Alterna says: The ultimate defense against hot tools, Caviar Perfect Iron Spray protects each strand up to 450° F/232° C. This heat-activated spray locks in moisture, sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle to eliminate frizz and split ends, and locks out humidity, preventing style reversion for sleek or curly locks that last.

I’ve stated on here on my blog time and time again:  I invest the majority of my $$ into makeup (well, the parts that aren’t going to bills and what not).  I don’t buy a lot of clothes or jewelry, and when I do it’s usually clearance Forever 21.  I’ve been carrying the same purse from TJ Maxx for ages now, and my wallet looks like it came out of a trashcan.  That’s actually kind of sad now that I think about it…

Anyway, the same mentality goes for my hair care products.  I don’t really use a lot, just the normal shampoo and conditioner, little bit of hairspray, and heat protectant spray.  I recently started coloring my hair (the first time since high school, which was *ahem* 9 years ago).  While I LOVE my new hair color, I’ve noticed that it breaks off more than it did pre-coloring.  So, I took the plunge and bought the Caviar Iron Spray.

First off, the packaging feel very nice and high-end.  However, I’ve found when I throw this into a bag, it leaks a little bit.  Not really something you want your $28 hair product to do.  So I keep it stored upright in my bathroom.  Alterna says to “Spray on clean, dry hair one section at a time prior to using heat styling tools.”  Well, I’m not one to spend much time on my hair, so I just spray generously onto my hair all at once.  I do 7-8  sprays all over my hair (I flip my hair upside down too) until it feels pretty saturated (but not dripping wet).  It dries quickly and has a light scent (someone on Sephora.com described it as “cedar shavings”).  I actually really enjoy the scent, it’s very refreshing.  I’ve been using this for a few months, and I have noticed less breakage in my hair.  I also love that this is free of those yucky ingredients that dry out your hair.  I can’t really speak for it eliminating any frizz, simply because I don’t have frizzy hair (I’m half Asian, I have long dark, thick, coarse hair).  However, it does make it look a little smoother when I curl or straighten it.

Overall
The price really makes me cringe, but this product did live up to its claims for me.  It helped eliminate some of the breakage that I was experiencing with my color treated hair.  It’s lightly scented, I think it’s refreshing but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.  The packaging feels nice, but leaks if it’s not stored upright.

Glitter Rating: 4.5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Ulta, Amazon. Price: $28.00/4.1oz
For additional pics,

Formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan.

Where: Urban Decay, Sephora, Amazon. Price: $28.00/4.1oz

What do you think of the Caviar heat spray?  Do you use a heat protectant for your hair?

Say yes and figure it out afterwards. -Tina Fey

Drink water. Wear SPF.

I Bought ItAffiliated BrandAffiliate Links

About the author: I am currently a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best! I’m also a die-hard Harry Potter fan and Chipotle enthusiast. Click here to learn more about me.

BRAND AFFILIATION DISCLOSURE: I am currently employed by a cosmetic retail store called Sephora. I am under no obligation to talk about Sephora or brands affiliated with Sephora nor do I receive additional benefits or compensation for talking about them. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily express the views of Sephora. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Protecting my Hair with Alterna is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Urban Decay says: A relaunch of one of Urban Decay’s most iconic palettes ever, the Ammo Palette comes fully loaded. It combines Urban Decay’s longest-lasting shadow formula ever with its ten all-time bestselling shades—shades no makeup junkie should be without. Pair up the vertically color-coordinated duos or channel your inner artist to create multihued looks that are all your own. The palette case features a metallic purple skull on the front, intricately woven out of animals, flowers, pistols, swords, and other Urban Decay elements. Inside, skulls, snakes, and flowers collide to create a dreamy backdrop for the mesmerizing array of shadows. Instead of the old sponge-tip applicator, a shadow brush has been added along with a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion to keep your look vibrant and crease-free all day and night.

Urban makes some of my favorite eyeshadows, but individually they are $18 (for 0.5oz), youch!  Unless there is a single shade that you are dying to try, palettes are the way to go.  The Ammo palette is the newest addition to my UD collection.

