NYX THE RUNWAY COLLECTION, CHAMPAGNE & CAVIAR

I'm back with another NYX review! I bought this palette a couple of months ago I'd say. I kept meaning to review it and today I finally got my act together! I have really been enjoying this palette alot--though not the most pigmented--for every day, neutral looks for work.

Take a peek at the inside:

So as you can see, really pretty every day colors! They are a bit soft, so watch out for fallout. They are really smooth though and easy to blend. I haven't really used the white or black, so swatching them last night was the first time I dipped into those. Cue the swatches...

My skin is really white, so they don't show up as well here. If your on a laptop though, tilt your screen back for a better view!! Sorry guys! So you can see there are mostly shimmer colors in here, with a few satin colors. But these are not overly shimmery, if you know what I mean. I don't want to look like a disco ball at work and all of the colors in here would work for me.

As you can tell I'm sure, the black (#10) is probably the worst color in this palette, with white (#6) being behind that. They are both not very pigmented, a little chalky, and were not easily blended on my skin. What went wrong there?? NYX's single shadow in Black is supposed to be a MAC Dupe for Carbon, so you might want to pick that one up instead. I don't use black too much, except to set liners, so it's not a big deal for me. Here's a few looks I've done with this palette:

This is a really light application for a really natural, but put together, look I did for work.

Another day where I took it a little bit darker. You really can make these more intense, I just chose not too! I'll have to do a dramatic look for you guys another time to show you.

Do you have any of the NYX palettes? Do you prefer the quality of the single shadows better? I want to hear your thoughts! Don't be shy! I <3 reading your comments!

Mary Kay give-a-way soon!

FTC Disclosure: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not affiliated with NYX, nor was I paid to write this review. This is my honest opinion.

NYX SINGLE SHADOWS

I have always heard how great NYX shadows are and I've been wanting to try these for so long. My local Ulta doesn't have a wide selection for these, so I finally popped my Cherry Culture cherry and made my first order! I used Temptalia's infamous Dupe List to help me make my selections! I got some MAC Dupes!!

Here's my selection!

From left to right:

Frosted Flakes, Rust, True Taupe, Brown

Frosted Flakes is supposed to be like Shroom--which I have wanted forever!!

Rust is supposed to be like Cranberry.

True Taupe isn't a dupe, I just love it!

Brown is supposed to be like Cork.

Swatches:

These swatches don't even show how pretty they are. I'm not too sure about the Brown (Cork dupe) yet, as I have not used it on my lids yet. Swatch looks kinda yucky, but I will update you after I use it. The colors look most like the picture with flash, with the exception of Rust. It looks orange in that picture. The one without flash looks like Rust.

Here's my first look with these. I used Frosted Flakes as a highlight, True Taupe on my lids, and Rust in my crease.

Hope you enjoyed this review! Please tell me your favorite NYX single shadows!

Mary Kay give-a-way coming soon!!

Thanks to Kate Gene for mentioning Picnik.com in her last blog post (which I LOVED! Go read it now!) ! I love it! For those of you who don't know what Picnik is, check it out! You can crop your pic's and add text and so much more for FREE! My favorite price!

FTC Disclosure: I purchased items with my own money. I am was not paid to write this review. I am not affiliated with NYC Cosmetics. This is my honest opinion.

TERRA FIRMA NEUTRAL PLUMS TRIO TRIAL

Terra Firma Cosmetics was kind enough to send me some samples of some of their loose mineral eye shadows, which are also multi-purpose! I am always to try products with healthy ingredients!

"Our loose mineral eye shadows are made from pure minerals and don't contain any harsh additives such as chemical dyes, waxes, talc, parabens, or fillers.

Our shadows blend well with each other and can be used wet or dry for a multitude of cosmetic uses. Choose from our huge selection below to be used as eye shadow, eye liner, brow color, lip color, cheek color, and even color for your clear nail polish.

Long Lasting

No Chemical Colorants, Wax, or Talc

Paraben & Silicone Free"

I was immediately drawn to the neutral plum package!

A close look at the shadows!

Left to right: Diamond Chocolate, Fig, Pink Pearl

Swatches=Beautiful!!!!

Here's the first look I did this morning:

But I wasn't loving such a dark look for work, so I wiped it off and started over!

I liked this for work much better! What do you think?

These shadows had good pigmentation and were really easy to blend! I've always been a fan of loose shadows and the Terra Firma brand didn't fail to impress me. I used UDPP under these and it lasted me not only through my work day, but also through a workout at the gym!! Now THAT is staying power!!

