The Luxe List: Smashbox

When I bought this Master Class II Palette from Smashbox during Sephora's VIB November sale, my full intention was for it to live in my professional kit for bridal parties. Of course when it arrived I wanted to test it out personally!

 Kits are often a great way of experiencing a multitude of offerings from a particular line. That being said, in the past I've bought some palettes before that had a few shades I rarely used or worse found the pigments in some far less quality than single shadows in a line.

This palette doesn't disappoint in terms of quality & is jam packed with product. Four of their best selling cream liners, 28 shadows, 2 highlighting powders & 6 blushes!

Too many shades to swatch! Some of my favorites:
Anchor(L), Amethyst(M) & Rose (R)

Ultramarine(L), Serpent (M) & Peacock(R)
I find this palette coming home with me almost every weekend so I can play with it. It's a great value at $59 & a great holiday gift. Though I realize it is over $50 in terms of pricepoint, you really get a complete make-up wardrobe.  This would be an awesome starter palette for a teen or granddaughter. However, if you've gotten your VIB coupon recently in the mail- I say scoop it up for yourself!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

The Luxe List: Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Palette

 

When Oprah's talk show was on the air, it was known among insiders that her lighting budget was the most expensive in the industry. Every make-up artist knows the importance of bringing light to the face. When done properly- everything looks better! Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder has become a cult favorite since they launched last year.

 For holiday & all the good little girls this year, they introduced the swoon worthy Ambient Lighting Palette ($58) with their 2 best selling shades + a limited edition shade. You know you want to see the inside....

Tadaaa! The palette features 3 shades: (L) Dim Light, (M) Limited Edition Incandescent Light & (R) Radiant Light. As an oily skinned girl, I ran from any type of face with sheen in my 20's. But the key is all in where it's applied. As we get older, where drooping occurs due to losing volume- shadow results.  Bringing light to the area brightens & gives the illusion of lift.  I consider these powders, glow powders. They're incredibly soft- enough to use all over the face, which is why I don't want people to shy away from them that are afraid of traditional highlighters.

As you can see - even when finger swatched, the colors are all very sheer. Colors from- (L) Radiant Light, (M) Incandescent Light & (R) Dim Light.

I always highlight on the cheekbone & down the bridge of the nose- here I used Incandescent for those areas. I then built the Radiant Shade into a blush for my cheeks.  This is a gorgeous palette that really could suit all ages- the light reflective pigments really help diffuse any imperfections like hyperpigmentation. Because isn't this the season to be merry & bright?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
* gifted for review

The Lipgloss Diaries: Don't Be Tardy Edition

I'm not going to lie, the Bravo channel is on probably 75% of the time the tv is on at my house. I can't help it- I'm addicted to all things Real Housewives. I've watched all of the spinoffs, with Don't Be Tardy being a current favorite. Being a professional make-up artist & esthetician, I'm often focusing as much on the face as the storyline!

The Kim we first met many seasons ago has definitely softened up her look.

 

 I think she's had some well placed fillers, Botox, possible Rhinoplasty(nose job) & toned down her make-up - well toned down for her!  Even she has admitted her wigs are better, too!

(Top image from http://christenexpecting.blogspot.com, but possibly a Getty Image)

When she was on What What Happens Live with my beloved Andy Cohen recently (practically a news source for me) a viewer asked about her gloss.  Her gloss is pretty fabulous, so I jotted down what she said it was & got it. She uses MAC Cream Cup Lipstick (top) & Sephora's #14 Lipgloss (bottom.)

It pulls a little lighter on her overall, but it's still a super soft & pretty look.  I love the texture of the Sephora gloss, as well. I'll be picking up additional colors, for sure.

Here's a close-up. I think Kim's been looking so good lately, because she's never been so happy. Happiness is a look that looks good on everyone!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Lorac: Sweet Temptations

 The countdown has begun! I can't believe Christmas is tomorrow- though my house certainly reflects that fact, wrapping paper everywhere! One last gift for you last minute shoppers- you know who you are;) I first spotted this Lorac collection right before Hurricane Sandy. I thought if I'm going to be stuck inside for 48 hours due to Maryland being in a state of emergency, I'm going to have ample amounts of chocolate- both for my actual mouth & eyes!

I think this is just about the cutest thing, all of the palettes look like chocolate bars! Another great kit that you can break up into smaller gifts for sisters, nieces & coworkers. Lorac launched a few versions of this collection: the 4 piece palette set that I got from Ulta ($36), a 6 piece palette collection from Sephora ($59) & a 5 piece set I spotted on HSN.  

 The palettes are broken down into color groups: navy, bronze, plum & brown.

It makes me smile every time I use the shadows which are very user friendly & the colors are classic enough that it's great for all age groups.

Indulge in White Chocolate (top) & Tease Me Truffles (bottom) palettes.

Satisfying Toffee Crunch (top) & Tantalizing Dark Chocolate (bottom) palettes.

