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Fall Collection

FEATURED - Friday, April 18th 2008

Chanel Strikes Gold For Fall 2008

Chanel strikes gold for their 2008 fall collection Peter Phillips, a new creative director for Chanel's makeup line.  The collection will be released in July followed by Philips’ holiday collection, due for October, which will continue the gold rush theme.

The collection, due in to hit counters in July, which includes Gold Fiction, a softly shimmering nail polish, $30 (yikes); Facettes D’Or, a finely milled gold loose powder that reads on the skin as a subtle glow, $56; Gold Light Glossimer lip gloss, $26 (oh la la); Rouge Hydrabase lipstick shades in copper, plum and coral (yum another coral), each $27, and a quad eye shadow palette with gold, coffee, ivory and dark green eye colors, $56.

Looks like Chanel is hyping this Gold Fiction nail polish to be the next Black Satin or Blue Satin!  While Chanel’s nail polishes usually retail in the $19 range, Gold Fiction will retail for $30. “We’ve used high-end pigments to get the color and finish just right, and the outer bottle is also done in an [opaque] gold case.”  This is going to be a limited edition color but, may become permanent depending on it's popularity.

Chanel will reprise — and amplify — gold in its holiday color collection, due out in October, with Poudre Precieuse Or, a gold highlighting powder that will retail for $75; Gold Shine, a gold Glossimer lip shade, $26; Noir Scintillant, a black eyeliner with gold sparkle, $28, and Haute Chocolate, a gold brown nail shade, $20.

And, I thought $19 was expensive for nail polish, hola cow, $30 bucks!  Chanel keeps going up, up and away! I just don't know if I can justify $30 bucks a bottle.  It's really hard to judge by the promo pictures, so we'll have to wait and see the color swatches.  Stay tuned.

The Chanel Fall Collection has arrived.  Check out the review, swatches, product photos and nail polish swatches for this brand new collection. 

{Source: WWD}

FEATURED - Saturday, April 26th 2008

Sephora Exclusive: Nars Orgasm for Nails

Name: Nars Orgasm Gift Set

Price: $30.00

Buy it: Sephora

It's time for your nails to have an Orgasm.  Nars, has created a nail polish color, after  their most popular color, Orgasm.  But, in order to get a sneak peak at this lustful nail color, you have to spend a hefty price tag.

Sephora has this exclusive limited edition gift set including: one lip gloss and one Orgasm nail polish for $30.00.  Overall, it's not a bad value cosidering the retail value is $40.00.  But, if you can wait, I definitely would.

I don't want the gloss, can I buy the Nail polish seperately?  Nope.  This is an Sephora Exclusive only, which is not sold seperately.  But, no worries, this isn't the last you'll see of Orgasm.  Nars will be releasing this nail color in July along with their Fall 2008 collection.  So, if you don't get a chance to the the gift set, be sure you snag a bottle when it's released in their fall collection.  I have a feeling this will be a hot color for summer, so don't wait until the last minute!

Stay tuned for the photo swatches of this orgasmic color!

FEATURED - Tuesday, May 13th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Starflash Collection

MAC Cosmetics introduces the Starflash Collection for late summer.  A collection which includes a selection of Hollywood eyeshadows for that luxury tinsetown chic. They're creamy and jet milled for uber glamour and available in 12 colorful shades.  Check out the product photos and color story below.

12 new glamourus eyeshadows are introduced in this colleciton along with the Power Kohl Repromotes from the Storm Signals Collection.

Eyeshadows

Dreammaker - Frosty Yellow Gold Grand Entrance - Frosty Neutral Pink Beige Bold & Brazen - Frosty Light Copper Sunset B - Frosty Midtone Pink Lotusland- Pink Lavender with Gold Pearl Talent Pool - Blue Green with Gold Pearl Mink & Sable - Olive Green Smoke & Diamonds - Frosty Dirty Taupe Go - Frosted Bronze Glamour Check - Reddish Brown Top Hat - Dirty Indigo Star by Night - Midtone Blue

Kohl Power Eyeliners (Repromotes)

Raven - Black with Red Pearl Orpheus - Black with Gold Pearl Mystery - Black with Green Pearl Feline -  Intense Black

For one, I am just thrilled about the Kohl Power Eyeliners.  MAC has the best eyeliners hands down.  I just wish they would come out with more colors!  This collection should hit MAC stores end of July/August.  Stay tuned for more information.

a big thanks to Kiss and Makeup for this great info!

FEATURED - Tuesday, May 13th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: New View Collection

MAC introduces New View collection.  A split personality of a powder with superfine seracite and a talc base to sheerly and subtly perfect the skin with dimensionality and mineralized starshine. Unlike most powders which are pressed into metal pans, the Mineralize Skinfinish is moulded onto round terracotta tiles and baked for 24 hours. The powder is made up of two parts, a natural portion for a matte finish and shimmer portion for buffed up highlights and overall face polish.

Light Medium/Natural & Shimmer - Pale Golden Beige/Warm Yellow Beige Medium/Natural & Shimmer - Soft creamy Beige/Light Peachy Pink  Medium Dark/Natural & Shimmer - Caramel/Light Tan Deep Natural & Shimmer - Deep Caramel/Mid tone Yellow Gold Deep Dark/Natural & Shimmer - Rich Golden Bronze/Deep Copper Bronze

The new view collection includes 5 shades of powder and one application brush.  This collection should hit MAC stores end of July/August.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

a big thanks to Kiss and Makeup for this great info!

FEATURED - Sunday, June 1st 2008

Gold Member Baby: Chanel Fall 2008 Makeup

Chanel strikes it rich this Fall with jaw-dropping gold and bronze shades.  With the rising cost of gold, it's no wonder Chanel would be at the top of their game.  Facettes D'or nail color in gold fiction, delivers an massive 18 karats of illiminating gold right to your fingertips.  But, this gold rush nail candy don't come cheap.  This hyptonizing nail color will be retailing for $30.00. Chanel is also introducing Gold Fever, an finely milled golden powder that delivers a sheer glow of gold.  Gold Fever will be retailing for $50.00.  Two must-have products you don't want to over-look.  This new fall collection should hit most Chanel stores mid July. Check out the color story and info below.  

Lips

• Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick.  Simply Pink (coral pink), Fantastic Plum (deep purple) and Great Copper (bronze). $26.00 USD. 
• Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour. Enthusiast (deep red creme). $30.00 USD.
• Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine with SPF 15. Formentera (beigey rose) and Papeete (cranberry).
• Glossimer Lipgloss. Amberlight (bronze), Delight (lilac), and Gold Light, (shimmery gold). $26.00 USD.
• Precision Lip Definer.  Pretty Pink (medium nude pink). $28.00 USD.

 

Eyes

• Eye Shadow Quad in Reflets d’Ombre.  An eyeshadow palette with four shades in coffee, dark green, ivory, and gold. $55.00 USD.
• Soft Touch Eyeshadow.  Bronze, (metallic brown) on one side and Bois Bleu (dark teal) on the other. $27.50 USD.
• Silky Eyeshadow Duo. Cristal-Dusk contains two shadows in white and brown. $40.00 USD.
• Precision Eye Definer. Denim is a gray-blue shade. $27.50 USD.

Face

Powder Blush. Rose Dust is a pinky, plum shade. $42.00 USD. Soft Pressed Powder. Almond is a shimmery beige. $50.00 USD

Nails

Le Vernis in Kaléidoscope - is a greenish-gold shade Le Vernis in Fantastic - is a deep, plummy wine shade

The Chanel Fall Collection has arrived.  Check out the review, swatches, product photos and nail polish swatches for this brand new collection.

A little gold member for your viewing pleasures!

FEATURED - Thursday, June 19th 2008

Givenchy Fall Makeup 2008: Sweet Dandy Collection

The Autumn and Winter 2008 makeup collections promo pictures are starting to surface.  Most fall collections are slated for the end of July to mid August.  Random fact: my beauty wardrobe completely lacks any givenchy makeup.  I'm looking to change that soon - starting off by the gorgeous, Le Vernis nail polish and smokey eyeshadow quad.  Check out the color story and promo pictures below.

