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Product Review

FEATURED - Sunday, April 13th 2008

Product Review: Dior Sky Glow 5 Color Eyeshadow

Product: Dior 5 Couleurs in Sky Glow

Price: $54.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora

Recommend: Yes

A few weeks ago, I had a chance to learn alot about Dior Cosmetics.  One thing learned, Dior focuses highly on skin care.  And, I have to say they have alot of great skin care products.  But, I wasn't interested at the time.  I had my eyes set on one thing, the Sky Glow 5 Colour Eyeshadow Quint.  I've passed the Dior counter on a numerous occassions, and just couldn't resist this time.  The gorgeous teal blue color was just calling out my name.  And, if you're a reader of mine, you know I'm pretty obsessed when it comes blues.

It's not very often I find a Quint (he he it's so fun saying Quint) that is absolutely amazing!  And, of course, the pictures do not justify the beautiful colors.  So, I decided pulled out my husbands professional Nikon D200 to try to get a true-to-color close up photo.  Check out the eyeshadow colors below.

The colors include: teal/aqua blue (top left), bronze greyish-taupe (top right) this is an amazing color, white pearl (middle), gunmetal gray (bottom left), and silver (bottom right).  Sky glow, is becoming one of my all-time favorite eyeshadow combinations.  It may be on the pricey side but, when you break it down, it's $10.80/per color, which isn't bad.  The eyeshadow colors are gorgeous (not too shimmery), and when combined together, delivers a knock-out.  The colors lasted forever, just as long, as any MAC eyeshadow.

Check out some of my looks using all the colors from this Quad.

 

 

My mascara is the wonders of Diorshow Blackout and cetaphil creme.  Diorshow Black Out works miracles, espically if you have already have a good amount of eyelashes.

FEATURED - Thursday, April 17th 2008

Product Review: Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss

Product: Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss

Price: $26.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Chanel, Nordies, NM

Let's start off by saying, my venture to the Chanel counter was quite frustrating.  I had all my swatches ready for their photo shoot, and come to realize, I left my memory stick in my laptop at home.  Argh!  I think any beauty blogger can relate to the frustration I was feeling at that exact moment. But, no worries, I was able to go back and get swatches for ya'll. 

I was pretty excited to try these new glosses, knowing Glossimer is my HG.  I visited a few Chanel counters and only found one counter that received their shipment in super early.  So, if your counter doesn't have them yet, keep and eye out, they should be arriving this week or next.

Candy Glow was the only gloss I purchased yesterday.  It is a gorgeous, peachy-pink color, that was featured in the Chanel Promo Ad.  After swatching every color, this was the only color that caught my attention because they are pretty sheer.  However, Candy Glow is going to be a cameleon color much like it's cousin, Gazelle.  It's more peachy on me, but you can certainly see the pink shimmer to it.  This is a fabulous color for summer, espically to replace your lipstick.

Aqualumiere has much more shine to it and less shimmers and sparkle compared to Glossimer.  The applicator is different, much like Dior's Addict, but with a longer handle.  I found it very easy to apply, and liked the longer applicator much better than Dior's.  The only drawbacks I noticed is Aqualumiere didn't have the staying power as Glossimers and was much more sheer, espically the lighter colors.  But, the texture was just as good; not sticky and very smooth.  Candy Glow, is definetly a must have out of the bunch, espically if you love the coral trend.

Steph's Rating.  Their is two reasons why I only gave this gloss 4 kisses.  When I look for a quality lip gloss there is two things I look for; color pay-off and lasting power.  In which, Chanel Aqualumiere gloss lacked both.  However, for a shiny sheer lip gloss, the texture and lasting power is much improved from most brands I've tried.  I think if you like sheer lip glosses, you will love this!  

 Check out some more photo swatches below......

 And a little bit more........

 

FEATURED - Saturday, June 28th 2008

Product Review: NYX Glitter Creme Pallet

My order from Cherry Culture finally came in and I'm star struck from the beauty of these new colors from NYX.  Glitter Cream Pallets are an multi-purpose gel based glitter in a combination of five colors.   Love giltter but hate the mess?  Well, these are the perfect glitter fix for your all your needs.

