Make-Up Obsession of the Week: Face Highlighter

I didn't think I was going to write a blog for today, since I wrote one on Sunday, BUT I need to share my obsession of the week...face highlighters.  I don't know why all of a sudden I have this desire to own all brands and shades of highlighters, but something is just drawing me to them.

First of all...yes...they are pretty and shimmery.  Probably why I am attracted to them so much.  I know it sounds crazy (well...I sure sound crazy) but its appearance just grabs my attention.  Besides its look inside the packaging, highlighter is a great way to brighten up your appearance and give you a natural glow.  I never bothered using highlighter until recently, but it gives your make up that extra somethin' somethin' that you will love.

My new favorite highlighter is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle.  The best way to describe this is exactly the way it sounds.  Its very soft and gives a very natural glow.  Its an extremely shimmery bronze/golden color with a hint of soft pink and peachy undertones.  I use this highlighter almost everyday and just love it.  I really really REALLY want to try MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, but it has been discontinued.  The only good photo I have found of this product is from The Dollymix Diaries Blog (SEE BELOW).  Dollymix posted a Swatch of the Day review about a week ago and stated that these two products are so similar and that you don't need both.  That honestly makes me feel a little better =P

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne (from The Dollymix Diaries)

My favorite drug store highlighter is Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Malibu Strip / Pink Sand Bronzer.  This is great if you are going for a more golden/bronze look, as it doesn't contain as much pink as MAC's Soft & Gentle.  The design of the actual powder is lovely...identical to Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks.

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Malibu Strip / Pink Sand Bronzer

Another favorite highlighter of mine is E.L.F. Blush in Gotta Glow.  There is nothing special about its packaging or powder design, but this translucent, shimmery powder gives the right amount of shimmer, especially if you don't want a ton of color on your face, as you may think anything other highlighter with color would interfere with your already applied blush or bronzer.  For $3.00, this is great to have in your collection if you don't want to spend a ton of money!

E.L.F. Blush in Gotta Glow (clearly, you can see I have used this a lot)

From the Left: 

- MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle

- Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Malibu Strip / Pink Sand Bronzer

- E.L.F. Blush in Gotta Glow

I would love to try a liquid highlighter.  I heard that there are a few really great ones out there and for the life of me I can't remember what brand I wanted to buy.  I'm thinking NARS, but I'm not positive.  The highlighter that I am dying to try that just looks beautiful before it even hits your face, is Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder.  While quite expensive, I am tempted to splurge, but I'm not sure yet...we'll see!  It just looks like it would give anyone a healthy looking glow and just keep you looking fresh all day.  

Well I think thats all I have to say about highlighters. I can go on and on about brushes and techniques to use to apply it, but I think I'll wait for another day.  I just needed to get my new obsession of my chest and announce to the world that I am obsessed, yet again, with a new product!

The Hunger Games - China Glaze Nail Polish Full Collection - Product Review

On Saturday, I was so happy when I got my mail because MY CHINA GLAZE HUNGER GAMES FULL COLLECTION had arrived. I stopped everything I was doing so I can swatch the colors and share my thoughts with you all!  So here we go!!!

I used a nail wheel to swatch these colors because I (obviously) only have 10 fingers to swatch them on, and with 12 colors, clearly I would have run into a problem.  It was good that I used this technique because with a few of the colors I was able to demonstrate different ways the polish can be worn with other colors from the collection.  I started off the swatch with NailTek Foundation II Basecoat and topped the colors off with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (yes...I went all out on these swatches).  So here you go!!!

Luxe & Lush (District 1 – Luxury)

This polish is more of a top coat than an actual color. It is a clear coat that contains shimmery/metallic flakes that reflect pink, purple and a bit of blue.  As you can see, I did two swatches - one with the polish as is, and one over the color Dress Me Up (also from THG Collection).  I can see people using this one on top of black as a New Years theme!

Stone Cold (District 2 – Masonry) 

This charcoal colored polish has a matte finish.  I am not a huge fan of matte finish nail polish,but it totally makes sense for China Glaze to make this polish matte in order to give it a stone, concrete look.  Sooooo,  so I decided to top it off with a clear top coat instead and I like it a lot better.  It now looks a lot richer, but still has that stone effect.

