December Favorites

 I can't believe that it's time for my last monthly favorites post of 2012.

Where did this year go?!

But on to my favorite products for December...

The Balm Time Balm Foundation

By now, everyone must know what a sucker I am for products from the Balm.

Every time that they put out a new eyeshadow palette (there's a new one coming out soon too!  Check out the info from Musings of a Muse.), I'm always first in line to pick it up and when Haute Look runs a sale, I always try to pick up one of the other products from the line that I haven't tried yet.

That's why I decided to pick up the Time Balm Foundation in Light a month or so ago. 

Happy Holidays!

I apologize profusely for being totally MIA this past week.  I was swept away by holiday-related insanity, as I bet many of you been too. 

It's amazing how much there is to do at this time of year, isn't it?

Anyway, I won't be around much the beginning of this week either because I'll be spending Christmas with my family but I promise to be back on track by the weekend.  I've got some great stuff to share with you guys (and if I manage to be a good girl for the next 24 hours, I'm thinking Santa's going to have a few makeup-related goodies in his sack for me too) that I'm really excited about so I can't wait to get back to blogging regularly again.

In the mean time, I hope that all of you enjoy the rest of the holiday season with family and friends.  As always, thanks for taking the time to read the blog.  It means the world to me.

See you soon.

Laura Geller Beauty Off the Vine TSV

I am a sucker for cute packaging, and it doesn't get much cuter than the box for the upcoming Laura Geller Beauty Off the Vine TSV on QVC.

The kit features good-for-your-skin ingredients like grapeseed oil and resveratrol, which are - you guessed it - derived from grapes, so it only makes sense that it has a wine theme.

Hence the wine inspired box.

The kit will be featured on QVC on Friday, December 28th, starting at midnight.  It costs $54.96 (+ $6.72 s/h), and is available on auto-delivery, with future kits arriving in April and August 2013.

The LORAC Pro Palette

LORAC Pro Palette

This review has been a long time coming.

I've had the LORAC Pro Palette ($42) since about mid-October, have used it countless times, and intended to write this post at least a half dozen times.

But between being without power for a couple of weeks, wanting to get up reviews of limited edition products, and other holiday related nonsense, it's taken nearly two months to actually do this.

Craziness.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I have a confession.

For years, I hated matte eye shadows.

Real, legit hate.

Avoiding-them-like-the-plague, absolutely-no-use-for, full on hate.

They were splotchy, dry and impossible to blend.

Why would anyone want to wear them, I used to wonder.

Of course, in hind sight, I realize that my issues with matte shadows had everything to do with the quality of the shadows I was working with.

Because, seriously, when I found the right matte shadows, it was like my entire world view changed.

All that hate turned to total and utter love.

Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered The Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette Giveaway.  I loved reading everyone's comments about their favorite holiday looks - I may be inspired to try a few new ones this year.

I am happy to announce that the winner is Alison.  Alison, I emailed you at the address that you left in the comments so check your inbox for the details.

If you didn't win this giveaway, don't worry - I've got another planned for next month. (And a kind of special one planned for February when the blog turns a year old) so keep an eye out.

As always, thank you to everyone who takes the time to read the blog, leave comments and send emails. You guys do what I thought was impossible - make makeup even more fun. :)

Tarte 30% Off Friends and Family Sale

If you still have some holiday shopping left to do (or feel like treating yourself a little), here's some good news - Tarte is having a 30% off Friends and Family sale on their website.

The really good news is that all of their holiday 2012 gift sets like the Amazonian Clay Blush Set and LipSurgence Lip Tints Set, which are already amazing values, are eligible for the sale - which pretty much makes them ridiculous steals that everyone should snatch up.

The sale starts today and last until Thursday, December 13.  Use the code FFDEC at checkout to get the 30% off. You'll also get free shipping on orders of $40 and up.

Happy Shopping!

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in White Russian - The Must-Have Nude Lip Color That Everyone Needs

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in White Russian

This is a public service announcement that's been a long time coming.

