Smashbox Double Duty Beauty

Smashbox Double Duty Beauty kit

I am a bargain hunter and a kit fan...I buy MAC from CCOs and I am ALWAYS interesting in trying products that come in kits and deals...


The Goodies

Ulta came out with this Smashbox Double Duty Beauty kit for $ 12.99 only as a part of their Doorbuster sale. It included a cream cheek/lip product, a dual Lip liner and Lip color and a Clear Lipgloss.


Lip color in Apricot

I am not a fan of lip products that need sharpening...loads of wastage...thats one reason, inspite of liking the colors of NARS velvet lip pencils, I don't 'spend' on them...
But this was a great chance to try a similar product for less.
The lip color is very very creamy and decently opaque. Its moisturising too, with practically no scent. It has not shimmers, which is great. So the end finish is a creamy, opaque lip.
It did last for 3 hours, but then I had to re-apply.

Lip Liner

This is an odd color. I mean if its meant to use lip liner and lip color in combination, I don't know how to use it. The Lip color is a peachy apricot color like the Ravishing cremesheen by MAC and this liner is more mauvey nude. The Lip liner has a very nice texture. Its not drying at all. It lasts for a long time. The duo retails for $22 per piece.

Swatches of Lipliner and Lip color in Apricot

Lip color in Apricot

This reminded me of Ravishing Lipstick by MAC.

Lip liner

Smashbox dual lip/cheek color in SPEEDRACER

This is a creme blush. It looks scary dark and brown in pan. I used it only once and I didn't go out or anything. So I will need to use it for some more time before reviewing it. As far as the texture goes, its light weight, creamy and dewy. Its not at all sticky. Not at all Shimmery which is good. It did blend beautifully and just melted in my skin. I liked the texture a lot...Color???

I am not sure...Its more of a summer color I think......

The gloss that came with this is just another clear lipgloss, with high shine. Nothing unique about it.

Blush swatch

P.S: This is my first attempt with Lip swatches. Please bear with all the crapiness...I can't change the shape or pigmentation of my lip that I am born with...but I can work on the light arrangment and clearity. I need your support and feedback....Drop a comment and let me know, if these lip swatches are ok...or pain in ......... to watch.

FUNTASTIC FRIDAY....BLACK FRIDAY!!!

I shopped till I dropped dead….seriously, on black Friday!! I woke up early and became a part of all the mad rush…
I did save a lot of bucks on Camera, but more than the saving part, I totally enjoy the over all ambience of those sales and rush…People just shop like crazy, as if its end of the world…Kids, families…everybody running around, carrying those carts and bags…I just love every bit of this craziness….

Few things that I hauled and thought were worth mentioning….


Ulta haul

I had to stop at ULTA....Obviously....hehe!!!
Detailed review and swatches in next few posts....


Bath and Body works goodies..

This is the season when I stock on my bath and body products...and ofcourse Holiday Candles..
I picked the New Twilight stuff and that P.S I Love you scent is amazing!!!


Miniature Fragrances...

This as purchased becasue they looked cute....


Benefit Lipsticks..

Benefit has released awesome shades of lipsticks (Trios) at an affordable price...This one was picked at Benefit Counter at MACY's...How cute is that bag!!!
(Reviews and swatches to come)


Canon SLR...

This started whole of my shopping....5 in the morning!!
Awesome deal as i could add accessories....this was a gift from me to my hubby...
Now I am assured to get regular supply of make-up from him for the whole next year....lol!!


Kohl's casual...

Just random stuff....few earings, toys....etc.etc..
I didn't include any of those bedsheets and towels and clothes....they are boring but necessary...and it helped me to raise my bill, so i ended up getting few dollars as reward.....woohooo!!!

Hope you guys had a great, great weekend....Mine was a Funtastic one...
xoxo

MAC RED LIPSTICK SWATCHES

MAC RED LIPSTICK SWATCHES
(Russian Red, Ruby Woo, Lady Bug, Brave Red, MAC Red, Utter Fun)

These are a few Red Lipsticks from MAC brand....

