Nail of the week - Zoya 2012 Fall NYFW Diva Collection - Dual

Hello Everyone,

Zoya had a BOGO (Buy one get one free) offer last month and I took full advantage of it. I bought four and received four free. That's my kind of deal.

This week's look is Zoya Dual. According to the website, the color is described as: A medium red-toned purple base with heavy purple and gold iridescent metallic sparkle. The shiny gold sparkle makes this shimmering purple polish extra bright and lively. The color intensity is 5 (1=sheer - 5=Opaque).

I think it's beautiful and I love the gold sparkle although the gold doesn't really show in this picture. Zoya nail polish goes on so smoothly and lasts a long time. This is three coats of Dual and one coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat (love that stuff).

Zoya nail polish is available at www.zoya.com and at your local Ulta stores.

Did any of you take advantage of the Zoya BOGO offer? What colors did you get?

Hope you all are having a beautiful day!

Take care,

Kat

the Balm NUDE'tude Eye Shadow Palette

Hello Everyone,

I know this isn’t a new palette but it is new to me.  I never purchased the Urban Decay nude eye shadow pallets because I thought they were very expensive and looked a little too shimmery for me.  I like a little shimmer but not a lot.  I’ve wanted to purchase the Balm Nute’tude pallet for quite a while because I thought it was similar to the Urban Decay Naked pallets without as much shimmer... and was more affordable.  When I saw it on Hautelook for half the price of retail, I went for it! 

I am so impressed with this palette and am really enjoying it. It has great shades from soft to dark which can be used to create many looks. They are very pigmented shadows with a soft texture that apply and blend beautifully. 

Top row from left to right:

Sassy is a frosty white; Stubborn is peachy-pink; Selfish is a beautiful, shimmery taupe; Sophisticated is a shimmery bronze-brown; Sexy is a matte burgundy; Serious is a matte black.

Bottom row from left to right:

Snobby is a shimmery yellow. I love this color.  I dab a light layer of this on my eyelid and inner corner; Stand-offish is frosty pinkish color; Sultry is a matte medium tan-brown; Seductive is a gorgeous frosty brown – one of my favorites in the palette; Silly is a glittery red-brown and is my least favorite shadow in the palette; Sleek is a highly pigmented matte dark brown.

I like Stubborn and Stand-offish but they are almost the identical color so I find it odd that both are included in the palette.

My favorite look is Snobby on the lid and inner corner, Stand-offish or Stubborn in the crease and Seductive on the outer V.

Included with the palette is a double ended brush that’s not very good quality and I probably won’t ever use it.

I highly recommend this palette.  It’s retails for $36.00 but I bought it on Hautelook for $18.00.  If you want the palette and don’t want to pay full price, keep an eye on Hautelook (http://www.hautelook.com/) because they have a sale on The Balm products about every six months.

I hope you are having a beautiful day.

Take care,
Kat

Tarte Cosmetics - Call of the Wild Palette

When I saw this Tarte Call of the Wild eye shadow pallet on QVC, I didn’t hesitate to buy it.  I have the Tarte neutralEYES Eye Shadow Palette Volume II ( Tarte neutralEYES Eye Shadow Palette Volume II Review ) and I love it so I wanted a second Tarte palette for my collection.  All eye shadows are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate. 

This pallet is a collectors, limited edition eye shadow pallet, featuring 8 full size shadows. 

They are encased in a spotted animal print patent leather-like packaging and includes a nice sized mirror.  

Colors from left to right: Jungle,(medium brown w/gold shimmer) Meow (gold/copper shimmer), Call (peach matte), Instinct (off white shimmer – lots of shimmer), Wild (Deep red-brown shimmer), Lynx (cool greyish beige matte), Primal (grey shimmer), Roar (blue/grey shimmer).

I think these colors are beautiful and would look nice on any skin tone.  As with all Tarte eye shadows, they are soft and velvety smooth and have good staying power.  My only complaints would be that the three colors on the left, Meow, Jungle and especially Call, aren't very pigmented.  I had to pick up a lot of shadow on my finger to get the colors to show on my skin for this swatch.  My other complaint would be that this kit did not come with a double ended brush like Tarte’s other palettes.  I really like their brushes!!  Overall though, I like the palette and think it would be a great addition to any collection.  I purchased mine at QVC for $36.00.  It is also available at Ulta.

Do you have the Call of the Wild palette?  What are your thought about it?

I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Take care,
Kat

GLOSSYBOX US August 2012

Hi Everyone,

I received my August Glossybox on Saturday and wanted you to see what I received.  As always, I'm really excited to try all these products. 

1.  Biolage ExquisiteOil Replenishing Treatment

• This treatment is a versatile serum infused with a Moringa Oil Blend.  This ultimate potion gives instant shine and weightless replenishment to all hair types. 

2.  Ellis Faas Ellis Lips

• The lightweight and long-lasting lip products come in three fabulous textures; creamy lips for a matte finish, milky lips for a gloss finish and glazed lips for a touch of color.  They are paraben-free, loaded with vitamin E and blend into the lips leaving them soft and conditioned.  I couldn't tell what color this is from the box...it's either LIOS or LIO5.

This color is very dark for me and I would have to sheer it out to wear it.  I swatched this on the inside of my arm and I did have to work and getting it off, so the long-lasting part might be true.  I'll see how long it lasts on my lips!!

3.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish

• Award-winning, extremely hardwearing and chip-resistant, there's an Illamasqua Nail Varnish for every shade of humanity.  Apply two coats for extra intensity.  This is in the color Taint.  I am really excited to try this.

4.  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

• This high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles, fights environmental aggressors and keeps your skin moisturized, nourished and protected.  Apply mornings and evenings.  There was also a coupon included.

5.  Touch in Sol Feel like Honey Moon Skin Base

• Apply this fantastic primer after your skincare routine and before your makeup.  It's honey texture firms and revitalizes the skin and allaows for a better makeup application.

So, there you have it.  The items from my August 2012 GLOSSYBOX.  I'm looking forward to trying all of them.

Have you tried any of these products?  What was your opinion of them?

I hope you're having a beautiful day!

Take care,
Kat

Nail of the week - Maybelline Fall 2012 Nail Collection Boho Gold

I was at my neighborhood Walgreens on Saturday and walked by the Maybelline Fall 2012 Fashion Week Nail Collection display.  The colors were beautiful and I purchased two of them:  Boho Gold and Metal Icon.  Both are limited edition and retail around $4.00 (at Walgreens).


Metal Icon



Boho Gold

Boho Gold is a gold/green duochrome but only the gold shows up on the nails.  From what I’ve read online it is a dupe for the Chanel Peridot nail polish.  I can’t verify that because I don’t own the Chanel Peridot. 

This nail polish goes on very, very sheer and while you could get away with two coats, I recommend three to get the best color.  I have on three coats and a top coat.

Three coats and a top coat

I think Boho Gold is a nice polish to add to your collection but you might want to buy it soon because it’s a limited edition.

Have you purchased any of the Maybelline Fall 2012 Nail Collection? 

Hope you are having a great day.

Take care,
Kat

Beauty Bar Sample Society August 2012

I'm so sorry that I am late in getting this post up.  I honestly do have a long list of reviews to put up on this site, but I just can't seem to find the time to do it. 

That being said, here is the August Beauty Bar Sample Society Box.

Phyto - Phytonectar Treatment Oil

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer - Private Dancer

Jane Iredale - Longest Lash Mascara

Elemental Herbology Skin Care - Facial Glow Radiance Peel

Arcona - Cranberry Toner

Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

The first thing that caught my eye was the Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer.  Love the color!  It's a mirrored chrome purple color that is absolutely gorgeous.  I immediately put it on my nails.  It wore well, just starting to chip after seven days.  I was thrilled about that.  Plus, I got numerous comments on how pretty the color was.  This is my first Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer.  As you know, I'm a loyal Zoya nail polish fan but I might have to splurge a bit and buy another polish by Deborah Lippman.  They are a bit expensive - $18.00 vs $8.00 with Zoya.  (Please excuse my dry hands and bad cuticles - I didn't have time to fix them before I painted my nails).

The second item I tried was the Elemental Herbology Skin Care Facial Glow Radiance Peel. This is a skin-correcting facial peel that protects, brightens, smooths and tones the skin.   I love face peels and masks so I was excited to try this.  This product has a fresh citrus scent and is smooth and creamy with a bit larger than usual granules in it.  I left the product on for four minutes as directed, and washed it off with a warm wet cloth.  It left my face incredibly soft, with a subtle glow.  I don't think I've used it enough to see a difference in my pores but I have my fingers crossed.  I really enjoyed this product and will be purchasing a full size.

I used the Phytonectar Treatment Oil yesterday when I washed my hair.  I was confused by the directions - it says 'apply before washing'.  I didn't know if I needed to applied it to wet hair or dry hair so I looked it up online.  You apply it to dry hair and leave on for 15 minutes.  Then wash and condition hair as usual.  The directions recommend using once a week.  I really like Phyto hair products and this treatment oil was nice.  I did notice a difference when combing out my wet hair.  I didn't have as many tangles and my hair is very soft and smooth.  I don't think it would purchase this product but I am enjoying the sample.

Next up is the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara in Icy Black.  I have not used this yet but am looking forward to.  I'm always looking for a great mascara.  I'll let you know what I think.

Lastly, the Arcona Cranberry Toner.  I have never heard of this brand or toner before so I am excited to try it.  The description says "this three-in-one cranberry milk toner cleanses, tones and hydrates, infusing skin with protective antioxidants to leave it glowing and refreshed. Removes dirt, oil and makeup".  It's got five stars on www.skinstore.com so I'm looking forward to trying it. 

So that is it my friends.  That is my August Beauty Bar Sample Society box.  I hope you enjoyed reading about the products and if you have any questions about any of them, please ask. 

I hope you all are having a beautiful day!!

Take care,
Kat

Beauty Bar Sample Society July 2012

Hello Everyone,

I received my Beauty Bar Sample Society July 2012 box on Thursday.  I really enjoy getting the Sample Society box as I almost always enjoy the products they send.  I am just as happy with this month’s box.

Borghese Tono Body Cream - Borghese is an Italian brand and I’ve used other products of this brand.  The Tono Body Cream ingredients include:  Fennel, Witch Hazel, Matricaria, Horse Chestnut and Ivy Extracts and Rosemary and Lavender Extracts.  The description on the website says “treat the senses to aromatherapy”.  I think this body cream smells like plastic.  I don’t even get the slightest hint of lavender.  I do like how smooth is makes my skin.  I’ve had it on all day and my skin is still soft and smooth.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl – I received a sample of this product in a Birchbox several months ago.  It was a very tiny sample and this is a much larger sample size.  I love, love, love Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.  It is SPF 20, oil free, hypoallergenic, fragrance free, water resistant is buildable for a more full coverage.  I have oily skin and this is the only moisture tint that does not make my face look like an oil slick.  I have a full size of this in the color Golden.  It does have some shimmer in it so I top it off with a light matte powder.  I wear it every weekend when I am running errands or just hanging around the house.  LOVE IT!!

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl

Sisley Hydra-Global Hydration Intense Anti-Age – I’ve never heard of this brand before.  I did a little research on it and it is from Paris.  The website says the following:

“Specially developed to provide an all-round solution to the problem of skin dehydration — whether occasional or chronic - Hydra-Global helps reactivate the hydration mechanisms deep-down in the skin, by encouraging the circulation of water as well as its retention.”

I’m looking forward to using it, but I will not be buying it even if I love it.  The full size product costs $250.00 for 1.4 fl. oz.  Sigh….

vbeauté Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Créme – This is another brand I’ve never heard of.  The website says:

“VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smoothes and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging.”

I’m looking forward to trying this.  I don’t think there is much of the product in my sample though, when I tried to squeeze some onto my finger, the little tube seemed mostly full of air.  That’s disappointing.

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil in Sangria and White Glimmer – This is a brand from Italy.  The Sangria color is a deep wine color and the White Glimmer is exactly that….white.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do with a white lip liner but the Sangria liner will be nice in the fall and winter.

Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil - Sangria / White Glimmer

Overall, I’m thrilled with this month’s box.  I love being introduced to brands I’ve never heard of or tried before and except for the Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream, the sample sizes are very nice.

Stay tuned for product review’s J.

Take care,
Kat