LUSH Haul & BB Seaweed Review*

First off, let me inform you all, LUSH Holiday Collection 2010 is here.  LUSH put the items up for sale on October 1 (on the website.)  I am not positive when the line hits stores.  I did my online shopping, got to check out and realized 80% of the items had an M (for may melt) beside them, so I decided to wait until I can safely purchase the items at the store!

My LUSH stash was running low, in the mean time I picked up all of these... This looks pretty massive, but technically I didn't spend too much.  I share a bathroom with my sisters, so they often get their hands on all of this too.  A few Saturdays ago LUSH was having a promotion party to come see all of the "new" bath bombs. (The 4 that were released in the UK midsummer, obviously they're not new after I've been admiring them through UK blogs.)  If you RSVP'ed you received a Free Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb, and with a purchase of $35 or more, you also got a free Sex Bomb Bath Bomb. Plus, I had 5 empty pots, so I got to pick up a free face mask too! I really racked up on the free stuff this trip to LUSH.

Purchases

The Comforter Bubble Bar (2) - This and Christmas Eve ties for my favorite Bubble Bar, this is definitely my sisters too.  One will last anywhere between 4-8 baths.  We purchased two last Christmas and just now had to restock.
Flothy Gritter Bubble Bar - This is the only new one I have used and can actually review so far, I was always so turned off by this product... I thought it was just a glitter bomb, I would take a bath in it, then take a shower to get all the glitter off.  That is definitely not the case.
Keep it Fluffy Bath Bomb
Twilight Bath Bomb
Mrs. Whippy Bath Bomb

Freebies

BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask
Fair Foot Trade Lotion Sample (2)
Sex Bomb Bath Bomb - One of my favorite LUSH items, I'm obsessed with the scent.  I have this just sitting in my room, for the time being
Vanilla Fountain Bath Bomb

---

Review: BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask

I finally finished my cleansers and had enough empty pots.  (If you bring back 5 empty containers to LUSH, you get a free fresh face mask.) I did not know which mask I wanted, they're not online so I wasn't even positive what all was offered.  Right before I headed to LUSH, I read some reviews on makeupalley.com and BB Seaweed seemed to be the favorite, so I went with that.  I used Aquamarina Cleanser before and liked it, so I figured it may be somewhat similar with Seaweed being a key ingredient in both.

I put the mask on, waited about 15 minutes, and it dried almost completely clear, there were huge chunks of seaweed that I had to scrub off.  After finally getting the mask off my skin felt more aggravated from the seaweed than soothed and relaxed.

I have normal skin, a pimple here and there about once a month.  The morning after using this mask I had quite a few pimples.  I'm not sure if my skin was too aggravated or the mask is pulling all the imperfections out.  I still have a few blemishes now.

Overall, I'm not impressed with this one.  What mask do you recommend? 

At least my sister enjoyed it!

---

My local LUSH store has a Facebook, I entered a contest on the discussion, and actually won!  I received the 4 "new" bath bombs, 2 of these I purchased a week before.  I wanted to try out the other two, but I did not love the smell enough.

(even more)
Freebies
Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb
Fizzbanger Bath Bomb
Mrs. Whippy Bath Bomb
Twilight Bath Bomb

I cut all of these (except for Mrs. whippy) open because they're pretty big and could make two baths.  I didn't realize all of these were like a two-in-one deal, they all have another bath bomb color and scent both inside of them.  Twilight has the best and strongest smell.  Fizzbanger smells like Pez candy.  The other two are just okay.  Dragon's Egg had a gold treasure chest inside of it. too cute! hah.

Thanks, LUSH Oak Court!

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September Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Happy October!  We're almost to the end of 2010.  Cooler weather is already here (I just hope it sticks around.)  I am beginning to find a new love for October, just because it kicks off all the holiday months.  I would like to say dressing up is fun too, but there is no Costume Party on the agenda yet!

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Wear your pink!  Purchase beauty items with the Pink Ribbon on them, a lot of companies are donating profits from certain items to the foundation.

On to the products, most of my favorites from previous months have remained: Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer, MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick, and MAC Indianwood Paint Pot, so I will not rave about all of these again.

I rediscovered Chapstick Medicated, my lips are already awful and it's not even Winter yet.  This does the trick while it is on, it is not a miracle product; I am still searching!

I recently picked up Vampire Blood Pocket Bac Hand Sanitizer, but I already can not put it down.  I am including this in my September favorites because I have been to Bath and Body Works at least four times bugging the employees about when it would be in.  hah.  The bottle says Plum, it is more berry than anything, I am not positive how to describe the scent. Regardless, I will have extra germ-free hands.

I gave into the craze of the American Apparel Nail Polishes.  My go-to colors used to be Nude or Black, but I feel like now I have a halfway point with Grey.  American Apparel Factory Grey Nail Polish, the formula is good, a nice shiny, matte.  The staying power isn't that great, (maybe because I keep forgetting top coats?)  Still, I swear by OPI.