Glitter may not be practical for everyday use but, they sure are fun!  NYX Creme Palettes are great for an night out with the girls, a holiday occasion or just to spice your night.  Although, I don't wear glitter much, my collection is filled with jars of MAC glitter, eyeliners, and so fourth.  The image of sparkling diamonds being swept on my face is what draws me in.  And, who doesn't love to sparkle?!

Every since last year I've been eyeing these beauties.  But, ya know, it's glitter, it wasn't a first priority to me until I saw two new colors.  Bronze Godess and Ice Queen are two universal colors you can use for anything.  Since their multi-purpsose you can pretty much put them anywhere - face, body, eyes.  How fab is that!

Things I love: The Price - $4.00 for five colors! The gel base texture stays put forever and ever.  Almost too long, which makes it a little tough to take off.  But, I'm not complaining about something that stays on forever, come on?!  As long as you use good makeup remover or wipes your in good shape,  Glitter in a cream texture, a great idea - who would of thought?  I can't tell how much I dread dragging out my Benefit Shelaq or MAC mixing medium just to apply glitter.  In fact, this is one of the reasons I don't wear glitter and the mess, of course.  Multi-purpose so you dont have to worry about if it's eye safe, body safe, etc.

Things I dislike: I'm not complaining about the staying power but, I can see this being a problem for others espically, if your not familar with glitter.  Since, this is gel based you have to get it right the first time, usually.  Make sure glitter is the very last step in your makeup routine because if you make a mistake, it's not moving and you'll end up with glitter everywhere.  Completely re-doing your makeup would be a huge pain in the butt.  Check out the photo swatches below.

 

Overall, this is an fantastic deal for what you get and is available is six different color pallets.  After playing with the colors, I found the glitter is more versatile when using on your body or as a glitter eyeliner.  The only true disadvantage to these beauties is the aftermath.  Glitter is usually, welll, all over the place.  But, if you get it right the first time you should no problems because it certainly stays put.

FEATURED - Thursday, June 26th 2008

Product Review: Loreal Infallible Gloss

Product: L'oreal Infallible Lipgloss

Price: $8.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstores

Recommend: Yes

L'oreal introduces the first long wearing lipgloss in one step.  The claim:  No touch-ups. No top-coats. No fading. No feathering. Hydrating formula keeps your lips soft, smooth, shiny, and sexy for 6 long hours.  The patent applicator contours lips prescisely smooth, even, flawless application every time.  Infallible is available in 16 luminous shades.

Six hours is a pretty hefty claim for lipgloss.  So,  let's get down to the nitty gritty.  Bottom line - I haven't personally seen a lipgloss to last more than three hours and my collection is rather large consisting of at least 75 different brands.  Last night at Walmart I jumped at the chance to try this. 

Rebel Red, a vibrant red with subtle shimmer, is the color that was calling out to me.  Usually, I tend to lean towards darker shades because the pay-off is so much greater.  This baby was on my lips within a matter a minutes after leaving Walmart.

Pro's: Moisturizing, Shine, No Feathering, and the lasting power wasn't quite 6 hours - more like 3-4 hours, which is impressive.  However, I do warn with caution when applying more than once because it tends to get tacky if applied regularly.  The pointed shape applicator is really cool.  I was able to get in cracks and crevices with ease.

Con's: The staying power didn't live up to L'oreals 6 hour claim and the mirror was a nice try.  Loreal was kind enough to include a mirror, which is a great and all but, why oh why at the end of the cap? 

Check out the swatch below.

Overall, Infallible lived up to my expectations and anyone who fancy's gloss will really love this product.

FEATURED - Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

Product Review: Loreal Hip Jelly Balm

Product: L'oreal HiP Jelly Balm

Price: $8.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstores

Recommend: Yes

Loreal introduces these scrumptous jelly balms to the HiP line just in time for summer.  These glossy pots of pucker comes in 6 different colors ranging from pink, coral, and reds. 

