Jill Stuart Spring 2011 Cosmetics Collection

Jill Stuart's Spring 2011 Collection - Innocent Sexy

Jill Stuart sure knows how to make super girly, sweet, and princess-y products - This upcoming Spring, she's rolling out a line that is lovely & elegant with colors that are feminine and delicate.

♥ New Blush Blossom duo* - Blush Blossom in Little Anemone ♥
(Anemone is a type of flower as well as the type you find underwater :D)

Image from http://www.fiftyflowers.com

I absolutely ♥ the ornate detailing on the compact casing and the included goat-hair brush with the PINK Swarovski crystal and little bow charm!

It comes as a loose powder that can be swirled together or used separately to create depth

This color is described as a "cute foggy pink combined with a girly anemone pink"

"Like the gentle blossoming of a wreath of pink flowers.
Loose powder cheek color that brings both innocence and luster to your cheeks"

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♥ New Mix blush in Milky Strawberry ♥

"Quad powder blush with pure luster. Blends smoothly and adds a touch of soft color to your cheeks"

I'm excited to try this - I have actually heard that Jill Stuart blushes are very subtle with buildable color - I'm trying to prep myself for initial shock as I know they are not nearly as pigmented as MAC or NARS. If this one works out, I think I may try the Baby blush (01) and Fresh Apricot (06)

Top two colors look like a pinky highlighter & bottom two are a warm pinky-peach

Described as a "sweet and fluffy milky pink, reminiscent of strawberry milk"
(I like that...fluffy pink!)

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♥ New Lip Jewel in ???* 12 New Colors! ♥

"For full and pure lips, as though decorated with the glittering dust of gems.
A liquid rouge for fresh and clear color"



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♥ New Jewel Crystal Eyes Palette in Angelic Topaz and Sweet Amethyst ♥

"Genuine jewel-like shine...
Eye color palette that enables eyes with deep lustrous colors and glorious shine"




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♥ New Nail Laquer colors include Dolly Bloom, Marshmallow Bonbon and Petal Shower ♥

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Oooooh I wish I could be back in Hong Kong! If you spend over $5000 HK you get a free gift. ($5000 HK Dollars = $643.31 USD and $639.06 Canadian) ;_;

It reminds me of a fancy tea set of sorts. What a perfect (and Princess-y) way to display your makeup collection!



・Tray（W:31.9cm D:13.8cm H:2.1cm）
・Cotton box（W:10cm D:10cm H:8.7cm）
・Cosmetic item holder （Φ:8cm H:8.5cm）
・Petit tray（W:10.6cm D:10.6cm H:4.5cm）

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I found a lot of these blogs helpful when looking for swatches/reviews of various products:

• Magical Complexion's blog has someswatches up from the Spring Collection!
• Eki of A Little bit of Eki also has a lot of Jill Stuart looks, hauls & reviews!
• Lisa of Makeupandlife.com has a ton of swatches and reviews of Jill Stuart products on her blog
• MusingsofaMuse has a great blog including a ton of Jill Stuart love!
• Cosmetic Candy is also a good place to find reviews & swatches
• Tummycake has a good video review and also some honest reviews/swatches
• Autumn Masquerade - *update*A GREAT blog - just found! Has side-by-side comparisons and descriptions of Jill Stuart products
  
• Lotus Palace always has a ton of Japanese makeup reviews, including Jill Stuart

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It's hard (if not impossible) to find Jill Stuart cosmetics in the States but relatively easy to find online...a few retailers:

iMomoko
Yesstyle
Ebay
Gooddealer

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I'm so excited for my first Jill Stuart Experience! I will be doing some reviews/swatches once I receive my order. (I picked up the blushes!) :)

In Hong Kong, the line will officially launch on January 10th, 2011

Are you planning on picking up anything from the Spring Collection?

Kim Kardashian-esque look - light edition

Happy September everybody! The last month or so has been a whirlwind of uncertainty, job changes, and LIFE getting in the way of everything...

Despite all the turmoil, it really does feel like God has been watching over me - I feel so blessed & very lucky. It feels like another chapter is opening in my life and I am just brimming with anxiety and excitement!

I am glad to be back - so much to catch up on! I missed the blogging community, but I can't reiterate how difficult it is to jump back into things after a period of (my self-inflicted) blog famine.

*****

After a good week or so of junk television, I have concluded that Kim Kardashian (and by extension, her full-blooded sisters & Mother) wears too much makeup. She looks fabulous - a sex Bob-bomb! but she also looks equally, if not more, gorgeous without.

I decided to do a "lite" version of her look...smoky & smoldering purples, charcoals and pinks with a light lip and false lashes.

I used my favorite NYX Caribbean Collection palette in "I dream of Barbados" - these colors are smooth and pigmented with some gentle non-overpowering shimmer. Also, be pretty with a clean conscience as all NYX products do not test on animals! :)

One of the keys to Kim's look is a strong, sculpted brow. One of my favorite brow pencils is N.Y.C. - the kind you can pick up at just about any drugstore for ~99 cents. They come in tons of shades - I chose a 922A, "Dark Brown"

After the eye makeup, I dusted bronzer on my temples and underneath the cheekbones. (Fresh, here comes the sun palette) A pop of pinky gold blush on the apples of the cheeks and a sweep of highlighter (Tokidoki in Kabuki) later...

