Almost Back!

Wow!  It has really been a long time and I am working diligently to get everything back up and running here and on YouTube.    


I got a new computer and home network for Christmas so that is finally done.  I am at least connected now...slowly, but connected.  


Somehow, my email got hacked yesterday though!  Luckily, my free anti-virus software caught it before it did any harm though!  (Now, I'm a FIRM believer in anti-virus!  Its a small price to pay for the piece of mind!)  It didn't harm my computer but the hacker sent emails to everyone on my contact lists on both my makeup address and my personal address so I scrambled to contact everyone I could before they opened the email and ended up like my BFF, Mandy, with a crashed computer.  I feel SO bad about that too!  Crummy thing...it happened while she and I were on the phone together!  Now, she is without a computer until next month when she visits back home to get it fixed!  I'm sorry honey....AGAIN!!!  So, as you guessed it, I have a new email address and I have closed my old ones!  If you ever have a question or a reason to contact me, please do so through the new address above!  :)  I try and check my account at least every other day!


Were also in the middle of remodeling our house as well.  We had some damage to our roof that the insurance company decided deserved a new roof and a new interior ceiling!  YAY!  So, to get new walls to replace the old, 80s paneling throughout the living areas, we decided to do the majority of the work ourselves to really get the most out of our money!  Yes....I helped put the roof on this house, put up drywall, and primed until I am just sick of it!  This has been my past two weeks!  All of my makeup and craft room stuff got crammed in our guest room and we have been living out of our two rooms this entire time.  Were putting the living room back together tonight because my father in law is coming to pick up his trailer tomorrow.  I spent my morning unloading 6200 pounds of shingles, molding, old sheet rock and insulation at the dump!  How glamorous!  LOL!


So, you see...just with the little I have shared, I am sure you can all tell that I have been overly busy this past, well, month!  I am diligently working to try and get a space to begin videos again and get back to blogging on a regular basis.  I will probably only be doing basic things.  I don't have a great deal of cash right now to try new products because I am still on the job hunt.  I may also start a craft channel or blog as well....IF I can find the time that is!  (Note: If you have a job and hate it, don't just quit!  Start looking because even the crummy jobs are hard to come by!  My advice for the day!)  I will do all that I can though.  I really miss doing YouTube and I miss talking to you guys on here and via email everyday!  :)  If for some reason all my efforts don't work out and I am unable to make videos or blog for any reason, I will certainly let you all know!  However, that is not the plan at this point!


Thank you all for being so patient with me and still subscribing!  It means a lot to me to open my accounts after so long and see that people are still coming by and wanting to stay!  (Even if it is just a few, it means a lot to me!  I may not have a million subscribers like some, but the ones I have I will always cherish!)


Take care and I will hopefully have the moment to talk to you all again soon!  Once the first stage of this portion of remodeling is finished, I will take post some before and after pictures for you all to see!  :)  


Keep smiling!  :)

Yet Another Update...

It feels like I have been gone for years at this point and I apologize to all of you!  I finally got moved but being unpacked and totally settled is a totally different story!  We got our daughters room remodeled and she got to move in and we just finished gutting the guest room before we decided to head to the inlaws for the weekend.  We can't decide what internet service to go with quite yet and that really doesn't matter considering our computer is down.  However....all of these things are in the works and hopefully will happen very soon so I can get back going with my blog and YouTube pages. 
I don't have a set place to do my filming so I have not created anything new either.  I only get to use the computer when we visit family so I will always try and get online to update you guys when I can.  I know I am being totally lame to all of you that are being so patient and staying with me through this.  I keep telling my husband that I probably wouldn't be so stressed out if I could just be able to get back in the swing with all my websites!  LOL!  I rarely get to do my makeup anymore!  Our air conditioner went out about a week ago so I have not even thought about pulling anything out since it is SO hot!  The temp in the house is about 5 degrees higher than it is outside!  The outdoor temps are running between 95 and 105 daily with heat indexes around 110.  It is miserable.  I have to make sure to at least check my makeup daily to make sure it doesn't melt.  My husband cleared out an area in the mini fridge, that we use for parties, for me to put my makeup if need be.  (He is the BEST!)
Again, you guys, I am really sorry that I have gone missing for so long this time, but know I am checking messages as often as I can and will continue to do so until we have the net and a computer up and running.  And as soon as our connection is up, I will be here to update and to stay!
Thank you ALL for being here and waiting for me!  I have so many things planned and can't wait to share them with you!  Talk to you all very soon...I hope!

Just A Little Bit Longer...

I do apologize for not being around you guys.  I was getting back in the groove just when a HUGE change in my life came about and I am now in the middle of a HUGE move.  I do not have regular computer access, which I am now in the process of getting worked on (litterally) and should have a new system up and running in a bit.  I may even have a borrowed or "rent to own" laptop from one of my greatest friends.  Either way, I will have SOMETHING to work on! 

Also, at the current time, I do not have any sort of studio to work in.  No where quiet I can work on my videos or spread out my makeup at all.  Sadly, most of my collection has been packed VERY carefully and relocated for the time being.  Today was the first day in about a week I even put on makeup!  (I know, I know...it is really sad!)  All that is going on right now is working out for the best, but going pretty slow so I do not have a final date set on when everything will be back in order.  When I got laid off from my job, I really saw the light and really wanted to make some changes, so I AM!  :)  I KNOW I will be happier for it and just hope you all understand! 

I WILL pick up this blog and YouTube right where I left off and hopefully all the projects I had in the making will surface and come to light as well!  :)  For all of you that have been faithfully waiting for me, I truly appreciate all your support and I am still here waiting for the day everything is back up and running and my life is back in order enough to continue with my one true passion...makeup.