Finally, non-beauty related.  Liv Crayola Inkless Highlighters.  I picked these up at Target 2 pack for $1, for whatever reason, they were on sale.  (The whole line is overpriced, that is my guess.)  I was a little curious how an inkless highlighter could exist, I love Crayola, and the whole Liv Crayola Line looked really neat.  (Click Here)  It is a twist-up CRAYON, it has a wax finish just like a crayon, therefore, NO smudged ink, and it doesn't dry out.  The color is actually a little bit more vibrant than a regular highlighter.  I want more of these!  I am getting rid of all my other highlighters.

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Freshman School Supplies | What's in my School Bag?

Favorite things about school? Well, it was seeing friends and familiar faces. That was the case for high school, but now I'm a freshman in college and know practically no one. My next favorite is SCHOOL SUPPLIES.

This is kind of delayed, I know, this subject took over YouTube last month. Most of you are back in school, and the school supplies aisle has already been replaced with Halloween items. Better late than never? I've only been in school a week, I've finally got all the supplies I need, so I can share!

It drives me insane when girls carry a backpack and a purse; also when people carry everything in their arms and can't even open the door for themselves. (I've seen both this past week!) I have a nice LL Bean backpack still in good condition from like Junior High, but I wanted to be a little more fashionable...

My bag still hasn't arrived but I guess I can show off a stock photo anyway. It's from China, I'm a little worried about the quality; we'll see! It probably won't be here for another month but I wanted to go ahead and get this posted!

The bag I'm currently using. I like it, it just needs to be bigger! All it can fit is a small book, a binder, and my random misc stuff. It's from JCPenney. They also had a red plaid, and green. This one is actually black (my flash wouldn't cooperate!) Another dislike, it picks up so much dirt.

Spiral notebook, for one class that has 400 people, school agenda, and Five Star five subject notebook, that I'm not using, because I've received so many handouts and deciding to stick with binders.

2 one-inch Binders. One for MWF and one for TH. I purchased both of these at Office Depot. I believe they're designed by Wilson Jones.  I thought I was going to hopefully ditch binders and just use the Five Star notebook, but again, it's so much easier just to keep up with the notes and handouts, all in order with easy navigation, in one place.

Vera Bradley Pencil Pouch in Barcelona. Avery Notepad Labels. I'm seriously obsessed with these. (They made the cut for august favorites!) The whole paper is sticky, I've thrown out all post-it notes! Sharpie writing utensils are my favorite, they're the only pens I use anymore! All from Sharpie: highlighters, marker, and pens. I purchased the clickable kind this semester, but they don't write as good as the one with the lid. Favorite pencils... Papermate clear point mechanical pencils and lead. I'm on the search for good fun colored pens! (Sharpie, please make all colors!) Anyone have any brand suggestions for fun colored pens? I used RSVP before, they're okay. I picked up the Zebra colored pens, 6 for $3 at Office Depot, I don't care for them too much, they'll do for the semester.

And finally, all the random misc items.. (Also in my bag, not pictured, is my phone, keys, and wallet.) Water. Umbrella. Umbrellas last a good 3 rainstorms for me before they break; I need to invest in a good one. hah. Chapstick. Mints. Do not smack on gum and bug people around you. Hand Sanitizer. Water. Tissue. Vera Bradley hard eyeglass case in Barcelona, holding my glasses. Black Wayfarers.

Don't forget your overpriced textbooks!

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Drugstore Picks

We all get so wrapped up in the high-end cosmetics, there's some at your local drugstore too. Plus, not everyone can afford to go Sephora or to the counters at department stores. I went through my makeup drawer and pulled out all of the drugstore cosmetics. Sadly, this is all I own. (With the exception of some NYX products, but I don't think they're that wonderful for everyday use.) I've tried plenty of others, but I've swapped them on makeupalley.com or gave them to my little sister. These are the only ones I've kept around and repurchased...

Prices obviously vary depending on where you purchase them; target usually sells at the cheapest. The prices are kind of a guess (my memory and google) If I'm in the wrong ballpark, let me know!

Clean and Clear Morning Glow Eye Brightening Cream

$6 (Discontinued?)
This was discontinued, but it's not back on the clean and clear website in different packaging, so maybe it's back! If not, try amazon.com or ebay.com. I purchased my current tube on eBay.  I love all of the morning glow/burst products, I've tried them all. These are the only two I repurchase when I run out. This is the only eye brightening cream I've noticed that makes my green eyes even brighter. (I've only tried high-end samples.) It doesn't irritate my eyes either.

Clean and Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15

$6-$8
I love all of the morning glow/burst products, I've tried them all. These are the only two I repurchase when I run out. The smell is great, the formula is nice, oil-free, plus sunscreen!

