Lip Plumpers

I can't remember exactly when I first used a lip plumper but I do remember thinking it was the coolest invention in makeup up to that point.
A lot of brands will promise bigger lips and so on but scientifically it's pretty much impossible, I mean really.
Yes, we all want luscious, full lips and I believe some will actually make your lips feel swollen but not for more than a few hours. There's a perfectly good explanation for it all (which for some reason fascinates me.) I think it's the glossy appearance mixed in with a stimulating ingredient (usually cinnamon or mint) that prompts rapid blood flow so the skin tingles. Either way they're fun to wear.
I've probably tried most that are out on the market but after some trial and error I've narrowed it down to a few I feel really deliver a puckered pout. Even though I'm not 100% convinced they can actually "plump" your lips, I still love the tingly feeling they give and the illusion of "bee stung" lips.

LipFusion
(L to R) XL, Show Off, Kiss
The minis I got as a gift & they came in a set of 4. The only 2 shades I know are Sweet (second from left) & Bare (second from right) because the tags came off the others but I always see them in stores so I know they're not discontinued.

The XL ($50) are minty/sweet but the others have almost a subtle sweet orange scent. They're all really refreshing to the taste. The formula is creamy & smooth, leaving your lips conditioned. I sometimes use the XL at night as a lip treatment.
XL Tingle Factor is a 9 at first then stays steady at a 7.
Regular Formula ($38)-is also at about a 9. I usually re-apply while I'm wearing it so it stays juicy.
I love them all and wear them constantly, over & under other products.
I know they're pricey but they're so glam, it's totally worth it!

(L to R) Victoria's Secret (Hot Pink)
theBalm (Tutti My Frutti & Water My Melon)
M.A.C (Bountiful, Nice Buzz, Posh It Up, Cushy White)

Victoria's Secret-($18)
I raved about the Victoria's Secret Very Voluptuous Lip Plumper in my "Loose Lips Share Tips" blog. After I got their first plumper, which is clear but has a self-adjusting pigment that turns rosy pink after application, I was hooked. I'd gone through 2 of them before I bought the "Hot Pink" which is gorgeous! They're super glossy but not too thick. It has a sweet taste but is more on the cinnamon side, which is delicious!
Tingle factor is at a 9 at first and maintains that for a few hours, I'm not kidding. You really feel like your lips are bigger! I have yet to try this in the new EXTREME version ($28), I can only imagine what it'll do!

theBalm-($15)
I came across theBalm while on one of my Sephora sprees a few years ago & have since decided they're a great line as a whole, not just for lip gloss. I fell quick in love with the Pin-Up packaging and reasonable prices but what's kept me coming back for more is the quality of the products!
Since I found them, I've gone through 3 tubes of the Plump Your Pucker tinted gloss in Tutti My Frutti. It's smell is good enough to eat, like a fruity pina colada.
It's tingle factor is at a soothing 8. It's a cool tingle, like mint but without the minty flavor.
It's extremely pigmented for a "tinted" gloss and it wears beautifully alone or as a pick-me-up top coat to a nice peachy/warm lipstick.
The Water My Melon is more sheer & has a watermelon flavor. Yum!

M.A.C-($19.50)
It was only a matter of time before M.A.C came out with a lip plumper and I'm so happy they did! They're called Plushglass and smell like marshmallows. Like theBalm, they too have a cool tingle but without the added flavor of mint or cinnamon.
Tingle factor-starts at an 8 and maintains a 7 while keeping it's shine & consistency. It stays for pretty much a good few hours.
Bountiful is definitely in my top 10 lip gloss favs of all time. It's a light shimmery pink & it gives just the right sting to my lips. I am never without this trusty gloss because it goes with anything.

(L to R) Clinique (Glamour-Ful & Luscious Lilac)
Clinique Mini Duos
(Luscious Lilac on top of Blackberry Bloom)
(Glamour-Ful on top of Peach Plump)
(Play-Full Plump on top of Cherry Bomb)
Philosophy (Pink)
Too Faced  (Shimmery Sheer & Clear)
DuWop (Lip Venom)

Clinique-Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine($17.50)
My auntie had given me this gloss in a gift bag of makeup :-) The thick glossy formula gives your lips a nice boost.
This doesn't have a heavy scent or tingle but you can feel it. These are definitely on the sheer side and look great for day or night.
Tingle factor-7 but settles into a nice 5/6.

Philosophy-Big Mouth($18)
I bought this at the Sephora in Boston while on a weekend trip. I figured I'd try a new plumper and it looked pink and pretty so I got it. It's extremely sheer but this little treat packs a powerful punch!
It smells like Carmex and gives major tingles!
I'd say the tingle factor is at a 10. It stays that way for a while and when you wipe it off, your lips feel cool. It promises a "bee stung" look and although I don't feel my lips swell, like I do with Victoria's Secret, I do feel heavy tingles.
I wear this over lipsticks sometimes or I'll grab it to throw on when running out the door.
It must still be quite popular because it's hard to find online ;-)

Too Faced- Lip Injection($19)
Lip Injection has been around for a while, as it came out when Lip Plumpers were making their grand debut. They proved to be more than a flash in the pan when it was reported that Cher ordered it by the case when she'd go on tour and I soon learned why. It's amazing!
It's a sweet smelling, heavy gloss and not only does it make your lips feel plumped but they turn color. A few minutes after you apply, you notice a change in color where you put the gloss. On my lips, they turn a deep crimson but it looks great. It has a cinnamon base and I'd definitely say it's a tingle factor of 10!
The gloss is thick enough that it doesn't move and wears pretty good for a while. I've gone through a few of these over the years because they're so small. I now have clear and a sheer, iridescent nude pink which just shows up as a shimmery sheer. This one is good as a top coat to a nude lipstick. This also comes in an EXTREME version which I'd like to try.

