Pixi Nail Polish

So I found a new love while shopping at Target the other day, Pixi Nail Polish. The colors are beautiful and bright - adding the perfect pop for summer. The formula is lovely - not streaky, and it's extremely pigmented. My favorite colors are listed below:

The polish is available at most Target stores or online at http://pixibeauty.com

REVIEW: tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Foundation

I purchased this foundation for $38 from Beauty.com last month. I absolutely love the Amazonian Clay blushes so I had high hopes for the 12 Hour Foundation. I'm saddened to say that this foundation didn't live up to my expectations. The texture is extremely thick, it reminds me of whipped frosting. I tried a number of different application methods, I used my hands, a Sigma Kabuki brush (wet/dry), a beauty blender, the tarte kabuki brush (wet/dry). I also tried it with and without primer. The results were the same despite my efforts, heavy and cakey. I just could not get this foundation to look natural, or even close to natural. 

I will say that I do actually like the tarte Airbush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush, it's very dense and leaves a great finish when I pair it with my other liquid foundations.


If you're in the market for a full coverage foundation I strongly recommend Make Up For Ever's MAT Velvet +. It's my go to for full coverage  - it will be a while before I stray again!

2012 Spring/Summer Corals

With warmer temperatures arriving early this year, it seems like the perfect time to share a few of the coral hued products I am most excited about reaching for this season. 


MAC Lipstick: Make Me Simmer (Amplified)
Nordstrom $14.50


Originally released earlier this year with the COOK/SHOP Collection, Make Me Simmer has just been re-promoted with the recently released, Reel Sexy collection. This bright orangey/pink coral will play beautifully on my lips as my complexion deepens throughout the summer. 

MAC Lipstick: Reel Sexy (Amplified)
Nordstrom $14.50


When applied with a light hand, this lipstick leaves the prettiest pastel coral sheen. Perfect for spring!

MAC Tendertone: Purring

$15.00

MAC's Purring tendertone leaves the slightest hint of coral on my lips. This will be my go-to for days spent at the beach.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush: Tipsy

Sephora $12.00

Great color for accentuating bronzed cheekbones!

MAC Launch: Hey, Sailor! Collection

I can't wait for MAC's Hey, Sailor collection to launch. I just got my first glimpse of it today and I'm in love with the nautical theme. I predict the collection will sellout quickly, especially the Suntints. 

The collection is set to launch on May 24th - so mark your calendars!

Favorite Foundations

My all time favorite foundation is Jemma Kidd's Light as Air Liquid Foundation (available in the US on Beauty.com). It's everything a foundation should be. It's extremely light weight and covers well, while leaving a lovely dewy finish. It looks amazingly natural and wears for over 10 hours when set with a powder.

Occasionally, when my skin starts acting up, I turn to Make Up For Ever's MAT Velvet + foundation. It helps to control oil and fully covers problem areas. I find the formula to be fairly light weight which is definitely a plus given the amount of coverage it provides. 


Finally, I recently purchased Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation. I've used in on and off for the past 3 weeks and while I thinks it's okay, I don't think I'll purchase it again. It just doesn't stand up to the light, natural coverage of Light as Air, or the fuller coverage of MAT velvet +.

Sephora Chic Week

Today in the mail I received a Sephora VIB coupon for 15% off. What a nice surprise!!! The sale runs in store from Thursday, March 29th to April 6th.


Details from the Sephora website are lsited below. Happy shopping!!!

2012 Chic Week Promotion for Beauty Insiders (Mar 30th – Apr 5th)


What is Chic Week?

• Chic Week is a special promotion offering 15% off all purchases for Beauty Insiders from March 30th – April 5th. To kickoff Chic Week, Very Important Beauty Insiders (V.I.B.s) can attend a special Preview Party at their local store on March 29th.  VIB’s can redeem the promotion from  March 29th – April 6th.
• V.I.B.’s will receive an email on 3/27 inviting them to the preview.  If you are a V.I.B. and have not received the email please log into the V.I.B. only section at Beauty Talk, on or after 3/27/2012: http://community.sephora.com/t5/Bright-Ideas/ct-p/Ideas

What will be offered at the Preview Party?

• V.I.B’s will receive the below benefits on 3/29:
• The first to shop: an extra day to save 15% before everyone else, online and in stores
• VIB’s bring a friend to get the discount too
• A SEPHORA umbrella to take home
• A special VIB sample bag
• Pantone Express Service makeup lessons at The Beauty Studio
• Face Time with our Experts and Brands

What if I’m not a Beauty Insider?

• Beauty Insider is free and easy to sign up. Become a Beauty Insider to redeem the 15% off promotion. Learn more about the Beauty Insider program at any Sephora store or online at http://www.sephora.com/beautyinsider 

Haul: Beauty.com

theBalm - Balm Girls Lipstick $17:

A few months ago I picked up theBalm's Balm Girls lipstick in Mia Billsbepaid and fell in love with both the color and formula. It's a perfect neutral for my skin tone (light/medium in the winter). I've been stopped 3 times when wearing this lipstick and asked what I had on my lips. As if the color alone wasn't enough to sell me, the formula is equally impressive. It's wonderfully moisturizing - on the lips if feels very much like, well... a balm. I'm about through with my current tube and decided to pick up two additional colors while ordering a replacement. 

Here are swatches of the colors - starting from the left Anita Boytoy, Ima Goodkisser, Mai Billsbepaid.

tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Foundation $38:

I've heard wonderful things about tarte's Amazonian clay so I decided to check out their new 12 hour foundation. I typically prefer lighter formulas, this seems a bit thick for my tastes but I'll let you know how it goes. 

Too Faced Poolside Face Kit $25:

Sold out

This was such a great deal, I couldn't pass it up. The Sun Bunny bronzer alone typically runs for $29. The bag, lipgloss, lip liner, face primer and mascara are a nice extra. 

FREE  Gift With Purchase

While supplies last, with any $100 Beauty.com purchase, you will receive this free gift which includes a pink butterfly lined train case designed by Erin Fetherston filled with these 13 deluxe samples (total value is over $130):

• Supersmile Whitening Introductory Kit
• Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Alterna Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist
• Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm
• H2O Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Nightly Hydration
• Stila Eye Shadow Compact in Cloud (full size)
• Bvlgari Refreshing Towel
• Murad Acne Clarifying Mask
• Traditions by Nick Chavez Yucca Root Shampooing Cream
• Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado Body Lotion
• bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor in Bravado
• Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner
• Bonus $10 off $50 Beauty.com gift card