ELF All Over Color Stick in Toasted

$1
I cannot tell you how many ELF products I've purchased, I've only kept about 10 (most are brushes) out of the 100. I do like this for the days I'm looking a little pale.. just swipe on your cheeks and blend with your fingertips.

ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black

$1
I doubt this is waterline safe, I used it once and it hurt pretty bad. I do like this for going over False Lashes and filling in the lines/evening out gel liner.

Lip Smackers Lip Frosting in Birthday
$3
I'm obsessed with lipgloss. It's the only drugstore one I've repurchased over and over again. It's a nice shimmery pink color. But the scent, it's like having a birthday cake on your lips. (For the record, lick it, it tastes like nothing.)

Loreal Bare Natural All Over Mineral Glow in Nude Glow

$10-$14
I use this all over; mainly on my shoulders to catch the light for important events.

Loreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara

$7-$10
This is my Second Favorite Mascara! (Clinique High Definition comes in first place.) This does beat a lot of high-end mascaras in my book. I've been wearing this for the past month. Just two swipes for school or you can really layer it up for a night time look.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in Nude

$2
This is the only NYX product I love and use daily. Plus it's the only pigment/loose eyeshadow  I use often as well. It's great for a highlight anywhere on your face.

Revlon Skinlights Loose Powder Illuminator in Warm Light

$10 (Discontinued)
This was the first bronzer I ever owned years ago. It took me a good year or two to finish it. I recently repurchased on amazon.com. It gives a nice sweep of color with some shimmer. Great for night-outs!

Wet 'n' Wild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette in Sand Castle

$5 (Discontinued)
Why this was discontinued, I have no clue. Why I shoved this to the back of my makeup drawer and started using only MAC eyeshadows, again, I have no clue. This was my daily palette until I felt the need to spend all of my money on MAC eyeshadows. (8 colors for $5 or 1 color for 14.50? What is wrong with me? lol.) These wet 'n' wild colors are just as pigmented and blend-able as MACs. Get your hands on this palette if you can! I wish I picked up more colors!

A look with all of the products mentioned above (plus MAC concealer and some eyebrow tools) I can't say it's completely drugstore only...

FOTD: 

Almost Drugstore Only
I feel weird without blush,,,

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August Favorites

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Fake OPI Polish

JANUARY 2, 2011 UPDATE:

A lot of website traffic comes to this specific post, at least one (often more) Google search a day. I would like to state I now have 15 bottles of OPI polish (purchased from Ulta, Trade Secret, eBay, and received in MakeupAlley swaps) and no two look the same.

According to OPI Twitter, (@OPI_PRODUCTS) "[There is] no sure way to tell unless bottle content [is] tested, unfortunately."  Each bottle is formulated differently, meaning different colors, consistencies, and contents.  The glass bottle depends on the manufacturing company. The warning labels and green/black labels also vary.  The labels are better explained here: Black Label OPIs.

It's going to be hard to tell just by appearance if it's real or fake. If the consistency is different than the rest, then you may have a fake on your hands (or it's been used and diluted with too much nail thinner.) - The best way to avoid this is to purchase from salons or beauty supplies (no eBay, blog sales, or swaps!)

Feel free to comment below with your input/your experiences.

---

ORGINAL POST:

Today, I received two OPI polishes. Brand New Skates (I ordered it on eBay.) and Black Onyx (Was picked up at State Beauty Supply.) I realized the packaging was completely different. I pulled out my other six polishes, starting examining them and doing research.

NOTICE
I'm not 100% sure what I'm saying below is accurate. Please comment below if you know of a completely accurate link. I just don't want anyone else googling 'fake opi' and freaking out like me! hah.

HISTORY

Guide: How to Identify your OPI Polish, this shows the appearance over the years.

THE INSPIRATION
I googled 'fake opi' and these were the first results to pop up:
OPI Lovers? You Should Read This Before you Bid!
How to Tell if an OPI Polish is Fake

Both of these websites are repetitive, like one copied the other. They seem so sure in what they're saying as well. Never did they say it's a theory. (The second link compares two real OPI nail polishes.) I also commented saying I doubted her theory, and she deleted it!  According to the two sites, only 1 of my 8 polishes is real.


OPI Polish Collection Background
eBay
(All from Power Sellers with excellent feedback.)
Brand New Skates
Dulce de Leche
Mod About You
Over the Taupe

Local Cheap-O Beauty Shop
Elephanstic Pink

MUA Swap
At Your Quebec & Call

State Beauty Supply
Black Onyx

Trade Secret Salon
My Private Jet

NONE of my OPI polishes are alike on the glass bottom, back, or label.

Warning Labels
Supposedly according to those sites, the polish I just received from State Beauty Supply (Where all salons go and order for their customers!) was a fake, just because it had 3 warning labels instead of 4. I continued on with my research spree... over time, chemicals and ingredients in the polish have changed. So with different chemicals, it's going to mean different hazardous materials, therefore... different warning labels. Why the font is different, I don't know, I guess OPI wanted a change in appearance. There are also some polishes with only 2 warning labels, I don't own any, but they're out there, and completely legit.

