Estee Lauder Beautiful Perfume Holiday Set...

OMG!!! This is my ultimate favorite. I don't wear any other perfume other than my beloved Estee Lauder Beautiful. I mean I have boxes and boxes and bottles of the stuff I can fill my bathroom and bedroom with. Actually, that's not a lie- the stuff is all over my bathroom and bedroom.

I first posted about this on my first wishlist blog except for some odd reason the picture didn't show. Here I am trying again and Yay the picture attached. First of all, I cannot rave enough about how much I love this perfume and all the body lotion, shower gels, soap, perfume powder and parfum itself. It smells so darn good that I know I can never have enough of the stuff. I think Estee Lauder should accompany this with a body spray. That would be awesome- then my collection is complete!

This is on my Christmas wishlist. I still think that my parents are giving this as their holiday present. *Crsossing fingers here*

Estee Lauder Beautiful Ultimate Luxuries Set

Let me just share what you will get from this limited edition holiday set:

• Eau de parfum spray (3.4oz) (This is the largest perfume size they have and this is the first time they are including this in a holiday set).
• Eau de parfum roller ball pen
• Perfumed body lotion
• Bath and shower gelee
• Perfumed soap

All this in encased in a beautfil gift box which you can use to store makeup goodies or your Beautiful collection (that's what I'm going to do). All this for $99. It might seem steep to some but here's what to consider: the 3.4oz bottle alone is $89. You get the bottle plus 4 other full size items all for $99!!! Not bad! I'm so excited I can't wait!!!

What's on your perfume holiday wishlist??? Any favorites?

Holiday Wishlist Pt 2

Kodak - Pocket Video Camera with 2.5" LCD Screen

- Raspberry-

If you all have read my previous blog, you know that I'm on a hunt for a few things-mainly, a video camera of some sort. Still getting the GPS but now I'm starting to reconsider getting a pocket camera versus a full video camera. I have read reviews on this particular product on BestBuy.com and it looks like it has better capabilities than the Flip camera. We'll see. For the time being I can think a pocket camera will be better for me. I can always get a video camera later on. I still have my heart set on the JVC one. I love the color of the Kodak above, very holida-ish...Come christmas I hope to have this in my stockings:)

What do you all think? Would you get a pocket camera?

Holiday Wishlist

Every holiday my wishlist seems to grow the closer it gets. I'm a list person when it comes to things that I want to buy. That way I get a chance to figure out if I really want the stuff. This time around my list is modest, I think. Having a list keeps things in perspective.

This year is no exception. I think I'm going to continue making a wishlist and update this list going forward. Obviously, it will have makeup/beauty products wishlist. Notice from the image below that there are no makeup being posted. Not to say that I have no makeup on my list. I have far too many but my wishlist for MAC and other items will be on a separate wishlist post.

Below are some of the things I really want for the holiday and are worth saving for.

The Estee Lauder set I'm actually getting as a gift from my parents (I think). Thanks mom and dad!!!

I can't copy the image but the link to the product is below. It is the Estee Lauder Beautiful

Ultimate Luxuries Set

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=424828&CategoryID=669&LinkType=PDPZ1LUSH Christmas Candy Box

I don't know about you but I love LUSH products. They are yummy and most contain vegan ingredients. I've tried their shower soaps before and they smell yum. I will make a full review of some of my favorites from lush. For the holiday, I'm lusting after some of the xmas gift items. One of the things I like is the Christmas Candy Box. This particular one is sweet smelling. $37.95

There's one other item I really want from lush. It's another christmas box item. For some reason, I accidentally deleted the pic when I was editing this part. Anyway, I'll attach the link here:

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/gifts/wrapped/you-shall-go-to-the-ball

I think the packaging of this one is so cute. It's a polka dot. Inside is the yummu yummy yummy shower gel and Fairy Tail Sugar Scrub. Yummy combo. The price is quite reasonable at $15.95

