April 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."


Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
I've been wanting to try this for awhile, after dying my hair back to its natural color...it needed a little pick-me-up. So I purchased the $3 packet (2 uses) and I loved it.  I couldn't keep my hands out of my soft hair. I will definitely repurchase a full size once I use up a few others hair masques I have.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume
I've been on the hunt for a new perfume, I can't find anything I just love.  I received a freebie sample of this in a swap and my first impression is I really like it.

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser
I do not suffer from acne, bumps, or truly problemed areas... I just use this for under the eyes and redness around the nose - it's perfect! I've never used a liquid concealer and I really like this one.  The sponge makes application easy and flawless.

Morrocanoil Treatment
I purchased a small size of this last year, I loved it at first but it made my hair oily (probably because I wasn't using it right) I've been using the Organix Morrocanoil for awhile, but it doesn't have too much argan oil in it.  I suffered from pretty bad buildup from using Organix as well, so I decided to repurchase this... with a pump.  Which controls the amount I apply, and I've been using it correctly.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
This is amazing.  Basically, it's like a Sharpie for your eyelids.  If you like the liquid liner look but aren't good at applying it, this is for you!

eyelid Sharpies,
-Kaitlyn

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Firsts from Chanel*

I've always eyed Chanel products. Could I justify the high price tag just try a new product in one shade? No. Full disclosure: I received a very generous spring incentive (employee discount) which I took advantage of; I got these products at a fraction of the cost.

All of the items I wanted to try ending up being limited edition products only available at holiday time.  The sales associate and I just played in makeup for about 30 minutes until I was finally content with the shades.  She kept insisting I go "out of the box", out of my comfort zone, and she was right... I needed to.


I explained to her I had extremely dry flaky lips, so she recommended the Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks. When it comes to lipstick, I always go for the color-of-my-lips-but-better with a hint of brown.  I was drawn to shade Deauville immediately.  Both the sales associate and a coworker insisted I go for the true pink shades, to bring out the pink in my cheeks.  I listened; why did I need another lipstick shade similar to the majority of my other ones?  I finally chose the shade Fetiche.

I also really wanted to try a nail polish; everyone knows my nail polish collection is already obnoxious.  I was really drawn to the red family, but again, why did I need so many similar shades?  I didn't really care much for the "top" Chanel shades. Like Paradoxal, Particuliere, and Rouge Noir.  The sales associate swatched Orange Fizz on my nail.  I liked it, I realized I had no orange shades in my collection, and we found the winner.

I only walked away with two products.  Looking back, with the three-day spring incentive, I should've picked up a few more products but it looks like I'll be waiting until the next fall incentive (and maybe some holiday products.)

Review
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Fetiche
It's extremely soft and moisturizing, somewhat similar to the Revlon lip butters.  The color payoff is glossy and really sheer, not very buildable.  (If your lips are extremely pigmented, this color probably won't even show up.) The color is a medium rosy pink, no undertones.  It does have a brightening effect.  It's not very long-lasting, it lasts less than an hour on me. The packaging is sleek and durable.

Product: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 5/5
Overall: 3/5
Retail: $32.50
Overall: I don't think it's an amazing product for the cost.
Best For: Those who like sheer glossy lipstick and don't have very pigmented lips.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this product to a friend.


Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Orange Fizz
This is a pretty seasonal color.  The color is in-between melon and coral.  I plan to wear this on my toes a lot in the summer.  It was pretty on my nails, too, but I prefer more neutral shades. Unfortunately, it takes three coats to get completely opague and rid of streaks.  What I did like so much is the glossy finish, after the third coat, it looked like I already topped it with Seche Vite. It chipped on the third day, but it didn't peel off;  I'm impressed with the formula.

Product: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 5/5
Overall: 4/5
Retail: $26.00
Overall: It's a great seasonal color with a high gloss finish. For the cost, it should be one-coater.
Best For: Those who like colorful, glossy, cream nail color and don't mind multiple coats.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this product to a friend. 

Gift with Purchase: I received a deluxe sample of Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme.  I've only used this a few times.  It does feel amazing, the same finish and cooling texture as Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.  But for $87.00, I don't think it's a must-have.

out of the box,
-Kaitlyn

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Blogiversary Giveaway 2012 (CLOSED)

Congrats, Zena!



April 7, 2012 marks two years for this blog. As a thank you to current followers/subscribers and welcoming new ones, I'm holding a blogiversary giveaway.


