Nail Varnish Sale

I've been clearing out my nail varnish stash, so these babies are up for grabs! All have either never been worn, or worn once.

OPI - Dulce Du Leche - $3
OPI - Over The Taupe - $3

China Glaze - Lemon Fizz - $2
China Glaze - Breakin - $2
China Glaze - B-Girlz - $2
China Glaze - Strawberry Fields - $2
China Glaze - Short N Sassy - $2

American Apparel - Office - $3
American Apparel - Peacock - $3
American Apparel - Factory Grey - $3
American Apparel - Palm Springs - $3
American Apparel - Coney Island - $3

Essie - Body Language - $4
Essie - Mint Candy Apple - $4
Essie - Pink Parka - $4
Essie - Lollipop - $4

Color Club - Uptown Girl - $2

Sephora By Opi - Wired - $4
Sephora By Opi - 212-Sephora - $4

Rimmel - Azure - $2
Rimmel - Dancin - $2
Rimmel - Coralicious - $2
Rimmel - Portobello Pink - $2
Rimmel - Pillar Box - $2

L.A. Colors - Fuel - $2

Shipping will be $4 within the US for the first item, plus $0.50 for each after that until a maximum of $8.
Shipping will be $7 outside the US, plus $1.00 for each item after that.

Leave a message in the comments with your email and I'll be in touch!

Thanks for looking :)

Love and Toast Handcream is a Little Tube of Heaven

I usually try to post a review of everything new I try out on this blog. Reading product review, of both old and new things, is probably my favorite type of post, so I try and return the favor by posting my own. Sometimes though, I’ll realize that I have been happily working through a product without having posted a word about it on my blog. Case in point? My Love & Toast Handcream ($9).

Love & Toast are a relatively small lotions and perfume company that aims to do good as well as make you smell good. A portion of proceeds from each purchase goes to the Regional Affiliates of Girls Inc. They make perfume, hand cream, and lip balm. They are sold from a variety of retailers including Amazon and Urban Outfitters. I picked up my hand cream at a spa. (Haven in SoHo, for you NYCers).

I picked up the Sugar Grapefruit version. The other scents available are Pomme Poivre (Apple Pear), Honey Coconut, Gin Blossom, Mandarin Tea, and Paper Flower. Sugar Grapefruit comes in a gorgeous bright pink tube with pretty illustrations, so it will look cute wherever you keep it. It’s a lovely, reasonably rich cream that sinks in very quickly. It’s not a super rich cream, so those of you who have very, very dry hands may wish to keep that in mind. Love and Toast’s real selling point comes from its use of fragrance. I wish my blog had some sort of scent-o-vision, because I just cannot get over how good this cream smells. It has a beautiful, sweet but not cloying, crisp, fresh citrus smell that instantly wakes you up. Plus, the scent hangs around for about an hour after you’ve put it on.

For the sheer gorgeousness of the scent I more than highly recommend Love and Toast’s handcreams. I urge you to track them down immediately and start getting that amazing burst of energy that comes from smelling something really good. Plus, you can feel good about yourself as well as some of the proceeds go to charity. Fantastic.

Beauty Blog Link Love

My Lips But Better writes about the MAC Venomous Villains launch party and shares her thoughts about the products.

Check out the duo-chromed awesomnicity (yes that is a word!) that Aijuswhanakno found through Persephone Minerals.

Tammerly at Pink Diva's Beauty Spot gives you the 'gloss' on the 2010 Sydney International Beauty Expo.

Amy Antoinette experiments with Kim Kardashian curls.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed gets to pretend she is a real makeup artist with the TEMPTU AIRbrush system!

Kim Porter reviews Dr. Miracle’s Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, a great product for dry, damaged hair.

With blogger events and launch parties, it's Illamasqua overload at Hellcandy make-up! Check out the photos from the launch party here.

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Mascara and Yinnie's lashes become BFFs over at Looking Glass Beauty.

Daily Polish professes her love for all things Catrice with the turquoise lacquer, "I Sea You!"

Over at The Glamorous Gleam, Mz. More gives you a sneak peek at the new Sleek MakeUp Bad Girl & Good Girl Palettes, due to be released on October 27th!

Eyelining uses some NYX pigments to demonstrate how bad packaging can ruin a perfectly good product.

Vex in the City shows you how to step up your nail game on the cheap, with the new Instant Nail Effects from Barry M.

Emma swatches the best Orgasm dupe yet for only £3.99 at BirdsDecorateBranches!