Pocket Beauty Case Accessory for Glowing Lips and Cheeks $55.00 (Sweet Dandy)

Prisme Again! Shimmer Eyes Mat & Shimmering Eyeshadow Quartet $49.50 in Smoky Shimmer and 44 Precious Shimmer

Prisme Libre Loose Powder Quartet Air Sensation $63.00 in Dandy Beige

Captiv’Eyes Intense Volume Mascara Magnetic Eyes $25.00 in Dandy Black

Magic Khôl Eye Liner Pencil $21.50 in Dandy Blue

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick Irresistible Color $26.50 in Romantic Dandy and Fatal Dandy

Pop Gloss Crystal Crystal Lip Gloss $23.50 in Romantic Dandy and Fatal Dandy

Polka dots dress up! These two customized harmonies are reminiscent of a dandy’s basic deconstructed three-piece suit. A matte texture and three complementary glowing shades offer two ways of creating sophisticated, smoky eyes.  Smoky Shimmer: three dense, shiny black shades softened by a matte white base for grey tones coloured with blue, white and purple pearlescent particles.

Rouge Interdit lets you show off two sides of your charm with two different languages to express your femininity: Romantic Dandy pinkish beige for a naturally flushed look, and pure, intense Fatal Dandy red, the most dangerous lipstick around! Matching Pop Gloss Crystal in pinkish beige or intense red can be used alone for glossy, transparent colour or as a top coat to accentuate shine.

Nail polish addicts - saving the best for last...

Le Vernis. Limited Edition
The nails look as if they have been dipped in a starry night. Male codes meet female codes in luminous Dandy Moiré navy-blue varnish.

This beautiful green-blue shimmer nail polish is what orginially pulled me into this collection.  Looking at the promo picture, it looks very familiar to one of my all time polishes, MAC whirlwind.  Needless to say, I haven't found an worthwhile comparison to MAC's color.  So, I'm pretty excited to see this color in real life.

{Source: Temptalia, Kiss and Makeup}

FEATURED - Tuesday, June 24th 2008

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives: Preorder Only

Nordstrom gives us a peek at some beauty exclusives available for pre-order.  Take a moment to stop by and check out the drool-worthy pictures and release information.  Here are just a few things I'm excited about.

MAC Colour Forms - Warm Eyes ($38.00): A set of five limited edition shadow combinations perfect for those green eyed gals.  It might be the eye-catching green casing or the beautiful color combination of purples and greens that draw me into this palette.  Having green eyes ain't no day in the park.  Bottom line: their difficult and we just can't pick any color.  Purple is a shade that won't do us wrong ladies and gents!

MAC Colour Forms - Warm Lips ($22.50): A set of three limited edition lipstick shades.  This lovely Warm Lip Palette was featured in Allure's July issue as one of the Editior's pick.

Fall is creeping up faster than you think and so is all the upcoming collections.  It's all about dark goth colors and I'm loving it.  I can't wait to drench my nails and lips with dark vampy colors such as Dior's Rouge in Fantastic Plum and Nail Vernis in Liquorice.

Dior Rouge in Fantastic Plum ($27.00) - a dark plum and Liquorice ($19) - a dark plum shimmer is a great way to start off your Fall.

Essie's 2008 Fall Collection ($15.00 mini set) - Forever Young - Fiery Tango Red, Lacy not Racy - velvety vintage burgandy, No Boundaries - passionate plum and Tomboy No More - red current traffle.

Regarding Essie's Fall collection - I'm not certain if their releasing more colors.  But, I will keep you guys updated as soon as I find out anything.

FEATURED - Monday, July 7th 2008

Chanel Fall Makeup Collection: Review, Swatches

 

The new Chanel Fall makeup collection debuts at most stores this week. Overall, some key players in this collection: Gold Fever highlighter is a beautiful gold highlighter that looks absolutely flawless on any skin type.  Glossimer lovers - Gold Light and Delight are must have lip glosses drenched in glistening shimmer.  My first thoughts on the lilac (Delight) lip gloss "What in the world am I going to do with it"?  Oh my gosh, Everything!  Words and pictures cannot describe the beauty of this sparkling gloss.  It's definitely meant to be a topper and not to be wore alone.  The Glossimer were my fav's besides the Kaleidoscope nail polish. 

Kaleidoscope nail polish sold-out online within two days of release on Chanel.com.  But, you can find this limited edition color at most Chanel counters as the Fall collection just debuted.  If your thinking, is it really all that?  Yes, Yes and double yes!  Don't miss out on this very unique shade!

I was pretty disappionted in the eye shadows and quad but, my wallet was oh so happy!  The colors were just blah to me - brown, white, gold, dark teal?   Come on Chanel, you can do better than that.  I was more impressed with HiP's new metallic shadows rather than these.  Also, the shades had poor pigmentation as it took quite a few swipes to get some good color on my NC30/35 skin.

Check out all the pic spam below.

 

Want more Chanel?  Check out my Haul from the Fall 08 collection. 

FEATURED - Wednesday, July 9th 2008

My Makeup Haul: Chanel Fall 08

Here are goodies that came home with me from my recent visit to the Chanel counter.  Check out all the photos in detail below.

 

Gold Fever is a stunning highlighter drenched in gold and applies very smooth and satin like to the skin.  I'm really picky when it comes to Chanel because it's not cheapest so, it's gotta be an "can't live without it" type product.  The silky fine milled powder felt radiant on my skin and glowed perfectly.  This is an awesome hightlighter for any skintone. 

The massive sparkle and shine had me at hello!  Delight and Gold Light glossimer clearly speaks for themselves.  Aren't they so pretty you guys?  Ahh, just looking at them is glorious.

Kaleidoscope is a hot hot color and is going to be a quick sell-out.  It's already sold out two times at chanel.com.  However, Gold Ficition isn't so unique and I would defintely pass for the hefty price tag of $30.

After swatching the lipsticks, my eyes were drawn completely to Papeete.  I didn't plan on purchasing any lipstick because my wallent was screaming.  The hot pink sparkling shimmers was dazzling to me and couldn't resist this gorgeous shade.

Chanel released some gorgeous lipsticks in the Fall collection.  Enthusiant, my second favorite, will probably torture me until she is in my hands.

FEATURED - Wednesday, July 23rd 2008

OPI Gears up for Beverly Hills 90210

Brush with Greatness 90210 Style

Don't pretend you didn't watch because most of us probably did.  Brenda & Dylan, Kelly & Dylan, - I mean come on!  To celebrate the return of the 90210 girls, Brenda, Kelly and Donna, OPI brings us six new shades to sport this Fall Beverly Hills Style.

O.P.I introduces a range of limited-edition nail shades inspired by the 90's hit series that will launch this Fall.  The shades and color information will be revealed in an upcoming issue of Nylon. 

Lavendar Purple, Green, Navy Blue, Hot Pink and Peach?!  This new collection had me at green.

{Source: Nylon Mag}

FEATURED - Thursday, July 31st 2008

MAC Starflash Collection: Review, Swatches

Overall, the Starflash collection rocked.  Incredibly pigmented, smooth & creamy, applied like pure butter - perfecto!  My friends are deathly sick of hearing me say this but, MAC has the best eye shadows hands down - there is no competition.  I picked up all 12 colors today, along with 3 power kohls.  Although, most colors are dupable.  I fell in love with the texture because it's better than my fav (veluxe pearl).

My caption above may be a little cheesy but, MAC does rock my world - the quality is superb! We've previously seen the Power Kohls in the McQueen and Storm Signals collection.  Feline and Black Karat were one of my first eye liner puchases and their just awesome.  So, make sure you pick up at least one - it'll last you forever. 

Check out the swatches below.

 

 

FEATURED - Sunday, August 3rd 2008

Pedi of the Day: China Glaze for Audrey

 

Today's pedi of the day is the gorgeous China Glaze in For Audrey.  A minty green - turquoise blue creme that's inspired by Tiffany & Co colors.  The application applied flawlessly with two coats and no issues.  Melrose, from Chanel's Robertson Blvd collection, was next in line for my pedi but, I wanted something with a little more jazz - and this is it!  It's so fab, you guys!

The previous China Glaze collections have been rather blah.  I forgot how great the colors and application was until today.  Sexy Sport collection was a marketing campaign gone entirely wrong and Immaterial Girl was pretty but nothing unique.  I knew China Glaze had it in them and the new fall collection proves that.