Bottle Spacing & Ridges
Glass bottle manufacturer can't be perfect every time. OPI may change the appearance of their bottles over time too.

Different Color Labels on the Bottom
Black labels are an older formula. Green labels are a newer b3f. Explanation here.

Serial Numbers
I don't know about this. None of my polishes have "engraved" serial numbers. Only two have serial numbers stamped on the bottom glass


Help / Add More Info
Help from MUA (makeupalley.com) Boards I posted a thread similar to this, but more in a freaking out, questioning manner. lol. All of these replies helped me and I thought they should be recognized.

I am not trying to put down or make fun of the two top blogs in any way. Again, when you google 'fake opi' these are the first two things to pop up! I don't believe their information is accurate. MUAers agree. Do you?

I know many of you are bigger polish lovers and polish obsessed than I am; If you have any information you want to correct or add, please let me know. I will add it in and link it to your blog.

The consistency in all 8 of these polishes are the same. I don't know why I doubted them being fake. Don't believe everything on google! Chances are, your OPI polish is real no matter where it came from or how different in appearance they are.

Are your OPI polishes different in appearance?

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July Favorites

 "Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Most of my money has been going to school related things lately. Also, I spent a lot on the UK-US Swap last month, and I've been using all of those cosmetics. So really, I didn't buy a lot of new cosmetics this month.

1.) My White Walls

If you're following me on Twitter, you know I took down my picture wall. One entire wall in my room was covered with pictures, it was about three layers deep too, I was constantly covering up people I didn't like at the time. lol. Or years changed, events changed too. This is only about 2.5 years of pictures. (I did this once before too in junior high, but took it down and started over.) I've done a lot of de-cluttering in my room on the other walls too. I can actually see the white walls now!

2.) Coach Poppy Pop C Groovy Bag
This is my first Coach purse. The bright colors are great for the summer; it's a good size, too.


3.) Stella by Stella McCartney
I purchased this in September, got tired of it, and fell in love with it again. It's such a clean, fresh scent. I keep a rollerball in my purse too.

4.) Eyeko Cream
This is my favorite thing I got in the UK Swap! It's a multi-purpose really light shimmer.

5.) MAC Lip Conditioner
This is my second time purchasing it. The first tube must have fallen out of my purse. I can't find it anywhere! :/ (It was only half-used, I more upset I can't B2M it.) It has a vanilla milkshake scent. It's pretty moisturizing.

6.) Smackers Lip Frosting - Birthday Cake
I think this is my third tube (I never repurchase things unless I love them.) It smells like you're rubbing birthday cake all over your lips. It has a sheer light pink pretty color too. This tube is pretty old, I rediscovered it this month! hah.

7.) OPI at Your Quebec and Call
I've been going back and forth between this metallic dark green and my normal nude color.

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US / UK Swap

Gemma, a lovely girl who lives in London asked me to do a swap! Follow her: Twitter and Blog. We emailed back and forth requesting items and giving each other updates.

I actually got my package a few days ago, thinking I'd do a blog after I tested/used them so I could actually review them, but I may just do a separate post later if any of you want an American opinion on UK goodies!

For whatever reason, UK will accept nail polishes, but they rejected the package to leave the UK since it contained nail polishes. Have any of you ever had this problem? I know nail polish swaps are pretty common for most people I follow. So, I'll have a package of nail polishes to talk about in about 5 weeks. They're coming by sea mail instead of air mail. On to the goodies I have now!


I loved how Gemma wrapped everything separately! So much time went into that, plus me and my little sister had fun unwrapping it!

The Eyeko, BarryM, and Retro LUSH items were all requested since they're basically impossible to find in the US. I asked for the TopShop temporary bracelets tattoos, too.

Everything else was picked out by Gemma!

BarryM
Lime Dazzledust
Strawberry Lip Balm

Eyeko
3 in 1 Cream
Mascara (Black)

Gosh
134 Darling Lipstick

LUSH
Summer Pudding Soap
Curly Wurly Shampoo Sample
Tuca Tuca Fragrance
The Wheel of Misfortune Biofuel Soap

LUSH Retro
Absolute Delight Ballistic
Happy Bubble Bar
Happy Birthday Bubble Bar
Ice Hotel Bubble Bar
Playdoze Bubble Bar

Primark Opia
Gold Flower Bird Heart Necklace
Silver Flower Key Heart Necklace
Floral Wayfarer Sunglasses

Sleek
Divine Storm 587 Palette

Top Shop
Moon Dust Eyes
Temporary Bracelet Tattoos

Other
Brilliant Shimmer Eyewand
Cupcake Lipglosses
Lancome Juicy Tubes Clear
Natural Collection Juicy Lips Barley Sugar
808 Collection Pure Gloss

Candy
Dairy Milk
Twisted Crème Egg
Caramel Nibbles
Caramac

I know BarryM 3 in 1 Crystal Clear Nail Paint (recommended by Hannah) I'm really looking for a good top coat! & Mushroom Nail Paint are on the way, along with a few other surprise nail polishes as well!

