Radiant Orchid: Pantone Color of the Year 2014 (Beauty Edition)

Hey y'all. Today's post has been inspired by the gradient of shades that fall under the umbrella of Radiant Orchid. When I first heard that Pantone's "Color of the Year" for 2014 was deemed Radiant Orchid, I thought to myself, "I was already rockin' this last year." In fact, for the past two or three years, especially around Spring and Summer, I have been drawn to - with blinders on - lilac, lavender, and fuchsia-purple pastel shades. 

At first I was not planning on doing a post dedicated to the Radiant Orchid theme. I don't find purple based makeup particularly flattering on me. The closest I come to wearing purple based makeup is by wearing deep mauve pink and plum shades. Recently, I tried a lipstick by Cover Girl in the shade Delicious. Although I have plenty of nail colors like the shade Delicious and do think such a shade looks lovely on my hands, I cannot carry off such shades on my lips against my skin-tone. Fortunately, thereafter I purchased another shade by Cover Girl called Tantalize. I believe Tantalize is exactly what I had expected Delicious to look like on me. So, Tantalize, which is the color I am wearing in the picture below, is the better suited version of Delicious for girls with a similar skin-tone as me. 

My research for today's post began with this look below: 

What am I wearing? Cover Girl Bombshell Shine Shadow in Oh La La Lilac on the eyes deepened with a matte plum purple shade in the crease and blended out; Milani Baked Matte Blush in Delizioso Pink; Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize. 

However, I did not stop here. I selected two more blushes and plenty of more lip colors as y'all can see from the pictures. I posted one of these images on my Instagram to give a preview, but then I got carried away. 

The picture on the top left corner, first box, are my blush selections: Milani Baked Matte Blush in Delizioso Pink (bottom), Milani Baked Blush in Fantasia Mauve (middle), and Sleek Makeup Blush in Pomegranate (top). 

The picture on the bottom right, fourth box, displays the swatches for four of my top five lipstick "Radiant Orchid" lip color selections are: Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (bottom left), Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (top left), Purminerals 

Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off (top right), and Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (bottom right). 

Here are the lip swatches to match the arm swatches above: Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (first), Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (second), Purminerals Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off (third), and Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (fourth). Adding Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Viva Violet (fifth) was an afterthought, so I do not have an arm swatch for it.

Y'all may think the inquiry stopped once I added a fifth shade, right? Hereafter, I posted the picture above where I have displayed all of Radiant Orchid selections on Instagram. I think I gravitated towards the products mentioned above because they are all new additions to my makeup collection. 

Once I posted the picture on Instagram, I thought to myself that I must have other colors that might qualify as a Radiant Orchid shade. Indeed, I was right! 

At this point I was overwhelmed by my findings - so many similar shades! What was I thinking when I purchased all of these lipsticks? I was also feeling too exhausted to create more makeup looks or photograph these shades on my lips, so I hope y'all won't mind the arm swatches. I will add links to the review posts for any of these lip colors below that I may have already reviewed. 

Honestly, the way I actually wear makeup in reality does not justify my lipstick collection. Gel eyeliner and lip balm are my staple. I rarely actually wear makeup unless my Beau is taking me out. Sigh! I am glad I had this eye opening experience, however, because now I think I might place a ban on my lipstick shopping as I did with nail polishes last Summer. The nail polish ban was not difficult at all and I continued the ban till January. I am planning on doing a blog sale. I have mixed feelings about it though.

(1) Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in RS745 Fantasia (2) Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture (3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Deep Lilac (4) Chanel Rouge Allure in #108 Determinee (5) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Plum Velour (6) Milani Power Lip in Raspberry Tart (7) Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Viva Violet (8) Chanel Rouge Coco in #42 Culte (9) Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Plum (10) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Berry Couture (11) Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in #47 L'Amoureuse (12) Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (13) MAC Satin Lipstick (LE) in Private Party (14) L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in Purple Prelude (15) Purminerals Chateau de Vine Lipstick in Show Off 

(1) Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in RS745 Fantasia (2) Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture (3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Deep Lilac (5) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Plum Velour (8) Chanel Rouge Coco in #42 Culte (9) Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Plum (10) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Berry Couture (12) Cover Girl Bombshell Lip Perfection Lipstick in Tantalize (13) MAC Satin Lipstick (LE) in Private Party (14) L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in Purple Prelude

*I decided not to swatch (4) Chanel Rouge Allure in #108 Determinee because it is more of a muted mauve pink with a brown base, so it does not truly come under the Radiant Orchid category. This post took a lot of work. I kept going back and forth, adding more lipsticks, taking more pictures, editing, watermarking, and it all happened in annoying incriminates. At this point it would have driven me nut crackers to take another picture without (4). 

