Thursday, June 26, 2014

Lime Crime Velvetines: Red Velvet, Suedeberry, & Wicked

I have been drooling over the Lime Crime Velvetines for years but every time I decided to pull the trigger the velvetine colors I wanted were sold out. I finally was able to get 3 of the colors I have been eyeing and I am very excited to share my swatches and pictures with you.

I purchased the original Velvetine in "Red Velvet", "Suedeberry", and "Wicked" from the new collection that was just released. I was also hoping to purchase "Pink Velvet" but it was backordered.

What it is:
Ground-breaking lip formula that goes on liquid and dries completely matte. Touch-proof, transfer-proof, long-wearing and utterly addictive!

Colors
Red Velvet: The perfect matte red
Suedeberry: Matte coral red.
Wicked: Matte burgundy-red

Left with flash/ Right without flash
Colors from L-R: Red Velvet, Suedeberry, Wicked
Top to Bottom: Red Velvet, Suedeberry, Wicked

Overall I was very impressed with this product. The colors were all gorgeous and very pigmented plus the product does not budge. Once it dries, it stays on until you take it off with makeup remover. I was scrubbing my hand for a good 15 minutes just to get rid of the swatches I had made.

If you are interested in picking up your own Lime Crime Lip Velvetines you can purchase them online for $20 each. They currently come in 6 different colors, so far "Red Velvet" is my favorite. Click here to learn more: http://limecrime.com/lips/velvetines-37.html

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Hautelook Spring 2014 Beauty Bag

"Pucker Up! Meet our most wanted lip-obsessions. From high-shine glosses to pigment-packed lipsticks in stunning reds, pinks, and nudes, this most have is one you don't want to miss. The perfect pout? It's in the bag."
 A few weeks ago I noticed that Hautelook had restocked their seasonal beauty bag and had also reduced the price down to $10 from $24. I don't normally go for the Hautelook beauty bags but for $10 plus shipping this was too good of a deal to pass up. Past seasonal bags have included a variety of  health and beauty items but this time around the bag contained only lip products. Hautelook advertised the bag as containing 10 items with a retail value of $160.
The items in the bag I received. I noticed that my bag was missing the lipstick case. No big deal though.
Items included:
1) Laura Geller Lipstick in Sugared Maple
2) Mirenesse Lip Bomb Lacquer Stain in #2
3) Mirenesse Glossy Stain for Lips & Checks in #2
4) Lorac Lip Lustre Gloss in Ruby
5) Lord & Berry Lip Crayon in Scarlett
6) NYX Retractable Lip Liner in Citrus
7) Crown Brush Lip Brush
8) Swoon Lip Gloss Pick Up Artist
9) Red Lipstick Case
10) La Fresh Travel Makeup Remover Wipes (sample packet)

Color Swatches
From L to R: Laura Geller, Mirenesse Lip Bomb, Mirenesse Glossy Stain, Lorac,     
Lord & Berry, NYX 
 
* Overall this was not bad for $10. I don't think I would have paid the full $24 for this bag since the colors were soo similar.  Value wise it was definitely a good deal but I actually ended up splitting this set up and giving half of the items to my sister.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Darby Smart June 2014 Box "Agate Stone Bracelet & T-Shirt Yarn Headband"

In case you are new to my blog, Darby Smart is an online retailer that sell pre-made craft sets, as well as, crafting supplies. They also curate a monthly DIY subscription box for those crafters who enjoy a good surprise. The box costs $19 and Darby Smart keeps the theme of the box a secret until the boxes ship. I have been subscribing to Darby Smart since March and June might be my last box :( I am still deciding if I want to renew my subscription or not. The boxes, although always fun, have been hit or miss for me. I loved the wood burning box from March but was not a fan of the Metal Stamping box from April and I was on the fence with May's chocolate lollipop box. Fingers- crossed that June's box helps sway my decision.

The DIY projects for the month of June revolve around summertime accessories. This is the first month that two different DIY projects have been included. One is a wire-wrapped Agate Stone bracelet and the other is a T-Shirt yarn headband. 


The included supplies:
  • Gold cuff bracelet
  • 24 gauge wire
  • tube of e6000 glue
  • one Agate stone (various styles sent out)
  • Neon coral T-shirt yarn (various colors sent out)

My Completed Projects
Overall I really enjoyed this box. The projects were definitely up my ally since I have experience making accessories. I like the bracelet, although I do wish I had received a bigger stone that wasn't such a similar color as the gold cuff, but the headband is what I am most excited about. The neon coral color just screams summer to me. 

If you want to peruse the website and learn more click here: Darbysmart.com
Promo Code: "HOWDYDARBY" will take $10 off your first box, making it only $9 shipped.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

MAC Kelly & Sharon Osbourne Collection Swatches

For the month of June, Mac collaborated with the lovely Osbourne ladies to create two distinctly different makeup collections. The Sharon Osbourne collection contains a lot of warm, neutral colors while the Kelly Osbourne collection contains a lot of bold, cool toned pastels. The colors in both collections were spot on and matched each ladies beauty personality perfectly.
The products in the Osbourne collection have been selling out within minutes of their release, both in-store and online. From what I could tell the Kelly lipsticks were in high demand and sold out immediately.
 
