Sinful Colors Halloween Polish in Black Magic: Review & Swatches

So my grand plans to put a few nail polish related posts for "Mani Monday" kinda went out the window, but here is at least one more. And what could be better as we head into October then to review a Halloween polish? That's right. Black Magic from the Sinful Colors, Colors to Die For collection is in stores now, and for $1.99, the price can't be beat!

Continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Updated Sally Hansen XTreme Wear Nail Polish: Review & Swatches

Since Monday in the beauty world seems to generally be a "Mani Monday" I figured I'd to a bunch of nail polish reviews today. First up is the new collection of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes, which is there collaboration with Rent the Runway. Although there are several collections within the Sally Hansen line, this one probably gets the least love. It's a pity since they have some great colors, and it's the cheapest of the line if I'm not mistaken. So, I have a bunch of glittery polishes from the Xtreme Wear newest collection.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

New Revlon Evening Opulence Collection: Review & Swatches

As the fall collections are coming to the stores, some are eye catching, and others not so much. Only two items really stood out to me from the new fall 2013 Revlon The Evening Opulence Collection by Gucci Westman. A Color Burst lipgloss and nail polish.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Skincare Sunday: Eclos Plant Stem Cell Travel/Starter Kit Review

Apple stem cell technology has been all the rage for the last few years in a select group of skin care fanatics. So when I found a new Swiss skincare line, Eclos, in the drug store, I was excited to try it out. Added bonus was that this kit is $19.99.

To continue reading the review, click the link below.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red: Review & Swatch

MAC is always coming out with new collections every few weeks, making it really difficult to keep track of what's what. I like to check out the counter periodically when my fancy strikes, or if there's a particular promotion out (but that's few and far between). One of these said collections is the Retro Matte collection. Supposedly there's a popular shade with in this formulation that makes it special. Don't ask me the details. Of the collection, the one that stood out to me was Relentlessly Red.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Fitness Friday: Getting Past a Workout Rut

It's a Friday, and most of us are feeling a little lazy after a long week. I know I am. Need at little motivation to go to the gym or work out? Here some tips for you (despite it being obvious). Sometimes you just need a different perspective on the same old (Pic: google images).

Try a new class at the gym:

• Cross fit/boot camp is still a huge hit and it's a great workout. Just be careful not to puke your guts out/pass out. The main thing is just keep moving even if you're slower.
• Water aerobics-don't knock it. I tried it once and it about killed me. Treading water for 20 minutes straight is hard to do.
• Spinning class- high calorie burn. I personally don't like it, but it's worth a try.
• Dance Aerobics- classes like zumba combine aerobic exercise with some fun dance moves. Let your boogie out.

Lift weights:

• No you won't get huge muscles, and yes it will be helpful. Muscle burns more fat, and make you look more toned.

Work out with a buddy:

• Misery loves company. Having someone with you can make all the difference. Push each other work harder.

Go for a walk/hike:

• Walking or hikes is an easy way to get your "burn on" so to speak. It's generally lower impact, but still heart healthy. Hikes also can be made hard or easy as wanted.

Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink: Review & Swatch

Sometimes all a gal needs is a little bit of flush to look awake and alive. Baked blushes might just be the right choice for you. Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink is an option. These baked blushes have been on the market for awhile, but it's better late than never.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Study Tool Necessity: Colored Pens

Yup, I'm a uber nerd at heart. Or perhaps in life in general. I get excited over stationary/office supplies, especially with every new school year. Ya I know school's already in session, but who really gets down to study at the beginning of a semester? Not this gal. So it's about this time of year that I realize I need to start organizing my things, and reach for my colorful pens. Here's a few I like personally. Ya, I know I'm weird.

To continue reading the review and see these pens, click the link below.

Finger Paints Nail Polish in Sarong so Right: Review & Swatch

This polish is part of the Finger Paints A Pair Affair by All Laqured Up (a nail polish blogger if I'm not mistaken). There were about 5-6 shades available, but Sarong So Right was the only one that spoke to me. It was a unique color to my shamefully large collection. I found this at Sally's Beauty Supply.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

September Ipsy Bag Review

I was originally going to skip my Ipsy Glam Bag post for September since I literally didn't get it in the mail until two days prior, but I changed my mind. Mostly because the Classic Beauty themed September bag was a departure from the norm (compared to what I have experienced thus far).

To continue reading the review and see the contents of the September bag, click the link below.

Neutrogena Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment Review

It might be a little too early for a uber moisturizer to be part of your arsenal, but there is a time and place for it year round for those with sensitive skin. Such a moisturizer is the Neutrogena Intensive Moisture Wrap Body Treatment. This lotion is part of the Norwegian Formula product line. I find them to be VERY moisturizing, and it lives up to the claim that this product is richer than other lotions. Claims are that it is a fragrance free, concentrated healing treatment that contains a "unique glycerin-rich complex that instantly wraps skin" and allows it to heal from the inside for even the most uncomfortably dry skin.

I find this to be great year round if you swim at all. That's why summer is just as great of a time to use it for us sensitive skin folks. I find that the chlorinated pools easily dry out my skin to the point I get super itchy (no surprise) and my eczema patches like to peak out. Just by applying this after I shower (post pool), my skin is as if it never touched the drying chlorine. It's a little greasy feeling on normal (non-dry skin), so keep that in mind. However, despite the potentially greasy factor, it sinks into skin quickly and appears to absorb well.

Bottom Line: Perfect for the dry skin months, or those who impose dry skin on themselves (like swimmers). Those who are not prone to dry skin wouldn't like this as much.

Maybelline Color Whisper Permanent Collection Part 2 Swatches

Might as well make it a trifecta of Maybelline Love type of day. I promise tomorrow (if I don't get lazy) will consist of another brand to review. As this is the part 2 of the permanent shade selection of the Maybelline Color Whispers, please refer to part 1 for the actual review portion.

To see the swatches of this set of Color Whispers, click the link below.

Maybelline Color Whisper Permanent Collection Part 1: Review & Swatches

To continue on with the Maybelline love I have recently, here are the permanent shades of the Color Whispers. Yes, I do own and like other brands of makeup, but since I have these handy, might as well knock these posts out. It's been in my "to-do" pile for a long bit. I've reviewed a limited edition shade prior to this post here, but I didn't want the permanent collection to go to the wayside. It's just as exciting and lovely as the fleeting colors that come and go with each season.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara: Review & Swatches

So, it's been a long time since I posted anything. I know, I know. My schedule sucks currently, and then I don't have the will to do anything when my day is done. But I've been feeling guilty, so here's a post regarding the Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof mascara. I figured a waterproof mascara would be a great option to finish the summer (I still have a little over a week until it's officially fall).

To continue reading the review and see a swatch, click the link below.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Wink of Pink: Review & Swatches

As seems the yearly trend from Maybelline is the multi-colored limited edition Great Lash Mascaras. This year has 6 shade offerings, two more than last year. Although different names then last year, there seems to be a repeat of a green, purple, turquoise, and bright blue. This year's addition is a maroon, and Wink of Pink that I have to review today.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Tech Tuesday: Michael Todd True Organics Eye-O-Sonic Review

Today's Tech Tuesday is a little gadget for the eyes that looks questionably like a personal pleasure tool. It's the Michael Todd Eye-O-Sonic. Despite the questionable look, it's meant to help your existing products to work better, and at a deeper level. Added bonus? You can use it along the nasolabial folds, aka the smile lines around your cheek. Does it work?

To continue reading the review, click the link below.

L'Oreal Orange You Jealous?: Review & Swatches

Continuing on with the Mani Monday theme that I have going, here is another polish from L'Oreal. Although summer is fast approaching to an end, I say you can wear whatever color you please year round. That said Orange You Jealous? may be more appropriate for the warmer months.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

September SquareHue Box: Reveiw & Swatches

It's a miracle, I'm being good and posting my September SquareHue contents at the beginning of the month! Let's see how long I can keep up the good work. September's theme is The Serengeti Collection. Nice Africa theme to wave off my roomie goodbye who'll be in Africa this month.

To continue reading the review and see swatches, click the link below.

Skincare Sunday: Michael Todd True Organics Acne Discovery Kit

For today's Skincare Sunday, I'll be reviewing one of the Michael Todd True Organics Discovery Kits. This is the Acne Kit, which isn't currently available, but all the individual items along with other kits are available here. I'm still bummed that Michael Todd no longer makes cosmetics, but that's not the point of this post.

To continue reading the review, click the link below.

Essie Madison Ave-hue: Review & Swatches

Essie Madison Ave-hue is another summer collection from the same name. It's very similar to the Naughty Nauticals collection shades since it has the silver shimmers in it. This is a very similar color to The Girls Are Out, but it's a pinker version.

To continue reading the review and to see swatches, click the link below.