DuWop- Lip Venom($16)
This is the Godfather of all lip plumpers! I remember the first time I tried it. My Mom had taken me on a nice birthday spree at Sephora's and my sister urged me to try it. I got it and when I put it on I was like, Wow!
My lips actually looked fuller!
They got red and tingled immediately. The tingle is SO intense it feels like your lips are burning, but in a good way. It's hard to explain without sounding crazy. Lol!
Rumor had it that snake venom was what caused the intense feeling but it's really a mix of ingredients including cinnamon & ginger, both of which, I think, smell and taste great.
The tingle factor is off the charts at a powerful 11 and it lasts longer than any other lip plumper I've ever used.
However, once the tingle is gone, it's gone but you are left with smooth lips so it's fine. It almost feels like your lips have been exfoliated, that's how smooth they are.
This is actually so strong I have to use it sparingly. True story.

With new products coming out so rapidly, I'm sure this is not the last of my lip plumping adventures!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe

I have to say I had really high expectations for the K-Pak Revitaluxe because I've used Joico's Moisture Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner before and loved it! I started using the Joico products a few years ago when I was flat ironing my deep waves down and I noticed my hair was not happy, starting to change texture. I got nervous and stopped using the flat iron & went back to blow outs. Not that they're any better but I feel like it's less intense. I was in the market for a new shampoo/conditioner that would bring my hair back to life and the Moisture recovery was it!
So when I saw this was a "restorative treatment to revitalize, nourish & repair" I picked it right away (in my Beauty Army Feb. Kit)
I usually buy products that will repair, hydrate, condition because my hair is so long & thick that it can always use a good conditioning treatment. It doesn't get oily and I blow it out often enough that I keep my ends trimmed and layers polished to avoid split ends.
I use a clarifying shampoo either weekly or bi-weekly (depending on what I put my hair through that week) for a deep cleansing. I can't feel like I have dirty hair or I freak out!
True story!
I had just shampooed & was ready to condition. I smelled it beforehand and I loved the scent! It smells so good that I would wear it as a perfume! I like my hair to smell good as well as look/feel good. It has that "fresh from the salon" scent, I love it!

I was disappointed to see the consistency of the K-Pak when I squeezed some out into my hands. It wasn't thick like I imagined it would be. I shook it up to see if maybe that would help but it didn't. At that moment I had a feeling it wouldn't work for me because it was too thin.
I need something that will penetrate my uber wavy locks so I look for a thick consistency in my conditioning treatments.
I used it anyway and let it soak in for a good 10 minutes. I always comb my hair through with a wide tooth comb in the shower while my conditioner is still in to keep from breaking. When I went to do this, I noticed it wasn't slippery enough and it was pulling my hair. Not good.
My hair wasn't really knotted so I got through it and finished up. I used a Bumble & Bumble serum and proceeded to blow my hair out.
It had some slip and I'm sure this would work really well for someone with a thinner texture.
My hair still smells great and it looks & feels good. I still love their other products which I will continue to use. Sadly, this wasn't a good match for me but I'm sure it will be for someone else ;-)

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Loose Lips Share Tips-"Lip Of The Day"-Feb. 2012 Collection

Whoever said "Loose Lips Sink Ships" was right, they do. However, here, in My world, "Loose Lips Share Tips" so....as some of you may have seen, I've been posting "Lip Of The Day" pics on Pinterest and facebook which both stream to twitter.
Lips are such an important part of makeup and pulling a look together for me and because of that, I find I have more lip products than any other makeup item. I have 100's and that's just for me, not counting what's in my kit!
I might have mentioned that someplace already but anyway, I'm saying it again! I wanted to show different lipstick/lip liner combinations and glosses to spark ideas because I never seem to run out of them!
I'm not sure if I'll do round up blogs ever week or month but I'm going to start putting them all together in a blog and telling my "Lip Of The Day" tales.
You'll notice I use Spice, lip liner (MAC) with a lot of lipsticks/glosses because it really serves more as a contouring tool. It's good at taking down the brightness of a color, making lighter colors "pop" or simply giving my lips definition. It's the equivalent to a "Taupe" eye shadow. We all have one and we all use it for something!
It's neutral enough to work well with most, if not all, skin tones.
I have 13 for this month because I started in the middle.

Spice, lip liner (MAC)
Please Me, matte lipstick (MAC)
*I usually use this combo when I need a demure look. It's matte, not flashy and professional yet still feminine & sexy. The texture hugs my lips so it brings the shape out perfectly.
I might throw on a liquid eyeliner with this to sass it up!

Cherry, lip liner (MAC)
Show Orchid, amplified creme lipstick (MAC)
*This is definitely a fashion forward lip! The red & hot pink come together to create an Avant Garde, "in your face" look. This is so much fun to wear out!
To rock it out, I'd pair this with deep, black/shimmery smokey eyes and some wild child hair!

Spice, lip liner (MAC)
Chatterbox, amplified creme lipstick (MAC)
*Chatterbox is a little on the bright side so I use the Spice liner to bring that out. This color looks brighter if I'm on the tan side and looks great with a peachy blush & low key eyes.
Perfect pink!

Spice, lip liner (MAC)
Saint Germain, amplified creme lipstick (MAC)
*I got this b/c the color I really loved, All Styled Up, was discontinued & it's the closest thing I could find to it. I love it!
I needed a lip liner b/c it's on the pale side & I felt my lips would disappear if I wore it alone. Adding the liner also helps the color to pop right in the middle! This looks amazing with gunmetal smokey eyes & la-la-lashes!!
I'm actually wearing this look in "My Hair Whisperer" blog.

