March 25, 2011

NARS Multiple in Orgasm: Swatches & Review

Hello, Beautiful!

Another NARS Orgasm product! I own the NARS Orgasm lip gloss, blush, illuminator and multiple (not to mention the Super Orgasm blush and lip gloss). The shade is just so pretty!

The NARS Multiple shown below is a mini size (which I received in a NARS kit from Sephora). You can pick up the full size NARS Multiple for $39 on Sephora's website  (with a total of nine shades to choose from, including the ever popular Orgasm shade shown in this blog post).

What is the NARS Multiple? It's a cream to powder color stick that you can use in a multiple of ways (hence, the name). Use on your cheeks as a cream blush (probably the most popular use for this shade), as a highlighter, eye color, lip color, and even on your body. You can apply it lightly for a sheer kiss of color, or build it up if you want a little more color.

This blends like a dream, and I hear it will even work on top of powders (such as a powder foundation), which most creams just do not work on top of! I haven't tried it out personally, but I've seen it done in an on-air presentation (on QVC) and it did work flawlessly.

I really love the shade, and the product, but I'm not a cream blush type of gal and I don't see myself using this shade for any other use except for blush. Sadly, I don't think I will make much use of this product so it will likely end up in my blog sale (but it's so pretty that I may hang on to it in hopes of making good use of it... yeah, I'll probably hang onto it; it's just too pretty!).


Here is what it looks like (remember, this is the mini size):


SWATCH
NARS Multiple
Shade: Orgasm
Shade Description: A peachy pink shimmer in a cream to powder formula.


Have questions about this product? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.

Victoria's Secret deals, QVC deals, and an update on my surgery recovery

Hello, Beautiful!

Today is shaping up to be a great online shopping day!

* Victoria's Secret is giving out TWO Secret Reward Cards with your $10 or more order -- but it's just for today! Each day in March you can earn one Secret Reward Card but today you get TWO!! You also get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more with code SHIPVS11

* On QVC just today almost everything on air and online has an Easy Pay offer --- 3 Easy Payments or more!! To take advantage of Easy Pay you need to have a QVC card. Not to mention that a lot of items have FREE SHIPPING!

* Also on QVC they have a Bliss Today's Special Value -- just $36.42 for the Bliss Poetic Waxing kit (with full sized body butter). With Easy Pay it's just three payments of $12.14! They sold out of all quantities that can ship today, but you can still place your order and it will ship out April 18th. CLICK HERE to view the Bliss kit on QVC's website.

* And finally, I just posted a bunch of before/after pics of my nose & chin on my Surgery Journey blog page. CLICK HERE to view the page and pics!

That's all for now! I just wanted to quickly let you know about the deals I found. Enjoy your weekend!




March 24, 2011

NARS Orgasm Illuminator: Swatches & Review

Hello, Beautiful!

The NARS Orgasm shade is widely popular for its peachy-pink shimmer, which compliments most skintones. I personally love the shade, and when the NARS Orgasm Illuminator came out I had to buy it.

The one shown below is a mini size that I got in my February Birchbox shipment, but I do own the full size.

This illuminator is great for cheeks, eyes and even your body (you can mix it in with your lotion for a subtle glow). A little goes a long way, so one tube will last you a very long time.

You can pick up NARS Orgasm Illuminator for $29 on Sephora's website. Three others shades are now available too.


SWATCH
NARS Orgasm Illuminator
Shade Description: A peachy pink luminous shimmer.

Blended out...

Have questions about this illuminator? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.

March 23, 2011

NARS Blush: Swatches & Review of 3 shades (Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Deep Throat)

Hello, Beautiful!

If you were to ask me who makes my favorite blush, I'd answer (without hesitation) NARS. Their powder blushes are superior to others; super silky formula, great pigmentation while still being sheer so you don't look like a clown, easily layers if you want to build color, and beautiful wearable shades!

Each NARS blush will cost you $27 on Sephora's website.


