QVC New Beauty Test Tube Fall/Winter 2013

Oh, hey! Look what I got!


I started seeing the spoilers for this box shortly after the New Beauty Test Tube was released, and was really excited about a couple of things, but some of these I have never heard of! That's the great thing about subscription services- you get to experience new products and brands that you may not be able to afford to try otherwise! (I know I never thought I would spend the money to try Alterna products, and thanks to this box and the previous one, I have now tried two!)

My auto subscription for this year is now over, and I am most likely going to renew next year, and am seriously considering signing up to get the regular New Beauty Test Tube- I love the curation of their boxes.




(I'm pretty proud of this picture, mostly because stuff kept falling over!)

As usual, all descriptions are taken directly from the Test Tube catalogue.




Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100& Purified Squalane (.34 fl oz)
This luxurious, silky, skin-softening moistuizer helps to improve the look of fine lines wrinkles, and radiance.
How to use: Apply a.m. and p.m. as a treatment moisturizer. Use one drop on face, sparingly on body, elbows, cuticles, and damp or dry hair.
Benefits Include: Sweet Ingredients - Derived from farmed sustained sugarcane; Smoother Skin - In a clinical study after three weeks of daily use, a decrease was seen in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and No Residue - Peter's formula is silky smooth and luxurious to the touch, without leaving an oily or greasy after feel. It provides all the hydration benefits of an oil without leaving you with that filmy feeling.
Will I use it?: I have used it once since receiving the test tube, on my face and on my hair. I was nervous about putting oil on my face since I do have very oily skin, but I was pleasantly surprised that it felt extremely moisturizing, and I didn't get oily throughout the day like I usually do. My hair, on the other hand, did not like this stuff at all. It fell so flat, and I only used three drops. It also made my ends look super oily but also crunchy. I think I will continue to use this for my skin, and see what happens!
(This is the second Peter Thomas Roth product I have received in a Test Tube.))




Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer (.5 fl oz)
This smooth and lightweight formula is scientifically formulated to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, firmness and radiance, leaving the skin looking healthy and youthful.
How to use: Apply liberally to face and neck in the morning and evening.
Benefits Include: Anti-Aging Science - Vitamin C ester, alpha-lipoic acid and DMAE combine to help address the appearance of wrinkles and firmness while imparting a beautiful, radiant glow; Advanced Hydration - The luxurious texture and key antioxidants will keep your skin feeling soft and smooth throughout the day; and Radiance Restored - Formulated with vitamin C ester, this moisturizer works to help improve the appearance of skin tone and texture to impart a visibly more glowing, radiant, porcelain-like complexion.
Will I use it?: I have used it probably around 10 times since receiving it in my box, and am frightened by how much I love it, considering this size is $13.95 on amazon. It does sting, but it doesn't create any redness. It's also extremely potent, and is a strong floral scent. That's the part of this that I really, really don't like. I'm extremely sensitive to scent in products. But this product is just so good. My skin does look more glowy after use.
That's the downside to these tubes- falling in love with pricier products!
(This is the first Perricone MD product I have received in a Test Tube.)




Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Eye Treatment (.07 fl oz)
Eyes show the first signs of aging, but you can bet there's a product to help slow down the clock. Help reduce the appearance of the signs of aging- including lines and wrinkles- with this innovative treatment.
How to use: Gently apply a small amount with fingertips under and around the eye area morning and evening.
Benefits Include: Groundbreaking Ingredient - High-performance retinoid (hpr) helps deliver results; Anti-Aging - This gel formula helps improve the look of the signs of aging; and Eye Awakening - Specifically designed for the eye area, this cream provides a powerful anti-aging agent.
Will I use it?: I have used this three mornings, and I really like the AM benefits- I do feel like it plumps up my teensy fine lines, and it also helps my foundation go on smoother in that area in general. I've also found my makeup settles less in the lines throughout the day. However, I'm unsure that it's unique to this product, because my other eye creams that are good for the morning tend to do the same thing. But I really like the texture of this one, as opposed to a standard lotion. So I will keep using it and see what happens!
(This is the third philosophy product I have received in a Test Tube.)