On my recent haul to Walgreens, HiP's super shiny promo display caught my attention with a range of juicy shades.  Succulent is the color that came home with me which is comparable to MAC's tendertone in Pucker.  I chose one of the darker shades because MAC's tendertones are rather sheer.

Loreal's HiP line is quickly gaining a large crowd of admirer's with their High Intensity Pigments (hence HiP) and overall superb quality.  So, it don't suprise me that these jelly balms wouldn't be as fabulous as their other products.

First off, I love these babies and yes, even more than MAC!  The color Succulent has excellent color pay-off compared to MAC's pucker.  I didn't have to scoop a huge chunk just to get decent color.  Good news is - Succlent wasn't the darkest of HiP's Jelly Balms.  There was one shade darker and the pay-off would be awesome.   MAC's jar may have appeared larger than Loreal's but, looks are always deceiving.  I think it's the construction of each jar that throws you off and the amount is pretty much the same.  So, no worries there.

 

HiP Jelly Balm in Succulent verses MAC Tendertones in Pucker.  One noticeable difference you'll see is the texture.  Tendertones has noticeable shimmer and the Jelly Balm doesn't.  The texture was non-sticky, slightly glossier and a tad thicker than MAC.  In fact, after wearing Loreal's verison for a couple days, I plan on picking up the coral shade soon!  The only true disadvantage is Loreal's doesn't have any SPF coverage.

 

The same amount was used on the swatch and you can see the difference in the pay-off.  My only dislike about MAC's tendertones is the sheerness and the amount it takes to get color.  Some of the MAC's lighter colors didn't even show up on my lips.  However, the jelly balms are also available in lighter shades.  So, if you want some color, sway towards the darker shades.

Overall, HiP continues to introduce some fabulous products to the market including their new Metallics.  I can't wait to see what's slated for Fall 2008.  A great way to try out the HiP line is BOGO sales at drug stores.  Keep your eye peeled - Walgreen, CVS and Rite Aid have BOGO sales pretty frequently.

FEATURED - Friday, July 4th 2008

Product Review: Loreal Hip Metallic Shadow Duo

Product: L'oreal HiP Metallic Shadow

Price: $6.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstores

Recommend: Yes

Fly into the metallic world of color with Loreal's new Hip metallic eyeshadow duo's with rich, high pearl finish full of intense color.

HiP introduces another great product to their shadow duo line - a metallic with an insane amout of pigmentation and color pay-off.  These new metallic shadows are the whip you guys, for serious.  Gilded is the shade that came home with me today.  A true metallic gold with a brown w/gold shimmer for creases that is featured on the display promo.  A perfect combo to go with richness of Chanel Gold Fiction nail polish this Fall.

I was instantly drawn into the high intensity metallic pigments of the duo shadows.  Their practical, everyday colors you can incorporate into your work and school wardrobe.  Not bright and outrageous like some of the regular non-metallic shades. Five colors combinations are available in: Gun Metal -jade green/olive, Magnetic - navy blue/light blue, Sculpted - mauve/light pink, Gilded - gold/brown and Platinum - black/silver.  Check out the photo swatch below.

 

Two swipes with my finger delivers intense gold color that blended perfectly with my MAC 239 brush.  A sponge applicator and mirror is included with compact but, you'll get better results with a makeup brush such as MAC's or any flat tipped eye shadow brush.  

It's really hard to find a good metallic eyeshadow with staying power and color pay-off.  And, these rock compared to the dreadful, metal-x shadows from MAC.  Everything about metal-x collection was horrible - crease lines everywhere, texture nearly impossible to deal with - to much hassle than it's worth.  I have some swatches of metal-x and mineralized shadows I'll be putting up soon to compare textures.

 

Overall, HiP metallic shadow duos earned four kisses but, may easily earn five after a few more uses.  Other great colors are Platinum and Gunmetal.  I may go back seeing how wonderful these turned out.

