Sneak Peek! Hautelook Haul!

Remember my post a few weeks ago regarding theBalm Cosmetics being on sale on Hautelook here?

So I finally received my items I purchased and am ready to do a review and post up pics. 

Here's a Sneak Peek at my first Hautelook Haul!  Review will be coming soon.

 

simplybeautiful

Lady Gaga Inspired

For 2011, MAC named Lady Gaga their spokesperson for MAC Viva Glam.  This years look and color is totally different from last years collaboration with Cyndi Lauper.  For this year, Lady Gaga is elegant, with neutral makeup and very beautiful.  There will be a new lipstick and lipglass for the Viva Glam campaign which should be out at MAC stores and counters nationwide.

Lady Gaga for MAC Cosmetics

The two products:

My Inspired Gaga FOTD:

Just me

When I first saw the ad campaign for Viva Glam, I was like WOW! Lady Gaga is so beautiful, so ethereal.  Unlike last year's bright pink lipstick, this years is more neutral and laid back, which I love.  I love how the use of pinks and browns were used for the makeup and also love the styling of the fashion.

And Yes! I'm not no Gaga, so my look is probably a bit less elegant and not as close as the picture, but I tried.  I just love the subtlety of the look and know that the look is something many of us could wear.  I did not use the Viva Glam lipstick for this look as it did not come out yet when I did the look.  I do plan to pick up the lipstick and lipglass, and when I do, I'll post up some swatches and pictures.

What I used:

Face:
Neutrogena concealer, Smashbox Halo powder, MAC Tenderling Blush
Eyes:
MAC Bare Study p/p, Urban Decay Naked palette, MAC Studio Fix mascara, Blacktrack f/l, Shisem lashes
Lips:
NYX pumpkin lipstick

Have you been Lady Gaga Inspired lately?

simplybeautiful

 

(This post was also blogged about on my other blog BoxedupBeauty)

Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow

 Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow

Discover an endless spectrum of luminosity. 

Play with all 4 shades and watch your eyes light up a new way every time! 

 

Moonlit Jewels

Flash + No Flash

 Review It:

Pros:  

~ Very Pigmented, the more you pack on, the deep darker it is, the less, more shimmer

~ Cheap (for four colors and a mirror)

~ Available at most drugstores and supermarkets

~ Dupes of MAC/Benefits creme shadows

Cons:

~ Creases easily, may need a primer base

I've been using this palette for some time now and I must say its a good palette.  I have since purchased another palette in different colors.  The palette is slim and has a mirror so it is easy to carry and no need for carrying different heavier paint pots.  I chose this palette as it had all different colors which I could easily use any color for any occasion.  The colors are bright and have awesome shimmer to them.  For the price and how pigmented it is, this is a great buy!

simplybeautiful

Aura Radiant Blush Review & GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

So a few weeks ago, I mentioned on this post about a new organic makeup brand that has been out.  I had a few items to review on that post, so I was not able to go in depth with the reviews.  So I decided to do a separate post with a better review of the one product I loved and include an Awesome Giveaway for you!

Vapour Organic Beauty

~ Aura Radiant Blush in Whisper ~

"Aura's versatility just got amplified with the glamour and gleam of metallics. Add a little sparkle to your evening face and some personality to your day-time look. Highlight your cheeks, lips, and eyes with an extra shot of sparkling colour. The shades are designed to work with every skin tone. They can be paired and layered for extra fun. These shimmers look great on the shoulders and décolletage too!"

heavy application

 Look I did using it as a blush

Pros:

~Stick applicator (very easy to use and apply)
~Multi-use (Cheeks, Eyes, Lips)
~Build able color (Can be used lightly as a highlighter to heavier application as a blush)
~Creamy and great to set powder blushes with
~Organic and natural
~5 colors that matches all skin tones
~Gives a healthy Glow  (which I love)

Cons:

~Price ($28)
~Smell (has a different kind of citrus smell, some may like some may not)
~Limited Availability


Rating: 4/5

Overall I definitely like this product. I have been using this Aura Blush in Whisper for the past few weeks and love to use it especially for my cheeks as a blush or a highlight.  I like that there is a hint of shimmer, but not too much and that that shimmer gives my face a nice glow.  The stick applicator form is the best. Its super easy to use, no need for a blush, as I can easily just swipe it on my cheeks and blend with my fingers.  I also love that I can use it to set my powder blushes with gives me a more radiant glow and build different layers with the blush.  I definitely need to try out the other blushes to see how the colors are, but I do think that they will be awesome as well.  Its exciting to see a new makeup brand that uses organic and natural products which I'm sure will appeal to many.  If you compare the price to brands like Nars, Dior, Smashbox, the prices aren't too bad.  You definitely get what you pay for, which is Awesome cause the product is amazing.