First impression of Rodeo Diva - sexy, tough, chic independent women with western style.  I'm beyond estatic about this collection.  Actually, I'm beyond because the dark vampy colors for fall are right up my alley.  We're going to be seeing some great collections for Fall.  Ahh - nail polish haven.

Hope everyone's having a fabulous weekend.  I'm heading to the pool tomorrow with the girls and my Sept issue of Glamour.  Why is it that we have to flip through our magazines right away.  My husband can always find me standing at the mailbox or wandering into trees from reading.

FEATURED - Monday, August 4th 2008

Dior Fall 08 Collection: Review, Swatches

Overall, Dior's new fall collection offers a nice collection of neutrals with an edge of color.  This is a great collection espically for neutral lovers wanting to ad a jolt of color this fall.  However, I was slightly disappionted because some shades were sheer and the pay-off wasn't there -espically for darker skin tones.  I'd hoped this collection be in the same category as MAC's Cult of Cherry with rich, dark, vampy shades but, it's not.  

Dior's new Fall 08 makeup collection, Dandy Lady, should be readily available at most counters or within the next week.  Check out all the photo swatches below. 

My local counter didn't have all their stock in so, one lippie's missing.  Despite the promotional images, Fantastic Plum applied sheer as a cool berry shade which, was a huge disappiontment to me because I was expecting more of a dark, gothy shade.  Regardless, it's an beautiful berry-wine color.

Delicious Plum is a gorgeous berry wine color with excellent pay-off and is the bread winner of the four. 

The gorgeous olive green and gold in the Khaki eye liner looked divine with my olive complexion and green eyes. 

At first, Dior's 5-colour quint in Earth Tones didn't interest me whatsoever until swatched.  All the colors had excellent pay-off on my NC-30 skin and was suprisingly beautiful.  However, I didn't pick this up yet, the word is YET.  This is an great universal quad that would appeal on anyone.

From the first sight of the product image - I knew this wouldn't be for me.  The color pay-off took several swipes to achieve the swatched color above. 

Both eye shadow duo's are pretty but, nothing unique from the Silver and Bronzy.

While the exotic crocodile print in the Impression Cuir is striking to look at but,  the color pay-off wasn't there.  The swatch above was swiped serval times with my finger and who wants to ruin the gorgeous print?  Copper Diamond highligher is just simply gorgeous for every complexion.  My Dior MA told me all five shades are different colors which, is something Dior usually don't do.  Simply stunning.

Being a crazed nail polish addict - it was a no brainer for these drool worthy vampy shades.  Red Ebony, a glossy reddish brown creme with subtle shimmer that's featured in the Dandy Lady campaign ad, is much prettier than expected.  Initially, this shade didn't come home with me because I didn't think it was special but, it is!  Hopefully, you guys were able to pick up the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive, Liquorice - a pretty plum color drenched with shimmer.

I've been told Dior's, Red Ebony nail polish, is only avaiable at Dior counters and will not be available at Sephora or Nordstrom.  Sephora is also debuting a Dior exclusive called Mystic Violine which should be available sometime this month.

FEATURED - Saturday, August 9th 2008

Smashbox Wicked Lovely: Swatches and Review

 

Smashbox embraces the sensual duality within every woman with the Wicked Lovely Collection, an arsenal of vampy shades and sinfully rich textures to create an all-over look that can be charmingly sweet, devilishly sexy, or a little bit of both.

Overall, the wicked lovely collection is a mixture of smokey and vampy shades for fall that's not over the top.  It's a great choice for anyone that's not looking for color pay-off and more of a cooler toned down smokey eye look.  However, this collection was highly disappionting - due to the lack of color pay-off.  The eye shadow duo took several swipes to achieve color and the blush didn't even show up on my NC-30 skin.

Check all the swatches below. 

Both eye shadow duo's were very similar and it was hard distinguishing the difference.

The Doubletake Lip Color applied creamy and smooth.  A  perfect combination to accomplish a pink nude lip.

Sultry is the key player in this collection.  A vampy black cherry lip gloss that had excellent color pay-off and is gorgeous. 

Wicked lovely blush rush in charm hardly showed up in my swatches and I just couldn't get a precise color to swatch.  This collection would suit a cooler skin tone much better as mine was much too dark.  Sultry lip gloss was the only item I picked up in the Wicked Lovely collection.

Hope ya'll are having an excellent Saturday!

FEATURED - Wednesday, August 13th 2008

MAC Cult of Cherry: Review and Swatches

Tonight at the Cult of Cherry launch party godiva chocolate martinis and yummy hors d'oeuvres were served by the sexy and stylish Cult of Cherry chic all decked out in cherries.  The store was packed and extremely hot as they only let about 40 people in at a time - that's alot considering how little the stores usually are.  The hot flashes were starting to come on and I couldn't wait to get the heck outta there.

Overall, Cult of Cherry is a great selection of color to choose for Fall - from dark vampy colors to reds and pinks.  It's a great variety for every appetite.  The lipstick and lipglasses impressed me the most - espically, the Mattene colors.  The shades are dark, vampy and have fabulous color payoff - exactly what I'm looking for this fall season.  Jampacked lipglass is drop dead gorgeous and will appeal on any skintone, seriously.  I saw this shade on fair, medium and dark skin - truely beautiful ya'll.

Check out some swatches below. 

The Mattenes's are in a slimline case much like the slimshines but are semi-matte texture.  Some of us probably won't like the textrues - just because they don't glide on easily like MAC's lipsticks.  But, don't let that hold you back because the colors are fab and looks hot paired up with MAC's lipglasses.

So Scarlet - a must have dark wine shade and Creme Cerise - yellow beige neutral shade are the two stand-out colors in this collection.  Lightly Ripe is also a pretty pink color if you looking to tone it down a bit.

Cult of Cherry - a sparkling red with amazing color pay-off along with Jampacked a deep grape gloss that leans more on the dark magenta side are both must have colors. 

Blooming was hardly faint on my NC-35 and Plum De Bois is a beautiful brownish plum that would appeal even on lighter skin tones.  The color is very buildable and not to dark.

As much as I wanted to resist the yellowish lime shade of Sharp - I couldn't.  The color has excellent pay-off and just looked amazing with the other shades in the quad.  Sharp looks espically fabulous on ladies of color.

The bad news - there's two repromotes in this quad and thank goodness it's not Satin Taupe.   I know some of you are torn on wether to purchase this quad for the yellow shade.  So, here's my advice on the situation.  If you own overgrown or bitten you might want to think about passing on this one because their close.  Personally, I don't own those two shades which, is one of the reasons this came home with me. 

Spiced Choclate quad is suprising beautiful with excellent pay-off.  I didn't expect to bring this home with me.  In fact, me and my friend Tracy both picked this one up.  Very gorgeous - the orange frosty shade reminded me alot of Firespot from the Moonbathe collection.

Shadowy Lady quad was the only one that didn't interest me.  When I was swatching this quad at the Launch party with my girlfriend Tracy - she automatically picked up on how boring the colors were.  And she's not a crazed MAC fan like myself.    

Illegal Purple is a glossy black cherry shade verses a purple eggplant as described on the color story, which, was a little disappionting.  It's very pretty and the application applied flawlessly but, it's just your standard black cherry creme polish.  Now, on to Silverstruck, a gorgeous multi-dimensional grey taupe frost that is so very "WOW" unique.  I'll be posting a seperate swatches for the nail polishes.

So, there it is!  What do you guys think of Cult of Cherry - Any takers?  I'll be posting my haul pictures soon.

FEATURED - Wednesday, August 13th 2008

MAC Overrich Collection: Review and Swatches

Overall, the overrich collection is filled with Over-richness.  The Cult of Cherry inspires these eight new pigment packed limited edition shades filled with rich lucious color to go perfectly with your cult of cherry look.  The pigments have unbelieveable color pay-off and are simply amazing - bottom line.  With all the Rage of Cult of Cherry - I totally forgot about these tubs of luxurious color.

Check out the photo swatches below.

