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Blue

FEATURED - Tuesday, December 11th 2007

Trend Alert: Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish SS 2008

I can remember when Chanel introduced Limited Edition Black Satin 219 nail polish back in 2006.  This popular nail polish was flying off the shelves left and right.  It was going for $50-$100 per bottle on ebay, when its nomally priced at $19.  Celebrities even confessed to the extremes they went through just to get a bottle.  Luckily, I purchased Black Satin before it was impossible to find.  Due to it's popular demand, Chanel brought it back, and is now one of their stocked colors.

So, what is it about Chanel limited edition nail polish colors that makes everyone so crazy?  The beautiful, rich unique colors but, most importantly the name Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's fashion designer, extraordinarily passionate, assertive, and undeniably brilliant.  How can we expect any less than that, we can't!

Chanel is introducing Blue Satin, a limited edition color for Spring 2008.  I was one of the lucky ones that pre-ordered 2 bottles online from Neiman Marcus.  This is going to be hotter than the Black Satin craze.  If you can get your hands on some, I suggest you act fast!  Chanel is keeping quiet about this one, but, I expect them to release mid-December to Janurary.  The Sales Assosicates (SA's) at the Chanel counter are pretty useless when it comes to release dates, so my advice, don't waste your time trying to get information from them until the day it is released.

If you are a fan of OPI Russian Navy like I am, you will absolutely love Chanel Blue Satin.  I expect my order to come in before Janurary 1st.  Don't forget to enter your chance to win a free bottle of Chanel Blue Satin.

Sunday, December 16th 2007

Chanel Blue Satin 461: It's been officially released

It's officially here, Chanel Limited Edition Blue Satin nail polish.  It's a beautiful to die for color! Certainly a must have color for the spring! Blue is going to be the "IT" color for spring 2008.  So, be sure you get your hands on some, quick! It's already selling out at the Chanel counters and going for $60 a bottle on ebay! And, It was just released!  

Orginially, I pre-ordered from Neiman Marcus, but, due to the high volume of backorders, they are heavily delayed and will have to cancel many orders.  So, I wasn't about to wait and take that chance.  I jumped in my car and headed to the nearest Chanel counter.  Luckily, they had very few left.  I must say it is totally worth the wait.  This color is going to be "IT".  Ever since I saw Emily, in The Devil wears Prada, I've been waiting for Chanel to come out with a Blue color.  OPI Russian Navy fans this color is very similar, but,  Russian Navy has more pink-ish undertones tones, and Blue Satin does not.  That's one of the reason why I love Blue Satin as opposed to Russian Navy. 

Don't think I wasn't thinking about all my readers!  I picked up three extra bottles that I will be giving away FREE !  Just subscribe to my newsletter and you will automatically be entered at a chance to win this beautiful color.  The three Blue Satin pictured above are the actual bottles I will be giving away.  Don't forget to subscribe for your chance to win! Subscribing gives you the ability to get news updates, leave comments, ask questions, and more!  Click here for the first giveaway date.

FEATURED - Monday, December 17th 2007

Blue is Back: Chanels 2008 Spring Collection

Chanel's Spring/Summer 2008 collection line is focused around blues, and pastels.  Last week I had a chance to preview the collection early, and picked up some goodies.  Blue is going to be the "IT" color for Spring/Summer 2008, if you haven't already noticed.  I have to say this collection is Smoking Hot!  GRRR

Chanel Nail Polishes for 2008.  Blue Satin (actual pictures above), Azur (actual pictures above), White Satin, and Rose Satin.  My favorite picks are Blue Satin and Azur.  Blue Satin is to die for, and if have read my previous articles, this is already selling out like hotcakes.  Azur is my second pick.  It is more translucent than it actually appears but, looks great over Blue Satin and is definitely buy worthy.  I passed on the Rose Satin and White Satin, they are nice colors, but, nothing spectacular.

Chanel Eye Shadows.  Now, this is where Chanel hit the jackpot.  The Les 4 Ombres in Bleu Cèlestes (actual pictures above), is quite frankly the BEST Blue quad I have seen period!  It is absolutely gorgeous and is definitely a must have for spring.  The 4 Fleurs in Ferries, Camelias quad (actual pictures above), is also very beautiful.  Almost too beautiful to even use!  If I had to pick one, I would definitely go with the Bleu Cèlestes. 

Some of my other favorites that I will be purchasing: Chanel Inimitable mascara in Noir-indigo, and Crayon Lèvres Cardamone.  The Crayon is a great shade of blue, and I know a lot of you have been looking for a good blue pencil, so, here it is!

Overall, I loved this collection.  The definite must haves are Blue Satin nail polish and The Les 4 Ombres in Bleu Cèlestes.  I have a feeling both of these items will be sell-outs.  So, be sure to get an early start!

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for a chance to win a bottle of Chanel Blue Satin. What do you guys think of this collection?

Monday, January 7th 2008

Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish: Giveaway Date

As mentioned in December, I will be giving away 3 bottles of Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish.  The first giveaway date will be, January 15, 2008, less than a week away!  Don't miss out on your chance to win this seasons "IT", deep navy blue color.  All you have to do is Subscribe to Steph's Closet newsletter, and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win.  Yes, it's that easy!  Subscribing gives you the ability to get news updates, leave comments, ask questions, and more!  I've also added a new profile feature to Steph's Closet for all my subscribers.  It gives you the ability to create your own page, and upload photos.  So, please make sure you take advantage of this feature.   

The only thing I ask of the winners, is to leave a review on how you liked or disliked the color and why.  It's that simple!  What are you waiting for!  Stayed tuned on January 15, 2008, when I will be announcing the winner and the next Chanel Blue Satin Polish giveaway date.

Check out the Chanel Blue Satin Winners.

Wednesday, January 9th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: A Mei Makeup Collection

A Taiwanese pop sensation, the yin-yang of her personality are celebrated in this iconic signature colour collection. Bold for her rocker side. Low-key and neutral for those soft pop moods. This is A Mei, in all her shades - up close and personal.

A Mei: 3 Neutral Eyes (LE). Three shades of Eye Shadow in a black compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert. Each colourwave in the collection has its own colour signature: Blue/Fuchsia for Bold, Red/Yellow for Neutral.  Limited Edition.  US $30.00.

A Mei: 3 Bold Eyes (LE).  Three shades of Eye Shadow in a black compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert. Each colourwave in the collection has its own colour signature: Blue/Fuchsia for Bold, Red/Yellow for Neutral.  Limited Edition.  US $30.00.

MAC For A Mei Lipstick.  MAC Lipstick featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan screened onto the case.  Two colors available: Siss, A Muted golden beige (satin), and Ruby Woo, A Vivid blush red (matte).  Ruby Woo is pictured.  I just checked the MAC site and Siss lipstick has already SOLD OUT!  Be sure you grab these quick!

MAC For a Mei Lipglass (LE).  Limited Edition Lipglass featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei's native Taiwan screened onto the cap.  Two colors available: She's A Star, A Lustre-shined light neutral gold (Frost), and Love Rules,  A Fuchsia with white sparkle pearl (Frost).  US $14.00.  Love Rules is pictured.

MAC, you are killing me and my bank account, literally!  The, A Mei Collection, is now available online.  Not only did the A Mei Collection release today, So, did the N Color Collection!  My Wallet just can't take this abuse!  But, I just can't say NO!  Really, there should be a some kind of AAA classes for MAC, because I know there's alot of us out there!

This morning, at 5am to be precise, I was writing an article for my blog, and I saw the MAC Cosmetics email pop up.  It went down hill from that point on!  I knew MAC would be releasing these two collections about the same time.  I ordered the entire, A Mei Collection, as soon as I received my email.  The MAC Sales Associate told me last week that this was limited production collection which basically means, it will sell out super fast.  Siss, A Muted golden beige (satin) lipstick (not pictured), has already SOLD OUT online in a matter hours!  If your a MAC lover, you know never to wait until the last minute on these limited edition collections!   And, I am so glad I snatched these up! Their has been countless times I've debated on something and ended up missing out on it, because I waited to long.  And, I forbid to pay those outrageous prices on Ebay.

One thing I'm really excited to see is the eye shadow palettes (even though most are standard MAC colors), and the Siss lipstick that sold out in a matter of hours online.  "Blue and nudes are definitely the "IT' color for Spring/Summer 2008.  

Check out my review and photo swatches for MAC A Mei Collection.

FEATURED - Sunday, January 13th 2008

Suprise: Nicole Richie Has Baby Girl

Suprise, Nicole Richie has a baby girl!  Nicole and Joel welcomed a healthy, beautiful, baby girl.  Harlow Winter Kate Madden, weighing in at 6lb., 7 oz, was born on Friday, January 11, 2008 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA.  The same hopsital Christina Aguilera is at and in labor.  Both Richie and Madden are blessed to have a healthy beautiful baby.  The Hills star, Lauren Conrad, told US Magazine that Richie was suprised to find out she had a girl.  Speculation was Richie was going to have a boy, according to her Wizard of Oz themed baby shower. Family and friends bought "blue" gifts.  Was this planned, or did she fool us all?

Is it me or does the hollywood baby names keep getting longer, and odder?  Anyway, Congratulations to the couple!

Tuesday, January 15th 2008

Suprise: Blue Satin Giveaway Winners Update

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for joining Steph's Closet.  This has been such an great month, and it's all because of my readers!  We've had over 7,000 readers this month, and I am so excited that the site is beginning to take off.  A special thanks to my husband, Scott, for being patient enough with me to design this awesome site.

I have a little suprise for everyone.  Not only am I giving one bottle of Chanel Blue Satin away today, I am giving two!  That's right, I love suprises!  Two lucky readers will be receiving a bottle of limited edition Chanel Blue Satin.  Drum Roll Please.  The winners are  CherriesJubilee and CourtneyHoward. Thanks so much for your participation on Steph's Closet! 

Didn't win?  Don't worry!  I will be giving more bottles away throughout the month of January and February.  You never know what will be up my sleeve!   We've added a new feature to Steph's Closet, which is your profile.  So, be sure go upload your photo and tell me a little about yourself.  Don't forget to subscribe to enter a chance to win (if you haven't already) and leave comments!  Interacting with Steph's Closet will increase your chances of winning! 

Check out the upcoming Blue Satin Giveaway.

{Photo via: Steph's Closet}

FEATURED - Thursday, January 17th 2008

China Glaze: OMG Collection So Hot

All you nail polish lovers out there, your going to love this OMG collection!  China Glaze introduces OMG Collection for spring 2008, A holographic nail polish collection.  OMG, were indeed the words when my jaw dropped evisioning these gorgeous colours marinating my nails as I text a million words on my Blackberry.  This campaign is focused around looking kewl while your texting.  Notice all the nail polish names relates to instant messaging or texts abbrevations.  Can you identify everyone?  

I happened to see this collection about a week ago, and my oh my.  I must say the colors are gorgeous!  I espically love DV8, A teal colored polish.  MAC lovers, if you love the infamous Parrot eye shadow, then this is a must have color for you!  Blue, Teals, Greens, I see a trend coming.  These are going to be huge colors for the spring and summer!

I imagine China Glaze to release this collection to retailers around January 19th.  I pre-ordered the complete 2BKEWL set, which I loved every single color.  I don't expect to receive them for a week or so.  Keep your eye out for them!  I have a feeling these will go fast. 

Stay tuned for my review and swatches.

{Photo via: China Glaze}

FEATURED - Monday, January 28th 2008

OPI India Collection: Spring Summer 2008

  

OPI Introduces India Collection for Spring Summer 2008.  This India Collection is focused around sunny, high-energy pallette for the nails and lips. This season trends will include: hats, brightly colored bangles, metallic clutch purses, and India inspired beading and embelishments.

I'm really loving OPI India's Collection and China Glaze OMG Collection for Spring and Summer 2008.  Essie and Zoya is taking a different route by introducing sheers and neutral colors for their Spring Collection.  Neutrals are nice, but I need bold colors for Spring and Summer! 

Move over Blue Satin and Russian Navy, OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue is in town and is on Fire!  OPI introduces a new blue nail polish in this collection, which I cannot wait to see!  See the nail polish colors and names below. 

I'm Indi-a Mood for Love - Hot Pink	Yoga-ta Get This Blue - Dark Blue
Get Me to the Taj on Time - Pale Opal	Curry Up Don't Be Late - Metallic Gold
Charmed by a Snake - Bronze	Lunch at the Delhi - Coral
Royal Rajah Ruby - Burgandy	ElePhantastic Pink - Light Pink
Black Cherry Chutney - Dark Blackish-Red	Keys to my Karma - Rich Red
MonSooner or Later - Orange	Moon Over Mumbai - A Soft Gray

Check out the Reviews and Swatches for this collection.

{Photo via: Ball Beauty}

Monday, January 28th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Slimshines Relaunch

MAC Cosmetics introduces the relaunch of Slimshine.  Product Description: A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.  Release is expected February 7th, 2008.  Cost USD $14.00 each. 

If Slimshines sound familiar, well they are.  These were introduced last year and were quite a hit!  If you love lipstick but, you feel it's too dry, then Slimshines are for you!  I had a chance to try them last year, and I absolutely loved them!  I love lip gloss but, feel it's too sheer sometimes, and lipstick is just too dry, so this is perfect for me.  The only BAD thing about these lipstick wonders is, they go really, really FAST!  And at, $14 bucks a pop, not sure if it's really worth it.  But, I still will be picking up one or two at least.

7 Brand new colors are being released along with 13 repromoted ones from the original release date, for a total of 20.  See all colors below.

Assertive Warm brown with golden pearl (Matte).

Grenadier Deep blue-red coral (Cream).

Intimidate Creamy plum (Cream).

Missy Pastel coral (Cream).

Rock Out Clear blue with gold pearl (Cream).

Think Tan Deep brown with gold pearl (Matte).

Voile Canary yellow with gold pearl (Matte).

Repromotes:  Bare, Cocoamour, Funshine, Gaily, Long Stem Rose, Lovey Dover, Most Wanted, Mousse, Pleasing, Prudeaux, Urgent!

 Check out MAC Slimshine product swatches.

{Source via: Specktra}

FEATURED - Wednesday, January 30th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Fafi Collection Color Story

These pictures clearly speak for themselves!  WOW, was my first expression when seeing these product photos back in December of 2007.   There is always one or two collections that will be a huge hit, and this is going to be one of them!  I'd never thought any collection could top Barbie loves MAC, but, I may be wrong!  So many things I'm looking forward to seeing in these collection.  Paint Pots, Blush, Eye Shadow Palette's, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Lipglass, Fafi Doll's (not pictured but, will sell out super duper fast), and the cosmetics bags.  Which, pretty much sums up the whole collection!  Last year, around the same time as Barbie love MAC was released, the Barbie Dolls sold-out instantly, and were going for $400+ on ebay. 

Fafi, a french Graffiti and Fine Art Graphic Artist, who is known for her images of sexy and liberated girls.  Her drawling and graffiti's are absolutely amazing!  If you've never seen any of her Drawling's or Graffiti's, click here to check them out.

Now, on to business!  This rare, limited edition collection, officially releases on February 13th, 2008.  Be sure to keep up-to-date on the Fafi Collection in your area, by signing up on the MAC website.  Check out the amazing color story below, that leaves me drooling at my desk.

Lipstick
Fun ‘n’ Sexy Blue pink with blue pearl (G)
Not so Innocent Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (G)
Utterly Frivolous Rosy coral with pink pearl (L)
High Top Grey purple with blue pearl (G)
Flash-n-Dash Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (G)
Strawbaby Coral rose with rainbow pearl (L)

Lipglass
Cult Face Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (F)
Sugar Trance Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (F)
Squeeze It Brassy plum (F)
Totally It Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (F)

Eye Shadow  Quad's (x4)  Fafi Eyes 1
Howzat Deep grey with silver sparkle (S)
Hey Neutral tan with pearl (VP)
Pink Venus Washed pink (L)
Vanilla Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (V)

Fafi Eyes 2
Bold as Gold Yellow gold with gold pearl (L)
You’re Fresh Pale green with silver sparkle (L)
Shockwave Intense orange with silver sparkle (V)
Prankster Muted dark blue (S)

Paint Pot
Nice Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (F)
Girl Friendly Creamy grey pink (C)
Layin’ Low Creamy beige (C)
Cash Flow Green gold with gold pearl (F)
Perky Cream coral with white pearl (S)
Rollickin’ Aqua blue green with white pearl (F)

Fluidline
Blacktrack Solid flat black

Eye Kohl
Smolder Intense black
Fascinating Snake-eyes matte white

Zoom Lash
Zoomblack Rich black

Powder Blush
Hipness Intense coral with soft white pearl
Fashion Frenzy Mid-tone blue pink

Iridescent Pressed Powder
Sassed-up Soft coral pink with gold sparkle
Verve-acaious Intense yellow gold with gold pearl
Belightful Gilded peach bronze

Nail Lacquer
Girls Will Be Girls Pink with coral pearl
Boom! Rich eggplant with purple pearl

Brushes
210 Precise Eye Liner.
129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch).
208 Angled Brow Brush.
182 Buffer Large Brush.

Bags
Rectangle M.A.C/Small/Clearly Fafi
Rectangle M.A.C/Mini/Clearly Fafi

Fafi Dolls
Fafinette

{Source via: Specktra}

Saturday, February 2nd 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Upcoming Collection Dates

An MAC ADDICT Ultimate Resource for 2008 

Slimshine - 2/7/08 (Int'l March 2008) Permanate MAC Line
Don’t speak. Lips are in danger of all manner of delicious indiscretion. Seductive in colour, shine and staying power. Seven new Slimshine Lipstick shades and 13 bring-back shades invite colourful, ultra-glossy conversations. People will talk.  

Check out the review and photo swatches for MAC's Slimshines Collection.

Mineralize Foundation - (LE) The release date keeps changing
Making headlines with our lightest mineral infusion yet! This unique loose powder foundation brushes on to adhere smoothly to the skin. Provides a radiant natural matte finish with medium-buildable coverage, and SPF 15 for everyday sun protection.

Fafi - 2/14/08 (Int'l March 2008) (LE)
A trendy collection inspired by the French Graphic Artist, Fafi. 

Check out MAC's for Fafi product photos, review & swatches part 1 and review & swatches part 2. 

Strobe - 3/6/08 limited edition
This collection includes: Strobe Liquid, Strobe Cream, Strobe Lip Conditioner, and 4 different shades of Tinted Lip Conditioners.

Check out the review and photo swatches for MAC's Strobe collection.  

Viva Glam VI - 3/6/08
Introducing a Special Edition VG VI Lipglass and new spokesperson into our mix - Fergie! A radical spirit, Fergie burst onto pop culture as female lead in the Black Eyed Peas. She joins Eve and Dita von Teese in speaking out on behalf of VIVA GLAM VI.

Check out review and photo swatches for the new Viva Glam VI Lipglass. 

Beauty Powder Blush - 3/13/08 (Int'l April 2008) (LE)
A micronized powder blush with a subtle pearlize pigment, 8 new shades and 2 re-promoted makeup brushes.

Check out review, swatches and product photos for MAC's newest Beauty Powder Blush. 

Heatherette - 3/20/08 (Int'l April 2008) (LE)
24-Hour Party People know what time it is when N.Y.'s counter-culture couturiers create a paint-by-numbers world of drama with two glittering looks. Choose from Good Girl for day, Bad Girl for night...or be the superstar you are and flip it!

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for MAC's Heatherette Collection.

Euristocrats - 4/1/08 European Stores only 

Naked Paris - Sheer pink brown with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Rue D' Bois - Sheer mid tone pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Patisserie - Sheer creamy neutral pink (lustre)

Barcelona Red - Frosty deep coral (frost)

Costa Chic - Frosty light coral (frost) ***A LUST have for coral lovers***

Milan mode - Sheer deep pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Going Dutch - Frosty mid tone pink (frost)

Saint Germain - Pastel pink (amplified creme)

London Life - Sheer deep berry with multidimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Ramblas Red - Blue red (amplified creme)

Cockney - Sheer yellow red with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)

Neon Orange - Bright clean orange (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Show Orchid - Vivid hot pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Full Fuchsia - Bright clean warm pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO Store)

Fast Play - Medium neutral pink with plum-brown undertones (Amplified Creme) (Repromote)

Bombshell - Soft bright rosy-pink with golden shimmer (Frost) (Repromote)

Check out Specktra's fabulous swatches for this colorful lipstick collection.

Dress Camp - 4/17/08 (Int'l April 2008) extremely rare and "very limited"
Super hot Asia exclusive collection.  This collection will not be available at MAC stores only online.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for Asia's Dress Camp.

Dazzleglass - 5/1/08 (Int'l May 2008) (LE)
Electro-pearl atoms blast their light as Lipglass gets the dazzle treatment. High-shine + large particle quartz and opal crystal captured in a great new formula with light-reflecting, crystalline iridescence. To be this dazzling: that's power!

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for MAC's new glitter lipgloss.

Naughty Nauticals - 5/1/08 (Int'l May 2008) (LE) 3-part release
Sailors, ahoy! In her fleet of pinks, corals, reds, and the deepest navy Nail Lacquer seen this side of Marseilles, she's uniformly chic, and cruising for romance. In style and desire, she's poised for perfection. Go overboard!  

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this Naughty collection. 

Stowaways Quad - 5/1/08 Part of the Naughty Nauticals Collection and only available at Nordstrom.

Skinsheen - 5/1/08 (LE) (Int'l June 2008)
Legs...Bronzed to distraction. Seductive and cruise-worthy. A sprayable lightweight gel that unlike your fancy, never drifts. Brushes lightly and flawlessly over the skin. For the ultimate secret application and smoothest sheen, try the 179 Body Buffer Brush.     

Neo Sci-Fi - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE) 3-part release
Spinning glamour into another orbit: our magnetic field of hot fluorescents, modern buffs, beiges and flesh tones are destined to test the laws of your style gravity. With these supersonic shades and neon orange compacts, go shock the galaxy! 

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for the Neo Sci Fi Collection. 

Future Earth - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Lava-licious! The power of Volcanic Ash brought into one dynamic all-black element, Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. Mineral-rich. Cleanses, exfoliates, makes skin look radiant. Its glowing compliment: new Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher.

Check out the reviews, swatches and product photos for the Volcanice Mask and Lippie.  

Solar Field - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Alternate sun power. Glamour beams across the universe via new Solar Bits: free-formed clusters of rich pigment and pearl. Its full-volt complement: skin made provocatively golden through Bronzing Powder in Solar Riche and Refined Golden

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for the Solar Field Collection.  

Tendertones - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Sexier on the lips than balm. Silkier than gloss. More protective than naked. A lipcolour that combines soft shine, easy glide, and double-smooth satin finish with an everyday sun protective formula. To treat your lips...Love 'em tender.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this cult lip balm.  Check out Loreal's HiP Jelly Balm - is an excellent alternative that's actually better than MAC.

Summer Trend Bags - 5/29/08 (Int'l June 2008) (LE)
Shine-blasted. Shockingly fluorescent. Our easygoing Softsac goes patently neon in three tote-along sizes: mini, small and medium. Utterly functional and fun. The best complement to the M·A·C Neo Sci-Fi collection. Available in three buzzed-up colours. 

Cool Heat - 6/12/08 (Int'l July 2008) (LE)
Some looks are too hot for summer to handle but not Cool Heat. Sweltering corals, chill-out blues, complemented by Turquatic and its warm new sister shade, Turquatic Heat, create this season's coolest - and steamiest - beauty paradox.

Check out the review, swatches and product photos for this energetic collection. 

New View - 7/08
Natural and Shimmer. The split personality of powder to sheerly and subtly perfect skin with dimensionality and mineralized starshine. These Mineralize Skinfinish duos are state-of-the-art simplicity, high-resolution finish. 

Sonic Chic - 7/08
Mineralize Blush to break the style barrier: Screamingly chic, but soft, sheer, lightweight. Enhance cheekbones, create planes and contours with the 181 Buffer Brush for flawless blending. The fastest route to perfection yet is Ultra-Sonic.

Check out the Review and Photo Swatches. 

Electroflash - 7/08
Mineralize Eye Shadow in nine new duos with unblinking courage, and convincing new combinations. Add Lipglass and Lipsticks with quantum physics energy, in companion colours and electro-lustres. Electricity is our most precious resource...everybody, electrified!

Check out the Review and Photo Swatches. 

Colour Forms - 7/18/08 (Int'l August 2008) (LE) Nordstrom Exclusive

Lustre Twins - 7/31
Nine new shades of Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour featuring an exclusive sheer pigment top coat, with three Nail Lacquers. Separate if you must, but these Lustre Twins shouldn't live without each other. Codependent couture colour and shine starts here! 

Starflash - 7/31
Hollywood's new Power Couple. Our 12 new limited-edition Starflash shadows, combined with Kohl Power Eye Pencil. Shades for a smooth, creamy, cushioned life. Provides the double-wattage impact that will take you to the new stylesphere!

Check out the photo swatches and review. 

Cult of Cherry - 8/21 The new forbidden fruit. Deep, dark, dramatic. Lips ripened with juicy cerises and intoxicating kirsches while eyes smoulder in luscious spiced chocolate. With its sense of way-to-go dark, this is how we separate the bitter from the sweet...Fall drama just got more delicious. 

Check out the photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors, nail polish swatches and my makeup haul.  

Overrich - 8/21 Fall for luscious. Eight pigments that keep you de-lovely and delicious as ever. Oxidized, rich-metal hues are a cakewalk to apply, for eyes, face and all the sweet spots...These Overrich pigments satisfy an appetite for glamour.  

Check out the photo swatches, review and my makeup haul.

Suite Array - 9/25 Check-in to the double-delight luxury of our new Eye Shadow Suite. Eight shadow duos in unexpectedly fresh and frivolous colours paired with one of our new Pearlglide Eye Liners will provide you with all the accoutrements of day and night bedroom eyes.

Check out the review and photo swatches. 

Gold Fever - 9/25

MAC for Ungaro - 9/25 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.

Check out the review and photo swatches. 

Red She Said - 10/16 The retro-starlet allure of Hollywood glamour, with a modern twist. A season where lips connive, then confess in shades of provocative holiday reds. Party season and passions flare! "Red" She Said, and no one could resist her.

Check out the review and photo swatches.

Wednesday, February 6th 2008

OPI India Collection: Review and Swatches

OPI India Collection for Spring/Summer 2008 has officially launched today.  I had a chance to get a sneak peek at this collection, and pick up a couple of bottles.  First off, I really love India inspired collections.  This collection has a little bit to offer for any appetite.  Neutrals: Soft Grey and Opal colors.  Dark: A gorgeous blue that no-one should overlook, and a deep burgandy with red shimmer.  Metallics: Sheer Gold and Bronze perfect for summer. Brights: A beautiful fuschia magenta (pictured on model), Bright Pink .     

If you haven't been locked up and living as a hermit, then you know by now,, that blue is the "IT" color for Spring/Summer 2008.  Most nail collections this season have featured some kind of blue shade.  Chanel Blue Satin, is one of my personal favorite nail colors this season, but, something was just missing.  As much as I love Blue Satin, it's just too darn dark without putting a topcoat of Azur.  Don't get me wrong, I still love the color and will continue to wear it.  But, it was hyped up so much, that I already had high expectations and the vision in my head didn't match up with actual color.  Maybe if the formulation wasn't as thick, it would have an potential of being a 10.

 

Charmed by a Snake.  A bronzed color that is perfect for any anybody.  This is a great color and much approiate for warm and cool tones.  This is definitely tied with MoonSoon or Later as my second favorites.  "Bronzed" and "Goldened" are one of the color trends for this summer, which brings me to the next color.

 

Curry Up Don't Be Late.  A sheer gold color with yellow undertones. I think this color is more appealing to the warm tone crowd.  A Metallic Yellowish-Gold is a tricky color to pull off.  But, I'm really liking yellow this spring/summer.  If your feet get really tan in the summer, this is a must for pedi's!  Check out the OPI India Collection Promo Ad, featuring this color.  I'll be honest, I love this color but, it was really hard to paint my nails.  It's very sheer, and I certainly needed 3 heavy coats to cover completely.  But, it's defintely worth the hassle, the color payoff is a gorgeous metallic yellow-gold.

Lunch at Delhi.  Described as a soft coral shade with pink-undertones.  I honestly don't see the pink undertones in this one.  It defitnely has more reddish undertones which makes it dark coral color which is really pretty.  Coral is going to be an "IT" color this spring/summer 2008. 

I'm Ind-ia Mood for Love.  Described as a Fushia-Magenta color.  A Magenta Fushia creme color that is a must have for pedi's this summer!  Take a look at the model in the picture above.  She is wearing this color.  How cute would that be on your toes, white flip-flops, and a toe ring.

 

Yoga-Ta Get This Blue.  So true to the name.  Yoga-Ta Get this Blue!  What are you waiting for!  WOW!  This color is exactly what Chanel Blue Satin lacked and is amazing.  It is exactly the blue I have been looking for.  If you love the blue nail polish trend, well, this is going to be your holy grail color.  So, what makes this blue different from all the hundreds out there?  Well, OPI for one, secondly the beautiful aqua and blue shimmer that makes this perfect!  And, one more thing, it LOOKS blue! Unlike Blue Satin and many others, where it looks black-ish in different lighting.  Russian Navy fans, get ready, your going to love this color!  Same type of texture, instead of the purple-ish pink shimmers, it's aqua and blue.  This is my favorite color of this collection, and think it's going to be a HUGE hit.

 

MoonSoon or Later.  I absolutely LOVE this color!  Described as a bright reddish-organish color.  I think this is one of the colors that most people will overlook.  And, if you love orangey-red's, this defintely shouldn't be overlooked!  It's not as bright and orangey as you might think.  Described as a creamy tomato red.  At first, I honestly overlooked this color.  Two days later, I saw this color and messed with it a little bit, and ended up loving it and purchasing it.  If your attracted to reds as I am, you'll love this!  This color is my second favorite, right under the blue.  Coral and Oranges are going to be a Hot color this summer!

Moon over Mumbai.  Descirbed as a gray shade.  I was really hoping I would like this color.  I'm honestly seeing more pink in this shade.  I would describe it as a very light pink shimmer with gray undertones.  It is a very pretty shade, but, I was hoping for more gray.  Essie's, Body Language is by far the best gray color I have seen this spring.  This color is much like Essie's 2008 Spring Collection.

Keys to my Karma.  Described as a rich tomato red color.  Honestly, I see this color being more like a cherry red opposed to a rich tomato red, which I have plenty of similar colors.

Elphantastic Pink.  Described as a bold carnation pink.  Much talk was going on about this color.  So, I was really looking forward to it.  But, I was quite disappionted.  My skin tone is warm and this color stands out like a sore thumb.  It's just too bright for me.  This color may look more appealing on cooler skin tones.

Here are some other colors I didn't get, but, would be more appealing for me in the fall.  Spring and Summer is almost here so, I'm ready for some colors.  Royal Rajah Ruby, a burgandy with reddish shimmer.  If the shimmer were light pink, this would be an huge it color.  This is more of a burgandy-blackish color.  Black Cherry Chutney, a dark black cherry red.  

Below are some photo swatches I took from my salon.  

The first picture was taken with a flash, the second without a flash. 

Overall, I really liked this collection.  Yoga-ta get this Blue!  Go get this stuff now!  That was the best color hands down.  Followed by Curry up Don't Be Late, Charmed by a Snake, and MoonerSooner or Later.  

What do you think of this collection?  Are you planning to purchase any colors?

Check out the ultimate summer accessory featuring two colors from the OPI India Collection.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 27th 2008

MAC Cosmetics Fafi: Review and Swatches Part Two

Eye Shadow Quads. I purchased both of these eye shadow quads.  I honestly, did not expect to like Quad 2, but, that ended up being my favorite.

Quad 1.  Vanilla, a white color witha a velvet finish, that is good for highlighting.  Hey Neutral, a shimmery tan color, that is very pretty nude color.  Pink Venus, bright pink frosted color, that has great color payoff and texture.  Howzat, a dark gray-ish black color, good for crease lines.  

Quad 2.  Bold as Gold, a gorgeous shade of shimmery yellow-gold.  I really loved this color, perfect amout of shimmer that isn't over powering.  Shockwave, more of a shimmery tangerine color, that isn't as bright as it looks.  You're Fresh, as it looks green in the quad, it's quite sheer.  More of a greenish-yellowish shimmer.  Prankster, it may look navy blue, but, comes out more dark blue-blackish.

If you tend to play it safe, I would go for the Quad 1. If you are daring enough, I would definitely recommend purchasing Quad 2.  The colors may look funky, but, appear more sheerer than they actually look.

Paint Pots.  I absolutely love MAC's paint pots.  I purchased Cash Flow, and Perky.  I am planning to pick up Rollickin soon.  My favorite by far is Perky.

Perky, a coral-peach shimmer color, that is truely gorgeous, and the color pay-off is great.  This is a must have base for Quad 2.  Cash Flow, a goldish-brownish color, that is great with browns and neutral colors.  Rollickin, a tealish shimmery color, that looks great espically paired up with Parrot eyeshadow.  Nice Vice, a purplish brownish color, that was way too dark and purplish for my skintone (NC25).  Layin Low, a creamy flat brown beige color.  Girl Friendly, a very flat pink color.

