I Pledge to Love My Hair, Do You?

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Danielle

Bad hair days happen to the best of us. Having had long hair most of my life, I can relate to those humid days, the weird kinks and the I-can’t-believe-I-curled-my-hair-and-now-it’s-raining moments. Then there was that time I went jetskiing and forgot a hair tie… 3 hours of brushing/conditioning followed (true story). I recognize the need for good quality hair products. Not just products that make my hair appear healthy, but ones that truly help repair any damage. Luckily for all of us, ULTA Beauty is hosting the Love Your Hair event from May 12 to June 1st. This celebration of hair includes hair events, demos, prizes and daily Beauty Steals™ featuring some amazing hair care products at discounted prices (in store and online). Some of my personal favorites that will be featured as Beauty Steals are:

 

Orofluido Macro

 

Orofluido, I’m sure this must be called liquid gold. This oil does wonders for my hair. I use it after I have washed/towel-dried my hair. Not only does it help condition and add shine, but it also shortens my time with  the blow dryer!


Osis Mattifying Hair Powder Macro

 

 Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Powder – There will be always be days when I simply do not have the time to wash and dry my hair. This hair powder is a life saver! I sprinkle a bit near my roots and fluff my hair around a bit and all of the oilies are gone. Huge bonus: it’s totally volumizing. It gives me more lift than hair spray!

 

ConAir You By ConAir

 

 ConAir You Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer – Hair dryers never seemed too different from each other to me. This model is much quieter than the one I was using before, and my ears are grateful!

 

Hot Tools Hair Straightener

 

Hot Tools Nano Ceramic 1/2″ Straightener – I’ve never been a hair-straightening kind of gal. I can get straight hair just from using a blow dryer so using one just seemed like an unnecessary extra step. After testing this out I can see the appeal. My hair is smoother and more “finished” looking when I use it. It heats up in record time and was easy to manipulate in my hair.

 

KMS Hair Stay Macro

 

 KMS Hair Stay Dry Xtreme Hair Spray – I’m pretty laid-back when it comes to hair spray. I have never tried one that really knocked my socks off and just went with something inexpensive, readily available and that could hold a curl. This stuff smells great, comes out almost dry already (how do they do that?!) and really holds my style in place. I used it after curling my hair, and the next morning I woke up with my hair still partially curled! A perfect day to use some of the powder I mentioned above, right?!

 

 Crystal Light Lipstick Challenge 3

 

Hair Styled with Orofluido, Conair You Hair Dryer, Hot Tools Nano Ceramic Straightener and KMS Hair Stay Hair Spray

 

As part of this amazing event, ULTA Beauty is also asking all of us to make a Hair Pledge, to love our hair, just as it is. As bonus for taking part in the pledge, you will be entered for a chance to win free blowouts for the rest of the year (ummm, way cool!). To join us, all you need to do is tweet your hair pledge with the hashtag #ULTAHairPledge and you’ll be entered. I’m eager to see all of you take part in this super fun event so I’ve teamed up with BlogHer to offer one reader a $100 ULTA Beauty Gift Card so you can experience some new products to help you on your hair journey. Simply leave a comment below telling me your hair pledge.  


Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.  
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. 

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/15/13 – 6/1/13.

Be sure to visit the ULTA Beauty page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

 
This post, the products and the giveaway are sponsored by ULTA Beauty.

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New From NARS: Not Your Average Summer Collection

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Danielle

Don’t you hate being disappointed?

It wasn’t long ago that I eagerly anticipated the arrival of each NARS seasonal collection. I would make note of the exact release date and excitedly order several things from each new launch- batting 300. It was with their fall collection last year that I began to feel a bit let down. My excitement for their collections was rivaled only by my dismay with items that looked good in theory but ended up not working for me (I’m looking at you, Autumn Leaves- one of the worst NARS products I’ve ever tried). In fact I rarely touch anything I purchased from that collection. Then the Andy Warhol collection came out and absolutely nothing from that appealed to me. The same story was repeated when their spring collection was released. The colors were not was I was expecting- but not necessarily in a good way.

