Beauty Army-March 2012 Haul

I'm back with the latest chapter in my Beauty Army book of yummy goodness for the soul! :-)
I knew I'd be seeing my Mom this month so I decided to pick all 6 of my samples for her. I know you're thinking, "what a good daughter you are!" Yes, you're right, I am (LOL) but it's nothing compared to how good she is to me, so really it's the least I can do. (Hi Mom!! Xo)
This is where being able to change your Beauty Army profile really comes in handy. I was able to alter my settings to match my Mom's skincare needs. My Mom is under 60 & has beautiful skin and takes care of it the way I do mine (who do you think taught me how to do all of this?) so I chose a mix of products she could really benefit from. Since she's the real product Queen (No lie, the woman could open a Sephora store with just what she has alone) I tried to imagine she was going on vacation and needed to pack some essentials...

(Clockwise from L to R) Sun FX Body Wash, BABOR Argan Cream, Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil, Cover FX Eye Prep, CellCeuticals CerActive Moisturizer, Control Corrective Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30

I chose the Sun FX body wash because I knew I liked their tanning cream so I figured the wash would be good. It smells just like the tanning cream, like coconuts! I knew the calming/soothing ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile & Calendula Extract wouldn't irritate her sensitive skin. Since it promises to create a light foam, that tells me it's detergent level is low, which also guarantees no irritation.
My Mom said she can't wait to use this!


I got the BABOR cream because it's made with Argan oil which is "Morocco's liquid gold." It's good for all skin types and it stabilizes the skin's barrier. The skin keeps it's elasticity and maintains it's natural collagen fiber. All of this works together to keep the skin looking radiant! From the gold trimmed box to the elegant glass jar, it has luxury written all over it. It even smells like a million dollars!


I raved about Indie Lee's Coconut/Citrus scrub in my last Beauty Army post.
I was looking forward to trying more products from her line because they just all look SO good! I wanted my Mom to try the Squalane Oil because the benefits seem endless. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles & hydrates the skin. Over time it evens skin tone so eventually you won't need to use makeup. It soothes eczema, sun damage and wounds. Hello?? Who doesn't have 1 of those 3? See what I mean? ;-)
I actually got to meet Indie Lee a few days ago during her trunk show at Henri Bendel's on 5th Ave in NYC. First off, she's beautiful, like inside and out! So bubbly, smart, funny and she radiates goodness! It felt like I was running into a friend I hadn't seen in a little while. I absolutely adore her! We talked for a while and I can't wait to see her again. I believe in her products because the way she came about creating them is really inspirational & true so knowing her heart is in this, I know she's going to be bigger than life! She kinda already is...just saying.
She even offered me a discount so I picked a big bottle of the Squalane Oil for my Mom, this way I'd take the smaller one for myself. I had given my Mom a mini facial and after trying this oil I knew we'd need more, so it was a no brainer!
(Thanks Indie!! Xo)
If you're looking for a real natural line of skin/body care please check out her products. I promise you'll love them and there's something for everyone!

Indie Lee in Henri Bendel's!!! Yay!! :-)

Us girls :-)

Knowing you can never have enough eye cream, I chose the Cover FX Eye Prep. Like I mentioned just before, when I gave my Mom her mini facial, I used this as her eye cream and she liked it. I know my Mom doesn't wear a lot of makeup but I got this for her because it's also serves as an eye cream. It has anti-aging properties, helps to reduce swelling, dark circles, puffiness & wrinkles. She wore it all day and since it didn't irritate her skin, she's now going to use it until it's gone :-)

I had picked the CellCeuticals scrub in my first Beauty Army haul and loved it so much that I wanted my Mom to fall in love with the line too. I've long known of Dr. Garth Fisher's work as a reconstructive and plastic surgeon so when I found out he was the one half of the brand's creators, it all made sense. He does beautiful work and must know what products work best. I love when real, practicing Doctors (especially the prestigious ones such as Dr. Fisher) make skin/body care because you know that chances are, it's all going to be really well made. Why, you ask? Because their celebrity and best clients will be using it, so it can't be anything but the creme de la creme!
This cream is for a dry skin and I thought it would be good for my Mom during the cold months of the year. She used some yesterday and for those of you that were in Manhattan, you know it was cold and windy :-( However, she liked it because it created a shield from the wind and she escaped windburn on both her hands and face. See?
Creme de la creme! ;-)

I picked the Control Corrective Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30 because it's more than your plain SPF. It's good for sensitive skin, it's anti-aging and unlike most SPF creams, it's especially good for rosacea like skin. It helps reduce flushing and redness. I thought this would be a good choice for her too because even though she doesn't have rosacea, her skin is sensitive so she can use this all year with no problems while getting the added benefit of SPF. She hasn't tried it yet but she's going to, this week. I'm making her! Lol!