Beauty Blog Link Love - Check These Out!

Over at theNotice, Rae has been bitten stung by the Misikko bug -- and she is not pleased!

Betty Girl Makeup is back, and continuing on with her series on contouring!

Vex in the City shares her delight at discovering the wonders of Mehron's new Celebré HD-Pro foundation.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed checks out the multitude of choices in lash enhancers.

Louise pens a love letter to a BLUE eyeshadow, and is now trying to deal with her embarrassment.

Mz. More from The Glamorous Gleam tells you all about her experience with the Zoya Nail Polish Exchange, and shows off her new goodies!

Does your significant other complain about "too girly" shower gel scents? Want a happy medium? Look no further and discover what shower gel Hellcandy and her bf are raving about!

Jeweled Thumb shares how she spot cleans her brushes, and reviews 6 cleansers to help you find the best one for you!

Hot Beauty Health shares the top beach beauty buys for summer 2010!

Krasey Beauty meets Dany Sanz, the artist, legend, and creator of Make Up For Ever.

Spiced Beauty shows you that you can look fab in red lipstick... even if it just costs a dollar!

There's a new natural cosmetics line on the block! Lipglossiping casts her eye over Bourjois' little sister, Une.

Jolie Laide Girl is glowing with Make Up Forever's HD Blushes.

Learn how to get 'Perfect Skin' with the help of makeup artist Jon Hennessy at Makeup by Kim Porter.

Phyrra shows you the newest collection from Aromaleigh, Victoria’s Revenge. If you like steampunk, you’ll love this collection!


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Find out what Audrey Dao is giving away for June's Reader of the Month Giveaway!

Cindy from Prime Beauty is a Stila IT girl and you can be too, with her awesome Stila giveaway!

NOTD: Essie Resort Collection Part 2

Here is the second color in the Essie Resort Collection that I purchased.  This is Splash of Grenadine which is, like the other colors in the collection, very creamy.  It is a pink with purple undertones that would glow against tan skin.  (Sorry, my fair skin does NOT do this color justice!)  Even though I have a lighter complexion, the color still worked well for me. 

I got a great life out of the formulation, again, wearing 2 coats over China Glaze Base Coat and finishing with my normal 2 coats of Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat.  On the fifth day, I did get some chipping and wear on the tips, but for me, that is GREAT!  I am very hard on my nails taking even a fresh (home) manicure into the garden or working on the remodel.  I know it is a sin, but life goes on even after "new" nails.

I can't say it enough, Essie polishes are really starting to grow on me and the fact that they offer their collections in the mini bottles makes my life complete!  I am patiently waiting for the Summer collection that is coming in June (according to the sales associate at my local Trade Secret).  I have seen swatches in Allure and Glamour and cannot wait to share them here! 

If you didn't catch the first post in this four part series, click this link to check it out!  Stay tuned for the next two parts to this series coming in the next 2 weeks!

Beauty Blog Link Love!

Retrodiva checks out the fun stuff at The Makeup Show, slideshow-form.

Mz. More from The Glamorous Gleam is taking you To The Beach with a sneak peek at the latest collection from MAC.

Who knew that baby shampoo could be dangerous? Betty Girl Makeup tells you how it could be hazardous to your skin!

Sarah from I Heart Cosmetics is ready and prepared for some sun with her too favourite facial sunscreens.

Curious as to which products Louise from MakeupLoveer is using right now? Find out here!


Swatch-o-rama! The Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks are finally landing on UK shores... Lipglossiping has them sussed and swatched!

Beautywoome.com unearths the the best dry shampoos on the market.



Jen at beautyjunkielondon gets a sneak preview of the new Autumn/Winter range from Boots No7.



Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed checks out drugstore concealers.

The Pink Sith is smitten with BECCA Lip & Cheek Creme in Tuberose.

Phyrra tells you all about her Holy Grail eyeshadow product, Fyrinnae's Pixie Epoxy.

Sophie shows off and reviews the Sleek Kajals, with swatches.

Madame B Fatale interviews the Boss of Gloss winner, Cathy Mason.

Louise has a chat with celebrity hairdresser Andrew Collinge and reveals photos of her 80's hair shame.

The Pink Sith is smitten with BECCA Lip and Cheek Creme in Tuberose!



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Flying of on your holidays? Enter Lipgloss86's giveaway to win some Lee Stafford haircare.

Ever wanted to check out Annabelle Cosmetics? theNotice is hosting a giveaway of their new Mineral line, and you get an extra entry just for being... not Canadian?!

NOTD: Essie Resort Collection Part 1

Another nail of the day for you guys!  I saw the Essie Resort Collection of polishes in my copy of InStyle Magazine and knew I HAD to have them.  I thought they were going to be like others that I had, but they are in fact nothing like anything in my collection!  I picked them up at Trade Secret ($12.50 for the kit) in my local mall this weekend.  I was pumped to see that they had the collection in mini's since I prefer to buy sets in the small bottles because it is doubtful that I will make it to the end of a bottle before the stuff dries up and is replaced by a much more beloved color I get!  This way, I get to try all the shades for the price of one or two full sized bottles.

