*New* Bare Minerals Lash Domination 10-in-1 Volumizing Mascara

Prior to the launch of the Lash Domination mascara in Bare Minerals boutiques, Bare Minerals sent out an email coupon for a free mini (actually itsy-bitsy teeny-tiny teensy weensy) sample of this mascara. I was not very eager to try this mascara as I already have a staple mascara that I am very fond of, but what sort of beauty blogger would I be if I passed on a free product to review.

The first feature to marvel is the size and design of the brush - tiny bristles swirling around the base of the wand. I am not an engineer, so pardon my non-expert, modest opinion, but I think this swirl design helps with providing lift and curvature to the lashes. I like combing through my lashes with this more than a traditional bristles-straight-across design. I have big eyes, so I am comfortable with big brushes. However, for someone with smaller eyes, who finds bigger brushes difficult to maneuver, this brush might disappoint. I would still recommend giving it a design because of the function this design serves. 

Now, before I go further into the review and other features of this mascara, I would like to share a throw-back moment. Skip ahead if you don't like hearing (reading) those stories that begin as "back when I was 16, going on 17..." Trust me, it will connect to my review! 

I was in my senior year of high school when I first began experimenting with makeup. I was not too creative though in my experimentation - started out and still remain the Lipstick Queen. Perhaps because my mom wasn't really overly fond of makeup. My mom's tastes are very modest. She is one of those women who is so beautiful that makeup only takes away from her charm. She doesn't need the added accentuating that makeup offers. She owns a lipstick or two, which she wears on special occasions. Oh, I think I am missing my momma, could you tell? Her friends were the ones who influenced me. One of her friend's introduced me to nail polishes. Another friend showed me that I could have straight hair because of a miraculous invention called the Chi, while another friend gave me my first kajal eyeliner. One of her friends gave me an Estee Lauder mascara and blush she had received as a free gift with purchase. My staple mascara is this very same Estee Lauder mascara (Sumptuous Lash Volumizing formula). 

I have strayed from my staple mascara twice. Do you all remember the Bare Minerals Spider-Lash Volumizing mascara? I am not sure if I recall the name correctly. I tried to search for it on the Bare Minerals website, but it is no longer there. Perhaps they replaced it with Lash Domination? The Spider-Lash mascara was awful. Awful! It made my lashes look thin like the legs of a spider. Hmm! At least they named it correctly. It also made my lashes feel crunchy and brittle. I would experience lash fall out when I would remove the mascara. So, now you know why I was not too eager to try another mascara by this brand. Granted I only tried one of the two or three they have, but the one I tried was their most popular and well-rated one. 

I have never purchased, but I have tried out Benefits They're Real mascara and the Lancome Hypnose mascara and neither can come to par with my staple Estee Lauder Sumptuous Lash mascara. 

Duh! Dun! Dun! Drumroll please for the moment you all have been waiting for... Bare Minerals Lash Domination is in the lead, shoulder to shoulder with Estee Lauder Sumptuous Lash. I would definitely recommend giving this mascara a try. My friend who thought that Sumptuous Lash was not over the top volumizing, fell desperately in love for the Lash Domination. She said, "if this isn't lash domination, then I don't know what is!" 

What are the 10-in-1 claimed benefits of the mascara? Volumizes, lengthens, thickens, separates, lifts, all-day-wear, mineral fortified, resists clumps, fights flakes, and smudge resistant. Price? $18 

Does it live up to the claims? Yes, it volumizes, lengthens, thickens, separates, and lifts. It thickens subtly. Do not expect it to thicken your lashes to an unnatural extent. Honestly, it is difficult to get the fake eyelashes look or to thicken your lashes to resemble those few individuals who are blessed with naturally thick lashes. My lashes are long, but I don't think they are thick/dense. I am not a big fan of fake lashes and the performance of a nice volumizing mascara is good enough for me. 

Yes, this does not clump, flake, or smudge. This mascara is richly pigmented, yet I only need two Almay eye makeup remover pads to remove it from my lashes. Lash fall out is very minimal to null. Lastly, my lashes don't feel rough or brittle. Of course they don't feel as soft as naked lashes, but definitely creamy peanut butter rather than crunchy. Mm, mmm! I am thinking it is peanut butter jelly time. 

- Not Wearing Mascara - 

- Not Wearing Mascara - 

- Wearing Mascara - 

- Wearing Mascara - 

Va Va Voom! You can see it even from afar. 