Tonight at the Launch party Antique Green and Vintage Gold are two colors that came home with me.  Antique Green is a gorgeous turquoise green and Vintage Gold is a olive green gold similar to Golden Olive.  Good new is - most of these will be permnament colors at the Pro store except Mauvement and Mega Rich.  The Overrich collection will be available at maccosmetics.com and freestanding stores on August 21st.

Want more MAC?  Check out the Cult of Cherry photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors, nail polish swatches and my Overrich and Cult of Cherry makeup haul pictures.

FEATURED - Friday, August 15th 2008

MAC Haul: Cult of Cherry, Overrich Collection

Happy Friday Everyone!  It's about 80 degrees, sunny and just a beautiful start to the weekend.   Although, I don't look forward to weekends anymore like the good ole days.  Ahh, my younger days - fearless, fun and crazy.  Hopefully you guys aren't sick of all my cult of cherry posts - it's just a great collection!

So, the launch party was crazy packed when I was checking out and the MA screwed up my order and didn't catch it until the morning after.  There's some items missing and others unexpected.  Check out all my haulin pictures below.

Spiced Chocolate and Tempting Eyeshadow Quad's.  The only quad I planned on getting was Tempting - so, what does that tell ya!

The two stars of the lipsticks: So Scarlet - deep red wine and Creme Cerise - a yellow taupe that may have the appeal of a peachy neutral on some skintones.

Bing is a deep purple shade that's quite dark but spiced up with Cult of Cherry lipglass looks smashing.  I'll be posting some lip looks in the next day.  Rapturous was a shade I didn't order initially, but, ended up liking anyway.  It's more of a cherry red shade compared to So Scarlet.

So Scarlet is my favorite lip product out of the collection - the pink, purple and gold glitter makes this fab.

My favorite color and definitley a must have product from the lipglass collection.  This baby spices up all the mattenes from dark and vampy to va-va volumptous!  A bold red shade means: sexy, confident, powerful - that's exactly what this collection is.  Jampacked is another great color following Rich & Ripe.  Those are the two shades my MA didn't include.  I plan on picking up two back-ups of Cult of Cherry - it's such an universal color. 

 Plum De Bois is the must lust from the blushes.  A gorgeous plum with gold flecks that has buildable color - it's not as dark as it looks.

All the Overrich pigments are excellent.  Antique Green and Vintage Gold were two stand out colors for me.  Since most of the shades are going to be permnament pro colors - I can stock up one by one.

 

Want more creme of the crop?  Check out the photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors and nail polish swatches.

FEATURED - Tuesday, August 26th 2008

Milani Goes Pop Art in six Gorgeous Ways

Don't ask me why Milani decided to introduce these gorgeous metallic shades so late in the game.  Just when you thought Fall was here - Milani pulls a little rabbit out of their hat.  infact, six new limited edition rabbits!  woot, woot!  But hey, better late than never!  Plus it's never too late to sport around pop color.

I'm not certain if there's a collection name, but, all six new shades are named after "art/design".  So, I'm just callin them Pop Art.  Shimmers, shimmers and more shimmers -  that's all you'll see in this new collection.   So much shimmer they can be classifed as metallic-like.

The best way to capture shimmers is with the sun and that's not happenin today.  The dark clouds have been hanging around for last couple days and isn't budging.  I would assume alot of us are having this nasty weather (my heart goes out to anyone in extreme circumstances).  But, in the next couple day's, I'll be replacing my swatches with regular ones. 

Check out the photo swatches below. 

Red Canvas - cherry red shade with gold and red shimmer.  Good color pay-off, two coats will you give good coverage.  No application problems.

                                          

Pink Abstract - a hot pink drenched in pink and silver shimmer.  Two coats will give you good coverage and three will make you shine.  No application problems.

 

Art Deco Blue - a royal blue metallic shade with aqua shimmer.  Two coats will give you good coverage and color pay-off.

 

Purple Pop Art - is going to be my next pedi shade which, I'll be posting tomorrow.  A magenta pink-purple with blue and pink shimmer.  Two coats will give you good cover but three is recommended for the bottle color.

 

Green Impressions - a granny smith apple green loaded with green and gold shimmers.   One particular thing I like - the conjuction of green and gold shimmers gives the appearence of multi-dimensonel under certain lighting.  The bad news - they are fairly sheer and require four coats or more to achieve bottle color.

 

Modern Yellow reminds me of China Glaze in Solar power with one minor expection.  It's completely drenched in gold and yellow shimmer - very gorgeous!  Just like Green Impresssions, the application required four coats to achieve bottle color.

 

Honestly, I liked every shade in this collection.  Very suitable for most people - if you love shimmer polishes.  Who doesn't like to shine with every color in the rainbow!  Hope your having a wonderful day!

FEATURED - Saturday, August 30th 2008

Prefall collection: spongebob to the rescue

It's officially pre-fall and Rescue Beauty Lounge introduces three fun and chic shades this season.   This new collection is inspired from Marc Jacob's love for Spongebob.  Starfish Patrick - a creamy coral shade, Square Pants - a pale lemon shade with subtle shimmer and Bikini Bottom - a watery baby blue creme that top's my favorite.

What a genius idea - prefall shades!  So, it's not an official season - it should be.  From the end of summer to the beginning of fall - what colors to wear?  Isn't that the worst?  Well, these colors are perfect.  Not to dark and not to bright.  End the season right, girlfiriend!

Spongebob who?  Honestly, if it wasn't for my neices of nephews - I would have no knowledge of the popular childrens tv show.   So, regardless of the inspiration - these colors totally rock.  Take confidence in Ja Baek and the RBL team because they never let us down.  The formula is true perfection along with the brush.

Check out the swatches below. 

Starfish Patrick looks more brighter and vibrant pictured above.  But, in real life, it's more toned down.

Square Pants is a great color.  It's a soft, pale yellow that's pefect for any ocassion.  Very chic and feminine.

Candid shot of Square Pants.

Bikini Bottom - my favorite shade out of the collection.  A watery baby blue creme that looks stunning on your nails and feet.  Oh boy, I can't wait to use this shade for my next pedi.

The Spongebob collection is now available at Rescue Beauty Lounge and retail for $18.00/each.

Want more RBL?  Check out their "must have" Fall 08 Collection.

FEATURED - Thursday, September 4th 2008

Rescue Beauty Lounge: Fall Collection Preview

Rescue Beauty Lounge introduces three drool worthy shades this fall.  Bruised - a moody deep plum brown cream, that's the new black to coordinate with your best outfits.  Teal - a deep green navy blue shade, that's a must have for any green and blue lover.  No more war - an edgy pure olive green grunge shade perfect for that metro chic look.  And, with the return of winter whites Ja Baek reintroduces, Plie - a opaque neutral beige with a hint of blush.

The fall shades are now available for pre-order at Rescue Beauty Lounge ($19).

Check out the swatches & review for the Fall o8 collection. 

FEATURED - Thursday, September 18th 2008

Lippmann Collection: New Shades for Fall

Deborah Lippmann introduces a whole bunch of goodies this fall for your nails.  A couple of items I picked up from the fall collection is Party Like a Rockstar Set ($25) and Superstar ($15).

Party Like a Rockstar Set includes two (small size) limited edition shades: Good Girl Gone Bad - a gorgeous purple with pink and silver shimmer, Devil in a Blue Dress - a midnight blue and a small fast dry topcoat.

Check out the photo swatches below.

Good girl gone bad - a sexy purple vixen nail polish named after Rihanna's hit album/song.  A gorgeous purple loaded down with pink and silver shimmer.  Since there is so much pink shimmer, this looks magenta purple in some lights.

Devil in a Blue Dress - a darkened navy blue - black creme.  This is just your standard midnight navy blue creme - nothing special.

Debroah Lippmann best describes Superstar as a copper flecked fudge.  A brown base coat filled with massive amouts of copper, brown and gold glitter.  Superstar is definitely out of the ordinary and different - which is one of the reasons it's starting to grow on me. 

This collection is now available online.

FEATURED - Monday, September 22nd 2008

Fall 08 Collection: Borghese Wines of Tuscany

Borghese introduces the Wines of Tuscany collection this Fall 08'.  A collection of seven limited edition shades of vampy reds, pinks, browns, and plums.  Overall, this is a nice collection espically, if you love dark, vampy plummy shades.