WEN Pomegranate Finishing Treatment Creme (4 fl oz - full size!)
If weightless, manageable hair is what you're after, the Finishing Treatment Creme is your savior. Made to use on dry hair, it will give you body or a polished finish.
How to use: Apply a dime size amount of less to palms and rub together. Gently squeeze treatment into hair, starting mid-shaft and working towards the end.
Benefits Include: Mane Attractions - The WEN system is infused with a perfect blend of herbs and natural ingredients; Soothing Formula - The aloe vera in this finishing treatment has soothing, healing and moisturizing properties, which are a huge benefit for damaged, frizzy hair.
Will I use it?: I have used this once, the day I am writing this post (which is Oct 25th), but I will definitely be adding this to my daily routine. After I blow-dried my hair, I used this as suggested, and it seriously made my hair so soft, and voluminous. And it smells AMAZING. So amazing I want to eat it. But I won't, because that would be weird. The smell doesn't stay in the hair too long, which is a shame. I would be happy to smell this in my hair all day.
(This is the second WEN product I have received in a Test Tube.)




Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist (.85 fl oz)
Envelope your hair in a lightweight, frizz-fighting, nutrient-rich oil mist that helps protect hair. Your strands won't be able to thank you enough.
How to use: Spray liberally throughout damp hair and style as usual.
Benefits Include: Two Times the Benefits - Not only does this formula help to nourish, but it can also be used as a color-protecting primer; Bamboo Boosters - Made with bamboo extract, this spray is sure to provide you with sustainable style; and Lightweight Finish - This ultralight texture won't weight hair down.
Will I use it?: I have used this three times. The first time, I was in love with it. I let my hair air dry and it looked gorgeous. The second time, I hated what it did to my hair- it made it greasy and flat. That may have been my fault, as I sometimes get spray happy, and I also let it air dry this time. The third time, it really didn't do anything at all to my hair, it looks like it normally does when I blow dry it, which I did this time to see if it made a difference. I will keep using it, but so far I have mixed feelings.
(This is the second Alterna product I have received in a Test Tube.)




Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask (.16 fl oz)
If you want gorgeous, glowing skin, look no further. Engineered to mimic the effects of bliss Spa's world famous Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial, this mask is a superfast fix for dull, tired and sallow skin. This fabulous complexion formula gives you the appearance of fresher, younger-looking skin.
How to use: Massage a generous layer onto damp skin, wait ive minutes for a full froth to form and rinse well.
Benefits Include: Oxygen Detox - bliss uses different ingredients that deliver oxygen to the skin and contain antioxidants to help protect the skin from free-radical attacks; Fast Worker - It only takes five invigorating minutes for this frothy mask to leave your skin refreshed and glowing; and Vitamin Filled - This formula helps lighten the skin with the most active form of vitamin C available.
Will I use it?: I try to use all the products at least once before writing my blog so I can give at least some type of initial impression. But I haven't used this yet. I am planning on giving my skin a nightly mask treatment soon, and will be using this one. I will definitely do a separate blog post review later.
(This is the second Bliss product I have received in a Test Tube.)




IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Mascara (.16 fl oz)
Get ready to go vertical! From the lash ball detailer to the volumizing formula, this clinically proven mascara takes the place of five products, all in one bottle!
How to use: Starting at the base of your lashes, hold the brush horizontally, then wiggle and sweep the brush up and through to the tips. Next, use the lash ball detailer to add length, volume and separation to your lower lashes, as well as your inner and outer corner lashes. For a more dramatic look, add additional coats.
Benefits Include: The Multitasker - Not only is it a volumizing mascara, it's also a conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint and a lash comb/curler; Unique Brush - The flexible brush works to lengthen, curl and separate while the lash ball tip reaches even corner lashes. You'll never miss a spot again; and Vitamin Packed - Vitamins A, C, E, and B5, along with green tea, acai and jojoba, work together to condition and enhance lashes.
Will I use it?: I have used this almost every single day since receiving it, and it is quickly becoming my favorite mascara. Ever. The link above is to my size sample from amazon. Buy it right now. It's the cost of a drug store mascara to try. I will definitely be purchasing a full size of this once this sample is dried out.
I never believed the hype behind IT Cosmetics, but now I am thinking I should have, and will be looking into trying more of their products soon.
(This is the first  IT Cosmetics product I have received in a TestTube.)




Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer (.06 oz)
For eye color that won't crease or wear away, Mally's Evercolor Shadow Stick is a creamy, glide-on shadow that stays looking freshly applied. It includes a special silicone system that glides on, then seals together to last and last.
How to use: Run along lashes to use as an eyeliner or smooth on lids and blend to use as an eyeshadow.
Benefits Include: One and Done - In just one stroke of the glide-on applicator you'll get an incredible high-performance look. Once applied, you've got 30 seconds of playtime to blend and smooth the color before it sets; Multitasker - This easy-to-use color stick can act as a primer, eyeshadow or eyeliner, and it even replaces your brushes. You simply glide the color where you want it to line and define your eyes, or layer several colors for a dramatic, smoky look; and You're In Control - You have complete control with this easy-to-use stick, so have fun and experiment! It's the perfect solution for a quick, finished look that won't come off until you take it off.
Will I use it?: I have used it, and honestly? I wasn't super impressed. I don't feel like it does anything better than the Maybelline Color Tattoos do, and it is very similar to the Bad to the Bronze shade. It also creased like crazy on me less than an hour after I put it on, and I used my Too Faced Shadow Insurance, which NEVER causes creasing. It is a really pretty shade, and it does go on beautifully. And I will probably still use this on an occasion, but I will never buy one of these for myself.
(This is the third Mally product I have received in a Test Tube.)



