Blogiversary Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered my blogiversary giveaways.  I really wish that there was a way that everyone could win -- but if you didn't win this time, I've got a bunch of giveaways planned for the next few months so keep an eye out.

That said, I'd like to congratulate the winners!

Sadi, you're the winner of the first giveaway!  I've sent an email so get back to me with your contact info when you get a chance.

Simple Charm, you're the winner of the second giveaway!  I couldn't find your email address, so please send me your contact info when you get a chance.

Thanks again to everyone who reads the blog. I appreciate it more than I can say.

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Nude Palette

(If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my blogiversary giveaways.  You can read about #1 here and #2 here.-- by the time this goes up, you'll have about an hour left to enter. This palette is actually a prize in the second giveaway so you definitely want to check out the review. Thanks to everyone that's already entered!)

Originally, I wasn't planning on picking up the Balm's Meet Matt(e) Nude Palette ($42).

I have the first Meet Matt(e) Palette, which I like quite a bit, as well as the Too Faced Matte Eye Collection and the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, and that seems like plenty of quality matte shadow choices. 

Of course, I was tempted. 

Tarte Call of the Wild Palette

(If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my blogiversary giveaways.  You can read about #1 here and #2 here. This palette is actually a prize in the second giveaway so you definitely want to check out the review. Thanks to everyone that's already entered!) 


I love plenty of Tarte's products -- the Amazonian Clay Blushes, Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, and Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara are probably my top three -- but I feel like their eye shadows are seriously underrated.


Now, that's not to say that Tarte shadows have the best formula that I've ever used or come in really unique un-dupeable colors. 


It's just that they're all really easy to work with and because the shades tend to really muted, it's easy to create a really polished, pretty look in a hurry.  I have several of their palettes and I use them quite a bit.


And when I saw the colors in the Call of the Wild Palette ($36), I kind of knew it had to be mine.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

(If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my blogiversary giveaways.  You can read about #1 here and #2 here. Thanks to everyone that's already entered!) 


There's one thing that's always a little bit tricky when you're reviewing beauty products. 

You always have to keep in mind that everyone in the world doesn't have the same skin type, skin tone, and even expectations for an item that you might and recognize that just because a certain product doesn't work for you or isn't the best fit for your needs doesn't make it a bad product.

So I'll say right off the bat that the new Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation probably isn't the best match for my normal to dry skin.

And honestly, I didn't really expect it to be.

Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss (20 Glisten Up Pink)

(If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my blogiversary giveaways.  You can read about #1 here and #2 here. Thanks to everyone that's already entered!) 

I am a total lip gloss junkie.

At any given moment, there's probably at least four in my purse and another in my pocket so I have plenty of options throughout the day. 

And I'm always willing to try out a new formula to see if it might reach holy grail status (the Buxom glosses currently occupy that spot for me). 

With any gloss, there are certain tradeoffs that you have to accept -- if you want a non-sticky formula, it's probably not going to be particularly long-wearing.  On the other hand, if you want a long-wearing gloss, you're going to have to deal with a heavier, sticker formula.

Those are the facts of lip gloss life.

Maybelline's Color Sensational High Shine Gloss promises more vibrant color and a creamier feel, which sounds pretty good if you ask me. 

Chantecaille The Coral Reefs Palette

(If you haven't already, don't forget to check out my blogiversary giveaways.  You can read about #1 here and #2 here. Thanks to everyone that's already entered!) 


In most cases, I subscribe to the "You get what you pay for" school of thinking.

I don't mind paying a little extra for something -- whether it's makeup, clothing, a bag, hotel, restaurant, etc. -- if it's high quality.

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you know that I clearly don't have an issue paying for high end makeup. (Now, don't get me wrong -- there are plenty of high quality drugstore or lower end items that I love too.  I just have plenty of favorites that are a little more pricey.) But even I have my limits.

I love the Makeup Forever HD Foundation -- it costs $42, which is certainly pricey, and it's probably my holy grail foundation.  That's why when I see a $60 Giorgio Armani or $55 YSL foundation, I wonder how much better it can really be to justify the $20 or so different in price.

I'm not willing to spend that extra money and find out, I guess.

The only time that I splurge on those super high end brands is when I have holiday/birthday money and gift cards because I feel like gifts should be used to treat to yourself.  

Blogiversary Giveaway #2 (CLOSED)

I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I tell you that I started planning (and shopping for) this giveaway way back when the blog was barely three months old.

That's how excited I was about the prospect of blogging for an entire year and sharing a bunch of my favorite products with the best readers that a girl could ask for.

In fact, I was so excited that I decided two giveaways are better than one and put together two prize packs that I think are pretty awesome -- if I do say so myself.

It's a small way for me to say thank you to all of you for reading along. 

I'm going to run the giveaways at the same time, so I can send out the prizes at the same time -- that just makes it easier for me.  You can enter both giveaways (you can enter the first giveaway here), but I'll pick the winner of this one first and if by some insane chance, the same person wins both, I will re-pick the winner for this giveaway.  (I think the odds of that are pretty slim, but just in case ...) 

