BeautyJoint.com Haulage

Greetings!

After much intrigue and infatuation with Wet N Wild's MegaLast lip colors for the spring/summer collection I was eager to try more of these lip colors, especially the ones that I could not get my hands on in my local drugstores.  Luckily, I happened to find them on BeautyJoint at a slightly higher price than normal but still a bargain in comparison to shelling out $24 for a NARS lipstick.......we'll talk about that later, LOL.  I also stumbled across a few other products that I could not wait to try, here they are.....detailed reviews, comparisons and all that fun stuff coming up, for now just marvel, ;).

I purchased PinkerBell, 24 Carrot Gold, Sugar Plum Fairy, Rum Raisin, Coral-Line, NYX lip pencil in Purple Rain, Milani Haute Flash shimmer lip gloss in 

Have you hauled recently?  Have you tried any of these products before?  Tell me in the comments!

Urban Decay's The Fun Palette-Deets

Greetings!

Remember way back when I hauled from Urban Decay's sale section?  I got two eyeshadow palettes, the first one was the Rollergirl palette that I posted here and I finally had the chance to take pics of the other one, The Fun Palette.  For the most part, I found both of these palettes at a bargain price and knowing Urban Decay's reputation for a bangin' eyeshadow I gave in.  This particular palette comes with six glorious eyeshadows, a 24/7 eyeliner, and a small urban decay primer potion.  Oh, and per Urban Decay's consistency, you may or may not have these same eyeshadows in another Urban Decay palette already, but who's complaining?  ;)

Check the beauty out!

  
I love how Urban Decay has their palettes set up in a book binding case, it's the geek in me!  I really hope they don't stop doing this, considering they have a new eyeshadow formulation now and all. 

There are six eyeshadows in this palette, (in order that they appear in the palette & in pictures) Woodstock, Baked, Uzi, Sin, Flipside, and Psychedelic Sister.

Woodstock Eyeshadow

Baked Eyeshadow

Uzi Eyeshadow

Sin Eyeshadow

Flipside Eyeshadow

Psychedelic Sister Eyeshadow

The application is smooth on all the eyeshadows and I must admit extremely pigmented, so if you're a fan of sheer eyeshadow this palette is NOT for you!  My favorite out of the bunch is Baked and my least favorite is Uzi, talk about a glittery mess!  Uzi is such a difficult shade to manuever because it contains so much glitter, so beware, fallout is going to be a pain with this one.

Woodstock, Baked, Uzi

Sin, Flipside, Psychedelic Sister

Finally, here's Oil Slick, the 24/7 eyeliner pencil:

Oil Slick Eyeliner Pencil

Oil Slick is pretty much a black glitter pencil, goes on smooth. 

Would I recommend this?  I sure would!  So what are you waiting on?!  Get on the hunt!  Do you have this palette already?  Tell me in the comments! 

As Blue as the Clouds?

Greetings!

Clouds aren't blue though, they're white?  Unless I'm missing something.  lol  Anyway this week I had to dig deep for this nail color because honestly I forgot I owned it.  I must have purchased this nail color back when I was in high school and back then I didn't wear nail polish much and when I did it was a light color, like this one.  What i didn't realize then is how gorgeous this color really is!  It is a duochrome color, which I love, the other color being purple under certain lights.  This polish is from NK, a brand that I'm used to seeing at local beauty supply stores in my city.  They're cheap and come in an array of colors. 

NK - Cloud Blue

NK - Cloud Blue

So pretty, right?  I was really surprised that I turned out liking this color as much as I do because you know how it is, you dig something old up and realize why it was hidden for so long, but I'm glad to say that this was not the case with this gem!  The shade is in Cloud Blue and I would say that this is a pretty close representation of the sky rather than the clouds but still pretty nonetheless, lol.

Considering that this color is pretty old I'm not even sure that it's still made but I sure hope it is!

*EDIT:  I've looked all over the internet and can't find it!  :(  Hmmm.....perhaps a dupe for this could be lying somewhere in my collection, I'll make sure to report back with one soon.  :)*

What do you think?  Nice?  Tell me in the comments!

Versatile Blogger Award

Greetings All!