As with the others, overall, I was really happy with this tube, and as I said above, I am most likely going to be renewing my purchase should they do this again next year. My favorite product by far is the mascara, followed second by the finishing creme.

Books I'm Excited For: November 2013

I thought it might be fun to try a new series, which is books I'm excited for! Not only does it give you guys the heads up on the books that are coming out in the next month (well, the ones I want to read at least- there are literally hundreds of books coming out so I really couldn't put them all!), but it also reminds me to put in my requests at the library or pre-order.

I'm also going to try actually putting the descriptions for books... sometimes I just impress myself with how I don't put the obvious things in blogs. Bare with me, guys; this is still a major work in progress!

Champion: A Legend Novel by Marie Lu (Hardcover or Kindle)
The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion? 

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion

Why am I so excited?: It's the finale of a series I have really enjoyed (I gave the first book four stars, and the second book three stars), and I have to finish it. I'm hoping it ends well.
Release Date: November 5th, 2013




The Walking Dead, Volume 19: March to War by Robert Kirkman (Paperback)
Rick. Ezekiel. Gregory. Negan. Each man holds the fate of their community in their hands... and WAR is on the horizon! 

This volume collects THE WALKING DEAD #109-114, the prelude to ALL OUT WAR-the epic battle that will change the world of THE WALKING DEAD for years to come.

Why am I so excited?: I am a HUGE fan of The Walking Dead, both the comics and the television show. I'm a little behind, so I won't be getting this right away, but I'm happy to have the reminder to pick back up the books and read a bit!
Release Date: November 13th, 2013




Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum #20) by Janet Evanovich (Hardcover and Kindle)
Stephanie Plum has her sights set on catching a notorious mob boss. If she doesn’t take him down, he may take her out.

New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum knows better than to mess with family. But when powerful mobster Salvatore “Uncle Sunny” Sunucchi goes on the lam in Trenton, it’s up to Stephanie to find him. Uncle Sunny is charged with murder for running over a guy (twice), and nobody wants to turn him in—not his poker buddies, not his bimbo girlfriend, not his two right-hand men, Shorty and Moe. Even Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, has skin in the game, because—just Stephanie’s luck—the godfather is his actual godfather. And while Morelli understands that the law is the law, his old-world grandmother, Bella, is doing everything she can to throw Stephanie off the trail. 

It’s not just Uncle Sunny giving Stephanie the run-around. Security specialist Ranger needs her help to solve the bizarre death of a top client’s mother, a woman who happened to play bingo with Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur. Before Stephanie knows it, she’s working side by side with Ranger and Grandma at the senior center, trying to catch a killer on the loose—and the bingo balls are not rolling in their favor. 

With bullet holes in her car, henchmen on her tail, and a giraffe named Kevin running wild in the streets of Trenton, Stephanie will have to up her game for the ultimate takedown.

Why am I so excited?: I LOVE the Stephanie Plum novels. Are they great literature? No, not at all. But they are fun, and I love Stephanie. I do hope eventually, when the series ends, she settles down (I like Joe, but I secretly hope Ranger at times), but for now I am just enjoying the ride!
Release Date: November 19th, 2013

Extreme Bricks: Spectacular, Record-Breaking, and Astounding Lego Projects from Around the World by Sarah Herman (Hardcover)
From the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge to the Colosseumand the Taj Mahal, man has never shied away from an extreme building challenge, and the LEGO builders of the twenty-first century are no different. Whetherthey re re-creating the works of ancient masters in brick form, buildinglife-size superheroes, breaking world records with skyscraping towers, orfirmly adjusting their thinking caps to program plastic robots, some LEGO fansare taking their passion for plastic to the extreme.