Riveting (District 3 – Technology) 

This color is pretty cool.  Its a bright shimmery orange color.  I probably wouldn't have bought this one if it wasn't part of the collection, but it is definitely fun to use in the summer, especially one your toes!

Hook and Line (District 4 – Fishing)

I find this color to be very unique.  Its a metallic gray/pewter color, and although very different...I really like it.  The only problem is, that you have to be very careful with this one.  The way it goes on creates unwanted streaks if you are not careful.

Electrify (District 5 – Power)

Its name sure matches its appearance.  This is another clear top coat LOADED with gold and red glitter. Its another color that I probably wouldn't buy on a normal day, but its a lot of fun and great for the holidays!!

Fast Track (District 6 – Transportation)

This color is so beautiful!  Its a very light beige, shimmery nude, champagne color that reflects a bit of gold in its shimmer. I lovely color to go with everything!!!

Mahogany Magic (District 7 – Lumber)

This is a very creamy warm brown color.  Definitely works with Lumber!  Not sure if I love the color, but I haven't tried it on my actual nail yet, though its swatch turned out pretty well.

Dress Me Up (District 8 – Textiles)

For years I hated the color, but lately I have been on a total pink streak!  This color is gorgeous.  Its a very subtle, creamy rose shade.  Its more on the warm side of pink to me, and another color that would love great anytime...especially the Spring!

Harvest Moon (District 9 – Grain)

I honestly didn't think I was going to like this color, but I really do.  Its a shimmery copper color.  Great for "harvest" as its great for the Fall and for the Thanksgiving season! (clearly you can tell I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!)

Foie Gras (District 10 – Livestock) 

I put this one on my toes the moment I saw it because I was so eager to try it!  Its a very deep lavender/mauve color with another creamy texture.  This one gives me that Autumn feel as well!

Agro (District 11 – Agriculture)

I have been looking for a metallic olive green color for awhile now and I think I have found it!!!  Its color is absolutely beautiful and has just enough shimmer that doesn't make it look too busy!

Smoke & Ashes (District 12 – Mining)

Okay...so I am not just saying this because District 12 is the biggest District in THG, but this one wins the title as my favorite of the collection.  I am into dark, black or gray nail polish to begin with, so I instantly used this one on my fingernails!  It looks AWESOME!!!  Its got a bit of shimmer in it, which I love and I cannot tell if it reflects a deep/emerald blue or a deep forest green???  Gotta just love the mystery about this color!

I just LOVE all of these colors....yes...probably because they are apart of The Hunger Games Collection.  I was honest above when I said I probably wouldn't purchase some of these polishes, but I am just so happy to have them!  I would strongly recommend picking up Dress Me Up, Argo and Smoke and Ashes, as those are my Top 3 picks!  But, go out, get them and have some fun with them!  I know I will :-)

One Month To Go Until The Hunger Games Begin!

Yes, I know, this isn't really a blog specifically about beauty, but I must express my excitement somehow.  In exactly one month from today, The Hunger Games will be released into theaters.  This trilogy has my favorite books of all time!  I could only hope that the movies are just as good as the books.  The story line and creativity just blows my mind and I was immediately hooked after the first few pages. To make it even better, the website The Capital - The Official Government of Panem was created to enhance the reader's imagination.  On this site, you are able to register as a citizen and get stats and news about each district.  Oh...and in case you were wondering, I am a citizen of District 8!!!

Yup...I even have a District 8 Identification Pass

Now here comes the make-up lover from within me.  The make-up and costume design for these stories are incredible.  From what the film trailers for The Hunger Games have shown, the movie seems to capture the vision that Suzanne Collins wished for all to envision.  The most talked about fashionistas in THG are Katniss and, of course, Effie Trinket.  I for one CANNOT wait to see the costumes that Cinna has designed for Katniss, especially that fire dress!  And from what I have seen from pictures and coming attractions, designers and artists had a lot of fun with Effie!  Personally, I just LOVE Cinna...well Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. My new favorite THG website is Capital Couture, a blog dedicated to the fashion of The Hunger Games.  And I must say...their latest blog about Cinna's fashion makes him look so handsome and dapper...I think I have a crush (shhh...don't tell my hubby!!!)  Furthermore, Cinna seems to be the only man that can truly ROCK gold liquid eyeliner!  Check out the site and you'll see what I mean! I am so excited to see the make-up and fashion trends that come out of this movie!

