Jill Stuart haul and site review

Hi Beauties -

HAPPY **belated** CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR!

Happy year of the Rabbit - wishing you all luck and fortune in 2011! :)

Just thought I would quickly share my Jill Stuart Haul & thoughts on my purchase with Gooddealer.com (review of site and my experience posted below) plus a few bonus teaser swatches!

First the goodies! I received 2 pretty pink bags with the order and a plethora of samples (Lunasol modeling water?, Jill Stuart Cleansing oil and Paul & Joe foundation samples)

Love the attention to detail - the Jill Stuart logo on the ribbon - simple and classy!

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♥ -Below are my purchases- ♥

Jelly Eye Color N in 07, Jewel Flash
*Also purchased in Vintage Decor*
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Pink eyelash curler adorned with a rhinestone charm
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Fruit Lip Balm in Tint 01
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Softening Fluid
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Jill Stuart Mix Blush compact in Milky Strawberry
*Spring 2011 collection*
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Jill Stuart Blush Blossom in Little Anemone
*Spring 2011 collection*
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Little pink crystal on the included retractable goat-hair brush
*Comes with all compact blushes*



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I gave the Blush Blossom Duo in Little Anemone a try - and was subsequently blown away!

Apologies for the mega blurry picture, but I thought it turned out kind of neat - you can really see the pop of color on the cheeks!

I used the lighter color as a highlighter and the darker color on the apples of my cheeks



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Although the blush didn't swatch well, it has decent pigmentation, is finely milled, and has a soft shimmer (no glitter) once applied resulting in a look that is lovely and natural when dusted on the cheeks!

The good part: I love every single purchase! The bad part: everything seems too pretty to use. I know it's utterly ridiculous, but I am having a hard time dipping my brushes into anything at all because everything looks so perfect and pristine. *sigh* I'll get over it and I promise I will get around to reviewing and swatching products soon! :)

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...About Gooddealer.com...

I thought I would share my personal experience with this site so just FYI if you intend on using Gooddealer for your Jill Stuart Cosmetics purchases!

Price

I found the prices for Jill Stuart cosmetics are cheaper in Hong Kong vs Japan and the exchange rate is a bit better in terms of USD/HKD vs the USD/Yen. Gooddealer.com was one of the options that I found (see my previous JS post for a larger list of internet options) They should ship to most countries though you might want to send an e-mail if you are unsure about their shipping policy or have questions about customs/duties.

The site -at first glance- looks incredibly shady and the website design could be a bit more user-friendly (they have a tutorial on how to shop the site!) - that being said, I found this site to have the largest selection of products as well as decent pricing*.

*BUT don't be entirely fooled by the too-good-to-be-true pricing - the shipping AND handling fees (yes, they charge you for shipping separate from handling) really add up - they calculate pricing based on weight so the more you buy, the higher the cost. (so much for incentive to buy more, I was trimming down my cart to keep at a reasonable weight!)

Postal fees per weight here

Delivery time/packaging

Overview of their mailing & tracking

I placed my order on January 9th and received my package around January 28th so expect a bit of a wait if you end up ordering.

It came wrapped in green postal wrap (no box) and was securely suspended in what seemed like 10 billion layers of bubble wrap.

Pros

♥ Accepts major credit cards and paypal
♥ Large variety of products
♥ Decent pricing* (see cons for caveat)
♥ Quick access to the latest releases/collections
♥ Securely wrapped - product fully intact
♥ A few product sample 'freebies' & JS bag

Cons

X Package takes awhile to ship
X Website is difficult to navigate
X High Shipping AND handling fees
X No easy way to check tracking of order
X No guarantee that items will actually be in stock (one of my items was canceled after placing the order)
X Long wait time

Would I buy from the site again? Maybe. Still checking out different sites/options. If anyone knows of a good alternative, please share :)

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BTW Ice apocalypse 2011 here in North Texas needs to end! I think this past week has turned me into a workaholic (60 hour work week!) and I am itching to get back to normality.

