August 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 September! I don't know about all of you, but I'm very much ready for the fall.
In August, I didn't purchase very many new beauty products but I did find a lot of other odds and ends, mostly school related, that I'm loving.

Beauty Products

• Burt's & Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream with Clary Sage
My skin has been looking a little dull lately.  I've been using masks weekly but decided I should probably add a night cream to my skincare routine.  I had multiple coupons at CVS and didn't really know what to purchase, this was an impulse purchase I actually didn't return.  It's like a drink of cold water for your face; I can actually feel this sinking into my skin and working before bed.

• L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition Mascara
MakeupByTiffanyD swore this was a dupe for Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara, I've never tried that mascara so I can't agree or disagree.  However, this is definitely my new favorite drugstore mascara; it really separates and lengths your lashes. 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
When it comes to most skincare, I've been a high-end snob the past few years.  I've been loving the Neutrogena Night Calming Wipes for a long time now.  I spotted this remover on sale at Target for $4.00 and decided it was worth a try.  This actually works better than my beloved Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover.

• OPI Nail Lacquer in German-icure by OPI
I purchased this the day the Germany collection hit stores and it's the only polish I've worn all month.  It's a vampy brownish red with shimmer color, so pretty and perfect for fall!  I hope to purchase a few other colors from this collection.

Random

• Aladdin Chill Snack Pack 
Unless my classes get out early, I don't really have a lunch break.  In the past years, I'd usually just throw a few snacks into my backpack and eat those.  The majority of the snacks were ridiculously unhealthy.  I didn't want to carry around a lunchbox and nothing is worse than warm fruit in a Ziploc back.  I found this little invention on sale at Target (under $3.00.) It's a small Tupperware that has a  thin (removable) icepack which snaps into the lid.  It's easy to throw this into your backpack and enjoy cool, crisp fruit in class. (The only con: the Tupperware isn't sweat-proof.)

• Baggu reusable bags
I've been eying these bags for awhile.  When my co-worker showed up with one at work I decided it was finally time to purchase them.  (Helpful Hint: look on eBay for out of stock colors and lower prices than baggubag.com.) Though I don't actually use them at the grocery store, I do use them just to tote random stuff around, mostly to the post office and work.

• Sharpie Colored Pens
I was so happy to see an end cap full of colored Sharpie pens at most stores earlier this month. I've used Sharpie black pens for almost three years; they write so smooth.  I did limit myself to just a few colors since I had so many black ones, but I'm so glad Sharpie finally started producing bright colors.

snack packs & Sharpies,
-Kaitlyn

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Makeup Storage

Is it possible to store your makeup without a vanity? Of course, it is. I've always had a vanity, I even had a plastic toy one as a child.  When I moved into my new apartment a few months ago, I decided I didn't want an actual designated vanity area.

My vanity was just another area I always had to clean and organize.  I do love makeup, but why did I need drawers full that barely got used?  I still constantly buy makeup, but I've finally downsized and sell or swap items I just don't use anymore.

With no vanity and a downsized collection, I needed a new storage idea.  I found this Acrylic Organizer at Bed Bath & Beyond. It's only $11.99 (and don't forget your 20% off coupon) It's made to organize junk drawers but has worked perfectly for my makeup.  It's extremely durable; I move it and carry it around with no trouble at all.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't all my makeup... I still have a few shoe-box-size tubs with backup products and special occasion makeup.  For storing everyday makeup and easily hiding it in a cabinet or drawer, this organizer is perfect.

plastic lipstick,
-Kaitlyn

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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."

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Foot Cream
I'm assuming this is because of the weather and I stay in heels the majority of the time, but lately, my feet are just in poor shape  Sometimes the skin on my feet just hurts... like the way badly chapped lips feel.  I have a few higher-priced foot creams that I loved but recently aren't working for me anymore.  I saw this at the drugstore for $5 and decided to give it a try.  I haven't seen a drastic improvement, but it is working.  It has seven penetrating moisturizers to heal dry, rough, and cracked heels.  It smells nice, kind of like Fruit Loops cereal. The best part is it isn't greasy. So I slather this on before bed and my satin sheets aren't harmed.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
I've been an Urban Decay Potion Primer user for three years.  I tried one or two other eye primers but never ventured too far from Urban Decay.  Although the old Urban Decay wand tube packaging was completely wasteful and made no sense, I missed the wand applicator for mornings when I was in a hurry.  My love for NARS blushes and the wand packaging were the only reasons I purchased this.  Come to find out, I like it even better than Urban Decay.  It feels nicer, dries faster, and eye shadow still stays on all day long.  But unfortunately, compared to Urban Decay, it's less product with a higher price tag.