I've got so many more shadows to show you guys, so keep checking back for swatches and looks! Soon you will be able to find Terra Firma Cosmetics in The NV Beauty Boutique. The loose shadows run $9 for a 10 gram jar with sifter in the boutique. I'll be adding products soon, so please keep checking in and let me know if there is something you'd like to see in there and I'll see what I can do!

FTC Disclosure: While these products were sent for review, this is my honest opinion. I was not paid to write this review.

mark PRIMED FOR PERFECTION

"Smooth on this ultralightweight, fast-absorbing lotion before you apply anything else-it will not only provide a perfect canvas for your makeup, but will also help it last all day! Formulated with optical diffusers and oil-controlling ingredients to help conceal imperfections and fine lines. 0.4 fl. oz. "

I, like many of you, am always looking for a primer that is going to extend the life of my makeup on my face through the end of my work day!! While I really enjoy using AVON Magix primer, I wanted to find something a little more moisturizing for my dry skin. Enter mark Primed for Perfection! 

PROS:

light-weight

moisturizing

a little goes a long way

makeup looks better at the end of the day vs. not wearing primer at all

Unscented

CONS:

tube is small--larger packaging please!

$10 for not even half an ounce is a little high

Will I re-purchase? YES!

FTC Disclosure: I am an AVON representative. I was able to purchase this product at a discount. This is my honest opinion of this product.

GRAFOBIAN PACKAGE

I could hardly believe my eyes! I opened up my package from Graftobian today and couldn't believe all the goodies they sent me to review! I though they'd send me an item or two, well....check it out!

They sent me two lippies, two powder foundations, two glamour creme palettes, and two lipcolor palettes! Feels like Christmas! Now...on to actually trying them out for a few weeks to provide you all with an honest review! Hope everyone had a wonderful week! I finally joined Twiter today, so follow me and I'll follow you! I'd love another outlet to talk to you all!

Give-a-way coming soon!

JEMMA KIDD STRIKE A POSE SWIVEL PALETTE

I really, really love this palette!! It's the Jemma Kidd Strike a Pose Swivel Palette that I got at Target a while back in the haulage post I did. I've been using it almost everyday since I got it! I haven't even cracked the other palettes I bought! Here's a closer look inside:

The colors are perfect for every day and they are really long wearing (with UDPP of course)! Here are the swatches of the eyeshadows:

They are so smooth and blendable! The pigmentation is great. I have nothing bad to say about these shadows---LOVE them!

The blush and highlighter were much harder to photograph:

This looks gorgeous on! I put a lot on this swatch so it would show up. They are both really buildable, so you can wear it as light or heavy as you want. I have to say though, the staying power of these aren't as impressive as the shadows, but I still love them.

I wasn't able to get a good shot of the gloss, as it's pretty sheer and I took these pictures at night! But the color in the palette is really close to NARS Orgasm Blush (I know it looks hot pink in my pictures--but it's not!). It's got a nice hint of color and it's not sticky at all--but nothing I'd call long lasting.

Overall, I really enjoy this palette and even thought about going back to Target for a backup! If you can get your hands on this, it's a great neutral, everyday palette!

Stay NV'ious my beauties and come back soon to see what my next give-a-way is!

FTC Disclosure: I purchased this product with my own money. I was not paid to write this review, these are my honest thoughts.

THE PURIST COMPANY HAIR CARE

In July I was approached by The Purist Company to review a few products. Since I am up to my neck in skin care products to review for you all, I requested hair care products. Iona was kind enough to send me the [Al'chemy] Lavender Shampoo, the [Al'chemy] Avocado & Calendula Re-Moisturising Conditioner, and the [Al'chemy] Lavender & Anthyllis, 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-In Conditioner.

 I was really excited to try this brand because

they are formulated free from:

•parabens

•mineral oils

•silicones

•sulfates

•synthetic fragrances

•artificial colours

•propylene glycol

•phthalates
•DEA (MEA, TEA)

•ethoxylated and petrochemical cleansers

The shampoo ($14.50, 225ml ) was  nice and thick and had a very strong lavender scent, which was a bit too strong for me. I started with a normal amount I'd use for shampooing and worked it into my hair. Due to the lack of detergent or surfactants, it doesn't lather, so that was strange for me. But it did leave my hair feeling clean, but not stripped. This is recommended for dry or damaged hair. 