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*New* Essie Nail Polish Full Steam Ahead (Naughty Nautical 2013 Collection)

Essie's Full Steam Ahead was released as part of the Naughty Nautical collection. However, I did not find this collection in stores near me till the beginning of August, which seems strange since this was a Spring 2013 collection consisting of mainly Spring-pastel sort of colors. I also purchased Essie's Under Where from the Resort collection, which I found in stores at the same time as the Naughty Nautical collection. I will post a review and swatches of Essie's Under Where next. 

As we begin our transition into Autumn and darker deeper shades, I wasn't sure if I should post about Essie's Full Steam Ahead. I decided to review it for two reasons - these polishes are available at present in various stores (Kohl's, ULTA, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Meijer) and may not be available in stores next Spring, the trend for this Autumn is not necessarily just focused on darker deeper shades as brands are promoting shades for a pop of color such as bright fuchsia. 

Essie's Full Steam Ahead is a deep lilac, leaning blue-toned, but not a periwinkle. It is not deep like a dusty purple taupe, but just not as milky and pastel as most lilac polishes. This shade has subtle silver shimmer, which can be seen in the bottle and on the nails. It does not appear glittery or frosty. The shimmer blends really well with the creme finish of the polish and gives of a sheen on the nails. I really like that this polish has this subtle shimmer, which prevents the polish from looking drab after a few days as some creme polishes tend to look like despite using topcoat. 

It looks so flattering on tan skin tones, colorful, yet posh. I would really recommend this, especially because the formula is wonderful. Yes, the first coat will look a little sheer, but it is not at all streaky or patchy. I have applied two to three coats in these pictures. I also applied Essie's Good to Go topcoat (my favorite). This polish lasted a whole week without chipping, which is pretty good in my books as I notice chipping after a couple days whether I wear a $1.99 polish or a $10 polish. 

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BUTTER LONDON Lippy Tinted Balm Black Cherry and Abbey Rose

Butter London first made its debut with a range of high-end nail polishes. The Butter London polishes have become a cult favorite. Butter London recently branched out and released lip and cheek products. 

Of all the new products, the Butter London Lippy Tinted Balms intrigued me enough to empty my wallet. I purchased two out of the five shades that were on display at ULTA. These lip balms cost $19 each. The shades I chose are Black Cherry and Abbey Rose. 

First, I do not consider these lip products to be balms. The Butter London Lippy Tinted Balms (BLLTB) are not lip balms in my opinion, rather they are medium-to-full opacity lip sticks. The color payoff of these BLLTB's  definitely exceeds that of a tinted balm. Abbey Rose is sheer as compared to Black Cherry, but both colors can be built up or subdued. 

Second, I would not even compare these lipsticks to buttery, creamy, or glossy lipsticks. In fact, these appear rather sheen-less on the lips and feel very slightly drying. 

Lastly, I do appreciate the wear-time of Black Cherry as well as its color. Black Cherry is such a classy, gorgeous shade for Autumn and Winter months. It a blackened reddish grape shade. I returned Abbey Rose because I didn't care for the color or formula, but I am in love with the Black Cherry shade. Black Cherry wears off into a stain on my lips after about four hours, unless you eat, but either ways it leaves a tint deepening my natural lip color as if I have eaten something spicy. 

For such a high price point and especially because of the "balm" label, I was expecting an amazing formula. Although the formula is not amazing or what someone would expect from a "balm" by a brand that has "butter" in its name, I would not completely dismiss the BLLTBs. I don't want to absolutely sway you away from trying the BLLTBs out, provided you find a shade you really adore.

~ Black Cherry ~

See lip swatches below. 

~ Abbey Rose ~ 

  I don't have swatches of Abbey Rose because I returned it. 

Black Cherry on the lips... 

Military Army Green sheer button-up shirt from American Eagle. Gold flowery earrings from Francesca's Boutique. These items are currently available in stores. I would recommend trying these out. Military Green is so fashionable in the Fall. I am in love with these sheer button-up shirts. I find them to be so versatile for different occasions - classy, casual, or formal. I have too many as if its a uniform I must wear daily. I really liked the idea of coordinating this lip shade with this particular shirt. I am planning on posting a clothing and jewelry haul soon. 

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Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain 05 Honey Love

After reading and listening to many positive reviews regarding the new Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains, I decided to purchase one and test it out for myself to see whether or not this lip product is truly worth the hype. 