FEATURED - Friday, July 18th 2008

Product Review: UD 24-7 Glide On Pencil

Product: UD 24/7 Glide on Pencil

Price: $16.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora, Urban Decay

Recommend: Yes

The Claim: Glide on color that stays put for the duration of your non-stop, on-the-go day!  These creamy eye pencils deliver powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries to a long-lasting finish that won't budge.

It was time to pull out my ultra creamy, electric blue Deviant eyeliner as I head to the pool with gummy bears and Allure's August issue in hand.  Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients made this dreamy when appling to basically anywhere - including you waterliners!

Everything about this eyeliner including the gorgeous Deviant shade totally rocked you guys!  Let's just say these babies outlasted my DiorShow waterproof mascara.  It stayed put and put - throughtout the entire day.  The only true disadvantages are the price of $16.00, but will last a good time and the removal process - may require makeup wipes (this can't be a bad thing, right?).

Check out the photo swatches below. 

Two of my personal favorites you'll find in my collection are Deviant and Covet.  Covet is a gorgoeus peacock green shade which, is a must-have if you love this color! 

FEATURED - Friday, July 18th 2008

Product Review: Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow

Product: Urban Decay Deluxe Shadows

Price: $18.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora, Urban Decay

Recommend: Yes

Turn your eyes into pieces of fine art with these vibrant, silky, and luscious to the touch, deluxe eyeshadows that feature couture-quality and cutting-edge color. Loaded with silky pigments, this sophisticated new formula provides the richest, most brilliant color imaginable. Truly intense and definitely incomparable,for the eyes.

Created with maximum staying power, Deluxe Eyeshadows offer long-lasting wear that won’t fade (especially when paired with our miraculous Eyeshadow Primer Potion). The result? Gorgeous, gem-like lids that are worthy of their own exhibit.

While the cheap artistic product casing may be too much - the true gem is awaiting inside.  A world of ridiculously vibrant, intense COLOR that applies velvety, creme like and blends like melted butter - your lids will be thanking you.  The staying power is amazing leaving no visible creases espically, when paired up with cult-fave, primer potion. 

Check out the swatches below.

Grafitti, a vibrant kelly green shimmer, is my first addition from the deluxe shadows.  Being a MAC girl, Urban Decay had some big shoes to fill and I'm very happy with the results.  All shades are shimmer based which, thrills me because I dread matte shadows.  Some may find them on the frosty side espically, if your not a fan of shimmers. 

You'll heart this if your looking for: Vibrant, bold, rich selection of Color Outstanding staying and lasting power with no creasing Velvety, smooth texture that blends perfectly

You'll dislike this if you: Don't care for vibrant bright colors  Don't fancy shimmers and prefer matte shadows are looking for a budget friendly selection

 

FEATURED - Saturday, July 26th 2008

Product Review: Loreal Bare Naturale Mascara

Product: L'oreal Bare Naturale Mascara

Price: $8.99 - $9.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Stores, Pharmacy, Online

Recommend: Yes

Loreal introduces New Bare Naturale Mascara, a natural mineral infused mascara that suppose to lengthen and illuminates each lash.  Loreals gentle conditioning formula is infused with natural ingredients and minerals that provide luminous, healthy looking shine.

The claim: No brittle clumps, moisturizes and conditions with added minerals, adds volume and weight without the heavy feel of mascara, smudgeproof, flakeproof and water resistant.

I can thank my mom for my big eyes and lashes I have to cut from time to time.  Yes ladies, you heard right - cut with scissors.  Most of my girlfriends cringe to the fact of cut and eye lashes in the same sentence.  Contacts or eye glasses have been a part of my daily routine for years now and long lashes can be quite a disadvantage. 

First off, I was really excited to try this mascara because I've been looking for a "natural" type of mascara with minerals and added ingredients that is actually good for your lashes.  Knowing that this is natural type product, my review is based more on a light, natural looking mascara and not a volume-lengthing. 

