Color Club Fiesta Collection - Wild Cactus

Even as I got older I still can't color in between the lines...

As Pantone said this is the year of Emerald, the market place has been saturated with Emerald colored products. I am not one to complain, I love the dazzling color. It looks equally beautiful against my chocolate mocha skin color [is anyone else hungry?].

The Wild Cactus is apart of Color Club's Fiesta Collection. It is a deep emerald green in color. It goes on smoothly and doesn't streak. Although, I did use 2 to 3 coats to get the color intensity above. But since the formula was a bit thick, one coat might be suitable for some people. It didn't dry to a matte finished but a semi-gloss, which makes the "loud" color appropriate for both the day and night. 

Now, since I have a "green thumb" let's see if I can bring my orchids back to life!

Cake is having 40% off

Cake Beauty is having a 40% off sale, so run fast to grab your favorites!

$10 Off of LaLicious

Get $10 off your order from LaLicious using code "10FF". Some restrictions apply so click the image above to read all of the fine print.

BeautySak Gift with $40 Purchase

Get a Free RX Skin Therapy Skin Firming Serum with any $40 purchase using code "RxSkin" at BeautySak.

Deals from Bliss, L'OCCITANE, Violent Lips, Too Faced, Avon, Blush, Decleor, and Drugstore

Bliss usually have one of the best "sample bags". They usually jammed packed with deluxe and sometimes full size products.Spend $130 and use promo code "Top7Picks" to get the goodie bag.

L'OCCITANE has a special on Shampoo and Conditioner for $45 when using the code "Haircare". I love their soaps, too bad they are not on sale too!

Violent Lips has two new "promotions".  They lowered prices and you get 20% off your order when you spend $20 and use code "20X20". If you always wanted to try their products but thought it was too pricey now would be the time to try it :)

Two Faced is giving away the Love Sweet Love Palette when you spend $50 and use code "LoveSweet". It comes with 6 eye shadows, 2 blushes, 2 lip glosses, and a Glamour Guide [I am guess it's an instruction sheet].

Avon is offering free deliver with any $10 order if you use "PotOGold".

Blush is offering a free Jane Iredale Eye Gloss in Champagne when you purchase $75 worth of Jane Iredale products. 

 Spend $140 at Decleor and receive 15% off your purchase using code "HappySpring'' or enter "signature" to get the kit below free with any $130 purchase.

Drugstore is having a 20% sale. It's a good time to stock up on the basics.

As always, do let me know if you manage to snag anything good! :) 

Semi - Annual Sale at Laura Gellar

Laura Geller is have a huge sale tomorrow and are giving away a free primer with any purchase!

Lucky Break - Lalicious Body Scrubs

Photo Credit - Lalicious

Lucky has a coupon for 50% off all Lalicious's Body Scrub.  Use code "luckybreaks2". My favorite is the Sugar Kiss. I am probably going to try the other scents but knowing me I will probably stick to my favorite scent. Let me know if you get anything!

Photo Credit - Lalicious

On Sale - Yes to Grapefruit Glowing Skin Regimen

Photo Credit - Yes to Carrots

The newest addition to the Yes to family is on sale for $20, which is more than half of the original price. The trio includes Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub, Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream, and Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum. Use code "YESTOMAMAS" to save even more by receiving free shipping.

Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Scrub

Photo Credit - Burt's Bees

I love this sweet scented body scrub. It reminds me of Jolly Ranchers for some odd reason. The sugar crystal based scrub is packed with pomegranate oil, cranberry seed and Shea butter.  I love this scrub for my winter parched skin. It sloughs away the dead skin and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. The body scrub left sweet lingering scent. A word of warning after washing off the scrub, my skin felt a bit slick and oily. It bothered me the first time but I eventually got used to it. Overall, I would definitely buy this again.

InStyle March 2013

Boy, this was one heavy magazine! It is packed with 594 pages of articles, shopping [!!]...I forgot what I was saying...

Onto the rundown -

Can you guess the most “style - conscious states”? If you said, New Jersey, Iowa and Texas -- you would be right. I am surprised New York and California didn’t make it on that list.

The three new favorite trend are floral, leather and ruffles. I am so happy ruffles are finally considered “trendy” as I love wearing lace and ruffles. :) Shorts are also in this season but the “perfect” length is classic mid - thigh. Hmm...does this mean I should be extra hip [ I think me using the word “hip” shows how “uncool” I am] and wear leather shorts with a floral shirt with ruffles?