Packaging: The packaging is standard - the tube looks similar to a chubby marker tube. The color of the tube is reflective of the color of the lip product, which is helpful because most drug-store do not carry testers. This lip product was sealed, which is good and bad. It is bad because you cannot peak to see the color, but it is good because it ensures that your product is sanitary and has not been tampered with. Lastly, these lip stains do not require sharpening and mechanically "twist" up as their name implies. 

Price: $3.99 

Color: The crayon-like bullet looks like a neutral warm pink with brown undertones. This shade has a silvery sheen to it - not glittery, frosty, or glossy, but rather shimmery. I absolutely adore glossy and shiny lipsticks, but I dislike shimmer in both lipsticks and lip glosses. I find shimmer to be similar to frost, which looks quite stark on some ladies, creating an aged or dated appearance. Once I wore this shade on my lips, it turned into a more rosy mid-tone pink with yellow undertones. I am not a fan of such pinks. For reference, a popular yellow toned pink is MAC's Fanfare. My idea of a yellow toned pink is one that is warmer, but with hints of coral or rose rather than brown or purple. Although I have an olive, warm beige skin-tone, I like cool, neutral, and sometimes blue-toned shades. So, even though I really like the way the shade appears on my arm and initially on the lips, I don't like it once it morphs into a shimmery rosy pink shade. 

Formula / Application: Is it a moisturizing balm? This product is not moisturizing. It is quite the contrary. I believe the glossiness captured in the pictures below is because of the subtle silver shimmer, which you can observe more in the second picture. I honestly dislike wearing this product. I tend to remove it soon after I apply it because it makes my lips look dry and dull. I am sorry to say that this product just looks and feels cheap. I am a big fan of lip products. I mostly own high-end lipsticks because it is something I really like and can invest in as my liking of makeup is limited to lip and nail colors. Maybe I am just holding these up to a high standard. Not sure, but a lip color should add glow to your face, not make it appear dull. I felt I had a glow without this on and then it was as if I blew out the candle. 

Longevity: Is it a stain? No. This is not a stain and I say so for two reasons. Firstly, it does not fade into a subtle tint on your lips over time. It disappears whether or not you consume food or beverage. Secondly, it does not stay put on your lips, like a traditional lip stain. It transfers onto your hand or cup or whatever. Stains are supposed to be more long-lasting and rigid than matter formulas. This product is nowhere near the realm of stains. 

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L'Oreal Le Lacque Lip Color #411 Never Lacque-ing

The other day I purchased a lip color from the L'Oreal Le Lacque and Le Matte collection to review on my blog. I decided to hold off on purchasing a Le Matte lip color because I did not want twice the amount of disappointment. Yes, I was a wee bit hesitant to try out these new lip products as my experience with the colour riche lip balms and Caresse wet shine lip stains was bad. 

So, here we have L'Oreal Le Lacque lip color in "Never Lacque-ing". The collection has creative names. I was going to buy "Matt-er of Fact" from the Le Matte range. This is a limited edition release for Fall 2013. 

Price: The price was a hefty $7.99. A little steep in my opinion for a drug-store lip product. 

Packaging: Standard plastic, colorful, sealed packaging. Not anything creative or classy. It doesn't hurt the eyes! I like that the color of the tube allows you to determine the color of the product. 

Color: Looks like a simple dusty rosy mauve that would be suitable for everyday wear. However, on my lips it looked like a milky baby pink / bubblegum pink. It looked very bright on me, like Kim K's signature "Turkish Delight" look, which I seem to reference a lot these days. I cannot seem to fathom why this looked so "pow wow in your face" and clownish on me. My lips looked defined, big, and pouty. Also, this shade has strong yellow undertones, bringing out the yellow in the enamel of teeth. 

Formula / Application: Although the price and color threw me off, the formula / application made me do a happy dance. This lipliner-lipstick applied so smoothy and felt buttery on the lips. I want to point out though that this particular shade does not appear like a liquid-lacquer as some other beauty bloggers have mentioned in their first-impression posts of the red and lilac shades. This looks creamy, but not "patent leather" or "liquid metal" glossy like a lacquer typically does. In fact, I was expecting it to be like the reviews I had read, so my first impression was that it appeared (not felt, felt buttery) slightly dry in comparison to the other Le Lacque shades. 

Longevity: This product wore off once I ate. It left behind an unflattering pink stain that made my lips look chapped. 