The tube is clear with a leopard like print inside that was pretty cool - very different from all my other blah and boring tubes.  Black/Brown is the shade that came home with me,  Infact, this was my first mascara in black/brown mostly because, I'm going for that all naturale look.

Loreal's patent brush contains super soft bristles that easily brushed through my lashes.  As you can see, the brush is slighty slanted and was extremely easy to use.  No clumping or pulling, just a smooth, clean application. 

I applied two coats for a natural look and my lashes were extremely soft and lightweight, which I loved.  Overall, Bare Naturale is a great mascara if your looking for a naturale no-makeup look.  However, this many not be a good choice if you looking for something dramatic with lengthing or voluminzing results.

FEATURED - Tuesday, August 5th 2008

Product Review: Givenchy Phenomen Mascara

Product: Givenchy Phenomen Eyes

Price: $27.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora

Recommend: Yes

We all want more.  Givenchy's new Phenomen Eyes gives you a whole lotta more. The product names certainly lives up to the expectations.  Givenchy's Patented revolutionary brush is absolutely fantastic in every angle.  After playing with this mascara for a couple of days - I realized the brush is just a matter of common sense.

Bottom line - Givenchy listened.  Fact: Most of us apply mascara using the ball of the mascara and not utilizing the actual brush.  In most cases, I'll always use the end to apply mascara because there is no room for a big bulky brush. Phenomen Eyes elimates all hassles.

Check out some product pictures below.

     

The application was incredibly easy.  Givenchy's sphere shaped brush lengthened, curled and seperated every lash with each stroke.  Not only is the brush fantastic - the formula is just as wonderful.  My lashes felt light and very touchable - I couldn't beleive how soft after applying several coats.

Some more pictures below. 

The only disadvantage is the price tag of $27.00.  However, you can make phenomen last quite a while because it's not meant to be consistency coated. 

FEATURED - Friday, August 22nd 2008

Product Review: Chocolate Cherry Lip Glaze

 

Product: Lip Glaze in Chocolate Cherry

Price: $4.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstores, Grocery

Recommend: Depends

Sally Hansen's comfort shine lip glaze is an vita fruit complex that sores and beautifies distressed lips.  Filled with vitamins, moisturizers and soothing extracts creates a cushion of moisture delivered right to your lips.  A sophisiticated package with no mess applicator.

Ever since MAC released the Cult of Cherry collection, I've been craving chocolate cherries.  So, when I stumbled across Sally Hansen's comfort shine in Chocolate Cherry - I was all over it!  A chocolate cherry flavored lip gloss filled with vitamins, moisturizers and no-mess applicatior - y u m m y!

The Good: Extremely pigmented and excellent color pay-off.  The deep chocolate burgandy shade is filled with gold shimmer and suitable for most.  Trendy color for fall and a great topper for MAC's Cult of Cherry lipsticks/mattenes.  My lips felt completely moisturized and loved.

Check out some pictures below.

The Bad: Now, you know there had to be bad news.  I can't tell you how incredibly disappionting this was because it's such a great product as far as the gloss goes.  My issue is the applicator. It's plastic, small and flimsy - just not practical for me or my lips.  I had trouble accomplishing an even application - very blotchy like.  The chocolate cherry flavor didn't bother me but, I could possibly see a difference of opinion.

One main reason Sally Hansens lip glaze intrigued me was the no-mess applicator.  So, you can see the great disappiontment by my low rating.  That's the main reason MAC's Tendertones and Loreal Jelly Balm didn't go over - who wants to put gloss on with their finger?!  hello, bacteria!

Overall, this is beyond a great gloss as far as texture, color pay-off, vitamins and moisture.  The staying power is your typical gloss but with total hydration your lips will crave.  I've read a couple reviews on this product - some good and some bad.  It might vary between personal preference.

Sally - perfect the applicator and you have a true bread winner here!  Heck, just put it in a regular tube!  As far as my supply, I still plan on using it and applying with an q-tip like applicator or a lip brush because the color's fab.  For my swatch above my good ole pinky finger came in handy.