Here I am sporting the Tantalizing Dark Chocolate with the darkest shade used as liner. See my Beauties, now it's perfectly acceptable having chocolate for breakfast! Merry. Merry.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Stocking Stuffers

Stockings are soooo my favorite part of present opening! But boy do those little presents add up price wise! Throughout the year I set aside little things from Gifts with Purchases & samples that aren't right for my skin or coloring for my sisters & mom.  That way they get a custom compilation that makes them feel special. I also make sure to utilize any Sephora & Ulta discounts that come my way;)

Worth scooping up: Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray mini ($19.) I'm obsessed with this product & it really works on all hair types- who doesn't want a little more volume in their lives? I also use it as a dry shampoo- not a trace of residue is left so my brunette self isn't left looking like Cruella DeVille!

I first saw this L'Oreal eyeshadow compilation in Italy & they were sold out. Devastated, I hopped online to find it to no avail. Luckily, they have now arrived in stores stateside! This is a perfect neutral palette for everyone on your list & under $10. The textures have enough dimension to appeal to younger crowds, while the classic shade selection will appeal to the older crowd.

I always implement a buying in bulk strategy as a cost saving measure when there are 3 stockings I need to do. Then I break up the set & wrap individually. These lip butter from La Licious smell divine, feel fabulous on & are perfect for this time of year when our puckers get particularly parched. One retails for $12.50- this set is a bargain at $25.

This kit alone could have your stocking needs taken care of in one fail swoop! 16 mini OPI best selling shades plus a free jewel top coat to boot. Regularly $49- it's now on sale for $33 at Sephora- I say run! Mally Beauty put out some amazing value collections this year worth mentioning, but since we're down to the wire in terms of shipping days- your best bets for value sets I feel are from Anastasia of Beverly Hills & Tarte. Get creative with your treats-my mom also puts lottery tickets in ours as a fun bonus. You gotta play to win!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Holiday Gifts: Giving Back

You know that on this blog I share all thing beautiful, shiny & sparkly. I'm that girl & I don't apologize for wanting to make the world a prettier place. But last night, I got some heartbreaking news. One of my best friend's brother passed away suddenly at 39. Losing anyone ever is horrible, but right around the holidays is a double bowl of suck. I'm a fixer, I always try to fix things- but I can't fix her heart right now & I feel powerless.
So today's post will be about gifts that give back- gift that will make you feel good about giving them. If you've never seen a FEED bag, you might not know about the amazing concept behind it. Founded by the truly inspiring Lauren Bush, FEED's bags directly feed third world countries in need. This collection from Clarins gives back! For around $40 (both Nordstrom & Sephora have versions) you get a make-up bag plus 3 Clarins essentials while providing 15 school lunches for a child in need. Think of how much we spend on a Starbucks cup of coffee.  I had the pleasure of sitting in on an interview with Ms. Bush & she truly is inspiring- I urge you to check out the FEED site. There are cute bags that with the purchase of one- you will be providing a child with school lunches for a YEAR. Enough said.

My cousin just had a little girl & I do believe it's never too early to shine! Tom's Shoes is such an amazing organization that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased.  Toms was the originator of this concept, before big corporations joined in as a PR move. We should all have a pair of Toms!

I love the Heifer Organization & feature it every year. You can donate livestock to families in need. It's concept of teaching a man to fish versus giving him a fish is right on.  I put a fun spin on it like "you're a cool CHIC" when donating a bunch of baby chicks. If a friend of family member loves a particular farm animal or has always had allergies, you can give an animal in their honor. But you don't need to even look online for giving back, we can look in our own backyards. The Wounded Warrior Project is amazing, my sister adopted 2 families that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy & I will be focusing on Charm City Animal Rescue in honor of losing my beloved Butterscotch this year. Lend a hand, hug someone you love today. Life is too short.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Yves Saint Laurent

Nothing says glamour like a little Yves Saint Laurent in your life. I picked up their Rouge Pur Couture during Sephora's VIB Beauty Event. I had wanted to try it for a while as it's in almost every  magazine beauty editor's purse.

I scooped up 19 Beige Aquarelle in my ongoing search to find the perfect nude stain. The glossy lip stain smells as how living life as a royal might. Like fresh roses & pure luxury- it's delicious. Swatched on the hand it looks like my dream color.

However, when on my actual lips, it's very sheer.  I'm afraid to say this shade washed me out in an almost lifeguard wearing old school zinc oxide sort of way. The formula is lovely though, I will definitely be picking up another shade. This is just a product that you should probably select in person versus online.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Sephora VIB Sale: My Must Haves

 

 Today is the last day of the Sephora VIB Sale, Beauties. You know I'm powerless to resist my favorite beauty brands being on sale! What's in my shopping basket? Sephora's Glitz & Glam Party Collection, because I believe a little sparkle makes everyone a little happier. This kit includes Stila's beloved Kitten Eyeshadow, Nars much adored Body Glow & Lorac's Liquid Lustre in a new gold version (you can see my review of the original here) I know there will be some winners.  In fact, most of Sephora's holiday samplers have been winners this season.

