Updated Blog Sale 12/30/12 Ft. MAC, Tarte, Jane Iredale, Urban Decay, OPI, Essie + more!

I have a few items to sell, leave a comment with paypal address if interested and I will invoice you. I ship worldwide and costs will vary according to package weight. Most domestic shipments will be roughly $2.25-$2.75 if under 10 oz. Please don't ask about how much it costs to ship to such and such country because all I can give is an approximation without knowing how heavy the package will be. Most shipping to Canada is roughly $7 or so for a package with a couple of items but most anywhere in the world should be between $6-$10 if the package weight is under 12 ounces. If it ends up being a dollar or more less when I create a label, I will refund you the difference to be fair. 

** There is a $10 minimum purchase requirement please! 

**If you want to see pictures, there are some listed in an old blog sale post which I have linked with certain items below. I can also email you pictures but right now, for some reason, I am having trouble attaching photos to my blog posts. I have linked my older blog sale next to some of the items if a picture is available on the old post. Some of the items, if you visit the old blog sale, may still be available. If you want any of those, leave comment in THIS post.

Items for Sale!

Bellapierre Compact Mineral Foundation in shade Cinnamon, still in box but used 3-4x. Retail is $60, I'm selling it for $30

Jane Iredale PurePressed Mineral Foundation (shade natural), roughly 90% left with no original powder puff. Retails for $52, I'm selling for $22

Jane Iredale Liquid Mineral Foundation (shade natural) roughly 75% left Retails for $48, I'm selling for $19

Urban Decay Primer Potion (full size) in shade Greed, roughly 80% left, $9 PENDING

MAC Mighty Aphrodite Blush from Wonder Woman Collection, 90% left, $20 SOLD


MAC Fabulousness Warm Eye Palette from holiday 2012 collection, comes with box, swatched each shade once. Item is no longer available. I'm selling mine for $45 since item is sold out and LE. 

MAC MSF in Petticoat, discontinued product, roughly 90% left, $30

LAYLA Hologram Effect Nail Polish in Flash Black, used on one nail, retails for $14.99, I'm selling for $10 

Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy, Never used. Retails for $30, I'm selling for $15

Tarte Rising Star Palette, 90% left comes with bronzer/two blush/highlight and shadows. Picture in my old blog sale post here if you scroll down some $14 PENDING


Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in shade medium, 90% left $12

Bourjois blush in 35 Lune D'or, used 1-2x, $9

Bare Escentuals Ready Eyeshadow Duo in Iris/Azure Iris, used 3x, picture found here if you scroll down some, $11

Coastal Scents 24 Neutral Palette (with names of MAC dupes written in silver permanent marker over each shadow) shades have all been swatched and used 1-2x. $10

Sephora I.T. Round Powder Brush (pink/black), used a couple of times may be a ding or two on the side, pictures found here, retails for $40, I'm selling mine for $15 PENDING

Revlon Kissable Balm Stains in Crush & Adored each used once $3 each 

Nail Polish: (some stickers may have been removed off bottom of some OPI polishes thanks to my kids)

OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls (Spiderman collection) Used once. $4

OPI Guy Meets Gal-Veston – Used once. $3

OPI Rosy Future- Used once $3

OPI (sticker is missing, no idea the shade name, its pinky-lavender)- Used once $3

OPI Dulce de Leche (no sticker on bottom)- Used once $3

OPI Bubble Bath- used once $3

OPI Light My Saphire, used on a couple nails, $3

OPI Mini’s from Spiderman Collection, each used 1x: Your Web or Mine, Into the Night, Number One Nemisis- $5 for all three

Sephora by OPI Blasted in Opalescent, swatched on one nail $3

Essie Stylenomics- Used once $3

Essie Mojito Madness- Used once $3 Essie Penny Talk- used once $3

Essie Stylenomics, used once $3 

Essie Butler Please, used once $3 

Essie Good to Go Top Coat, used 2x $3

Nicole by OPI Kardashian Ladies in the Limelight- Used 1x $2 Maybelline Colorshow Green With Envy-used 1x $2

Revlon Colorstay Bold Sangria- Used once $2

    Seche Vite Ridge Filler Base Coat- Used 3x $2

MAC Cosmetics Free Overnight Shipping Promo Code

I'm not sure how much longer this will work but right now if you use the code "holiday12" you can get FREE overnight shipping! I used it last night and it was a success. Just thought I'd pass that along...