Melissa reviews Smell Bent's limited edition Halloween Killer Smellies over at LovelyAndroid.

You need an idea for Halloween? Vesna at Beauty addict blog has one: turn yourself into a Dark Fairy for this year's Halloween!

Love NARS makeup but not the price tag? Lipglossiping signals the "dupe alert" siren when she shows off a serious but affordable dupe for NARS Albatross!

The Pink Sith is less than impressed with the Too Faced Naked Eye Palette, despite it having a few great taupe shadows.

Jellyminx jumps on the naked band wagon and shares a look created using the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Jolie Laide girl gets to work showing you the best of the Elf Mineral Shadows.

Louise spends a day chatting with Daniel Sandler and getting a whole new look!

The Lip Print discovers a products with a Happy Philosophy; you can share the love too!

theNotice finds a fab product to banish under-eye bags, and it's under $5!

L at Beautifully Addicted To gives a run down on Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanse.

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Jeweled Thumb is celebrating reaching her 400th post with a giveaway! Enter to win Stila, ELF, BE, Milani Bare To Wear and more!

Enter Phyrra's Beauty for the Earth The Wizard of Oz-Some Giveaway for a collection worth $60!

MAC Villainous Villains Review

Wow!! The launch of the year has finally arrived! Yes, the much anticipated Disney MAC collaboration has finally landed. After having skipped the last couple of MAC launches, I was most excited to actually take part in some much desired hauling.

The collection is based on 4 classic Disney villains: Cruella (101 Dalmations, Evil Queen (Snow White), Maleficiant (Sleeping Beauty), and the most recent, Dr Facilier (The Princess and the Frog). I didn't haul based on any particular character, but it turns out I ended up with a lot of Cruella. Better not tell my pup, huh?

Okay, what did I end up and what do I want?

Let me start with the blushes and beauty powders.

 Darkly My Dear is a matte dirty brown-y plum. When I first saw the color, it really reminded me of Prim and Proper from MAC's Liberty collection that came out in March. It's a matte color which is very pigmented, and is quite warm. I found that I had to use a very light hand with it. I have to admit, I do not love this color - it feels too strong for my skintone, and a little overwhelming. I'm not going to keep this blush. If you want it, please leave a message in the comments.

Her Own Devices is a very slightly shimmery beige. It looks quite pink in the pan, but it swatches almost nude. I'm going to love this for contouring. I don't have anything else like this in my collection.

Oh So Fair is a super pretty pale shimmery pink. It is pretty and sheer, but for me, I'm not blown away, and don't think that this product is super unique. I'm not sure I'll be keeping this.

Left to Right - Darkly My Dear, Her Own Devices, Oh So Fair

Next up - lip products!!!

I only ordered two lip products, but both are so good that it's a complete win. Wicked Ways is a gorgeous, cool, pink-toned red shimmery gloss. It's really fun to wear. It's quite simply deliciousness in a tube. 

L-R Wicked Ways, Innocence Beware, Sweet Joy

Innocence Beware is an amazing color. It's my perfect pinky nude. If it wasn't madly sold out, I'd want another one! It is a slightly warmer, pinker toned version of creme d'nude. It's perfect for wearing with knock-out smokey eyes. I'm in love. 

Normally I'm a real freak for eye shadows, but in this launch, I only got one - Sweet Joy. It's a shimmery, sheer gold. That sort of color is a must-have in anyone's collection. It has a gorgeous, soft, smooth feel, although it's quite sheer and I do feel I have to pack it on for it to show up against my skin tone. 

I was incredibly excited about a new product that MAC debuted in this collection - their magically cool powders. They are powders that are made from 70% water. Don't ask me to explain the science behind it, because quite clearly that is something that is well beyond me. I got the lighter shade, Truth & Light. It is a shimmery, highlighting "powder" with peachy tone. When you put it on, it really does feel magically cool and "wet", which then dries down to leave a gorgeous, subtly shimmery finish. This product is a lot of fun. Make sure you try this for yourself. 

My thoughts on this collection? Well, there are some truly fabulous products, and gorgeous, gorgeous colors to play with. The eye shadows to me felt either dupe-able or pantomime though. I love the multitude of matte blushes and beauty powders, since so often these have shimmer. The packaging is a real let down - the outside packaging using the illustrations is beautiful, but the actual packaging on the products is traditional and cheap looking, which is a real shame. However, I can see why products are selling like hot-cakes, and most things are already gone. 