*************************************************************************************

The top 2 contenders on my most wanted wishlist are the two below. Let me talk about the camera first. Probably wondering why in the world I need a camera. Well, I'm hoping to someday post something on YouTube. In order to do that, I'll need a high def camera. Today, I went to Best Buy and found 2 that I really liked. I liked both of these cameras because the LCD lens on each swivel- that way you can see what you're doing. But, they are pricey. Since this is my first camera I may not want to invest too much just yet. I'm thinking of getting either one of these two for the holiday. Be on the lookout for a YouTube debut:)

SONY - High-Definition Handycam Camcorder

with 2.7" Touch-Panel Color LCD in Black

JVC - Everio Digital Camcorder

With 60GB Hard Drive and 2.7" LCD Monitor in Diamond Silver

*also available in Sapphire Blue

**********************************************************************

Second most wanted item on my holiday wishlist is a GPS. I have no sense of driving direction. Seriously, I always get lost. Like last Friday when I went to meet friends for drinks, I got lost. Bad, really bad. I need something that will tell me exactly where to go word for word. I need something with a big screen too. These two below are at the top of my list.

Garmin - nuvi 255W GPS

Garmin-nuvi 205 Portable GPS

For now, these are really at the top of my list. What are your wishlist for the holidays?

*Separate post for my makeup will follow shortly- it's quite a long list- LOL*

Share your wishlist in the comments below:) Happy Holiday Shopping!

Magic, Mirth & Mischief- Eye Kits & Lip Kit

I am loving the Magic, Mirth & Mischief Collection. I had gotten a lot from this collection- that's how much I am loving it. They have many selections to choose from. I bought items from each one. There's many parts to this collection. There's the Lip, Eye and Face Kits, Lip and Eye Bags, Brush Bags, there's the Exclusive sets, the Mineralized collection (namesake of the collection), and the latest release, Mischief Makers (mini pigments and mini lipglasses).

So, of the Lip, Eye and Face Kits I purchased: 2 Eye kits and 1 Lip kit. I didn't get the Face kits because I have some of the colors already- so I skipped out on that one. I basically bought one neutral eye shadow pallete and one with color. I think that the eye shadow kits/palletes are good to start with if you're just venturing into makeup. It gives you an idea of what you like and don't like and what you should get to add to your collection. The collection is a holiday collection but you can build your own collection around that. This is like a platform to start with.

Such cute packaging in circular patterns! Very Festive!

ABOVE and BELOW: Left to Right: Sorceress Eyeshadow, Smoke & Mirrors and Heavenly Dish Neutral Lip Kit

Above, L to R: Sorceress Eyeshadow, Smoke & Mirros Eyeshadow and Heavenly Dish Neutral Lip Kit

Sorceress Eyeshadow
Top, L to R: White Rabbit (Frost), Hold My Gaze (Satin), Edge of Dark (Lustre)

Bottom, L to R: Magnetized (Veluxe Pearl), Hypnotizing (Frost), Altered State (Veluxe Pearl)

Mini Brush in 213SE

Smoke and Mirrors

Top, L to R: Fire in Her Eyes (Frost), Wide-Eyed Wonder (Frost), Black Magique (Veluxe)

Bottom, L to R: Spell No. 9 (Satin), Deception (Frost), Smoke & Mirrors (Satin)

Mini Brush in 213SE

Heavenly Dish Neutral Lip Kit

Left: Lipgloss in Barely Visible

Middle: Lipstick in Floating Lightly (Lustre)

Right: Lipstick in Heavenly Dish (Lustre)

Mini Lip Brush in 316

A Review of the items are coming soon!

What did you all get from the Holiday Collection?

REVIEW: MAC Penultimate Liner

I'm not usually a liner type of girl. Mostly because the liners never stay long enough on my lids. Having very oily lids discouraged me from using any form of eyeliners. However, I thought to give liquid liners a try. So, when the Penultimate liner came out from the DSquared Collection, I bought it. I wanted to give it a whole week's test to see how it would stand. Would it smear down my lids? Would it fade into the crease? Will it last all day?

First, it did not smear down my lids. Great! Second, it did not fade into the crease. Awesome! Third, yes, it did last all day! Overall, this liquid liner has become my fave.