The first swatch out of the new Essie kit (above, it's pretty messy but I wanted a shot before I totally screwed up the color while working in the yard) is the color "Lapis of Luxury".  It is a creamy sky blue (which the photo makes it look a bit brighter than it really is, I'm sorry!).  The first day I wore it out, I got multiple comments from women saying, "Now, that is a blue I could wear!".  I personally think it would look great on toes as well!  As for the formula, I have always felt that Essie polishes are a bit thin for my liking.  I like to be able to slap on one coat and be able to go out if I have to before applying the second coat and you just can't do that with most of this brands polishes.  I like them, don't get me wrong, but most of the time, I have to apply 2 or more coats to get a nice, opaque coverage like I prefer.  The above swatch is one coat of China Glaze Base Coat, 2 coats Essie "Lapis of Luxury", and 2 coats Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat. There are 3 other colors in the kit and I will be doing NOTD on them soon!  Which color would you like to see next??!!

Great Markdowns @ CVS

Saturday afternoon, my daughter and I went into CVS to pick up some sodas that were on special this week.  I hadn't PLANNED on going NEAR the beauty wall, but a bright neon sign caught my attention so, of course, I HAD to go over and check it out!  The store had marked down some of their most phenomenal (and expensive, I might add) beauty products from every brand.  I believe they do this at the end of every spring season, but I was taken aback at some of the items I found.  Of course, I didn't purchase everything I wanted to, but since I am currently unemployed from what my family deems a "normal job", impulse shopping in high dollar amounts is pretty much out for me.  However, I knew that I could get away with a few things since the markdowns were for 50% & 75% off! 

Every brand had SOMETHING on clearance including Rimmel, Wet N Wild, Revlon, Sally Hansen, Loreal...you name it!  There were mascaras, eye shadow palettes, nail polish, I mean it was endless the bargains laid out before me.  This was very difficult for me, if you know me, since I am the queen of sale shopping!  I passed over H.I.P. shadow sticks and pigments, kohl pencils, summer polishes, and shadows I had been wanting to try for ages and only took home two items.  I know, I know, I was a good girl, I should be proud and hold my head up high! 

I generally begin in most places at the polishes and CVS carries Seche Vite, which I needed more top coat anyway so that was a necessary buy.  They had marked every Seche Vite product down to 50% off which made base coats $3.50 and the quick dry top coat that I needed $4.50.  This price is cheaper than I would have been able to get it at Sally's with my Beauty Club Card.  I should've got TWO!

I also picked up a Loreal Infallable Lipstick...one of those items I have been wanting to try for ages, but the $12 price tag kept me from doing so.  I'm sorry, I just don't spend that kind of cash on drugstore products and NEVER WILL.  More power to those of you that do, but if I know I can spend $2 on a MAC l/s, than I am going that route.  But, I got this one for 75% off which made it about $3!  Yeah, I can live with that.  AND it turns out it is GREAT!  The color really lasts and the conditioning top coat doesn't give you glassy lips which I really  prefer with my no makeup makeup looks on the weekends.  I picked this l/s up in the color Walnut, number 87, which I swatched for you below!  (I know its not the greatest pic, but of course the color swatch is on the right and the coditioning top coat is on the left.  The top coat looks super shiney in the pic but it really isn't.  It does have a little shimmer, but not too much so any age group will look great wearing it and be comfortable!)  I am in love with this color and the formula is great, in my opinion.  I also like the packaging in that you have  a built in mirror for on the go touch ups and both tubes each have a cozy spot together...no chance to lose either in the black hole of your bag!  LOL!  But, I still won't pay $12 for it (sorry Loreal, that's just a little rich for my blood considering this is a DRUGSTORE).  I WILL pick up more if I see them on clearance or on BOGO though.

My suggestion to you guys if you dig the drugstore makeup selection, is to check out your local CVS and see if they have the same markdowns going on right now!  The prices are only good while the products last, which won't be long!  They are also running some buy one, get on 1/2 off sales this week so make sure to check out their weekly ad online and let us know what YOU come home with in the comments below!

BBLL - Wicked Awesome Bloggers This Week! Click & Follow!

New to perfume? Don't fret; theNotice has an easy three-part guide on how to get started!

Glitter Geek goes bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S!) over a stunning eyeliner that even stays put on your waterline.

So many primers, so little time! Vanity's Edge is going to battle it out and she needs your help!

Looking for a great summer foundation? Clarins' latest offering is put to the test by Lipglossiping.

Phyrra from Fresco Phyrra shares some of her favorite Blacklight Reactive products.

Is make up really that complicated? Help Hell Candy's boyfriend unravel the mysteries of make up and read his guest post!

Jellyminx creates another pictorial creating a pretty pinky-purple look with drugstore products.

Christelle from Beauty Crazed shares the secrets of her shiny hair!

Sophie shows you her Five Skin Essentials!

GlossQueen tries her first mineral lipstick. Mosey on over to see if she liked it.

MAC Senior Artis Nicole Thompson tells us her must haves for Rosemount Australia Fashion Week at Madame B Fatale.

Hypothesis? Glass flecks make everything better. Jeweled Thumb experiments with different topcoats and proves just that!

Cawfee Tawk on Prime Beauty welcomes you with this week's topic -- Blast from the Past Beauty Products. Discuss!

Joeybunny swoons over her Holy Grail fragrance on the PinkSith.

Art Class is in session as Krasey Beauty takes you on a tour of MAC's newest Greasepaint Sticks.

Louise takes a look at the new Armani Nudes Contrast Palette and re-discovers her hatred of pastels!

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Tsahi over at The Makeup Artist is ecstatic about having 50+ followers; check out her giveaway and enter here!

Beautywoome has extended the competition for a full set of Ellis Faas makeup until May 14th!

Audrey has 2 giveaways going at once! Check out her Facebook Fan Appreciation and May's Reader of the Month giveaways.

It's Time...