Blogiversary Giveaway #1 (CLOSED)

I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I tell you that I started planning (and shopping for) this giveaway way back when the blog was barely three months old.

That's how excited I was about the prospect of blogging for an entire year and sharing a bunch of my favorite products with the best readers that a girl could ask for.

In fact, I was so excited that I decided two giveaways are better than one and put together two prize packs that I think are pretty awesome -- if I do say so myself.

I'm going to run the giveaways at the same time, so I can send out the prizes at the same time -- that just makes it easier for me.  You can enter both giveaways (you can enter the second giveaway here), but I'll pick the winner of this one first and if by some insane chance, the same person wins both, I will re-pick the winner for the second giveaway.  (I think the odds of that are pretty slim, but just in case ...)

Shopping Bag -- Tarte, Bare Minerals & Laura Mericer

Sometimes, I come across products that it just doesn't make sense to do a full review of -- either because it's just a new shade of a product that I've already reviewed (or mentioned multiple times) or it's a limited edition product that may not be that easy to get by the time I'm ready to write a post.

But as someone who's always hunting around online for swatches of this product or another, I feel like there's still some value in posting photos of the products and a brief description in case anyone might be curious. 

That's what these Shopping Bag posts will be about -- swatches and quick rundowns of products that I can't justify a full review for. 

Maybelline Color Whisper Lipsticks (Mocha Muse, Coral Ambition & Made-It Mauve)

When it comes to lip products, I've always been more of a lipgloss girl.

Lipstick has just always seemed a little too fussy for me. The formula can be drying or require a lipliner or wear off unevenly, and sometimes it's just easier to throw on a nice sheer gloss that adds color and shine and doesn't feel quite so heavy on my lips.

That's why I'm such a big fan of the movement toward more moisturizing or lightweight lipstick formulas.  Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butters are my personal favorite of the bunch, but plenty of brands have gotten in on the act.

Enter Maybelline's Color Whisper Lipsticks.

CoverGirl + Olay Concealer Balm

Lately, I've been absolutely obsessed with face products.

Foundations, primers, powders, concealers ... you name it, and I've probably tried a few new ones already in this still young year.

When it comes to concealer, I mainly look for a product that works well under the eyes.  I have light to medium dark circles and I want a concealer that can hide that discoloration and brighten the area. 

I'll also use concealer occasionally on redness and dark spots on other areas of my face, but usually I let my foundation cover what it will and let the rest show through. 

Still, finding a concealer that cooperates with dry skin and flakey patches can be a serious challenge. Just like foundation and powder, a concealer that's too dry or has too matte a finish just accentuates the dryness and winds up looking cakey and awful. 

Who wants that?

When I saw the display for CoverGirl + Olay's new Concealer Balm at my local CVS, I was definitely intrigued.

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation & Pressed Powder

A few months back, when I tried Urban Decay's Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Makeup ($39)(boy, that's a mouthful!), I had one of those rare experiences when a product doesn't just meet your expectations ... it completely surpasses them.

I raved about the foundation here because it does exactly what it says it will -- delivers natural, healthy looking skin without feeling like you're wearing a ton of makeup. I've used it a ton since I bought it in early October because it's perfect for everyday wear.

When I heard that Revlon was coming out with their Nearly Naked Foundation and Pressed Powder, I couldn't help wondering if the formula would look and feel the same way as the fabulous UD version.

Sigma Mr. Bunny Essential Kit

(In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Sigma affiliate.  However, this kit was actually a gift from my sister and I certainly want her to get her money's worth when she's treating her little sis.)

I'm pretty easy going when it comes makeup mishaps.

If a product isn't exactly what I hoped for, I try to find some way to make it work. If I make a mistake when I'm applying my eyeliner, I just smudge it out until it looks smooth.

No big deal.

There is one makeup related issue, though, that drive me absolutely bonkers.

Loose hairs from my brushes getting stuck on my face.

I kind of flip whenever that happens.

And I've had it happen with brushes that I've shelled out big bucks for like my $35 MAC 109 and brushes that were on the cheaper side like $7 powder brush I bought from Coastal Scents.

Over the years, though, I've noticed that it doesn't seem to happen as often (if ever) with synthetic brushes as it does with natural bristle brushes, which spurred me to pick up more and more synthetic options. 

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

Urban Decay's Friends & Family sale starts today, so you can score 20% off anything on the website, including the Naked Palettes.

Use the code FFSPRING13 at checkout.  There is a limit of five items per order and the sale lasts until 11:59 PST on Sunday, February 17th. 

This is another sale that I'll be sitting out, so if you pick anything up, share below.  I'll shop vicariously...

Happy shopping!

Tarte 'What Has Your Makeup Done For You Lately?' TSV AD Shipment #3

As you may or may not know, the Northeastern part of the U.S. got walloped with a ton of snow this weekend -- record snowfall in a quite a few spots, actually.

Fortunately, my part of Long Island didn't get it too bad. We've probably got about 10 inches on the ground here, which is definitely a pain to shovel (I have the sore arms to prove it!) but didn't bring about any real damage.

And before Nemo (apparently they give names to snow storms now too.  Who knew?) dumped all his snow over the Northeast, my intrepid UPS man managed to drop off the third and final AD installment in the Tarte 'What Has Your Makeup Done For You Lately?' TSV series, which means that I had new makeup to play with while I was snowed in today... so no cabin fever for me.

Looks Like We've Made It... A Whole Year of Blogging!

As hard as it is for me to believe, I started this blog a year ago today.

When I started it, there was part of me that didn't really think I'd stick with it. As much as I love makeup, skincare and all things beauty-related (and writing for that matter), I can be a little lazy sometimes and I worried that over time I'd wind up using my free time for a good afternoon nap instead of blogging.

But honestly, I've had so much fun writing this blog that I look forward to working on posts, taking photos and responding to comments every day.

That's because of all of you who read the blog, leave comments, send emails and just share in my crazy, little makeup and beauty obsession.

You make this so much fun.

I have a pretty fabulous giveaway planned to celebrate the anniversary and thank all of you for your support. There are actually two prize packs filled with some of my very favorite products, and I hope I'd be able to post it today -- unfortunately, I'm still waiting for a couple of items to arrive, so it might be a week or so before it goes up. 

(I've pretty much been planning this giveaway since I hit the three month mark so I'm seriously excited about it -- I hope you guys will be too.)

In the mean time, thank you for being such fabulous readers.  I appreciate it more than I can say.

Here's to another makeup obsessed, fun-filled year!

MAC Archie Girls Collection

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Archie Comics.

Whenever I went grocery shopping with my mom and saw a new Archie Digest at the checkout counter, I would beg and beg and beg in the whiniest voice you've ever heard for my mom to let me get it.

She was a good sport; she probably let me have one every other time.

Even now, when I'm all grown up, I'll still indulge in an Archie Digest every now and then just to see what Archie, Betty, Veronica, and the gang are up to.

That's why I was so excited when I heard MAC was coming out with an Archie's Girls Collection.

Urban Decay on HauteLook Today

Starting today at 11 EST, Urban Decay is back on HauteLook.

It looks like there are a few palettes available, some individual shadows, glosses and other goodies, so it's worth checking out for sure.

As always, if you're not sure what HauteLook is, you can find info here.  If you want to become a member - membership is free - you can do it here.

If you do pick anything up, share below. I think I'm sitting this sale out, so I have to shop vicariously this time.

Happy shopping!

Urban Decay Vice Palette

(If you're thinking, another eye shadow palette review - didn't Jennifer say that she was going to buy as much shadow in 2013?  - you're absolutely right. I did... and I'm still committed to that resolution (though I've slipped up twice so far - once for the MAC Archie Collection and once for the Balm's Meet Matt(e) Palette on HauteLook on Friday... I'm only human!) but I did receive a few palettes for Christmas and my birthday that I haven't gotten around to reviewing just yet so you'll still be seeing a few in the coming weeks.  

This one was a gift from my parents, who have been generously indulging my makeup habit since I was a teenager.)

For the most part, I love Urban Decay's eye shadows.

They have such a wide range of colors, they're usually full of fabulous shimmer, and they're plenty pigmented.

A few of them have that infamous chunky glitter than makes working with them difficult, but UD has mastered the matte shadow formula and their shimmer and satin shades are creamy and super easy to use too.

As with any brand, you'll get more value for your money if you purchase a palette that includes multiple shades, but over the years, I've had two main issue with UD's palettes.

The Balm is Back on HauteLook Today

Update - I just wanted to add that the brand new Meet Matt(e) Nude Shadow Palette  is available in the sale at just $21 - that's half price. I may have vowed to cut back my shadow purchases this year, but I don't think I'm strong enough to resist. If you've been eyeing the palette like I have, you may want to take advantage of a pretty fabulous deal.

By now, I have to think the world has a pretty good idea about how I feel about The Balm.

At the risk of repeating myself, though, I absolutely love virtually every product that I've tried from the brand and some, like their eye shadow palettes and blushes, are among my all-time favorites.

If my non-stop obsessing about the brand hasn't persuaded you to check out the products yet, here's another fabulous chance - the Balm is back on HauteLook today, starting at 11am EST.

(If you're not sure what HauteLook is, you can find info here.  If you want to become a member - membership is free - you can do it here.)

I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the Balm's products, but if you want specific recommendations, I'd grab the Nude'Tude Palette, any of the Shady Lady Palettes, the Balm Jovi Palette, and any of the blushes, especially Frat Boy, in a heartbeat if they're available.

I think that I have pretty much all of their makeup products at this point, but somehow I always find something new to buy when they're on HauteLook.

(Which reminds me - I still have a couple of items from the last HauteLook sale that I have to review.  I've got to get to those one of these days.)

Happy Shopping!