Smog (deep shimmer copper bronze):  A nice warm, golden, medium brown.  It’s easy to wear on the lid or in the crease.  *also in Naked 1*

Mildew (mossy shimmer green shimmer with gold shift):  Such a pretty green!  It’s a good “starter” green if you don’t want to jump right into wearing something really bright.  It has just enough gold to help tone it down.

Oil Slick (matte black with silver micro-glitter):  Oil slick has never been my favorite, it has nice pigmentation but I get fallout with the glitter.

Last Call (metallic sugar-plum/heliotrope):  One (of two) of my favorite colors.  Pink eyeshadow can be hard to pull off, but this color has enough purple in it to make my brown eyes pop.

Chopper (light copper shimmer with silver micro-glitter):  I love this as a lid color, it’s really pretty on light and medium skin tones.  It looks a bit ashy on darker skin.  I get some fallout from the glitter, but not as much as oil slick.  I use a patting motion to apply this to my lid. *also in Naked 2*

Maui Wowie (metallic golden beige with silver glitter):  This is another good lid color, but again gets ashy on dark skin tones.  The glitter particles are slightly bigger in this one so there’s a more fallout compared to Chopper.

Shattered (sky blue shimmer with gold shift):  My other favorite color in this palette.  Urban describes it as a turquoise, but I see more blue than green with this color.  The gold shift gives it almost a green tint in some lights though.

Polyester Bride (white snow shimmer with silver micro-glitter): White isn’t the easier color to pull off, especially when it has silver glitter in it.  I like to pop a little bit under my brow and in my inner tear duct for a more dramatic highlight.  I get some fallout with the glitter, but it usually just brushes away.

Grifter (sheer lavender shimmer with silver micro-glitter): I have the old Grifter shade, and this one is LIGHT YEARS ahead of it.  The original one is chunky and awful.  This one is pretty lavender shade, it’s pretty on its own for a wash of color or layered over another purple to give it some dimension.  Still some fallout with the glitter, but it’s minor.

Sin (champagne shimmer):  This is just one of those go-to colors.  It looks nice on the lid, can blend out darker colors, or can be worn as a highlight (on medium skin tones).  *also in Naked 1*

Overall
The formulas are overall nice (read each individual shade for review) and wear for 8-9 hours, what you would expect from UD.  It has a nice mix of neutrals and colors.  It’s possible to create an entire look with just this palette, however there aren’t any matte shades so it may not be ideal for everyone.  My favorite colors are Last Call and Shattered.

Glitter Rating: 4 / 5

Where: Urban Decay, Sephora, Amazon. Price: $34/10 0.3oz eyeshadows, 0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, Mini Shadow Brush.
For additional pics,

Where: Urban Decay, Sephora, Amazon. Price: $34/10 0.3oz eyeshadows, 0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, Mini Shadow Brush.

What do you think of the Ammo palette?  What’s your favorite Urban Decay palette?

Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates. -Kate Angell

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Press SampleAffiliated BrandAffiliate Links

About the author: I am currently a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best!  I’m also a die-hard Harry Potter fan and Chipotle enthusiast.  Click here to learn more about me.

BRAND AFFILIATION DISCLOSURE: I am currently employed by a cosmetic retail store called Sephora. I am under no obligation to talk about Sephora or brands affiliated with Sephora nor do I receive additional benefits or compensation for talking about them. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily express the views of Sephora.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Urban Decay Ammo Palette, Review is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Happy Friday!  How was your week?  I had a pretty easy week, I got back into town (from Chicago) on Tuesday and I had Wednesday off from work.  So I’ve only worked one day this week.  Before you get jealous, just remember, my bank account is suffering because of it.  I’m on a no-buy until the end of July.  It’s so hard!  Especially with the new Sephora Pantone stuff (they came out with some new stuff recently) and the Ariel collection coming out.  Limited editions are my weakness.  And so is glitter and sparkles and vodka.

Well anywho, on to the lippies.  Today I’m featuring one of my favorite things in the world, rosy lips!