My hunt for RED lipstick continued from one brand to another....and I am still confused...:)

NARS LIPSTICK SWATCHES -- RED LIPSTICKS

NARS RED LIPSTICK SWATCHES
(Red Lizard, Shanghai Express, Afgan Red, Jungle Red, Scarlet Empress,
Fire Down Below, Viridiana)

I went hunting for a nice Red lipstick and ended up confusing myself !!! With tons of lovely reds available it is not easy to choose just one....
I don't own any of NARS lipsticks, so I am not in position to review any of those. But none of these were drying in texture when I swatched them.

NARS LIPSTICKS

A wide range of captivating shades designed to provide the look and style
the color dictates.

Lipstick available in three formulas:

Satin - moist, longwearing lipstick containing micro-bubble spheres to
continually release lip conditioners which yield creamy, silky color that wears
for hours.

Semi-Matte - A highly pigmented matte, non-drying formula that provides a
longwearing, full-bodied, velvety finish.

Sheer - long lasting color pigments have been suspended in this translucent
formula to provide a sheer, natural tint.

Fashionable colors available in three textures
Exceedingly longwearing
Nourishing and Non-drying, with Vitamin E

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND BEAUTIFUL READERS...

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil swatch

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil swatch
(Goddess, Skorpios, Aigle Noir)

Soft Touch Shadow Pencils provide easy, portable, long-wearing application.
These jumbo sized pencils have versatile functionality to shade the lid, line,
or highlight the eye.
Smooth, creamy texture delivers a smooth, velvety feel to the eye and make
for easy blending and an ideal base for layering with a powder shadow for
increased color intensity.

1. Portable application
2. Smooth, creamy, long-wearing formula
3. Easy and seamless blending
4. Ideal base for layering with powder eyeshadow to increase color intensity

I was immediately drawn towards the color Skorpios at my Sephora counter. It looked soo amazingly beautiful, lovely coppery color. When I swatched them, they were very creamy (usually in-store testers are always creamy) and were not glittery. The color Aigle Noir had these gold shimmers, which were not huge chunks of glitter. I just swatched these. I don't know if they are crease resistent or long lasting. Temptalia had reviewed one of these colors in the past. She has an extensive review. I obviously can't afford to buy everything and review them.

The swatches above are definately lovely and I wish to buy a few colors someday...:)

NARS VELVET MATTE LIP PENCIL (SET 2)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches

(Dolce Vita, Belle De Jour, Cruella, Dragon Girl, Damned)

I had swatched Velvet Matte Pencil Pencil (swatches here) in the past at my local NARS counter.

Yesterday, I swatched a few more. Though these are lovely in colors, personally I am not a fan of lip products that need sharpening. Tons of product is wasted. When I was swatching these at stores, they were so soft and few of them were breaking easily. At $24...nah! I can't afford wastage....:)

Laura Mercier Kohl Eye pencil swatches

Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil swatches

(Black Violet, Antique Jade, Brown Copper, Stormy Grey, Black Navy,

Black Turquoise)

I had talked a little about Laura Mercier Kohl eye Pencil in Black gold, that was a free sample.

As I had liked the color in Black Gold, I checked out the other shades too. They all had lovely sheen and non of them had chunky glitters. I liked theses pencils a lot. The swatches don't do justice to the sheen that these cuties had in real.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Lipstick swatches (set 2)

YSL ROUGE VOLUPTÉ LIPSTICKS
(Sensual Silk, Sweet Honey, Legendary Mocha, Fetish Pink, Provocative pink,
Forbidden Burgundy)
(2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)


YSL ROUGE VOLUPTÉ LIPSTICKS
(Orange Shiver, Red Taboo, Spicy Pink, Exquisite Plum, Praline Delight,
Tender Peach)
(14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26)

These 2 part swatches of YSL lipsticks were done at my local Sephora. The two shades in number 15 and 16 were missing from the counter.
Hope somebody finds these helpful.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Lipstick swatches (set 1)

YSL ROUGE VOLUPTÉ LIPSTICKS
(Nude Beige, Beige Ultimate, Divine Mahogany, Lingerie Pink)
(1, 3, 5, 7)

ROUGE VOLUPTÉ
Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15
An extremely smooth and creamy lipstick with a formula that transforms into
a fluid veil of radiant color when it touches the lips.

