Bare Escentuals Buxom Chronicles: Four of a Kind

I can barely keep my eyes open this morning so we are going along the path of least resistance to me. So no chemcials in skincare that I need to explain and no stories of tightlining with a new eye liner. So what does this path lead me to? Lip gloss! Ever since using the Bare Escentuals Buxom (which I know that I should have thrown out after two months but I love it so much that I am still trying to coax the last few drops out of), I have become a fan of the Buxom product line from Bare Escentuals. The set that I have recently fallen in love with and am going to Sephora to search for is the Four of a Kind, a set of glosses named after four girls. And immediately, I think of the Sex and the City. Typical...

Sephora states that this set is "A set of four high-shine, plumping lip polishes on a mission". The website goes on further with the following description, "Meet the girls, Katie, Trixie, Dolly, and Violetta - four sexy dynamos who will plump, tint, and drizzle your lips to pout perfection. Each shimmering shade leaves your kisser curvaceous, voluptuous, and drenched in fabulous color, while a tingling sensation reminds you that your lips are looking fuller by the minute. A deep infusion of anti-oxidant Vitamins E and A will keep them soft, smooth, and protected".

The four shades are: Dolly, a muted plum; Katie, a pale pink; Trixie, a shimmering golden rose; and Violetta, a shimmering fuchsia berry. I really like all four of the shades and since they appear to be more on the cool toned side, I bet that all of the shades would work out for me. I think that Trixie might be an early favorite of the glosses but I need to try them all to find out.

Another Friends and Family item to add to my list... This is getting to be quite long!

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC A Tartan Tale Exclusives

This is the last part of the Tartan Tale collection. I don't have an explanation as to why this part of the collection as labeled as "Exclusive", website exclusive is the only explanation I have been able to fathom. So if I find these bags at the stores or counters then I know that I was wrong. There are only two bags in this part of the collection so it would make sense to me if this one wasn't as widely available. I don't really know, but I still love the plaid so if I have to order from the web I certainly will.

MAC states the following, "The beginning of another chapter in A Tartan Tale! Off on the moors, the plot deepens, its magic minerals enrich the story, with two new collectibles: MAC Glamorous and My Scottish Fling Mineralize Kits. A natural love affair with the moorish magic of minerals that's absolutely epic!"

Here they are!

My Scottish Fling - The lush love-flushed loveliness of a romantic fling captured through the immaculately pink perfection of Pink Split Mineralize Eye Shadow, Fresco Rose Paint Pot, Budding Romance Lipglass, and Zoomblack Zoom Lash mascara. A limited-edition set packaged in a reusable tartan tin of MAC Holiday.

- Budding Romance - soft muted pink

- Pink Split - marbelized pink, plae blue, and bronze

- Fresco Rose - baby pink with pearl

- Zoomblack - black

MAC Glamorous Mineralize Kit - Keep the glamour in the clan! Allure returns to its ancestral glory inthe golden mineralize glow of Noble Touch Mineralize Eye Shadow, Indianwood Paint Pot, Blessedly Rich Lipglass, and Zoomblack Zoom Lash Mascara. A limited-edition set packaged in a chic, and reusuable MAC Holiday tartan tin.

- Blessedly Rich - pale coral

- Engaging - marbelized bronze, beige, and pale pink

- Indianwood - metallic antique bronze

- Zoomblack - black

My Scottish Fling is all that I need to create a pretty pink look this winter. I am wondering if this is a preview of an upcoming part of A Tartan Tale and that this is beginning of a new collection that will be coming out in the next month or so. Only time with tell what other goodies are coming soon...

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Tartan Tale Chapter 1: Lip, Eye, and Brush Bags

Now we onto the Bags part of this collection, this time the bags are all plaid and I am excited that I might be able to reuse these awesome pouches and expand my plaid wardrobe. The bags in this part of the collection contain products that are designed for lips and eyes and some with smaller sizes of some of the MAC's best selling brushes. My list for this collection just get longer and longer every single time that I click on an item on the website.

MAC says, "Once upon a time a bonny lass was in a Scottish ska band. She couldn't just pick one look - punk or princess? - so she chose them all...fancy that. Her loot: the Lip, Eye, and Brush Bags from A Tartan Tale, here for every girl who wants to arrive at the ball in flawless fashion, with everything she needs in nifty, handsome, heathery tartan modern mash-ups, trimmed in shiny patent. Throw on your favorite tartan frock (knickers optional) and off you go, perfectly ready to raise a ruckus!"

Here are the bags...

Vain and Glorious Lip Bag - This is splendour - vain and glorious! A mad mix of Mellow Mood Lipstick, In Synch Lip Pencil, and Baby Sparks Dazzleglass altogether in a multi-tartan, heraldic crest and black patent corner detail with metal rivets! Limited edition. Bag measures: 5.25" x 5.25".

- Mellow Mood - sheer pink (Lustre)

- Baby Sparks - sparkle baby pink

- In Synch - light pink

Dazzle the Lads Lip Bag - Eye-catching and irresistable to the lads and lassies alike! This trio of Baron's Rose Lipstick, Draw Me Close Lip Pencil, and Moth to Flame Dazzleglass presented in a fabulous multi-tartan/black patent bag, with heraldic crest and metal rivets! Bag measures: 5.25" x 5.25".

- Baron's Rose - medium rose (Cremesheen)

- Moth to Flame - sheer natural beige

- Draw Me Close - dusty rose

Noble Knights Lash & Line Kit - This aristocrat of kits starts with Teal Pigment and ends up with the swish of Zoomblack Zoom Lash Mascara. In between, the daring Blitz & Glitz of Fluidline. All presented in a fabulous multi-tartan/black patent bag, with heraldic crest and metal rivets. Limited edition.

- Teal - bright metallic teal

- Blitz & Glitz - black

- Zoomblack - black

Violet My Love Lash & Line Kit - The romantically indie-girl spirit of Violet Pigment, Macroviolet Fluidline, and Zoomblack Zoom Lash mascara creates an irresistable holiday threesome. Comes in their own multi-tartan black patent bag, with heraldic crest and metal rivets. Limited edition.

- Violet - bright metallic purple

- Macroviolet - dark grape

- Zoomblack - black

She's Got It All Apply, Define, & Line Brush Collection - When it comes to makeup application, what more could a gal need? Playfully stashed within the collection's trendy tartan bag are the five best brushes to line and define face and eyes: 194 SE, 204 SE, 224 SE, 266 SE, and 275 SE. Gift her this and she has it all! Limited edition. Bag measures: 10.25" x 5.25".

A Lady & Her Tricks Buff & Line Collection - There's application, and then there's all those tricks that come with it! Buffing and lining go perfectly with these: the 168 SE, 187 SE, 209 SE, 219 SE, and 252 SE! A limited-edition collection presented in the fabulously plaid multi-tartan/black patent bag, with heraldic crest and metal rivets. Bag measures: 7.25" x 7.25".

Sweep Me Off My Feet Sweep & Define Brush Collection - Love sweeps you off your feet - so do these! The five most wanted brushes for that perfect application of powder or blush: the 129 SE, 190 SE, 212 SE, 227 SE, and the 275 SE. Presented in a multi-tartan/black patent bag, with heraldic crest and metal rivets. Bag measures: 7.25 " x 7.25".

I love the cute little bags, maybe even more than all the lovely makeup that is inside of them! My loves: Vain and Glorious Lip Bag (I love all the shades in this and the mini Baby Sparks alone is worth the whole price of the bag), Dazzle the Lads Lip Bag, Violet My Love Lash & Line Kit, all the brush bags. I love the bags from the brush collections since the bags are large enough that I could use them as a little wristlet. Makeup and accessories together has always been a favorite of mine and this collection is just fantastic.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC A Tartan Tale Chapter 1: Lip, Eye, and Face Kits

Today we are going to work on the palettes that MAC is offering this season. This are among my favorite gifts to give and get among my groups on friends. I love the fact that all of the palettes in this collection have tartan plaid cases, I am such a sucker for packaging and this collection really draws me in with its packaging. MAC has released collections of both palettes and bags containing products. First we are doing the kits from this collection.

MAC states, "Peekaboo! Poking a little fun at the kinky part of the kilt, these incorrigible kits for Lips, Eyes, and Face have some flasher fun with mirrored compacts, but remain dignified with proper MAC family crests. New giftables that prove to be seductive, good, cheeky fun".

Here are the new kits...

Happily Ever After Lip Kit - The entire frolicking party spirit of MAC's Tartan Tale explodes in this three-shade lip kit, featuring mellow-and-merry shades of Cheers All Round, To Joy, and Endless Fun. All come stylishly stashed in a tartan compact with MAC crest. Limited edition.

