NARS Cosmetics NARSissist Unfiltered Cheek Palette in Unfiltered I – Swatches, Review and Photos On A Woman of Color

For Cyber Monday, NARS and Sephora decided to snatch more money from our wallets and release these NARSissist Unfiltered Cheek Palettes that were available for that day only and for early access for VIB rouge members. I purchased the Unfiltered I palette ($59) because it looked like it would compliment my skin tone based on the initial photos that I saw. So let's jump into my photos and a bit more of the information that I received from the press release.

From the press release - Sculpt, shape, and glow with a covetable wardrobe of high-impact matte and seductive shimmer blushes, customized to you with NARS Unfiltered Cheek Palettes. These are blush palettes that are a curated selection of six must-have shades in each limited-edition mirrored palette. You can warm up your face with hot bronzes and reds in Unfiltered I; or choose to cool down your look with soft pinks and golds in Unfiltered II.

NARS’ unparalleled powder blush formula is richly pigmented and micronized to deliver sheer, buildable color. This season’s lineup takes style to the next level with five limited-edition blushes and one iconic shade in each palette. Wear individually or blend together to customize your look.

UNFILTERED I SHADES (Left to Right): WATCH ME: Opalescent gold (sheen)* ME FIRST: Apricot (sheen)* TAKEOVER: Copper rose (sheen)* OUT THERE: Deep russet (matte)* CHIC: Rich raspberry (matte)* EXHIBIT A: Red (matte)

UNFILTERED II SHADES (Left to Right): CONQUEST: Pastel peach (matte)* UNDEFEATED: Pale pink (shimmer)* POWER PLAY: Vivid pink (matte)* HOT SAND: Peach champagne (sheen) FAME: Pink amber (sheen)* CANDID: Mauve raspberry (shimmer)*

*New limited-edition shade

As mentioned above, I purchased the Unfiltered I palette because it looked like it would compliment my skin tone based on the initial photos that I saw and I wanted to give you the scoop before its released again. (I uploaded the photos as a gallery to save scrolling space. Please click the gallery to view the photos larger). My friend from @Manniefique was also kind enough to swatch this palette on her skin tone as well as she is a bit darker than I am. 

[embed]https://youtu.be/KJdznUQYmyg[/embed]

Shades (Left to Right): WATCH ME: Opalescent gold (sheen), ME FIRST: Apricot (sheen), TAKEOVER: Copper rose (sheen), OUT THERE: Deep russet (matte), CHIC: Rich raspberry (matte), EXHIBIT A: Red (matte)

Overall: Both @Manniefique and I agree that this palette is a stunner. The shades are buttery soft and blend like a dream. The only one shade that has me questioning "but why NARS" is Watch Me - the opalescent gold (sheen). I'm definitely not wearing that shade on my cheeks (not on this skin tone) but maybe as a highlight for an eyeshadow? I'll let you know how it turns out...

AVAILABILITY: December 6, 2016 at Sephora.com December 15, 2016 at narscosmetics.com and Sephora stores February 1, 2017 at department and specialty stores

Reta:

No filter. No limits. #NARSissist.

-Purchased- -Press Release- -Affiliate Links-

Enter to Win: Viva La Juicy Rose Eau de Parfum Instagram and Twitter Giveaway

Oh Viva La Juicy Rose...Your bottle design stole my heart this year.

Sparkling. Charming. Exuberant. Celebrate the season with Viva la Juicy Rosé Eau de Parfum, a light-hearted toast to the forever vibrant Viva girl. Dressed in sparkling pink, she experiences the world through Rosé colored glasses. This effervescent fragrance pops with fizzy citrus perfection. It sparkles in a dew of jasmine and rose honey-like blossoms for a dreamy scent that is kissed by the glow of sensual amber. Cheers!

Fragrance Notes:

• Top - Italian mandarin, fresh William pear, jasmine petals
• Mid - Rose centifolia absolute, white peony, jasmine sambac
• Dry Down - Orris absolute, benzoin, ambrox

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

It’s time to give this beautiful bottle to some lucky followers!

• Viva la Juicy Rosé Eau de Parfum ($94)

Instagram Entry (Two winners)

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag three friends so they can learn about all of the fun we have on here.

3. You can enter up to 5 times with a new set of tagged friends in each comment.

4. You can repost the photo on your page under the hashtag #CCCVivaLaJuicyRose for an extra entry. Remember, your page needs to be public at the time of the random drawing for me to see your extra entry.

Twitter Entry  (One winner)

1. To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT this Tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag your friends so they can enter too. 18+ or older to participate. Open internationally.

That’s it!