A couple of weeks ago I found out that I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award!  I'm glad and thankful that I was even considered by Rella over at Sincerely, Rella, THANK YOU GIRL!!

Along with this award comes a list of questions that I must answer and then pass on to other bloggers.  Here we go!


Award rules
1. Nominate fellow bloggers.
2. Inform the bloggers of their nomination.
3. Share 7 random things about yourself.
4. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award pic on your blog post.

7 random things about me
1.  I am a neat freak.
2.  My favorite sweet snack is Twizzlers.
3.  I have been natural for a year now.
4.  I am NOT on Facebook.
5.  I enjoy doing arts and crafts.
6.  My pet peeve is open doors.  Crazy, I know.
7.  I am the baby of my family.

Hmmmmm, who to nominate?  I nominate EVERYONE that is reading this!  ;) 

5 Things You Need to Know When Heading to the Cosmetics Counter

Greetings!

Earlier this week I went on about not being a fool for the hype and instead seeking to make good decisions based on research you've done to ensure that you've made the best product choice for you.  Well, that got me to thinking, since I opened up that can of worms I might as well let you in on the goodness of the rest of the pack....get it?  lol  Here's a list of 5 things I feel are imperative when you are out and about searching for cosmetics, period.

1.  Go with a friend. -  There's nothing like bringing an honest but kind friend with you to the counter that can assist you in your buying choices.  Now this friend doesn't have to be a professional makeup artist or cosmetologist, but you do want this friend to have some sense of beauty skills.  The ideal friend to bring on this outing would be the friend whom you'd want your makeup to match.  You know, that friend who's makeup is always on point and never overdone.  Remember, this friend is here to help you and not hurt you by making foolish comments about your taste, just use this individual as a buffer and a sense of reasoning in your buying decision.  You don't have to get everything that's in her stash, the purpose is to create a stash that matches your aesthetic.

2.  Try it on. -  I know, I know, no one wants to try the tester that's been used a gazillion times before you  and that's understandable but if you don't want to be caught in the fool's game of buying items just because they look pretty in the pan but turn out to look ashy on your skin then you better whip out your own, tissue, cotton pads, and alcohol and go.to.werk!  I've been there and trust me, I'm the woman that is quick to wave off the sales person for the sake of me not hurting her feelings because she's hounding me to purchase the new stock, I'm more of a slowly walks around the counter once, then walks around twice to try it on (with my hand sanitzer and alcohol in hand).  Also, the benefit to trying it on is so that you can see what it looks like on while walking around the store and see what reactions others give you.  If the reactions are positive, go for it, if not, then you know what to leave at the store for the next person.

3.  Ask for a sample. -  So many people are apprehensive about this but don't be, it's a part of the experience.  Why wouldn't you want to try something before buying it?  That's like buying a car before seeing the carfax.   If you can take the product home with you and wear for a day or two and not like it then there is no harm done because you don't have to go back and return it PLUS you can go back and try something else.  And if you do like it that means you can wait a little longer to get the full size when the sample finishes because you still have the sample to finish.  ;)

4.  Research a bit.  -  If you have an idea of what you're looking to purchase, let's say foundation, google foundation shades for your skin tone and see what other women who look like you are saying about what types are best for them, narrow the list down to what it is that you're looking for and use that final list as a guide to what it is you want to leave the store with.  From past experience I find that the less you know the more you can get suckered into making an impulse purchase, so if you walk in with a plan and a list then the salesperson can take you more seriously and engage you in the process rather than pick one out for you that he or she thinks will work for you.

5.  Make a friend at the counter.  -  The great thing about building a relationship with the counter person is that you'll now have an insider who knows when and what new products that suit your fancy will come in.  Beware that you do not get suckered into buying things you don't need off the fact that this person clued you in early.  Remember to be firm and decisive.  When you have a REALLY good relationship with the counter person they will become your ally in your future purchases, whether it be for skincare or beauty related.  This person will begin to know your needs and make recommendations based on your needs and your skin type.  Isn't that neat?  It's like having your own personal cosmetic shopper in a way.

What do you think?  Did I get everything?  Do you have anything else to add?  Tell me in the comments!

