bareMinerals Feel the Love TSV from QVC

Note - I feel like all I do is apologize these days, but I've been having technical difficulties with my camera this week that have prevented me from posting the last few days.  I think I've gotten it figured out, so hopefully I can get back on track after the weekend.  I'll be going away for a couple of days to celebrate Easter with family and friends. 

I know March was kind of a black hole for the blog, but I've got high hopes for April!

I really wasn't planning on purchasing the bareMinerals Feel the Love TSV ($69.96) that will debut on QVC on April 20th.

I knew that the Ready Foundation was sort of the centerpiece of the kit, and though I've recently come to appreciate the foundation a little more -- you can read about that here -- it's not my favorite mineral foundation so it didn't seem worth it to me.

But then I discovered that the TSV contains a product that I've been curious about for several months, a new Ready Blush duo, and a new Moxie gloss, and I decided to bite the bullet. 

CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balms (Ballet Twist, Rose Twist, Apricot Twist)

Note -- I apologize for disappearing for so long.  My cold derailed me longer than I thought it would (I really need to start taking vitamins and eating better ... I get too many colds that just seem to linger.) and since I didn't do much work last week, I wasn't at my computer long enough to get any blogging done either.  The good news is, I'm feeling much better so I should be able to start getting to reviews on the fun stuff that I bought in Vegas and since I got back (Am I the only one who totally uses online shopping as remedy when they're not feeling well?) and replying to emails and comments this week.  I really appreciate your patience. 

When it comes to lip products, big, fat lip crayons seem to be all the rage.

Tarte has had their LipSurgence line for a few years now, Revlon came out with their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains about a year ago, and more recently, Neutrogena got in on the act with their MoistureSmooth Color Sticks.

Even e.l.f. has thrown their hat into the arena with their Jumbo Lip Gloss Sticks.  There are probably a few other brands that have similiar offerings too.

I've tried most of these products, and I have to say I'm a fan of the concept.

Back But Not Quite in the Saddle Yet...

So I'm finally home from my fabulous trip to Vegas. 

Unfortunately, I came back with a cold.  I guess it's not that surprising when you're stuck on a plane for five hours with everyone and their mother's germs.

And I'm willing to put up with the sniffles since my trip was pretty lucky.  I only play penny and nickle slots so I didn't come home with a big jackpot, but I won enough to treat myself to some goodies at Sephora while in Sin City and a few other luxury items when I got home -- my first YSL and Giorgio Armani makeup purchases ever, actually.  I'm really excited to try all of them and share some reviews in the next few weeks.

But since I've been away and am now a little under the weather, I'm probably going to be a little slow when it comes to the blog.  If you've sent me an email or left a comment in the past week, it may take me another day or two to get back to you -- I apologize but I promise that I'll respond as quickly as possible.

Thanks for your patience.

Hope you all had a great week, filled with lots of exciting new beauty discoveries.  If you've tried something really fabulous lately, feel free to share it below. 

I've still got a little more winnings that I could probably be convinced to spend on the right product ...

Viva Las Vegas

Source

So tomorrow morning, I finally leave for my long-awaited trip to Vegas.

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I'm so excited that I probably won't get much sleep tonight.

I'm going with my friend Laura, who loves to do Vegas the same way I do -- which means we'll be hitting the nickle slot machines hard and tossing back amaretto sours and Bailey's on ice like they're going out of style.

(Oh, and for those wondering, despite my best efforts, I still totally overpacked.  What can you do?)

But that means that there won't be any blog posts for about a week.  If you're obsessed with Vegas like I am, I'll probably be tweeting a bit and posting some photos on Instagram (username jl_blair) if you want to live vicariously.  I plan to do some makeup shopping while I'm there too, so there may be some haul photos as well.

Hope you all have a great week.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Spot Eraser (210 Fair)

I'm a big fan of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser -- it makes my Favorite Concealers list actually.

It's got a nice lightweight consistency, which makes it perfect for under the eyes, but it still provides just enough coverage to hide my dark circles.  (Most days, anyway.  When my circles are especially bad, I grab for the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer.)

That's why I was so excited to hear that Maybelline was adding a new product the Instant Age Rewind Eraser line -- the Dark Spot Eraser ($9.99).

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick (020 Front Row)

I'm a big fan of Revlon's lip products, so when I saw that they'd come out with a new line, the Colorstay Ulitmate Suede Lipsticks ($9.99), I had to give them a try.

What's interesting about these lipsticks is that as part of the Colorstay line, you'd expect them to be a long-lasting lip product -- and the marketing materials actually do boast that the formula is "food proof and doesn't quit." 

However, unlike other longlasting lipsticks which have a tendency to be pretty drying, the Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipsticks contain shea butter and aloe, so Revlon also promises moisture to go along with the products' long wear.

That sounds like a pretty great lipstick, right? 

Confessions of a Chronic Overpacker

On Sunday, I leave for a vacation that I've been looking forward to for months.

I couldn't be more excited.

Well, I guess if I could wake up Sunday morning and find my bags magically packed for me, I could be a little bit more excited.

I hate packing. 

Dread it, really.

And that's primarily because I am a chronic overpacker and always find myself trying to shove more clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup, and toiletries that any one person could need for a four or five day trip in a compact little suitcase. 

February 2013 Favorites

February definitely flew by, but there were still a few products that really stood out for me.  Here are the item that I reached for most often this month.