So that's it for this month! Don't forget that anything you get from Beauty Army as a sample, you can also buy in regular sizes on their website. Love them for this!
You won't have to wait a whole month for my next Beauty Army haul because somewhere in the next 2 weeks I'll be dissecting the gift basket Lindsey Guest (Beauty Army owner) gave me at The Makeup Show in LA last weekend. I literally got it home, oohed and ahhed and then I had to jump on a plane, so I didn't really get to play with anything! I can't wait to go over everything in that thing because it all looks amazing! (Thanks again Lindsey! Xo)


Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

ClickR-Figure It Out/Stop-Time Night Cream

If you don't know by now, I'm in absolute LOVE with ClickR! I posted a review on their No More Derma Drama, Daily Dermabrasion Wash 2 months ago. 

To give you an update on the No More Derma Drama, I thought I'd end up using it every 2 weeks because it gave such a thorough cleansing, I figured I wouldn't need it more often. I found myself wanting to use it more because it never irritated my skin. I would use it to wash my face after being out all day. It never burned my eyes or felt abrasive. It's almost like a cleanser and exfoliant because it serves both purposes. 

So much for every 2 weeks! Lol!

Since this last post my relationship with ClickR has blossomed! We send each other tweets on twitter & share an equal respect and admiration for each other's work. I've never spoken to Florence (the owner) directly but I enjoy our tweets and always send along my best wishes to the woman who's made many people's skin dreams come true! (Hi Florence! XO)

I do my absolute best to let anyone, who will listen, know just how brilliant this product line is! I had a chance to speak with Lauren (Hi Lauren!!), who wears many hats for the company, and she suggested I try another product. I gave details about my skin and she decided to send me the Figure It Out/Stop-Time Night Cream. By the way she described it, I thought it sounded perfect!

She sent it right away and OH EM GEE! 

First of all, I opened the box to find it wrapped in black tissue paper with skulls on it! It was funny because it seemed contradictory to this product that brings your skin to life but it was edgy and fun, I loved it so much that I kept it, all of it! :-)

It also came with another handwritten note, which we all know mean the world to me :-)

As for the cream, the first thing that got me was the scent. I always smell creams/lotions before I put them on and this smells SO good! It reminds me of a candle I had that's been discontinued but it has the kind of scent you want around you all the time. I'd want every room in my house to smell this good! It smells pure and there's no trace of junk ingredients. Have you ever gotten a cream that smells like chemicals, medicine or plastic? This is NOT that cream! It's sweet yet soothing but gentle enough that it could also work in a baby's room. I'm telling you, everyone will LOVE the scent. I wasn't sure if I wanted to eat it or use it as body cream, perfume, shampoo or sit in a tub of it!! True story!

I noticed the texture was PERFECT!! It wasn't oily, it sunk right into my skin, leaving no residue behind, just supple, smooth, hydrated skin. I also put some on my hands and gave some to my Mom, who wanted to keep it! Lol! 

As usual, I read the literature and it became crystal clear why it works so well:

Before I say anything, remember that night time is extremely important for skin care. It's the time when our skin repairs itself. It detoxifies itself by pushing out toxins and it absorbs whatever we put on it as well. So I'm very careful with what I use at night because I know it's making a huge difference for my skin.

It's made with Gold, Silver & Mother of Pearl! How luxurious, right? Perfect for me! 

The Silver helps to minimize lines & wrinkles while fighting bacteria and the Mother of Pearl helps fight free radicals. The Gold sends oxygen to the skin which gives a "healthy glow" that we all want! 

Sunflower Extract helps to smooth & nourish the skin. Ceramide 2 helps repair environmental & sun damage while the Sodium Hyaluronate traps moisture in & locks it in the skin so it can't escape. Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline rejuvenates, firms & moisturizes and the Hydrolized Mytrus Communis Extract reduces lines & wrinkles while promoting cell longevity. 

I know the ingredients may sound foreign but as a Licensed Esthetician I can tell you these are all good! 

The best part is it's good for ALL skin types, even the most sensitive skin! I'm quite amazed at ClickR's diversity with their products. They make these products that are essentially for a certain skin type yet others can still use them with no complications. Genius!