Aura Radiant Blush can be bought online at Vapour Organic Beauty or ShopNBC.com.

Now for the Giveaway!

Rules:

1.  Comment below of one product you'll like to try from the website.

2.  Must be a Follower of my blog.
3. Include valid email address.

3.  Must be 18 or older to enter giveaway, or have parent's permission.

4.  Giveaway ends  May 27th, 2010

Prize:

WINNER receives  2  "Aura Radiant Blush"  in their choices!

 (valued at $28 a piece)

Can't wait for the winner to chosen and receive their prizes! 

simplybeautiful

(All item mentioned have been provided by PR for review.  I was not paid nor is affiliated with company.  Reviews are honest opinions and based on my experience.)

NOTW - Estee Lauder "Satin Gold"

This week's Nail of the Week features an Estee Lauder nail polish.  I got this polish at a MAC warehouse sale last year in NYC for free as a freebie gift.  I totally forgot that I had it because I put it in another drawer that was full of stuff I don't ever use. I decided to go through that drawer the other day and found this nail polish.

NOTW ~ Estee Lauder "Satin Gold"

 

(please excuse the my messy nails/cuticles...need to get them done!)

I think I own like 2 products from the brand Estee Lauder and this nail polish is one of them.  From the looks of the bottle, the color looks like a peachy pink color, but once applied you do get a hint of gold.  The application is smooth and not too runny, which is how I like nail polish to be.  The jar it self is in a square shape which is kind of not my thing, (gosh, I'm so used to round bottles like OPI) and is kind of small.  As for color, I applied 3 coats to get an even color, but 2 coats was good enough and went opaque really well.  After a year of sitting in a drawer untouched, the nail polish was still useful and definitely one I would keep around to use more often.

For free, I like very much! But for $18, I am sure there are plenty of other peachy gold color nail polishes out there for way less than that!  Also this color isn't available on the site anymore! boo!!

What are your FAVORITE Peachy Gold nail polishes?

simplybeautiful

Benefit Creasless Cream Eyeshadow

During the holiday sales, I was able to purchase a Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow and try it. I've seen many reviews and swatches but never actually went and got one. I have tons of MAC paintpots, so I didn't need to get one. So when I found "Recess" on sale, it had to get it! Here's the review!

Product Review:

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

"Our do-it-all cream shadow lines, shades and contours eyes with its alluring crease-proof, smudge-proof formula."

 no flash

flash

Pros:
~Smooth and creamy
~Can be used as eyeshadow, liner, or contours
~Primes the eyelid as a Base
~Good amount in jar
~Buildable color
~Great staying power

Cons:
~Pricey
~May not be as vibrant depending on color
~Can dry up if not closed correctly
~Some creasing can happen esp. oily lids

Rating: 4 out of 5

Would I buy again?  Yes, but in a different color

Overall, I do like the product.  They are very similar to MAC paint pots, but has their own consistency to the cream. I have been using this one in particular as a base and its alright. I should probably try other colors to as I have been eying them as well, but gotta save up so I can get them.  This product retails for about $19 which is a bit expensive, but there is enough product in jar to last a very long time, as long as it doesn't dry out.  So far so good for me and I do like the product.

Tips:
1.  I find that keeping the jars upside down. This helps with organization and most of all keeps the moisture at the top of the jar when upside down.
2.  This color in "Recess" is an awesome matte toned color that also be used as a concealer.

This product is available at benefit.com, sephora.com, and any Sephora store.

simplybeautiful

(This product was purchased by me. Reviews are based on my personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

Vapour Organic Beauty

"Vapour is a new prestige beauty company set to revoluntionize the luxury beauty market with its innovative delivery system, unparalleled skin affinity and sophisticated color artistry."

 Vapour Organic Beauty - Product Review

Aura Radiant Blush - Mulit-Use Blush for Lips, Cheeks, and Eyes ($28)

I liked this product the best! Because of its multi-use, I know I can take it anywhere with me and use it for the eyes, lips, or cheeks.  For me personally I liked using it as a blush, just a hint of pink shimmer for the cheeks.  The color in Whisper is a peachy/pink color which I think suits me well.  This is almost like cream blush, but in a stick form, which is super easy to use!

 Elixir Lip Gloss - Sultry ($20) 

This lip gloss is in a squeeze tube which is easy to apply and no need for a wand. The only thing I would say is that its a little small for the price and the color I had was not as pigmented on my lips.  Overall it has hints of shimmer to it but not to over whelming and has a good consistency, not sticky like other glosses.


