Favorite Type of Makeup

Hello Again,

We are getting ready to move to a new apartment, and I spent part of the weekend organizing my makeup for the move.  While I already knew I had more makeup than any one person could ever need, I was amazed by the amount of one type of product in particular.  I have over 70 lipsticks! 

While I am a bit embarrassed by my consumerism, it was a wake up call that will (hopefully) prevent me from buying lipsticks in the future.  I mean, how many lipsticks does one girl need!?!?

Other areas of my collection are excessive, but none are like the lipstick situation.  How about you?  Are you an eyeshadow junkie, a foundation hoarder, a blush enthusiast?  Let me know in the comments.

I am considering doing a lipstick collection post (series?), but I may just focus on some of my faves instead.

Have a great week!

Talk Soon,

T.

Shampoo Review: Kenra Volumizing Shampoo

Hello Again,

As I am sure many of you know, UIta had a liter sale on salon-quality shampoos in July.  I took the opportunity to stock up on some hair products that are usually out of my price range.  I purchased liter bottles of Kenra Volumizing Shampoo (reg. $23) and Kenra Volumizing Conditioner (reg. $31) for $15.99 each!

Image from Kenra Website

I have been curious about Kenra products for a while and have heard mostly positive reviews.  My hair is not thin, but it definitely isn’t thick.  I am always looking for volumizing products.  The Kenra shampoo claims are below:

• Gently cleanses without adding weight
• Provides body and fullness for fine, lifeless hair
• Increases volume of thin-looking hair

          (Claims taken from Kenra’s website)

First off, the smell is interesting.  It smells a bit like bananas.  It isn't a bad smell, but it isn't the best shampoo smell ever.  When I first used the shampoo, I did notice that my hair felt lighter than normal.  It was kind of like the feeling I have when I get a haircut, and my hair feels lighter and healthier afterward.  After a few uses, my hair seemed to adjust to the shampoo, and I never got that "wow" feeling again.  I did not feel that my hair was exceptionally clean after using this shampoo, but it did the job.

Overall, I like the shampoo, but I have drugstore options that I like just as much.  This shampoo did give my hair some volume and fullness but no more so than Herbal Essences Body Envy.  On top of that, the smell was a bit off for me.  I wouldn't buy Kenra Volumizing Shampoo at full price, but I would probably splurge again during a sale.

Have you tried any Kenra products?  Which ones would you recommend?

Talk Soon,

T. 

NOTD: Revlon Rich Raspberry

Hello Lovelies,

Just a quick nail of the day.  Summer is winding down, and soon, the beautiful dark shades and neutrals of fall will be upon us.  I am relishing in the remaining summer days with bright, bold hues on my nails.   



Main Color: Revlon Colorstay Rich Raspberry; Accent Nail: Orly Charged Up 

I love the Revlon Colorstay polishes and own quite a few.  Rich Raspberry is one of my favorites.  It applies smoothly (this is two coats) and is instantly opaque.  I love the brush with these polishes because it is thick and easily covers the entire nail.  My only complaint is drying time.  They set relatively quick (about five minutes), and I can resume normal activity.  However, I sometimes get imprints and dents in the polish hours after application.  As long as you are mindful of what you are doing, it isn't a huge deal, but I tend to be a bit hard on my manicures.  The polish does last on my nails for 4 - 5 days before chipping, so that is a plus!

Which colors do you love from Revlon Colorstay? 

They are on sale at CVS right now.  They are on sale for $4.99, but you get $3 in ExtraBucks.  That is a pretty awesome deal for a polish that regularly retails for around $7 - $8.  I just picked up Rain Forest and will share it will you all soon.

Talk Soon,

T.

Wet n Wild Pop Art Craze Shadows

Hey Ladies,

Have any of you had a chance to check out the new limited edition shadows from Wet n Wild? There are six trios in the Pop Art Craze collection, and I picked up four of them.  As usual with WnW, these trios retail for $2.99.  Let's get to it!

From L to R: I'm Seeing Triples!, Your 15 Minutes Aren't Up, A Regular at the Factory, To Muse and Carouse

I'm Seeing Triples!

I found this trio the most intimidating in the package.  That is a serious lime green!  Like the other palettes, the shadow is very pigmented and blends beautifully.  I was particularly impressed with the intensity of the blue.  