Now that my job is ending, I figure it is time to make amends with all my lovely followers and subscribers here and on YouTube.  I know I have been MIA because of the no computer thing and I really hate it!  Between work and home, I just have not had the drive in the evenings to do makeup or loaf around on YouTube like I used to.  I have been hitting the sack at around 9 or 10 every night and it just has not felt right.

Since my layoff, today being my last day at work, I have thought that I really must consume myself with projects so as to not get bored, thus causing insanity!  I got a planner and I plan (no pun intended...how ever bad) to use it!  I have lists of videos I am going to be making and blog posts in the works.  I hope and plan to get online each and every day to get some sort of work out there for you guys to enjoy since I have slight access to a computer for job hunting.

I had planned a trip to the nearest CCO to create another tour video and that just won't be happening probably for a VERY long time.  The CCO that I speak of is in Nashville, TN and I am sure you have all heard and seen the photos of the terrible flooding in that city.  The flooding took over the Opry Mills Outlet Mall which was the home of the CCO.  The water is starting to receed, but it will be a VERY long time before they are open for business again.  I hope to be able to plan a trip south after the oil spill is contained a bit and the diesel smell is out fo the air in Mobil to be able to visit that outlet mall and CCO for a tour.  Until then, I do have some fun and exciting things planned.

Since I don't have a job and unemployment is not guaranteed, I will have to hold off on giveaways...however badly I don't want to.  I may have a few things stockpiled that I can do a small giveaway with but purchasing new items is not in my near future.  I don't even know if my situation will allow me to purchase for reviews, but I will certainly do my best so I can inform you guys of the new products out there.

So, this is a small update for you all.  I plan to do a Vlog this weekend to really update you about things coming up so make sure to stay tuned for that.  I will resume nail swatches here soon and some reviews that I don't plan to create videos for.  Plus, the battle of the primers will be a huge undertaking since I will actually have time to devote each day to this.  If you have suggestions on "match-ups" or a primer you would like to see in the battle, let me know in the comments below or email me!  I will release the list of primers I have already planned to include within the next couple of days as well as the rating system i will go by!  Any suggestions are always welcome!

Thanks again for all of your patience and I cannot WAIT to get back into the swing of things!  I am super stoked and I am not going to let my current situation get my down!  I am going to use my time wisely and keep myself busy with all of you!  :)

Much love always - xoxo - Laura

Try Mario Badescu Products for Free!

After perusing thru some old posts at xsparkage's blog, I found the killer offer to receive FREE SAMPLES of Mario Badescu products...NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!  Best thing about it, it is quick and simple. 

Just go over to the registration or consultation page on MarioBadescu.com and fill out your information and questionaire.  Make SURE you fill out the consultation questionaire for your specified list of products suggested.  You will see the types of products they reccommend for your skin issues and will have the opportunity to purchase them quickly and easily from one page. 

Not ready to commit?  Afraid yet another treatment won't work for you?  WAIT!  You will receive an email into your inbox within a couple of days of filling out the registration and questionaire.  The email will give you a link to receive your complementary package of samples that are compiled directly from the list of your suggested products!  Mine are on their way to me now!

Where as I KNOW we all like free stuff and LOVE to try before we buy, I am going to purchase a few of the items that were suggested to me.  I am really having a hard time with break outs, it is just down right embarrassing.  My Proactiv is working well, but my acne is tougher than it can fight I do believe.  (I am still waiting on my Severe Acne kit from them, so I have not given up completely on Proactiv yet!)  However, rather than using some of their spot treatments and such, I am going to get the Mario Badescu Drying Cream, Drying Lotion, Buffering Lotion and Drying Mask.  Probably to start, the best way for me to go is going to be the Acne Repair Kit which includes the Drying Lotion, Buffering Lotion, and Drying Cream for only $49 which also includes a Mario Badescu tote!  And, if my Proactiv ends up no longer doing the trick, I will most likely discontinue its use and try the acne washes on this site.

I know what you are thinking...the products are SO expensive and the packages are super high priced!  Well, this is how I look at it...No, I don't have tons of money and I am surely not made of money.  However, this, to me, is a small price to pay (especially in comparisson to a dermatologist and prescriptions) for confidence.  If you have never had acne (even the smallest little attack), you won't know what I am talking about.  There is something about a clear face that makes me hold my head higher, have more eye contact when talking to people and my overall confidence level is through the roof when my skin is clear! 

Not to mention, generally, the higher priced items last a great deal longer because you don't have to use as much as often.  Three of my 5 bottles of Proactiv generally last 2 months and the other two bottles last upwards of 3 months!  That is $70 for 2-3 months generally.  Well, I know I have spend at least that in one month of rooting through drugstore products that claim to work miracles!  Yes, you pay a little more for these products, but in the end...the results speak volumes!

So, I figured since I have heard such rave reviews about this line (not only from xsparkage), I would just give it a whirl!  I will be doing full reviews on each product that I receive after a good bit of time of using them, that is.  If you are interested in this line, go register on their site and fill out that questionaire for your free trial run of 5 products!  If nothing else, you will have a better knowledge of the brand!

Let me know what you guys think about this line of products!  Do you currently use Mario Badescu Products?  Are you in the market to buy some?  Are you going to participate in the Free Sample Offer?  Let me know you thoughts and opinions in the comments below and I will let you all know how this endeavour turns out for me in a future post!

-Laura-

GIANT Giveaway at Get Ready For Summer!

While perusing blog posts yesterday, I came across this one at Get Ready For Summer about a giveaway she is having!  As you can see by the photo above & the coordinating list below, there are a great deal of killer products you can win in this particular giveaway and there is something for everyone!  Check out the link and click to follow to participate in her giveaway!  What do you have to loose???  Good luck to all of you that enter! 

