Face Atelier Ultra Blush In Pink Satin Review, Swatches

When I received the Face Atelier Blush to test out I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from it. The shade I have is called Pink Satin and it looked plain-o sitting in the pan but when applied its really very lovely!

About: Face Atelier Ultra blushes are described as subtle blushers that are sinfully soft. There are currently 5 shades avilable. The compact it comes in includes a mirror

Price: $25 for 6g / .21oz

Thoughts: The Face Atelier Ultra Blush in Pink Satin is a beautiful natural pink blush, you'll never look overly done in this shade. The powder feels like silk and is very easy to use. I don't think they could've done a better job naming this blush, Pink Satin describes the blush perfectly. The shade works well with fair skinned ladies and is perfect for everyday use. See more pictures below.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Where To Purchase: Sold online at FaceAtelier.com or at retailers listed under their locator section

Swatch on my cheek

XOXO, M

Bobbi Brown Friends & Family

Shop for a cause at Bobbi Brown's Friends & Family Sale, receive 20% discount from now until December 2, 2009. Proceeds from you purchase will support their donation of $10,000 to Dress for Success.

China Glaze Spring 2010 Up & Away Collection

China Glaze's Spring 2010 Up & Away collection is lem-worthy. Many of you might have already seen these but I feel compelled to post them just because its oh so lovely and cute!!




12 yummy creme shades!

promo pics from polish pixie

China Glaze posted some swatches for the upcoming collection on their twitter. you can find the full size version of these on China Glaze's twitpic.

I personally love cremes, especially pastels! *Adds everything to wishlist* Which colors speak out to you most? Do you likey the collection?

XOXO, M

Pupa Cosmetics Geisha Palettes

Pupa is a Italian cosmetics brand that carries everything from bath goods to color cosmetics. I've seen the brand mentioned here and there but haven't seen any of the items in person since they're not sold in the U.S. I saw these geisha palettes on Spoiledbrat.co.uk and thought they were cute. 

These little fish palettes are from the same line it appears, cute no?

Has anyone used anything from Pupa? What's the quality like?

XOXO, M

VOV Castledew Diacut Platina Shinism Eyeshadow Palette Review, Swatches

VOV is a affordable drugstore cosmetics brand from Korea with very attractive and girly packaging. I've been eyeing their Diacut Castledew palettes for some time now and finally ordered the newest palette from Gmarket.

About: This is the VOV Castledew Diacut M 601 Eyeshadow palette entitled "Platina Shinism", it comes with 6 shades and large mirror.

Price: This palette is around $12-$15 on Gmarket, about $20 if you factor in the shipping cost. I've heard that they're priced even lower in Korea.

Thoughts: The shades in this palette are wearable and very shimmery. The most pigmented colors are the purple on the top left corner and the brown on the bottom right. The least pigmented is the light pink peach tone in the middle right. The rest of the shades are all light shimmery neutrals. The colors are not unique but the texture is very smooth for a drugstore brand and blends well. Its not a must have for myself, there are too many similar looking neutrals in one palette.You may be into it if you like cute packaging and shimmer. See colors and swatches up close below.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Where To Purchase: Gmarket or check your local Korean beauty store. Read my ordering from Gmarket guide here if you're interested.

have you tried any of the VOV eyeshadow palettes?

XOXO, M

WIN: My Beauty Diary Mask Sampler Pack

A little post Thanksgiving giveaway, this is a way for me to thank my lovely readers. One winner will receive a variety pack of five My Beauty Diary Masks. The scents and winner will be chosen randomly by me.

Curious about My Beauty Diary Mask? Read my guide on them here

How To Enter

• Open to all readers (subscribers and followers will receive 2 entries)
• Leave a comment stating your current favorite skin care item and where I can reach you (blog, email, twitter etc)
• Giveaway ends Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 12AM EST
• I will be in touch with the winner when chosen

Good Luck!

XOXO, M

Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish Review, Swatches

Any fast drying nail polish automatically grabs my attention, I doubt anyone enjoys sitting around waiting for their nails to dry. In comes these Rimmel 60 Second lacquers, I received these as a gift from fellow Youtube guru Ashlee.

#270 "Shocker" is a electric pink, a very fun color. It slightly hard to apply (streaky) but offers good pigmentation, the below took two coats. I really like this shade!

#340 "Torrid" is a deep burgundy / wine shade. This one was difficult to apply, it comes out chunky and streaky. However, it is very pigmented, the below only required one coat

Do these dry in 60 second? not quite, more like 90 - 120 seconds but still very fast.

