Maximize your MAC Palette

I've seen a few blogs and YouTube tutorials on this.  My first thought was I'd never "ruin" my palettes (pop out the insert) because I feared my eyeshadows would not stick and break.  But when I realized I was about to have to purchase a third palette, it was time to do something.  With this method, your palette will hold 26 eyeshadows, almost double the original 15.

First, empty out your palette. You will pop off the plastic insert by wedging a butter knife between the 6 clips. (Marked below.) It should easily pop off.  Then you will have to glue the magnetic insert at the bottom down. (It's not attached.) Keep the 15 plastic insert, you can easily clip it back in if you change your mind.

 

Next, arrange your eyeshadows however you want them.  For the maximum 26, use the guideline below.  Remember, you're not only limited to MAC eyeshadows you can now put any size pan with a magnet into this palette. 

Optional - you can put the names in the case.  This is especially great if you do tutorials often.  No more picking up the pan and occasionally chipping it to see the name on the bottom.  Some people just use labels.  I think the picture method looks a lot neater.  How to: take a picture of your eyeshadows.  Upload it to your computer and open it with any photo editor (Paint, Photoshop, even Word.) Resize the picture to 7.25"x4.75" (it can be a little smaller, just don't exceed this measurement or your palette won't close properly.) Use the text box feature to add the name over each eyeshadow. (My original template is above, click to enlarge.) Print, cut out, then attach it to your palette... I used photo splits to attach mine; double-sided tape would work too, you could even glue it if you know you won't rearrange your eyeshadows.

Before (July 2010 click here) original 15 eye shadows to After (now) 26 eye shadows.

I really do like having more eyeshadows in the same palette.

Pros:
-It saves time because I'm not switching back in forth between multiple palettes.
-Before the eyeshadows were just spaced too far apart.
-The powder usually made a mess getting all over the black insert making the palette look completely messy.
-Save Money (you can almost fit double the eyeshadows into one palette, saving $15), buying pans is also cheaper. Click here for a price comparison.

Cons:
-Not travel-friendly.  The pans just don't feel secure to travel often.  You should probably pick up a few MAC quads, or even better, a Unii Palette (click here.)

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Three Must-Have Brushes

I honestly do not have an amazing brush collection, like most bloggers and gurus.  I've always stuck to drugstore and ELF brushes.  I've finally realized good brushes really do the work for you.  I thought it was just lies that spoiled gurus and sales assistants sold to you. Some brushes are a little pricey but I'm beginning to see you get what you pay for.

I'm only willing to pay about $25 for a brush (there's plenty of MAC ones I want for $50-$70 each.) Unless you're a makeup artist, I really don't think those are practical prices.  Luckily, there's Sigma that makes dupes of most MAC brushes.

Over the past month (maybe a little more), I've discovered three new brushes that have made a difference.

MAC #217 Tapered Blending Brush $22.50
(Sigma has multiple similar blending brushes at $9 each.)- This has been on my wish list forever, I finally picked it up with some Christmas money. This is my fourth MAC brush; it really should have been my first.  It makes applying crease color so easy.  It's great for blending out all the eyeshadow once your eye color is complete, too.  I have been using the ELF Blending Brush forever, I assumed it was similar enough but I was completely wrong.  I got rid of my ELF brush a few days after I purchased the MAC one.

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Concealer Brush $9.99
I was on the hunt for a brush to apply Paint Pots and other cream and liquid products.  Obviously, authentic hair brushes are out of the question (massive buildup and bacteria.) So I ended up doing some research.  This brush was the size I wanted, if it could apply creamy concealer it can apply Paint Pots. I was right. No more using my finger or other brushes definitely not made for cream products. I also love the shape of the handle, the curves are exactly were your hand grip goes, it's a lot more comfortable to hold than regular brushes.

Sigma Tapered Highlight F35 $16
A lot of brands don't offer a highlight brush, just because any brush can easily apply loose powder for a highlight.  I used to use a regular face brush but hold it awkwardly to get the right shape/angle for a highlight. After reading this post, I immediately had to purchase it.  It makes applying highlight powders so easy and looks absolutely flawless.