I have 2 products that I'm not going to keep. Normally I just return them to MAC Online. However, since I know that there are products that people are dying to get their paws on, and it would be a shame for them to be thrown in the trash, please let me know if you are interested in swatched Oh So Fair and Darkly My Dear. 

What did you haul from this collection?

Generally Rambly Update Post

t’s been a while since I’ve really written about any new products on the blog. I have to admit that since sometime around August, I have just not been that interested in buying any new make up. I have been unwilling to try out anything new for a couple of reasons. My make up drawers are beyond full, so sometimes it is hard to even imagine a scenario where there is some sort of void in my stash. Actually, there are plenty of voids, but because I am consistently drawn to the same shades again and again (hello, coral pinks!), but where there is already so much in there, it’s hard to think of anything new. I am trying to clear out a bunch of products by having a blog sale. Take a look and see if you want to get some cheap MAC, Tarte, and Philosophy!

I have also been spending so much time travelling and not wearing make up, that I have hardly had an excuse to think about new products. I have, however, really loved the make up that I do have. I took the Urban Decay Naked Palette home last week for a wedding, and was able to put together the most beautiful shimmery, lightly smoked neutral eye that made me feel gorgeous all night. I’ll be recreating that look soon for the blog, as I also had a lot of fun with the shimmery highlighting effect from MAC’s By Candlelight.

However, with fall really in the air, I’m starting to feel the draw of new products. This time last year, I was madly in love with MAC’s Style Black collection and hard core smoky eyes with a pretty pale pink lip. I was also falling for a bright lip with bare face. This year, in line with the clean, polished clothes coming off the catwalks from the likes of Celine and Chloe, I can feel myself being drawn towards grown up neutrals and minimalist polish. This isn’t bare faced minimalism – it’s highly thought out lady-like looks. There are a couple of products that have really caught my eye this year.

Tarte's LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stainlook unbelievably amazing. A gorgeous matte stain in a moisturizing jumbo pencil? Is that even possible? I had a great time with their original lip pencil this summer, so am going to try and limit myself to just two pencils to get me through the fall. I’m thinking a pale pink (Lucky) and a gorgeous matte raspberry (Lively).

With perfectly polished comes the requirement for perfect skin. For those who haven’t got it, it’s possible to fake it. I’ve spent the last couple of months using a tinted moisturizer I’ve mixed myself using foundations I’m trying to use it, but now it’s time for me to splash out on a new product. Two foundations have really caught my eye for trying out – the NARS Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow (which to choose?), and Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation. Both are available at Sephora now, so I guess I’ll have to get a couple of days product to try out before making up my mind. Does anyone else find buying foundation the most stressful part of make up?

Matte, polished neutral eyeshadows always have a place in my heart, and I’m currently putting together my list of must have shadows for the fall. I’m loving shadows like Soba, Bamboo, Rule, Wedge, and Brule from MAC.

One area where neutrals are completely out the window for me are nail varnishes. There have been so many amazing collections recently released that I don’t even really know where to start. Orly’s Cosmic Collection has the most fabulous shimmery, glittery, gorgeous finishes that I don’t think I can pick between them. China Glaze’s recent twenties theme shimmer collection also features some real beauties that I’m dying to pick up, like a beautiful shimmery camel, and a gorgeous dark green. I have far, far too many colors in my collection at the moment, so must clear out (another blog sale!) before adding to my stash, but I can see shimmers will be playing a big part in my fall nails.

Of course, being the lover of all that is new and MAC (In the Groove and Fabulous Felines excepted!), I have of course put in an order for the Villains collection from MAC, and am eagerly awaiting my “shipped” email. I’ll also be stopping in store tomorrow to check them out, and can’t wait to see whether the products live up to the serious hype. Full report coming soon!

BLOG SALE!!!

NEW PRICES!!! 

I've been clearing out my drawers so now you've got a chance of snapping up some bargains as I need some more space.

Shipping: $2.50 for the first item and 0.50 for each item after that within the US. $5.00 for the first item and $1.00 for each item after that for international shipping. Items will be shipped first class. Some

Payment must be made through paypal. If you are interested in an item, leave a comment in the box with an email address. I will be in contact and will send an invoice. Payments must be made within 24hrs.

I will also be doing a nail varnish sale in the next couple of weeks so look out!

Okay, here we go!

MAC Eyeshadows:

Night Manoeuvres - used less than 5 times: $9
Crystal - 90% left: $5
All Races - used twice: $8
Swimming - used twice: $8

MAC Eyesshadow Vibrant Grape - used less than 5 times: $8

Urban Decay Box of Shadows pans - these have been pried from the Box of Shadows (various) and have a magnet attached to the back.