Sun Worshiper by China Glaze--One of my Faves for the Summer

Greetings!

This week I decided to up the ante and showcase one of my favorite nail colors that I like to rock during the summer months because it is an eye catcher!  This neon orange/yellow color is borderline glow in the dark at night and eye straining during the day.  This is definitely one of those colors that you can wear while on vacation or on a night out on the town, or whenever if you're like me. :)  Enough of the small talk, let's get to the business.

China Glaze-Sun Worshiper

Cute, right?  Now this is a cream finish and goes on rather opaque when using a white nail polish as a base color.  I used two coats to get my preferred finish and I think it came out great.  I also decided to add some dazzle to my ring finger because I'm extra like that.  LOL  That color is Nicole by OPI, Brilliant Idea, and brilliant it is.  The brush was a dream to work with, not too thin and not too thick.  The brush delivers just the right amount of product in each stroke and I was able to reach full opacity with three coats, not bad considering it dries pretty quick.

Nicole by O.P.I. - Brilliant Idea

What do you think?  Do you have this shade?  Love it or hate it? 

Don't Get Caught in the Hype!

Greetings!

A few years ago when I first begun getting serious about cosmetics I can recall having this uncontrollable desire to have it all.  When I say all, I mean it, if there was a YouTube video on it, a blog post dedicated to it, an endorsement by it, or even a mention of it in everyday conversation I was already on the prowl to purchasing that specific item.  Little did I know that was the wrong way to go about it.  I figured if this and this person liked it then I would too but in reality it was costly habit and along the way I ended up making some huge mistakes.  When I first gained interest in it all I felt that this was a brand new arena that has oodles of things to try and if I didn't try everything then I was missing out on the next best thing.  WRONG!  In reality, not everything works for everyone and girl, you could NOT tell me otherwise.  Let me tell you a story.....

A few years back there was an up and coming independent cosmetic line that received rave reviews all over the internet from some of my favorite gurus on YouTube.  I took the plunge and purchased a mass ton of items from that company and let me tell you, the items were lackluster and lacked any type of pigmentation!  I was so dissatisfied and angry with myself because I let the hype get to my head and in the end I was short some cash with a whole lot of bad products.  I couldn't return them and rather than make due with it all I had to throw it all away.  I couldn't believe that for a line that had so much acclaim could be this bad. 

Fast forward 9 months and those same YouTube gurus backpeddled on their claims on how wonderful and life changing those products were and then dedicated a video to bashing the company AND the owner.  Crazy, right?  Free products will make people do crazy things for the recognition.  smh  Because of all this and other experiences that followed it has made me one of the most cautious cosmetic purchases ever!  LOL  I will research a product to the ground, ESPECIALLY from independent cosmetic companies.  Not to say that independent cosmetic companies are all terrible because there are a handful that I know of that I can trust and recommend to others but for the many that I know of and have actually tried, I chose to stay away from.

So I say all this to let you know to be aware of what it is you're purchasing.  If you don't like parabens in your products, don't buy an item that has it for the sake of it being in trend, don't agree with a companies' ideology, then it's a no go for you.  Do and buy what works for you instead of going in head first with products you don't care for.  Also, it doesn't hurt to have a friend with you that will be able to tell you the truth about that new lip shade you want to try, when you're at a counter alone, of course the salesperson is going to persuade you into buying that uber pale lip color but when you get home, people will talk about you.....including me.....lol

Take heed yall!  Any questions?  Leave them in the comment section. :)

Wine Not? Why Wouldn't You?

Greetings!

I hope all is well with you all and that your week is going by just as fast as the spring weather.  Is it just me or has summer just pushed spring aside to get ALL the attention?!  I'm saying, this heat is ridiculous!  So why not indulge in the richness of the weather and add a little nostalgic red to your nails?  That's why I did!

Today I bring you Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Wine Not, a deep red color that is typically more fall ready but can be worn year round because red nail polish NEVER goes out of style.  The Complete Salon Manicure line is supposed to mimic salon results without the salon hassle with Vita-Care Technology, intended to increase wear time with more shine and care.  Okay, okay, I dig it, but does it really?  Take a look see....