1. CHANEL PARTICULIERE 505 nail polish from Spring 2010 collection (Do I need to tell you it is SOLD OUT everywhere? ;))

2. THE BODY SHOP Neroli Jasmin shower gel & body lotion (both 50ml)

 

3. MAYBELLINE Dream Sunglow Bronzing Booster

 

4. CHINA GLAZE ENTOURAGE nailpolish

 

5. CIATE : One Coat a Day (base polish), Hang Over Cure (treatment for cuticles), Super Sexy Dry (drying drops)

6. CALVIN KLEIN Ultimate edge Gel Eyeliner in shade 301 Cocoa Sheen (with mini brush)

7. H&M BRACELET (pink coral color with gold, perfect for spring/summer)

8. CIATE Pink Nail File

9. JILL SANDER SUN EDT 100ml (without alcohol, perfect for summer)

10. NYX LIPSTICKS in 3 colours: Electra, Indian Pink, Circle

11. NAIL ART FIMO fruits (3x10)

12. ELDORA FALSE LASHES B127

13. MORGAN STREET Lip Balm Chocolate Cake

14. 5 SHE STYLEZONE Nailpolishes

15. OPI nailpolish LA- PAZ-ITIVELY HOT normal version + MATTE version

16. THE BODY SHOP RASPBERRY Body Butter 200ml

17. FRUCTIS Elastic Power Fix Hairspray

The Battle of the Primers - Coming Soon & I Need YOUR Help!

Primers…there are a million of them out there from special eye primers to shadow sticks to eye liners that you can use. So, which one works the best!? I figured the best way to find out was to sort of have a tournament of primers! I am going to do this the obvious way…wear two different primers each day and see which one out does the other. Whichever primer has the best results that day, will move on to the next competitor the following day. I will move through each primer I have and even try and get my hands on some more! (I don’t know if I will have time to film or photograph applying each primer in the mornings (because it is CRAZY at my house in the am), so you will just have to trust me with this!

I am going to start this as soon as possible, so I would like a little help from you guys! I would like to know if there are any eye primers that you would like to be included in the competition specifically. I will most likely have to purchase any of the new primers that are out there. I would like to try and keep the cost of each primer around $20 or so. Also, if there are any specific match ups you would like me to do, like a Paint Pot against TFSI, let me know that as well. Otherwise, I will start with UDPP & a Paintpot and move through them that way.

Hopefully, this will put to rest any questions we may have when it comes to primers! I am hoping to find the best one for me, specifically, and if I can help you guys out along the way, I would love to! I am probably one of the best subjects to do this on considering I have the most watery eyes on the face of the planet, wear contacts, and am always putting drops in my eyes. So, if it is going to stay on me…it will stay on most anyone!

Give me some feedback you guys! I'd love to start the competition soon!  I am going to start rounding up some of the primers I don't have so make sure to comment on the ones that you would like to see so I can get those as well!  I was hoping this would at least give us something to do while I am on my forced YouTube hiatous.  Thanks!!!

BBLL

Curious about the new Balanciaga Paris fragrance? So was Rae, over at theNotice -- but she's since quenched that curiosity. (And fallen in love while doing so!)
Beautyjunkielondon finds a perfect coral nail shade for spring, by Rimmel.

Sarah has found a new anti-aging moisturizer and eye cream and shockingly... they actually work!
It's a plane, no, it's a monster (well actually, yes), no -- it's just Jeweled Thumb's enormous coiffure! Be scared, be very scared.

Red lips are always high on The Lip Print's agenda - check out her latest obsession, Lipstick Queen Medieval.
Louise takes a look at the Guerlain Summer Limited Editions this week, and is surprised at what she sees.
Phyrra's Indie Spotlight for April is Glamour Doll Eyes. Find out all about Vee, the owner of GDE!
As Lime Crime's ultra bright lipsticks finally hit the UK high street, Lipglossiping puts them under the spotlight!

Krasey Beauty tours the exclusive Tokidoki collection for Sephora, and has the swatches to prove it!

Madame B Fatale shows you how to create an up-do suitable for day and night

Might as well face it -- Cindy from Prime Beauty is addicted to Dior .

Amy Antoinette tries epilating for the first time.

PinkSith talks taupe with MAC Greasepaint Stick in Dirty.

In the hunt for a wasabi green nail polish? Hell Candy Make Up discovered a new shade by Barry M. Like it or loathe it?
Yinnie reviews the unsuspecting formula that is the Estee Lauder Total Make-up Remover.

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Win a full set of ELLIS FAAS makeup, no strings attached, on beautywoome this month.

Want to win Audrey Dao's April Reader of the Month Giveaway? Just leave a comment and you're entered!

NYX SALE: Only a Little More Waiting to Go!

Yep, you got it...NYX Cosmetics is having a sale STARTING SOON!  At 12pm PST you can click this link to get to the sale!  As always, you can get items up to 80% off so make sure to check it out!  I don't know if they are selling in sets like they sometimes do or if you are going to be able to purchase items seperately.  Either way, the prices are always phenomenal and you can really rack up for cheap! 

Make sure to hurry and get to shopping soon!  The sale ends Monday, May 3 at 12 pm PST.  These sales are always on a first come first serve basis and there are generally only limite quanitites of the products available!!

I am planning to get some lipsticks at least and maybe some eye shadows and glitter.  It all depends on the prices and what I am going to have to pay for shipping!  If you plan to shop this sale or do, share what you got in the comments below!  If you do a haul vid on your sale shopping, make sure to copy the link for us to check out! 

Happy shopping!!!

