NYC New York Color – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Affordable Spring Makeup For a Fresh, Fun Look!

I have to admit that I wear a lot of neutral makeup including brown eye shadows and liners and nude lips. But as the weather turns warmer, I do start incorporating bright shades and shimmers into my look.

The products below are from NYC New York Color, Rimmel London and Hard Candy. Not only are they great products, they are affordable, too! None are over $8. Affordable products make it easy to treat yourself. Check these out:

ExtraordiBERRY

Deep Grey

Dark Plum and Light Pink

NYC New York Color Get It All Lip Color ($2.99 USD) — Comfortable and creamy texture in a long-lasting formula. Intense, vibrant and shiny finish. Non-drying formula wears up to four hours. Available in 10 bold shades.

NYC New York Color Kajal Eye Pencil ($2.99 USD) — Creamy, soft, and smooth texture glides easily over the skin, offering coverage and intense color in one stroke. Cone-shaped applicator gives you maximum precision and helps you achieve luxuriously lined lids. Available in four ultra pigmented shades: Deep Brown, Deep Grey, Purple Glam, True Black

Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Double-Ended Shadow and Liner ($6.47 USD) — Get magnified eyes in two easy, mess-free steps. Rimmel’s spectacular 2-in-1 eye pencil delivers ultra-intense, long lasting color for stand-out eye-looks. The dual-tipped pen features a stay true shadow at one end and a 24 hour kohl kajal liner at the other, which can be used on both the lash and water line. Just draw on the drama! The formula is creaseproof, transferproof and waterproof. Available in five strong shade combos in matte, shimmer and pearl finishes.

What I think: The NYC New York Color Get It All Lip Color combines color and moisture, like a tinted lip balm with more pigment. I love how this feels on and it does last for a few hours. The NYC New York Color Kajal Eye Pencil is so creamy and glides easily across the lid (so important as I get older)! The color is very pigment and wears fairly well.

I love the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Double-Ended Shadow and Liner. These stay on all day, which is important as the weather gets warmer. The liner applies easily and stays on well. The shadow blends really well.

These products are available at a mass market retailer near you.

White Haute Hard Candy Beauty — hite Haute Hard Candy Beauty

Hard Candy’s Sheer Envy Primer Mist ($8 USD) — Lightweight primer mist that hydrates skin and revitalizes radiance in the skin. Infused with coconut water to boost hydration benefits for up to 12 hours. Leaves the skin soft, smooth and supple.

Hard Candy’s Illuminate & Strobing Mix In Drops ($8 USD) — Multi purpose iridescent facial enhancer that instantly creates a radiant and dewy completion. Use alone or mix in a moisturizer or foundation.

Hard Candy’s Eye Def in Wicked White ($6 USD) — Chrome crayon for a shimmering pop of color. Soft creamy application that works on the entire lid or the lash line.

Hard Candy’s Illuminate & Strobing Face Duo Stick ($6 USD) — Customizable duo that features two illuminating shades. Instantly creates a radiant and dewy complexion.

What I think: I love a primer mist. This is very light and smells nice (probably the coconut water). Since this is hydrating, it can also be used as a setting spray.

The Mix in Drops are my favorite of these products. The little glass bottle with dropper is really cute and retro looking. The drops are so nice to strobe with. You can use a little or a lot.

I haven’t tried the Eye Def in Wicked White, but I think it would be nice on the inner lash line and the inner corners of the eyelid to brighten the eye. The Illuminate & Strobing Face Duo Stick is gorgeous! There is a lighter and a bit darker/warmer shade. Both are so nice on cheekbones, on the brow bone, cupid’s bow, etc.

Hard Candy Cosmetics are available for purchase exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com.

Hard Candy Lashaholic Big Fake and Ginormous Biggest Fan

Hard Candy Lashaholic Big Fake ($7 USD) — Quick glide formula that smoothes across the lashes to evenly coat and lengthen. Maximum bristle brush will curl, separate and lift lashes for a noticeable difference. Available in Blackest Carbon Black.