It's easy to apply with the finely pointed tip. You can create a very thin line (see below) or a thick line if you wanted more drama. You can also thicken it up more on the outer part of the eye to define the eyes more. I have finally found my new favorite. What's yours?

Penultimate Liner in Rapidblack

Thinly drawn line

Eyeshadows shown: On Lid: Mineralized Eyeshadow in Devil May Care

On Crease: Mineralized Eyeshadow in It's a Miracle

REVIEW: Steel Her Heart...

I'm so into nails right now. I have a few favorites and ones that I don't often wear and I should.
I went to a Rite Aid last weekend and was just perusing down the makeup aisle when I decided to check out a couple of nail polishes. I first stopped at the Revlon section. Now I haven't bought any Revlon nail polishes in years. I don't know what made me grab the gray tone since I thought it would be a purple that I would go for. I chose this shade instead of the other color only because I don't really have any gray tone polishes.

This nail polish has long term wear. I've had this on my nails for a week now. It has not chipped or flaked off. And the color stayed true throughout the week. It's a love and now one of fave nail polishes.

Nice silvery/gray sheen

Do you have any favorite grey tone polishes? Comment and Share!

BE Flawless Mascara

Let me introduce you to my favorite mascara: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara. If you're like me, I'm very picky when it comes to mascaras. I have very few favorites. Some claim to lengthen, thicken etc etc etc...But it doesn't do any of that. At first I was a little skeptical when Bare Escentuals came out with a mascara. I tried the Big Tease one and that didn't really do much for my lashes. I don't like it when mascara clumps or smudges right away when you just swiped it on. I was excited and hesitant to try this one. However, I decided to give it a go.

I first tried on this kit when I bougth the Sea Yourself kit from QVC. It was featured on that particular kit before it sold to the public. So, I tried it on and OMG it was awesome. It lengthened and conditioned my lashes. Another plus: NO CLUMPING!!! Yay! The bristle brush is shaped in that it narrows when you get to the tip of the brush. That way you're able to coat every single lash even the tiniest ones or farthest to reach lash. I didn't even have to use a lash primer for this. I liked the definition it gave me lashes. I give this mascara 2 thumbs up! I'm on my second one already.

The bristle coats every single lash

If you haven't given this mascara a look, I suggest you do. The shades are in black and brown.

The mascara is available at: www.bareescentuals.com. I have a list of retailers on the side bar that sells the mascara as well.

Let me know what you think. Comment and share your favorite mascara and why.

More blog reviews to come...

Haven't been able to blog lately. Life just got really busy and when I get home I just want to lie down and go to bed. I have a lot to catch up on.

• New items from MAC Holiday collection that I haven't had a chance to review.
• The Friends and Family sale from Sephora which I bought a few things. As soon as I get those, I will post pics and do a review on most of the items except one.
• The QVC showing of the Bare Escentuals holiday collection. Haven't made a purchase yet. Still on a fence about one item. I don't know if I'll be posting any.

List of things to review and post:

• MAC Penultimate Liner- test drove the liner all week- check back soon for my review
• Nail polish review: Revlon in shade Steel Her Heart
• YouTube Tag: 8 Most Worn Things
• YT October Favorites
• Review of the MAC Holiday collections. I will most likely do a collective haul/review and probably break them up in parts.
• Nars Blush review of shade Deep Throat
• Review of Bare Minerals Purist 3 Collection
• Last, post a holiday Wishlist

So, yes I have a lot to do this weekend. I do miss blogging and sharing with you my hauls and thoughts about the things I've loved the last few weeks. Look out for these in the next 2 days!

Candy Cocktails Kit...

I've had this kit for a while and I love it. I pre-ordered it when I attended a bareEscentuals Master Class Event this past September. I ordered this and one other kit which I haven't had a chance to feature or do a review on- so stay tune!