Out of the collection, I came home with four of the stand-out shades.  The pink and reds didn't interest me much because it's just your standard hot pink and reds - nothing unique.

Check out the photo swatches below.

 

 Pomino Plum - a burgandy plum with pink and blue shimmer. 

Vini Violet - a deep magenta purple creme.  This was one of my favorite shades out of the collection.  It's a much deeper purple magenta in real life and looks fantastic on toes.

Brunello Grape - A deep blackened grape with matching shimmer.  A very gorgeous, vampy shade for fall.  There was another similar shade in this collection to Brunello Grape but, not as pretty in my opinion. 

Espresso Brown - a brownish red with red and gold shimmer.  The wines of Tuscany collection is now available at your local CVS or Walgreens.

Hope ya'll had a wonderful weekend!   

FEATURED - Monday, September 22nd 2008

Fall 08 Swatches: Nicole By OPI

While I was shopping at my local grocery store the other day - I stumbled upon a new Nicole by OPI display that caught my attention. Pictured above,  On Nicole's Wish List,. a translucent milky clear loaded with white and silver shimmer.  On my swatch, I just applied two coats on my natural nail.  You can also use this over a off white or a silver polish that would look fab.

The next three swatches below are all black based polishes loaded with shimmer - that are simply divine.   

Black to the Future - a black with purple shimmer.  Two coats gives you good coverage and three gives you more of a purple shades.

Blue's in the Night is my favorite shade I purchased.  A black with navy and aqua blue shimmer.

Midnight Madness - Although this may look similar to Blue's in the Night but, it's a little different.  A black with turquoise shimmer.  Later, I'll be comparions side by side swatches of these two.

The new fall and holiday colors should be available now or within the new week.  Keep your eyes out because these are truely unique shades for black lovers.

FEATURED - Wednesday, September 24th 2008

Limited Edition: NYC Gets Metalicious for Fall

New York Color cosmetics introduces the metals for fall.  A collection consistsing of mineralize metallic eyeshadows, two lipsticks, lip gloss and a must have metallic nail polish - that's a definte hit in my book!

This limited edition display should be hitting most stores now or later this week.  Make sure you keep your eyes peeled because, my store only had two slots for Molten Metal nail polish *gasp*!  Should of, would of, could of picked up the other bottle but, I wanted to give someone else the oppurtunity to grab this awesome nail shade.

Check out the photo swatches below.   

24KT Chrome lip gloss is a gold loaded down with gold shimmer.  Marbleyes mineralize metallic eyeshadows in Aquamarine - a teal shimmer mixed together and Tiger's Eye - a light bronzy gold shimmer mixed together.

Saving the best for last.

Ever since Michelle gave us a preview of Molten Metal - I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  If you have any doubts, don't.  Because your doubts could be someone else's treasure. 

Molten Metal's a very hard color to describe.  A reddish burgandy brown based loaded with silver glitter.  One thing I absolultey loved about this color, it compliments everything, and I mean everything.  Pinks, Reds, Purple, you name it.  It's totally smashing, you guys!

The picture above was taken in the shade and is accurate color representation.  This collection is only available for a limited time where all New York Color cosmetics are sold.

FEATURED - Thursday, September 25th 2008

Fall Collection: Rescue Beauty Lounge Swatches

This fall, Ji Baek, creator of Rescue Beauty Lounge, took a very different approach.  Introducing three, very different shades from most Fall collections we've seen this year.  Different and unique equals love for me.

Most of you probably think I'm obsessed with polish, which is true most of the times  - I won't lie.  But, one thing I'm more obsessive about is finding rare and unqiue shades just like these three new ones.

Check out the swatches below.

      

Come on, need I say more about this heavenly color.  A must have shade for Fall and I say "must have" delicately.  Teal is "IT" for fall.  Look around, everywhere you see in Fashion is Teal and I'm absolutey loving it.  Infact, this color is smashing paired up with some of INC's fall fashion looks.

The name "Teal" is pretty much self explanatory.  Described as a deep teal creme that's incredibly stunning on every skin tone.  The new colors are highly pigmented and only require two coats to acheive bottle color.  And, the application applies like butter like all the Rescue Beauty Lounge polishes.

 

I once heard this described on Makeup Alley as baby poo and about pee'd my pants.  But, seriously, that's the best way to describe it.  A deep olive army green that looks great on olive skin tones.  No more War is going to be that shade that's the hardest to pull of with most people.

Love No More War but hate the cost?  Check out a great alternative to this super unique shade. 

Bruised is the shade the sold out almost immediately through pre-sale.  A dark mauve plum that's hard to describe.  When I look at bruised on my nails, I'm seeing more of a deep mauvey plum shade.  If your looking for more of a darker plum color - three coats should do the trick.

Overall, excellent collection for fall.  Right on track with the fashion trends.    This collection is now available at Rescue Beauty Lounge and retails for $18.00/each.

Want more Rescue Beatuy Lounge?  Check out their Pre-Fall Spongebob Collection.

FEATURED - Saturday, September 27th 2008

MAC Suite Array: Photo Swatches, Review

MAC Cosmetics introdcues the Suite Array collection this Fall.  This new collection that features eight new eye shadow duos and pearlglide eyeliners.  In each eye shadow suite two colors are featured to accent and contrast to compliment each other.  The pearlglide eyeliners are cream kohl like with a sparkly reflective finish.

Overall, the eye shadow suites are highly disappionting.  Both shades in the suites were blotchy and matte like texture.  So, if your not a big fan of mattes (like myself), I would definitley say pass on this one.  However, the pearlglide eyeliners are, oh so dreamy.  They apply smooth like butter and have excellent pigmentation and color pay-off.

Check out the swatches below.

 

All the pearlglide eyeliner colors were fabulous even though I didn't pick up any yet.  I'm still waiting for some clarification on the waterline usage.   My MA said the only place it wasn't safe was your lips and she was wearing them in her waterlines.  So, I'm a bit confused here because I've heard it's not safe.  Once I get a firm answer, I'll let you guys know.

Up next, the awful Suite Array eyeshadows.  yuck, yuck and yuck!   I know I shouldn't be hating on these things but, they don't even compare to MAC's eye shadow singles.

 

The Suite Array collection is now available on maccosmsetics.com for a limited time.

FEATURED - Monday, September 29th 2008

Fall 08: China Glaze Flannel Fixation Collection

For fall China Glaze introduces the Rodeo Diva collection.  This collection is broken down into two seperation releases of six shades each.

Overall, Rodeo Diva is one of the best Fall collections I've seen out this year.  Most, if not all colors have excellent pigmentation and only required two coats of polish to achieve bottle color and with no topcoat.  In most cases, I never apply a topcoat because it gives the best color representation in my photos.

First up is the Flannel Fixation Collection.  Check out all the photo swatches below. 

Cowgirl Up - a purple-pink with red and violet shimmer. 

Midnight Ride - a midnight black purple with matching shimmer.  The purple in this color is hardly noticeable even in the sun.  Most times it tends to look on the black side.

 

Gussied up Green - is my favorite shade out of the Rodeo Diva colllection.  A forest green with gold and blue shimmer that is truely gorgeous.  Definitely recommend this color for anyone that loves green.

Rodeo Fanatic is the closet known color to MAC's Whirlwind except China Glaze's version has more noticable blue than green.  A peacock blue with matching shimmer.

Branding Iron - a burgandy red with matching shimmer.

Red Stallion - a cherry red with gold shimmer that was my least favorite shade of the collection.

The Flannel Fixation collection is now available at Head2Toe or 8ty8 Beauty.  Stay tuned for the Hay Ride collection.

FEATURED - Monday, September 29th 2008

Fall 08: China Glaze Hay Ride Collection

The Hay Ride collection is the second addition to the stunning and gorgeous Fall Rodeo Diva.  Much like the Flannel Fixation release, the colors have excellent pigmentation and only required two coats to achieve bottle colors.  Some of my pictures are taken with three coats just  to even out all my errors.  All my  swatches are taken with no topcoat to accomplish best color respresentation.

In this collection sixe shades are included.  Golden Spurs was the only shade that just didn't fit my style for some reason.  However, it's a nice neutral color that will appeal to most.

Check out all the photo swatches below.

