November 26, 2014

WingDust Collections When Oceans Rise Swatches & Review

Hello readers,
Time for another WingDust Wednesday! Today I have When Oceans Rise to show you. Funny story, when I originally purchased this I didn't even realize it was a thermal polish. I just saw gold leaf flakies and it was automatically added to my cart.

WingDust Collections WingDust Collections

When Oceans Rise features a shimmery light teal base with a sprinkling of small aqua glitters and lots of gold leaf flakies. It has also has a soft scatter holo in sunlight. The formula was great and I didn't have any issues with application. It took me three coats to get an opaque finish. This polish dries with a very slight grittiness so I suggest a generous coat of top coat to get a nice glossy finish. Swatch photos show three coats of When Oceans Rise in its warm state in daylight spectrum lighting. The polish's cold state is just a couple shades darker and is shown in the bottle and macro shots.

WingDust Collections WingDust Collections

WingDust Collections WingDust Collections

WingDust Collections WingDust Collections

WingDust Collections WingDust Collections

You can find WingDust Collections on:


Happy polishing,

Michelle

November 25, 2014

Too Faced Liquified Long Wear Lipstick In Melted Fuchsia and Melted Berry Swatches & Review

Hello readers,
Today I have a new obsession to share with you: liquid lipsticks.  Up until recently my mindset when it came to lip colours was subtle and shimmery.  Then, something clicked and all of a sudden bolder creams were a-OK.  These two colours are part of the Too Faced Melted Kisses holiday set.  I ended up splitting this set with a friend as the two lighter colours were to pale for my medium toned skin but the two darker colours look awesome.


Melted Berry is a rich hightly pigmented berry (surprise, surprise).  I find it sits right on the border between pink and red.  Though these lipsticks come with a applicator built into the tube I highly recommend using a lip brush to apply them.  It's much easier to stay within the lines that way.  The early winter weather has reeked havoc on my lips so I applied a layer of OCC lip tar primer to keep things moisturized underneath the liquid lipstick.  I have worn these directly on the lips as well and the colour payoff is identical.
Too Faced Melted Kisses Swatches
Too Faced Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Berry
Melted Fuchsia is a bright fuchsia with great pigmentation.  Again, using a lip brush to apply this was essential for me.  Like the photo of Melted Berry I did wear OCC's lip tar primer under the lipstick just to keep my lips nice and hydrated throughout the day.
Too Faced Melted Kisses Swatches
Too Faced Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Fuchsia
Overall I really love these lipsticks.  They're really comfortable to wear and have great pigmentation.  You can see the tiniest bit of bleeding around the top edges of my lips but this was the worse it ever got and was only noticeable if you look really closely.  I've purchased a clear lip liner to help with this in the future.  I found I had to touch these up every 3 hours or so.  However, if you don't have a chance to touch them up, don't worry.  I found these lipsticks left a nice stain on my lips so even as the lipstick wore off, there wasn't a drastic loss of colour or lips that looked patchy.  These liquid lipsticks get a thumbs up from me. You can find these along with many other shades at Too Faced Cosmetics.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

November 24, 2014

Black Friday 2014 Indie Polish & Cosmetics Sales

I've started compiling a list of Black Friday sales.  Check back often as I'll keep adding whenever I find more.