- Endless Fun - sheer frosty pink

- Cheers All Around - bright candy pink (Frost)

- To Joy - medium pink (Frost)

A Fabulous Fantasy Lip Kit - Taking its cue from pink, this Lip Kit creates an entire shade narrative for your lips. Starts sweet, then adds some drama for effect. Features Sortybook Ending, Imagine This, and Heroic Tale, all packed into a tartan compact with MAC crest. Limited edition.

- Heroic Tale - sparkle flesh tone

- Imagine This - pink beige (Amplified)

- Storybook Ending - raisin (Lustre)

6 Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows - For lassies who love to dazzle then dash, a swishy-swish tartan compact with MAC's own heraldic crest, featuring a limited-time mix of Once Upon a Time, A Dashing Lassie, Magic Mist, Bronze, Buckwheat, and Showstopper Eye Shadows.

- A Dashing Lassie - metallic milk (Frost)

- Once Upon a Time - metallic vanilla (Veluxe Pearl)

- Magical Mist - metallic taupe (Lustre)

- Bronze - copper penny (Frost)

- Buckwheat - frosty medium brown (Frost)

- Showstopper - dark brown (Matte)

6 Reelers & Rockers Eye Shadows - Six hues, all rocking and reeling, bent on fun! Includes a light, dark, midtone mix of Melt My Heart, Gaelic Gold, Crown & Spectre, Family Treasures, White Rabbit, and Carbon, all in their own tartan compact with MAC heraldic crest. Limited edition.

- White Rabbit - shimmer white (Frost)

- Melt My Heart - metallic silver (Veluxe Pearl)

- Carbon - deep carbon (Matte)

- Family Treasures - metallic bronze (Veluxe Pearl)

- Gaelic Gold - metallic gold (Veluxe Pearl)

- Crown & Sceptre - metallic copper (Veluxe Pearl)

6 Twists of Tartan Eye Shadows - Line, smudge, rule, check those eyes with the fabulous smoky Eye Shadow mix of Lady's Prance, High Spirits, Bows & Curtseys, Set to Dance, Rolled Gold, and Vainglorious. All come in their fitting complement: a tartan compact with MAC's own heraldic crest. Limited edition.

- Lady's Prance - clay (Matte)

- Rolled Gold - gold (Lustre)

- High Spirits - shimmer avocado (Frost)

- Vainglorious - metallic maroon (Frost)

- Set to Dance - dark royal blue (Matte)

- Bows & Curtseys - metallic hunter green (Satin)

6 Beauties Play It Cool Eye Shadows - Our Tartan Tale is full of beauties like these six Eye Shadows. Watch them play it cool in shades of Heather Belles, To the Ball, Magic Moor, Hold My Gaze, Altered State, and Silverware. All can be found in their tartan compact with MAC crest. Limited edition.

- Silverware - metallic lavender (Frost)

- Hold My Gaze - medium gray (Frost)

- To the Ball - dusty lavender (Satin)

- Altered State - blackened plum (Veluxe Pearl)

- Magic Moor - purple grape (Veluxe Pearl)

- Heather Belles - dark charcoal/carbon (Satin)

A Triumphant Blush Face Kit - With its peachy allure, how could this not be triumphant? Enjoy the highlight/contour/blush-up effects of Smooth Harmony Beauty Powder, Peachtwist Sheertone Shimmer Blush and Melba Powder Blush in our double-decker tartan face compact. Limited edition.

- Smooth Harmony - natural mid tan

- Melba - soft coral peach

- Peachtwist - golden peach

Hark the Heraldry Face Kit - The tartan double-decker compact with its MAC crest speaks of the regal lineage of this fabulous face trio! Highlight, contour, perfect, and shimmer. Enjoy the heraldic mix of Oh So Fair Beauty Powder, Plum Foolery Sheertone Shimmer Blush, and Dame Powder Blush.

- Oh So Fair - pale pink

- Dame - sophisticated blue/pink

- Plum Foolery - faint dusty plum

Now I'm sure what part of this overall collection is my favorite, I love the Colour collection and now I love these palettes too. I am already making some mental gift lists for my friends with this collection. For myself, I am interested in the Happily Ever After Lip Kit, the 6 Dashing Lassies Eye Shadow Kit, 6 Reelers & Rockers Eye Shadow Kit, 6 Twists of Tartan Eye Shadow Kit, 6 Beauties Play It Cool Eye Shadow Kit, and the Hark the Heraldry Face Kit. I missed the Oh So Fair Beauty Powder the first time around and I am happy that I can get it this time around. If I have to narrow it down, my favorite product is the 6 Beauties Play It Cool Eye Shadow Kit, I love the silvers, lavenders, and plums in this palette.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC A Tartan Tale Holiday Colour Collection

Now for the MAC Holiday collection! I have been so excited since I first heard about this collection, this one was a ntural one for me to love since I love plaid, Scotland, and MAC. I have going back and forth between plotting a huge haul on this collection and a huge Friends and Family haul at Sephora. Considering that I am willing to totally give up a Friends and Family haul at Sephora for this one collection... It must be love. I feel like I should be drinking tea and eating shortbread while I write this up instead of Sierra Mist that is currently next to me.

The collection is divided into a color collection with individial limited edition shades and small giftsets that are great to both give and receive. Today we are looking at the individual products in the color collection since this is where I would begin hauling. The MAC website states, "We're telling a slightly twisted Tartan Tale to celebrate holiday, in all its posh, punk, ancestral, anarchic, noble, and naughty glory. Royal and raunchy, colours and patterns collide, fantasties come true, punk fairies take flight with enchanted new looks. Be transformed!" In love!

Here is the collection...

A Tartan Tale Eye Shadow - Dressed in the playfully tartan pattern finish of the MAC Holiday '10 colour collection, the storybook array of Eye Shadows seems madly clannish and stylishly irresistable. Limited edition.

- Golden Crown - light gold with bronze tartan striping

- A Wish Come True - dirty mauve with bubblegum pink tartan striping

- Follow Your Fantasy - mid-tone peach with chocolate tartan striping

- Enviably Fun - grass green with dark green tartan striping

- Semi-Precious - aubergine with chocolate tartan striping

- Glamora Castle - dark gray with teal tartan striping

Pigment - Pigment is a highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting.

- Later - black with transforming purple pearl

- Moonlight Night - blackened teal with teal pearl

- The Family Crest - blackened bronze with bronze pearl

Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner - An eye pencil that provides rich, luxurious colour with a touch of shimmer and sparkle. Soft, smooth, creamy formula glides on for a perfectly intense line, yet its soft texture allows you to blend. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof.

- Lord It Up - bronze with pearl

- Undercurrant - teal with pearl

- Petrol Blue - deep navy with pearl

- Black Swan - black with pearl

Zoom Fast Black Lash - Deeply dark drama. Same as Zoom Lash, but with carbon black pigment. Saturates lashes with the richest black pigment ever. Creamy, velvety formula builds density and conditions. Feels supple, light, flexible. Ultra-sculpted brush embraces and separates each lash, hugging every curve.

Lipstick - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- The Faerie Glen - pale neutral pink (Lustre)

- Cut a Caper - midtone peach pink

- Full Fuchsia - bright blue fuchsia

- Courting Lilac - sheer lilac mauve with soft gold pearl

- Deepest Wish - deep creamy reddish brown

Dazzleglass Creme - MAC cult favorite Dazzleglass with a creamier, smoother, but no less shiny or dazzling effect. For those who are drawn to the luxe of cream lips, but still want the dazzling allure of its inspiration, this is it.

- Lightly Prancing - light peach with gold pearl

- Soft Dazzle - midtone peach pink with gold pearl

- Gone Romancin' - mistone lavender with multidimensional pearl

- Passing Fancy - bright orange coral with soft pearl

- Radiant Jewels - dark sparkly magenta

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks.

- My Highland Honey - bright coral with soft gold pearl

- Her Blooming Cheek - very bright iridescent blue pink

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!

