Kate Somerville, Embryolisse, Arcona, and The Body Shop Vitamin E line. I mix the products from these lines to suit my skin, which I feel has been working out pretty well.

Now to this weeks links...

Orange to LA - shares her casual yet cool Style Essentials, see what items she needs to have in her stash at ALL times.

Pink Sith - Had made the decree that she will be buried with her Urban Decay Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion...not that she's morbid or anything.

Phyrra - is delighted with the 15-Year Anniversary Eye Shadow Collection from Urban Decay.

Prime Beauty - was dazed and confused-- but oh so happy after visiting the Inglot Cosmetics store.

Vampy Varnish - declares that Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Cream Liner is better than MAC Blacktrack!

we heart this - The MAC Colourization eye shadow duos have us hungry like the wolf! Join us on a swatch fest set to classic 80s albums.

Beauty Junkies Unite - Check out the review & swatches for the Touring America Collection by OPI, before its official launch date!

Clumps of Mascara - is shocked that Essence's polishes are so cheap and yet so delightful.

EauMG - Victoria of EauMG takes a trip to Washington's lavender land!

Lipglossiping - is all of a flutter test-driving Benefit's new They're Real! mascara. Come see the before & after photos and be impressed!

Nouveau Cheap - reviews one of the new L'Oreal Color Riche le Gloss lipglosses. A "your lips but better" shade that tastes like chocolatey marshmallow? Yes, please.

My Style Essentials

2011-07-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Style essentials. Let's break it down here, I'm not talking about the cute trendy clothes we buy, I'm talking about the bare necessities. The items you must have in your closet at all times, the things you pack first in your suitcase if you are going away for a few days. Items that really make you feel like yourself. Here are some items I have in my closet all the time, I can't live without them.

Long Cardigans
I don't know what it is about long cardigans or "grandpa sweaters", but I love them. When it's cold I grab for these sweaters first. I have these sweaters in all the basic colors, black, grey, brown, cream. I love how they go with almost anything and I always feel safe and comfy when I'm wearing one.

Black Converse "Chucks"
I have been wearing Chucks for as long as I can remember. They are essential and actually look good with almost any outfit. You can wear them with shorts, jeans, skirts, even casual dresses, regardless they always look cool. I love my stilettos and wedges but Chucks have a special place in my heart.

Vintage Jewelry or "Vintage Like"
I love vintage earrings and necklaces. They dress up any outfit and don't look overly "bling" which tends to scare me. I have a small collection of vintage earrings and a huge collection of vintage like necklaces. I love anything with owls or fish on it.

Knock em' dead lipstick or lip gloss
Every girl needs to have a knock em' dead lipstick or lip gloss in their bag. I personally love a good hot pink or red lipstick. A bold lipstick or lip gloss color can turn any day time look into a night time look. Plus you never know who you will meet and ladies you should always be ready to knock em' dead!

Black Liquid Liner
I am a liquid liner fiend. This is not a secret and I am not ashamed. I have always loved black liner and will always love black liner. It is apart of me and I will never part with it.

Statement Handbag
I may not like paying an obscene amount of money on jeans and clothes, but I am totally fine with dropping a whole paycheck on a purse I love, call me crazy I don't care. Whether it's a beautiful Chanel or even those Forever21 bags, if it makes a statement you need it in your life.

Skinny Jeans
I was against the whole skinny jean movement when they first started becoming popular. I searched stores wondering what happened to regular jeans. But once I embraced the skinny jean I realized how versatile they were. Now I always have a good pair of skinny jeans in my closet. They look cute with my heels, my flats, and most important they look cute with my chucks.

Sunglasses
This is self explanatory, every girl should carry sunglasses. I had laser surgery on my eyes years and years ago and ever since then I realized how important it is to take care of your eyes. I have always been a little sensitive to light but after the amount of money I spent on my eyes I treat them like precious diamonds. Plus sunglasses are also great for those mornings when I haven't had my coffee yet.

Basic Tees
Basic tees are fun and come in a variety of colors. Some days I don't want to overly think about 'what to wear' so I throw on jeans and a basic tee. I have them in every color and sometimes even layer them for fun.

So ladies, what items are apart of your style essential list?

The Lipstick League - week of 7.18.11

2011-07-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

In some sort of cruel twist of fate, it's ruled that you can only wear one brand for the rest of your life - which do you choose?

If I had to choose one brand to wear for the rest of my life that brand would have to fit some criteria. A brand that has a foundation that I love, a large range that continues to change and add products, as well as a brand that is easily accessible to me and most people. For me when I add that all together I think I would have to pick Chanel. Chanel is not my favorite brand but it is in the top 5 of my favorite brands. Chanel is easily accessible, has a foundation I love, and it's range is constantly changing. Chanel is classic, I can create a look for work or easily change it up and create a look for a night out. I love Le Metier de Beaute and at first I thought that would be the brand I would choose, the only reason I didn't is because LMdB products sell out across the board and takes a while to get products in stock. For example I waited almost 5 months to get my foundation in stock. I love you LMdB but I can't wait 5 months for my foundation if I run out.

Now onto this weeks links...

Nouveau Cheap - gives you an in-depth review of the new Salma Hayek Nuance Beautiful Blends Eye Quad, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen before (no, really).

Orange to LA - Continues her Color Inspiration & Coordination series. This time her inspiration is a cute orange Birkin inspired tote bag. See which orange products she loves this season.

Pink Sith - is just one "Bye" short of an 'N Sync Reference when she tells you how much she loves the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer!

Phyrra - swoons over the new Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadows.

Vampy Varnish - loves some of the new colors in the China Glaze Metro Collection Which ones do you like?

we heart this - Our Kitchen Cosmetician experiments with exfoliation, using ingredients that cost pennies per use!

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #3 Purpura

2011-07-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Giorgio Armani 'Eyes To Kill' High Voltage 24-Hour Eyeshadow - (32.00)

My Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill shadows are my go to shadows. When I don't know what to wear or if I'm in a rush I know my ETK shadows will always work great. I currently own about 7 different colors and have only come across one color that I didn't love. I was excited when I saw GA had released a new color that I was seeing hit blogs, and that color was #3 Purpura.

Purpura is a silver-infused purple with gold flecks. In the pan the purple and gold is very dominate, but once on the skin the color is more on the silver metallic side. The color itself can come off a little sheer at times and can even have a very slight grey undertone, but at no means is this a dull color. Purpura can be used in a lot of different ways and can really be paired with almost any color. My favorite is to wear a little gold under my eyes to bring out the gold flecks in the ETK shadow.

In case you're not familiar with the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill shadows let me remind you of some of the basics.

1. The eye shadows can be worn dry or wet.
2. The eye shadows are long lasting.
3. The eye shadow textures are a little like a cream shadow but applies like a dry shadow.

I tried to do a Giorgio Armani only FOTD:

Face:
Le Metier de Beaute 'Peau Vierge Correcteur' Concealer
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Giorgio Armani Micro-Fil Loose Powder
Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #6
Giorgio Armani Platinum Palette Sheer Shimmer
Chantecaille Bronzer in St. Barth's

Eyes:
Le Métier de Beauté 'Brow Bound' Eyebrow Pencil
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #3 Purpura
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #15 (under eye)
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips:
Giorgio Armani Rouge d'armani lipstick in #516

Color Inspiration & Coordination: Orange

2011-07-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the Color Inspiration & Coordination series, today I decided to focus on this seasons hot trend- Orange. I have a big collection of tote bags, tote bags are perfect for work and for running errands when I need to carry a lot of stuff with me. This weeks inspiration: my orange Hermes Birkin inspired Banana Taipei Canvas Bag. This bag is fun and great for summer, after going through my makeup collection I decided to pick out some of my favorite orange products.

My favorite orange products:

MAC My Paradise Cheek Powder

MAC Temperature Rising Lip Pencil

Majolica Majorca Cheek Customize OR211

Shu Uemura Blush in P peach 45

MAC Blush in Style

LMdB Splendid Frost Kaleidoscope E/S in Rockette

MAC Eyeshadow in Paradisco

MAC Pigment in Melon

MAC Lipstick in Neon Orange

YSL Lipstick in #13

Paul & Joe Cream Blush in #4

The Lipstick League - week of 7.11.11

2011-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a beauty product?

This question is a little tough to answer, "beauty product" is such a general term, are we talking skin care, hair care, and makeup products? Well, I will answer this in a few different ways. The most I have ever spent on a skin care product was back when I started testing Creme de la Mer products. The moisturizer alone was between 135.00 and 250.00 depending on what size you purchased. The most I have ever spent on a single hair care product had to be when I purchased Philip B's White Truffle Shampoo and Conditioner, my wallet was really hurting at that point. Last but not least, I think the most I have ever spent on a single makeup product was recently when I fell in love with Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complex Tinted Treatment, I love this product and think it's worth every penny... and it's a lot of pennies.

Enough about extreme spending, on to this weeks links...

Lipglossiping - champions the Brit pack with a couple of purchases from Mary Quant Cosmetics, ironically... made in Japan!

Nouveau Cheap - There's a surprising little twist to the new Wet n Wild Juicy Lip Balms. What could it be?

Orange to LA - has been smitten with another blush, this time it is Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric #5 Raspberry. Find out if you need this blush in your collection!

Pink Sith - has pictures and swatches of the Nordstrom Annual Sale EXCLUSIVE Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Tourbillon. Something to add to your shopping list!

Phyrra - has an awesome Vampirella liner tutorial for you!

Vampy Varnish - loves the new Wet n Wild Nail Color Collection called Mermaid's Cove ! Which are your favs?

we heart this - Our beauty scientist put Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner to the test. Did it pass with flying colors, or running streaks?

Beauty Junkies Unite - Amber reviews some of the July exclusive Limited Edition Milani High Speed Fast Dry Nail Lacquers to see how they perform!

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric #5 Raspberry

2011-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Giorgio Armani 'Blushing Fabric' Second Skin Blush #5 Raspberry - $38.00
When Giorgio Armani's Summer Collection was released I ordered #4 Sienna, you can read my review on that color HERE, I originally skipped on #5 Raspberry which also was released with the Summer Collection. Now some months later I decided I had to have Raspberry. The makeup part of my brain works in odd ways so don't ask. Currently from what I understand Nordstroms has all 5 of Giorgio Armani's Blushing Fabrics available for purchase on their website. So if you are interested you can now order them.

Raspberry looks a little scary when you first squeeze some out of the tube. My method is to squeeze the smallest amount on the back of my hand and dab the product a little at a time onto the desired area. Once it's situated I make sure to really blend the product well, which is easy since the Blushing Fabrics are silky smooth. The texture reminds me of Smashbox Photofinish Primer, so it glides on rather easily. The color itself is not what I would really consider to be a "raspberry" color. To me raspberry would be a purplish-red color, but this Blushing Fabric is more of a purplish-pink color. I think this blush works better being purplish-pink, once on the skin it takes on a natural flush color, almost like that pink color your cheeks turn during a cold winter day, with just a hint more of purple. The texture is creamy, and light since it is silicone based. Raspberry is a matte shade, so there are no sparkles or glitter.

I love how these blushes last all day. I don't mean they last a long time, I mean they last ALL day. Even when I swatch them on my hand I can see the pink spot on my hand all day after I have washed it off. The blush blends easily and becomes sheer and matte. You can always add a highlighter over the blush or sometimes I add a little of MAC's Trace Gold over the blush for more of a iridescent look.

On the left the blush is blended out in the way I would wear it on the cheeks, on the right is the blush fresh out of the tube.

The Lipstick League - week of 7.4.11

2011-07-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What’s a beauty trend that you wish would go away?

I don't think there is any beauty trend I wish would go away. I think there are looks and trends that do not particularly look great on me, but I can see the beauty in them when on someone else. For example, it's not a secret I hate nude lipsticks, nude lipstick looks horrible on me and I just can not pull that look off. But, I have seen nude lipstick on other women and I think it looks great. I try not to feed into trends in general, I like to wear what looks good on me regardless of if it's "in style" or not.

Who cares about trends and nude lipsticks, let's read this weeks links instead!

Beauty Junkies Unite - Amber shares the entire Dolce & Gabbana Italian Summertime makeup collection, is there anything here you find swoon-worthy?

Clumps of Mascara - can't take her hands off of Milani's limited edition Paint palette.

EauMG - reviews a spicy, garden fresh fragrance by L'Artisan Parfumeur.

Lipglossiping - puts the stamp of approval on FIVE of the hottest pink lipsticks for Summer!

Nouveau Cheap - shows you all six palettes in the Wet n Wild limited edition Dream Weavers collection. Is it cheesy to say these shadows are "out of this world"?

Orange to LA - discovers another highlighter to add to her collection. This time it's Chanel Pearl Glow Powder (Poudre Lumiere Perlee), from the new Chanel Le Blanc Collection. She loves it, will you?

Pink Sith - Joeybunny shows you how beautiful the NYX Nude On Nude Palette can be, and why she loves it so!

Phyrra - extols the virtues of Holika Holika Essential Petit BB Cream SPF 30 PA++. See what caused her to fall in love with it!

Vampy Varnish - Thinks the new MAC Colourizations Eyeshadow Pro Palette x2 are pretty cool!

we heart this - Damn it feels good to be a beauty blogger! Especially after seeing MAC's Bloggers' Obsessions.

Chanel Poudre Lumiere Perlee (Pearl Glow Powder)

2011-07-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know I was a highlighter fiend then you are obviously new to this blog. So- Welcome! I love highlighters more than most things in this world. I use highlighters every day and have numerous highlighters in my collection. You can find a post here on my current favorite Summer Highlighters. But today we are talking about the newest addition to my happy highlighter home. Have I said 'highlighter' enough in this post yet?

Chanel Poudre Lumiere Perlee - Pearl Glow Powder - $60.00

Chanel Pearl Glow Powder comes in the standard Chanel black lacquered case. A soft sponge applicator takes the place of the usual brush that sits next to most Chanel blush or highlight products. I was a little confused when I saw the sponge, I tend to not like sponges in general because once used they start looking dirty, I prefer the brush. The powder in the pan is a warm off-white/cream color sprinkled with gold sparkles/glitter. CHANEL is embossed into the powder, I have used the powder a few times now and the embossing is still there.

I was a little scared when I first saw the powder in person. It looked a little overly glittery in the pan, the huge chunks of glitter almost scared me off completely. But the sales associate convinced me it wasn't that glittery once applied to the skin. Surprising the powder is very smooth despite it's grainy appearance, I thought with everything going on the powder might be chunky or hard to work with. That is not the case at all, the powder is smooth and applies easily on the skin.

I applied the highlighter as recommended by Chanel using the “C” application technique. I first used the sponge applicator on one side of my face and then switched to a soft blush brush for the other side of my face. Both sides of my face had a wonderful and beautiful pearl effect, which ever method you use whether you use the sponge or a brush the powder will still look stunning on the skin. The question comes down to do you really need this? I don't know, for me the answer is yes. The answer is "yes" because first and foremost I love highlighters, second I love and collect Chanel, third- I have issues, forth- I have fall more in love with this highlighter the more I use it. If you fit into this category then you will need this.

**I am editing this post, after a few days of using this product I can't find a reason why you shouldn't buy this- sorry, to those ladies hoping to save money by skipping this product.**

Update: I received this comment today and thought it was insightful and something everyone should read.

Eileen said...

I had not originally planned on getting this, but when I went to pick up my Le Blanc order at Nordstrom's pre-sale, one look was all it took to have me swiping this beauty across my pronounced cheekbones. In the words of the SA and the other women standing around, "Wow!" It goes on as an exquisite wash of white gold and glows like light being reflected off the finest white pearls. For those of you who might be worried about bits of gold, don't be. This is Chanel; not MAC! This is elegance; not disco! I'm in my mid-sixties and pulled it off with class and aplomb. If you have a Nordstrom's card, go and check it out while it is still available. It won't be around for long especially seeing as how beautiful it is when used with the JC Rose Tourbillon.

To see this product in action, you can check out my previous post where I am wearing the Chanel Pearl Glow Powder.

This was hard to swatch. On the left is applied using finger, on the right is applied using sponge.

Comparison to some other similar highlighters

My name is Diane, and I am a highlightaholic.

Color Inspiration & Coordination: Gold

2011-07-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Last Color Inspiration & Coordination was focused on Pink. While searching through my jewelry trying to find my favorite earrings I came across another favorite pair. This weeks inspiration: my vintage gold Christian Dior earrings. I love these earrings and pulled them out of my collection and decided to coordinate them with a few of my favorite gold eye shadows.

A few of my favorite gold shadows.

