Saturday, May 29, 2010

AVON GIVE-A-WAY WINNER

Thank you to everyone who follows and reads my blog! I love you all and really enjoy sharing my thoughts with you and getting feedback as well! There were many people who took time to come back each day and make a comment! The winner was picked randomly and that lucky follower is............


RENA!
Please check your email and respond within the next week. If I don't hear from you, I will have to reselect!

Don't forget to check out my review on the Sedona Lace brush kit!
 AND

Thursday, May 27, 2010

URBAN DECAY SUMMER OF LOVE PALETTE

Ok, so I know I just gave away an incredible Urban Decay palette because I said I had too much already--and I do--and I love to spoil my followers! But I really do love these colors and had to grab this palette up! I am not a fan of Flash, but only because it's just too bold for me. I also think it would look crazy with my blue eyes--but perhaps I will play with it anyway. I adore Maui Wowie, Chopper, and Smog! They are gorgeous! Be ready for some shimmer with this palette! It also comes with a small 24/7 liner (which are so creamy and smooth!) in Bourbon and also a small Primer Potion in Sin--which I love!

How cute is this packaging?
This picture doesn't even do this palette justice! The colors are so pretty and vibrant! They blend so well and really stay on ALL DAY when you use the primer. I have received so many compliments when wearing this palette. If you don't have any Urban Decay shadows, this is a great one to get!!

FTC Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

SEDONA LACE YOUR FACE (CLOSED)

It's contest time again at NV Beauty! This is my "Sedona Lace your Face" contest and here are the rules. Please read them all and follow it to the T, or your entry won't be counted.

1. Be my follower, of course!

2. Create an ORIGINAL (no archived looks please) look--wearable or outrageous--from the picture (or pictures if you'd like to take elements from more than one picture for you look) posted ON THIS POST.  

If you have a blog, make a post with titled "Sedona Lace your Face with NV Beauty". Post the picture(s) that you used as your inspiration as well as many pictures of your look as you like. The post must only be about this contest, please don't combine it with other information/reviews/FOTD/etc....

If you don't have a blog, that's ok! Please enter! Just email me the pictures as attachments and I will post them on my blog.

3. In your post, you must explain what about the picture(s) you used in creating your look. Talk about the elements in the picture that we can see reflected in your face!!

Here are the pictures you MUST draw inspiration from:


These are all pictures of beautiful Sedona, AZ, for which Sedona Lace is named for. Don't just consider color when finding inspiration, think of shapes, lines, textures, etc... Be as creative as possible.

You can enter as many times as you like, but each look must be completely different!!!!!!!

Too easy right? Now, the prizes! Jason, at Sedona Lace, has generously offered their new 12 piece brush set, a $49.95 value, to one lucky winner!! Amazing, right? This is open to international followers as well! Yippie!!


Another winner will recieve a Sedona Lace 28 Neutral Palette from moi! This prize will have to go to a US follower, as my funds are low for sending out prizes at the moment--sorry!!

It is possible for one person to win both prizes!!!!!!!!!

Contest will run until 6/27/2010. That should give everyone plenty of time to come up with some amazing looks! Good luck to all and have a good time. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

In case you missed it, here are the winning looks of my last contest--Bring Your A Game!




If you missed my review on the Sedona Lace, you can check that out here!

Please check out my blog sale, it helps me afford give-a-way prizes!

Enter my AVON give-a-way!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES! (PICTURE HEAVY)


I have been so excited to do this review! You guys know that I am in LOVE with my Sigma makeup brushes and I mention them quite often. Jason at Sedona Lace recently sent me the new Sedona Lace 12 Piece Professional Makeup Brush set for review.  I was intrigued right away and couldn't wait to compare the two sets. If you missed my Sigma Brush review, click here to read.

I have been using my Sigma brushes since November of 2009 and I can say that I really adore them and use them every day.   I haven't expected to find any other brushes, aside from MAC, that I would love as much. Let's see if the new kid on the block can keep up with a new cult classic!

After much comparison, usage, and washing...I've concluded that these two sets of brushes are nearly identical! There are only three brushes that are slightly different. The weight and quality feel exactly the same. Both brush sets have sturdy ferrules. The Sedona Lace brush handles are just a tab bit longer. Both brushes have amazingly soft bristles! Each set has it's own share of bleeding and fallout when you first begin using them, but both taper off. **Really only noticable with the large powder brush**

Sigma has caught a lot of flack about naming their brushes after MAC brushes, but I love that aspect of the line. It makes it easy to identify the brushes, especially if you are trying to follow along with your favorite youtube beauty gurus to achieve a brand new look! The Sedona Lace brushes do not have names on the handles, which honestly is the only thing that disappoints me.