- Sly as a Fox - creamy midtone russet/burnt red

- Style Clan - dark taupe with red pearl

Ohhh I am so love right now, I want so much that I can't even begin to make decisions right now! I think that my favorite item is the Lipstick in The Faerie Glen shade, neutral pinks always work well for my skintone. Time to begin making my wish list in order. From the new eye shadows, my favorite shade is the golden shade named Golden Crown. I also like A Wish Come True, Follow Your Fantasy, Enviably Fun, and Semi-Precious. I can skip out on the Pigments, with how dark these shades are, I don't know that I have the skills to work very well with them. Of the Pearlglide eye liners, I want Black Swan the most but also Lord It Up. Now to the lip products, I only want the one Lipstick that I named above. From the Dazzleglass Creme glosses, I love Soft Dazzle and Gone Romancin'. I really like the Her Blooming Cheek Blush. The last item on my shopping list is the Nail Lacquer in Sly as a Fox. I am thinking that these products would make a lovely match to the plaid boots, gloves, and earmuffs that my parents bought me for Christmas.

Tommorrow onto the sets...

photo courtesy of MAC

Bath and Body Works Reindeer Pocketbac Collection

The second new collection of Pocketbacs is based on the personalities of Santa's reindeer. This collection is 100% Christmas and would also make great little gifts for pretty much everyone on your list, especially the little children on your list. Overall, I prefer the Cupcake collection but the Rudy's Cocoa Mint from this collection is quite yummy and is worth a sniff if you love the Cupcake collection.

My favorite scent is the Rudy's Cocoa Mint. This scent is mint chocolate and is the same as the Mint Chocolate candles that Bath and Body Works brought out this season. York Peppermint Patties are a favorite candy of mine so it is natural that I would love this fragrance and the candle too. Dasher's Apple Mint is a fruity mint and smells more of the mint than the apple. Vixen's Sweet Mint is my favorite container, it has a cute little female deer winking on the cover. This one reminds me more of mint tea, a prefered summer drink of mine. Comet's Ginger Mint is more of an herbal mint, I think this one of the best for men on your list. Santa's Crew Mallow Mint smells like toothpaste and is my least favorite of the bunch. I was hoping for a sweet candy mint but all I got was very strong mint.

I bought multiples of the Cocoa Mint and one of the Sweet Mint (more because of the cute little container than the actual scent). In addition to the special fragrances for the season, Bath and Body Works has also brought out special holders. I had to cave on a shimmery deep green holder for the season, so I am now decked out with my red snake tote and green holder. This is about as holiday as I get...

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Bath and Body Works Cupcake Pocketbac Collection

Trust Bath and Body Works to make even hand santizing girly and sweet! Two new collection of little Pocketbacs have been released for the holidays, one based on cupcakes the other based on Santa's reindeer. First we are looking at my favorite of the two collections, the cupcake scents. Bath and Body Works has released five new scents in this collection and all of them are wonderfully sweet. In fact, we I used them, I crave cupcakes all day long. Even more than I normally do...

All of the Pocketbacs contains Tahitian Palm Oil to help prevent overdrying of the hands with continued use. The formula also contains the anti-bacterial ingredients that are effective enough to 99.9% of the germs on the surface of the hands. I have hit the point where I always keep on in my purse to clean my hands anytime.

My favorite scent is the Lemon Glaze, which reminds me very much of the Hello Sugar scent that was out in body products several years ago. We all know that I am sucker for sweet lemon products so of course this one would be a front runner for me. My second favorite is the Blue Chiffon, which is a bright blue color in the bottle and smells like buttercream frosting on the hands. The Strawberry one is light pink and smells exactly like strawberries and cream. This one reminds me of the old American Girl Strawberries and Cream scent that I used to love several years ago. Coconut Cream smells like a light, sweet coconut and reminds me more of coconut candy than true coconut. The last scent is Red Velvet and this one smells exactly like a red velvet cake and is the strongest of the group.

These special cupcake Pocketbacs will only be around for the holiday season. This edition of the product leaves hands with a slight shimmer so if you are a shimmer hater then beware, the Reindeer collection might be better for you. My favorite is the Lemon Glaze and I love the Blue Chiffon and the Strawberry, I have already gotten multiples of them to have as back ups. I found that the Red Velvet is the strongest scent and I skipped it because it might interfere with other fragrances that I am wearing at the same time. The Coconut scent is more generic sweet and I liked it but not near as much as the ones that I bought.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Lippmann Collection Holiday 2010 Collection

The stunner shade of this collection is named Today was a Fairytale after the hit from Taylor Swift. I was emailed about this shade from Lippmann's PR company and I fell in love with the second that I saw the picture of Kim Kardashian wearing nothing but that shade for the November cover of W Magazine. Even if I hadn't been a Lippmann fan to begin with, this lovely shade would have blown my mind. Following right after I got this email, Taylor Swift was on a magazine cover and this shade was featured in the magazine. This shade is part of the Holiday 2010 shades created for Lippmann Collection and based on that shade, this will be a same but powerful collection.

The first shade is the much discussed Today was a Fairytale, described on the Lippmann Collection website as a "silvery blue starlight" with a glitter finish. This polish actually contains Virgin Diamond Powder to add the beauty and shimmer of the shade.

The other shade of this collection is another 100% Holiday ready shade. It is named Boom Boom Pow after the Black Eyed Peas song. Since we already have a silver shade for the holidays, we need a matching gold shade for those with warmer skintones. This shade is described as "glamorous golden gleam" and also has a glitter finish. This shade is made with 24K Gold Dust to add to the beauty and sparkle.

Well, we already know that I love the first shade and I will bep putting it at the op of my shopping list. I like the Boom Boom Pow shade but I don't carry off gold as well as I carry off silver tones.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

NARS Holiday 2010 Collection

I have seen sneak peaks of this new collection from NARS on Facebook for several weeks now and I fell in love with it. Of course, I tend to fall in love with anything that has the NARS logo on it so I need to delve deeper into it to decide what I love the most of this collection. In the past few years, NARS Holidays have been formidable and are often among the best of the bunch. The gold and silver eye shadows in the past few years have often become permanent items of the collection and the lip glosses and lipsticks are usually some of the best shades that come out all the year. Time to check it out this for this year!

The NARS website states the following about the collection, "The Holiday 2010 Collection is brazenly memerizing. Eyes smolder in Okinawa Eye Shadow, a striking triad of black onyx, silver, and cobalt blue. Dangerously sensual: Sex Appeal Blush and Little Darling Lipstick. Up the edge factor with very berry Bougainville Lip Gloss and lavender-gilded Dowtown Lip Gloss. Glitz up and glow". This is the first time that NARS is making an eye shadow trio and I love it. Based on first glance, I love that this eye shadow palette makes the shades in different sizes, the lightest shade occupies a larger part of the compact. Which is great since I feel that this is shade that I usually go through the quickest.

Time to check it out...

Trio Eye Shadow - Longwearing, crease resistant color in sheer wearable formulas. All NARS eye shadows can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. These richly pigmented powders blend effortlessly and can also be used wet for precisely lining the eyes.

- Okinawa - silver/deep cobalt blue/black onyx

Duo Eye Shadow - Shades to inspire and desire. The same longwearing crease resistant formula as NARS Single Eye Shadow, in uniquely paired color combinations. Worn together or alone, all duo eye shadows can be applied sheer or built up for a more dramatic effect. All powder eye shadows can be used wet or dry.

- Melusine - pale silver lilac/bright deep purple

Single Eye Shadow - Longwearing, crease resistant color in sheer wearable formulas. All NARS eye shadows can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. These richly pigmented powder blend effortlessly and can also be used wet for precisely lining the eyes.

- Etrusque - antique gold

Nail Polish - An exclusive formula with technology designed to improve flexibility, durability, wear, and gloss properties. This longwearing formula provides a tough, durable chip-resistant finish and also has added UV protection to prevent polish discoloration. Modern, sophisticated colors. Gentle formula. Toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free.

- Pokerface - vibrant lilac

- Bad Influence - smoky taupe

Blush - Made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. Imparts a natural, healthy glow for any skin tone and may be worn alone or layered together for more depth and intensity. Provides a sheer, natural hint of color. Made with transparent pigments to avoid heaviness. Broad selection of shades.

- Sex Appeal - soft peach

Lipstick - A wide range of captivating shades designed to provide the look and style the color dictates. NARS Lipstick is available in three formulas. Fashionable colors available in three textures. Exceedlingly longwearing. Nourishing and non-drying, with Vitamin E. Once you starting wearing NARS Lipstick, you won't want to wear anything else.

- Petit Monstre - rich berry

- Little Darling - nude beige

Lip Gloss - Serious shine and sexy color in sheer, creamy, and semi-sheer formulas. Extremely wearable and versatile shades, lip gloss may be worn alone or over other lip products for heightened drama. Ultra-shiny and highly pigmented. Convenient wand application. Iconic shades. Ideal alone or over other lip color.

- Bougainville - sheer pomegranate

- Downtown - metallic pink lavender

This collection is yet another NARS winner! This collection reminds me of Lady Gaga so this makes the collection jump up even higher in my book. I think that my favorite products are the Pokerface Nail Polish and the Petit Monstre Lipstick...of course. I really like the idea of the Eye Shadow Trio, I would just need it in different shades. I want every single other product in this collection...badly. This is one of the greatest that I have seen in many years, many seasons!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

As I was talking about several days ago in my column about the MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner, my lips are dry, cracked, and generally wrecked already this season. While searching through my traincare for any hydrating balms or glosses that are also pretty colors, I have stumbled on my ancient tube of Tutti Dolci Apple Torta Lip Gloss. This long-discontinued gloss smells like apple pie, hydrates, and turns my lips a pretty shade of red. And this product hasn't been made since 2005 but I need to find another gloss/balm that is sheer red and very hydrating. MAC doesn't have one yet so I turned my search to the Sephora website. I have been reviewing the Sephora site daily during the Friends and Family Event so I decided to find another item to add to my wishlist.

The Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 was sold out at Sephora for months after it was first introduced last year, for the longest time I couldn't even get my hands on a tester of it. Now that the hype has calmed down, I can order a tube of this to decide how well it fares against the Tutti Dolci gloss. Sephora describes this product as, "A sheer rose-tinted lip moisturizer that hydrates, repairs, and protects lips". The More detailed description follows, "Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 is everything you love about the original Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, but now you get the added benefit of a natural rose tint that provides buildable color. With one slick, this stick provides immeditate hydration and smoothness - instantly soothing cracked or chapped lips and diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It provides SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection to shield your lips from the damaging effects of the sun and delivers a hint of tint for a natural, universally-flattering look. It's packed in a travel-friendly, screw-top tube".

Oh I love that this product is in a twist up tube instead of the round tip of many other glosses. This feature makes me really biased in it's favor. I do need to see the exact color of the tint though, the Tutti Dolci gloss that I love so much is more a deeper midtone red and I am hoping that this is one is similar and not a lighter shade. I am betting that I will add this to my Sephora Friends and Family cart though...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

I must confess... I have cheated on my beloved Caudalie Cleansing Water. I have used the Caudalie product for ages and have never even considered trying another makeup remover out. But I received this product in one of the Clinique gifts so I decided to give it a shot and see how it works. I was a bit concerned about trying a new product out since the Caudalie remover is more on the natural side and is great for sensitive skin. However, since this product is from Clinique, I trusted that it would be suitable for sensitive skin and wouldn't irritate my eyes and the skin around them.

The Clinique website states, "Totally tugless, two-way makeup remover speeds the departure of hard-to-remove eye and lip makeups. Dissolves and "lifts away" long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. Non-irritating, non-stinging. Ophthamologist tested. Appropriate for contact lens wearers". This product is suitable for use on both eyes and lips. I have only used it for eye makeup removal and have never tried it for lipstick removal.

Comparing this product to the Caudalie remover, I like both of them and they are both great products but I think that I would use them for different scenerios. The Caudalie product isn't as strong as the Clinique one and I have noticed that it's strongest point is not getting lots of longwearing eye makeup off. The Clinique formula performs much better in this respect. I think that I would rather use the Clinique remover on the days that I use a lot of eye liner or decide to go all out with my eye makeup. I also found that it gets stubborn mascara off very easily. However, I prefer to use the Caudalie formula off over my face and to clean up makeup errors.

In short, these are both great products and I recommend both but at different times. I would use the Clinique one when I go heavy on the eye makeup and mascara. Also, I recommend the Clinique product when using long-wearing products. I would like to test it out with long-wearing lipsticks when I get another bottle of it. The Caudalie one is better all over the face to remove full makeup and when using minimal eye makeup.

photo courtesy of Clinique

C.O. Bigelow Holiday Mentha Lip Shines

A week or two ago, we looked at the traditional Mentha Lip Shines that are offered by the C.O. Bigelow company. The originals churned out several collections, some that are tinted, some that are organic, and several holiday based collections that change with the seasons of the year. Since we are going into the holidays, we are going to look at the products that have been released lately to celebrate the scents of the holiday season. Personally I have tried all of these and I think that this is one of my favorite collections to date. The Warm Apple Cider Mentha...oh my!

There are four lip glosses in the collection. The first one is called Spiced Latte and is reminiscent of the warm, spicy beverages that come out when the temperatures drop. This flavor lip gloss is described on the Bath and Body Works site as "nutty, creamy, and spicy - with a minty twist". I liked this one but not enough to purchase it, I found it to be kind of subtle and the scent wasn't as strong as I was hoping when I first heard of the flavor.

The second fragrance is the Holiday Shortbread and I found this one to be another light fragranced lip gloss. Of course this one isn't styled after a drink but the dessert that I often crave when I can get myself to any Scottish bakery. This one is "rich and buttery - with a minty twist". I was hoping that this one would be a bit stronger but I found it to be a just a sweet mint fragrance and this is another one that I liked but didn't love enough to buy in the first round of shopping.

The third new lip gloss is my favorite of the group, in fact this one might be one of my top favorite lip gloss flavors that I have ever had. This one is named Warm Apple Cider and I had to pick up two of the flavor so I could have a back up. I love drinking hot spiced cider at the holidays so this one was right up my alley. The description of thie gloss is "aromatic and fruity - with a minty twist". This flavor reminds me of the old Tutti Dolci Apple Torta gloss that I loved and of the Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice drink that I drink in the fall and the winter.

The last new fragrance is named after another holiday dessert, the Butterscotch Pudding. Or the Buttery Nipple shot if you prefer to think of it that way. I love this gloss too, through not as much as the Warm Apple Cider gloss. Bath and Body Works states that this flavor is "sweet and comforting - with a minty twist". I bought this Mentha also, I love this flavor.

This collection is wonderful for the holiday season and these glosses would make great gifts or gifts for yourself. As I have already stated, the Warm Apple Cider is my favorite with the Butterscotch Pudding as a close second. I like the other two flavors and would buy them if I needed items to use a coupon or needed something extra for a purchase.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

How did it get cold outside all of a sudden?! After a week long bout of the common cold, my lips were left dry and super chapped, making my love of red lipstick to not be an option until they are healed. So my solutions to this problem have followed the normal procedure; stay hydrated, lip balm applied before bath, and always carrying something in my purse. While I am in the healing phase, I have also been doing my eyes up much more to distract from the chapping.

But I need to speed up this healing phase, I bought Heartless from Venomous Villians and I am dying to break it open. I am now going to find a lip product that is still very healing but is tinted enough that I can wear it all day long and still look pretty. Enter MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15.

I first noticed this product in the Hello Kitty collection for Spring 2009. These tubs were long sold out by the time that I actually got to the counter to buy my products (this was before I was a MAC addict that indulged in pre-orders and stalking the MAC website for the new releases as soon as they are posted). The MAC website gives the following description of the product, "A protective, emollient balm formulated with SPF 15, a sheer wash of colour, and an all-natural sheen. Conditions lips, locks in moisture. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamins A and E". This product is currently available in four permanent shades.

- Fushcia Fix - deep pink sheen

- Petting Pink - pink sheen

- Plum Perfect - plum/wine sheen

- Soothing Beige - beige sheen

I want the Petting Pink and Soothing Beige shades. I am going to wear Petting Pink with silver and gray eye looks and the Soothing Beige with the gold, copper, khaki, and olive looks that I have been stuck on the past few weeks. I need something that is pretty and glossy while is still hydrating and healing and I am betting that this MAC balm will fit the bill perfectly.

photo courtesy of MAC

Urban Decay Holiday 2010 Collection

Well, the Holiday collections are up and it's time to going on looking at them. I know that right around this time of the year, I begin to makeup my beauty wishlist and start making plans for Sephora's Friends and Family and what I am going to put on my Christmas list. Urban Decay products always top my list of products to give and get so I am going to start with their newest collection. My top pick for myself so far for the Sephora Friends and Family is the huge size of the Primer Potion that was recently introduced and that heads up this new collection.

Let's check it out...

Eye Shadow Primer Potion Professional Size - In answer to requests from our beloved fans and makeup artists, we have created Eye Shadow Primer Potion in a Professional Size tube - 150% MORE POTION than our original bottle!

Box of Potions - Box of Potions gives you everything you need to prime your eyes, lashes, lips, and face for a totally flawless finish. EVERYTHING. The Box of Potions contains the following: Pore Perfecting Primer, Eyelash Primer Potion, Eye Shadow Primer Potion, and Lip Primer Potion.