MAC Paint Pot Indianwood

NARS Etrusque

MAC Woodwinked

Giorgio Armani ETK #15

Inglot #404

Wearing Inglot #404 layered over Giorgio Armani ETK #15

Face:
Le Metier de Beaute 'Peau Vierge Correcteur' Concealer
Le Métier de Beauté 'Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complex' Tinted Treatment SPF 20
Le Métier de Beauté 'Visage de Soie' Finishing Powder
MAC Marine Life Blush
CHANEL Poudre Lumiere Perlee
Chantecaille Bronzer in St. Barth's

Eyes:
Le Métier de Beauté 'Brow Bound' Eyebrow Pencil
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Giorgio Armani ETK #15
Inglot #404
Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid Liner
Le Métier de Beauté 'Dualistic' Eye Pencil in Tamarack (under eye)
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips:
MAC Hibiscus

The Lipstick League - week of 6.20.11

2011-07-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What’s the one shade you wish you could pull off, but can’t?

This is a constant dilemma in my life. I wish I could pull off shades of grey. Every fall beautiful shades of grey are released either in fashion or in cosmetics, and every year I have to wave hello to them from a distance. Why? Well, because grey just does not look good on me. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the blue undertones in grey, maybe it's my skin tone that doesn't match, maybe it's because I like cranberry juice- who knows, all I know is that grey and I are not friends and I wish we were.

Let's stop being negative and move on to this weeks links...

Clumps of Mascara - has found the blush of all blushes. This one is absolutely gorgeous!

Lipglossiping - channels her inner eyeshadow geek when she swatches her Shiro Cosmetics haul. Come take a peek(achu)!

Nouveau Cheap - is giving away 10 sets of the fab new Milani Glossé Top Coat and Smoothé Base Coat (contest ends midnight on 4th of July)!

Orange to LA - recaps her first IMATS Los Angeles 2011 experience. If you didn’t make it out to IMATS this year you can see what you missed!

Pink Sith - Introduces you to the new Chanel Illusion D’Ombre gel shadows. Will you fall in love with them as much as she has?

Phyrra - falls in love with the Too Faced Eye Love palette and tells you where you can find it.

Vampy Varnish - You can't miss out on these limited edition glosses from Milani.

we heart this - did IMATS last weekend. Wow, did they ever! Check out the haul photos.

Beauty Junkies Unite - Find out why Amber's experience with the Velvet Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation from Amazing Cosmetics didn't wind up being as amazing as she had hoped!

IMATS Los Angeles 2011 Part 2

2011-06-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

IMATS Los Angeles 2011 Part 1 - Click Here.

Saturday at IMATS was pretty crazy. The doors opened at 8:30am, I heard people had been waiting in line since 6:30am. Since I was Press I didn't have to wait in line when I arrived. The line was around the whole inside of the Convention Center, I was shocked! Good thing the wonderful people handling the registration were fast, I noticed the line moved pretty quickly.

Onto the show!

I had to make a stop at Naked Cosmetics. The booth was packed and all the girls working the booth had shirts that read "get Naked", pretty catchy right?

www.nakedcosmetics.net

So many colors to choose from! Each loose powder can be used in numerous ways. Wet an angle brush and these powders can be used as eyeliner. Add a little clear gloss and create your own shade of lip gloss. I love multipurpose products!

I didn't know UNII Palette was going to be at the show. I was surprised when I saw their booth. Their palettes come in a variety of colors, and are perfect to throw into your purse when you're on the go. Or in general if you are a person who likes to depot their eye shadows, or blushes these palettes might be for you.

www.uniicosmetics.com

As you can see UNII palettes can store all of your favorite brands - MAC, NARS, Bobbi Brown, Shu Uemura and much more.

I caught a glimpse of Pursebuzz speaking at Crown Brush as I was walking by.

My favorite stop at IMATS was to Hakuhodo. I was determined to buy a few brushes from their booth regardless if they were offering a discount or not. I had a list of a few brushes I wanted to get and finally I had my chance. I was sad to find the booth not open on Friday, so I had to wait until Saturday, which meant elbowing with girls to get the brushes I wanted. It was all worth the fight. Just kidding, there's no crying in baseball and there's no fighting at IMATS.

The nice people at Hakuhoho were very helpful. Not all of them spoke perfect English but makeup brushes is a language of it's own so we all understood each other. My list of brushes grew once I started playing around and testing all the brushes. A gentleman working the booth helped me pick out the best brushes for what I needed. A foundation brush, concealer brush, eye shadow brush, etc. I left with a credit card in pain and a smile on my face.

A beautiful row of handmade brushes. Check out their website: HERE.

Next to Hakuhdo was the Sugarpill booth. I love Sugarpill, I have a few of their loose shadows, and Amy the creator is too cute. Of course the booth was swarmed with people so I could only walk by and try to snap a few photos.

Ultimate Brush Roll by Trudy Joyce. These brush rolls had me at Rock & Roll. I came across this booth while checking out the UNII palettes. At first glance I thought they were just regular brush rolls, on my second trip around that aisle I realized how different they were. I had to order my brush roll since the girl in front of me got the last white brush roll! I will be posting pictures of my brush roll as soon as I get it. I tried to follow the girl who bought the last white roll, but I lost her in the crowd. The brush roll will. be. mine.

www.ultimatebrushroll.com

I love the different fabrics and lining she uses.

You can fit EVERYTHING in this brush roll.

You can even order accessories for your brush roll.

Mehron!

Kryolan. This guy kinda scared me.

IMATS offers demonstrations and classes where you can sit and learn from the industries finest.

Overwhelming line at INGLOT, I decided to wait until my next Vegas trip to purchase any INGLOT products. I saw my Vegas sales associate at the booth! He is so nice.

IMATS Haul coming soon....

IMATS Los Angeles 2011 Part 1

2011-06-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

This year I was given the opportunity to attend and cover IMATS Los Angeles 2011, which is actually in Pasadena, California. Every year I read blogs, and watch YouTube videos to see IMATS footage, so I was excited that for the first time I was able to attend the event myself.

What is IMATS?

IMATS stands for the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show. IMATS is open to the public and anyone who buys a ticket can attend. Some of the things available to IMATS attendees:

Make-up companies unveil new products, and offer discounts on current products at their booths.
Panel discussions
Classes with professional make-up artist who work in beauty, television, theater, and movies.
Student Competitions - This year the beauty/fantasy competitions theme was Tribal Beauty
Celebrity make-up artist speakers - This year some of the speakers included Valente Frazier (artist to Tyra Banks, and Heidi Klum), Kandee Johnson (YouTube), Kevin James Bennett, David Hernandez (MUFE Artist, artist to Lady Gaga, Bijou Phillips, Tilda Swinton, etc), David Klasfeld (Creator/owner of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics), and many more.

IMATS was a lot of fun, it is a great trade show. The vendors are amazing and to have them together under one roof is a little scary, one could go broke very easily. IMATS is well put together and professional, they do a wonderful job, everyone from vendors to security are nice and helpful. I was lucky and ran into the wonderful Stef Andrews and Tyna Werner creators of we heart this on Friday at the Royal & Langnickel event. We all were attending IMATS Friday Pro-Only Night which was open only to press and professional make-up artists. We ended up meeting Saturday at IMATS too. It was great not having to "do IMATS" alone, plus they are make-up fiends as well!

Enough chatter, onto the show!

Since I knew that Make Up For Ever would be the hardest booth to get to Saturday I decided to hit that booth on Friday Pro Night so that I could shop while it was empty. Waiting times for MUFE on Saturday & Sunday were between 1-3 hours!

See how easy it was shopping MUFE on Friday?

Next stop was Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) where I got to meet David Klasfeld creator and owner of OCC. David is young, and was super nice, he knows his business and acknowledges the "power" of bloggers. He knew right away who my friend Stef was from seeing her badge, he knew her website and acknowledged how many people visit his website because of we heart this. I couldn't get over how down-to-earth he was.

OCC Cosmetic Glitter

OCC Lip Tar

OCC Loose Colour Concentrates

Napoleon Perdis was a sponsor this year at IMATS, they had a huge booth with products to purchase and artists doing mini makeovers. They had displays of their new Prismatic Eye Shadow Quads, Color Discs, Loose Eye Dusts, and Eye Pencils.

Once again, it was great seeing the booths on Friday, it was so easy to meet the artist and ask questions.

Another great stop at IMATS was to the Royal & Langnickel booth. I was on a brush kick and really wanted to see and purchase brushes. I attended a Royal & Langnickel event and was impressed with their presentation and concept on brushes. I was excited to hit their booth and see the other brushes in their line.

That is Miss Mexico on the left getting her makeup applied with Royal & Langnickel brushes.

This gorgeous Pink Brush Essentials Set comes with 13 brushes, in either a brush roll or zipper pouch. You can purchase the set with either Synthetic Hair, or Natural Hair. This set retails for $49.99.

This set is apart of Royal & Langnickel's SILK Green Line. This set comes with 12 brushes, has 100% Bamboo Handles, and comes in a cork case. This set is so cute, and great for any customers seeking Eco-friendly brushes.

MAC PRO was at IMATS again this year. Their booth was as busy was MUFE. I walked over there but thought it was way too crowded and not worth getting pushed and elbowed. I still snapped a few photos of the craziness at their booth. I noticed most of the people working the booths at IMATS were very nice, not stuck up, they made you feel comfortable asking questions, they explained their lines and what their brand was about. Even though they were also selling products I never felt pushed to buy something. They let you play, swatch, and take photos without expecting anything in return.

PART TWO IS HERE!

Pre IMATS Post: Brands I Want To See

2011-06-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

I will be attending IMATS this weekend, actually I'll be there Friday and Saturday. If I'm not dead tired or if I missed something I will also be there Sunday. If any ladies are going and want to meet up message me on Twitter, I always have my phone with me. I will also be attending a few pre-IMATS and post-IMATS events, I will be posting re-caps and and sharing with you all weekend. I'm sure you will be sick of IMATS come Monday. But until then:

In honor of IMATS I am going to share with you the brands I'm most excited to see-

Hakuhodo Brushes - www.hakuhodousa.com

I have become familiar with these brushes through The Non-Blonde, I can't wait to purchase a few of the brushes she has recommended on her blog. Some of my brushes are so old, and even though they have been with me through thick and thin, through taupe and turquoise, I figure it's time to replace a few.

Make Up For Ever - www.makeupforever.com/

Make Up For Ever usually has a great discount (40%) on products at their booth. I have been saving up to buy the few liquid Aqua Liners, and maybe a few more of the Aqua Creams, if you follow my blog you know I love the Aqua Creams.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - www.occmakeup.com/

OCC is a favorite at IMATS. I have wanted to try a few of their famous lip tars forever, but for some reason I have yet to purchase any. Hopefully I will get a few this year.

Royal & Langnickel - www.royalbrush.com

I am in need of new brushes so a lot of my stops will be at brush booths. I'm attending a Royal & Langnickel event pre-IMATS so I hope to see a few of their new products before the craziness of IMATS. I see brush reviews in my future.

Sugarpill - www.sugarpillshop.com/

I already own a few Sugarpill loose shadows, but a girl can always own more. Right? I hear Sugarpill is having a good discount if you buy at the show so make sure to check them out. I need to add a few more colors to my collection. It's funny, I'm a neutral eye girl but Sugarpill brings the 90's riotgurrrl right out of me.

Embryolisse - www.embryolisseusa.com/

Embryolisse is easily one of my favorite skincare brands, I have been using their 24hr Moisturizer for a long time now. I am on my second tube, and for a girl like me who changes skincare items monthly that speaks volumes. I was surprised to see their name on the list of exhibitors, I hope I didn't read that wrong. Oh please IMATS don't be messing with me! I can't wait to see all their products in person and meet some of their representatives.

Violent Lips - www.violentlips.com/

I want to check out this brand at IMATS, not so much because I want to buy anything but I really want to see what it's all about. If you haven't heard of Violent Lips before they are temporary lip tattoos. Yeah, you read that correctly. So if you ever wanted leopard print lips this brand might be for you. I'll let you guys know what I think after I see them.

Naked Cosmetics - www.nakedcosmetics.net/

This brand is at IMATS every year, and is pretty famous with YouTube gurus. I want to see what they are all about. I'm not really into loose products because I'm a klutz, but I have to admit I have always wanted to see their products in person.

Who is going to IMATS this year?

What brands are you excited to see?

Le Metier de Beaute National Artist Event

2011-06-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

The Nordstroms Santa Monica had a National Artist Event with Le Metier de Beaute makeup artist Erin Lockard. Once I found this out I knew I had to go and have Erin do my makeup. Let me tell you, I had a horrible migraine that morning, the event was on a Saturday and I had this migraine since Thursday night. I was still not feeling good when I left the house in the morning. Of course, that would all change once I got to Nordstroms.

This event was a little different than most of Nordstroms Artist Events I have attended. Le Metier de Beaute had partnered up with Arcona skincare, and Arcona was giving mini facials to each client before they had their makeup done. I had a wonderful, refreshing, and relaxing facial with Sheila from Arcona. My skin was bright, awake, beautiful and completely ready for Erin to apply makeup.

I have to admit I am very hard to please when it comes to someone else doing my makeup. In the last 10 years I have probably only ever let someone else do my makeup 5 times, and in those 5 experiences I have only liked my makeup 2 times. I even did my own makeup for my wedding. My husband always gets mad when I mention the idea of someone else doing my makeup, he thinks I apply my makeup better than any makeup artist. Oh, Mr. Orange2LA is a very well trained husband. However, I was confident that Le Metier de Beaute was going to do a great job. So I came prepared with what I wanted, and what I wanted was a look using my new and beloved Penelope Kaleidoscope.

Items used -

Face:

Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer in Frais
Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complex Tinted Treatment SPF 20 in Shade 2
Visage de Soie Finishing Powder #3
Bronzer in Sunkissed
Creme Fresh Tint for Lip and Cheek in Ginger Lily

Eyes:

Dualistic Eye Pencil in Tamarack
Penelope Kaleidoscope
Precision Liquid Liner in Noir
Anamorphic Lash Mascara Aubergine

Lips:

Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Bondi Beach

Face:

First Erin applied Peau Vierge Concealer to my under eye area, around my nose where most woman tend to get red, and on a few places on my cheeks that are discolored. Next she took the wonderful and soft Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki Brush and applied Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complex Tinted Treatment to my face. Since I am not in love with any of the powders I currently own I asked her to use the Visage de Soie Powder so I could see if I liked it. Next she filled in my eyebrows with Brow Bound Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette. Erin used the Le Metier de Beaute Bronzer in Sunkissed to contour my face and applied a little Cream Fresh Tint in Ginger Lily to my cheeks using the LMDB Blush Brush.

Eyes:

Erin used Dualistic Eye Pencil in Tamarack as a lid primer and smudged the pencil over my lids. Next she took a Flat Eyeliner Brush and started applying the shadows from my Penelope Kaleidoscope using the 'Couches de Coleur' technique. The Couches de Coleur technique is Le Metier de Beaute's signature technique of layering eye shadows over each other. This technique creates a Kaleidoscope look where the lines blend and you can not be see where they meet. Next she lined my eyes with the Precision Liquid Liner in Noir, curled and coated my lashes with Anamorphic Lash Mascara in Aubergine. I was a little scared when she pulled out the Aubergine mascara but the color really added more depth to the look.

Lips:

Last but not least Erin applied Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Bondi Beach to my lips.

I loved my makeup, I knew I was going to like it, but I didn't know I was going to love it. I ended up purchasing way too much. I already had the concealer, and the Penelope Kalidoscope so I purchased a few of the other items and left feeling and looking great. If Le Metier de Beaute is having an event near you I highly recommend checking it out.

Just to let you know, I left without a migraine. =)

Thanks Erin, Sheila, Nordstroms Santa Monica, and Neeraj!!

I tried to re-apply this look at home a few days later.

Coming Soon: Le Metier de Beaute

2011-06-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

The items I purchased during my makeover, coming soon...

The Doves Studio & Style Wax Poetic Afternoon Blogger Event

2011-06-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

I was excited to be invited to a wonderful blogger event held at The Doves Studio. The event was hosted by a fellow LA-based blogger Style Wax Poetic. The Doves Studio is a salon located at 2000 Main St, in beautiful Santa Monica. Guests were offered complimentary services; blowouts by The Doves Studio, manicures, and mini makeovers by Lauren Dee and Burke Daniel. On display at the event were Caitlin Nicole's new summer jewelry collection, and sunglasses by R.A.E.N optics.

My first stop was a makeover with makeup artist Burke Daniel, I arrived at the event right after getting off work so I still had a little makeup on. Embarrassed, I apologized.

"I'm sorry I just came from work and I'm a mess."

Burke smiled and simply said:

"I love your blue eyeliner"

I laughed, with his perfect blonde hair and warm smile I couldn't help but be in a good mood. Well, I'm sure the strong cocktail in my hand helped too. Burke gave me a bright summer look, fierce purple eyes, simple cheeks and pink lips, all while the DJ behind me spun dance music. Now that my face was ready for a night out, it was on to my hair.

Next stop was a wash and blow dry with The Doves Studio owner Sonya Dove. Sonya is amazing, she made my hair shiny, smooth, bouncy, with a hint of curl. While in her chair she offered me not only the wonderful blow dry but tips and ideas of what I should be doing with my hair. I stepped out of that bright orange chair agreeing to anything Sonja suggested.