I've had the Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in White Russian for about three months and I've been meaning to write about it since pretty much the first day but something always seems to get in the way. 

Finally, I've gotten around to it.

And all I can say is that everyone needs this lipgloss.

Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch

Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch

Not to brag or anything, but I have the greatest sister in the world.

When I was stressed out about not having power and missing two whole weeks of work after Hurricane Sandy, she wanted to cheer me up and because she knows me so well, she knows that there's a surefire to raise my spirits.

Surprise me with makeup.

Guaranteed to make me happy every time.

So when she surprised me to the Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch (and a Revlon nail polish that will likely make it into my December Favorites because I am seriously obsessed with it), which I'd been wanting for a while, it definitely did perk me up.

bareMinerals Light Show Face Palette

Just a friendly reminder that there's still time to enter my holiday giveaway for the Too Faced Sweet Indulgences Palette.  You can find all the info here. Thanks to everyone who's already entered! 

As I've mentioned a million times before, I'm a big fan of Bare Escentuals' Ready line of pressed products.

Well, except the Ready Foundation. That left me pretty underwhelmed.

But all the other Ready products that I've tried - eye shadows, blushes, eyeliners, highlighters - have been fabulous  - beautifully pigmented, creamy and smooth.

That's why I was really excited to try one of the bareMinerals Ready face palettes.  They came out with three for the holidays - one sold at Sephora, one sold at the BE website and boutiques and one sold at Macy's, Nordstrom's and other department stores that carry BE. I think QVC and Ulta may have similar palettes that are just a bit smaller.

I chose the Light Show Palette, available at BE website and in BE boutiques - mainly because of its gorgeous teal shadow.

November Favorites

November Favorites

Just a friendly reminder that there's still time to enter my holiday giveaway for the Too Faced Sweet Indulgences Palette.  You can find all the info here. Thanks to everyone who's already entered!

Last month, I missed out on doing a monthly favorites post because of Hurricane Sandy and losing power for almost two weeks.

That totally bummed me out.

So I'm back on track this month with my November favorites - however, this month has a slight disclaimer. Because I didn't have power for the first 10 days or so of the month, I wasn't wearing a lot of makeup.  The rest of the month, I've been playing with some of the new products that I'd gotten in mid-October but didn't really get a chance to try before the storm.

That's a long, roundabout way of saying my favorites list is pretty short this month.  

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette is Available

Urban Decay's new all-matte Naked Basics Palette is now available on their website.

It's $27 and contains 6 shades.  One of the shadows, Foxy, is featured in the UD Naked 2 Palette, but the others are new to the Naked palettes.

If you want it, I wouldn't wait too long - these palettes always fly off the shelves.

And yes - I bought one. 

I just couldn't resist.

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Giveaway! Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette (CLOSED)

Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette

I love this time of year.

There's tons of yummy food, lots of parties, pretty lights and presents.

What's not to love?

But really, my favorite part of the holidays is giving gifts.

I love picking out the perfect gifts for family and friends and seeing their reaction when they open them.

It's an even better feeling that being set loose in Sephora with a wad of cash in my pocket.

So I'm really exited to do a giveaway in time for the holidays - and I hope you guys like what I picked out.

The Too Faced Sweet Indulgences Palette.

Tarte Treat Yourself to Gorgeous TSV on QVC

Tarte Treat Yourself to Gorgeous TSV

I've been meaning to get this review up for weeks but between trying to get caught up on work after all the time I lost after the hurricane and Thanksgiving last week, I just didn't get around to it.

Well, better late than never because you can purchase the Tarte Treat Yourself to Gorgeous TSV from QVC starting at midnight tonight (or tomorrow, technically). 


The kit contains three separate boxes - one that contains four full-size Cashmere Waterproof Gliding Liners; one that contains four full-size Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Glosses; and one that contains 20 full-size Amazonian Clay Infused Shadows.