24/7 Jackpot - You've hit the motherload! 24/7 Jackpot features NINE travel-size shades of Urban Decay's award-winning 24/7 Glide-On Pencils plus one FULL SIZE pencil in Zero (our award-winning black).

- Eldorado - gold

- Stash - deep green/gold

- Mildew - deep green

- Electric - bright aquamarine

- Binge - navy blue

- Ransom - bright iridescent purple

- Rockstar - darkest eggplant

- Gunmetal - gunmetal with teeny silver glitter

- Whiskey - dark brown

- Zero - zealous black

Urbanglow Cream Highlight - Sure, we think you're beautiful, but that doesn't mean you can't emphasize your assets. Our silky cream highlighter gives you the power to guide their eyes to all the right places. Packed with pearl powders, the weightless formula adds luminescence wherever you need it. Craft contours where there were none. Create sculpted cheek and brow bones. Look like you got a full night's sleep with a touch of Urbanglow in the inner corners of your eyes. Hide that hangover with a dewy, youthful glow. The non-greasy formula dries down instantly, and can be worn right on top of makeup. Each shade of subtle enough to work on any skin tone - just pick the effect you desire... a bit of iridescent innocence, or a touch of smoldering bronze. All are infinitely wearable and ridiculously flattering (kind of like you're standing by candlelight).

- Brown Sugar - warm taupey brown

- Moonshine - iridescent shimmer

- Sin - shimmering champagne
- Wicked - radiant pinky shimmer

Body Jewelry Tattoos - Embellish your body without the commitment of a real tattoo! These Temporary Tattoos look super real, but only last a few days (so you can show up to work squeaky clean the very next morning). You get THREE full sheets covered with tons of unique designs, including chains, charms, UD symbols, sword pendants, feathers, exotic flowers, stars and more.

Sparkling Lickable Body Powder - Time to spice things up? Look no further. These glistening and edible powders cover your every last curve with a subtle glow and a seductive scent.

- Cocoa - sparkling bronze

- Honey - sparkling gold

- Marshmellow - sparkling white

Finally the body powders are making a comeback! I remember these from when I first started to get into Urban Decay when I was in college. So this time around, I must purchase Honey and Marshmellow to add to my body product collection. You all know that the Professional Size Primer Potion tops my list of items to buy, I might even invest in two during Sephora Friends and Family. I also love the 24/7 Jackpot box, so far these liners are one of the few liners that I can tightline well with. I also want to try the Urbanglow in the Sin and Wicked shades and see how well these can perform on my winter pallor.

Can't wait to start my Friends and Family list!

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Fekkai Advanced Technician Shampoo and Conditioner

I had been retrying many of the haircare products in the Fekkai line ever since he brought out his Advanced line for Sephora. I am not seeing too much of a different between the original line and the technology used in this new line. This time around I have been using the Technician line of shampoo and conditioner that was designed for dry and color treated hair. I had tried this line before at some point and since I only tried samples, I don't really even remember what I thought of it or what it did for my hair. The only thing that I remember is that after trying that sample, I decided to buy the Protein Rx products so I am thinking that it couldn't have been too positive. This time around brought about a much better result.

All of the products in this line use Fekkai's Triple Color Protection Complex. "The Salon Technician Color Care line boosts Fekkai's proven Triple Color Protection Complex with a fusion of nature and science. Galanga Root Extract, a known powerful UV shield works with a quaternized complex that targets damaged hair and seals the cuticle with a conditioning layer for long-lasting, luxuriously beautiful hair color".

Sephora classifies the shampoo as a "hydrating, color-guarding shampoo". The Sephora website goes on to provide the following details on the product. "This highly protective shampoo maintains color integrity, fighting fade, and reawakening that just-colored shine dimension. It gently cleanses with rich, luxurious lather". This product provided a rich, thick lather and rinsed easily. I followed it with the matching conditioner and with the use of both products, it didn't strip or dry out my hair.

The conditioner is classified as a "intensively hydrating, color-guarding conditioner". "Color in, damage out. This silk-inducing conditioner drenches each strand in emollients while helping to lock in color intensity". This is a thicker conditioner and a lovely hydrator. Both of the these products have a nice light fragrance that won't offend anyone or compete with any other products you use.

After I used this this first time, I was told that my red highlights were much more vibrant than they had been before. My hair was quite smooth and sleek and wasn't any harder than usual to blow dry and flat iron. My experience with this line was much better than it had been before. I don't know if it is the fact that my formula has changed or the fact that I wasn't using an old sample. Regardless of the reason, I really like this shampoo and conditioner and am looking forward to using it more to fully get all the use out of the color protectants. I am also planning to get some other items in this line to see how well everything works together.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Philosophy Unconditional Love

I have always had great luck with Philosophy fragrances so I was very excited to find out that they introduced a new fragrance about a year ago named Unconditional Love. I was ready to order this one right off the Sephora website without even smelling it first. However, it was offered one day as a Sephora Beauty Insider sample so I jumped on the chance to order it. Which is good that I did, since I hated it from the first time that I smelled it.

The Sephora website states, "Experience Philosophy's Unconditional Love, an unforgettable fragrance that is fresh, passionate, and enduring. This heartfelt essence wraps you in warmth and comfort, reminding you that you are surrounded with love - the greatest blessing of all. Never forget that we become our best when we learn to love at your greatest capacity. Treasure the fact that real love stories never end". This fragrance is placed in the category of soft floral.

The notes of this fragrance are not listed on either the Sephora or the Philosophy websites but I have been told that this fragrance is very close to Falling In Love with the berry and the cotton candy notes. However, this fragrance does something funky on my skin and just smells horrible. Honestly, I get a strange lemony note from it that quickly sours and then a bit of the berry comes out. This fragrance reminds moe nothing of Falling In Love.

So this fragrance was a dud for me and I am still unsure as to how this one can be considered a soft floral when I can't see any of the floral notes that are included in it. Oh well, I still love my Amazing Grace and Falling In Love. I guess I can't win them all...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Bath and Body Works Holiday Traditions Collection

The holidays are beginning! The first group of holiday products that I have seen in stores are the Bath and Body Works Holiday Traditions Collection that I end up collecting every single year. This year, we have three returning fragrances and one new one to test out. So far the body products and the hand soaps have been released and the home fragrance products should be out for sale in the very beginning of November. I am very happy that my returning favorite, Vanilla Bean Noel, is back again this year.

Vanilla Bean Noel has always been a best selling Christmas fragrance for the simple reason that it is one of the best smelling vanilla fragrances that has ever been released. Bath and Body Works states, "Our exclusive Vanilla Bean Noel is a warm blend of fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, and rich, comforting cream". In previous years, the lotion and the cream have smelled different than the spray and shower gel, with the moisturizers smelling more like vanilla frosting and the other products smelling like a less sweet vanilla. However, I am happy to report that this year, all the products have the same lovely lotion fragrance.

The second returing fragrance is Winter Candy Apple. This fragrance is another one that I have liked in previous years, but I tend to go through cycles with this fragrance. I will love it one year and hate it the next. This year is a love it year so far but I don't know how long that will last. "Our exclusive Winter Candy Apple is a mouthwatering blend of crisp apple, candied orange, and rich cinnamon spice". This fragrance is the best in the shower gel and the home fragrance items. I like it in the moisturizers but I find that the spray doesn't work very well with my body chemistry.

The last returning fragrance is the ever-popular Twisted Peppermint. Personally, I still long for this product in the 3 in 1 formula but as long as I can have it in any type of body products, I am happy. "Our exclusive Twisted Peppermint is a tempting blend of cool, refreshing mint, white sugar, and just a hint of rich vanilla". This is a fragrance that I only like in the body products, I find it too strong in the body spray and the home fragrance forms. I wish that Bath and Body Works would have brought back the body scrub in it again this year but they didn't for some reason.

The only new fragrance that came out this year is named Snowkissed Berry. I feel like every year some type of berry fragrance comes out in this collection but is never repeated the following year. And I have a tradition of never liking the berry fragrance and they always smell awful on me. "Our exclusive Snowkissed Berry is a festive blend of juniper berry, sparkling cranberry, amber, and white musk". This one has very little fragrance both when applied and in the bottle. I think that this is a fragrance that will go over very well with younger girls since it is very light. None of the products in this fragrance are for me.