Hard Candy Ginormous Biggest Fan ($6 USD) — Fanned out brush that instantly defines and curls lashes for bigger and brighter eyes. Easily wraps every lash with exceptional volume from root to tip. Available in Blackest Carbon Black.

What I think: Both of these are nice separately, but I love wearing a coat of each. Lashaholic Big Fake gives tons of volume and length. Ginormous Biggest Fan separates and curls lashes. Together, wow! I have tiny, straight lashes though. Both work well on their own, too.

The Hard Candy collection is available only at Walmart and Walmart.com

What affordable makeup are you loving now? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of April 4-10, 2016

I am enjoying this Spring so far (except for my allergies) — the weather is getting warmer and flowers are blooming! I love going outside and am thinking of planting fresh flowers soon.

This week I am loving fresh spring makeup for eyes and contouring. I was sent the following products for my honest review:

Cargo Cosmetics’ Eye Contour in Lighter Bases

Cargo Cosmetics’ Eye Contour in Warmer Bases

Cargo Cosmetics’ Eye Contour Eye Shadow Palette ($28 USD each) — Lift, define, and highlight eyes like a pro in three easy steps! Expertly coordinated light, medium and dark shades work together to make your eyes appear more even, defined and highlighted. Classic and dramatic eye looks are simple to achieve with directions for the lid, crease and outer corner shades and placement. Warm and cool tones enhance the eyes and flatter every complexion. Velvety smooth formula applies effortlessly for easy blending! Paraben Free. Includes 6 matte shadows, 1 matte and 1 shimmer shadow base.

What I think: I have this in the Warmer Bases palette. I love that there are large pans of shimmer and matte base because those colors are very pretty on their own. The shadows are well-pigmented and blend nicely. The Warmer Bases palette is great for smoky and dramatic eye looks.

Available in two color combinations at CargoCosmetics.com, Ulta.com, select Kohl’s Departments Stores and Kohls.com/Beauty

Rimmel London Kate Sculpting Palette ($6.47 SD) — Known for her infamous cheekbones and her unique sense of style, Kate Moss has collaborated with Rimmel to create her very own Rimmel Sculpting & Highlighting Kit. Using her expertise in sculpting gained from years of experience Kate has collaborated with Rimmel to design a palette made up of three silky soft pressed powders to highlight, contour and define your face. Perfect for every face shape and skin tone, the silky soft powders seamlessly blend with your natural skin tone to create a healthy, radiant, sculpted look.

The easy-to-use kit features:

Soft shimmer powder to highlight
Matte shading powder to contour
Powder blush for definition and colour

Use a little colour for a natural, everyday contoured look. Or be bold with a dramatic sculpted look. Each of the powder shades can also be used separately.Ready to sculpt and contour like a celeb? Get the London look.

Available Shades: #001 Golden Sands – for fair skin, #002 Coral Glow – for fair to medium skin, #003 Golden Bronze – for medium to dark skin

What I think: The shade in the above photo is the one that I have, Golden Sands. I have light skin and this works well on me. The colors are light and so easy to blend. It’s a really soft, spring look. I think for the summer the Coral Glow would work better, because the contour is a little darker. There is a shade for almost everyone!

Purchase at us.rimmellondon.com

NYC New York Color Individual Eyes Eye Shadow Palette ($4.99 USD) — An all-in one palette containing a primer, four complimentary shadow shades, a highlighter and a gel liner. Each palette comes with step-by-step instructions for easy application.

Available Shades: three shade ranges: (link to all available shades: http://www.newyorkcolor.com/en/makeup/individualeyes-eye-shadow-palette)

The Nudes Collection: soft, warm neutrals available in Beige Nudes, Pink Nudes and Bronze Nudes

The Basics Collection: brown tones for each eye color, including Green Eyes Basics, Blue Eyes Basics and Brown Eyes Basics

The Smokey Eyes Collection: sultry options of Smokey Charcoals and Smokey Violets

What I think: I received two palettes to try –Brown Eyes Basics and Pink Nudes. I LOVE the Pink Nudes, they are soft colors that look great on. The Brown Eyes Basics are a collection of brown shadows that I think would look nice on all eye colors. The base, eyeliner and highlighter are creams that are very creamy. A little goes a long way. The eyeliner lasts a long time. The lighter shadows need a few coats to get the perfect shade, but the darker colors are well-pigmented.