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?

Hello Kitty Sephora Event - last day!

Hey Ladies,

The blogworld has been abuzz with the Hello Kitty collaboration with Sephora - anything with Hello Kitty actually MADE for adults (such as previous collaboration with MAC) is just plain awesomeness in my opinion. :D I'm going to cling to my semi-adulthood as long as possible!

*My haul*

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Hello Kitty Perfume

I was suckered into buying the perfume - how could I resist? Something that looks like THIS...

...and is pink, sparkly, and smells of green apples & Japanese fruits with "rich floral accords and a wink of warn vanilla" - I hope I'm not wrong about this one, I only wear sweet & semi-fruity scents. I also love the pink atomizer and crystalline bow!!! Even if I end up hating the scent, I'll keep that bottle forever!

It was out of stock Saturday, but is now back in stock (10:04 am in Dallas)

Notes:

Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin, Apple, Magnolia Blossom, Freesia, Orange Flower, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk.

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Pen-pal liquid eyeliner

I liked the novel idea of the pen-pal eyeliner - it is a liquid in pen form housed in an adorable, sleek Hello Kitty-stamped case. According to the site:

"The Pen Pal liquid eyeliner marker contains an inventive formula with pure pigments that dry quickly and allow extreme, all-day wear with no stain effect. The expert marker tip ensures tremendous precision and intensity in one stoke"

The words "ultra-precise" helped, as I am a helpless klutz when it comes to application of liquid eyeliner. I still have yet to try out the DollyWink liquid eyeliner, but from what I have heard, I hope this compares! I purchased in "Goodnight Dreams"

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Sweet Gloss

I really adore the packaging - it looks adult, not "kiddie" - All these glosses were back in stock after being out of stock on Saturday.

I love the look of "peachy" and "pink bow" - these promise to provide long-lasting hydration (must have, especially in the Winter!) with a hint of color.

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I would have purchased these items, but all sold out ;_;

Bling Mirror

Brush set with collectible case

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All the makeup seems to be infused with "apple, grapeseed and strawberry oil" which promotes hydration, softer skin, and powerful antioxidants

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SUNDAY (today), December 19th is the last day to get your paws on this collection until its official release in mid-January - so pounce on over if you haven't already :) - If you're not a "Beauty Insider" just sign up online to get access to the private event! This would also make a fabulous gift for the Hello Kitty enthusiast in your life (read: Purrrfect Christmas gift!)

There is a 2-day shipping deal too, so guaranteed Christmas delivery - Couponcode - UPS2DAY

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Finally, had a rare opportunity to go out a little while ago - my LOTD + my new favorite Betsey Johnson jewelry (I know, time to clean the mirror!)

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend filled with adventure, glamour, charity, & last-minute holiday shopping!!! Aaaaah!

Dolly Wink Lower Lash Review - No. 5 Real Nude

Feeling rather lazy today, but thought I would share something I have been meaning to post for awhile...

♥~♥~♥

I think I would have never even known lower lash falsies existed if it weren't for the lovely ladies of the blogging world! (i.e Malaysian Blogger Cheesie, the always beautiful Eki, and Fuzkittie just to name a few!)

It's one thing if you have lower lashes. It's another if you have absolutely ZERO. Zilch. None! Okay, maybe I have a few stray lashes here and there, but it's pretty desolate. [insert picture of desert]

Enter - DOLLY WINK to the rescue!

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Backside

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Up close

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Of course, first spread a thin layer of glue on the backside - all the lashes come with a cute little tube or you can buy it separate on SASA.com if you run out.

Use tweezers to place as close to the lashline as comfortable ~ gently use fingers or tweezers to press into place!

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Clean the area gently with cotton swab

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Please don't laugh, I know it's amateur! Also, don't be like me, please use an eyelash curler on upper lashes! T_T

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Both eyes!