I really didn't buy many products so far this year. I was just replacing a few things that I am getting low on and the Snowkissed Berry didn't work so I didn't leave with a giant bag this year. I am very happy to note that Bath and Body Works has been improving the quality of their Signature Collection products so now the Triple Moisture Body Cream and the lotion spiked with Shea Butter are now available in these fragrances. This year, I also had a bunch of coupons for free products so I made it work quite well. The only items that I walked out with were the Vanilla Bean Noel body cream and the fragrance mist, since it finally smells like the lotion does. I didn't need anymore shower gel since somehow over the years, I ended up with an odd amout of shower gels and lotions. Since I am in love with Winter Candy Apple this year, I bought the shower gel and the lotion. I also both the little Pocketbacs in both of these fragrances and the Twisted Peppermint. I still have so much 3 in 1 and lotion from Twisted Peppermint that I won't need any of it for at least another year, the only item that I am running lower on is the body scrub. I might go back and pick up several of the hand soaps and lip glosses in this collection for little gifts but I got my holiday season started off right.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

NARS Beautiful Life Lip & Cheek Palette

I can never reject a NARS palette! Even though I have been on a MAC kick lately, the second that NARS releases a new palette, I sit up and take notice. I am not sure if I prefer their lip palettes or their eye palettes more. Currently I have been on an eye makeup kick but I am still drooling over some new lip items from NARS. This palette is a combination of lip and cheek products and is called Beautiful Life.

First we are going to look at the cheek products. There are two shades in this palette and both are from The Multiple product. "The original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips, and body. Its unique, creamy formula blends effortlessly to provide sheer color for creating shimmering accents, contours or dynamic highlights on all skin tones. Creates perfect, glowing complexions and is conveniently designed for failproof application".

The colors in this palette are...

- Copacabana - glistening pearl
- Orgasm - peachy pink with shimmer

Now the lip products. The NARS website states the following about the Lipstick in the palatte, "A wide range of captivating shades designed to provide the look and style the color dictates. NARS Lipstick is available in three formulas. Fashionable colors available in three textures. Exceedingly longwearing. Nourishing and non-drying, with Vitamin E. Once you start wearing NARS lipstick, you won't want to wear anything else".

The shades available in this palette are...

- Sexual Healing - shimmering pink blossom (Sheer)
- Honolulu Honey - quintessential flesh toned beige (Satin)
- Roman Holiday - delicate pastel pink (Sheer)
- Funny Face - fun fushcia (Semi-Matte)

This a lovely palette for cool toned ladies but I don't think that it will work near as well on those with warmer skin tones. Personally, I love all four of the lip shades and am willing to try out The Multiple shades. NARS changed the packaging of this palette for the better. The other palettes have been the usual rubber cases with a snap closure. This one is in a zippered case which would work much nicer in a makeup bag or purse.

I still have no answer to my thoughts about whether I think the lip or the eye palettes are the best but this palette is among of the best lip palettes that NARS has brought out in quite awhile.

photo courtesy of NARS

Shu Uemura Fall 2010 Collection - Florescent Fall Mode

My last fall collection! This season, I am going off the term "Save the best for last" since this column is about the newest Shu Uemura collection. Since this collection cannot be purchased in the United States anymore, I was hestitant as to whether or not I wanted to write about it since it will need to be ordered from Shu Uemura directly. But I decided that with how beautiful their makeup is, shipping and handling is a small price to pay for beauty.

"131st Shu Uemura Mode makeup "Florescent" created by international Artistic Director Kakuyasu Uchiide blooms transcendent elegance that exists only in a woman. Deeply colored petals of the flower symbolize eternal elegance, gracefulness, and tenderness; the intrinsic beauty of a woman. Soft and velvety texture of petals is gentle and beloved, like a warm embrace".

Here is the collection...

Graceful Bloom Palette - This limited edition eye & cheek palette contains floral shades formulated with 100% natural pigments and mineral pigments. Complete with four pressed eye shadows, two cream eye shadows/eye liners, and a cream cheek blush as well as two applicator brushes. Bloom your regard with dramatic colors and enhance your natural glow with cream cheek blush. Inspired by the elegance of full bloom flowers, this palette features a chic floral gradation of purple shades with an accent of green tints. Let your imagination bloom with endless feminine look possibilities.

Dreamy Petal Palette - This limited edition eye & cheel palette contains floral shades formulated with 100% natural pigments and mineral pigments. Complete with four pressed eye shadows, two cream eye shadows/eye liners, and a cream cheek blush as well as two applicator brushes. Bloom your regard with dramatic color and enhance your natural glow with cream cheek blush. The fusion of warm tones brings out the gentle affectation of flowers and illuminates your eyes with its sunny sparkling metallic gold. Let you imagination bloom with endless feminine look possibilities.

Partial Floral Feather - Partial eye lashes with red and purple feathers to accentuate your floral eye makeup as if petals were fluttering down your lashes.

I love these palettes, I must have both of them! The false lashes aren't quite my cup of tea but the palettes are just too pretty to be imagined.

Well that's the end of fall... Time for the holidays!

photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 Collection - Night Viper

Well, we are beginning to hit the end of the fall collections and soon will be going into the holidays. I have very few collections left to look at but there is still some fall items to come. Today is the Fall 2010 collection from Giorgio Armani, named Night Viper. Based on the title, I am picturing deep shades for eyes and lots of cool tones and purple. The Armani website states, "Inspired by the deep blue tones of the night, Giorgio Armani explores for fall a new landscape of shades - night viper. From cool blue to sophisticated pink tones and warm crimson berry. The new nocturnal chic".

Let's check it out...

Eyes To Kill Palette - Dress the eye in bold, intense, seductive, smoky tones...the true Armani signature. The Eyes To Kill Eye Shadow Palettes comes in four bold shades to fully arm the Armani eye. Each palette includes a deadly deep eye liner in the center, a gaze luminescent highlighter, and a daring eye shadow wrapped around the rim.

- 7 - center: pure mauve (satin finish)/middle: ink black (satin finish)/exterior: aubergine purple (metallic finish)

Eyes To Kill Mascara - Dress the eye with powerful, plush, voluminous lashes. Fine, fluid Microfil technology creates intensely captivating lash texture. Micro-waxes combined with a fineness agent allow for smooth and easy application, revealing weightless volume and length.

- #5 Blue Gray Night - blue gray

Rouge d'Armani Lipstick - Exceptional long-wear formula results in up to 8 hours of intense color. Experience comfort and shine, without fading and feathering. Soft texture leaves lips feeling continously hydrated. Lipstick packaged in an elegant black lacquered case with an exclusive magnetic closure. Sealed with a click.

- 602 - soft pink

- 603 - black purple

- 604 - deep ruby

Blending Blush Duo - Following the Giorgio Armani beauty heritage in blending and layering, our renowned Micro-fil cream texture allows the blending blush duos to morph into fluid color on contact with the skin. The result is soft, flushed color and subtle highlighting that sculpts the face. The new shade for this season is a blend of shimmering pale and dark raspberry.

I want the Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in 604 (dark ruby), I want to try a deeper red shade than most of the brighter reds that I have bought at MAC the past few weeks. And since I did end up splurging on Heartless from Venomous Villians, I now want to try a deeper red shade. The other product that I want to try out from this collection is the new shade in the Eyes to Kill product line.

Off side, I think that the name Night Viper is my favorite name of the fall collections and a favorite collection name in quite a long time.

photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani

LUSH Halloween Body Products

This year, the LUSH Halloween products are a bit different than years past. Normally, they release the traditional Ghost Shower Gel and Great Pumpkin soap. However, this year the decided to make a little collection based on the celebration of the Day of the Dead. I'm a bit torn by this decision, I was looking forward to Ghost Shower Gel but I always love brand new LUSH products.

Let's check them out!

Calavera Ballistic - Sadly, there isn't any tequila in this brightly coloured bomb but we were sure to fill it up with marigold petals and zesty lime oil to make your bath time festive! Celebrate the season with a burst of citrus and massive swirls of oranges, pinks, and greens to lift your spirits out of this world!

Lady Catrina Soap - Now we know the shape is a bit unconventional, but we dare you to resist this brightly coloured, fruit laden hat of spectacular citrus suds! Lady Catrina's sweet scent comes from Agave nectar, which we're thrilled to use because it's a vegan alternative to honey. And no, you can't wear it. Well you could but you'd look awfully silly when it rains!

Calacas Jelly - Why have just one vibrantly coloured jelly, when you could have three? We were inspired by the colourful flags that are hung across windows and door frames during Day of the Dead, and couldn't possibly resist creating our own rainbow of jellies. The colour you receive in your order is a surprise! All have the same zesty fragrance.