The conditioner ($14.50, 225ml 150ml) was nice and thick as well--which I love! It didn't really have much of a scent to me. I used the normal amount I'd use when conditioning and it did leave my hair nice and soft! This is recommending for people with dry or chemically treated hair.

The leave-in-conditioner ($17.95)  is my absolute favorite though! It's fairly thick and creamy, but doesn't leave your hair feeling gooey or weighted down.  The lavender scent in this is much more mild, which I prefer. **I don't know about you, but I'd rather smell like my perfume!** After using these products for a while **several weeks**, I do think my hair looks and feels healthier! This is for all hair types!

I've also used all these products on my two daughters hair. Let me tell you, if you have curly hair or hair that gets tangled easily, these products are great for that!! I spend SO much time getting tangles out of hair at my house and this really does cut the tendency down and helps me get out the ones that get in there!

These products are a little pricey, but if you are really looking for great hair care and others aren't cutting it, check out The Purist Company!

FTC Disclosure: While I was sent these products for review, this is my honest opinion. I was not paid to write this review, nor I am affiliated with the company.

NEW LOOK FOR NV BEAUTY

I just finished making this new banner for my blog! What do think? I may fiddle with it in the future, but for now I really like it! You'll also notice that there are some ads on my page now, i.e. Sigma Makeup, Gift Girls, AVON, and soon to come will be OpenSky.

I wanted to talk about these with you all and get your opinions. Do you already have strong opinions about bloggers trying to earn a little money off their blog? Do you have a problem with it? Do you think to yourself "More power to you?" I really want to know what you all think. I am only interested in recommending products to you all that I reallly like. If I can earn a little in the meantime, that's great! It will help me afford to do better reviews and give-a-ways!!! I know I have purchased SO many things based on other bloggers reviews. I personally wouldn't mind them make a small commission off of that.

So let me know what you think, because this isn't just "my" blog. You are a HUGE part of NV Beauty and I want your voice heard! I listen to my beauties and I never want to let you down!

BLOG AWARD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED

Elly Belly BayBee gave me this blog award! I love it! It still shocks me everyday that so many people are following this blog. Thank you so much to Elly and all my followers. It really means a lot to me that you are enjoying NV Beauty! If you're not following Elly, please do! Her blog is all about fashion and beauty and has great reviews!

And now the winner of the AVON Give-a-way Brazil Beat..................drum roll please..............lol......

Elizabeth!

Please email me your address so I can send out your prize! I hope you enjoy it as much I do!

Stay NV'ious!

REMINGTON HOT ROLLERS

I had been lemming for these hot rollers for so long! I finally got my hands on them.....

First, product details:

Remington T-Studio Heated Clip Setter

• 
  
  Tourmaline + Titanium + Ceramic Coating for superior heat transfer and wear resistance
• 
  
  Locks in the hairs natural moisture
• 
  
  Incredible Lasting Frizz-Free Shine
• 
  
  20 velvety soft flocked rollers
• 
  
  8 medium 1" rollers
• 
  
  12 large 1" rollers
• 
  
  Easy-to-use hinged comfort clips
• 
  
  Cool touch end rings for quick rolling
• 
  
  Ready dot indicates rollers heated & ready
• 
  
  90 second heat up
• 
  
  On / off indicator light & switch
• 
  
  Integrated cord storage

So I eagerly roller my locks and here's the results:

Before:

All rolled up!

And the results:

I'm not sure what happened to my picture from the front--sorry! But it wasn't really what I was looking for! I think I need larger rollers. I tried to roll my hair loosely, but I just didn't get the effect I wanted. BUT...these rollers got really hot, but didn't burn my hair. They are easy to use and heated up quickly. The curls lasted a really long time too...2 days! But for me, as I said before, these aren't the curls I'm looking for. So...this went back to Target and I got my $35 back. I spent it on my little haul I showed you guys! I do recommend theses if you want smaller curls though! If you've tried it, let us know how it went!

Stay NV'ious!

PS-Latest AVON give-a-way winner announced tomorrow!!!

MARY KAY SATIN HANDS

I have been meaning to post this for soooo long!! I got this back in June! So today I'm talking about Mary Kay's Satin Hands. I recently met a MK Rep while I was working. Funny thing is that while I was trying to sell her something, she ended up selling me! The MK rep I am talking about is La'Tanja Moragne. 