If anyone is not familiar with the bareMinerals line or bareEscentuals, essentially they are a cosmetics company that sells mineral products from their #1 foundation (Original,
new Matte Formula- see post under Foundation) to eye shadow to lipgloss to skincare (Rare Minerals line) to suncare. If you haven't given it a try, I suggest you do because their products are really good for your skin.

bareMinerals is also known for putting out certain kits throughout the year. Some kits are exclusives and can only be purchased from certain retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, QVC and bareEscentuals boutique. Some can also be purchased at department stores such as Macy's and Nordstrom. The particular kit I'm featuring below is one of the newer kits coming out and I believe will be sold at bareEscentuals boutiques (November). If you haven't guessed, it is called the Candy Cocktails Kit! This kit is packaged in a small box and contains: 4 mini size eyeshadows (0.01 oz each) and 1 mini eye shadow quickie brush. The names are cute as well and are named after alcoholic drinks. The back of the box has a recipe which features the contents inside but made to look like directions for making a cocktail drink.

Candy Cocktails Kit, $28
Back of the box featuring a "cocktail" recipe

(picture taken without a flash)

Eyeshadows used:

all over lid: Strawbetty Daiquiri

crease: Kir Royale

brow highlight: MAC Brule

(picture taken with flash)

Contents include:

Top Row, Left to Right: Strawberry Daiquiri, Kir Royale

Middle Row: Small eye quickie brush

Bottom Row, Left to Right: Long Island Iced Tea, Mojito

Here's a swatch from Left to Right:

Strawberry Daiquiri, Kir Royale, Long Island Iced Tea & Mojito

On to color description: None of the eyeshadows, in my opinion, are glittery or contains glitters or are of glimmer textures. The colors have more of a sheen to them as oppose to glitter texture. When applied, either wet or dry, the colors come out really pigmented and vibrant. The pictures above are shown applied dry and the colors came out great.

I would describe Strawberry Daiquiri as a soft, sheen pink. You can layer as much as you like to get the desired effect. Kir Royale is a deep purple shade- so gorgeous! I like to pair Strawberry Daiquiri and Kir Royale together (as shown above). Long Island Iced Tea is a tan, light brown color- great for all-over lid as well as crease color. Mojito is like a soft shade version of a sage green. It has a nice, soft sheen to it that can be layered as well. I have yet to use Long Island Iced Tea and Mojito but will definitely post pictures if I do and what I think of them.

As for application, I'm not a big fan of using the small brush that came with this kit. I prefer to use the full size brushes whether it's from the bareEscentuals line or from MAC. I think you get the desired effect and color when using the right tools. Some brushes that can be used include the: BE (short for bareEscentuals) Wet/Dry shadow brush, Tapered Crease Brush, MAC's 239 brush or MAC 217. If applying wet, I like to use MAC's Fix+. I tap a small amount of color on the lid, spray my brush with Fix+ and dip into lid for color and apply on eye lid by tapping on color.

bareMinerals products can be purschased from the following:

www.bareescentuals.com (Check out their new website!)

www.qvc.com (Tune in November 7th for brand new holiday products & new TSV)

www.sephora.com (F & F Sale going on until November 2nd. Use code: FF2009)

www.ulta.com

www.macys.com

www.nordstrom.com

I hope this review was helpful. If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to share your bareMinerals experience, please post comment below.

Romantically Beautiful....

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this perfume. The scent isn't too strong. It's very feminine, soft and girly! I have worn this since I was 12 and have not looked back since. Nor have I worn any other perfume. I have every item imaginable from this line, from powder, to lotion to body wash to soap, etc... I look forward to getting the gift sets every holiday. This year is no exception. I was passing through the Estee Lauder counter at Macys and was greeted by an SA. I was caught spritzing myself Beautiful on my way. She comes over to talk to me and proceed to show the most spectacular item they are having for the holiday. She shows me this yellow-gold 2-tier box of the Beautiful holiday set. I've had almost all the boxed sets and I've never seen this. Enclosed inside is the best: their largest perfume size as part of the holiday set- 3.4oz!!!! OMG!!!! The largest I've used is the 2.5oz! The set comes with a soap, full size of the body lotion and body wash and pocket/purse perfume! Altogether, the total for the gift set is: $99!!! I'm thinking, what a deal! The 3.4oz perfume by itself is $89! Imagine all those for $99!!! I walked away from the counter all happy. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that my parents give this to me as a christmas present. They don't really give me anything else because they know I love the perfume set.