Ultimately Sonya suggested I get the Brazilian Straightening, which I did end up getting a few days later. Look for a post on that experience to come soon.

Thanks to The Doves Studio and Style Poetic Wax for a great event.

The Lipstick League - week of 6.13.11

2011-06-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Oh man, this is an embarrassing question. If I'm just running errands and don't really need to "get ready" well I can be out of the house in 20mins- ponytail, blush, mascara, chucks, and a cardigan. It takes me an abnormal amount of time to get out of the house, if I'm going somewhere that counts. My hair alone can take 45 minutes, add that to a 30 min shower and already we are at an hour and fifteen minutes. On to makeup, depending on the look I'm going for applying my makeup can take between 20-30 minutes. Now we are at what? An hour and 45 minutes? Picking out clothes and accessories take at least another 30 minutes. Overall I would say I need to start getting ready 3 hours before I have to leave the house. That also brings me to Reason #23 of why my husband thinks I'm crazy.

Let's stop being nuts and check out this weeks beauty links...

Beauty Junkies Unite - Find out if the new COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast Primer + Rich Color Eye Color shades will rock your world...or not!

Clumps of Mascara - is in love with Pixiwoo’s Real Technique brushes. They are totally this year’s Best Dressed as far as makeup brushes go.

EauMG - Four-legged guest fragrance commentator, Frink the Frug, reviews his summer fragrance obsession, LUSH Dirty.

Lipglossiping - chills out with MAC’s Magically Cool Liquid Powder and discovers a new fav!

Nouveau Cheap - Father’s Day is the rare occasion when a splurge can be totally guilt-free. Need an elegant last-minute gift for dad? Check out the new L’Occitane Verdon Collection of men’s grooming products.

Orange to LA - takes a stroll down memory lane with A Smell To Remember, a post about perfumes from her past.

Pink Sith - Joeybunny introduces you to three Missha BB creams. Are they the bees knees? Read and find out!

Phyrra’s - Independent Spotlight for June is with Belén from Lost in Makeupland!

we heart this - take a quicker and easier route to glamour with the Urban Decay Urban Lask kit.

So ladies, are you a 5 minute ready girl or a 'just leave without me I'm not ready yet' kinda girl?

Color Inspiration & Coordination: Hot Pink

2011-06-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Color inspiration. We get inspired everyday by different things, whether it's a piece of jewelry, shoes, a handbag, or scarf. We see items and create entire looks around them. I am starting a new series here on Orange2LA called 'Color Inspiration & Coordination' where I will take an item of mine and use it to coordinate with items in my makeup collection. I hope it's fun and that you will like it. For my first post in this series I decided to choose hot pink. This weeks inspiration: my hot pink Louis Vuitton bag. I brought this bag out of my stash for summer and decided to coordinate this bag with hot pink lipstick.

My favorite hot pink lipsticks:

Dior 678 Rose Diablotine
MAC Barbie Rocking Chick
MAC Hello Kitty Frost Strayin'
MAC Heatherette Hollywood Nights (my absolute favorite!)
Urban Decay Mini Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Crush - hot pink
Inglot AMC Lipgloss 544

As you can see, I love hot pink lipstick.

Wearing MAC Hollywood Nights

Ladies, what inspires you? Do you coordinate your makeup looks?

Summer Highlighters

2011-06-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

We have talked about Summer Eye Looks, and a few Summer Lip Glosses, but today let's talk about one of my favorite makeup products: highlighters. I have numerous highlighters; some are powder either pressed or loose, cream, or in stick/pen form. During the summer I'm more inclined to use cream form highlighters, I think summer skin is supposed to look dewy, and glowy, in my opinion cream highlighters work best for that affect. I still use my powder products but I notice I grab more for the creams.

NARS Illuminator in Copacabana
This was in my April/May Favorites post. I love this product, it is easy to use, and a little goes a long way, I think this tube will last forever. At first I thought with all the hype surrounding this product that I might be disappointed, but absolutely not. I love this highlighter and it is usually the first one I grab for. I squeeze a little product onto the back of my hand and with a MAC 109 brush I buff a little Copacabana onto my skin.

Le Metier de Beaute Marchesa Sheer Illumination Highlighter
For a long time I used YSL Touche Eclat, I didn't love it and I don't know why I continued to use it for so long. So when I purchased the LMDB pen I didn't rush to use it. I recently started using it and really enjoy it. I love that being in pen form makes this highlighter uber easy and convenient to use. A few swipes a few dabs, and you're ready to go. It also is great for on-the-go days where you need to slip a few extra products into your makeup bag.

Dior Lace Face Highlighting Powder
I purchased this last year, I didn't want to use it for the longest time. In the pan it's a pretty iridescent light pink color. The powder is finely milled and feels very smooth on the face. I still don't like to over use this highlighter because it's so pretty but it has become one of my favorites.

MAC Chez Chez Lame
I love this subtle champagne colored highlighter. It does not contain thick chunks of glitter just a nice amount of shimmer it's also very smooth. This highlighter will look good over a matte blush or just on it's own.

MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish
Oh, Soft and Gentle what a tangled web we weave. Soft and Gentle and I have a love/hate relationship. I will use this product every day for a week, I love it, it's the greatest thing ever. Then the next week, I hate it and can't figure out why I continue to use it. This has been going on for 2 years. What I like: the golden color, the product itself is smooth, it's pigmented and you don't need a lot, I have had this in my collection for over 2 years, I think. What I don't like: contains a little too much glitter/shimmer, gives more of a sheen than a glow, a little lasts a long time I don't think I will ever make a dent in it!

Laneige Shimmering Multi Cream
This is another product I have had in my collection for quite some time. A little goes a long way, and this product is very user friendly. It can be used in so many different ways. You can add a little to your moisturizer or foundation for a pretty glow. You can wear it under or over your foundation in certain areas to highlighter. You can even wear it alone. Laneige is not that hard to find, it can be purchased online at numerous online retailers or can be purchased at The Amore store. If you're in California look out for them, I've driven past at least 6 all over the area.

MAC Vanilla Pigment
Another multi-purpose product. Vanilla pigment can be used in different ways, you can use it as a highlighter: just apply with a brush on your brow bone, inner eye area, down your nose, and a little on your cheeks. Or mix a little into your foundation, or moisturizer for an all over glow. This is another product where a little goes a long way. MAC Vanilla pigment has been a staple in my collection for a very long time.

From Left to Right: LMDB, Laneige, NARS, MAC Vanilla, MAC Chez Chez Lame, MAC Soft & Gentle, Dior

Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss

2011-06-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I was killing time by strolling through my local Walgreen's with one of my girlfriends when I came across these Milani lip glosses. Normally, I'm not a huge drugstore makeup fan, I love to look around and see all the products lined up and see what new things are out. But I usually only purchase eye liners, mascara, and sometimes foundations that promise to change my life. Come on, you know we all do it. But my drugstore "hauling" usually stops there. Somehow these Milani glosses really jumped out at me.

Starshine
Designer Label
Fashion Diva

Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss - Price Varies

New soft and brilliant Glitzy formula filled with super shiny polymers and the next

generation of pearls to create the illusion of 3D depth for fuller, sexier, looking lips.

Available in spectacular 7 shades.

I chose 3 colors: Starshine, which is light pink with a purple undertone and lots of sparkles. Designer Label is a coral color with lots of sparkles, and Fashion Diva is a violet pink color with lots of sparkles. In the tube the glosses look very bright and bold, but on the lips the colors are more sheer, and besides the massive amount of sparkles are actually very wearable. The glosses are a little sticky and feel slippery on my lips, they have a very wet look once applied. These Milani glosses remind me so much of MAC Dazzleglass. MAC Dazzleglass are $18.50 and the Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss are on average about $6.99 or course with coupons and sales you can find them for 1-2 dollars less. In my opinion if you can't afford the MAC ones these are a great dupe.

I only get around 1-2 hours of wear out of these glosses, which is not great, I have to re-apply often. But for the price I don't mind carrying them around with me, if I lose one it's not a big deal. The packaging is cute but the tube is a little bulky, these glosses have brush applicators, I personally like the doe-foot applicators but that's just me. Overall I think these glosses are fun, the colors are great for summer and the sparkles really stand out. Would I repurchase? I might check out the other colors...

Starshine

Designer Label

Fashion Diva

Drugstore lip glosses, yes or no? Have you tried any Milani 3D Glitzty Glosses?

A Smell To Remember...

2011-06-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our first kiss was awkward yet sweet; Tommy Boy cologne (obviously a gift from an ex-girlfriend) in the air mingled with the smell of fabric softener (his freshly washed t-shirt). At the time I didn't know what cologne he was wearing, I didn't find out until months later. Now, some 10 years later, and countless bottles of cologne given to him for birthdays and Christmas- he still only wears Tommy Boy. I can't believe they still make it. Why can't I get my husband to change colognes? What is with men and change?

My late teen years were drowned in a mist of Lancome's Poeme. I had picked it out after taking one of those quizzes you find in magazines like:

"What's Your Signature Scent"

or

"What Scent Fits Your Personality"

something along those lines. This quiz decided that Poeme seemed to "fit" my personality. How answering 5 stupid questions in a magazine could tell you anything about a person is beyond me. But at 16 I was sold. I loved that perfume, I wore it everyday. I received compliments on my perfume which only made me spray more on day after day.

My mother wore Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche for a majority of my childhood. Whenever I see that cobalt blue bottle I think of my childhood and my mother. Watching her put on her makeup and getting ready for a night out with my father, I couldn't wait to grow up and have such a fascinating life.

I have a best friend whom I have known since middle school. She was girlie and I was a little bit tom-boyish. In high school we both bloomed. I became girlie and started rocking my beloved Poeme while she wore her favorite Estee Lauder Pleasures like a badge of honor. I asked her while writing this post if she remembered

"That perfume you wore in high school?"

She laughs, "Of course, you mean Pleasures? I use to love that perfume"

Our taste in scents have changed, we've grown up and found new things. My dresser is covered with half empty perfume bottles, and yet it's the old perfumes with the memories that bring me my most pleasure. Some of my memories are hazy, but the smells attached to them are strange meaningful reminders of my youth and a time that has long past.

My best friend changes her perfume as often as she changes her clothes, everyday it's something different. She says it depends on her mood and believe it or not it depends on what she's wearing. It might sound crazy but the girl makes men weak in the knees, so what can I say- it's working for her.

These days I change my perfume according to my mood or who I might be seeing. If I'm visiting my Grandparents I want to seem young, fresh, and sweet, so I wear Miss Dior Cherie. They bought a bottle for me a few years ago (2002?) on a trip we took together to Paris. They love the smell and it reminds them of that time so I always keep a bottle handy. If I'm feeling sultry and confident I wear Agent Provocateur (their signature fragrance), the husband loves it or Miller Harris L'Air de Rien. If I'm feeling quirky I wear Lulu Guinness 'Life Is A Bed Of Roses' perfume, bought in London at Harrods. A day with my Mother usually means Bond No.9 The Scent of Peace, she loves the smell. My office calls for something a little more subtle yet assertive so Bvlgari Jasmine Noir makes an appearance regularly.

I recently bought another bottle of Tommy Boy for my husband- sorry Chanel and Giorgio Armani, I tried but he simply said no. I think I will be 90 years old and still think of our first kiss every time he wears that cologne. I feel safe and young again when I bury my face into his collar and breathe in that spicy citrus smell. Nothing feels more like home.

My mother was showing me the hats she wore at the Kentucky Derby, I glanced at her dresser and among her impressive perfume collection I spotted that cobalt blue bottle. Her life is still fascinating.

What are your scent memories, what smells do you remember?

The Lipstick League - week of 6.6.11

2011-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

Tell us what’s in your purse right now...

I am writing this from work, so I have my work purse which usually contains a lot of crap. Currently I have work essentials items in my bag: wallet, makeup bag, iPhone, iPhone charger, brush, Milkita Strawberry Milk Candy, Earbuds (for my iPhone), sunglasses, work related stack of papers, car charger for my iPhone - why do I have both chargers in my purse? Neutrogena Sunblock - I didn't know that was in here, and keys. Pretty boring right? Well my co-worker just walked through the door with my morning coffee so...

Here are this weeks links...

we heart this - takes a look at MAC's Beauty Balm. If you're the right candidate, you may just have an HG on your hands...

Beauty Junkies Unite - Amber test drives the new COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara to see if it's worth picking up on your next drugstore beauty adventure!

Clumps of Mascara - has a guest editor show us lovely swatches of the MAC Surf Baby collection. See any must haves?

EauMG - EauMG reviews a limited edition Thierry Mugler men’s fragrance just in time for Father’s Day. It’s so good you may just want it for yourself!

Lipglossiping - takes you on a tour around her small but perfectly formed BB Cream collection!

Nouveau Cheap - is in love with NYC’s new Liquid Lipshines and wants to share the love with you. Enter now for a chance to win all ten shades!

Orange to LA - is getting colorful with Bright Eyes For Summer, see her swatches for ways to mix-n-match neutral eye shadows with fun, bright, bold eyeliner!

Pink Sith - Gives you a sneak peak at one of the NEW Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eyeshadows being released in late July. And Yes. It’s TAUPE!

Phyrra - takes a trip to Siberia with NARS Sheer Glow foundation.

Chantecaille Compact Soleil Bronzer in Capri

2011-06-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Chantecaille Compact Soleil Bronzer in Capri - $45.00

Chantecaille, oh how you have ruined me.

Before Capri came my way the only Chantecaille products I was familiar with were their wonderful eye shadow palettes. Recently a reader and fellow makeup addict convinced my to try the Chantecaille Capri bronzer, then not a day later Best Things In Beauty posted a blog about Chantecaille's newest bronzer color St. Barths. I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so I did the only thing any self respecting girl could do. I bought both.

I'm still waiting for St. Barth's to arrive but until then I am playing with Capri everyday.

Compact Soleil delivers a gorgeous, sun-kissed look in just one quick brushstroke. Using the latest micronizing technology, this bronzer creates an ultra-fine, lightweight powder for an incredibly silky and natural finish. Ginkgo Biloba and Wild Rose heal and protect, leaving the skin smooth and radiant. Comes in a slim mirrored compact.

Originally I choose Capri because I had read in a few places that Capri was supposed to have a pink/rose undertone. In person I can not honestly say I see anything pinkish or rose in the coloring. On my skin (NC25), the color is a very natural tan color. This would be a great bronzer for lighter skinned girls who have a problem finding a bronzer that is not orange.

Left: Concentrated Swatch, Right: Blended Out Swatch

Chantecaille Capri is silky and creamy, it feels velvety on the skin. The bronzer is matte which is a huge plus for me, I can wear it in a few different ways. If I want shine or shimmery I can top it off with a highlighter, if I wear it to the office I can leave it matte and not worry about looking like a disco ball. Capri blends seamlessly into the skin. Usually with other bronzers I have to work hard to get the right look- applying the color, blending, then more blending, sometimes even more blending just to get the desired affect. I don't think I should not have to work that hard with a product. Chantecaille's Capri made it simple, it didn't fight back with me, it just sat on my skin beautifully.

Capri is truly a gorgeous bronzer, I thought I would never find another bronzer besides my Chanel bronzer that I would like. I realized bronzers are great and can really add a beautiful natural glow to your skin if you find the right one. Now my wolf-pack of bronzers has grown to 4!

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #4 Sand
Chantecaille Compact Soleil Bronzer Capri
Paul & Joe 'Twin Fish' Bronzer
Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel

From Left To Right: Giorgio Armani, Paul & Joe, Chantecaille, Chanel- Review Here.

These are my favorite bronzers so far this summer. I'm waiting to test my new Dior Aurora and Chantecaille St. Barths. So my bronzer wolf-pack might grow to 6!

Guerlain Terracotta Terra Inca Gloss in Mambo 08 & Salsa 07

2011-06-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Guerlain Terracotta Terra Inca Moisturizing Gloss - $30.50

My last post was about bright eyes for summer, today I'm talking about bright lips. I came across the Guerlain Summer 2011 collection - Tera Inca at my local mall while on the hunt for something else. They didn't have the bronzer I want desperately but they did have the lip glosses. I have never tried Guerlain lip glosses so I was excited to see how they would turn out.

In the tube the glosses look very bright, but once applied to the lips they become a little sheer, more wearable. The glosses have no shimmer or glitter of any kind, I almost want to say the gloss is "flat" but that would make them seem boring which they are not. The consistency of the glosses is light and not sticky, I was surprised after the first few applications by how moisturizing they were. But a quick look at the Nordstroms website and I noticed they were called "Moisturizing Gloss". I would say these glosses last a few hours alone without any re-touching for about 3-4 hours. They feel wonderful on the lips and have a very faint fragrance, the smell is not strong so if you are sensitive to products with scents you should be just fine.

Mambo #8 (not #5-haha, don't know if any of you will get that joke) is a beautiful bright orange color. It's perfect for summer especially since orange is huge for 2011. Salsa #07 is a bright pink fuchsia color that will look great with any neutral eye. These glosses are great and now I wish I would have also purchased the third gloss which was a bright red color.