Spice, lip liner (MAC)
Impassioned, amplified creme lipstick (MAC)
*This is also a bit bright so I used the liner to define and tone the color down a little in this case by blending the liner in with the lipstick. This looks fab with or w/out a tan and I wear this for no reason at all on any given day.

Quartz, lip liner (MAC)
#46, slim gel lipstick (INGLOT)
Beauty Rush, lip gloss (Victoria's Secret)
*I used the Quartz liner b/c this lipstick is a very blue red & the liner is a blue deep pink. You can wear these lipsticks creamy or more matte (if you blot)
I added the gloss on top to jazz it up but I'd easily wear this as is. I love Victoria's Secret lip glosses & wear them alone, often.
Great for all occasions!










Sexual Healing, lipstick (NARS)
Sweet Dreams, lip gloss (NARS)
*This light combo is good for when you don't want a lot of attention but want to have something on. I skipped the liner b/c the gloss gives the definition here. These are more of winter shades for me b/c for some reason when I'm darker, this washes out but I still love it & wear 1 of the 2 often enough.
Good with light, natural makeup or a brown smokey eye, not too heavy though.

Electric Pink, La Laque Fever Gloss (Lancome)
*I wore this when it came out through the holiday season b/c it's so festive! Not so much for Christmas b/c it's not red but definitely for NYE! This gloss stays on for hours and needs no lip liner or lipstick underneath. It has great staying power & looks gorgeous w/heavy, sparkly eyes or by itself.
Either way, have some fun with it!

Rum Raisin, lip liner (YOUR NAME PRO)
Plum Brulee, colour riche lipstick (L'Oreal)
*This is definitely a fall color for me. The Rum Raisin liner was a perfect match for this lipstick. They're so deep & the texture of the lipstick is perfect for windy days where you don't want your hair getting caught in your lip gloss!
This looks great in the office w/light makeup and also if you "bump up" your look for after work drinks.
Very versatile!

Sorbet Meringue, Kiss gloss (Dior)
*This caused quite a stir on Pinterest! 7 people "liked" it, 27 people repinned it to their boards and the compliments kept rolling in on facebook & twitter....all within the first hour from when I posted it!
It's just a simple gloss that you can wear alone (as seen here) or over pretty much anything so add some sizzle!
I got it as a gift (Thanks Holly!!) and I love it b/c it looks like I'm wearing diamonds on my lips. This I'd wear to a black tie event with any eye and also to go food shopping.
It's too fab for words!

Spice, lip liner (MAC)
Jest, lustre lipstick (MAC)
*I love my peachy/orange shades almost as much as I love my pinks. With my coloring, I feel they give me life when my skin is on the lighter side and they bring warmth when I'm tan.
I love the Lustre lipsticks b/c they're so creamy & the way they capture light means they can easily pass for gloss.
Good with brown, shimmery eyes!

Hot Pink, Very Voluptuous Lip Plumper (Victoria's Secret)
*This is one of my favorite glosses! It's piping hot pink AND it's a plumper! I wear this all year long but it really stands out in the summer, against glowing skin. It looks good, feels amazing, lasts for hours and I guarantee will look great on everyone!

Ondine, The Liquid Lipstick (Kevyn Aucoin)
*This sultry lipstick/gloss was in a huge shopping bag of Kevyn Aucoin goodies I got while working a NYFW (Mercedes Benz Fashion Week to be exact) show.
Not only do I think he was a brilliant genius (if that makes sense) but his products are made extremely well! The pigment is amazing! The texture of this gloss is like a heavy lipstick but so, so creamy. It gives you the option of wearing as a stain b/c if you blot, it leaves behind a rich berry color that's good for work, play and everything in between.
It's definitely sophisticated!

(Top Row-L to R)
Rum Raisin (L'Oreal)-Sorbet Meringue (Dior)-Jest (MAC)-Hot Pink (Victoria's Secret)-Ondine (Kevyn Aucoin)-Beauty Rush (Victoria's Secret)-Sweet Dreams (NARS Duo)
(Bottom Row-L to R)
Please Me (MAC)-Show Orchid (MAC)-Chatterbox (MAC)-Saint Germain (MAC)-Impassioned (MAC)-#46 Slim Lipstick (INGLOT)-Sexual Healing (NARS)-Electric Pink (Lancome)
(Lip Liners-L to R) Spice, Cherry, Rum Raisin, Quartz

If you follow my Pinterest.com/NewBeautyReview boards, you'll see these pop up, pretty much daily. Pinterest is great because I can link my blog directly to the pics I post so those viewing the pics can click directly on the pics and be directed right to the blog those certain pics belong to.
They think of everything nowadays! Lol!
I also set up photo albums on my facebook.com/TheNewBeautyReview page as well.
My Nail Of The Week pics also go up and I started posting pics of products from my blog too.
Safe to say I've gone *Picture Mad* :-)

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Beauty Army-February 2012 Haul

Before I get into my goodies, I wanted to take a moment to give a huge THANK YOU to the lovely ladies over at Beauty Army. My first kit didn't make it for some reason (I believe someone stole it) and when I contacted Beauty Army about getting a new one sent over, they offered to send me a replacement kit, free of charge.
I was fully prepared to buy a new one, especially since it was totally not their fault that I didn't get it in the first place. So imagine my (pleasant) surprise when they offered to send it out at no charge! When the second package went out I contacted my post office and had them hold my package to make sure there would be no problems. So when I got the call Saturday morning that it had arrived I quickly went to pick it up!
How amazing of Beauty Army to do that for me!
They advertise that "We're on the front lines of Beauty, for you" and they most certainly ARE! They're doing a great job of building a community of loyal subscribers by simply being respectful & considerate while offering a kick ass product.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate that!! Because of this I won't sign up for any other sampling services. From some of the reviews I've read on the competitors, I know I'm not missing much anyway. Beauty Army has THE best deluxe samples and customer service, hands down.
Paul Newman was once asked why he stayed so faithful to his lovely wife, Joanne Woodward, for so many years and he replied, "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home?”
That sums up how I feel about Ms. Nancy-Lee, Ms. Lindsey Guest, Ms. Rachel in Member Care and ALL the Beauties at Beauty Army. Xo