Sarah Herman, the author of A Million Little Bricks: The Unofficial Illustrated History of the LEGO Phenomenon, has broughttogether some of the world s most ambitious builders in a fact-filled showcaseof truly mind-blowing models for this exciting illustrated book. Extreme Bricks chronicles the firstattempts at large-scale models embarked on by the LEGO Group as well as theearly work of LEGOLAND artists and builders and contemporary LEGO CertifiedProfessionals who build big for a living. It charts the rise of AFOLS (adultfans of LEGO) and their increasingly spectacular models and gargantuancollections. Packed with two hundred color photographs to shock and surprise, the book also explores the popular building competitions and includes a closerlook at the shockingly smart LEGO MINDSTORMS robots that can do everything fromsolving a Rubik s Cube to building their own LEGO models.

Why am I so excited?: This seems like it would be a really fun coffee table book! I really like Legos (I don't play with them so much myself, but I love seeing what people make with them), and so does my husband, so this would be a perfect book for us!
Release Date: November 25th, 2013




Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebillion #1) by Aimee Carter (Hardcover or Kindle)
YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Why am I so excited?: It sounds super interesting, and I am a huge fan of series novels! The premise seems unique to me, and it's getting great reviews on Goodreads!
Release Date: November 26th, 2013




FTC: This post contains amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more info.

Book Review: The Apple Orchard (Bella Vista #1) by Susan Wiggs

Description from Good Reads
Sometimes you stumble across a treasure when you are looking for something else entirely.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs brings readers to the lush abundance of Sonoma County in a novel of sisters, friendship and how memories are woven like a spell around us.

Tess Delaney makes a living restoring stolen treasures to their rightful owners. People like Annelise Winther, who refuses to sell her long-gone mother's beloved necklace; despite Tess's advice. To Annelise, the jewels value is in its memories.

But Tess's own history is filled with gaps: a father she never met, a mother who spent more time traveling than with her daughter. So Tess is shocked when she discovers the grandfather she never knew is in a coma. And that she has been named in his will to inherit half of Bella Vista, a hundred-acre apple orchard in the magical Sonoma town called Archangel. The rest is willed to Isabel Johansen. A half sister she's never heard of. 

Against the rich landscape of Bella Vista, Tess begins to discover a world filled with the simple pleasures of food and family, of the warm earth beneath her bare feet. A world where family comes first and the roots of history run deep. A place where falling in love is not only possible, but inevitable. And in a season filled with new experiences, Tess begins to see the truth in something Annelise once told her: if you don't believe memories are worth more than money, then perhaps you've not made the right kind of memories.

From one of America's most beloved writers, The Apple Orchard is a story of family ties; both old and new; and of the moments that connect our hearts.


My Review
I love Susan Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles series, so when I saw she came out with a new series, I knew I had to check it out.

The story is mainly centered around a woman named Tess. Tess overworks, smokes too much and doesn't eat right, and is generally just stressed out. Her job is to find lost treasures, restore them, and then attempt to sell them for a hefty profit (should the owner wish to do so.) She finds out that her paternal grandfather is seriously injured and in a coma, and she is summoned to his house as she is one of two people chosen for his will. The other is the half sister she never even knew she had, Isabel. 
She also never knew she had the grandfather, because her mother chose to keep her father a secret.

The man that summons her, Dominic, works for the bank but is also a wine maker. The house she is summoned to is an apple orchard. It's very Northern California appropriate- Wiggs definitely got that right! 

To be honest, I wasn't pulled into this book to much by Tess or Dominic, though once his kids were introduced, I enjoyed him more, but I found him to be a little dull. Tess was too much of a stress case in the beginning, but she calmed down as the book went on.
I did like hearing about her maternal grandmother's antique shop in Dublin, and thought it was interesting that her paternal grandmother had a shop as well.

I really loved hearing about Isabel- she was probably my favorite character in the story. She just seems so kind hearted, and lovely. I loved reading her recipes, too.
I had a feeling that she maybe had feelings for Dominic, but that never came up, so it could just be that she has known him for so long, you just get that sense of caring.
I have a feeling that Wiggs won't write about her next- but I will be so happy if she does! 


The story has good resolution, but it wraps up rather quickly. 
I gave the story three stars on Good Reads because it was good, and I want to read more of the series, but it wasn't amazing by any means. I wasn't pulled in right away and I really loved the secondary characters, but only sort of cared for Tess or Dominic. I should be rooting for them to get together the whole time, but instead I just was indifferent about their whole relationship. 


You can purchase a copy of this book for Kindle here, or a physical copy here.

FTC: I borrowed this book from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does contain Amazon Affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Makeup Products I Can't Live Without - Sister-in-Law edition!

I went to San Diego this weekend, and got to hang out with one of my favorite people in the entire world, my sister-in-law, Jenna.

Jenna is as obsessed with makeup as I am, if not more so. She actually is a makeup artist, and did the makeup for my wedding (as well as her own, and many others). 