Gunmetal: $4 (used twice)
Midnight Cowboy Rides Again: $4 (never used)
Sphynx: $4 (used once)
Sin: $5 (used twice)

Half Baked: $5 (used less than 5 times)
S&M: $5 (used less than 5 times)
Mushroom: $5 (used less than 5 times)

Philosophy
Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (8oz). Brand new, unopened. $12
Hope in a Jar (2oz) Brand new, unopened. $20
Hope in a Tube. Brand new, unopened: $15
Hope in a Tube. Used 5 times. $10

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (no lid! - 80% left): $10
MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (2/3 left): $8
MAC Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask (1/2 left): $5

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (1/2 left): $10

Urban Decay DeSlick Oil Control Setting Spray (used less than 5 times): $15

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Deep Red (used less than 5 times): $1
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Chaos (used less than 5 times): $1
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil Nude Rose (used less than 5 times): $1

Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful (used approx 10 times): $15

NYX Glitter Eyeliners each swatched once

Pink $1
Blue $1
Silver Disco $1

MAC Shadesticks in Cuddle and Nurture. Each swatched once. $8 each

MAC lipgloss mini in Morning Glory (never used): $5
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess lipgloss (used less than 5 times): $8
MAC Lipgloss in 3N (used twice): $8
MAC Lipgloss in Liquor (swatched once): $8

Benefit Boing (used 10 times): $5

NYX lipsticks. All swatched once, never used. $1 each

Louisiana, Rose, Hero, Snow White

Lipsticks, all used less than 5 times.

Lipstick Queen Saint Berry: $8
MAC Creme D'Nude: $10
Rimmel Coral Gold: $5
MAC Myth: $8

Eye Pencils, all used less than 10 times

MAC Minted: $8
Sephora Turquoise: $5
Sephora Shimmery Blue Crayon: $3
Sephora Shimmery Green Crayon: $3
NARS Aigle Noir Crayon: $12

NYX Glitter Jars - all never used. $1 each

Ultra Pearl Mania
Blue Glitter, Pink Glitter, Neon Pink Glitter, Gold Glitter

Korres Mascara, never used: $5
Stila Violet Smudge Pot - swatched once (mini size): $5
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess (used once): $8

NYX Chrome Powder never opened: $2 each

Stila Lip and Cheek Crush in Pomegranate swatched once. $5.

Comment please to let me know what you'd like!

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

Last Bronze set - this one is my favorite. A pop of teal makes any neutral look hawt hawt hawt.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Lid: Bronze all over
Crease: Carbon
Liner: UD Flipside used wet.

If I was doing this again, I'd like it to be a bit more blue teal rather than green teal.

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

You may have noticed from last week's posts, I'm a big fan of Cranberry eyeshadow. It was only going to be a matter of time before I worked it into a look with Bronze for a super rich fall look. Can't you just see the leaves turning and the crisp air?

Inner Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Middle Lid: Cranberry
Outer Lid: Bronze
Highlight: Ricepaper
Lower outer lid: Bronze

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

I had a lot of fun discovering old favorites when playing around with Bronze, and have been wearing it a lot since I started thinking about the looks for it. This one was a dinner trip with friends.

I really like how Feline gives it a dark edge without being too over the top.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Shroom
Middle Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Outer Lid and Crease: Bronze
Highlight: Shroom
Liner: Rich Ground Liner
Liner: Feline

All products MAC unless otherwise stated.

Ways to Wear Series: Bronze

Another week, another way to wear series. Since last week was all about color - hello pink!! - this week is more of a neutral. Bronze by MAC is hardly a sheer scaredy cat. Think more rich, luscious, silky pigmentation. Deliciousness in a shadow pan.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Goldmine
Middle Lid: Style Snob
Outer Lid: Bronze
Crease: Bronze and Smut
Lower Line: Feline
Lower Line: Goldmine
Highlight: Shroom

All products MAC

Ways To Wear Series: Da Bling

A more traditional "pink eye" - doesn't that sound pretty!?! Cranberry is one of my favorite colors to use. I love how rich it is, and how well it plays with others. It is particularly beautiful with bronzey golds as well.

Base: Elf Shadow Primer
Inner Lid: Soft Force (try Nylon)
Middle Lid: Da Bling
Outer Lid and Crease: Da Bling
Highlight: Shroom
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies