While I’m Away: A Perfect Prom Look From essence

I think my prom days are behind me; but I’m still loving what I’m seeing so far from this brand. And now that you’re older and wiser; check out their suggestions and make them your own…

Perfect Your Prom Look

You’ve picked out the dress, the jewelry and the date (hopefully!), now all you need is your final makeup look for the big night! Whether you want to go movie star glam with tight waves and a bold lip or simply sweet with pastels and nail polish, essence cosmetics has everything you need to achieve your signature prom look! Take a look at the below products that we are sure will win you the Prom Queen crown!

Bold Lip – Use the essence stays with me lipgloss in kiss kiss kiss for a dramatic look!

Winged Eyeliner – Pair your red bold lip with classic winged black eyeliner using essence gel eyeliner in black with the essence gel eyeliner contoured brush, heads will be sure to turn!

Pastel Eyes – Keep your look simple and sweet with essence mono eyeshadow in ultra violet!

Porcelain Skin – Avoid those annoying shiny photos with the essence mattifying powder, it will keep your skin radiantly under control all night long!

Final Touch – Add a fun pop of unexpected color with the essence colour & go nail polish in this lovely teal color, perfect for spring!

Doubles Thursday #2: liplux by COOLA (review)

I’m keeping “Doubles Thursday” natural and organic; and featuring yet another fine pair of items. Here are two ways to protect your gorgeous lips. From COOLA Suncare.

Liplux Peppermint Vanilla (SPF 15)

Liplux Original Formula (SPF 30)

Blurb: Don’t forget your lips. This all-in-one lip treatment moisturizes and protects with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection. Our vitamin and antioxidant enriched formula soothes and nourishes, while our unique blend of fruit butters like Raspberry and Avocado hydrate the delicate skin of the lips. Our luscious scents will make you want to say MUAH! 70+% Certified Organic, Made with Natural Food Grade Ingredients.

“Don’t forget your lips” is absolutely right! Too many years of too much sun exposure might just make your pucker all…puckery. So your lips need protection just as much as the rest of your skin does. (I usually apply protection to my lips, and then rub in a little just outside the lip area.)

COOLA is synonymous with quality suncare, as well as natural/organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Both of these balms feel wonderful, have great staying power (organic carnauba wax) and provide outstanding sun protection. The organic beeswax, sunflower oil, aloe and shea butter soften, soothe and moisturize. Both feel wonderful, and smell great (the Peppermint/Vanilla is refreshing, and the Original has a yummy, fruity scent).

Bring these everywhere there is sunshine!

Take a look at the website and soak in the other fab items. Learn about sun science, and gather a few organic facts. You can also visit the comprehensive where to buy section. COOLA is available at Spas, beauty centers, Dermstore and drugstore.com.

Here’s a pretty classic scene staring a truly classic duo. It also has chocolate in it. What could be bad?



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles Tuesday #2: Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in “Plum Couture” and “Candy” (rave review)

For the second review of the second day of doubles week, I’m reviewing a doubly fine pair of lipsticks. From Estée Lauder.

NEW Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick

“Plum Couture”

“Candy”

Blurb: Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more. True Vision™ technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid. TRUE VISION™ COLOR. Maximized color impact. Magnified vibrancy, clarity and dimension. Amplified brilliance. Medium-to-full, buildable coverage. Long-lasting wear. Fade-resistant. Enriched with lip-loving ingredients, including apricot kernel, shea butter and murumuru butter that leave lips soft and creamy smooth.

These two shades couldn’t be more different from each other; and I can’t decide which one I love more. I flipped for these lipsticks when I tried one from their holiday collection (“Extravagant Berry”). They absolutely live up to their promise of gorgeous, buildable color that lasts like you wouldn’t believe.

“Plum Couture” is a deep, moody wine. The more you apply, the more dramatic it looks. It also looks incredibly sexy when smudged on with a finger as a lipstain. “Candy” is a sunny, sweet, delicious pink that’s sexy in a completely different way. It’s kind of “almost innocent.” Both shades deliver beautiful color, a moisturizing feel, and some of the best staying power you can possibly find. A++!

Visit the website (and don’t forget to enter the monthly sweepstakes). Estée Lauder is also available at fine department stores.