Do your skin a favor and try ClickR!

http://www.clckr.com/

ClickR-Figure It Out

Stop-Time Night Cream

($38-1.7oz)

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

The Makeup Show LA-Haul

So after a whirlwind weekend of makeup, body paint, lashes, skincare, nails, glitter and the "who's who" in the Makeup industry...I'm finally sitting down to give a quickie preview of what I'll be vlogging about soon!
Thank you to everyone who's encouraged me to throw caution to the wind and just go for it! Your words have not fallen on deaf ears ;-)

The Makeup Show is something I look forward to every year. It's 2 days full of shopping, networking, educating & shmoozing! I love seeing what people are wearing, how they've done their makeup, trying new products, meeting with friends (old & new) & watching other artists work.
This year was the best by far! I got to meet some of my all-time favorite Vlogging Gurus (For example, Queen Of Blending-Lauren-Hey Sweetiecakes!!) who's work I've admired for years, so that was a huge treat for me! I believe in giving credit where it's due & I love telling people how they've made a difference in my life.
Who doesn't like to hear that? ;-)
I had a few funny run ins with some people and met with a lot of friendly faces I've gotten to know from twitter. It's funny how in a few conversations, you'd hear people refer to each other by their twitter name, it gave us all a giggle.
I've been going to this show since the beginning so it's interesting to see how it evolves and grows. It's a testament to what a positive, uplifting & supportive community I belong to. It shows that people who are doing well on their own have nothing but positivity to give to others. I noticed that it's usually the ones who do nothing & make nothing that complain and hate on the ones who do.
Shame on you, haters!
Cest la vie!
Events like this are essential because they set the stage for artists to receive, & take full advantage of, the best there is in education, networking and the opportunity to keep our kits stocked with the best products the world has to offer, at prices that make it all worth our while.
I got some amazing things but I fell in love, love, love with the Pursebuzz jewels! If ever there was something made just for me, it was this ring in the shape of lips w/a mini lipstick on it & everything is covered in baby pink bling! I haven't taken it off!!!
Elessa Jade, the brand owner, gave me a really cute pink headband w/a bow on top, this amazing spike bracelet with a purse & pink bow on it (I almost slept with it on before I realized I might poke my eye out! Lol!) and a pair of beautiful pink bow earrings, also bling-ed out!
I'd like to break it down and do as many individual reviews as I can so to spotlight my faves because they totally deserve it!
I also had really amazing encounters with people, like Jeffery Paul, that I wanted to talk about. He's possibly one of the most easy going, talented, kindest people I've ever met. I spent most of Sunday with him and his camera crew while he interviewed a slew of celebrity Makeup Artists & vendors. I don't want to give away too much of the story but we met on twitter a few months back and kept in touch. He calls me Mona Lisa...Lol! I'll explain later! ;-)
It was perfect because I had done all of my shopping Saturday so Sunday was my day to get familiar with new lines and really get to explain what my blog is all about.
I designed 300 fliers advertising my blog and used this glittery paper that everyone fell in love with!!! I sent 200 to this huge fashion/beauty event I'll be attending this week (blog on that soon) so they could be placed in the goody bags, which I must admit was one of my brighter ideas in life :-)
I took the other 100 to the Makeup Show to hand out and see how people reacted. I felt like I had done something right when the accomplished Victoria Stiles said she'd like to do something similar for herself but using different colors. This statuesque beauty has worked with Cher, I don't know about you but that was an honor to me!
Needless to say, they were a huge hit and people remembered me because of the glitter! haha!
Mission accomplished!
I have SO much to tell! Ahhhh! Thank God I took notes because everything happened so fast. Lol!

What you see here is a mix of products & items from:
Sugarpill, Pursebuzz, MUD Cosmetics, Kim Greene, Beauty Army, Nigel Beauty, MakeUpForEver, OCC, Marinello, Beauty Treats, Biobliss, Model In A Bottle, Alcone, Crown Brush, Lit Cosmetics, Auraline Beauty, Embryolisse, Pinnacle Cosmetics...just to name a few!!!!! That's not including all the people I met and other products that are being sent to me!

I have about 50+ more photos to post so I'll try to get everything done as soon as possible!!!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Klout Perk-gud from Burt's Bees

Before I start I'd like to mention that this is my 50th post so, Yay for Me! Thank you for reading & getting my blog to almost 6,200 views in less than 10 weeks, I'm flabbergasted! : )

Ok, I received my "perks" from Klout yesterday!!! I can't believe they got here so fast! Originally it said 2-3 weeks shipping but it seemed like less than 2.
A few people have asked me about what exactly "Klout" is. It's a networking tool that helps to track how relevant you are in social media. This is done by tracking how often your name is mentioned on different sites (such as twitter & facebook) but you can also get recognition by receiving +K from others in categories that pertain to your purpose.
For example, I've gotten +K in Beauty, Cosmetics, facebook, blogging and nail polish, to name a few.
A +K is described as "the ability to vouch for your peers’ influence in topics."
I thought it would be a great way to help spread the word about my blog and so far it's really helped. It's also fun to see your peers giving you support & being able to support them right back.
You can receive "perks" for your participation & according to klout the perks are described as "exclusive products or experiences that you earn based on your influence" so it's not just about the products.
So far I have earned 2. The first being a box of body care items from the company gud from Burt's Bees. It required me to have a minimum klout score of 45 and at least a medium strength level in the Beauty topic. The box was heavy & gorgeous! It came with a thank you note acknowledging me as an "influencer" and encouraging me to review my items, which I was more than happy to do :-)

They don't test on animals and all products are natural & free of parabens, phthalates & petrochemicals.