 

 

Powder Blushes.   The powder blushes were something I didn't even look at twice until I saw in person.  They may appear "very bright" in their Fafi cases, but, that is not the case whatsoever.  The blushes have very  "build-able color".  I initially only purchased Hipness but, later purchased Fashion Frenzy.  It's really hard to choose between the two, because they are both equally beautiful.  

Fashion Frenzy, a medium cool pink matte color that is very buildable.  Just be careful with the blush brush, you can easily get outta control  with the blushes, which might reflect the brightness of the color.  Fashion Frenzy looks great with Quad 1, Sexy n Fun lipstick paired up with Totally It lipglass.  Hipness, a warm peach matte color with a small hint of pink.  Hipness looks great with Quad 2, Strawbaby lipstick, paired up with Sugar Trance lipglass.

Iridescent Mineralized Powders.  These powders are just gorgeous, and by far the best out of the Fafi collection.  If you love to sparkle and shine, then these powders are for you.  Unfortanetly, I could not get a good picture to justify the beauties of these powders with them being so sheer.  I purchased Verve-vacious, more of a golden bronzed color. 

Verve-vacious, a goldish bronzed powder with several pigmented gold flecks.  This is gorgeous, and can be used as a bronzing powder for summer also.  Sassed-Up, a soft golden peach-pinkish color.  I believe this color will be more appealing for everyone and the most popular.  Sassed-up is another one I would like to purchase, only if my bank account wasn't depleted by Fafi!  Belightful, a cooler brownish powder with gold specks.  Verve-vacious and Belightful were very similar in colors.  I opt for Verve-vacious because it's more becoming, and it's a limited edition color.

Nail Lacquer.  I purchased both of these colors, because I'm a nail polish freak!  However, I do think Girls will be Girl is more appealing than Boom.  Girls Will Be Girls, a pink with a specks of gold that makes it somewhat coral-ish.  The coral color is not very noticable to the naked eye.  If you prefer the sheerness, you will only need two coats.  However, In the picture above, I had to use 3 coats to cover my nail completely.  Boom, a burgandy color with specks of pink shimmer.  This metallic like color is very pretty, and looks great on nails.

Overall, Fafi is truely a great collection.  It offers alot of bright pink/corals, girly colors that are going to be "it" colors for spring/summer 2008.  Definite stand out items: Strawbaby and Fun n Sexy Lipstick, Sugar Trance and Totally It lipglass, Perky Paint Pot, and Sassed-Up mineralized powder.  The only items that are sold out nationwide is Fun n Sexy and Strawbaby lipstick.  But, they may still be available at your local MAC Store.

Tuesday, February 26th 2008

MAC Cosmetics Fafi: Review and Swatches Part One

 

The question sill remains?  Does Fafi collection compare to Barbie loves MAC?  My opinion, absoultely yes!  Fafi and Barbie loves MAC has some similar colors.  I was really siked up about this collection until actual color swatches became available early online.  After seeing all the colors and swatches online, I wasn't as excited about this collection as orginally planned.  But, I wasn't knocking down this collection either.  MAC is well known for a reason, and that being the rare beautiful colors, quality, and overall texture.

Fafi previewed early at New York Fashion week, which gave many beauty bloggers the chance to preview and swatch this collection.  Also, some rather disappionting news came along with the preview that had bummed many MAC lovers out.  The fact that MAC would put "stickers" on their packaging.  I admit, it was rather disappointing news but, were not paying for the packaging after all, espically if you are a true beauty lover.  Please do not buy these items to sell on ebay for three times the price or even keep as a keepsake just to have it.  Fact of the matter is, I could care less about the stickers now.  To be honest with you, the stickers will last longer than the writing on the product.  On my "Sugar Trance" lipglass, the MAC writing on the bottle,  has completely rubbed off after only 3 appplications.  So, I wouldn't be too worried about the stickers.

I decided not to go to my MAC store on release day, because I knew it would be overwhelming.  I went the next morning, and I was really impressed by the colors.  They are gorgeous, not anything I had imagined in my head.  That's why it's important to physically play with the colors, and not go by the online swatches and photos.  Here are some of the products that I think are must have's, and are truely fabulous.  Lipstick: Fun n Sexy (sold out everywhere) and Strawbaby.  Eyeshadow: Quad #2, yes with all the funky colors.  Lipglass: Totally it, and Sugar Trance.  The beauty powders, these are truely the best out of the collection.  

Lipsticks.  The three colors that I purchased are: Hot n Sexy, Strawbaby, and Utterly Frivolous.  Hot n Sexy, is a very deceiving color.  It is somewhat sheerer than it looks, but, with two coats is a hot pink with a blue undertone that is absolutely gorgeous.  I wanted to pick up another tube, but this was completely sold out everywhere.  Strawbaby, is a gorgeous coral-peachish glaze, that looks amazing on.  I had to pick up another tube just because this is a color you could wear on a daily basis.  It is by far my favorite out of the lipsticks.  Utterly Frivolous, is a sheer pink creme that is very pretty, but, not a must.  High Top and Not so Innocent is pretty sheer for my taste.  Flash n Dash is a very bright and orange, and I felt like it was a little too orange and bright for my complexion.  Barbie Loves MAC, Rocking Chick and Fafi's Fun n Sexy is very similar in color, espically when Fun n Sexy is applied more than once.  The only real difference is the blue undertone in Fun n Sexy.

Lipglass.  The lipglasses I purchased are: Sugar Trance, Cult Fave, and Totally It.  Squeeze it was way too dark for me.  Sugar Trance, a beautiful light peach gloss that is gorgeous over Strawbaby lipstick.  This is my favorite out of the bunch.  Totally it, this is a must have for Fun n Sexy lipstick.  It certainly makes the color intense.  Cult Fave, is one I didn't pick up orginially but,  found myself liking this one the more and more I saw it.  It goes perfectly with Utterly Frivolous and Not so Innocent.  Squeeze it was just to dark for my complexion and too brown-ish.  If I had to pick one out of the bunch it would be very hard.  But, it would definitely be Sugar Trance.  It's such a pretty peachy nude shade.  I know I'll regret not picking up another one.  See the Comparison pictures below.

There is a couple of familiar colors in this collection and the Barbie loves MAC Collection.  Check out the comparison pictures below.

Sugar Trance is just a tad bit lighter than Barbie's Fashion Pack.  Fafi's Totally it, has a tiny bit less sparkles than Malibu Barbie does.  Malibu Barbie and Love Rules is almost identical in color.  The only true difference is Love Rules is a tad bit redder than Malibu Barbie, but, wouldn't be noticable to the eye.

Check out part two review and swatches.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 27th 2008

Dior: Limited Edition Poison Blue Nail Polish

Do you think the blue nail polish trend is too passe?  Well, think again!  This popular nail polish trend is just beginning and it's here to stay folks!  I suspect that this trend is going to stick around for quite sometime, and into fall of 2008.

Get ready Chanel and OPI, we have another contender knocking on your door.  What is it?  Poison Blue, a nail polish shade inspired by the legendary Dior Midnight Poison fragrance.  Available for the first time in the US, and exclusively only at Sephora.  Prior to the US release, this was only available in Europe.

Dior Vernis Long-wearing Nail Lacquer is drama at your fingertips! This spring, Dior takes nails to new levels of intensity by introducing Poison Blue, a deep midnight blue nail polish in a silky smooth formula for long-lasting, glossy nails. Only by Dior and only at Sephora.com.  $19.00 USD.

Is there really a difference?  Of course there's a difference!  The main different I notice, the formula doesn't have much shimmer which makes this polished and perfected.  Poison Blue is a very high gloss, and very sophisicated nail polish look.  I really like the polished look of Dior Blue Poision.  This is a great look not only for Spring, but, for Fall 2008. 

Love the blue nail polish trend?  Don't worry, it's going to be here for a while!  Be on the look-out for some gorgeous Blue's and Green colors to arrive now throughout fall of 2008.  This color is very much appropriate to wear through summer and fall!  Have fun with it!

Our next appearence of blue nail polish comes from Nars.  Nars is releasing a blue nail polish for Spring 2008. Midnight Express, described as navy blue.  Stay tuned for more information.

Check out the review and photo swatch for Dior Vernis Bleu Poison.

Monday, March 10th 2008

Nail Polish: Photo Swatches

MAC Cosmetics, Whirlwind, nail polish photo swatch from the 2007 Storm Signals Collection.

MAC Cosmetics, Girls will be Girls and Boom, nail polish photo swatches from the 2008 Fafi Collection.

 

 MAC Cosmetics, Steamy nail polish photo swatches from the 2007 Barbie loves MAC Collection. 

Dior Vernis, Bleu Poison, nail polish photo swatch.  A 2008 Limited Edition color exclusively at Sephora.

OPI, MoonSoon or Later, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection.

OPI, Lunch at the Delhi, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection.

OPI, Yoga-ta Get this Blue, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection.

OPI, Charmed by a Snake, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection.

OPI, Curry Up Don't Be Late, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection.

 

 China Glaze, Unplugged, nail polish photo swatch from the Spring 2008 ecollection.

 China Glaze, Hybrid, nail polish photo swatch from the spring 2008 ecollection.

 China Glaze, Shower Together, nail polish photo swatch from the spring 2008 ecollection.

China Glaze, Recycle, nail polish photo swatch from the spring 2008 ecollection.

China Glaze, Solar Power, nail polish photo swatch from the spring 2008 ecollection.

 China Glaze, Tree Hugger, nail polish photo swatch from the spring 2008 ecollection.

 

Sally Hansen, Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen photo swatch in, Hot Pink. 

Stay tuned for more photo swatches.

FEATURED - Thursday, March 6th 2008

China Glaze Gets Inked For Summer

Tattoo art has moved out of back alley parlors onto the couture collections of fashion's top designers. INK™ by China Glaze is a collection of neons for brilliant self expression. Customize and personalize...INK™ my nail.  This collection includes 12 nail polish colors, art decals, and cuticle oil.

Check out the product color swatches below.

Bright, bold art colors are becoming the makeup and nail trends for this spring and summer.   

Don't all these colors just look delightful? And, just in time for summer!  I just hope they aren't as bright as the displays look.  I usually don't do well with neons, depending how bright they are.

Here are some of the colors that I'm interested in checking out: Blue Sparrow (I'm always sucker for blue, I just can't help it), Flying Dragon, Turned up Turquoise (this color looks hot) and Purple Panic.  In the limelight, Celtic Sun, Orange Knockout, and Rose Among Thorns are some of the color that looks very bright to me.

Check out some of the color displays below.

I don't have a firm release date yet, but, I'll definitely keep you guys updated.  What do you think of these bright bold color trends for summer?

Saturday, March 8th 2008

Mother Nature Hits Us Hard

Mother Nature leaves her footprints just before Spring!  Just when I thought winter was over, well, mother nature proved us wrong today.  In the Northern KY/Cincinnati, OH tri-state area we are being hit by a blizzard as I type this blog entry!  Arggh!  And, just when I was about to go to the MAC store and check out Strobe Collection!  I think mother nature is trying to tell me something.  "Stop the Insanity!"

We've had a very "mild" winter this year so, I really shouldn't be complaining.  Nature is truely beautiful.  This picture was taken at my house and it is a gorgeous scene espically reflecting off our pond.

March is going to be an exciting month for Steph's Closet readers.  I will be giving away another bottle of Chanel Blue Satin (sold out everywhere) and a bunch of beauty samples I've collected up!

Stay tuned this month for the giveaways.

PS: Does everyone realize that the CRISIS of the Global Warming is a bigger problem than anyone can even comprehend??  The war, economic problems, everything combined doesn't add to what lies ahead of this earth?  Without a world we won't have to worry about these problems!

Sunday, March 9th 2008

March Giveaway: Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish

It's finally here!  March is going to be a fabulous month for readers!  I bet ya'll were thinking I was never going to give away my other bottles away!.  I was just waiting for the perfect time, and that is now!  This polish is sold out everywhere, and it hotter than fire!  It's one of the most wanted nail polish colors in Hollywood, and was featured in the February's issue of Allure, for most wanted color for spring!

Here's the scoop.  I have two bottles left to give away.  Throughtout March and April I will be giving away both bottles.  I'm keeping hush hush so, you'll just have to check back! 

So, how do I win?  It's so easy, just subscribe to my monthly newsletter. I promise I DO NOT spam!  And, I certainly don't condone it!  Starting in April, I will be sending out a monthly newsletter of the latest and greatest beauty and fashion trends.

Anyway to increase my chances of winning?  You got it!  I thought I'd spice things up a little bit, since this is such a hot color!  Everyone that is subscibed to my newletter is automatically entered one time to win.  Add any comment on any story at Steph's Closet, your name is entered in the drawling twice.  Add information to your profile, your name is submitted in the drawling three times.  The max entries per person is three.  If you've already added a comment to Steph's Closet and updated profile information, don't worry I have you covered, you don't have to do a single thing!

Stay tuned for Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish Giveaway dates.  Check out my other Free Sample Giveway going on now throughtout April.

FEATURED - Monday, March 10th 2008

Dior Bleu Poison: Review and Photo Swatch

 

As ya'll know, I'm a little obsessed when it comes to blue nail polish so, I couldn't resist this one.  Dior just released Bleu Poison, an Sephora exclusive limited edition nail polish color, inspired by the legendary Dior Midnight Poison fragrance.  So, does it live up to the hype of all the other "navy blue" nail polishes out there?  How does it compare to the infamous Chanel Blue Satin?  I'll explain.

What's the difference?  Dior is a high-gloss, dark navy blue-blackish nail polish, with a slight hint of dark blue shimmer pigments.  Dior's formula is much thinner compared to Chanels Blue Satin, which made it a dream to apply.  Although, there is very little shimmer in this polish, it looks gorgeous in light, due to the perfect amout of shimmer to make this a very sophisticated polished look.

Dior proclaims long wearing, yeah right?  This formula is definitely long lasting and dreamy!  I love when I find a nail polish that is long lasting and easy to apply!  My manicure lasted me a good 7 "rough" days with no chipping.  So, thats is a plus in my book.  Check out the photo swatch below.

I love that fact that is more of a sophisticated glossy polish.  Perfect for the office, and those special night outs. Even though there is not much shimmer, it lets off the perfect amout of sparkle in the right light.

Blue Satin VS Bleu Poison.  One big difference is the consistency of the forumula.  Chanel's is much thicker than Dior which made it difficult to apply Blue Satin at times.  Another big difference, Blue Satin ususally looked dark blue-blackish is most lighting, except the sun.  Bleu Poison shimmers and sparkles in a sophisicated way in most lighting that isn't too overpowering.

Overall, I think that Dior's Blue Poison is much appropriate in the corporate world and the night life.  Also, perfect for those who love high-gloss cream polishes and those who like just a touch of shimmer.

Tuesday, March 18th 2008

China Glaze Ecollection: Review and Swatches

Suprisingly, Unplugged was my favorite color of China Glaze Ecollection.  A beautiful brown rust color with red and gold shimmer making this color stunning.

Shower Together a bright turquoise blue color that is my second favorite out of the ecollection.  Many hollywood celebs have been sporting around this color.  This color is comparable to China Glazes popular, Aqua Baby.

Solar Power, a bright taxi cab color that represents the sun but, don't be afraid of this color!  Believe it or not, this color is going to be the "it" color geared towards summer.  Rescue Beauty Lounge also has a beautiful yellow color that I will be swatching soon.  I was really hesitant about this color at first, but, ended up like it.  Solar Power will look great on those pedi's.

 

Tree Hugger, a Granny Smith Apple shimmer color, that is perfect for spring.  I really like this color, it also reminds me of an sour apple blow pop.

Hybrid, a light brown shimmer that is very comparable to OPI Charmed by a snake.  This is a nice neutral color, that most will find appealing.

Recycle, a dark gray creme shade that's my first. Gray nail polishes are on the hot radar right now, so I think alot of us will really like this color. 

Overall, I really liked this collection and the fact that the colors are based around the envirnoment is and A+ in my book.  The fact is, our Environment is in Crisis and we need to be aware of this critical problem.  What have you done to change the envirnoment?

I laughed when my husband handed my 20 cloth re-usable bags at Walmart to replace the plastic ones.  But, the fact is, he is the one laughing at me.  If everyone just makes the littlest change, it could make the biggest difference.

I would love to hear if anyone has done anything different to save the envirnoment.

FEATURED - Thursday, May 14th 2009

Gray Nail Polish Comparisons: Swatches

 

Happy Thursday lovelies! Hope your having a wonderful afternoon or morning, wherever you are. It's another rainy day in the neighborhood and a perfect time for some gray nail polish comparisons.

Just a little over a year ago, this stormy color was scarce to find, and today - I'm happy to report we have a few great picks to choose from.

My Most Memorable Gray: Although there are many fabulous shades of gray, I have to my give props to one that broke my gray virginity, China Glaze's Recycle from the E-Collection.

Back in Spring 08', when the E-collection was originally released, I had a completely different view of Recycle. It's defintitely a shade you have to warm up to. And, now I love it. 

Some other favorites: Zoya Harley, Essie Body Language, LA Girls Flare Saharan Sand, RBL Concrete Jungle, MAC on the Prowl.

(C) Creme (S) Shimmer  Check em' out!

 

The Light Gray's (pictured above). Body Language and Saharan Sand are two of my favorites. It's a mix between gray, nude and white that looks really fabulous on. It's light, crisp and opaque.

The Medium Gray's. RBL's grays have just a pinch of stormy blue that makes them different from the others.  

The Dark Gray's. Have a wonderful day! What's everyone's favorite shade of gray?

FEATURED - Thursday, March 20th 2008

MAC Heatherette: Review and Swatches

 

Forget the reviews, the photo swatches justify everything!  I tried to get high quality pictures for you guys on the MAC Heatherette Collection.  But, as always its hard to capture beautiful color.

Overall, I really liked the Heathertte collection with the exception of a few items. MAC's previous collection, Fafi, which many of us were disappiointed (excluding myself), was my favorite.  I have to be honest, I really loved the Fafi collection.  I think many of us really didn't give Fafi a chance due to the bold daring colors and was hyptonized by Heatherette's pink packaging (ha ha I was).

On to the Heatherette collection.  WOW!  Fafi who?  This collection is going to be the Barbie loves MAC collection of 2008, and is going to be sold out extremely fast!  I always advise people not to wait when it comes to MAC's limited edition collections.  Because, you don't wanna pay those outrageous ebay prices.  If you love pink foremost, then this is a must have collection in your beauty wardrobe. 

Heatherette Lipstick and Lipglasses.  I purchased every color except Fleshpot Lipstick and Bonus Beat Lipglass.  They just seemed really dull and boring to me, compared to all the others from this colorful collection.  Fleshpot and Bonus Beat are somewhat similar to the Lollipop Loving and Sock Hop, as you can see by these swatches.  The only true difference is Lollipop Loving and Sock Hop are more orangish rather than beigish. 

The Heatherette Collection Eye Shadow Trio's. It was really hard to pick one eye shadow Trio, so I choose both.  My philosphy, whenever in doubt, get both.  No, really I don't condone that, because it will get you and your checkbook in trouble.  But, I did end up purchasing both, because they are equally beautiful.  Heatherette Trio 1 is my favorite out of the two, only because it has a gorgeous shimmery blue color.

The Heathertte Collection Glitter and Pigments.  The most definite stand out colors amoung the glitters and pigments are, Pink Pearl and 3D Silver.  Pink Pearl, described as a mid-tone pink color with blue undertones, that makes this color really pretty.  Another bonus to Pink Pearl is it can be used on your eyes, cheeks, lips, etc.  Pink Pearl paired up with Fafi's, Fun n Sexy lipstick (which also has blue undertones) would look great together.  3D Silver, describled as a multi-reflective silver metallic glitter, is right up my alley.  Although, 3D Silver is not eye safe, you can use it for other purposes.  The MA had $$$$$ Yes, mixed up with the 3D silver glitter and looked hot paired together.

MAC Heatherette Dual Edge Eye Pencils.  I love these bold pretty colors!  My must haves are the Pop Blue/Black Funk and Fab Orchid/Dash Lily.  I also liked Nighhawk/Front Row but, haven't decided if I'm purchasing it yet.

 

The Heatherette Beauty Powders.  I had to pass on both beauty powders, just because I recently purchased two gorgeous beauty powders from the previous, Fafi collection.  Beleive it or not there is actually a swatch for Alpha Girl (very faint cool pink color).  Alpha Girl, described as a light pink with gold nuances.  The color is unbeleivealble light, I put numerous coats on my NC25/30 skin, and the pink is still very faint.  I think this color will be more appealing for cooler skin tones.  Smooth Harmony, described as a medium gold bronze color that is more on the organish side but, had great color payoff, espically for those with darker skin tones.  Smooth Harmony, is a color that would be more appealing to me rather than Alpha Girl. 

 

The Heatherette Nail Polishes.  The stand out color out of the two is, $$$$$ Yes.  I happened to pick up both colors, because Lola Devine is a nice coral shade I've been looking for.  Lola Devine, described as a soft mid-tone coral (cream) nail polish color.  This is a true coral color nail polish that is very pretty.  If you've been looking for that perfect coral color, well, Lola Devine is what your looking for.  $$$$$ Yes, described as a metallic silver foil (frost) nail polish color.  The MA had $$$$$ Yes combined with 3D silver glitter, and just looked devine. I really liked this color also. 

Check out an great alternative to MAC's, $$$$$ Yes nail polish. 

 

The MA's went on and on about these pantent leather-look lashes way before this line was even released.  So, this was a must have for me.  I haven't personally worn them yet, but, saw them on and they look pretty hot.  If you love MAC's number 7 eyelashes, you will love these.  I love that they are very natural looking.  I'm saving these beauties for a special night out.

Check out the photos at the MAC's Heatherette Launch party in Los Angeles, CA.

FEATURED - Saturday, March 22nd 2008

Rescue Beauty Lounge: Steph's Spring Picks

Rescue Beauty Lounge features two of my favorite nail color picks for spring 2008!  What better way to celebrate spring with two eco-friendly colors.  I love rescue beauty lounge's formula and all the beautiful array of bold colors they offer.  The only drawback, they are $18.00 USD, just as much as Chanel or any name brand nail polish. But, it's defintely worth the money for the beautiful bold colors you wont find anywhere else!  These two shades I predict will be smoking hot colors for this Spring and Summer 2008.

Here's a little history if you are new to the Rescue Beauty Lounge name.  Several lab technicians quit their job before Ji was satisfied with the polish that would bare the Rescue name.  The result is a long-wearing polish created with resin and high molecular polymers to improve flexibility, durablitily and high shine.  What you won't find- harmful and drying Touluene, Formaldhyde or DBP. 

I know alot of ya'll probably think I'm crazy for picking these bold colors, that most of us won't even wear!  But, they are HOT colors and anyone, any-age can wear them!  Come on break out of that shell, I know your in there!  Be daring!  Next time you go get a pedicure, manicure, or even do your own nails, try someting daring!  Have fun, summer's almost here!  Whoohoo!

Recycle, described as a deep blackish emerald green creme that is about 97% identical to the coveted, Nars Zulu, that was sold-out instantly at Sephora.  I actually prefer Rescues's Recycle over Nars Zulu polsh.  This is probably my favorite color of 2008 so far.  The blue/green trend is right up my alley.

Yellow Fever, described as a bright lemon yellow creme color, that just brightens my day like the beautiful sun!  I just get happy looking at this beautiful yellow color.  Rihanna, has been seen sporting around this "trendy" yellow nail color.  Yellow is going to be an hot color this summer. Green Bay Packers fans these are must have colors for next football season!  These colors rock together, espically for those packers fans!

Check out some nail polish comparisons below.

China Glaze Solar Power, is more of a toned down mustard yellow color, with noticable shimmer.  This is a new color from China Glaze's ecollection, for spring 2008.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Yellow Fever, is more of a bright yellow color (like the sun) with hardly noticeable shimmers.  This is a new color from the Spring collection

My favorite is Yellow Fever.  It's a very bright and bold yellow color that looks great on darker skin tones.  I think yellow is going to be a harder color to pull off, for some.  But, I love bright bold colors, and I think anyone can pull it off, espically paired up with the right outfit.

China Glaze Tree Hugger, is described as a granny smith apple color with noticeable shimmer.  This is a new color from China Glaze' ecollection, for spring 2008.

Rescue Beauty Recycle, described as a emerald green creme polish.  This color is very similar to the infamous, Nars Zulu.

I love green, and I love both of these nail polishes.  Think Green for spring!  Going green is an continuing trend this season, and what better way to start off with eco-friendly nail colors!

Love Rescue Beauty Lounge?

Check out Ji Baek's new book, Rescue your nails or the new lavendar nail polish trend that's becoming the next it color for summer.

FEATURED - Sunday, March 23rd 2008

Make Up For Ever: Flash Color Review

What is it?  A Complete coverage, special effect cream color for your face, eyes, lips, and cheeks.

What does it do?  A must-have for any professional makeup artist, these thick creamy colors flawlessly cover the skin and can be easily shaded together to obtain a wide variety of effects, depending on the quantity applied. Use to create special effects with color like decorative designs on the face or body. They can also be used for face painting on children. Retail cost $17.00 USD.

I was first introduced to the Make Up For Ever brand last year, when I purchased a very sticky lip gloss, that I absolutely hated.  What do they always say about first impressions?  They mean everything!  Well, my first impression on this professional makeup brand, was not so good, and I never looked back until now!

I was at my local Sephora, and the beautiful stunning colors caught my eye immediately.  So, I decided to give them another chance!  And, boy was missing out.  Not, only did I discover how beautiful the Aqua Eyes eyeliner was, but, the Flash Color hit the jackpot.

Flash Color is a new product from the Make Up For Ever line, and is available at Sephora.  It can basically be used as anything!  Face, lips, eyes and cheeks!  It's so versatile, and you know me, I'm all about versatile beauty products.  The color pay-off is absolutely fabulous, and the fact they stay on forever, blows my mind away.  I'll give you an example of how powerful the staying power is.  I had to scrub and scrub to get the swatches off my arm.

Here are the colors that are available now at Sephora.

 

Just look at the color selection, it is amazing!  I'm all about color, so if you love color, this product is definitely for you.  As far as a eyeshadow creme base, this blows Urban Decay Primer Potion and MAC Paint Pots out of the water completely, as far as color creme bases.  Unfortunately, my Sephora didn't have all the colors that I could swatch, but, was able to come out with a few.  Check out the photo swatches below.

 

The colors I picked up are Coral 2, Gold 4 and Copper 19.  Sephora didn't have any other colors I wanted, thank goodness!  Because, I would of came outta there bankrupt, literally.  Coral 2 is a very beautiful color that most of us will find appealing.  Gold and Copper are the perfect colors for summer, espically if you love the gold and bronzed look.  I really wanted to get a green color but, these were flying off the shelves.

All in all, there is two lessons I've learned from my experience.  Lessons that you should follow throughout purchasing beauty products and in life generally speaking.  Firstly, don't judge "products or people" by their first impression, because you could be missing out big time.  I've sure you've heard the ole saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover", well listen to it!  It's not an old folks tale for nothing!   Secondly (not a lesson really), these are an amazing product and I can't wait to stock up on more colors!

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 25th 2008

OPI India Collection: Ultimate Summer Accessory

Accessorize this season with OPI's newest collection, India.  If you love color, this is your season to shine and steal the spotlight.  Bold, Beautiful color is truely the "IT" this season and is featured on all the Fashion Runways!

OPI India nail lacquers are the ultimate accessory this season!  India's collection offers a little bit for everyone.  Neutral-to-Darks-to-Brights, they have it all!  I really liked OPI's India colllection this year.  From candy hued dreses in pink, light blue, to all out bright splashes of red's, orange, and yellow.

I knew this collection had many nail capablities, but, wow, this looks smokin!  I would never attempt to do this myself, because I am not patient or steady but, my manicurist on the other hand would give it a shot.  Check out a close up picture below. 

The two colors you will need from the India Collection is, Charmed by a Snake and Royal Rajah Ruby.  But, the directions may seem easier said than done.  This is something I may put my manicurist up to the challange.

If anyone attempts this, please let me know.  I would love to see pictures!

Thursday, April 3rd 2008

Monday Madness: Chanel Blue Satin Giveaway

Spring is officially here, and what better way to start it off by giving away some lovely Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polishes.  I have two nail polishes left and I will be giving them away on Monday.  So, make sure you update your profile or add comments for additional chances to win.  I will announce the winners on Monday.

I have a few more samples to add to the Sample Giveaway, and will be posting them soon.  I will be giving those away throughout April and will be picking the winners by random.  So, make sure you are a subcriber!

UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming response, I am extending the giveaway date until Wednesday, April 9th!  Stay tuned.

FEATURED - Wednesday, April 9th 2008

Winners Update: Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish

The Chanel Blue Satin Nail polish winners are jessica and jrzygirl.  Congratulations to them both!  This gorgeous color is sure to spice up your spring and summer seasons to come!

Stay tuned... As I will be updating the details on the sample giveaway!

FEATURED - Friday, April 11th 2008

Trend Alert: Turquoise Blue Nail Polish

Turquoise blue nail polish is on the rise for the spring and summer.  This is not a "new nail polish trend", infact it's coming from the "blue color family".  Blues have been making a huge come back since the Fall of 2007.  I expect the Blue family to be around for quite some time.  Blue is becoming the new Black! 

Rihanna pictured here is rocking a turquoise blue nail polish at her Charity "Believe", in New York on April 9, 2008.  One thing I love about Rihanna, she's not afraid to wear bold daring colors!  In fact, she was the first seen sporting Yellow (Rescue Beauty Lounge, Yellow Fever $19) and Orange colors, that are also making huge comebacks this season. But, she wasn't the first wearing this bold, daring color.  Whitney Port, from the reality show, The Hills, was also seen wearing this color.

Love this color?  Try, China Glaze Shower Together $3.99, a personal favorite of mine or Creative Nail Design in Hot Pop Blue, $10.00. 

Be on the lookout this summer for some hot aqua blue nail colors to debut in beauty collections.  M.A.C Cosmetics is releasing a "hot aqua blue" in their Neo Sci-Fi collection, along with an orange and yellow that debuts on May 29th.

{Photo via: Wireimage}

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 - 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 - Wednesday, April 23rd 2008

MAC Dress Camp: Review, Photos, Swatches

MAC released The Dress camp collection early and very unexpectantly, and while this collection was literally selling out under my nose, I was out enjoying the gorgeous weather here in KY.  If it wasn't for Temptalia's google alert, I would of missed out on this completely!  So, a huge shout out to you girl!  The only thing I missed out on was too fab lipstick, which was a total bummer, because it's a really fab color.  Check out the photo swatches below.

Dress Camp Lipglass.  She Gold, described as a sheer yellow-gold with gold shimmer.  This color is very pretty, and the best out of the collection.  I prefer She Gold worn alone, it brings out the natural color in your lips and makes them shine like She Gold.  Fashion, described as a bright-midtone pink with white pearl frost.  The color isn't as bright as the described.  The white pearl frost tones it down quite a bit which makes it a lighter pink.  Check out the Dress Camp Palette swatches below.

Dress Camp Face X4 Palette.  One thing I love about MAC's limited edition face palette's is their so convenient, espically for over night stays or touch-ups.  DressCamp Pink Powder (a blue mid-tone pink with white pearlized pigments).  The Dress Camp pink powder is a light pink with shimmer and it's my favorite color out of the palette.  It can be used as a beauty powder blush or an eye shadow.  Sunny Girl (a pretty yellow gold), Golden Gold (a deep golden bronze), Trend (a light Neutral tan with gold pearlized pigments, perfect for highlighting).

Overall, I really loved MAC's Dress Camp collection.  And, not just for the hot packaging, ok maybe a little!  Bright Pinks, gold's, bronze, all colors that are right up my alley.  My favorites out of the collection, She Gold lipglass and Dress Camp Pink beauty powder.

FEATURED - Thursday, April 24th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Naughty Nauticals Color Story

Get ready to set sail to MAC Cosmetics for the Naughty Nauticals Collection, set to release on May 1st.  Get your haulin list ready and your checkbook!  Check out the color story and promo images.

Lipstick

• Buoy-o-buoy - Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (glaze)
• Party Mate - Creamy neutral pink brown (lustre)
• Ahoy, There - Sheer midtone pink (lustre)
• Port Red - Yellow red with gold pearlized pigments (frost)

Lustreglass

• Hey Sailor - Blue plum pink with white pearlized particles (lustre)
• Ensign - Peachy pink with white and gold pearlized pigments (lustre)
• Love Knot - Sheer pink with blue and white duochrome (lustre)
• Bateaux - Neutral brown peach with white frost (lustre)

Eyeshadow

• Shore Leave - Pale frosty cream (veluxe pearl)
• Illegal Cargo - Mid-tone frosty greyed plum (frost)
• Submarine - Mid-tone frosty clear blue (frost)
• Meet the Fleet - Matte midnight blue (matte)
• Pandamonium - Frosty gunmetal with whtie pearlized pigments (lustre)

Pigment

• Lark About - Sheer frosty white blue (frost)
• Mutiny - Sky blue with gold pearlized pigments (frost)
• Lovely Lily - Lilac with red pearlized pigments (frost)
• Bell-bottom Blue - Frosty blue with white pearlized pigments (frost)

Technakohl

• Smoothblue - Ocean blue wtih frost
• Greyprint - Rich pewter grey with frost

Pro Lash

• Coal Black - Black Mascara

Nail Lacquer

• Shirelle - Classic red (cream)
• Naughty Nautical - Dark royal blue (frost)

Check out the review, swatches, and product photos for this Naughty Nautical collection.

FEATURED - Friday, April 25th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Cool Heat Collection For Summer

MAC introduces Cool Heat Collection for Summer 2008.  This collection should be arriving at stores and online around June 12, 2008 and International July 2008.  Check out the Product Images and Color Story Below.

Perfumes (Creations): $22.50 USD

• Turquatic Crisp and energizing! A splash of clear, sparkling mineral water brought to a chill through an infusion of fresh lotus leaves and Corsican cedrat, then finished with a warm blend of anemone, orris and blue cedar. (Repromote)
  
• Turquatic Heat - Turquatic heat is a warm, floral, woody fragrance, with a sultry modern sensuality. Inspired by the original turquatic scent, this new edition delivers a unique and strong personality, delivered thru a contrasting heated sweetness. (LE)

Eye Shadows: $14.00 USD

• Solar White - Frosted muted white-gold ((Frost) (LE)
• Warming Trend - Frosty light taupe (Veluxe Pearl) (LE)
• Warm Chill - Frosty seafoam green with gold pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Gulf Stream - Frosty mid-tone blue-green with green pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Cool Heat - Frosty teal with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Climate Blue- Midtone violet-blue with pink pearlized pigments (Velvet) (LE)
• Blue Flame - Metallic navy-blue (Veluxe Pearl) (LE)

Slimshines: $14.00  USD

• Tropic Glow - Blue-pink with silver pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• By Degrees - Neutral brown-pink (Frost) (LE)
• Gentle Summer - Light clean yellow-pink with white pearlized pigments (Frost) (New perm shade)
• High 90s - Pink-orange (Frost) (LE)
• Swelter - Sheer red (Frost) (LE)

Cool Heat offers some stunning eyeshadow colors in this collection.  Lust haves for me are Warm Chill (a seafoam green),  Cool Heat (Frosty Teal), and Golf Stream (blue green frost).

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Friday, April 25th 2008

MAC Dazzleglass: Photo Swatches, Review

MAC Cosmetics introduces 16 dazzling colors to this new limited edition collection.  Lipcolor that dazzles and shines with natural light to create this dazzling look.  Overall, I really liked dazzleglass for a glittler lip gloss.  The lip gloss consistency was excellent, non-tacky, and non-sticky and very moisturizing.  A little thicker than your standard gloss, but, no biggie.  However, I do see myself going through this rather quickly, due to the thickness.  I also loved the wide variety of colors offered in this LE Collection.  A color suitable for almost everyone.  Check out some photo swatches below.

Some more colors below...

I purchased Honey, Money and Funtabulous when they were released on ebay, and yesterday I picked up Comet blue and Date Night.  Date Night is a great choice if your looking for color pay-off, and Comet Blue, well anything blue-based, is a must have for me!  Check out some more photos in detail below.

And a little bit more....

And just one more swatch of the above colors...

 

FEATURED - Thursday, May 1st 2008

Naughty Nauticals: Review, Swatches, Photos

 

Check out all the Naughty Nauticals collection swatches.  I will be writing up the review shortly, along with more photos!

Party Mate - A semi-sheer mid-tone pink lustre color that has light buildable coverage.  This has more color pay-off than Ahoy, There and is a tad bit darker. Ahoy, There! - A sheer dirty pink color with multi-dimensionel pearl that makes this a glaze.  This is the lightest color of the bunch. Port Red - A must have for red lipstick lovers!  A gorgeous ruby red with gold pearl which makes this a frost.  This is my favorite out of the bunch, and is very pretty. Buoy-O-Buoy - A creamy neutral beige color with pink undertones, that has buildable color.

 

The only color that really stood out to me was the gorgeous, Port Red.  The other colors have more of a " neutral-pink" pay-off, which I'm so over pink right now.  My makeup collection is heavily out numbered by pinks.

Ensign - A peachy pink with white and gold pearl.  This color appears more peachy than pink.  And, is a great all around color. Hey Sailor - A mauvey plum pink with white pearl.  Hey Sailor has the best color pay-off out of all the lustreglasses. Love Knot - A sheer pink with blue and white duochrome.  Love Knot is the sheerest of all the colors. Bateaux - A neutral brown peach with white frost.  Bateaux is my favorite color of the bunch.  It's a nice neutral color with a hint of peach.

The two colors I purchased were Hey Sailor and Bateaux.  Hey Sailor has good color pay-off and looks fab combined with Port Red lipstick.  Ensign is also a pretty color, but, Bateaux had more of a peach color pay-off which I opted for Bateaux.  Love Knot was very sheer on me but, I absoultey loved the blue and white duochrome, just wished it had better color pay-off.

Lark About - A sheer white frost pigment with blue undertones.  Bell Bottom Blue - A navy blue color with white pearl.  The white pearl gave this color more of a blue color with purple undertones. Lovely Lily - A soft lilac color with pink undertones.  The pink undertones gave this more of a softer color. Mutiny - A clean sky blue with gold pearl.  The gold pearl makes Mutiny not as bold, and less color pay-off.  This is my favorite out of the pigments.

Mutiny was the only pigment I purchased from the Naughty Nauticals collection.  I think this is a great color in general that everyone can wear.  It's not to bold or daring, it's a nice soft aqua color.

Shore Leave - A pale frosty ivory color with pink undertones, that has quite a bit of shimmer to it.  I really liked this color, it looks fab as a highlighter paired up with Illegal Cargo. Pandanonium - A frosty gunmetal color with white pearl. Illegal Cargo - A frost grey plum color that has more mavey-plum color pay-off.  Meet the Fleet - Midnight blue matte color.  I really did not like this color nor texture at all.  It was very blotchy when playing with the colors, and I was not impressed at all. Submarine - A beautiful mid tone blue color with frost that almost looks like a darker teal color.

I wasn't nearly as impressed with the eye shadows.  I felt Meet the Fleet and Pandanonium were very dull and boring to me.  The texture was very blocthy and hard to work with when I was swatching.  I purchased Shore Leave, Illegal Cargo and Submarine.  My favorite out of the eye shadows is Illegal Cargo.

Pigments vs Eye shadows.  I had a hard time deciding between the pigments and eye shadow colors, because they are somewhat similar.  But, I decided to go with the eye shadows because of the better color pay-off.  Illegal Cargo is much prettier and bolder purple than Lovely Lily.  And, Shore Leave is a pretty ivory white frost comparted to Lark About, which is more of a sheer white-blue pigment.

FEATURED - Friday, May 2nd 2008

Drugstore Haul: Milani, Max Factor, Lashblast

I try to stay far-away from drugstores because they can really do some major damage!  But, it was time for a visit, because there are many things I've been wanting to test and review.  So, I will be doing seperate blog entries on each product to elaborate a little more.

1.  Covergirl Lashblast - The buzz has been going around the on beauty radar about this wonder mascara.  So, it's on the top of my list to review.

2.  Nicole by OPI - I'm sure you've been seeing alot of this brand lately.  So, I've been a little curious about the formula, and staying power.  But, I'm sure it will be quality espically, if it's backed by OPI.  Plus, their free off the big 3, which is a huge plus.  I picked up the color: Nicole's Fav, a tangerine orange shimmer that is perfect for summer.  I will be posting swatches soon.

3.  Milani - Fashion Runway Eyes and color brillant eye pencils.  My Milani purchase was the hightlight of my haul.  The Fashion runways shadows come in 6 different color combinations.  I went to 4 different drugstores looking for the yellow and green combination but, everywhere was completely sold-out!  Milani also carries a Blue/Teal color combination, sold-out, just my luck!  And, I just happend to get lucky with the eyeliners, and picked up three (kelly green, teal, and violet purple).

4.  MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duo -  The green and blue wand recently was seen in the Carmen Electra ad for MAX Factor.   The emerald green and blue wand was so hard to find.  The green is a fab color.  And, I was quite impressed how long the shadow stayed on without any base. 

5. Neutrogena Sunscreen - Don't forget that sunscreen!  My favorite brand is Neutrogena Ultra sheer.  It's so light, gentle, and blocks UVA/UVB rays!

I will be reviewing each product seperately.  Stay tuned for the review and swatches.

FEATURED - Friday, May 2nd 2008

OPI Summer Sneak Peek: Mod About Brights

This season, OPI goes modern with Mod About Brights, the newest selection of shades in the Brights by OPI line.

Mod About Brights captures the fun and edginess of the mod “invasion” of the Sixties, but with a bright twist that makes these colors exciting and current for 2008. And with fashion right now being all about strong color and vivid, graphic prints, these are the shades that look up-to-the-minute on fingertips and toes.

If you love color, you’ll be Mod About Brights!  Check out the colors below.

OPI adds six new colors spicy colors to the Brights Collection.  Mod about Brights collection is now available at Ball Beauty and should be available at salons and approved OPI retailers.  Don't just all of these colors just look scrumptious for summer?  Blue, Green, Yellow and Orange; OPI is right on track with the nail polish trends!

 

FEATURED - Friday, May 9th 2008

Trend Alert: Lavender Purple Nail Polish

Product: Purple Haze Nail Polish

Price: $18.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Rescue Beauty Lounge

Recommend: Yes

More love goes out to the fabulous Ji and the Rescue Beauty Lounge team!  I've had my eyes on Purple Haze since it was introduced in their Spring Collection.  But, never took that next step to purchasing it.  So, after months of debating, here it is. 

Purple lavender nail polish started to make an appearance in winter, hitting most nail polish collections in Spring of 2008.  Essie's Spring Collection, was one of the first lavender nail polishes that caught my eye.  Looking for love, described as a sheer lavender nail polish, was one of the firsts I've tried.  But, with much sadness, looking for love was extremely sheer, and the color pay-off just wasn't there.  At that point, it was a color that I just put on the back burner, until now!

Ji and the Rescue Beauty team have created another truely unique polishes with outstanding color pay-off!  I have nothing but good things to say about this color and the Rescue Beauty Lounge formula.  The color is described as a creme lavender with dark blue undertones.  The consistency applied like a charm and only two light coats are needed.  Purple Haze has everything that Essie's, looking for love, lacked.  And, you won't find a comparable polish to this color.  Actually, it's hard to find many lavender blue-based colors in stores period.  Check out the photo swatch on my toes below.

So, I have been sporting around this color for the past few days on both my hands and feet.  And, I to say, this color is amazing!  I usually don't wear matching colors unless the color is fab, and that is exactly what it is!  The navy blue undertones makes this color a periwinkle blue outside in sunlight, and a deeper lavender purple inside.

I predict that this color will be a hit through the summer and fall seasons.  Purple Haze will be an appropriate color in the fall to coordinate with your grays/blues/purples.  Chanel, OPI, and many others are introducing a lavendar based nail polish to their summer collections as well.  I think most of us will sway away from this color because of it's boldness.  If you love blue, your sure to love this color also.  Purple Haze espically looks great with darker skin tones; it tends to give you the perfect amout of pop on your nails or toes!  It also looks great with a tan or a sunless tan.

Let's talk about Rescue Beauty Lounge!  My first few impressions have been absolutely fantastic.  And, we all know first impressions are crucial!  It can usually make or break your business.  My RBL collection is consistency growing with bold and beautiful colors.  I'll usually wear any color, as long as it fits my style.

Future Colors.  I would love to see Ji and the team create an orange nail polish for summer.  Orange is rapidly becoming one of the next nail polish trends, and I know the Rescue Beauty Lounge color would be amazing!

FEATURED - Tuesday, May 13th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Sonic Chic Collection for Summer

MAC Cosmetics introduces Sonic Chic collection in June/July 2008.   A collection of lightweight mineralized blushes that's great for defining and conturinging cheek bones.  The blushes consists of pinks, golds, and browns.  Check out the product info and color story below.

Sonic Chic collection consists of 9 new mineralized blushes.

Dainty - A Yellow pink with gold pearl Warm Soul - A Mid tone beige with gold Nuance - A Mid tone peach with gold pearl Gentle - A Raspberry with gold pearl Gleeful- A Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl Merrily -  Dirty burned red with gold pearl Love Thing - Dirty burgundy with gold pearl Love Joy - Mid tone brown with gold pearl Pleasantry - Intense mid tone blue pink with gold pearl

The Sonic Chic collection should be available at the end of June.  Stay tuned for more information.

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

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 - Wednesday, May 14th 2008

Urban Outfitters Gets All Lacquered Up

Urban Outfitters gets all lacquered up!  But, in a very good way!  Models Own, is a new and edgy nail polish brand between brothers Mark and Steven Rodol.  The polishes are quick-drying, hard wearing, and they have pioneered the idea of 'quick cosmetics' to sit alongside the 'fast fashion' adage.  The colors aim to have trendy, cutting edge colors on the shelves in a matter of weeks rather than months. The trendy urban cool shades range include black, grey, green, navy and peach!

Oh, my, let's talk about these fabulicious colors, or rather drool!  Grey, Green, Blue oh my!  Almost every single color looks appealing to me.  Foremost, the neutral grey shade is so calling my name.  And, ya'll know how I feel about green and blue nail polishes!  I have been searching for a nice neutral grey, and my journey may have ended.  Let's just hope the picture displayed is true to color.  If it is, I think we have a winner!

Models Own, retailing at $9.00 each is sure to be a hit.  A nail polish that's not only wallet friendly but super trendy!  Urban Outfitters is going to be hitting us with the seasons "it" colors when production times range within weeks!

{Source: Elle}

FEATURED - Sunday, May 18th 2008

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz Tie The Knot

US Magazine reports Ashlee Simpson, 23, and Pete Wentz, 28, marry in an intimate ceremony in the backyard of her parents' Encino California home Saturday, May, 17th 2008.

Around 150 guests gathered under white tents on the Simpson property to witness the non denominational ceremony which was officiated by Joe Simpson himself.  Some of the guests included Nicole Richie, who wore a long flowing purple dress, and Joel Madden. Inside the tents the decor was goth rocker: black rugs, white couches with red pillows, black chandeliers and lots of red roses.

The four months pregnant bride wore an ivory lace Monique Lhuillier dress and a diamond necklace with matching earrings by Neil Lane. Wentz wore a Dior Homme tuxedo. Wentz's English bulldog, Hemingway, was the ring-bearer.

At the request of Ashlee and Pete, all of the guests wore dark colors, such as blue, black or grey.

Big sis and maid of honor Jessica Simpson brought Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo Tony Romo as her date. On Friday, a source told US magazine that "Joe called Tony and asked him to show support for the wedding."  Romo arrived many hours ahead of anyone guests or family... Do we see an reconciliation here? hmmm....

I didn't know I'd be getting married right now, but I'm so happy to be!" she said. "I'm a lucky girl."

Wentz told US of marriage, "When you find someone you think is your soulmate, it's inevitable."

Ashlee Simpson, who is pregnant with the couple's first child, and Wentz, the bassist for Fall Out Boy, have been linked together since the fall of 2006.  This is their first marriage for both.

FEATURED - Thursday, May 29th 2008

MAC Colour Form: Color Story, Promo Images

Nordstrom introduces MAC Colour Form as their Anniversary collection this year.  This collection will be available on July 18th, 2008.  Only available at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com.  Check out all the promo images below courtesy of Bjooti.net.

Eyeshadow Palettes:

5 Warm Eyes (LE) $38.00 USD Fertile - blackened brown (S) Chillproof - Frosty creamy white (F) Tancentic - Frosty beige pink (VP) Rolled Gold - Frosty golden olive (L) Rustic - Frosted copper red (VP) 213 SE Application Brush

5 Cool Eyes (LE) $38.00 USD Radial Pink - Frosty white pink (V) Brown Border - Frosty plum(VP) Spot Colour - Mid-tone blue purple w/ white pearlized pigments (L) Blue Spill - Mid-tone cornflower blue w/ gold pearlized pigments (F) Slate- Smoke grey (S) 213 SE Application Brush

Lip Palettes:

Cool Lips (LE) $22.50 USD Miss Rose Lipstick - Creamy mid-tone blue pink (L) Cassis Royale Lipstick - Sheer mid-tone plum (L) Virginity Lipglass - Sheer mid-tone pink w/ pink pearlized pigments 316 SE Application Brush

Warm Lips (LE) $22.50 USD Fresh and Fun - Creamy neutral coral (F) Oh Garnet - Creamy mid-tone red (A) (Repromote) Flash of Flesh - Sheer peach pink w/ multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Repromote) 316 SE Application Brush

Neutral Lips (LE) $22.50 USD Altered Beige - Creamy yellow beige (L) Square Root - Mid-tone burnt bronze (F) Lunar - Sheer creamy yellow beige w/ white pearlized pigments 316 SE Application Brush

Brush Sets:

Red Nylon Bag - 5 Basic Brush Set  (LE) $49.50 USD 129 SE 190 SE 224 SE 242 SE 266 SE

Green Nylon Bag - 5 Advanced Brush Set (LE) $49.50 USD 187 SE 168 SE 212 SE 219 SE 275 SE

Purple Nylon Bag - 5 Advanced Brush Set (LE) $49.50 USD 187 SE 168 SE 212 SE 219 SE 275 SE

 

Lipsticks (LE) $14.00 USD Naked to the Core - Creamy soft neutral pink outer w/ sheer beige pearlized core (L) Pop Circle - Creamy bright blue pink outer w/ sheer pale pink pearlized core (L) Inner Hue - Creamy mid-tone coral outter w/ sheer golden peach pearlized core (L) Rose Go Round - Creamy burgundy outer w/ sheer golden pink pearlized core (L)

 

Richmetal Hightlighers (LE) $16.50 Female - Frosty pale pink w/ green gold pearlized pigments Deep Deposit - Frosty deep blackened burgundy Quick Flash - Frosty warm gold Rose Bullion - Frosty mid-tone pink w/ gold pearlized pigments Dark Influence - Frosty purple w/ pink pearlized pigments Positive Charge - Frosty copper w/ gold pearlized pigments

 

Pigments (LE) $19.50 Royal Flush - Frosty mid-tone red Gilded Green - Frosty mid-tone green w/ gold pearlized pigments Tea Time - Bronzed brown w/ multi-dimensional pearlized pigments Jardin Aires - Tan w/ gold pearlized pigments (Repromote) Circa Plum - Frosty mid-tone lavender Steel Blue - Rich deep turquoise greenblue w/ small pearlized pigments (PRO item)

Colour Form Powder:

Sun Centered (LE) $24.50 Coral w/ gold pearlized pigments Mid-tone bronze Soft wheat w/ gold & silver pearlized pigments Soft peach w/ white pearlized pigments

Play Around Pink (LE) $24.50 Intense blue mid-tone pink w/pearlized pigments Plum Soft pink w/ pink & white pearlized pigments Light pink

{Info: Specktra}

FEATURED - Thursday, May 29th 2008

MAC Electro Flash: Color Story, Product Images

Here's some more MAC collection info I've been meaning to post.  MAC introduces Electro Flash collection for Summer 2008.  This new collection consists of 9 gorgeous Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos, along with 4 lipsticks, 4 lipglass and a Large Fluff Brush.  This new collection should be available starting in August.  Check out the product photos below courtesy of Bjooti.net.

Mineralized Eye Shadow Duos Play on Plums Mélange/Mono - Peachy gold with pink and bronze veining / Bronzed burgundy mono Sea & Sky Mélange/Mono - Silvery pale blue with deep blue and silver veining / Bright blue mono Hot Contrast Mélange/Mono - Dirty red with silver and black veining / Black mono Love Connection Mélange/Mono - Pale beige with gold and blue veining / Warm gold mono Two to Glow Mélange/Mono - Dirty bronze with pink and orange veining / Orange mono Odd Couple Mélange/Mono - Warm gold with lavender and bronze veining / Purple mono Polar Opposites Mélange/Mono - Dirty purple with silver, indigo and pink veining / True silver mono Fresh Green Mix Mélange/Mono - Golden olive with blue, gold and aqua veining / Lime mono Pink Split Mélange/Mono - Dirty rose with bronze and pale blue veining / Pink with gold pearl mono

Lipsticks - $14.00 USD Vanity’s Child - Sheer pale beige with pearl (Lustre) (LE) Fast Thrill - Frosty clean mid-tone pink with pearl (Frost) (LE) Mellow Mood - Glossy mid-tone dirty pink with pearl (Lustre) (LE) Dangerously Hot - Creamy deep brown red (Amplified) (LE)

 

Lipglass - $14.00 USD Culture Clash - Frosty clear baby pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost) (LE) Major Minor - Frosty mid-tone beige with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost) (LE) Sonic Vibe - Frosty mid-tone pink with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost) (LE) Lil’ Hot Pepper - Frosty burnt red with multi-dimensional pearl (Frost) (LE)

Brush - $30.00 USD  227 Large Fluff Brush

{Info: Kiss and Makeup}

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 - Monday, June 2nd 2008

Colored Mascara: Black Is Out And Color Is In

Product: Urban Decay Big Fatty Color Mascara

Price: $17.00

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Urban Decay, Sephora

Recommend: Yes, Espically if you love color

If you love the extra-thickening powers of Big Fatty Mascara, round out your collection with these wearable shades. Turquoise and navy hues give brown and blue eyes a jolt, purple shades make green eyes more dangerous, and burgundy adds drama to any eye color. They're a refreshing alternative to basic black.

Colored mascara is making an huge comeback and I'm so giddy over it!  Urban Decay introduces four new colored mascaras this summer.  Black Cherry (a deep burgandy), Electric Blue (a vibrant teal blue), Indigo (a vibrant blue violet) and Purple Haze (a dark purple).  Check out the photo swatches and the video tutorial to get this look below.

These new shades are so fun and sassy, I just love them.  The bold pop of color instantly makes your lashes eye candy.  I happened to stop by my local Sephora today to pick up some primer potion, and these beauties were calling out my name.  I was immediately drawn to these vibrant colors, foremost the Electric Blue shade.  Thankfully, I was able to snatch the very last one (shoowee, close one)!  Electric Blue is definitely going to be the most popular out of the four.  The other colors were fully stocked.  Purple Haze is another nice color I will have to pick up soon.  It is a must have color for those green eyed babies!

The promo image is pretty smokin hot ladies!  So, make sure you check out Urban Decays tutorial video to get this look.

To get this look you'll need: Urban Decay Eyeshadow(s) in Blaze and Rush 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Deviant Sparkler Pen for Lips in Flare Big Fatty Color Mascara in Electric Blue

 

FEATURED - Friday, June 6th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Neo Sci Fi Nail Polish Swatches

MAC introduced four new nail polish colors with the release of Neo Sci Fi collection. Phosphur, Plasma Blu, Neon 8 and Metalist.  Pictured above (from Left to Right): Phosphur, Plasma Blu and Neon 8.  I decided against Metalist because it's a neutral sand colored shade.  I felt it was blah and kinda boring because I'm all about the color baby. However, Metalist would be a nice color if you tend to stay on the safe side.  The color reminded me of Chanel's Antilope and Dior's new one.

The new colors are all frosts.  And, MAC makes the best frost textures around (the MA's will also agree). My favorites are Plasma Blu (hello blue, no-brainer for me), Neon 8 and Phosphur.  These colors are definitely bold and daring and are right on track for trendy colors this summer.  Check out some photo swatches below.

Plasma Blu is described as a bright turquoise blue shade with turq. blue shimmer.  This color has a tendency to look tealish-blue in certain lighting.  Some more pictures below.

Plasma blu is pretty unique. The only thing I have close to this color would be an teal green polish.  I will post comparisons later next week.

Phosphor is described as a bumble bee yellow with golden frost.  My husband liked this color over Plasma Blu? Can you beleive that?!  But, I'm just not sure I'm so coo-coo over it yet.  This is a very mysterious color and unlike anything I own.  In some lights it tends to look like a golden mustard color.  Phosphor may take some time to win my heart over.  But, I'm sure it won't take that much time.

Phosphor is a FAB pedicure color.  Coordinate this with your beach apparel = instant eye candy!

I had a chance to sport around Neon 8 all this weekend.  And, I just love it!  Described as a coral-strawberry color, that is just fabulous.   It  is an universal color that anyone can wear.  This is truely a must have and is my favorite color out of the bunch.  Check out the candid shot below.

The consistency of the polishes are pretty much the same.  Two coats with thicker applications and three coats for lighter applications.  All my swatches are done with three light coats.  Originally, when I swatched the colors at the MAC store, plasma blu and phosphor stained my nails.  So, make sure you use a base coat on your nails.  I always recommend using a base coat on all nail polish applications.  I had no problems with staining using a base coat.

Have a great weekend ya'll!  Keep cool and safe!

xoxo

FEATURED - Monday, June 9th 2008

CVS Drugstore Haul: Sally Hansen, Cover Girl

Boy, is it hot here in the Southeastern region.  At 8 am it's already 90 degrees!  A simple visit to my local CVS pharmacy to pick up some shaving creme turned into a full-force makeup haul.  Those damn drugstores always get ya!  The display for Sally Hansens Lacquer Shine was rather empty.  These lovely summer shades were flying off the shelves by the minute.  The four colors I picked up: Flair, Flash, Spark and Glow.  Some other color shades that were sold out: coral, pink, and red.  Check out the photo swatches below.

Glow is described as an granny smith apple green shade with yellow-green shimmer.  Flair is an violet purple shade with navy blue shimmer.  Flair was my favorite color out of the four I picked up.  Flash is described as a turquoise blue color with turquoise blue shimmer.  Flash is very comparable to MAC's Plasma Blu.  The only difference I noticed is MAC's has more of a frosty texture.  Last but not least, Spark.  A navy blue with purple and pink shimmer.  This is the first color that even comes close to OPI Russian Navy.  Spark is almost an 100% duplicate.  The only true difference is OPI Russian Navy has more shimmer to it.  But, other than that, it's a great alternative.

This is the first time I've tried Sally Hansen's Lacquer Shine formula.  Although, I can't review the staying power until I actually wear the polish a few times.  The application was very smooth and easy to apply with vibrant color pay-off and dimmensional shine.  I used two coats on my photo swatches. I don't think there would be a need for three coats because the color pay-off is divine. 

I wanted to get some swatches up real fast for ya'll to see.  Later this week I will be posting swatches individually along with photo comparisions.

I've been debating these two eyeshadow colors for awhile now.  And, I finally picked them up today.   Check out the photo swatches below.

Covergirl Kaboom Kelly - described as a kelly green shade with fairly good color pay-off.  Covergirl Gold Sizzle - is a gold shimmer with not-so-good pigmentation.  I had to literally scrub with my finger to get good pigmentation.  And, last but not least, Milani Color Brillance eyeliner pencils.  Hands down, Milani has the BEST pencils out there with outstanding color pay-off.

FEATURED - Thursday, June 12th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Nicole Blue Lace

Nicole by OPI's Blue Lace - an aqua blue shimmer with yellow-green undertones makes this color oh-so fabulous.  A perfect color to go with MAC's gorgeous Cool Heat eyeshadows.  Now, I know ya'll may be thinking, MAC's Plasma Blu.  But, nope.  There are some noticable differences between the two.  What you can't see in the pictures is the yellowish undertones that gives this color green appeal!  And, I love green envy!  Plasma Blu has clearly no greenish or yellow undertones and is much more frosty.

Blue Lace is most defintely an cameleon kind of color.  She's had a chance to show off at the MAC store and at Applebee's for dinner with my Seafoam Green tube top.  I had to actually hold my nails against my top just to make sure it was still blue.  I loved how the seafoam green top reflected off my nails and gave blue lace a huge boast of green. 

This was my first bottle of the "Nicole by OPI" brand.  Being an polish by OPI, I had no doubts.  The application applied smoothly and only two coats were needed.  Nail polish makes me so happy when only two coats are needed.  I absolutely dread applying more than two coats of polish because I can't sit still.  My morning was so busy, I didn't have a chance to apply a topcoat.  And, I'm happy to report - no chipping yet!

    

Blue Lace matches perfectly with the blue-green eyeshadows from the Cool Heat collection.  If MAC featured a Nail Lacquer in this collection, Blue Lace would be her!

FEATURED - Friday, June 13th 2008

MAC Cool Heat: Photo Swatches, Review

Overall, the cool heat collection is exhilarating - with a refreshing burst of color.  Warming Trend  - a taupe frosty color and Solar White - white frost are great colors for you neutral loving gals out there.   Gulf Stream, Cool Heat, Blue Flame and Climate Blue were some of my favorite colors out of the collection.  Cool Heat is a cross between steamy and parrot.  Although, cool heat is an gorgeous color, it may not be nessecary if you own many teal colors.  MAC has a wide variety of teal shades.  I saw a little bit of Big T (from the c-shock) in this collection also.

I also picked up a couple of my favorite green shades: swimming and humid.  If you've been to the MAC store you'll notice "green shades" are extremely limited.  I can only think of three stock colors off the top: juxt, humid, and swimming.  Which, are all gorgeous shades of green.  So, needless to say I was pretty excited to see green in the cool heat collections. Check out all the photo swatches below.

 

  

 

 

 

 

      

FEATURED - Saturday, June 14th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: MAC Whirlwind

I know your probably thinking -  Summertime's here and I'm still wearing dark nail polish!  Well, I have sort of a fetish for darker colors.  And, I have an even bigger fetish for MAC's whirlwind nail polish.  This has to be one of my all-time favorite nail polishes in general and from MAC.  Described as an gorgeous forest green with aqua blue shimmer that was introduced in MAC's storm signals collection.  Whirlwind is truely one of the most unique colors I own.

Two heavy coats were used in my photo swatches or you could get by with three light coats.  Good color pay-off, no chipping and the staying power was definitely there.  This is most certainly a must have color if you love blue and green nail polish shades.  However, it is an limited edition color but, I'm sure you can still find it on ebay.  Candid shot below.

Dark nail polish colors never go out of style, even in the summer.  But, I know it's time I jump on that summertime color wagon.  So, you'll be seeing some pretty electrifying colors to come!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

FEATURED - Monday, June 16th 2008

Lucky's July Issue: CoverGirl Promo Ad

I ran across this promo ad in July's issue of Lucky.  Covergirl featured this promo ad for their new Blast collection.  Bright, bold new shadows, in 23 bold new shades, to go with your big, bold, Lash Blast lashes.  This ad automatically grabbed my attention and jet setted my lemmings list!  The look above: Eye enhancers in Lime Alive, Gold Sizzle and Coral Jungle.  Some suggestions for MAC dups: CG Lime Alive = MAC Eyepopping (c-shock), CG Gold Sizzle - MAC Golden Lemon Pigment.

I purchased Covergirls Kaboom Kelly and Gold Sizzle a couple weeks ago.  And, was fairly disappointed in Gold Sizzle because the color pay-off just wasn't there.  But, the gorgeous quad below really has me second guessing.

Just look at that Tropical Fusion Quad - I love the bold bright colors Covergirl is starting to offer.  Take a second glance at the quad in the promo picture?  Look familiar?  It's our friendly neighbor, MAC.  Let's just say by looking at the promo pictures it looks dead on the c-shock collection from last summer.  Big Bang Blue, Big-T, Fab & Flash and Eyepopping.

Love this Quad?  Click here for a chance to win it this month!

FEATURED - Monday, June 16th 2008

Kat Von D Makeup: Photo Swatches

A couple months ago, I blogged about Kat Von D's new makeup brand.  I was finally able to check it out at Sephora.  Overall, I was pleasantly suprised with the eyeshadow palettes.  The color pay-off was pretty good as well as the lasting power.  And, at $34.00 per palette for 8 eyeshadow colors, is a fantastic deal.  Just averaging about $4.25 a color.  Check out the photo swatches below.

True Romance Palette in Beethoven ($34).  The Beethoven palette contains: Lucifer (matte charcoal black), Speed Blue (dark metalic blue), Razor Gray (warm gun steel shimmer), Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer), Galeano (metallic medium plum shimmer), Sinner (metallic purple black shimmer), Rad Purple (matte purple black with purple glitter), Leather (matte dark brown) with two doubled-ended applicator brushes.

Speed Blue was my fave out of the Beethoven palette.  It's a cross between MAC's freshwater and blue flame.

True Romance Palette in Ludwig ($34).  The Ludwig palette contains: Lucifer (matte charcoal black), Orbi (golden green shimmer), Dimebag (metallic lime green), Clay (beige with gold glitter), Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer), Downtown (metallic light copper shimmer), Baroque (golden bronze shimmer), Leather (deep chocolate brown sheen), and two double-ended applicator brushes.
 

Ludwig is my favorite out of the two.  It's a great color combination, espically for the neutral loving gals out there.  My faves are both the greens (no brainer).

FEATURED - Monday, June 16th 2008

Milani Color Brilliance Pencils: Swatches, Review

An outstanding eye liner pencil that delivers superb color in one easy application. It has been developed with moisturizing ingredients for silky-smooth texture and with special polymers for long lasting power. Add depth and definition to your eyes with this rich pencil. Available in 4 intensifying shades at Walgreens for $3.99 each (that's chump change).

Milani's new color brilliance pencils are the shit, to put it mildly.  They have an ridiculous amount of color, lasting power (really, the whole day), and no smudging.  And, they are right up there with Urban Decay 24/7 (another favorite of mine).  Applying these dreamy shades were so easy - no need for warming the tips again.  

01 Black - (not pictured) a bold rich black color, 04 Purple - described as a magenta purple shade with violet shimmer, 02 Aqua - is a aqua blue with aqua shimmer, and 03 Green - a gorgeous kelly green with gold shimmer.  I literally could go on-and-on about this gorgeous green shade - but, I won't bore you.  I have this huge fixation for green shades.  03 Green is a must have eyeliner for green lovers.  Heck, for $3.99, you can't even get an gallon of gas for that!

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 - Thursday, June 19th 2008

Covergirl Tropical Fusion Quad: Review, Swatches

Covergirl may be a little late jumping on the bright makeup bandwagon, but, at least it's a start.  A few days ago, I blogged about Covergirls new promo ad for their summer makeup collection.  As predicted, I caved and purchased this tropical colored quad ($5.99) at CVS yesterday.

I debated purchasing this quad the entire time I was in CVS.  Mostly due to my recent purchase of covergirls eye enchancers in Gold Sizzle.  Being the very last on the entire display I wasn't going to pass this up.  Yeah, I'm weak at the knees when it comes to vibrant colors and makeup.

Overall, I was impressed more so with the tropical quad compared to the individual shades.  The teal and blue shimmery shades had fairly good color pay-off and was quite pretty.  I had high hopes for the orange shade because I really wanted it to work.  But, the pigmentation just wasn't there at all.  It was hardly noticeable on my NC30 skin.  You could substitue MAC's Fab & Flashy or another orange you prefer.  The yellowish/lime shade was a different nature than the other colors.  It was between a matte and satin texture that I really didn't care for and had ok color pay-off. 

The teal and blue shades are the highlight of the tropical fusion quad.  Very pretty and shimmery with good color pay-off all around.  See some more swatches below.

This is an big improvement from the standard neutral colored shades covergirl offers.  If they focus a little more on the pigmentation issues then we have a keeper.

UPDATE 6/26/08: After using this quad serveral times, I'm happy to report the teal and blue shades have fantastic color pay-off and those two colors alone are worth the purchase.

Love this Quad?  Click here for a chance to win it this month!

FEATURED - Friday, June 20th 2008

Nars Neu Neons: Summer Makeup Collection

Francois Nars visionary shades perfect compliment this seasons fashion bold and bright.  Enliven lips with a ray of neon shines to add a jolt of style to your beauty wardrobe.  Shock your lips with hot pink, tangerine and fuchsia.

Lip Lacquer ($24) - in Capucine - a sheer tangerine. High shine formula with sheer pigments of transparent color for luscious lips day or night. The super-shiny formula can be worn alone or over other lip products.

Lip Pencil ($20) - in Miss Sadie - shimmering carmine pink. Longwearing color in a creamy formula that helps define, correct and shape the lip while preventing lip color from bleeding and feathering. 

Lip Gloss ($24) - in Frisky Summer - a raspberry sorbet. Serious shine and sexy color in sheer, cream and semi-sheer formulas. Extremely wearable and versatile colors may be worn alone or over any lip product for more drama.

Compliment this seasons boldest fashion statement with a shocking shade range blushes unique to the vision of Franocis Nars.  Highlight cheeks with a collection of neon shades from bright corals to brilliant poppies.

Blush ($24) - in Desire - cotton candy pink, Catus Flower Cream - a shimmering poppy and Craze - a raspberry red with shimmer.

 

Nars embraces the summer heat with a range of striking neon shades for the eyes.  Brighten lids with shocking purple and hot poink shadows.  Experiment with bold green and turquoise liners for the seasons ulitmate fashion statement.

Eyeshadow ($32) - Carvaggio - a Azaela pink / Irisdescent Violet, Party Monster - lilac wiith gold shimmer, South Pacific - shimmering blue turquoise / dark aquamarine.

Eyeliner ($20) - Parrot Cay - mint green and Le Sept glitter - purple with gold glitter.

Nars summer collection is now available at Sephora or Nars Cosmetics.

FEATURED - Friday, June 20th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Nicole Virtuous Violet

Happy Friday, ya'll!  The weekends about here and I wanted to spice it up with something fun for tonight.  Nicole by OPI in Virtuous Violet has been sitting on my shelf screaming to be used for quite sometime now.  And, what on earth was I waiting for?!  I usually buy polishes on a whim and just forget about them, until one day.   Virtuous violet turned out to be so much prettier than I ever excepted.  You can never judge a nail polish color by it's bottle - that's what I love.  The shades are always unpredictable.

The texture and shimmer reminds me of OPI's Russian Navy and Ink.  Vitruous violet can easily be the cousin of those two colors.  Think ink and russian navy but with an periwinkle purple base color.  Looking at the bottle you don't see the periwinkle color because it applies rather sheer.  But, the blue and pink shimmer makes it a deeper purple.  I used three coats in my photo swatches.

What is Nicole by OPI?  Don't let the Nicole name fool you because the quality is just as good as professional OPI.  This brand is marketed for the average consumer verses the salon quality. ;You'll notice that Nicole is sold in most your local walmart, target, and many others.  I didn't put on a top coat until this morning and it was in perfect shape.  It may have been sheer but the quality was just as good.  Check out some comparisons below.

Check out some photo comparisons below.

Sally Hansens's Spark and is almost 100% identical to OPI's Russian Navy.  I have yet to see a comparison this close!

Have a great weekend peeps. Be safe.

FEATURED - Monday, June 30th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: NYX Jungle

Happy Monday!  Hope ya'll had a great weekend.  It's been mostly cloudy and fairly chilly in the eastern region.  Can you believe this crazy weather?!  Anyway, today's nail polish is NYX in Jungle - an aqua blue color base with green and gold shimmer.  This is my second nail polish purchase from NYX and I'm overly impressed.  The color applied like a charm with three light coats and the drying time was perfect  - not fast drying, yet not slow.  Add additional coats and you'll see the green and gold shimmer shine through.  In the sunlight, you'll notice the gold shimmer gives the color more of an yellow undertone.

Another great color is the new version of Las Vegas which, was one of my first purchases from NYX.  This gorgeous forest green with shimmer is a must have color espically, if you love Nar's Zulu or deep green shades.

Two coats is a light aqua blue with green and gold shimmer.

 Three coats is more of an blue with noticeable green shimmer.

Four coats totally rock this color.  I'll be the first to admit, applying that many layers of nail poliish is such a drag.  But, the color difference from each application is huge.  The color is described as a deep kelly green with gold shimmer that is really pretty and the blue is hardly noticeable.    

So, I have alot going on this week.  Today was pretty exciting when I received my shipment of new Chanel nail polishes - Gold Fiction and Kalediscope (drool)!  Both are gorgeous colors, espically Kaledicscope - a pewter metallic with green undertones.  I'll be posting those in a couple of days.  Also this month - Chanel is releasing the Robertson Blvd collection - an highly anticipated collection of pink, orange, yellow and purple nail polishes (whohoo)!  Girls - you don't want to miss out on that collection, the colors are hot!

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 1st 2008

July Giveaway: Covergirl Tropical Fusion Quad

 

On my recent drugstore haul, I literally stumbled across a covergirl tropical fusion quad.  This baby was sitting in the shampoo isle just waiting to be found.  There's been countless occasions that I've put something back and totally regretted it later!  Even after all this time, I still make the same mistake - will we ever learn!?  Anyways, I was thinking about all my readers that couldn't find this.

Details:

Covergirl Tropical Fusion Quad 205 Brand new full bottle Chanel Blue Satin Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss

How do I enter:

Simple!  Just post a comment. Anyone that has a email address can post a comment on Steph's Closet.  Please make sure email address is current for contacting reasons only!  Email addresses are NEVER displayed or given out at anytime.  Must be a U.S. or Canada mailing address Only one entry per person Winner will be chosen by random and announced towards the end of July.

The winner's been announced for July's giveaway!

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 - Saturday, July 12th 2008

Covergirl Tropical Fusion Eyeshadow Dupes

A few weeks ago, I blogged about Covergirl's new tropical fusion eyeshadow. I've had several requests for this colorful palette and I know why!  Not to make matters worse but, I'm going to give ya'll a few more reasons why you need to grab this.

I was instantly drawn into the beautiful green shade as I'm TOTALLY fixated with green this year and last. It may be the combination of my green eyes or the impossiblty of getting ahold of in Nars Zulu nail polish. How's that saying go - we always want the impossible.. Not only impossible but, extremely limited. Hard to find + Rarity = Cha ching!

On to the good stuff. Last night was the first time I had a chance to play with my Cool Heat shadows from Mac. Big suprise but, I fell in love with Gulf Stream.  Something was oh so familiar about this gorgeous green.  That's because it's an exact dupe of the covergirls Tropical Fusion green shade. The only true difference is mac's version is a tad frostier.  Check out the swatches below.

Your not only getting Gulf Stream but, Submarine too.  Two MAC eye shadows at $36.00 + Tropical Fusion Quad $4.99 = $31.00 savings.  The blue isn't a 100 percent dupe like Gulf Stream but, it's pretty darn close.  Submarine is a tad on the navy side and frostier.

Fab and Flashy is a tangerine shade compared to covergirls orange/coral.  Covergirls version is really pretty but no pigmentation and staying power along with the yellow shade.  The yellow texture was just plain awful.  A matte that is chalky and has no pigmentation at all.  Eyepopping is a gorgeous bumble bee colored shade that looks gorgeous with greens.  It's classified more as an lime green, but appears more yellow on my NC30.  Although eyepopping is a limited edition it's still available on ebay and resonably priced too.  Just make sure it's a trusted MAC seller.

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 15th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Lustre Twins Collection

I'm seriously backed up on all my upcoming MAC Collection releases.  Here are the prelimanries details of the new Lustre Twins collection according to our friends at Specktra.

Pro Longwear Lustres - A two-step application of lightweight colour + mirror-finished top coat. Apply the colour. Let it dry. Apply the top coat! Provides sheer to medium coverage with a rich, lustrous, moisturizing finish. Longwearing, comfortable on the lips. Won’t shift, transfer, feather or smudge. $20.00 USD

• Coco Lust /Sweet Sexy - Deep red brown/copper brown with gold pearlized pigments
• Red Flame / Orange Flicker - Intense bright yellow red/bright yellow red with gold pearlized pigments
• Red Reflection / Mirror - Deep berry magenta with pearlized pigments/clear with white pearlized pigments
• Pink Air / White Top - Light pink with pearlized pigments/clear white with red and pink pearlized pigments
• Ripe and Ready / Soft and Lush - Bright pink coral with gold pearlized/yellow pink with gold pearlized pigments
• Gypsy Rose / Shimmer it - Berry red with gold pearlized pigments/white gold with multi-coloured pearlized pigments
• Custom Rose / Pink Virtue - Berry plum with pearlized pigments/light blue pink with silver pearlized pigments
• Boss brown / Slave to Pink - Chocolate bronze with pearlized pigments/champagne neutral with pearlized pigments
• Alta Moda / Hip Love - Deep blackened red/deep plum with red pearlized pigments

Nail Lacquer - $11.00 USD

• $$$$$ Yes - Metallic silver foil (frost)(Repromote from Heatherette) 
• Perplexing - Deep blue purple (frost)(New and PERM)
• Firehouse - Bright chrome red (frost)(New and PERM)

This collection should be available at MAC stores on July 31, 2008.  I'll defintely be passing on this release.  If your not familiar Pro Longwear Lustres, the lipstick combo dries out your lips to the extreme and two of the nail polishes will be perm.

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 15th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Cult of Cherry Collection

I've had the color information for months now.  It was one of those releases that just got lost in translation because their are so many upcoming MAC collections!  Check out the color and product information below.

Available at MAC stores August 21st

Eyeshadow Quad: Spiced Chocolate $36.00 USD (LE)

• Nanogold - Sheer yellow beige with pink pearl (Lustre) (Repromote from N Collection)
• Brash - Frosty reddish copper (Veluxe Pearl)
• Spiced Chocolate - Deep reddish brown (Matte)
• Sweet Chestnut - Frosted cranberry (Frost)

Eyeshadow Quad: Tempting Quad $36.00 USD (LE)

• Next to Nothing - Next to Nothing - Cream white with pink pearl (Frost) (Repromote from Smoke Signals)
• Sharp - Frosty bright yellow-green (Satin)
• Dark Edge - Dirty chocolate brown (Matte) (Repromote from N Collection) 
• Tempting - Sinfully rich coco (Lustre) (Repromote)

Eyeshadow Quad: Shadowy Lady Quad $36.00 USD (LE)

• Light Fall - Light Pink (Satin)
• Smudged Violet - Frosty blackened lavender with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)
• Deep Truth - Dark blue (Frost) (Repromote)
• Shadowy Lady - Darkly veiled plum (Matte) (Repromote)

Lipsticks: $14.00 USD

• Creme Cerise - Sheer yellow taupe (Lustre) (LE)
• Lightly Ripe - Sheer mid-tone pink (Lustre) (LE)
• Russian Red - Intense bluish-red (Matte) (Repromote)
• O - Intense purplish-red with metallic golden shimmer (Frost) (Repromote)
• So Scarlet - Grape burgundy (Amplified Creme) (LE)

Lipglass: $14.00 USD

• Cherry Blossom - Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Rich & Ripe - Mid-tone pinkish red with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Cult of Cherry - Red with red pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Liquor - Neutral brownish mauve with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)(LE)
• Jampacked - Sheer grape with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)

Mattenes: $14.50 USD

• Rapturous - Deep berry red (LE) (Repromote from Mattene)
• Kirsch - Blackened cranberry (Mattene) (LE)
• Chock-ful - Blackened brown (Mattene) (LE)
• Bing - Blackened eggplant (Mattene) (LE)

Nail Lacquer: $11.00 USD

• Silverstruck - Frosted greyed taupe with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)(LE)
• Illegal Purple - Creamy blackened eggplant (Cream) (LE).

Blush: $17.50 USD

• Plum du Bois - Frosted deep pink bronze with gold pearlized pigments (Frost) (LE)
• Blooming - Frosted deep peach (Frost) (LE).

Mascara: - $12.00 USD

• Zoomblack - Rich Black (Permanent)

The eyeshadow quads look amazing only if the colors weren't repromotes.  The Tempting quad has three repromotes (are you kidding me) along with a gorgeous new yellow shade that's in between Eyepopping and Going Bananas.  This kinda frustrates me knowing I have one, two and even three shades of each quad.

Check out the Cult of Cherry invitation for the launch party held on August 12th.  Craving cherries? take a peek at the photo swatches, review, lip looks using cult of cherry lipstick colors, nail polish swatches and my makeup haul.

{Source: Kiss and Makeup, Specktra}

FEATURED - Wednesday, July 16th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Suite Array Collection

The Suite Array collection introduces a new eye shadow suite with pearl glide liners.  Check out all the color information below.  All preliminary information and pictures courtsey of Specktra and Ernie1881.

The Suite Array collection should be available on Sept 25th.

Eye shadow Suites - $16.00 USD

• Blue Zone - Deep grey/green with silver pearlized pigments/Light ice blue with silver pearlized pigments.
• Ocean 2 - Mid-tone blue with silver pearlized pigments/Light blue with silver pearlized pigments.
• Smoke & Ash - Black with silver pearlized pigments/Mid-tone grey silver with pearlized pigments.
• Counterparts - Deep forest with gold pearlized pigments/Mid-tone orange with gold pearlized pigments.
• Rose Suites - Intense blue pink/Light yellow with silver pearlized pigments
• Shallow v. Deep - Bluish green with gold pearlized pigments/Mint with silver pearlized pigments.
• Sweet Liason - Pale yellow with gold pearlized pigments/Deep brown with gold pearlized pigments.
• Team Violets - Dark burgundy with burgundy pearlized pigments/Mid-tone violet with gold pearlized pigments.

Pearlglide Liners - $14.50 USD

• Wolf - Deep grey with gold glitter
• Rave - Deep purple with purple glitter
• Fly-by-Blu - Light blue with blue glitter
• Black Russian - Black with navy blue glitter
• Miss Fortune - Eggplant with light pink glitter
• Bankroll - Rich green with bright green sparkle
• Spare Change - Mid-tone brown with copper glitter
• Molasses - Brown with mid-tone brown glitter

Thanks to Ernie1881 for this sneak peak.  To check out more pictures from this collection, click here.