After months of being disheartened I was super excited to hear about the new Satin Lip Pencils AND the summer collection AND the Pierre Hardy blushes- all of which have not let me down. I’ll say this: NARS knows how to redeem themselves.

NARS Euphrate Shadow

NARS Euphrate Eyeshadow

This appealed to me on several levels- the beautiful shimmer, the silvery-green color and the oh-so-buttery texture. This is a must have from the summer collection for me. Of course, I went through my stash to see if I had anything similar…

NARS Euphrate Swatch Comparisons

(excuse the goosebumps! The sun was out the day I did swatches but it was a few weeks ago when the weather was still fairly cold!)

L-R: Sunday Riley Fool’s Gold, Chanel Epatant, Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel green shade, NARS Euphrate, Lancome Erika F

Euphrate is significantly more icy/silver than the shades I had to compare it to. The formula is spot on and highly pigmented. It is a unique shade for certain.

NARS Barrow Street Eyeliner Macro

NARS Barrow Street Larger Than Life Eyeliner

This is my very first NARS Eyeliner. No other shade has seemed unique enough to warrant a purchase and I don’t know that I ever really hear anyone rave about the formula. I enjoy it. It is highly pigmented and very smooth. This mint-y shade is so on trend right now…NARS describes it as seafoam. It leans more green than blue on my skin, but I think it’s a “your mileage may vary” kind of product depending on your undertone.

NARS Barrow Street Swatch Comparisons

Swatches L-R: NARS Barrow Street, MAC Aqua, NARS Euphrate, NARS Habanera Duo Mint Shade

I didn’t really have much to compare Barrow Street to. The other three swatches are eyeshadows and none of them are as bright or as minty. I did, however, include the mint side of the NARS Habanera Duo to compare to Euphrate. It’s lighter still and even more icy. Euphrate is more olive in tone but if you already own Habanera you might not feel as pressed to rush out and buy Euphrate.

NARS Boys Don't Cry Blush

NARS Boys Don’t Cry Blush

Isn’t she a beauty?! The gold worried me until I found that it was a very thin overspray. The blush is matte and super, super pigmented. By far the most impressive NARS blush release in a long, long time. The pan is oversized, and quite a bit larger than regular NARS blushes. Fine by me as the color is stunning. However, if you keep your blushes in drawers it’s worth noting the size differential as it may or may not fit in your storage unit. I use the IKEA Alex drawers and it can sit upright in there with plenty of room to spare. Also, the price is quite a bit higher on this as a result of the increase in size. It retails for $41 USD, which is $12 more than a regular blush.

NARS Boys Don't Cry Blush Macro

In the macro you can see just how thin the overspray is.

NARS Boys Don't Cry Swatch Comparisons

Swatches L-R: Tom Ford Flush, NARS Boys Don’t Cry, MAC Bite of an Apple, Tarte Achiote

I struggled to find a dupe for this. The pigmentation just blows the rest of the competition out of the water. I haven’t layered Boys Don’t Cry; you are looking at just one swipe. Bite of an Apple is closest in tone, but still not as smooth or as intense. Rotunde (the other shade released in the collection) is firmly on my wishlist.

NARS Lodhi Satin Lip Pencil

NARS Lodhi Satin Lip Pencil

NARS Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil

NARS Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil

I ordered two of the new Satin Lip Pencils in my standard, go-to shades. Biscayne Park is a lovely nude that isn’t too cool or too warm- it’s just right. Lodhi is a gorgeous coral-peach that’s perfectly ripe for spring and summer. I will be doing a separate review post with swatches and my full thoughts after I have used them more. For now, I’m pretty impressed with the colors and the staying power.

What started off as a brand being, well….. disenchanted has turned into a true Cinderella story. NARS fully redeemed themselves with their latest releases and I’m back to being excited again.

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It’s Looking Like An Early Summer With Clarins Splendours Bronzer

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Danielle

It wasn’t that long ago that I posted a call for help to pick out a new bronzer. Since that time several have caught my eye (and I may or may not have purchased more than one >.<) but the bronzer that stood out the most was the new Splendours Bronzing Compact from Clarins.

Clarins Splendours Bronzer

The compact itself is HUGE. This is a generous amount of product (20 grams) and the compact takes up the entire palm of my hand. The real selling point is, of course, the design. I mean…. just look at that detail….I smile every time I open this!

Clarins Splendours Bronzer Macro

I’m still kicking myself for missing out on the Mosaic Bronzer Clarins released a few years ago. I had to buy this overseas because I have not seen this in stores or online stateside yet. I have no official word on whether or not it’s being released here. But for the life of me I wouldn’t understand it if they didn’t.

The colors blend wonderfully together, a true harmony of peach and bronze tones that do not overwhelm the complexion, or give it a muddy appearance. In fact, it reminds me of a slightly darker version of the famed Dior Aurora (a favorite of mine). Check out the swatches below.

Clarins Splendours Bronzer Swatches

Swatches L-R: Dior Aurora, Clarins Splendours, MAC Give Me Sun, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (original)

You can see that Splendours sits right in between Give Me Sun and Aurora in terms of shade. It’s not quite as orange or as dark as Give Me Sun, but it’s slightly deeper than Aurora. This is the kind of bronzer that you can wear as an entire cheek color, no need to add blush (which is how I wear it below). It is incredibly smooth and finely milled and is almost completely matte.

Clarins Splendours Bronzer FOTD 2

Wearing Splendours on/under cheekbones

Clarins Splendours FOTD

Overall I give the Splendours bronzer a big A+. It has a generous size, a gorgeous design, perfect color for my skintone and is incredibly smooth in texture. I purchased mine from SalonSkincare (a UK store that ships to the US).

What new bronzer(s) for spring/summer have captured your attention? Have you seen the new Guerlain ones? I’m dying to get my hands on one of them!

Posted in Bronzers, Clarins | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

PSA: MAC In Extra Dimension Blushes!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Danielle

Happy Friday!

I’m looking forward to an evening out…enjoying pizza and margaritas soon. But before I could get my relaxation on I had to share the latest MAC release, the In Extra Dimension collection.

If it sounds familiar that’s because it should. MAC released a similar collection last spring called Extra Dimension. Funny how adding “In” changes things … ;) Anyway, you can see my swatches and review for that collection here. I loved it and still use many of the items from that collection on a regular basis. The formula is touted as being a hybrid, somewhere in between cream and powder. The initial collection was quite shimmery. When I first heard they were releasing blushes I thought it was going to be a disco-ball train wreck. Imagine my surprise that the blushes aren’t metallic or shimmery. They have the smoothest, softest sheen. Infused with a kiss of sunlight, they are the perfect consistency.

Let’s get on with the photos, then, shall we?

MAC Bareness

MAC Bareness

Bareness is a light, slightly peached nude. If you are darker than NC40 you may have to layer a bit more to get it to show up on you as a regular blush… it maybe easier as a highlighter. It’s a gorgeous nude, but it’s more pale. Fine by me as I’m obsessed with nude blushes.

MAC At Dusk

MAC At Dusk

At Dusk is another nude shade, but with slightly more rose/mauve to it. It ends up giving a very natural flush. Again, this is a paler shade. The paler your skin the better this will work as a blush. It can be layered, just like Bareness, but I have a feeling for those darker than NC40 it will again need some extra dips in the pan.

MAC Flaming Chic

MAC Flaming Chic

Flaming Chic is a gorgeous flamingo type pink. It’s bright, but has some peach undertones to it to keep it from going cool toned. It’s warm and cheery, perfect for spring and summer. I think all skin tones could pull this off.

MAC Blazing Haute

MAC Blazing Haute

Blazing Haute is a a true bright peach shade. It borders on being slightly orange in some lights, but mostly I just see a pigmented, gorgeous peach. I think this is a universally flattering shade.

MAC In Extra Dimension Swatches

Swatches L-R (sunlight): Flaming Chic, Blazing Haute, At Dusk, Bareness

These blushes have a lovely texture and a gorgeous finish. Let me address some initial thoughts and concerns I have seen about these blushes:

  • They are not metallic or shimmery like their skinfinish and eyeshadow counterparts.
  • Pigmentation is medium. Some shades are bright, others are pale. Do not expect intense color payoff, at least not at first swipe.
  • They are buildable. You can layer to get the desired effect. I personally prefer this method to insanely pigmented blushes. These are not going to be easy to over-do. No clown cheeks here.
  • There seems to be a slight “waxy” thin layer over the top of the blushes. Once you swipe your brush over them a few times pigmentation increases.
  • The finish is gorgeous. They melt into the skin and it’s hard to tell where the blush starts and finishes on the cheeks. Blendability is phenomenal.

Overall I think MAC did well by me on this new blush formula. I’m happy with the colors I chose (only leaving behind the more red-toned Fiery Impact). They are wearable and not at all the shimmery mess I was expecting. However, if you are looking for a highly pigmented blush you should continue your search elsewhere. They are easily buildable, but it may not be your cup of tea.

Have a great weekend! It’s finally getting warm here (let’s hear it for 60+ degrees and sunshine)!

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MAC Fashion Sets: Swatches and Comparisons

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Danielle

Happy Spring! Spring has finally arrived to my area and the sun is shining, all of the snow is gone and I can feel the air getting warmer as the nights get longer. I am so pumped for the change of weather!

Quickie post for you today. I wanted to put up some swatches and comparisons of the newly released MAC Fashion Sets collection. I only ordered 3 items, all of which are lip products. I hope this helps!

MAC Ablaze Lipstick

MAC Ablaze Lipstick

I was happy to discover Ablaze is more of a true coral than it was an orange coral. It’s a matte formula so it is drier in texture and I anticipate the lasting power will be longer as well as a result. It’s a beautiful color and perfect for the summer.

Of course, I did my usual comparison swatches:

MAC Ablaze Lipstick Comparison Swatches

L-R: Tarte Glamazon Lipstick in Timeless, Tom Ford True Coral, MAC Ablaze, MAC Sail La Vie, MAC Scarlet Ibis, MAC Hibiscus, MAC Vegas Volt, MAC Neon Orange

I was surprised by how much more pink Ablaze was then say, Scarlet Ibis or Sail La Vie. From early swatches I was expecting the color to pull closer to those shades but am happily surprised that it doesn’t. The closest in MAC colors is probably Vegas Volt, though Vegas Volt is a different formula and a bit more peach in tone. In all, I’m super pleased I caved and ordered this shade.

MAC Ablaze Lip Liner

MAC Ablaze Lip Pencil

I had to get the matching set! I think it’s an OCD thing. Anyway, I love lip liners and over the last year or so have really discovered how amazing they can be. Toning up or toning down a look, adding lasting power or simply on their own they are truly multitasking wonders.

Again, I hesitated with Ablaze lip pencil because I had two other similar shades from MAC in my collection, but opted for it anyway. You will see swatches below.

MAC Embrace Me Lipstick

MAC Embrace Me Lipstick

I’m not sure which collection it was early last year, but I purchased a lip pencil called Embrace Me and absolutely loved it. You can see it in this post here. It is a fun, face brightening shade and I have used it alone and layered with great success. When I found out a lipstick was coming out in the same shade I knew I had to have it. So bright!

MAC Embrace Me Lipstick Swatches

Swatches L-R: MAC Entertain Me, MAC Ablaze, MAC Lasting Sensation, MAC Embrace Me, MAC Embrace Me Lipstick, MAC Girl About Town

Ablaze lip pencil is less orange than Entertain Me, and darker/more coral than Lasting Sensation. Lasting Sensation leans a lot more peach on me personally. Embrace Me lipstick and liner are a perfect match. I don’t have another liner to compare it to. Girl About Town was the closest I had to Embrace Me lipstick, and you can see the formula is different and Girl About Town is darker/deeper.

Overall I’d say my picks from this collection were quite par for the course when it comes to my personal tastes. I’m happy with the items I picked and imagine I’ll get plenty of mileage from all of them as we head into spring and summer.

Did you pick up anything from this collection? Did any of the eyeshadows catch your eye?

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