 Golden Spurs is a light tan shade with gold shimmer. 

Yee-Haw! is a peachy orange with gold shimmer.  At first, this color was so-so but, after wear it is truely stunning and looks ravishing on all skin tones.

Prize Winning Mare is another one of my favorites because it's unique and hard to describe.  A brownish shade with bronze and gold shimmer.  But, not as bronzy as per se Dior Gold Nugget.

Lasso My Heart looks purple in the bottle but, in real life is more of an metallic pink shade. Described as a purple with red and gold shimmer,   

Wagon Trail is drop dead gorgeous and looks even more stunning on.  A black with gold shimmer and olive green undertones.  One of the most unique colors or so I thought.  Check out it's twin sister.

Side Saddle a vampy brownish red with gold shimmer.

The Hay Ride collection is now available at Head2Toe or 8ty8 Beauty.

FEATURED - Sunday, October 5th 2008

Chanel Holiday 08 Collection: Review, Swatches

Can you hear those sleigh bells ringing yet?!  It's not even fall and the Holidays are hitting most counters.  Actually, Chanel is always the first to release their collection super duper early and the rest seem to follow.  That's Chanel for ya!

Chanel's new holiday collection continues the "gold-theme" carried out through their fall collection as it is with most holiday releases.  Two colors that we continually to see is Red and Gold shades that never get old. 

You may see a couple of familiar items silimiar to their Fall collection but, I assure you they are quite different.  Foremost, the gold highlighting podwer's.  Gold Fever, released back in fall, is a gold beauty powder compared to holiday release.  The Pourde Precieuse Or is absolutely stunning as you'll see in the swatches below.  What's different - it's actually a pigment verses a powder and it's filled with gold and silver glitter - it's breath taking, you guys!

Check out all the swatches below.

The only lipstick that was a stand-out was Audace - a vibrant holiday red.  It's pretty but, not so unique.

Looking at Gold Shine - your probably thinking it's exactly the same as Gold Light.  But, it's not.  What's so unique about Gold Shine is you'll notice a peachy-pink base color which is stunning verses a clearish base.  Red Shine - a pretty red gloss perfect for the holiday.

 Chanel Holiday 08 Quad.

The Quad was prettier than I expected and the color pay-off was good on my NC-30 skin.  The gold highlighting powder looked gorgeous topped over the eye shadow quad.

How many times can I say WOW in a sentence?!  Don't worry, I'll spare you guys from the torture.  The gold highlighter is absolutely amazing and the picture doesn't even justify it.  When I was at the Chanel counter I grabbed the last one of these babies and the makeup artist was showing how multi purpose this stuff is.  You can add this to your lip glosses, eye shadow, nail polishes and even moisturizer.  If you can only get one product - do purchase this because it's truely amazing and beautiful!

Three nail polishes were released with this collection and Haute Chocolat was the only worthy one.  A gorgeous hot chocolate brown filled with gold pearl and very subtle red shimmer.  Check out more photos for Haute Chocolate.

Check out my Chanel makeup haul from the Holiday collection.  This collection should be available in the next weeks to come and on chanel.com.

FEATURED - Thursday, October 9th 2008

MAC Emanuel Ungaro: Review, Photo Swatches

Dreamy, softly impressionistic, reverential...To celebrate his exciting debut, It-Designer, Esteban Cortazar, celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Dowsett, and M·A·C come together backstage to create a colour collection in the spirit of today's Ungaro.

Overall, this collection is a fresh outlook towards fall.  Unlike most collections out there, Ungaro offers a selection of neutral and pink pales shades.  MAC's been saving me some major mula lately.  These last few releases, I've been coming home empty handed.  I just wasn't feeling this collection whatsoever.  The eyeshadows seemed dull to me when swatching.  However, I did like the Creme Colour base.

Check out the swatches below. 

Soft Flower was a very bright (almost too bright for me) coral shade.  And, honestly, I just wasn't feeling any of these colors excpet Phloof which is in MAC's permanment stock..

MAC's Cream Colour base was the only worthwhile products from the launch that peeked my interest.  The texture was incredibly smoothy and creamy.  Their even multi-purpose that's suitable for eyes and cheeks.  Fresh Morning makes for a great nude lip topped with your favorite lip glass.

Not So Shy lip stain don't even compare to Benefits, Benetint as far as quality.  But, I do have to give my props to MAC because the day after swatching, the red stain was still on my hand.

Both lipsticks were pretty nude on me.  It took several applications to achieve any color on my lips.

Flower Mist Dew is a chalky pink shade that was barely faint on my NC-30 skin.

The Emanuel Engaro collection is now available at maccosmetics.com.

FEATURED - Friday, October 10th 2008

Sally Hansen Fall 08: Tracy Reese Collection

Year after Year Sally Hansen collaborates with fashion designer, Tracy Reese to bring us the latest and greatest nail trends right from the Runway.  For Fall 2008, Sally Hansen and Tracy Resse introduces 10 limited edition shades directly from Tracy's Fall 2008 Fashion Runway show.

The fall collection includes 10 new shades sure to please any appetite.  The shades range from your basic nude colors to vampy and edgy - perfect for fall trends.  Sally's best selling formula provides full coverage with two easy applications.  Some colors used three applications just to even everything out.  But, overall, two coats was the average for me.

Check out all the photo swatches below.

I'll be the first to admit - nude colors aren't my thang but, Divinity - a true nude with gold shimmer and slight pink undertones ended up being one of my favorite shades from the Fall collection.

 

Quartz Chameleon - a soft pink with gold shimmer.

Moonstone was my least favorite shade from the Tracy Reese collection.  Despite the grey bottle color, it's more of an white frost with silver shimmer. 

If it wasn't for Sally Hansen's previous release in Gunmetal, I would be all over this color.  Stormy Blue was slightly disappionting just because Gunmetal is pretty much an exact dupe.

 For the swatch above, three coats were applied on each nail.

Raven's Wing - a black loaded down with black, gold, and silver shimmer that's very blingy.  I absolutely love black nail polish colors for Fall - it's the new blue baby.  What makes Raven's Wing different from any other black is the beautiful gold base shimmer.

The Good Earth - a dark brown coffee shade with gold and red shimmer.  Good Earth is a darker brown than Chanel's new one, Haute Chocolat.  Check out the brown nail polish comparisons.

Alchemy, another favorite from the collection, a magenta purple with red and pink shimmer.

Cruel Heart - a ruby red with matching shimmer.  Just your standard red, nothing special.

Night Lily - a deep berry purple pink creme.  Unfortanetly, my swatch isn't an accurate color respresentation for some reason.  It's a much deeper purple berry shade that's very pretty. Check out an example below.

Night Lily has the same base color as Massini's Purple Medallion.  Just to give you an idea how off my swatch is above.

The Tracy Reese collection should be available now at most stores reatailing ($4.99 and up).

FEATURED - Friday, October 31st 2008

Allure's Editors Favorite: Borghese Vini Violet

Wouldn't being the beauty editor of Allure or a major beauty publication magazine be the best job ever?  This month in Allure's November issue, Borghese nail lacquer in Vini Violet ($7.99) gets the spotlight for editiors favorites.

Borghese introduced this scrumptous dark purple shade with the Wines of Tuscany fall collection.  Described as an gorgeous deep magenta purple creme that's stunning on nails or toes.

After organzing my enormous nail polish collection the other day, I came to realize that purple "rules" not only in my collection but in my heart beating out any other shade including blues.

The Wines of Tuscany collection should be available now at your Borghese retailer.

FEATURED - Tuesday, November 25th 2008

CK Barefoot: A Good Neutral Nail Color

Usually, you wouldn't catch me wearing any kind of natural shade on my nail, but Sally Hansen's Divinity, from the Tracy Reese fall collection, opened my mind to explore other interesting neutral colored shades.

So, I was anxious to try Barefoot because of the bursh discripency from my first CK experience.  And, I'm happy to report that - no application problems and the brush was perfect.

Barefoot's described as a jelly like, nude-pink with loads of shimmer.   It looks completely natural on nails with a perfect amount of sparkle and shine.

Sally Hansen's, Divinity is the closest dupe I have to Barefoot.  It's more opaque, nude and has alot less shimmer compared to CK's.

Barefoot is now available at Sephora and retails for $10.