  • Alchemy Lacquers
    • 30% off regular nail colors (no code needed).
    • 10% off limited edition nail colors (no code needed).
    • November 28th to December 1st EST.
  • Alter Ego Nail Enamel
    • 30% off with code deal2014.
    • All orders will include a exclusive Ego created just for this event.
    • November 28th to December 1st.
  • Beyond The Nail
    • Free gift with every purchase over $20.
    • Now until Dec. 25. 
    • 40% off orders of $30+ with code BLKFRIDAY (November 28th only).
  • Black Cat Lacquer
    • 30% off with code BLACKESTFRIDAY.
    • Orders placed on November 28th will receive a free mystery polish.
    • November 28th to November 30th.
  • Blue-Eyed Girl Lacquer
    • December 1st: 25% with code BEGLCM.
    • Orders of $50 or more after discounts will receive a surprise gift with purchase.
    • Purchases between 7am and 9am EST will receive a randomly chosen mini polish.
  • Chirality Nail Polish
    • Minimum purchase $7: Use code 30DEEDSDONEDIRTCHEAP to receive 30% off your entire order and receive a free full-size, brand-new sprurpse holo polish.
    • Use code POURA40FORMYHOMIE to receive 40% off your entire order and receive a free mini bottle of a randomly chosen Chirality polish. 
    • Use code 50SHADESOFGRAVY to receive 50% off your entire order.
    •  November 28th to December 1st.
  • Cirque Colors 
    • 25% off entire site - no code needed.
    • November 28th.
  • Color4Nails 
    • $12 off $50 with code 12off50.
    • $18 off $75 with code 18off75.
    • $24 off $100 with code 24off100.
    • $36 off $150 with code 36off150.
    • All orders over $100 will receive a sweet surprise.
    • November 27th 10pm to December 1st at 12am PST. 
  • Daphine Polish 
    • 20% off regular priced polish.
    • 10% off clearance and collection sets.
    • November 28th to December 1st.
  • Darling Diva Polish
    • LE Black Friday polishes  and Ladies of a Certain Age collection released.
    • November 28th 9am CST.
  • DazzleGlaze
    • All polish 50% off (no code).
    • Each US buyer qualifies for the DazzleGlaze goodie gift bag.
    • November 27th to December 1st.
  • Delush Polish 
    • Free Shipping for all U.S. domestic orders over $50 from 11/26 12/31.
    • Two free full Size polishes with a $60+ (after discounts before shipping) purchase. Just leave a note with your color choices in your order from 11/26 -12/1.
    • The first 100 orders will receive a small bag of nail art snowflake glitters. 
  • Different Dimension
    • November 28th EST: 25% off all products except I Survived Black Friday 2014 box, full collections, and Grab Bags with code BLACKFRIDAY.
    • November 29th EST: Random flash sales announced through all social media channels, will include 30-40% off, free shipping, and more.
    • November 30th to December 1st EST: 30% off all orders (except I Survived Black Friday 2014 box, full collections, and Grab Bags) over $30 with code SATSUNMON.
    • All orders will receive either a (random) free mini polish or mini bottle of cuticle oil.
  • Digital Nails 
    • 25% off entire order with code CYBER25.
    • December 1st midnight to midnight CST.
  • Doctor Lacquer 
    •  35% off (excluding ChromoZones and Something Spatial) with code SUPERSALE. 
    • 11/26 6PM EST until Monday 12/1 6PM EST.
  • Eat Sleep Polish 
    • November 28th: 30% off everything with code ESPBLACKFRIDAY.
    • November 29th: free mystery prototype/small batch/one of a kind polish promo.
  • Emerald & Ash
    • 30% off everything except cuticle oil refill bottles.
    • All $25+ orders receive a free 7ml mulled apple scented cuticle oil.
    • All $50+ orders receive a free LE nail lacquer - Glugging the Gløgg.
    • All cuticle oil refill bottles will come with a free 7ml bottle in the same scent.
    • November 26th to December 1st.
  • Fair Maiden Polish
    • Free shipping and full size LE polish (while supplies last) for all orders over $25.
    • Free mystery mini polish from current catalogue with and purchase.
    • 20% off November 28-30, 30% off December 1st (codes to be published closer to dates).
  • Finger Lickin' Lacquer
    • 35% off everything with code GOBBLE.
    • First 25 customers get a free mystery gift.
    • November 27th at 12:00pm PST to December 2nd at 12:00pm PST.
  • Firecracker Lacquer
    • 30% off with code TURKEYITUP on Black Friday.
    • 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY on Cyber Monday.
  • Geek Chic Cosmetics
    • Ever In Your Favor collection, including limited edition tins, Power Up Primer - a creamy wax eyeshadow primer, Moon Princess Guardian - a vibrant purple gloss with golden sheen and shimmer,Guardian of Venus - a lush golden gloss with metallic sheen and tons of gold shimmer, Timey Wimey collection in a small Collector’s Tin released on November 27th at 11:59pm PST.
    • 25% off site wide, excluding samples and The Collective.
    • Surprise bonus with every order.