I'm loving all these bright summer colors!

Bright Eyes For Summer

2011-06-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Who cares if your wardrobe is full of mostly black, gray, and white clothes, you can brighten any look with a little pop of bold liner. I am a huge fan of colored liners. I feel like I've reached the age where turquoise, purple, and green eye shadows tend to make me feel a little childish. However, since I still love bright colors why not put together the things I love most, neutral eye shadows and bright liners.

I know a lot of woman feel like bold liner might be a bit too much. That's not true, I feel like any woman at any age can pull off bold liner if you do it right. There was a month were I wore blue eye liner almost everyday. At this point I started expanding my color choices. Now I wear green, blue, purple, gold, gray, and other bold eyeliners. My method is to pair your bright eyeliners with neutral eye shadows.

Normally I pair my taupe eye shadows with either purple or blue liners, gold shadows usually calls for green liners or orange. Any eye shadow in the beige family can pretty much pair with any liner color. Of course this is not the only way to do it, mix and match your shadows and come up with your own combinations. Below are a few of my favorite that I have put together.

Click to enlarge photo

MAC Bronze / MAC Float On By
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #9 / MAC So There Jade
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #15 / MAC Rosemary & Thyme
Le Metier De Beaute Corinthian / Dolce & Gabbana #8
Le Metier De Beaute Jojo / CHANEL Style Yeux Waterproof #83 Cassie
Burberry No.03 Porcelain / Inglot #35
Edward Bess Mystery / MAC Temperature Rising

Rock & Republic Lost / MAC I Get No Kick
Burberry No.09 Rosewood / Inglot #23
Edward Bess Intimate / MAC Out To Sea
NARS Etrusque / Giorgio Armani 03

Last but not least, my final tip about using color liners- don't go over board. If you're still scared start slow, use the color liners for your water line first. Once you get comfortable expand and use it on your top line. Try to keep your lines fine, and not too thick. I don't make cat eyes, or thick lines when I use color liners. Other than that, have fun!

The Lipstick League - week of 5.30.11

2011-06-05T00:16:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

You’re running late and only have time to apply ONE makeup product to your face (after you’ve applied your skincare, of course). What’s it going to be?

I'm late and I have only time for one product, well I guess I would grab my blush. I don't really have any issues with my skin itself so I would be fine without foundation or concealer but, I don't want to look pale and dead so blush is a great way to liven up my face.

Onto this weeks links...

Vampy Varnish - Asks if a new Benefit mascara can really make people wonder if They're Real.

we heart this - is bubbly over one of Stila's new lip glaze shades - Bubble Gum.

Beauty Junkies Unite - wants to give you a fab Summer Prep Kit from Bliss, valued at $144...but you can't win if you don't enter!

Clumps of Mascara - is absolutely loving Deborah Lippman’s newest nail polish shades . They are perfect for summer!

EauMG - EauMG reviews one of the best lilac perfumes on the market, Profumi di Firenze Lilla.

Lipglossiping - previews the upcoming Autumn/Winter collection from Butter London. Two seasons, five shades, you’re bound to ‘fall’ for one of them!

Nouveau Cheap - gives you an in-depth review of the new CoverGirl Intense Shadowblast Primer + Shadow. The proof is in the pics!

Orange to LA - shares the products in her May Favorites list. Bright eyeliners, and gold eye shadow- Just in time for summer!

Pink Sith - Tortures it’s readers with their 5th installment in the Blushes You Can’t Have monthly series. This month Chanel Turbulent is flaunted!

Phyrra - revisits Darling Girl Cosmetics. See how the company has changed and grown.

April/May Favorites

2011-05-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

April flew by, I didn't post a favorites list because I was still using most of my favorites from March. Towards the end of April and now into May I have some new items I am loving

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
I originally only bought this product because of all the hype, I started using it and really like it, thankfully. It's a little thicker than I thought it would be and gives more coverage. But it's still light enough that it replaced my favorite LMDB foundation for summer. It's okay LMDB, I still love you.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock
Everyone knows you can't leave the house without SPF, this is my favorite of all time. It's ultra sheer and wears perfectly under makeup. Plus- it's SPF 55.

NARS Illuminator Copacabana
I had the Copacabana Multiple at one time but tossed it, I really hated the color and look it gave me. I mean, I hated the multiple with a passion. However the Illuminator is bomb dot com. I love this product and use it all the time, I'm so glad I tried it. It gives the perfect glow and is easy to use.

Cover FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer & Anti-Aging Serum
I have been meaning to review this product for awhile. I have been using it for about 2 months. I love this primer and will be posting a proper review on this product soon.

Lanolips LE Lemonade Lip Aid
My favorite lip ointment. I carry it with me all the time.

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #6
It's funny how amazing a simple blush can be. This blush is a muted pink/rose color with a brownish undertone. It's simple yet looks great with any look.

Le Metier De Beaute Eye Shadow in Jojo
This color looks great by itself or blended with a darker color. LMDB shadows are amazing. I need more of them.

Paul & Joe Pearl Powder in #01 Secret of Gold
In the jar the color is pretty, but this loose shadow looks better over a colorful base. I pack mine over MUFE Aqua Cream in Coral or Peach and over MAC Paint Pot Rubenesque.

Giorgio Armani Micro-Fil Loose Powder
This powder has been a favorite of mine since I bought it. I love how finely milled the powder is, it gives a sheer coverage, no cakey-ness here.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Biarritz
Biarritz is a pretty golden peach color with shimmer. I have been wearing this color a lot during the day.

I'm loving liners that are not black, colorful eyeliners are fun and can turn any neutral look into something fun. I have been using these eyeliners the most.

MAC Eye Kohl in Float On By and Rosemary & Thyme
Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner in #8 Blue, and #2 Coffee
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner in No.83 Cassie

Fresh Milk Body Lotion
I have been a strict Kiehls girl when it comes to body lotion but I bought this a while ago during the Sephora F&F sale. I love the way this smells and feels, I have pushed my Kiehls to the back of my dresser. Sorry Kiehls, you're great but Fresh smells better.

What products are you love this month?

The Lipstick League - week of 5.23.11

2011-05-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What’s a brand that you absolutely love but can’t afford?

I really love Sisley-Paris products. I see the brand every time I'm in Neiman Marcus and sometimes on other blogs but my wallet really can't afford me loving such a high-end brand. I'd love to try their foundation, Kohl Star Eyeliner, Phyto-Lip Shine, and other products. One day they will be mine, one day they will be mine!

Here are this weeks links:

Phyrra - shows you the Science Collection, a.k.a. Portal! 30 thoroughly tested colors that are a Triumph!

we heart this - The Frédéric Fekkai Essential Shea Collection made our hair feel like a big stick of butter (that's a good thing)!

Beauty Junkies Unite - Amber shares a few shades of perfectly neutral polish from the new Jessica Cosmetics Carte Blanche Collection. Which one is your favorite?

EauMG - EauMG reviews a savory, Bohemian perfume by DSH Perfumes that would fit right in at the Moulin Rouge.

Nouveau Cheap - There’s something for everyone in the Milani HD Advance Lip Color range. Oh the pretty colors!

Orange to LA - is feeling blue, but in a good way thanks to Paul & Joe Summer 2011 L’Horizon Bleu Collection, check out pictures and swatches of her favorite pieces!

Pink Sith - Suffers from Lonely Cart Syndrome (LCS). Read about the gem she discovered in Lipstick Queen’s Butterfly Ball Lipstick during one of her recent outbreaks.

Ladies, is there a brand out there that you love but can't afford?

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric #4 Sienna

2011-05-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Giorgio Armani 'Blushing Fabric' Second Skin Blush #4 Sienna - $38.00

When Giorgio Armani's Summer Collection was released I knew I wanted to try the 2 new Blushing Fabrics. Giorgio Armani had released Blushing Fabrics before (2010) but I never had a chance to try them. I didn't purchase them when they originally were out and eventually GA pulled them off of the counters and websites. The Giorgio Armani sales associates kept telling me that they were going to be re-released again with new colors. The Giorgio Armani Summer Collection released 2 Blushing fabrics #4 Sienna and #5 Raspberry.

I purchased #4 Sienna, I tested Raspberry out but thought it was a little bright and bold for my liking. When you first squeeze Sienna out of the tube the color is like a burnt brick color more on the brown side than red. I squeezed a small amount onto the back of my hand like suggested. Once blended and smeared the color turns into a neutral brownish color with the slightest reddish undertone. After reading the lengthy directions on the Giorgio Armani website on how to apply the blushing fabrics I started to apply the color to my cheeks using my fingertips. I realized right away I was not going to need any brushes, my fingers would suffice. Once on my cheeks I noticed my face warm up. Sienna on the cheeks is a beautiful warm bronze-like color, it really gave my cheeks a sun-kissed look. The reddish undertone was almost not noticeable at all on me, but beware if you apply too much or are paler than say NC25 the red may be seen.

I like the texture which is creamy, light, and silicone based. The blush blends out to be a little sheer, like any blush I always say less is more. Start by applying a small amount and if you need more add more. You can always pack more color on, it is harder to try and blend out a color if you have applied too much. Also a great selling point is that this blush lasts all day on me, and doesn't feel thick of cakey on my skin. Once applied I don't really feel anything on my cheeks. Now that I have been using Sienna I think even though #5 Raspberry looked a bit bold I could probably pull it off.

On the left you can see #4 Sienna blended out, the blush can be blended even more into the skin to get rid of that red undertone. On the right is Sienna right out of the tube. My arms are very pale, of course the darker your skin the less bold this color will look.

Paul & Joe Summer 2011 L'Horizon Bleu

2011-05-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Paul & Joe's new summer collection L'Horizon Bleu is out. I started seeing promo pictures popping up across the web awhile ago and started making a list of items I wanted to get. After going back and forth in my mind over what I wanted I finally placed my order.

Limited Edition Eye Color B - $22.00

001 Le Medi - moss green, beige, vanilla
002 Adrift - purple, pink, gray
003 Tranquility - yellow, gold, brown, beige

001 Le Medi

002 Adrift

These eye shadows are interesting, they have swirls of color in each pan. I knew right away I wanted the eye shadows even though the colors didn't really look like colors I would wear on an everyday basis. These eye shadows come in the standard Paul & Joe single eye shadow packaging, except instead of light pink they are in light blue. I thought with the swirl pattern and the intermixed colors that the texture of the shadows might be a little grainy. But true to P&J standards, the eye shadows are still smooth, soft, and easy to blend. The shadows have a hint of shimmer. The colors are a little different than what I'm use to when it comes to Paul & Joe. Once the swirls are mixed together the shades turn a little muted, they are not bright and playful like I thought they would be coming from a summer collection. After all this collection is supposed to "take you to a tropical and romantic place where the sea meets the sky". I love the descriptions that companies give their collections.

Limited Edition "Twin Fish" Bronzer B - $40.00

I was the most excited about this bronzer and blush duo. The surface of the bronzer is embossed with 2 twin fish. I love fish, I have 4 tanks in my house- I'll have to talk about them in a future post. At first I didn't want to touch the bronzer, I took pictures and thought how can I swatch this without messing up the pattern. I realized I couldn't and unless I planned on never actually using this product I might as well just get it over with. The white fish and Paul & Joe logo are just an overspray, the fish are embossed slightly into the bronzer itself but will disappear after a few uses. Once I started swatching and testing the bronzer I realized how silky smooth the texture is. The smoothness is far superior to any bronzer I have tried in the past. The bronzer color is rather light, I'm NC25 during the summer and it looks perfect against my skin tone, I don't think it will show up very much on anyone darker than NC30-NC35. The blush color isn't exactly what I would call a great blush color. It's pretty light and neutral with shimmer, if anything, in my opinion it would be a great paired over a matte blush, or even over a matte bronzer. I don't really see myself wearing the "blush" part on it's own.

Makeup Bag

Did you grab any Paul & Joe Summer items?

All products purchased at http://www.beautyhabit.com/

The Boy Factor - Does your boyfriend/husband take care of his skin?

2011-05-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

My husband really annoys me sometimes.

I'm sure I'm not the only woman out there whose husband or boyfriend just gets under their skin. Did my significant other forget to take the trash out? Did he not fill the car with gas? Did he forget to pay the AMEX bill? No. He did something worst. He said:

"a bar of soap."

What?

Wait.. did I miss something? Well, you did, you missed the question.

My husband and I have separate bathrooms, I do the shopping and buy the shampoo and conditioner, soap, his shaving gel, and things like that. I hand them to him and never see them again because I don't use his bathroom and he doesn't use mine. (He got sick of knocking down all the little bottles in the shower).

My husband was showing me a rough patch he had on his leg, I told him next time he was in the shower he should exfoliate. He looked at me as if I said "next time you are in the shower bake a cake". So I asked him:

"um.. babe what do you use in the shower?"

"a bar of soap."

Annoyance was bound to happen. Especially since he goes overboard on taking care of his hair. What about your skin man!? I have a million skincare products, soaps, scrubs, creams, exfoliating gloves, luffas, and every other type of device known to man. I always offer products to my husband but he is too "manly" to take any girly advice. My husband said most men don't use that stuff, and I thought - the hell they don't. Then he said the only smart thing he could say in response.

"why don't you ask your readers on your blog."

You know what Mr.Orange2LA that is exactly what I am going to do.

Ladies I am reaching out to you and asking- what does your husband/boyfriend use to take care of his skin?

Does he have a skincare routine? What does he use in the shower- gel, a bar of soap? Wash cloth, luffa, exfoliating gloves, anything at all?

Have you influenced your significant other to change their shower routine?

Let's discuss the crazy men in our lives, leave your comments in the comment section below.

The Lipstick League - week of 5.16.11

2011-05-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

Which products would you confiscate from your 16 year old self’s makeup bag?!

Brown lip liner. Yes, that's right I said it brown lip liner. I went through that bad girl phase when I was 16, I loved my pale skin and dark lips. I thought it was marvelous. Hey what do you want from me? I was going through that teenage angst period of my life. Of course my mother HATED it with a passion and I always had to make sure I had a clean face by the time she got home. Wow, thinking back to those days make me cringe, can't believe I actually would go to school like that. The funniest part was having friends who did the same thing. We thought we were a brillant bunch.

Enough with the scary flash back here are this weeks links:

Pink Sith - Knows the end is coming when she professes her love for a 2nd Clinique product, Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum!

Phyrra - My Independent Spotlight for May is Geek Chic Cosmetics! Learn all about the people behind the company in this unique interview.

Vampy Varnish - Get your glow on with Pixi Lumi Lux Radiance Powder.

we heart this - MAC's Surf, Baby! has a riding a beautiful wave, especially the Surf the Ocean Crushed Metallic pigments.

Beauty Junkies Unite - shows you that the new Hello Kitty for Sephora "Memoirs of a Kitty" Collection isn't for kids! The eyeshadow & blush palette is to die for.

EauMG - This niche Hollywood perfume house will have you smelling like a 1950’s poolside pin-up with their Kitten. Meow!

Nouveau Cheap - gives you an up-close look at the last of the three limited edition Summer 2011 collections from Wet n Wild: Inked (inspired by urban art culture).

Orange to LA - is on her 4th container of LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask. Find out why she’s smitten!

Ladies, is there any products you would confiscate from your 16 year old self’s makeup bag?

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette

2011-05-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette - $32.00
For the girl who works and plays hard - easy daytime neutrals, one vivid bright and a portable lip gloss ready for the office or an impromptu happy hour.

You might be suprised to know that I don't own very many Urban Decay products. The only Urban Decay products in my collection are:

Naked Palette - which I love.
Book Of Shadows Vol III (New York) - untouched and never opened, don't ask.

I'm not quite sure why I don't "love" Urban Decay, they never did anything bad to me I just seem to get confused by their products and packaging. I think for me Urban Decay is like Benefit, their items are a little too kitchy for me. However, the Naked Palette changed my mind about UD and I decided to give them a closer look. Which brings us full circle back to the Rollergirl Palette.

Something about the colors really caught my eye. I love neutral eye colors and bright lips so I thought this palette would be a great little combo I could carry around. Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette contains:

Mini Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Crush - hot pink
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - Whiskey

4 Eye Shadows:

Woodstock - super hot pink with shimmer
Verve - pale beige/oyster taupe with shimmer
Suspect - sheer bronze/gold
Darkhorse - dark chocolate brown/bronze with slight shimmer

I know some of these colors appear in other Urban Decay palettes but I'm new to Urban Decay. I like that I have them all together in this compact little palette. The Rollergirl Palette is packaged like all the other UD palettes, in a hard cardboard-like box with a magnetic lid to keep all the contents safe. The shadows are super smooth, glide on the lid easily and blend well together. I'm glad the shadows are shimmery and not filled with glitter. I still need to figure out a proper way to get that super bright pink color into my look.

