June Favorites!

MAC Studio Fix Powder in "N5"

I love to just dust this on my face when its too hot out to be bothered with any liquid products (which seems to be every day now)! It helps control my oily skin and give me a matte finish so I can go longer without pulling out blot paper.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in "Beige Pearl"

Since I need to keep my face extra matte in the summer, I use this powder to give me a little bit of a glow on top of my cheek bones and down my nose!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Crush"

I don't usually like to wear heavy lip products in the hotter months, but I'm in love with this color as it just screams "summer" to me! It's a coral-y pink color that's easily built up so you can make it as sheer or opaque as you want, and it's one of the more wearable bright lipsticks I've seen from the drugstore.

Bath & Body Works Pomegranate Citrus Trial Body Lotion

If you didn't already know, Bath & Body Works is coming out with their full Signature Citrus line on July 5th, and I'm sure you can still grab these little trial sizes at your local store or online. I absolutely love love love this one since it's sweet, tangy, and a little bit musky all at the same time! Some of Bath & Body Work's scents can get a little repetitive, but I can't say I've ever smelt anything like this from them before!

Wet N Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Berry Shimmer"

This color is perfect for going out at night in the summer, it looks fantastic with a tan and gives your cheeks a stunning glow! The color always looks so gorgeous in the pan that I end up putting too much on every time, gotta work on that!

Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in "Desert Gold"

This gloss makes my lips look gold and shimmery, perfect on its own or over any other lipsticks! It gives me a more tanned look and smells like candy, win win!

Physicians Formula Les Botaniques Botanical Bronzer in "Sunny Buddy"

How adorable is this little sunflower bronzer? I can't help but smile when I dust this all over my face to give me a little more shimmer, as it doesn't really have enough pigmentation to really be a bronzer, but gives a lovely glow to the skin!

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 3-Kit Shadows in "Cafe Au Lait"

I really can't be bothered to spend more than two minutes on my eye makeup when I'd rather be out in the sun, so this trio is amazing since it contains your highlight, lid, and crease color all in one! The shadows aren't very pigmented, but I like that since I don't need to blend them very well.

Bath & Body Works Peach Citrus Trial Body Lotion

Again I think this is one of Bath & Body Work's most unique scents, you get a lovely tangy/sweet combo that is really refreshing after a cool shower. Another plus is that these new fragrances seem to last longer on my skin than some of the other new releases, I can still smell it hours later!

 Swatches:

Left to Right: MAC Studio Fix Powder in "N5", Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in "Beige Pearl", Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in "Desert Gold"

Left to Right: Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Crush", Physicians Formula Les Botaniques Botanical Bronzer in "Sunny Buddy", Wet N Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Berry Shimmer", COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 3-Kit Shadows in "Cafe Au Lait"

Wet N Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Berry Shimmer", COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 3-Kit Shadows in "Cafe Au Lait"

Clinique Black Honey Fall 2011 Collection

Black Honey, a colour collection inspired by a cult classic. What began in 1971 as simply a new Clinique lip gloss shade, the Black Honey colour instantly became a success. In 1989 when Black Honey – originally packaged in a pot – was later launched as an Almost Lipstick, no one realised the incredible impact it would have. During the decades that followed, Black Honey has changed formulas but the iconic berry shade remains. Legions of devoted women have turned it into a serious cult favorite and it has quickly evolved into a modern classic.

Today, a single lip colour has inspired an entire collection featuring violet and berry hues for the eyes, lips and cheeks; The New Black is flattering on all skin tones and ultra- wearable for a completely feminine look.

 Available at Nordstrom Now

 Color Surge Eyeshadow Quad:

$25.50

 Four coordinating shades of velvety color in a limited-edition Black Honey-inspired palette. Create the look you want, from natural to dramatic. Creamy, intense shadows build quickly, blend easily for lasting color.

Ophthalmologist tested. Limited edition. Featured in the Black Honey fall collection.

 Gradient Powder Blush:

$29.50

 Versatile powder blush creates the look you want, from a subtle glow to a cheek-sculpting intensity. Brush on all shades, or use lighter shades alone to highlight.

Limited edition.

Brush-On Cream Liner:

$15.00

   Creamy eyeliner brushes on deep, smoky, eye-defining color. Long-wearing, waterproof formula comes complete with a mini eyeliner brush. Ophthalmologist tested. Shade featured in the fall collection includes Black Honey.

 Dual Ended Almost Lipstick & Long Last Glosswear SPF 15:

$21.00

Cult favorite Black Honey gets even more seductive in an exclusive 2-in-1 lip duo. One side brings you original, emollient-rich Almost Lipstick; the other features a coordinating can't-buy-it Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 for extra shine. Featured in the Black Honey fall collection. 