Cyber Monday Deals

If you're like me, you've already spent a ton this past weekend with all the amazing Black Friday/Thanksgiving day sales. 

Well, it continues today with tons of amazing Cyber Monday deals... so if you haven't finished holiday shopping for the makeup lovers in your life or you just want to treat yourself to get in the holiday spirit, here are some good deals worth checking out (this list certainly isn't exhaustive; I'm sure there are sales I've missed.  If you know of any good ones, please leave a comment below):


The Balm- 40% off site wide with code CYBERMONDAY. Good 9am PST Monday through 9am PST Tuesday

NARS - 20% off all orders (with the exception of single item orders of the pencil sharpener, sponge refill or foundation pump) with code NARSFF2012. Good Monday 12am EST through Tuesday 11:59pm EST.

Tarte - 25% off & free shipping on orders of $40 and up with code CYBER. Good until 11:59pm EST tonight.

Too Faced - Get a Mystery Grab Bag with 5 products that have a retail value of $97.50 for $19 on Cyber Monday.

e.l.f. - 50% off site wide on order $25 and up with code 50WIDE. Good until midnight tonight.



Happy Shopping!

The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2 Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2 Giveaway.  I loved reading everyone's comments.

I am happy to announce that the winner is Sheen G.

If you didn't win this time, there will be another giveaway soon.  I usually try to space them about a month apart but the next one is for a holiday gift set item and I'd like the winner to get it in time for at least part of the holidays, so I'm thinking I'll do it next week.  Keep an eye out.

As always, thank you to everyone who reads the blog, leaves comments and sends emails. I love sharing my makeup obsession with the world at large, but you guys make it so much more fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you live in the U.S., I hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends with plenty to be thankful for.

If you don't live in the U.S., I hope you're having a wonderful Thursday with lots to be thankful for too.

I am thankful for so many things that it would take hours to list them here... but I would like to express how grateful I am for everyone who reads this blog, takes the time to leave a comment or send me an email.  You guys make something that I love - makeup and all that it entails - and somehow make it even more fun. 

I really didn't think that was possible.

Thank you so much.
 

The Balm Is Back on HauteLook Tomorrow!

Starting tomorrow, Thursday November 22nd at 11 am EST, the Balm will be back on HauteLook.

As you can tell from the preview photo above, it looks like not only the totally amazing Nude'Tude Palette will be available but the fabulous Balm Jovi Palette too.  I adore both palettes and would pay full price for either in a heartbeat so when you can get a good deal on them like at HauteLook, it's a no brainer to pick them up.  I'll probably do a little holiday shopping myself.

I know that it's Thanksgiving here in the States tomorrow, but between basting the turkey and chowing down on pumpkin pie, you can find a few free minutes to pick up some goodies from the Balm. 

I know I will anyway.

If you aren't a HauteLook member yet, you can sign up here.

Happy Shopping!

Tarte Statement Lips 5-piece LipSurgence Collector's Set

(Note - just a friendly reminder that there's plenty of time to enter my giveaway for the Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2.  You can find all the info here. And a big thank you to everyone who's entered already!)

You're probably starting to realize that I have very little willpower when it comes to holiday sets, palettes and kits.

It is a serious weakness of mine.

I justify it by focusing on the fact that they're such good values - because seriously, it's hard to beat them.

I am a big fan of the Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tints - and at this point, it's tradition for me to pick up the holiday set.

And you can't break tradition, right?

Tarte Fantastic Foursome Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Enthusiast Set

Tarte Holiday Blush Set

One of the things that I love best about the holidays - and I love so many, many things, it would be impossible to list them all - is the value sets that so many cosmetics companies put out. 

Not only do they make great gifts, they're a great way to try new products or stock up on old favorites that you know you love. 

This year, instead of just putting out the standard lip gloss and eyeliner sets, Tarte realized that their Amazonian clay blushes are some of their most popular products and put out a fun set of four of the blushes -  the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Enthusiast Set ($35).