New Paul & Joe Lipstick Additions

2011-05-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't purchased any Paul & Joe products in so long! I love Paul & Joe products but for some reason nothing has jumped out at me, I have not bought anything since their 2010 Autumn Collection. I was on the look out for new lipsticks, I purchased a few of the new Chanel lipsticks (to me shown in a later post), but I really missed the beautiful packaging of my favorite P&J lipsticks. So I picked up two from the Spring 2011 Parasol Collection.

Paul & Joe oh how I love your beautiful paper tubes.

070 Chantilly, 071 Afternoon Delight

Too cute right? Once again P&J picked great patterns for these lipsticks.

Most Paul & Joe limited edition lipsticks are a little sheer and these are no different. 070 Chantilly is a coral peach color, I seem to always end up purchasing coral peachy colors. 071 Afternoon Delight is a wearable bright pink color, online it looked almost fuchsia but in person it is lighter, I love this color and have been wearing a lot of pink lipsticks lately. Both lipsticks are glossy and have a shiny finish, I love that since I'm not crazy about matte lips during summer.

070 Chantilly

071 Afternoon Delight

Only swiped once

Let's be honest, these two colors are not original or different. I'm sure we can all find a coral peach and bright pink lipstick in our collection. But, I'm a huge P&J fan, what can I say I have issues. I love the quality and how they feel on my lips. I'm glad I bought these and can't wait till my Paul & Joe Summer 2011 items arrive on my doorstep.

Until next time!

LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask

2011-05-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
It's been a few weeks since my last post so I figured this should be about something I really love...

LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask - $5.95 2.1 oz.
Soothing oat and banana mask for dry skin.

Few things are more soothing than a big bowl or banana porridge, all sweet and squishy. Now, did you know the same is true for your skin? sensitive, dry or irritated faces love Oatifix for its calming oat infusion, softening freshly mashed banana and ground almonds to slough away flaky skin.

I have been using this mask for quite some time now. This is my 4th container and I love it as much as I did the first time I tried it. I have dry skin and I am always on the look out for any product that is moisturizing, and won't dry out my skin. I use this mask at least 3 times a week, the product itself only has a shelf life of 3-4 weeks since the ingredients contain bananas and oats. When you open the container the mask looks a little iffy- it's thick and chunky, basically it looks like porridge or oatmeal. To me the mask smells like a mixture of bananas with a slight hint of Play-Doh, yes- I said Play-Doh. Maybe it's just my nose. The texture is thick yet applies easily. I wear this mask for 10 minutes, LUSH recommends wearing the masks for 5-10 minutes. If you leave this mask on for longer than the recommended time it hardens and you really have to work at washing it off. I really hate when I get it in my hair.

The oats gently exfoliate your skin and leave your face super soft, and moisturized. I definitely think this mask is an inexpensive little treat for the skin and afterwards I feel like I have had a mini facial. This mask was a major staple in my collection during the winters when my skin was extra dry and flaky. For the last few weeks due to stress I have gotten lazy and stopped caring for my skin the correct way. My skin right now is dull and dry, I bought this mask again and expect my skin to be back to normal very soon. I love how simple this mask is yet for me delivers a great effect on my skin. All of the LUSH Fresh Face Masks need to be stored in the fridge so let everyone in your home know that these are not edible.

How to use:

Cleanse skin
Massage Serum bar onto your face (I use the Full Of Grace bar)
Smooth fresh face mask over your skin
Don't let it completely dry out, wash off before it gets too hard. (Keep out of hair!)
Tone and moisturize like normal. (I use Eau Roma Water afterwards)

This method is the way LUSH recommends when applying a fresh face mask. I have tried using the mask both with the LUSH method and just by itself. I have to admit the LUSH method is the best and I only use this method now. For some reason that little serum bar makes such a big difference. After I wash off the mask I spray my face with a little Eau Roma Water, it leaves my skin feeling so wonderful and perfect I wold never do it differently. All Fresh Face Masks must be purchased at a LUSH store they are not available online.

Are you a fan of any LUSH Fresh Face Masks?

MallOverstock.com

2011-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Orange2LA readers!

I just wanted to share with you guys this new site for great deals. It's called MallOverstock.com.

This website contains weekly deals on packages which are highly discounted and also, limited in quantity. These deals change weekly, so it gives you enough time to purchase a package as long as it doesn’t sell out first.

Currently they are offering a few NuMe Styling Tools, as well as some other flat irons and curling irons. You can find my review for NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron HERE.

Mall Overstock Offering Top Weekly Beauty Deals
We carry 100% Authentic & Genuine Brand Name Products at the lowest prices possible. Absolutely NO imitations or knock-offs. All of the products we sell we have in stock. Once payment is received, we will ship out the items same day or next. However we reserve the right to delay suspicious orders and cancel fraudulent ones.

How can we sell these products for so much less then a department store or other online retailers?
We buy our inventory in very large quantities, we put a very low markup and pass the savings on to you. Plus, we don't have the huge expenses a department stores or other online retailers has, they need to mark up pretty heftily to cover their huge overhead.

Free Shipping on all U.S. and Canada Orders!

NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron

2011-05-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron - $200.00 Available: http://www.numestyle.com/

Product Description: (source)

NuMe's best selling Vintage professional styler is the original 100% solid ceramic iron that brings shine and luster back to the most course or wispy hair. With its rounded barrel design, it's ideal for transforming your hair to any glamorous look - silky straight, voluminous waves or perfect curls. Great for all hair types.

The NuMe Vintage is a classic Professional Styling Iron with a unique alignment system that ensures ideal contact between your hair and our 100% tourmaline ceramic plates. Using pure ceramic plates ensures even distribution, eliminating the hot spots and chipping associated with conventional irons. Our 100% ceramic plates emit negative ions which seals moisture in the hair cuticle keeping your hair shiny, healthy and silky smooth.

The idea of a flat iron usually puts me in a frenzy. I'm a blow dryer type of girl. It's taken years of practice, patience, burn marks, and frizzy hair to figure out what works best for me. Usually when I see flat irons I think: stick straight hair, which on a round face like mine looks scary. When I was offered to try a NuMe flat iron I was excited yet still a little scared. A friend of mine who is a flat iron queen convinced me that my idea of flat irons was dated, now flat irons are used in so many ways to style hair and that stick straight hair was a thing of the past. So I decided to give NuMe a chance, and I'm so glad I did.

NuMe is a professional hair styling tool brand that has just recently launched in the U.S. NuMe has been distributed to professional hair salons throughout Europe and is now trying to bring those professional quality tools to your door step. Let's face it, not all of us can afford to go to a salon and get our hair done every week. But we can buy a quality product that will give us that "salon" look at home. With proper care a professional tool should last you a very long time, for example my blow dryer was $150, but it lasted 8 years, It would have lasted longer but my husband kept dropping it and it finally broke in half. You might think $150-$300 is a lot to spend but that product should last a very long time. NuMe is great, their styling tools come with warranties up to 5 years on certain straighteners. I picked the NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron because it is NuMe's best selling iron and seemed perfect for someone like me.

Features & Benefits:

100% solid ceramic plates prevent dry and damaged hair
Precision-engineered 1.25 inch floating plates (floating plates do not leave any creases in your hair as you flat iron)
Variable Temperature Control: 140-410 degrees F allows you to set the perfect heat setting for you hair type to prevent overheating
Ergonomic design to hold, handle and manipulate
Rounded Barrels create curls or flips your hair
Infrared heat technology seals in moisture for extra shine and luster
Negative Ion Technology reduce static and eliminate frizz for shinier, smoother, manageable hair
360 degree salon-style swivel power cord allows for easy maneuvering as you style
Heats up with within six to ten seconds, reducing wait time
Built-in converter handles dual voltage from 110v to 240v

I really love this flat iron. The NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron comes in a sleek black box. Inside the box are printed directions of several ways you can style your hair:

Straight
Soft Curls & Waves
Flip In
Flip Out
Volumize

Also, a separate direction pamphlet is inside if you don't want to carry the box around. The iron itself is lightweight yet sturdy, it also has a no-slip grip to help you keep the iron in place when styling, as well as helps you to not drop it as I tend to do with styling tools. The power cord is long and swivels so you can better maneuver the straightener however you may need. The temperature setting ranges from 140°F-410°F, you can control the temperature depending on your type of hair, which also means this straightener can be used on any hair type. Since I have thick coarse hair I set mine at 410° (the hottest), if you have thinner hair of course you can use a cooler temperature. The Vintage Styling Iron has a light on the handle that let's you know when the iron is ready to be used.

Red- Warming

Green - Ready to go!

The iron heats up quickly, I walked away for just a moment to grab something, when I came back the light was already green. I didn't want my hair super straight and since the irons barrel is curved I used the directions marked "Flip-Out" and created a look that was straight on top but curled out at the bottom. The 100% ceramic plates made my hair shiny, smooth, and frizz-free. I liked that I didn't have to pass the iron through my hair numerous times, one pass and it was done. I have owned flat irons in the past but never really felt inclined to use them which is why after all these years I still stick with my blow dryer. NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron has given me the flat iron itch and now I want to use it everyday, especially on my pesky bangs! Oh bangs please grow out, I don't know what I was thinking cutting you.

NuMe Vintage Professional Styling Iron can be found at: http://www.numestyle.com/

Available in 3 colors: Black, Purple, and Pink.

A few more reviews on NuMe products coming soon.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were sent to me for consideration. The results are my own experience and my own opinion. I am not being paid for this review.

The Lipstick League - week of 4.25.11

2011-04-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Question of the week :

What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about blogging?

My favorite thing about blogging is the interaction I have between others that share my same interests. You get instant feedback and reactions from people all over the world whether it's good or bad it's still interaction. I have made new friends with some wonderful bloggers and continue to meet people everyday.

My least favorite thing about blogging is... bad timing. I'm just a normal girl I'm not perfect, I work, I eat, I get lazy, and I procrastinate. I hate when I work hard on a post, I take photos, I write up my thoughts and right before I publish it, I see a fellow blogger who has just minutes before posted a blog about the same product. Now I start to question whether I should post mine. Will she think I'm copying her? Does her blog cover the exact same points mine does? Is mine even worth posting now? It's not her fault, it's my own, I took too long, I got lazy and procrastinated. So I delete it and go to sleep. Haha, it's so silly but it stresses me out!

Orange to LA - has been sick for a few days but that didn’t stop her from testing out Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes To Kill’ #10 Airy Jade. See swatches, and find out if this color was a hit or miss.

Pink Sith - Joeybunny shows you one of the NARS Spring eyeshadow duos and why you NEED to own this DOGON duo!

Phyrra - debuts the Tokidoki Devil Girl Cromatico Palette & shows you swatches and looks. It's hot for summer!

Vampy Varnish - Channel your inner child with Crayola Scented Nail Polish!

we heart this - There's something gorgeous blooming at MAC, and it's called Fashionflower...

Beauty Junkies Unite - puts Tarte's new emphasEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadows to the test, find out how they fared!

EauMG - What is your favorite spring floral? EauMG reviews Guerlain Champs-Elysees and there is a sample draw!

Nouveau Cheap - Get your first look at the gorgeous new Wet n Wild limited edition Summer 2011 collections (rumor has it there are some fantastic dupes here).

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #10 Airy Jade

2011-04-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have become very dependent on my Giorgio Armani 'Eyes To Kill' eyeshadows. The GA shadows last all day, and so far all the colors I own fit perfectly into my everyday makeup looks. I currently have 6 of the eyeshadows and decided to try a few more colors, I purchased #10 Airy Jade with the thought that it would be a fun color for spring.

Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' High Voltage 24-Hour Eyeshadow ($32.00)

The Eyes To Kill eyeshadows are great if you haven't already tried them. I reviewed another Giorgio Armani 'Eyes To Kill' eyeshadow HERE. The colors are richly pigmented, they work both wet and dry, and like I said earlier they last all day. The texture is not like any other eye shadows I have, the Eyes To Kill shadows are both cream and powder, the shadows are smooth to the touch and even though they can be a little chunky they still apply smoothly and lay flat on the lids. For some reason I got the idea in my head that #10 Airy Jade was going to be a Tiffany Blue color or a least a pretty blue/green color. I was surprised the first time I used #10; the color was actually frosted blue with silver. I'm not crazy about the color, it's pretty but not for me. I don't think it's something I need in my collection, I look better in warm colors.

#10 Airy Jade was a little different than my other GA Eyes To Kill. I noticed quickly that I had to layer more of the shadow to get the right consistency which I didn't have to with my other ETK shadows. The color didn't look as vibrant and I had to apply more layers which was weird because my other ETK lay perfectly on the first application from a brush. Since I was having difficulty using this particular color dry I decided to try using the shadow wet. I sprayed my brush with MAC Fix+ and tried this method on my opposite eye. I had the same difficulty and ended up going over both eyes again with the shadow dry.

Overall, I love my Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill eyeshadows but #10 Airy Jade gave me just a little too much grief. It wasn't blue/green and the application process left me annoyed. I'll stick with my other colors for now.

Please excuse the red eyes, I have been sick the last few days.

Face:
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (B40)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Medium
Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #6
NARS Copacabana Illuminator

Eyes:
K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 24H
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Giorgio Armani 'Eyes To Kill' #10 Airy Jade
MAC Mega Metal Shadow in Spectacle Of Yourself
Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips:
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Biarritz

Jill Stuart Eye Jelly: 08, 09, & 11

2011-04-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

I purchased a few more Jill Stuart Eye Jelly shadows. You can find my previous review for these shadows HERE. I picked colors that are bolder than what I am use to, this time around I purchased:

08 Crystal Sky - sparkly purple
09 Midnight Shine - dark midnight blue
11 Frosty Candy - frosted pink

I still like the Jill Stuart shadows despite the fact that they are very shimmery. The bouncy texture is great and they last on my lids all day. I wish however that eventually Jill Stuart would come out with a few colors that didn't have all the glitter and sparkles in them.

08 Crystal Sky

09 Midnight Shine

11 Frosted Candy

I have gotten a lot better at applying these shadows. I no longer get glitter and shimmer all over the place and I learned your fingers are your best friend when it comes to these shadows. I have yet to find a brush that works well with the texture of these shadows. I wrote a proper review on these shadows and will reiterate the basics:

The packaging is gorgeous
Very shimmery
They are buildable
They have a beautiful floral smell
They last all day
Great as a base for other shadows

Night Skin Care Routine

2011-04-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

My night time skin care routine is rather- what's the word? Complicated.

The basic routine itself is simple; cleanse, tone, moisturize. It's the extras I add in every other day or sometimes every day depending on the weather or stress. Your skin repairs itself at night while you sleep so it's very important to have a good night time skin care routine and also to try and get enough sleep every night.

Night Time Skin Care Routine:

Cleanser - Laneige Multi Cleanser
Toner - The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner (Alcohol-Free)
Serum - Sincare Relaxation Sensation Booster Serum (Product review coming soon)
Eye Cream - Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment
Spray/Mist - Nude Hydrating Water
Moisturizer - Laneige Ultra-Hydro Cream

Extras:

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion (currently testing- review coming soon)
Kate Somerville Exfolikate
LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask (review coming soon)
Sheet Masks - Current favorites SK-II and FaceQ
Eye Masks - SK-II

Step 1: Cleanse. After removing my makeup with facial wipes or my favorite Embryolisse makeup remover I use Laneige Multi Cleanser to clean my face and remove any and all traces of dirt and makeup. Laneige Multi Cleanser is a great cleanser and really leaves my skin squeaky clean. It also smells great and is a light pink color which is always fun. I only use this cleanser at night.

Step 1a: Twice a week I use an exfoliator to rid my face of any dead skin, I use either Kate Somerville Exfolikate for a real deep clean, or MAC Microfine Refinisher Scrub for a less abrasive exfoliation, the MAC Microfine Refinisher is discontinued so I will have to find something new. I'm currently testing TBS Vitamin C Microdermabrasion and will keep you updated on how I feel about it.

Step 2: Toner. I use The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner with my Shiseido Facial Cotton to keep my skin hydrated at night.

Step 2a: I try to use a mask between 3-5 times a week. I switch it up between my favorite sheet masks which can be used daily if you want since they are mild, and my LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask which I am absolutely in love with!

Step 2b: I tone again with a hydrating spray after using any masks.

Step 3: Apply creamy eye treatment to my under eye area.

Step 4: Use a serum, I'm currently testing Sincare Relaxation Serum, but before that I used Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum.

Step 5: Spray face with a little hydrating water to ready my skin for moisturizer. I noticed my skin absorbs moisturizer better when my face is a little damp.

Step 6: Apply moisturizer to seal all treatments used on my face.

Wow, no wonder it takes forever for me to actually get in bed! I know it seems like a lot but once you get into the routine of it, it goes pretty fast. I hope this wasn't too confusing, if you have any questions feel free to ask. Remember take care of your skin and try and get some sleep!

The Lipstick League - week of 4.18.11

2011-04-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Lipglossiping - contemplates the best way to store her ever-growing collection of nail polish, thank flatpack for IKEA!