MAC's Answer to the Z-Palette: Customizable Palette

I do not own a Z Palette but I've heard numerous reviews about them. If you don't know what that is, it is a large palette that you customize by adding whatever eyeshadow, blush, or powder pans you want of all shapes and sizes because it doesn't have an insert inside. Without an insert, you have more space to put your shadows or whatever else you want to put in there. Typically, MAC has sold a 15-pan palette that holds eyeshadow pans or a blush palette with an insert to fit their blushes. However, now you can mix and match your products because MAC has come out with something similar to the Z-palette that gives you the option of forgoing the insert or giving you some insert options to purchase separately. There is a magnetic bottom in the tray that will hold your shadows in place if they too have a magnet on the back. If you depot shadows from their original packaging, you can glue a magnet on the back and achieve the same result. I picked up the "Pro Palette Large/Single" that has one layer and I believe it can hold 24 regular MAC size shadow pans. I will review it when I use it. They also sell a Large/Duo version that has two layers for $25. I did not see that one on the MAC site so it may be a Pro item.  So for anyone that has the new MAC palette, what do you think of it?? Does it hold the shadows well? If you own both the MAC and the Z-Palette, which one is better?

Here is the new MAC Pro Palette Large/Single that retails for $18 and below is the Z-Palette to give you an idea of how they can be used.

MAC Pro Palette Large, Photo credit: www.dharian.com

Z-Palette, Photo credit: http://kitschsnitch.blogspot.com

My Makeup Storage Featuring Muji Acrylic Drawers + Target Clearance Finds!

I was in Target a few days ago and noticed they had a lot of their holiday housewares on clearance. I found the cutest silver candle holders on sale for a few dollars each and snatched up the three that remained. What's great is that although they were part of the holiday collections, they don't look too Christmas-y so I can use them year round. I thought, what a great way to store makeup brushes, eyeliners, mascaras, etc and jazz up your counter top (or vanity) at the same time. 

As far as makeup storage goes, I am not creative. I use a two-part system: the Muji acrylic drawers for the makeup that I actually use and then a reject drawer in the bathroom for fallen products that didn't make the cut but that I still hold on to because I "may need them someday". Ahhh, that old rationalization that helps us justify keeping junk that should be tossed out or given away, "I may use this someday". But we all know that "someday" never comes and the next thing you know your family has submitted your application to that TV show, Hoarders where they find you knee deep in Beanie Babies and old pizza boxes that a pack of squirrels have sought refuge in. So before that happens, I will likely clean out that reject drawer and come to terms with myself. 

Muji Acrylic Drawers + Candle Holders

So the Clear Cube acrylic makeup storage system was all the rage a couple years back because the Kardashian's use it and had it on their bathroom counter in one of their reality shows. I hear they are quite amazing but they are also like $300. So if you don't want to spend that money, Muji makes some pretty good acrylic drawers of different sizes that you can stack and try to emulate the "Clear Cube" look. Personally, I love being able to see my makeup and so I do like clear drawers. The drawback is that even the large Muji drawers are not as deep as the Clear Cube drawers but they are still durable and I've been satisfied.

Muji acrylic drawers: two five-stacks and two large drawers (much deeper and better than the thin drawers in the five-stacks) + some odds and ends up top that do not fit in the drawers: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder, Jane Iredale foundation, etc.

Candle holders make great storage for tall items like makeup brushes, liners, mascaras, and other odds and ends! You can always find these cheaply at places like Wal-Mart, Target (sometimes cheaply), Big Lots, etc.

 

If you want to get extra jazzy, some ribbon tied around your candle holders will spice up the look of your counter-top or vanity. I used one one that was wrapped around some Chanel makeup for Christmas!

Now if I could only find a snazzy way to store my boring products like toothpaste and skin and hair care. I will work on that. 

Look What Santa Brought Mommy!

My husband and kids were very kind to me this Christmas and spoiled me with such awesome gifts! Mostly cosmetic items and some non-makeup items but I will leave those out of this post since this is a makeup blog and all. Here is the rundown:

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Eclosion

Chanel Nail Polish in Vamp

Chanel Nail Polish in Rose Cache

Chanel Lip Definer in Nude 

YSL Lip Stain in #18

Dior mini-brush set

Rebecca Minkoff cosmetic bag (SO adorable)

A Christmas with Chanel is a Merry Christmas indeed! 

