Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in Neon Vanity -- pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently had to exchange some items at Sephora which allowed me to pick up two new items I've had on my wish list for awhile now; Benefit Hello Flawless! (which I'll blog about in the near future) and Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in the shade Neon Vanity. I'm really loving this lip gloss because the shade reminds me of a juicy pink popsicle and it smells delicious and lasts a decent amount of time.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats and review...

Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss

Shade: Neon Vanity

Shade Description: A juicy looking popsicle pink; no shimmer but plenty of shine!
 

Basic stats for Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss:

Formula: a moisturizing, slightly plumping, liquid gloss

Coverage: sheer to medium color

Wear: a little above average

Shade Info: 13 shades available on Sephora's website

Cost/Availability: $19 (0.14 fl oz full size). Available on Sephora's website and at most Sephora stores.

Packaging: rounded tube; twist-off cap; longer style doe-foot applicator

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Formula:
This non-sticky lip gloss hydrates, nourishes, exfoliates, and plumps with a combination of filling spheres, a marine extract blend, a reflective emollient, and a chemical exfoliator. Has a peach sorbet flavor/scent -- which I find yummy. Very shiny and feels comfortable on my lips.

Coverage:
Sheer to medium color pay-off.


Wear:
A little above average wear on this gloss. I didn't need to re-apply as often as I do with other glosses (like Dior's Addict Ultra Gloss, which I have to apply nearly every 30 to 60 minutes!). I went at least 2 hours without even thinking about reapplying and I could go longer.


Shade Info:
Currently available in 13 shades on Sephora's website.


Cost/Availability:
$19 (0.14 fl oz full size). Available on Sephora's website and at most Sephora stores.


Packaging:
Rounded tube with twist-off cap and longer style doe-foot applicator.


Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss Review:
This is one of my new favorite lip glosses for both the formula and the color! Neon Vanity was the shade that stood out the most to me when I was looking at all the Tarina Tarantino Gem Glosses at my local Sephora store. I'll be honest, I probably wouldn't have selected this shade online because the online swatch looks like a bright pink and the shade name having the word neon in it would make me think twice. Now don't get me wrong, it is a bright shade but it's not in-your-face bright; instead it's juicy bright popsicle pink.

The formula of this gloss is really impressive. It goes on so nicely, feels comfortable on my lips, and keeps them feeling hydrated and smooth. Very nice shine from this gloss without having any shimmer in it at all. I didn't know this gloss had plumping properties before purchasing but after researching further I was happy to read that it does indeed plump lips. I thought I was just crazy thinking my lips looked slightly fuller than normal. There is no stinging, tingling or anything to even feel/know that the gloss is plumping. You just may look at your lips and you'll know they look slightly fuller. The shine helps too.

Let me just talk about the shade Neon Vanity again, because I am obsessed with it! I find it to be sexy, girly, flirty, and incredibly juicy looking. I have been on a search for the perfect popsicle, juicy bright pink and this is it. I am so glad I had to exchange some items at Sephora because I would have never purchased this shade online. I don't get to my "local" Sephora store very often because it's almost an hour away, but when I do I take full advantage of testing out and seeing shades in person so I can better shop online. However, I didn't even swatch any other shade of Gem Gloss because Neon Vanity was just too perfect and immediately went into my shopping bag.

I highly recommend Tarina Tarantino's Gem Gloss, especially the shade Neon Vanity, but even if you don't like the shade you'll probably like the formula!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this lip gloss? What about the shade Neon Vanity? Do you have this or one of the other gorgeous shades? Discuss in the comments below.



Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Screen Shot: swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

If you're not lucky enough to get your hands on the Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette (sold at QVC), then maybe you can try out one of their Photo Op Eye Shadow Trios, which are their new formula of eye shadows. With 16 trio's to choose from, you're sure to find a combo that fits your style. For a can't-go-wrong neutral palette, try Screen Shot, which is what I'll be showing in this blog post.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats and review...

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio

Shade: Screen Shot

Shade Description: Nectar: a champagne-peach with subtle satin shimmer. Cinnamon Toast: a cinnamon/bronzy brown metallic-like shimmer. Roast: a gorgeous dark chocolate with subtle gold shimmer flecks.

Basic stats for Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio:

Formula: pressed powder eyeshadows

Coverage: richly pigmented

Wear: long wearing

Shade Info: 3 shades per trio; 16 trios in total

Cost/Availability: $28 (0.097 oz full size). Available on the Smashbox website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Smashbox is sold.