For additional pictures and swatches,

Dior Addict Gloss, Dioblotine 634  // Sephora, Amazon ($29.50/0.21oz)

Sparkling poppy red

There’s just something about Dior glosses, they make you feel fancy when you use them.  The packaging is luxe, right down to the silver mushroom-shaped lid.  The color looks more coral in the package, but it really plays up the natural pink in your lips when applied.  I love the little bits of shimmer *not picked up on camera*, it gives it some really pretty dimension.

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine, Fuchsia in Excess 5  //  Sephora ($34/0.15oz)

Bright luminous pink

Yves Saint Laurent also has the luxe packaging going on.  There could be a turd inside that tube and you’d still feel fancy using it.  Like all YSL lippies, it has their signature mango scent.  This really melts into my lips, it feels incredibly soft.  It looks really bright in the tube,  but it applies sheer-medium coverage.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze, Quince  //  Sephora , Amazon ($14/0.34oz)

Sheer rose

Cleverly named, because this really does feel like butter.  It’s very soft and smooth on the lips.  It’s a thicker formula than most glosses.  It’s also very moisturizing.  I prefer this over the Lip Butters in a tub because this is much easier (and more sanitary) to apply.

What are some of your favorite rosy lip colors?

Allow yourself to be a beginner.  No one starts off being excellent.

Drink water. Wear SPF.

I Bought ItGratisAffiliated BrandAffiliate Links

About the author: I am currently a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best! I’m also a die-hard Harry Potter fan and Chipotle enthusiast. Click here to learn more about me.

BRAND AFFILIATION DISCLOSURE: I am currently employed by a cosmetic retail store called Sephora. I am under no obligation to talk about Sephora or brands affiliated with Sephora nor do I receive additional benefits or compensation for talking about them. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily express the views of Sephora. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Friday Favorite: Rosy Lips is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Philosophy says (night): Wake to more radiant, refreshed skin with this night version of Philosophy’s much-loved Hope In A Jar moisturizer. The gentle formula boosts nighttime renewal to retexturize skin, as it plumps the appearance of fine lines and evens skintone. Patented qusomes help deliver potent glycolic acid to the skin, while gradual-release technology minimizes the potential for irritation. With regular use, skin becomes noticeably smoother, lines are visibly softened, and your rosy glow is restored.
Philosophy says (day/original): A 99.9% oil-free, deeply hydrating, lightweight wonder designed to smooth the complexion while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. Originally created for the medical market, this expert essential delivers soft, healthy, glowing results.

So many people love Hope in Jar, so I was excited to finally try it!

Night:  This is the newest addition to the Hope in a Jar family.  The texture is a thick cream but it glides smoothly over my skin.  I feels quite heavy and feels greasy for about 5-10 minutes before penetrating my skin.  I had heard others rave about this product, claiming they saw a difference after one single use.  I gave the product the benefit of the doubt, however I didn’t see a difference after one single use.  I felt a slight tingle when I first starting using it, but that quit after about 4 uses.  I like the idea of using a little glycolic acid every day to keep my skin retexturized, however, I really haven’t seen a difference in my skin at all since I started using this.

Day/Original:  The texture is very light, it almost feels like it’s “whipped.”  I love the way this feels on my skin, it glides easily and penetrates within minutes.  It provides oily skin with just enough moisture without making it shiny (mind you, I use a BB cream over this because it does not contain SPF).  Dryer skin types will probably prefer something a bit creamier (they do make a Hope in a Jar for dry skin), but I think oily/combo skin types will really like this.  You can use this AM and PM, but it doesn’t contain any exfoliating properties (which is why it’s ideal to use with HIAJ night).  Like HIAJ night, I didn’t see any “results” with this, but I do enjoy the texture and the hydration that this provides.  The one complaint I have is the scent.  It’s lightly scented (it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance though), to me it smells a little like bleach.

I did experience a little irritation after day 4 of using both of these products.  I felt a slight burning sensation and some redness occurred.  That reaction did not continue to occur after day 4.  *pics later in the post*

Overall
The night has a thick, emollient-like texture that takes 5-10 minutes to penetrate the skin.  I like the idea of gently exfoliating every night, however I didn’t see any results after 3 weeks of continuous use.  The day/original has a light whipped texture that oily/combo skin types will enjoy.  I personally don’t like the scent, even though it is light.