 

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Eclosion

Dior Holiday Travel Brush Set

Rebecca Minkoff  'Made-Up' Makeup Bag

Christmas Eve Nails of the Day! Pink + Silver

I opted for a pink and silver manicure today after browsing some google images for some "nail-spiration" using OPI Crown Me Already glitter polish. I've been wearing various shades of red for about two months now so I gave the traditional holiday colors a rest and this is what I came up with. 

Photo taken by me, http://makeupsessed.blogspot.com

How I Achieved This Look:

I placed three coats of Orly Confetti nail polish (discontinued but any pale pink will do) to make it more of an opaque pink. Try Essie Ballet Slippers for a really pale pink or OPI Sweetheart for a more creamy opaque pink. I took OPI Crown Me Already silver glitter polish (any silver glitter will do, Sally Hansen Gems are great!) that has a multitude of very fine shimmer in combination with some small silver discs in a clear base. I love this one because it is a true bright platinum silver. I lazily brushed the glitter on to the tips of my nail about a third of the way down. By "lazily", I mean this isn't a french manicure where you have to do the tips perfectly. I prefer the glitter to be thicker on the top and kind of thin out toward the bottom in a gradient effect. To do this, just wipe off excess product and use the brush to kind of dab whats left on the brush as you get to the end of your glitter tip. I touched up some nails that were less glittery than others and topped it off with Seche Vite, a quick dry top that gives an unbeatable glassy shine.

This manicure can be done with any combination of polish and glitter colors. Try a glossy black polish like OPI Onyx or Essie Licorice with silver glitter on the tips, so chic yet so glam. 

P.S. I filed my nails in a more rounded fashion for the first time ever. I think it makes my fingers look longer, I'm digging it.

Great Gift Alert! Sephora Favorites Lash Stash

I was given some lovely new makeup goodies over the weekend, one of which was the Sephora Lash Stash which is always one of the very best value sets that Sephora puts together each year for the holidays. For $45 you receive nine mini mascaras (one of which is a primer), a set of false lashes, and two FULL SIZE mascaras. The retail value is $132USD. I love trying new mascara but I do not enjoy shelling out $20 for a full size that I will most likely return because mascara is such a hit or miss product. There are just so many that I want to try and this kit is perfect because it allows you to do just that. And an added bonus is the set includes two of my favorites that I already know I will love as well as two that I've been dying to try. And it all comes packaged so nicely in a red box that ties with a shimmery red bow. This is a great value because it includes some of the top-selling mascaras. I can't stand when brands will put together a value set and its full of all of the crap that no one wants. So instead of selling individual things that no one wants, it gets repackaged into a set of things that no one wants. This isn't one of those instances. This is what you get:

Mini's (all in shade black):
Sephora Outrageous Volume 
Benefit They're Real
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing
Buxom Lash
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes
Korres Volcanic Minerals Volumizing
Clinique High Impact 
Lancome Hypnose Drama 
Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Primer

Full Size:
Smashbox Full Exposure
Fiberwig Paint on False Lashes

Sephora False Lashes Flutter (half-lashes)

The Best Sweaters Ever are @ Target + Some Tank Top Love

I have found my favorite sweaters of life. And I found them at Target. They aren't my favorite inexpensive sweater, they are my favorite sweater, period. And they are only $13.99 right now with a regular price of $17.99 which is still way cheap. They are the Mossimo Ultra-soft Scoop (or V-neck) sweaters and are usually folded on a table somewhere between the juniors and women's sections. 

So what is so great about them? Well, they are the perfect sweater consistency. If that term even applies to sweaters. They are thin but not at all see-through and they are super soft and comfortable. More importantly, not the least bit itchy! They are the perfect sweater for people like me who live in the south and do not experience real winters. When I think of this sweater, I think of the type of sweater that you can wear to an indoor function without burning up and regretting your outfit selection. You know, the type of place that is going to be crowded and stuffy where you will ultimately end up sweating despite the cold temperature outside. Like your kid's Christmas program or the mall on a weekend. I'm convinced that Hell resembles the mall on the Saturday right before Christmas and you're forced to stand in the food court line over and over again. Let's get back on track, Hell has no place in a discussion of great sweaters. 