Orange to LA - has a Liquid Eyeliner Showdown between her 3 favorite liners, who won? See the results, was it high-end, drugstore, or Japanese?

Pink Sith - Gets nostalgic about lip color and her old flute teacher while telling you all about Giorgio Arman Rouge d’Armani Lipstick # 516.

Phyrra - tells you about an awesome new hair product, Redken's Radiant Sea Spray.

we heart this - Ready to be blinded with hair science? Living Proof No Frizz shampoo and conditioner makes hair look scientifically better!

Beauty Junkies Unite - gives you a sneak peek at the new OPI Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Collection that launches in May!

Clumps of Mascara - shows the beauty behind one of the greatest places on Earth, Disney World!

EauMG - reviews natural fragrances for Earth Week. Check out this “flapper” jasmine by LUSH.

Nouveau Cheap - shows you five more shades of the amazing new Milani Baked Blushes and each one is prettier than the next.

Good Idea or Bad Idea: Dramatic Headbands

2011-04-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

I saw these on etsy a few weeks ago and have been obsessed ever since. I keep wanting to buy one, so I add it into my etsy cart. Before placing my order I stop and think that maybe I'm a little too old for something so loud, I delete it out of my cart and I am once again I am headband-less.

What's your opinion: Good Idea or Bad Idea?

I love anything Zombie related!

All photos taken from http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinebasil
All headbands available for purchase at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinebasil

So ladies what do you think?

Liquid Eyeliner Showdown: Artliner, Lineur Intense, & Dolly Wink

2011-04-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Black eyeliner, oh how I love thee.

I don't know why I love black eyeliner so much. I grew up in the 90's and black eyeliner was really 'in' with the girls in my circle. But even now some years later I can't leave the house without some form of eyeliner. I have branched out and tried different types of liners; pencils, liquid, and gel. I also use different colors now; blue, green, purple, brown etc. However, it doesn't matter what liners I have in my collection because I always come back to black.

For a long time I was using L'Oreal Lineur Intense eyeliner, I loved it, I thought it was great and for the price you can't beat it. I later switched to Lancome Artliner after hearing it was better than my beloved L'Oreal Lineur Intense. Now some months later I have ventured out again and bought Dolly Wink Liquid Eye Liner, I have been using Dollywink Liquid Eye Liner for a few weeks now. With the addition of Dolly Wink to my liquid liner collection also came the question: Which eyeliner is better?

Lancome Artliner
The Lancome Artliner has a felt tip applicator which makes it a little easier for people who are not use to liquid liner. It lasts for a good 6-7 hours before you see any sign of fading or smudging, however after 6 hours the liner does start to flake. The color is very black, yet dries matte. Lancome Artliner must be shaken before used and retail for about $30.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner
This liner has the same felt tip applicator as the Lancome Artliner, both eyeliners have to be shaken before used. The felt tip applicator of the Lineur Intense also is great for new liquid liner users. Lineur Intense last for 6-7 hours before it starts flaking, or smudging. In my opinion the L'oreal Lineur Intense is very black, it's darker than the Lancome Arliner and retail between 4-7 dollars depending on where you buy it and what promo's or coupons the drugstore has.

Koji Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner
The Dolly Wink liner has an ultra fine point tip, the fine point tip makes it easier to make a precious line. The color is very black but dries matte. This liner has a longer staying power than the other 2 liners, I have found I can wear this liner between 8-12 hours without seeing any fading, smudging, or flaking. This eyeliner is waterproof, and dries quickly once applied. This liner can be found on a few different websites and can retail anywhere between 12-17 dollars depending on where you order it from. I'm not sure how I feel about using an eyeliner that comes in a pink tube with polka dots, but I guess I just have to get over that. This liner might be better for someone who has a little more experience with liquid eyeliner.

You can see the different tips here in this photo.

Here you can see how both the Artliner and Lineur Intense flake. I gently rubbed my finger over all 3 liners, Dolly Wink is the only one that didn't budge.

One swipe of makeup remover, all liners come off easily, no need to rub of tug on your lids.

Overall, I have to say I think my Koji Dolly Wink Eyeliner beats the rest of the eyeliners I use. I know there are other brands of eyeliners I haven't tried but for now I'm pretty content.

So ladies, what's your favorite eyeliner? Have you used any of these liners?

Morning Skin Care Routine

2011-04-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Taking care of your skin is extremely important, but with all the skincare products out there it can be a little scary and overwhelming. It has taken me a while to figure out the right way to care for my skin as well as what products work for me. Now that I have established a solid routine I can see a huge improvement in my skin. I still like to test new products and see what's out there but now I know what to look for and what to avoid.

I have dry skin, so all of the products I use are for dry skin.

Morning Skin Care Routine:

Cleanser - LUSH Angels On Bare Skin (Great for all skin types)
Toner - The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner (Alcohol-Free)
Spray/Mist - LUSH Eau Roma Water
Serum - Sincare Relaxation Sensation Booster Serum (Product review coming soon)
Eye Cream - Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment
Moisturizer - Embryolisse 24hr Miracle Cream (Reviewed Here)
Sunscreen - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF55
Lip Scrub - the lip scrub by sara happ (Reviewed Here)

Step 1: Normally I only sleep 5-6 hours so my skin stays pretty clean. LUSH Angels On Bare Skin is gentle and great for the morning when I don't want to risk making my skin even more dry than it already is.

Step 2: I use the lip scrub in the morning to get rid of any dry spots on my lips.

Step 3: Toner, I use a hydrating toner in the morning with Shiseido Facial Cotton and then spray a little LUSH Eau Roma Water to help keep my face hydrated before applying any creams to my skin.

Step 4: I apply an anti-aging serum and let it soak in for about 3-5 minutes, currently I am testing Sincare Relaxation Sensation Booster Serum and will have a proper review posted soon.

Step 5: I apply an eye cream before the moisturizer, I apply eye cream every morning and night to fight pre-mature wrinkles.. I guess it's not working because some people think I'm already old. LOL.

Step 6: I seal everything together with Embryolisse 24hr Miracle Cream. My skin looks and feels so great with this moisturizer and all the hydrating products I use.

Step 7: Please don't forget to slather on sunscreen, sunscreen is so important to keeping your skin healthy, the sun is very damaging. Even if you work inside of an office like I do, I get a lot of sun exposure while driving to and from work as well as the sun comes in through all the windows in my office. After applying sunscreen let it set for a few minutes before applying makeup or going outside.

Night time skin care routine coming soon...

The Lipstick League - week of 4.11.11

2011-04-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Question of the week:

If you could only keep ONE makeup brush in your collection, which brush would you cling to for dear life?

If I could only keep one makeup brush it would have to be my MAC217 brush. In my opinion the MAC 217 brush can be used in a lot of different ways. Yes, it is an eyeshadow brush but, it can also be used to blend concealer, to apply a highlighter to the brow bone, cheeks, as well as down your nose. To be able to apply concealer, eyeshadow, and a highlight is major. Foundation, and blush can be applied with my fingers no problem. I can't live without my MAC217 brush, in fact I have 2 of them just in case.

Here are this week’s Lipstick League links...

Nouveau Cheap - Puts a drugstore Argan Oil hair product to the test and it turns out to be the bargain of the year.

Orange to LA - is so in love with Inglot Precision Eyeliners she’s drawing hearts with them!

Pink Sith - introduces you to a new favorite RED lip in Beauty Lip Creme in Framboise. It’s instant glam!

Phyrra - debuts the new All Stars Collection from Venomous Cosmetics.

Vampy Varnish - Benefit wants you to get your Cha-Cha on with their new melon colored tint!

we heart this - Just in time for Mother's Day, take 25% off at MOR Cosmetics with our special we heart this code!

Beauty Junkies Unite - gives you a sneak peek at the brand new bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor that doesn’t launch until May!

Clumps of Mascara -How could good a $1 lipgloss be? There’s only one way to find out.

EauMG - This week was Blue Week on EauMG for Autism Awareness Month. Check out all of the “blue” products and reviews like Montale Blue

What about you readers, which ONE makeup brush could you never give up?

Inglot Full Metal Lip Liner + AMC Lip Gloss

2011-04-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

Inglot Full Metal Lip Liner ($12.00)

Automatic pencil with solid metal case and lip brush. Special FM Sharpener is included. PARABEN FREE FORMULA.

The Inglot Full Metal Lip Liners come in 10 shades. I chose 3 colors:

851 - Bright Orange
855 - Creamy Cinnamon (Reminds me of MAC Spice lip liner)
858 - Pinky-Mauve

The packaging for the Full Metal Lip Liners is gorgeous. They look a lot more expensive than they really are. The packaging itself is a solid metal case which makes it sturdy and very chic. The liners have dual sides, one side is the liner and the other side is a lip brush. The liners are very creamy and apply with ease, they glide on the lips and actually last for quite some time. I wore #851 (Bright Orange) in Vegas and it lasted from around 9pm when I put it on until around 2am, between those hours I did a lot of drinking and dancing and I still had lip liner on around 2am. I still had on lip liner but had to re-apply the lipstick, the lipstick always goes first. Overall these are great lip liners, I wish I had bought a few more and will probably order more now that Inglot has opened it's online store. I don't own a lot of lip liners, in fact I'm not sure how many of you ladies wear lip liner either. Is it a dying trend? Well either way it's always nice to have a few basic lip liners lying around just in case, and for $12.00 it's a bargain.

AMC Lip Gloss ($15.00)

I was about to pay for my eye liners and lip liners when I came across these AMC Lip Glosses. They don't look like much at first glance, just your average bright lip glosses. It wasn't until I started swatching them that I realized how interesting they were. The Inglot AMC Lip Glosses come in 6 colors, all 6 colors are iridescent duochrome effect lip glosses. What does that mean? Basically all the colors are bright and iridescent, they look one color in the tube and on the wand, but once applied to your lips the color changes/shifts immediately and reflects a different color. The glosses themselves are a little sheer which actually makes them better in my opinion because you can layer them over all sorts of colors, you're not stuck matching them to the same color family, you can really go outside of the box with these.

I bought 2 of these glosses:

543 - Base color is lavender with shifts of green and orange
544 - Base color is fuchsia with shift of orange

The glosses are not sticky which might make them a little less favorable to some people. I prefer my glosses to be non-sticky but that's just me. Overall these glosses are fun and can be worn alone of over any color base. I'm glad I didn't pass these up, they're pretty, and fun for nights out, or they're great if you just want to add some pop to a boring lipstick.

I could not catch the color shifting or beauty of these glosses in photos, I think it might be one of those things you just have to see in person. The colors are much more vibrant in person than in these swatches.

Inglot Soft Precision Eyeliner: 23, 24, 27, 35, 36, and 42

2011-04-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Inglot Soft Precision Eyeliner ($9.00)

Molded type pencil with soft but precise application. Paraben free formula.

While shopping in Las Vegas last weekend I came across the Inglot store again and decided to try something besides the shadows. I love eyeliners, I have dark eyes so I tend to use colored eyeliners in my waterline or under eye area for a pop of color. Inglot has 6 different types or eyeliners but I chose to try the Soft Precision Eyeliner because of the variety of colors it came in. The Inglot Soft Precision Eyeliners come in 22 colors, I chose 6 colors:

23 - Gunmetal Grey
24 - Blue
27 - Iridescent Blue/Purple
35 - Gold
36 - Iridescent Purple
42 - Maroon

(Lightly pressed)

Special thanks to Mr.Orange2LA for letting me draw hearts on his arm.

I'm left handed and couldn't draw it on myself.

These eyeliners are great considering they are only $9.00. The Soft Precision Eyeliners are smooth and easy to apply on the eyelids, no tugging required. The liners glide-on easily and smudge beautifully and effortlessly even on my dry under eye area. These liners even work great as a base. Since the Soft Precision Eyeliners are not waterproof they don't have the best staying power, they last for about 5 hours which still is not that bad in my opinion. I think these are great pencils and I intend on trying a few more colors. Please remember these liners are not waterproof, if you are looking for something that is smudge proof and will last all day these are not for you. On the other hand, if you want fun liners in different colors to add a little pop of color to your everyday look these are great.

Pressed harder for a different effect.

(I need a tan)

Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Spoiled Brat

2011-04-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Spoiled Brat ($2.99)

Coordinating trio shades takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect eye look. The "how to" palettes are created to highlight, define, and accentuate specific eye colors to create unique looks.

When these eye shadows started popping up everywhere online I was intrigued. I'm not a drugstore eye shadow girl at all but after seeing a few bloggers that I rather respect post rave reviews I figured they couldn't be that bad. Right? I was with my girlfriend wasting time at Walgreen's when we both came across the Wet n Wild eye shadow palettes. I picked out Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Spoiled Brat. It is dramatic but I chose it for a reason, I had a show I was going to the next day and figured I could test it then.

Overall the trio is good. The silver and fuchsia shades are smooth, highly pigmented, and frosted. The black shade has chunks of silver glitter inside, so I was happy it wasn't as pigmented as the other two colors, it worked for me. I didn't find any of the three colors hard to work with, I followed Wet n' Wild's directions and created a simple yet dramatic look. Spoiled Brat is fun, and easy to use. The shadows are nice but I don't see myself running out to collect all of them any time soon. One of the major problems I had with these shadows are how easy they break. I don't know if any of you ladies have had the same problem? I broke one just walking around the store with it. Also, one broke while in my shopping bag as I headed home, I have never broke an eye shadow in my life until I came across these. I guess at $2.99 (or less depending on where you buy) what do you expect?

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Foundation #5
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Medium
Rock & Republic Blush in Foreplay
MAC Blush in Trace Gold (worn over Foreplay)

Eyes:
K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 24H
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Spoiled Brat
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner in Black (waterline and under eye)
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips:
Paul & Joe Lipstick in Afternoon Delight (Parasol Spring 2011 Collection)

The Lipstick League - week of 4.4.11

2011-04-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

Question of the week:

What’s your skin care routine?

My skin care routine is pretty long and ever changing, I think it would take an entire post just to go through it all. I focus on hydrating my skin so all my products are just that. I cleanse, tone, and moisturize every morning and night. I use masks weekly, and have serums I add into my routine. I also use an eye cream daily. Look forward to a post on my current skin care routine coming soon!

Here are this weeks Lipstick League links...

EauMG - What flower makes you think of spring? Here’s a review of pretty British line Penhaligon’s Lily of the Valley.

Nouveau Cheap - Shows you exactly why the new Milani Baked Blushes live up to their hype.

Lipglossiping - wonders if O.P.I’s mini collection of flower-themed polishes will have you scrabbling to paint yourselves PINK this Summer?!

Orange to LA - Finds a new fun way to dye your hair with Clairol Nice n' Easy Color Blend Foam. Shake it, Foam it, Love it!

Pink Sith - Joeybunny on the Pink Sith Blog gives you an Introduction to Concrete Minerals. Read at your own risk because after you do, you’ll be buying them too!

Phyrra - tells you about CandyLens.com & Geo Angel Circle Lenses! See if you like them!

Vampy Varnish - MAC Primed for Perfection, are you primed and ready?

we heart this - we ask “how cute?” MAC answers - “quite!” Our MAC Quite Cute photos, swatches and review

Beauty Junkies Unite - reviews the newest mascara from Too Faced, Size Queen Mascara. Look at that brush!

Clumps of Mascara - is absolutely loving E.L.F.’s makeup brushes. $3 for a skunk for a skunk brush? Wowsers!

Readers, what’s your skin care routine?

Burberry Beauty: 'Light Glow' Blush in Earthy & Lipstick in English Rose

2011-04-07T12:25:00.001-07:00

Burberry has released their new Spring Collection which is said to be

"A natural collection of weather-inspired colors for lips, eyes and skin, as featured in the Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Spring/Summer 2011 Show."

The collection consist of 3 new blushes:

07 Earthy
08 Misty
06 Tangerine

and 3 new lipsticks:

22 Delicate Rose
23 English Rose
24 Romantic Rose

I was excited when I first found out about the new collection but when I started seeing promo pictures I got a little disappointed. I didn't think the colors looked very different from what Burberry already had to offer. But once I saw swatches start popping up I was re-energized and decided that I needed a few new Burberry products. I think Burberry cosmetics are wonderful. I love the fragrance that comes from every product, the packaging is beautiful; the eye shadows, blushes, even lipsticks are smooth and velvety. In my opinion you really can't go wrong. If you like wearable everyday colors that are soft but highly pigmented then Burberry is for you.

Burberry 'Light Glow' Natural Blush in Earthy ($42.00)

Get a bright and radiant finish with warm glowing skin, reminiscent of the freshness of a spring morning.

Earthy is a very pretty soft brown nude/tan color that would be suitable as a contour color as well as a blush. I noticed while playing with Earthy that the color was a bit muted, but once applied to my cheeks left a satin finish. I use the small brush that comes with the blush, the brush itself is actually very nice, soft and picks up a god amount of color. This blush may not be your cup of tea, but I personally love nude/beige blushes, they look very pretty with sultry eyes and fresh lips.

Burberry 'Lip Cover' Spring Collection Soft Satin Lipstick in English Rose ($30.00)

Discover supple and light colors that reflect the natural lip tones. Formulas are hydrating and give a full lip in tone, coverage and color fidelity.

English Rose is a mauve pink color, for some reason it didn't matter how I photographed it the color came out looking a little red. But, English Rose is infact NOT red. I have a few Burberry lipsticks now, and they are usually the first lipsticks I reach for in my collection. My lips are dry and these lipsticks are hydrating so together we are a perfect pair. You can read my previous reviews on my other Burberry lipsticks HERE and HERE TOO.

Face:
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Foundation #5
Giorgio Armani Loose Powder
Burberry 'Light Glow' Blush in Earthy

Eyes:
K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 24H
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #8
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner in #83 (under eye)
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Espresso Ink
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips:
Burberry Lipstick in English Rose (23)

Comparison: Coral & Orange Lip Glosses For Spring

2011-04-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

I was asked a question on my March Favorites post about how my favorite Chanel Coral Reef compared to Revlon's Super Lustrous Lip gloss in Coral Reef. I figured if I'm going to compare the two why not pull out more of my favorite orange/coral lip glosses. So lets break it down short and simple.

MAC Kissable Lip Color in Exxhibitionist
Exxhibitionist is a bright red-coral color with a hint of shimmer. This lip gloss is like a lipstick and lip gloss in one, it covers the lips in one application, the color is bold and vibrant.

Chanel Glossimer in Coral Reef #88
My baby, my precious; now that's what this color should have been called. Chanel Coral Reef is a light peach-coral color with lots of gold-peach shimmer. I love this color, it's gorgeous. I'm scared because I think they might have discontinued this color, I better check on that.

Chanel Glossimer in Silex #126
This color is probably one of the most interesting colors I own by Chanel. It's a light coral/pink-toned gloss with peach and gold shimmer, it has a duo chrome effect when it's on the lips. This color is a little bright and looks great worn by itself. I'm pretty sure this color was LE.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Coral Reef
This gloss is a pretty flat color, it's coral/orange but with a pop. It's a little thick, and a little sticky. As you can see it's a completely different color than the Chanel Coral Reef. If you want more orange go with Revlon Coral Reef, if you want more peach go with Chanel Coral Reef. Quality wise this Revlon gloss is pretty good if you don't want to fork out the money for the Chanel try the Revlon I think you will be happily surprised. But still I love my Chanel, I'm biased because the Chanel Glossimers are my favorite lip glosses on the market.

MAC Dazzelglass in Utterly Posh
Is a semi-sheer brunt orange/amber color with a little orange-gold glitter. I'm not crazy about MAC's Dazzelglass, I'm more of a MAC Plushglass fan. The Dazzelglass glosses are sticky with large chunks of glitter. They don't last very long on my lips and I feel like you don't get a lot of product in that tube. Utterly Posh is beautiful so I have a hard time reviewing it. I guess you can say: the color is gorgeous but the actual product is just okay.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Gloss in Amber
I really like Buxom lip glosses, but something about the packaging throws me off. Amber is just a pretty warm peach color with small pink/gold shimmer. Buxom lip glosses feel soothing on the lips and last for quite awhile.

Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss in Designer Label
Designer Label is a sheer nude/peach color with gold and pink glitter. These glosses remind me of MAC's Dazzelglass, just not as sticky, in fact the Milani glosses are rather smooth. I actually like these more than the Dazzelglass. I feel like the Milani 3D glosses have better staying power as well. The packaging is cute, a little gimmicky but cute.

Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in My Pretty
My Pretty is very simple, it's just peach with gold shimmer. I think I wore this lip gloss almost everyday for a month, either by itself or over lipsticks. I love this color it's very pretty. However, overall as a lip gloss it's just okay. The packaging is cute but the weird little sponge wand has me confused every time I use. Some people might like the wand, but I didn't.

Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer #05
This lip lacquer is a pink coral color, more on the pink side, it has no shimmer or glitter. Paul & Joe lip lacquers are very creamy and smooth. Their pigmentation is high and glide on like a lipstick. I love the packaging- simple and chic just like all Paul & Joe products.

Whoa, I hope that wasn't too much to take in all at once. Below are swatches of all the colors. The swatches are in the same order as the list above.

So ladies what coral or orange glosses are you loving this season?

Sasa: Eyelashes, and Sheet Masks

2011-04-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

I am always on the quest for great skin. I have a skincare routine I am currently loving but I still enjoy throwing in sheet masks. Sheet masks are fun, come in a variety of options depending on your skin, and are light enough that they can be used every other day, or even daily. Plus, I like de-stressing in front of my computer or TV with a soothing mask on. I was cruising Sasa.com and decided to get a few new boxes of the Face-Q masks. I tried Face-Q masks before and liked them so I was curious to try the other types. Reviews to come as soon as I have properly tested them.

Caviar and Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Mask
Snow Lotus and Sake Yeast Whitening Mask
Luffa + Adlay Mask

The next items I purchased are a little weird if you know me. For some reason I have been determined to learn how to put on false eyelashes. I don't know why, I would never wear them to work, or use them for a everyday look. But sometimes when I go out either with my girlfriends, co-workers, or even my husband I like to create a bolder look. If you can't have fun with your makeup then what's the point right? I was originally looking at the Koji Dolly Wink Lashes when I across this other brand new to Sasa, Dot Dot Doll-Like Lashes. They basically look like a rip off of Dolly Wink, but at half the price. So I picked a few to test out. At the same time I found more lashes new to Sasa- Jealousness, I purchased a box that contains 12 pairs. When they arrived I thought they looked too cute! Can't wait to try these out. I'm hitting Vegas this weekend so I think these will be packed in my suitcase.

Doll-Like Eyelashes - No. 3 - 2 pair(s)
Doll-Like Eyelashes - No. 6 - 2 pair(s)
Doll-Like Eyelashes - No. 5 - 2 pair(s)

Dot Dot Doll-Like Eyelashes on SASA

Jealousness French Dolly False Eyelashes - JS-605 LINK

Expect reviews on all these products coming soon!

Clairol Nice n' Easy Foam in Black

2011-04-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Once again it's time to dye my hair. Currently my hair has turned into this mousy brown color that drives me crazy. I have been using Palty Hair Dye in Black for awhile, Palty is a Japanese brand of hair dye. I later tested Prettia Hair Dye in Sweet Pink which is also a Japanese brand foam hair color. I went back to Palty after finding it hard to locate Prettia in Black. I finally found it on Ebay but never received the package, I don't think it was the sellers fault I think it got taken away in customs. So I was dye-less, (is that a word?) and still mousy brown.

Then I started seeing commercials for the American version of foam hair color. I was shocked that Americans finally jumped on the band wagon and came out with a foam hair color. For those of you who are not familiar, foam hair dye has been used and have become very popular in countries in Asia for years. I decided to give our American brand a chance to see how it stacks up against my beloved Japanese brands.

Clairol Nice n' Easy Color Blend Foam
This new, easy-to-apply hair color formula begins as a liquid, then applies as a foam. And it puts dimensional hair color right at your fingertips.

Inside Each Box:

Formula
Activator
ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss (2 packs)
Foam pump dispenser
Rubber gloves
Instructions

My experience with this hair dye is completely positive.

I felt this hair dye was fast, simple, and easy to use even for a complete klutz like myself. I decided at the last minute right before hopping into my shower to test this out. I grabbed the box followed the instructions and was done super fast. My husband can't believe I can dye my hair so easily.

"How do you dye your own hair... all that hair..."

Haha, I'm glad I can impress someone, anyways- back to the hair.

Apply the foam to your hair like you would shampoo, once you have all your hair covered let it sit for 25 minutes and rinse it out. Nice n' Easy even includes a conditioner you use to seal the dye in after you wash your hair. Japanese brands always include a special conditioner with their hair dyes and I always wondered why American brands didn't do this, so good job Nice n' Easy.

What I don't understand is the reviews I read on MakeupAlley, they are so bad. This hair dye is so simple to use! Some of the complaints were that this dye was hard to use, or was messy. What hair dye isn't messy? That all depends on you and how careful you are. I think black is the hardest color to dye your hair, it gets everywhere if you're not careful and it stains your skin. Of course I got some dye on my forehead, ears, and neck- like I said I'm a klutz! But I removed it as soon as I saw it. With any hair dye, if you get it on your skin hurry and remove it before it sets or else it will be hard to remove later. After everything was done, I didn't have any signs or stains that might imply I had just dyed my hair. I'll edit this post later and add some photos of the finished product.

Overall, I loved this hair dye. My hair came out black, shiny, and smelled great. I love how easy foam dyes are to use, and I love the conditioner packs they now include. I would suggest this to other newbies who want to dye their hair at home. But I do have one complaint: The instructions included in the box are not clear enough. What's up with that Nice n' Easy?

Since I am familiar with these foam hair dyes here are a few tips, and tricks I've learned from using the Japanese brand foam hair color:

Shake the bottle 3 times.

If you over shake the bottle the foam will come out runny and will not lather in your hair properly like the foam should. The instructions that come in the box just say "Shake", it doesn't say how many times. However, on their website it does state the shake 3 times rule. Why that didn't make it onto the instructions in the box I'll never know.

Do not use if the foam is runny.

Of course the first few squeezes might come out runny that's normal, but if it continues to be runny let the bottle sit for 30 seconds and squeeze the foam bottle 2-3 times until high quality foam is dispensed.

Do not re-shake during use.
Hold the bottle upright while squeezing.

AFTER:

Shiny and black right?

This video is probably the best video to watch if you aren't quite sure how to use foam hair color. It's not in English but you don't have to understand the language to understand what she's doing. Check it out!

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!

The Lipstick League - Week of 3.28.11

2011-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week:

What new spring product are you loving the most or are most excited to try?

This one is easy! I'm excited to try the new NARS Illuminator in Copacabana. I love highlighters and even though I have many powder highlighters I don't have any cream highlighters. Can you believe it? The NARS Multiple I tried in Copacabana didn't work out so I'm hoping the Illuminator will work for me. I also want to try the Illuminator in Super Orgasm.

Here are this week’s links...

Clumps of Mascara - finally got aroma M Geisha Green perfume.

Nouveau Cheap - There’s a product at the drugstore that can truly fix a smudged nail and Nouveau Cheap’s got the pics to prove it!

Lipglossiping - Gets overtaken by a sudden lipstick urge, and we all know that’s one itch that NEEDS to be scratched!

Orange to LA - Uses the new Lancome ‘Warm Lavande’ Color Design Eye Shadow Quad to create a look for a night out with her husband. Who doesn’t like purple?

Pink Sith - Gives you a sneak peek at the NEW Guerlain Rouge Automatique lipstick. It’s a packaging Hoor’s dream!

Phyrra’s - Independent Spotlight for April is with Venomous Cosmetics! Learn about Tracy & her fascination with the vibrance of creatures found in nature, as well as her makeup.

Vampy Varnish - Shows you some colorful Inglot Eye Shadow Swatches!

we heart this - You’ve heard of RevitaLash, but does it really work? Take a look at our before and after pics and decide for yourself!

Beauty Junkies Unite - was never too crazy about mood lipstick, but these mood nail polishes from In The Mood are right on trend with spring’s color forecast!

How about you, readers? Which new spring product are you loving the most?

March Favorites/Current Frequently Used Items

2011-04-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Is it really April already? For me March was pretty much a February repeat in the makeup department. I have been still using all the products from my February's favorite list. I didn't want to post the exact same thing so instead I'm showing you some items I have been grabbing for.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Cream
I have been using this for months and I don't know why I haven't put this lotion on my previous favorites list. I use it everyday and it is truly a superb lotion for dry skin. I don't think I can ever live without this.

Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire (No Rinse Make-Up Remover)
I reviewed this product HERE. I have been loving Embryolisse products and this is a great makeup remover for dry skin. I love how easily it removes makeup.

Juliette Has A Gun - Lady Vengeance
Last month my favorite perfume was the Bvlgari Jasmine Noir, I still love my Bvlgari but I have added this Lady Vengeance perfume to my collection and have been using this a lot.

NYX Mosaic Powder in Dare
I bought this at a makeup store in Downtown L.A, they had a whole store of just NYX products. It was pretty intense. I have been loving gold and coral blushes and lip glosses, so this is combination of the two.

Sugarpill ChromaLust Loose Eye Shadow in Goldilux
I bought this back in February and totally love this gold eye shadow. I use it now for every look that requires a boost of fun. This also fits into my loving gold and coral colors this month. You can find my review and swatches HERE.

My gold and coral love also can be seen with my lip glosses. I have rid my makeup bag of all those winter pink and red colors and have moved in some new fun Spring colors.

NARS Lip Gloss in Moon Fleet
I bought this back during the holidays to wear to all those Christmas parties. But I brought it out again in March and I love it over any lipstick color. Find my review and swatches for Moon Fleet HERE.

Chanel Glossimer in Coral Reef #88
This is a classic in my collection, I love it and always find a reason to wear it. It's perfect coral with a little gold shimmer.

Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss in Designer Label
I'm not a drugstore makeup girl, I just don't like buying products if I can't test them myself. I bought this the other day while shopping with my friend and I couldn't take my eye off the sparkles inside the tube. I really like this lip gloss by itself and over lipsticks, these glosses remind me of MAC Dazzleglass.

Edward Bess Deep Shine Lip Gloss in Bare Rose
This color is called Bare Rose so at first I expected it to be more pinkish, but on me it's a peachy nude color. Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book gave this to me so I could try out Edward Bess lip glosses, and I have to say I really love it!

I love this necklace! I have been wearing this long necklace a lot this month. I bought it at Forever 21 and thought it would be cute to wear out when I go to shows with my husband. The length is perfect and long. Since I'm busty I have to wear necklaces that either hang above my bust or below. I'm loving long necklaces, I even have one with a fish on it.

Date Night With Lancome 'Warm Lavande' Color Design Eye Shadow Quad

2011-03-31T01:45:00.000-07:00

Lancôme 'Color Design - Ultra Lavande' Sensational Effect Eyeshadow Quad in Warm Lavande.

"Design eyes with a color designer's palette of finishes: from shimmer to sheen, metallic to matte. Micro-aired powder technology offers supreme smoothness and blendability in the sultriest new shades. "

($42.00)
Source: Nordstrom

I am not normally a Lancome fan. I don't even pay attention to their collection releases but when I saw the promo pictures of their new Ultra Lavande collection I knew I had to check it out. I mean, come on, who is not a fan of purple?

"The packaging is decorated with an elegant bowtie and butterflies designed by Alexis Mabille. Alexis Mabille is a french fashion designer famous for his frivolous, dynamic, imaginative and racy universe, where sophistication and fantasy becomes one. The Bowtie is a leitmotiv in its artistic work."

This palette comes in two colors:

Cool Lavande - A cool palette with shades of pinks, lavender and silver
Warm Lavande - A warm palette with shades of beige, gold, lavender and purple

I opted for the Warm palette being that I don't feel I look good in cool tones, as well as the fact that I have not worn a pink eye shadow in years.

Overall the palette is pretty decent, the shadows are smooth and easy to blend. The beige, lavender, and purple shades were good. The gold shade was a let down, the color wasn't pigmented as the other 3 colors. Also the gold color didn't turn out the same on my lid as it did in the pan. I don't think I need to buy another Lancome palette for awhile but I do enjoy this one and think I will keep using it throughout Spring.

My husband took me to see Röyksopp at The Wiltern in Hollywood. I wanted to do something dramatic with my makeup but was a little tired so I decided to do something more simple. I decided to use my new palette. Here is the FOTD I came up with. Nothing like a hot date night and a great band to get me all dressed up! Who out there loves Röyksopp? They were amazing!

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Foundation #5

Giorgio Armani Loose Powder

Rock & Republic Blush in Foreplay

Eyes:

K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 24H

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Lancome Eye Shadow Quad in Warm Lavande

Lancome Artliner in Black

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara in Black

Bobbi Brown Gold Liquid Eye Liner

Lips:

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Daisy Rose

Sheet Masks Galore!

2011-03-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

My Beauty Diary - Blooming of Beauty Peruvian Sunflower Mask

The Blooming of Beauty Series is the NEW LIMITED RELEASE for celebrating Taipel International Flora Expo 2010. It is a series of face masks in different flower variants that is designed for different skin texture's needs. Each mask contains rich & precious NATURAL PLANT EXTRACTS & ESSENCE with FLORAL fragrance.

The Peruvian Sunflower Mask is designed for SOOTHING & MOISTURIZING skin. High effective in moisture retention to restore skin's elasticity and transparency. It is suitable for all skin types especially recommended for DRY & DAMAGED SKIN

I'll be the first to tell you that I have never been crazy about the My Beauty Diary masks. I have tried a few of them but never jumped on the bandwagon. I think they are just okay. I have tried much better, and I have tried worst- so for me MBDM are somewhere in the middle. Despite my lack of enthusiasm I was excited to try the new My Beauty Diary - Blooming of Beauty masks that were released. Since I have dry skin I opted for the Peruvian Sunflower mask it is recommended for dry/damaged skin.