Anyone else drawn to super fast drying polishes?

XOXO, M

Sabon 20% Discount

Online Only: Receive 20% off your Sabon order and complimentry shipping on orders over $100. Valid from now until November 30th, 2009.

Bath scrubs bath scrubs!!!

XOXO, M

Feeling The Red Lips? YSL Rouge Volupte #18, Benefit Frenched, Nars Red Lizard

Are you feeling the red lips trend? Here's a quick comparison of the red lipsticks in different price brackets that I've been scouting out: YSL Rouge Volupte #18, Benefit "Frenched", and NARS "Red Lizard"

YSL Rouge Volupte #18 Red Taboo $34 -  Its a beautiful high shine blue red. Texture stays true to the Rouge Volupte line, luxuriously smooth, moisturizing, and pigmented. I call this one the traffic stopper.

Benefit "Frenched" $18 - A creamy and somewhat shiny cherry red. Easy to apply with a very smooth texture and has a shine to it. Its not as cherry when applied to the lips which I like. 

Nars "Red Lizard" $24 - The website describes this one as a semi matte red, semi might have been a understatement as the lipstick is definitely matte. A lovely red but the texture is dry, you will definitely need moisturized lips for this one to apply smoothly. 

Do you have a personal favorite out of the bunch? What kind of red do you like? 

XOXO, M

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! I hope you all have a goobly good day with your loved ones.

XOXO, M

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Review

I was super excited about trying the Face Atelier Ultra Foundation. A makeup artist I met recently raved about it. Needless to say when they sent this over for me to try I was doing cartwheels in my apartment lobby.

CRUELTY FREE!

About: The Face Atelier Foundation Ultra Foundation is described as a silicone based emulsion that floats on top of the skin creating a second skin. It is light weight, oil free, breathable, moisturizing, and is non comedogenic, recommended for troubled or mature skin. The foundation comes in 10 shades plus 2 base shades.

Price: $44 for 1oz or 30ml, push pump container

Thoughts: I was really impressed by this foundation. I had a certain expectation in my head and it did live up to it. The formula is semi runny, easy to apply, and gives you a nice natural dewy finish (I'm a fan of the dewy finish). The website described the finish as sheer but it's definitely buildable to medium. I find that it lasts up to 8 -10 hours no problem, I haven't had it on longer than that. The push pump is handy and keeps it sanitary. Overall a great foundation and I recommend this to those that love the natural dewy look. I have before and after pictures below.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Tips: 

• If you're unsure of which shade you are or want to try out the foundation they offer samples for $1
• They offer discounts to pro makeup artists
• The Face Atelier site has great suggestions listed under the PRO tips here

Where To Purchase: Sold online at FaceAtelier.com or at retailers listed under their locator section.

Swatch on hand, the shade I have is #3 Wheat

I only have the foundation on the right side of the picture here. You probably notice the biggest difference around the under eye area

Before and after on the whole face, it covers up small to medium blemishes very well. I didn't even use a concealer yet.

Here's a bigger picture of the after look, a subtle glow

close-up of the finish

If you want to see more, I used this foundation in my Fall Smokey Look tutorial posted here and in my foundation basics tutorial here. 

Do you likey?

Beauty For Real Press Event

Thanks to the Shimmer Network I was able to attend a beauty press event for Beauty For Real. Beauty For Real is a newly launched color cosmetics brand created by Leslie Munsell, celebrity make up artist and former color cosmetics creator at Aveda.

The Beautiful ladies at Beauty For Real, Leslie and Tanya

Product information spreads

The initial launch includes the "See the light!" illuminating lip gloss line and the "only lip liner you'll ever need"

Gloss girls would love this! The illuminating lipgloss comes in 9 shades (including 1 clear shade). They're lip plumping glosses loaded with antioxidants, has anti-aging properties, and they're not too tingly either. Each gloss comes with a handy mirror and LED light. See below picture for swatches, 7 of the 9 glosses are semi sheer and the remaining 2 are opaque

What it looks like when applied, Leslie is wearing one of the more opaque colors. A nice everyday shade

Tanya and Meredith are wearing the sheerer colors

I had to snag a photo-op with the lovely ladies 

For detailed product information and where to purchase visit their site: beautyforreal.com

Pricing wise, lipglosses are $22 and the lip liner is $14

Here's the video from the event:

I had a ton of fun at the event and will do a review on their lipgloss and liner in a later post!

So lovelies, what do you think? Eyeing anything?

XOXO, M

Giorgio Armani Beauty Friends & Family Sale

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Friends and Family is going on now and ends November 30th, 2009. Enter code FAMILY at check out to receive 20% discount and complimentary shipping.