La'Tanja came by my house one afternoon and told me about Mary Kay and the company. Since it was my actual birthday, she gave me a $30 gift certificate! Yeah! =) So not really knowing what to pick, I went for a goodie bag she brought along! Yes, I'm talking about the Satin Hands kit. I'd heard of this product before,  but had never bought it. 

First, let me say I really love any product that exfoliates the skin,  but often I forget about my hands! Here's a way to pamper my hands everyday!

First, I used the Extra Emollient Night Cream. I let it soak into my skin for a few minutes. It did feel moisturizing, but not sticky--which is a big plus!  Then I put on one pump of the Satin Smoothie Hand scrub. It has fine grains in it that aren't too rough but just enough to get all the dead skin off and leave your hands feeling really nice. I followed up with the Satin Hand Cream.

I really loved the way the Satin Hands smooth scrub smells--very peachy!! I just assumed that the hand cream and night emollient night cream would have that same delightful scent. Unfortunately not. =( The hand cream sort of smells like peach, but at the same time, not at all. I know that doesn't make sense, but I can't figure out what the scent is. The night emollient doesn't really smell like anything--which is better than smelling like the hand cream.

Overall, I really enjoy this line. The price is great, about $30, and it really leaves your hands soft. La'Tanja is also offering my followers a prize basket! Details coming soon...

FTC Disclosure: La'Tanja was a sweetheart and let me select this as a birthday gift! Even though it was a gift, this is my honest opinion.

FREE BEAUTY EVENTS GIVE-A-WAY ALERT!

For the month of August 2010, Free Beauty Events will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist of RoC Brilliance Eye Beautifier – a $45 Value! The Contest runs from 8/1/2010 to 8/31/2010, winners will be chosen on 9/5/2010 and notified by 9/15/2010.

Click here to enter!!

HAULAGE

I think this is the first haul I've shown you guys! I hope you are interested in seeing this! From left to right, Jemma Kid Strike a Pose Swivel Palette-was $32.00, I paid $8.00!! Jemma Kid Fashion Palette-was $29.00, I paid $7.25!! Pixi Eye Beauty Kit in No.1 Minimum-was $28.00, I paid $7.00!! The Kiss Nails weren't clearance, but still a deal at $5.99!!

Hurry to your local Target to see if these are on clearance in  your store!! Reviews to come!

Stay NV'ious! And don't forget to enter my AVON Give-a-way! Just a few days left!

CARESS ENVENLY GORGEOUS

"Burnt brown sugar & karite butter. Ready to reveal your daring side? Flaunt your gorgeous even skin tone with confidence. Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal beautifully even-toned skin. Go ahead, be daring! Triple silkening moisturizers."

I have been using Evenly Gorgeous for a few months now and it is definitely my favorite body wash!! The scent is amazing! It has burnt brown sugar and karite butter in it. I would call this a gentle exfoliator, so you can use it daily. It really moisturizes  my skin and leaves it feeling so soft! If you haven't exfoliated in a while though, I'd recommend finding something a little more grainier to really do the job. Caress also carries this in a beauty bar which I must get my hands on!!! I wish they would create a body lotion with this same scent--can you tell I love it?

I found this at the grocery store, but I've also seen it at CVS for just $4.49!! It's a 12 fl oz bottle and lasts a really long time!

FTC Disclosure: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not being paid to write this review, nor am I affliated with any companies mentioned.

Time is running out to enter my AVON Give-a-way! Hurry and make your entries!! Winner will be selected at random!!

MAYBELLINE DREAM MATTE MOUSSE--AGAIN!

So back in January I did a review on Maybelline Dream products.  I liked the foundation, but wasn't in love with it. I've moved on and tried many foundation since then. Most recently, I tried Laura Mercier, which I really loved! But since using my beloved "Sunny Beige" Laura Mercier foundation my skin color has changed. Boo! I'm actually more pail. How does that happen in the summer??

So, I reached for this product again, about a month and half ago, and it's really been impressive!! I'm actually already on my second jar!! It's really become my HG of foundation!! I've not had any problems with it with my dry skin. I still love the whipped texture and it really does give me the coverage that you know I need!! If you still haven't tried this one, check it out. I've been applying with with my Sedona Lace foundation brush and most recently with my Sigma flat top kabuki brush. Both ways give me great coverage and blends it in really nicely with my skin!

FTC Disclosure: I purchased this product with my own money. I am not being paid to write this review, nor am I affliated with any companies mentioned.

Time is running out to enter my AVON Give-a-way! Hurry and make your entries!! Winner will be selected at random!!