Today’s duo is downright dynamic! In this scene, Batman and Robin show off their acting chops as they run the gamut of human emotions (okay, just two emotions). Enjoy!



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Abundant Thursday: NEW Clinique Chubby Sticks (review)

Tomorrow morning begins my return to responsible nutrition (and weight loss) after many many days of indulgence. I think tonight I'll salute my burst of hedonism with some low-cal, high-fun beauty from Clinique.

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm (in “whole lotta honey” and “fuller fig”)

Blurb: Super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight natural-looking lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen.

Before I even tried them, I was already smitten with the name, and the super cute chubby crayon shape. Once I put them on, I also loved the sheer, pretty, subtle colors. “whole lotta honey” is a honey-rose, and “fuller fig” (my favorite) is more of a bronze-rose. Both shades are flattering, natural looking and have a dewy sheen.

These are especially great to have on hand at work. When the windows are shut and the air conditioners are going, my lips get dry. Chubby Sticks are hydrating, smooth, soothing and…fun!

Check out all eight shades on the website. You can also take a look at the rest of the Spring Top 10, and browse some of the Exclusive Gift Sets for Mothers’ Day. Clinique is available at fine department stores and Sephora.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Happy Monday: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (review)

Hello everyone! I hope you had (or are still having) a wonderful holiday. I had a great Easter weekend, and today begins the second year of a very wonderful relationship. And since we’re closed for Passover at work, I’m still in weekend mode. But that doesn’t mean I can’t momentarily pull it together to talk about something pretty. Today it’s from Burt's Bees.

Tinted Lip Balm

Blurb: Care for your lips with beautiful, sheer color. Our new tinted balms give you a hint of color with a soft, sweet flavor and natural ingredients that moisturize and condition your lips. Available in six flirty shades – Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia and Rose.

It takes a lot to get me excited about lip balm, but these are fabulous. They’re all natural, and they feel wonderful. They’re smooth, very soothing, and stay on for a long time without feeling waxy or sticky. And when they do wear off, my lips are definitely softer.

I tried “Rose” and “Hibiscus.” Each had a light (yummy) fruity scent, and a tiny bit of sweet flavor. Nothing overpowering – it was very nice. Of course the best thing about these balms is the lovely pigment. Each has a sheer, shiny wash of color that gives my lips a pretty tint while keeping them soft. I also tried layering one of the shades (“Hibiscus”) over a lip stain I have, and got a really nice effect. These are perfect to keep in your desk or purse.

Check out all the shades (6) on the website. There’s even a Tinted Lip Balm video. And if you’re in the mood, you can learn about actual bees by visiting the be good to bees page. Burt’s Bees products are also available in grocery stores, drug stores, natural food stores, ULTA, and drugstore.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubly Delightful: Pixi Succulent Lip Twin (review)

The love affair continues. Check out my newest passionate pick. From Pixi.

Succulent Lip Twin (in “Coral Camelia”)


Blurb: Exquisite duo of lip balm and lip & cheek tint, for a burst of fresh colour and long-lasting nourishment. Give yourself a lip-loving treat with this duo lip nourisher. The natural oils and extracts condition and protect your lips - all while adding a quick tint of face-awakening colour with our unique lip & cheek tint (conveniently located in cap).

This is adorable! And portable, convenient, handy, practical, and pretty.

And adorable.

The packing is completely fabulous. The tube contains an awesome sheer gloss that’s both pretty and moisturizing. The top of the cap contains a matching creamy blush. And I’m in love with the fragrance (somehow it reminds me of my mom’s makeup drawer when I was a kid). Both the gloss and the blush are excellent quality, and “Coral Camelia” is a fresh, peachy coral.

Stay tuned for more Pixi reviews (After trying out samples, I paid a few visits to the Pixi aisle at Target). In the meantime, browse the website – or just high tail it over to your nearest Target.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Retro Movie Monday: MAC Lip Pencil (review)

Here’s what happens when I can’t justify buying another lipstick. I buy a lip pencil. Because I care. About…I don’t know…um…diversity. Yeah, that’s right…diversity.

Seriously. I realized that lip pencils have gotten short shrift on my blog, so I decided to try one out. From MAC.

Lip Pencil (in Nightmoth)

Blurb: A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They are long-lasting and available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.