Available at http://www.newyorkcolor.com

What Spring makeup are you loving? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of February 22-28, 2016

Are you watching the Oscars tonight? I have Downton Abbey and the Walking Dead to enjoy, but I do appreciate the glamour of the Academy Awards.

Speaking of glamour, I have been loving sexy, nude lip colors and volumizing hair products:

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate 41

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate 42

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate 43

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate ($5.79 USD) — Nude lips are having a major moment. Whether you’re a delicate rose or a caramel beauty, every girl needs the perfect au naturel lipstick. The Nude Collection stars ten new shades of Lasting Finish Lipstick, each carefully created by Kate. You’ll love the tan nude hue of shade #043, flattering for girls with warm undertone. Add warmth to skin with three pretty nude pink shades: #040, #041 and #042. Brighten-up your look with coral-hued #044, rose-tinted #045 and olive nude #046. Or give dimension to lips with the brandy, chocolate and coffee tones of #047, #048 and #049. Find your fave then go nude with total confidence and a full-on London attitude. Don’t know which nude is right for you? Keep an eye out for Rimmel lipstick map on social media platforms to find your perfect nude.

What I think: I received the four lightest shades, 40-43. They are all perfect for my skintone. I think 41 is my favorite, because it has a pink tone to it. I usually share makeup I receive, but I am hoarding all four shades because I love them all! This lipstick is so moisturizing and looks amazing on. I might have to go get a few more! LOVE!!!

Purchase at Walmart stores.

NYC New York Color Expert Last Matte Lip Color (3.99 USD) — With a comfort of a gloss and a color impact of a matte lipstick, the NYC NEW YORK COLOR Expert last matte lip lacquer offers you the most glamorous look ever. With High Impact, explosive color, a velvet smooth, non-sticky finish and full coverage, this gloss has it all. Available shades: Bowery Matte Berry, Riverdale Matte Red, Noho Matte Nude (above).

What I think: Even though it is a huge trend, I haven’t tried many matte lipsticks. I do like this one. It is affordable and the nude is a great color. When I applied it, it dried down to a moisturizing matte, and it wasn’t drying at all. I have issues with lipstick traveling under my lip, but this didn’t!

Purchase at mass market retailers.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Forever Full Hairpsray

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse ($6.99 USD) — Instantly boosts volume in all 3 dimensions: Fullness, thickness & lift. Luxurious volume line builds fullness at the roots, thickens individual strands and increases lift for noticeably thicker, full-bodied hair with up to 110% more fullness, 50% more thickness and 90% more lift.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Forever Full Hairpsray ($6.99 USD) — Lightweight, ultra-fine spray offers the extra hold and body crucial to high-volume styles.

Creates all-day volume, for fine hair. Hair looks natural; stays full and uplifted all day.

What I think: I love some volume in my hair, so I was excited to try these products. Both products do add lots of volume. I apply the mousse on damp hair and it doesn’t leave it sticky. I dry my hair and add the hairspray. It keeps the volume going. I also like to spray my hair, pile it up on the top of my head and let it dry. When I take my hair down, it is big and bouncy. Fun for going out!

What have you been loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — Week of November 16-22, 2015

It’s almost Thanksgiving (and Black Friday)…can you believe it? This year has flown by. It will be the holidays soon. As the weather turns colder and I get busier, I am trying to take care of myself (I have a cold now) and my skin and hair.

Below are my current faves. They include cool French skincare, affordable BB makeup and hair care to help thinning hair.

What are you using and loving now? Please leave a comment and let me know!

Filorga is a luxury skincare brand founded in France (and currently the #4 bestselling skincare brand there). Their products are world-class, developed by a scientific committee of internationally renowned experts (physicians, pharmacists, biologists, cosmetologists).