FOTD using all three brushes:

Eyes:
Sonia Kashuk Concealer Brush to apply MAC Chilled on Ice Paint Pot, MAC 217 Brush to apply Bronze Eye shadow in the crease and outer V. Sigma F35 Brush to apply NYX Nude Pearl Pigment. (Also used MAC Lingering Brow Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara, & Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero.)

Cheeks:
Sigma F35 Brush ro apply NYX Nude Pearl Pigment and MAC Well Dressed Blush

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Review: Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips

I saw these in a magazine ad a few months ago. I thought stick-on nail polish sounded really cool, plus an easy, fast application, mess-free and smell-free. -- wrong.

I picked a box up at Wal*Mart a few weeks ago. I was a little annoyed and shocked at the price - $8.50 My immediate thought was that's a bottle of OPI that will last forever. (Other bloggers have stated they paid as high as $13.) This was just one manicure. Being curious, I still purchased one.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Frock Star

I followed all instructions but the application process was still annoying - I have long, skinny nails. I used 3/4 (length) of each sticker.  But I still had to cut and file down the sides because it completely flooded my nails. - On some nails, it ended up chipping (one ripped) immediately from so much tugging and filing for the perfect fit. Then by that time, the sticker was barely sticky - I ended up using some brush-on nail glue beneath the polish on a few nails to make it stay. - Overall, not worth the time and effort and still looked somewhat chipped. - Only my thumbnail actually looked decent, the sticker was smaller than my nail, so it stretched and fit properly (how instructions say it should.)

I thought this would be easy, fast, nail art. (With skinny nails, wrong, it takes too much effort for the perfect fit.) and great for people who travel or people in the office space - no smell, no mess. again, wrong.  The smell was almost as bad as an original nail polish bottle itself. Plus, it made a mess (paper wise) each sticker has 5 parts - tip, top cover, bottom cover, and the actual sticker itself,  and then the excess polish after you fit it properly. (See below for the mess.)

"Last up to 10 days."  Was another reason why I purchased these.  Most nail polishes only have a flawless look for three days, I thought with an actual sticker there may be hope -  10 days? no way... It already chipped immediately after application.  On the third day of wear, two nails completely peeled off. - Since there was no way to fix those two nails, I just easily peeled the remaining 8 nails off.

I really liked the idea of these, but for skinny nails, it's just not practical. It's not cost effective either. One manicure and then 6 leftover strips, the biggest nail sticker was the size of my toenail. - I would recommend these to people with shorter, wider nails (cut the strips in half and you could have two manicures, plus it will stretch properly and hopefully make a perfect fit.

Pros:
-no drying time
-glitter was completely smooth (not the flaky kind you get in bottles.)

Cons:
-too much effort for a perfect fit
-too much chipping and ripping.
-made for larger, wider nails
-expensive
-smell
-messy (paper)
 -last only 3 days


Overall: Stick to nail polish bottles...

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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.

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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.

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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!

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How to Enter

(giveaway closed)

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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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Review: MAC Club

MAC Club Eyeshadow has been on my wishlist for awhile now.  Santa left it in my stocking!  I've read reviews and saw tutorials, I knew it was a duo-chrome shade.  But I had no clue there were so many shades to one eyeshadow. I always reach for Silver Ring, I wanted another silver to choose from.

In the pan, it looks like a silver-ish green.  I just put it in my palette, I never swatched it or really tested out the color.  This morning, I put it on with no base (only primer), it went on my lid as a light reddish-brown.  I double checked to make sure I grabbed the right eyeshadow. I already had a little bit of Carbon eyeshadow on, I hate brown and black together but I was too lazy to take off my eyeshadow and start over.

I did more homework on the eyeshadow and it depends all on what color base you use.  The picture below proves that. Most people prefer a green base, I do too.

After about 5 hours of wear, the red-brown shade turned to more of a gray color (closer to the pan shade.)

Overall, I don't love it, I don't hate it.  If you like a versatile color and using different bases to achieve a look, then this is for you.  For neutral lovers and everyday wear, it isn't one of those colors you can just throw on and expect it to look just like it does in the pan.

FOTD: Eyeshadow - MAC Club, Carbon, & Shroom.  Eyeliner - Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes #10.  Mascara - Eyeko Mascara.  Bronzer - NARS Casino.  Lipstick - MAC Thrills.