Halo Body Spotlight - Moonlight ($34)

no flash

flash

"A Kiss of moonlight for the whole body"  This is an awesome product! What I liked about this product was that it is in a stick form, which is super easy to apply to the body.  Just rub it in the area you need and blend with your hand, no messy cream or spray.  It gives a soft shimmer glow to the body and highlights the best of the body!  This is definitely something great for those summer days out and about!

Product Rating:  4/5 

Overall:
Vapour Organic Beauty products prides itself in using the most natural and organic ingredients and materials for its products.  Most items are consider at least 70% natural which is great for the body and the environment.  All items except for the glosses come in a stick form, which I think is great, since its easy to use and versatile.  Yes prices are a bit high, but I say you get what you pay for. You get the most organic and natural products out there plus its good for you! The smell of the items I got were much different from what I'm used to in traditional products, as it has a sort of citrus or fruity smell, but I got over and ended up liking it as well.  Overall, aside from those two things, these are great products to try and learn about.  Anything that is overall organic and natural is always good in my book.


Vapour Organic Beauty can be bought exclusively on www.ShopNBC.com and www.VapourBeauty.com

simplybeautiful

(These products were sent from PR for consideration.  This review is based on my own experience and personal view of the products. I am not affliated with the brand)

LUSH - "Each Peach" Review

A few months ago, I did a post about the LUSH Haul that I had done.  Well one of the items that I bought was a massage bar called "Each Peach".
Its finally time for the review since I've had adequate time to use it and properly review it!

Product Review:

LUSH Cosmetics - "Each Peach (and Two's a Pair)" Massage Bar

"Massages are enjoyable for numerous reasons; they help us relax, they soothe sore muscles, and sometimes (like when you use an Each Peach) they moisturize your skin and uplift your spirits. Because this bar is packed with cocoa, shea, avocado and mango butters, it's a fantastic moisturizer. Plus, we add sweet orange oil, lime and grapefruit oils to refresh and wake you up. Perfect for a fruity, uplifting massage."

Pros:
~ Citrus fragrance - not too strong either
~ Bar form - great at controlling how much oils you want
~ Melts to warmth of your hands
~ Great size - lasts a long time
~ Very soothing and moisturizing
~ Vegan product
Cons:
~ Time it takes to melt in hands to use
~ Pricey - at $8.75 for a 2.2oz bar
~ Location of stores are limited esp if you can't buy online.
~ Fragrance may just be too strong for some
~ Can melt if kept in direct sunlight or heat

Rating: 4/5

Will I repurchase?                 Most likely YES!


Overall, I like this massage bar. When I was at LUSH, I sniffed all the bars and this one was the most appealing and wasn't too strong for me.  I liked the citrus/fruity smell of the bar so this was the perfect product for me, even Mr. H liked it.  It does take a few rubs to get the oils out of the bar to use, but once you do, its perfect.  The oils from the massage bar are great for body and hand massages and is very soothing, perfect for sore muscles or just a relaxing massage. Who doesn't love massages? hehe  This is one product that lasts a long time, and I will defintely enjoy using over and over again.

This product can be purchased at any LUSH Cosmetics store or online at LUSH.

(This item was purchased by me. I am not affliated with said company. All reviews are based on my sole experience)

simplybeautiful

MAC Studio Fix Mascara

MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara came out this January in the MAC collection "In the Studio".  That collection featured a brand new mascara called the Studio Fix. I was able to purchase it when it came out.

Product Review:

MAC Studio Fix Mascara

Innovative, mousse-like formula gives superior definition, volume and lift by filling in sparse lashes for a dramatic effect. New moulded brush prevents clumping. Rich in pigments. Long-wearing polymers quickly coat from root to tip. Keeps lashes light, lifted, supple, and full. No clumping.

Pros:
~Longer and thinner brush bristle
~No clumping
~Pretty inexpensive for a highend brand.
~Gives off a light, natural look
~Slight curl

Cons:
~Not waterproof
~Not as much volume as I like
~Semi in lengthening lashes.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Would I buy it again? yes

Overall, I think its a pretty good mascara.  Compared to all of MAC's other lash mascaras, this one is probably the best one.  I liked it because of the thinner and longer bristle..which helps separate the clumps and fits my eyes perfectly in just a few swipes.  I like it because it is not suppose to clump, which it didn't.  I love the natural look of mascara, and this product is perfect for it. If you are one for lots of volume, love for dramatic lashes, this may not be the one for you.  For $13, its not bad price for highend mascaras, but if you can find one at the drugstore that can do the same thing, it may be a little more expensive.  I like it so far, esp with lessening the clumps..which I like, so maybe I may purchase, unless I find a different mascara I like.

