LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

LUSH's Sex Bomb Bath Bomb is one of their most widely debated products. It has some people that can be considered obsessive fans and others who hate every aspect of this product, from the scent to the color that it turns your bath water. This one is the strongest bath bomb that I have ever used and might even be the strongest scented bath product that I have come across so far.

Here is how LUSH bath bombs are meant to be used, "Pop one in a pre-run bath and watch it erupt in a mass of fragrant fizzing, gently scenting the water with natural essential oils. The most popular of all LUSH products, bath bombs were created by Mo Constantine, one of out founders. Often imitated, our bath bombs are still the best, bar none". The product itself is one of their best sellers. Here is the product description from LUSH, "Sex Bomb is the perfect bath bomb for a romantic evening for two, or an indulgent evening for one. Romantic pink water and an incredibly sexy jasmine fragrance set the mood...and once the rice paper rose petals fill your tub, there's no holding back! Let your fantasies run wild as this bath bomb brings out your sensual side".

I am in this camp of loving this bath bomb but since I happen to love the fragrance of jasmine...this is a product that would appeal to me. The scent is the strongest of all the bath bombs that I have used and it does linger in the bathroom well after your bath is over. It turned the water a bright pinkish purple color that I liked but wasn't in love with. I would prefer a lighter pink shade. The strong scent and deep color are usually the two major things that turn people off about this product. This can be helped by only using half of the bomb to lighten the whole bath experience up.

The downsides of this product? The flower that they include in the bomb quickly turns into a soggy mess and looked like a floating jellyfish. I scooped it out almost right I began my bath. Also, this bath bomb has the most clean-up time required of anything that I ever used in the shower. It left my tub with a huge purple ring...and my tub is white! It came out with a Magic Erase but I did have to leave time to take a shower after my bath so I could clean the mess up. Worth the clean up job? I think so.

I fall into the group that is into this bath bomb. It is tied for my favorite along with Big Blue. This product is not one that I will be using very often since it quite strong and I don't want to get burned out on it. But this one will remain as one of my LUSH staples.

photo courtesy of LUSH

New Mascara Number 3 - Diorshow Iconic

Diorshow Iconic is considered to be one of the top picks of the mascaras that have come out within the past year time frame. Everyone that I know that has been able to try it has raved about how much they love it. From the formula to the innovative brush design, so many people have something positive to say about this mascara. I had used the original Diorshow and while I liked it a lot, it wasn't my top choice for mascaras. However, I have heard from several sources that the new Iconic formula is even better than the original, I decided that I would give it a try.

So why is this mascara so unique and fabulous? I went right to the Dior website to try and get some insight on the product. Here is how they describe the mascara, "Introducing Diorshow Iconic High Definition Lash Curler Mascara. Now, give your lashes fascinating, high-definition curves. The new fashion icon-inspired mascara and Dior's couture tradition. The secret weapon behind the most alluring eye looks created backstage for Dior's fashion shows and celebrity red carpet events. Imagine your lashes - in high definition. Thicker, curvier, sexier than you have ever seen them before. A revolutionary mascara with a with revolutionary trademarked Oblique Brush - the better to create curves on curves - first introduced by designer Christian Dior and celebrated by John Galliano. As iconic as the models and movie stars who love it. Diorshow Iconic mascara is the latest in Dior's dazzling range of mascaras for every lash look in the book".

My verdict? It is to die for, I am totally smiten with it! The formula is top quality and makes my lashes thick and curly without clumping or smuding. It lasts all day without flaking and if I don't wash it off at night, it is still going strong in the morning. I have the black shade which is true inky black. The brush took me a bit off guard the first time that I used it but it quickly became one of my favorite aspects of this mascara. I have a semi-hard time describing it but it appears as though it has lines that curve around the head of the brush (the provide picture is much better than my definition). The brush is covered in long, skinny teeth so it can grab every lash and gives maximum curling effect. It defines lashes really easily and it appears that is helps to fan them out. If this is the future of mascara, then I am totally on board! Also, the tube is silver and just looks expensive and stylish.

Only one complaint, this is not the easiest mascara to remove. Even after throughly cleansing, i often have black streaks under my eyes and running down my cheeks.

The verdict - This is one amazing mascara, it has even knocked my coveted Benefit BadGal out of my number one mascara spot.

photo courtesy of Dior

YSL Summer 2009 Collection

Reviewing these collections for summer is turning out to just be variations on a theme. YSL continues right on with the theme of bronze skin and bright blue eye shadow. I don't know about anyone else, but I am beginning to think that there is nothing new in any of these collections. The other day at Sephora, the whole store was done in mermaid blues and bronzers were out all over the place. Maybe I wouldn't be as bitter if I could actually use the pretty blue eye shadows without looking clownish. I think that many of them are really beautiful but they just 100% are not working with my blue eyes. Oh well...

The description of the collection from the YSL website, "This season, the Yves Saint Laurent woman in the mesmerizing beauty and exoticism of Africa. With warm and radiant contrasting colours, she is bold and beautiful and extremely glamorous".

Here is the collection...

Touche Eclat Radiant Touch - Instant highlighter. The best selling must-have, take-anywhere pen brush for adding a touch of light or banishing shadows and signs of fatique from the eye area, the hollow of the chin, the contour of the lips, and the sides of the nose. All skin types.

- #3 Light Peach - golden medium tan

Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder - Resembling fabulous costume jewelry, the Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Sun Powder houses a large pressed bronzer with golden shimmer, to give you a healthy glow. Its silky and protective texture ensures it will last through the day and the Poudre de Soleil N. 2 Golden Sun shade offers an even and luminous tan with only a few brush strokes. Sure to be the star product of the summer.

Tresor d'Afrique Collector 5 Colour Palette for the Eyes - Inspired by the African universe of vivid colors, this summer's must-have Limited Edition Tresor d'Afrique Collector Palette for the Eyes is filled with five radiant and easy-to-wear shades to give you a luminous look. Palette contains five shades: ivory, to be used as a base; turquoise, plum, and navy blue for definition, and toffee to brighten the arch area and bring warmth and contrast to the eyes.

Everlong Waterproof Lengthening Waterproof Mascara - A double innovation for a double lengthening effect; immediate and long-lasting. This performance is due to association of a new generation brush with an exclusive complex - the LASH GROWTH BOOSTER - which favors lash growth.