Now, on to my product reviews!!! I got the package Saturday but wanted to wait to use some of the products before writing about them.
Here's what I got!
(Clockwise L to R)
NIA24 Sunscreen Lotion, SunFX Summer's Secret Gradual Tanning Cream, MAMA MIO Boob Tube, Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe, Freeman Beauty Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo & Indie Lee The Body Scrub in Coconut*Citrus

The products I couldn't wait to try were the Indie lee body scrub, the SunFX tanning cream & the Joico hair treatment.

I loved the scent of the Body Scrub right away. I love anything with coconut and citrus and even though I wasn't sure how they'd smell together, I was pleasantly surprised to find they created a melodic combination of sweet and refreshing. I like that you can smell the coconut because the citrus wasn't strong, like floor cleaner...Lol!
I noticed it's not like other body scrubs that are swimming in oils. The texture of this scrub was more compact. I scooped up the smallest bit and ran my hand under some water and that little bit was good for my entire leg, hip to toes! Ok, I'm not very tall but still, it did it's job and a little went a long way! I proceeded to scrub my entire body with this and it looks like I've barely touched it.
I used it in the shower right before I shaved my legs and it not only did a great job of exfoliating but because of the built in oils, left my skin SO smooth & silky to the touch! So much so that I could have totally gotten away with not putting on lotion after my shower, which I do religiously. 
The charm of Indie Lee's products have to do with the fact that they are all natural, with no harmful chemicals.
This is definitely something I can see myself buying, in bulk!

I was excited to try the SunFX tanning cream because I usually like a nice glow on my skin. Aside from my usual SPF, I've used tanning creams/lotions for years to get that sun-kissed glow, since I know how damaging the sun is.
I've tried them all and even though I've been fortunate with the application (no streaks for me) I have never been able to get over the smell! Tanning creams smell like wet dog or chemicals or garbage. Yuck!
Whatever it is and no matter how they try to mask the smell, they still stink. Don't get me wrong, it beats getting skin cancer but I could do without the smell.
When I ordered the SunFX tanning cream I had no idea it smelled like coconuts! I was not expecting that, at all! I got really happy the next day after I actually used it.
First of all, the cream is white so you don't have to worry about staining your clothes or sheets instantly. The coconut scent never faded and stayed sweet! My skin didn't feel dry, as it sometimes does with tanning creams, and I woke up about 2 shades darker. It blended beautifully and there were no tell tale signs that I'd used a cream, at all. This was just after 1 application! I checked my pj's to see if anything came off and nothing!!
This just shot to the top of my list for tanning creams!

That was all I had time for but I will be writing about the Joico, Revitaluxe this week as soon as I try it, probably today. Also, the Boob Tube cream, I'm using it for a week and will be reviewing my results.
I got the NIA24 SPF because you can never have enough sun protection. I'm pretty loyal to Bumble & Bumble's dry shampoo, and I don't use it a lot in general but I wanted to try another brand because someone asked me for options. They'll stay in my stash for now & I'll be sure to keep you posted on where those end up.

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week-"Frenzy" By Sinful Colors

This polish pretty much jumped out at me the other day. I was in Target buying cotton rounds and I swear it was calling me!
Anyway, I liked how the aqua and purple sparkles mix together to create a pretty Mermaid effect. Ok, ok, Mermaids aren't real...but if they were, this is what their tails would look like :-)
The best part? It cost $1.99!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner is about as essential as Red lipstick. I believe every woman should own at least one of each. They are as aesthetically pleasing as they are transformative. It's a quick and easy way to change your entire look. One little line can pick your eyes right up!
I will often just wear liquid eyeliner and something on my lips. It's enough!
I wanted to show some of my personal favorites and swatch them out so you can see the textures. I also wanted to show you don't have to spend a lot to get a good liquid liner. Companies like e.l.f. sell their liners for $1. Yes, just $1!!! Granted they're not Shu Uemura but still, it'll do in a pinch. Items like this, on the lower end of the price range, are good for girls just starting out or for people who want to practice. I say this because liquid eyeliner application can get tricky. It can go from perfect to a hot mess in seconds! Practice makes perfect so you might not want to practice using your $35 liner. Just saying! I suggest starting with something less expensive and working your way up.
Another way to get it right is to use something like the e.l.f. first then finish off with your pricier product on top.
Using a pencil is also a good way to outline in case you make a mistake, it's easier to clean up.
Personally, I prefer a felt tip when applying liquid eyeliner. I feel it glides on easier and feels more sturdy in my hand.
My favorite of all time is the Shu Uemura. No, not because it's the most expensive...Lol! It just goes on so easy and it's so precise! The product itself is like a Japanese brush. The tip consists of tightly grouped synthetic hairs that form a perfect point. It's brilliant!
What's so great about it is that you can refill it with cartridges that are sold separately. It seems like a lot of work but I just changed the cartridge this week. I've had it for over a year. It lasts for, what seems like, ever! I can clean the tip (carefully) without ruining it and I don't have to throw it away when it runs out. Considering the pen costs $20, I'm happy to keep it. I love things like this!
Almost 2 years ago Shu Uemura sadly closed all of it's stores. I believe you can now only buy their products online via their website. I was fortunate to have gotten the pen w/a few cartridges on super sale at Bloomingdale's before they shut down.
Yet another reason why I stock up :-)