Anti-Aging Miceller Solution Physiological Cleanser and Makeup Remover ($29 USD) — This Anti-Aging Miceller Solution by Filorga is a fragrance-free cleansing liquid that removes even waterproof makeup and ensures effortless, gentle makeup removal from the eye area. It won’t sting eyes, it respects your skin’s physiological balance and leaves it comfortable without any tightness or redness.

Skin-Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum ($79 USD) — With its triple-action formula, this serum by Filorga tautens facial contours while restoring the structure and density of youthful skin.

What I think: I’m loving the Miceller Solution. It is so easy to get a clean face and it leaves my skin soft and glowing. The serum smooth the skin with continued use, should help sagging skin. I really like this line so far and am excited to try more products in the future.

Available for purchase at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com

NYC Smooth Skin BB Crème Instant Matte

NYC Smooth Skin BB Perfecting Powder

NYC Smooth Skin BB Crème Bronzed Radiance

NYC New York Color has created a trio of BBs that deliver perfect skin in an instant. With tinted crèmes and pressed powders, the NEW Smooth Skin BB Trio from NYC New York Color improves the appearance of your skin.

Smooth Skin BB Crème Instant Matte ($3.99): Refine your skin instantly with this smoothing and hydrating long-wearing crème with an effortlessly matte finish. Available in light matte and medium matte.

Smooth Skin BB Perfecting Powder ($3.99): Get everything you love about BB crèmes in a long-lasting pressed powder that covers imperfections and evens skin tone, acting as a second skin with a velvety, matte finish. Available in Naturally Beige and Warm Beige.

Smooth Skin BB Crème Bronzed Radiance ($3.99): Brighten and beautify your skin with this perfecting BB crème with a built-in bronzer that minimizes pores and fine lines to leave skin looking bronzed and healthy. Available in Light Bronze and Medium Bronze.

What I think: I love the BB matte foundation! Most of the BB’s I have tried are heavy on and a bit greasy. This turns matte on skin, but not dry. The powder is perfect for days that you want the coverage in an instant. It also give a matte finish. The bronzer is glowy without being a glitter bomb. I have it in Light Bronze and it is the perfect amount of color for my pale skin! These are very effective and so affordable!

Available at stores like Ulta and http://www.ulta.com

HairMax for den•si•ty ACTIVATOR ($45 USD) — Fortify and enrich the scalp with this breakthrough, high performance, leave in serum spray. This unique peptide complex, designed for thinning hair is loaded with a proprietary blend of follicle boosting ingredients to nourish the scalp and encourage naturally thicker, stronger, healthier looking hair.

What I think: The advancements in treating thin hair are truly amazing! This serum is so easy to use. Used once a day, it makes hair thicker. Plus, it smells really nice and fresh and make hair super soft! Hopefully over time, it will stimulate follicles to make hair grow.

Available at www.hairmax.com

Makeup Shades That Transition From Summer To Fall

I am so excited that fall will be here soon! It is my favorite season. But, as it still is summer, very dark makeup isn’t appropriate yet (for me).

So, I have been playing with color for eyes and lips and am still enjoying the contouring and strobing trends. Below are my current favorite products.

Palladio the Definer Contour and Highlight Crayon ($12 USD) — A unique two-sided super-soft contouring jumbo crayon that is the perfect tool for defining and refining facial features. It helps contour any face shape to create a more defined appearance. It thins a round face, softens a square jawline, narrows a wider nose and defines cheekbones. It contains a highlighting shade to illuminate and soften shadows and a darker shade to accentuate and define features.

What I think: contouring and strobing are such hot trends right now. This affordable crayon works so well for both. I draw lines with the darker end to areas that I want to thin, like my jawline. The lighter end can be used to strobe on the cheeks, which really brings attention to the cheekbones!

Available at http://www.palladiobeauty.com

Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard ($9 USD) — Perfect your red lip for this upcoming Labor Day Weekend with Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard, For a truly beautiful matte lip color in a modern crayon you can stand out on your holiday weekend. The lightweight moisture gives for a comfortable, everyday wear formula infused with Shea Butter, Kendi Oil, and Jojoba Oil your lips will stay moisturized.

What I think: What a perfect color for summer and fall! It looks great with a neutral eye. It’s very moisturizing and feels amazing on and gives lots of fun color!

