New Drugstore Makeup Haul & Swatches - Revlon, Rimmel London, Maybelline, Cover Girl, Sally Hansen, Sinful Colors, Sonia Kashuk (June 2013)

So what's new in the drugstore beauty and makeup world? 

The extent of my excitement at the beginning of every season when new beauty products hit the shelves is inexplicable and, for some, unjustifiable as far as the pocket is concerned. The beginning of seasons bring new colors and trends for us beauty and fashion movers and shakers. 

Unfortunately, due to changes in my schedule, moving places, interning, and spending time with loved ones, I have been slightly inconsistent with blogging. I would like to apologize for this to all of my readers. However, I do have blogging and reviewing new products on my mind. I have continued to keep an eye out for new products so rest assured, you all will be seeing reviews and swatches for all these new beauty products displayed as follows. 

I have spotted new makeup by CoverGirl, Revlon, Rimmel London, Maybelline, Sally Hansen. Sinful Colors, and Sonia Kashuk. Now, I am keenly waiting to see what collections L'Oreal may come out with this Summer of 2013. These products are available at stores such as ULTA, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Bed Bath & Beyond's with beauty departments. Of course I plan on reviewing and swatching all of the products that I have purchased, however, please feel free to request which products you would like to see reviewed and swatched first or as soon as possible. 

Enjoy! 

Spotted: CoverGirl Lip Smoochers Limited Edition 

Spotted: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant GLOSSTINIS Summer 2013 Collection

Spotted: CoverGirl Flamed Out Collection - Shadow Pencils & Pots 

Hauled: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks New "Shine" Finish 

(top L to top R) 840 Honey Bare, 820 Pink Cognito, 835 Berry Couture, 850 Plum Velour, 815 Fuchsia Shock

Price: $5.99 - 7.99 each

Hauled: Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquers

(L to R) 600 Nude Eclipse, 101 Celestial, 200 Comet, 102 Nova, 400 Big Bang 

Price: $4.99 each 

Hauled: Maybelline Color Show Nail Polishes Summer 2013 Limited Edition Collection 

(L to R) Sandstorm, Turquoise Paradise, Poolside, Mint Mist 

Price: $2.99 - 3.99 each 

Hauled: New Sally Hansen Summer 2013 Shades spotted @ Walmart, Revlon Haute Tropics Limited Edition Summer 2013 Collection spotted @ ULTA, Sinful Colors Professional, Maybelline Color Show Permanent Collection, CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant GLOSSTINIS Summer 2013 Collection

(L to R) Butter-fly Stroke, Secluded Beach, Out of Bounds, Green with Envy, Blue Hawaiian 

Prices: $4.00, $3.99 - 4.99, $1.99, $2.99 - 3.99, $2.99 

Swatched!

(L to R) Revlon "Secluded Beach"; Maybelline Color Show 320 "Green with Envy", Maybelline Color Show 970 "Sandstorm", Maybelline Color Show 980 "Mint Mist", Maybelline Color Show 975 "Poolside", Maybelline Color Show 955 "Turquoise Paradise", Sally Hansen INSTA-DRI 10 "Butter-fly Stroke", CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Glosstinis 535 "Blue Hawaiian", Sinful Colors "Out of Bounds"

Hauled: Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Hydrofuge Eyeliner

Nude

Price: $3.99 

Hauled: New Sonia Kashuk for Target Spring 2013 Collection - Lip Balms SPF 15

Hint of Berry

Price: $8.99 

The End... 

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Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks - 305 Nymph, 309 Carnelian, 312 Sunstone, 607 Nocturne

Attention! Attention! 

Calling attention to all liquid lip color fans about the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks. I am so glad I decided to give these lip colors a try. Moreover, I have been looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this amazing lip product with all of you. 