So the sweaters are semi-fitted, true to size, and a flattering length that most anyone would be pleased with. I bought one a couple of weeks ago, loved it, and then convinced myself the deal was too good to be true for a truly amazing sweater and that it would probably not wash very well and end up falling apart. Oh, why do I doubt you, Target? Must I always pre-judge inexpensive things? Most of my Target clothing holds up better than my J Crew stuff and are a tenth of the cost. Turns out the sweater actually washed up very well and became even softer. I bought it at $17.99 but when I returned to the store to buy more, they were marked down to $13.99! The problem was that the shelf where they are usually perched ever so neatly was kind of ransacked. Seems like $17.99 was too much to pay for some but when they went down a few bucks, it was game on for Target shoppers. Luckily, I was able to snag three more of them: two more scoop-necks and a v-neck yay! And then I walked around to the other side and picked up two cardigans that were a few dollars more expensive and equally as soft as my beloved sweaters. Also by Mossimo. The picture below is the style I love but they also have v-neck version. The one below is supposedly a scoop neck but I find them to be in between a crew and scoop. Enough scoop that you don't feel suffocated but not scoop in the traditional sense. If that makes sense.

Mossimo Ultra-soft Sweaters

I have been so overcome with my sweater love, I forgot to mention the perfect accompanying piece to the sweater. The Mossimo long and lean tanks. Seriously, the best tank tops ever. They are the perfect length, strap width, color selection, and price ($6-8 range depending on if they are on sale). More importantly, they also wash up very nicely, MUCH better than my JCrew tanks. It isn't crap on JCrew day but their quality has taken a nose dive straight to hell over the last few years. And as their quality plunges, their prices go upward. So for basic tanks and lovely soft sweaters that won't make you itch, Target has been killing it lately. 

Mossimo Long & Lean Tank

Great and Inexpensive Holiday Shoes (Target!)

So I'm in Target the other day, doing the usual "only here to buy one thing but end up with a cart full" shopping trip. There were these really cute pumps that came in bright pink, red, green, and navy, some with gold and some silver capped toes. They have a suede-ish material, about a 3" heel and a $32.99 price tag. Perfect. So I grab the red which is more like a reddish orange thinking how perfect they would go with some dark skinny jeans and a slouchy black sweater. They have a bit of padding in them to make them a bit more comfortable than the average non-platform pumps. Oh, and they have a rubber bottom that will help prevent any unforseen accidents but without looking cheap or orthopedic. I thought I would share my find with you all in case you are looking for some great shoes for the holidays that look chic and dressy but can also be casual and cool. Think skinny (faux) leather pants/leggings paired with some type of black top/sweather with these pumps and some gold jewels. The outfit practically screams holiday party attire for the girl who doesn't want to put much work into it but still wants to look great!

My Top Five Nail Polish Picks for the Fall/Winter Seasons

So.. in keeping with some of my earlier "fall favorites" posts, I thought I'd add one for nail polish because, well, I'm pretty much obsessed with nail polish. It was hard to choose only five but I'm in a time crunch these days so lets just get on with it, shall we?

Photo from http://imperfectlypainted.blogspot.com

OPI Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ: A nail polish color named after barbeque sauce? Gross. And yet, this shade is anything but. Basically, it looks just like it sounds which translates to a very brown-toned dark red, you know... like barbeque sauce. The formula on this one is one of the best I've used as are most of the OPI cream formulas and it applies like an absolute dream. Two coats does the trick but three is perfection. If you love shades like Essie Wicked, Revlon Vixen, or Chanel Rouge Noir but are looking for something a little bit different, this is a great choice.

Photo from http://therealpolishprincess.blogspot.com

OPI Got the Blues for Red: This is my favorite dark red. By far. I am not a huge fan of reds unless they are deeper in tone and this one is perfect in that it isn't so dark that the red becomes more of a burgundy but not so red that it fails to excite me. Basically, it has enough red to be classified as red but deep enough to be interesting. Once again, OPI hits it out of the park with its cream finish and this is another that applies flawlessly. Perfect for those who want to dip their toe in the vampy-polish pool but aren't ready to put their whole foot in. 

Butter London Marrow: This is my current favorite shade in the purple family. Marrow is a cooler-toned purple that has very subtle silver shimmer which is hardly detectable by the human eye once  applied to the nails. Luckily, it still looks beautiful even if promises of shimmer were immediately broken once the wand met the nail. This color is fairly hard to describe because it isn't similar to others in this shade range that I've used. Which is a good thing because it doesn't thrill me to spend $14 on a polish that I have seen a billion times.