I've posted a link to Macy's below (this is where I usually buy them).

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=424828&CategoryID=33663

Let me know if you're getting anything from the perfume holiday gift sets (it doesn't have to Beautiful). What are your faves?

bareMinerals Matte Foundation

There's only one foundation that I wear. But before I discovered these, I have tried them all. Unfortunately, I have very oily and sensitive skin. I can't wear liquid foundation because it makes me break out and looks cakey on my skin. And after a few hours of wear, my skin just looks really oily. The liquid formula just doesn't last long on my face.
I have been wearing bareMinerals foundation for years now. I give credit for one of my BFF's for getting me hooked on it. Since then, I haven't worn any other foundation. I think it's the ingredients in the foundation that works well for me. I don't look like I'm wearing heavy makeup. I look very natural. And that's just how I like it.

Matte Foundation: new twist locking system (so loose products won't spill)

bareMinerals Matte Foundation (Shade: Medium Tan)

I've worn the Original formula for many years. Recently, bareMinerals launched a Matte version of their original foundation formula. This product works well for my oily skin. The new Matte foundation formula has a new design. When you remove the lid, the loose powder is encased within a twist locking rim. The old formula is different in that once you open the lid, is just a sifter. And when your foundation gets tossed around in your makeup bag, you end up with extra products the next time you open the foundation. With the new Matte formula, the foundation has a sifter as well as the twist lock. That way you control the amount you want to use without wasting too much. I think that it's a great idea. I've used this foundation in the last month and a half and I love it so far.

Does anyone use bareMinerals foundation? What are your thoughts about the foundation? Please let me know if any of you are using the current Matte foundation.

Why Eiffel for this Color...

I was thinking for the longest time what to blog about today. This will be short however. One of my favorite things in the world, other than makeup is nails. I love, love OPI nail colors. They last long and has great color payoff. One of my favorite color is Eiffel for this Color (see below). I was able to try this color when my girlfriends and I went to a local spa. I am so into anything purple that this color caught my eye. It's like a plum-purple shade. It's creamy in texture and the color is just awesome! I like it so much that my friend got the nail polish for me as a gift! Sweet!
Has anyone tried this shade. If so, let me know what you think. If you haven't tried this, I suggest you do. It is such a pretty color- goes well both as a nail and toe color!

OPI: Eiffel for this Color

2 Pigments + 1 Lipglass = FUN!

This past weekend I thought I would visit a MAC Store, not a counter but a free standing one. I headed to one just to "browse". Needless to say, "browsing" led to "buying"! Shockers!!! What I really wanted was to re-stock on my Volcanic Thermal Mask which was sold out in every store counter and online. Yes, that's how I justify my being there. Not a loss though because my eye caught the Pigments lurking behind the DSquared collection stand. Not totally obscured from sight but could be easily missed by some. But not me. I made my way around the counter and happily played with all of them. Some names I recognize and others I don't. I picked up 2 pigments: Naked and Heritage Rouge. Naked is a permanent item. Heritage Rouge is from the Make Up Art Cosmetics Collection that came out a couple of months ago. I also bought Steal My Heart lipglass. I don't remember which collection this one came from. I will do a full review of these as soon as I can. Naked pigment is available online at MAC's website: www.maccosmetics.com. I believe you can find Heritage Rouge there as well. The full line up of the pigments are sold at MAC free standing stores. The counter does not carry the full range. I think Heritage Rouge you can still ask at some counters if it's available. The last time I went, they were not on display anymore.
Below are some pictures! Check back soon for the reviews. Enjoy!

Steal My Heart

Naked Pigment up close

A closer look (sorry for the blur image)

Such a pretty color!

Heritage Rouge Pigment

Small, yet modest haul

Magic, Miirth & Mischief Haul - Part 1

Just recorded or made a tiny Movie of my small haul from the MAC Magic, Mirth & Mischief collection. As some may already know- it's holiday time at MAC! Yay! The holiday collection comes in 2 parts. I will upload a video or maybe just a pic of the second one. The haul on that one is much smaller than this.

So, my thoughts on these 2 part collection is: I'm overwhelmed! I totally skipped out on the experience last year so I'm at awe this year! I've never bought a holiday MAC collection before. Honestly, I must say that this part (video) is the collection I'm most excited about. I love the mineralize line from MAC. I've found a way to work with them (use Fix+) and the outcome of the color payoff is gorgeous! I can't wait to try all these out!

Pretty dangley things...

Could not log on and upload this pic earlier. This is part 2 of my first post. The first pic was the bracelet. This is part of my Macys accesories purchase.

I love this dangling set. So pretty and so girly. Perfect to dress up any simple top. It's just plain pretty.

This is the other pair I bought. Gold tone and dangling as well. It has a red beading at the top. And the main gold part of the earring has a detailed hammered design. And the bottom are 3 small disc of flat shell design. Again, very pretty and party ready. Can't wait to wear these!

What a day to shop...

Here's what I came away with: Gold tone bracelet with gray/lavender pearl

...only because there's always a reason to want to buy something. Even if your intention is to browse somehow you walk away with something. For example, today I was just suppose to "browse".

Browsing turned into a major shopping spree: Dangerous, as the heading above states. The damage technically began yesterday or last night. It's a friday habit for me to head to the mall just to walk around (another word for browsing). Headed to Macys passing through the jewelry section. Decided to take a peak at the discounted bin of jewelry. Just a mish-mash of earings, bracelets and necklaces. Didn't really think I would find anything I would like and especially on SALE!!!! I found 3 items: 2 earrings and 1 bracelet. And I found them for cheap too! How lucky am I? Really was not going to spend but how can one pass up on a sale?

oh, life....a little rant

This last couple of weeks has been stressful for me at work...I totally need another vacation....Really would love to see some beaces right now. Especially since we're heading towards winter. Doesn't help that I'm not loving what I do at the moment...Need to look for another job opportunity. I hope there's something out there for me...

Happiness kit clutch

OOppps forgot to post the pic of the hot pink clutch that came with the Happiness Kit!

Bare Escentuals Happiness Kit

Berry Rush Gloss

From the top: Glee Radiance, Hallucinate liner shadow, Euphoria and Happiness eyeshadow

On left: the hot pink packaging. at the top right: Berry Rush gloss, Feather light brush, Double-ended tapered brush and Flawless Definition Mascara

Back cover of the box...with product pics!

Hello!

Before I go forward with my review and rave for this product, I need to vent first.

Last friday was a hellish day at work. I thought the day would not end. I mean I dread coming in to work this week for fear of another hellish week:( So, after work I decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy. I headed to Sephora to pick up the new Bare Escentuals kit called Happiness! From other posts I read of this product, everyone and their sister seems to love it. I thought, what's the deal? Oh another thing, Sephora has this promo thing going on (until Oct 12)where if you bring in 5 unused beauty products (can be old lipstick, lipgloss, etc.), you get $10 dollars off a $50 dollar or more purchase. Sweet!!!! Brought in some old products and got $10 off of the Happiness kit collection. Original price tag: $54...So yay...sweet deal!

The Happiness kit is a 9-piece collection that includes:

bare Minerals Glee Radiance

Eurphoria eyecolor

Happiness eyecolor

Hallucinate liner shadow

Flawless definitin mascara- Black

100% Natural Gloss in Berry Rush

Feather light brush

Double-ended Tapered shadow brush

Hot pink Happy clutch

NOTE: Each of these items (excluding the brushes) are infused with Happybelle.

So far, I love this the first time I swatched the colors on my hand. I will follow up this post with a proper product review...

Let me know if anyone picks up this kit. It is available on Sephora and Sephora online.

Thanks!