Happy New Year! Giveaway ends TONIGHT!

Hey girls, Happy New Year! I just wanted to let you know that my giveaway ends tonight. Also, I wanted to apologize for being a bad blogger in these recent weeks. I have a really good reason but I can't talk about it yet!

This year has been amazing for me. New home, my daughter's first birthday, her second Christmas, and the privilege of having the best friends and family. Also, 2010 is the year that I really got into beauty and all that it entails. I discovered beauty blogs and blogging and through this process, I have met some wonderful people. Thanks to the beauty community, I have learned so much: tips & tricks, brands I never heard of, and BRUSHES. Yeah, brushes! I never used them and I now know that I've spent years doing makeup the hard way.

In this upcoming year, I'd like to spend more time dedicating myself to this blog. More posting, more topics, and more giveaways!

Anyway, I hope you all have a FABULOUS year in 2011!

MAC & Sephora Goodies :)

Yesterday, I picked up a few things at MAC from the Cham-Pale collection (now in stores and online in the US). I also saw the Stylishly Yours collection. I wasn't wowed by anything in particular, but overall, I liked what I saw. I'm a golden, sparkly, neutral lovin' woman so Cham-Pale was right up my alley. Then today, I received my package from Sephora.

Click the picture to zoom in

I'm sorry if the picture quality isn't fantastic but I'm using my backup camera until I get my baby back! So here's what I got:

Benefit - Bella Bamba

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ (Shade: 25)

MAC Special Reserve Highlight Powder in Rose Ole

MAC Fix+ Lavendar

MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15/NW20

I'm excited to test this stuff out, except for the foundation because I already know how fantastic it is. However, I would like to formally discuss in a future post my personal opinions on Mat Velvet+ versus the HD foundation. As for the Chromagraphic pencil, I wanted that sucker since Pret-A-Papier but it sold out before I could get my paws on it. I'm also interested in Fix+. From what I read, it's like a love / hate thing. I've never used it before but I hear that you either can't live without it or it's just nothing more than special water. I haven't used Bella Bamba yet, but it smells just like watermelon. Seriously, it's yummy! I was just surprised by how small it was compared to the other boxed powders. Last but not least, the highlight powder. Originally, I was going to buy both of them (the other being Chez Chez Lame) but I don't think it's worth having both. They're really pretty, but not essential. I think I was drawn in by the pretty design but I'll give you a better review when I try everything out. 

Four days left!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I know I did! My daughter had such an awesome Christmas and it couldn't have went any better. So, here's the bad news. I went to my grandma's for Christmas and I left my good camera there! Booooo! She lives about 45 minutes away and we just got hit with a blizzard so I probably won't be able to get it back until this weekend. Unfortunately, I had pictures on it for the blog that I didn't upload yet. The good news? I have a back up camera so I have plenty of things coming up this week!

In other news, there's just four days left to enter my giveaway before it ends on Friday, December 31st! If you haven't entered yet but would like to, CLICK HERE!

Merry Christmas!

Good morning! I just wanted to wish my lovely readers a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Currently, I'm waiting for my boyfriend to wake up so we can open our presents. I have to make the coffee first. It's like he can smell it brewing so he knows it's time to get up. I'm excited to watch my daughter open her gifts. Last Christmas, she had just turned four months old, so this year will be a lot more fun for her. We have a few places to go and a lot of people to see so I better start getting ready. Before I end this post, I'd like to share a picture of my daughter in her Christmas dress (her hair was still kinda wet!). She's such a cutie!

Loving Honeylove

I picked up Honeylove over this past weekend. It's my first matte lipstick from MAC. The color itself belongs in the 'my lips but better' category. Once I tried it on, it seemed very familiar to me. That's probably because (color wise) it's very comparable to Hug Me and Jubilee (both Lustres) -- two colors that I've talked about on this blog before.

Described as a "light beige toned with rose", $14.50 USD

The great thing is, I love matte colors because it creates a balance when I wear shimmery shadows (which is almost every day). Honeylove, in particular, is long wearing and the color will flatter many. It applies smoothly and evenly with amazing color payoff -- very pigmented and opaque. I would say that I had 3 hours of wear. In all fairness, by hour three, I was eating so maybe it would've lasted longer if I hadn't.

The bad? At first, it felt rather moist on my lips but after the first hour, they started to feel dry. As I always say on this blog, you MUST exfoliate first because this lipstick will put every dry, cracked area of your lips under the microscope.