Contest runs from Wednesday, November 30, 2016 and ends Sunday, December 4th, 2016 at 11:59pm est. Winners will be randomly chosen and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets and @candy_closets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Make sure that you click on the links above if you want to learn more about this amazing product from the giveaway!

-Affiliate Links-

Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection (Indiscretion, Addiction, Devotion and Seduction) – Swatches, Review and Photos On A Woman of Color

For the holidays, Laura Mercier released a highlighter palette ($58 for 0.44 oz) that included four miniature sized versions of their permanent highlighters. The shades include Indiscretion, Addiction, Devotion and Seduction (from top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right). Normally, each highlighter costs $44 each for .35oz of product so this is a great way to test out new shades and to mix and match without paying for a full sized one.

[wpvideo coUDZulv]

This palette is a great deal and perfect for those who want to try out the Laura Mercier formula. It's more for someone who likes a bit of a sparkle to their highlight without it being too dramatic. It's actually what I wished the Stila holiday highlighting palette would've been like.

Have you tried these highlighters yet? Let me know if there's anything specific you want to see from this brand!

-Affiliate Links-

Cover FX The Perfect Light Highlighting Powder – Swatches, Review and Photos On A Woman of Color

Cover FX has introduced 3 new ways for us get our glow on this holiday season - in the form of the Perfect Light Highlighting Powders.

Shown: Moonlight, Sunlight and Candlelight

These powders are a silky, pressed powder that you can use for highlighting your face and body. They are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of talc, gluten, and mineral oil. They are $34 each for 8 gram/0.28 oz of product and are available in three shades:

Moonlight - a soft silvery glow Sunlight - a soft gold glow Candlelight - a shimmering golden bronze

Now these three shades have the same color and undertone as the custom enhancer drops (you can check out the full review here or in the video down below again).

Here are the powders swatched on their own:

Here are the highlighting drops swatched on their own:

And here are the powders swatched on top of the drops.

On each of these swatches, I did use the Cover FX Illuminating Primer which is a silicone-free primer that gives your skin an instant luminous glow packed with powerful skincare ingredients to illuminate the skin for a brighter, more radiant appearance. Then as you can see in the pictures and the video below, I followed it up with the Custom Enhancer Drops to create a buildable highlight for an intense strobe effect or subtle blended out glow and then added some depth to it by layering the Perfect Light Highlighting Powders on top.

I'll have these all shown in corresponding looks that is going up in a few days but to give you a better look at the products now, check out this video demonstrating all of these steps.

[embed]https://youtu.be/tPOCjD38LXs[/embed]

Now as a quick surprise for getting through all of that, I do have a quick giveaway for a PR sample of the highlighting powder in the shade Moonlight (please note that it is brand new but does not come with a box and has PR sample marked on the bottom of it). If you're interested in winning it, all you need to do is leave me a comment on this post letting know what you think of brand Cover FX and if you have a favorite product from them (yes it can be the drops and please don't leave a comment "hope to win etc; pick me; etc." I want meaningful comments to read through to see what you guys want). 18+ or older; open internationally. Good luck!

-Some items were sent to me as a PR Sample and some were purchased by me- -Affiliate Links-

Enter to Win: Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Compact Instagram and Twitter Giveaway

Enter to Win: Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Compact in Color 2 Clair/Light Instagram and Twitter Giveaway

Guerlain’s Météorites Compact features a signature palette of corrective matte shades that range from refreshing pink to light-catching mauve that help to gently balance the complexion, while the dazzling pearls temper the shades’ intensity and blend harmoniously for perfectly tailored luminosity. Create soft, glowing skin that appears smooth, delicate, and natural with these Météorites pearls. Together, they create a subtle and natural effect by giving every skin tone just the right amount of light and correction while offering a violet fragrance that’s original and totally addictive.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

It’s time to giveaway this high end Guerlain prize to some lucky followers!

• Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Compact in Color 2 Clair/Light ($62)

Instagram Entry (One winner)

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag three friends so they can learn about all of the fun we have on here.

3. You can enter up to 5 times with a new set of tagged friends in each comment.

4. You can repost the photo on your page under the hashtag #CCCGuerlainHolidays for an extra entry. Remember, your page needs to be public at the time of the random drawing for me to see your extra entry.

Twitter Entry  (One winner)

1. To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT this Tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag your friends so they can enter too. 18+ or older to participate. Open internationally.

That’s it!

Contest runs from Monday, November 21, 2016 and ends Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 11:59pm est. Winners will be randomly chosen and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets and @candy_closets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Make sure that you click on the links above if you want to learn more about this amazing product from the giveaway!