Sorry no pictures of me wearing it! I still have mastered the art of taking pictures of my lashes in order to show you the best it can be.  This is a true review, as I have been wearing it ever since.

This can be purchased online at maccosmetics.com or at any MAC counter/store.

(This product was purchased my myself. All reviews are done soley base on my personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

Sephora FACE Makeup Remover

I think I've found my favorite FACE makeup remover for the time being. 

Product Review:

Sephora FACE Makeup Remover

"a two-phase, non-oily eye makeup remover"

Pros:
~Cheap (so cheap..its like drugstore cheap) $5-8
~No perfumy fragrance
~Works awesomely
~Not oily (not oil based)
~Not too strong as in smell and alchohol
~Semi dropper top, so it doesn't spill
~Lasts pretty long (i've had mines for half a year now)
~No burning sensation

Cons:
~Solution may be harder to come out more due to top.
~Only available online or at Sephora stores

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy again? Yes, I would esp since I am almost out!

Overall, I would definitely buy this product again.  I like that fact that its not oily and not so alcohol strong at least for me.  The product works especially well for me.  Just a few drops on tissue, and I can wipe off my eye makeup like it was never there.  There's no need for tugging or rubbing just to get the makeup off.  One thing I like is that it is cheap.  Sephora brand is often pretty inexpensive for being in the same store as other high end brands. This is definitely an alternative to other brands of makeup remover.

This product can be found can be found online at sephora.com or at any Sephora store.

(This product was bought by me. Reviews are based on my personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

Its Sheer Luck!

I love OPI's nail polishes.  From all the times that I've used the products, they have been great!  Though I have only aquired a few of the nail polishes, so far so good. OPI has not failed me yet!  I do expect to get some more in the near future as they have tons of awesome collections coming out!

Product Review:

O.P.I  "It's Sheer LUCK!"

This is a nude color nail polish, with subtle hint of shimmer and mauve undertones.  Very nice color that you can build with multiple layers for a heavier feel.

Pros:
~Awesome nude color
~When layered correctly, the payoff is amazing
~Lasts a long time, little chipping
~Wearable color, anyone can pull it off

Cons:
~Takes more than 3 coats to get good color
~Can be streaky
~Does not have pro-wide brush (for the one I have in particular)
~Pricey at around $8 average for a bottle.

Overall, OPI is an awesome nail polish brand. Well known worldwide and used by many many people.  With a good base and top coat, I can tell that chipping is kept at minimal which we all love, right Girls? I love using my hands and working in house and at work, I like minimal chipping.  The only problem I had with this particular color was the payoff.  It was a little more runnier than usual, and I had to apply more than 3 coats to get a good color, if I would have left it at one coat, my nails would not have been pretty.  After a few coats, the color was amazing, I actually really liked it.

Tip:  
             ~Always remember to use base and top coats to keep nail polishes from chipping!
             ~Wait for the previous coat to dry well before adding the next coat. This will give the next
                application a better surface to adhere to and will look more polished.


There are many places you can find OPI nail polishes, whether it be online retailers, the mall, or your favorite nail salon.  OPI provides plenty of colors for everyone, so you should be able to find one you like.

simplybeautiful

(I personally bought this product. I have no affiliation with said company)

"Goodbye BLEMISH!"

Don't you just hate those days when you wake up and find a HUGE zit on your face and can't do anything about it? Well I think I got your answer!


I've struggled with my share of blemishes whether they were big or small. I've tried many things to make them go away or freeze them from getting worse, but haven't found anything to my liking. So one day making my way into Sephora, I finally went to an SA and asked for help in determining which products were best for making those darn things go away! I asked for variety of samples and she gave her share of what she thought was best. I however walked out with samples and just one (i know one) product and this below is the one I came out with.

Ole Hendriksen "Roll-On Blemish Attack"

"The perfect weapon in the war against unsightly blemishes, this easy to use, roll-on treatment contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to treat and heal."

Pros:
~ contains 5% benzoyl peroxide (which helps alot) and salicylic acid (liquid formula)
~ easy roll-on ball container
~ nice smell
~ dries up the area needed to stop inflammation
~ small size bottle:lasts a long time and good to carry around
~ need only small sample to apply
~ made of natural products
~ made for oily/blemish prone skin

Cons:
~ roll-on ball can get stuck, so product may come out slower than usual
~ depending on skin type, product can be very drying
~ somewhat pricey at $22 for a .34 oz size product
~ may be too strong for some skin type

(roller ball)

(liquid forumla-apply to blemish)
you can't see much, but its the shiny wet area where it was applied

Ole Henriksen is considered a "NATURAL" product brand in Sephora. The brand focuses on being natural, science, beauty, wellness, and takes those four into consideration when creating products.