Prize
One lucky winner will receive a Sephora gift card. Since most like surprises, the value amount will only be known by the winner. 

Rules & Terms
• This is open to all followers and subscribers, both old and new.
• This giveaway is open internationally.
• Any age can enter.
• Fill out the form only once.
• The contest will end May 1, 2012 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)
• Winner will be chosen through random.org and contacted on May 2, 2012 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.
• Blogs created for the sole purposes of giveaways, those who enter more than once, or lie about following will be disqualified.

How to Enter
Following or subscribing to this blog and filling out the form are mandatory, the remainder are optional but will count as additional entries and increase your chances of winning.

# 1.) FORM *MANDATORY*
Follow or subscribe to this blog and fill out the form: (LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE -GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.) (This just creates the spreadsheet for me and hides your email from spam searchers.)
# 2.) BLOG
Write a blog post about this giveaway, linking it back to this blog.
# 3.) SIDEBAR
Put the giveaway on your website/blog. (It can be the picture or just a link; it must link back to this blog.)
 # 4.) TWITTER
Follow me on Twitter. @Kaitlyn_Maness. (Remember to add me to your beauty/blogger list!)
 # 5.) TWEET THIS
Update your Twitter status mentioning me and the blog. You have to have my twitter name and the blog link in it.

Follow @Kaitlyn_Maness and enter her blogiversary #giveaway. 
One will receive a @Sephora gift card. http://bit.ly/kmbg12

Thanks for following and entering. Good luck!
-Kaitlyn

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Haul: Chic Week

If you missed out on Sephora's Friends & Family sale a few months ago for whatever reason (like me), here's another sale! It's 15% off everything and there are only a few days left...


I picked up a few items that have been on my wishlist forever.  15% off isn't a lot, but it combined with value sets can make a good deal and justify treating yourself to a few high-end items. I tried my first Soap & Glory product, The Righteous Butter body butter, close to my birthday in the fall.  Since then, I've always wanted to try out more products.  I really wanted the Do a Bubble Take Gift Set for Christmas, but never got around to ordering it. Like all good value sets, it's online only (and has recently been out of stock up until now.)


I definitely wanted to try Hand Food hand cream and Clean on Me shower gel.  Clean on Me was $14.00, and I'm a little weird about shower gels, so many claim it's like lotion in the shower, so I just wanted to try it. I have about one-third left of The Righteous Butter, so I opted for the You Cube ($25.00).  It has a full-size Hand Food, a half size of The Righteous Butter and a trial size Clean on Me, a sudsy puff, and a cute box for storage. ($32.00 Value)

My feet are in bad shape, Bath & Body Works Shea it Isn't So has always been my go-to foot lotion, but I feel like it's not working as good as it used to.  Most reviews praise the Heel Genius ($15.00), so I wanted to see for myself.

Soap & Glory

Finally, I picked up NARS Laguna Bronzer ($34.00), which I've wanted since I purchased my first NARS blush a few years ago. I received a deluxe sample a few months back, but it's been an absolute pain getting a big fluffy brush in bronzer the size of an eyeshadow pan.

So far, I like Soap & Glory, the scent is nice but doesn't linger all day. They're reasonably priced compared to some of the skincare lines out there.  The packaging is cute, but a little childish for my taste.

it's shower time,
-Kaitlyn

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March 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."

Between work and school, I haven't had the time to research, try, and review a lot of new beauty products this month. I managed to pick up a few but I've mostly just stuck to my normal beauty routine.



Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Fetiche
(full review to come) A sheer, glossy, rosy pink, that suits almost any eyeshadow.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Orange Fizz
(full review to come) The halfway point between melon and coral, a great color to jump into spring.  I've alternated this color between my fingernails and toenails all month.

MAC Tendertone in Hot 'n' Saucy
I didn't really love this at first, but it's growing on me and I find myself reaching for it a lot more.  For class, I've just been reaching for concealer (below), this Tendertone, and mascara.  It's pretty moisturizing with a subtle hint of color.

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
I had my eye on this product for awhile.  When my main concealer had only a few centimeters left, I decided to buy this palette. I had to visit four Targets (over a weeks time) until I finally found it in stock. It's an excellent value - two concealers, a corrective concealer, and pressed powder for only $10.  It's extremely creamy,  buildable, and easy to blend. It's way to being my new main concealer.

four Targets later,
-Kaitlyn

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