Here are my top choices!
(From L to R:)
($11) Sephora long lasting eyeliner, Glittering Black
($2.74) N.Y.C Liquid Eyeliner, Black
($1) e.l.f. Waterproof eyeliner pen, Black
($20-Pen, $15 Cartridges) Shu Uemura Liquid eye liner, Black
($18) Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof liquid eyeliner, Retrograde
($29.50) Lancome Artliner, Noir & Sparkling Noir(sparkly black)
($5.99) Physicians Formula Eye definer Felt Tip Eye Marker, Warm Black

(L to R: Sephora, NYC, e.l.f., Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Lancome, Physicians Formula)

I'll use these for different occasions. The Sephora, because it's sparkly, I'll use to go out. It's fun, festive! I'll probably pair it with sparkly eye shadow and fun lashes!
The NYC is more matte so this is good to use with matte shadow, for a deep old Hollywood glamour look. I think of bombshells from the 50's with full matte red lips.
The e.l.f. is more of an everyday liner. It's not glossy and not deep matte so it'll just sit pretty with anything I pair it with. For only $1, it stays all day without smudging. Pretty impressive!
Shu Uemura is glossy, long lasting and gets you the perfect point every time. I can wear this with most makeup. I like to wear it alone because it's SO pretty.
I usually get black because it's so crisp but I had to get the deep, sparkly purple in Urban Decay's line, it was too pretty to pass up! This is fun over a purple smokey eye (or any smokey eye for extra drama) or because it's so intense, this would be fun with just lips. But definitely a party staple! Also, this is seriously waterproof! It's not even thinking of moving so get ready to wear it for an entire evening. This is not something I'd bring to a Fashion Show.
Lancome's Artliner is a sophisticated liner. It's applicator isn't a felt tip nor is it a brush. It's velvety and goes on really smoothly. This also has great staying power!
The Physicians Formula is good for everyday because it's not glossy, matte or bright. It's just a simple liner. It's felt tip makes application a breeze as you can press it against your lash line and create a line in seconds. It's not waterproof but as long as your eyes stay dry, it'll stay put put for as long as you need it to.
Practice, practice, practice! ;-)




Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Nail Candy Wheel

I found these cool nail wheels at Sally's Beauty Supply about a month ago. They were on sale for about $4 & they come 10 wheels per bag with 18 swatches per wheel. That's 180 different options!
I know I started doing the "Nail Of The Week" where I show what new polish I'm wearing but this can give options and ideas all at once.
Nail polish is not like a shirt or pants, you can't usually try it on. Some stores let you take a swipe on paper but I don't like to do that unless I'm buying it.
The wheel lets you put the painted nail over your own so you can "try on" your potentially new polish. Nail polish, like most products, are personal in the sense that the same color doesn't work for everyone. I like being able to see how it looks against my coloring. So when I saw these I knew I had to get them. I dazzled them up & now I can show what's in my nail candy drawer.
I have a few more done & a few I'm working on still. This is good also to practice making designs & applying decals and/or accessories.

Polishes like #9 & #10, because they're just sparkly, I often use them as top coats to other colors.
Seeing the colors all out in the open like this helps to spark ideas. You can also take the wheels with you when you're shopping for a matching lip color or eye shadow. It's much easier than taking a nail polish bottle or trying to imagine how things match up. This just makes it super easy!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week-"Deer Valley Spice" By OPI

This week I chose one of my favorite Red polishes for my "Nail Of The Week" and it's called "Deer Valley Spice" by OPI. It's just a really pretty blue-ish Red. It's been around for a while and I always go back to it. It's like a candy cane Red that would look smashing as a lipgloss. I used 2 coats and no top coat. OPI is good like that <3

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Sparklicity Shimmer Dust-Tarina Tarantino

I wasn't going to write this week because I got the flu. Ugh! I'm talking fever, chills, cough, laryngitis...the works! I slept for most of Tuesday & Wednesday and have had little energy to do more than send a few tweets & post my "Lip Of The Day" on Pinterest and facebook.
I started feeling a little better yesterday but woke up again feeling icky. I was all set to be a lump today and not do much when a Sephora box showed up at my door...
I'm thinking it was about 2 weeks ago when I ordered the Sparklicity Shimmer Dust, by Tarina Tarantino. It's a shimmer dust for the face, body & hair. I had already bought the Sparklicity Pure (in Gold) which is for the eyes, cheeks and lips, a few weeks back.
I love sparkles!! For as far back as I can remember, I've always associated sparkles with being a wonderful, magical princess! That's my Mom's fault for telling me and my sister that we were real princesses...Lol!
I love diamonds (for a few reasons) but mainly because of the way they sparkle in the light. I love that prismatic glow that gets captured the moment light meets gem. It's like watching time stand still.
When I first saw the Sparklicity collections I was intrigued because they looked like the perfect shimmer/sparkle combination. I knew I had to try them first because I didn't want to end up with chunky glitter all over myself. Don't get me wrong, I love glitter but I'll leave that to little girls. I like it sometimes on my nails and here and there but I don't feel the need to have it all over my face, especially for an everyday look. Been there, done that!
After I had a chance to play with the products I realized they were really well made! I was impressed with how they tested and even more so with how they ended up wearing.
What I love about these sparkly treats is how finely milled they are so you don't feel weighed down with heavy glitter. They're so feminine and pretty, you can't help but feel dazzling while wearing just the smallest drop.
I can still get my sparkle fix without looking like a 5 year old who was let loose in a craft store! :-)
I look forward to squeezing a few sprays of this magical fairy dust (as I'm now going to call it) on before a fun night out. I'm not sure if I'd wear it during the day for no reason, but definitely for a night time adventure!