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Boxing Day LUSH Haul

LUSH Boxing Day Sale 2010

I went to the last year sale mid-afternoon, most everything was gone, I purchased a few things just to buy them. This year, they opened at 7:00 am, I was there at 7:30 am (It was kind of nice shopping early, not crowded, at all, and I parked right by the door.) I made my mental shopping list the night before; I got everything I wanted!

The sale was buy one get one free on holiday gifts, holiday items, gifts and soap made before November 1, 2010 (they were randomly "mark"ed throughout the store, which was kind of weird, they could've grouped the sale items together. My stash was running low, plus I didn't purchase any holiday items before Christmas (with the exception of three Christmas Eve bubble bars) so I stocked up...

$220.70 worth of products for a little over a $100, the SA was nice and paired items of equal value, (ie I paid $6 and got the $6 item free, instead of paying $6 x5 and getting all the $4 items free) like most stores do.

I got the Stardust, Happy Christmas, Christmas Candy Box, and Viva LUSH Vegas Gift sets and then a lot holiday bubble bars and a few bath bombs.

My little sister loved opening more presents the day after Christmas.

Here are all of the products:

Bubble Bars
Bearded Lady
Candy Cane x2
Christmas Eve x5
Gingerbread House
The Comforter


Bath Bombs
Avobath
Butterball
Cinders
Dragon's Egg
Sex Bomb
So White
The Boog
Twilight

Soap
Angel's Delight
Honey I Washed the Kids
Mandarian's Tea Party
Rock Star
Sexy Peel x2

Body
Play Your Cards Right Massage Bar
Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Scrub

Shower
Iced Wine Shower Jelly
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
Snow Fairy Shower Gel x2

Lips
Bon Bon Lip Scrub
Bubble Gum Lip Scrub
Snow Fair Lip Tint

What a massive amount of products! I had to purchase a few mini tubs for storage. hah. I was mainly after the Christmas Eve Bubble Bars (obviously.. I purchased a total of 8 this holiday season!)  There was only one remaining this morning.  There was only one other woman there - she purchased about 20 Lil Pud Bath Bombs - am I missing out? - Overall, extremely successful LUSH trip, and I managed to get everything on my "want" list.

I will probably be having a blog giveaway soon with a few of these LUSH items so they can be used sooner, than later. I also sell (eBay) and swap (MakeupAlley) samples if any of you are interested in trying any of these items out before purchasing the full size - especially to those of you who have to order online.

Sally's Beauty Supply & MAC

...from one extreme to the other, I'm not sure why I pictured these together. hah.

Poshe Top Coat - In a previous post and on MakeupAlley I was ranting about how glitter polish never stays on. A few people recommended this, so I thought I'd give it a try. You can apply it on wet nails, which is definitely a plus.  (Review to come if anyone says they're interested!)

MAC Cham-Pale Collection 2010

The collection was released yesterday.  (Originally, I was after the three things... I was considering getting Soiree Nail Lacquer, but decided to pass, spending more than $10 on nail polish just doesn't seem right.) I didn't get anything from the Tartan Tale Collection, so I figured picking up two was okay! hah.

Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot - It's not as pigmented as Paint Pots from the permanent collection (this is now my 7th one.. problem.) It is buildable and extra shimmery. A lot of reviews said they thought this would be the star of the collection.  It's pretty enough to be worn alone. *below

Feline Eye Kohl Pencil - My Fluidline is drying up so I thought I'd try out a pencil (I usually stick to Technakohl.) Technakohl is thicker and blacker, but the Pencil seems to have better staying power.

FOTD: (sorry, poor quality webcam pic)
Eyes: MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, MAC Feline Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara. Blush: NARS Oasis.
Lips: MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick

I decided to skip out on the Bath & Body Work Semi-Annual Sale 2010 (I wasn't impressed with anything online) and on-sale Christmas decorations to save up for clothes (and probably more makeup) for an out-of-town shopping trip in a week!

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December Favorites

Merry Christmas Eve!

"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."

I know favorites posts are usually due at the end of the month/first of the following month. But I was afraid I would list all my new Christmas items as my favorites just because they were new and in the spotlight.  So to be fair, I'm doing this a little early...