(16) Maybelline Color Elixir in Mystic Mauve (17) Maybelline Color Elixir in Amethyst Potion (18) Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Balm in Keep Mauving

I hope this post was informative and helpful. Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Come back soon. Thanks!

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Beauty / Makeup Haul: MAC, Urban Decay, CHANEL, Estee Lauder, LORAC, Bare Minerals, Giorgio Armani

Hey y'all. 

Here is a preview of the products that I have purchased over the last couple of months and will review for you all in the coming weeks. I plan on reviewing and swatching at least one product/brand per week in the coming weeks. Please be patient because the entire month of November and beginning of December will be very busy and hectic for me as the school semester is coming to an end. Also, my camera decided to take an "early retirement" and is no longer "working" for Strawberry Hearts Chocolate Darts. For now I have an "interim" camera, Sony DSLR, and I am not too happy with it. It definitely takes crisp pictures, however, it is not as user friendly, especially for taking vain selfies, as my Canon Powershot. I am hoping to find a replacement at the Black Friday conference. 

These products are in the high-end range. I decided to post drugstore products, such as the new lip products by Revlon and Maybelline, separately. Perhaps I will have a review and swatches of the new Revlon Color Burst Matte and Lacquer Balms up by this Sunday. 

Nordstroms: CHANEL featuring HOLIDAY 2013 Collection*, Giorgio Armani 

Giorgia Armani Rouge Ecstasy Plum # 602 "Mania"; $34 each

CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet # 327 "La Desiree" (*New* / *Limited Edition) and #36 "La Caline" (Limited Quantity); $34 each 

Macy's: MAC featuring MAC Divine Night Holiday Collection* 

*New* MAC Pro Long Wear Paint Pot "Stormy Pink"; $20 

MAC Eyeshadow "Quarry"; $15

*New* MAC Lipstick "Private Party" (*Limited Edition); $16.50 

*New* MAC Mineralize Blush "Lavish Living" (*Limited Edition); $27.50 

ULTA & Urban Decay (online): Urban Decay 

 *New* Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks - Liar, Rush, Strip (UD online exclusive), Venom, and Shame; $22 each
I purchased some of these lipsticks during the UD F&F Sale (20% off) and received $5-10 off on some of the other shades at ULTA. Luckily, a new ULTA opened up near me and gave out $5, $10, and $100 certificates to the first 100 guests at the grand opening event.
Take a look at my review (and swatches) of this lipstick in the shade "Rapture" here. I am looking forward to sharing swatches of these other shades soon. 

Kohl's: LORAC

*New* LORAC Pro Power Cheek Stain "Rosy Glow"; $22 

As if my excitement about Kohl's carrying Essie since last year was not enough, now Kohl's is carrying  a wide range of some very popular makeup brands. Last weekend, I saw the new revamped cosmetic department at Kohl's. The brands I noticed were The Balm, Pur Minerals, Samantha Chapman, and LORAC. Unfortunately, these brands are excluded from the infamously tempting 15%, 20%, 30% coupon that Kohl's sends out every single week. I was really appreciative of the fact that Kohl's, unlike Belk, Macy's, or Dillard's did not have a catch-all list of "exclusions," but sadly now the coupons do not apply on select brands. I still managed to get this blush for free! Yes, FREE! How? Apparently, I was allowed to use my $20 Kohl's cash for this blush. 

ULTA: Bare Minerals 

 Bare Minerals Lash Domination 10-in-1 Mascara; $18 

I used my "non-exclusions/entire purchase" 20% off coupon, which ULTA sends out randomly once a year, on this item.
Take a look at my review of this mascara here.

Cosmetic Company Outlet: Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Pure Color #11 Deep Lilac; $15 

Dillard's: Estee Lauder

 *New* Estee Lauder High Intensity Lip Lacquers #11 "Wet Plum" and #12 "Amber Glow"; $25 each

I used a 10% off coupon on these items. Dillard's sends out these coupons to Dillard's card holders. Sadly, the coupons are sent out once in a blue moon and 10% off seems so insignificant, especially because you only receive this coupon after spending a significant amount. 

I created a "Wish List" page, which lists the products that I would like to purchase and try out in the future. However, I am fully abstaining from purchasing any new products until the New Year. Well, fingers crossed that I stick to my words. 

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Skin Care, Hair Care, Beauty, and Makeup Collective Haul - Summer 2013!!!