It comes in 3 shades: Gold, Bronze and Original. I got the original which has a pinkish/silvery tone to it. It reminded me of crushed diamonds...Lol!
You can also get refills when you run out, they're sold separately.
The bottle is so lightweight and the atomizer affect is brilliant!

$39

 

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

"Luck Be A Beauty"...St. Patrick's Day Giveaway

I decided my March "Luck Be A Beauty" giveaway would be green, gold & (somewhat) rainbow inspired, obviously because of St. Patrick's Day. I shopped around for my usual mix of makeup, nail polish & novelty items to make it a nice little pot o' gold!
I tried to make this a smaller giveaway than last month's but clearly I couldn't help myself! Instead of making this one big prize, I wanted to break it up & give a few people a chance to win.
I wanted to keep this simple and start it early enough to give everyone time to enter & play by the rules.

Giveaway starts today and ends at the end of the day on Monday, March 12th. That's 4 whole weeks! I announce the winners on Tuesday, March 13th and ship out the same day!
There are 3 prizes! Also, each winner gets their choice of the cutest mini cupcake lip gloss you've ever seen!


So without further adieu, here are the rules & prizes...

1) This giveaway is open to US residents only. Sorry lovelies, shipping is a beast! Xo

2) You MUST be signed up for my blog to enter.

3) This giveaway is focused entirely on my blog.
If anyone "likes" my facebook page or wants to follow my twitter or any other site I'm on, that's amazing (and thank you!!) but it won't help you win a prize. I'm trying to keep it simple!! Lol!

4) The first 3 readers to have 7 of their friends sign up here: http://thenewbeautyreview.blogspot.com/ will win a prize.
I chose 7 instead of 5 or 10 because 777 is a jackpot and 7+7+7=21 & since we're getting "lucky" here...well, you get the idea ;-)
5) After all 7 of your referrals have signed up, send me an email (TheNewBeautyReview@gmail.com) with your list. After this is confirmed, I will contact you for shipping info. This is on a "first come, first serve" basis so the sooner you do it, the sooner you secure your choice win!

6) The prizes will be given out as follows:
First person to submit their list of 7 new subscribers will have their choice of goody bag AND mini cupcake lip gloss. The second person to win will have their choice of the remaining 2 prize bags/gloss and finally the 3rd person the win will have to take what is left.
So hurry up!! haha!

PRIZE #1:
*Full sample jar of M.A.C "Golder's Green" pigment. ( I added the original jar so you could see the color- also, see swatch below)
*Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eye Shadow in...45 "Bold Gold"
*Crown Brush-IB108 Oval Shadow Brush
*e.l.f.-Brow Gel/Clear Mascara
*Ulta slide out, lip gloss duo
*Jasmine La Belle Blue/Green Eye Glitter
*Sally Girl Glitter Adhesive
*Green Brow Shaper

M.A.C "Golder's Green" Pigment...Dry (on top) & wet (on bottom)
This is such a gorgeous pigment! I call it mermaid green & the girls in Ulta were sweet enough to give me Clinique sample jars bc I had run out! Lol! I filled it up to the top, so it should last a while!

PRIZE #2:
*Heel To Toe, Foot Scrub (2 oz)
*Mr. Pumice, Pumi Bar (green, of course)
*Heel To To, Cucumber Heel Treatment (2 oz)-My fav foot cream!
*Orly Nail Polish, "Halley's Comet" (full size) (Essie's "Trophy Wife" & OPI's "Yodel me On My Cell" are the same exact color except this has sparkles)
*Orly Nail Polish, "Hair Band" (mini)
*30 Vanilla scented (alcohol & acetone free) nail polish remover pads.

PRIZE #3:
*Yes To, Cucumbers soothing, hypo-allergenic, paraben free, Facial Towelettes (10 ct)
*Clean & Clear, Hello Kitty (Limited Edition!!) oil-absorbing sheets (50ct)-I got a few of these, how cute??
* Shu Uemura, Skin Purifier, Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O (You can only get Shu products online, so this is amazing. I love their products!)
*Floral pencil pouch, good for makeup ;-)
*Spool of St. Patrick's Day Ribbon w/clover designs
*Green lollipop-I couldn't find clovers, this is a butterfly but it's close enough!

ALL 3 winners will get one of these mini cupcake lip glosses, which I think are adorable!

All gift items are NEW, except for the M.A.C pigment which I sampled out from my personal makeup collection for this giveaway because it was too perfect to leave out!

Best wishes and "May The Best Beauty Win"

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week-"Exclusive" By OPI

I wanted to do a "Nail Of The Week" to change up my polish & share some of my favorite nail candy. I will do my best to keep up with it, so let's see how it goes!
I have mostly OPI and Essie is a close second along with some other brands. I like OPI because it dries fast, stays shiny ( I don't need a top coat) and lasts the longest.

This week's choice is the dazzling OPI DS (Designer Series) in Exclusive. The DS is a brilliant collection of multi dimensional polish which is made up of diamond dust & intense pigments so your nails look like they're adorned with real diamonds! Since I'm a diamond lover, I think they're brilliant!
These cost a bit more than the regular polishes, $12.00 to be exact, but they're absolutely worth it.

DS, Exclusive

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

HOMO ERECTUS

Ok, now that I've got your attention...I wanted to pay a little tribute to MEN. You know, those crazy, can't live with or without them funny looking creatures? Yeah, those! With Valentine's Day around the corner (and Father's Day down the road) it got me thinking about how Men matter too, but shhh, don't tell them that! ;-)
They may not use the arsenal of products that we do but they definitely need to use something! I wanted to list some of my personal favorite colognes and products that I know Men love. These are tried and true so I hope you'll, if nothing else, find good gift ideas.