Do you like?  As for the claims of its increased longevity I would have to agree, I've been wearing this for a week and a half and I have experienced little to minimal chipping and I almost forgot to switch up my colors because I had thought that it was done a week ago.  Needless to say I'm going to hold on for a few more days to make it an even two weeks, how neat is that?!

I really wish I would have taken a picture of the brush because it is thicker and shorter than most nail polish brushes and this is usual for polish lines to include a thicker and shorter bristled brush when introducing a "salon-like" line.  The purpose of this is for the polish to apply more evenly in fewer brush strokes.

I think Sally Hansen did it right again and I look forward to getting more polishes from this line, like I need another.

So what do you think?  Yay or nay?  Tell me in the comments!

Tell Me How You Feel....Part 6

Greetings!

How many of you either begrudgingly or enthusiastically watch the Basketball Wives reality television show?  *raises hand*  As much as I hate to admit it you can on occasion catch me watching the shocking portrayal of minority women, *weeps* but it isn't the reason why many people are taking note of this portrayal and calling for action to cancel the show and perhaps any follow up series behind it, but instead I'd like to call it "artistic curiousity" is the reason why I chose to tune in.  I must admit that after the most recent episode I just may be calling it quits because of the constant schoolyard bullying demonstrated by a couple of key cast members.  I didn't like seeing it in grade school and I don't like seeing it now.

But back to my "artistic curiousity", every week I catch a rerun of the show to see the makeup of the cast members, vain, I know, but it's the truth.  Although, it isn't as glamorous as the backstage prep of a major fashion show it is what is feeding my satiated creativity levels.  We all can admit that we've taken a glance at a screen shot and mentioned whether someone's concealer was overdone or whether or not this person had too much blush on, the only difference is that we're mentioning this together while in the same room, but we have done this before.

So, what do you do when you look past the makeup of the women and start to actually be engaged in the subject matter of the show?  I must say, not that I was unaware of the petty cat fights and the loose language being fired on the show I was not concerned with the behaviors of the women because it was not my intent to be entertained by this show but rather take note on the makeup application.  This gets me to thinking on the old saying, "pretty is as pretty does".  Do you think a person can still be attractive despite being ready to throw around bottles at the tick of a timewatch or does having a potty mouth automatically make you an ugly person?

I'd like to think that the person's internal goodness is equated with their external appearance but that is in an ideal world and we are not living in an ideal world.  As for me I agree that the two go hand in hand but that is not to say that you can't blurb a few profanities every now and then and automatically be placed in a box of "ugly", I'd prefer that all that "extra" is kept to a minimum, simply because it is annoying and demeaning.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!  What do you think?  Tell me in the comments!

It's a Celebration for Blue Ivy!

Greetings!

Now that Blue Ivy is becoming more and more familiar with her surroundings I'm sure it is now time that she start to remember the color wheel, starting with the color blue of course.  If you've noticed her famous mother around town you'll also know that she's been wearing various shades of the color which I'm guessing is a homage to the newest addition to the family.  Well done, B!  There have been many assumptions on exactly what colors she's been sporting but around these parts I always make sure to deliver the goods at a reasonable cost....sometimes. ;)

Today I bring you, Outrageous....

Now tell me that isn't beautiful!  Such a royal blue that stands out among the other blues I have in my collection and trust me it's just as pretty in person. 

The company is called Jade based out of Richmond, CA.  Before my friend gifted this to me I had never heard of the company and as a matter of fact, I could only find them to be sold on eBay from sellers.  I'm not sure where she got it from but I'm glad she decided to get it for me!  :)  If you know where one can get these from please make sure to drop a line in the comments.

This is a cream formula and has no noticeable shimmer in it.  However, upon application I did notice that the polish got thicker with each stroke making it harder every time to pass a coat but I was committed to struggle through.  LOL  Would I buy this for myself?  Probably not, mainly because I'm not familiar with the company and I also can't find it anywhere else AND the thickness of the product turns me off.

Nonetheless, still pretty. 

What do you think?  Yay or Nay?  Are you now on a hunt for this polish?  Let me know in the comments!