The Luminous silk foundation is on my wishlist! What interests you?

XOXO, M

Lancome Friends & Family Sale

Lancome-usa.com Friends and Family Sale is going on now and ends November 30th, 2009. Enter code HOLIDAYJOY2 at check out for 20% off and free shipping.

Don't forget to use Ebates which is currently offering 12% on Lancome

I'm looking at lipsticks and the new vibrating foundation, how about you?

XOXO, M

Dazzle IN Nicole By OPI in Winter Glitterland

Nicole By OPI in Winter Glitterland is a clear base nail polish with mixed glittery bits in different sizes. You can wear is alone or use it on top of another polish.

I paired it with the Color Club On The Wild Side (swatched & reviewed here)

tadaaa!

I really like the combination and call it "New Years Eve" :)

do you likey?

XOXO, M

The Gmarket Experience: A Quick Guide On Ordering From Gmarket

I've received many questions regarding Gmarket ever since I posted about my first purchase from them here. This post is intended to answer some of those questions and offer some tips on ordering from the site. For those of you unfamiliar with Gmarket, its a Korean buy/sell shopping site where the prices are low and fixed. I've only purchased cosmetic and beauty related products from it but you can get almost anything on it.

I recently made another order at Gmarket and it arrived from Seoul just five days after submitting the order. Gmarket always ships via EMS, which means that once you see your order processed and shipped you can expect to receive it within 3-5 days depending on your geographical location. Tracking is also provided with all EMS packages. 

How Does Gmarket Work?

Sellers list their items onto Gmarket very much like Ebay and Amazon Marketplace. The main difference is Gmarket has its own handling and processing center, sellers will ship your orders to Gmarket headquarters where everything will be packaged together then shipped to you. If you place orders from multiple sellers Gmarket will wait for all the items to arrive and send it to you as one package.

Searching, Ordering, Listings

This is the tricky part for me. You can type in your search in English but the listings are all in Korean. Its easy if its a single item listing with only one option. If its a multiple item listing you'll need to do some Korean character match-ups between the items on the drop down menu and the product description (usually comes with picture) below. 

Shipping, Fees, Refunds 

As mentioned earlier, Gmarket only ships via EMS which can be costly. You'll have to pay the estimated shipping charges upfront. They will refund you the difference if it ends up being less. The refunded amount goes into your Gaccount and can be used towards your next purchase. Unfortunately its not refunded into your paypal account, you'll have to request for a transfer but there's a hefty fee to transfer that balance.

Payment

They accept credit cards and paypal

Technology

You can browse and add items to you cart on any browser but to place an order you'll need to use internet explorer. I'm not sure when they plan on improving that aspect. I also find that loading speed on the site is on the slow side

Tips

• If you have trouble figuring out what the multi listing items are and don't have anyone to translate for you try using the google language translator
  
• Listings that have the box "Domestic Orders" checked off means that they only ship within Korea. Don't try to un-tick that box, it doesn't work
• There is a points and stamps system where you gain them through certain purchases and can later use it to exchange for goods

Thoughts

So far I haven't experienced any trouble ordering from Gmarket. Everything I've ordered arrived quickly and well packaged. They have a good tracking system with updated status and tracking information. Once you get a hang of it you'll find it addictive, you'll find yourself looking at random things like cute mugs and cheap bags, okay maybe that's just me.

I usually order through the Gmarket English Site

You can register for an account here

*PHEW* Hopefully that was helpful

XOXO, M

Paul & Joe Membership Points Card

Paul & Joe offers a membership points card where you earn stamps for your purchases and can later use it to exchange for a gift.

How To Obtain A Card: Currently within the U.S. you can sign up for the card at the Bergdorf Goodman Counter. You have to fill out a form and they'll forward it to the Paul & Joe / Albion cosmetics office. Once your form is processed Albion will mail you the membership card.

How To Gain Points & Redeem For Your Gift: Its a stamp based system. You gain 1 stamp for every $50 you spend. When you reach 10 stamps you can redeem for a gift by bringing the card back to the counter. The Paul & Joe counter sends your card to the office for processing and you'll receive the gift via post

.

Notes: The stamps can only be gained through purchases made from the Paul & Joe cosmetics counter at Bergdorg Goodman. If you have kept your receipts from previous purchases prior to obtaining a points card, you can bring them in to get the stamps added. The Bergdorf Goodman Paul & Joe counter can take orders over the phone and can be reached at this number: 1800-218-4918

XOXO, M