MAC Pret-A-Papier Products & Face Charts

I don't know about you guys, but for a while, I have been wearing a LOT of nudes & neutrals when it comes to my makeup.  Most of the magazine ads I have seen lately tend to be full of models wearing the nudes as well.  I know, you probably thing it gets boring for me, however, I generally use my lips as the canvas for color on my face.  (Sometimes my cheeks.)  But, I do make sure to wear some outlandish shade of lipcolor everyday so I still feel springy inside.  This is why I am in LOVE with the Pret-A-Papier.  The color is coming out in the lipsticks (and a couple of the shadows).  If you look at the face charts (below) you can see that the looks, for the most part, are nude/neutral. 

Here are some beautiful looks for you guys to try!  If you do, link me the pics or the video!  I would LOVE to check them out! 

**I know I generally don't post face charts and such, but I have them ALL.  If you are interested in particular collections face charts and would like me to post them, just let me know!  I will happily do so!  I also have charts from many other brands that I just started accumulating.  Is this something you guys would like to see on a regular basis?  I work SO hard on getting these charts together and keeping them organized, I hate not to share if you guys would like them!  Leave any comments on this topic in the comments below or you can email me, of course!**

***All information on the Pret-A-Papier Collection was gathered from the MAC Cosmetics website.***

PRODUCTS INDLUDED IN COLLECTION

Paint Pot $16.50:
Coral Crepe – Soft coral (Satin)
Groundwork – Mid-Tone neutral taupe (Satin)

Eye Shadow $14.50:
Tissueweight – Frosted pale peach (Frost)
Bamboo – Light beige with peach (Matte)
Cut To Fit – Frosted red bronze (Frost)
Gazette Grey – Dark green grey with gold pearl (Velvet)
Memorabilia – Dirty purple (Matte)

Studio Fix Lash $13.00

Chromagraphic Pencil $14.50:
NC15/NW20
NW25/NC30

Impeccable Brow Pencil $15.00:
Taupe – Mid-tone dirty taupe
Dirty Blonde – Cool light brown

Lipstick $14.00:
Archetype – Sheer light gold (Lustre)
Dressmaker, Dressmaker – Creamy light peach coral (Lustre)
Made To Order – Creamy midtone dirty coral (Lustre)
Kraft – Creamy midtone brown (Amplified)

Tinted Lipglass $14.00:
C-Thru – Peachy-beige with shimmer (Cream)
Fold and Tuck – Midtone bright coral w/soft pearl
Pret-a-Papier – Dark reddened brownze w/pearl

Powder Blush $18.50:
Instant Chic – Midtone muted coral (Sheertone)
Garb – Light golden suntan (Sheertone)

Mineralize Blush (Duo) $23.00:
Light Over Dark – Orange yellow mélange/deep brown

Nail Lacquer $12.00:
Brown Bag – Midtone warm dirty beige (Cream)
Originality – Sparkly copper bronze (Frost)

Prêt-A-Papier

Brow: Enhance brows with Lingering Eye Brows.
Lid: Highlight under brows with Bamboo e/s. Apply Gazette Grey e/s on the eyelid. Contour the eye by blending Sumptuous Olive and Carbon e/s.
Liner: Define eyes with NW25/NC30 eye kohl. Blend Sumptuous Olive e/s through the lower lashes.
Lash: Apply Zoom Fast Black Lash through the lashes.
Cheeks: Blend Melba Powder Blush.
Lips: define lips with Chickory lip pencil and use l/s in Made to Order.

Archetype

Brow: Define brows with Espresso e/s.
Lid: Highlight brow bone with Arena e/s. Apply Coral Crêpe Paint pot and Bamboo e/s over the eyelid. Use Cut to Fit e/s through the outer crease and apply Tissueweight e/s to the inner.
Liner: Define the upper lash line with Boot Black liquid eyeliner.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Plush lash in Plushblack on the lashes.
Cheeks: Use Light Over Dark Mineralize Blush.
Lips: Define and the lip with Oak lip pencil. Fill in lips with Archetype l/s and C-Thru lipglass.

Gazette Grey

Brow: Define brows with Taupe Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight under brows with Blanc Type and Tissueweight e/s. Apply Tissueweight e/s over the lid and follow with Memorabilia e/s. Follow with Gazette Grey and Shadowy Lady e/s.
Liner: Define the upper lash line with Grey Utility PowerPoint eye pencil.
Lash: Apply Plush Lash Mascara in Plushblack through the lashes.
Cheeks: Apply Light Over Dark Mineralize blush under the cheeks.
Lips: Hydrate lips with Soothing Beige Tinted lip conditioner SPF15. Define the lip with Chicory lip pencil and fill with Archetype l/s. Follow with lipglass in C-Thru.

Fold and Tuck

Brow: Define brows by applying Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight brow bone with Blanc Type e/s. Apply Coral Crepe Paint Pot to lid followed by Tissueweight e/s. Contour the eye with Gazette Grey followed by Bamboo e/s.
Liner: Apply Rapidblack Penultimate eye liner to the lashline.
Lash: Elongate and define lashes with Zoomblack Zoom Lash Mascara.
Cheeks: Apply Harmony Powder Blush.
Lips: contour the lip with Spice lip pencil before applying l/s in Dressmaker, Dressmaker. Finish with a dab of Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Made to Order

Brow: Define brows with Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Highlight browone with Blanc Type e/s. Apply e/s in Cut to Fit on the eyelid.
Liner: Define the upper lashline with Boot Black Liquid eye liner.
Lash: Apply Studio Fix Lash mascara in Black Fix on the lashes.
Cheeks: Contour cheeks with Instant Chic and Garb Sheertone Blushes.
Lips: Define the lip with Nightmoth lip pencil and fill with Made to Order lipstick. Top off look with Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Bamboo

Brow: Define brows with Dirty Blonde Impeccable Brow Pencil.
Lid: Blend Tissueweight and Memorabilia e/s on the browbone. Apply Cora Crepe Paint pot and Cut to Fit e/s over the eyelid.
Liner: Apply Blacktrack Fluidline through the upper waterline.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Zoom Fast Black Lash.
Cheeks: Sweep the cheeks with Light Over Dark Mineralize Blush.
Lips: Define the lip with Stripdown Lip Pencil. Apply Archetype l/s and follow with C-Thru lipglass.