Where: Philosophy, Sephora, Amazon (Night, Day/Original). Price: $48/0.2oz (Night) $40/0.2oz (Day/Original).
For additional pics,

Night formulated without: Parabens.  Day/Original formulated without:  Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan.

I experienced some irritation after day 4 of using both products.

Where: Philosophy, Sephora, Amazon (Night, Day/Original). Price: $48/0.2oz (Night) $40/0.2oz (Day/Original).

What do you think of Hope in a Jar?  What’s your favorite day and night cream?

Tact is for people who aren’t witty enough to be sarcastic. -Karen Walker

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Press SampleAffiliated BrandAffiliate Links

About the author: I am currently a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best! I’m also a die-hard Harry Potter fan and Chipotle enthusiast. Click here to learn more about me.

BRAND AFFILIATION DISCLOSURE: I am currently employed by a cosmetic retail store called Sephora. I am under no obligation to talk about Sephora or brands affiliated with Sephora nor do I receive additional benefits or compensation for talking about them. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily express the views of Sephora. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Philosophy, Hope in a Jar Day & Night, Review is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Over 3,500 attendees, more than 75 beauty brands, 50 keynote speakers and seminars, and top celebrity makeup artists packed the halls of Bridgeport Art Center, June 9 and 10

Chicago, IL (June 2013) –  The Makeup Show took place in Chicago on June 9 and 10 and closed with record-breaking numbers and a weekend full of beauty and inspiration. In its 3^rd year, The Makeup Show Chicago saw over 3,500 beauty professionals, buyers, industry educators, press, and retailers at Bridgeport Art Center. The Makeup Show Chicago was once again a platform for top beauty brands to debut new products and for some of the biggest and best talent in the industry to come together at the largest pro-driven beauty event in the Midwest.

“The Makeup Show is unique in that it brings a personal touch to this community, and a sense of connection.  With our 3rd year seeing an increase in attendees and brands raving about the show, it brings a validation to the reason why we hold this event five times a year.   We are now looking forward to bringing this same growth and inspiration to our next show in Orlando this September.”  Shelly Taggar, Owner of The Makeup Show

The Makeup Show Chicago Highlights

The Makeup Show Chicago featured over 75 beauty brands including Diamond Sponsor MAKE UP FOR EVER, Platinum Sponsor Crown Brush and Temptu PRO, Silver Sponsor NARS, Supporting Sponsors Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, INGLOT Cosmetics, Stila, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine.

Makeup Artists stocked their kits with the newest beauty products on the market and many brands sold out of popular products.  MAKE UP FOR EVER debuted a new Smoky Extravagant, the latest mascara innovation that quickly became a must-have for every makeup artist’s kit. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics new Lip Tar Stained Gloss flew off the shelves, and Ellis Faas, AJ Crimson Beauty, and NARS (to name a few) each had popular products that sold out or became a new industry favorite.

The Makeup Show Keynotes were highly anticipated and well attended.  Keynotes that took the main stage have transformed the faces of some of today’s biggest names including Wendy Williams, Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, and Twiggy, to name a few. Popular keynotes included Global Pro Lead Artist for Smashbox, Lori Taylor, Merrell Hollis, Eve Pearl, Sian Richards, NARS Cosmetics Director of Global Artistry, James Boehmer, and Sutan Amrull who is most recognized from America’s Next Top Model and Season 3 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Hands-On Workshops quickly sold-out.  These classes allowed a limited number of artists to be a part of intense learning with some of the largest names in the industry.  A few of the educators included makeup artists Danessa Myricks, Orlando Santiago, Tanya Deemer, Eugenia Weston, and Lijah Stewart, teaching on popular topics such as the Art of Cover Up and Understanding Color Theory and Color Correction.

About The Makeup Show Chicago

The Makeup Show is owned and produced by Metropolitan Event & Production and travels internationally from LA, NYC, Chicago, Europe, and Orlando.  Bringing each destination over 60 beauty brands, and unique convergence of artists and community, where beauty professionals are sure to find an artistic energy that will inspire any beauty buff, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional.  Each show offers an unparalleled lineup ofeducation and appearances from top beauty professionals and focuses on career building and networking within the makeup community.  The show provides a unique experience for the makeup professional to network directly from the best in the business.  You can also stay up to date on the hottest show news through an informative blog covering all things beauty at www.themakeupshow.com/the-makeup-show-blog/.  Also, be sure to connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers,schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com.