I want the Lady Catrina soap soooo bad! I also want to get one of the new Jellies and maybe get the Calavera Ballistic as well. I am a sucker for LUSH...

photo courtesy of LUSH

Guerlain Fall 2010 Collection - 68 Champs - Elysees

This collection from Guerlain is 100% pure French beauty, I love it! The collection is named 68 Champs - Elysees and after hearing the name, I just visions of fantastic French women in my head. The Nordstrom website states, "68 Champs - Elysees, a collection that pays tribute to the French glamour and joie de vivre that is the root of the Guerlain spirit. The new Fall Color Collection, boasting rich eye shadows and new lip colors for the must-have look of the season". I love it!

Here is the new collection...

Eye Shadow Palette - A trend-setter one day and a sleek sophisticate the next, a woman's style changes with her mood. Transform your look with one palette, six colors - the possibilities are endless. This new Guerlain eye shadow palette caters to your every whim, offering a range of iridescent, matte, and satin shadows. Each palette bears the name of a Guerlain boutigue in Paris. Choose your address!

- 2 Place Vendome - white satin/gray-taupe satin/golden taupe shimmer/almost-black charcoal/sapphire satin

- 29 Rue de Sevres - shimmery barely-white pink/warm gray satin/deep brown taupe/blue-gray satin/shimmery sky blue

- 68 Champs Elysees - shimmery white/matte gray taupe/cool dark brown satin/blue-gray satin/shimmery royal purple

- 10 Rue de Francs Bourgeois - matte yellow beige/warm sand/red-brown/dark warm brown/shimmery orange gold

- 93 Rue de Passy - matte dusty pink/dusty violet/dusty gray purple/dusty mauve/shimmery pale pink

Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum - Guerlain's new Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum brillantly combines the art of lip care with the magic of colors. This extreme-shine formula, combined with anti-aging active ingredients, helps lips look and stay more beautiful by smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Instantly and day after day, lips are beautiful, smoothed, plumped, and rejuventated.

- Myrrhe - sheer peach pink

- Cuir - brown-orange red

- Grenat - mauve rose

- Ambre - peach pink that is more on the pink side

- Baie de Rose - bright pink

- Violine - plum

- Tonka - warm peach rose

- Vermillion - sour cherry

Le Rouge G de Guerlain Lipstick - Guerlain called on one of the most talented jewelers from the Palace Vendome in Paris, Lorenz Baumer, to create an object of mystery and seduction: Rouge G de Guerlain. At first click, the case reveals a stunning mirror, a promise of your own personal luxury, and then an exceptional lipstick nestled within the case. Rouge G de Guerlain surpasses mere beauty with a breathtaking formula. A precious ruby powder interacts with daylight to reveal spectacular radiance unachieved to date. At the first contact, lips are immediately defined, smoothed, plumped, and hydrated.

- 13 Giny - medium warm mauve

- 14 Gillian - warm mauve pink

- 68 Gigi - medium fushcia

- 69 Gwen - deep wine

Blush 4 Eclats - Blush 4 Eclats is the ultimate in sculpting blushers. Its cleverly beveled brush is designed to achieve the perfect color effect. By brushing over the palette from left to right, the brush picks up the lighter shades and applies them to the top of the cheekbones. The darker shades naturally cover the lower cheeks to add depth and structure to the contours of the face.

- 07 Caresse de l'Aube - peachy pink

'Kiss Kiss' Gloss - Lips get drenched in sheer, pearly, or sparkly color with the new Kiss Kiss gloss! Its revolutionary nonsticky formula keeps lips moisturized while water-resistant and magnifying esters ensure long-lasting effects with a boost of volume. Its flat, smooth brush provides accurate application. Available in three different formulas: Petal Effect gives sheer coverage, Pearl Effect gets a boost of pearly essence, and Gloss Effect provides a subtle sparkling finish.

- 847 Peche Charnel - peach

- 848 Brown Sugar - pink brown

- 823 Poppy Star - bright cherry red

Those eye shadow palettes! I am simply in love with them and they are my favorite product of this collection (as they always tend to be). 2 Place Vendome is my favorite of the line but I still would love to own them all. 93 Rue de Passy is my second favorite of the group. I am going to pass up on the blush until I can get to Saks and have the makeup artists show me how to use the colorings in the pan. Lip wise, I want shades from all three formulas. From the new Gloss Serum, I love Grenat, Ambre, and Violine. From the Rouge G de Guerlain, I want Gillian and Gwen. The last item that I want to get is the Brown Sugar shade from 'Kiss Kiss' Gloss.

I am simply in love with this collection, this is one the best that I have seen this fall. I am feeling so Parisian right now...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

C.O. Bigelow Classic Mentha Lip Shines

I believe that there is no one in the country who hasn't tried a C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine. This line started out with only the Original Formula being available. But after the fantastic sales of this lip gloss, the line expanded to include colored formulas, organic formulas, and special edition flavors for every single new season. Needless to day, I have tons of these lip glosses, from every single collection and season. I have dubbed the clear glosses as the classic Menthas since these are the most widely available and I believe are the still the best sellers from the Mentha Lip line.

First, we are going to look at the first and original formula. "This lip preparation is the ultimate three-in-one moisturizer. Combines high gloss, incredible moisture, and long-lasting breath freshening with a refreshing, minty, cooling sensation. Can be worn under or over lip color". The next formula that was available in this collection is the Ultra Mentha Lip Shine. This is a pumped up verison of the original that doubles as both a lip gloss and a lip plumper. "We super-infused our classic Mentha with more intense flavor and longer lasting breath-freshening to create the ultimate balm. It provides the same glossy high shine with an even greater refreshing, cooler sensation. Made with 100% natural mint flavor".

The lip gloss is also available in Spearmint, which is my personal favorite of the line. "Our spearmint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Spearmint gives breath long-lasting freshness". The Spearmint is one of the top sellers and is a personal favorite of mine and several of my friends.

The next two lip glosses are mixtures of mint and other herbs. The first is the Cinnamint Mentha, which is the only one that I have tried from this group. "Our Cinnamon and Mint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Cinnamon and Peppermint give breath long-lasting freshness". The second lip gloss in this category in the Vanilla Mint Mentha. This one is my second favorite flavor, right after the Spearmint. "This lip preparation is the ultimate three-in-one lip moisturizer. Combines high gloss, incredible moisture, and long-lasting breath freshness with a creamy and minty, cooling sensation. Can be worn under or over lip color. Developed by Bigelow chemists".

The last product in this collection is a lip balm instead of the lip gloss and balm combination.
The SPF 15 Mentha Lip Balm Stick is a no shine, no gloss formula and therefore makes this the best selling product for men from the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip line. "Our SPF 15, mint-infused lip balm soothes and shields lips with shea butter, leaving behind a smooth, matte finish. Lips stay moist and protected while peppermint oil give breath long-lasting freshness".

These lip products are great purchases for yourself or for little gift for family and friends. I have purchased all the above products with the exception of the Cinnamint (since I hate cinnamon) and will continue to purchase them as long as I am able to.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Make Up For Ever Fall 2010 Collection - Moulin Rouge Collection

We have already looked at the Gold Icon Collection, now it is time for us to look at the second collection, the one inspired by the Moulin Rouge. I love this collection already, I am so easy to please when it comes to Parisian inspired collection. "Teaming up with the glamorous Parisian dancers of Moulin Rouge, Make Up For Ever has created yet another collection of bold must-have shades. Aptly named, this exclusive assortment of red-heavy products will create a dramatic, sexy look worthy of an oh la la".

Colors for "four bad-ass chicks at the Moulin Rouge" (can't forget this song!)...

Rouge Artist Intense - A highly pigmented, long-lasting lipstick that delivers rich color in one stroke. Formulated with 50% more pigment than the traditional lipstick, Rouge Artist Intense gives an immediate true-to-color result. A blend of three natural waxes, the creamy texture glides on effortlessly for a long-lasting hold. The extensive color and texture range provides unlimited creativity. Available in 3 finishes - matte, pearly, and satin - for varying effects.

- 43 Moulin Rouge - satin vibrant red

Glossy Full - A gel-textured lip gloss. Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur has a light, non-sticky texture that is long-lasting and leaves lips ultra shiny. Lips will remain supple and mentholated fragrance reinforces the iced, frosty effect of the gloss.

- 43 Moulin Rouge - vibrant red

Strass - Round crystals that add a sparkling, jeweled effect. Formulated for use on the entire face, Strass provides sparkle and drama to any look. It can be used on the lash line as an alternate liner or applied on the face to create an artistic design. Add Strass to dress up and add some fun to any occasion!

- 43 Moulin Rouge - red/black/crystal

Eyelashes - Strip - Intensify and add depth to your eyes with these high-drama, professional-quality lashes. Create spectacular effects for evening parties, photo shoots, or just for fun.