    • 11:59pm PST November 27th to 11:59pm December 1st.
  • Girly Bits Cosmetics
    • 25% off nail lacquer (except New!), 25% off DIY supplies (except empty DIY bottles) and 50% off On The Way Out. 
    • Friday only - free limited edition mystery polish with purchase.
    • 12:00am (midnight) EST November 28 until 11:59pm EST December 1st.
  • Glamour Doll Eyes
    • Website - 25% off entire order.  Code to be published.
    • Storenvy - Buy 3 get 2 free on all full size jars.  Code to be published.
    • December 1st
  • Glimmer by Erica
    • 20% off with code HappyHolidays20.
    • 'For the Holidays' - exact dates not stated.
  • Glisten & Glow 
    • November 28th: Save 20% off all orders (excludes I Survived Black Friday Box) with code BF2014.
    • November 29th to December 1st: Save 15% off all orders with code SB2014.
  • GlitterDaze
    • Free shipping for purchases over $50.
    • 40% off nail vinyls with code NAV40.
    • Double reward points.
    • Surprise secret savings coupon (to be used on a future purchase).
  • Gothic Gala Lacquers
    • 40% off on November 27th at noon to November 28th.
    • 30% off end of Black Friday to end of Cyber Monday.
    • Spend $25+ after discounts before shipping and get a free bottle of Deck The Halls. 
  • Harlow&Co
    • Colors By Llarowe 10% off.
    • SweetPea & Fae 10% off.
    • China Glaze 10% off.
    • Vivid Lacquer stamping plates 10% off.
    • Cirque COlors 15% off.
    • Lac Attack 15% off.
    • NCLA 20% off.
    • Cult Nails 20% off.
    • Appeal Cosmetics 20% off.
    • November 28th.
  • Ice Polish 
    • Use code BFSALE and to get 25% off.
    • Orders also receive a free bottle of Shop Now, Sleep Later and a sale code good on a future order with all orders.
    • Now until November 28th.
  • Indie Polish 
    • Orders of $100+ ship free.
    • 35% off with code BLKFRDY.
    • Now until Black Friday. 
  • Indigo Bananas 
    • 20% everything except LE with code PAINTITBLACK.
    • Free Shipping for US orders $60, Canadian orders over $120 and all other international orders over $200.
  • Jindie Nails 
    • November 28th: 50% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY.
    • November 29th: 40% off everything with code SUPPORTSMALLBUSINESS.
  • KBShimmer
    • Free shipping on orders of $40+.
    • Free bottle of Holly Back Girl with orders of $70+ using code HBGFREE.
    • Free samples with every order (while supplies last).
    • November 1st through December 31st.
  • Lacquer Chic
    • November 28th: 40% off all items on purchaes of $15+ and receive free shipping on orders of $40+ no codes needed.
    • November 29th: 25% off orders of $10 or more with code SBS14.
    • December 1st: 30% off all orders and free Shipping on orders of $30+. 
  • Laquerlicious
    • November 28th: 30% off your entire order under the "Black Friday Sale" category with code LAQ30 and free US shipping when you spend $50 or more after discount. Shipping will be refunded back to you.
    • November 29th: Spend $40 or more and receive a free Mystery Grab Bag of 3 full size Prototype polishes - an $18 value. No code needed.
    • December 1st: Free US shipping on any order with code LAQFS. Spend $30 or more and receive a FREE full size mystery polish.
    • Sale and free shipping EXCLUDES Polish For Pit Bulls.
  • Leesha's Lacquer 
    • November 28th: Free shipping with code FRIDAY2014.
    • November 28th to December 1st: Free LE polish with every order over $25.
  • Love, Angeline
    • Starts November 27th at noon MST and only lasts until the coupon codes run out.
    • Ten 50% off codes (THANKYOU50)
    • Ten 40% off codes (THANKYOU40)
    • Ten 30% off codes (THANKYOU30). 
    • All orders over $25 (after discount) will receive an unreleased and unseen full size polish called Since the Beginning of Time.
  • Lucky 13 Lacquer
    • 25% off everything except charity/custom with code TOFURKEY.
    • 12:00pm (noon) PST November 26th until 11:59PM PST December 1st.
  • LynBDesigns
    • Everything in the store will be marked down (up to 50% off). 
    • There will be FOUR mystery LE polishes gifts with purchase. One when you spend 25, 50, 75, and 100 dollars.
    • Wednesday the 26th at midnight EST to December 2nd.
  • ManGlaze 
    • Polishes on sale for $6.69 with code stuffedgut.
    • Get free shipping on order of 2+ polish in the US, 3+ polishes in Canada.
  • Mentality
    • 15% off with code BLACK.  Orders of 2 or more bottles get a free bottls of Fast-Dry.  Mystery bonus polish for every $40 spent.
    • November 21 until ??
  • Mod Lacquer
    • 25% off with code THESALE.
    •  November 28th to December 1st EST.
  • Model City Polish
    • 25% off with code THANKFUL2014.
    • First 15 orders get a special unreleased blend. 
    • November 28th to December 1st.
  • Nail Vinyls 
    • November 28th EST: 20% off $10+ orders with code VinylsBF.
    • November 29th to November 40th EST: 15% off $10+ orders with code VinylsSB