YSL ROUGE VOLUPTÉ LIPSTICKS

(Caress Pink, Rose Culte, Peach Passion, Red Muse, Frivolous Pink,

Vibrant Brown, Luscious Pink, Soft Beige)

(9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25)

One of these Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE VOLUPTÉ Silky
Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 is sure to be your new signature color: they're
sensual, radiant, and strong. With shades that drench the lips with densely
pigmented color and a unique color-shine complex, lips are visibly smoothed,
plumped, and radiant with luminous satin color.

THANK YOU!!!

I am soo happy and excited and elated and well.....thankful...:)



Not to be formal, but it really means a lot to me, to know that 100 lovely people shellout some precious time from their schedules and visit my blog.
I soo very much treasure you 100 gems!!!!!

xoxo

Again, I am soo happy.....all bloggers are happy when they get followers...:)

MAC- Holiday Collection 2008

MAC HOLIDAY '08

I run a year late…..late in buying MAC Holiday goodies…WHY??

Answers:

1. I have high hopes that some one will gift me something from MAC Holiday, as I keep giving them hints…
2. I am pretty positive that it will land in CCO’s some day.
3. Sub-consciously I believe that Holiday collections have dupable colors as they are meant to cater everyone (for gifting) and are not meant for junkies…
4. I have patience to wait.

Ok, so last year…no one gifted me anything from any of those lovely RED packaging…On Saturday, my CCO was filled with goodies from last year’s collection and I ended up with a mini haul….



MAC -- CHARMING GARNET -- GLAMOUR BASICS
(Bare Slimshine, Ebony Eye Pencil, 181 SE Brush, Zoomlash Mascara
Belightful Powder)

As this is an old collection, no point in discussing much….except for the fact that the Holiday packagings are cute, give value for money and make great, affordable gifts…not to mention, they become collectors item for make-up lovers.
I got at CCO…so I am proud for saving some bucks…

The Charming Garnet, Glamour Basics had 181 SE brush, that I wanted along with one of my favourites, Bare Slimshine. The tiny make-up bag is cute too


ADORING CARMINE -- ROSE LIPS
Lipsticks in Romancin, To Swoon For, Lipgloss in Delicate Crush)

The lipsticks remind me of Viva Glam V which is pretty. Also the bag is cute. I didn’t like the lipglass though, because its way to frosty for my liking.


MAC -- Intriguing Scarlet --Warm Eyes Palatte

They had all the palettes, but I wanted the warm one, because of the gorgeous green and olive colors.


Swatches of MAC -- Intriguing Scarlet --Warm Eyes Palatte

I just wanted to share the haul…so that someone can comment, “Its ok girl…you didn’t waste money, you picked good stuff…“
My guilt of spending unnecessarily will be reduced….

Laura Mercier - Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold

Laura Mercier - Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold

This was one of the 100 point perk samples that I got from Sephora, when I purchased goodies from them during the FF sale. The size is pretty tiny, but enough to give an idea as how the product is, how it works and all the good and bad stuff...


Laura Mercier - Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold

To begin with, this retails for $19 which is pretty much in the same range as other High end eye pencils. On application, its not as soft as Stila kajal or MAC Smolder, but is pretty smooth. Its bit stiff. Its somewhat similar to the Urban Decay 24/7 pencils (in smoothness). The color is described as Black with Gold pearl by the website, but i find it is more of Antique Gold color, with green hues in it, very much like the MAC Henna eyeshadow. It has some sheen to it and non of that 'sheen' travelled over my face.

Swatch


Laura Mercier - Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold

This glides on easily, without pulling or tugging and lasting power is pretty good. On my waterline, it didn't last that long...just 4 hours..


Swatches of Laura Mercier - Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold
Urban Decay 24/7 in Stash, Ulta liner in Moss

As eyeliner on lash lines it was just verrry beautiful and GORGEOUS!!!! Its very true to color. I also tried it over black base...smudged a bit....and it was simply Awesome....Personally, I like the color a lot...So even if the texture is a bit on stiff side, i would still purchase the full size...The only drawback is that, it needs to be sharpened...which I am not very fond of....

