Earring Haul - LoveliiYou Button Earrings - REVIEW

Box 1: Candy Cane, Authentic African Wax Print, Blue Polka Dot
Box 2: Nautical Baby, Authentic African Wax Print*gifted pair
Box 3: Colored Chevron, BlackMusiq, RRRR

As promised, here is the more comprehensive post on my collective earring haul from LoveliiYou .









I purchased the
1 1/8 " size earrings for $6.99 a pair. These are the large size.
The Nautical Baby earrings are 1.5" and sell for $7.99.

The smallest pair underneath the Nautical Baby set were a gift to me from the owner, Angel.
Shipping prices are reasonable. Communication is excellent. I am excited about wearing my new earrings as I am sporting short hair these days. Which pair are your favorite?

Affordable Acrylic 36 Lipstick Holder

I purchased three of these holders from AzarDisplays
They were reasonably priced at $6.80 each.
There are metal Hooks which allow the holders to attach them to a pegboard if you desire to do so.

2 Holders Side by Side

My holders are housed in a drawer at the moment. I have since stored them right side up. While I would like to see the names at a glance, I'm concerned that with warmer weather, the lipsticks might melt a little, risking the marring of the top of the lipsticks.

How do you store your lipsticks?

Neutrogena Naturals - REVIEW

I was looking for an affordable alternative to my beloved Philosophy PURITY Made Simple.
Neutrogena Naturals looked like a great option.

The company promises
"Clean, smooth, beautiful skin with no harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates"

The only products I did not purchase were the facial cleanser that is not creamy and the face and body bar.









PRICE
I found the products to be super affordable ranging in price from $7.49 to $13.99.
I was able to get some of them on a BOGO
(Buy 1 Get 1 Free or 1/2 Price) from Rite Aid.

AVAILABILITY
They are also not hard to find. I have seen them at Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart.
You can also purchase these products directly from  neutrogena.com.




fresh cleansing makeup remover
$7.49/6 fl oz.
This face wash contains natural salicylic acid found in Willowbark bionutrients to penetrate deep into pores to detoxify and help remove dirt, oil and makeup, while rinsing clean without pore-clogging residue.

I found this product to be a bit stripping.
It definitely gets the skin clean, however, it can feel a little bit tight after use. It does sting the eyes, which is a drawback. A little bit goes a long way. This cleanser foams up. I love that!

multi-vitamin nourshing moisturizer
$13.99/3 fl oz.
Replenishes essential skin nutrients and provides continuous moisture nourishment throughout the day. Fortified with vitamins B, C, E and antioxidant omega bionutrients, this moisturizer is clinically proven to boost skin's defense against dullness and roughness. Leaves skin naturally radiant, healthier and younger looking.

This product feels thick at first, but absorbs easily into the skin. I hate the squeeze tube because you can easily expel too much product. Excess gunks up on the interior lid. I do love it for everyday use.

purifying pore scrub
$7.49/4  oz
Gently scrubs away impurities and dull, dead skin cells that can build up in pores to improve complexion for fresh, clear skin. Suitable for even acne prone skin. Gentle enough for daily use. Won't clog pores.

On days when I want to exfoliate, I use this alone without the fresh cleansing makeup remover.
It does sloph off dead skin. There are tiny jojoba beads in this product. My skin felt fresh and clean after use, without over scrubbing.

multi-vitamin nourishing night cream
$13.99/ 1.7 oz
Nourishes skin with vitamins B, C, E and anti-oxidant omega bionutrients. This moisturizing cream is clinically proven to boost skin's defense against dullness and roughness, leaving it naturally radiant, healthier and younger looking today and in the future.

I do not use this every single night. I found that if I used it more than three times a week, I suffered from breakouts.


OVERALL THOUGHTS
These products smell like candy. I was worried about the scent breaking me out. No problems. I would have rather if they didn't have a smell. I do like this line. It is a part of my everyday regimen.
A couple of the teenagers in my home have also started using these products with good results.
I will definitely purchase again.

What is missing from this line? An astringent. I use Dickinson's Witch Hazel, but I would have bought one from this line to try if it existed.

Have you tried any of these products?

NOTD - China Glaze - SEA SPRAY

Indoors, with flash

This is a pretty pearly Gray-ish Light Blue.
Base Coat: None
Three coat application.
Top Coat: NK Express Dry

Indirect sunlight, no flash

I think this would be complimentary to Nautical or White outfits during warmer months. It is a very sophisticated color.