    • December 1st EST: Random flash sales to possibly include free items with purchase, $ off and % off discounts.
    • The I Survived Black Friday 2014 Collaboration Box is excluded from all sales.
  • Neverland Lacquers 
    •  November 27th 8pm to November 28th EST: All vinyls and nail polishes will be 50% off.
    •  November 28th 8am EST to 8pm EST all vinyls and polishes will be 40% off.
    •  November 28th 8pm EST to November 30th 11:59pm EST all vinyls and polishes will be 30% off.
  • Pahlish 
    • Brand new Doctor Who inspired collection released.
    • Polishes on sale - see site for prices.
    • Begins November 27th at midnight CST.
  • Painted Sabotage 
    • 25% off November 28th through December 1st with code GOBBLEGOBBLE.
    • Free US shipping on orders $50+ with code FREESHIP.
    • Free international shipping on orders $150+ with code INTLFREESHIP. 
  • Polish Addict Nail Color 
    • 50% off all polishes and cuticle oils with code BF14.
    • Mystery boxes for $20 and mini size mystery boxes for $10.
    • First ten orders get a free full size mystery polish.
    • November 28th at 12am-12pm CST.
    • After November 28th 12 PM CST remaining stock will be 35% off until Monday December 1st at 12pm CST with code SB14.
  • Polish Me Silly 
    • Spend $30+ before shipping and get a free mini size bottle of polish.
    • Spend $50+ before shipping and get a free full size bottle of polish.
    • Spend $100+ before shipping and get a free full size and a free mini size bottle of polish.
    • Write desired free polish(es) in notes at checkout.  New flakies exluded from from free polish selections.
    • November 28th.
  • Polish TBH
    • 30% off everything with code bfmadness.  Spend $25 after discount and receive LE My Only Wish This Year polish free.
    • November 28th. 
  • Polished Alcoholic 
    • 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2014.
    • November 28th to November 29th CET.
  • Pretty & Polished 
    • 33% off with code ThankU (excludes Beauty Boxes, whole collections and grab bags).
    • Free domestic shipping for US domestic orders over $40 and free international shipping for orders over $100.
  • Renaissance Cosmetics 
    • 25% off regular priced polishes (excluding prototypes, Anniversary and Modern Vamp collections).
    • 40% off all discontinued polishes.
    • November 28th to December 1st. 
  • Reverie Nail Lacquer 
    •  20% full sized polishes (except First Snow and Dark Side) and cuticle balms for $2.00.  No code required.
    • Free unreleased mystery polish for first 20 customers.
    • November 28th to December 1st. 
  • Sea Lore Polish 
    • Save 20% off your total purchase with code THANKS (duos excluded).
    • November 28th through December 1st at midnight PST.
  • Shimmer Polish
    • Buy two get one free with code BLACKFRIDAY.
    • In effect now. 
  • Shiro Cosmetics 
    • 10% discount sitewide with code BF2014 except femme fatale, shadow collection sets and 10 full size shadows for $50 offer.
    • Complete collection shadow sets are now on sale for 20% off instead of the usual 10%.
    •  
  • SoFlaJo
    • 50% off normal pricing, no code needed.
    • Saturday November 29th.
  • Spellbound Nails
    • 30% off every order with code 30OFF.
    • November 28th to December 1st.
  • Starrily 
    • 20% off original prices (no coupon needed).
    • Spend over $50 get one free randomly chosen mini bottle.
    • Spend over $100 get five free randomly chosen mini bottles.
    • Spend over $180 get ten free randomly chosen mini bottles.
    • Spend over $200 get a free mystery gift.
  • Superchic Lacquer
    • 15% off gallon suspension base with code WONDERFEAST15.
    • 25% all other items for orders of $30+ with code WONDERFEAST25.
    • November 27th to November 28th.  
  • Superficially Colorful Lacquer
    •  20% off everything (No coupon required).
    • Free shipping on all orders over $100 (included international orders) with coupon ship2me.
    • November 28th to December 1st.
  • Sweet Heart Polish
    • 30% off everything with code THANKFUL.
    • Free LE polish with orders of $25+ after sales and before shipping.
    • Starts November 27th at 12:01am.
  • SweetPea & Fae
    • Up to 35% off.
    • Lips So Polished release.
    • November 28th.
  • The Lady Varnishes
    • November 27th: Use code THANKS15 for 15% off all purchases.
    • November 28th: Use code BFRIDAY20for 20% off all purchases.
  • The Polish Bar 
    • November 26th 8am-12pm: Get 40% off all orders over $15 with code PREBLACKFRIDAY.
    • December 1st 8am-12pm: Get free shipping on all orders over $15 with code FREESHIPOVER15. 
  • Treasures By Tan 
    • Use coupon code GOBBLEUP20OFF to receive 20% off your purchase and also receive a free gift. 
    • November 27th.
  • You Polish
    • 50% off all decals, stickers and stencil with code BLACKFRIDAY.
    • November 27th to December 1st.