I am still using this product to this day as I feel that it works for me. No, it is not a miracle worker. All my blemishes will not disappear overnight, but the product will help fight it to go away hence the name "Blemish Attack". For 22 dollars, it does seem much for a small bottle, but with this product, a little goes a long way. No need to douse your blemish with the product. Usually my blemishes goes away after a few applications and eventually disappears, many times with no scars. The product is awesome as it reduces the redness and stops the inflammation, which will lead to a healed blemish.

If even my husband reaches for it, I think it does pretty well in my book!

Tips:
~ Use at night time, as it can be drying
~ Dab on finger a few times to get product, then apply to blemish
~ Roll-on ball can be taken out and product can be poured out or used with q-tip


"Blemish Attack" can be found at Sephora.com



(This product was bought by me and review is based on my own experience. I am not affiliated with the brand nor sponsored to review product.)

simplybeautiful

Sunset Nails

I received a "GOSH" brand nail polish from a lovely secret santa this past Christmas. The shade is in a lovely orange color called “Sunset”. The color looks orange just from looking at the bottle, but after applying it to my nails, the color came out more of a duo orange/pink tone with a hint of metallic shimmer. The color is sheer; so a few coats would be needed to give off a nice and shimmery color.

The picture does not do justice to the nice color, hopefully I can get a better shot of it next time to get a truer color of the nail polish.

Overall, the polish is easy to apply, though sheer, it goes one smoothly and is build able. I noticed with a good top coat the polish stays on pretty well and had minimal chipping (even though I'm a hands on type of girl). I may have to check out more colors from the brand.

GOSH Brand Nail Polish: Sunset

(with flash)

(no flash)

Available here at Gosh Cosmetics Online

simplybeautiful

(This product was given to me as a personal gift. Not for purpose to endorse, sell, or promote any brand of any kind. Review is solely my opinion and my personal thought.)

Review It!

Cosmedicine Primary Care Moisturizer

This is currently my favorite Moisturizer, in which I need to get more, since I’m almost out. I’ve always had a little of oily skin, so I didn’t really need to apply moisturizer after cleansing, but within the last year, my face started to get very dry and dehydrated. After I finished washing my face, my face was so dry and would start to get itchy. It probably didn’t help that I live in Florida, and the heat could dry my face up too. So I was on the look out for a new moisturizer. It took me a long while researching low and high end moisturizers, looking for reviews, and ever getting samples to try. I like the fact that usually higher end products I can get samples (ie: sephora), but with drugstore products you have to buy the product in order to test them. After testing a few samples, I decided to try this one.

Cosmedicine Primary Care Moisturizer – SPF 20

As Said on Sephora.com:

What it is formulated to do:

-Reverses dryness

-Helps repair the appearance of lines and wrinkles

-Bolsters skin's defenses, enhancing its ability to protect itself from both internal and external assaults to help prevent future damage

Clinical trials using state-of-the-art high resolution tools measured: -65% reduction in skin dryness -32% improvement in skin elasticity -31% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles -21% increase in hydration -71% increase in protection against free radical activity caused by UV Radiation

Recommended For SKINSTATES: -Basic Skin Health -Excessive Dryness -Sun Protection

Product: 4 blushes

Price: 3 lippies

Overall: 4 eyeshadows

Pros:

~ Gives me enough hydration and moisture for my face

~ Comes with sunscreen SPF 20, which means I don’t have to apply so much.

~ Comes in a Tube, just squeeze!!

~ A little goes a long way!

~ No distinct smell (which I like, dislike per fumy smells)

~ Very good with lessening my acne. (hence the primary care label)

~Absorbs quickly and is super lightweight

Cons:

~ Can leave a slight oily sheen on face (got use to it though)

~ Pricey @ $38

This moisturizer can be found Sephora or on Cosmedicine.com

Overall, this has been working fine for me especially during the last few summer months. It has kept me hydrated and my face is much softer and less dry. I’ve noticed after a few months of using it, that my skin as gotten so much better. (will vary)

My acne has cleared up a lot and hasn’t been scarring as much, in which I like. It’s pricey, but worth my every $$ that spend.

I will be buying this product until it doesn’t work for me anymore.

You can buy this product from Sephora.com