J. Crew and Liberty of London are collaborating together to make a new full bloom line.

Estee Lauder has a new inspired Mad Men collection.The products are “housed in perfect period packaging with a nod to Lauder’s 60s archives”. The pretty pale pink colors look nice but I hope they are flattering with my skin tone. I might take a gander when I am at Macy’s and probably end up spur of the moment buying the entire collection.

The new color Spring color is “ Mint”. It reminds me of pistachio  and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Try the new shade with “Moon shape” [nail art style]  and with other pastels.

Photo  Credit - Zoya, Neely

Photo  Credit - Butter London, Fiver

Photo Credit - Beauty, Introspective

Looking for a new way to “upgrade” your accessories with “upgrading” your credit card. Karl Lagerfeld has new collection with Fossil. The watches range between $150 to $595

Pick up the issue to more product launches,  a guide to BB creams, interviews with Andrew Garfield and Donatella Versace and fashion ideas and tips.

Lacquerous

Photo Credit - Lacquerous

Ever wanted to try all the latest nail polish colors but have so many that you barely get more than three uses out of them before you move on to the next bottle? Well, Lacquerous might be something you would be interested in.It's a renting service [think of Rent the Runway but with nail polish] where for $18/mo you can "borrow" 3 luxury nail polishes of your choice sent to your home. The price does contain a pre-paid return label to send back the bottles when you finish.

Currently, the program is by invite only but I got a curious about it and decided to read a bit more. I personally don't like sharing nail polish because I assume it would not be sanitary but according to their FAQ, it isn't. 

"Due to the cocktail of chemicals found in nail polish, no bacteria, fungus or any living microorganisms can survive in it. In fact, it dies within minutes. According to scientific research (and our friendly microbiologist), "The cocktail of ingredients in nail polish is really tough to be resisted by microorganisms including bacteria or fungi. Ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, tosylamide/formaldehyde are organic solvents and in combination they are the toughest to be resisted or tolerated by microorganisms. Therefore nail polish is safe to share." Lacquerous inspects all nail polish for cleanliness and quality. Nail polishes are sealed for at least 2-3 days in transit and brushes are cleaned upon return."  

 

Photo Credit - Lacquerous

While it seems like a good idea, I got turned off by the fact that you can only keep the nail polish for 30 days otherwise you get charged the price of the nail polish and return shipping. And you can only use the nail polish three times.  I am the type of person that  fix chips and blemishes throughout the week. Sometimes if the nail is badly chipped I would redo the entire nail or if I am really bored the entire manicure. While I do understand that they don't want people to over do it on the nail polish and be wasteful with it, I think it's a bit limiting. Since many people will try to get as many uses out of it as possible to get their money's worth. But then again maybe I am just the only crazy person who applies 5 coats :)

"You can use it on yourself for up to approx. three applications throughout the month. Why three, you ask? While testing we found most women - when presented with three color options in a 30-day period - used the lacquer twice (at the most). Lacquerous also monitors the amount of nail lacquer in each bottle to ensure there is no abuse of club policies. We trust our members to abide by our guidelines but they are just that - guidelines. We want you to enjoy your lacquer."

Personally, for me right now $18 a month is a bit steep but I might try it if I get a promotion for a cheaper price.

If you are interested in joining, please visit Lacquerous.

What do you guys think? Is it a good idea or a bad idea?

Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask

Photo Source - Dermstore

Karuna’s Hydrating Treatment mask claim to restore and retain hydration. The mask is packed with natto, Chinese licorice, chamomile, vitamin B, aloe vera, peptides, antioxidants and other plant extracts.  The mask is made with biodegradable wood pulp fiber which holds more moisture than other masks which are made of synthetic ingredients. The mask made my skin soft, hydrated and smooth. My skin did look dewy but my face felt a bit tight afterwards.  Each box comes with four masks for $28. They are a lot cheaper than a lot of other masks and they do a great job. Overall, I would probably purchase these again. I love using this every Sunday as a great way to unwind and get ready for work on Monday.

Allure March 2013

The “beauty authority” magazine offers great fashion, beauty and health tips. Overall, it is fun to read.

Here is the rundown -

Some new beauty trends to try this month -
a. Get all bronzy - use “bronze to enhance your natural features”
b. Paint on two colors - instead of using the regular ole french tips try using a neon color.
c. Try a bright lip stain - use sangria, orange and pink - grapefruit lips
d. Go for a true blue  - draw thin line of electric blue to make your eyes pop or do a color block eyeliner
e. Work major lash - don’t settle for “just average” go over the top with your lashes
f. Scrunch, toss, and flip - beach/grunge hair looks amazing no matter what the weather is.
g. Seashell Pink - “iridescent golden pink adds a glow that’s clean and chic”... “but....start with black liner” first.

The interview with Aubrey Plaza, she plays April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation was actually refreshingly funny. My favorite part was her comment about co-star Amy Poehler. “She is one of the scariest people I’ve ever worked with. If I go to the craft table for a snack, she slaps it out of my hands! She doesn’t let me eat food. She’s always telling me I need to lose five pounds” I just imagine her saying that as a April and it was funny. Maybe I am just weird...

The newest trend in Fashion -
a. Asian Fusion - “based on lines with sharp slants and crisp angles”
b. Line Drive - “cheerful stripes find new sophistication in sequins and silk”.
c. Up close - “ elaborate, chunky chokers fit snugly - and sleekly”

Photo Credit - Alexander McQueen

Here is something I can get behind now that summer is slowly coming around. “New treatments destroy sweat glands in the underarms - either with microwave energy [MiraDry] or ultrasound [UIthera]”. Don’t get me wrong I love Secret Expressions but I either get white streaks or the deodorant doesn’t last. Although,  I say I am interested in the procedure but I doubt I would actually go through with it. You know the saying “No Pain No Gain”, I am not a believer in that saying.

Pick up the issue to read more fashion [fashion victims], beauty [products used in the Oscars] and interesting facts along with interviews with Christian McCulloch, Narciso Rodriguez, and Heidi Klum.

Chella Anti-Fatigue Eye Mask Kit

Photo Credit - Chella

Sometimes, life is so demanding and there isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done and sleep is the last thing on your mind. Thanks to this anti-fatigue eye mask, you can fake a good night sleep. The eye mask promises to reduce puffiness, fine lines and hydrate if used once a week for four weeks. Personally, I haven’t noticed any fine line reduction but I love how calming and relaxing it feels to use it. And my skin was silky smooth and soft as well.

Maxim March 2013

I originally bought this subscription for my brother but he said he wasn’t interested in reading it. I didn’t want the subscription to go to waste so I bring it into the office, so someone else can peruse it. I don’t recall how I came about reading the first issue but I did and it was quite funny.

On to the rundown -

I thought this was funny. You can send a “fart by mail”. April Fool’s is right around the corner. I am hoping I don’t get this in the mail, although  I wonder if my Grandma would find this funny.

The way science keeps coming up new innovations just astounds me. For example, regardless of whether or not you think growing organs is bad or not I still find it a bit amazing. The researchers in Yale was able to grow “functional lung tissue” which would be a lifesaver for people who have lung cancer.  Scientists were also able to “grow” skin, trachea and gentials. I wonder what “weird” future is ahead of us.

HotTug a company created by Dutch designer Frank de Bruijn is a hot tub boat using wood burning stove to heat water to 100 degree Fahrenheit. Sounds cool? Only cost you $11,500 to $21,000.

The one disappointing thing about this magazine, it ruins dreams. In their “Circus Maximus - Entertainment” section, they spoke with FBI bomb tech Kevin Miles about whether or not explosions in the Die Hard franchise could have actually happen or not. *sigh*   Most of them can’t happen, they way the movie depicts....dream killers.

Did you know 20% of adults plan on having a drink on St. Paddy’s Day. I would have definitely thought that number would have been a lot higher.

Even though this magazine did kill a bit of the excitement for the new installment of Die Hard, they did redeem themselves with this beauty.

Photo Credit  - BMW

Go ahead and drool, I won’t judge you. The BMW 18 Hybrid is one awesome car with a sweet estimated price tag of $123,000.

Grab the issue to read jokes, fashion tips, and interviews with some famous ladies like Elisha Cuthbert, Joanna Krupa and Joan Rivers.

Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother

Photo Credit - Burt's Bees

I love this silky smooth after sun soother [try saying that eight times]! I rarely get sun burned for not putting on sunscreen or not putting it on frequently enough but I still use this lotion every chance I get. I sometimes put on the lotion even if I haven’t been outside. The lotion is packed with aloe vera, linden extract, bee pollen, glycerin and coconut oil to soothe, nourish and replenish skin naturally. I found the lotion to be creamy, fast absorbing and hydrating. It kept my skin soft at least 4 hours after applying it.

New Beauty Winter - Spring 2013 Northeast Volume 9 Issue 1

I first saw this magazine on display in one of those newsstands in the subway. I started a subscription shortly after because the articles are in-depth and it read a bit like a manual. My only qualm is the yearly subscription is a bit expensive. But I consider it an investment...or atleast thats what I like to tell myself. A word of note, the last couple of end pages are extensive profiles of various doctors.

Here is the rundown -

The magazine had a taste of luxury piece. I had skim through this as I can’t really afford most of it. But I like to daydream the day I can. Some of the product highlights -

Glassbaby’s Evelyn Candle Holder - in tribute  to Evelyn Lauder.  Ten percent of purchases will be donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. [$44]

Creed debuted a monogrammed hand blown Pochet glass bottle accented with the precious metal. Sounds amazing if you have $1,995 to plunk down.

Photo Credit - Creed Boutique

They had a segment on long lasting makeup for eyes, cheeks, lips and face. For eyes,  Smashbox 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow, Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long - Wear Mascara and Nars Larger Than Life Long - Wear Eyeliner. Reading the blurb for Smashbox shadow it look like a normal cream shadow which usually creases and fade easy. I did hear  a lot of good things about the Nars eyeliner and can’t wait to try it.  

Photo Credit - Nars Cosmetics

For the cheeks, Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, Lorac Pro Powder Cheek Stain and  Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color. I actually have the Laura blush but to be quite honest I am not really good at applying blush. Even though, I do have like 10 different blushes. I am surprised though Tarte’s Amazonian Blush didn’t make it on the list [I have that one as well :)] 

Photo Credit - Sephora

For the lips, Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12 - Hour Lipstick, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick [ I have this maybe I should give a try ], Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick  [ I have this but it didn’t last me all day! I feel jipped!] and Covergirl Outlast.

Photo Credit  - Sephora

For face, Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer,  Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation and DiorSkin Forever Wear - Extending Invisible Retouch  Powder. Another thing I can’t do properly. I recently bought some new foundation and powder but after experimenting  with it for awhile I still haven’t gotten any better.

Photo Credit - Lancome

 I love  how in-depth beauty awards section was. Instead of having just a category for “lipstick”, they take it one step farther and have a category “The Best Moisturizing Lip Gloss” and “The Best Mineral Lip Gloss”. It was quite an extensive list and I saw a lot of new products I can’t wait to try. Like the Dior DiorShow Extase, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment and a bunch of other products. I feel real sorry for my bank account right now.

Photo Credit - Sephora

I love the bit on mineral water. While I love New York City’s tap water, I am not going to lie I love bottle water too *cover eyes*. I never realized there was an actual difference between still, mineral,  artesian, and thermal water. This article explains the difference and gave recommendation which brands of  bottled water is good to try and products infused with “specialty” water . Mineral water for example helps alleviate skin issues, helps refresh skin [so, can taking a bath/shower], can be used as post treatment care from a chemical peel, and takes down redness. Mineral also helps balance the electrolytes, replenish minerals that is lost naturally.  Some of recommendations -- Fiji water [love this brand!] which is packed with silica, Smart Water which is vapor distilled and enhanced with electrolytes.  Is anyone else thirsty or is just me?

The article about age fighting antioxidants was pretty informing.  “Antioxidants offer up numerous health benefits but are best - known for their ability to nurture cells and fight against potentially harmful diseases”. Berries, beans, dark greens, teas, fruits and nuts are packed with antioxidants. Berries are good for “repairing free- radical damage” and nuts are “good source for omega-3s”. Some good products to try ilike Botanical AHA peel, Aveda Green Science Perfecting Cleanser  and Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer. 

Photo Credit - Perricone

Pick up the issue to read --  tips on makeup application, more winners of the beauty awards, new hairstyles, organic skin care, new innovated products  and exercises.

Please leave any comments and thoughts.

Burt's Bees Citrus Spice Exfoliating Shower Soap

Photo Credit - Burt's Bees

This spice infused soap promises to clean and exfoliate at the same time. The soap is packed with grounded herbs, almonds and spices that give the soap its gritty texture. The gritty texture helps exfoliate your skin and making it silky smooth and soft. Personally, I find the gritty texture a bit too rough on my skin, so rub gently. The soap is spicy scented and gives a mediocre lather. I use this soap once a week as an exfoliator as the texture is a bit too rough and doesn’t lather very well.