- #1 Ever Peacock Blue - bright aqua blue

Rogue Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick SPF 15 - This shiny lipstick with exceptional gliding properties illuminates the lips with sparkling, transparent colours. The exclusive long golden cap opens in a "click" to reveal a delightful, hydrating texture that reshapes the lips while ensuring comfort and protection.

- #32 Frozen Mango - bright coral

- #33 Wild Blackberry - deep berry

I saw this collection the other day when I was visiting Sephora and let me tell you that it is stunning. There is simply no other word for it, I spied it from across the room and it stopped me dead in my tracks. The first item that I saw was the bronzer, the compact is amazing and it is the size of a small diner place. I don't know if I could ever use up that much bronzer in one summer since I am still on one that I bought two years ago. The eye shadow palette is also amazing. It is by far the most beautiful of the ones that have been released so far this summer. Neither of the lipstick testers were available to see so I guess both colors are totally sold out there. The Mango shade is sold out on the YSL website already too.

This may be a summer of inimitators but YSL leads the pack with this divine collection.

photo courtesy of YSL

Bobbi Brown Summer 2009 Collection - The Nautical Collection

Bobbi Brown has just released the Nautical Collection for this summer. I don't know about everyone else but I have a great weakness for all things nautical from boats to dreaming about vacations in the Kennedy compound in Martha's Vineyard. This weakness of mine is very Charlotte (indeed she is now the first person that I think of when seeing preppy guys and Hamptons houses). This won't be a collection for the "rockstar" in me that is really trying to get out but I think that I will be stopping by the local Bobbi Brown counter for some summery nautical flair. Bobbi describes this collection as "sheer, wearable and look good on everyone". This entry will be divided into two part - part one will be a discussion on the new products that have been brought out just for this collection and part two will be the current products in her line that are needed to create the look.

Time to dive in...

Sheer Color Gloss - Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. the see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades. Limited Edition.

- Cabana Coral - pink coral tint

- Popsicle - light pink tint

- Marina Pink - cherry pink tint

- Sailor - rosy pink tint

Sheer Color Cheek Tint - Bobbi's new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Comes in a swivel-up stick for portability, convenient, and easy application.
- Sheer Blackberry - deep berry tint

- Sheer Coral - bright warm pink tint with golden shimmer

- Sheer Lilac - light pink tint

- Sheer Mauve - pink mauve tint

- Sheer Pink - pink tint

- Sheer Raspberry - deep rose tint

Perfectly Defined Mascara - Perfectly Defined Mascara makes the most of every lash. In one easy sweep, this ingenious mascara lengthens, separates, and curls lashes for perfect definition. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. This flexible, all-day wear formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge, and stays in place all day. Pair with your favorite shade of Bobbi's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Creamy Eye Shadow for eyes that stay put all day long. Best of all, it removes easily with warm water.

- Black - black

Those are the new products. Now we will look at what current products are used to create the new look.

Eye Shadow - Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow is available in a range of shades for lids, lining eyes, and defining brows. This silky, matte formula glides on smoothly and blends easily. Comes in this sleek, flip-top compact that can be used individually or assembled into palettes.

- Navy - deep navy blue

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - Our popular long-wearing eye liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula.

- Graphite Shimmer Ink - dark grey

- Indigo Ink - navy blue

Well I am not going to do the whole look, if I had brown eyes then it be might a bit different. I really love the new cream blushes, I haven't been this excited over a product since A Rose Romance. I will be getting Sheer Coral, Sheer Lilac, Sheer Pink, and Sheer Mauve. I am also really excited for the Marina Pink, Popsicle, and Sailor glosses. I wouldn't mind trying the new mascara but that will have to added to the mascara list and therefore I might not get to it until the end of summer or the beginning of fall. Overall, this is a great new collection with universal appeal.

photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Lippmann Collection Summer 2009 Shades

For this summer, Lippmann Collection has released two new shades. I am still rather in love with the Purple Rain shade that she released several months ago for the Zac Posen show so I have some pretty high hopes for this collection. The new offerings for the summer season consist of two new shades, both of which are more on the bright side.

The first shade is called It's Raining Men after the timeless song from the 1980s. The name of this color drew me toward it right away, this might be one of the best named polishes that she has ever come up with. The color is described by the company as being a "timeless Parisian red". It is true red with blue undertones and is a cream finish with no detectable shimmer in the formula.

The other shade is called Call Me Irresponsible. I haven't heard any songs with this name that I can remeber so I can't really comment on the provence of the name for this one. This color is described as being a "vivacious violet" and is also a cream finish. This color is bright violet with what appears as large amount of blue based undertones in the color.

Well, I really like both shades in this collection which is kinda surprising! It's Raining Men is the best name ever but I think that the color will be a great addition to my polish wardrobe. Actually both shades would be great additions since I don't own any other shades like these. I am happy that Lippmann did not follow in the neon bandwagon that we have been seeing so far for nails this spring and summer. These two shades prove that it is possible to still have some color in a manicure without it being completely unprofessional.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Phyto Phytodefrisant

Quick...what haircare product has recently been introduced into the Allure Beauty Best of Hall of Fame and is touted as one of the most amazing products ever introduced into the market by tons of women?! Fekkai? Jonathan? SLS free products that actually clean hair? Well not quite...it's Phyto's Phytodefrisant, a product that is most likely the most amazing hair straightening balm ever. Now, you may all remember how much I like the Jonathan Silky Dirt. That is my second favorite hair straightener, but Phytodefrisant is the gold standard and Holy Grail for turning my thick curly hair into thick supersleek hair.

This company has been a favorite of mine for quite a while and many people are quite aware of this, especially anyone who has been reading this blog from the beginning. This product belongs to their "anti-frizz" line of products, along with Phytobrush shampoo and Phytolisse smoothing serum (neither of which I have had the opportunity to work with but would love to). This is their philosophy behind controlling frizzy or hard to maintain hair, "Naturally frizzy hair is generally dry and difficult to style. It may even become ultra-day after straightening and heat styling. Highly sensitive to humidity, frizzy hair needs to be relaxed with moisturizing and coating products that will gently smooth the hair fiber while protecting it from breakage. Naturally curly hair will also benefit from these hydrating and shielding properties".

Here is some information on the product itself from the Sephora website (not sure why the Phyto website wouldn't let me see the individual product), "Phytodefrisant is a relaxing balm for all hair types, naturally curly, or permed hair. Ferula, horseradish, and garlic extracts coat and straighten hair without any chemical action. The non-oily formula won't weaken hair. Imparts shine as hair is blow-dried to smooth, straight perfection".