URBAN DECAY - Cream Shadow Swatches

I got this e-mail and I thought of buying a few items. Lately I have been obsessed with cream eye shadows and Urban decay had these cream shadows released in the past, that i wished to try. So to get an idea of the colors, I went at Ulta and swatched some colors that were on display. I guess I am missing one or two colors.


URBAN DECAY - Cream Shadow swatches
(Whipped, Rehab, Asphault, Mushroom, Sphynx, Midnight Rhodeo,
Delinquent, Weeds, Grass, Radium, Moonshine)

Urban Decay Cream Shadow channels the sex appeal of the 70's and the
science of today. Whipped to perfection, each shimmering shade dries to a
weightless layer of color that will not crease, fade, or hide in fine lines.
Unlike most cream shadows, the gel-based formula features silicone technology,
allowing time to blend, correct, and smudge. Once dry, shadow is light and as
flexible as your own skin.

URBAN DECAY - Cream Shadow swatches
(Whipped, Rehab, Asphault, Mushroom, Sphynx, Midnight Rhodeo,
Delinquent, Weeds, Grass, Radium, Moonshine)

Most of the shades looked pretty, but few of these have glitter in them. I am not a fan of glitters on my eye. Also, I don't see myself using any of those bright funky colors in blue. greens and purples often, so i won't be buying those aswell. Only eye catching colors were Mushroom, Rehab and Whipped. The testers are display were pretty dry and almost empty, so they didn't give much idea about the texture or consistency. The applicator was nice.

Has anyone of you tried these?? What do you think?? Is anybody hauling during this sale??
Suggestions welcome....:)

NARS Blush Swatch/Review

In continuation with ILLAMASQUA blush thoughts and talks…I add the swatches of my NARS powder blush, as these have been missing from my journal.

Why does Illamasqua reminds me of NARS??
Well, if NARS blush has crazy names like Orgasm, Sin, Deep throat….Illamasqua is no different in naming their blushes with equally crazy names like Thrust, Expose, Kiss, Lover, Tremble…hehehe!!
The pigmentation of Illamasqua blushes are at par with the NARS blushes, if not better and the cost is well almost equal….expensive!!


NARS - DEEP THROAT

At sephora store, I so very wanted to buy Illamasqua blush in BEG, which the website describes as muted warm rose. It was soo pretty, but immediately reminded me of color dolce vita by NARS, which is described as dusty rose color by the site. So I went and swatched both these colors side by side, and they did look similar to me. Now, please don’t quote me on this…Sephora lights can be deceptive.
Dolce vita has more reddish hues to it and Illamasqua has more of brown tones to it.



NARS -- TORRID

Dolce vita and Outlaw are very similar. Out law has shimmers in it. The other one is matte. Deep throat is my favorite as I find it more wearable than any other color, I have. Torrid is a lovely coral color. NARS blushes are very pigmented, and only a tiny amount is needed. I don’t even think these thoughts are needed as the glory of NARS is known by every make-up junkie


NARS-- DOLCE VITA

NARS-- SIN

NARS-- OUTLAW

A few of NARS blush swatches…

NARS BLUSH SWATCH

DEEP THROAT, TORRID, SIN, DOLCE VITA, OUTLAW

NARS BLUSH SWATCH
DEEP THROAT, TORRID, SIN, DOLCE VITA, OUTLAW

Illamasqua Lipstick Swatches

ILLAMASQUA LIPSTICK

I saw the Illamasqua lipsticks in Sephora at Times square. I didn't buy any of these, but I took the opportunity of swatching a few colors.


Illamasqua Lipstick Swatches


Illamasqua Lipstick Swatches
Illamasqua lipsticks in Over, Climax, Obey, Blink, Corrupt


Illamasqua Lipstick Swatches
Illamasqua lipsticks in Wanton, Resist

I had hard time clicking picks, because Times square had these funky, huge, Neon lights and it was insane...soo difficult to click pictures...so i went inside this washroom at Mcdonald's and clicked pics in there....lol!!!!