MAC Counter Mini-Spree!

The other day, I went meandering through Macy's and somehow ended up where I always do... the MAC counter. I usually don't buy department store makeup frequently, and when I do, it's usually just an eyeshadow or a lipgloss. However, this time I became jaded by the fact that I have a job now so I decided to go on a mini-spree. Now, this was my first and will be my last MAC spree. My bank account will thank me later.

Anyway, despite me going broke on this addicting habit, I decided to share my spree with you. This is called a "haul" across the online makeup community. People make YouTube videos dedicated to showing the world their latest makeup purchases, often from the latest collections. My "haul" isn't on any limited edition collections, but on some tried-and-true staples that every girl needs.

I got 2 eyeshadows in Sumptuous Olive and Woodwinked. Both have Veluxe Pearl finishes, which are soft and luxurious (very similar to the texture of NARS eyeshadows). Also, I decided to give Mineralize a try with a blush in Love Joy. Finally, to top of my makeup ensemble, I got Plushglass (my first one) in Big Kiss. Everything I got looks great in combination, so I'm very happy with my purchase. The colors are classic and wearable (I don't splurge on bright colors, only bronzes, coppers, golds, browns and other natural tones).

I swatched everything so you can see how they look. I applied the shadows and blush onto Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Left to Right: Mineralize Blush in Love Joy, Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadows in Woodwinked and Sumptuous Olive

I am wearing Plushglass in Big Kiss. This is said to have a plumping effect and it definitely works! My lips look bigger than normal here.

Well.. now I can say I did a haul post!

Regardless, I will have a look with these new colors posted soon!

Discount Beauty Finds at TJ MAXX

Wow, this is just a great week for the young, broke and fabulous! First the fab, new makeup lines at Target, and now great finds at one of my favorite stores in the world, TJ MAXX!


I always knew that TJ MAXX was the best place to go if you want great, discounted department store fragrances, body lotions, and the like, but they have definitely expanded their repertoire. They now feature exclusive makeup and haircare products!

This caught me by surprise the other day - and a great surprise, at that!

As I was wandering the beauty aisles, looking at a random bottle of lotion, a small, silver box caught my eye. I literally did a double take! Lo and behold, that tiny box turned out to be Brows in Bloom by Anastasia Beverly Hills. In case you don't know, Anastasia is the eyebrow guru to all of the Hollywood celebs. She has a line of products that retail up to $65 dollars. I found Brows in Bloom, in Brunette, for......

$12.99!

That's basically a 50% off discount because it normally retails at stores like Sephora for $28.50. This was so perfect because I have been searching for the perfect brow kit for a while now, to no avail.

Brows in Bloom is a great alternative to poor quality, compact brow kits, like the previously reviewed dud that was the Milani Brow "Fix" Brow Kit. According to Sephora, Brows in Bloom is "a must-have grooming kit for keeping newly grown-out brows looking fabulous and fashionable." Basically, it's great for when you are in between waxing or doing your own home maintainance.

Brows in Bloom includes:

.07 oz Eyebrow Powder, .02 oz Wax Cream, .03 oz Highlighter Cream and a mini brush. It comes in 2 shades, blonde and brunette, with two shades of brow powder each so you can customize your perfect shade. With this kit, perfect looking brows are easy to achieve.

• "Custom blend the two shades of Brow Powder using the angled brush, for a clean and precise application.


• Apply the Cream Highlighter along the brow bone to lift and accentuate the eyes.


• Apply Wax Cream to hold a perfect shape from day to night. "

Source

All in all, this kit is a winner.

More Fabulous Deals

TJ MAXX also features discounted Frederic Fekkai and Biosilk haircare products. I saw items such as Fekkai Glossing Shampoo for $14.99, which is a little cheaper compared to the normal price of $22 for an 8 ounce bottle. Also, they have the big bottle of Biosilk Silk Therapy (the holy grail for people with dry, processed hair such as myself) for $23 bucks. Way better than nearly $40, I'd say... and it lasts forever.




Make sure you get to TJ MAXX with a quickness because these items might not be there for long. Also, the problem with TJ MAXX is finding something more than once, so if you see these products or any others that you like - buy them right then. Don't wait! Brows in Bloom in patrticular is difficult to find because it's currently sold out on Sephora!

Happy bargain hunting!

NARS Fall 2008 Collection + Sephora Exclusive Miami Sun Set Collection

NARS makeup is without a doubt one of the best lines in existence. If you think MAC is great and highly pigmented, wait until you try NARS! Founded in 1994 by Francois Nars, the cosmetic line has been a smash hit since its inception. With sleek, modern black packaging, unique color palette and names that will have you lusting (i.e. the cult classic "Orgasm," "Dolce Vita," "Torrid," etc.), I dare you to resist.

As amazing as these products are, the price tag is a hefty one. They are worth it, but everyone is definitely not able. However, there are some NARS products that a girl just needs to own. Some of these must-haves are in the latest NARS Fall 2008 Collection.


The NARS Fall 2008 Collection is described beautifully on the Sephora Web site:

Like the fall fashion shows that define the trends of the season, NARS presents their Fall 2008 Collection designed to complement the bold, solid hues, and ultra- feminine textures seen on the runways. Velvety eye shadows impart an alluring sheen in a range of rich chocolate and ginger hues, while lips enchant in sheer shades of coral, cherry, and mauve. This glowing palette of brilliant neutrals and shimmering tones is your ticket to the ultimate look of intrigue and sophistication this season.


The collection consists of the following products and colors:





















































I am a firm believer in spending the big bucks on staple colors that make you look sure-fire fab. You can save money by purchasing bright, trendy colors made by drugstore brands, such as L'Oreal H.I.P.


The colors to buy from the NARS Fall 2008 Collection are:

Isolde Duo Eyeshadow and Fez Single Eyeshadow.


Isolde contains "frosted ginger" and "shimmering copper" colors, and Fez is described as a luscious "velvety cocoa."

These eye shadows steal the show from everything else in the product line. The colors are beyond beautiful and they will be flattering to all skin tones. The lovely metallic-bronze and brown shades will also complement those fresh summer tans, ladies! The shades they used are not just trendy, either. You can get so much use out of fabulous, yet neutral shades such as these. Personally, I wear bronzes, golds and coppers year-round! You can see why I am totally enamored with these shades. I say, skip the other items in the line for now, but the Isolde Duo and Fez are a must!

They are available now on NARS Cosmetics and Sephora for $32 (eyeshadow duo) and $22 (eyeshadow single).


Exclusive Miami Sun Set Collection



As I was browsing Sephora, I came across a new addition to their product array. I must say, it is quite fab! And I'm not just saying this because I'm from Miami!!! I love bright colors and the exotic, tropical look so the NARS Miami Sun Set trio immediately caught my eye. It is brand new and available in a limited edition, exclusively on Sephora's Web site.



The trio includes NARS Duo Eye Shadow in Sundance, a Lip Lacquer in Capucine, and a Nail Polish in Dovima, all for $65, which is a deal for NARS. Sundance contains "warm golden" and "terracotta" colors, the Lip Lacquer in Capucine is a "sheer tangerine" and the Nail Polish is bright tomato red. I really like the colors, but again, NARS is sooo pricey!! I am going to recommend this set if you can afford it, but I'll sit and lust after it for the now.


I am so enthusiastic about this brand that I wish I could buy it all!


However, remember... splurge on colors that are sure-fire fab and will look good year-round. Save money by purchasing quality brights, such as H.I.P. Got it? Good.