Finished with NYX black label lipstick in "Nude". (LOVE these lippies by the way, will have to review soon)

Tip: Don't forget comically large sunglasses & body-hugging ensemble!

Hope everyone had a lovely labor-day weekend! See you soon ~ promise ;)

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**Side note - I swear the wind/rain combo outside is going to bust the windows out my house right now. O_O

Review: Coastal Scents 88 Palette & Glam Sparkle and Pop!

Happy Sunday Beauties!
Thought I would share my LOTD from last week plus my thoughts on the Coastal Scents 88 makeup Palette!

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Coastal Scents 88 Makeup Color Palette

Purchased from Amazon.com for around $19 USD



As you can see, there are a million (well 88 haha) different colors to choose from! Note that this palette comes in 2 different 'styles' - the normal makeup palette (which I purchased - has mixture of matte & shimmers) and the "ultra shimmer" palette (all shimmery colors). For those who want less crazy colors and more neutrals, there is the "warm palette" and the new "metal mania" palette.

** "Regular" Makeup Color Palette **



**Ultra Shimmer **


**Warm/Neutral **


** Metal Mania **
Images from Amazon.com

The palette came packaged nicely in bubble wrap and I did not have any problems with breakage. However, the cheap shadow applicator slot was a broken so the applicator kept falling off. Not really a problem since I don't use them anyway! The palette itself is thin and lightweight - careful with the latch since I hear it can break easily!

The size of each shadow is pretty small - smaller than a dime! Chances are the variety of colors will be so vast that you are too busy experimenting to run out. I already have a few favorites, but for the most part, I just kind of swatch whatever catches my fancy :)



Color payoff is variable. Some of the shadows are highly pigmented and apply with ease. Others look promising but are actually disappointing. There was no crazy odor and for the most part, the texture was pleasant and blended well.

I attempted to do a rainbow type gradient on my arm. I used MAC's paint in "Untitled" as a base and then swatched some of the colors using my ELF brushes.



I know this palette has been hyped for ages - I think it's a good deal for the price. Quality wise, the shadows have great staying powder and there are quite a few colors that impressed! However, if you're not into experimentation, I would go for the warm/neutral type palette. This one is fun, but I don't find myself reaching for it very often. It's just a bit bulky and I know I won't be traveling with it!

Overall

Pros:

♥ Affordable (sells for ~$19 on Amazon.com)
♥ TONS of color choices & finishes
♥ Some colors are heavily pigmented and pretty!
♥ Smooth texture, glides on easily (with primer)
♥

Cons:

♥ Packaging is bulky & cheap
♥ Pans are relatively small
♥ Requires a shadow primer
♥ Not travel-friendly
♥ Some colors are a bit 'chalky' and crumble easily

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (3/5)

This palette is not a "must-have" in my book, but something that every adventurous girl might want to have around just in case! Lots of possibilities for 'fun' looks but I think I will never really use about 30-40% of the colors just because they are too crazy bright! >_< ***


LOTD using Coastal Scents palette

*Tools*



Swatches of Colors used - pretty neutrals in shimmery sea-shell colors



Final look:



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My Glam Sparkle & Pop order came in the mail a little while ago - and I am SUPER pleased! A huge thanks to JULIE for the gorgeous hand crafted jewelry and sweet little extras!

I was so excited about this necklace, titled "Key to My Heart"




Each necklace is packaged so lovingly in a little organza pouch - so cute!



What a surprise! Little note & a beautiful NYX lip gloss!!!



I love the snowflake necklace - I might end up wearing it year round LOL! The AB quality of the swarovski crystals is so amazing - you can see how amazing it looks in different lighting!






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♥for Natalka, Aubrey, Bayrta, Renay, Pixyela, Miih, Sara, TzeYien, Angela, Dementia, & Beauty and the beast, Momo, Lavender, 409, Vanessa & Carmen!

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Already have so much to do this week! :) Correspondence (Sorry to all the lovely ladies for my laziness, I will be getting back this week!), more post lovin' to catch up on, crafting, and of course, work!!!

Please take care & have a great week!!!

NorthPark Mall hauls, Shiseido, tokidoki, gelato +

*Very Pic Heavy Post!*

♥ *~Happy Friday!~* ♥

To celebrate a day off after and in anticipation of a busy work week, Darren and I spent some quality time together -- at the mall. :) It was actually a joint trip since we were also on the hunt for a pair of good frames for his much needed eyewear update...(unsuccessful T_T)

NorthPark is a higher-end mall in Dallas. Lots of new shops opened up in the past few years to attract a younger crowd so basically it has something for everybody now!