November 21, 2014

LynBDesigns Our Little Infinity Swatches & Review


Hello readers,
Today I have a beautiful multichrome polish to show you. I had been eyeing for a while and almost purchased it when LynBDesigns had a sale, but luckily my will power won out because I received it right after in a Halloween polish exchange.

LynBDesigns LynBDesigns

Our Little Infinity features a chrome base that shifts from blue to purple to copper with a healthy dose of small holographic silver glitter. The formula was easy to work with. It took me three coats to reach opacity and there was no grittiness from the glitters. Photos show 3 coats of Our Little Infinity with once coat of CND Super Shiney top coat in daylight spectrum lighting.

LynBDesigns LynBDesigns

LynBDesigns LynBDesigns

LynBDesigns LynBDesigns

LynBDesigns LynBDesigns

This polish is just gorgeous and really does look like the night sky when there are still hints of colour from the sunset but the starts have already come out. You can find LynBDesigns on:

Happy polishing,
- Michelle

November 18, 2014

Elevation Polish Marmaloda Swatches & Review


Hello readers,
Today I have an Elevation Polish to show you that I've been trying to get my hands on for a while.  Don't you hate finding a polish you love just to find that it's no longer being made?  I finally found Marmaloda in a stash sale and quickly claimed it.


Marmaloda features a grey-blue jelly base with a sprinking of silver microglitter, small lavender hexes and two sizes of silver dot glitter. The formula was easy to work with and I didn't have issues getting the larger dots out of the bottle.  Photos show three coats of Marmaloda with one coat of CND Super Shiney top coat in daylight spectrum lighting.




I love this polish.  It's understated but yet still so pretty.  You can find Elevation Polish on:


Happy polishing,

Michelle

November 17, 2014

Beauty Box 5 November 2014 Review


Hello readers,
My Beauty Box 5 just showed up in the mail.  November's theme was 'gracefully grounded'.  Let's take a look at what was in the box.

BB5 November 2014

Laura Ashley Body Butter | Retail: $20.00 Set of 6 body butters (1.75 oz each)
"Play princess for a day and indulge in this nourishing, rich lotion! For a maximum moisturizing moment, smooth it on post-shower while your skin is still damp for seriously smooth results with a sweet scent, too.
BB5 November 2014
This body butter just looks cheap.  First off, BB5 broke up sets to sent these out.  It doesn't sound like it's something you can buy individually.  Secondly, the packaging itself looks flimsy and cheap.  You can see the edges of the lid in the picture are very rough an and uneven.  I'm don't like the scent of lavender but I can't hold that against the product since I just got it by chance.  Overall I'm feeling meh about this product.

HASK Macadamia Revitalizing Shine Oil | Retail: $2.99 5/8 fl oz
"Nuts for having healthy hair? We know you will cherish this ulta-hydrating oil just as much as we do! Apply a small amount to your ends after conditioning and watch dull strands come back to life."
BB5 November 2014
I actually have a bottle of this product.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet but it's something I'll definitely try.  I wear my hair in a messy bun most of the time so maybe this will help defrizz the ends that hang loose.

DenTek Floss Picks + Case | Retail $2.49 4 count
"Floss in style with these adorable picks and colorful case! BB5 Tip: keep this little cute case n your bag to minimize those embarrassing smile moments.  Trust us: it will become a must-have in no time."
BB5 November 2014
Seriously?? Floss?! This is not a 'deluxe beauty sample'.  I could buy a whole pack of these at the dollar store for less.  Seriously disappointed with this one.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash | Retail: $6.49 22 oz
"Meet the Latest Beauty Breakthrough from Dove. With a rich lather and even more of our gentlest cleansers, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash will leave you with softer, smoother skin after just one shower."
BB5 November 2014
I'll definitely use this.  Is it super fancy? No, but it's from a brand I know and everyone needs shower gel.  This item gets a thumbs up from me.

Afterfeather Refillable Travel Bottles | Retail: $8.95 Set of 2 Refillable 2 fl oz Bottles
"This pretty little travel buddy is not only function and TSA-approved, but easy on the eyes! Fun fact: these were inspired by the beauty all around us and are totally reusable for all your favorite products."
BB5 November 2014
BB5, this is a new low.  An empty bottle.  A 'deluxe beauty sample' of nothing.  Do you know how I get empty bottles? By finishing a product.  What really irked me was that instead of this item, some subscribers got a L'oreal Paris nail polish.  There's such a difference in value there.  Considering in my profile I indicated I was most interested in cosmetics you'd think they'd send me the one cosmetics product available this month.  Instead, I got an empty bottle.  So much disappointment.

Conclusion
I am seriously disappointed with this month's box.  The total value is pretty much what I paid for it... how is that a great value like the box is supposed to be? If for some reason you're interested in BB5 after this review, you can find more info here.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

November 16, 2014

Products I Finished This Month - October 2014


Hello readers,

Another month gone by means another pile of empties.  Lots of stuff to go through this month so let's get started.

Face

I finished up lots of face products this month.  The first was L'oreal Go Clean 360 Deep Facial Cleanser.  I really liked this face wash.  It was gentle on my skin and seemed to help keep occasional breakouts under control.  What I really love was that it came with a little silicone 'scrublet' which I can keep on using even after the bottle is done.  I would buy this again.  I also finished a jar of Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst relief moisturizer.  This has become my go to daytime facial moisturizer.  It's really hydrating but doesn't leave my skin shiny.  I've already purchased a replacement.  Finally I finished up a tube of Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask.  This mask was... alright.  I think I prefer The Body Shop's Tea Tree clay mask though.  It's also cheaper so I'll likely not purchase the Clinique one in the future.

Nails

This month I finished up another small bottle of Emerald&Ash cuticle oil.  This was one of the bottles I received for review a few months back.  I really like these cuticle oils and have already purchased a big 10ml bottle to keep me going.  E&A also released a bunch of new scent combos recently and I may need to stock up on some of the new ones as well.

Bath & Body

You're probably used to seeing the Bath Retreat energizing epsom salts in my empties by now.  I love them.  They smell delicious.  There are already two more bags in my bathroom.  I also finished a couple products I received in a Sweet Delights Divalicious sample box.  The first was a Champagne Shower Gel from Kootenay Bath Products.  It smelled really yummy but the gel was quite thick and difficult to get out of the bottle.  For that reason I won't be purchasing it in full size.  I also finished an Egyptian Jasmine goat milk bar soap from Polka Goat Farm.  I used this as shaving lather and it did lather up quite nicely. The scent was subtle but nice.  Overall I'm just not a bar soap kind of person so I won't be purchasing this again.  Finally I finished a Hand And Cuticle Stick from Julep.  The reason I have this in the "bath & body" section is that I actually used this on my feet.  I found that the thicker formula did a better job of sticking to and penetrating the skin on the soles of my feet.  I was really pleased with how much softer they were after prolonged use.  I do find this item overpriced though (as I find with pretty much all of Julep's products).  However, if it goes on sale for a decent price I would definitely consider purchasing another.