Another thing I am super excited about is on March 1st, The Hunger Games Nail Polish Collection from China Glaze will be released.  Before writing this blog, I just happen to stumble upon an online distributor that was selling the collection.  Me, being the crazy lady that I am, decided to buy the collection. 

BEWARE: PRODUCT REVIEW BLOG ABOUT THG POLISHES 

COMING SOON!!!!!!!

The collection has twelve polishes, one for each district.  Their names are:

• Luxe and Lush 
• District 1 - Luxury
• Stone Cold 
• District 2 - Masonry
• Riveting 
• District 3 - Technology
• Hook and Line 
• District 4 - Fishing
• Electrify 
• District 5 - Power
• Fast Track 
• District 6 - Transportation
• Mahogany Magic 
• District 7 - Lumber
• Dress Me Up 
• District 8 - Textiles
• Harvest Moon 
• District 9 - Grain
• Foie Gras 
• District 10 - Livestock
• Agro 
• District 11 - Agriculture
• Smoke & Ashes
• District 12 - Mining

And there you have it.  The Official Nail Polishes of The Hunger Games!!!

Okay, loves...so here is you're homework:

1. Check out Capital Couture and The Official Capital Website
2. Go try out China Glaze's THG Nail Polishes
3. READ THE HUNGER GAMES!!!!!!!!!

I promise...YOU WILL GET HOOKED!!!!

My Hunger Games Collection 

(I have the original 1st book too, but lent it to a friend)

And...there is my sleeping puppy in the background LOL

My Special Edition Version of The Hunger Games

(A Christmas Gift from my Hubby who embraces my obsessions)

The lovely Effie Trinket with her unique costume design and fun make-up

The Official Hunger Games Movie Trailer

LIPS, LIPS...HOORAY: The Importance of Lip Care

I don't believe that people truly understand the importance of lip care.  I will admit that even I have been careless about my lips up until recently.  I have always kept a lipstick or gloss on them, but never a moisturizer, or even better, I never exfoliated them.  Because the skin of the lips are very thin and do not contain oil glands, which produces natural oils in the skin, your lips become dehydrated and chapped rather quickly without the proper care.

My new obsession is exfoliating my lips!  The best part about this is that you don't have to spend a ridiculous amount of money!  Sure you can go out and buy a lip exfoliant.  I hear there are some great ones out there like BeautiControl Lip Apeel, Softlips PURE Organic Coconut and Sugar Exfoliating Lip Polish or The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ.  Some lip exfoliants can range up to $30 or more.  Why spend all that money when you can make your own at home???  My favorite DIY lip exfoliant...a Sugar Scrub.  You can find some recipes online for more DIY exfoliants such as a baking soda or coffee scrub, but the sugar one is my favorite (and it tastes pretty good too!). Below is how to make it at home:

All you need is:

• 1 tsp of Sugar (white or brown) - this acts as the abrasive
• 1 tsp of Honey - which contains antibacterial properties
• 1 tsp of Olive Oil - this provides moisture and protection

1) Combine the sugar honey and olive oil

2) Mix until it creates a thick paste

3) Over a sink, apply the lip scrub with your fingers, a q-tip or toothbrush

     (I like to use my fingers.  If you do the same MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE CLEAN!)

4) Once complete, gently wipe with a washcloth

5) Seal in the moisture with a lip moisturizer

AND YOU'RE DONE!!!  SOOOO EASY!!!

DO NOT do this everyday!  You can use a lip scrub once a week.  Doing this too much can make your lips crack and they can become very sensitive.  Store homemade lip scrubs in the refrigerator for one week (at home lip scrubs have a much shorter shelf life). 