~ Food court has a nice airy feel ~

♥ I don't understand why they have CACTUS Gardens everywhere. Seems so dangerous!!! Darren thinks they are real. :( ♥




♥ I actually like this cactus - pretty & pink! ♥



♥ GELATO!!! ♥

♥ I like Fruity flavors more than milky flavors ♥

♥ Flavors: Papaya (Creamy & Smooth), Pineapple (Refreshing & Tart), Orange Grand Marnier (YUM) ♥

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Onto MAJOR HAULAGE

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Shiseido

I started off my journey at the Shiseido counter at Macy's they were advertising for their bi-annual gift with purchase (GWP)! With the purchase of 2 items (one being a skin care treatment product) you get a free bag with 5 additional skincare samples tailored to your specific skin type!

The lady at the counter, Yujin, was super sweet - unlike many other sales ladies, she WASN'T pushy and was attentive & super thorough. She even took out this crazy machine to test my "skin-type" -- which surprisingly was healthy and not super dehydrated as I had suspected it to be -- I just have some redness in my cheeks that has been present since I was young:

Here she is with the skin-scanner pretending to Kareoke lol!

After talking about skincare for awhile, she mentioned that she had worked for SK-II for a a few years, but has worked for Shiseido for more than 14 years - she really trusts their products as the line has been around since it was started by a Japanese Pharmacist in 1872! :D

Total haul: 2 items + Free Gift with Purchase

• White Lucent Brightening & Moisturizing gel (for nighttime use)
• My STAPLE - 34 Sun Compact Protection Foundation refill
  

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LUSH



I wanted the Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar, but decided against it last minute. I'm going to try to use up some of my regular lotions before trying out the solid type. Also, I was disappointed in being able to select things in person while inside of the store -- if you're ever trying to decide on products here based on smell, GOOD LUCK as the store is overwhelmingly saturated in one big scent! (they need more coffee beans)



Still went with the two other purchases, but was able to get one as a free sample!



Total haul: 1 item + Free Sample

• T for Toes - Dusting powder
  
• Free sample of Fresh Farmacy Cleanser
  

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Sephora

tokidoki

I remember tokidoki did a special collaboration with Smashbox awhile ago...didn't know they came back recently with a NEW LINE altogether until I heard a few other blogettes raving about it!

♥ Everything comes in a dizzying array of colors & of course, *adorable* packaging ♥

I especially ♥ the design of the lipglosses. Very unique, sturdy & CUTE. This one is called "Strawberry Latte" and smells of strawberry syrup.



The top of each lipgloss comes with a cute character topper suspended in liquid and showered in sparkly cutout confetti



The applicator wand is unconventional - a flexible silicone paddle-wand replaces the standard brush or sponge applicator



The packaging was so darn cute but all the gloss colors are designed to be sheer - since I'm not a gloss person to begin with, it can go on hold for awhile. :) I regret not at least testing it out, but I already was making a big enough dent in my wallet...

Instead, I opted for something I would use more often. The Tokidoki Luminosa Powder in "Kabuki" was calling my name! Kabuki is a pretty, buildable, subtle highlighter. It was very much an impulse buy and probably a product that is easily 'dupable' - but alas, it was on sale!


Anybody notice that the design in stores is slightly different than one featured on the website?

Sephora Brand

One thing I wasn't expecting to purchase was the Sephora Collection Color Play 5-in-1 palette - a large sign caught my eye in the front of the store and the display looked so pretty - the color selection was ginormous!

Image from http://www.honeymag.com

What got me though was the POP OUT PALETTE design...unlike the Coastal Scents 88 palette (which I own but would never dream of traveling with) - the individual 'sets' of shadows/blush/liner pop out of the case and fit snuggly in a travel-sized case with mirror:

I love the fact that each set of 10 eyeshadows, blush & 2 lippies has a "story"

- Dinner in Paris: Grays and blacks
-Coffee in New York: Browns
-Shopping in Milan: Purples and pinks
-Tango in Buenos Aires: Blues and greens
-Clubbing in Tokyo: Baby blues, pinks, and yellows

Novelty aside, when the MUA applied some of the shadows to my skin, the results were actually impressive! The trick to these shadows is using a good primer - we used Urban Decay Primer Potion! The shadows she applied were pigmented, buttery smooth, and all around gorgeous! I know people have complained about the quality of the Sephora palettes in the past - but I was thoroughly impressed with the eyeshadow quality! (The blushes are more sheer and kind of hit-or-miss)

Total haul: 4 items @ 15% off

• Urban Decay Primer Potion (I know it's 30% off F&F, but instant gratification + no shipping)
  
• Korres Lip Saver - 3 for the price of 2! (Guava, Mango, Pomegranate)
• Tokidoki Luminosa Powder in Kabuki
• Sephora Color Play 5-in-1
  

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I am officially putting a hold on any further self-indulgent purchases (on behalf of myself and my super selfless boyfriend) until May!!! XD

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More ♥ to Lisa Cristina & Wendycakes! ♥ ♥ ♥

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For some reason I am craving gummy bears. :P Have a great Friday! :)