One of my favorite things about this product is the texture. I squeeze a little bit out from the tube into my hands and then I rub my hands together to melt the product. After that, the producty turns into the same consistency as water, so it is very easy to get through hair and evenly coat every strand. It never weighs my hair down but still manages to get it straight and smooth. This product is unique in that it claims to have a cumulative effect on hair, every time that it is used, it becomes easier and easier to straighten hair. I don't quite know of a quantitative measure to judge this but I do know that I used it for two years and I never really saw that much of a change in styling or the time it took. That being said, it still helped me to get much better results than I ever would have without it and it fully deserves its place in the Allure Hall of Fame.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Island Michael Kors Bermuda

Early this spring, Michael Kors released his latest fragrance that joins the popular Island series. I really like the original fragrance of this collection but haven't really been taken with the others in the series. Many of them smell very much alike to me and therefore, never really gave me much of a reason to purchase them when the original serves me just fine.

The latest fragrance is called Island Michael Kors Bermuda. It is housed in pink bottle that is shaped exactly like the others in the collection. Here is the description of the product taken from the Sephora website, "Introducing Island Michael Kors Bermuda - an escape into breezy, floral fragrance bliss. Experience the exotic blend of tropical passion flowers and smooth cedar wood that will transport you to a world of relaxed luxury. Once you get there, you will never want to come back".

The notes - Freesia, Hibiscus, Cassis Buds, Tiare, Peony, Jasmine, Passion Flower, Driftwood, Soft Skin Accord, Cedar.

On initial sniff of this fragrance, I feel that this one is farthest from the original and therefore is the most worth purchasing of all those in the series. Another point in the favor of this fragrance is that it contains mostly floral notes and less of the fruit notes that others in the collection contain. Peony and jasmine continue to top the list of my favorite notes that can be contained in any fragrance. I might not purchase a bottle of this until I finish up my original bottle of Island but so far it is the only member of the collection that I am really looking forward to picking up.

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC A Rose is A Rose

Just in time for my birthday visit to King of Prussia, I was searching around the MAC section of the Nordstrom website and I found what could be the best birthday present to myself ever (maybe second best - LUSH's Think Pink giftset also takes top honors). What am I referring to? A Nordstrom exclusive eye palette called A Rose is A Rose that was released only to Nordstrom stores. Happy Birthday to me...more roses!

This is what Nordstrom has to say on the product, "A Rose Romance is often all in the eyes. Introducing A Rose is A Rose, a Nordstrom-exclusive summer eye shadow quad that keeps the look of love fresh, alive, and exciting. Designed to convey a new-fashioned narrative, a pulse-quickening conversation about the heart's desire". The four shades in this quad were selected to complement the other eye shadow shades in the Rose collection and allow for the use of quad on its own or blended with any other shadow shade.

Colorwise...the pale frosty white shade is called Solar White (I assume, there is no description of the named shades on the site) and it is meant to be used as a highlighter. This would be great basic shade for anyone and should match most eye looks. The pink shade is called either Petal Worship of Seeds of Love and looks more like a crease color. This one looks like it should blend well with Et Tu? Bouquet (pale pink gold). The lilac shade is either Petal Worship of Seeds of Love (again thanks Nordstrom for describing the shades!) and I think that this could also be used as a crease shade or to blend with Creme de Violet or Of Summer. This shade appears (at least in the picture) to be very close to Of Summer, so I might want to look at them side by side to determine which color I prefer. The navy blue shade of this compact is the only one that I am not crazy over. Called Contrast (for real - found it on the MAC site!), it is the deepest shade and might best used as a liner. I personally think that all the shades in this quad could work together, perhaps with the exception of the pink shade, for me that might be too much color on the eye.

More roses, more roses!!! Hopefully this quad doesn't disappoint when I get to use it down at Nordstrom later today. What would a birthday be without roses?!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

MAC Style Warrior

It is now time for another new collection from MAC. After the excitement that I got from A Rose Romance, I can only expect a bit of let-down from Style Warrior. I know that A Rose Romance was perfect for me and I can't expect that this collection will be the same. On first glance, this collection looks much more like a summer collection, with gold shades and special jungle like packaging (very similar to the summer collection from Smashbox that I was drooling over several weeks ago). Let's see if this collection can even hold a small candle to A Rose Romance. I have a feeling that A Rose Romance (for me at least) was like Christmas Day and this collection will be like the day after.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "Your new glamour armor of heroic hues and courageous contrasts: eclectically expressive cross-cultural colour. Everything from Lipglass to Beauty Powder Blush exotically packaged to liberate the animal spirit of Woman, Wild Things, and Style Warriors everywhere".

Here is the collection...

Style Warrior Eye Shadow - Eye shadow embellished with the iconic design and bronze packaging of MAC Style Warrior. The see-through window features the silver emblem of this collection. Limited Edition.

- Night Manoeuvres - deep charcoal brown with pearl

- Soft Force - frosty pale white gold

- Vibrant Grape - bright magenta purple

- Bright Future - frosty bright yellow gold

- Tempting - sinfully rich coco

Eye Kohl - A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines, and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky smooth, matte/pearl finish. Ophthalmologist tested.

- Smolder - intense black

Pro Lash - Lengthening, thickening, non-flaking, non-smudging...totally hard-wearing. Sassy and lush. Works on the catwalk, soups up the sidewalk. Tested and approved by artists. Industrially packed; commodity-priced. Gives you attitude. A real hard-working mascara that is lush and luxe in its finish. Good to layer. Apply one coat of Pro Lash for enhanced, defined lashes. For more drama, build up the layers. To layer - apply, allow to dry, then apply again. Pro Lash works the hardest when applied right from the roots of the alshes to the tips. For volume, apply Pro Lash to the top side of the lashes first, and then to the underside. For a perfect groomed finish, comb the lashes through with the No. 204 Lash Brush.

- Coal Black - honest-to-goodness black

Style Warrior Lipstick - Lipstick embellished with the iconic design and bronze packaging of MAC Style Warrior. The base features the silver emblem of the collection; the inner shell, a zebra (Purple Rite and Tribalist) or leopard (Sunsational and Brave New Bronze) print. Limited Edition.