Swatches:

Honeylove on its own

L-R: Hug Me, Honeylove, Jubilee

My recommendation: If you like matte finishes, can handle the dryness, and fancy the 'my lips but better' colors, then Honeylove is a winner. If you don't really like matte finishes but you prefer the color, I'd check out Hug Me or Jubilee.

Hello, hello!

Hey lovelies, I just wanted to touch base with you. I haven't been paying much attention to my blog in the last week but it's because (as I said in my last post) getting ready for Christmas has been extremely hectic. I'm a last minute shopper... that's totally my fault. Anyway, I took some pictures for a little review but I'm not telling you what it is! Okay, I'll give you a hint. It's a MAC lipstick from the permanent line. It is a 'my lips but better color' and it has a matte finish. Any guesses? :)

Hello Kitty Beauty for Sephora

Sephora is having an exclusive two-day private event for beauty insiders (it's free to sign up!) where you can purchase from the line of Hello Kitty Beauty. The event starts today (December 18th) and ends tomorrow night at 11:59 PST. The line of cosmetics will officially release in stores and online sometime in mid-January. Click here to shop!

The line consists of lip products, mirrors, eye kohls, nail polishes, eye shadow sticks, blotting papers, fragrance, a mini brush set, a blush stick, and more. Maybe I'll buy something but I'm not sure yet. Some of the prices seem fair and proper except for the blotting papers. $12 USD for blotting papers. Really? However, I have my eye on the apple cheeks blush stick and the set of mini eye kohls. I'm just a little hesitant because MAC's HK collection was nothing short of amazing. I'll try not to let my partial bias stand in my way though. Are you buying anything?

Source: Info and images from Sephora

PS: Sorry I haven't posted in over two days. With Christmas sneaking up, I've been so busy. I STILL have to wrap my daughter's gifts BUT I have to wait until she goes to sleep. Sadly, she doesn't go to bed until late so when she passes out, so do I. I feel like I never have time on my side!

Beauty Resolutions

Beauty Resolutions 2010

This is the time of year when we take a moment to reflect on our lives, how quickly it's passing us by, and how we can make it better. I'm 110% guilty of conjuring up unrealistic resolutions for myself. This year, I decided to take a deep breath and set small goals for myself. For example, I'd like to find a part time job. Not just for the extra cash, but to better myself and make new friends. I also have a short list of beauty related resolutions. Here's my list of things I'd like to rectify:

• I need to do a better job of washing my brushes. It's a bad habit to let them go for long and it's unsanitary. I use brush cleanser between washes but seriously, I need to step up on this. By the end of the day, however, it's the LAST thing I feel like doing.
• I need to broaden my horizons with color. In 2010, I discovered lipstick. All of the colors, formulas, brands, everything. Now it's time to play with eye shadow a little more. I'm guilty of being a neutrals kind of girl, which is perfectly OKAY! However, I think it's time to experiment more with my individuality and just have fun rather than hanging onto my earth-toned safety net every single day.
• I need to stop torturing my hands. My poor hands. They're so dry and cracked. The problem worsened when the cold weather rolled around, but constantly washing dishes and handing bleach (among other cleaning supplies) is where the problem started. Aside from that, I don't give them much TLC other than occasionally using hand cream.
• I need to give my skin a break more often. I wear makeup every day, 'nuff said.

So, that's my list. Is there anything on yours?

Source(s): Image is from self.com

Urban Decay: Book of Shadows III

When I originally posted my giveaway for the UD BoS III, I only bought one for a giveaway on this blog, not for my personal use. Then I received a $5 coupon in the mail from Ulta and I decided to invest in one for myself! I don't own any of the previous BoS sets but since I truly LOVE New York (and I have a newfound affinity for UD shadows since having the Naked palette), I figured I should get one. And, I saved $5. Five bucks is five bucks, right?!

Retail price: $54 USD

Lady Gaga continues to represent VIVA GLAM!

That's right, folks! I just read on Temptalia that Lady Gaga will be representing MAC's Viva Glam campaign for a second year! There isn't much information available yet other than she was photographed by Nick Night and styled by Nicola Formichetti. I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED!

EDIT: Here's a direct quote from MAC Cosmetics via Facebook:

"Today, M·A·C Cosmetics confirms Lady Gaga will be the next VIVA GLAM spokesperson launching in early 2011. Lady Gaga was previously a VIVA GLAM spokesperson in a campaign with Cyndi Lauper in the most successful ever for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Since 1994 the M·A·C AIDS Fund has raised over $190 million for the cause"

Sources: Temptalia, WWD, MAC Cosmetics

Emma Stone as a blonde?!