Photo taken from http://getnailedbypolish.blogspot.com

OPI Tickle Me France-y: I tried to avoid including this shade in the list because I think it was in my last year's list but I simply cannot fight it and I would be doing a disservice to the nail polish community if I kept this one under wraps. The reason why this continues to be a favorite of mine is because it is the perfect taupey-coffee shade but more like what coffee looks like after you dump a crap ton of cream in it. The formula is one of those jelly types that apply a bit watery but it goes on so smoothly and so effortlessly that its difficult to mess up. Something about this formula gives you a much glossier finish that is commonly found in the pre-top coat phase of the polish process.  What is interesting is that the formula does not lend itself to the typical chipping process when its been on for a few days, rather, it starts to fade a bit mostly at the tips. Now that I've dissected every aspect of this polish, suffice it to say that this shade and formula is awesome. It is the perfect fall neutral that goes with anything and really flatters the skin tone.

Photo credit www.scrangie.com

Essie No More Film: I just realized that I have no polishes with shimmer on my list. What? How can I make a fall/winter list of fave polishes without shimmer? This was not my intention but the heart wants what the heart wants and the heart wants cream finishes. No More Film is a fabulously deep violet blue that is dark enough to be edgy but not so dark that you can't tell what color it is. I'm picky with blue shades as I prefer them to lean more toward purple, so much so that they actually become purple instead of blue. But this one is a good balance for me. A great choice for those that like dark polish but still want the color to come through so that it doesn't look black. And a rather excellent formula I might add. And as I often mention, opaque in two coats but three is perfection.  

P.S. Three isn't always perfection, sometimes its overkill if the formula is a gloopy-gloppy hideous mess. But those polishes have no business being on my top favorites list.

Looking forward to doing more posts soon! Thanks for reading!

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet: The Perfect Red Lip Color (For Everyone!)

I am typically not a red lip girl. And anytime I do a post on a red lip color, I begin by stating the fact that I am not a red lip girl. This way, you'll know that if I'm taking time out of my day to write a post that is specifically dedicated to a red lip product, it must be really great. And I'm late to the table on this one ladies. My favorite new lippie is the Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet. I have like 10 shades of pink and nude but no red. I had heard one too many youtube girls talking about this color before I finally caved. First, let me preface (again) this by saying that I love the Lip Butters and think that Revlon has been knocking it out of the park in 2012 in terms of lip products. So I already knew I would love the consistency and texture and all of that. But I didn't think I would love the color this much. Red Velvet is a gorgeous, raspberry-toned, red. It's not a vampy red, just a richly saturated deep berry-red. This color makes your teeth look SO white because of the blue-toned base and has any amazing glossy shine. And finally, the creamy consistency that we all (or we should all) know and love. Some of the Lip Butters have a grittier texture because of some shimmer (like Peach Parfait) but this one is creamy dreamy which I prefer. I can't get over how richly pigmented and opaque this shade is for being so moisturizing and balmy. I can wear it with or without a lip liner but if you want a more precise application, I suggest a lip liner. I have used it with a nude liner because I don't want to change the color in any way but using a red-toned liner. It works famously over a flesh-toned nude shade (like Boots No. 7 #20 Nude). Seriously, I have been wearing it daily for a week now which is about 7 days longer than I would typically wear a red lip color. It truly is the perfect red for any skin tone. That's what is great about these berry-toned reds, they just work on anyone. If you want to make your teeth look whiter and your lips look red and juicy for the holidays, check out Red Velvet. See below for photos, and notice how glossy this shade looks on its own. I do not have gloss over top in any photo.

Revlon Lip Butter Red Velvet, photo taken by me

Revlon Lip Butter Red Velvet, photo taken by me (above)

Revlon Lip Butter Red Velvet, photo taken by me (above)

My Top Picks for Fall Blushes! Drugstore + High End

I love fall and I love blush! So why not do a post that joins these two things? I've already done my top picks for fall lipsticks so I'm sticking with that trend (just scroll down one post in case you are interested in reading that.) I don't believe in adopting certain makeup trends if they don't flatter your features and skin tone or if you just really aren't that comfortable with changing up your products too much. Thus, the blush I wear more in the fall isn't a super big stretch from what I prefer to wear in the summer, but I may take it down a couple of notches on the brightness meter. My fall/winter blush philosophy is simple. I want to achieve that "I've just gone apple picking in the crisp fall air and now I have that natural rosy glow" kind of look. I've never been apple picking but I assume it is a lovely fall activity. Let's get started.

Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope: This is a deeper toned plummy rose and a little goes a very long way. Don't be fooled by the word "matte" because these blushes are anything but. They are infused with the most microscopic shimmer that gives a gorgeous sheen to the face. You can forgo the highlighter all together if you have this blush brushed up higher on the cheekbones. Will work for all skin tones.

MAC Tenderling: This is a nude/warm pink blush for fair to light/medium girls perfect for the days when you want a natural look but you don't want to go without blush altogether. There is no shimmer in this blush, it is very basic and natural but lovely and not at all boring. This shade goes with any makeup look and especially the heavy eye looks when you don't want to put something too bright or "look at me" on the cheeks. I wouldn't think this shade would show up to well on medium/tan/deep tones.

Cover Girl Cheekers Plumberry Glow: Good ole' Cover Girl Cheekers. This is a nice rose-berry toned blush. don't know about you but whenever I smell a CG powder product, I am instantly transported back into the high school powdering my face at my locker and touching up my Revlon Colorstay lipstick. I am glad that CG has kept that fragrant smell because I quite enjoy the occasional trip down memory lane. This shade is quite shimmery so you don't want to overdo it. Will work for all skin tones.

Benetint: This is a liquid product that works as a cheek and lip stain. The sole purpose of this stain is to achieve the apple pickin' look or that I was describing earlier. In a very big way. This product looks scary in the bottle, its quite a deep red and you need very little but its a really cool concept at the same time. You just apply a few streaks of color with the little brush and blend with your fingers. And it smells like roses. A classic product that goes back to the beginning for Benefit.Will work for all skin tones.

Wet N' Wild Berry Shimmer: I have to include this blush even though mine is currently broken into a million pieces. You can't expect great packaging AND great product in a $2 blush so I forgive them. This shade always reminds me of Snow White as she is strolling about the woods dodging death with that rosy glow. This is a very strongly pigmented warm-berry shade that requires a very light hand no matter what skin tone you are. This is the softest and the most pigmented (tied with Lorac) of all of the blushes in the list and its by far the cheapest! Will work for all skin tones.

Pictures include some close ups and a group shot of all the blushes. Photos taken by me. 

Benetint & Wet N' Wild Berry Shimmer

From L to R, Lorac Velvet Rope, MAC Tenderling, Cover Girl Plumberry Glow, Benetint, Wet N' Wild Berry Shimmer

Lorac Velvet Rope, MAC Tendering, CG Plumberry Glow

My Top Fall Lipstick Picks (Drugstore & High-End)

I haven't posted in so long! My life has been consumed with finishing my last 6 months of graduate school, working, and most importantly, being a mom to two little girls. But as Eleanor Roosevelt famously quoted, "A woman is like a teabag, you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." Nothing like a little female empowerment to get a beauty post going! So let's begin.

This season is all about darker lip colors, reds, burgundy, plums, hell even black. I'm sorry I just can't jump on that bandwagon. Well, actually, I've jumped onto it but then a few minutes later I jump back off and head right for my comfort zone.... the land of nudes, pinks, and peachy tones. But I'm willing to compromise. I have put together a list of lipsticks that I am comfortable with for fall, not too far out of the comfort zone but still darkening things up a bit. For reference, I am neutral-cool light/medium skin tone (in MAC terms about an NW25). I'm liking the warmer pinks, so that is going to be the main theme here. 

Too Faced Centerfold I love this shade, its comes across as a deeper mauve tone on me and I think its a great pick for fall. The formula is very nice on this lipstick but I know that there are others in the line that can be a bit gritty. Since this is a nice, creamy, no-shimmer shade, it's not at all gritty. 

MAC Blankety (Milani dupe can be found here) I know, I know, not exactly a stretch but for my skin tone, this shade is considered a darker nude. It's a brown toned warm pink, an amplified formula, and a favorite of many. This would be a good nude for darker skin tones because some nudes can make medium/tan/deep tones look like a corpse. Which is appropriate for Halloween but not the other 364 days of the year. Sidenote, I hesitate to even call MAC's lipsticks high-end anymore when they are like $4 more expensive than some of the drugstore choices.