Packaging: round compact; attached lid

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Formula:

These eyeshadows are one of my favorite! They're richly pigmented, silky, velvety, super blendable, and long lasting.


Coverage:
Richly pigmented, but of course depending on the brush/application method you can go more sheer or build up to what you like.


Wear:
For me, these are long-wearing all on their own - even without a shadow primer underneath.


Shade Info:
Each compact has 3 coordinating shades (base, highlight, crease). 16 total shade trios to choose from. I have all 16 trios in the Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette, but I also have this trio on its own.


Cost/Availability:
$28 (0.097 oz full size). Available on the Smashbox website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Smashbox is sold.


Packaging:
Round black compact with a partial see-thru top. Attached pop-open lid.


Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio Review:
There really isn't a single bad thing I can say about this eyeshadow trio or the Photo Op shadow formula. I know some of you may be saying "c'mon, it can't be all sunshine, rainbows and puppy dogs?!", but it truly is; at least to me it is!

The shade Screen Shot is a great neutral combo. Nectar is a beautiful champagne-peach with subtle shimmer; which brightens my eyes. Cinnamon Toast is a beautiful cinnamon/bronzy brown, beautiful on its own or layered over a darker shade. The name, Cinnamon Toast, is great for this shade because that's what it reminds me of for some reason (the cereal Cinnamon Toast). Roast is a gorgeous dark chocolate brown with subtle golden shimmer flecks. Overall, this neutral trio makes brown shades seem pretty again -- at least for me. I personally don't like wearing a lot of browns because my eyes are brown and it can make me look tired or washed out but not with this trio. Roast makes a beautiful smokey liner shade for a soft, sexy neutral look.

Whether you like this shade trio or not, I highly recommend this eye shadow formula. With 16 shade trios to choose from I'm sure you'll find a combo that you like the most.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this eye shadow? Do you like this neutral trio or do you have this in another shade combo? Discuss in the comments below.



Sephora by OPI TrendTips Real Lacquer Strips in Feathers -- pics, swatches, mini review

Hello, Beautiful!

Even though I love to polish my nails on a daily basis, there are still times that I need a break or choose to take a break from doing my nails. I'm on one of those breaks right now because I have a busy weekend planned, which starts off really fun - having a girls night with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. Then a hair appointment to refresh/re-awesome the blue in my hair (every 4 to 5 weeks it goes from a beautiful electric navy blue to a not-so-pretty smurf blue). The weekend ends with organizing my makeup/nail/hair room (hopefully I can give you all a room tour early next week), and lots of present wrapping in secret so my son doesn't know where we hide the presents.

Anyhow... my point was that I like to put these strips on my nails when I'm busy and don't have time to do my nails. I was excited to try out the new Sephora by OPI TrendTips Real Lacquer Strips. I purchased two designs: Feathers (which I'm showing you in this post) and Birds (which I'll review at a later date). Check out the pics and my mini review at the end of this post. Enjoy!

Sephora by OPI TrendTips Real Lacquer Strips

Design: Feathers

Design Description: Multi-colored feathers with metallic-sparkle.
 

Mini Review:

I really like these nail polish strips! One thing I liked was how low-fuss they were. By that, I mean I didn't need to buff my nails prior to putting these on (which is often a must-do step for other brands). I was able to wear a base coat underneath (I applied one coat of Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat), then put these on top with no issues. They applied really easily and so far, they're doing justice (I've been cleaning and my nails are getting a lot of abuse; they're staying good but we'll see how they fair after the weekend). I didn't apply any top coat, yet they're glossy all on their own. 

I really liked the Feathers design on Sephora's website because it looked like metallic colorful feathers. And yes, in a way that's how they look in person, but maybe not as awesome as I thought. They are colorful and slightly metallic looking, but to me it looks more like a tropical print -- like tropical leaves or something. I still like the design, but I'm not going crazy over it. The other design I purchased is the Birds design. I kind of have the opposite feel on that; I sort of liked the design on Sephora's website and ended up loving the design in person. I'm actually excited to get them on my nails, but I'm waiting until the next time I take a nail polish break.

