Archive for May, 2009

I’ve been so lazy…

And not updating for the last week or so… I apologize to you all!  I don’t know what’s wrong lately, but I haven’t been very inspired.  I’ll definitely be updating this weekend!  I’ll probably add in another review or recipe – And since the sun looks like it’ll be back out to play, I’ll even try to get in a KOTD!  So, my apologies, but definitely look for some posts this weekend!

Review: MAC Dazzle Lash Mascara

 

MAC Dazzle Lash

Product: 3 of 5
Packaging: 5 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 4 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Would I repurchase?
  I would repurchase this.  And while I’m sure there’s a drugstore mascara that can give me the same look, I figure why not spend a bit more and know I already like it.

::: The Product :::
M.A.C. describes Dazzle Lash as “A mascara that instantly creates a starburst dazzle effect. The trick lies in a new compact-sized, slightly sculpted brush applicator that singles out and pushes lashes to go bigger, bolder, longer, with a plush, glamorous curve. A rich application that delivers what you want: dazzling long lashes.”

Dazzle Lash is available in two colors: Dazzle Black and Star Brunette.  As with all M.A.C. products, the packaging is black, and the brand name is written across the bottom of the tube in white.  The cap has a funky embossed design.  Each tube contains 0.28 oz. of product. 

::: The Ingredients :::
Water\aqua\eau, copernicia ceriferia (carnauba) wax\cera carnauba\cire de carnauba, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate, polyisobutene, silica, polyvinyl acetate, aminomethyl propanediol, vp/eicosene copolymer, isostearic acid, panthenol, tocopheryl acetate, sodium hyaluronate, pantethine, simethicone, hydroxyethylcellulose, lauroyl lysine, chlorphenesin, peg-9 dimethicone, chloroxylenol, 1,2-hexanediol, phenethyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, disodium edta, potassium sorbate  [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci77163), blue 1 lake (ci 42090) carmine (ci 75470), chromium hydroxide green (ci 77289), chromium oxide greens (ci 77288), ferric ferrocyanide (ci 77510), ultramarines (ci77007), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140)]

::: My Experience :::
I have learned not to expect too much from a  mascara… Everytime I do, my heart sinks when it lets me down.  So, while I didn’t expect much from M.A.C. Dazzle Lash, I didn’t expect what I got either.

Now, were my lashes bolder, bigger or thicker?  Nope!  Not even a little.  What I actually got was separated NATURAL looking lashes.  I was quite surprised, and pleasantly so.  I consider M.A.C. Plush Lash my “WHAM BAM!” mascara, so I guess this can be my “my lashes but better” mascara.

Application was simple, and wasn’t messy.  The mascara actually applies well, and I’m pretty sure the separation is thanks to the tree-shaped brush.  It’s definitely smaller than your normal mascara brush, and it doesn’t grab a lot of product to gloop onto the lashes – which is always a plus.  The product isn’t too wet or too dry, and it dries rather fast too.

Not once have I had issues with smudging, flaking or raccoon eyes.  As for washing off, this is a cinch IMHO.  I didn’t have any issues either with Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover or Philosophy Purity Made Simple.

::: Overall :::
I will most definitely be buying this again, even if it costs a pretty penny.  I figure if it works, stick with it.  I’m tired of searching for the next best mascara.  I have all I could want between Plush Lash and Dazzle Lash… And I actually find myself reaching for this mascara the most :)

NOTD: OPI Who Needs A Prince w/ NYX Purple Heart Glitter

Yes, I still have the same crappy camera and the same woes with the one I have.  I try, I really do.  Alas, I cannot get a clear picture to save my life.  

ANYWHO!  Enough about the lousy camera!  My dear friend, MsCuppyCakes, sent me some polishes to review for her site.  Of course I was only too happy when I received them.  I had on NYX Lingerie yesterday, but I’ll have to give it another go so I can take pics.  I wanted to do something purple to “match” my toes since I planned on wearing open-toed shoes today (which I didn’t LOL).  I decided on OPI Who Needs A Prince, and figured I would use NYX Girls Special Glitter Polish in #250.