Personally, I love watching how celebrity hair styles evolve, whether it's a total hit or a train wreck that you can't stop watching. The thing about hair is that it has the potential to completely transform your look. I know that when my hair is auburn, it not only changes the way I do my makeup, but it changes my wardrobe too. Same rules apply when my hair is highlighted or when it's just plain brown. Other factors are statement worthy too, like cutting your locks or growing it out, sporting new bangs (or do they call it a fringe now?).

I've always admired Rihanna's bold choices with her hair. She rocks it effortlessly.

So, Emma Stone went blonde for her new role as Gwen Stacey in the upcoming Spider Man film. I think she's actually a natural blonde! I love her auburn hair. It really brings out her natural beauty and makes her look glamorous. However, I can't help but to love her blonde hair too! Her makeup coordinates perfectly with her her new do, giving her a edgy-chic look. This light shade of blonde though is going to require some extra attention to her makeup so it doesn't wash out her fair skin. What do you think about Emma Stone's blonde hair? Thumbs up or down?

So excited!

The UPS man just arrived at my door not even five minutes ago with a package! I wonder what's inside?

It's the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. III, of course! I was actually surprised because they didn't send a tracking number or anything. Oh well, at least they ship FAST! 

The first thing I noticed was that this sucker has some weight to it! Anyway, I just got really excited when it came. I lovelovelovelove shopping for others. I used my 100 point beauty perk to get a deluxe sample of the Make Up For Ever HD finishing powder (that one's for me! haha). I'm afraid it's going to dry me out because it's made from 100% silica, but I'll let you know how it goes...

Anyway, make sure to enter my giveaway! Click here!

Revlon Pink Pout Matte Lipstick

Thanks to Revlon for reigniting my lust for finding drugstore gems. They won me over with Soft Nude from the Color Burst line. Now I wanted to try the mattes. I've noticed on this blog that I rarely talk about drugstore cosmetics and I think it's because I've been disappointed so many times. And, since I dove into the world of high end cosmetics, I feel very put off by drug store lines. Once you go MAC, you never go back, right? Well... sort of.

About $7 USD. (It's pinker in person)

The color I felt instantly attracted to was Pink Pout. It's a more subtle blue-based pink. Just by looking at it, you can tell it's a winner among the masses for being so versatile. I was a little afraid of trying this though because it is a matte. I expected it to be very dry, perhaps even chalky. To my surprise, it wasn't like that at all. It applied smooth and evenly. It didn't feel drying and the color was very opaque. Trust me, it doesn't take much to achieve full coverage with this lipstick. I got a decent amount of wear out of it -- maybe 3 hours or so. I do recommend exfoliating before applying. However, I suggest doing this before putting on ANY lipstick.

This swatch most accurately represents the color,
but I still say it's just a little pinker (and bluer) in person.

I really like lipsticks with matte or satin finishes. I fancy shimmery shadows so a matte lip brings balance to my look. One thing I really liked about this line in particular is the packaging. It's a simple design with an ingenious little window at the top which allows you to see the lipstick inside. The thing that bothers me about drugstore makeup is that there's no testers and relying on the colored sticker as an indicator doesn't always work in my favor. Ever buy makeup from Walmart? People just open up the lipsticks and swatch them right then and there. Ick! Anyway, that's just a little perk that I appreciated.

Although Pink Pout is on the cooler side of the spectrum, this can definitely work for warm toned gals too. Have you tried this one yet? I've heard mixed reviews about this color but I really like it and I'd actually buy it again. I'm interested to know what you think!

A Berry Berry Awesome GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

In honor of the upcoming holidays, I'd like to offer you a little gift and a big thank you. I started this blog to talk about things other than my life. I love makeup and all that it entails. I'm not an artist, I kind of suck (no, I really do suck) at applying eyeliner, but I love it all anyway. This place is my little refuge to talk about superficial little treasures. Along the way, on my short journey, I've had the pleasure of chatting with some amazing ladies in the beauty community. Through my own words, I've watched how my opinions on things have evolved or changed completely. Everybody has been so kind to me and for that, I'm truly grateful.

So, without further adieu, I present to you the Urban Decay Book of Shadows III (UD Loves NYC) palette (limited edition, $54 USD). With this palette you get: 16 eye shadows, two 24/7 eyeliners, and a mini Primer Potion. Did I mention that it lights up too?!

Click here for additional info!

The Rules:

I thought about this for a while. The rules are going to be very simple. Everyone gets one fair shot at this palette. Believe it or not, some people don't have Twitter or Facebook or a blog, for that matter. I don't think it's fair to offer extra chances that only some people are able to partake in. Aside from that, I don't expect you to go out of your way and advertise my blog for me. I appreciate it, but I don't expect it. I don't care how many followers I have, I'm just grateful that some people find my blog worth reading.