-Affiliate Links-

Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver's Seat – Swatches, Review, Photos & Video

Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver's Seat - It's described as a warm pink (kind of coral on me). Smashbox describes this as an eight-hour wear, liquid-matte lipstick with a featherweight, comfortable formula that stays put and keeps color looking as fresh and flawless as the first swipe. First thing first, the applicator for these liquid lipstick are by far the best on the market. The pointed tip is almost fool proof with how easy it makes it to get precise application. As for the formula - it is amazingly comfortable on the lips - like one of those creamy mattes that don't dry out your lips. It dries quickly and didn't transfer during my kiss test. I did have to build up the color as it applied a bit uneven upon the first swipe.

[embed]https://youtu.be/1JO8lTuH1-s[/embed]

Have you tried the formula yet? What colors do you want me to swatch next?

-Affiliate Links-

Exclusie: An Interview with the Ladies From the Intertwine Collection

In the midst of the glamour of all of the beauty and makeup, I always tell myself - your look is never going to be complete until you have your own sense of style that shines through your outfit. For example...

Her makeup is beyond perfection! But the outfit...her sense of style is what's really pulling everything together. So I wanted to help you channel your inner beauty and tie in your style by introducing you to the Intertwine Collection. The Intertwine Collection is an exclusive online boutique, owned and operated, by twin sisters Shanda and Shawniece that provides stunning statement pieces, accessories and garments for all women of all shapes and all sizes. We were able to catch up with the boutique owners and learn more about their brand, the vision behind their work and get some style and business tips.

Candy Coated Closets: First, thank you ladies for making the time to chat with me and my readers about Intertwine Collection! How did you ladies come up with the idea for Intertwine Collection? What does the name mean?

Intertwine Collection: Intertwine Collection was created by the thought of the birthing process of twin fetus interlocking to become to separate eggs, which the basis behind our company name, Intertwine. Intertwine is defined as interlocking or twine together.

Candy Coated Closets:  How did you get your start?

Intertwine Collection: We started off reconstructing women vintage clothing. Then we started styling for a Disney show called ‘Ant Farm’. We later decided to venture off and start Intertwine Collection.”

Candy Coated Closets:  What makes your boutique stand out from the others?

Intertwine Collection: What sets us apart from other boutique is we are not only giving day-to-day garments but also heavy beading, tassels, and lace which allow wow-factor of surprise to customers to know we put time into a quality pieces. The Intertwine collection is a mix of various dresses, jumpsuits, shirts, pants, jeans, jackets and more.

Candy Coated Closets:  Where do you get your inspiration from?

Intertwine Collection: We are inspired by different variation of styles and designs. Bold colors and patterns is what allows us to utilize the next trend.

Candy Coated Closets: If you both had to pick one item from your boutique that represents your overall style, what would it be?

Intertwine Collection: "If I could pick one item, I would have to choose the ‘Glamour Embellish Dress’ the heavy beading is everything” stated Shawniece. Shanda said “I would have to say my favorite item currently Forbidden Vine Playsuit. It’s a show-stopper garment.

Candy Coated Closets: With your success on social media and the introduction of the Karla Collection (a collection for women of all body types) what challenges do you see your boutique tackling in the future? What’s next?

Intertwine Collection: Intertwine Collection’s next move would be branding and expanding plus sizes for woman and also adding footwear.

Candy Coated Closets: What advice would you give other Black Owned Entrepreneurs that are looking to reach your level of success?

Intertwine Collection: Our best advice we can offer someone moving in the fashion industry would be to do your research, find your nitch, engage with audience, stay creative, and do your part in putting in the foot work. Without foot work there is no way that your company can reach a successful level. And this is to show you that success does not come over night. Work smart so it could save you a lot of headaches.

OPV Lashes Liquid Lipsticks in Shine, Sun Burst, Rum Shake and F.A.M.E – Swatches, Review, & Photos

 

OPV Lashes Liquid Lipsticks ($9.87 US)

Shine Sun Burst Rum Shake F.A.M.E 

I applied these with one to two coats to build the color for the photos. I definitely recommend exfoliating your lips before wearing these - especially if you're wearing it for an extended period of time.

-PR Sample-

Burberry My Burberry Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

When you step into the realm of the Burberry fashion house, don't expect to be greeted by innovative menswear and womenswear pieces alone. Instead, expect to be tempted by something altogether more aromatic. Burberry launched one of its newest fragrances, My Burberry, in the fall of 2014. The glass bottle design takes its inspiration from the iconic details of the stone colored trench coat and features a hand tied knot around the neck of the bottle.