The Makeup Show Chicago, Recap is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Hello everyone!  What a weekend it has been.  I know I know, it’s Wednesday, what am I doing reflecting on the weekend?  Well it feels like Monday for me, I just got back in town yesterday.  I spent the past few days in Chicago at The Makeup Show (it was my first time!).  It was and AMAZING experience!

We had to take a big freight elevator to get to the event space.

I was lucky enough to attend the Blogger Preview event on Saturday night.  Here, myself and about 20 other bloggers got to have a private seminar with James Vincent (the TMS creator/pro makeup-artist).  He talked to us about why he started TMS and why it’s important for us artists to work together.  I also got to take home this amazing swag bag!

I also got to see some of the vendors while they were setting up.

Day 1 of the show:

We walked for what seemed like forever (from our bus stop), my feet were killing me and I was sweating so my hair and makeup weren’t looking very good.  I was getting a little grumpy, but still focused on the positive: I was FINALLY there!

Cue music:  *Look at all the people, at all the people!* (any Chorus Line fans out there?).  Day one was crowded.  I was so excited to be there, so it really didn’t bother me at first.  And it was a bit of a sensory overload, like if I was a robot there would have been sparks flying out of my brain.

I managed to push through and snap some pics of Inglot and OCC.  I could feel the dirty looks I was getting so I scurried away, with my ninja-like moves.

Special effects makeup.

Crown Brushes had some amazing deals, their booth was packed the whole day.  I tried to avoid it, but it was like brush junkie magnet, I had to go over there.  I was pushed and shoved while I quietly stood in line waiting my turn.  I picked up a few brushes then decided that I had enough and asked if I could pay in the middle of the line.  To be quite honest, large crowds give me a bit of anxiety (which is why I don’t like large amusement parks) and I think I had just hit my threshold for the day.

Day 2 of the show:

Day 2 was significantly less busy.

I went to a seminar about airbrush makeup, taught by the fabulous Nicky Posely.  It was so good, I learned a lot from him!

Since there wasn’t as many people there, I was able to snap some more pics of the vendors.

I got to see Miss Eve Pearl herself demonstrate reverse contouring.

I got to take a hands on workshop with the one and only Eugenia Weston.  She was such an incredible instructor, I enjoyed every minute of her class.  She is incredibly sweet, while she easily could have an inflated ego because of all that she has accomplished, she remains gracious and kind.  Get this people; she shaped my eyebrows!

I love the new, less arched/thicker tail version.  The rest of my face was done by another artist in the class, Natalie.  *She was fabulous, if you’re near the Detroit area and you need an artist, I highly recommend her!*

Airbrush demo from Kett, more special effects makeup.

I’m so happy that my friend Mallory was able to make this trip with me.  As you can see, we each have “our good side.” *hair flip*

My grandma also came along.  Er, should I say, I came along with her.  I wouldn’t be able to do any of this stuff without her!  She has also been so supportive of me and my dreams (no matter how crazy they are) and I wouldn’t be here without her.  *While she was waiting for me during my 3 hour workshop, she sat at a table and “networked” for me.  She even handed out a few of my business cards, how cute is that?*

So now, after this already pic heavy post, I still have one more thing to share with you.  Probably the most exciting thing… my HAUL!

Here’s the damage:

Finally found a brush belt that I liked.

And lastly. . .

A new airbrush kit. Youch.

I had so much fun on this trip and I learned so much.  I feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity and I am a better artist because of it.

Anything is possible.  Anything can be.  -Shel Silverstein

Drink water. Wear SPF.

About: I am currently a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best! Click here to learn more about me.