I asked Jenna if she would mind sharing some of her favorite products with me, so I could make a blog, and fortunately she didn't think I was nuts, and wanted to do it! I always love the way Jenna does her makeup, so this was also eye opening for me! I just find what other people use to be so fascinating! 

Take it away, Jenna!

10 Makeup Products I couldn’t live without, in order of application. This is basically my daily routine. Obviously I’m a MAC whore.

1. MAC Prep + Prime Skin http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/160/967/Products/Face/Primer/Prep-Prime-Skin/index.tmpl

  

I use this pretty much every day (unless I accidentally skip this step, which I ALWAYS regret it when I do!). I apply with my hands like a lotion. It’s a little sparkly, which always makes me happy while applying (because sparkles are the key to happiness in case you didn’t know) and it’s covered up after foundation so it’s not like my face is all Twilight-y.

2.     MAC Pro Longwear Foundation http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/10180/Products/Face/Foundation/Pro-Longwear-Foundation/index.tmpl

I go back and forth between this foundation and another from MAC. Overall, this one is my favorite. I like the built-in pump, I like the coverage, just overall, I like this one.

3. MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/251/Products/Face/Powder/Studio-Fix-Powder-Plus-Foundation/index.tmpl

I couldn’t live without this powder. It provides top notch coverage for my very splotchy face. I’ve tried other powders, but nothing beats the coverage of this powder.

4.     MAC Powder Blush in Margin http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/156/329/Products/Face/Cheek/Powder-Blush/index.tmpl

 

I have lots of blushes from MAC, but Margin is my all-time favorite and matches most all makeup looks.

5.     MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/782/Products/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish/index.tmpl

 

I use this as a highlighter around my eyes, down my nose and on the top of my lips. I also use contouring powder every once in awhile, but if I had to pick between having a highlighter or a contour powder, I’d pick the highlighter any day!

6.     MAC Eye Brows in Lingering http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/149/263/Products/Eyes/Brow/Eye-Brows/index.tmpl

My favorite brow pencil. The only negative thing I can say about this pencil is you reach the end without warning and sometimes you don’t have a chance to get to MAC for a couple days. AHHH my eyebrows looks TERRIBLE during that time. I have a Cover Girl eyebrow pencil as my backup pencil, it just sucks so much in comparison!

7.     Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay/eye-makeup/naked2-palette/282.html

A non-MAC item! I love Urban Decay shadows. They are great and pigmented. I have both the Naked and Naked 2 palettes (among others that I love just as much). I choose the Naked 2 palette over the original Naked Palette for its packaging. The colors are equally as great, but I love that this one closes tight. I also like the matte black shadow over the sparkly shadow in the original Naked Palette for eyeliner.

My everyday look with the Naked 2 Palette is: Browbone and Tear Duct - Bootycall; Lid - Chopper, Verve, or Suspect; Outer Corner - Snakebite; and Outer V (if I want to go darker for the day) - Blackout

8.     MAC Penultimate Liner http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/4253/Products/Eyes/Liner/Penultimate-Eye-Liner/index.tmpl

Love this eyeliner. It’s so easy to be precise with it. I love doing a cat eye so it’s perfect!

9.     Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara http://www.smashbox.com/product/6030/18515/Eyes/Mascara/FULL-EXPOSURE-MASCARA/index.tmpl

Favorite Mascara. I just love the giant wand and the formula is great too.

10. MAC Lustre Lipstick in High Tea http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl 

All time favorite lipstick. It’s pretty much nude with a little sheen. It’s perfect because even when it starts to wear off it’s so close to my normal lip color that you can’t tell, like with darker lipsticks. I just heart it so much!

Thanks, Jenna!

As you can tell, Jenna loves MAC. She bought me my very first MAC item, a studio fix powder, that I used on my wedding day, as well as pretty much every day for a setting powder, or a touch-up powder. We actually went to the MAC in Downtown San Diego while I was there visiting, but we only bought for my mother-in-law. I think I always get nervous in MAC, though I will say our MAC artist was very helpful, and my mother-in-law is extremely happy with our color choices for her!

I guess now I'll have to do a 10 Makeup Products I can't live without! Be on the lookout for that soon!

Wishlist Wednesday: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Portable Palette Set

Once again, a palette is on my wishlist! But I can't help it- it's just so beautiful!


(photo from Ulta.com)

From Ulta.com: Give the gift of color and convenience this season with Tarte's limited-edition Gorgeous Getaways portable palettes & collector's compact set. Overflowing with 16 expertly-coordinated eye shadows, 4 brand new blushes and 3 maracuja lipglosses, this one-of-kind modular box set also includes a chic portable palette compact for endless looks on the go!

