Stila Eyes & Shine Smudge Pot Trio Gel Eyeliner

I am so excited about this post about another holiday gift set. Not only because it is a product that I absolutely love, but because it is a new gift set that we have not seen in the past. Introducing the Stila Eyes & Shine Smudge Pot Trio Gel Eyeliner. This is a definite must buy kit this holiday season. Stila totally surprised me with this set this year. This kit features 3 Stila Smudge Pot Gel Eyeliners in Black, Bronze, and Gray and also comes with a mini eye liner brush. It’s great that this set features 3 basic, must have eye liner colors (although, I would be just as crazy over it if it featured some off the wall colors) so that it will be desirable to everyone.

I own at least 10 Stila Smudge Pots. Of course I have the basics like black and gray, but I am also a sucker for limited edition colors like purple, blue, green, etc. I absolutely LOVE these! These eyeliners glide gracefully across your lids. They are very blendable and buildable. Whether you want to create a thin line or a thick line, every look is very achievable. Being as they are “Smudge” Pots, they are great to smudge into a dramatic smoky eye. The bonus of these babies is their staying power. Even after a long tiring day full of rubbing my eyes out of exhaustion, the eyeliner is still there when I go to take my make-up off at night.

If you have yet to try Stila’s Smudge Pots but have always been curious, I 100% recommend this set for you. Trust me – Once you try just one shade, you are going to immediately want to get your hands on more!

Oh, I almost forgot, another great thing about the Smudge Pots is the fact that a little goes a long way. It will take you a very long time to get through a whole pot.

This is a limited edition set that retails for $32 (it has a value of $70). It is currently available at Sephora.com. Happy Shopping!

Happy Birthday Sephora

It's hard to believe that Sephora has only been around for 10 years. What did we do before Sephora??? I can remember being frustrated when certain Marshall Fields (oh how I long for those days before Macy's took over) only carried certain brands forcing me search all over for coveted cosmetics. I remember the first time I ever walked into a Sephora. It was like Charlie walking into the chocolate factory. Everything shined and seemed to call my name. I wanted one of everything, but surprisingly, I managed to walk out with only a single palette. Now, I'm lucky if I can walk out spending less than $100.

To celebrate Sephora's 10th birthday/anniversary, some of the top cosmetics companies have put together limited edition beauty products and gift sets at great prices. Most of these products are even "Best of Sephora" award winners.

Bare Escentuals has created Mineral Veil On The Go Mineral Veil for the occassion. For the first time, the best selling Mineral Veil is available in a portable device. For those of you who have yet to try Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, it is a sheer translucent powder that you apply as a finishing powder on your face. It gives skin a flawless, airbrushed look while absorbing oil from your face. I absolutely love the packaging. I will say this though, it is a bit big and bulky. This is not a product that would fit easily in your clutch for touchups during a night on the town. This is a limited edition item that is available for $28.

TIP - If you already have a ton of Mineral Veil (I know I do because it is included in a lot of Bare Escentuals kits) and don't want to pick up this product, but want to have the on the go ability I have a suggestion. Simply take a retractable fact brush, brush it in the Mineral Veil, retract it, put the cap on it, and you're ready to go. Also, most retractable brushes I have seen are smaller than the On The Go product currently available so this tip may prove helpful if you're looking for something smaller to fit in a clutch.

No Sephora celebration would be complete without a gift set from Stila. Stila offers its Stila Loves Sephora 10th Anniversary Can. The can is filled with some Stila's fan favorites including Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Convertible Color in Peony, Kajal Eyeliner in Onyx, Mini Multi-Effect Mascara, and Brown Sugar Lip Glaze. There was a time when I would never leave Sephora without getting a new shade of Stila Lip Glaze! This kit totally takes me back to that time. Even if you don't get this kit, I highly, highly, highly recommend the Convertible Color in Peony. This is a multitasker that every beauty addict needs. Use it on you lips, eyes, and cheeks. Its dusty rose hue is perfect for the fall. This kit is a limited edition priced at $40 (with a $90 value).

Another Sephora shoppers favorite brand is Philosophy. Who amongst us hasn't spent many an hour at Sephora smelling her way through the entire Philosophy display telling her girlfriend that the products smell good enough to eat?!?! I know I'm guilty!!! And then comes the dilema of trying to select just one scent to take home. For Sephora's 10th Birthday Philosophy has helped us out with that problem. Introducing the Philosophy Classic Cookbook, a collection of ten of Philosophy's favorite scents. The Classic Cookbook includes 2 oz. bottles of Strawberry Milkshake, Red Velvet Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita, Coconut Frosting, Cinnamon Buns, Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Raspberry Sorbet, Vanilla Birthday Cake, and Melon Daiquiri. This is a great gift for any Philosophy addict as well as for the person who has never tried Philosophy but has always wanted to. How could you go wrong with 10 of Philosophy's best scents??? This limited edition set is available for $40.