OPI Matte Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
My nails have always been pretty strong but occasionally, they peel.  I've been eying this product for awhile and finally decided to purchase it.  I've noticed such a difference, my nails are almost rock hard.

and a random favorite:
Conair Compact Fabric Steamer
I finally invested in a steamer.  When I say invested, I mean I spent the same cost of one dry cleaning bill. Half of my closet is hand wash only, which means wrinkles galore and most pieces can't be ironed.  I wear my silk shirts and other delicate fabrics much more often now.  I won't have to have items dry cleaned as frequently.  This steamer has also been useful for blankets, curtains, and even carpet cleaning. 



fruit loops & steamers,
-Kaitlyn

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Drugstore: Hit or Miss

I've picked up quite a few drugstore items recently. Some products I love and repurchase over and over and some weren't so great.

Drugstore BOGO half off sales, combined with spend $10 get $4 back, and/or X off your total purchase coupons make products really affordable (sometimes free.) Also, don't forget CVS's 100% beauty guarantee, you can return the product even after it's been tested.

Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks  Hit. I've purchased these over and over again.  They're great at fixing eye makeup mishaps.  Especially on the run.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush  Hit. Good color payoff.  Blends great.  Makes a good base for powder blushes as well. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment  Hit. It's one of the better undereye concealers I've tried.  Great for nose redness, too.

Maybelline Volum Express the Mega Plush Mascara  Hit. It's a nice formula, a "new gel mousse formula" lashes don't clump at all. At first, I noticed it smudging mid-day.  But I kept using it (letting it completely dry in-between coats) and it seems to be holding up better.  I've had multiple comments on my lashes and people wanting to know what mascara I used. It may work best with a lash primer.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Night Calming Cleansing Towelettes  Hit. These are the only makeup wipes I use anymore.  They get the bulk of makeup off, (I still use a separate eye makeup remover and toner, too.)  The wipes leave my skin really refreshed.

Revlon Colorstay Under Eye Concealer  Miss. It just dissolved right into lines, making under eye bags look even worse.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain  Hit. These are definitely going to be the next big thing (like Revlon Lip Butters) it's a stain, but it goes on very smooth and feels pretty moisturizing compared to usual stains.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain  Miss. This was so awful. This product is only for you if you have perfect (never dry/chapped) lips. The product went into every line making application nowhere close to being even.

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara  Miss.  Cool idea in theory, but the mascara didn't do much, layering the night wand on top of day turned into a clumpy mess.

long lashes,
-Kaitlyn

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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."

Because of moving, purchasing beauty products was really the last thing on my mind this month. I picked up a few from the drugstore but the majority were all very much disliked and I ended up returning them.  On the cosmetics end, this month's favorites are lacking:

Bath & Body Works Sleep Aromatherapy Products in Lavender and Chamomile 
My new apartment kind of has a smell to it. That someone-lived-here-before-you smell mixed with cleaning supplies, a fresh coat of paint, and curtains that I can't get the plastic smell out of.  I did more cleaning and then just decided to mask it with aromatherapy.  I've been loving the  Lavender and Chamomile candles and wallflowers. My apartment smells good and I'm on a regular sleep pattern.  I also picked up the Body Wash/Foam Bath, and it's wonderful as well.

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
Following the Lip Butters, Revlon came out with another amazing lip product.  These are similar to Clinique Chubby Sticks but half the cost.  (A little pricey for a drugstore lip product, but worth it to pick up a color or two.)  The stain lasts all day and is pretty moisturizing.  Unlike most lip stains, this one actually goes on even.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Fiji Weejee Fawn
This has been in my collection for awhile. I've worn it most of the month.  It's a pretty, sheer, frost nude that goes with just about anything.


"things that go with nothing kind of go with everything",
-Kaitlyn



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Bronzed

The warm weather and pale skin means one thing: bronzer!

Here's a face of the day with mostly older products:

Products Used:
Eyes:
-Maybelline Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze (base)
-Stila Smokey Eye Sample Card
-Clinique High Definition Mascara
-L'Oreal Carbon Black Liner

Face:
-Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
-NARS Laguna Bronzer
-Stila Kitten (sample card) as Highlight

Lips:
-NYX Lip Liner in Mauve
-Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

bronze & shimmer,
-Kaitlyn


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May 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 up a little late this time around. With moving and being without a laptop and internet, it was impossible to post. Because of the move, I didn't spend much time or money on beauty this month, but still managed to pick up a few things at work and shopped my stash...

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I received a mini sample of this and loved it. When my Cover Girl Clear Mascara (my usual, cheap, wanna-be brow gel) was used up I decided I wanted this in full size. I really like this, with just one sweep all brow hairs were in place.  By the way, you can (accidently) sleep with this on and still have brows in place the next morning, which explains the staying power for itself.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Deauville*
This was the first shade that caught my eye (mentioned in a previous post.) It really should have been my first Chanel lipstick but co-workers previously talked me out of this shade and into another. Luckily, I was gifted this color and am so happy to have it. It's been my go-to shade every day this month.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Dragon
The perfect red. I have worn this all month as well. It has a high-gloss finish.  Plus, it doesn't peel off like most polishes do; it's actually a little hard to get this off. 