Everything comes in 4 scents:
Floral Cherrynova (Cherry Blossom & Almond Milk)
Pearanormal Activity (Pear & Acai Berry)
Orange Petalooza (Hyacinth & Blood Orange)
Vanilla Flame (Vanilla & Rice Milk)

They make the following products:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hand Cream
Body Wash
Body Mist
Body Lotion
Body Butter
Foaming Hand Wash

I was happy to see 3 out of the 4 scents in the box they sent me.
(L to R)
Vanilla Flame Body Mist, Floral Cherrynova Body Lotion, Orange Petalooza Body Wash

I tried the body lotion right away and the texture is great! Smooth & creamy but not greasy. To get a better idea of the scent, it's very reminiscent of the Cherry Blossom from Bath & Body Works. I can't wear it all the time b/c it's too floral for my taste but I do have a few perfumes that would compliment it well.

The body wash smells like an orange popsicle, but with a tiny bit of added perfume, deelish! It's very citrus-y so you must be a citrus fan to use this. I am so it'll work for me! It's very moisturizing and I can tell it's not loaded with chemicals and detergents. At first the orange is dominant but after you've washed with it, the hyacinth takes over & it settles beautifully into a soft, sweet scent. Never overpowering!

I didn't always, but in recent years I've grown to love Vanilla scented body products. I didn't like them because I felt they were generic in the sense that anyone could go to the drugstore & buy a cheap bottle of Vanilla spray. I liked unique perfume instead and truth be told it lasts longer anyway. For whatever the reason, they've grown on me and I now find the scent to be soothing. I gave my bathroom a few spritzes of the vanilla body mist (just in case I didn't like it, I wouldn't have it on me all day) and I loved it! It's sweet but not nauseating and it's strong enough that you can smell it if someone wearing it passes by you but subtle enough that when they do, you're not gagging. I tend to keep these body sprays in my car because I like to keep the inside smelling fresh. Plus, it's always good to have something you can spray in your bag at all times. If you've ever been on a subway, bus or a taxi in NYC, you know exactly what I mean ;-)
I choose these as air fresheners for my car over products like febreeze because they're easier on the senses & usually don't have subtle traces of a febreeze/lysol type of product. Chemicals basically :-(
I would love to try the Pearanormal Activity (could you just die with these genius names for everything?!?!) for when I want to smell sweet like a fruit salad b/c even though it's fruity tooty, if mixed properly, it can smell amazing.

The box came with these full size (love that!) goodies but also with great literature. We know, I love to read up on what I'm using and this gave me plenty to look at. It came with a big booklet outlining the products and an envelope filled with coupons! It also came with a scratch & sniff page so you can sample all of the scents (genius). It shows 6 here so maybe they have 6 scents but I only saw 4. They could be coming out with new ones.

Overall it was a success & Klout just got a whole lot more interesting! My next perk, that I should be getting soon, is by a company called Simple and they're sending me skincare. It looks like I'm going to love it so we'll see...

I believe you can buy these gud natural treats at most Target stores or via their facebook page, where you can also sign up to try a sample product...(facebook.com/gud)

I hope that explained it. Though I'm still trying to figure out how Melanie Griffith (yes, the actress) retweeted one of my tweets & my score only went up 1 number...haha!

It's not confusing once you get into it, I promise!

klout.com

Keep it pretty!

*Stephanie*

Nail Of The Week- "Bright Lights, Big Color" By OPI

This color surprised me because it looks so unassuming in the bottle but when I put it on it really popped! I didn't want to do a pink or purple so I picked this blazing fireball, which was all alone in the back of my nail drawer. I'd forgotten all about it (sorry little guy) so I thought I'd try something new, so to speak.
I am a huge fan of orange/coral and I love mixing turquoise, coral & white together. This is definitely a summer color for me and can be as powerful as red or hot pink.
In fact, this would be perfect with a white & turquoise mini tunic I have paired up with these fierce Richard Tyler sling backs, warm, glowing skin, minimal makeup, no nonsense lashes and big hair.
Yay! I just found it a home!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

L'Oreal Magic LUMI Light Infusing Primer

L'Oreal has always been my favorite drugstore brand for makeup and, at times, for skincare as well.
I love the smell of their lipsticks/glosses & their eye shadows have the other drugstores beat. I'm always willing to try a new L'Oreal product because chances are I'll definitely like it.
I was flipping through the pages of a magazine (I'm guessing Glamour or Allure) and I found a sample packet of their new makeup primer. Can I just say, I love when companies do this!
Those little samples have talked me into so many makeup & skincare purchases over the years! They cater to people's need for instant gratification. They know that if you see something that looks like magic in a bottle, you're more likely to buy it if you can try it right away. Very strategic marketing in my opinion.
I put it on under my tinted moisturizer. At first I felt as though I looked really shiny, like futuristic shiny, and got a little freaked out. After I applied my tinted moisturizer it subsided and I could see what L'Oreal was trying to accomplish when they made this primer.
The packet came with only so much product that I used it all and I think that's why it didn't look so good at first. I recommend using a tiny bit just to add a dewy appearance. If you use too much, you'll look like a robot. Lol!
I wore it for a few hours and went out to see how it looked in daylight (yeah, I'm not too concerned with people thinking I look like a robot) and it was surprisingly natural. It gave a smooth appearance and I could see how it would be considered dewy.
Primers are usually made to be used under makeup but after my experience I'd definitely mix in a tiny drop of this with my tinted moisturizer.
Also, it suggests using it as a highlighter on areas of your choice. It's funny because after I had it on, I thought the same thing, "this would make a great highlighter."
I have been wanting to try the Magic LUMI Concealer which looks amazing. I like concealers that have a slight highlighter mixed in because it does double the work in 1 item.

This primer is great because it's a lot less expensive than your average highlighter.
It's priced reasonably at $12.95 and since it's proven to be a dual purpose item, I'd say it's worth it ;-)

Keep it Prettie!
*Stephanie*

Dolce Mia

What caught my eye with Dolce Mia was the packaging! I saw a vintage style Pin-Up girl gracing a bar of soap and knew I had to know more. The Vargas style ladies are always attention grabbers because of how fun & sexy the images are. I think they represent femininity in such a captivating way. As I've said before, unless I know for a fact that the product is something I want/need, the packaging is initially what gets my attention.
How fun does this look? ;-)

Combining minimal makeup with a soft sex appeal creates a glamorous finish without being "over the top" exposed. Perfect!
I contacted Tamara (Hi Tamara!!), a Dolce Mia representative I connected with via twitter, to ask if I could sample the products. She was very kind, directing me right to her site & encouraging me to figure out what, specifically, I wanted to try. “Is there any specific design or fragrance calling your name?” she asked. After taking a closer look at everything, I thought to myself, “All of them!” but I carefully chose the following goodies:

Pikake, Vanilla, Almond & Tropical Citrus.

I never take for granted what companies are in a position to provide so I was sure to say these were just my choices but whatever I could sample would be great. Tamara got back to me right away, informing me she'd ordered everything I had suggested. What a treat! :-)
I was also really interested in smelling the Wild West Leathery Western Cowboy Soap Bar. I liked the cowboy motif but I wondered if it really smelled like leather. True Story.
I chose the lotions over the soaps b/c I can get a feel for how long the scent will linger. Also, I like to see how well they moisturize.
I always apply my lotions/creams right after a shower (while the skin is still open) but when trying something new I always do this at night so I can check my skin in the morning. If my skin looks/feels dry and the scent is gone, I'll know it's junk.
A good moisturizer holds it's aroma and will leave your skin moisturized for a long while.
I was happy to see my package arrive just 6 days after our first email. I opened the box to find everything and more! There was a tropical Citrus soap bar added as well as a darling Pin Up, hand written card. I totally melted!

After I fawned over the designs and my card (which is sitting pretty on my kitchen counter) I started opening everything like a kid on Christmas morning! I opened one jar at a time to inhale one amazing scent after the next! I can't even say I have a favorite because they are ALL unique and delicious! They smelled even better than I imagined and I jumped in the shower so I could use them right away. I used the Vanilla and the Almond the first night & the Pikake and Tropical Citrus the next. I woke up the next day still moisturized and smelling great!
I have to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by how creamy these were for a lotion. I usually expect this deep texture with a cream but it was perfect for me.
At first I didn't want to open the Wild West Soap bar because it was packaged up so perfectly but the suspense was torture! I find it has a hint of citrus paired with a faint smell of leather. I'm not sure how that sounds to some of you because some people don't like the smell of leather but the two of them together work somehow! It's definitely masculine so it would make a great gift for a little boy because of the scent but also for the cool cowboy theme!
They're great for adults and kids b/c the scent is not overwhelming but definitely makes it's presence known. Everything is made with natural ingredients and taken from family recipes.
The fun part about them is they make great party favors! As you can see here, you can personalize products to make them extra special. I think that's brilliant, especially when giving them as gifts.
I love things like that!

To shop for these little beauties click here: http://www.dandreamargaret.dolcemia.com/

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Loose Lips Share Tips-Vol. 2

The latest addition to my "Lip Of The Day" series for March 1-March 11, 2012.

(L toR)
Dare To Dare, Tutti My Frutti, Navy Pearl, Jupitesse, Brilliance, Cherry, First Time, Delicately Defined, Pink Fringe, Pink Slip, ZouZou

Dare To Dare, Dare To Wear Lipglass (MAC)
*I loved this blue-pink gloss so much that I got every color it came in (I will be sure to show the others later, they're outrageous)
This is a soft pink but the blue iridescent tone adds dimension. As you can see it's not a typical lipglass because the texture isn't as loose. It's so creamy you forget you're wearing makeup. It feels like a heavy balm, amazing!
I wear this over mauves, pinks or alone :-)

Tutti My Frutti, Plump Your Pucker Tinted Gloss (theBalm)
*I know I just wrote about this in my "Lip Plumpers" blog a few days ago but it remains a favorite. It smells like a fruity pina colada, has a cool tingle and is extremely pigmented for being a "tinted" gloss. I wear this alone, as clearly you can see, or over warm lipsticks. Looks best in summer to add to a healthy, all over glow!

Navy Pearl, liner (Auraline)
Jupitesse, The Liquid Patent Lip (Kevyn Aucoin)
*The liner I got at the Makeup Show 2 years ago at the Auraline Cosmetics booth. They're an independent label brand & were selling the pencils for 3 for $5 or something ridiculous so I got navy, purple & gunmetal. I want to say they're good for eyes and lips but maybe I just think that b/c it just says "liner" on it. Lol!
Either way, they're amazing, can't wait to stock up again!
The lip gloss, I got a few of these in different colors in the huge goody bag I mentioned in my last blog (Loose Lips Share Tips-Vol. 1) and I can't tell you how beautiful this is! I know it's dark, to say the least, but it's so exotic! It looks black but it's actually a blue-violet, so unique!
I was hired to be the Makeup designer for a NYFW show. Ally Hilfiger was the stylist for designer Nary Manivong's show. This was perfect for the futuristic look I created along with subtle "Prada ad" like taupe eyes. It was a huge hit & everyone loved it!
It was such a strong focal point for the otherwise demure look. Good times!

Brilliance, Glossimer Lip Gloss (Chanel)
*Anyone who knows me, knows Chanel is not at the top of my list for designers and especially for makeup. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate some of the fashion, I mean it's still Chanel.
However, the makeup fails to impress me. I want to like it but I just don't. In fact, I feel like the shadows/powder products are chalky & everything smells like an old lady. That's just my opinion...
The only items I really like, love, are the Glossimer lip glosses. They got it right with these & I have a good few of of them because of it! I love this frosty pink. Ironically, it's a typical "old lady frosty pink" (Lol) but I wear it in the winter for a "winter white-ice queen" look or during summer with a tan. It's delicate but can really stand out when paired w/a smoldering eye.

 Zou Zou, Pot Gloss (NARS)
*I love NARS makeup, like, all of it! It's just an overall good line and I don't care how much it costs, I'm buying it. The Pot Glosses are great because you can dab them on as a lip tint or go heavy and get a full on glossy pout.
This color is always trendy and wears well day or night. I'll be sure to add the other shades I have in blogs to come, as they are some of the best I own.

Delicately Defined, lip definer (Bloom)
Pink Fringe, Chubby Stick (Clinique)
Pink Slip, Lip gloss (Victoria's Secret)
*I discovered this fab trifecta of sorts a few years ago when I was looking to create a neutral, sophisticated, glossy lip. I'm always mixing and matching so I noticed how well they went together. It looks very warm here but if I blot more, the light pink reigns supreme.
This would be good for an interview! I call it "conservative chic" b/c it's glam w/out being flashy.

Cherry, lip liner (MAC)
First Time, Kiss Off Gloss (Rimmel)
*This gloss is actually very sheer. It looks like shimmery fire in a tube & I love how shiny it is. I love Rimmel glosses because they always smell sweet and are well made. I also have a Rimmel "Vinyl Lip" in a deeper color, which I love!
I paired it here with a red liner to bring out the color but I also wear this over orange & brown lipsticks. You can wear this alone for a sheer, shiny look. Either way it's a real sizzler!

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

I'm officially a BzzAgent!

A few years ago, my sister (Hi Peanut!!!) introduced me to BzzAgent. She told me all about this great new site that sent her all kinds of products just for trying them. Yes, you heard right!
I remember my Mom telling me she would get all kinds of items delivered to the house, from beauty products to a coffee pot!...Lol!
I remember thinking it was a cool way to try new products but I never signed up.
I had all but forgotten about it until I came across the BzzAgent twitter about a week ago. A light bulb went off!
I remembered what my sister had said and I immediately thought, "What a better time to sign up for this amazing service than now?" I figured I'm blogging regularly, it's now my business to try new products (not just my pleasure) and that's exactly what they're all about! The more you try, the more they send.
I mentioned this is all free, right? Ok, just checking.
I went and signed up right away! You are expected to fill out surveys but the surveys are all to help them figure out what products are best to send you. The more you blog, tweet & sample items, the higher your BzzScore gets. The higher your BzzScore gets, the more products you get. After you fill out the surveys, you are then invited to join "BzzCampaigns." A campaign is basically when you're invited to try a new product and you accept the offer. You don't have to sign up for it if it's something you're not interested in. You can pass. I like that because I'm picky with the items I buy & try. Also, if you join a campaign just to get an item and don't talk about it, they will know. It's not worth the embarrassment and they send so much that there's no reason to be dishonest. When you do sign up for a BzzCampaign, you should receive your "BzzKit" within 2 weeks. There are also perks and points you're gifted just for filling out the surveys.
It's perfect for bloggers!
It's genius if you ask me. These companies know that good reviews are what sell products. Yes, swift marketing plays a role too but who wants to try a product that looks good but got terrible reviews? Get my point? Marketing isn't enough.
Our reviews are key! They expect you to be honest and say exactly how you feel about something. The point of that it to see where this product belongs, who their target audience is. They need us the way we need them. What I like best about that is it's a 50/50 relationship. No one way streets! I use that philosophy in life too, works like a charm ;-)
I'm more than willing to try as many different items as I can that interest me! If I think of what I've spent on products just in the last 10 years (of any kind including hair, skin, makeup, body...everything) I'm sure I could've bought a house, or 2. I'm not even close to joking!
Again, it's not just for beauty, it's a wide range of products you'd need for anything! You name it, they got it.
The website is self explanatory, answering every question you could possibly have. There are also FAQs that are extremely helpful. If that's not enough, they have phone numbers listed and customer service is polite and there to help. Such a pleasure! I also got the iPhone app (which is free) on my phone so everything is just a few taps away.
I encourage my fellow blogger beauties to sign up and start receiving goodies in the mail! You have absolutely nothing to lose so check it out and let me know what you think ;-)
Happy Bzzzing!

http://www.bzzagent.com/

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Stop Joseph KONY 2012

Hi Loves!

I know this is usually a place for Beauty and fun but I felt so compelled to share this with you all, in the hopes that it will make a difference somehow. I'm not trying to jump on a band wagon or be political but I am a human being, with feelings and a deep sense for what's right as clearly this is not.
For the last few days I've been seeing #stopkony trending all over twitter. I admit I don't always look to see what some of these trending topics are about, because some are just dumb and a complete waste of time.
Today I looked.
At first I grumbled at the fact that it was almost 30 minutes long but almost immediately I was hypnotized and before I could say "boo" it was over. I can't say I was shocked because nothing surprises me but my heart definitely broke. I watched this video and took in the horror against innocent children that's happening right now, as I write this.
I know we throw the word "hate" around like it's nothing. I admit, I absolutely do it sometimes but the truth is I don't actually "hate" another person alive. I may hate what they choose to do but I'm smart enough to know that hating them, personally, won't change anything.
On that note, I choose my words carefully when I say I hate cruelty towards children. This is definitely a quick way to get me upset. So when I saw this video there was no way I could ignore it's impact.
It should remind us we have so much to be grateful for and what voices united can actually do to help others who suffer in ways we'll hopefully never know.
Please help to spread awareness in any way you can :-)

11 Question Tag Post

Who doesn't love a good game of "Tag! You're it!"??? I was tagged recently by the lovely Ashley Elizabeth of alelizabeth.blogspot.com,  so I thought it would be fun to pass it along! I can't wait to read your replies...Xo
- You must post these rules.
- Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
- Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
- You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
- Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
- No tag backs.
- No stuff in the tagging section about 'you are tagged if you are reading this'. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

Questions from Ashley Elizabeth:

01. Do you have a nickname and if so, what is it?
Most people call me Steph. One of my besties calls me Shmoopsie and only my Mom sometimes calls me Stephie...Lol!

02. When is your birthday?
January 19th

03. Fireworks or thunderstorms?
Fireworks!!

04. Are you a night owl or early bird?
Night Owl

05. What is your favorite perfume?
For Her by Narciso Rodriguez

06. What is your favorite foundation?
Laura Mercier, Tinted Moisturizer

07. What is one product that you would absolutely be devastated if they discounted?
I've been through this so many times that I nicknamed myself "The Queen of All Things Discontinued"...Lol!!
But if I had to pick one that I love, love, love I'd have to say Victoria's Secret "Love Spell" lotion, soaps & sprays. I have everything in that scent and I love it!