I love everything! Except I'm a little unsure of the Playdoze Bubble Bar. I guess I was expecting the lovely smell of play-dough? hah. I requested it for my little sister, she's 6, and LOVES LUSH! But even she didn't like the smell! hah. Have any of you tried this? Is it better in the bath?

My favorites right away were the Floral Wayfarers! (I lost my wayfarers in the lake! yay. a better replacement!) The Eyeko products, and the LUSH Happy Birthday Bubble Bar - I almost ordered a few of these many times just to have an easy, last minute birthday gift laying around the house. But I didn't want the smell to be awful. I really like it. I will repurchase more of these!

The chocolate was a complete gooey sticky mess and smelt like LUSH on the outside. :/ Hopefully, I'll still get the real UK taste, regardless of its shape. hah.

Click the picture below to see what American goodies I picked up for Gemma!




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Jazzed, Complete MAC Palette, & Cupcakes

Back 2 MAC

Jazzed Lipstick

I know I said I wanted nothing from the Into the Grove collection. Which was true, but after hearing so much hype about Jazzed and Stereo Rose, I wouldn't mind having them both. My counter had a few Jazzed Lipsticks left, so I went for that.

I'm so glad I did. I probably would have regretted it later on if I didn't get it. Get your hands on it, if you can! I believe the collection will only be out for another week or two with the new Neon one coming next week.

FOTD:

MAC Silver Ring & Black Tied Eyeshadow. NARS Orgasm Blush. MAC Jazzed Lipstick.

(Ignore my messy fishtail braid.) I know I'm behind and you've already seen a million pictures of it. But I was shocked at how pretty it really is. I guess it does live up to the hype and being impossible to find.

It's pretty orange in the tube, which I was really worried. But I put it on as soon as I got the car and realized how pretty it is! It's like a pink-coral. The best color comparison I could think of is NARS Orgasm Blush.

MAC Palette

Of course, I couldn't leave the counter without spending some amount of money; I picked up Beauty Marked Eyeshadow. I ran home to depot it, and at last, A COMPLETE MAC PALETTE. I was filled with excitement. My parents and my little sisters thought I was crazy, they just don't get it, do they? I've been working on this palette since February. SIX MONTHS! Finished, finally.

Beauty Marked? - "Kaitlyn, you hate purple?" - Yes, I hate purple. But I've been doing too much research and listening to how I should wear purple eyeshadow to make my green eyes look greener. I caved. I'm waiting on Creme de Violet to arrive now (ek, I should go buy another palette) to pair with Beauty Marked. I've been playing with my Coastal Scents 88 Palette (the only purple eyeshadow I owned) and realized it does really help my green eyes out a lot. Don't you agree? (I'm still refraining from purple clothes!)

FOTD:

Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Palette purples. (Comment if you want the exact shades and I'll take a picture for you.) Clinique Fig Blush. MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick.

& More

A day isn't complete without sweets! We stopped by Muddy's Bake Shop.

Cookies and Cream, Prozac, Strawberry Lemonade & New Yorker Cupcakes

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June Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."



Color Club Magic Attraction
I saw many bloggers post NOTD's with this. I eventually just bought it on eBay. I'm not sure where you can buy this brand... anyone know? It takes 4-5 coats to get the color of the bottle. But I LOVE it, it's holographic glitter than just glistens in the sun. It almost looks like MAC's 3D glitter on your nails.

LUSH Aqua Marina Cleanser
Purchased this without doing any research. I love ocean salt, but I only use it in the shower, I wanted an everyday cleanser. I just bought it out my counter, the LUSH girl told me how to use it. I drove home, and then smelt it.. ick. It reminds me of Sushi. Remind sushi on your face. ick. It's just a seaweed roll. You have to make a paste to use it. The smell eventually grew on me, it started smelling more clean. I use it at night, my face felt so good in the morning. This is supposed to be for sensitive skin. I have normal skin, so I'm not sure about its claim.

MAC Creations Hue: Turquatic
I was tired of my old perfume (Stella) so I purchased this. It's just a clean-cologne smell. It only last a few hours, which is annoying. If it had better staying power, I'd love it.

Joico K-Pak Intense Hydrator
You're supposed to just put this in dry hair and let it set. I've only that once. I've just been using this as a conditioner. It fixed my pool, lake, and ocean hair. Great for summer!