In between your scrubs, be sure to use a lip moisturizer everyday! There are many products that you can use, both high end and low end.  Of course, you can go with the classic vaseline, which always works. You can also go with any lip product from Burt's Bees or E.O.S.  I have always loved C.O. Bigelow Rosebud Salve. I've always had trouble finding these in stores, but once in awhile I've come across them.  I think I found it at Bath and Body Works last time. This product smells okay (it's an aquired scent) and the best part is, it has multiple uses.  I mentioned in my Professional Manicure BLOG that you can use it on your cuticles.  You can also use it on your dry skin and it works wonders!!!  A high end lip moisturizer that I have fallen in love with is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment.  I happened to get two free samples when I ordered something from Sephora and it's FANTASTIC!!!  It's light weight, smells amazing and goes on soooo smooth!  Not only can you buy it in clear, but you can also choose from four tinted shades.  It's all natrual and has an SPF of 15.  The downside....the price.  I am not sure its worth $22.50, but when I run out of my samples, I may have to cave in and buy it! 

My lips, like most, get extremely chapped, especially in the winter.  Really taking care of them has made a huge difference.  Just as its important to take care of your skin, its always important to take care of your lips.

**I will be doing a blog before Summer begins about how to protect your skin from the sun!!! KEEP A LOOK OUT :-)

Tarte - "Truly Saved the Day!!!"

For months before my wedding, my mother was panicking about what make-up she would wear for my big day.  While once being able to wear any and all eyeshadows, overtime she developed a significant amount of sensitivity anytime she put shadows or liners near her eye.  While attempting other hypo-allergenic and more natural cosmetics, only one topped them all!  Tarte!!!

Tarte began in a small apartment in 1999 by a woman fed up about not being able to find organic cosmetics. Now, Tarte has one of the largest selection of natural cosmetics, containing vitamins, minerals and natural fruits. Besides having one of the most GORGEOUS color selections I have ever seen, Tarte has the most beautiful packaging design, constructed with all recycled material.  

While never having purchased a Tarte product, I wanted to try it based on my mother's recommendation.  I bought the Femme Naturale Palette and I couldn't be happier with it.  I checked out some of the other palettes (which were stunning of course) but I decided to buy this one due to the fact that it has darker colors, which is more my taste.  

I decided I wanted to play around, so I tried it out on my mother and gave her a very natural look and dramatic look, just to show how versatile the palette really is. The colors are very pigmented, went on extremely smooth and with very limited fall out.  Needless to say, my mother looked AMAZING!!!

  

Doing her make up the other night was so much fun, and I cannot wait to buy more products to try out on her.  In the meantime, her and I went to Ulta last Sunday, and she went on a little Tarte Shopping Spree.  She ended up buying the same palette that I have as well as the Cheek Stain (which she just LOVES and claims is her new favorite), the ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation and the Amazonian Clay Pressed Mineral Powder.  "My new foundation and powder gives me full coverage!  It covers my sun spots, freckles yet the products are comfortable and not heavy."

My mother's FAVORITE, MOST WONDERFUL, INCREDIBLE item of all....the Tarte Eyelash Curler! "I will never use another curler again.  Best I've ever had and worth every penny!"

I cannot wait to buy more Tarte products (especially since one of my favorite make-up gurus, Marlena with Make-Up Geek, uses this line in a lot of her videos).  There are a few products that I really would love to have, but I believe are discontinued because I CANNOT for the life of me find them anywhere!  One of them is the Tarte Treasure Chest Palette.  I saw this used in one of Make-Up Geek's tutorials and I have been searching for it ever since.  **IF SOMEONE KNOWS WHERE I CAN FIND IT ONLINE...PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!** I see that it is part of the 2009 Holiday Collection, so I am sure its almost impossible to get my hands on.  Another product that I really want to try and just found on Amazon (God I love that website) is the Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Tipsy.

I am so thrilled that there is a cosmetic line that is natural and won't make my mother have a reaction.  My mother says, "Tarte truly saved the day and made all the difference in the world.  It put my mind at ease for my daughters wedding."

SHOP MAC...Why Yes I Did!!!

Well...I didn't shop nearly as much as I could have!!!