Learn more and purchase at http://www.burtsbees.com

Add a little shimmer and sparkle to your Labor Day weekend by applying Josie Maran’s Coconut Watercolor ($18, ) for an instant glow to your eyes. 50% Coconut Water, 100% Hydration. Like a refreshing sip of coconut water for your eyes, this pigment-packed liquid shadow instantly makes eyes look and feel more hydrated. It has two layers: one layer of fresh Coconut Water, and one layer of Argan-infused pigments that instantly give eyes a more youthful appearance.

What I think: This is so interesting. When first applied, its cool and light, but it dries down to a long lasting shadow in about a minute. I like to blend it with my finger before it dries for a softer look. So pretty!

Purchase at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

NYC New York Color 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow ($2.99 USD) — Incredible staying power inspired by the city that never sleeps! Want round the clock color that never fades or creases? This chubby, waterproof eye shadow delivers vibrant color for up to 24HR wear! In eleven on trend shades perfect for any look, just twist, glide and go!

What I think: I think these are pretty great for under $3! My favorite is Central Park Tulips, the purple shade from the photo above. It’s a gorgeous grape that when blended gives a softer look, but I think it will be a really fun pop of color for fall! The lightest shade, Murray Hill Champagne, is a great highlighter with the purple. Apply it under the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye for a gorgeous look!

Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

Rimmel London Wonder’lash Lift Me Up Mascara ($8.99 USD) — The latest mascara from Rimmel London makes it easier than ever to camouflage missed beauty sleep. New Wonder’lash Lift Me Up Mascara with Cucumber & Vitamins is like an energy boost for your lashes, perfect for hiding tell-tale signs of that late-night party. Infused with cucumber extract and bursting with vitamins, the nourishing formula helps lashes feel perfectly conditioned throughout the day. The cleverly-designed Precision Brush pushes lashes up and out from the lash line, delivering smooth, clump-free, totally uplifting volume. Define each and every lash with eye-opening volume. Its light and refreshing cucumber scent instantly refreshes your eyes, and its unique formula gives you a morning energy boost!

What I think: I have short, straight lashes so I always need a lash curler. But, I thought I would try this mascara without one. I was surprised to see that it lifted, lengthened and gave volume to my lashes! And it’s a drugstore mascara. I am so impressed. The cucumber scent is fun. The brush is hourglass shaped and is a little awkward to use, but after a few tries, my lashes look amazing!

Available at mass market retailers near you.

What are you loving now for makeup? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Faves Week of April 20-26, 2015

Spring is such a crazy season! It can be rainy one day, then sunny and warm the other. And don’t get me started on seasonal allergies…which is my least favorite part of spring!

I have been trying lots of different types of beauty products this week and thought I would review a random sample of my favorites. The one common denominator is that they are all fairly affordable and easy to find.

Below, you’ll find foaming shower gel, an affordable anti-aging skincare collection, beauty tools, fun eyelashes and

Rituals Zensation Foaming Shower Gel ($15 USD) — Zensation combines Organic Rice Milk, a natural ingredient that nourishes the skin and leaves it silky soft, with Cherry Blossom, the Japanese symbol of purity. Squeeze a small amount of gel into your hand – contact with water transforms the gel into a rich, relaxing foam.

What I think: I love this scent — it smells fresh and sweet, perfect for spring! It foams up in the shower and leaves the skin smelling amazing! I am obsessing over all of the Rituals scents I have tried!

Available at us.rituals.com.

For affordable and effective skincare, try the NEW Skin+Pharmacy Anti-Aging Collection. This clinically-tested line features time-release and UV-protective technology to target the visible signs of aging, and includes retinol day and night moisturizers, retinol eye creams, glycolic cream cleansers, and glycolic day moisturizer ($12-$20).

What I think: So far, my favorite product from this line is the Skin + Pharmacy Advanced Anti-Aging Therapy Glycolic Peel Pads ($20 USD). They are very easy to use — wipe clean face thoroughly with pad, leave product on for 10 minutes (less if your skin is sensitive) then wash off. Skin is smooth and glowing and pores look so much smaller! Love these and really love the price (20 for $20).

Learn more and purchase at http://www.cvs.com and CVS stores near you.

Beauty 360 Ergo Buffer ($5.99 USD) — Is a part of a new, premium beauty tools line available at CVS stores. This a 3-in-1 tool that shapes, smoothes, and shines nails, this 75-piece line delivers the ultimate in quality, precision and convenience!

What I think: This is so easy to get shaped and smoothed nails. It take a little time to get used to the design, but one you do, it’s a lot of fun! You can shape on one side, smooth on the other, and the inside is the shine buffer. I like to keep mine in my purse for nail emergencies.

Purchase and learn more about the line at http://www.cvs.com

A heritage brand 65 years in the making, Eylure is widely respected. From creating Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra look to collaborating with Katy Perry, the brand offers an elegant range of quality lash categories to cater to the individual consumer. As the first lash brand to come to market in 1947, the lash experts at Eylure present a collection with a concise range of eight categories that encompass every lash occasion. The eight categories, cover both strip, individual, and pre glued lashes.

What I think: These are so affordable! From $3.49 for the Katy Perry lashes to $9.99 for multiple lash packs, you can change your lash look whenever you wish! They are very easy to apply and include lash glue.

Available at Target, Ulta and Kohl’s.

An improved formula delivers extended wear and enhanced shine — still with the one stroke, one coat convenience that has made Sally Hansen Insta-Dri a cult favorite since 2009. Insta-Dri’s three-in-one formula combines base coat, color, and top coat in one bottle, making it even easier to have a glossy manicure in a minute. It dries in just 60 seconds, creating full-coverage color and shine without the wait.

The new spring shades are Re-teal Therapy, Plummet, In Nude-tral, Cherry Fast, Navy Fleet, Show Steel-er, Making Mauves, Leapin’ Lilac, Black to Black, Ablazing!, Quick Fire, Set Sail, Cocoa A Go Go, and Orange Zest.

What I think: I love how easy this is to apply and how fast it dries. Remember though, more coats means more drying time! I have been enjoying the softer colors like In Nude-tral and Making Mauves. But, the brighter colors are really nice on toe nails as sandal-season approaches.

Available at mass market retailers near you.

NYC New York Color 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow ($2.99 USD) This retractable chubby has a unique, pigment-packed formula for 24-hour waterproof wear. Color glides on smooth and stays crease-proof all day and all night. Try using it as a liner, or smudge with your finger for a smoky effect. Available shades: Wall Street Bronze, Brooklyn Mocha, Tribeca Taupe, 5th Ave Gold Rush, Murray Hill Champagne, Rockefeller Center Snowflakes, Empire State Building, New York At Night, Central Park Tulips, East River Romance and Madison Square Park.

What I think: If you like cream eyes shadows, these are affordable and easy to use. Plus, there is an array of pretty, natural shades for every day wear. The only thing is that they don’t spread very easily and need some working with to cover well. But for $2.99 each, grab a few and play!

Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

What products are you loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!

Punch Up Your Lip Color This Spring

I love changing my lip color a bit with the seasons. Spring makes me think of softer and brighter colors. I won’t go too bright, but I do love a good coral, pink and peach!

Below are some lip colors that I have been testing. All are different but really pretty and will get you ready for Spring!

NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain

NYC New York Color lets you smooch away without smooching away your lip color with the Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain ($4.99 USD). This longwearing lip stain stays put for hours, so you can kiss to your heart’s content.

This lightweight, transfer-proof stain delivers irresistibly smooth, vivid lip color all day long. With its precise felt tipped pen applicator system, lining lips and filling them in requires one easy step for lust-worthy lips that won’t budge.

What I think: This is a very affordable way to wear the new lip stains markers that are out now. I have been loving Orange on the Go. It’s a light, wearable orange that when I wear it alone, it looks like I’ve been eating a pop sickle, or I can put a shimmery gloss over it for a really fresh look.

Available in 13 smooch proof shades at drugstores nationwide

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms ($7 USD) For just a hint of color and a whole lot of conditioning. The Botanical Waxes in these softly tinted balms will take your lips to lovely in one pretty swipe. They come in a range of 9 naturally flattering shades, 4 of which are new! Blush Orchid, Caramel Daisy, Petunia and Sweet Violet.

What I think: LOVE! I have been wearing this every day in Petunia, a nude pink. It is so easy to swipe on and it looks more polished than a clear lip balm. And it is so moisturizing!

Available at mass market retailers and http://www.burtsbees.com

Jane Iredale Puremoist Lipstick ($25 USD) — Vivid pigments blend with nourishing natural oils and superfruit extracts for petal‐soft lips that feel, look and taste amazing.Ripe, juicy colors saturate the lips with 24 versatile shades that dress the lips with high‐impact color and sumptuous depth. The continuously creamy, rich and smooth formula glides on easily for long‐lasting color. The sleek tube is designed for easy and precise application.

What I think: The color I have been testing is Rikki. It is described as a bubble gum pink, but I think it’s more of a pretty rose. This is perfect when I want to go one step further than a colored balm. It is sheer, but so pretty! Perfect for work and the weekend because it lasts a few hours before needing to reapply!

shop.janeiredale.com

Face Stockholm Lipstick in Toffee ($22 USD) — Available in three formulas — traditional Creams for a rich creamy coverage, classic Mattes for color-saturation with no shine and subtle Veils for a sheer wash of moisturizing color.

What I think: Toffee is a cream and it goes on smooth and covers really well. This color is so perfect for spring. It is soft, but does give a pretty pop of coral.

Purchase at www.facestockholm.com.

Are you trying a new lip color this spring? What are you loving?

NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Eye Shadow

NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Eye Shadow ($2.99) is available in 10 glamorous shades. Dazzling sparkle adds a dramatic, light-catching appearance to the eye. The dust contains emollient ingredients for a soft, silky feel.

Light reflecting properties provide a dazzling sparkle and luminous appearance
The soft, silky powder is effortlessly blended to provide adjustable color coverage and intensity

I am really impressed with this shadow! It goes on smoothly and has great pigmentation. I have it in Smoky Topaz (above) and you can wear it lightly or apply layers to build the color to a deep, shimmering chocolate brown.

The applicator is a wand. I usually dot the product on my eyes and blend it in with a brush, but if you want a very pigmented look, swipe the applicator over your lid. Drama!

I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive great products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!

Enjoy!

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

I was lucky to recieve the NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact in Dark Shadows ($4.99 USD) complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. (Check out www.influenster.com to learn more and leave a comment if you would like an invitation to join!)

I was excited to try this shadow after loving the lipgloss I received in my Latina VoxBox!

I received the gray palette called Dark Shadows (I have brown eyes). I am not much of a fan of gray shadows, but these are nice. I use the lighter two shades, and they blend well and look pretty on.

My favorite part of this palette is the shadow base. It evens out the tone of my eyelid and helps shadows last! There is also a pan of cream illuminator. I like to use this under the brow bone and at the inner corner of the eye.

I would love to try this in a different color palette. It is affordable and a perfect travel palette!

Visit http://newyorkcolor.com/ to learn more and purchase.

Enjoy!

Influenster 2012 Beauty Bloggers VoxBox

I am so excited to have received the Beauty Bloggers VoxBox from Influenster.com! I received this free for the purpose of testing it and letting all of my fab readers know what I think of the products!

The products included are:

-NYC New York Color® IndividualEyes Custom Compact

-Kiss® Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit

-Bath & Body Works® Mini Candles

-Not Your Mother’s® Kinky Moves™ Curl Defining Hair Cream & Smooth Moves™ Frizz Control Hair Cream

-Goody® Simple Styles Spin Pin

-EBOOST®

Plus there were two bonus items that were given out by demographics. I received the Boots products:

-Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion, Cleansing Balm, & Night Cream

-Vitabath® Fragrance Mist

I have been trying all of the goodies and will be posting reviews in the next few days. Stay tuned!

Plus visit www.influenster.com to learn more. If you would like an invite to join Influenster leave a comment with your email address and I will send you one. I have four left to give out.