Your 15 Minutes Aren't Up

This is my favorite of the bunch.  The colors are perfect for summer and are surprisingly wearable.

A Regular at the Factory

While I think the pigmentation is good all around, the blues in this collection are amazing!  The yellow looks almost neon in the pan, but on the skin, it is a smooth, buttery shade. I am a little intimidated by orange around the eyes, but this one is soft and blendable.

To Muse and Carouse

This is the one I was most excited about before swatching.  The cantaloupe/peachy orange is a really unusual shade, and the blue reminds me of the blue colored Sweet Tarts.  

Overall, I think this is a great release from Wet n Wild.  While the color combinations are a bit wacky, you can easily mix and match the shades to create looks that work for you.  These trios are well priced and provide good matte/satin options at the drug store.  Plus, I wouldn't want to spend $12+ dollars on a lime green or orange shadow, but at $3 for three shadows, I am much more likely to venture out of my comfort zone.

Look using Your 15 Minutes Aren't Up

What do you think of these shadows?  Do you own any of the trios?  Which one are you hoping to pick up?

Talk Soon,

T.

July IPSY Bag

Hey Hey,

I have been getting IPSY bags for about 5 months now, and I am continually impressed with the products and generous sizes.

For those of you who aren't familiar with IPSY, it is a monthly beauty subscription service.  For $10/month, you get a cute bag with 4 - 5 products to try.  Some of the products are deluxe sample-size while others are full-size.  As a former Birchbox subscriber, I didn't have high hopes for IPSY, but I have been blown away by the monthly goodies.

Check out www.ipsy.com, if you are interested in signing up.  There is a waitlist, but I only had to wait about a month.

Now, on to July's bag!

- POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Fuchsia Flirt (full-size)
- Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray (1.7 oz, deluxe sample)
- BH Cosmetics California Collection Sampler (deluxe sample)
- Coola Mineral Sunscreen (.23 oz, deluxe sample)
- Benefit Benetint (This is a tiny little thing, but I haven't used the product since high school. I am pretty stoked!)

From L to R: BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Hollywood, San Francisco, Malibu; POP Beauty Crayon in Fuchsia Flirt

As is becoming the norm with IPSY, I am excited for most of these products.  I can't wait to try the Healthy Sexy Hair Beach Spray, and I am loving the Malibu shade in the BH palette.

I can't speak for the products in my bag (I just got it last night), but as for the IPSY subscription service, I wholeheartedly recommend it!  It is a great way to try new things, and I have received a wide array of products.

Are you an Ipster?  Have you tried any of the products above?

Talk Soon,

T.

Beautiful and Bright Covergirl Lipsticks

Hey Ladies,

I just wanted to share some of my favorite lipsticks for summer.  In the warm months, I embrace bold lip colors, and I have three great options from Covergirl.

Fairytale, Divine, Flame

Fairytale, Divine, Flame

Fairytale: A beautiful, red-toned coral (This is my favorite of the bunch!!!)
Divine: A pinkish-plum
Flame: Tomato (or flame) red

All three are great, bright options for summer.  Do you own any of the shades above?  Do you have any recommedations for great summer lipsticks?

Talk Soon,

T.

New Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments

Hey Ladies,

I was so excited when I found out that Maybelline was releasing pigments as part of their Color Tattoo line.  I was even more excited when I found them in my drugstore!

The line includes twelve new shades ranging from neutrals to bold colors.  Check out the whole line here:

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Eye-Shadow/Eye-Studio-Color-Tattoo-Pure-Pigments-Loose-Powder-Shadow.aspx

Since I already own a whole heap of eyeshadows, I decided to limit myself to one shade.  I chose Breaking Bronze because I knew I would get a ton of use out of it. 

Breaking Bronze

It is a beautiful color on its own and looks amazing layered over a cream shadow.  As with other pigments, these can be worn wet or dry.

L: Applied Dry
R: Applied Wet

The pigmentation is great, and the color is a beautiful golden bronze that can be blended for a natural look or worn opaque for a bolder look.  With a cream base, I did not experience any creasing, and I have worn the shadow for 8+ hours without fading.  

I can't speak for the rest of the collection, but for me, Breaking Bronze is definitely a hit!  

Have you tried any of the new pigments from Maybelline?  Share your thoughts below.

Talk Soon,

T.