Organix Repairing Awapuhi Ginger Shampoo & Instant Recovery Mask
I purchased these forever ago when they were on sale and just threw them under my bathroom counter when packing to move I rediscovered them. I have only used them a few times but the scent is amazing (lingers for a few hours) and the mask made my hair really shiny and soft.

moved in,
-Kaitlyn

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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.

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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February 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."

Beauty Blender Sponge
I couldn't justify spending $25 on a sponge when these came out forever ago.  I was happy with my $8 Sonia Kashuk “dupe” until I received the real Beauty Blender in my Birchbox this month.  They don't really compare.  Blending in concealer takes a lot less effort now.  This sponge is softer than the basic white wedge.

Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey Soothing Lip Care

I have awful, flakey-dry lips, and I'm always on the hunt for a miracle product.  This isn't it, but it has helped some. I mainly use this before bed and occasionally at school.  It has helped my lips more than other recent products.  It actually locks in moisture,

Sinful Colors Cinderella Nail Polish

I picked this up at the beginning of the month when Walgreens had their Sinful Polishes on sale for .99 cents.  I thought I had a few similar colors, but I was wrong.  It's better than the similar colors I own – truly the color of Cinderella's gown with some pink/purple shimmer.

Urban Decay Bootycall Eyeshadow

The Naked 2 palette is growing on me, I can't say I love the whole palette yet.  Nearly every day this month, I've reached for the shade Bootycall, but for different looks.  I wore it as an eyeshadow on its own, blended it with a few other eyeshadows, and used it as both a brow and cheek highlighter.

milk & honey,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: MAC Hot 'n' Saucy

MAC Tendertone in Hot 'n' Saucy from the Cook Collection February 2012

Looking back at my blog, I'm just now realizing I haven't purchased any MAC collections since December 2010 – a little over a year. Nothing has really caught my eye until I saw the Shop/Cook press release.

For lip-product lovers, I'm sure it wasn't too hard to find multiple things to buy with new lipstick shades, kissable lip colors, and what I was excited for, the repromotion of Tendertones. Everyone was crossing their fingers for a repromotion of Ripe Peach Blush in this spring collection. Unfortunately, a lot of people were let down. I've heard raves about Tendertones, and like most good MAC products (and sometimes colors), you'll only see them every few years. I practically ran to my MAC counter the day the collection was released to look at all of the Tendertones in-person. All of the lip colors were pretty intimidating – an orange, yellow, neon green, and bright red. But I remembered reading a review saying these were really sheer. I decided to go with the bright red, Hot 'n' Saucy.

First Impression
I loved the precious exterior box packaging...a summer picnic with the pink plaid packaging. (The lipstick sleeves were really neat, too.) It looked look a lip product in a paint pot. I expected it to be a harder balm so I accidentally dug my finger into with first use.

Review
The formula is excellent, super soft and easily glides on, pretty moisturizing and little to no color.

I usually don't care much for scented products – especially food scents. But I actually don't mind this one... it's some mix between strawberry-kiwi-watermelon. Like Kool-Aid, or a childhood Smackers lip product.

With the Tendertone itself, I was impressed and it does live up to its hype. It appears most other consumer reviews recommended the other 3 shades for the shimmer it provides, but I'm happy with the one I chose. I probably won't pick up any of the others, because there are better lip products out there for about one-third of the cost... if that. It does have SPF 12, so I'll probably end up using this a lot more in the Summer.

I prefer convenient packaging that allows the product to go directly onto the lips. I don't like to mess with lip brushes and putting your finger into a product is unsanitary and messy. Not to mention, the bottom being made of glass doesn't seem safe to travel...

Rating
Product: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Retail: $15.00

Overall: It's a good product, and a nice one to have if you're really into MAC collections, especially products that are rarely out often. However, for the average consumer, there are better and cheaper lip products available.
Best For: Those who like potted, scented lip products and are looking for moisture but little to no color.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this product to a friend.

Saucy,
-Kaitlyn

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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."

This month I had to repurchase quite a few items that I love and ran out of Origins Vitazing Moisturizer and MAC Turquatic Perfume, to name a few. I also picked up items that I already owned in other shades.  Instead of me giving a mini review on products you can already find on my blog, I'll just focus on the new products (From the drugstore!) I've been loving for the month of January:

John Frieda Sheer Solution: Lightweight Frizz Control Serum
The reason I''m so obsessed with this is just for the smell.  It smells better than any salon product that has every touched my hair.  (I purchased a few other items from the line, hoping they'd smell similar, only to be disappointed.) It does tame down frizz on damp hair.  But to tame morning bed head, I'm still on the hunt for a miracle product.