Indirect sunlight, no flash

With what would you pair such a color?

Do you own any light blue/gray nail polishes?
Which is your favorite?

Sephora WaterProof Eye MakeUp Remover - REVIEW

 I first tried a deluxe sample from Sephora.
 I so impressed by this affordable product, that I decided to purchase a larger size.
(1.69 oz $6) I was unaware that there is an even larger size available for purchase.
(4.2 oz $9.50)














PROS

• Formulated without parabens or fragrance.
• Removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.
• Affordable

CONS
None

Before use, you will need to shake this product because it separates.
It comes with a plastic stopper which allows just a little bit of liquid to come out of the container.

Initially I saturated a cotton pad with product and let it rest on my eyelids to remove a deep smokey look.
The product was removed with minimal effort. Almost daily I use Wet N Wild H20 Proof Liquid Liner for my top lids. I knew that if this product could remove that without irritation, I would probably be purchasing it again. For now, this is my Holy Grail Eye makeup Remover. I have since ditched the cotton pads and replaced them with cotton swabs. This will help me to get more use out of my product.

Have you tried this product? Do you use cotton pads or cotton swabs for removal of your eye makeup?

NOTD - Sinful Colors - OLYMPIA

Indoors with flash

This is a soft Seafoam Green cream with slight shimmer.
It took me three coats to achieve an opaque finish.
No base coat, NK Express Dry Top Coat.

Indirect sunlight, no flash.

I love this pastel color!

What do you think of this color?
Would you wear it?

NOTD - China Glaze - LIFE PRESERVER

Indirect sunlight, no flash

This is a soft creamy Terra Cotta Orange.
I think it is perfect for Spring and Summer.
It is a little more muted than a bold Orange.
This is two coats without a base nor top coat.

Indoors with flash

Do you like Coral Creams?
Would you wear this color?

NOTD - Sinful Colors - GRECIAN SUN

Indoors with flash

This is an amazing creamy opaque bold Azure blue!
Base Coat: None
Three coat application.
Top Coat: NK Express Dry

Indirect sunlight, no flash

I had to hurry to swatch this before my teenaged daughters got a hold of it.
I am sure I will have to hunt for a backup for my collection.
This was affordably priced at $1.99. I usually wait for a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal at Walgreens. However this was a part of a limited edition display.
Yes, it was a complete impulse buy.

What do you think of this color?

NOTD - China Glaze - STARBOARD

Natural Sunlight

This is a beautiful soft creamy green. It reminds me of Jade.
Base: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
3 Coats STARBOARD
This was opaque with just two coats.
Top Coat: Seche Vite

I received a lovely compliment while wearing this shade.
The lady was from Thailand.

With Flash


Green is my favorite color. However it is not my first choice for a nail color. I just had to have this one though.



















No Flash, Natural Sunlight


Do you own any green nail polishes?
Which are your favorites?

La Femme Blush On Rouge - REVIEW

Pan Size: 1.45 inch 36.83 mm
(This is the same size as a single Make Up For Ever single eyeshadow)

I received these three lovely blushes as a gift from a friend.
They are extremely pigmented and last all day.
I would recommend using a fan brush to apply the blush with a very light hand.
A little bit goes a long way.




Left to Right
 MAGENTA Hot Pink matte
PURPLE PASSION Purple satin with slight shimmer
BORDEAUX Wine with lots of shimmer



PROS

• Highly pigmented.
• Beyond affordable at $2.50 for a single pan without the casing. $3.00 in the pot.

CONS

• When purchasing, the wait time for these is more than a week. The orders are processed by hand. It is certainly worth it in my humble opinion for such a pigmented product.
• Many of the colors are often out of stock because of the popularity of this blush.

I plan to purchase more La Femme Blushes from http://www.makeupmania.com/

Do you love blush?
Do you own any of these beauties?
If not, what are you waiting for?

Urban Decay - all nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - REVIEW

I purchased the sample size (.34 oz) of this product for $12
from Sephora.
I liked it so I bought the full sized (4.0 oz) bottle at $29.
I prefer using the sample sized bottle because the mist seems finer and the direction of the spray is more controllable.
I have been
Two or three sprays over my face keeps my makeup as flawless at the end of the day as when I first apply it in the morning.










PROS

• Does give a healthy glow to makeup.
• Avoids creasing.
• Looks as good at the end of the day as at the beginning.
• Minimizes foundation transfer.
• Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Oil Free

CONS

• Full size spray is not easily controllable, leading to waste of product.
• Price $12 to $29 is a little bit expensive, but I guess you can not put a price on the security of having your makeup stay in place for more than 8 hours.

Have you ever tried this product?

NOTD - China Glaze - DIVA BRIDE

Back Lit, No Flash, Natural Sunlight

Creamy Nude. This is perfect for work.
Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
This is a three coat application.
Top Coat: Seche Vite

Indoors with flash

If you were getting married, would you consider wearing this on your special day?

Indoors, No Flash, Tungsten Lighting

Do you like colors like this?

NOTD - China Glaze - FIRST MATE

I love this cream Navy Blue Polish.
This is 3 coats over China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat. Top Coat is Seche Vite.

Indoor with Flash

Back Lit, Natural Sunlight, No Flash.

Do you wear blue nail polish? Do you own this color?

NOTD - China Glaze NAKED

Backlit...Indoors, No Flash

Pearly Coral Pink


Base - China Glaze Strong Adhesion
3 coats. This is not as opaque as I would have liked. I can still see the Visible Nail Line.
Top - Seche Vite

Indoors, with Flash

What do you think of this color?

A few MAC Goodies!

Hubby surprised me with some MAC goodies! He keeps a copy of my wish list in his phone.
I was very excited! Generally I stick with the Amplified formula lipsticks. One of my collegues suggested I try Fresh Brew (Lustre). She said it was more wearable than Viva Glam Gaga 2.

I was surprised to see that Tan Pigment has a dupe in my collection. L'Oreal HiP Loose Eyeshadow in TENACIOUS.



Left to right single eyeshadows
Rice Paper
Saddle
Goldmine
Juxt



I cannot wait to play with these colors. Do you own any of these goodies? Are any of them on your wish list?

Nail Polish Haul

Are you excited about warmer weather? I am!
I love wearing opentoed shoes and showing off my pedicure. I have been trying not to buy makeup.
Nail polish doesn't count right?
Swatches coming soon!

These beauties are from China Glaze Spring 2011 Collection.
There are 12 in total. I only selected ones I thought would compliment my skintone. I prefer opaque shades.





The next group are some from my wish list.

Diva Bride (Pale Pink cream),
Naked (Coral w/ shimmer),
Rich and Famous (Blue based Pink Cream),
Fifth Avenue (Light Mauve Cream),
Pool Party (Neon Pink),
Ruby Pumps (Apple Red Glitter),
Four Leaf Clover (Kelly Green Cream),
Recycle (Steel Gray Cream)

I bought these Sinful Colors from a limited edition display at Walgreens. It was a complete impulse buy. There were a few more colors, but I liked these best. I believe the theme is inspired by Greece.
The light green with shimmer is called OLYMPIA.
The beautiful blue color is called GRECIAN SUN.

Have you purchased any nail polish lately?

Updated Mujis (Makeup Storage) Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek at my current set up.

I am hoping that 4 - 5 drawers
and 2 - 2 drawers will be enough
to contain my collection.  One of the
two drawers has a hinged lid.
I opted to have that as I did not want
to have my foundations laying flat.
I am working to use what I have
and not acquire much else.
I do have separate storage for most of
my larger eyeshadow palettes.



I purchased the units over several months from http://www.muji.us/store/storage/acrylic-cases.html .
I am thrilled with the quality of the craftsmanship.
The sleek simple design compliments any decor.
Stay tuned for a breakdown of the drawers soon.
Have you purchased any of these types of systems? What is your setup like?

Maybelline 24hr Tattoo Eyeshadows - With Swatches

A fellow makeup enthusiast called me while I was getting dressed for work one day last week.




I assured her that I was going to search for these products on my way to work.



I was surprised to see that there was a display in my local CVS.



I purchased a few of them. The display had been hit hard by previous shoppers.



I visited a couple more CVS stores and found two more colors. I still am on the hunt for
Pomegranate, Taupe and Fierce and Tangy.

I plan to use these as secondary eyeshadow bases.

Photos are
1st taken indoors with indirect natural sunlight
& 2nd with flash.




Have you seen these in your local area?

Have you purchased any?