FEATURED - Sunday, November 30th 2008

Fall Winter 08: Misa Poisoned Passion Collection

Misa introduces the Poisoned Passion collection this fall and winter 2008.  A collection of six seductive dark vampy shades of red, purple, blue and green.

Overall, Poisoned Passion is a nice collection of five shimmers and one creme shade.  Being a lover of shimmer polishes, I was pleased with all shades and glad only one being a creme texture.

All colors are rich and infused with excellent pay-off.  Most colors only required two coats and only had problems with Dying love.

 

A Sin Worth Committing, vibrant royal blue with blue and aqua shimmers.  Much brighter than OPI Yogta get this blue and Jessica's Midnight Moonlight.

Dying Love was my favorite from the Fall collection even though the application was a little finicky.  A black with silver and light blue shimmer.

This one left some visible brush stokes, but I really liked how the blue and silver shimmer made an glaze effect on my nails, so I guess I'll deal with it.  If you take your time and don't rush, you shouldn't have any problems.

 Candid shot of Dying Love

Fatal Affair, purple with blue and pink shimmer.  The base color is distinctly purple, but the blue shimmer is so powerful it leaves a glaze type of blue shimmer on top.

 

Forbidden Lust, violet based purple with red and blue shimmer. 

 Love Bite, the only creme and the dud of the collection.  Burgandy red brown creme.

Toxic Seduction, a blackened teal with gold and green shimmer.  Being a green nail polish fanatic, you'd think Toxic Seduciton rank up there with my favorites, but it didn't, for me at least. 

At first, Toxic Seduction was like love at first sight.  But, after a day or so of wear and tear, the once vivid teal was gloomy and darkened like a cloud was hoovering over.  My nails looked somewhat dull.  Mostly because of the "darkened" in Toxic Seduction.

The Poisoned Passion collection is available at Head2Toe.

FEATURED - Monday, December 1st 2008

Holiday 08: China Glaze Under the Mistletoe

Just in time for the Holidays China Glaze introduces Under the Mistletoe collection.  A mixture of five sexy siren red shades and one top coat sure to meet your holiday fixes this year.

Now, you know it wouldn't the holidays without a hot n sassy red nail polish collection from China Glaze.

Red speaks - powerful, sexy and confidence.  No wonder many women around the world continuelessly wear this bold shade and yet, season after season it effortlessly never goes out of style.

Check out the photo swatches below. 

High Roller, a tomato cherry red glossy creme.  Looking at High Roller and Masai Red side by side it's hard to distinguish a difference, but High Roller is more of an brighter red with orange undertones.

 Candid shot of High Roller.

Masai Red, a deeper cherry red glossy creme that's a great red all-around,  I preferred this one much more than High Roller.

Ruby Pumps, a holiday favorite that never lets us down ladies and gent.  Think Dorothy and her fabulous ruby slippers that we all wanted and still want even!

 Long Kiss, one of my favorites from this collection, deeper burgandy red with shimmer.

Go Crazy Red reminded of Red Stallion from the Rodeo Diva Fall collection.  Described as a cherry red with gold shimmer.

Under the Mistletoe is now available at 8ty8 and retails for $14.00 (set of 5).

FEATURED - Sunday, June 21st 2009

Fall Collection: MAC and Jin Soon Nail Lacquer

Coming soon Manicurist, Jin Soon Choi and M.A.C Cosmetics collaborate this Fall with a limited edition nail lacquer collection. A release of six, creamy shades to be introduced in September '09.

• Cool Reserve - Midtone Gray Lavendar
• For Fun - Rich Purple
• Dance All Night - Brick Red
• Rich Dark Delicious - Rich Blackened Brown
• Dry Martini - Khaki Olive Green
• Beyond Jealous - Blackened Blue Green  

I'm super excited about this collection. For one, I absolutely love Jin Soon Choi's work. Two, it's a collection dedicated to nail polish addicts!

A few months ago, I posted some of Jin Soon's work that was featured in Teen Vogue. Click here to check out some of my recreations of Soon's nail art designs.

This collection should be available September '09.

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Thursday, July 16th 2009

Fall 09: Orly Once Upon a Time Collection

Orly introduces a new release this Fall called, Once Upon a Time. A collection that's themed around fairly tales, wishes, and making our nail polish dreams come true with six fabulous colors.

If your looking for unique and unusual shades, tune in, because you'll love this new collection from Orly.

This was totally unexpected for fall and I'm digging it. Green, Grays, and Brown - what more can nail polish fanatics ask for!

Application: The formula was pretty good on most of these, packed with color and opaqueness. Pixie Dust was the only shade that needed three coats. 

Check em' out! 

Prince Charming is a brownish taupe creme that resembles another one we've seen this summer, Over the Taupe from OPI's Summer Brights collection. Not being exact dupes, Prince Charming is tad bit more brown. 

Enchanged Forest, a deep forest green creme. Not as dark as some blackened greens we've seen, such as, Zoya's Envy. The slight hint of blue makes this one special from the others. 

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest gray of all, I am, I am! Described as a true light grey creme. This is a perfect light gray, I love it.

Rescue Beauty Lounge's Concrete Jungle is similar, but just a tad more blue than Mirror, Mirror.  

Pixie Dust is one of my faves from the collection, a grayish blue with silver shimmer. Very unique and gorgeous! 

Poison Apple, an apple red with slight orange undertones. I'm not a big fan of reds, but the muted orange gave this a little kick that I liked.  

Happily Ever After, berry pink with subtle hot pink shimmer. The shimmer is extremely subtle, almost non existent if looking directly at it.

Orly's Once Upon a Time collection should be available August 1st at Head2Toe Beauty, Transdesign and Sally Beauty Stores. Have a wonderful day!

FEATURED - Friday, August 7th 2009

New Colors: Sally Hansen Insta Dri Fall

It's Friday and what gal doesn't love that!!  Since you've worked long and hard this week, girlfriend... You deserve a much needed treat from Sally Hansen's Insta Dri line. Your totally worth it!

This Fall, Sally introduces a variety of eight, limited edition colors to the Insta Dri line. The collection ranges from reds, pink, white (sheer), violet (ooh la, la), teal and blue.

Application: I'm not entirely convinced with Sally's wide, tapered brush. It's a love, hate relationship. Love the opaque colors, but my petite nail beds say no, no, no to this large, oversized brush. But, I'll deal. The formula itself is perfecto.

On your mark, get set, go... Grab your kicks, it's time to head over Walgreen's and let the stalking begin!   

Check out the three I snatched up.

Violet VOOM has that boom, boom Pow! A vivacious, blurple with pink and blue shimmer. Oh my, this is really fabulous and unique! More purple than OPI's Play til Midnight and not as blue as OPI's Blue my Mind. I'll post comparison swatches tomorrow.

Ink-a-Blink-Blue is another great shade from this collection. A deep sky blue with bright aqua shimmer.

It don't suprise me I fell for this blue green shade. Teal Takeoff is a gorgeous shimmering teal.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! This collection is now available, keep your eyes peeled.

FEATURED - Thursday, August 27th 2009

Fall Collection: Color Club Wild At Heart

Trust your impulses! Color Club introduces Wild at Heart, a Scintillating collection of high quality lacquers in the sexiest colors that go from Dark to Light and Dazzle with Seductive Sparkle.

Take a Walk on the Wild side with Color Club's newest fall release. A collection of holographic, shimmer and glitter polishes.

Season after season Color Club seems to impress and leaves me anxiously waiting for more. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it does! In Spring we saw an introduction to the fabulous holographic shades, Summer blew our socks off with electrifying neon nail candy and now, they totally nailed it again!

Overall, every single color is fabulous as the next. Even the oddball grew on me! The holos had excellent coverage along with most shades being two or three coaters.

Let's get down to business, shall we? 

Oh my freakin' holo goodness! What more can I say? Wild at Heart is absolutely incredible. A gorgeous purple filled with a kaleidoscope of colors. Wow, just Wow! And to make things even better, I'm talking one coater here. The opaqueness is fabulous.

Love 'Em Leave 'Em is a gold holographic shade that also has good coverage.

Wild and Willing is a shade you'll have to see in person to appreciate. My swatches don't justify the intense sparkle and shine. It's a duochrome glitter that flashes gold, pink and copper. 