08. Facebook or Twitter if you had to only pick one?
twitter.

09. What is your favorite holiday?
Aside from my birthday? :-)
Christmas, for sure. I'm convinced I'm part Elf b/c I love it so much. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Lol! See? I think in Christmas at the mere mention of it :-)

10. Who is your favorite beauty / make-up blogger?
I've gotten familiar with a few in recent weeks so it's hard to say because there are some really good ones! I will say this, the fact that I read & leave comments is an indication that I think it's good :-)

11. Post your favorite make-up look.
I had worked with this model, Natalia, on a few shoots and fashion shows, so I was sad to hear she was moving back to the Ukraine.
This look is my favorite (on myself as well) because it enhances her natural beauty without taking anything away.

Questions for my 11 tagged Beauties:

1.) What does the word "Beauty" mean to you?
2.) What are your favorite makeup & skincare products?
3.) Favorite movie?
4.) Who do you love most in the world?
5.) If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?
6.) What's the best part about being "you"?
7.) What trait do you dislike most in others?
8.) What makes you feel glam?
9.) Favorite food?
10.) Who influences you most in your field?
11.) If you could travel to any destination, where would you go?


Tag! You're it!
Ashley Elizabeth (alElizabeth.blogspot.com)
Marina (MCubedMakeup.blogspot.com)
Dyana (DyanaAives.blogspot.com)
Elizabeth (BeautyPatootie.com)
Noelle (JetBlackStarsx.blogspot.com)
Nancy-Lee (FashionCHICsta.blogspot.com)
Lauren (LaurensLoDown.blogspot.com)
Janine (TheBeautyAmateurs.blogspot.com)
Lisa (LisaGiraudTaylor.blogspot.com)
Melissa (FashionMakeupAndBeauty.blogspot.com)
Stephanie (StephsBeauty.com)

I will not get offended if you choose not to participate. I promise! ;-)

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Nail Candy Wheel-Vol. 2

Here's my latest Nail Wheel. 18 more colors/ideas for you to try!
#3 (Frenzy by Sinful Colors) is a new favorite (I nicknamed it my Mermaid Polish) that I picked up recently & cant wait to mix with a few polishes I have.
Instead of just doing plain polish, I combined 2 to show one of my favorite combinations.
#5 is a home made version of a Gellish combination I usually get when I get a gel nail polish mani at the salon. I had gone in wanting something that looked like sparkling diamonds on my nails. My "nail stylist" Julie (Hi Julie!!!), who gives me the most perfect manicure/pedicure ever, suggested a light silver with these chunky sparkles on top because the color I had chosen had run out.
It worked! My nails never looked better and being that it was gel, it stayed shiny and looking new for 2 full weeks!
Since I don't have a gel polish system (yet) I realized I could accomplish a similar look by painting 1 coat of Metalhead (Icing) & 1-2 coats of Set In Stones (Essie) on top.
#8 is a fun color because it's festive so you can wear it during the holidays but also as a snazzy red.
#15 is a color I've loved and worn forever, like since I was little. I've gone through countless bottles and brands but as long as it's a pale neon pink, I'm fine! It's my go-to in the summer and looks amazing on tan toes!
#9 is similar but a much deeper, hot pink, which is also nice to wear just beacuse but really pops in the summer.
#10 & #11 are both simply pink and silver glitter in clear polish. These are good to add magic to a plain color. 1-2 top coats of these are all you need to add sizzle to your plain polish. I do this a lot actually, mixing polishes.
Sometimes a girl just needs a little sparkle in her life and this is a quick & easy way to do that ;-)

Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

Happy 2 Months to *The New Beauty Review*

Hi Beauties!

I wanted to stop by and say THANK YOU for everything in the last 2 months! So much has happened in such a short time and it's just getting better and better each day.
I have so many fun topics to write about, events to attend & products that are on their way to me right now for my reviews!
March will be very busy for me but I can't wait to share it all with you!
THANK YOU to every awesome person I've met in the last few weeks.
I can't say it enough but I'm really grateful for every minute you've taken to RT my tweets, "like" my facebook page, fwd my messages, give me a +K on klout, repin my pictures on Pinterest, enter my giveaways, read & comment on my blog posts, give me an award or feature me on your sites!
It means a great deal to me and none of it goes unnoticed!

Special THANK YOU to my new readers in the following 27 countries, totaling 59 countries (including the US & another country that's unidentifiable somehow...Lol!):

Austria
Bangladesh
Belarus
Bulgaria
Chile
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Guam
Hong Kong
Montenegro
Morocco
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Paraguay
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Serbia
Sweden
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Vietnam

Thanks again,  SO much more to come!!

Xo
Keep it pretty!
*Stephanie*

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*