Lipsticks from L-R
  • Strip Poker (light nude matte)
  • Riot House (light vivid orange matte)
  • Dodgy Girl (light lavender matte)
  • Kelly Yum Yum (bright blue pink satin)
 
Sharon Osbourne Duchess Eyeshadow Quad
  • Sweet Eyes (light golden nude)
  • Sexy Eyes (soft warm bronze)
  • Femme Fatale (golden brown)
  • Embark (dark reddish brown)
 
Kelly Osbourne Bloody Brilliant Eyeshadow Quad
  • Spoonful of Sugar (sparkling platinum)
  • Tickety Boo (soft muted plum brown)
  • Fizzy Rose (pale lilac)
  • Shadowy Lady (matte blackened plum)
 
* I really wanted to love all the colors in this collection however I was underwhelmed once I had a chance to swatch them. Mac did a great job matching each lady to the collection however I was a little disappointed in regards to the quality, formula, and color payoff for some of the products. The two nude lipstick colors could have had a better formula and the payoff for the Kelly eye shadow palette just doesn't compare to normal MAC eye shadows. I had to swatch the colors in the palette a few times just so that they would show.
 
If you are interested in any of the items from the Osbourne collection I do know that there are some products still left online but its slim pickings. The MAC, Macy's, and Nordstrom websites all have a few pieces from the collection still left.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

June 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box

First Look
Back in April, when I was moving, I decided to cancel my monthly PopSugar subscription however I just couldn't stay away for too long. PopSugar is definitely one of my favorite subscription services because of the variety of products they send out each month. This month the PopSugar spoilers were out so early that it was hard not to take a peak. I am telling myself to behave next month so that I can be completely surprised.

First off I noticed that PopSugar changed their information cards. They use to  send out thick booklet with a note from Lisa Sugar on the front cover and product information inside but now the information card resembles a small brochure.

Here are the contents of this month's box:
Must Have Book
Must Have Home
2) Turkish-T Beach Towel
    $32.00  
Must Have Beauty
    $24.00
4) You Smell Lemon Wet Wipes
     $5.00
Must Have Fashion
5) Lollies Basic Hair Ties
     $8.00

Must Have Food
6) One Potato Two Potato Hawaiian BBQ Chips 2 oz.
     $ 2.00
Must Have Extra
7) Native Union Giftcard
     $15.00

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $102.52
 
If you are interested in joining PopSugar click on the link: popsugar.com

Promo Code: "Refer5" this code will take $5 off a monthly box 
                           "JUNESELECT10" this code will take $10 off a 3 month subscription

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Wantable May 2014 Intimates Box

Wantable is a monthly subscription service which offers 3 different customizable boxes: beauty, intimates, or accessories. You can get a one time box for $40 or a monthly subscription for $36. Each month you will receive a box with 4-5 full size items based on your personal preferences. If you decide that you don't like the items that Wantable's stylists pulled for you, you can send the entire box back for a full refund. It's a Win, Win! This month I decided to do a one time order of all 3 Wantable boxes, this review is for the Intimates box.
"Our intimates box is heating up this month with both sexy items and the perfect basics. New from Honeydew intimates are adorable panties and camis with the sweetest details. GOGO by Therafirm is new to Wantable this month with footless pantyhose that wrap your legs in soft, light gradient compression and wick away moisture to keep you cool all summer long! Wantable favorites, Rhonda Shear is back with reversible soft bras too. Next up in May's lineup of unbeatable products is St. Eve with new loungewear and tanks, and Cass & Co. with short shaping bottoms to keep you looking trim under your shortest summer dresses and skirts. Fashion maven, Cynthia Rowley is on board as well with the perfect no-show socks. Finally, we have luxurious silk panties from Mary Green, and new items from Betsey Johnson, K. Bell, OnGossamer, and so many more!"
My personal preferences


Item #1 Honeydew Scarlette Rayon Hipster in Pendulum/Black
             Retail Value $14.00

Item #2 Honeydew Ethereal Romance cotton panty
             Retail Value: $16.00

Item#3 Pima Apparel Dolman T-Shirt
            Retail Value: $18.00

Item #4 Yummie by Heather Thomson Lily Cheekie Boyshort
             Retail Value: $18.00

Total Value: $66.00

*I was not pleased with this box at all. I fluctuate between so many different sizes depending on brand so this box was a complete miss for me. Once again I should've been more detailed with my preferences. I was hoping that my Wantable intimates box would just be leggings and loungewear but instead the box included underwear and a t-shirt. After reviewing all 3 Wantable subscriptions I have to say that being picky is the key to this subscription service. The beauty box was by far my favorite and it had the highest retail value, followed by the accessories box, and then the intimates. I don't think I will ever order another intimates box but the beauty and accessories box are definitely worth trying out again.