FEATURED - Friday, July 18th 2008

Rescue Beauty Lounge: Pre Fall Colors

Rescue Beauty Lounge introduces three super chic colors for pre-fall.  Three new pastel underwater hues are inspired by Sponge Bob Square Pants.  Bikini Bottom - a watery blue, Starfish Patrick - a wisp of peachy coral and Square Pants a pineapple translucent yellow. 

Just to clarify these new colors are late summer shades rather than pre-fall.  The fall colors should be arriving within the next month or so.  All the colors look amazing with one exception, their defined as "pastel translucent " shades which may mean sheer coverage.  Starfish Patrick is a must have and will probably have the most pay-off!  Click here to pre-order these shades.

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 - Tuesday, July 22nd 2008

Pedi of the Day: Chanel Rodeo Drive

My pedi of the day is the beautiful, Rodeo Drive from Chanel's Robertson Blvd Collection and is my favorite shade out of the collection.  A very pretty lilac purple color with subtle silver shimmer makes this color quite unique in my nail polish collection.

There's been quite a few mixed reviews regarding the new Robertson Blvd collection - some bad, and some good.  Overall, most of the polishes applied flawlessly for me with two easy coats.  The yellow shade was the only color I had application problems but, every yellow shade is difficult in my opinion.  I'll be elborating a little more when LA Sunrise is featured as my pedi.

Check out some comparisons below.

I don't own many lilac purple colors because this shade is quite new to the fashion industry and was just introduced last year.  The most obvious comparisons are Chanel Rodeo Drive and Rescue Beauty Lounge's Purple Haze which are completely different in their own way.  Purple Haze is navy blue based violet/purple compared to a true lilac purple.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous day! 

FEATURED - Wednesday, July 23rd 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Manish Arora Collection

MAC introduces a collection inspired by the Indian Designer, Manish Arora due to release on October 9th.  The Manish Collection features "must-have" gorgeous indian inspried casing combined with the bold pops of color.  Check out the color information below.

Manish Aurora is a exclusive limited collection much like Dress Camp (as far as sell-out's not collaborations) and will only be available at MAC Pro NY, MAC Pro North Robertson, MAC Soho, maccosmetics.com.

Eye Palette x 6 - $38.00 USD

• Nylon - Pale gold with icy metallic shimmer (Frost) (Permanent Shade)
• Going Bananas - Soft lemon yellow (Frost) (LE Repromote from C-Shock)
• Playful - Bright clean pink (satin) (LE - Repromote from Barbie Love MAC)
• Bitter - Vivid bright golden green flecked with shimmer (Velvet) (Permanent Shade)
• Electric Eel - Vivid bright blue flecked with shimmer (Satin) Permanent Shade)
• Deep Truth - Very real truthful dark blue (Frost) (Permanent Shade)

Lipsticks - $14.00 USD

• Girl About Town - Fabulous fuchsia (Amplified Creme) (Permanent)
• Kiss Manish - Frosty mid-tone burnt red (Frost) LE

Lipglass - $14.00 USD

• Pink Manish - Frosted fuchisa (Frost) LE
• Shine Manish - Frosty bright orange with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost) LE

Blush - $18.00 USD

• Devil - Bright iridescent coral orange (Satin) (Permanent Pro)
• Pink Swoon - Clearly pink (Sheertone) (Permanent)

Now, you guys know this is going to sell out extremely fast, right?  The disappiontment - most of the colors are all repromotes but, that's ok because the gorgeous jewel themed packaging certainly makes up for it.  Foremost, I'm thrilled about the re-release of the gorgeous going bananas in the Eye Palette and the two limited editon lip glasses.  Check out the promo pictures below.

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 - 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 - Tuesday, August 12th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: MAC Cosmetics Perplexing

Today's nail polish of the day is MAC Cosmetics in Perplexing that was recently introduced in the Lustre Twins collection.  A vibrant purple color with blue and pink shimmer that dries to a thin matte - satin finish.  Now, the bad news - the formula is plain awful.  Honestly, I lost track of how many coats in my photo swatches - yes, it was that many!  Since it applies rather thin, it's easy to pile on the applications.

Perplexing texture reminds me of Rainy Day from the Storm Signals collection but, in a shimmer version.  It applied very blotchy and the visible brush strokes was very disappointing.  It's a great color but bad execution MAC.

Check out more swatches below.

Tonight is the MAC launch party for Cult of Cherry collection and I'm uber excited, woot woot.  Godiva choclate cherries and campagne - yum!  And the best part the Cult of Cherry collection - a much anticipated collection for fall.  Dark, vampy colors are right my alley - can't wait.  Hopefully, I'll have my swatches up tomorrow morning - if I make it outta there alive.

FEATURED - Tuesday, August 19th 2008

Sally Hansen Salon: Nail Polish Swatches

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I've been dealing with internet issues for the last couple weeks and that's one of my main reasons for my lack of posts.  But, it looks like everything is back to normal, thank goodness.  Life without internet - can you even imagine?

Let's start off with some Sally Hansen today.  Here's four shades that I picked up in the last couple of weeks.  I'll be posting the others later.  Haute Chocolate is a chocolate brown shade with red and gold shimmer that's a great brown color for fall.

Check out some more pics below.

 Shimmers are my favorite nail polish texture because they can be so unique.

Grenadine Glaze is a grenadine hot pink-red that was much prettier than expected.  It's hard to pick up on the hot pink in my swatches but the color is definitley there along with subtle hot pink and gold shimmer.

A great color to end the summer and begin fall.

Plum It - a gorgeous deep plum purple with pink and blue-purple and gold shimmer.  This would be a pedi color.

Navy Baby - a navy blue shade with aqua shimmer.  Navy blue is probably my all time favorite nail polish shade that I'll always have love for.  It's such a classy color and a great alternative to your standard goth black polish.  Navy baby may not be the most unique color but my nails are loving the metallic sheen texture. 

FEATURED - Monday, August 25th 2008

Givenchy Vernis Please in Dandy Moire

WOW, wow, and another WOW!  I haven't been this excited since, well, Chanel Kaleidoscope, lol.  No really, this color is absolutely fantastic as I knew it would be.  Ever since I blogged about Givenchy's fall makeup collection - this was high priority on my lemmings list.  With just seeing the product images - it was love at first sight.

If your not familiar with Givenchy products well, their all mini-me size with a hefty price tag.  To break it down, you get .18 oz for $15.00.  Most nail polish bottles range around .4 oz so, it's a mini me size!  A navy blue base color loaded down with emerald green, blue and gold shimmer - speechless, you guys.  So many gals are going to love this shade.

 

Picture above is taken in the sunlight.  The only true disadvantages is the price and limited edition status. 

As far as comparisons - the best way to describe this is a mix between MAC's Whirlwind and OPI's Yoga-ta get this blue.  If you love both thesse colors, then this is a must!

 

See how unpredictable nail polish colors can be!  Dandy Moire has some noticeable differences.  First off, a deep navy blue-blackish base color compared to OPI's royal blue.   What's so unique about Dandy is the emerald green and blue shimmer is actually visible indoors.  And, whirlwind is way off - it's not even in the same category as these two.  Dandy Moire is now available at Sephora for a limited time only.

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 - Friday, August 29th 2008

Wet n Wild Flash Dry Nail Colors

If there was an "most unique drugstore" nail polish award - Wet n Wild's Flash dry in Speed/Vitesse ($1.79) would definitely win first place.  A navy blue based polish with fine gold, purple, blue and pink micro glitter making this gorgeous and a very unique color. 

After the first coat, you'll notice a navy-blue based polish.  Then, purple micro glitter shines through and takes on a whole new level.  Since this polish is drenched in glitter - it was next to impossible to capture the true beauty.  The Downfall: Flash dry is a fast drying formula so there's no time for mess-up's.  And, too many application swipes may cause some bubbling.

 

Rush/Presto - a peach pink shade with gold shimmer.  This is the outcome I would of liked nars orgasm polish to reflect - it's a pinker and prettier version. 

The flash dry collection is only available for a limited time only at your local grocery or drugstore.

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 - Saturday, September 6th 2008

New Fall Shades: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear

Here's some new fall shades from Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear line that I've had for a couple of weeks now.  More and more, I've been turning to Sally Hansen's bold, beautiful, fall-alistic colors.  

It's a horse of a different color (if you don't know this saying, shame on you)!  Emerald City - Don't this so remind you of Wizard of Oz?!  Infact, the name "emerald city" might have a little too much in common with the 1939 classic film.  A true emerald green shimmer perfect for green lovers.  

Gunmetal - a gorgeous blue/gray gunmetal shimmer.  It's more on the blue side - very pretty.

Mellow Yellow - a yellow - lime with green shimmer.  This color is "different".  A color that I wouldn't usually go for.  But, after wearing for a few days, it grew on me.

All these shades should be available now at most stores retailing an average $2.69 - great shades and cheap too!

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 - Tuesday, September 23rd 2008

Limited Edition: New colors from Wet n Wild

Wet n Wild introduces six new limited edition rock solid nail colors this season.  Overall, this is a fabulous mixture of dark and seducing shades for fall.  This collection is definitely a hit, retailing at just $2.69 a pop.

The colors ranging from dark steel, blue, purple and red's - sure to please any appetite.  One particular thing I would have changed is the red shades.  Mysterious is just your basic red shimmer.  And, boy, if that were substituted for a green version - nail addicts around the world would be going crazy for this.

Pictured Above, Femme Fatale - a dark charcoal grey with blue and green shimmer that is one of my favorites.

Check out more swatches below.   

 Sexy Siren - a vibrant blue with aqua blue shimmer.  Very pretty but, not so unique.

Seductress - a blackened purple with pink and purple shimmer.  Blackened shades with shimmer are really hard to capture on my digital camera.  But, this color is much pretty in person.

Stunner, wow - the name just says it all, doesn't it?  A black with gold specks of shimmer and a exact match to China Glaze's Wagon Trail.  If it wasn't for the release of Wagon Trail, I'd say this is the most unique out of the collection.

 

Temptress - a dark, vampy blood red with matching shimmer.  A sexy dark red that's stunning.  It may not be the most unique but, it's definitely goes with the fall theme.

 

Mysterious is just your basic ruby red shade with pink and red glitter.  In the picture above it looks more as a cherry red but, it real life it's actually darker.  Mysterious was my least favorite shade out of the Mistress of Darkness collection.  Now, if they'd substituted this red for a dark vampy green - well, I think we all know how that would have went, right?! 

This collection should be available at most grocery stores, drug stores, etc.

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 - 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 - Sunday, October 19th 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Sinful Coco Diamond

Can you guys believe it's almost November?  October seems like it's just flying on by and we know what that means - cold temperatures - yuck!  Anyway, today's nail polish of the day is a new one from Sinful, Coco Diamond ($1.99).  This may be a little hard to describe but I'll try my best.  A taupish grey base color followed by a minty green shade with green and aqua blue glitter/shimmer.

My application required three coats with no true problems.  Within my first coat I noticed the greyish taupe shade to be more visible but, was more of an minty green following the second and third layers.  Coco Diamond would also look great topped over a grey or black.

 

I found a small Sinful display at my local Walgreens consisting of five of six colors.  The only shades that caught my attention was Coco Diamond and a blue shade that I'll be posting in a few days.

Hope ya'll had a great weekend!

FEATURED - Tuesday, October 21st 2008

MAC Dame Edna Collection: Color Story

Lipstick (LE) - $14.00 USD

• Kanga-rouge – Creamy dark blue red (amplified creme)
• Gladiola – Matte mid-tone blue pink (matte)
• Coral polyp – Creamy mid-tone coral (amplified creme)

Lipglass (LE) $14.00 USD

• Hot Frost – Sheer mid-tone blue pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost)
• Splendid – Frosty pale pinky coral (frost)
• Possum Nose Pink – Sheer bright coral with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost)

Eye Shadow Trio (LE) - $32.50 USD

Royal Tour Eye Trio

• Royal Tour – Mid-tone cool lilac (satin)
• Dame’s Desire – Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (frost)
• Climate Blue – Dark blue violet with pink pearlized pigments (velvet) (Repromote from Cool Heat)

Wisteria Eye Trio

• Fineshine - Frosty true-silver (lustre) (Repromote from Lustrevision)
• Wisteria – Frosty robin’s egg blue (velvet)
• Divine Night – Frosty charcoal with silver pearlized pigments (velvet)

Highlight Powder (LE) - $26.00 USD

• What a Dame! – Pale orangey pink
• Spectacle – Pale soft pink

Nail Lacquer (LE) $11.00 USD

• Asiatique – Creamy classic red (creme) (Repromote from Ornamentalism)
• Varicose Violet – Frost mid-tone pinkish purple (frost)

The Dame Edna Collection will be available December 26th (US/Canada).

{Source: Specktra}

FEATURED - Wednesday, October 22nd 2008

Holiday 08: Dior Black Sequins Nail Polish

 

Today's nail polish of the day is the new Black Sequins ($19.00) from Diors Holiday collection. A black lacquer filled with silver almost duocrome-y fleck like shimmer. So I don't know if I'm going crazy or what. I'm really seeing these flecks turn bluish in the sunlight. Even in some of my swatches you'll notice a silver/blue effect.

My application was smooth with no true problems. Black Sequins drys to a glossy/very slighty semi matte. You'll probably need a topcoat to accomplish a glossy look. If your wondering - is this the most uniuqe?  Well, probably not. So, if your not head over heels for black polish - I'd pass on this one. If you love black - go for it girlfriend.  

 

Let's start off with the closest comparison which would be Chanel's Black Satin. Black Sequins is more chunkier with slighty visible blue/sillver shimmer compared to Black Satin, but both are similar. It's a great alternative, espically if you wished Black Satin had a little more kick.   

Dior's Black Sequins ($15) is now available at Sephora for a limited time only.

FEATURED - Thursday, October 23rd 2008

Nail Polish of the Day: Creative Rock Royalty

Rock Royalty ($2.99), a deep purple with pink and blue shimmer, is one of my favorite purple shades.  One main reason Rock Royalty tops my favorites, this vampy "purple" color is actually visible indoors and outdoors compared to, for example, Sally Hansen's Plum it.  Sally's, Plum it, is an fantastic color but tends to look on the blackish side with indoor lighting.

Creative Nail Design introduced this vampy goodness last fall in the Imperial Anarchary release.  Since this "old" but "not forgotten" collection still available online, I'll be reposting the photo swatches in the next week or so.  It's a nice selection of six colors ranging in reds, pinks, charcoal, purples retailing at $2.99/ea.

Check out some comparisons.

Here are some purple nail polish comparisons.  Another fabulous shade is Sally Hansen's Plum it.  If you haven't had a chance to pick this one up, I would highly recommend it.  Purple also looks hot on toes.

Hope your having a fabulous day!

FEATURED - Monday, October 27th 2008

Winter 2008: China Glaze Bahama Blues

Escape this winter with China Glaze and the Bahama Blues collection.  Sure, it's not the white sand  or the crystal clear waters, but maybe the closest thing I'll get to the Caribbean.  Introducing six new shades sure to please any blues.

First off, I love this collection and it's probably not the reason your thinking.  If there's a collection I can relate to, this would totally be it.  Back in December of 2006, Scott (my hubbie) and I were married on the beach in the Bahamas.  The setting was absolutely amazing along with the town decked our in christmas lights and decor.

Winter (starting in Dec) is a great time to visit the Caribbean.  The hurricane season is just ending and the prices are fairly reasonable.  I highly recommend a visit in the winter.

Let's gettie on to the good stuff.

Bahaman Escape, a light baby blue cream that applied very smooth within two coats.  Although, I dreaded applying this because the formula was rather thick it turned out to be fairly easy.

Caribbean Blue, a baby blue glitter polish that's darker than your average baby blue shade.  This was definitely an interesting and different color.  However, it just didn't flow with my skintone for some reason.  I think this will be a hard color pull off.  

Blue Paradise, a medium blue with shimmer that applied rather streaky with any number of coats.  This was the only shade I had any true problems with. 

Don't Blue Island Iced Tea sound like a yummy cocktail drink?  A blingtastic light blue filled with matching glitter.  Two coats will give you good coverage.  I used three in my swatches just to see how blinged out this baby could get.  My thrid favorite.

These next two shades looked very simliar in the bottle but are different.

Bermuda Breakaway, a navy purple creme that applied smooth in two coats that was my favorite.  The violet base makes this blue stunning espically on your pedi's. 

Calypso Blue, a lighter navy blue creme that applied smooth in two applications..  This isn't your typically deep navy blue color.  I'd say there's just a splash of violet that makes this "not so blue" and fab.

Despite the actual color on my nail, the bottles looked completely alike but are very different.  Both gorgeous colors.

The Bahama Blues collection is now available at Head2Toe or 8ty8 retailing $2.99 each.