 

Oh yes, what would fall be without a gorgeous green. Rule Breaker is a greenish blue shimmer that leans more towards the green family.

With Abandon is a black jelly with bronze-y, brown fine glitter. It's a little streaky when applied at first, like most jellies. But no worries, three coats will do the trick. The glitter is more noticeable with two coats: whereas, with three the black takes over.

Want to add some flair? Try topping Wild and Willing over With Abandon for that extra bling. Can you see the duochrome effect in the second picture? Love this!

 

As soon as I saw that On the Wild Side was a frosty charcoal metallic, my hopes were let down a bit. You see, me and metallics aren't too friendly these days. But all things put aside, I was instantly drawn into the shiny, steel look.

The Wild at Heart collection should be available within the next month or so. Stay tuned, I have more Color Club goodies to share with you guys.

Have a wonderful day!

FEATURED - Tuesday, September 8th 2009

Halloween Collection: Milani Black Magic

Collection: Milani Black Magic, Nail Lacquer 0.45 oz

Price: $3.49/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Meijer, CVS or other Stores

Hope y'all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! It's dreary and rainy on this Tuesday afternoon. The good news, it's a short week for us work-goers. Let's ring in the new season with a drugstore favorite of mine, Milani.

Halloween is undoubtedly one of my favorite holidays of the year, so it's no surprise I fell over heels for Milani's new Black Magic Collection. Aside from this new Fall collection, Milani hit the scene with two more limited edition releases sure to love, Vintage and Welcome Back Color.

In Black Magic, you'll find two qualities I adore: Black and Glitter, Yes Glittah! Each color is based in a thin, semi-sheer black jelly loaded with sparkling glitter. My Application was like most Milani's - smooth, excellent and dries to a non gritty finish. Noted below, you'll find the average coat-age on my swatches.

Let's down to biz-nass, shall we?

Magical - A Black jelly loaded with brown glitter.

Fairy Tale - A Black loaded with blue glitter. 

Charmed - A Black with loaded silver glitter. 

Enchantment - A Black with "ink" blue glitter. 

Whimsical - A Black jelly loaded with purple glitter. 

Spellbinding - A Black jelly loaded with red glitter.

Before you ask about dupes, I haven't pulled out any glitters to officially compare. But, I can probably think of around 20 look-alikes off the top of my head.

Milani's Black Magic Collection should be available at stores for a limited time only.

Do we have any Milani fans? What's your favorite drugstore brand? 

FEATURED - Tuesday, September 29th 2009

MAC Style Black Nail Lacquers: Swatches, Review

Product: MAC Style Black Collection, Nail Lacquers .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC, MAC Stores

From '80s Sprouse-in-the-House kohl and fringe to London New Goth, going back to black changes the mood, deepens the drama. Eyeliner, beehives and beyond, this is a celebration of going madly, deliriously noir. Don't wait 'til midnight.

Black is back Divas and I'm excited bring you MAC's latest Fall release called, Style Black. An edgy, yet wearable collection inspired by the gothic lovin' shade, Black! In this review, I'll be covering the nail lacquer portion only, but you can check out additional swatches from Style Black and Dazzleglass Creme Collection in my Photo Gallery.

MAC introduces three nail polishes to the dark side. Nocturnelle is a classic black jelly that's a frequent repromote, along with two bodacious new colors, Seriously Hip and Baby Goth Girl.

The formula is rich, opaque and a bit on the thick side, but no biggie. All polishes applied smooth with two or three applications depending on the thickness of your coats.

Are you guys ready for some swatches?

Baby Goth Girl is a blackened red toned purple with shimmer and chunky gold copper-y flakies. It's a great vampy color that's Fall-tastic!

And just for the fun of it, here's an oldie - perhaps a distant cousin of Baby Goth Girl called, Vin Goth. A gorgeous vampy purple with silver glitter.

Seriously Hip is Seriously cool! It's a blackened olive-gold with shimmer and chunky glitter much like Baby Goth, but more visible.

And for my dupe lovin' gals. Let's break it down. It's a cross between Wagon Trail and Stromboli. More chunky than China Glaze and less pricey than D&G. You choose!

All in All, nice collection! Application is smooth and full of opaqueness. The deepened shades coordinate perfectly with MAC's Style Black Fall collection. And not to mention Halloween right around the corner. Right on!

Who's loving MAC's Style Black Collection? Did you pick up goodies? Please share!

FEATURED - Tuesday, November 17th 2009

Fall 09: Icing Limited Edition Nail Polish Set

Product: Icing 5 piece Nail Polish Set, Nail Lacquer 0.4 oz

Price: $15.99/per kit

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Icing Stores

Now that you've seen the Gothic Lovin' side of Icing's Halloween Set, it's time to bring you more of a reserved, Fall collection of teal, purple, orange, taupe and black shimmers that's right up my alley.

The formula and application was a total hit for me, and quite honestly that doesn't happen as often as I'd like from Icing. Each color is shimmer based with either gold or silver. Like most Limited Edition collections, there's no official polish names.

Are you ready guys for some swatches?

Orange Shimmer is a hard shade to describe. Is it Orange or is it Pink? Maybe even a rustic combo of red, pink and orange with gold shimmer.

 

Teal Shimmer is really gorgeous, blue based teal with silver shimmer.

Purple Shimmer is a frosty Purple.

 

Black Shimmer is a deep, olive brown with gold shimmer. It's a bit more olive green compared to China Glaze Wagon Trail, both are very similar.

Khaki Shimmer is a cross between gray and khaki with silver shimmer.

Overall, Good Collection! A great selection of colors for Fall. Each shade was opaque and applied fairy well with two coats. Formula is Big 3 Free. Makes great holiday gifts for any nail polish lover. 

What do you guys think of the colors in this set? I have a special treat for my glitter vixens, stay tuned for massive bling, bling from Icing's Holiday Mini Set.

FEATURED - Tuesday, December 22nd 2009

OPI Suede Collection: Swatches, Review

Collection: OPI Suede Collection, Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $8.50/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Professional Salons, E-tailers

Be Per-Sueded with the richness and luxury of Suede by OPI. A new collection of six best selling colors available in lush, shimmering metallic finishes.

The matte craze has exploded this year - from flatte paint and shimmering textures to the pure brilliance of no-shine top coats. There's pretty much a choice for everyone and every budget. Following up from the previous Matte collection, OPI introduces one-of-a-kind, Suede.

Shall I start raving now, or save it for later? These are spectacular. Each color is insanely opaque and loaded with glistening, metallic shimmer that dries to a satin or velvety finish.

Before we get to the goods, let's take a minute to recap application. Like most matte polishes, it's not recommended to wear a base coat. But in my personal experience, a base coat don't hurt as long as your nails are completely dry and free of natural oils or lotions. Another difference is the formula. Smooth, flawless and perfect. Bravo, OPI!

Check em' out!

You Don't Know Jacques Suede started a new era of the mushroom color, released in the Fall 08 Le Collection De France is a golden brown with silver shimmer.

 You Don't Know Jacques with glossy top coat.

Russian Navy Suede was my first navy blue crush, released from the Winter '07 Russian Collection is a blue with silver shimmer. 

Russian Navy Suede with glossy top coat.

We'll Always Have Paris released from the Fall '08 La Collection De France is a purple plum with silver shimmer.

We'll Always Have Paris with gloss top coat. 

Lincoln Park After Dark released from the Winter '05 collection is a purple with silver shimmer. 

Lincoln Park After Dark with glossy top coat.

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede released from Winter '09 La Coleccion de Espana is a charcoal grey with silver shimmer. It's much different from the orginial, smokey blue shade.

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees with glossy top coat.

Ink Suede released from the Summer '07 Night Brights Collection is a blue-purple with silver shimmer. Ink is just a tad more purple compared to Russian Navy Suede.

Ink Suede with glossy top coat.

Mixing combinations can be so much fun! How cute is We'll Always Have Paris with polka dots?

All in All, Fabulous collection! The Suedes are versatile - you can wear them glossy or matte; both ways look great. Smooth formula and flawless application.

What do you guys think of the Suede Collection? Which ones did you pick up? Have a wonderful night!

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