There are many more 10th Anniversary gifts from companies like Fresh, Clinique, Urban Decay, Too Faced, and, of course, Sephora. These were just a few of my favorites that I could personally recommend. All of the 10th Anniversary items are limited edition and are obviously only available at Sephora. Happy Shopping!

Smashbox Wicked Lovely Collection

The "Goth" look continues to be featured in many new fall collections. The latest collection from Smashbox, Wicked Lovely, looks like it should be featured on the shelves of Hot Topic. While the collection seems to be all about a smokey eye, the lack of lip color options turns me off. You have your choice of a very light lip or a very dark lip.

Wicked Lovely is sort of a unique line. The concept features 2 different looks: a "Wicked" look is more sexy and sultry, while a "Lovely" look is more feminine and soft. I personally think this concept fails. While there are plenty of options for the Wicked look, I think there is a lack of options for the Lovely side. To pull of the Lovely look, you simply down play the eye.

The Wicked Lovely Lip Glosses are my least favorite items in the collection. You have your choice of three shades: Coy (a sheer nude), Sultry (a sheer black cherry), and Sweet (a sheer apricot). When I tried on Coy and Sweet, I really didn't see much of a difference other than the fact that Coy seemed to have a little more shimmer to it. I thought that both shades were kind of boring and weren't anything new and exciting.

Sultry, on the other hand, seems very new, but not very exciting. As I looked in the mirror I was horrified at what I saw. The dark black cherry shade was very overpowering. I looked like I was getting dressed up for Halloween. I've heard other people talk about how much they like this shade and how it will work for everyone, including those with fair skin tones. I have no idea how that is even possible. Really, I don't understand why they are offering a dark lip gloss when everyone knows that when you play up your eyes you should definately understate your lips. Maybe it's supposed to be for the Lovely look since the eyes are down played in that look, but I really don't think anyone who is trying to achieve a soft feminine look would want these Elvira like lips.

I will say that these glosses to pack alot of shine, so that's a plus. I did not, however, like the packaging. The little leather tassles on the top of the tubes reminded me of some type of S&M club.

I really liked the Wicked Lovely Blush Rush in Charm. The soft warm pink shade is a perfect fall shade. It has a dusty look to it. Subtle enough in color to work with the dark eyes of the collection, but noticable enough that you won't wonder, "where is my blush?" I also love the packaging of this product. There is a swivel mirror attached to it so you can bring it with you on the go without having to tote around a mirror compact.

The collection also features 2 Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo: Sexy/Demure (shimmering charcoal/shimmering peach) and Sinful/Pure (shimmering dark brown/shimmering ivory). While both of these are very pretty duos, I personally think that they are very similar. It would be a waste of money to get both duos when they look so much alike. I would think that since they are going for the two distinct looks they would have made at least one duo have a softer dark shade. Like possibly a light gray or even a light brown.

The line also features a Wicked Lovely Cream Liner Trio And Loose Shimmer set. Is it just me or does anyone else think that Smashbox needs to offer some new shades of cream liner. 2 years ago in their Holiday collection they had some very unique cream liners in shades of white and silver. Ever since then it seems that every kit or collection that comes with cream liners features shades of black, brown, and blue. This collection is no exception. The unique aspect of this product is the attached loose shimmer. I really like this idea. However, I will be passing on this item because I have quite a few Smashbox Cream Liners in the shades offered.

So there you are. Some of the highlights of Smashbox's new Wicked Lovely collection. The products are all limited editions.

Waterproof Make-Up

I grew up with a pool in my backyard. My parents still have a pool, my apartment building has a pool, and I live right on Lake Shore Drive so the beach is just footsteps away. As much as I love the water, if I'm not wearing waterproof make-up then forget it. Now, obviously when I'm at my parents house or even my apartment and just feel like spending the day lounging around in the pool, I don't even bother with make-up. As much as I love make-up, I'm not one of those people who refuse to leave the house without it. But what about those times when your going to a party at a friend's who has a pool...like there's not a chance someone will got tossed in the pool unexpectedly??? If that someone is me, I don't want to go into the pool looking totally normal and come out looking like Alice Cooper with runny eye make-up. In these situations, water proof make-up is a must.