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Verdict - It does wonders!!! Subtle wonders at least - it is nice for girls who have zero bottom lashes and even nicer for girls who have plush lower lashes. ♥

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♥ Dolly-wink style ♥

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I'm surprised that I didn't end up looking silly - the Real nude lives up to its name - not fake-y but makes an impact!

I just really REALLY love the glue too - it is gentle enough, has a non-offensive smell and lasts and lasts.

Thank you Dolly Wink! ;)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5)

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If you need these lashes STAT and live in Dallas, Super 99 Ranch has them in a variety of styles for $16.99 - Sasa.com has the best price but they are oftentimes sold out of the popular styles.

They also sell My Beauty Diary & a variety of asian and Japanese skincare/beauty products

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I also used...

Red Cherry Lashes - A favorite of Kim Kardashian's and apparently quite popular in Hawaii - the shelves were stocked with hundreds! I used the #1s - very good for everyday wear!

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Some of the eye-makeup trends

Military style

Girly Folklore - lol

Naturally Jessica-Alba-like pretty

???

Sweet & Dolly

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I'm going to try to get my paws on some Diamond lashes too - apparently they are of high quality as well and come in packs of 5! :D

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Hope you enjoyed - almost the weekend again! Time for some Christmas shopping!

Review: NYX Round Lipgloss Swatches on lips

*Numbers correspond to those in the review below*

♥ *~REVIEW~* ♥

NYX Round Lipgloss

I am a big fan of NYX - loads of color choices, excellent pigmentation, and affordability are just a few reasons why I love these products to pieces. I throw out my glosses after a year or so since they get goopy and also for hygenic purposes - I always feel a huge twinge of sadness when I have to throw out my MAC glosses since they not only cost me a pretty penny, but there is usually about 80%+ of the product left in the tube. *sigh*

No more tears - NYX is a perfect candidate to supply my lipgloss needs!

I will let my lips do the talking for most of the review :)

*Without flash*

♥

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1. Honey

Sparkly flecks of gold - sheer & subtle

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2. Natural

Pretty muted opaque nudey-mauve

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3. Real Nude

A pretty YLBB (Your-lips-but-better!) - the name says it all!

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4. Whipped

A milky pinky-nude, more nude than pink

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5. Sorbet

Another milky pinky-nude that is more pink than nude. Everyday wearable and work appropriate!

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6. Pinky Natural

LOVE this color -sorry for sloppy application ;_; - More subtle than "Pink" - an opaque bright & cheerful pink

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7. Kiss

A shimmery, sparkly mauve - a pretty color for the Fall!

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8. Baby Pink

A glittery porn star pink ~ not for everyday wear. -_-

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9. Ballerina Pink

A girly pink with sparkles

*oops I think the number is actually #36?

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10. Pink #03

A bright opaque poppy barbie pink

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11. Peach

A pretty glimmery peach - subtle & natural

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12. Sparkle #05

A sheer sparkly YLBB (Your Lips But Better!)

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13. Soap Opera Queen

Not as dramatic as I thought -

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Overall

I loved the packaging, the slightly angled sponge-wand applicators, the sorbet flavor and the colors. (My picks are Real Nude, Natural, Pinky Natural, and Sorbet) The staying power is average for a gloss, but for the price you can keep one on your bathroom counter and pack another in your purse for reapplication! Dryness wasn't a real problem, but I always use Aquaphor as a base to keep my lips moist. (especially in the drying winter months...)

Tip: The opaque lipglosses have more coverage/pigmentation than the sparkle/shimmer lipglosses so keep that in mind when purchasing.

Again, no animal testing with any NYX products!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5)

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I cannot rave enough about these lipglosses!

CHERRY CULTURE is having a sale - everything is 20% off!

You can nab these glosses for a little more than $1 a pop!

Code:

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Sneak peak: Dolly Wink Review & Fall/Winter Fashion Update!

♥ Irene!