Kraft

Brow: Define brows with Saddle e/s.
Lid: Highlight browbone with Mylar e/s. Apply Tissueweight e/s over the eyelid. Contour with Saddle e/s.
Liner: Define the upper lashline with Boot Black liquid eye liner.
Lash: Define lashes with Dazzle lash mascara in Black Dazzle.
Cheeks: Dust Garb Sheertone Blush:
Lips: Line Lips with Chestnut Lip pencil and fill in using Kraft l/s. finish off by adding a coat of Prêt-A-Papier lipglass.

Tissueweight

Brow: Fill in brows using Spiked eye brows.

Lid: Highlight under the browbone using Vanilla e/s. Neutralize the eyelid color by using Bare Study Paint Pot. Apply Tissueweight e/s to the eyelid. Add more definition to the eye with Tissueweight and Gazette Grey e/s.
Liner: Line the upper lashline with Blacktrack Fluidline.
Lash: Finish the eyes with Zoom Fast Black Lash.
Cheeks: Give cheeks color with Instant Chic Sheertone Blush.
Lips: Contour lips with Chicory lip pencil. Apply Made to Order l/s and follow with Fold and Tuck lipglass.

Items I MUST Own From This Collection

Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15/NW20

Paint Pot in Coral Crepe

Eye Shadows in Memorabilia, Gazette Grey, & Cut to Fit

Lipsticks in Archetype, Dressmaker, Dressmaker, & Made to Order

Lipglass in Fold & Tuck

Powder Blush in Instant Chic

Mineralize Blush in Light Over Dark

Nail Polish in Originality

I am sure not many of you will really enjoy this collection because it is so neutral and coral based.  But, I ADORE this new orange and coral trend that is happening right now!  I only wish they would have made fun new packaging for this collection like they did Liberty of London!  I suppose they used all their creative mojo on that collection! 

Let me know what you think of this new collection from MAC.  What do you love or hate about it?  Thoughts....opinions....I know you guys have tons of them!  Is there anything that you are going to run to your counter/store tomorrow and get right away?  Please let me know in the comments below!  And, don't forget, if you do a look based off one of the face charts above, send me the link to the pics and/or video!  I would love to see what you guys make of these looks with your colors or the colors fromt the collection.

Another Update...

For any of you that have lived without a computer after being connected at the hip to one for forever, you know how I am feeling right now.  For those of you that have not had to do without your pride and joy connection to the world...make sure to take care of what you have so you don't have to deal with what I am dealing with at the moment.  Yeah, you guessed right, I am STILL without a computer and it is seriously driving me bannanas!  I have tried every way I know how to weasle one out of my bro that has freakin 5 of the things, even had my boyfriend ask his brothers wife to give up the one she never uses.  No one feels sorry for me at all!  LOL!  My plan was to get a new computer with my tax money and that so did not go as planned!  The government decided to take most of my money away for a debt I didn't even know existed.  Nice. 

But, enough of my wallowing in self pity for a moment.  LOL!  I just wanted you to all know that I am still alive and still kickin with the makeup thing.  I am working really hard to save as much money as possible so I CAN get a computer SOON so I can get both my webistes back up and running.  For all of you that are still with me and waiting, I appreciate you all more than you know!  And, for all of you that have newly subbed to my YouTube account...well, that means more to me than ANYTHING!  It is so nice to get support even when you don't have the means to update on a regular basis. 

I seriously cannot wait to get things back up and running and hope to do so soon!!  I have a great deal of things planned and have been working on reviews and getting new ideas and a new direction for everyhting ready to go.  Once I have the computer, I will be able to construct all the new tabs I added here on my blog before all this happened.  I cannot wait to get some new material out there for you guys to enjoy!

So, again...for all of your support, I really thank you and hope you all stick around a bit longer to see where I go from here!  I LOVE the work I do here and on YouTube and plan to do it for a LONG time to come!  I view this as a bit of a vacation, if you will.  I will continue to update as much as possible and will continue to hand write blogs for now, to post later.  Until later comes, I hope you are all doing well and take care!  I love you all and miss you tons!!!

XOXO - Laura

Update on Giveaway...Sorry It's SO Late!

I wrote this a week or so ago and still wanted to post it. I have not had access to a computer at all lately and hate that I have not been able to update you all regarding the giveaway and I know this update is terribly late, but here all the same. I have filmed the prize video and just have to get some time on a computer to edit and upload. I will post that for you guys with the date that I will do the drawing. Continue to comment on any post that I put up because EVERY comment counts as an entry up until the drawing. I know this is all screwed up, but I promised to go on with this giveaway even though I have no way to post very often. I hope you all understand what is going on and I truly am very sorry for all the trouble! Anyway…here is the update post that I wrote a couple of weeks ago for you guys….