However, you must be subscribed to this blog in order to participate because this giveaway is after all, my thanks to you. Just enter a comment saying anything. You can tell me what your favorite shadow is from this palette or your favorite mascara ever. Anything. Just include your name and email so I can contact you if you win. Besides, since I have so few followers, this boosts your chances of winning! Pretty cool, eh?

**This contest is open to ALL**

The deadline for this giveaway is Friday December 31, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. GOOD LUCK!

Disclosure: This giveaway is hosted by me. I purchased this product myself. 

My Favorite Fall / Winter Mascara!

My favorite mascara to whip out during fall and winter is Benefit's Bad Gal Plum. Plum mascaras are like gold eye shadows, they compliment all eye colors beautifully. I know Urban Decay has some really pretty colored mascaras and one of them is similar to this. However, I couldn't find it on Sephora so maybe it's discontinued? Anyway, if I remember correctly, their version was more reddened than this one.

Sold separately, these retail for $19 USD but every year they release a (full size) combo pack of the original (black) Bad Gal mascara and the plum for $29 USD. Good deal, no? 

My only problem with the Bad Gal mascaras is the MONSTER brush! I don't get the "beautiful and bodacious" lashes they claim to offer and frankly, I find the big brush hard to work with and maneuver. That aside, it doesn't really matter with the plum version since I use it on my lower lashes and I coat the tips of my upper lashes. This works well with black and brown mascaras. I suppose you could wear this alone and it'd look really neat, but I just use it to add effect with black mascara.

Have you tried this one yet or the ones from Urban Decay? Do you know of any other brands that offer colored mascaras that are worth the mention? 

By the way, HAPPY FRIDAY! Any weekend plans? I'm doing chores, chores, and MORE CHORES today! I have to get my home ready for the tree and sparkling for Christmas. Oh, happy day! (<--- a bit of sarcasm for ya)

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. The fight against AIDS is a cause that I advocate and feel extremely passionate about. I wanted to take the time and share some facts and statistics with you about HIV / AIDS.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is what causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The virus cannot replicate on its own. Instead, it invades the CD4 cells of the immune system. Your immune system works to fend off viruses and infections. HIV replicates itself inside of the CD4 cells and once it completes the task, those cells die -- leaving the immune system defenseless. When the number of CD4 cells drops to a certain level, a person then has AIDS.

Although researchers have made great strides in recent years with drugs like antiretroviral medications (which suppresses the virus), there is still no cure. There is no vaccine. There is still a lot that we don't know about the disease. Your best defense against HIV is to educate yourself with knowledge and means of prevention.

In 2009, 2.6 million people have been diagnosed with HIV and there are roughly 33.3 million people who have the virus. Among those 33.3 million, many already have full blown AIDS. Since AIDS was identified in 1981, more than 25 million people have died.

Global HIV / AIDS statistics from the end of 2009:

http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm

How the beauty community can help:

The MAC AIDS Fund had raised over $190 million for the cause. The Viva Glam campaign is the backbone of their fund. Every cent of profit from the lipsticks and lipglasses ($14 USD) are donated to those who are affected by HIV / AIDS. Here's a breakdown of what ONE lipstick provides:

• 23 female condoms or 233 male condoms
• 18 personalized birthday cakes to be hand delivered to a person living with HIV / AIDS on their birthday
• 14 blood glucose monitoring strips
• 8 individually tailored, nutritious home-cooked meals
• 2 emergency boxes filled with non-perishable food
• 2 hours of childcare for a woman's children during her doctor appointments
• 1 personal nutrition counselling session with a registered dietitian
• 1 week's supply of groceries for 2 clients
• 1 Maxi-Pharmadose medication organizer
• 1 therapeutic recreation session
• 1 rapid oral HIV test
• 1 pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS
• 1 party pack for a child's Christmas, Easter, or Birthday
• 1 month of public transportation for a woman to travel to and from doctor's appointments 
• 1 school stationary starter pack for a child orphaned by AIDS
• 1 vegetable seed starter pack for a community garden

So, when you purchase a Viva Glam lipstick or lipglass, perhaps a Sir Teddy or Viva Glam bag, remember the the cause behind it and remember how your purchase helps to further those affected by the disease.

Sites of Interest:

AIDS.gov
Avert.org

MAC AIDS Fund

worldaidsday.org

worldaidscampaign.org/

Sources: MAC AIDS Fund, Avert, Temptalia, AIDS.gov