If you're interested in trying out Wantable click here to learn more: www.wantable.com

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Wantable May 2014 Beauty Box

Wantable is a monthly subscription service which offers 3 different customizable boxes: beauty, intimates, or accessories. You can get a one time box for $40 or a monthly subscription for $36. Each month you will receive a box with 4-5 full size items based on your personal preferences. If you decide that you don't like the items that Wantable's stylists pulled for you, you can send the entire box back for a full refund. It's a Win, Win! This month I decided to do a one time order of all 3 Wantable boxes, this review is for the Beauty box.
The opinions on summer makeup here at Wantable are fiercely divided. There are those of us that love to go for the brightest colors on eyes, lips, and cheeks (though not all at once, of course!), while the rest take a more laid-back approach by focusing on a glowing, sun kissed complexion. We've brought you the best of both worlds in our May Makeup Box. Take a chance and try something new, bronzed beauties might love to try a bright pop of color on eyes or lips and our fierce, color-loving ladies might enjoy a simpler look. As T. says, "It can be tough to change, but your beauty regiment is a great place to start! Have fun and let makeup take you to a new place and lighter feeling this Summer!"
My Preferences

Item # 1 Mirabella Glowing Coral Highlighter
               Retail Value $38.00

Item #2 NCLA Nail Lacquer in Call Me for the Afterparty
             Retail Value $16.00

Item #3 Vincent Longo Trio Eyeshadow in Ultra Suede
              Retail Value $30.00

Item #4 La Bella Donna Mineral Light Lip Color in Sand Pink
             Retail Value $24.50

Total Value $108.50 


* I liked the Wantable Beauty box a lot more than the Accessories box I received. I love the makeup brands and colors that were included in my beauty box. The value of the box was also amazing, over $100 worth of products for just $36. Once again I do feel as though I could have been more specific with my preferences. This time around I received two items from my "love" section and two items from my "like" section. The one major downside to this month's box was that I already own the Vincent Longo eye shadow trio. I actually bought this product years ago when Sephora still carried the brand.

If you're interested in trying out Wantable click here to learn more: www.wantable.com

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Sephora Favorites Meet Your Match

What it is:
A lip and nail set that features six deluxe sample glosses, tints, and lacquers in the season's most popular shades for $25. There is a coral, nude, and orchid duo in each set.
 
This set contains:
- 0.27 oz Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer in Girls Just Want to Have Fun 
- 0.06 oz Tarte Lipsurgence™ Lip Tint in Elite 
- 0.17 oz Sephora Formula X Nail Color in Invincible 
- 0.03 oz Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Child 
- 0.13 oz Nails Inc. Devonshire Row Nail Polish 
- 0.05 oz Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in Strangefruit
 
Lip Colors from L-R
  • Tarte Lipsurgence in "Elite"
  • Hourglass Extreme Sheen lipgloss in "Child"
  • Bite Beauty lip gloss in "Strangefruit"
 
Nail Colors
Deborah Lipmann "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
This color is a vibrant coral with a crème finish.

Sephora Formula X in "Invincible"
This color is a neutral warm vanilla color with a crème finish.

Nails Inc. in "Devonshire Row"
This color is a deep rich lilac with a crème finish.
 
If you would like to pick up your own Meet Your Match set it is still available for $25.00 on Sephora's website. Click here: http://www.sephora.com/meet-your-match-P386043?skuId=1608975

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Wantable May 2014 Accessories Box

Wantable is a monthly subscription service which offers 3 different customizable boxes: beauty, intimates, or accessories. You can get a one time box for $40 or a monthly subscription for $36. Each month you will receive a box with 4-5 full size items based on your personal preferences. If you decide that you don't like the items that Wantable's stylists pulled for you, you can send the entire box back for a full refund. It's a Win, Win! This month I decided to do a one time order of all 3 Wantable boxes, this review is for the Accessories box.
"Summer is quickly approaching and Wantable HQ is buzzing with anticipation for sun-soaked days at the beach, hot summer nights on the town, and rocking all of our favorite Boho pieces at music festivals and fairs. This month we have the perfect pieces for all of your summer plans no matter what style you rock when the sun is shining. One of our favorite trends is bold pastels, especially mint, to keep you looking cool in the hot summer sun. If you prefer your colors more saturated, we have stunning pieces in coral and turquoise and colorful watches to turn up the heat on your look. We're loving sleek metals in a variety of finishes, some bright enamel and a hammered look."
My Chosen Preferences
 
Item #1: "The Toni Bracelet" Retail Value: $24.00
                 A coral stone bracelet surrounded with glided gold tone and sparkling rhinestones


Item #2: "The Jackie Bracelet" Retail Value: $17.00
                 A beautiful everyday gold bracelet with bead detailing


Item #3: "Cher Sunglasses" Retail Value: $17.00
                 Hematite aviator sunglasses


Item #4: "The Betty Necklace" Retail Value: $24.00
                 Necklace featuring gold oval designs



* This box wasn't a 100% hit for me even though I did receive $82 worth of accessories. I think the problem was that I needed to be more specific with my preferences. Wantable does say that you will never get items you "dislike" however if you also have a lot of items labeled as "like" you have a big chance of getting items you might not adore. From my preferences I only received one item from my "love" section and the rest were items I labeled as "like."

If you're interested in trying out Wantable click here to learn more: www.wantable.com