Packaging

The packaging of the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks is not fascinating. The black tube is not particularly cute or classy. It is quite simple; not bulky or heavy. The label at the bottom of the tube displays a number and not the name of the shade, which I think is inconvenient. Personally, it is easier for me to remember a shade by its name rather than a number. However, this may not be an issue for some of you. 

Price

$25 - 27 USD - SHISEIDO.COM, SEPHORA.COM, BELK, MACY'S, DILLARD'S, SHISEIDO HONG KONG

Formula / Application / Pigmentation / Longevity 

The formula and staying power of these lipsticks is phenomenal. The application is a little tricky and varies with different shades. The pigmentation is also variable from one shade to the other. First, you will notice that not a lot of product comes out when you pull out the standard sponge tip applicator. So, you may feel the need to apply a couple swipes.

The concept of a liquid lipstick really attracts me, however, I have never liked the texture of the ones I have tried. They have felt tacky, like thick liquid plastic, and drying. 

Shiseido Lacquer Rouse Lipsticks feel like the "optimal" gloss. "Optimal" seems to be my favorite word to use in my blog posts to describe flawlessness. This gloss is unlike other glosses because it does not feel sticky or heavy like if you have placed tape on your lips. It feels lightweight and smooth. With the exception of Carnelian, the other shades did not dry out my lips. Carnelian was my least liked shade because once applied on the lips, golden orange shimmer appeared, and in some lighting it made my lips look frosty, dated, and dry. 

The pigmentation is medium to full opacity depending on the shade. However, the more pigmented the lipstick, the more careful and tricky the application becomes. For example, you cannot wear Nocturne as effortlessly as the other shades. I first carefully outline my lips with the sponge tip applicator and then fill in the rest of the lips to create a uniform appearance. 

Lastly, given that these lip colors are liquid and not a traditional matte lipstick or a stain, the staying power is nonetheless commendable. Nocturne obviously has the best staying power. After a few hours (more than three or four), these lipsticks slightly and uniformly fade into a more subtle shade. You may not feel the need to reapply as I don't. These colors have lasted quite well through meals and drinks.

Overall, I would really recommend Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks. Not to be melodramatic, but I am especially in love with the shade called Sunstone, which was initially only released in Asia. I liked it so much that I wanted to purchase a backup of it. I opted to try different colors rather than buying a backup. Do you like liquid lipsticks? Yes? Do you like pigmented glosses? Yes? Do you hate matte stains, but want a liquid lip color that is more long lasting than a standard buttery creamy lipstick? Yes? Well, yes, of course give Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks a try! Yes! Yes! Yes! 

The Colors!

309 Carnelian, 305 Nymph, 607 Nocturne, 312 Sunstone - top to bottom

Carnelian - a sheer creamy brownish peach with golden orange shimmer (my least favorite because of the shimmer; looks dated and feels drying; the shimmer only shows up on the lips, not otherwise on the sponge tip applicator or on my arm in the previous picture above) 

Nymph - a creamy brownish medium pink (Shiseido MUA told me that this is the most popular and best selling shade of the Lacquer Rouge collection) 

Nocturne - a creamy deep blue-toned cranberry red 

Sunstone - a light plumy pink with extremely subtle golden shimmer (my favorite!!!) 

The End... 

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Oxblood Nail Trend: CoverGirl Outlast Nail Polish "Wine to Five"

Today I would like to share another nail color "love." Of course posting an oxblood manicure may not be appropriate right now as we transition from Spring into Summer. 

I was searching for an oxblood nail color all throughout this past autumn and winter seasons. Although a lot of "oxblood" nail polishes caught my eye, nothing really fascinated me. I was especially disappointed with the formula of the oxblood polishes I found. Every polish I tried was thin and runny, so they applied messy and patchy.  

CoverGirls "Wine to Five" is the first oxblood shade that has impressed me. Initially, I thought that "Wine to Five" was a tad boring and more of a "mature" shade.  I suppose I did not like it at first because it reminded me of the autumn and winter seasons - the snow that makes me feel claustrophobic, bulky layered clothing, lifeless trees, and puffy gray clouds. Yuck!!! I began to like it more after wearing it for a little while. In particular I liked that this shade was not too maroon or brown or black. I would describe "Wine to Five" as a blackened raspberry or a red grape shade. 

The formula of this polish is an opaque creme, not thin and runny or thick and gooey. The application was effortless. I applied two coats and added Essie's Good to Go top coat. The marketing feature of these Outlast polishes is that the polish is a three-in-one product - base coat, color, and top coat. I still felt the need to add my own top coat to speed up the drying process and add a glossy effect. 

Lastly, I really like the packaging of the CoverGirl Outlast polishes because it reminds me of high-end nail polish bottles. I have noticed that most high end polishes - NARS, YSL, LANCOME, MAC, ESTEE LAUDER, CLINIQUE, CHANEL, BUTTER LONDEN, ILLAMASQUA, GIVENCHY - have a cubic shape, where the bottom and top are the same size. Am I making sense? I find that most inexpensive polishes have a wide bottom and a narrow long top. I feel like the cube or rounded sort of packing looks more compact and classy than the vase triangular shape. Well, I hope that made sense! 

Check out this post - CoverGirl "Ever Bloom" Outlast Nail Polish - for a more seasonally appropriate color from the CoverGirl Outlast nail polish collection. 

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!

Collective Beauty Haul: SEPHORA VIB SALE, BITE, BENEFIT, SHISEIDO, DOLLY WINK, HONG KONG

Boy oh boy! Warning! Makeup overload! This post contains toxic levels of lippies!  

Today I have a large collective beauty haul to share with all of you beauty fans out there. A little while back I posted my first official beauty blogger makeup haul. I enjoy watching and reading about makeup hauls. I especially enjoy hauls that introduce me to new products in the market. So when I embarked on my first large collective drugstore makeup shopping spree, I thought to obviously blog about it. A lot of my readers enjoyed that post, so I have decided to post a makeup haul at least once every season. Today's post is dedicated to high-end beauty brands. 

After following Youtube beauty gurus who often rave about Asian beauty products and skincare, I have been yearning to try some of these amazing products for myself. Although Shiseido is also available here in the States, there are certain products that are exclusive to the Asian market. Sometime last year I had read about the Asia exclusive shades of Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipsticks and was really drawn to these shades. I felt that these particular shades would suit well with my skin tone. Of course there was no way for me to purchase these lip colors in the States, unless I bought them online, which I did not want to. I'm not a big fan of online shopping. 

Something strange happens with me sometimes... I'll desire or subconsciously wish for something, then with time it will slip my mind, and then somehow the impossible becomes possible. I know! I know, how philosophical, right? You all must be thinking, "c'mon this is a beauty blog, not starsign.com." I suppose it is simply a coincidence that this happens or maybe I read too deeply into matters. Anyways, my point is that my Beau had to go to Hong Kong for a work trip and was able to bring back the lip colors I had "desired" over a year ago. My Beau sent me this picture of a massive makeup store at the Hong Kong International Airport, captioned "I found your paradise." 

I really liked the Shiseido lip products from Hong Kong, so I decided to purchase some more when Sephora had its VIB sale last month. I also purchased some new products released by BITE Beauty and Benefit Cosmetics during the sale. Lastly, I would like to mention that last month the Asia exclusive shades were released in the U.S. So, the shades that I have mentioned in this post are now available to U.S. residents and are no longer exclusive to Shiseido in Asia. 

Anyways, enjoy the haul and I will be posting up reviews of all of the products soon. 

Part 1: Hong Kong Haul - Shiseido & Dolly Wink 

Dolly Wink Liquid Pen Eye Liner - Blackest Black (USD $15 - 20) 

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipstick(s) - RS 312 Sunstone, RD 607 Nocturne (USD $25 each) 

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick - RS 745 Fantasia (USD $25) 

Here is a little sneak peak of the shades! Reviews and swatches will be posted soon!

*Samples w/ Purchase* I will be giving these samples away because all of them are anti-aging products, which I don't need or believe in. Aging is an inevitable part of life, but it can be delayed by simple, natural, and inexpensive means, such as proper sleep and diet and maintaing a calm temperament - dermatologists recommended. 

Part 2: SEPHORA VIB Sale Haul - Shiseido, BITE, BENEFIT

*New* Benefit Long-wear Powder Shadow - Nude Swings ($20)
*New* BITE Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil(s) - Meritage, Amarone, Rhubarb ($24 each)
*New Limited Edition* BITE Beauty Matte Creme Lipstick - Pastille Lavender ($24)

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipstick(s) - RD 305 Nymph, RD 309 Carnelian ($25 each) 

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick - PK 303 Pink Mesa ($25)

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Tender Sheer Lipstick - BR 503 Society ($25)

The End! 

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!

My Seven Deadly Beauty Sins Tag

Hello Everyone! I would like to thank my friend ReNu at MyBeautyJunction for tagging me to do this post. Lately, I haven't been in the mood to post consistently, but this tag has helped me get back into it. Obviously I really enjoy writing, but it is challenging when you have a lot of worries on your mind. But then again it also makes me feel better, helps me express, and is a positive and relaxing distraction. So here goes... I am back! For the last week or so I have been a "sloth" with putting up posts. Perhaps because of the "wrath" I felt when I lost all the images from 200 plus posts, which I had to revert to draft until I can re-upload the images. Now, I have come back with "pride" to share my "lust" for makeup! Makeup! Makeup! 

DISCLAIMER: This image was borrowed from Google.com. search "seven deadly sins." This image is not my original work product. I am not taking credit for the creation of this particular image. I am only using this image as a reference. 

GREED: What is your most expensive beauty item? 

I own three Chanel lipsticks. I suppose $35-40 is pretty extreme for a lipstick.

WRATH: Which beauty item do you have a love-hate relationship?

I really enjoy wearing blush. However, I like blush to look natural on my face. I don't apply any base makeup on my face, so at times the blush is hard to blend on the naked face and can accentuate my pores. 

GLUTTONY: What brand makes up the biggest chunk of your makeup collection? 

I don't think I have a lot of products from any one particular brand. I think I have three or four items from each one of the makeup brands I have tried. MAC could possibly be the winner though. I own a few shadows, a blush, lip conditioner, gel eyeliner, face exfoliator, and lipstick from MAC. 

SLOTH: What product do you neglect to use due to laziness?

Lotions and moisturizers. I think I have normal skin, so I don't bother with it. However, I believe moisturizing it regularly might be good in the long run in order to maintain normal skin. 

PRIDE: Which beauty product gives you the most confidence?

Eyeliner! It was the first makeup product I used other than nail colors. I think it makes me look seductive and feminine, whereas without it I look child-like and innocent. 

LUST: Which item is at the top of your beauty wish list?

Although I will never spend $60 plus on a lipstick, I think Tom Ford lipsticks would be #1 on my "wish" list. 

ENVY: What makeup product or look looks great on others but not yourself? 

Eyeshadows, especially colorful ones. 

I would like to tag:

Dhruvee atBeauty By D.M

Michelle Louie at Cherise Cheeks

Katie Clarke at a bit of lippy

Katy at Skin Stuff by Katy

Zara at Bows and Pearls

Christine B. at Little Red Bow

Doctor Pretty at Paging Doctor Pretty | a beauty & nail blog

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!

CoverGirl Outlast Nail Polish in Ever Bloom

Anyone looking for a subtle barbie pink nail color? Well, your search might be over once you get your hands on this gorgeous new shade from the CoverGirl Outlast nail polish collection, called Ever Bloom. 

I was strolling through Kroger (a grocery store) looking for fresh strawberries when I became distracted by the yellow sale tags in the cosmetic isle. I just could not resist myself. So, as I was looking at the various cosmetic brands, I noticed that the display of the CoverGirl Outlast nail polish collection looked quite extensive. Of course not as extensive as the color range of Essie polishes, but still a bit impressive. I ended up selecting two colors. As I was standing in line to pay for them, the cashier asked me if I wanted to try the polishes. I must have had a contemplative expression on my face. Although "shopping is my cardio," I must often have this facial expression while standing in line to pay for the items I have opted to buy because spending money, whatsoever the amount might be, makes me feel guilty. While waiting, I engage in a process of convincing myself that I do not need another nail polish. Anyways, he asked me to show my hand and painted one streak of each color on my thumbnail. A few people were waiting behind me in line, but I was really appreciative of the patience of the customers waiting behind me and the friendly (non-mechanical) nature of the cashier. Selective shades of this collection were a dollar off ($3.99 from $4.99). Of course the colors I chose were not on sale, but the kind cashier adjusted the price for me, so ultimately I was able to get the discount. 

Although I quite the "girly" girl - pampered, shy, and consumed with fashion and beauty, surprisingly I am not that fond of pink. I prefer lilac and lavender shades for a dainty look and bright to deep reds for a fierce, classy look. I believe that CoverGirl's Ever Bloom is the first medium-toned pink that I have liked so very much.  I like that this shade is not a bright neon hot pink, washed out pastel strawberry yogurt pink, or a Peptobismol pink. I would describe this shade as a softer and mature version of a barbie pink. It has a subtle lavender undertone, which you may not notice in dim light, but I have captured it in the images. Although this color does appear a bit cool toned, I think it would suit any skin tone. 

The formula of this polish is an opaque creme, not thin and runny or thick and gooey. The application was effortless. I applied two colors and Essie's Good to Go top coat. I have heard that the marketing feature of these Outlast polishes is that the polish is a base coat, color, and top coat all encompassed in one product. However, I still felt the need to add my own top coat in order to dry the polish quickly and add shine. 

I think CoverGirl's Ever Bloom is going to be my new favorite nail polish for a while. I wore this polish today and coincidentally it was a pleasant and productive day. I have been on cloud nine since this afternoon because I was happy and contented with my performance on a three hour long Family Law final exam earlier today. I like associating things I wear with joyful memories and uplifting moments because the next time I wear it, I begin my day with the attitude that it is going to be another wonderful and fortunate day. I hope good health, happiness, love, and success are "ever blooming" for all of you out there. 

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!

Essie Nail Polish in Russian Roulette

If you are curious as to what catastrophe has struck by blog, then please read the following. Otherwise, skip ahead to a review of Essie's Russian Roulette, which felt so appropriate for my mood right now. I agree with the saying that we learn from our mistakes. I continue to experiment with my blog in attempts to make it better for my dedicated readers and attracting newcomers. However, as I experiment, I make some mistakes. I have mentioned before that I like to clean when I am stressed out. It helps me relax and think out matters carefully. So, last night I was not feeling very well, but I was still attempting to study for my Constitutional law final exam. A failed attempt indeed! I decided to take a break. My break time sometimes involves "blogging." First, I took a look at my google profile and realized that I have a Picasa web album that is public. I did not want a public album on the web with pictures of nail polishes and lipsticks' swatches. It is alright if it is through my "beauty" blog, but it felt weird having these albums. What did I do then, you ask? I deleted them all. Next, I headed to the kitchen and made some chocolate covered strawberries. I wanted to make an early "mother's day" surprise for my mom. My parents are visiting me at school this weekend. As I was making the chocolate covered strawberries, I began to take pictures. I thought I could post the pictures on my blog. After I uploaded the pictures to my laptop and as I was ready to post them, I realized that my blog looked strange. All, if not most, of my images from my posts had been replaced by a "minus sign within an oval" symbol. I don't know why this happened. I am baffled if it is related to my deletion of the albums because I have done this once before and it had no effect on my blog images. I was and still am very upset. I think I will have to re-upload the images. I think I may have most of them saved in my i-photo album called "Blog."It just feels like an awful task because I have written about 215 posts thus far. I will be fixing this problem after I am finished with exams. Until then I hope you all will not give up on my blog and keep your fingers crossed! Thank you for reading and supporting my blog. It means a lot to me! 

Now, for the review of Essie's Russian Roulette. On a lighter and brighter note, purchasing this polish was not a mistake. Russian Roulette is an absolutely gorgeous and hot shade, isn't it? I would describe this color as a very bright red; lighter and brighter than fire-engine red. It reminds me of red coral gemstones. The formula of this polish is an opaque gel-creme. The application was so easy. I applied this polish in a running car. In the picture below, I am wearing two coats with Essie's Good to Go top coat. I wore this polish for a week, which is longer than my four day routine. I did not observe any chipping. In fact, I took this picture right before removing the polish. I think this is the ideal pure red to wear in the Summer. It looks hot as in spicy, like fresh red chili peppers. Well, at least it is reflective of my "fire-ball" temperament at the moment. Lastly, I think the name of this polish is very appropriate. Law school exams are a bit like playing a game. Russian Roulette? Knowing the material is not enough, you have to really grasp it such that you can twist or analyze it in so many different ways or arguments. Mastering the correct way to completing the exam is an art in and of itself. It is something we don't get taught. We as students have to conquer it on our own, which is quite challenging, especially when you know the subject matter, but it is not enough! 

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!

L'Oreal Nail Color in Royally Yours (Versailles Romance Pastels Spring 2013 Limited Edition Collection)

Hello! My lovely readers... Today I am pleased to introduce to you all L'Oreal Royally Yours. I would like us all to take a moment in silence and impress the beauty of this milky baby blue shade upon our minds. Okay perhaps my introduction is a bit dramatic, but those of you who love nail polishes as much as I do understand my sentiments. You're casually strolling through the cosmetic section of a store and you spot this amazing color. It is amazing because you have been waiting for a company to release such a color. The color you already invented in your thoughts! You pick it up and examine it. You either gasp or squeak a little with joy. You feel a little pinching in your chest from the excitement. You cannot wait to go home and paint your nails. Well, that is exactly what happened to me when I found this milky pastel baby blue shade. It is unique from other pastel baby blues that I have seen in the market because it doesn't have a minty or toothpaste blue undertone, like Sally Hansen's Barracuda does. I think that is one of the reasons I love this shade so much. It is truly the soft blue that makes you think of newborns, cotton candy, and fluffy clouds. Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Barracuda shade is not soft, milky, and dusty like L'Oreal Royally Yours. This is a great blue shade for Summer. It would definitely pop on tanned skin tones, but seems suitable for any skin tone. The formula is creamy and thick, but not gooey or runny. The application process does take patience. I noted that the newer limited edition releases of L'Oreal Colour Riche polishes have a pro "U" shaped brush. As long as you apply with a steady and light hand, you will achieve a flawless non-streaky, non-patchy manicure. I have used about two coats in the pictures below. I applied a Revlon base coat and Essie's Good to Go top coat as well. I wore this polish for almost four days. The polish chipped off on my index fingernail, but it was only because I was rough handling my books at school. Otherwise, the polish remained intact while washing dishes, bathing, etc.  I purchased mine on sale for about $3 or 4. Depending on the store, the price range for this polish is between $4.99 - $5.99. Overall, I am truly impressed and contented with this shade. Judging from the numerous pictures I have posted here, I would definitely recommend this polish.

Thank you for reading! If you like this post, take a look at the rest of my blog. Show your support and follow me here through Google Friends Connect, Blog Lovin', Twitter, and She Said Beauty. Please leave your comments for feedback and suggestions. I would be so delighted!