 I don't even know who this will be gifted to for the holidays, but Sephora's Blinged Palette offers a great neutral shadow wardrobe at an unbeatable price of $15. It will be $12 with my coupon, so it will also make a great stocking stuffer!

 

 I use Illamasqua's Cake Liner in Mislead almost every day of my life. I have one on my vanity, one in my professional kit & a spare in my travel bag. To say I adore it would be an understatement. The fact that it says limited edition strikes fear in my heart, so I tend to stock up whenever I can.

 

  YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain has achieved cult status amongst beauty editors around the globe. I'm still trying to find an amazing stain in a nude undertone. It's like trying to find the Holy Grail as most are vibrant berry hues. I'm hoping Beige Aquarelle won't let me down.

Last but definitely not least, this YSL holiday collection is the perfect gift for a discerning gal on my list. Besides being a great value at $65, the colors & products are fool proof. The Touche Eclat retails for $40 alone & the black bag is quite chic! So what's on your must have make-up list?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Make-Up Must Have Monday: Make Up For Ever Black Tango

I first spotted Make Up For Ever's Black Tango Palette when I was in Italy a few weeks ago. They were sold out of it & I panicked that it wouldn't be available in the U.S.  Luckily it is. The palette includes 4 Aqua Cream shadows- which is are so creamy & delicious they easily apply as liners. Here I sport the emerald hue on my top lash line & the navy on my bottom lash line.

I was a bit apprehensive of the reddish hue- since I feel pinks & reds near the eye can make them appear bloodshot.  But the shade is a deep black plum that's very wearable.  I covered my entire lid with it while playing with Halloween looks. Make-Up For Ever is such a great brand in that they offer truly theatrical grade coverage & colors without the heavy feel. This shade reminds me a bit of my beloved go to nail color- OPI's Midnight In Moscow.  I used the white shade in the palette as a highlighter.

All of the shades sparkle like jewels on the skin.  Since the deeper shades are all blended with black- it's a great palette to step out of your comfort zone a bit from basic blacks & browns.

The compact itself is a work of art, like a Japanese paint box.  It states on the compact to close each pot tightly, which I make sure to do since I noticed the tester on display at Sephora had dried out a little.  The textures & intensity make this palette a must have. It's also a great value at $45, when individual Aqua Creams (though larger) retail for $23 each.  I say put it on your holiday wish list!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Must Have Make-Up Monday:Tarte Holiday

The holiday make-up collections release such a lovely giddiness in me, it almost squelches the panic that then follows due to the fact that the holidays are indeed under 8 weeks away. Cue the Cathy comics, 'Ahhhh!!!" After a particularly crazy work week last week, coming home to some Tarte treats had a more stress relieving effect than a large glass of vino! 

I've been using Tarte's LipSurgence Stick in Exposed almost every morning this past year. It is the perfect lazy woman's beauty tool for those of us time crunched in the a.m. It's a gorgeous matte nude that's a great building block for any lip look.  A lip pencil, lip stick, lip stain & hydrator is shoved into one jumbo pencil!

  So imagine my delight at Tarte's holiday collection Statement Lips ($34) boasting 5 shades! There are 2 lip tints, 2 lip lusters & my beloved Exposed matte lip tint included. One for every mood & day of the work week to help us cope! 

Tarte's other fabulous lip kit- Girl Meets Gloss ($34.50 exclusively at QVC) has 5 delicious coordinating Maracuja Divine Shine Lipglosses. 

 To die for packaging aside, the easy push button applicator dispenses that nourishing maracuja goodness in such pretty shades.

  My trick for easy & affordable gift giving for all those great gals in your life? Buy both kits & break them up. Pair the coordinating gloss & LipSurgence together with cute ribbon + a candy cane. Voila! You have 5 fabulous gifts (ones that your girlfriends actually want) coming in at under $15 a piece- that is, if you can part with any!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Ultraflesh Black Magic

I feel naked without my black cat eye liner. It's like the feeling you get when you've left your cell phone at home. I just don't feel like myself, when I'm not sporting my signature look. I love all liners, but tend to favor cake liner versus pencils. I've read about Ultraflesh & have wanted to try it for a while. Spotting that this Black Magic Palette was on sale at Sephora was all the incentive I needed. The compact is large, imagine the size of a wii remote- so it's not ideal for travel. It is filled with every possible black liner a girl could dream for! Matte cakeliner, shimmer cakeliner, cream liner, a shimmer pencil liner & classic black pencil liner round out the mix. The formulas are a nice quality. The one thing I would mention is that the layout of the compact is a little awkward to operate. Though it's cool how it fans out, I end up often digging my nails into the cake liners. Not a great thing when you're dealing with black pigment. All in all- you get a lot of product for it's sale price of $20!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M