 Here's how they break down individually:
**NOTE: ALL BLACK BRUSHES ARE SIGMA, ALL PINK ARE SEDONA LACE**

 
This is the large powder brush (150). I know from the first picture the Sedona one looks larger, but it's not. Both of these brushes are so soft!! This is a natural bristle brush that is perfect for a light dusting of powder on your face, patting on a little MAC Fix+, or knocking off any extra powder on your face.

This is the Duo Fibre Brush (187). This is a blend of natural and synthetic bristles. This is perfect for applying liquid foundation to get an "airbrushed" look. Just put a little foundation on the back of your hard and gently pat this brush into it, then stipple it on your face and finish by swirling it around to blend a bit--and voila! Flawless finish! Another one of my favorite things to do with this brush is apply bronzer. Just pat it into your bronzer and swirl or pat on your face for a touch of color!
As you can see from the second picture, the Sedona Lace brush actually has more of the white bristles. I think the Sedona brush gives you a bit more coverage. I've been using the Sedona brush for liquid foundation and the Sigma brush for bronzer.


This is the Foundation Brush (190). This is made of synthetic bristles. It can be used with cream or liquid foundation. I also like to use it with mousse products (think Maybelline Dream Mousse line). I use this with foundatoin when I need a little more coverage and then go over the rest of my face with the Duo Fibre brush (187).


This is the Large Angled Contour Brush (168).  The Sigma one looks a bit larger in this one, but I think it's due to the fact that it's been used for months and the Sedona one is new. I've only washed the Sedona Lace brushes once so far and used daily brush cleaner after each use. The brushes, both Sigma and Sedona Lace, seem to fan out a bit after use. This is a natrual bristle brush that is great for applying blush and contouring powders.  I prefer to use this brush for blush only. I feel it's a bit too large, for my face, to use to contour.


This is the Tappered Blending Brush (224). As you can see, the Sedona Lace brush is quite a bit larger than the Sigma brush. They both get the job done though. I have been using the Sedona Lace one to really blend out the crease by not putting any powder on it at all. I've used the Sigma one to apply color and blend out. It really is your preference on this and also the size of your lid will affect which one is better for you. I personally love having both and having that much more of an option! This is a natural bristle brush.

This is the Eye Shading Brush (239). It is very flat & dense making it perfect to really pack color onto your eye lids! I don't have them perfectly lined up, so it kind of looks like the Sigma one is bigger, but it isn't. This is my absolute favorite eye brush! I'm so happy to have two now! These two brushes are exactly the same. This is made of natural bristles.


This is the Large Shader Brush (252). This can be used with creams and primers. You can also put color all over the lid or just use the tip to apply shadow on the lash line. As you can see, this brush is the biggest difference in the whole line. The Sedona Lace brush is much larger than the Sigma.  I like the Sedona brush for applying my Benefit Powderflauge! I don't reach for this too often honestly though. I like to put creams and powders on with my fingertips mostly. This brush has natural bristles.


This is the Pencil Brush (219). You can use this for precise application for your crease, lash line, or under your lower lash line. You can also use this brush to smudge out liners! This is made from natural bristles.

This is the Concealer Brush (194). I love this brush to apply my Benefit Erase Paste. I just dab it gently under my eyes to conceal my horrendous dark circles and poof!! They are gone! You can also use this to cover up any redness or blemishes you have. I use this one every day! This brush is made of natural bristles.

This is the Eye Liner Brush (209). I use this brush mainly to set liquid eye liner or to foil an eyeshadow to use a liner. The tip is very fine and goes on very nice and thin. This is made of natural bristles.

This is the Medium Angled Shading brush (275). Again, the Sedona Lace brush is much larger than the Sigma one. Both can be used to apply highlight shade under the brow bone and also use the tip to apply highlight to the inner corners of the eyes. This is made from natural bristles.


This is the Small Angled Brush (266). I love this for applying gel eye liner and filling in my brows. This brush is made of natural bristles.

BONUS:
This is the bonus brush I got with my brush set. The handle is just as long, but has a pointed tip, which I actually don't like. But that's no biggie. I don't have the Sigma Premium Brush set, but this looks a lot like Sigma's Large Fluff Brush--though again, this might be one that is larger than Sigma's version.  I like this a lot for applying an all over color to my lid or simply using it to blend. What a great bonus! A full sized brush!!

Brush Rolls:
The pink one is by Sedona Lace and the black is by Sigma. Both hold all 12 brushes but the Sigma one has an additional storage pocket that will hold three more brushes. The Sedona Lace brush roll closes by wrapping around the pink tassels while the Sigma one closes with a magnetic snap. I think both are nice.  I don't store my brushes in here, but if I were traveling with them, these are great for that!