So Satruday I went to the launch event at Mac Cosmetics in West Nyack, New York for the NEW SHOP MAC Collection.  I will admit, I had complete anxiety beforehand because the weatherman insisted on a snow storm and I was almost certain that I had to cancel (clearly, I need to worry about more important things :P ) ANYWAYS, the storm shifted, we got very little snow and I was still able to keep my plans ::phew::  I was super excited about this launch...more excited than I was for the Benefit Cosmetics event because I LOVE MAC!!!  I honestly don't have as many MAC products as I would like, but when I finally do get around to buying myself some stuff, I am thrilled!!!

My sister, and product launch side-kick, and I took another trip so I could try out this new collection, and it was totally worth the excitement!  First of all, the woman who did my make-up was fantastic!! She was funny, sweet and really knew how to  apply make-up (unlike the disaster in NYC! I know...I'm being mean).  I immediately told her to have fun with me, and she did, making my eyes an extraordinary purple...and of course...I bought the palette she used (what else is new????)

How about SHOP MAC??? Well...the best way I could explain it is a BRIGHT, VIBRANT and FUN collection, in which MAC uses these "Stepford Wives" models to brand their new line.  This new collection offers three x4 shadow palettes; Call Me Bubbles which have beautiful warm colors (great for Fall actually); Colour Added, which consist of beautiful cool colors (one color is a very subtle turquoise that is to die for!); and finally, there is Shop & Drop, the palette with four STUNNING purples (see below).

My sister took some photos of my eyes after I was finished trying it out, but unfortunately, my camera is on a weird setting where the colors get washed out (I can't figure out how to use my camera for some reason).  I will experiment with these colors and show you how gorgeous they really are!

Also in the collection are six SHOP MAC Lipsticks (all pink toned shades).  Their names are: Innocence Beware!, Watch Me Simmer, Naughty Saute, Quick Sizzle (my favorite), Dish It Up and Runway Red.  In addition, five SHOP MAC Kissable Lip Colours named: Enchantee, Woo Me, So Vain, Scan-delicious (favorite) and Flaunting It. LAST, but certainly, NOT LEAST, three SHOP MAC Creamblend Blushes in: Optimistic Orange, Florida (fave) and Restores Dazzle!  All of these colors were great, but I didn't end up buying anything else from the collection. Not because I didn't like them (trust me, I would have bought them all!!!) but because I already have colors similar to them.  

Needless to say, I was most impressed by their colorful and lively eye shadows.  The packaging on this product is amazing.  I am kicking myself for throwing the box away because the design was so cool and fun. I was able to grab a screenshot from the MAC website so you can see what I mean (see right).  

Soooo...yeah...I only bought the one palette from this line...but seriously...did you think I left with ONLY that??? Nay Nay...I ended up buying Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Undercurrent, an incredible teal shade, Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle (which I just ADORE) and I finally got myself the Fix+ Finishing Spray which makes my make-up look so soft, fresh and smooth!

Another fun-filled day of make-up and I am looking forward to future product launches!  It's so much fun to go out and explore different kinds of cosmetics!!!  Give SHOP MAC a try...you won't regret it!  Remember...Spring is coming...time to break out all of those bright colors :)

"I'll take one of each please!"

I know...NOT Shop Mac, but I thought this 

collection was cool too.  I especially

LOVED LOVE LOVED LOVED LOVED

those nail colors!!!

I Heart NYX Eyeshadows!!!

I just LOVE doing my eye make-up!  Every morning I try and wake up and do something new and fun.  My latest obsession...NYX Single Eyeshadows!  These shadows come in 160 gorgeous shimmer, metallic, glossy, glitter and matte shades.  I am almost overwhelmed with all of the AMAZING colors that they have and the best part...ONLY $5.00!!!  I do not believe they are sold in Drug Stores (not where I am in Jersey anyway) but they can be purchased at almost any beauty supply store such as Ulta or Harmon Face Values.  

These shades are extremely pigmented!  Most drug store or low end eye shadows have to be packed on to get the color you are really looking for, but NYX shadows don't require much effort at all.  These shadows go on so smoothly and last all day long!  Some say that these eye shadows are comparable to MAC, but I can't really vouch for that because I don't have many MAC shadows in my kit.  I can say, that for anyone who does not want to pay high end department store prices, these are great!  NYX's Black single shadow has to be one of my favorite shadows. It gives a silky matte finish and I can say that this one is a great alternative to MAC's Carbon.