FEATURED - Monday, August 25th 2008

Product Review: Nivea Tinted Lip Balm

Product: Nivea Kiss of Flavor Tinted Lip Balm

Price: $2.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstore, Grocery

Recommend: Yes

New! Nivea introduces two new flavors of tinted lip balm to the Kiss of Flavor lip care family - Cherry and Passion Fruit.

NIVEA’s- A Kiss of Flavor is enriched with natural ingredients to deliver long-lasting moisturization for soft and supple lips. Its unique blend of fruity flavor and a tint of color make your lips irresistible. Enriched with Almond Oil and Vitamin E to help provide long-lasting moisturization. 

I love lip balm probably as much as I do lipstick and lipgloss, why?  Well, in order to have good lips you have to take care of them properly.  And, Niveas new tinted lip balms are just that.  Delivering loads of moisture to your lips with an added bonus of sheen color. 

Nivea's tinted lip balms are just that - lip balms.  Their not suppose to deliver boat loads of color or any kind of pay-off.  Just a sheen, sheer tint mostly concentrating on the enriched vitamins and moisturization.  The texture is smooth and very moisturing which was nice.  Passion Fruit is more sheer than Cherry flavored, espically, if you tend to have pigmented lips.  The only true disadvantage is there's no SPF!

Cherry flavor was my favorite shade out of the two.  It was a nice, faint cherry red tint that made my lips look completely natural loooking.  Check out some product pictures below.   

Passion Fruit (left) and Cherry (right) product photos.

Close up of Passion Fruit and Cherry flavored lip balm.  Nivea's new tinted lip balms should be available now at most Drugstores, Pharmacies and Grocery stores.

FEATURED - Friday, August 29th 2008

Product Review: Sephora by OPI Remover

Product: Sephora by OPI Polish Remover

Price: $5.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora

Recommend: Yes

Summary: A non-drying nail color remover that quickly and effectively removes even the darkest shades of nail lacquer.

Sephora by OPI Nail Colour Remover is a fast, gentle nail polish remover without harsh, drying effects or the tell-tale white residue left behind by traditional acetone nail polish removers. The superior formula contains grape seed oil, vitamin E, and extracts of sea kelp and aloe vera, making it more effective than traditional formulas.

A few weeks ago, I was placing a Sephora order online and need five bucks to meet the free shipping requirement and Sephora by OPI nail polish remover was the lucky winner.  Finding a high quality nail polish remover is extremely important to me.   I'm not a hard core swatcher like some of my fabulous fellow beauty blogger gals - Steph, Scrangie, Michelle - but, I do find myself removing polish quite frequently at least more than I'd like.

Let's start with the negative and the only downside - the price.  Wow, this remover goes awfully fast when your constantly using it.  $5.00 for 2oz, doesn't go a long way.  But, it's so wonderful, I'm willing to overlook that part.  If you tend to use remover one or twice a week this will last for sometime.  Now, if your like me this could end up being a costly nail polish remover in the long run. 

Now, the good and there's so much of it!  The light fragrant scent is perfect - it don't fill up the room with those "gag-like" nasty fumes.  Vitamin E and the other added benefits kept my nails and cuticles heavily moisturized from drying out which was amazing.

My two biggest complaints about nail polish remover is the dryness and strong toxic fumes.  And,  Sephora by OPI passed with flying colors. 

The result - my nails are as hard as a rock - not soft and brittle!

FEATURED - Thursday, September 4th 2008

Product Review: Nivea Kiss of Flavor Gloss

Product: Nivea Kiss of Flavor Tinted Gloss

Price: $3.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Drugstore, Grocery

Recommend: Yes

Nivea Glossy Lip Care is specially formulated to provide long-lasting moisturization for the most delicate skin – your lips, while delivering a brilliant, glossy shine with no sticky residue.

Kiss of Shine gloss gives lips a glossy shine available in two tinted colors - red gloss, pink gloss and a natural clear.  These new glosses provide no sticky residue, moisturization, and infused with shea butter and vitamin E.