Ok, so let's talk about prices. Sigma charges $89.00 for the 12 piece set with brush roll, which you can get black or pink. You can also purchase just the Sigma brushes, with no brush roll for $69.00. Sedona Lace charges a mere $49.95 for the 12 piece set with brush roll!! What a difference!! The brushes are really the same. So why pay more? Isn't that why Sigma has blown up? Amazing quality for a fraction of MAC prices? Sedona Lace brushes are every bit as good as my Sigma brushes. I still love my Sigma brushes as much as I did before, but I'm so excited about the Sedona Lace brushes for their quality and price! If I were to lose every brush I have right now (Oh what a sad thought!) and have to replace them--I'd buy from Sedona Lace.

Update: As of today, 2/25/15- the Sedona Lace brush set is up to $79.95. The Sigma brush set is $159.00!!

I will be annoucing very soon another makeup contest! Sedona Lace has been so kind to offer a prize of my selection--You know I picked the brush set--and one prize that I personally bought--the 28 Neutral Palette! Details coming soon, so please come back for details!

Shop my blog sale!
AND
Enter my AVON give-a-way!


FTC Disclosure: While I was sent this product for review, this is my honest opinion. I wasn't paid to write this by Sedona Lace, or anyone else. I am not affiliated with this company, or any others mentioned.



Friday, May 21, 2010

TOO FACED TANNING BED IN A TUBE

"Throw away those tanning goggles and say "good-bye" to sun-damaged skin with Too Faced's Tanning Bed in a Tube! A wonder lotion that adds an instant bronze glow with a gradual sunless tanner to give you that "just got back from the Caribbean" sex appeal. Use daily to build your sun-less tan and keep your body in bikini shape all year long!"

Tips & Tricks

  • Be sure and apply an SPF product after Tanning Bed in a Tube if you plan to go in the sun so you tan safely.

  • Going swimming? Apply Tanning Bed in a Tube after water activities for best results. Our luscious lotion isn't water resistant.

  • Apply after a day in the sun evens out blotchiness and bronzes up body parts your string bikini barely covers!

  • Think spa day exfoliate prior to use and shave those sexy gams too.

  • Begin application on lower legs and work your way up with your arms last for the most even tan.
Benefits:
Sugar-Based Formula - provides the even tan you desire without streaking and blotchiness.

Bronze-Tinted Lotion and Sunless Tanner - instant gratification and long term bronzed tan.
Fast Drying - clothes stay clean; won't streak.
Grape Seed Extract & Safflower Oil - antioxidant, skin condition and moisturizer.
Fermiskin - naturally stimulates collagen and elastin production, skin tone and firmness.
Deliciously Scented - a tropical blend of flavors sure to entice every cabana boy around.

Ok, so I am generally a pretty fair skined lady! I love to get my tan on, but don't want to damage my skin! I'm always looking for a good self-tanner. If you guys keep up with my blog, you'll know that recently I went into Sephora and had a terrible experience with the customer service there. I wrote a letter and the district manager sent me a $50 gift card so I could give the store another chance. I was very pleased with my second visit and happily walked out with that cute little black and white bag in my hands!


The top one is for the body and the bottom one is for the face.

All smeared out! The face one is lighter and doesn't have as much gold in it.

I smelled this in the store and rubbed a bit on my arm. It does smell delicious and it gives a really nice bronze color right away. I was hoping this would be my HG for self tanners!! I stopped at the grocery store to pick up more scrub to exfoliate my skin. I scrubbed down really good and asked my hubby to help with the Tanning Bed in a tube. We read the directions and got started. It took him a long time, but he was trying very hard to make sure it came out even--otherwise, he knows I'd kick his butt!!!

I was pleased with the outcome, as was my hubby, to see myself a nice bronzey color already!! The next day I wore a cute shirt that shows off my newly tanned arms and went off to work. I was going to not say anything, to see how long it took for someone to say something, but I couldn't! I asked a girl I worked with how did it look! **I'm not super patient** =) She said it looked pretty natural.

I did notice, however, that my skin had a ton of gold shimmer to it out in the sun. Some people my love this, but I really didn't like it at all. It looked like I spread glitter all over my body!! It was a bit embarrassing! Also, I noticed around mid-day that I was starting to "smell" like tanning lotion. The lovely coconut scent had completely disappeared and it was getting ugly!! Ahhh!! I was at work and couldn't really do anything about it but avoid people as much as possible!

I have to give major props to the the Tanning Bed in a Tube FACE though. It was really natural looking and didn't have all the glitter the body tanner did. I can't stay if the face lotion had the same disgusting scent after hours of wear like the body did though. I would keep the one for the face, but I see no point in having a tan face and pale body!

I tried taking before and after pictures, but the lighting wasn't good. Sorry! I know pictures help, but you honestly couldn't see any difference from pictures.