The Makeup Show 2013 – My Experience is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

• Blushing Noir: Happy Birthday, GlossyBox! Check out how GlossyBox celebrated their 1 year anniversary in the US!
• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shows how Rimmel London can give you simple, glowing skin this summer!
• Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: If you love the intoxicating scent of gardenias and white exotic flowers, then you must try Kai Eau de Parfum! It is the perfect magical summer scent!
• BeautyTidbits: Harshleen is having a major love affair with the new It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50!
• Beauty 101: Looking to overhaul your makeup collection? Casey from Beauty 101 has put together a drugstore starter kit for you!
• Painted Ladies: Sheila tries Emma Jean Scented Nail Polish in Blueberry Pie and is transported to her childhood!
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a full size Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control from Lipgloss Break!
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla introduces to you her second BFF this summer – Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer
• Geniabeme: OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss is so bright and pretty, perfect for the Summer!
• My Highest Self: Tina does a Polka Dot Mani with a bit of 3D action!
• Peace Love and Glitter: Switch up your look for summer with the Tarte Aqualillies collection (bonus, it’s waterproof!).
• Stepford Witch: Spa Sonic’s Skin Care System is an affordable and effective way to beautiful skin!
• D.G.S.Beauty: Curious about RocksBox? See what D.G.S.Beauty has received in her box this month
• Beauty by Miss L: What was in Miss L? Adorebox (monthly subscription beauty box) this time?
• Beauty Professor: With the recent arrival of June (where does the time go?!), The Beauty Professor reflects on her favorite products for the month of May!
• Patty and Goldie’s Day Off: Check out k B Shimmer’s new Summer line
• The Gloss Menagerie: Missed out on attending Generation Beauty 2013? Read what Alyson thought of the event on The Gloss Menagerie.

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup, 6/11/13 is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

{via}

I say. . .

If I had it my way, I’d wear nothing but pink and glitter on my nails, year round, 24-7.  I resist this urge given that I’m not in 7th grade anymore.  I still wear different colors, but I’m really not one to get on board with nail trends.  I think they look cool  but I’m just hella lazy and invest the majority of my $$ into makeup.

Happy Saturday!  I’m headed to Chicago today for The Makeup Show, eeek!

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Poll: What color of nail polish do you like to wear? is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Shiseido says: A sheer, hydrating, oil-free, and tinted face cream that provides advanced protection and a flawless complexion. This innovation will change the way your skin is protected. Discover the lightweight, moisturizing, and oil-free tinted cream that brilliantly defends your skin against UV rays and environmental aggressors while blending flawlessly. It contains SuperVeil-UV 360™ offering comprehensive protection of the skin’s surface, and Profense CEL™ which protects cells and DNA, and helps inhibit enzyme activity—the causes of wrinkles and uneven skintone. It gives the skin a hint of color for a glowing, healthy-looking complexion.

Psssst… hey, remember tinted moisturizers?  They have kind of gotten the shaft since BB creams have hit the US.  While I like some of the BB’s that I’ve tried, I have to say, I feel like the westernized version is nothing more than a glorified tinted moisturizer {more on that subject}.  In fact, given the long title that Shiseido gave this particular product, I’m wondering if they purposely went out of their way to NOT call this a BB cream.  Maybe? *sidenote, Shiseido does have a BB cream, I haven’t tried it*  I don’t care what the product is called, tinted moisturizer, BB cream, poo poo cream… what I care about is, does the product actually do what it claims to do?

First things first, how do you pronounce Shiseido?  “Sh-uh-say-doh.”  I didn’t know for the longest time, so I thought I’d share that little bit of info.

I use my fingers to apply a generous (nickel sized) layer all over my face.  The texture is light and it feels very smooth on the skin.  It spreads easily, I didn’t have any issues with application.  It gives enough coverage to give my skin a light tint, but redness, dark circles, and blemishes are still visible.  This comes in 3 shades, I have the middle one (02) and the color works perfectly for my NC30 skin.  Since it has sheer coverage, I imagine this color would work for someone who is 1-2 shades lighter or darker than me, since sheer formulas tend to be very forgiving.   Shiseido also says you can use this as a “makeup base for a beautiful foundation finish.”  I wore it underneath several foundations (liquid and powder) and it made me shiny as h***.  Mind you, I have oily skin, but this did nothing to inhibit the shiny-ness that resides on my t-zone.