- 243 Moulin Rouge - extreme criss-cross flairs with red glitter strip

I love it all except the false lashes - I could never pull them off. Even though I think this collection is beautiful, I doubt that I could pull off the same look as the dancers at the Moulin Rouge. The only product that I know that I will purchase is the new Moulin Rouge Lipstick, I don't know that I would get much use of the gloss or the Strass.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Make Up For Ever Fall 2010 Collection - Gold Icon Collection

Make Up For Ever has released two new collections this fall for Sephora. The first one is named Gold Icon and the other one is named Moulin Rouge. We are looking at Gold Icon today and Moulin Rouge in a bit. About Gold Icon, Sephora states the following, "This is no fool's gold. The Gold Icon Collection from Make Up For Ever is the read deal. Get instant glamour with their assortment of all-over gold-hued powders, accent eyes with foiled kohl liner for a metallic highlight, or cover your lids with luminous gold shadow". I have only used the HD collection from Make Up For Ever but I love it so I have high expectations for these products.

Here is the collection...

Metal Powder - A 100%-mineral loose powder with a brillant metallic finish. Formulated with bronze powder covered in silica, Metal Powder creates luminosity and shine. Its extra-fine, soft, and silky texture glides on effortlessly and gives an intense result. You can customize your application by applying it dry for a metallic finish or wet for a liquid-metal result.

- Sunflower Gold 1 - yellow gold shimmer

- Maize Gold 2 - coppery gold shimmer
- Honey Gold 3 - tannish gold shimmer

- Olive Gold 4 - green olive gold shimmer

Kohl Pencil - Soft, smooth, and easy to apply, this creamy Kohl Pencil can be used to achieve diverse looks, from dramatic to subtle. Specifically adapted to the sensitive and thin skin surrounding and inside the eye, the formula is a particularly gentle blend of vegetable lipids, vitamin E, mango seed oil, hydrogenated cotton seed oil, and jojoba oil to keep the skin around the eyes hydrated. Suitable for even the most sensitive eyes.

- Black with Metal Highlights 6 - black with gold flecks

- Metal Gold 7 - metallic gold

Diamond Powder - Diamond Powder combines both the pearly iridescense of Star Powder and the brightness of Glitter. It is almost entirely composed of pure synthetic mother-of-pearl. The particles are finer and literally radiate extreme brillance as soon as they are applied.

- Gold 16 - yellow gold shimmer

I want to try the Kohl Pencils in both of the new shades but especially the Black with Metal Highlights. I am thinking that I am going to need to treat application of the Metal Powder as I would use a MAC Pigment, I might be wrong on this one though. From the new Metal Powders, I like Sunflower Gold and Maize Gold. I am loving all of these gold shades in this collection!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Coconut Hut Halloween Fragrances

I am really in the mood for Halloween right now. It's cold and rainy and I am burning an old White Barn Creamy Caramel candle while eating Halloween candy. I know that retailers are getting ready for Christmas but I have decided to enjoy fall for the moment and ignore Santa for the day. Coconut Hut Beauty just released their Halloween limited edition fragrances. The best part about ordering etailer products (Coconut Hut, Bathed and Infused, Cleanse Your Soul) is that you are able to order the fragrances in every single type of body product. Unlike Bath and Body Works who only did home fragrance and hand soap in their fall scents and Philosophy who only does 3 in 1 and lip gloss, I can get everything from scrubs to body butters. Yummy!

The new fragrances from Coconut Hut are for Halloween...

Black Cat Brownies - Rich chocolate brownies swirled with marshmellow fluff and topped with caramel butterscotch mini chips.

Enchanted Pumpkin - Magical notes of sweet pumpkin with a hint of spice, swirled with tart cranberry, juicy pomegranate, fuzzy peach, and kissed with rich creamy vanilla.

Ghost Cake - A vanilla birthday cake, layered with whipped marshmellow topping, and sprinkled with candied coconut.

Green Goblin Pie - Mint chocolate chip ice cream in an Oreo cookie pie shell, smothered in hot fudge marshmellow topping.

Halloween Cupcakes - A fluffy vanilla cupcake decorated with mini candy corns and sugar cookie crumbs.

Jack-O-Lantern Cupcake - Bewitching pumpkin cupcakes, filled with pumpkin pie custard, iced with white chocolate frosting and topped with miniature candy pumpkins.

Pink Pumpkin Frosting - Sweet pumpkin custard whipped with cream cheese, vanilla frosting, and sprinkled with Pink Sugar.

Witching Hour - The bewitching scent of lilacs and violets entwined with sweet vanilla bean and sensual amber.

I am already planning my Halloween celebration! I need a night of eating candy, burning fall candles, and playing with tons of fun Halloween beauty products! My top choice is the Green Goblin Pie, followed very closely by Witching Hour, Halloween Cupcakes, Black Cat Brownies, and Ghost Cake. From this company, I recommend the Body Souffle, Body Butter (only for really dry skin), the Body Wash, and the Whipped Sugar Scrub. I recommend that you all try this line out for the fall fragrances and also check out her whole fragrance list (especially for foody fragrances or coconut fragrances!).

photo courtesy of Coconut Hut

DuWop Fall 2010 Collection

Finally the Fall 2010 Collection for DuWop is up on their website, I have been stalking them since Labor Day. Their collections are always small but worthwhile. This collection only consists of four new products, two lip, one cheek, and another addition to the Venom Collection. The two lipsticks are continuations of the very popular Private Red lipstick from last fall, another one of the products that contains pigments to adapt the shade to your lips and create your perfect hue.

Here are the new products...

Private Plum - DuWop branches out from last year's breakthrough hit Private Red with the creation of Private Plum. This unique, color changing lipstick morphs into each woman's personal private plum shade. Private Plum will adapt to each person's distinctive chemistry and adjust accordingly, providing the perfect hue for their coloring. This ultra silky hydrating lipstick goes on smooth and the rich pigment leaves behind a trace of stain. Private Plum's proprietary formula includes a blend of three naturally derived pigments - annatto, hibiscus, and henna - and the technology behind the classic "mood lipsticks" of the seventies to provide a vibrant shade that adapts to suit each individual's coloring. Annatto lends a rich pigment base, while hibiscus flowers offer gentle antiseptic properties, and henna leaves behind a long-lasting stain. Additional hydrating ingredients such as beeswax, castor oil, and Vitamin E keep the lip color lightweight and emollient.

Private Nude - DuWop branches out from last year's breakthrough hit Private Red with the creation of Private Nude. The unique, color changing lipstick morphs into each woman's personal private nude shade. Private Nude will adapt to each person's distinctive chemistry and adjust accordingly, providing the perfect hue for their color. This ultra silky hydrating lipstick goes on smooth and the rich pigment leaves behind a trace. Private Nude's proprietary formula includes a blend of three naturally derived pigments - annatto, hibiscus, and henna - and the technology behind the classic "mood lipsticks" of the seventies to provide a vibrant shade that adapts to suit each individual's coloring. Annatto lends a rich pigment base, while hibiscus flowers offer gentle antiseptic properties, and henna leaves behind a long-lasting stain. Additional hydrating ingredients such as beeswax, castor oil, and Vitamin E keep the lip color lightweight and emollient.

Keep Blushing - Powder blush is back with a vengeance and DuWop gives it a twist with these long-wearing, water resistant shades. Keep Blushing's formula was designed to give you color so long-lasting you could even swim in it! Keep Blushing's tiled design, besides being beautiful, allows your brush to pick up the perfect amount of product to dust across cheeks. Keep Blusing isn't your ordinary powder blush - it contains Sage and Green Tea extract to soothe and hydrate skin.

- Rose - medium rose

- Peach - medium peach

Venom Flare - A Sephora exclusive. A quintet of top-selling products from the famous Venom collection. Make more (literally) of your lashes, cheeks, and lips with this beloved volume-enhancing makeup ensemble. Lash Venom is an extraordinary, Italian-made mascara that delivers volume, length, and definition. Cheek Venom provides a conditioning flush of color. For lips, Original Lip Venom and Prime Venom bring out tried-and-true plumping action. For a travel-friendly and updated twist, a travel-sized Venom Flash spikes the classic Venom formula with a hint of gold shimmer.

I have two picks from this collection. The first is the Private Nude Lipstick, which looks like it could be the perfect nude lip to complement more dramatic eye makeup looks. I am also wanting to try the Keep Blushing in the Rose shade in hopes that I find a great shade that will last more than several hours.

photo courtesy of DuWop