I have about 14 NYX Shadows, most in the blue, green and red family.  I have yet to try their brown's and purple shades, but that's only because I have other brand eye shadows in those colors and don't want to duplicate right now.  Below is my collection of NYX Single Shadows.  

Below I have swatched these colors on my arm so you can see their pigmentation.

(Right Photo from the TOP: Black, Deep Charcoal, Deep Space, White, High Light)

(Left Photo from the TOP: Odyssey, Frosted Ocean, Morocco, Exotic Green, Hunter Green, Lime Juice, Lagoon Sparkle, Highlight, Sensual, Rust)

As I mentioned I especially LOVE the Black Shadow.  One of my other favorites in my collection is Lime Juice.  I don't use it often, but its such a fun bright color. The only colors in my collection that could be better is the Deep Space, which goes on a bit rough and Lagoon Sparkle.  I just wish it was a bit more pigmented.  Below is a look that I did with ONLY NYX Shadows.

I used White on the inner corner, Lagoon Sparkle on the lid, Morocco on the crease and Lim Juice on the bottom lid.  I think the look is so much fun, but again, the only color I wish was more vibrant was the Lagoon Sparkle.  If I were to do this look again, I would probably use Ben Nye Turquoise.  Other than that, I think the look is great!

My next obsession, NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils.  These pencils act as both an eye liner and shadow. Available in 28 shades, these pencils glide on smoothly and like the single shadows, are long lasting.  I only have four of them, but think they are incredible!!! (see swatches to the right - From the TOP: Milk, Black Bean, Slate and Purple)  A MUST for your make-up collection...NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk.  It acts as a great base for your eyeshadows!  Soon enough, I will have 14 of those too =D

Celebrating Hervana by Benefit in NYC

This past weekend, my sister and I took a trip to New York City and went to Sephora in Times Square for the Heaven by Benefit Event which celebrated the launch of Benefit Cosmetic's NEW blush, Hervana. I had a noon appointment to get my make-up professionally done for FREE and to boot...I got a FREE umbrella!  I wasn't overly impressed with my make over.  Because of my skin tone, eyes and hair color, make-up artists always insist on doing a very natural eye and pink lips, which is not what I am really into.  Even if I were, I wasn't too pleased with the make-up application.  HOWEVER, I bought some great products (could have bought TONS more lol) and had a great day in the city with my sister.

I did end up buying Benefit's new blush.  I was planning on buying it anyway because I figured if I go to a make-up launch, I should buy the actual product, but I am so happy with it because I absolutely LOVE IT!!! 

Hervana by Benefit debuted in January of this year and is a boxed powder with a beautiful pinwheel design for $28.00 .  There are four individual shades mixed in and when you blend them all together it creates a gorgeous natural look.  The colors in this blush are Lucky Shell (the beige, shimmer color), Heavenly Rose (the peach shade), Devine Peach, (the the warmer peach with the gold shimmer) and Berry Delight (the darker pink, plum shade).  The texture of this blush is extremely soft and goes on beautifully.  I'll be honest when I say that I am not a fan of blush.  I am not really into pink cheeks, and I just happen to like bronzer more, but peachy colors and this blush are my exceptions.  I am not sure if you can see the colors in the photo below since I took the pictures with my iPhone, but hopefully you get the idea of how natural it looks. This blush has a lovely satin finish and goes with every look!  

The packaging design is gorgeous and its appeal truly stimulates curiosity.  It comes with a small angled contouring brush that fits right into the compact.  While very convenient, I probably won't use this brush and will aim for an actual powder/blush brush or a tapered highlighting brush.  

This is my first benefit product and I couldn't be happier with the purchase.  I used it today and I just love it!  It is more on the expensive side.  I usually don't spend $30 on a blush, but again, I really wanted to buy it, as a souvenir of course :-)

And below...are some more pictures from my day at Sephora in Times Square!

(Pictures taken by Photographer, Kristina Traficante)

(I Love my BEAUTIFUL Sister)