OPI Elephantastic Pink
I've found this being my go-to pedicure color. It's a barbie hot pink.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter
I hate the smell. I hate product food scents. This smells like I'm rubbing a Hershey's chocolate bar on my skin. I was extremely sunburned from the ocean. (for the first time in my life I was peeling, flaky skin. ew.) I was slathering the peeling with aloe vera and baby oil enriched with aloe vera. After a week and a half, I did some research and found out that aloe vera just hydrates your skin, making it feel better, but not healing it. Cocoa butter moisturizes it. So after 2-3 days of using cocoa butter, peeling was gone, and my skin discoloration was gone.

Ms. Manicure Mini Emery Boards
I purchased these forever ago and just threw them in my makeup bag. I find myself needing a nail file all the time lately. They're perfect just to throw in your purse.

MAC Thrills Frost Lipstick
I can't pull off red lipstick. This is just a light, wearable red. I've found myself reaching for this every day.

Maybelline Define-A-Brow
I've been using eyeshadow to fill in my over-waxed, uneven eyebrows. I read reviews on this, and how it was a dupe for MAC's eyebrow pencil. So I went to Wal*Greens and picked it up. I got Light Brown, thinking it was the lightest shade, next time I repurchased I'll get Dark Blonde. The pencil is super dark, you can't press hard at all, but it's a little easier than eyebrow powder or eyeshadow.

Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion
This is an HG for me. I had to repurchase it this month, so I felt like I should mention it in this favorite. I've been using it since Christmas. It's a really good primer to make your mascara stay all day.

MAC 239 Eve Shader Brush
I finally forked out the money for my third MAC brush. This should've been the first one I purchased. It can do everything for your eyeshadow, (all over lid color, crease, blend) you just have to clean it multiple times while switching colors.

EOS Lip Balm
I purchased this awhile back. I wasn't sure about it. I like the scent, I don't love it. Summer Fruit. I want to purchase the lemon one if I can ever find it. It has SPF 15, which we all really need for summer. I keep this in my purse and I've been reaching for it quite often. I love the reactions you get while applying it in public, too. haha.

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Top 9 LUSH Products / Bubble Bar Tips

I really like LUSH. It is either a hit of miss for most people. Some stuff is overpriced, I'll admit. No bath is worth dropping an $11 item into. But I usually divide everything possible into 2-4 uses, just so I feel like I got my money worth. I discovered LUSH in November and have been into trying new things ever since. I've been coming across a lot of 'what should I purchase from LUSH' blogs lately. So I thought I'd tell you about my favorite products so maybe you'll want to pick some of these up next time you go.

Most people's favorites are yummy yummy yummy, rockstar soap, and honey I washed the kids soap. I don't care much for food scents. So I've never tried these just because I wasn't attracted to the smell. Most LOVE these, so I wanted to mention them.

Overall, if you're new to LUSH, I'd say pick up a few bubble bars first, those are what impresses me the most, and you can get plenty of uses out of them. I'll never go back to Mr. Bubbles or any type of liquid bubble bath again. :)

Haul & Review: MAC To the Beach Collection

This is the only MAC collection (since Feb) that has really appealed to me. So I'm probably going overboard, I've still been keeping my work hours up, and haven't really been purchasing any other make-up lately. I want almost everything from the collection! The new July Collection, In the Grove, click here, doesn't really appeal to me at all. The only thing that looks decent to me is the is the petticoat skin finish and creme d' nude (I already own it.) So, I guess I'll just go crazy on this collection, and probably the villain one (have any images been released? it just sounds cool. hah.)

I'm not going to talk about the packaging, you all know about it by now.

I already did a review on Cream Bronzer: Beach Bronze and Easy Lounger Lipglass, because I picked those up at a counter, (click here.)

Now on to the items I ordered online, both eyeliners, thrills lipstick, and Sweet & Punchy.

Swatches: Humid (already owned it), Sweet & Punchy eyeshadow, Float on By Eyeliner, Rosemary & Thyme Eyeliner, Thrills Lipstick.


Thrills was more red and bright than I thought it would be. I like it, I'm going to have to go through a box of white strips before I can pull this off. hah.

I love humid, I've had it since February. I'd usually just pair it with a tan/neutral shade.

I love sweet & punchy as well, it's just a fun color, I'm not sure if I'd use this as an everyday look.

I love the color of the eyeliners. I've never tried MAC's pencil eye kohl's before. They're kind of hard to work with, I couldn't draw a straight line for some reason. hah. It kept getting bigger and messier. It has pretty good staying power, yet it just smears, like for the messy beach look, they'll do.

Overall, I'm pleased with my purchases and say the long wait was worth it.

I know I definitely will get the highlight powder (my counter has it in stock, i should probably just get it now) and the Shimmermoss eyeshadow (in pan form to save me from depotting.) 

Does the July collection look appealing to you?

What's your favorite MAC to the beach item?

-Kaitlyn

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Review: MAC: Easy Lounger & Beach Bronze

Today was the official launch date for MAC's To the Beach collection. I placed an order a few days ago online. But three things I wanted were out of stock already. (Everything but Marine Life was available last night. I don't know about now.)

I went to my MAC counter today, just to pick up Easy Lounger Lip Glass and look at Marine Life in person. My MAC counter still had everything in stock, I didn't ask how long they had been selling, or if anything was close to be gone.

I heard many complaints about how the packaging looks so cheap and tacky. I love it. That green is one of my favorite colors. The orange is okay. I've only been into MAC makeup since February. None of the collections since appealed to me, so I'm getting kind of sick of all my Black packaged make up. I love the details, it is attached, not a sticker, (were other collections stickers?) just because it's beach related.



The first time I ran across the collection online, I KNEW I wanted the Marine Life high light powder. I would've ordered it online a few days ago if it wasn't out of stock. I swatched it at the counter, it was a gold peachy-coralish blush. Not a high light powder. I wasn't sure what I what use it for, a blush, obviously, but I didn't really find it too useful. I may pick it up later on in time just because it's so pretty. But I don't understand why it's a highlight powder.

So I ended up with a Cream Bronzer instead, Beach Bronze. Weekend may have better suited my tan skin tone, but I just didn't like the orange tint to it. I had no intentions of getting any of the bronzers or blushes.

I've never tried a cream bronzer, or even a cream blush. So i'm not sure how it really compares. Other reviews say the consistency is better than MAC's cream blushes. It really does blend easy. It's very light weight and satin feeling. Staying power was pretty good. I didn't notice I need to reapply until about 7 hours later. (I just used my fingers, bad, I know. What brush are you supposed to use with this?)

I know I compare everything to my Mineralized Skin Finish (MSF), but I can't help it. It apparently all starts to look the same. hah. Plus I use MSF as my foundation, so when the colors are the same, I'm afraid it won't show up.

In the container, they do kind of look similar (more so in person than the camera, flash made a difference.)

But in swatches and application, the bronzer is darker, not by much, I did kind of layer it on to get the color I wanted. It doesn't have much shimmer in it at all, which is good, I don't want a shimmery face, that screams "I have bronzer all over me!"



Overall, I'd say get this product. It look better if you have a fair-light medium skin tone. It's great for on the go. Easy, fast application. Good staying power. It could probably even double as an eyeshadow. Great for throwing in your purse, you won't have to worry about it breaking.

Easy Lounger, all of the lip products I'd love to try except for fun bathing (i think? the darkest plum lipstick.. ick.) I wanted Easy Lounger first, yet it was sold out online when I placed my order.

So I didn't even really look at it at the store, I just told the lady I wanted it and she threw it my back. When I got home I realized it really reminds me of Love Nectar.



Easy Lounger has a bit more sparkles and Love Nectar is more peach-ish. They're different, but they really remind me of each other. Easy Lounger is the color of my lips, so no color at all. It feels stickier for some reason to me? Idk. Maybe I'm weird? hah. I'll probably just use this for toning down dark colors.

Overall, I'd say skip this and go for one of the other two shades. Especially if you own Love Nectar.

-Kaitlyn

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Review: Goody Spin Pins

I see the commercial a couple times a day, if you haven't seen it, watch it here. I knew I wanted to try these out. I checked my local Wal*Mart a few times, and never saw them. I kind of forgot about them until I watched Emily's Review, I knew I wanted them again. I almost ordered the set from Goody online, but I didn't know much shipping would be, plus I only really wanted the spin pins.

I love most Goody hair products, so I doubted they could let me down with this.

The idea is to create a bun with no elastics, no bobby pins. In fact, it is supposed to do the work of 2o bobby pins. I'm not sure if that is 20 per spin pin, or 10 per spin pin?

Have you ever tried to put your hair in a bun with only bobby pins? I did one day, I stopped when I had about 30 bobby pins in my hair and it went no where. Even when I told my hair dresser I wanted a bun for a dance, she put half of my hair in an elastic and then pinned the rest because she knew it was likely impossible.


(^Click the picture to enlarge. Top middle picture from Google, the rest of them are my own.)

I went to the mall and ran in the Wal*Greens across the street, I got the last package of them, they were blonde color, and the box was pretty beat up, but I was tired of searching and got them.

My long, thick, hair, I was a little worried if it would really do the job. I followed the directions (spin one in from the top, one in from the bottom, counter-clockwise), got them in. It was a super messy bun, it fell down within 20 minutes. I was disappointed. Suddenly I realized maybe I just need more. The work of only 20 bobby pins is not enough for me!

The next day I went my local Wal*Mart, again, I picked up the last box, this time in the Brunette color. They also had the Modern up-do one, I may go back for it later. I haven't done any research on it yet.

The length is almost similar to a bobby pin, much wider though. And I wanted to compare the colors for you.

Next picture I wanted to show you my long thick, hair. If these can work for me, I highly believe they can work for anyone. (In case anyone was wondering.. that's my natural hair, nothing done to it. Only a little bit of So Sexy Wave Enhancing Spray, but I don't feel as if it enhances anything, I just use it for the smell.)

The messy bun is only two spin pins, only two of them just couldn't grab all of my hair. It fell out completely within twenty minutes.

Bottom left picture is 4 spin pins, obviously a much tighter bun. It lasted two hours, then I took them out, I'm sure it could've lasted longer. I put the spin pins in from top, bottom, and each side. There's so much warning about "do not interlock them!" I did on accident, it made my bun tighter, they still spun right out and didn't get caught.

The bottom right picture is when I got my hair done for a formal. My hair dresser put half my hair in an elastic, then put it in about 30-40 bobby pins, I went home, my hair was already started to fall out (an hour before the dance) so I shoved in another 10-20 bobby pins.) where were these spin pins months ago?!?

You can put a bun all over your head with these. This morning I went for a side, low bun. Again, 4 Spin Pins.


They spin out of your hair just as easy as you got them in.

I wish Goody would've made these exact ones, and then a thick and long hair one.. make the pins a little longer and wider so they could collect more hair. If you have super thin and short hair, you can probably get away with just using one of these.

This summer on the boat and by the pool, I'll probably just stick to elastics. These are more of a work place or night out hair tool.

Overall, I like the idea of them. It's not one of those products I think you should run out and get this moment. Elastics will do they job just fine and are much cheaper. (Oh at drugstores, Spin Pins (pack of 2) run around $6.) I read a review that this allowed someone to sleep in an extra 20 minutes? It still takes some time to get them in, not near as much as bobby pins would. Elastics are still a faster solution.

I like the product, I don't love it. It kind of annoys me I paid $12 since I have so much hair just to make my bun stay more than 30 minutes. I guess not everyone has long thick hair. I've only seen and read good reviews. They do what they claim to. If you only need one package, $6 is worth it.

Have any of you tried the Spin Pins?
What about the Modern Up-do?
-Kaitlyn

June 2013 Edit
I recently found these at the Dollar Tree for just $1! Check your local dollar store, if you never got around to trying these because of the price.

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Two Minute Smokey Eyes

(& Product Rave: MAC Greasepaint Stick in Zinc Zone

Every morning, I spend at least 5-8 minutes on my eyes. I slap on concealer, foundation, blush/bronzer, but really spend all my time on my eyes. Anyone else guilty?

Finally, for those running late/lazy mornings... a solution!



First, I'd like to point out every morning I usually go for a smokey eye. Either a light silver & black smokey eye or a brown neutral one. (Depending if I'm wearing black or brown.) Occasionally, I'll throw in color. I bought MAC Greasepaint Stick in Zinc Zone for prom, I thought it was more silvery, yet it's just a dark charcoal.

One morning, in a hurry, I threw it on and lightened it up with two colors. Worked great. Only took about two minutes. I've been wearing it for the past three days, and have gotten quite a few compliments from random strangers.

5 colors (right) is my old smokey eye, which consisted of:
• Sephora White Nano Eyeliner in the inner corner.
• MAC White Frost in the inner third.
• MAC Silver Ring in the middle third.
• MAC Carbon in the outer third.
• MAC Shroom as a highlight.

3 colors (left) and bottom two pictures, new smokey eye, consists of:
• Sephora White Nano Eyeliner in the inner corner.
• MAC Greasepaint Stick in Zinc Zone apply to the whole lid.
• MAC Shroom in the inner half and highlight.

I guess using only three products and only blending once kills all the time.

I really wasn't totally pumped after I used the Greasepaint Stick the first time, but I'm glad I found a new love for it. (I went and purchased the brown one, Below Ground, today, I hope it works the same, I'll try it tomorrow!) Get your hands on one of these! (I'm pretty sure these won't be around forever since they're part of the Art Supplies collection?)

The only bad thing about the product is it creases, but can easily be fixed if you apply primer before. (I use Urban Decay Primer Potion.)

Oh and in case your wondering about eyeliner and mascara, I used:

Eyeliner:
• MAC Technakohl in Graphblack

Mascara:
• Clinique Lash Building Primer
• Clinique High Definition
• Benefit Bad Gal

-Kaitlyn

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Rating System

Review and final thoughts are solely based on my opinion but this is the rating system that I follow:

Product

Scale of 1-5
The product score is a measure of a product's effectiveness, efficiency, and how it performs.

Value

Scale of 1-5
The value score is whether the product is priced in line with the expectation and whether you're getting enough for your money.

Packaging

Scale of 1-5
The packaging score is if it based on functionality and durability. Appearance sometimes gets factored into this, as well.

Overall

Scale of 1-5
1 - Failure - An absolute failure of a product, doesn't do the job it's supposed to.
2 - Waste - The product is worth a try, but just doesn't cut it.
3 - Average - Okay, better things are out there.
4 - Like - It's good, but still searching for the best.
5 - Love - Fabulous product, does everything it's supposed and more.

**This grade scale is a smaller and to-the-point version of temptalia.com.