Bath & Body Works - Aromatherapy Sleep - Lavender & Chamomile - I mentioned the pillow mist awhile back,  I purchased the lotion and a candle this month. I'm becoming obsessed with the line.  I know the two scents are relaxing, but I need to do some research and see if this product really works.  Maybe it's all mental, either way, I'm sleeping like a baby, and plan to purchase the rest of the line. (*Fingers crossed* for the Semi-Annual sale having some deals!)

LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - (not pictured, all crumbled up in Tupperware, already.)  Another relaxing scent, it's pretty girly though (Jasmine) that gives mountains of bubbles.  I wish this was a permanent scent (or just more products!); I only purchased 3, I should probably go get some more to last me the rest of the year.


MAC Bare Study Paint Pot - With my tan, I was loving Indianwood, (I'm getting paler by the minute...no, for the first time in six years I am not tanning.  So it's an excuse to buy lighter shades of makeup.)  this is such a pretty color to wear under any eyeshadow or alone.

MAC Bisque Eyeshadow - Another pale shade, I wanted a matte color because I'm tired of a shimmer overload, I've been wearing this every day. (see previous FOTD the post here.)

iPhone Case - I ditched my Otterbox for a clear case that cracked a million times; I randomly came across this one on eBay for dirt cheap, it looks pretty sleek, it's a keeper.

For the holidays, I've been loving glitter polishes.  My only complaint is staying power is awful!  No matter what base coat, top coat, or normal polish that is combined with these next two polishes didn't help.  At least two nails would peel off the following day.  Most people can't get glitter polish off;  I can't get it to stay on! Any suggestions?

OPI Bring on the Bling - I'd say this was the star of the collection, it was always sold out at my Ulta so I ended up swapping for it on Makeupalley.  There are plenty of reviews and raves on this already!

Nicole by OPI Spark my Mistletoe - I was disappointed by one thing about the burlesque collection.... there wasn't a red glitter!  Luckily, I bumped into this instead.  Over Sephora by OPI Sample Sale, I feel extra Christmas-y!

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2010 Beauty Favorites

Here are my favorites for 2010! I encourage you to copy and paste this list and share your yearly favorites, too! Kind of a tag post, I guess?

The items marked with - mean it is a type of product that I do not use, not that I could not pick a favorite. Some I had to pick two products because I went back and forth between the two of them all year. Warning, my list is pretty MAC heavy.

These are all products I use at least weekly (some daily.) I have repurchased most of these or I will in the future. I have recommended them to friends and family, and I recommend them to you.

Body

Bath Product: LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar & LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
Body Exfoliator: -
Body Lotion: Olay Quench
Cuticle Cream: -
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Shea it isn't So
Hand Cream: -
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Softsoap Nutriserums
Soap: Dial
Teeth Whitening - Crest 3D White Advanced Seal

Haircare

Conditioner: Pantene Brunette
Electrical: Clairol Hot Rollers
Hair Dye: -
Hairspray: TRESemme
Mask: Joico K-Pak Hydrator
Miracle Product: -
Shampoo: Pantene Brunette & LUSH Big

Makeup

Blush: NARS Deep Throat & Clinique Fig
Bronzer: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish
Brush: MAC 239
Concealer: MAC Select Cover Up
Eyebrows: MAC Espresso & Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black & MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Eyeshadow: MAC All that Glitters & MAC Bronze
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion/MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
Foundation: -
Highlight: NYX Pearl Mania in Nude Pearl & Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator Loose Powder
Lipgloss: MAC Love Nectar Lustreglass
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam V
Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic & Clinique High Definition
Nail polish: OPI Black Onyx & Sephora by OPI Sample Sale
Powder: -
Tool: -
Top Coat Polish: Barry M 3 in 1

High-end Brand: MAC
Drugstore Brand: L'Oreal

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt
Eye Product: Clean & Clear Morning Morning Glow Eye Brightener
Cleanser/Makeup Remover: MAC Cleanse Off Oil
Facial mask: Freeman Cucumber Peel
Lip Treatment: LUSH Mint Julips & Chapstick Medicated
Moisturizer: Clean & Clear Morning Glow
Toner: -

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