I found out why I should give lip pencils more attention. And I was reminded (again) that I should definitely give MAC more attention. I love this pencil. “Nightmoth” is a deep, dark burgundy (very glamorous). The pencil is highly pigmented, excellent quality, and sharpens to a tiny super precise point.

What really makes these pencils awesome is their versatility. I tried mine as a lip liner and it did a great job (no surprise there). I also completely filled in my lip and got a perfectly precise dramatic, matte finish that stayed put forever. When I wanted something a little more glam, I added a bit of gloss; and when I wanted something softer, I smudged the color over my lips with a finger to get a berry-stained look.

I even used it to line my eyes once. It’s not approved for that, so don’t follow my terrible example...but it looked really awesome. Just saying.

The website is fun to visit. I spent a whole lot of time looking at the Artist in action videos.

And speaking of videos…

During my weekend of serious down time, I watched a lot of movies. Serious “cinema,” as well as seriously cheesy movies. I decided to share the cheesiness, and post a few retro trailers this week. Enjoy (and yes, that is Cher singing the theme song).



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Sunday Edition: Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color

Just when you’re ready for something pretty and new…look at the gorgeousness from Bobbi Brown…

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12

“What makes these lipsticks so modern is a formula that combines pigments with a colorless lipstick base. The result is crisp, clear color and full coverage without a heavy feeling” -Bobbi Brown

Bobbi’s new lightweight, color-saturated formula for lips. Created with colorless base, Rich Lip Color showcases the true color of pigments – so what you see is what you get. This creamy and emollient lipstick also moisturizes and conditions lips as it protects with SPF 12.

Available in 12 pale to deep shades: Bikini Pink, Soft Coral, Bare Pink, Heather Pink, Mod Pink, Plum Rose, Rose Blossom, Guava, Sweet Nectar, Cosmic Raspberry, Old Hollywood, Crimson

Available February 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.
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Valentine Kisses: Estée Lauder Lip Gelée and Lipstick from the Wild Violet 2011 Collection (review)

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I got all cranky last Thursday about the day of romance; so I'm balancing things out today with pretty pink stuff. For looking nice. And kissing people. And...stuff. From Estée Lauder.

Limited Edition Pure Color Lip Gelée (in “Electric Pink” and “Electric Cherry”)

Blurb: Ultra-light, ultra-sheer, clear gel gloss sweeps on a splash of color and wet, luminous shine. Exclusively in the Wild Violet collection for Spring 2011.

NEW Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick (in “Wild Blossom”)

Blurb: Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more. True Vision™ technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid.

Whether you’re a lipstick lady or a gloss girl, the spring collection has wonderful kissable things that will make you very happy (and luckily you don’t have to wait for spring).

The Gelées are lightweight ultra sheer glosses with tons of slick shine. They go on smoothly without any heavy or sticky feeling. And I love the sheer color. “Electric Cherry” is a yummy, fresh maraschino, and “Electric Pink” is like a swoosh of candy. On the flip side, the new lipsticks provide dense, vibrant color. They go on like velvet, feel lovely and have wonderful staying power. “Wild Blossom” (a warm pale pink with a bit of gold shimmer) is about as romantic a shade as you can get.

The website has the entire Spring 2011 Collection (Wild Violet). It’s really gorgeous. Check out the colors on the Virtual Makeup Tool while you’re there. Estée Lauder is also available in fine department stores.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday Stuff: New from Philosophy

Check out some of the latest launches from the always fabulous philosophy…

look what's new from philosophy!

oh lolli lollipop lip shine duo: this limited-edition valentine’s day set includes fresh and fruity lollipop and chewy chocolate lollipop high-gloss, high-flavor lip shines that will make you feel like a kid again. their emollient formulas hydrate, smooth, and soften lips, while providing a sheer, beautiful shine and a hint of color. apply them for a fun pick-me-up any time of day. www.sephora.com

hope in a tinted moisturizer: hope in a tinted moisturizer incorporates hope skin care technology with sheer color and spf 20 uva/uvb protection. the 4-in-1, multitasking formula offers sheer glowing color, advanced moisture, antioxidants and broad-spectrum uva/uvb sun protection to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, protect skin against environmental attack and enhance any complexion, to keep skin fresh, beautifully hydrated and radiant. a unique airless pump helps protect the hydrating formula and dispense the perfect dose. www.sephora.com

miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream: miracle worker miraculous anti-aging eye cream is clinically proven to significantly improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines around the delicate eye area, while improving skin elasticity and firmness. this luxurious, high-density formula deeply hydrates as it works miracles on the most common aging eye concerns. www.philosophy.com

research results:
clinically-tested results based on use over four-to six-weeks, twice daily:
- 95% felt improved hydration
- 95% showed improvement in the look of fine lines
- 91% showed improvement in elasticity
- 86% saw an improvement in the look of wrinkles
- 70% saw an improvement in the look of deep wrinkles

Power Week: Lancôme Color Design Lipstick in “Sugared Maple” (review)

Well the snow day (ice day, whatever) did not materialize. What did materialize, though, was an incredibly hectic morning. Today I went to work with…I hope you’re sitting down…NO MAKEUP. That’s right. And I didn’t feel all that pretty either.

Luckily, I keep a stash at my desk; so I remedied the situation as soon as I could. And once I got the pretty back, I decided to blogfully appreciate one of my favorite go-to lipsticks. From Lancôme.

Color Design Sensational Effects Lip Color (in "Sugared Maple")

Blurb: If your lips long for full, fade-free color in tempting textures, and a shade selection that would inspire any makeup artist; the search is over. This luxurious lipstick is infused with soothing ingredients, so lips feel soft and comforted all day. Choose from four fabulous finishes: cream, sheen, shimmer, metallic and matte.

This is one of those fabulous all-purpose, quick fix beauty items that rides to my rescue every time. The formula is excellent. It feels great, keeps my lips soft, and is incredibly long-wearing. When the shine wears off, it leaves a stain behind - so I don’t get the “ghost lip” thing.

And this shade is one of the best go-with-everything-without-being-boring colors I’ve ever owned. It’s a reddish-brown (or maybe it’s a brownish-red) with a hint of sheen. It tends to seem more brown or red depending on what I’m wearing. Some outfits even bring out a few pink tones. It really does match everything. That’s why I keep it at my desk.

Check out the website to browse the other 38 shades. Visit the What's New section, and be sure to peek at the Special Offers section. Lancôme is also available in fine department stores and at Sephora.

Since I left the house sans maquillage (without makeup) today, I’m bringing you a grunge-era 90’s power ballad. So unbutton your flannel shirt, sit back, and think about how incredibly intense everything is.



(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Bringing Sexy Back…to Thursday: NARS Lip Gloss in “Bougainville” (review)

This particular Thursday I'm hungry for something a little vampier than my usual 9-5. So it’s a perfect day for something sexy and yummy. From NARS.

Lip Gloss in “Bougainville” (limited edition)

Blurb: Reminiscent of its origin, this sensual pomegranate lip gloss infuses lips with dramatic, diva-esque color. Deep in pigment yet sheer on the lips.

I love NARS glosses. They feel good, look amazing, and have excellent staying power. I had a really difficult time choosing a gloss from this collection. The other gloss ("Downtown") was also pretty stellar in its own way. But I eventually settled on “Bougainville” because it just looked so darn delicious. (Oh, and sexy.)

The shade is actually deeper than it appears in the photo. It’s the color of pomegranate seeds, and it makes my lips look shiny and juicy. It’s wearable enough for day; and it’s also got enough pizzazz for evening. And this color really is an instant pick-me-up (no, not that kind).

The website has the entire Holiday 2010 Collection. It’s thoroughly gorgeous and worth a good long look. There’s also a whole slew of gift ideas on the Holiday Glow page (and you can get free shipping on orders of $25 or more as well as complimentary shipping on any gift). NARS is also available at Sephora, beauty.com, and department stores like bloomingdales and Saks.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Thursday Things: Get Mistletoe-Ready with Cake Beauty Gloss Trio

Now we’re talking! Check out the new kiss-inducing holiday gloss trio from Cake Beauty…

Sealed With A Holiday Kiss
Introducing NEW limited edition merry kiss-mass™ lip gloss trio

KISS in the holiday season with a delightfully packaged trio of delectably flavored lip gloss. Finding the perfect pink for your pout is easy as Cake. Each merry kiss-mass™ lip gloss will nourish and hydrate lips giving you a hint of color and loads of shine. Blended with natural emollients and infused with antioxidants this gloss will leave your lips smooth, sparkling and merry-kissable all season long. Add a little or a lot of shine to your kisser. Indulge.