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara
It's a fabulous lengthening mascara, the fibers add quite a few centimeters to the end of my lashes. However, it doesn't do much thickening.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
See my full review.   I picked up quite a few of these lip butters but two in this shade.  I wear it every day and apply multiple times, it's replaced my favorite (drying) MAC lipstick.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Top Coat in Crystal Clear
The bottle claims it lasts up to 10 days. (I'm not sure if that's possible - I'm tired of the same color after a week.)  It has made usual manicure of 1-3 days last at least 5-6 days and still looks good (no peeling, minimal chipping.)  It's similar to Seche Vite, but better, and only one-third of the cost.  I just hope it doesn't thicken and ruin like Seche Vite does when you use half the bottle...

the salon smell,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Foxy - pale yellowed beige matte
Half Baked - coppery brown with golden shimmer metallic
Booty Call - peach-tinted white beige satin
Chopper - orange-toned with copper shimmer metallic
Tease - mauve brown matte
Snakebite - bronze with golden shimmer satin
Suspect - soft champagne-bronze satin
Pistol - taupe with a lot of brown satin
Verve - white-gray metallic
YDK - warm coppery brown metallic
Busted - burgundy deep brown satin
Blackout - deep black matte

Naked - sheer neutral pink with white shimmer.

It's a fabulous value, if you bought everything separately (12 shadows, the lip gloss, the brush) you would pay $234.  They put it all in one sleek palette for $50.

Pros:
-Packaging - Sleek packaging in a metal tin that shuts really well.  It's a little heavier than the original but feels more durable and travel-friendly.
-All eyeshadow have good color payoff, easy to work with.
-Matte highlight and black (can be used as eyeliner!)
- A large usable mirror.  Palettes and face products usually always come with those tiny impossible to see anything mirrors, but this one might actually get some use!

Cons:
-Lack of dark colors - not that many dark colors to work with. Only two good crease colors.
-Too many similar colors to the original palette.
-Dual-ended brush - (This is probably just me being weird and picky) I keep my brushes in brush holder - how am I supposed to store a dual ended one? One side will be messed up.  I don't like keeping brushes in the palette, they usually aways fall out when you open it.
-Lip gloss - I don't understand why a lip gloss was placed in this EYE palette? Another primer potion would've made more sense.

Comparison
Let's compare Naked (the original) to Naked 2.

There's really no need to purchase both palettes. If you're an obsessed beauty junkie, of course, you'll want both but the everyday normal person can definitely just get away with one.

-Half Baked is in both palettes.
-Booty Call (2) and Virgin (1) are nearly the same color.
-Suspect (2) and Smog (1) are nearly the same color.
-YDK (2) and Sidecar (1) are nearly the same color.
-Busted (2) and Hustle (1) are nearly the same color.

A few others are similar. Only 5 shades (out of 12) aren't similar at all to any in the first palette.  I'm a little disappointed with Urban Decay for producing such similar colors and even including one of the exact same.

The only two things I really couldn't stand about Naked the original were:
1.) The "black" color was really a glitter almost black/navy mess. I needed a true black to go over eyeliner or deepen the crease for night time looks.  I always had my Naked palette along with MAC Carbon Eyeshadow.

2.) The felt packaging always collected dirt.

Both of these 2 flaws were fixed in the Naked 2 palette. A deep dark black eyeshadow and a sleek metal tin as packaging.

So which one do I buy?
It took me a year to finally just give in and purchase Naked. I've used it every day since and have gotten rid of almost all of my neutral MAC eyeshadows (minus Carbon.)  Only a few colors are starting to have a dent in them.  It only took me a month to purchase Naked 2 this time around.  I looked at swatches but I never really sat down and read multiple reviews saying you don't REALLY need both.

My ideal Naked palette would be to take all of the eyeshadows from the original and put it in Naked 2's sleek case.  Then switch out Creed (1) with Blackout (2) and switch Gunmetal (1) with Verve (2).

Both Naked and Naked 2 both have warm tones.  Naked 2 is the cooler toned palette but still may not suit all cool tones.  Naked can create more looks.  Naked 2 has a matte highlight and black (can be used for eyeliner or deepening.) Naked is more pigmented and shimmery.  Basically, the choice will depend on your preferences and skin tone...

Rating:
Product: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5

Retail: $50.00
The Winner: Naked (the original)
Overall: I'd be more impressed with this palette if I didn't already own the original.  Don't get me wrong, I do like it and I've been alternating back and forth between the two palettes. They're pretty similar, but I understand it's hard to produce so many different shades of neutral.  The original Naked palette got a ridiculous amount of hype and Urban Decay played off that. $50 for 12 full-sized eyeshadows with great color payoff is a great value and worth looking into especially if you never purchased the original palette.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this product to a friend.

naked again,
-Kaitlyn

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