- Sunsational - sheer frosted beige gold

- Brave New Bronze - creamy mid-tone pink nude

- Tribalist - creamy blackened berry

- Purple Rite - mid-tone frosty orchid

Style Warrior Lipglass - Lipglass embellished with the iconic design and bronze packaging of MAC Style Warrior. The glass vial is screened with the silver emblem of the collection while the cap features a leopard (Liberated and Gold Rebel) or zebra (Style Warrior and Fierce & Fabulous) print pattern. Limited Edition.

- Liberated - sheer yellow gold with pearl

- Gold Rebel - sheer copper bronze with pearl

- Fierce & Fabulous - bright magenta purple with pearl

- Style Warrior - blackened bronze brown with pearl

Style Warrior Beauty Powder Blush - Beauty Powder Blush embellished with the iconic design and bronze packaging of MAC Style Warrior. The see-through window features the silver emblem of the collection. Limited Edition.

- Eversun - neutral peach bronze with gold

- On A Mission - pearly mid-tone plum

Solar Bits -Highly condensed clusters of pigment and pearl uniquely formulated to give a special hit of frost and colour on the eyes and cheeks. The pigment's special clustering formula provides the choice of two application modes. Swish the brush over the top of the clusters for a sheer shimmer or crush them for a more intense colour effect and sparkle.

- Scatterays - soft metallic peach with gold pearl

- Impassioned - frosty cool taupe

- Bronzescape - clean yellow brown with gold pearl

Style Warrior Bronzing Powder - The sheer, pearlescent tint of the Beauty Powder packaged with the iconic design of MAC Style Warrior. The bronze coloured compact features a leopard (Solar Riche) or zebra (Refined Gold) print pattern overlaid with the silver emblem of the collection. Limited Edition.

- Refined Gold - finely spun golden with soft pearl finish

- Solar Riche - mid-tone deep orange brown

Lustre Drops - A bronzer that applies like liquid sun. Water-based, beautifully smooth to apply with added pearlized lustre. Inspired by the popular MAC Face and Body FX. Provides sheer, natural looking highlights with a luminous, shimmering finish. Limited Edition.

- Pink Rebel - blue pink with gold pearl

- Bronze Hero - hot bronze with fine gold pearl

- Sun Rush - peachy bronze with gold pearl

Iridescent Powder/Loose - Iridescent Powder is a finely milled mixture of Mica and pigments which gives the skin a beautiful sheen. It can be used on its own or mixed into other products like foundations or moisturizers to enhance their iridescent qualities. Long-lasting and designed to apply easily and uniformly without streaking and caking, it blends beautifully and can be applied on bare skin or over foundation. Because it's so concentrated, it should be used sparingly at first. Apply Iridescent Powder with #129 Powder/Blush Brush for the desired effect.

- Golden Bronze - golden brown with bronze shimmer

Skinsheen Leg Spray - A smooth-on, gel-based bronzer that's soft and mousse-like to apply yet provides sheer ro low coverage with subtle sheen and radiance.

- Medium Dark - sheer soft brown with golden tan pearl

- Dark - golden bronze

- Deep Dark - deep warm bronze with rich golden pearl

Nail Lacquer - Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!

- Peaceable - pearly pale golden beige

- Mercenary - frosted blackened bronze

- Violet Fire - bright creamy magenta purple

I really love the limited edition packaging that these products come in, especially the zebra print. I will be getting the Soft Force and Bright Future eye shadows without a doubt, they will complement a bunch of shades that I already own and will look great when applied by themselves. I would also like to get the Eye Kohl in the black shade featured in this collection, this product has the potenial to become a great everyday liner that could work with many different makeup looks. None of the lip colours are jumping out at me, so I think that I will be passing on these this time around. I would really like to try the Solar Bits in Scatterays and also the Bronzing Powder in Refined Gold.

This collection isn't A Rose Romance, but I think that I will be hitting the MAC counters to pick up a few items anyway.

photo courtesy of MAC

Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Flower Girls

This may be old news, but I have the tendency to fall utterly in love with almost any product that either the name or the shade has something to do with anything floral. This might be a bad thing but it is the way that I am. In the past, I haven't been a huge fan of the company Bare Escentuals after spending a month trying their mineral foundation and seeing little to no improvement in my skin. Normally, I just walk right by their display in any store that I go into. But sometimes...flowers can change that.

What I am referring to is their newest collection of lip glosses, called Buxom Babes Flower Girls. When I first saw this name, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that this collection would be full of sheer shades of pink that would be appropriate for the upcoming wedding season. Sephora describes this product as "a set of four floral-inspired lip glosses".

Here is the product described in a bit more detail (also from the Sephora website), "Bare Escentuals Buxom Babes Flower Girls are four floral-inspired pout perfecters infused with 100% pure bareMinerals to naturally create the look of fuller lips. Its tingly, cooling sensation reminds you that your lips are looking fuller, while a deep infusion of antioxidant Vitamins A and E keeps them soft and protected. With luminous high shine in the most lucid pastels, it's a lovely garden party for your lips that will leave your lips blossoming with sheer feminity. All-natural, collagen-boosting ceramide helps repair damaged lip tissue and enables new collagen production".

So this product makes some big claims...not only will it make you look fantastic, it will also repair damaged lip tissue! I am all for products that can do a dual purpose but I am also not convinced that the lip repair aspect of this product will be as effective as claimed. If the gloss can penetrate the lip surface easily then I do see the potential for some of the ceramide to be absorbed and the collagen boosting process to begin. However, I have found that most lip glosses tend to be too thick and sticky for this claim to be accurate. I am on the side of products that help to boost collagen but if Bare Escentuals can make this claim come true, then maybe the ceramide ingredient might be more effective when used in a lip balm or nighttime treatment. Just some food for thought...

Now back to the fun aspects of this product...the colors! This set contains four lip glosses. The first one is called Rosie and it is ballerina pink shade. The second one is called Lily and it is pink lavender shade. The third is called Iris and it is sheer periwinkle shade. The last gloss is called Poppy and it is carnation pink shade. I love three of shades but at the moment, I am a touch weary of the Iris shade because I have never tried any color of periwinkle on my lips. However, I am certinaly game to find out how this shade looks on me next time that I get to Sephora or the Bare Escentuals store.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Summer Collection 2009 - Pocket Rocket

I love my Urban Decay Pocket Rocket lip gloss so much that when I checked out their looks for this summer, the one titled "Pocket Rocket" immediately jumped out at me and flew right up to my first choice of their summer looks. I bought the Pocket Rocket gloss in David several weeks ago and very quickly fell in love with it for more than just the novelty value. Don't get me wrong, the novelty value of this product is certainly what draws people to it in the first place and it very responsible for the near empty display that I see everytime that I go into Sephora. However, this is also a great gloss. I love that is shiny and creamy at the same time, lasts several hours, and has a nice little brush applicator to help spread the product.