 Almost Lipstick:

$14.50 

 Sheer, glossy slip of lightweight lip color in Clinique's exclusive Black Honey shade. This best-loved lip color is universally flattering yet looks a little different on everyone. Emollient-rich formula gives lips a sleek, moist finish. Featured in the Black Honey fall collection.

Tarte for True Blood Collection

tarte™ for True Blood™ limited-edition collection is available now on sephora.com! Additionally, it will be available for retail on 6/29 at tarte.com and store.hbo.com; as well as in mid-July at Sephora Stores and Ulta/Ulta.com.
Inspired by the edgy drama series, the collection includes three killer products: tarte™ for True Blood™ palette ($52.00 U.S./ $68.00 CDN), tarte™ for True Blood™ natural cheek stain in shimmering red ($30.00 U.S. / $39.00 CDN) and tarte™ for True Blood™ LipSurgence™ natural lip tint in shimmering red ($24.00 U.S./ $31.00 CDN). Emmy® award-winning makeup artist and True Blood makeup department head Brigette Myre-Ellis interpreted the color palette and helped develop the official tarte™ for True Blood™ beauty looks for the collection.

From Sephora:

 Tarte for True Blood™ Limited-Edition Palette ($331 Value)
What it is:
Inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™, Tarte's limited-edition palette is packed with 17 eye shadows, a full-size emphasEYES™ Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in black, a deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes! clinically-proven natural mascara and a deluxe Lifted™ Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol™.


What it does:
Get glamoured with this limited-edition palette packed with 17 killer new eye shadows and more. Each richly pigmented shadow is softly milled and infused with Amazonian clay for pure color payoff, silky application and long wear. From ethereal goddess to vampy vixen, you can create countless looks using these shimmering, matte, and smoky shades. Open after dark: Buried in this palette's pull-out drawer is a full-size EmphasEYES™ Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in black, a deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes! clinically-proven natural mascara and a deluxe Lifted™ Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol™ to help you complete your look. Turn into a real truebie using the four 'get the looks' included with each palette, created with the help of True Blood™'s award-winning lead makeup artist Brigette Myre-Ellis. Tune in to the new season of True Blood™, Sundays at 9/8c. Only on HBO®.

This set contains:
- 17 x 0.07 oz eye shadows
- 0.003 oz True Blood™ EmphasEYES Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in Black
- 0.1 oz True Blood™ Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in Black
- 0.08 oz True Blood™ Lifted Natural Eye Primer


What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates


What else you need to know:
17 limited-edition eye shadows include:
The Light (shimmering warm ivory), Fairy (shimmering pink), Dusk (matte warm taupe), Dawn (shimmering gold dust), Werewolf (matte chocolate), Waitress (sparkling pink champagne), Nocturnal (sparkling deep indigo), Charmer (sparkling burnt copper), Glamour Me (sparkling deep plum), Stake (matte steel), Bayou (shimmering golden tan), Telepath (sparkling warm rose), The True Death (sparkling silver), Immortal (sparkling midnight black), Moss (shimmering forest green), Legend (deep matte black), "V" (sparkling crimson).


Research results:
Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically-Proven Natural Mascara increases the appearance of lash volume by 424% and lash curl by 90.2%. Lifted™ Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol™ decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 51%.

From Sephora:

 

Tarte for True Blood™ Limited-Edition Natural Cheek Stain
What it is:
Show your true colors with Tarte's limited-edition, sparkling red cheek stain inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™.


What it does:
Have you spent eternity in search of an everlasting glow? Meet your maker. Inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™, this sparkling red cheek stain blends on smooth and lasts from dawn to dusk and well into the night. One drop is all you need to create a crave-worthy natural luminescence for all skintones and types. Like all Tarte products, this lusty natural stain will do good things to you thanks to natural mineral pigments and fruit extracts. Tune in to the new season of True Blood™, Sundays at 9/8c. Only on HBO®.


What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

Size: 1 oz

From Sephora:

Tarte for True Blood™ Limited-Edition LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Tint
What it is:
Rehydrate with this mint-infused, iridescent red shade of Tarte's limited-edition LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Tint, inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™.


What it does:
Experience love at first taste with Tarte's LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Tint, inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™. It's all flavor and no bite with this mint-infused, iridescent red shade that drenches lips in a luminous, long-lasting tint. Tarte's LipSurgence™ technology rehydrates lips by delivering a surge of moisture for a deliciously plumped up appearance. Tune in to the new season of True Blood™, Sundays at 9/8c. Only on HBO®.


What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates

Size: 0.1 oz

Being a fan of True Blood, I was SO excited when I heard Tarte was launching this new collection! But after seeing the products they came up with, it leaves a little to be desired. True Blood has SO many things they would have worked with to come up with a cohesive collection that accurately ties in the show, but Tarte really didn't seize the opportunity!