NARS Blush
Shade: Deep Throat
Shade Description: A pink peach with shimmer.


NARS Blush
Shade: Orgasm
Shade Description: The famous peachy-pink shimmer.



NARS Blush
Shade: Super Orgasm
Shade Description: The same peachy-pink shimmer as the original Orgasm shade (shown above), but with added gold micro glitter.


I used to wear the Orgasm shade all the time; it was a staple of my look. Then I discovered the shade Deep Throat and feel in love with that color. Since owning Deep Throat I haven't used the Orgasm once. The Super Orgasm is a shade I don't wear. I own Super Orgasm in a blush duo (Orgasm/Super Orgasm), otherwise I probably wouldn't have purchased it on its own. I don't like glitter on my cheeks, but it can look really nice.

Have questions about these blushes? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.


March 22, 2011

Bare Minerals Purely Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin: Swatches, Before & After, Review

Hello, Beautiful!

Ever since my surgery my skin has been extra dry and peeling... especially on my nose and chin. Even though I have combo dry/oily skin, and have active adult acne, I still need a moisturizer that really works. I don't always like a thick moisturizer for day, but I like a thicker moisturizer for night.

Not long ago on QVC I saw an on air presentation of the Bare Minerals Purely Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin. They had it in a 3-pc set that came with a cleanser and neck cream. I didn't pick up the set, but a few weeks later I decided to buy the moisturizer by itself from Sephora. Up until now, I've been using either Patricia Wexler or Korres moisturizers, and they work, but not as good as the Bare Minerals one I just received.

How do I use it and what do I think?
I take a little out and swirl it in the palm of my hand, then apply to my face. It melts in so nicely... it feel luxurious! I can feel my skin getting the hydration it needs. It has a light fragrance to it, but not over powering and it goes away quickly. After I apply this my skin looks hydrated and feels hydrated. One of my new favorite moisturizers!!

You can pick up this moisturizer for $28 on Sephora's website.

I would highly recommend this if you're looking for a moisturizer to really work. If you have oily skin then I'd recommend only using this at night, or very sparingly during the daytime.

Here is what it looks like:


My Before & After:

Have questions about this moisturizer? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.

Mally Beauty - Eyeshadow: Swatches & Review of two shades (Mally's Glow, Shimmering Taupe)

Hello, Beautiful!

I don't own many Mally Beauty eyeshadows, but it's not because I don't like them, it's just because I haven't purchased many. The only shadows I have from her line I acquired from buying Mally Beauty kits.

They have great pigmentation and go on nicely, feeling very silky smooth. The colors are really wearable too (not just the ones I own, but all of them). They have good wear, especially with a shadow primer, and they look great by themselves or paired with other shades. I personally love the Shimmering Taupe shade because I can throw on that one color and feel like my eyes have a little something, something to them. It's subtle smokey that works for day or night.

You can purchase a Mally Beauty eyeshadow with a shadow brush (which, by the way, I do own and I do like her shadow brush) for $25 each on QVC's website. You can also pick up a shadow duo with brush for the same price on QVC's website; only problem is there is only one duo to choose from (a purple duo).


Mally Beauty Eyeshadow
Shade: Shimmering Taupe
Shade Description: A satin shimmer smokey gray violet; although I guess this is taupe, based on the shade name. I just don't see it because when I think of taupe I think of a beige tone.



Mally Beauty Eyeshadow
Shade: Mally's Glow
Shade Description: A satin shimmer bronzy brown.


Have questions about these eyeshadows? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.

March 20, 2011

Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection: Swatches, Before & After, Reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

I just received the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection, which I purchased from QVC when it was the Today's Special Value for just $48. It's now $52.74 for the kit, which is still a great value. Check it out on QVC's website by clicking here (although at the time I wrote this blog post I noticed they are sold out of all shades except the Deep - keep an eye out to see if they get more back in stock)

This kit includes three worldwide launch products and two other products that are exclusive shades. The worldwide launch products and the exclusive shades are only available for purchase on QVC until August 1st.

Here's a list of what the kit includes:
  • Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Balancing Foundation SPF 15 -- this is a worldwide launch product. I chose the shade Medium (it's available in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, Deep)
  • Foundation Brush -- this is a fluffy brush, something I traditionally would not use for a liquid foundation, but I will try it out since they said it was made specifically for this foundation.
  • Amazonian Clay Automatic Waterproof Eyeliner in Golden Plum -- this is a worldwide launch product.
  • Pure Optic Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Golden Pink -- this is a worldwide launch product.
  • Lights, Camera, Lashes! Volumizing Mascara in Black
  • Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Wear Powder Blush in Glisten (a peachy pink shade) -- this is an exclusive shade.
  • Amazonian Clay Long-Wear Eyeshadow Palette, which contains four shades: dark brown, shimmering bronze, light sand, shimmering plum -- this is an exclusive shade (or should I say, palette).
  • Cosmetic Bag
  • Pure Maracuja Oil -- This was a sample included that was added in as a bonus.

I love Tarte's eyeshadows, and the foundation caught my eye, so this kit really caught my attention. The value is really fantastic; just $6 per item if you include the cosmetic bag.
In this post I'll break it down, product by product including swatches and a review (plus Before & After pics for the foundation, the mascara, and the Pure Maracuja Oil). I plan to eventually do a tutorial using all the products from this kit - as well as separate product tutorials.
Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!


Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection



Tarte Amazonian Clay Balancing Foundation SPF 15
Shade: Medium


My Before & After using this foundation:

  • Review: This is supposed to be a full coverage foundation, and I wouldn't really say it's full coverage - but it is a full-medium coverage. I applied this using the included foundation brush, using swirling circular motions. It did provide good coverage, but I'd still need to use a concealer with this foundation. It goes on smoothly, but without a primer or setting powder this foundation fades away in just 3 to 4 hours and needs touching up. With a primer and setting powder this foundation could last through a normal work day.
  • Where To Buy This: At this moment you cannot purchase this item separately. It's a brand new, worldwide launch product. It's exclusive to QVC until August 1st, so if it does become available for purchase individually you'll have to visit QVC to do so (until August 1st). You can only pick up this product in the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection.



Tarte Foundation Brush
  • Review: This brush has a large brush head with soft bristles. I applied the foundation using this brush in swirling, circular motions. It's supposed to give you an airbrushed look; I just think it looks normal. I do like the brush - good quality and great application. I'm glad to have this brush in my brush collection.
  • Where To Buy This: This brush is only available in the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-Pc Clay Collection.



Tarte Amazonian Clay Automatic Waterproof Eyeliner
Shade: Golden Plum
Shade Description: A shimmering plum with pink and brown undertones.
  • Review: This eyeliner glides on smoothly with nice pigmentation. Water did not budge this, but easily removes with an eye makeup remover. The shade, Golden Plum, is pretty but not a shade I normally would wear. I like the formula of this, and the ease of use, but the shade isn't my cup of tea.
  • Where To Buy This: At this moment you cannot purchase this item separately. It's a brand new, worldwide launch product. It's exclusive to QVC until August 1st, so if it does become available for purchase individually you'll have to visit QVC to do so (until August 1st). You can only pick up this product in the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection.



Tarte Pure Optic Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Shade: Golden Pink
Shade Description: A sheer peachy pink with lots of shimmer.
  • Review: I was really disappointed with this lip gloss, both in product performance and packaging. I'll start with performance: The gloss looks pretty when swatched, but goes on very sheer. You get barely there color with lots of shimmer/glitter (almost too much for my taste). The formula is minty, which I like, but also sticky. As for why I didn't like the packaging, well take a look at the last gloss photo above. See how the lid is crooked? Well that happens a lot. It almost never goes on correctly so you'll need to double check that it's on. I noticed this when I saw the on-air presentation on QVC. I though maybe the host put it on wrong, but then when I went to close it (like other glosses with the same twist-pen packaging), the cap went crooked. Another thing, I found the gloss continued to come up through the brush even after I had used it. It wasn't over flowing, but it was gathered at the top (like you see in the first and second gloss pics above - which is how I found my gloss after I had used it the day before).
  • Where To Buy This: At this moment I haven't seen this sold separately, but I'm sure it will be sold separately soon. You can only pick up this product in the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-pc Clay Collection.



Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Volumizing Mascara
Shade: Black
Shade Description: Black
My Before & After using this mascara:
  • Review: Eh, this mascara is just so-so for me. My lashes are already pretty good on their own, so a mascara has to really wow me to make me want to use this. This didn't wow me.
  • Where To Buy This: You can purchase this on Sephora's website for $19 (although it will be in its original packaging; the packaging shown in the photos above is new).



Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Wear Powder Blush
Shade: Glisten
Shade Description: A peachy pink shimmer.
  • Review: This blush is silky and has good pigmentation. I don't know if it really lasts 12 hours, because at this moment I'm not wearing much blush because of breakouts on my cheeks. But what I can say about this is the shade, Glisten, reminds me of NARS Orgasm blush. A lot of brands are picking up on that best selling shade and I think this is Tarte's version of NARS Orgasm blush. One flaw of this: the packaging. The blush pan swirls around the compact and when the compact is closed, and I gently shake it, I can hear it pop out of place. It's easily fixed with some glue, but I shouldn't have to fix it. It could be poorly made because it's part of kit (sometimes production isn't as good in kits), or it could just be mine.
  • Where To Buy This: This blush is available on Sephora's website for $25 each -- however, the shade Glisten (shown above) is exclusive to QVC until August 1st. Eight other shades are available.



Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-Wear Eyeshadow Palette
Shades: Dark Brown, Shimmering Bronze, Light Sand, Shimmering Plum
Shade Descriptions: SHIMMERING COCOA: A warm cocoa brown shimmer. -- SHIMMERING SAND: A white champange shimmer. -- SHIMMERING BRONZE: A golden bronze shimmer. -- SHIMMERING PLUM: A shimmery vibrant purple with micro glitter. 
  • Review: As always, Tarte makes great eyeshadows. They're generous in size, well pigmented, and some of the silkiest shadows I've tried. The colors in this palette are really pretty and all have nice pigmentation. Shimmering Plum was the shade that went on a little uneven (when swatched), but not too bad. Shimmering Sand had the least pigmentation, but still very nice color payoff!
  • Where To Buy This: At this moment you cannot purchase this palette separately. This is an exclusive palette to QVC until August 1st. You can only pick up this palette in the Tarte 8th World Wonder Best of The Amazon 7-Pc Clay Collection.



Tarte Cosmetic Bag
  • Review: I have to be honest, I usually toss any cosmetic bag that come with kits. They go into a pile in my closet and I usually never touch them again. However, this bag is beautiful. It doesn't look cheaply made, and the textures of the bag are fantastic. The bag not only could be used as a cosmetic bag, but also a clutch for a night out. The bag can be both casual and semi-formal. Plenty of room inside. This bag will get used!
  • Where To Buy This: Like most kits, any bags that come with them are not available for separate purchase. 



Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

My Before & After Using the Pure Maracuja Oil:
  • Review: At the time I was swatching this kit my hand was really super dry (from the eye makeup remover I was using). You can see how dry it was in the Before & After photo above (click on it to enlarge). My skin was flaky, white, and in need of moisture. One drop of this oil smoothed everything out and made my skin look hydrated. The oil absorbed quickly and did not leave behind a greasy feeling. Would I use it on my face? Maybe. I'm going to try Aragon Oil first, but will keep this sample around for future testing, or when I need to add hydration to my body.
  • Where To Buy This: You can buy a full size of this product on QVC's website for $46.



Have questions about any of the items in this kit? Just leave a comment on this blog post or send an email (kisses@valentinekisses.com). I'll try and answer all questions asked.