Bulgari Pour Homme
This has to be my all time favorite aphrodisiac in a bottle! It can make any man look good. Well, most ;-)

Gucci, Guilty Pour Homme
In case you didn't know, Gucci is the fashion mecca for me. I have never seen something from Gucci that didn't make me squeak with delight! Their fragrances included. This smells like Love in a bottle.

Cartier, Eau de Cartier Concentree
This just smells like old money! I can't think of a better way to describe it. The man who wears this probably has a lot of it or wants you to think so...

Giorgio Armani, Acqua Di Gio
This little classic is perfect for a first date or first anniversary. It always smells good, never going out of style.

Dior, Fahrenheit
This tasty little treat reminds me of all the boys in Junior High! For some reason they all wore it and all the girls were happy :-)
Another classic.

Dolce & Gabbana, Light Blue Pour Homme
I got the original as a gift because it's a unisex fragrance but it's not more one than the other. It really works both ways, no pun intended! Lol! Not like CK One, which I swear is ALL Woman! This one in particular is a little more masculine, which is nice!

Issey Miyake, L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
I love this brand! I have a few of the women's perfumes & they are sensational! The men's are so masculine and sexy w/out that typical woodsy/spicy smell.  Love it!

Jean Paul Gaultier, LE MALE
This man was Madonna's costume designer for years AND he's French. If he doesn't know what smells good on a man, then we're all in trouble! Lol...Anything of his (Men & Women) is amazing and his bottle designs are to die for!

CREED

A friend of mine works in the ONLY free standing boutique in the US (794 Madison Ave @ 67th street, NY) so one day I went to visit him and everything smelled divine! So you have a better idea of why I recommend this as a gift...I took this from the company website so you can see for yourself.

"...CREED is the world's only privately held luxury fragrance dynasty. Founded in 1760 and passed from father to son since then, CREED has served more than 10 royal houses and the discerning public for more than 250 years.

Indeed, CREED is one of the 100 oldest family businesses in the world.
Based in Paris, CREED today is led by the legendary Olivier CREED, sixth generation master perfumer and company chief. Working alongside is his son, Erwin, 31, rising seventh generation and future head of the House.
A house of tradition, CREED adheres to unrelenting high standards in fragrance creation and client service. CREED uses methods of hand production, including maceration and filtration, instituted at the company's founding. CREED is the industry's strongest proponent of natural ingredients in fragrance.

For these reasons, CREED has a loyal clientele that includes royalty, Hollywood stars, political leaders, legends in business, sports, music and the fine arts as well as discerning members of the public who value beauty and quality in scent..."
I don't know about you but that has "Sophistication" written all over it and I love it!

Also on my list:

Tend Skin
The Razor Burn Cure! A lot of Men use this after shaving to prevent razor burn. It's been around forever and Men (and some women) have found it to be essential in the fight against ingrown hairs!

Anthony Logistics For Men
I like this brand because it's just for Men! This is the "Go To" for Men's products! We girls get SO many treats and novelty items that are exclusively for our taste buds, the guys need love too! They have a HUGE selection of skin, shaving, lips, anti-aging, acne, sun care, hair & body products as well as supplements! I have given some of the skincare items as gifts and they were very well received!
The prices are reasonable & the website is very informative. Hook Him Up! ;-)

The Art Of Shaving
I can't tell you how many times I've given this away and every single time it's the same thing..."Thank you, what an amazing gift!"
This will change every man's shaving experience, forever! The system is brilliant and even has the option of using old fashioned (which I love) shaving brushes and razor stands. There are AOS (barber shop style) stations set up all over the US that give you a razor sharp (with an actual razor that's sharpened on a thick piece of leather) shave, like they did in the old days. Steam the skin, prep the skin with soothing oils, brush on heated shaving cream, give you the closest shave of your life then condition the skin and send you on your way looking like a dapper Gent!
I love everything about this indulgent experience...

So there are just some of my top picks for the Men we love and the ones we tolerate...Lol!
Stores like Sephora, Bloomingdale's, Nordstroms...etc all carry great selections. It's really about knowing the Man you're shopping for and what would suit him best!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

"Just Ginger"....Boyfriend Jacket

I found this cute grey jacket a few weeks ago in TJ Maxx and found myself wanting to wear it every time I went out! It's by a company called Just Ginger. I have to be honest, I think it's a junior item (don't laugh) but because I'm petite, it works! I'm not sure though because I couldn't find a website for the company so who knows...

It's 3/4 sleeves with 4 buttons on the elbow & 1 button in front.
I've always loved the drama that comes with a tailcoat so I like that this jacket has it's tail placed placed in the front, b/c it causes a slimming effect when it's buttoned. It didn't look like much on the hanger but when I tried it on, I noticed it hugged my curves and really formed a nice silhouette! Who doesn't want to look slimmer instantly? Lol!