MAC Pure Zen I know, I know, this doesn't exactly scream fall but I've been wearing it like it does. This shade was recently released with the Marilyn collection but it's not a new shade by any means, just overlooked by me apparently. I love this for a warmer-peachier-toned-nude. It's much much easier to wear than the Myth, Fleshpot, crew. This is a must-have for nude lovers that can't quite, yet almost, pull off the fleshier looking nude shades. With or without the Marilyn insignia, this is a great lipstick. Paired up with Chanel Natural Lip Definer, and you've got yourself a lovely fall nude lip combo.

Revlon Lip Butter Pink Truffle This has been my latest love, and my current go-to when I'm running out the door in the morning and need something quick and easy to apply (at the stoplight) on my way to school or work. So this is a very warm pink, almost so that you can't see the pink but somehow its flattering. Not all lip butter formulas are the same, there are some grittier because they have shimmer and then there are really creamy ones like Pink Truffle that give this gorgeous shine. I just love lip butters in general, great product all around!

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain Honey I really love these as well, give it up to Revlon for nailing it with lip products this year. Honey is gorgeous warm pink that looks great on everyone. One drawback, when it begins to go into "stain mode", it turns into a much brighter pink which I don't dig. But I love the color, texture, and ease of use! This shade is a great way to really warm up your makeup look and I find that it makes my teeth look extra white. 

Rimmel Vintage Pink This is the deepest of the shades I've mentioned. Vintage Pink is sort of this rich mid-tone plummy pink that is creamy and totally gorgeous. This is a shade that will look great on deeper skin tones but I can pull it off as well which makes it very versatile. This is a great shade that is perfect for fall but kind of that mid point for those that don't want to completely merge themselves into that whole deep plum-burgundy-lip trend.

Photo taken by me, from L to R: Too Faced Centerfold, MAC Blankety, MAC Pure Zen, Revlon Pink Truffle LB, Revlon Kissable Lip Balm Honey, Rimmel Vintage Pink

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection Haul ft. Lipstick + Blush

I was able to snag five pieces of the much anticipated Marilyn Monroe collection for MAC, but it was no easy task. At my particular MAC store, they sold out of all lipsticks and face products in less than 10 minutes. Customers were angry, one girl was in tears because it was her birthday and she left empty handed, and others were trying to make deals with the people that did get some items. To be honest, there were hits (lipsticks) and misses (eyeshadows) as there always are in MAC collections but I was after the packaging so the containers could have been full of sand for all I cared. The Marilyn collection was sought after by many groups of people with different agenda's which made for major competition to get the goods. First, the MAC lovers who will always want some pieces of a hyped up collection, then you have the Marilyn collectors who may have never shopped at MAC before but simply want the items because its Marilyn, the third group is a combination of the two, and finally, the Ebay sellers who hoard an obscene amount of product when it is released online to be able to mark it up and profit from it. Hey, I'm not judging, I just think MAC should find a way to cater more to its loyal customers who buy from MAC throughout the year, like, oh I don't know, maybe by giving the stores more than 3 or 4 of each lipstick and ONE beauty powder. Just an idea. SO that was my intro, let's get on with it. I picked up three lipsticks: Charmed I'm Sure, Love Goddess, and Pure Zen. I also purchase both blushes: Legendary and The Perfect Cheek. Love Goddess isn't pictured because it hasn't arrived yet. I am quite happy with all of my purchases- especially the Legendary blush. I recently expressed my disappointment with the photos used for packaging- until I found out that the photos are special because they had never been made public before the collection. So cool!

Photos taken by me http://makeupsessed.blogspot.com

Blush: Legendary (satin) & The Perfect Cheek (matte) (above)

Charmed I'm Sure (matte) & Pure Zen (cremesheen, repromote)

Love the cute details!

Lipstick packaging (above)

Friendly Reminder: Marilyn Monroe for MAC Collection in Stores Tomorrow Oct 4th!

If you've missed out on purchasing any of the MAC Marilyn Monroe collection online- which many people did because the good stuff sold out in minutes- it will be available at MAC counters and stores tomorrow, October 4th. I am picking up both of the blushes, Charmed I'm Sure and Purely Zen lipsticks after reviewing swatches and reviews for the products. Though I must say I'm disappointed in the Marilyn images used for the packaging- of all the gorgeous photos that exist of the famous blonde bombshell, the ones chosen for the packaging are just lackluster as far as I'm concerned. Why couldn't MAC use any of the rich and vibrant pictures that represent her signature look (found out they had a tough time getting photos they were allowed to use). I was envisioning white shimmery packaging with a photo that really encapsulated her classic red lips. Kind of like the one I've included in this post. I figure if you're going to do Marilyn, stick to the look she's known for and go for the glam, particularly if you're selling an array of red lipsticks, black liners, etc (even though Marilyn actually wore a dark brown kohl pencil, not black and not liquid). Oh well, I felt the same way about the Hello Kitty packaging and I still bought some of that. I certainly don't need much convincing to buy blush and lipstick! So tell me, have you ordered anything or do you plan on picking anything up tomorrow??I hear the stuff is going to go FAST at stores today. Maybe I should do a contest for those that didn't get to pick up anything??

Nails of the Day: Essie Stylenomics

I had high hopes for this polish after seeing how it appeared in the bottle, a really rich dark green. However, it didn't transfer to my nails in quite the same way. For the life of me I couldn't see the green-ness and even in broad daylight, the green was too subtle to change my mind. A-ha! I know what it reminds me of now. When I was in elementary school, we mixed together all kinds of pop (or soda if you prefer) and it created something that we called "Swamp Juice". It was this really dark murky color that you couldn't really pinpoint. Until now. It was called Stylenomics.

Nice color concept, bad delivery. Nail Fail.

Drugstore Rave: L'Oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eyeshadow

Love these! Love, love, love these. L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow comes in 18 gorgeous shades, claims up to 24 hours of wear, and has been referred to as a dupe for Georgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense shadows. I know for sure that at least two of these statements is correct. But let's begin with some positive attributes, shall we? 

Packaging:

The packaging is very interesting, much like the texture of these shadows. So you unscrew the lid, and there is a little silver disk that holds the shadow in place. Reason being, the formula is similar to a pressed pigment, if you've ever seen people press their MAC pigments then you know what this looks like. 

Formula & Texture:

It's solid for the most part, yet, will crumble in a heartbeat if you look at in the wrong way. Hence, the need for a piece of plastic to hold the loose particles in. The texture of the shadow is very soft and buttery smooth with excellent pigmentation. 

Application:

The application is interesting because the product sticks on your shadow brush like a cream shadow and yet you have to be careful to tap off because of the fall-out that will ensue if you do not. I find that patting the product on the lid works best and then I may take a blending brush and blend upwards if I'm in the "one shadow" kind of mood. You do have to be careful if you're going to use winshield wiper motions with your brush because you may end up with fall-out. 

Helpful Tip: Apply like you would a loose shadow even though the product appears relatively solid. 

Helpful Tip #2: Work quickly if you want to do any blending, the shadows set fairly quickly.

The million-dollar question, does it last 24 hours? 

I'm afraid I cannot answer that question, nor will I ever be able to answer that question in terms of my own personal experience. But I can say, it lasts a full work day and probably would last beyond that if I didn't take my makeup off at around 7pm every night. But good news, most people don't need their eyeshadow to last 24 hours so I don't think L'Oreal will be losing any customers if for some reason it didn't live up to this claim. "Now wait just a damn minute L'Oreal, this product only lasted 18 hours on me, what a piece of crap!". On the other hand, if you are taking part in one of those 24-hour Dance- A- Thon's, you may hold L'Oreal to it. Personally, I am not going to risk getting some eye disease or wake up with itchy red eyes just to take L'Oreal to task. 

Dupe for Armani Eyes To Kill Intense?: 

Temptalia.com says.... they are similar but she finds that the L'Oreal shadows are more one-dimensional while GA boasts an "interplay of colors". Fun fact: L'Oreal owns both brands so there is possibly some cross-over going on here between the two products. Which is really cool if you ask me.

My two shades:

I purchased both #890 Bronzed Taupe and #892 Amber Rush. These two are must-have shades for those of you with blue-eyes, or those of you that want to bring out the gold flecks in your eyes. Or pretty much just anyone with eyes will look good in these colors. Bronzed Taupe is exactly how it sounds and is more of a cool toned bronze while Amber Rush is a warm toned orangey-champagne-bronze.  If you like Amber Lights by MAC, you will like this shade, maybe even more so. Both shades are similar in finish, they have a metallic look to them, no chunky glitter but the perfect amount of razzle dazzle to look gorgeous when worn on their own. I can't wait to try more shades! There are 18 of them by the way. (See above pic).

Photo taken by me! Amber Rush (left) Bronzed Taupe (right)

Photo taken by me! Amber Rush (Top) Bronzed Taupe (Bottom)