MAC Fabulousness Holiday Eye Kit in 5 Warm Eyes

MAC Fabulosness Holiday Eye Kit in Warm Eyes

(Note - just a friendly reminder that there's plenty of time to enter my giveaway for the Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2.  You can find all the info here. And a big thank you to everyone who's entered already!)

I'm a sucker for cute packaging.

It's sad but true.

So when I caught a glimpse of MAC's Fabulousness Holiday Eye Kits ($39.50), I knew that I was going to be the owner of one of those babies.

I mean the boxes alone are beyond adorable, but the compacts are just insanely cute. 

How could I resist?

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday Colour Collection

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday Colour Collection

 

 

(Note - just a friendly reminder that there's plenty of time to enter my giveaway for the Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2.  You can find all the info here. And a big thank you to everyone who's entered already!)


I had no intention of buying anything from MAC's holiday collections.

I'll admit that I used to get all caught up in them, but then MAC started putting out more and more limited edition collections throughout the year and adding more products to the holiday line and I just got overwhelmed.

This year, though, I got suckered into buying a few items.

Giveaway Time! The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2 (CLOSED)

The Balm Shady Lady Vol. 2

I am crazy about the Balm.  I'm sure you know that by now.

But of all of their products, my favorite just may be the Shady Lady Palette Vol. 2 (well, it's probably tied with the Nude'Tude Palette if I'm being totally honest.)

It's the one palette that I always, without fail, bring with me when I travel because it has the perfect shades for a daytime look, the perfect shades for a smoky evening eye, and even a couple of bright shades for adding a pop of color.

It is just such a fun, versatile and wearable palette. 

And since I am so in love with it, it only seems right that I share one with one of my fabulous readers.

Tarte Miracle of Maracuja AD Shipment #3

Tarte Miracle of Maracuja AD Shipment #3

(Note - this post was meant to go up last night, but I had trouble with our internet connection. I apologize for the delay and keep an eye out later today for another post - it's a giveaway!)

Another day, another Tarte TSV AD shipment.

Seriously, as big of a makeup junkie as I am, even I'm somewhat overwhelmed by having two entire new kits from Tarte to play with this week.

But I'm also excited.  New makeup always makes just a little bit happier.

Along with the What Has Your Makeup Done for You Lately? kit that I wrote about yesterday, I received the third and final installment of the Miracle of Maracuja TSV AD program from QVC this week. I haven't had much time to play with it, but my first impressions are definitely positive.

Tarte What Has Your Makeup Done For Your Lately? A/D Shipment #2

Tarte What Has Your Makeup Done For You Lately? TSV Box

You know that you have a serious QVC addiction when two new installments of a TSV show up on your doorstep on the same day.

And from the same brand no less.

That's what happened to me today - my UPS man dropped off the second installment of the Tarte What Has Your Makeup Done For Your Lately? TSV and the third (and final) shipment of the Tarte Miracle of Maracuja TSV this afternoon.

So yeah.  I know I've got a problem.

I just can't resist these deals. 

Seriously.

The Balm Liquid Time Balm Spot Concealer

The last time that the Balm was Haute Look, I predictably bought a few items.

At this point, I think that I have purchased every single item from the Balm that I'm interested in. Well, until they come out with some new products anyway.

Of the four products that I bought this time, the Liquid Time Balm Spot Concealer was probably the one that I had the fewest hopes for - and yet I may actually like this one best.

Getting back into the swing of things...

Well, I've certainly been gone much longer than I ever thought I would be.

As predicted, we survived Hurricane (or as they seem to be calling it now, Super Storm) Sandy without any real damage to the house. A tree fell at the front of our lawn onto the power lines so we did have a live wire laying across our front walkway (which went on fire several times and prompted two visits from the fire department.  That was seriously scary.)

And it took the utility company almost two weeks to get our power back on. 

Seriously.

We didn't get our electricity back until this past Friday - and when it did come back, only half the house had power. Bizarre, right?  I didn't even know that was possible. Fortunately, a crew came out today and fixed our remaining problem so we have full on power again. 

But in the grand scheme of things, nearly two weeks without power isn't really a big deal considering how much so many people around here are suffering.  I'm feeling incredibly grateful.  If you're interested in donating to those in need, the Red Cross is always a good place to start but I'll also mention New York Cares since it's a local organization.

Now that I have my power back, I'll be back to a regular schedule with posts.  Last month I bought quite a few products that I've been dying to tell you guys about and I think I have a couple of new installments of Tarte TSVs from QVC coming in the next few weeks so there's plenty of interesting stuff for us to chat about. 

Thanks for your patience.

Hurricane Sandy

Here on the east coast, we are getting hit hard by Hurricane Sandy - I'm on Long Island but not too close to the water so I'm hopeful we'll get through with just a few broken branches in the yard. 

Still, there's a really good chance that we'll lose power (I'm surprised we haven't already, actually. The winds are already ridiculously strong and the hurricane hasn't even touched down here yet.)  If you don't see any posts for a few days, it likely means we're without electricity. 

I was going to try to take some photos and get a few reviews up today, but it's so dark and gray that there's just no decent lighting.  I'll get back on track as soon as I can, though - and I've got a bunch of great products to share with ou guys, so I can't wait!

If you're in Hurricane Sandy's path, stay safe and I hope that we all pull through without too much damage. 

See you guys soon.

The Balm Shady Lady Vol. 1 Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1 Giveaway.  As I said yesterday, I loved reading everyone's responses. 

I am happy to announce that the winner is Lisa Brown.

I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but don't worry if you didn't win - I'll do another giveaway in about a month. It's for another of my favorite eye palettes, so definitely keep an eye out.

As always, thank you to everyone who reads the blog, leaves comments and sends emails. I love sharing my makeup obsession with the world at large, but you all make it even more fun. 

Giveaway Reminder - The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1

Just a little reminder that you have until tonight at midnight EST to enter the Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1 giveaway.

This is one of my favorite palettes - it's got plenty of shades for a sultry smoky eye, as well as a few for softer looks. And the Balm's shadows are just fabulous so they're super easy to work with.

You can find all of the details on entering here.

And a big thank you to everyone who's already entered - I've loved reading about everyone's favorite items to treat themselves to.  Though it's kind of made me want to go on a little Sephora shopping spree...

I do actually have a quite few new products that I've been loving lately, so keep an eye out for some interesting reviews in the next couple of weeks.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

I've wanted to try the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($38) since it came out. 

I forced myself to hold back, though, because I need another bottle of foundation like I need a hole in the head and I told myself to at least wait until I finished one of the many in my collection before buying another.

But then, Urban Decay had their 20% off Friends & Family sale, and I decided that I'd been patient enough.

I mean, I waited like three whole months - that's something, isn't it?

bareMinerals Beautifully Brillant Holiday Collection TSV

By now, it's pretty obvious that I'm a total sucker for any and all QVC beauty-related TSV's.

But I was especially excited to get my November InsideQ magazine and see it chock full of some pretty great deals.  I've actually only ordered one early, but I suspect that I'll be persuaded to be one or two more when they actually make to the air.

The one TSV that I decided to order early is the bareMinerals Beautifully Brilliant Holiday Collection, which will air on November 16th, and while it only arrived today and haven't had much chance to play with it, I am seriously glad that I did.

20% off at Tarte website for Halloween

If you've been wanting to pick up something from Tarte, now's the time to do it.

For the next three days (until October 21st), you can score 20% off the Tarte website with the code TREAT.  You also get free shipping if you spend at least $40.

Holiday collection sets like the Amazonian Clay Blush foursome and LipSurgence 5-Piece set don't appear to be eligible, though, so keep that in mind.  There are still plenty of other goodies to try, though - I love the Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, Maracuja Miracle Foundation, the individual Amazonian Clay Blushes, the Airblush Maracuja Blush and the LipSurgences.

I like most things from Tarte, actually.

Happy shopping!

Nordstrom Mascara Madness Beauty Bag at Haute Look

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect mascara, you may want to visit Haute Look today.

For $24, you can purchase Nordstrom's Mascara Madness Beauty Bag, which contains 11 deluxe samples of mascaras from a range of brands including Giorgio Armani, YSL, Lancome, Estee Lauder, bare Minerals, Stila and Smashbox.

It's a great way to try a bunch of mascaras and (hopefully) find the perfect one for you. And you get a little makeup bag too.

If I didn't already have a drawer full of mascaras I've yet to try, I would totally be jumping all over this deal. 

You can sign up at Haute Look here.

Also, just a reminder that I'm having a giveaway for The Balm's Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1.  You can find all of the info here. 

Happy shopping!

Giveaway Time! The Balm Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1 *CLOSED*

I have treated myself to quite a few makeup goodies recently, so I thought that it would be good karma to share a little and do another giveaway.  

The first product that I ever purchased from the Balm was the Shady Lady Palette Vol. 1.  As such, it has a special place in my heart. 

I love the colors, too, which is probably one it's right up there as one of my favorite palettes of all-time. Because you must know by now that I love the Balm's shadows - the formula is amazing, for sure, but I'll spare you from another rambling post about that.

bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Happy Place

After I bought the bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Voyage at the end of the summer, I was itching to get another of these fabulous quads.

I have one other in my collection, The Elements, and I love that one too, so it seemed like a no brainer really. 

The trouble was choosing which one to get.  There are a ton of lovely colors - I've had my eye on The Truth forever - so I don't think you could go wrong. 

Still, when I was looking on Sephora at the options, there was one that really caught my eye.

The Happy Place.

It just seemed like the perfect collection of colors for fall.

LORAC on HauteLook Today

LORAC goodies at HauteLook

Starting today at 11am EST, LORAC is on HauteLook.

There seem to be quite a few interesting looking palettes available - I'd be seriously tempted to pick one (or more) up if I hadn't already done so much beauty-related shopping this month.  (Including the LORAC Pro Palette, which I am anxiously awaiting in the mail!)

If you aren't a member of HauteLook yet, you can sign up here. You have to be a member to shop, but membership is totally free.

If you pick up anything from the sale, share below.

Happy shopping!

Favorite Fall Fragrance - Toyko Milk Paper & Cotton

I've got to be honest - I hate pretty much 99% of the perfumes that I try.

I don't think of myself as particularly sensitive to fragrance, but I find most perfumes to be too strong, heavy, too cloying.

I prefer light, clean scents or at least scents that are a bit softer.  I mean, my favorite perfume is LA VANILA's Vanilla Coconut  , which isn't exactly a light scent.  But it is nice and soft and warm - and I find it to be a good year round fragrance. 

I swear, I must wear it 9 times out of 10 when I actually remember to put perfume on.

Last year, after wanting to try the line for a long time, I purchased a couple of perfumes from Toyko Milk.  I just had to get their Poe's Tobacco fragrance (because I'm a huge Edgar Allan Poe fan and there's an adorable raven on the label) but I think there was a deal going on where you got a certain percentage off if you bought two or more.

So a whim, I picked up Paper & Cotton too.

bareMinerals Bare Luxury TSV Fourth Installment

You know you're signed up for too many QVC beauty TSVs when one arrives on your doorstep and you had no idea it was coming.

That's what happened this week with the BE Bare Luxury TSV.

My hardworking UPS man brought the fourth and final installment in the series yesterday, taking me totally by surprise.

In a good way, of course.  I was having kind of a blah day and there's nothing like new makeup to perk you up, right?

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

If you've been wanting something from Urban Decay, now's the perfect time to do some shopping.

Urban Decay is offering 20% everything on their website right now as part of their Friends & Family sale.

Use the code FFHOLIDAY12 at checkout - it's good from today 10/9 until Saturday 10/13.

Personally, I've been wanting to try the Naked Skin Foundation ever since it came out and I think I'm finally going to bite the bullet and pick it up. If you've been wanting the original Naked or Naked 2 palette, they're eligible for the discount too so it's a great time to pick them up.

If you do score a few goodies, share them below. 

Happy shopping!

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

Last week when I review the Skin79 Triple Function BB Cream, I mentioned that I picked up the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream from Amazon.

The Missha BB Cream took a little longer to get here since it came directly from Korea.

It was worth the wait.

Like the Skin79 BB Cream, the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream is very different from American versions.

Skin79 Triple Function BB Cream

I've tried quite a few American BB creams this year - I own the Smashbox and Too Faced versions, and have used samples of the Maybelline, L'Oreal, Garnier and Dr. Brandt ones as well.

With the exception of the Smashbox BB cream, I really haven't been that impressed.

The rest pretty much seem like glorified tinted moisturizers.

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection

If you were unable to purchase anything from MAC's Marilyn Monroe Collection before it sold out and are feeling bummed about it, I think I can make you feel a little bit better.

You're really not missing out on much.

Now, don't get me wrong - I am thrilled with my purchases and there are a couple of products that I'm pretty much in love with.

But on the whole, there's really nothing particularly special about the colors or products in this collection.

In the end, it's really the packaging that makes this collection so special.

bareMinerals Ready SPF20 Foundation

This review has been a long time coming.

I received my bareMinerals Ready SPF20 Foundation more than a month ago, and while I like to experiment with products for a while before I share my feelings, I usually don't take a full month.

Unless it's a skin care product, you can pretty much tell in a week or so whether a foundation, eye shadow, lipstick etc. works for you.

But I think with the Ready Foundation, I kind of didn't want to admit how I really felt about it.

September Favorites

September Goodies

Another month gone...

I seriously can't figure out where this year has gone.

But I definitely enjoyed September - the weather finally cooled off a bit here on Long Island, so it actually felt like fall. 

I love fall.

I especially love fall makeup.

My Favorite Things Page

You know this bad boy made the list...

So I was sitting down this afternoon to gather my September favorites together in preparation to write the post when it occurred to me that it might also be helpful to share what my all-time favorite products are across most of the major makeup/skin care categories.

I mean, as fun as monthly favorites are, I might love a lipstick or eyeshadow for an entire month and then never pick it up again.

That has happened to me before.  I guess I can be fickle sometimes.

But there are products that have stood the test of time for me and those are probably worth sharing.

So I made a 'My Favorite Things' page, right up there at the top of the blog, where you can find a list of my favorite products complete with links to where you can buy them (if you're so inclined).

Now, if you notice a category missing from the list, it means that I don't have a clear cut favorite... just yet anyway.  I'll update the list as I find any new faves so it'll always be as complete as can be.

If you want to share some of your all-time favorites in the comments below, I would love to read them.

LORAC Femme Fatale Palette Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone entered the LORAC Femme Fatale Palette giveaway.

I am happy to announce that the winner is Lori!

If you didn't win or didn't get a chance to enter - don't worry.  I already have the next giveaway planned for sometime in October and just a little hint - it's for another fabulous eye shadow palette that I may have mentioned on this blog a time or two...

As always, thank you to everyone who reads the blog, leaves comments and sends emails. I love sharing my makeup obsession with the world, but you all make it even more fun. 

This and That: Giveaway, MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection and New Skincare

If you're in the market for a really nice neutral palette for the fall, there's still time to enter my LORAC Femme Fatale Palette - it ends tonight at midnight EST.  You can find all the details (and swatches) here.

Thanks to everyone who's already entered - I've loved reading all of your comments about your favorite fall makeup. You guys are awesome.

Brand Spotlight - Too Faced

Too Faced is another one of those brands with super cute packaging and lots of interesting products.

But in the end, I think it's their staple items that really stand out - and that's saying something considering how many options there are out there for basic makeup products like primer, bronzer and shadow.

Hourglass Vol. 6 Neo-Classic Eye Palette

I'm a big fan of Hourglass Cosmetics.

While they don't have as large a line as some other makeup brands, every item that they offer is high quality and high performing.

They're also seriously high cost, though - which means I only treat myself to items from the line every so often. 

A couple months back, I had a gift card for DermStore that was about to expire, and when I went to the site to figure out what I wanted, I was surprised to see that they carry Hourglass products.

The Balm Is Back on Haute Look Today

Exciting news - the Balm is back on Haute Look today!

And they have so many goodies - the Nude'Tude Palette, all of the Shady Lady Palettes, the Meet Matte Palette (which I really haven't raved about enough), all the blushes and lots of other gems. 

The event lasts until Wednesday at 11am EST, but I'd shop early if there's something that you really want.

If you haven't signed up for Haute Look yet, you can do it here.

Happy shopping!

Laura Geller Fresh Brewed Beauty TSV on QVC

Just a friendly reminder that the Laura Geller Fresh Brewed Beauty TSV will be available on QVC starting Monday, September 24th at midnight. 

The TSV is a 6-piece kit that goes for $49.98 plus s/h, so it's a really good value.  I've been enjoying the products for the past month - if you like matte, neutral shadows, then you'll probably want to check out one of the presentations.  My personal favorite item in the kit is the gorgeous blush, which is also matte.

You can check out my photos and swatches here.

Also, if you're a fan of neutral eye shadow palettes, you might want to check out my LORAC Femme Fatale Palette giveaway too.  You can enter here.

Favorite Foundations for Dry Skin

When I was younger, I had seriously oily skin and I was locked in a constant battle to keep my foundation on my face and shine-free.

Then I started using Retin-A (and getting older) and my skin started to get dry.

Not seriously dry, but depending on the season and what skin care treatment I'm using at a given time, I can have flaky patches that look cakey and gross if I don't use the right foundation.

So I've realized that having dry skin is no picnic either.

Giveaway Time! LORAC Femme Fatale Palette (CLOSED)

I apologize for being MIA lately - between a stubborn cold and dog sitting for a friend, I've been behind the eight ball all week.

To make up for it, how about a giveaway?

Today, I received the LORAC Femme Fatale Palette from Haute Look.

The Balm Balm Jovi Rockstar Face Palette

The Balm Balm Jovi Rockstar Face Palette, $39.50
Available on The Balm website

 Obviously, I'm a total makeup junkie.

This blog is clear proof of that.

But I do have some self control when it comes to buying new makeup products - or at least, I've developed some over the years.

I don't necessarily have an automatic reflex to buy every new palette that comes out.  I am a sucker for cute packaging, but I have learned how to talk myself out of purchases no matter how pretty they might be based on things like already having similiar colors in my collection ... or just not having enough room in my drawers for another huge honking palette.

Favorite Foundation Brushes

I couldn't do my foundation without these babies.

Finding the right foundation can seem like mission impossible sometimes what with all the options for coverage, formula and finish (Don't even get me started about picking a color...), but I really think that finding the right tool to apply it is just as important.

While there are some foundations that I like to use my fingers to apply and some days when my skin is so dry that a Beauty Blender sponge is the only thing that can make my foundation look halfway decent, I am totally a foundation brush kind of girl.

Brand Spotlight - Maybelline

My Favorite Maybelline Products

When I first started this blog, I used to these brand spotlight posts on a weekly post where I'd share my three favorite products from a particular brand.  I haven't done one in months, but I think that they can be pretty informative, particularly if it's a brand that you're not very familiar with.

So I'm going to try to get back to doing them - and I hope that when I do, you'll feel free to share your favorites from the particular brand in the comments section below. I've definitely tried a ton of makeup, but I haven't gotten around to trying all of it (yet...) so I'll love to know if there are some gems out there that I should add to my shopping list.

This week, I'm focusing on Maybelline.