Each lip gloss is infused with natural emollients, rosemary oil and pomegranate extract.

merry kiss-mass™ Pink Snowflake - sheer pink loaded with pink sparkle
merry kiss-mass™ Sugar Plum creamy, high shine plum pink
merry kiss-mass™ Mistletoe Berry - sheer bright berry with gold glimmer

Formulated without: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, triclosan, gmo

The merry kiss-mass™ lip gloss trio retails for $22. Each merry kiss-mass™ lip gloss is also sold individually ($10 each).

Cake Beauty is an indulgent bath, body and hair care line with multi-purpose product offerings that are infused with natural, raw ingredients, the cornerstone of Cake's success. All Cake products are 100% paraben free formulas that are 90-95% naturally based.

Available: Cakebeauty.com & Urbanoutfitters.com
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Happy Fabulous Friday! Kim Kardashian in NY for FusionBeauty

Check out this amazing photo of Kim Kardashian at the FusionBeauty event…

Kim Kardashian Steps Out in New York City for FusionBeauty!

Want to achieve her flawless face?

“I used the FusionBeauty Illumifill in the T-Zone area and above the hollows of the cheeks and above the lip. For a controlled highlight, use Illumifill in the specific desired areas.” Suggests celebrity make-up artist, Joyce Bonelli.

Check out the other FusionBeauty products used on Kim to achieve her fresh faced look that’s perfect for stepping into Fall:

· FusionBeauty LipFusion Color Shine in 24K
· Fusion Beauty PrimeResults Brightening Primer
· FusionBeauty IllumiFill Line Filling Luminizer
· FusionBeauty Finishing Powder in Rose Gold
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The Color of Monday (Extravagant): Estée Lauder Pure Five Color Shadow Palette and Long Lasting Lipstick from the Holiday 2010 Collection (review)

It’s getting kind of late (okay more than kind of), but I absolutely cannot go to sleep until I get my beauty rave on. Estée Lauder’s holiday collections are amazing; and this year’s is no exception. And…I got to check out two fabulous items!

Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in "Extravagant Gold" (Limited Edition)
Blurb: Eyeshadow that makes eyes come alive. Versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes-soft to bold. Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer or metallic. The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly. The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes. Ophthalmologist-tested. Fragrance-free.

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in "Extravagant Berry" (Limited Edition)

Blurb: Pure impact. Pure luxury. Pure emotion. Pure Color. Lead a Colorful Life. Intense, long-wearing color creates maximum impact. High fashion shades with medium-to full coverage. Luxurious formula pampers, comforts with Vitamins C and E plus natural moisturizers. Delicately fragranced with a delectable fresh fig scent. Dramatic. Provocative. Perfect. We've got your color.

I reviewed one of the 5-color shadow palettes in July and fell in love. The packaging (gorgeous, sleek, and portable) and the formula (velvety, easy to blend, luxurious, and long lasting) are excellent. And the colors in this limited edition palette are superb. A series of tawny/golden shades ranging from palest champagne to a deep cocoa (which also worked as a beautiful liner). The colors are versatile, sophisticated, and can be worn for subtle effects during the day, then dialed way up for evening.

This was my first time trying a Pure Color Lipstick and I was blown away! The shade is a yummy berry with a hint of gold shimmer – absolutely lovely. The color is deep, highly saturated, and the finish is just the right balance of elegance and shimmer. The formula is incredible – rich, luscious and velvety. It softened my lips, felt amazing, and lasted like you wouldn’t believe. Not only did it stay put; but when it did start to wear off, it left a lovely berry-hued stain behind. A truly fabulous lipstick!

There’s an entire Extravagant Holiday Collection to be browsed on the website. And you can also check out what's new and visit the promotions page. Estée Lauder is also sold in fine department stores.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

NEW in November! Borghese Perla Duale High Impact Lipcolour (review and sneak peak)

I love new stuff. This weekend I even went shopping and bought some new stuff (in a smaller size…yahoo).