They really remind me of Incoco's 100% Real Nail Polish Strips with the way they're packaged. The price for the Sephora by OPI TrendTrips are $12 each for 16 strips. Not too bad of a price and most of the designs are unique, while others remind me of similar ones from Incoco or Sally Hansen. Overall, I like these and will see how they wear for me this weekend. If they work out well I'll probably purchase more because I do like a lot of the designs. 

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of these nail strips and the Feathers design? Have you tried any of the Sephora by OPI Trend Tips, or will you? Discuss in the comments below.



Winner of my Thanksgiving, Thank YOU Giveaway! Plus, 2 more giveaways coming soon!

Hello, Beautiful!

I'd like to thank everyone who entered my Thanksgiving, Thank YOU Giveaway! Welcome new followers and hello again to those that have been with me for awhile now.

The winner is....


Liz S. from Woodbury, MN

Congrats Liz! The winner has already been contacted via email and has 5 days to claim her prize or an alternate winner will be selected.

2 MORE GIVEAWAYS COMING SOON...

I am planning a 2,000 follower giveaway and will start that giveaway once I reach 2,000 followers -- which shouldn't be too much longer (I hope!). I've been buying items here and there for the giveaway and let me just say, it will be awesome! Lots of great products and a good mix of makeup, nail polish, hair accessories, even some jewelry! There will be a little of everything and I can't wait to put it all together!

Additionally, I have a Reviva Labs Giveaway coming soon too! You'll be able to win four awesome products - which will be useful if you're joining me in the Skincare Challenge! That giveaway will launch after I've posted my reviews on those four products.

Thank you again for everyone who entered my Thanksgiving, Thank YOU Giveaway! I hope you continue following my blog for more great giveaways, swatches, reviews, NOTD's, and other beauty-goodness.

Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer - swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I am one of those people who always use a foundation primer and feel weird when I don't. I have many different brands/formulas of primers, and I do use them all, but one primer I can always trust is from Smashbox: their Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer. Smashbox was the very first foundation primer I ever used, and that was 8 years ago. It was the primer I used on my wedding day and had great makeup all day. I used the primer on my bridesmaids too and their makeup stayed put. Back then there was only one option (the original) but today they have newer formulations, an easy-to-use tube, and the Light option that works perfectly for my skin type.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats and review...

Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer


 

Basic stats for Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer:

Formula: water based liquid-gel primer

Coverage: invisible

Wear: prolongs makeup wear

Shade Info: Available in Light, Original, and six other choices for color correcting, hydration and more.

Cost/Availability: $36 (1 fl oz full size). Available on the Smashbox website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Smashbox is sold. Smaller, travel sized tubes are available as well for $16 to $17 each.

Packaging: squeeze tube, twist-off cap

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:

Oil-free and 60% water based, this primer is ideal for those with oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin (aka, ME!). Smashbox's primers have a silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. Your skin will feel & look smoother and your makeup will go on smoother (key word is smoother). The Photo Finish Light formula has oil absorbers to give skin a matte finish (but not too matte), light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections, and vitamin C & peptides to help even skin and promote collagen production for a flawless future.


Coverage:
This looks white in the tube but goes on absolutely clear.


Wear:
Prolongs your makeup wear, although you can wear this alone.


Shade Info:
Available in the Light option (which I prefer), the Original, and six other choices for color correcting, hydration and more.


Cost/Availability:
$36 (1 fl oz full size). Available on the Smashbox website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Smashbox is sold. Smaller, travel sized tubes are available as well for $16 to $17 each.


Packaging:
Now in a squeeze tube, which means you won't waste a drop of primer. The old style packaging was a square bottle with a pump top, which often meant you didn't get all the use of your primer --- which was my only complaint. Still, back then I dealt with it and continued to repurchase because it is a great product. Now that it comes in a tube, well, it's perfection!


Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer Review:
As I mentioned at the top of this post, the Original Smashbox Photo Finish Primer was the very first primer I ever used -- which was over 8 years ago. I loved it then, but I love it even more now. They've improved their formula and offer a great Light option for people like me who have oily and acne-prone skin.

It glides on like a dream, blends in perfectly, and prolongs my makeup wear for hours. Hands down, this is one of my favorite foundation primers. Even though there are other primers I like and use, I know I can always count on the Smashbox Photo Finish Light to prime my face perfectly.

I've always highly recommended this primer and will continue to say, that yes, I absolutely recommend this primer!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this primer? Do you use one of the Smashbox primers or do you want to try them? Discuss in the comments below.