Summer is my favorite season. This Summer I sojourned in the Carolinas - the Outer Banks to your East and the Smokies to your West - amidst dense greenery and hop-scotch away from the authentic aroma of salt water and seafood. I am not too fond of the outdoors with the exception of beaches. 

It was quite a learning experience and awesomely memorable even though I faced some challenges here and there, like shacking up with some creepy crawly critters and other tits and bits of life. The storms were definitely unsettling, but the lush greenery, colorful flowers, sunshine, and warmth was well worth the floods.  Most of the days it rained buckets upon buckets, but every now and then came along the perfectly beautiful day. I think anyone can relate to that rush of adrenaline you feel gushing in your chest and the pep in your step on a bright Summer day, when you can sit on the patio, sipping an iced beverage, and feeling a warm breeze blanket your bare shoulders. 

What did I do on these uplifting days might you ask? Shopping among other things! Well, not every time the Sun said hello, but still I was a bit naughty. Especially naughty because I happened to find myself a partner in crime. My fellow culprit and I spent our days serving the people of the community with their legal woes and then on some evenings when we were not deathly exhausted, we lifted our spirits with some beauty blabber, retail therapy, and self-pampering. 

Today I would like to share with my readers the products I accumulated since May. My Summer is coming to an end soon as classes resume by the end of August. My time off from classes is mainly when I gather goods for haul posts and then the rest of the term I post reviews. So, please leave a comment below and let me know your requests for reviews of the products shown below. Of course I will post swatches and reviews of all or most of the products below, but if anyone is especially eager to hear about any one of these products, then do let me know by leaving me a comment. 

*** HAIR PRODUCTS ***

I purchased the following Carol's Daughters hair products at Belk. These items were 50% off when I purchased them a little over a week ago. The Belk employee in the beauty department told me that Carol's Daughters products will be on sale until their stock is finished. I wonder why Belk wants to clear their stock of this brand. Perhaps new packaging or a new release? 

The prices I have listed are the retail prices of these products. The 50% off on these items was quite a nice bargain. I checked the Belk website today and saw that the sale is still going on. I cannot comment on the stock with certainty. When my friend and I made our purchases a little over a week ago, the stock appeared limited. Don't get me wrong though. The Belk I went to had two displays. I am only saying limited in case people run wildly to Belk for this sale. 

Carol's Daughters products are also available at ULTA. 

Carol's Daughter MONOI (Strengthening / Anti-Breakage) Shampoo ($18) and Conditioner ($20)

Carol's CHOCOLAT (Anti-Frizz) Shampoo ($18) and Conditioner ($20)

Carol's Daughter CHOCOLAT (Blow-Drying) Leave-in Conditioner Cream ($22)

Carol's Daughter BLACK VANILLA (Detangling) Leave-in Conditioner Spray ($14)

Carol's Daughter MACADAMIA (Anti-Frizz) Heat Protection Serum ($18) 

*** SKIN CARE PRODUCTS ***

SIBU Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser ($17.99 @ Whole Foods or $17.95 online)

SIBU Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum ($39.99 @ Whole Foods or $39.95 online) 

GIOVANNI Detox System Step 1 Purifying Facial Cleanser ($9.99 @ Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Walmart) 

The online links I have provided for SIBU are NOT affiliate / sponsered links. I have only inserted them for your convenience. If you find this convenient, then please comment below so I will add links for all products in future haul posts. In my opinion, hauls are most helpful if the products are still available in stores/online. 

To my knowledge SIBU is mainly sold online. I had not seen it in Whole Foods until recently. Whole Foods had a stack of $2 off coupons hanging by the display of SIBU products. One coupon applies to one item. Whole Foods also had a $ 2 off coupon a purchase of two Giovanni detox system products. 

Victoria Secret PINK Spring Break 2-in-1 Body Scrub and Wash Passionfruit Hibiscus and Jasmine Lime (Limited Edition Spring/Summer 2013) ($16.00 each / $7 - $8 each at the Semi-Annual Sale)

Bath and Body Works Body Wash Pink Chiffon (Free w/ Coupon) 

Mr. Pumice Ultimate Extra Coarse Pumi Bar ($2.79 each @ Sally's Beauty Supply) Ticklish, but great for exfoliation. One of my friends told me that this product is not only meant for feet, but is useful for exfoliating elbows and legs. Fortunately, I do not have any dry skin issues, but wearing flip flops and sandals and staying outdoors in the Summer can make your feet dirty and this product works well for scuffing off dirt. 

*** NAIL COLORS, LIP COLORS, etc... ***

OPI's Koala Berry, You're Such a Buda-pest, and Lucky Lucky Lavender. ($9 each / Buy two for $15 promotion @ ULTA / Bought two of each shade and gifted the additional shades to a friend.) 

Revlon's Lily ($4.99 @ Target) 

Essie's Navigate Her ($8 / Used a $2 off coupon on Essie @ ULTA)

Essence Nude Glam Cafe' Ole' ($0.99 @ ULTA)

All Sephora by OPI polishes are currently marked down at Sephora for $4.50 each or three for $10. I was not aware of the "three for $10" sale, so I paid $4.50 for each polish. I believe the "three for $10" sale is a recent development. 

Sephora by OPI Nail Strengthener

Sephora by OPI Casting Call 

Sephora by OPI Bare to Be Different 

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick Terre De Feu ($26 @ Sephora) This lipstick is loved and approved! I cannot wait to post a review and swatches of this one. 

NARS Lipstick Tolede ($26 @ Sephora) I will not be able to review this lipstick because I returned it. I opened it up at home and the lipstick looked peach. I had tested the color on my arm while in Sephora and it had looked like a baby pink shade. The lighting in some stores is awful and plays tricks on your mind. Yuck! I am not a fan of peach or coral pinks at all, so I returned it immediately. 

Essie's Ballet Slippers, Mint Candy Apple, Fiji (not pictured), Boxer Shorts, *New* Full Steam Ahead, *New* Under Where, and *New* No More Film (not pictured). ($7.79 - 8 each / Available @ Kohl's, Bed Bath and Beyond, and ULTA / Paid $5 - 6 each after in-store coupons)

Sephora by OPI Call Your Mother 

Oh my gosh moment! Following this post, I will be posting up a review of Essie Boxer Shorts and Ballet Slippers. My extremely sweet Supervising Attorney, Kim, surprised me with a gift certificate for a pedicure and Essie's Boxer Shorts. The second pedicure experience of my life, so it is still very exciting for me. I found the gift on my desk as soon as I got in to work. It was tucked away to one side and had a work related sticky note by it. I gasped when I read the label "boxer shorts." Oh my gosh! 

Essie's Boxer Shorts was quite the talk of town when it made its debut. Unfortunately, for me it was "ya snooze, ya lose." I do not know how in the world Kim came across this shade in a store. She found it at a Kohl's. I am sure I could have found it online, but I don't like to shop online, except for necessities like school books. I like to see, touch, and investigate something before I buy it. Anyways, when I eventually heard about this shade, I looked for it in Target, ULTA, and other drugstores, but could not find it. Right now I am having the same "ya snooze, ya lose" luck with Essie's Topless and Barefoot.  

*New* Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipsticks Call the Shots and Break Away. ($18 @ Bare Minerals) 

Bare Minerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer ($18 @ Bare Minerals)

*New* Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara ($18 @ Bare Minerals) I got the cute little sample for free.

I purchased the primer and lipsticks during the Friends and Family Sale and received 20% off my entire purchase. 

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Truffle ($9.99 @ Nordstrom Rack) Smashbox lipsticks retail for $19 at Sephora and ULTA stores, but I have not seen the "truffle" shade sold at either place or on their websites. 

*New* Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Rouge Volupte' Shine # 10 Chocolate in Style ($34 @ Sephora) 

Ou la la!!! Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #40 La Sensuelle ($34 @ Belk) One of my close friends, Alex, surprised me with a luxurious going-away gift. I still feel giddy when I recall the moment the little classy parcel was placed in my hands, while we were at work. I screamed, "oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" The Chanel gift wrapping was so classy - white paper with the Chanel logo print tied with a black bow with the Chanel written across the ribbon. I am gutted that I did not take a picture. Thank you, Alex, for this special gift. Everyone at work thought I reacted as if Prince Charming came in through the window and proposed. 

*New* Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color # 2 Hot Raspberry ($25 @ Belk) This shade is far out of my comfort zone, like somewhere in outer space. However, I am willing to be slightly adventurous. Being a little "coco-nut" for collecting lip colors, I suppose mauve neutral shades are not always the most exciting.

Well, that is all for the Summer shopping folks. Fall collections are already on there way to us. Fall has its own beauty wonders - deep wine lips, oxblood nails, taupe smokey eyes, boots, and fuzzy sweaters. I feel cold very easily, so accessorizing is completely pointless for me during the Fall season as I hibernate in layers of clothing and a larger than life woolen coat. I also catch a bout of winter blues as the trees shed their leaves and snow swallows up the ground. Well, perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself... 

Kim, Alex, and K & V - This Summer was well worth the creepy crawly critters because I found some very special friends. 

Have a happy happy happy day! Come back soon!

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