This look is on the subtle side for Urban Decay and therefore I think that it will have a relatively universal appeal among the masses. Also, only a couple of products are used to create this look so I feel that almost anyone can get this one down pat.

This look starts off with the 24/7 Eye Liner in Zero, a black shade that is a very good seller for the company and is highly rated by all those who have tried it. This is used on the upper lash line and then the eyes are finished off with Big Fatty Mascara in what appears to a black shade. The next step is to use the Sting Deluxe Eye Shadow, a hot pink shade, as blush on the apples of the cheeks. The last step is to use the Pocket Rocket gloss in Eric, a sheer red shade, on the lips.

I am really looking forward to taking this look for a test drive next time that I go out at night. To be totally honest though, I don't quite know how I feel about using an eye shadow as blush. i am sure that the shade is very pretty but I wonder if it could quite possibly be too pigmented to use as blush. This is something that I will have to look into before trying this one out.

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Givenchy Summer 2009 Collection

It is with a bit of confusion that I write this entry about the newest collection from Givenchy. I went to the Givenchy website to find out more about the newest offerings and that website stated that the last collection released (the one I discussed earlier this spring) was the collection for both spring and summer. However, I had remembered seeing new products offered while I was browing around on the Sephora website several days ago. So after I searched the Sephora site again, I released that this new collection was a Sephora exclusive. Mystery solved.

The Sephora website offers little in the way of a good description (this is the major reason that I preferred to try Givenchy's website first) but this is what they have to define this collection, "Inspired by the body-sculpting effects of the sun, Givenchy enhances the face, eyes, lips, and cheeks of summer with drops of copper and gold for a feminine, glamorous look". Yippee...more gold, more bronze (are we noticing a theme yet?!)...

Here is the collection...

Glow to Wear - A satiny body enhancer that delivers a warm tint to skin. Givenchy Glow to Wear allows you to sculpt and enhance your body up, down, and all around with an effortless bronzy tint and glow! This satiny body enhancer contains a high concentration of mother-of-pearl to create a wet and shimmering finish - giving your skin a luminious boost. Available in the shade Sun Satin.

Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen - A highlighter pen that imparts a bronze glow. Givenchy Mister Bright Touch of Light Pen allows you to illuminate your face with the swipe of a pen. It's made with a high concentration of tiny, white mother-of-pearl to effortlessly highlight and illuminate features and bestow a lit-from-within glow.

- Dawnlight - sheer pearlized pink

- Sunlight - sheer golden bronze

Prismissime Mat and Glow - Sun Caramel - A summertime checkerboard of colors to adda sunny glow to the face. Givenchy Prismissime Mat and Glow imparts just the right touch of caramel to the complexion. Choose your texture - matte or pearly - to match your mood and personalize your luminous look. Blend, shade, or apply in touches for a variety of sculpting, illuminating, and perfecting touches. The nine shades can be mixed together or applied separately to the face, eyes, or shoulders.

Prisme Again! Compact Powder Quartet - This stunning quartet evens out the complexion with a light, transparent matte surface and two luminous colors to create an irresistably radiant and healthy looking complexion. Elegant and discreet, this two-level case also contains a mirror and a brush.

- Sun Mango - bronze sunkissed for light to medium complexions

- Sun Cinnamon - bronze sunkissed for medium to dark complexions

Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet - This chic compact contains two different powder textures, both of them very fine, gentle, and creamy for a variety of effects: matte, semi-matte, satiny, iridescent, or pearly shine - choose your weapon! The two matte textures are in the two upper pans of the case and the two iridescent textures are in the lower two pans. This sexy bi-level mini case also contains three integrated applicators: two shadow shaders and a liner brush.

- Sun Reflection - pale green shimmer/silver shimmer/pale blue shimmer/gold shimmer

Pop Gloss Crystal - This light textured, non-sticky gloss combines moisturizing agents like castor oil and Givenchy's exclusive Pulp Shine Complex of active ingredients including: Pulp'up, a biomimetic tripeptide that stimulates the synthesis of collagen which helps to boost the lips' volume and Vitalip, that helps stimulate cellular activity for the lips, to make lips look more vibrant. Vitalip also acts like a scrub that removes dead cells and stimulates new cells.

- Sun Coral - shimmering peachy pink

- Sun Rose - shimmering muted orange

From this collection, I would really like to try the Prismissime Mat and Glow in Sun Caramel to see how well this works to complement my fake tan. Since this product contains nine different shades, I would hope that it can help to make a fake tan look more natural. Sometimes, I feel that my face doesn't always looks quite like I got a natural tan because it almost appears all one color. If this product could help to correct that issue, it would become Holy Grail material in an instant.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Bath and Body Works Butterfly Flower

Late last winter, I walked past my nearby Bath and Body works to see if they had released a new scent for the springtime yet. In past years, usually the first scent that they release for spring is light and floral and is usually the one that ends up working out the best for me out of all the releases throughout the year. After working there as long as I did during college, I tend to know when the good releases are and when I will be walking out of the store empty handed (late summer and early fall are the empty handed times of the year).


This year, the fragrance that was their huge spring release is called Butterfly Flower. The name alone completely ruined it for me, it sounds like something that I would have worn in the fifth grade simply becuase the word "butterfly" is in the title. I know that it isn't very logical but I always think of butterflies as bright pink and purple and as stickers that I used to trade when I was 10. Between that and my dislike of their new packaging, this one was out on all counts. So I passed this one by without as much as a single whiff.



Several weeks later, a coworker of mine was talking about how much she liked this fragrance and asked if I had tried it. I told her the many reasons that I had rejected it and she assured me that the actual fragrance itself is much nicer than the unfortunate name. So I went to the mall on my next day off and decided to give it a whirl.



Bath and Body Works gives this as the official description of the fragrance, "Our exclusive Butterfly Flower scent is a vibrant fragrance, inspired by the natural elegance and playful femininity of a butterfly garden in full bloom". They have made quite an improvement in the description of the fragrances (for once, the word "fresh" does not appear in the description of every single scent) but I still had to see if the fragrance matched up with its description. I used some fo the lotion on my hand and was pleasantly surprised. It was a light, pretty floral without any notes that overpowered the fragrance as a whole. The notes are as follows - French Mimosa Petals, Asian Syringa Flower, Luscious Tangerine, Tenufolia Orchid.