I hate being so out of touch with you guys! I feel like I have been away from you all for a year or something! Being without a computer is starting to take its toll on me…yes, my name is Laura, and I am an internet and computer addict. I am NOT afraid to admit it because it just drives me crazy insane that I finally discover a creative outlet that I love and cannot work on anything at the moment. I always have to pray for a moment here or there at work to even update here at my blog. So, here is a couple of updates for you.

I have been writing blogs but have not been able to upload lately. These include some NOTD, EOTD, written reviews, etc. As soon as I get some time to get together photos and whatnot, I will post them for your reading pleasure.

The big news/update I need to put out there for you guys is regarding the quarterly giveaway that is set to end March 31st. Because some things have come up, I have not yet purchased the prize I want to get. I would like to extend this quarter’s giveaway on for a bit longer until I get the exact prizes I want to share with a lucky reader! I feel if I am going to give something away, it better be good! LOL! Once I have the prizes purchased, I will make a video that states the last day that comments will be eligible as entries. So, if you are not already subscribed to my YouTube channel, make sure to do so, so the comments you make will give you entries in the giveaway!

I hate to put you all off like this, but I have no choice. I have been working to put back as much money as possible every week to save for my laptop and I now treat that savings as a bill, so it comes before “fun” money. Also, I wanted this prize to be a bit bigger since I may not be holding a giveaway next quarter. I don’t know how soon I will have a computer, which makes it so difficult to communicate with you guys and respond to your comments in a timely fashion. I will let you all know if there will in fact be a giveaway next quarter, in the prize video I post (hopefully this weekend/beginning of next week).

I have a long list of “to do’s” for my YouTube channel and here for my blog. I have had multiple requests that I will address first. I just hope you all understand what is keeping me away. I am really starting to go into withdrawals! Things were going so well and leading into what I hope is going to be a long and prosperous tenure on Blogger and YouTube. I just hope these technical difficulties don’t hinder that from happening!

I hope you are all well and hope you won’t give up on me! Computers and programs are pricey when you work a crummy job like me! LOL! Well, the job isn’t so crummy, but the pay IS! Hahahaha! If any of you have any questions, please email me, as I may not have the time to always check the comments made here. I want to get to any specific questions as soon as possible and I can check my email at work. You can send requests to my email as well. I love hearing from you guys!!!

Take care!

BBLL

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Trying Out Revlon PhotoReady Foundation...

I’m in love…with another product that is! This time, it is a foundation. Revlon has caught my attention with their new, light catching foundation, PhotoReady. I was taken by the packaging first and foremost. This has to be one of the only drugstore foundations that I have ever found with a pump & attractive glass bottle. The pump allows for controlled product distribution and says “Good-bye” to the mess their traditional Colorstay foundation can create. It easily dispenses a small amount or large, which is great, considering I mix these foundations.

The reason I mix the foundation, isn’t because I can’t find a color that is perfect for my skin tone, it is because of the super shimmer finish of this formula. Since I have started getting older, I prefer a more matte finish to my skin so anytime a foundation has light reflective properties, I tend to add in a more matte foundation to tone it down a bit. At first, I added some of the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation and it worked wonderfully. However, I wanted to lighten the Revlon color a little, so last week, when Revlon Foundation was on BOGO at CVS, I picked up a lighter hue of their Colorstay and one of the lightest versions of the PhotoReady. I mixed in the Colorstay and had fabulous results with the finish and the staying power was tremendous!

I ended up getting one of the lighter shades of the PhotoReady foundation, to highlight. When I have a great deal of time to work on my makeup, I like to apply a lighter-than-my-skin tone shade to the high planes of my face including my nose, cheekbones, and forehead. I also like to apply these lighter shades over my under eye concealer to brighten that area even more. I have found the light-reflective finish in this foundation has been perfect for this application meshing together two steps (foundation application and highlighting) into one, which cuts down on time. Time management…something I am always working to perfect!

You all know that I have issues with acne and keeping my skin clear. (Not such a daunting task since I started using Proactiv again, but breakouts CAN & WILL occur if I use the wrong products.) When I first tried this foundation, it felt a little greasy before it was set with powder, so I thought it would break me out and I would be out another $13. However, I have had no issues. During that normal, aggravating time of the month I did, but I don’t attribute that to this foundation at all. I

 do find this foundation to be buildable if I let it sit in between “layers”. The colors I have used have all turned out to be very bendable and mixable. There are only about 8 shades in this line, so you may end up having to purchase two colors to get an exact match or to adjust the color as you begin to get some sun now that we are going into spring and summer. (Only the third day of spring and here, it is only about 40 degrees! WTF?) Never fear, Revlon does BOGO on foundation all the time so you won’t have to pay full price for two!

I have yet to do a proper comparison to MAC Mineralize Satinfinish, but I will because I feel the finishes might replicate one another. Right now, I know that there is no comparison when it comes to smell. The MAC foundation has a stronger, “foundation” smell (you know what I am talking about) where as the PhotoReady has no strong smell that I can speak of. I really like that because I REALLY hate smelling THAT smell all day!

If you are in the market for a new foundation for those summer night outtings, you may want to try this one. It goes on pretty sheer for a typical foundation and does not feel heavy or cakey at all. Plus, with an SPF of 20 you are going to get the sun protection we all need in the spring and summer months! I am a huge advocate for wearing and layering SPF to protect the sensitive skin on your face. If you want color on your face….get it out of the bottle! It’s SAFER!

(I did get the PhotoReady Powder as well. If you guys would like to see a review on this product, I will happily do one!  I will be picking up the translucent version as well since I recently ran out of the translucent powder I had.  So, just let me know in the comments below or feel free to email me.)

**I give the Revlon PhotoReady Foundation ($13.96 @ CVS) 4 out of 5 stars**