Hair

Last up is hair products.  I finished a lot of Herbal Essences Naked Shampoo and Conditioner this month.  This stuff smells delicious, keeps my hair moisturized but not greasy and is paraben and colorant free.  It has become a staple in my house.  I also finished a bottle of Pantene Curl Protection conditioner.  I find that if I use curly hair products too often they end up building up in my hair.  A bottle tossed into the mix every so often is ok.  I would probably buy a different Pantene variant in the future though.  Last up is a bottle of Herbal Essences Set Me Up hairspray.  I use this stuff pretty much every day to tame frizzies.  I'm using the Naked version of the hairspray right now, but sometimes I have a hard time finding it.  This one is the back up for when that happens.

Happy polishing,

- Michelle

November 14, 2014

Tarte Bon Voyage Collector's Set Swatches & Review

Hello readers,
Time for another holiday set review!  I was instantly drawn to Tarte's Bon Voyage set when I saw it on the Sephora website because the palette looked like it was filled with a good mix of cool toned shadows.  I find that a lot of 'neutral' palettes tend to lean a little warm which doesn't really work for my skin tone so I had to give this one a try.

Tarte Holiday 2014 Tarte Holiday 2014

The set includes an Amazonian clay eye shadow palette with 20 x 0.07 oz shades, a 0.13 oz Deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara, a 0.17 oz Limited-edition deluxe cheek stain in Muse, a 0.27 oz LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary, a 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic, a 0.23 oz Deluxe maracuja oil, a 0.07 oz Deluxe smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder and a limited-edition collector’s travel bag.  I absolutely love the design of the bag.  Especially that it's wide and flat so you don't have to dig to the bottom to find what you're looking for.

Tarte Holiday 2014 Tarte Holiday 2014


Tarte Bon Voyage

Tarte Bon Voyage

Tarte Bon Voyage

Tarte Holiday 2014

Now what you've been waiting for... swatches!

Tarte LipSurgence Romantic
LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic
The Lip Surgence lip tint in Romantic is a neutral peachy pink.  It feels nice an moisturizing and wasn't sticky.  I did find that the colour wore off fairly quickly but because it's such a neutral colour it wasn't obvious.  Definitely counts as a my lips but better colour.

Tarte lip gloss Visionary
LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary
The LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary is a neutral shimmery pink.  It was very sheer and the shimmer is much more prominent in the tube than on the lip.  It does have a fairly sweet smell which I personally don't mind but some people may find the scent too strong.  Another my lips but better colour.

Tarte Muse
Cheek Stain in Muse - Direct Sunlight

Tarte Muse
Cheek Stain in Muse - Indirect Sunlight
The cheek stain in Muse is a very soft shimmery pink creme blush.  It would also make a great highlighter.  I really like the formula.  It felt very moisturizing without being greasy.  It is quite shimmery in direct sunlight but it blends out nicely to a soft dewy rose colour.


Tarte Bon Voyage Palette
Bon Voyage Amazonian Clay Shadow Palette
Finally, the shadow palette.  The swatches above show the shadows on bare skin without any primer.  I was a little disappointed with them as they were a lot less pigmented than I was expecting.  The shimmery shadow's seem to be better pigmented than the mattes with the exception of On A Good Notre Dame which built up very nicely.  I hope that using some primer will help bring out the colours more as they do look lovely in the palette. From some other reviews that I've read it does look like primer makes a big difference.  My personal favorite shades are C'est La Vie, Chantilly Lace, Fall in Louver and Le Cordon Bleu.

Overall, I think this set is worth the price.  You get a lot of stuff to play with and the products are colours that can be used for a variety of looks and occasions.  I would love to see some bolder lip colours in the future though.  This is a holiday set after all and it's fun to play with bolder looks for those holiday parties.  You can find this set at Sephora for $59USD/$71CAD or on the tarte cosmetics website.

Happy polishing,

Michelle
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