Overall, this is a great product to replace your vaseline or everyday wear gloss.  Each day I found myself using this more and more - and I'm really loving it.  Vaseline and Carmex are two holy grail lip products that sit on my night stand every night.  But, lately their being replaced with the Nivea's gloss and tinted balm.

Check the swatches below.

The color pay-off was quite suprising - not as sheer as expected.  Nivea's line of lip care products are now available at stores.  And, at $3.99, why not give em' a shot!

FEATURED - Monday, October 27th 2008

Product Review: Benefit 24k Sexy Gold Kit

Product: Benefit 24k Sexy Gold Kit

Price: $32.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Sephora

Recommend: Yes

What is it?  A gift set which includes a lipstick, loose powder shadow, and small gold embossed clutch.

Description: Benefit 24K Sexy Gold Set contains a lipstick and loose powder that deliver a warm, soft hue to the skin. It also comes with a gold-embossed clutch that can be used to tote makeup or for a night on the town. Once you buy this Sephora-exclusive, limited-edition set, you'll be good to glow.

This past weekend I stopped by my favorite makeup authority, Sephora while visiting the mall.  Benefit's new 24 karat sexy gold kit grabbed my attention foremost, the insanely gorgeous lipstick that's included in this kit.

Check out the swatches below.

My swatch doesn't justify the beauty of the lipstick.  The glossy sparkle and shine made this impossible to capture.  And, the powder is just an added bonus to this kit.  At first, I thought "what in the world am I going to do with gold lipstick?" Well duh, everything.  Since the texture is super shiny, it can act as your lipgloss or lipstick.  Looks fab over any lipstick shade, espically reds.

The powder is a pale gold shade.  Not as shiny as persa, Chanel's Gold highlighting powder, but a toned down gold that's not overboard. This can be used as a highlighter, body powder or even a touch to your gloss.

FEATURED - Sunday, December 28th 2008

Product Review: Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain

Product: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain Pen

Price: $7.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Most Stores

Recommend: Maybe - personal preference

Covergirl introduces a new lip product called Outlast Lipstain.  Constructed in a pen like applicator to give you precise lining with no messy hassles, which you'll run into with most brands.

Description: The water-based colorants of Outlast Lipstain gives lips a beautiful, lightweight flush of color that won't come off, lasting for hours without the heavy look or feel of an ordinary lipstick.

Lipstain is becoming the new lipstick in the fashion and beauty world.  From your hollywood celebrities to your average beauty buyers - everyone's getting a piece of the action.

Although the lipstain process has yet to be perfected by any manufacture, Covergirl's new outlast does have some positive aspects.

Check out some pictures below. 

  

Pros:  In a pen like applicator for easy use and precise lining on the lips, so you don't have to worry about applying with your finger or dealing with the stain in your skin.  Offers a huge variety of 10 colorful shades ranging from light pink to dark reds.  If applied evenly, the color does last for quite sometime.  For a natural look, pick out a shade that's closest to your lip color. 

Cons: The darker shades like Wild Berry may encounter some feathering issues on your lips. (Recommened: Dry lips?  Try preping or pre-treating with an exfoliation balm such as MAC's lip refinisher or Fresh's sugar lip treatment).  If not applied evenly, the color will settle towards the outer line of your lips.

With most "color stay or lip drying products" moisturization is the main key to eliminate that "dry cracked lip look".  At night, before bedtime, I'm always loading up on my carmex, vaseline or chapstick.  And when I'm not in a lipstick or gloss mood, you can count on chapstick almost always being on my lips.

 

For me, the red cherry color of Wild Berry was intensely dark for my skintone.  Red is a hard shade to pull off in general, so I should've known to pick one that resembled my natural lip color more so.

The pen like applicator is the best part of Covergirl's new Outlast lipstain.  Now only if they could perfect the formula a little better - we'd have a winner.

Outlast lipstains are now available at most stores and retail around $7.99/ea.

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