So, what makes this different from other TM’s out of the market?  This one contains fancy ingredients like SuperVeil-UV360, Thiotaruine, Rose Apple Leaf Extract, Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE, Xylitol and Glycerin.  What makes this different than a BB cream?  Other than the name of it… I have no idea.

Overall
It gives sheer coverage (just as it claims), enough to see a light tint on my skin but redness, blemishes and dark circles are still evident.  The texture is light and smooth, I apply with my fingers (just as I would any moisturizer).  When used as a makeup base (I tried both liquid and powder formulas) it didn’t do anything to help control my already oily skin.  My t-zone was shiny within 2-3 hours.

Glitter Rating: 3.5 / 5

Where: Shiseido, Sephora, Amazon. Price: $30/1.1oz.
For additional pics,

Formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates.

Where: Shiseido, Sephora, Amazon. Price: $30/1.1oz.

What do you think of Shiseido’s tinted moisturizer?  Do you have a favorite TM or BB cream?

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it.  For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it.  For every love there is a heart there to receive it.  -Marilyn Monroe

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Press SampleAffiliated BrandAffiliate Links

Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 43, Review is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Tarte says (liner): A shimmering turquoise shade of the Amazonian clay waterproof liner and a double-ended bamboo liner brush inspired by the Aqualillies.
Glamazon Lipstick: A vivacious coral shade of Tarte glamazon™ Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick inspired by the Aqualillies.

Janet voice: *Summer summer summer time, time to sit back and unwind*

Man, I thought summer would never get here.  Now that mother nature has finally got the memo, I’m so excited to start wearing dresses and sandals.  And, oh yeah, summer MAKEUP!

Aqualillies: A professional synchronized swimming/dance company founded in 2008 and based in Los Angeles, California. They are known as pioneers in the renaissance of water ballet as entertainment. {source}

Liner:  I was immediately drawn towards the color, a shimmering turquoise with iridescent and silver macro glitter.  It has a teal-ish sheen, so in some lights it leans more blue and in some lights it picks up some gold.  I love this color because it looks good on any skin tone.  However, green-eyed girls may not love this color because it clashes with warmer green eyes.  The liner is very creamy (compared to my MAC and Bobbi Brown gel liners) so it flows right onto the lash line without much effort.  I like the brush that’s included, the tip is very similar to the MAC 209.  I tested it’s waterproof claim (pics later in post), and it held up very well.  I generously sprayed the swatch on my arm, let it sit for a few minutes, then wiped off.  It stayed on very well, no smudging or running.  Tarte also says this holds up through “rain, sweat, tears—and even swimming.”  I haven’t tried swimming in this,  but I’m curious to know if it REALLY holds up against pool chemicals.

Lipstick:  I was already a fan of the Glamazon Lipsticks, they are pigment city and one of the only long-lasting lipsticks that don’t dry out your lips.  I typically get 5-6 hour wear time (not the 12 that it claims) and a little less if I eat/drink.  The formula is very creamy and smooth and has a matte finish.  However, you really need to have clean, moisturized lips to wear this formula because any imperfections will be amplified x10.  The bright coral compliments my warmer skin tone.  Fairer skinned girls may not love the color, it may be a bit to overpowering (especially if you have pink in your skin).

Overall
The liner is super creamy, pigmented, and a gorgeous turquoise color that flatters most skin tones.  It definitely lives up to its waterproof claim which is awesome for summer (BONUS that it also comes with a brush).  The lipstick is long-lasting (5-6 hours, not 12) without drying out your lips.  It packs a lot of pigment, just make sure your lips are properly prepped to get the best application.

Glitter Rating: 5/5 (liner) 4.5/5 (lipstick)

Where: Tarte, Sephora, Amazon (liner, lipstick). Price: $24/0.08oz (liner) $26/0.13oz (lipstick).
For additional pics,

Both are formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates.

Where: Tarte, Sephora, Amazon (liner, lipstick). Price: $24/0.08oz (liner) $26/0.13oz (lipstick).

What do you think of the Tarte Aqualillies collection?  Anything you want to go pick up?

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.  -Dr. Suess

Drink water. Wear SPF.

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Summer Fun with Tarte Aqualillies is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter