January 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."

My favorites are pretty overwhelming this month.  Between Christmas gifts, buying items I've just been wanting for awhile with Christmas money, and Makeupalley swaps, I accumulated a lot.  Plus, I had to make a few repurchasing.  Some products I'll do a separate review in the weeks to come.


Cosmetics
(New Products)
LUSH Sea Vegetable Soap
I've tried multiple soaps but I have never just loved any of them, I could never more than about a 1oz piece, the thought of repurchasing never crossed my mind. - Finally, I've found one I love.  Mid-month my local LUSH counter had all older soaps 50% this was the best smelling out of the bunch so I got a huge chunk for only $7.  It's just a nice clean smell, citrus meets the ocean. (The description says lavender, but I don't pick that up.) It's somewhat masculine. It has seaweed on the top to get rid of dry spots on your skin.  The only con: Seaweed chunks left in your drain.

LUSH Seanik Shampoo Bar
My hair is amazingly soft; a separate review to come.

MAC 217
I now own 4 MAC brushes, I wish this was the first one I purchased, it's the only one that's really worth it.  Separate review to come.

MAC Beiging Shade Stick
I saw this on someone's blog (can't remember who...) stating they repurchased over and over again, someone else requested a swap with me and had this on their list so I thought I'd try it out.  I have worn it every day since (with Patina in the crease.) I prefer Paint Pots, but when I'm in a hurry, or just lazy, this is my new go-to. It's a great champagne/nude base.

MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot
Great for smokey eyes, full review a few posts back.

MAC Patina
A soft frosty brown (great for paler skin tones)

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes 0L
I received the mini set for Christmas, I always wanted to try these but didn't know if they were worth it, this has amazing staying power, it's my new favorite pencil liner.

OPI Black Shatter*
I know this is sold out almost everywhere, I love it, I wear it over every shade and receive so many compliments.  Again, separate review to come.

OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn 
a Champagne/metallic very light nude.


OPI Tickle my France-y
the perfect nude.

Origins VitaZing Moisturizer 
So many people just raved about this, I wanted to try it but didn't want to pay the $40.  Luckily, I ended up arranging a swap for it.  I really wish Origins made a smaller cheaper size to attract more consumers, but this is worth it.  I hate foundation, I never wear any. In the winter I'm faced with splotches and redness, this has little beads that even out your school tone.  I'm not sure how it works exactly I always thought the beads that match your skin tone was a scam, but this one works! I haven't noticed it being amazingly moisturizing (but I don't really have dry skin) but others have said it is.

Sigma Tapered Face Highlighter F35
A highlighter brush was the only thing missing from my brush collection, this was an impulse/she-made-me-do-it after watching a youtube video, buy. but it makes all the difference in the world.  separate review to come.

(Repurchases)
All of these have been favorites for a long time, but I ran out and had to repurchase this month so I feel like they're worth mentioning again to state I'm still sticking with them.  I've already raved about them enough and still stand by everything I have said.
L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black
LUSH Ocean Salt
MAC Viva Glam V 
 Urban Decay Potion Primer - (Professional Size) If you're a normal UDPP user or haven't tried it out, I recommend the professional size (squeeze tube) it's so much easier to apply than the wand, and no more cutting open the wand package to get all the product out.


Misc
Osfoora for iPhone
(Twitter Application) There's one for blackberry, too.  I was upset with this app at first, it worked for a week then crashed every time I opened it, I'm not sure if there's a new developer or the old one finally decided to fix the problem, but anyway it's been up and running since.  The standard Twitter for iPhone (previously Tweetie) is good, but it's just missing some features. Osfoora offers: customization, more search options, nearby tweets (pretty creepy), follow Friday, more on the profile view, and easier navigation.  The only con: no push notifications. (I still have to keep the official twitter app to get notified of something.) If you constantly tweet from your phone, the extra features are worth the $2.99 investment.

Papermate Flare Colored Pens
5 bright colored pens, felt/marker-like tip so they write really smoothly. I've been on a hunt for some good (cheap) ones and finally found these.

Vera Bradley Laptop Skin
I always wanted one of these but couldn't justify paying $18 on a sticker.  I guess I finally got annoyed by all the fingerprints and the ugly logo on my computer so I finally purchased it.  It makes my netbook and my laptop look a lot nicer.  Plus, I had a little rectangle left over that could've easily covered any type of phone or iPod.


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Review: MAC Cham Pale

I know I'm behind, this collection was released on December 26; I'm posting nearly a month later, my apologies. It took awhile to get my hands on most of these, then I wanted to make sure I used them a few times to give a good review.

For whatever reason, there are about six collections out right now. I'm usually not into collections. (Honestly, the last one I remember purchasing multiple items from is To the Beach, this summer.) This one was an exception. After admiring preview posts the entire month of December, I knew I wanted Feline and Dangerous Cuvee, I picked those up the day of release. After reading more reviews, I picked up Chilled on Ice, and after hard searching for the high demand/always sold out 'I get no Kick' (where did that name come from...?) I finally picked it up, too.


Chilled on Ice (Paint Pot)
Swatches were gorgeous, and me being a paint pot lover, I decided to pick this up (not an original "want".) The best way to describe this is Bare Study with gold shimmer.  I have liked wearing this all over the lid with Bronze Eyeshadow in the crease. It's also good for an under-brow highlight.

Good, but if you have Bare Study and you aren't a shimmer/glitter lover, you probably should skip it.



Dangerous Cuvee (Paint Pot)
This was the main thing I knew I wanted from the beginning.  I don't understand why there's not a gray paint pot in the permanent line, anyway.  I have been reaching for this at least every other day.  It's a must have if you're a smokey-eye lover.  Even if you're not into shimmer, you can put a matte eyeshadow over it, it makes a great base.

Great, worth a buy.



Feline (Kohl Power Eye Pencil)
Reviews raved about how this such a great pencil, the blackest black, great staying power. Etc. The first time I used it, I was impressed. The second time, felt/looked like a normal liner. The third time, my eyes starting hurting. The fourth time, the eyeliner completely smeared, by mid-day, I looked like a sweaty mess (a gothic girl, or someone who wears dark smokey eyes to the gym.) Not only that, but my eyes were just burning. Then I realized I never even checked to make sure it's waterline safe, I never found a straight forward answer, so that could have been my problem.

For this to be so talked about and people say they pick up three or four when it is released again, I was majorly disappointed. I already swapped this for another paint pot on makeupalley.com (go figure. lol.)

Disappointment. For a better black eyeliner... I would recommend: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black (Twist-up Pencil), MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (Gel), Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 0L (Pencil), or Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero (Pencil.)

I Get no Kick (Eye Kohl)
I really want to know what type of name this/where it came from.  Even the Sales Assistant was confused by the name. lol.  I went to three counters for this, it's always sold out online, I was tempted to ask someone make a customer purchase for me, but a counter finally restocked.

I used to be a huge fan of white eyeliner (inner corner and waterline) then looking back at pictures, I realized it was way to harsh, I needed a nude color... so I picked this up.  I like it, staying power isn't that great. By early afternoon, I noticed major fading.  It does open up your eyes.

Okay.  Other people have recommended Make Up for Ever Aqua Eyes in 23L and Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Topez  (I don't own either, so I can't say which is better.) for better staying power.

Overall, Feline & I Get no Kick are way too hyped up.  Dangerous Cuvee is the only thing absolutely a must-have/worth the buy, in my opinion.

A lot of people have been raving about the lip products, specifically the Lip Gelees.  (I can't step away from my chapstick and Viva Glam V) If you're into lip products, they may be worth it.


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What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

I used to be (truly, I probably still am) such an over-packer. (My family really doesn't travel as much as we did a few years ago for me to really know.) I made an out-of-town visit to a friend last week, I was so proud of myself for getting everything in a tiny suitcase.


Not to mention that, but my makeup in a small bag too; it was only about 3/4 full!  For whatever reason, I had such a hard time leaving makeup items at home.  I've finally realized wearing the same blush and lipstick a few days in a row won't hurt, and I really do not need to tote around a huge eyeshadow palette.


(No, this aren't necessary my top products.  However, quite a few of these are everyday products or travel-friendly equivalent to.)

  • Clean & Clear Morning Glow Eye Brightening Cream
  • ELF Blushing/Bronzing Duo (Dupe for NARS Orgasm and Laguna, I prefer those, for travel purpose, I go with this one.)
  • L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black
  • MAC Eyeshadows - Carbon, Espresso, Shroom, & Silver Ring
  • MAC Fluidline Blacktrack
  • MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
  • MAC Select Cover Up Concealer
  • MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick
  • Make Up for Ever Aqua Eyes 0L
  • Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer
  • Origins VitaZing Moisturizer (I wish they made sample sizes!)
  • Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator (Decant)
  • Urban Decay Potion Primer (Decant)

Makeup brushes were a whole different story; too bad there's not a one-does-all type travel brush...

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Haul: Recent Fashion Finds

My last major clothing shopping spree was on Black Friday.  I desperately need a closet makeover (don't we all?)  I've picked up a shirt or two, but nothing big.  My last fashion post was ages ago so I thought I'd share my recent finds.  This is a collective haul (a few days before Christmas up to now.)  Winter clothes everywhere are at least 50% in most stores, stores are cleaning out for their new Spring lines, so now is time to shop!

I can't believe swimsuits are already out.  (Let alone that I picked one up and I'm blogging about it while there's snow on the ground, If I waited, they'd be sold out.)  I've picked up quite a few solid tees and tanks too, but those are pretty boring to display.  Here's the rest:

Body Central One Shoulder Tops


H&M Oversized Striped Sweater Dress


Forever 21 Cream Satin Top w/ Black Bows


Forever 21 Brown Sweater Top


Wet Seal Pop Jeans


These are amazingly comfortable, fit well, and not to mention they were only $12.50 each.
See you later, overpriced denim.

Target Black Bandeau Bikini Top w/ Gold Flower


H&M Leopard Romper


Are rompers supposed to be "in" again these spring/summer? 
I will be wearing them, regardless!

H&M Black Tunic Vest


Urban Outfitters Racerback Striped Tanks


I love these flowy tanks in the Summer, air goes straight through them.


I splurged for some wish list items that I didn't receive from Santa and desperately wanted:

Coach Kristin Pleated Satchel in Blue Smoke


(15339, for reference.) This color was discontinued, making it almost impossible to find.  But I got my hands on it.  I wanted a business-like purse to carry notebooks and my netbook in for school, I think it will be perfect.

Steven Madden Candence Boots in Cognac


I own two pairs of black boots, which seems to be all I wear for casual days, I wanted some brown shoes to get out of a gothic phase.  (Joke, I just wear black too much.)  These were another almost impossible to find.  A sales assistant said these were "hot tamales."  I finally just ordered them through a department store and they showed up on my doorstep.

Finally, an OOTD:


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Kaitlyn's Pink Giveaway (CLOSED)

Congrats, Kate! Click the picture above to check out her blog.


Rules
This is open to followers/subscribers both old and new.

This open internationally. If there's an international winner, I will send it the cheapest way possible (unless you would like to pay for faster shipping -via PayPal) so it could take at least a month+ to get to you. :/

Any age can enter, but if you're still living with your parents, please get their permission to enter and possibly get a package on your doorstep!

The contest will end February 9, 2011 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)

Winner will be chosen in a month through random.org.
Winner will be chosen and contacted on February 10, 2011 via email.
Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen.
Winner will be announced via Twitter and blog post once address has been received.



Prizes

LUSH Candy Cane Bubble Bar
"If it's sweets your craving, crumble this creamy bar into your tub and climb into its abundant, fluffy, vanilla-candy scented bubbles. It was a bit tricky putting the curl into the top of the Candy Cane, so we left ours straight, but it's just as satisfying as the real thing. If you love the smell of the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, you'll adore this one as they smell just the same." - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)

The Scent Genie
Black Aluminum - 4mL – Fragrance Atomizer - It can hold 50 sprays. (Review Post - Click Here)

LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3oz
“Sparkly pink vanilla fun for shower and bath You won't be disappointed when you wing on over to LUSH for our popular and very pink, sparkly shower gel. Magically vanilla-sweet (as all fairies should be) and lovely on both hair and body, Snow Fairy gets little ones and girly girls into the shower and sugar plum fairies out of their heads.” - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)

MAC Angel Lipstick
Best Seller. Soft Pink. Frost Finish. (Haul & Review Post - Click Here)


I'll probably throw in a few more surprises!



How to Enter
(giveaway closed)



Please fill out the form only once and leave only one comment.

Disclaimer: The Scent Genie was sent to me for free; LUSH, MAC, and shipping was.will be purchased with my own money for the purpose of this giveaway.

Thanks for following and entering.
Good luck!

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