A few people have been emailing and asking me for some suggestions for waterproof make-up. In my opinion, eye make-up is what you really need to be concerned with when thinking water-proof. Blush and lipgloss usually just wash off and don't leave you with a streaky mess. Mascara and eyeliner, on the other hand, can leave you looking like an extra in a horror movie. A lot of make-up brands offer much of their eye mak-up in both regular and water-proof varities. If you have a favorite brand of eye make-up that you just couldn't live without, just check and see if they offer a water-proof version. If you are looking for something new and waterproof, check out some of my latest finds.

CARGO Swimmables Summer Beach Collection - I came across this set on HSN.com earlier this week. This is an HSN exclusive. This kit is just too cute. I love the name...Swimmables! You get water-proof mascara and eyeliner as well as a lip tint in a handy sports case making it easy to toss into your beach bag. Both the mascara and eyeliner are in shades of black and the lip tint is a berry shade. I just bought this kit for a friend of mine getting married in July (she's a 7-7-07 Bride) who is honeymooning in Hawaii and plans on spending a lot of time on the beach. This kit is available for only $25 with FREE SHIPPING!

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Waterproof Mascara Black - I first tried Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! about a year ago and fell in love with it. I was overjoyed when about two months ago I learned that Tarte had finally come out with a water-proof version. The mascara brush has tons of tiny "lashes" that are able to get in between each and every eyelash and give them a nice even layer. The packaging is adorable too...a very chic denim wrap is adorned with a little anchor patch. Available for $18.

Dior Eye Show - If you're looking for a waterproof eye shadow, Dior Eye Show is your best bet. This cream shadow packs a lot of punch in its color contains just the right amount of shimmer. It's texture is smooth and feels so lightweight you won't even realize you have it on. Available in 6 great shades for $30.

Bourjois Intensely Luminous Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow - This is another great choice for water-proof shadow, especially if the $30 price tag on the Dior Eye Show is just too much for your wallet. These shadows are packed full of pigment, but appear irredescent when applied to your lids. These shadows also stay put without creasing. I absolutely love the Electric Beige shade. It also serves as a great base for layering shadows. Available in five shades for only $13.

Another thing to keep in mind as summer approaches, water-proof make-up is also helpful for those who tend to sweat a lot...especially, obviously, on your face. Now I know most women do not want to admit that they sweat a lot, but come on, we all sweat. In Chicago, where the summers are full of 90 plus degree heat and 1000% humidity, I sometimes sweat just sitting in the shade! Don't be afraid to reach for water-proof make-up when you're off to a BBQ or a fundraiser walk.

New Goodies From Benefit

Benefit Cosmetics has released three new products. Many of you may recall my last post about Benefit's new relase, Rush Hour, and how I was not at all impressed since it was nothing new, nothing original. So I have to admit that the new lipstick, cream blush, and and cream eye shadow/liner are nothing new, but the shades and packaging are so great I am willing to overlook that. The only thing that does bother me is that these products (especially the lipstick and the eyeliner) seem to be rip-offs of Stila products. Take a look and you decide.

I am generally not a lipstick girl, but I absolutely love the new Silky-Finish Lipstick from Benefit. The color spectrum runs from light neutrals to deep plums. The color is sheer, but buildable. Slick on one coat for barely there color or add multiple coats to give your lips deeper color. This product also moisturizes lips like you wouldn't believe. When I put this lipstick on, it felt like the color and the lipstick was just melting into my lips. It also serves as a great base if you want to layer some gloss on top. I skipped the lipliner and just threw some Silky-Finish Lipstick on my lips topped off with a gloss and I loved what I saw. And I know that we're not supposed to judge products based on their packaging, but I love the packaging for this product. The black lipstick tube embellished with the trademark Benefit logo and loop is just too cute.

On to eyes! With Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner, Benefit has taken two of my favorite Stila products (Shadow Pots and Cream Liners) and combined them into one convenient product. Apply a light layer all over your eyelid, and then apply multiple layers to line and contour your eyes. The best thing is that if you choose to only use one color, your shadow and liner is going to be an absolute perfect match because technically they are the same color. Of course you're not limited to one color, mix and match to create a dramatic effect. There are tons of shades to choose from, but I'm hoping that they will release some more lighter shades. I'm thinking white, silver, violet, light blue...I love wearing lighter shades in warmer weather. The fact that these shadows/liners are cream makes them so blendable. You know what I'm thinking...SMOKEY EYES!!! And again, I love the packaging!