I think Chastity in the movie '10 Things I Hate About You' said it best: "I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"

That is exactly how I felt. Once again I wasn't overly impressed with this mask. It was okay- it was soothing, it smelled pleasant, it was saturated enough in serum, but the ending result wasn't good enough for me to recommend to anyone. I didn't see any real difference, and it wasn't hydrating enough for someone with dry skin. I think if you are looking for noticeable results there are other comparable masks on the market. My favorite all time masks are by SK-II, I understand they are a little expensive, but they work. If SK-II is too expensive another great brand IMO is Face Q. I tried the Face Q Luffa +Adlay Mask (green) thanks to my friend Amy from Amynaree who recommended them and gave me one to try, I loved it. I will be ordering those soon.

My Beauty Diary Platinum + Pearl Lift Stretch Mask

Contains skin-brightening pearl extracts and moisture-locking platinum property, deliver the skin-care power of these two marine and mineral element. Clarify and brighten skin with natural fruit ingredients such as lemon, orange, and kiwi, which can first remove layer of dead cells to allow better absortion of pearl and platinum serum later. Makes your skin reveal radiance and whiteness.

Special designed sheet can quickly and completely distribute nutrients to your skin. The 360 degree stretch-lift design also can tighten your cheeks and make it look slimmer. Suitable for all skin type, especially great for skin that appears fine line and lack of radiance.

Another My Beauty Diary mask that just didn't hit a home run. Unlike other MBD masks this one is a stretch mask that has the ear hooks I love. There is nothing better than a tight firm mask that hooks onto my ears and allows to me to move without worrying it will fall off. This mask is packed with a light clear serum that feels cool on my skin. I like that the mask is fully saturated and doesn't dry out after wearing it for only 10 minutes. The problem with this mask is the same problem I had with the Blooming of Beauty mask, I didn't notice any real difference in my skin. I have dry skin and it just wasn't hydrating enough in my opinion. This mask claims to brighten skin, I noticed a slight difference in the brightness of my skin but not a lot. Yes, this mask did leave my skin smooth and soft, but with all the masks out there I think you could find something better.

My Scheming Crystal Hydrating Eye Mask

My Scheming Crystal Hydrating Eye Mask contains Deep Sea Seaweed Bolivian Uric Acid which adds moisture to your eyes, leaving your eyes hydrated all day long. It also allows easy absorption of essence, restores the skin around your eye contour to its oil-water balance level, improves skin elasticity in the under eye area.

This eye masks come in a box of 10, each pack contains 2 masks one for each eye (duh), the masks sit in a little plastic container drenched in serum. The masks are a jelly gummy texture that you place under your eye for 10-15 minutes. I have dry skin and a dry under eye area so I thought this hydrating mask would be perfect to try. The masks are cool, refreshing and provides a little boost for tired dry eyes. I love the jelly gummy texture of the masks, the only bad part is they didn't fit my face quite right and they kept moving and shifting a little bit. Overall I think they are a great mask and I use them a lot and I see myself repurchasing them in the future. I really want to use them in the morning and see how they work pre-makeup.

My Scheming Crystal Q10 Elastin Eye Mask

My Scheming Crystal Q10 Elastin Eye Mask contains chitosan, Q10, collagen, and so on. It permeates well. It activates and repairs skin, smooths wrinkles, and enhances lustre as well as moisture level. It leaves skin around eyes smooth, delicate, luminous, fair, watery and firm.

This masks is the same size, texture, and brand as the previous eye mask I reviewed above. Anytime I see a product that says "collagen" I throw it in my shopping cart so of course when I saw this I couldn't wait to try it. However I wasn't impressed with this mask at all. I don't know what it was, I just didn't see any difference at all in my eye area after using this mask. This mask was also dryer than the hydrating mask, I noticed right away that this mask didn't move or shift like the hydrating mask did. It claims to enhance moisture level but my eye area actually dried out and I have to add more eye cream than usual to get some moisture back into my skin. I can't recommend this to anyone with dry skin. I guess you can't win em' all.

Sheet masks purchased from:
Sasa.com USA Website

What masks are you currently loving?

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #2 + Possible Dupe

2011-03-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' High Voltage 24-Hour Eyeshadow ($32.00)

I finally received my Nordstroms order containing my picks of the new Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' release. Giorgio Armani released 3 shades during the holidays #13 (black), #15 (copper/black grey), and #16 (white/black grey), and recently they released 10 more shades. The Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' shadows are a frosty "hybrid texture, which is not a powder, nor a cream", in my opinion they are a combination of both. The shadows are shimmery metallic, smooth, highly pigmented and last all day. I can wear these shadows for 8-9 hours without seeing even a crease. Giorgio Armani says they can last 24 hours, but I don't wear any product for 24 hours so I guess I'll just have to take their word for it. I choose 5 colors in total but today I'm writing about #2 - Lust Red. Lust Red is a pretty bold black plum/eggplant color with red flecks. I picked this color at the time thinking it would be a really great bold color, I thought it was something I really had not seen that often and that it would be a original color I could add to my collection.

However when I started testing my new precious I realized the color looked a little familiar. What could it be? I started rummaging through my collection of eye shadows when my eye fell upon it. MAC's Beauty Marked eye shadow, Beauty Marked is one of my all time favorite MAC eye shadows. I compared both shadows to each other and come to the conclusion that they are very similar, a little too similar. Beauty Marked would be a great dupe for Giorgio Armani Eye To Kill #2. The difference being that the GA eye shadow is more pigmented and smoother, Beauty Marked is not sheer by any means but the color is not as rich as the GA shadow. Also Beauty Marked has little chunks of glitter that become more apparent as you get closer to hitting pan.

Can you tell the difference?

How about now?

Giorgio Armani is on the left, Beauty Marked is on the right.

Beauty Marked has more of a black undertone that sets it apart, you can see in the swatch the black edges of the shadow, but honestly it's still a pretty good dupe. If you aren't willing to shell out $32 dollars for the new Giorgio Armani eye shadow Beauty Marked might be something to check out. Some of you might even already have this color in your collection.

Overall, Giorgio Armani eye shadows are a luxury. They are beautiful, they shimmer, and they glide onto your eyelid. I can't really find anything wrong with them. The colors are not all that original but the texture and pigmentation make up for that.

Are you getting any of the new Giorgio Armani 'Eye To Kill' shadows?

The Lipstick League - week of 3.21.11

2011-03-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the inaugural post for The Lipstick League! We are a group of beauty bloggers, bound together by the desire to save the world with beauty, one post at a time!

Once a week, each member of The Lipstick League will select a favorite post from their blog and we’ll assemble the links in one tidy weekly post for your reading pleasure.

We’ve gathered together a fantastic group of beauty bloggers whose content spans the world of beauty on topics such as makeup, skin care, nail care, fragrance and beyond!

To add a bit of personality to these posts, we’ll also ask each Lipstick League member to answer a “Question of the Week”, which they will answer on their own post. So be sure to check all the member's responses!

We hope you enjoy these weekly posts—we are so proud of the group we’ve assembled and we can’t wait to share this great content with you, our readers!

The Question of the Week for this inaugural post is:

If you could only wear one lip product for the rest of all time (gasp!), what would it be?

This is such a hard question, only one lip product? What to choose, what to choose. Do I choose something logical like my favorite lip balm or do I choose something glamorous that will make me happy every time I see it? I think I would have to go with my Chanel Hydramax lip balm. My lips may not be able to rock my favorite lip color but they will be soft and hydrated, what more can you want?

Here are this week’s links...

Beauty Junkies Unite - just can’t get enough of Urban Decay’s Greed Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Clumps of Mascara - tried brown eyeliner for the first time. It wasn’t what she thought it was.

EauMG - reviews a NEST candle. It’s fragrance will put a smile on your face.

Nouveau Cheap - puts the new Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer to the test. Does it really give you 400% shiner nails in seconds?

Orange to LA - has her first experience with Jill Stuart Cream Eye Shadows, see if these shimmery shadows get you noticed!

Pink Sith - is finally able to get some much needed color on to her pale cheeks thanks to Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush # 5. No Pinching required!

Phyrra - discusses foundations, skin undertones & overtones and shows you her naked face!

Vampy Varnish - Zoya ModMattes Collection for Spring 2011 swatches & review.

we heart this - takes a look at the new Hourglass Aura Cheek and Lip Stains. Finally, a stain that you can be happy about!

What do you think readers? If YOU could only wear one lip product for the rest of all time (gasp!), what would it be?

See you next week!

~The Lipstick League

Lost & Found - Jadilla J Blush #2

2011-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than going through your makeup collection and finding an old gem. Lately I have been trying to use products I already have in my collection instead of buying new things. Not that it's stopping me from buying new things, but it's a nice thought.

Today I'm posting about a blush that I constantly fall in love with over and over again. Every time I come across this blush I think:

"Why don't I use this more, I love this color."

Jadilla J Blush #2 in Shinny Peach, yes "Shinny" and not "Shiny", that's what it says on the packaging.

Don't ask.

I have had this blush for awhile as you can see I have made quite a dent in it. Every time I find it I usually wear it everyday for a week then back into the stash it goes to be re-discovered again down the road.

Look through your stash today, and find an old product and give it some love.

It even comes with it's own brush- how convenient.

Peachy coral with gold shimmer, what more could a girl ask for?

Find any old products in your stash that you love?

What are they?

Jill Stuart Eye Jelly - First Jill Stuart Cream Shadow Experience

2011-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, and my cream eye shadow addiction continues...

Jill Stuart is one of those brands that may not be for everyone. First and foremost it is hard to find in the US, Jill Stuart cosmetics are released in Asia. Second, her products are simple, feminine, everday wearable colors, so if you want big, bold, bright colors, you might want to look elsewhere. I have a few Jill Stuart eye shadow palettes, lipsticks, and blushes, but for some reason I never jumped on the eye jelly train until now. I love cream shadows; I love them as bases, or just by themselves, so I was hoping I would love Jill Stuart Eye Jelly.

06 Berry Sparkle
13 Antique Chiffon
02 Gold Light
10 Vintage Decor

Of course the first noticeable thing about these shadows is the packaging. Jill Stuart knows how to package cosmetics. The jars are beautiful, and girlie, they are also sturdy- nothing about the packaging looks or feels cheap. The shadows come in a glass bottom jar with silver mirror lids, and when you open them a beautiful floral smell is waiting inside. The texture is completely different from any other cream shadow I have tried, in the jar the texture looks almost like a shimmery jelly mousse. All four of the eye jellies I purchased are simple and pretty, the colors are sheer but buildable. The application itself is a little tricky; I used my fingers and a brush. The brush wasn't very helpful and I couldn't get the right consistency or look I wanted. It seemed I had more control when I used my fingers, the colors didn't lay smooth with the brush, but using my fingers really helped guide the color and left my lids with a smoother finish.

Gold Light 02

Antique Chiffon 13

A couple of things really surprised me about these shadows. Most importantly, they are a lot more shimmery than I had expected. I applied the shadows to my lids using my fingers, and boy did I get a glittery, shimmery surprise. Word to the wise: don't use more than 2 colors on one lid. The other thing that was shocking was how after applying the color, the jelly dried rather quickly and wouldn't move. At this point I realized in my makeup filled hurry I had forgotten to use any eye lid primer, and yet the shadows were on my lid, and they wouldn't budge. Another tip, be careful when applying; I was a tad messy the first time round' and got shimmer in places I didn't want and it wouldn't move without a fight. I wore the shadows all day, they didn't move or crease after a good 8 hours of wear, which was impressive.

Berry Sparkle 06

Vintage Decor 10

10, 02, 13, 06

The only bad thing about this product and any Jill Stuart product is mainly the availability in the US, the price will also be an issue for some people. Currently as far as I know and please let me know if you have updated information on this. The only place to buy Jill Stuart cosmetic products in person in the US is at the Jill Stuart Boutique in Soho, New York. All other purchases must be done online from various sellers. I ordered 2 of the eye shadows from Gooddealer, which in my opinion had the best prices and customer service. The other 2 were purchased for me by a friend and fellow blogger: Jennifer Life and Lens of Beauty.

If you don't have someone who can help you with a custom purchase you can find other popular Japanese websites that sell Jill Stuart products, but please price compare before purchasing.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Japanese Cosmetic Websites:
Gooddealer.com - Jill Stuart Section
Gooddealer.com - Main Website
Mihokoshop.com
Bobodave.com
Imomoko.com
Cosme-de.com
Ichibankao.com
(Due to the issues currently in Japan Ichibankao is closed until further notice)

Embryolisse Paris Collection - 24hr Miracle Cream, Hydra-Mask, & Makeup Remover

2011-03-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Embryolisse Hydra-Masque
Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire Rinse-Free Makeup Remover
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre "24hr Miracle Cream"

Embryolisse is a Parisian pharmaceutical skincare line that has been around for the last 60 years. Embryolisse has an entire range of skincare products for face and body. I originally came across Embryolisse as a recommendation from a reader. At the time I had not heard of Embryolisse but decided to give it a try. I purchased the Lait Creme "24hr Miracle Cream" and started using it everyday. After falling in love with the creme I ventured out and picked up the Makeup Remover and eventually purchased the Hydra-Masque.

Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire Rinse-Free Makeup Remover ($30.00 250 ml)

Practical and speedy for gentle total cleansing and make-up removal using a single product for the face, eyes and lips. This Micellar Lotion is so gentle it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin - it contains micelles (gentle cleansing agents) in solution in cornflower, chamomile and witch-hazel water, combined with glycerin to soften, soothe and tone the skin. Extremely well tolerated by the skin and eyes, yet highly effective - it eliminates comfortably all impurities and everyday pollution, together with every trace of make-up, even water-resistant products.

I'm sure I have stated enough times that I'm a makeup wipes type of girl when it comes to removing my makeup. I ran out of my favorite wipes and have been too lazy to go to Costco since I don't need anything else from there. I purchased this makeup remover, the hydra-masque and a back up 24hr cream from Beautyhabit. Let me tell you, this makeup remover blew me away. I don't like working hard to remove my makeup; I hate rubbing my eye lids too hard, or going over the same spot trying to remove my makeup. I don't have sensitive skin, but I have dry skin- so my skin can become raw if I rub the same area over and over again. This product really removes makeup in "one sweep" as the product states. It's ultra gentle, it feels as if you are using water to remove your makeup, that's how gentle and smooth it is. It has no smell and removes even my stubborn mascara. I think this would be a great product for girls with sensitive skin or girls who are prone to allergic reactions.

Embryolisse Hydra-Masque ($35.00 60ml)

There is nothing more I love than adding a little moisture into my life, or should I say- skin. I found that moisture in the form of this little tube: Embryolisse Hydra-Mask (or Masque, whatever you prefer). This mild gel mask is perfect for adding a little boost of soothing moisture. This product is mild so once again I think it would be great for people with sensitive skin. I applied this clear gel mask all over my face and rinsed it off 10 minutes later. My skin felt smooth, soft and most importantly hydrated. I use it at night but I would definitely use it in the mornings pre-makeup if I had extra time.

Update: Mr. Orange2LA my editor and biggest critic has asked me to add this edit:

*I apologize for the above photo, this tube has been used numerous times and looks quite "janky" in the photo.

Thank you in advance, Diane

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre "24hr Miracle Cream" ($25.00 75ml)

A wonderful care product - a real beauty secret, favoured by dermatologists for decades; a combination of ingredients of natural origin with recognised virtues, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Provides the skin with all the nutrients and water needed for its balance, reconstitutes its hydrolipidic film - the barrier that protects the skin from aggression - and accelerates cell renewal. Moisturised*, nourished and repaired, the skin is supple and elastic once more. It is plumped, smoothed, and incredibly soft. Signs of dryness and discomfort disappear, leaving the skin soothed. Its creamy milk texture leaves a satin film, even on dry skin. Skin is nourished in-depth, no longer feels tight and is soothed. Its surface is softer and more radiant, as though revitalised. Its reparative effect on damage caused by passing time and external aggressors is visible on application.

Like I said earlier in this post, I came across this product through a reader of mine. She also has dry skin and recommended this product, I had never heard of Embryolisse at that time and was excited to try something new. This moisturiser is versatile and can be used on all skin types. I use this product in the morning before applying my makeup and it works wonderfully! This cream is smooth and leaves my skin hydrated, glowy, and primed for any makeup. I think of all the moisturisers I have used and liked this one works the best with foundations and other makeup. I feel like this makes my foundation lay smoother on my skin. I have already gone through one tube and ordered a back up. After falling in love with this cream I tracked down other rave reviews from makeup artists, models, and other bloggers, now I know why everyone is so crazy about this product. I have also heard that some girls use this cream as a makeup remover, I haven't tried that myself yet. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre "24hr Miracle Cream" will be in my collection for a very long time.

Overall I am in love with the Embryolisse brand and intend on trying more of their products.

Find Embryolisse at Beautyhabit.com