The limited-edition set features:

• 16 full size Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows inspired by magical destinations around the world
• 4 full size Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blushes in new, limited-edition shades
• 3 full size Maracuja Lipglosses in new, limited-edition shades
• Portable collector's compact to take the interchangeable palettes on-the-go

To take your palettes with you in the collector's compact, simply lift the ribbon, remove the palette, and place it inside the compact.
A $433 value!

The palette costs $48.00. Which is an amazing value, considering one blush is $26.00. So for the cost of less than 2 blushes, you can get 4 blushes, plus 16 eye shadows and 3 lipglosses. Plus, how cute is that portable palette?! That would be PERFECT for my makeup bag!

I played with this a little the other day at Ulta, and I loved the pigmentation of everything. It also seemed like the shadows would be easy to blend, and a flattering color for my skintone. A couple of the blushes I feel might be a little dark for me, but I could always try a light touch!

You can purchase this palette exclusively at Ulta.

Book Review: Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

(I received this book to review from NetGalley.)

Description from Good Reads
It's time to meet your new roomie.

When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.

As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate.


My Review
Based on the description of the book, I figured it would be something I would like, but I didn't expect to absolutely fall in love with it!

The book switches back and forth between Elizabeth (or EB), and Lauren's perspectives. I really love books that switch perspectives so you can get to know more than one character and get inside of their head.
EB is an only child of a single mother. Lauren is the oldest of five brother's and sister's, and her parents are still married. They seem to be the same economic class, though EB might have an edge up. EB is from the East Coast, and Lauren lives in San Francisco, not that far from where they are going to college in Berkeley.

Of both the girls, I think Lauren's story overall is my favorite. I love her relationship with the boy she begins dating, I love her family life (even though it seems hectic)... she just seemed a lot easier-going than EB.
Not that EB was a badly written character- far from it! Both characters felt completely fleshed out, like they were real girls and we were just getting to peak inside of their e-mail accounts. And both girls relationships, both personal and familial, made me understand who they were and who you could see them becoming.

Some people won't like this type of story- if you have trouble following multiple storylines, for example, this book is definitely not for you. It doesn't skip around- you will know when you're reading Lauren, and you will know when you are reading EB. They are two completely separate characters- I think having the two authors also helps with this because the author isn't trying to write from two different perspectives while trying to resolve conflict, so it feels more real. If that makes sense. But if you have difficulties with more than one story line, I would skip this.


The "final" conflict between the two girls was a little hurried, but mostly I was okay with it overall. There was a couple of weeks between the start and conclusion, and that seemed like a good amount of time- a real amount of time for resolution. It, again, felt very real to me. The whole book basically just felt like a diary between two girls getting ready to go to college.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fun story, a light read, or someone that is at this stage in their life. I think I would have loved this even more if I had been in high school when I read it, and not 28, looking back on my high school experiences. And that's saying something, because I loved this book so much, that I already want to re-read it!


This book is available to pre-order now on Amazon for Kindle and in Hardcover, and is set to release on December 24th.


FTC: I received this book to review from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does contain amazon.com affiliate links. All proceeds from purchases will be put back into this blog to purchase products to review.

Book Review: Sia by Josh Grayson

(I received this book to review from NetGalley.)

Description from Good Reads
When seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if she’ll lose Kyle.


My Review
This book hooked me instantly. I loved the way it started out- Sia, a high school senior, doesn't know who she is. She was probably jogging (based on her attire being work out clothes), and she just doesn't have any clue.
She lives homeless for a week. This seems a little implausible, because we find out later her parents are extremely wealthy, and surely they would have been looking for her? But I suspended my disbelief. It continued to hook me after she went home, and you find out she's this super wealthy girl, daughter of a Hollywood producer, super popular... she has it all.

But she cannot remember anything. She has developed fugue amnesia, and doesn't remember anyone or her life previous. She quickly finds out that yes, she was popular, but people were scared of her and that she wasn't a very nice person.
But the Sia we get to know is a super nice, respectful girl.


When I started to get un-hooked was about the same time we find out Sia's mother is an alcoholic, and she gets her to go to rehab with basically one sentence. And when we find out her parent's are basically going to be bankrupt... but her mom threw over $200.00 at her for lunch.
Little things like this in a book completely take me out of it.