The other thing that got me was the fabric! When I put it on it felt so soft and snug. I'm very sensitive to textiles and I can only wear things that feel AND look nice. That goes for apparel, shoes and makeup. Textures are very important to me because they determine your comfort level while in use. It's 95% Cotton & 5% Spandex so it has a little stretch to it.
I don't like, and I'm sure you will agree, stifling materials. I can't feel like I'm in corset all the time so from my clothes to my shoes, I like flexibility!
I love little jackets like this because it's an added piece without looking over done. You won't look silly if you go out and leave it on the whole night b/c it can either be used as outerwear or part of your ensemble ( by the way, I love the word "ensemble" and how it rolls off the tongue. That and it reminds me of one of my favorite Divas, Mariah)
I like to pair this with my skinny jeans/leggings, a tank top (either dressy or casual) and heels. I can wear this a million different ways and with flats, heels, sneakers or boots. Because the jacket is waist length I would also wear it with a skirt or even better, shorts (dressy or casual denim)!
If it were made with finer material, I'd say this would look amazing over a strapless, poofy, cinched at the waist, wedding style gown, maybe with a bow tie (I love bow ties!!! More of that to come later) and a Top Hat! I'm on a fashion roll today...haha!
Stores like TJ Maxx & Marshall's are so great b/c even though it might require some rummaging, you can always find versatile pieces like this at rock bottom prices! The only thing you're compromising is the cost, not the quality. We know I love the finer things and some things are worth the splurge, like all my Gucci goodies! However, if I can pay a fraction of the retail cost for something, then I will. I'm actually a really savvy shopper thanks to all of our weekend shopping trips to Woodbury Commons and the outlets in New Jersey & Philly (Thanks Mom!!!)
So this jacket retailed for $40 and I paid $19.99. Not bad considering I saw something identical to it by Free Poeple for $128!! So knowing how much I liked the Grey one, when I saw it in Hot Pink and Navy Blue, I snatched them up quick! For $60 I now have 3 different color options to wear a versatile piece that fits and looks great!

The Grey has a black lining so I've worn it with dark denim, a black semi-dressy scarf, and black/grey tones. I did pair it with a dressy cream top and could incorporate color, like a Hot Pink or Purple to wake it up, but I don't mind keeping it in the Gun Metal family. I wore grey smokey eyes & pink lips with this look, but I'd also go natural with light makeup and nude gloss. The jacket is definitely more of a Fall, night time piece. I wouldn't wear this out in the day in the middle of summer, I'd clearly look ridiculous and probably start to sweat! Lol!

Jacket-$19.99
Shirt-Bilby & Moss ($9.99-on sale from $32)
Studded Leggings-H&M ($7-on sale from $20)

Layered Chain Necklace-Bloomingdale's ($30)
Multi Colored Chain Earrings- This random boutique was going out of business ($3 on Sale from $20)

Cream Studded Tank Top-H&M ($10 on sale from I forget what)
Studded Scarf-H&M (Couldn't have been more than $10)
Dark Denim Skinny Jeans-H&M ($9.99 on sale from $30)

Hot Pink, Drop Neck, Black Thick Strap, Tank Top-H&M ($5 on sale from $12.95)

The Hot Pink jacket has a navy blue lining and this screams Summer! It's definitely a fun, bright color so I plan on pairing this with my white, low waist, Arden B. sailor bell bottoms, white top, a few bangles(probably colored), Summery peep toe heels or wedges and a fun pink clutch. The jacket will definitely be the center piece so I'll keep my makeup light, but definitely a wet, pink gloss!
I'd also pair this w/dark (or light even) big cuffed, skinny jeans and killer heels! Again, endless options!

Jacket-($19.99)
White Long Tank Top-H&M ($7)

Yellow Necklace-(Priceless-it belonged to my Great Grandma)
Jeans-(See Above)

White Studded Leather Bracelet-Bloomingdale's ($32)
Aqua Sparkle Hoop Earrings-Lexington Ave Street Fair (3 for $10 I also got a smaller pair in black & brown)
Green Necklace-Random Boutique in Manhattan, NY (2 for $20-I also got a Red one-See Below)

The Navy Blue has a green lining so this also feels like Summer to me. By default, I always want to pay tribute to a nautical motif by pairing Navy Blue with Red & White. So this is very "Country Club/Marina" style for me. I'm a huge fan of nautical stars & anchors so Red, White & Navy always take me to that look. I'd wear this with loose, (white or even the right khaki) Capri Linen Pants, with flats or these fab red & white striped Espadrilles I have.
I'd incorporate a red or yellow bangle (or even a better, a sailor bracelet) into this look b/c they'd both wear well with the green and blue in the jacket. I'd jazz it up but it's definitely a more subdued piece. I have to say though, this look definitely requires some Red Lipstick & Red Nail Polish (hands & toes)!!
The options are vast as well but I feel less inspired to experiment with it as I do the others. It represents a certain look and it sticks with me.
I know this jacket is the exact same thing as the other 2 but it seems more conservative, like very Martha's Vineyard so I'd keep it toned down.
I like diamond studs or pearls with this look, it gives it a real "Kennedy Clan" feel to it.
I would wear a colored striped tank or a pop of color wouldn't hurt but like I said, it represent something more demure.

Jacket-($19.99)
Navy & White Striped Tank Top-H&M ($10)
Khaki & White Linen Cropped Pants-Random Store in Downtown Manhattan ($30 each)
Ann Taylor Red & White Lace Up Espadrilles (Gift from my Mom-Thanks Mom!!!)

Low Waist, Sailor Bell Pants-Arden B. ($88)

Multi Colored Striped Tank Top-I have no clue where I got this or how much it cost! Lol! (True story)

I wanted to point out a few things....

I like long tank tops because they're very form fitting. I personally like how they look peeking out from under the jacket. They also hug my derierre and hips nicely. Just saying...
As for the listed accessories, I wouldn't wear them all together, these are just options to spark different ideas.
I'd also pair the Grey with Slacks for a more professional look although it's more on the playful side, it's still a jacket.
As you can see you don't have to spend a fortune to look dashing! I only pay full price when it's a "Must Have On The Spot" item. I'm not usually an impulsive shopper with clothes & shoes because I have to try everything on first to make sure it fits perfectly.
Makeup and bags are another story entirely! I can product shop in one fell swoop! Lol!

I think it's interesting how color is so influential in putting together an outfit. 1 jacket, 3 different colors...endless options!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*