When I got home, I got back into the shower and scrubbed my skin a little harder than when I normally exfoliate. To my surprise, the water was all brown and every bit of tan I had was gone! I know this is a gradual tanner with instant bronzer, but in 24 hours, there was absolutely no change in my skin. It was all product sitting on top of my skin. If there wasn't so much shimmer in this and didn't stink after a while, I'd keep trying it out to give you guys a better review. But honestly, it's just not worth it to me. This is going back to Sephora and I'll pick something out that I know I'll like!

Have you guys found your HG self-tanner?

FTC Discloser:Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

TIME FOR FUN IN THE SUN!

New swim suit! Whatda think?

Enter my AVON give-a-way
AND
Shop my blog sale!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

RIMMEL MOISTURE RENEW IN DREAMY


"This moisture-infused lip essential reduces lip dryness up to 65% for smoother lips and better colour. Developed with SPF 18 and cutting edge Self Adapting Moisture Complex that features Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, and Vitamins A, C and E to nourish lips, leaving them with a smoother surface for better colour application and wear. 24 creamy, moisturizing shades come richly wrapped in an elegant metallic purple case."



This is my new "go to" lippie! Rimmel's Moisture Renew in the color Dreamy. It is gorgeous!! This is so smooth and moisturizing. I love it! Here's the swatch. It's not an intense color, which I love. So for you gals who like some color, but nothing too over the top, this is a great color. A lot of lippies I use, I need to apply some balm before I put it on so it goes on smooth. I don't need to do that with this! The finish is a bit frosty, so if you don't like that (like me) then top it off with a clear gloss, or my favorite CoverGirl Freedom of Peach gloss. It takes away that frosty look and leaves your lips looking amazing!  This one stays on pretty well for a lippie, but it is certainly not a long lasting one. If you haven't tried this line of lippies, I totally recommend this one! I will look at other colors and possibly purchare more! I tried taking a picture of just my lips, but those never look good, so here's a regular picture with Dreamy on my lips.

Love it!

FTC Discloser:Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

AVON FOOT CARE



I don't actually remember the exact name of this item! But I bought it a while ago and have used  it a few times. It was in one of the sale books, so I think it might have been discontinued--not sure. I don't see it on the AVON webpage, but if you see it on there later and are considering it at anytime....read this review first!

Here's the whole kit and kaboodle opened up:


I thought this little kit was so cool when I saw it! How handy to have all these foot tools in one little kit!? It has a pumice stone, brush, smoothing side and a rough side to get all the dead skin off!! I love to soak my feet in Foot Works Foot Works Restorative Milky Foot Soak with Epsom Salt and use my PedEgg. So I'm thinking that this would rock!! I soaked by feetsies for about 20 minutes and then got started with my Foot Works all in one tool!! Boy, was I let down. This is probably the most useless thing I've ever tried for my feet! The pumice stone barely got off the dry skin nor did the scraping side!!! The smoothing side worked ok, but you pretty much get one use out of it. I don't remember what I paid for this, but whatever it was, it was too much!! If AVON is silly enough to bring this item back, beware! Invest a few more dollars in a PedEgg ($9.99) and be done with it!!

Don't forget to shop my blog sale
AND
Enter my AVON give-a-way!

FTC Discloser: I am an AVON Representative. I purchased these products at a discount rate. I am not paid by AVON, or anyone else, to write this review. All opinions are mine.

Monday, May 17, 2010

ELF SMOKEY PALETTE



I bought ELF's smokey eye kit several months ago and just haven't really got to reviewing it! I wasn't sure how pigmented or smooth this would be because as you might know, ELF is a pretty dirt cheap makeup line!! The smokey eye kit was $5, so what did I have to lose?

Here's the swatches:


Amazing pigmentation right? I was really blown away! They are really smooth too and blend really well. Way to go ELF!!!  Here's my look:


Two thumbs up for ELF Smokey Eye Kit! Try it out!

Don't forget to shop my blog sale
AND
Enter my AVON give-a-way!

FTC Discloser:Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

RIMMEL THE MAX VOLUME FLASH MASCARA




"Our biggest brush ever featuring perfect-fit technology: flexible hollow fibre bristles fit to the lash to coat each lash perfectly for maximum volume."

I saw some lovely bloggers and youtubers using this mascara and I wanted to give it a try! I love the hot pink packaging and the fact it's extreme black. I picked up this at my local CVS for about $7. Here's the wand:


It's pretty large and really coats all my lashes very well. Here's the pictures of before, after, and after I curled them---yes, I know you aren't supposed to curl them after you use mascara, but I always have and I've never had a problem....do what you feel is best for you. =)

Before

After

Then curled

Overall, I like the look it gives. I wish it separated the more. I think the volume is decent, but I'm not impressed as I thought I would be. But the biggest disappointment with this mascara was that it smudged all under my eyes at the end of the day. So yeah for cute packaging, but BOOOO for smudging and lack of separation. Will I repurchase? Have you tried this? Have difference results?

Don't forget to check out my blog sale 
AND

FTC Discloser:Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.