Lastly, the product I'm least impressed with, Benefit's Sheer Cream Blusher. Benefit claims, "Give cheeks a perky pinch of natural color and cheer up your cheeks with one of these beautifully natural shades." Three shades are available in coral, rose, and berry. Okay, so the product is not bad, but it still doesn't give me the natural flush that I get from my Tarte Cheek Stain. I have yet to find a product that comes close to the natural look of Tarte. The other thing is that I love Benefit's powder blushes (especially Dallas) for when I want more of a dramatic color look. So basically, the new Sheer Cream Blusher just isn't my cup of tea, but I'm sure that tons of you will love it. It's still a great product, just one that I don't need.

Givenchy Arty Color Collection

Have you guys seen the new Givenchy Arty Color Collection? I had the opportunity to play with all of the new products today and was just blown away. Granted, I haven't really spoken about Givenchy products in the past, but I have been a fan of their cosmetic line for quite some time. The only problem that I had with it in the past (and the reason I have never really posted about it before) is the fact that they never really had any products that I found to be unique and awe-inspiring. Thanks to the new Arty Color Collection, I can no longer say that. Inspired by the art of graffiti, features an "explosion of colors." Just in time for spring, vibrant pinks, blues, greens, purples, yellows, and more are found in their eye shadows, lip glosses, masacaras and more. This collection is so unique in the way that they offer such a wide spectrum of colors. Unlike other lines that seem to feature variations of two or three shades, Givenchy takes a bold step forward and offers all of the colors of the rainbow. With all of these great color choices available, you will be able to create a million different looks.

My favorite piece from the new collection by far is the Givenchy Prismissime Eyes - 9-Colors Eyeshadow Arty Palette 53. These are 9 of the brightest colors I have ever seen. Now, don't be scared by the brightness. The nice thing about Givency shadows is that they can be applied as only a sheer hint of color by lightly coating the eye lid or they can be used to create a deep vibrant look by layering the shades. "Shades include: six vivid mat colors with pearly white inlays in pink, green, turquoise, yellow, purple, orange; and three very iridescent shades with an intense metallic finish in pure silver, pearly pink, and precious copper." The silver shade is out of this world.

Blue mascara seems to be a craze lately. Benefit just released Bad Girl Lashes in Blue and now Givenchy has released Givenchy Eyelashcolor Color Gloss For Highlighted Lashes in Blue as well as Green. "Highlighted" is the perfect word to describe this product because it does not give you heavy blue eyelashes but instead highlights your lashes giving you just a subtle hint of color that makes your eyes pop. Girls with blue eyes, you must try the blue shade. My blue eyes practically popped out of my head with this mascara. Not only is the color right, but the mascara wand is full of tiny fibers that are able to coat every nook and cranny of your lashes without creating clumps. If you haven't tried Givenchy mascara in the past, I highly recommend testing it out.

This collection also features two new Givenchy Magic Khol Eye Liner Pencil shades in Blue and Green. Both have a metallic tinge to them. While both shades are nice, they aren't anything too spectacular. I think that the cream liners available from Stila and Smashbox reign supreme in liners in terms of ease of application, look created, long lastingness, and colors. Now, if I received these as a gift I would definately use them, I'm just saying I personally would not go out and pick these up for myself.

The Prisme Again! Blush Quartet in Arty Pink is very interesting. Okay, I don't really get the name because more than pink is featured here. Glimmering Fuschia/ Glimmering Gold/ Glimmering Soft Orange/ Glimmering Vibrant Pink are all crammed into this palette. Use the colors individually or combine them all together. Believe it or not, all 4 compliment each other like I never would have guessed. The fact that the colors cover such a wide spectrum also allows you to create many looks. Go for the girly pink cheeks look or use the orange to get more the sun-kissed glow look. This palette is great for the girl who likes to mix it up and not wear the same color all of the time. Yes, that would be me!

I expect a lot of mixed reviews for the Pop Gloss Syrup Lip Glosses in Raspberry (a sheer watermelon pink shade) and Plum Syrup (a sheer fuscia purple shade). As far as the shades go, I love the Raspberry but was also drawn to the Plum Syrup. I think most will love the shades, but I think that some will not be too fond of the texture of the gloss. Syrup is the key word in the name. They definately have a syrupy/honey like texture in that they are some what thick. I have heard many complaints about thick lip glosses that tend to feel sticky. I personally do not mind lip glosses like that. In all honesty, it makes me more conscious of my lip gloss and I also know when I am in need of a touch up.

I should also mention that all of the products from the Givenchy Arty Color Collection are of course LIMITED EDITIONS. I highly recommend that the next time you are at a store that sells Givenchy cosmetics that you go over to the counter and try out this latest collection. It's tons-o-fun!