Thursday, December 27, 2012

Mirenesse VIP Kit December 2012



After trying a Mirenesse lip bomb in my October 2012 Ipsy/Glam bag i was hooked on this amazing brand. My friend Krys had mentioned to me that Mirenesse offered a VIP program. I was very skeptical at first but decided to try it out just to see what it was about. Mirenesse VIP has a lot of perks and promotions such as a $25 voucher every month (off a 65 dollar purchase), a steep discount on everything even flash sales and clearance, free shipping from Australia (which saves so much if you live in the United States), free samples with purchases (sometimes they are full size!), and the cherry on the cake is every other month, on top of all the above mentioned, you receive a box of 3-4 full sized products!

This month's box included:
3D Forever Gloss in Hot Kiss- $35.96 USD
I am not terribly impressed nor terribly disappointed. I love the color of this gloss, how it feels on my lips, how soft it makes my lips and how it does not feel sticky. However, i do not like how it settles into the lines of my lips. This is the kind of gloss which is best placed over a lipstick. I would buy these to match matte lipsticks that i would want to make glossy.






Mirenesse Cougar Mascara- $35.96 USD
I was so confused about the applicator when i first opened this item but once i used it i realized sometimes a different applicator isn't so bad! I felt it made my lashes look pretty and defined without looking over done and the comb like applicator made separating the lashes very easy. No clumping, no sticking, and little fibers to make your lashes longer is just a nice way to round off this unique mascara.




Crystal Color Drops Hydrating Mineral Powders- $53.96 USD
This was my favorite product of my box. I had, had my eye on a contouring blush palette from Lancome for a while but never made the splurge. This contour palette makes defining the cheek so easy. I can also use this to highlight and contour the nose, forehead, and chin. I like how this product isn't too dramatic and is super easy to blend. It looks natural without looking over done. I would buy this again in a heartbeat!




The total value of this box is $125.88 USD which is an amazing value for a box that is free!! (25$ monthly fee is returned as a voucher). These products are high in qaulity and while they may seem expensive with all the VIP discounts and constant promotions, stocking up can be very inexpensive!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Milan Rowe Lipsticks in Dulce Diva, Viva La Lilac, and Bombshell Review and Swatches

A while back i reviewed some amazing Milan Rowe products. After completely falling in loved with.. well everything! i had to pick up some more. I decided to purchase some beautiful lipsticks one from the intense color line and two from the cream lipstick line. Each lipstick beautiful and vibrant with a great formula to match.



Dulce Diva-
This cream lipstick is so vibrant! Hot pink, highly pigmented and comparable in quality to MAC. This lipstick lasted on my lips for about 5 hours, did not bleed, feather, or show lip flaws. My lips did not feel dry and i loved how bright this lipstick staid. I did not find it to dull during wear. There is no weird scent or after taste. This shade is perfect for girls who love hot pink and don't want to have to build up a color on their lips.





 Viva La Lilac-
This pastel lilac shade part of the intense lip color collection is a beautiful light shade. This lipstick feels like a semi-mat and is highly pigmented. In one swipe you will have full coverage over your lips. This reminds me of a pinker version of D'Lilac by limecrime and is, therefor, more wearable and more flattering for more skin tones. While i love this formula and how it applies because it is light if you have any lip flaws they will show through. My lips were a little flaky before i applied this (i used lip balm but the cold weather and my recent cold has ravaged my lips). I do love this color and how long it lasts (5 hours). No bleeding or feathering (better formula than Limecrime). Is not drying on the lips.





 Bombshell-
Bright orange with gold shimmer undertone. I usually can not pull off a shimmer shade but this orange is just perfect. Against my skin tone it appears a bit red (as do most oranges) so if you have a darker skin tone this will appear more orange and if you have a light skin tone this may appear more red. The gold shimmer makes this lipstick just the right amount of shinny and glowy. Will bring lots of good attention to your lips and is a beautiful fall/summer/spring color. This shade does not bleed, feather, and lasts for about 5 hours. No weird smell or taste. Highly pigmented and formula is comparable in quality to MAC. If you are looking for the perfect orange you have to look no further.



Overall Milan Rowe has amazing lipsticks, lip glosses, pout pastes, shadows, and pigments. If you are looking for perfectly pigmented products in trendy colors with high quality formulas, Milan Rowe is for you!

MAC Taste Temptation Collection Mattene Lipsticks in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming Review and Swatches

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming.
I think of all the collections to come out recently, MAC Taste Temptation, was one of my favorites.
 "A seductive style surfaces after-hours, drawing in an exotic panorama of pleasure-seeking, night-blooming violets. M∙A∙C captures this world in an elegant colour collection of deep purples, plums and amethysts."
What a beautiful color scheme to welcome the cooler weather. This collection included a range of products but this post will focus on the Mattene lipsticks.

MAC Taste Temptation collection included three mattene lipsticks that are semi-mat.
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts, Seductive Intent, and Night Blooming.
Nocturnal Instincts- A mid toned greyed lavender-
I found this shade to come off as more pink on my lips rather than lavender. It is very soft but does not wash out light skin. I found this shade to last significantly on my lips (about 6 hours) and i did not find this shade drying. If your lips dry out easily apply lip balm on about before applying this product. Because this shade is light flaky lips will be more apparent. Does not settle into lines and does not bleed or feather.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts without flash
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Nocturnal Instincts with flash

Seductive Intent- Vivid Purple-
This shade had me the most excited. It is so close to the coveted Heroine that it could almost be a dupe. This purple is absolutely beautiful. Lasts for about 6 hours on the lips and is not drying. You can always apply a lip balm shortly before applying this to keep your lips more moisturized. Does not bleed, feather, or exacerbate any lip flaws.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent 
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent without flash
MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Seductive Intent with flash
 Night Blooming- Mid Tone Blue Pink-
While described as a pink i found this to be more purple and when placed next to Seductive Intent they look only a few shades off from each other. It is a very flattering color for all skin tones that i have seen it on. This shade lasts about 6 hours on the lips. Since it is darker than Nocturnal Instincts it does not show lip flaws such as flaking lips as easily. There is no bleeding or feathering. This shade isn't drying but if your lips are prone to drying, some lip balm always helps.

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming without flash

MAC Taste Temptation Mattene Lipstick in Night Blooming with flash
These lipsticks can be found on the MAC website here, along with other pieces from the Taste Temptation collection!


MAC Taste Tempations Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional Review and Swatches

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional
I think of all the collections to come out recently, MAC Taste Temptations, was one of my favorites.
 "A seductive style surfaces after-hours, drawing in an exotic panorama of pleasure-seeking, night-blooming violets. M∙A∙C captures this world in an elegant colour collection of deep purples, plums and amethysts."
What a beautiful color scheme to welcome the cooler weather. This collection included a range of products but this post will focus on the two powdered blushes.
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted and Unconventional

I find these blushes to be rather unique in their color scheme. Passionately Tempted is rather pigmented for a blush. It is a mid toned magenta. Really not something you see everyday and i found this shade a little hard to wear. No matter how lightly i apply this it still made me look like i had some sort of rosacea. After some blending with mineral powder foundation it began to suit me perfectly. This shade may work better for those with a darker skin tone but those who are light skinned my have a little bit of an issue with this shade. While not hard to blend i didn't have the easiest time.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted on bare skin.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Passionately Tempted
 As for the second blush, Unconventional, is described as a pale, shimmering lavender, while i found it to be not shimmery in the least, it was a nice soft lavender. I don't think this shade could work on everyone. While the above shade may suit those with a darker skin tone better, Unconventional may suit those with lighter skin just a little better. This shade inst too pigmented but can be built up, i don't think you will need to though.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional
MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional on bare skin.

MAC Taste Temptation Powder Blush in Unconventional

 These blushes can be found on the MAC website here, along with other pieces from the Taste Temptation collection!

MAC Taste Temptation Collection

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Julep Maven December 2012 Box and Holiday Nail Wordrobe Review and Swatches


This month was my weakness! I love all things glittery, shimmery, bright, and colorful. So when Julep released the Maven box for December and it was glitters, i pretty much knew right then and there that nothing would satisfy me but the entire Holiday Nail Wardrobe (which is addictive once you start getting them!)

Just in case you don't know, Julep is a nail polish website that offers a monthly subscription for $19.95 a month shipping included. This subscription includes a minimum of two polishes and usually a product and a surprise. In sephora these nail polishes are about $16 each. These nail polishes are free of harsh chemicals that you will find in other polishes and come in every color and finish you can imagine. Plus if you don't like the colors released that month, you can skip and pay nothing! There is also a referral system so that every person who signs up using you link grants you 1000 points! 2000 points gets you a monthly box and 5000 points gets you a nail wardrobe! It really is a great deal with so many perks! You can sign up now and only pay ONE PENNY! Use promo code COLOR2012. Sign up here!

Anyways this month this was what was in my box!


The product we received this month was Instant Warming Foot Scrub. I have a bit of roughness on my feet and this made my feet feel really soft afterward. It wasn't comparable to a pumice stone or anything but it was a nice difference. The warming sensation was mild but very enjoyable.


Another great extra was the addition of about 5 One-step polish remover pads. I loved these in the last box since they are no mess and easy to use, so i am glad i received more.



Cabochon Ring-
I was a bit confused by this item. At first it came off as cheap and gaudy to me but once i saw some creative pieces i felt a little bit better about this item. I like the idea that i can design and redesign a ring to suit my mood. It is a little weird that i have to use nail polish to do it but any nail polish lover can find some appreciation in this ring.  At the time of this posting i have not yet designed my ring.



Now on to the polish! Included in this review will the Holiday Nail Wardrobe and two add on's. This month's glittery, shimmery, and metallic shades are absolutely festive and bright!


Patti- Full coverage, black, multidimensional glitter.
This shade is beautiful! As far as black is concerned, this is one of the most festive i have ever seen. With just a bit of silver glitter mixed in this shade is not a conventional holiday choice but non the less of a good choice. Full coverage in about 2-3 coats which is more than normal with other Julep shades. Dries relatively fast, lasts about 4 days without needing a touch up (using a top coat).




Julia- Purple orchid metallic with golden micro-glitter
This shade is fantastic. It is a bit thin so i needed about 3 coat for full coverage but since it is thin each coat dried pretty fast. The micro-glitter is very fine so it isn't sparkly but rather shimmery. When the light hits your purple nails just the right amount of gold reflects!




Jordan- Full-coverage silver gunmetal multidimensional glitter
I really would not describe this as full coverage. After about three coats i was still able to see my nail under it. I would call this a medium coverage and i think it would make a wonderful top coat over a color you would just want to peak out.


Petra- Cranberry magenta with silver shimmer
This magenta is a beautiful glossy shimmer shade. While i think the silver shimmer is very minimal it is beautiful anyway. This shade only took 1-2 shades for full coverage.

Hilary- Full coverage copper multidimensional glitter.
This shade is so pretty but also so not full coverage. I tried about 3 coats and could not get this to be full coverage. This is medium coverage at best and there is nothing wrong with that! I like that this isn't a glitter you see often. Usually glitters are gold or silver and i think this is a great option to have! This is great over the other polishes in this wardrobe and also other polishes in general. I do like how it looks over a nude nail too.

Cindy- Emerald green metallic with gold micro-glitter
If you were wondering what will be your emerald shade for 2013 this is a great pick! The micro glitter is more of a shimmer and when the light hits this emerald a beautiful gold is shown. I find this to be a little thin but that means it drys fast. I used 2 coats but found it to be almost full coverage at 1.


Barbara- Full-coverage magenta multidimensional glitter
Of all the glitters in this collection this is one of the only actual full coverage glitters. With 2 coats this shade allows you to have opaque glitter coverage.


Scarlett- Vibrant red micro-glitter metallic
I did not find this shade to come off as metallic. I found it to be a glossy shade with a nice minimal shimmer. I like this color and how it lives up to its description. It is a very vibrant shade. Full coverage in two coats, dries fast, lasts about a week.


Harper- Full-coverage opalescent mermaid blue multidimensional glitter
This shade is amazing! I don't know what i love more the fact that this is a glitter, a mermaid blue, or the fact that it is opalescent! This is a beautiful polish! Not exactly completely full coverage but with 2 coats it can be built up to be almost opaque. It is not a traditional holiday color but definitely fun!



Vivien- champagne bubbles a full coverage multidimensional gold glitter.
This is the second time this season that  have seen metallic shade that included a glitter,see Gorgeous Gold by L'Oreal. It is certainly not something you see often! You would think that metallic on metallic could possible clash but when paired like this it works exceptionally well. Touted as champagne bubbles this full coverage shade is very reminiscent of the drink and is opaque in 2 coats.



Ivy- dynamic sapphire micro-glitter metallic-
I did not personally find this to be a metallic or a glitter shade. To me this is an opaque sapphire with a bit of a teal shimmer. I love how this color looks on the nails and how it changes when the light hits it. It is rich in color and opaque in two coats.

Add on's
Carly- Full-coverage Malibu-blue multi-dimensional glitter
This polish lives up to its description in that is is full coverage. This bright blue glitter is a bit thick but gives even coverage.


Colbie- Full-coverage citrine green multi-dimensional glitter
 This light green glitter is not really full coverage but it covers enough to be considered medium. This would be great pared with Cindy.

Some final extras:
Fashion tips and nail suggestions-


Some dupes-
Julep Julia and Zoya Daul

Julep Cindy and Zoya Ivanka


Final words-