I can let little things go. But so many things just made me say "but ... how?!"
And when she finally gets her memory back, it's only with a few pages to go, and there's really nothing that happens- she remains her new sweet self, has the new boy of her dreams who she would never have looked twice at before, and everyone is super forgiving of her, and her old self, and seems to think this Sia is the new Sia. And I'm not saying she wouldn't be, but I feel like if she was really that awful of a person before, there's a lot more that she would go through emotionally once she gets her memory back- not just a flood and then BAM! She's over it!


I did like the character of Carol, the homeless woman that takes Sia under her wing after she is assaulted by a pimp (this also bothered me- she knew better than to get in the car, but did it anyway? WHAT?!). I would read a book about Carol a thousand times before I think I would read this again.


I gave this book three stars on Good Reads. I did enjoy some parts of it- like when Sia helped Kyle (the boy she never looked at twice before) get donations for earthquake relief.
But overall, there's a lot about it that I just wasn't super impressed with.



This book will be published on November 20th, 2013.


FTC: I received this book to review from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What's in my makeup bag? (As of October 16th, 2013)

This is a special edition of WIMMB, because it's actually my Travel edition!
I am getting ready to see my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew in San Diego. We plan to go to the library down there (IT'S THREE STORIES!) and do some makeup shopping, among some other things we have planned that will be posted on this blog!


I was really thrilled with my choices last go 'round. So much so, that I'm keeping almost everything I've already picked out! It has just been working so well for me, and I'm having fun experimenting with the different combinations I can get using the different things I picked. But there are a couple more things that are a must for me in terms of travel that I will be throwing in with the bunch.

First, though, the things I'm loosing- the Bare Minerals Eye shadows, and the Maybelline Color Tattoos, except the one in Bad to the Bronzed, which I am keeping. I haven't been using them much and want to make room for the stuff I am adding!


Of course, I have to bring my Lorac Pro Palette. It's my must have palette for travel!
If I could only fit one palette into my bag (like if I was flying, instead of driving), I would only be bringing this.


(I have a full review on this palette you can find here, and I also have a pinspiration post for it here.)


I am also going to be bringing my Coastal Scents palette, mainly for the bottom row- the blushes.





I need to just invest in the blush palette. I really love the quality and pigmentation of these blushes- they blend well and they last a long time.


And that's that!

It's Not Just For Babies: Uses For Baby Powder

There are so many uses for baby powder, other than on a baby's bottom, and quite a few of them are "beauty" related. Here are some methods I've found online, or heard about from friends, that I have tried.


1. In Your Hair As a "Dry Shampoo"
This is my favorite method. You can either sprinkle some on your hands and rub it into your roots, or put it directly on your hair (just be careful not to use too much!). This also makes the hair more voluminous.
I have extremely oily hair (usually if I take a shower in the morning, I already have oils by the evening, so if I'm going somewhere, I just use a little baby powder and it absorbs everything. If you have darker hair, I would suggest using a light touch and add as needed.

2. Fuller lashes
Using a dry mascara spooly, coat the wand in baby powder and coat over your lashes. Then apply mascara. Repeat as necessary. It really does make a difference! (Just be careful not to put too much so you don't get it in your eyes!)

3. Remove Grease Stains from Clothes
I first read about this trick here. I used this on one of my favorite shirts that I had a Taco Bell grease stain on. I dabbed some baby powder, let it absorb, and continued. It completely removed the stain!

4. Sweat Absorption
Okay, let's share something real- I sweat. And it's not always pretty, and sometimes my deodorant doesn't do what it's suppose to be doing. So I put some baby powder under my arms and between my boobs, and it really helps absorb the sweat smell. You can also put some baby powder in your shoes as well to absorb that nasty feet smell.

5. Chaffing
Another real thing- put some baby powder in places that would get chaffy (cleavage if you have really big boobs, or between your thighs), and it helps things slide on easier. It also makes putting tighter pants on easier, too!

6. Untangle those necklace chains
Put some baby powder on a necklace that is tangled up- the powder makes it easier to untangle!


There are so many more great uses for baby powder, but these are my favorites! Hopefully these help you, too!

Geek Chic Witchcraft and Wizardry Collection Unboxing and Swatches

This is the newest Geek Chic collection, based on Harry Potter! When I started seeing the previews of this collection on the Geek Chic Facebook page, I was ridiculously excited, and knew no matter how much it cost, I had to own this! I'm not like the biggest Harry Potter fan in the world (I don't know every single little thing about it), but I do really enjoy both the movies and the books.

This collection includes 6 shades inspired by Harry Potter, and I think they did such a great job putting it together! The quality is amazing, and the colors are so vibrant! I am not at all disappointed with my decision to get this collection!