Let's start off with the eyeshadow pallet, the colors are all very wearable neutrals (which if you've ever seen the show, there is a lot of bold makeup) so I'm guessing that was just a ploy to get the pallet to sell more. Honestly, I thought about buying it because the colors do look stunning (don't hate the player, hate the game) but I'm a huge packaging fanatic, and I can't get over how ugly the outside of this pallet is! I can see how Tarte was trying to capture the sexy element of True Blood, but the corset is just cheap looking and I wouldn't want to add that into my collection. It's such a bummer about the packaging, since the pallet comes with all the extra elements like an eye primer, eye liner, and mascara.

The cheek stain on the other hand, looks gorgeous! I love how the packaging is simple and sleek with just the True Blood logo. The color of the stain itself actually looks like a true blood red (get the pun?) that would be gorgeous for fall and winter to give you that just-came-in-from-the-cold flush. Tarte's cheek stains have a good reputation for being top notch, but I don't know if I really want to shell out the 30$ for just one product! Plus, my skin is oily, so I don't know how a liquid product like a stain would fair on my cheeks throughout the day.


Again, the lip tint has the much better classy packaging, but the color doesn't look much different from Tarte's existing collection of LipSurgence Natural Lip Tints. The price tag of $24 on this product isn't as damaging to my budget, but I'll have to swatch it myself to see what the color payoff is like and whether I'm okay with it being mint-infused, since minty things can sometimes irritate my lips/ I'm not a fan of the tingly sensation you sometimes get.


Overall, I'm not too impressed with Tarte's True Blood collection. There's so much that could be done with that theme, so it seems like such a waste to only release three products!

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

The Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale started yesterday (which is monumental in my house!) and runs through July 7th (At least where I live, it could be different in other places).

If you're not familiar with the Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sales, its basically where they mark down fragrances that are being discontinued, re-packaged, or that were seasonal to insane prices ranging from 50% off to 90% off!

I was slightly disappointed with my Bath & Body Works sales, it was mostly 50% off with only one table marked 75% off. There were a lot of scents that are being discontinued, such as Butterfly Flower, that I would love to get some backups of, but I'm not going to jump the gun while they're only 50% off.

I went on the first day of the sale, but usually in the last two weeks or so they lower everything that's left to 75% off, so that's probably when you'll see another haul.

If you can, I would get down to your local store asap to see what they've marked down since everyone will be different, and you never know if you'll score an amazing deal :).

• Signature Collection Classics Country Apple Body Splash

Price: $3.00

• Signature Collection Classics Pink Grapefruit Body Splash

Price: $3.00

• Cherry Vanilla Shower Gel

Price: $5.25

• Lemon Vanilla Shower Gel

Price: $2.63

• Cucumber Melon Shower Gel

Price: $2.63

•  Preview Pomegranate Citrus Lotion x2

 Price: $1.00 each

• Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Travel Size Body Lotion

Price: $2.50 

(all Aromatherapy aside from the Energy Lemon Zest are getting re-packaged, so they're 50% off!)

• Preview Peach Citrus Body Lotion x2

Price: $1.00 each

• Signature Collection Classics Country Apple Shower Gel

Price: $3.00

• Signature Collection Classics Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel

Price: $3.00

• Fiji Passionfruit Shower Gel x2

Price: $5.25

• Preview Twilight Woods Body Lotion

Price: $1.00

• Preview Carried Away Body Lotion

Price: $1.00

• Fresh Lemon HandiBac Moisturizing Hand Lotion

Price: 2 for $5.00

• White Citrus HandiBac Moisturizing Hand Lotion

Price: 2 for $5.00

• Nectarine Mint PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel x2

Price: 8 for $5.00

• Fresh Lemon PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel x2

Price: 8 for $5.00

• Cinnamon Heaven PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel x2

Price: 8 for $5.00

• Fresh Picked Cherries PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel

Price: 8 for $5.00

• Fresh Picked Apples PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel

Price: 8 for $5.00

Walgreens Rimmel Haul

Walgreens is having some pretty good Rimmel sales this week (Advertised: 50% off lip and eye products, Unadvertised: 2 for 4 on Lasting Finish Pro nail polish and buy any Rimmel mascara get a free Rimmel eyeliner), so here are some of the goodies I picked up!:

• Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara in "Extreme Black"

Price: $3.74 (50% off Rimmel Eye Products)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in "Sunset Orange"

Price: $2.00 (2 for $4.00)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in "Steel Grey"

Price: $2.00 (2 for $4.00)

• Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in "Purple Passion"

Price: Free with purchase of Rimmel Mascara

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Airy Fairy"

Price: $2.64 (50% off Rimmel Lip Products)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Crush"

Price: $2.64 (50% off Rimmel Lip Products)