I ended up buying the lotion, shower wash, and a candle in the fragrance. This taught me not to judge a book by its cover (or corny name) but hopefully this might teach Bath and Body Works to name their fragrances a bit more carefully, I can't be the only person who ignored this fragrance just because of the name.



photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask

Everyone that has ever read this blog knows that my favorite skincare line is Caudalie and that I harbor an obsession for anti-oxidant skincare. My favorite line from Caudalie is their Vinoperfect line, designed to bring radiance to the skin and it helps to naturally reduce areas of dark pigmentation and redness. The serum from this collection is one of my Holy Grail and a constant repurchase. In addition to my constant repurchase of this product, I recommend it to everyone and have created many followers of the brand.

The latest product from this line, the Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask, made my Most Wanted list for April but I still haven't quite gotten around to picking it up. Let's look into this product in a bit more depth...

Here is the description from the Sephora website, "Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask gently exfoliates the skin with its rich formula and ultra-soft applicator brush. It tightens the appearence of pores and gives your complexion an immediate burst of radiance within 10 minutes." It also states on the website that this product falls under the category of natural skincare and was given the Sephora Natural Seal.

I am really interested in the brush applicator that houses this product during application. i wonder if it helps to exfoliate the skin during application or if it just meant to help get the product on evenly. Maybe the brush will usher in a next era of skincare packaging that is designed to be used without ever having to touch your face during application. Brushes for me are hit or miss situation. Either they are amazing and I fall madly in love with how they apply product or they are too stiff and only serve to make my skin even redder than it already is.

This is worth some major investigation.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Laura Mercier Summer 2009 - Bronze Goddess Collection

I must say that after viewing and ruling out most the Bohemia Collection in my last post I am not super-excited about looking at the Bronze Goddess Collection. The title already suggests to me that this collection will contains colors that continue to be at odds with my pinky pale skin. However, this collection falls under the category of "summer sun collection" so maybe this one will be more than just makeup.

Here is the description of the collection from the Laura Mercier website, "Laura Mercier introduces Bronze Goddess, her first summer sun collection. The limited edition Body Bronzing Makeup and Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner give skin an instant sun-kissed glow with a hint of Almond Coconut fragrance. The Bronzing Gel adds the perfect warmth and radiance to the face, whiel the new moisturizing HydraTint SPF 15 Lip Balms provide a splash of colour complemeting your bronzed summer skin. This collection will have you ready for the beach looking sexy, glowing, and gorgeous". Maybe I can get a bit more behind this collection...

Here are the products...

HydraTint SPF 15 - Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 is a multi-purpose lip balm combining long-lasting moisture, SPF protection, and sheer natural colour. Formulated with mint and orange breath for freshening flavor. Adds a hint of colour for the perfect flawless lip. Lips are instantly soothed with ultra-emollient shea butter, grapeseed oil, and green tea extract. SPF 15 shields lips from everyday aggressors with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. Enriched with Laura Mercier's exclusive Lip Complex to keep lips soft and supple throughout the day.

- Apricot Tint - peachy pink

- Berry Tint - plum pink with gold pearl

- Bronze Tint - bronze with gold pearl

- Crimson Tint - natural red

- Mocha Tint - sheer subtle brown

- Nude Tint - sheer flesh tone

- Plum Tint - delicate plum with gold pearl

- Rose Tint - soft baby pink with pearl

Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner - Laura Mercier Sun-Free Gradual Self Tanner imparts a safe and natural looking summer tan. The deeply moisturizing formula hydrates skin, while providing both instant shimmer and a buildable sun-kissed glow. Lightly scented with Almond Coconut Milk. Streak-free, transfer resistant, and long-lasting. Layer with the white cream until desired instensity is achieved. Intensity of tans will vary - reflects how skin naturally tans with sun exposure. Limited Edition.

Body Bronzing Makeup - Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup instantly reveals, healthy, radiant, bronzed skin without long-term commitment. Satiny smooth formula with light reflective particles helps disguise imperfections. Adds a subtle, add-over sheen. Lightly scented with the Almond Coconut Milk. Streak-free, transer resistant, and easily washes off when ready. Limited Edition.

Bronzing Gel - Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel is a lightweight gel bronzer that smoothes on evenly and blends perfectly leaving the skin refreshed and hydrated. Sheer formula enhances a tan and adds a warm glow. Pigment blends flawlessly into skin. Best used on clean skin. Works on all skin types.Colour is sheer coppery-bronze.

Hmmm...well I am really liking the tinted lip balms. I think that I am going to get the Apricot Tint, the Berry Tint, the Nude Tint, and the Rose Tint. I'm not quite sure about how the self-tanner would work for me since it is meant to turn me the color that I would turn in the sun...which is red. i would like to try to Bronzing gels and see how they work on my skintone before I comment on them. Overall, love the lip balms and this was better than I thought that it would be.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Summer 2009 Collection - Bohemia Collection

This summer, Laura Mercier has released two summer collections, the first one is called Bohemia and the second one is the Bronze Goddess Collection. We are going to look at Bohemia in this post and Bronze Goddess in the next one.

Here is the description of the collection from the Laura Mercier website, "Laura Mercier introduces Bohemia, her most exotic collection ever. The Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder adds gorgeous warmth and radiance to the cheeks, while the Eye Mosiacs and Kohl Eye Pencils provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades. The Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Golden Radiance gives the skin a flawless glow while healthy, natural tones of Lip Colour complete the look, leaving you earthy, alluring, exotic."

Here's the collection...

Eye Mosiac - Laura Mercier Eye Mosiac combines four coordinating shades in the existing Shimmer Bloc formula to add gorgeous colour and sheen to the lids. Limited Edition for Summer 2009. Adds sheer colour for gleaming finish. Colour glides on evenly and smoothly.

- Mediterranean Sea - indigo, aqua, golden, and copper shades

- Sahara Sun - gold, bronze, and coral pink shades

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer - Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight, buildable sheer foundation formula that delivers a youthful, radiant finish while protecting skin from the damaging rays of the sun with SPF 20 protection. Skin friendly formula contains a unique Dewy Complex that is proven to keep the skin moisturized and better equiped to combat external aggressors and irritants. Layer with other foundations for a custom blend and radiant finish. Long wearing formula stays colour true and even.

- Golden Radiance - for medium to deep warm skintones

Bronzer Brush - Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush accentuates a natural tan with full round bristles to evenly distribute colour for a smooth, even finish. Hand-crafted from pure Black Goat hair. Short handle offers complete control. Tapered head gently blends colour onto the face.

Kohl Eye Pencil - Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil is formulated specifically for lining the inside of the eyelid and at the base of the lashes. Luxiourous texture for maximum wearability. Allows anyone to achieve the perfect "smoky eye". Soft, creamy formula glides easily along the eyelid. Creates a smooth and well-balanced line. Contains a thicker diamete than the Eye Penicl to create a more pigmented, dramatic effect.

- Black Navy - black with navy pearl

- Black Turquoise - black with turquoise pearl

- Brown Copper - copper brown

Lip Colour Shimmer - Laura Merceri Lip Colour - Shimmer now changes the way you feel about lipstick in one swipe in the newest revolutionary lip colour formula. The wide range of shades and finishes enhances your lips appearence, provides hydration, and cares for the lips like skincare. Lip Colour Complex is a unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients to boost the performance of the lip colour. Offers Vitamins A and E that act as powerful anti-oxidants to soften, soothe, and condition lips for plumper, smoother, and healthier looking lips. Long-lasting coverage with a modern sheen. Colour is refreshed each time lips are pressed together.

- Boho Bronze - copper kissed brown

- Spiced - neutral golden beige

Morrocan Bronze Illuminating Powder - Laura Mercier Morrocan Bronze Illuminating Powder contains four different shades in a neutral colour family providing an overall warmth and subtle glow to the face. Limited Edition. Silky smooth formula glides on evenly and naturally. Velvet composition adheres for longer wear. Pigment blends evenly into the skin for a beautiful sun-kissed look. Oil-free.

- Moroccan Bronze - gilded bronze and copper tones

Meh...I'm not really in love with this collection either...i have really been striking out this summer. i just have to accept that me and bronzy tones will never work and just move on. Both of the Eye Mosaics are very pretty but the only one that I think that i could carry off would be the Sahara Sun one. Maybe I will pink that one up but that's about all that will work for me from this collection.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Shu Uemura Fantasia Eye Palette

Earlier this year, I received a belated Xmas gift from a friend that is currently working over in Japan. She sent me the Fantasia eye palette from Shu Uemura's Spring Mode Collection, an item that was a top pick of mine from that collection and made one of my earlier Most Wanted Lists. Just imagine my happiness when I unwrapped the UPS packaging and found this little gem inside.

On the Shu Uemura website, I found two separate looks that showed how to use this palette. My favorite of the two looks is the "Fantasia by Justin Hoffman". Here is the description of how this works, "This look is inspired by luxury. The pink and lavender shadows are contrasted by deep liner and rich, velvety brown lip."

Here is how to get this look.

- Apply the lavender shade of the Fantasia kit in a half moon shape on the upper eyelid using brush 11.

- Use the grey in the corner to give depth (if desired).

- Apply the pink shade in the center of the lid. Use a Kolinsky Hair brush 12s so that it has enough pop in the center of the lid.

- Line the upper and lower lashlines with the ME blue drawing pencil.

- Connect them and extend out.

- Finish the eye with basic black mascara.

I do two things that differ from these instructions. First of all, I use two different NARS brushes to get the effect since I don't own any of the Shu Uemura eye shadow brushes. I my regular NARS shadow brush for the lavender and grey shades and then use the Smudge Brush to apply the pink. The Smudge brush's bristles are more compact and are stiff enough to make the needed "pop" of color for the pink shade. I don't use the blue eye liner in this look. I did it two different ways. One - I did the whole look without the liner for a softer look. Two - I used and slate grey shade and a wet liner brush to get the liner step right. Both looks are really pretty.

To finish this look off, I prefer to use a nude lip shade (currently Way to Love from MAC is the preferred shade) because it works better than the suggested brown shade for my skintone.

photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Smashbox Cream Eye Liner

One of my long time favorite products was first introduced to me by a coworkers several years back. she alwasy had the most amazing eye makeup and was able to pull off the cat eye look like no one I had ever seen before. So needless to say, one day when she was getting ready to leave and she pulled her makeup bag out, I was intrigued enough to try see what she was using.

She was using a cream eyeliner from Smashbox and the matching eye liner brush from the company. I looked the product up on the Sephora website and wasn't shocked to see that it is very popular was a previous Best of Sephora Winner. She was using the Caviar shade which is a rich, pigmented true black. When I bought the product, the associates at Sephora actually recommended the Urban Decay angled brow brush becuase it is easier to work with for a person who has never used this type of product before.

Application is pretty simple. Dip the brush into the liner pot and then begin drawing the line on your eyelids. I found that I have better luck with using short, little strokes rather then trying to draw one thick line. It last an insanely long time. You will need eye makeup remover to get it off and it is one of those products where if I don't take it off at night before bed, it is still going strong the next morning.

Caviar is the only shade that I have tried so far and I love it. But I also was to try Midnight Purple (deep regal violet) and Thunder (mossy grey).

This liner gets Sephora's seal of approval and mine too!

photo courtesy of Sephora

LUSH Rockstar Soap

"I'm unusual, not so typical

Way too smart to be waiting around

Tai Chi practices, snowboard champion

I can fix that flat on your car"

"I might even be a rock star

If you only knew the real me

I might even be a rock star"

Several weeks ago, I finished up my first bar of Rockstar soap from LUSH and it is pretty safe to say that this is now my favorite soap that I have ever used and I think it will continue to be my utter favorite for a very long time.

I was first drawn to this product last time that I was in LUSH because of the name and I was ready to buy it purely for that reason. A bit of background, in the early spring of 2008, I was madly in love with a keyboardist in some garage band. He invited me to his show and it was in the most disgusting venue that I have ever come across. I went and tried to look cute and alternative and everyone else there looked like they just came back from the tattoo parlor. I brought a friend with me and pulled her around by her arm all night becuase I didn't want to get separated in the scary place. And after that night, I was told that I was as much of a rockstar as Hannah Montana. And so that nickname stuck...

Then I discovered the LUSH Rockstar soap, it's pink and girly and it is made for a rockstar...like myself and Hannah! Here is the description from LUSH, "This best-selling, creamy soap delight may smell as sweet as sugar, but it is still just a little bit naughty; you know how rock stars are. So lather up, smile for the camera, then party all night long. Warning: This vanilla-berry handmade wonder has been known to increase singing in the shower so be careful who you give it to!"

This made my whole bathroom smell like candy for hours after I used it in the morning. It didn't dry my skin out or irritate it in any way. If you visit a LUSH store, then they will cut a chunk off for you (any size that you wish) or you are able to order it from the LUSH website.

Sing it Hannah!!

photo courtesy of LUSH

lyrics courtesy of Lyrics.com

Lilly Pultizer Squeeze

The last fragrance that was released this spring from Lilly Pultizer is called Squeeze. This one is housed in a bright yellow bottle and it is more summery than springy, in my opinion. This one is citrusy, so this one really won't work for me but I must admit that I find the bottle supercute and fun.

Here is the description of the fragrance from the Sephora website, "Lilly Pultizer Squeeze is all about squeezing the juice of life! The signature citrus floral is bright and playful - with a whimsical charm. The fragrance sparkles with top notes of exotic lychee, juicy pink grapefuit, and candied red currant, which mingle with spring lotus blossom and wild rose petals. Sun-drenched woods and water musk complete the scent with a lilting, carefree flourish. This fresh essence is sure to inspire all colorful, imaginative, and confident Lilly lovers."

The notes are - Litchi, Grapefruit, Red Currant, Lotus, Rose, Woods, Musk

Even though this fragrance has rose in it, I still don't think that it is for me. Fragrances with strong citrus notes tend to go sour on me and I don't think that there is anything that can be done about that. I wouldn't mind having this fragrance in the body lotion or the candle, I also wish that it came in a shower gel or some form of body wash.

And what is litchi?

photo courtesy of Sephora

A Few Thoughts on Celeb Beauty...

So far, I haven't really mentioned many celebs in this blog or commented on their looks. I have kept it to thoughts on celebrity fragrances and which ones I ended up purchasing. Thinking it over, I made a list of the celebrities that I look to for beauty inspiration and another list for the ones that I may not always look their look but they always manage to keep me interested.

Celebs Whose Style That I Always Love...

-Jennifer Aniston
- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy
- Michelle Obama
- Dita Von Teese
- Victoria Beckham
- Natalie Portman
- Kate Winslet
- Angelina Jolie
- Scarlett Johansson
- Kristin Davis

Ones That I Don't Always Love But Always Take Notice Of...
- Lady GaGa
- Gwen Stefani
- Jessica Simpson
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Katy Perry
- Fergie
- Lindsay Lohan
- Kim Kardasian

So for the next few months, I am going to try and keep up on some of the beauty and style trends that we see coming from all the ladies listed above. Help is always welcome

Most Wanted May 2009

It's the beginning of the month and therefore it is time to begin planning out my shopping list. I have a week of vacaction this month and my birthday, so this is special month for beauty product shopping.

I want...

- NARS Modern Love Palette
- Sevin Nyne Tanning Mist
- Kenzo Eau de Fleur de The
- Coach Body Splash in Peony Splash
- Dolce & Gabbana Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Glossy
- Urban Decay Cream Shadow in Suburbia
- SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum
- MAC Blush in Pink Swoon
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder
- Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

Happy shopping to me!

Smashbox Summer 2009 Collection - Untamed

The newest collection for the summer from Smashbox is called Untamed and it contains colors based on the tropical jungle. It contains several promising looking products and it gains points with me for not containing anything to do with the Bionic Mascara that pulled most of my eyelashes out several months ago.

Here are the products that are in this collection...

Untamed Creamy Cheek Color - This luxurious creamy cheek color instantly gives you a sexy summer flush. The sheer formula with Vitamin E glides on easily and blends flawlessly with no streaking or fading. Packaged in a chic mirrored animal print deco compact for touch-ups anywhere

- Terracotta - creamy pinky bronze

Untamed Lip Gloss - Two fierce new lip gloss shades with major bite. Glide over lips for luscious color and shine.

- Raw - deep red

- Flesh - creamy nude

Untamed Waterproof Shadow Liner Trio - Take a walk on the wild side and create beautifully bold eyes with these waterproof shadow liners in vibrant shades of the tropics. Completely water-proof, crease-proof, and ultra-blendable for fearless, all-day wear. Packaged in a chic mirrored aminal print deco compact for touch-ups anywhere. Airtight lid keeps product fresh.

- Savage - contains deep green, soft gold, and deep brown shades

- Exotic - contains deep purple, champagne, and lilac shades

Double Ended Eye Brightener - This double-ended brightener instantly highlights and brightens for eyes that roar with attention. use one end to brighten the inner corners of the eyes and the other to highlight brow bones, bridge of the nose, over the brows, and on the cupid's bow. This easily blendable, lightweight formula has Vitamins C & E had added healthy skin benefits. One of the ends is a soft gold shade and the other is a champagne shade.

I really really want a couple of products from this collection. I want the Flesh lip gloss shade and both of the eye shadow trios, especially the Savage trio. Also, the eye brightener is now a top pick of mine for this season and has Holy Grail potential for me if it works as well as I hope that it will. I am dying to go and check this whole collection out.

photo courtesy of Smashbox

Juvena Cool Eye

One of the highest quality, yet mst underrated skin care lines available on the market today is Juvena. Very few people outside of the beauty industry know anything about this line, even less know about how fantastic the products are in this line. This line is top quality skin care, some products of which are used in Emergency Rooms through the United States and Western Europe.

A little bit of background on the company and their products...Juvena has excelled in skin care innovation for about the last 50 years. This company's major innovation is called Skin Nova. This type of technology is used in the Juvedical line of skin care products. This is the line that is used on burn patients in the hospital. To put it in a nutshell, Skin Nova isolates the few healthy cells that are left after burns and places them into complete isolation. When they are isolated like this, they are in their purest state and are encouraged to further mitotic development. With this development, the healthly cells multiply and eventually skin regrows over damaged areas. This technology is found in many of their skin care products and is the major reason that they can be associated with the highest grade of medical skin care.

The latest product that I am using from this line is the Cool Eye roll on from the Q 10 Energy Plus Line of products. This complex helps to replenish the lost energy reserves in stressed out skin and promote a healthier appearence. This product helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and undereye puffiness and is also helpful is helping to relieve the symptoms of allergies that tend to show in my face. It contains the Coenzyme Q 10 complex, Vitamin E, and Marittime Sugar Molecules to support and promote's the skin's energy functions. It helps to stimulate drainage of the eye area. It is packaged with a cool metal rollerball applicator which also helps to stimulate the drainage.

photo courtesy of get-price.com/au