I was lucky enough to get the limited edition tin case with the collection, which they unfortunately don't sell anymore (but there are rumors it might come back for Black Friday!), but the collection by itself is so worth it, especially if you are a fan! (I feel like I keep repeating myself on their collections, but it's true- if you are a fan, you love everything you can get your hands on related to your fandom!)

I love this tin! The label is so colorful and cute, and it's definitely exciting to see in my makeup box!

On the back of the tin, it lists all the shades that are inside.



They even put them in there in the order they show on the back, which is super helpful when you're looking for a specific shade!

Here's a closer look.


When I opened the tin, I squealed. These labels are so stinking cute!



Like... I can't. I just can't.

Unfortunately, when removing the shrink wrap from the containers, the labels peeled. Apparently it was a common issue. But Geek Chic was on it and I received replacement labels in about a week!



You can see the damage to my labels in this picture, but it's really not even that big of a deal. But for them to send me replacements without my asking? That is excellent customer service! (They received information that there were problems, and immediately e-mailed everyone that purchased this tin and offered to send replacements.)


House Elf



Description: A plush satin copper with shimmery red undertones. This shade has such gorgeous red undertones that it really can add some magic to a neutral eye.

(Left is dry, right is wet. Both without a primer.)

All of these pictures were taken at dusk, and I'm convinced that's why this shade looks more muddy than it actually is. This is a seriously beautiful color that would be a really flattering neutral for a darker skin tone. This is also so easy to blend out. I really love this.


Always



Description: Shimmering and shifting silver-green with flashes of red and green shimmer. Perfect for a shifty, smoky eye or to add a bit of shimmer to your lower lashline!

(Left is dry, right is wet, both without a primer.)

This is probably my favorite of the bunch! I took their advice and did a smokey eye with this color (which I'll definitely be showing in a blog post soon!), and I loved the way it looked. The colors shifted and danced so beautifully, and it was super flattering with my skin tone. I also used it wet, and had hardly any fall out. Always a win in my book! Without the shift and shimmer, this reminds me a lot of Gunmetal by Urban Decay.


Mischief Managed


Description: Parchment tan with shifting hues of reddish purple and golden shimmer. This color is perfect for an all-over lid wash of soft color, or to blend out a neutral look.


(Look at all the shimmer!!!)






(Left is dry, right is wet, both without a primer.)

This is probably one of my new favorite neutrals. It does tend to fall out (I really need to get the Too Faced Glitter Insurance to see if it helps!), but I've noticed if I use my finger to press it on, it does stay a little better. For my skin tone, it just adds a little something extra without looking super overdone, but still looking like I put in the effort!


Golden Trio



Description: Cool toned red with raspberry undertones and a hefty pinch snitch golden shimmer. Perfect for sunrise and Autumn looks. Could even be patted over Health Potion geek gloss for a pout packed with golden shimmer!







(Left is dry, right is wet, both without a primer,)

I'm going to be honest- this shade scares the hell out of me! I haven't used it yet, but I do know it stained my arm a little and took some effort to get off. The description seems to indicate it is lip safe, but I doubt I'd ever wear it that way. I'm considering doing something "devilish" for Halloween, though, and this might be the perfect color for that. I don't think I could see myself using this as an all-over lid color, either, but I could see using as an outer corner color with maybe a burnt orange or something.


Headmaster



Description: A gorgeous luminescent purple dripping with aqua and purple sparkle. This color is a true master of all as it shifts when used over a dark base. Looks stunning used with other blues and purples too.




(Left is dry, right is wet, both without a primer.)

I'm dying to use this over a darker purple or black. The swatches don't do the amount of shimmer in this shade justice. If you're a purple lover, you need this shade.


You Know Who



Description: Deathly blackened emerald with otherworldy green shimmer and sparkle. This shade makes for a killer smoky eye when used with Always, and can make a gorgeous eyeliner when used wet!


(I think I'm in love with You Know Who. Uh oh!)


(I mean... I can't...)


(Left is dry, right is wet, both without a primer.)

I'm not sure why the wet swatch turned out that way, but I can assure you used wet, this is one of the most gorgeous dark tone shadows you will ever use. It is just so beautiful. When I saw it, I gasped. (This seems to be common with Geek Chic eyeshadows- I either gasp or squeal!) I really want to use this with Always, as suggested, because I think it would just be so beautiful!


Of all of the shades, if I had to choose, I would say you should get Always and You Know Who, followed closely by every other shade.
I mean, it's less than $30.00. Just get the whole collection, and thank me later.

The full collection is on sale for $28.75, or you can buy each individual shade for $5.99 each.


FTC: I purchased this collection with my own money. I am not affiliated with Geek Chic cosmetics. All thoughts and opinions are my own.