Best of all, I also got to try some new beauty stuff. From Borghese.

Perla Duale High Impact Lipcolour (in “Perla Pesca”)

Blurb: Six fashion forward shades inspired by the runways of Milan. A creamy, long-lasting, dual purpose formula delivers rich, opaque color with a high pearl finish. Formulated with Vitamins A, E & C to condition lips and help provide anti-oxidant protection, and Chamomile and Aloe to soothe and smooth.

This line is launching in November, and I was really excited to get a sneak peak. The lipsticks combine two formulas. The richly pigmented inner core is surrounded by a softening balm with a pearly finish. The color I tried is gorgeous. “Perla Pesca” is a deep salmon with a lot of rich, pink tones. It’s very flattering and very wearable. The formula felt wonderful, and had excellent staying power.

What I loved most was the pearly effect created by the outer layer. Most things on the market are mattes, satins and shimmers; so a pearl shine felt really new and fresh. And now I'm smitten with the chic vibe of a pearly frost over a rich, sophisticated color. When I wanted more color, I used a lip brush to apply more of the pigmented center. I also loved wearing the outer “pearl” balm by itself – very cool.

I don’t have a product link for you yet (the line launches in November); but you may want to hang out at the website while you’re waiting (it’s only 2 weeks). Check out the Tuscan Sunset GWP, and visit the what's new section. When it’s time, you can also find Borghese at bloomingdales. In addition to Perla Pesca; there are 5 other shades: Perla Nudo, Perla Café, Perla Fiamma, Perla Vino, and Perla Rosa.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Special for Sunday: Revlon Joins the Breast Cancer Fight

Another great combination of beauty and responsibility. Revlon is donating 10% of sales of their Pink Pursuit Lip Gloss to the fight against breast cancer!

Revlon® Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pursuit
Supporting the Fight against Breast Cancer

Revlon continues the quest to change the face of cancer with Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pursuit.

In partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation™, Revlon® will donate proceeds* to fund breast cancer research around the country. 10% of sales of Pink Pursuit will be donated to the fight against breast cancer**. The Pink Pursuit lipgloss will bear the Breast Cancer Ribbon to distinguish from existing shades.

To date, The EIF Revlon® Run/Walk For Women has distributed over $60 million for Women’s Cancer research, education and support programs.

Super Lustrous® Lipgloss: High-gloss Shine, Silky-smooth Feel. SPF 15 protection and moisturizing care. Exclusive LiquiSilk® formula with silk-enriched moisturizers and vitamins for intense moisture and an ultra-smooth feel. Light-reflecting spheres create the ultimate shine. Sheer, buildable coverage, doesn’t drag on application, non-sticky. Wear alone or together to add depth and shine and extend the wear of your Super Lustrous® Lipstick

*Up to $100,000 annually to the Entertainment Industry Foundations Woman’s Cancer Programs & Initiatives.
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Thank You, Nina! NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (review)

Last Monday I thanked my mom for allowing me an awesome birthday indulgence. And today, I’m thanking my godmother (“Nina” means “godmother” in Spanish) for giving me some wonderful, girly, birthday, beauty cheer. We were in Sephora during a family trip; and I got to pick out an after-birthday gift. My something was from…NARS.

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (in “Damned”)

Blurb: The convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-size crayon design. Instantly coats lips with rich pigment, imparting a velvet matte finish for seamless color. The long lasting yet non-drying formula is enriched with special emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, velvety color for hours.

Wow!

I’ve been wanting to try these pencils for-freaking-ever! And now I have. And now I want one in every color. Because they are awesome. They do indeed have a soft, velvety, matte finish (hence, the name); and they sit beautifully on the lips. The texture is plush and luxurious (not dry – or drying – at all), and the thick pencil is perfect for quick, precise application – a very good thing because the pencils are very highly pigmented. Their quality and staying power are excellent.

Nina politely overlooked the fact that her goddaughter picked something in a color called “Damned.” But I couldn’t resist. It’s a deep, rich magenta that flatters my complexion, and is perfect for both Fall and the holiday season. And in addition to high-impact, va-va-voom dark velvet drama; there’s also the option of applying a gentle swipe for a gorgeous, natural, berry-stained look – that lasts. I also got a great look when I layered a sparkly gloss on top. These pencils are stunning, versatile, convenient and portable – what’s not to love?

There are 15 colors on the website (and I saw some additional shades on Sephora). NARS is also available at beauty.com, and department stores like bloomingdales and Saks.

(ftc disclosure: received as a gift…woo hoo!)

Kiss Away Poverty: Lip Fusion LuxeBoudoir Gloss (review)

Today was another hot, hectic day. But I’m also feeling a lot of gratitude. Some of my friends are having a really hard time right now with family and health problems; and I realize that even when things feel difficult, I have a lot of reasons to feel blessed and grateful.

Today’s review is also a plug for FusionBeauty and Seven Bar Foundation’s Kiss Away Poverty campaign. I know my fluffy little blog can’t solve all the problems of the world, but today seems like a good day to do a little something.

About the Seven Bar Foundation: For those who understand the difference between giving someone money and teaching them how to make it themselves, the concept of Microfinance is nothing new. It is the most sustainable, scaleable and cost-effective poverty alleviation tool.

The idea is simple: individuals are provided with small loans to start or grow small businesses, allowing them to become economically self-sufficient, provide for their families for the long-term and replace dependency on limited donor funds.

Limited Edition LuxeBoudoir Gloss (in "Vixen")

Blurb: LipFusion is moisturizing treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly. In celebration of FusionBeauty and Seven Bar Foundation’s Kiss Away Poverty campaign, FusionBeauty is launching Luxe Boudoir Capsule Collection - four limited edition LipFusion Color Shine shades! Each color will be designed in collectible limited edition packaging featuring the iconic Seven Bar Foundation “Lingerie New York” model etched in to each bottle.

If you’d like to support this cause (or just look great), here’s a wonderful product that does double duty. It’s a luxurious gloss paired with an effective plumper. I tried “Vixen” (a smoky, shimmery mauve); and loved the sheer, edgy color paired with the sexy shimmer. The formula feels wonderful (not sticky at all), lasts, and quickly gives a boost of plumpness. The quality is excellent (and it also has a yummy grapefruit scent)!

And...for every shade sold - $1 will go towards FusionBeauty and Seven Bar’s Kiss Away Poverty campaign! Something to think about if you have any gift giving in your future.

You can check out the whole LuxeBoudoir Collection on the website. You can also shop this collection at Sephora, HSN, and DERMADoctor.
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(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Cherry Pie and Bubble Gum: Stila Twinkle Lip Glaze Set (review)

Okay. That's it. I'm officially tired of being a grown up! Today I wore grown-up clothes, did grown-up work at my desk, had conversations about serious things, and generally behaved like a mature, well-adjusted adult. Phooey!

Trading some of my childhood innocence for experience and self-determination has been totally worth it in my book. Except for today. Today when I spilled water on the front of my dress, I wanted to go home and pout. When there was a problem with my database, I wanted to throw a temper tantrum and call people names. Bad names. The kind that make you have to stay after school.

But I didn't do any of those things. I behaved myself. So to balance out my good deportment, I'm going to talk about my latest thing-that-I-got-because-I-wanted-it-right-this-minute. From Stila.

Lip Glaze Set - Twinkle (Limited Edition)

Blurb: Features four shades of Stila's most popular lip gloss - three new hues and one bestselling color - to keep your pout glossier and sexier with high-shine color! Twinkle set contains: Grapefruit - shimmery pink, Cherry Pie - red with pink shimmer, Mauvelous - mauve with iridescent shimmer, Pinkle Twinkle - pink with pink shimmer.

You surely must know by now that Stila Lip Glaze has an awesome formula. The gloss looks beautiful and has excellent staying power. Enough of that.

The reason to get this kit is the cute, girly colors! All four colors are great, but I got the set because I needed "Cherry Pie" and "Pinkle Twinkle." "Cherry Pie is a pigmented, cherry red with pink shimmer. It's very sweet and sexy (and it really does smell like cherry pie). "Pinkle Twinkle" is a throughly girly sparkly pink – with a scent that reminds me of bubble gum.

For those of you that are also in need of a little age-regression; take yourself by the hand and march yourself over to the website. Stila is also sold at Beauty.com. And if you need to play with your toys right away, head on over to Sephora or Ulta.
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(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)