I don’t know if you remember Scrangie’s post with the Nicole by OPI Valentine colors, but if not, the hearts are just like them.  However, there isn’t any glitter to the base coat.  I did as Scrangie suggested in her post and fished out the hearts with a toothpick.  I did two per nail, except my thumb, which I did three hearts on.  Love it, love it, love it!  It’s not even hard to do, so no worries there.  I can’t wait to use the blue hearts and gold stars she sent too!  I’ll be sure to post pics!

Oh dear me! I love my Konad!

So, I got my Konad today and I’m excited!  I did a few test stamps to see what it was like, and I was squealing like a little kid in a candy store LOL!  My poor DH probably thinks I’m crazy LOL!  I’ll definitely have to play around with it more tomorrow and Saturday so I can hopefully use the stamp and have a nice KOTD for Monday.  I just wanted to share my quick bit of excitement LOL!

Ah, and oldest DD had her school performance tonight.  That was pretty cool.  Last one of the year before she moves on to the 6th grade… I can’t even think about it, or else I’ll want to cry.  One going into Kindergarten and one going into 6th grade!  Too much to think about!  LOL!

New Beauty Products for Summer 2009

CLINIQUE – Bronze Evolves
Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher (Limited Edition) – $29.50: “Long-wearing multitoned powder blends together to create a sheer, subtle radiance. Sweep over face for an allover, luminous glow or brush on cheekbones to highlight.”
Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 – $14.00: “Lip gloss juiced up with 8 hours of lasting shine. Spends every minute comforting lips. In 18 glistening shades from sheer to full intensity. Moisture makes each one even more mouth-watering. Protects lips, too. Welcome to our juice bar.”
Almost Bronzer SPF15 (Light/Medium & Medium/Dark) –  $28.50: “Sheer bronzing duo protects with broad-spectrum SPF 15. Versatile formula lets you customize and build your bronze from sun kissed to suntanned. Provides a natural look all-year round. Long-wearing. Oil free.”

BOBBI BROWN – The Nautical Collection
Sheer Color Gloss (Limited Edition) – $20.00: “Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season’s punchy shades. Available in four shades.”
Sheer Color Cheek Tint – $22.00: “Bobbi’s new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Comes in a swivel-up stick for portability, convenient and easy application. Available in six shades.” 

LAURA MERCIER – Bronze Goddess Collection
HydraTint SPF15 – $22.00: “Laura Mercier HydraTint SPF 15 is a multi-purpose lip balm combining long-lasting moisture, SPF protection and sheer natural colour.”  Available in 8 colors.
Sun-Free Gradual Self-Tanner – $38.00: “Laura Mercier Sun-Free Gradual Self-Tanner imparts a safe and natural-looking summer tan. The deeply moisturizing formula hydrates skin, while providing both instant shimmer and a buildable sun-kissed glow.”
Body Bronzing Makeup – $38.00: “Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup instantly reveals healthy, radiant, bronzed skin without long-term commitment.”
Bronzing Gel – $32.00: “Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel is a lightweight gel bronzer that smoothes on evenly and blends perfectly leaving the skin refreshed and hydrated.”

Oh! Blog changes!

Yes, yours truly has changed her blog layout/theme AND blog name!  I’m officially “Beauty & The Georgia Peach.”  Cute, huh?  I like it!  I opted for something more sophisticated in a theme too.  I’m getting fancy here now LOL! 

I must say, I do like the new site… Yes, I do, I do!  DH likes it too, and I know he could probably care less LOL!  (The only thing bugging me is that links are underlined no matter what I do!  It’s driving me bonkers!)  At least this is something to brighten up the crappy day I had.  Looks like the nails are getting neglected tonight, which wasn’t supposed to happen.  I was too busy tinkering with the site… Maybe I should go do the nails now?  LMK how you like this :)

I can’t wait!!! *squeals*

My awesome friend ordered some Konad for me for Mother’s Day!  *Happy dance*

I picked the double-sided stamper with scraper and plates m51, m60 and m65.  She ordered from OC Nail Art, who offers free shipping on orders over $20, and she used a 20% off code from Scrangie’s site.  The best part?   She just ordered yesterday, and they’ve already been shipped!  W00T!  Now that’s some fast service!  

They’re being delivered to me at work, so I’ll be ready to jump out the door when I get the package LOL!  I’ll just bet I have at least 2-3 hours left of my day too… Might have to wait to check the mail at the last minute Wednesday and Thursday just in case LOL!

I’ll be sure to post pics, even if they’re super crappy, as soon as I do my first KOTD (Konad of the Day)… I need to start planning it!  Don’t I sound like a giddy little schoolgirl?  LOL!  It’s the simple things that tend to make me happy!

My Mother’s Day Gift

It was essentially to myself, but we’ll say it’s from the DH and DDs :D

ChG Fairy Dust
ChG Coral Star

Orly Cashmere Cardigan 

Finger Paints Ripe Peach
Finger Paints Lilac Lagoon
Finger Paints Strawberry Shake

I’ll have to do reviews soon.  I have on Fairy Dust now over Essie Jackie Oh My, and me like!  Though I do like it, I immediately wanted to change it!  I have no idea why, so don’t ask me LOL!  I’m also wearing ChG Coral Star on my toesies, and I LUV it!  Gorgeous color, and I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for every skintone.

I can say the FPs are pretty sheer, and seem like they’ll be 3-4 coaters.  Not exactly fun stuff, but we’ll make it work!  And of course, the long awaited (for me) Cashmere Cardigan is just too fab!  I think that’s the mani I’ll wear for Tuesday… I need to get a dotting tool so I can do some polka dots!

Blog name change?

Part of me thinks I should change my blog name… Alas, I can’t think of anything I like a lot.  Well, I did come up with two names, but one I totally couldn’t use and the other I couldn’t find a theme to “match” the name.

So, I’ve come up with two more names, and I’m hoping to use one of them.  I’ll keep it to myself for now until I make a final decision.

That being said, Happy Mother’s Day!

Weekly Blog Check!

I’m going to start TRYING to post a blog check for other blogs at least once a week.  Basically, I’ll be posting links with descriptions to other blogs that I think are worth checking out.

Scrangie has posted information regarding Zoya’s fall 2009 limited edition matte polishes: Loredana – gunmetal grey matte shimmer, Dovima – black matte shimmer and Posh – wine matte shimmer.  The release date is scheduled for July 1.

Konad Contest at OC Nail Art – Find out how to enter and possibly win The B Kit (aka Luxury Kit) featuring 4 of the coolest Konad plates (m4, m8, m15 & m21), as well as red, white and green special stamping polish, stamper and scraper.  Even better, if you win, so does your fave blogger!  Bloggers I know to have the link: Scrangie & Polish Pixie.

Check out some awesome frankens (custom-made polishes) from Dr. Frankenpolish.  She’s only too awesome!  Be sure to check into Ice Veil and Sparkling Clean Slate (I’d TOTALLY pay for these colors)!

Steph’s Closet has swatches of the Dior Summer 2009 limited edition polishes – Paprika, Grenade and Sweet Orange.  Each polish is available through a different retailer.  Yours truly is DYING to own Grenade!

Yet another giveaway to enter into!  Style-ish has information on the Pamper Me Beauty Basket Giveaway (via Lessons On The Little Stuff), which contains such goodies as Dove Deodorant ~ Original Clean, Dove Beauty Bar, Dove Skin Vitalizer with Refill Pack, Glade Angel Whispers Candle, Chapstick 100% Naturals Botanical Medley, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Need a good laugh?  Check out Cake Wrecks for some professional cakes which went horribly wrong!