Overall: Do I think this is a must-have product? No. Would I recommend you spend $7.99 on it? No. If you can get it on sale, then it might be worth trying the red shade from the Le Lacque collection. I was tempted to try the deep-wine shade from the Le Matte collection, but I changed my mind after this experience and also reading other reviews on that particular shade, which suggested that it does not apply uniformly given that it is a very dark shade. So, I cannot recommend a shade to try out from the Le Matte collection. I will not be trying the red Le Lacque because "all buyers be aware" the bullet/stick of my Le Lacque broke in the tube, began to melt, and eventually was not twisting up. I wish the bullet/stick was slightly chubbier and not easily susceptible to breaking. 

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Tarte Airblush Maracuja Blush Shimmering Poppy and Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint Fiery (Review and Swatches)

I recently purchased four new products by Tarte: two blushes and two lip colors. I was not planning on trying these products until the Benefit Brow Bar Artist at ULTA suggested I try the Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in a bright red shade. I refused to try it at first because it looked so bright, but then I could not resist. Obviously, when you wave a bone at a dog, it'll want to play fetch, right? I guess the MUA had a sharp eye because the lip color was surprisingly gorgeous. One of those lip colors that made me squeal out of excitement. 

 When I first began blogging about makeup, I would write about any product that I discovered as I was myself discovering the tricks and treats of the beauty world. However, in the past year, I became more focused on reviewing new products rather than the "oldies, but goodies." Well, today I have one of each to share with you - a new blush and an esteemed lip product. 

Tarte Airblush Maracuja Blush Shimmering Poppy 

Color: An orange-coral shade with subtle golden sheen. Awful pigmentation. The color looks so rich in the pan, but once I applied it on my face it looked like a yellowish orange sheen on my cheeks. This cheek product made me look greasy and dull. Once I applied it I thought to myself, "well what was the point of washing my face?"  

Price: $25.00 

Formula: A whipped creamy jelly-like texture. 

Application: Requires the use of a stippling brush or fingers. 

Longevity: What staying power? 

Overall: I would never ever recommend this product. Do not waste your money on this blush. It looks beautiful, but its functionality is disappointing. If you would not mind a yellowish orange gloss on your cheeks that feels a bit sticky icky like you have jam smeared on your face, then go for it. My face's glow from within was actually wiped out by this product. 

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint Fiery

Color: A richly pigmented bright true red! One swipe and your lips look hot like chili peppers! 

Packaging: I don't know what it is about these chubby lip pencil lipsticks that makes them look so adorable. I would much rather have all my lip colors shaped like this jumbo crayon / chubby pencil than boring little rectangular black tubes. 

Price: $24.00

Formula/Application: This lip product and particular shade has a semi-matte creamy texture. This is not a traditional matte lip product. It applies smoothly and stays smooth once applied. It does not tighten, constrict, or dry out your lips. I don't feel the need to wear a lip balm or gloss. However, this does not stand true for some of the other shades in this collection such as Exposed and Hope, which do look matte, exaggerating your lip lines, and requiring a balm or gloss in order to avoid a "feverish zombie" appearance. The crayon-like shape of the bullet allows precise and effortless application. 

Longevity: This lip color does wear off after eating a meal. This shade wears off into a subtle rosy tint on your lips, but this does not have the tough rigid staying power of a traditional matte lip stain. 

Overall: I would highly recommend trying out this product. I have not been pleased with any "jumbo chubby pencil balm stain" sort of product with the exception of this one. I have tried Clinique, Revlon, CoverGirl, Hard Candy, and Jordana, and none of them impressed me. I did not even bother to try Neutrogena or Sally Hansen. I like this product and shade so much I could wear it every single day, but I don't think it is subtle enough for school. I really hope that Tarte releases more shades of this product in the future. 

I am wearing both products in this picture. 

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Shoes and Handbags Haul and Review: Coach, Michael Kors, ALDO, DSW, etc.

Shoes and Sandals!

Rock and Candy by ZiGi Carolina Wedge Sandals (Mint Green) 

(Sold at Belk. On clearance right now for $11.25 from $45.00) 

The mint green wedges, my first purchase over the Summer, were a big disappointment. While walking around in Belk, the sandals felt lightweight and comfortable. However, after wearing them for a whole day, which included a trip to the mall, airport, temple, chipotle, and park, my feet were immensely strained and pained. I think I wore furry slippers for a week after that horrible experience. I have not dared to wear the mint sandals since June. 

Croft & Barrow Boat Shoes (Coral / Navy)

(Sold at Kohl's. Currently, available in coral online for $21.97, marked down from $59.99.)

I really like the Sperry boat shoe style, but they don't look good on me. The shape of the Sperry's does not flatter the shape of my feet. I don't like shoes that are narrow or bulky, making my feet look long or unwieldy. Luckily, the affordable alternative boat shoes flatter the shape of my feet and are feminine enough for my liking. These are a comfortable option to throw on when you are on the go and want something casual and effortless to wear. I am a big fan of nautical themed anything! These shoes obviously do give off a nautical vibe. 

Zigi Soho Serenity Patent Pumps (Nude) 

(Sold at DSW for $39.95.) 

I really like the unique shape of these pumps. They look slightly different than traditional pumps or stilettos. I like that these pumps are rounded rather than pointy in the front and have a thicker heel. Although the heel on these pumps is much shorter than the famous sexy Jessica Simpson nude pumps, these shoes are still an option for young women, who dislike heels, but do not want to wear shoes that are too mature for their age. However, as far as quality and comfort is concerned, these shoes are awful. The mock patent leather scuffed off of the back of the heel on one of my shoes, which makes it too very ugly and uncouth. It is difficult to believe that I have only worn these shoes maybe less than five or six times in the last couple of months and the scuffing has already occurred. These shoes cannot be warn on a warm summer day. You will get blisters! These shoes cannot be worn for a busy day that entails walking and standing. You will get blisters! I am one to really pamper my feet because I want them to look youthful and dainty forever and ever, so I am a fan of cushiony soft wide-set flats. It is really difficult for me to find the right pair of shoes. So, once I find it, I buy the same kind in different colors, and have a shoe uniform situation going on, but that's alright. 

ALDO TASINA Wedge Sandals (Cognac and Ice) 

(Sold at ALDO. On sale for $34.98, marked down from $70.00.) 

I have the least to say about these sandals, but ironically these are my favorite footwear purchase of the Summer other than the reptile gladiator sandals below. I suppose less is more here as I have no complaints with these sandals. Comfortable. Gorgeous. Not only do these sandals make me taller, my legs appear long and slim. These sandals pair nicely with skinny jeans or a flirty dress. I danced in these sandals for more than three hours and my feet and joints were not strained or pained. I have worn these to the mall and work without any discomfort. I love these sandals so much that I don't want to wear them as often as I am tempted to out of fear of wearing them out. 

Sofft Reptile Gladiator Sandals 

(Approx. $35.00, marked down from over $60.) 

I found these in the red-tag clearance section of the shoe department in Dillard's. These sandals are not available online. 

I adore these sandals a lot! I am so glad I found them and they fit me because I did not see any additional pairs of this one. I did not have anything quite like this in my shoe collection, so a definite treasure! The soles feel cushiony soft and provide very comfortable wear for a full school day. I like the little half inch wedge heel, which provides subtle arch and elevation. I appreciate the little elevation because flat sandals with thin soles are as uncomfortable as five inch pencil heels and can cause strain for naturally arched feet. 

Kelly & Katie Phoebe Flat Sandals (Tan)

(Sold at DSW for $39.95.)

 I purchased these a couple of days ago and have not had a chance to wear them yet to be able to review these. I have a couple of sandals similar to these, which are very comfortable. I own two wedges by the Kelly & Katie brand, which are also lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy like the ALSO TASINA sandals mentioned above. Kelly & Katie is also one of the affordable brand options available at DSW, when comparing to Steve Madden or Guess. 

Handbags and a Wallet!

I have not used these items yet, except for the Coach purse. I am waiting for a special occasion, like the Holidays or my birthday. The Michael Kors handbag ($248) is available at Dillard's, Macy's, Belk, and Nordstrom. The Coach wallet (approx. $80-90) is from a Coach Factory Outlet store. The Coach purse (approx. $80-90) is available at Dillard's and Belk and is currently on sale. Michael Kors and Coach are my favorite brands for purses and wallets. 

I adore this deep taupe-brown color. It will pair well with Autumn and Winter apparel. Although the Coach wallet is a very bright reddish orange, typically a summery shade, I think it will still look fashionable during Autumn / Fall. 

I will be posting up a "look-book: outfit of the day(s)" soon featuring some of the items mentioned above. I hope you found this post enjoyable and helpful.

*The links included in this post are not affiliate links. I am not benefitted or enriched in any manner by including these links. I have included the links to the items for the reader's convenience and also to show the availability of the items. I have not included the links for the handbags and wallet because these items are available at several different stores and are either limited in quantity sale items or full priced items. 

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