The blend of floral, sweet and spicy notes echoes the aroma of a spring garden filled with roses and peonies just after the passing of a rain storm. It starts off with sweet peas and citrusy notes of bergamot and then leads to a touch of geranium, freesia flowers with golden quince in the heart of the scent. About ten to fifteen minutes later, you can expect the fragrance to settle and the notes to soften up with Damascus and Centifolia rose joined with patchouli as the base notes.

If you're looking to enhance your fragrance collection (and your wardrobe), I recommend picking up a bottle of this. If you want a deeper version - try My Burberry Black (review coming soon).

Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me what you love about mixing fashion and fragrances. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Wednesday, November 23^rd, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (Two winners) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

-Affiliate Links-

Coloured Raine Mary Liquid Lipstick – Review, Photos, Swatches On A Woman of Color

Coloured Raine Mary is a metallic burgundy with pink and purple undertones. You can get a better view for it when it is applied wet/dry in this photo:

Ulta Beauty Cyber Fundays - $10 OFF and Tons of Freebies!

Ulta Beauty Cyber Fundays is here so you can CLICK HERE to view all of the deals that are available online only until tomorrow 11/19! Don't forget to use code CYBERFUN16 for $10 off $60 or more (exclusions apply) and to activate your 2x/3x as well.

Also, don't forget to add your free 18 piece beauty bag.

Extra Freebies - add any of the below offers to your cart and it should drop to FREE. While supoplies last.

1. It's a 10 Travel Size Miracle Daily Conditioner ($10) to FREE
2. Your free 18 piece beauty bag with order of $60 or more.
3. Use code 409633 for $3.50 off $15 non-prestige brands (cannot be combined with $10 off $60 code). Only use this if you're not spending $60.
4. Don't forget to use ebates today to get 3.0% cash back on your purchases.

This is literally what my cart looks like right now:

-Affiliate Links-

MAC Cosmetics Fall Instagram Giveaway

Happy MAC Monday everyone! I'm going to keep this one short and sweet - mostly because I have other posts to edit :)! I teased you all last week about the next giveaway being a few goodies from MAC so it's time to get it open for entries! [wpvideo kuRbsCOz]

One Instagram follower will win this entire set of MAC products:

• 3 MAC Cosmetics lipsticks in Relentlessly Red, Living Legend and Sparks of Romance
• 1 MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium
• 1 MAC Cosmetics lipliner in Vino

Here’s how to enter:

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag 2 friends so they can learn about all of the fun we have on here!

3. You can enter up to 5 times with a new set of tagged friends in each comment.

That’s it! Contest runs from Monday, November 14, 2016 and ends Friday, November 18, 2016 at 11:59pm est. One winner will be randomly chosen from those who commented (not those tagged within the comments) and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Ricky's NYC Has Their Very Own Beauty Subscription Box: Introducing Ricky's Cult Crushes Box - Photos, Video and Swatches On Women of Color

Ricky's NYC has made their very own beauty subscription box: Cult Crushes.  This box retails for $11 a month and it gives you the chance to test out some of their most popular brands and products – both classic and new. Once you register for the box, you become a VIP member of their beauty cult – and anytime you order online, you will receive 10% off and receive free shipping on purchases of $50 or more (more perks).

The Ricky's team sent over a box for me to feature and review for you guys so let's unbox it and see how everything performs (video + photos of course).

[embed]https://youtu.be/zstBAEOr56Y[/embed]

This month's box is created with 5 products to help us achieve the perfect lip - more like the perfect red lip to me.

Step 1: Jean Pierre Collagen Lip Mask

This is a moisturizing lip mask with collagen that is designed to bring back the plump and dewy look to your lips. It is infused with lip-plumping collagen, vitamins and minerals to promote softer, smoother lips with rapid results. The box contains 5 masks, .13 oz. each (.65 total oz.). I don't know why I never thought about using a lip mask before - I'm a sucker for good skincare and with the amount that I change lipstick colors - this was the best thing in the box for me. They recommend leaving it on for 15 minutes so it can really moisturize your lips.

Step 2: Grande Lips Collagen Boosting Plumper

This is an instant lip formula that is Infused with Volulip and hyaluronic acid that is supposed to instantly improve your lip volume in three to five minutes and add a pop of lip-boosting color while hydrating dry areas. Its a clinically proven formula that will increase overall lip hydration, volume, softness, and firmness in just 30 days of usage when applied twice daily.

Please be aware that there is a strong fragrance to it (it reminds me of coconut) and there will be a tingling sensation that you feel after application—that’s how you know GrandeLIPS is working its magic. For me, I didn't see much of a difference plump wise, but let's be honest, I do have full lips already so it's kind of like ehh/ how much more plump can they get without looking like a baseball hit me in the mouth? I do like the tingling feeling and how moisturizing it is on my lips.

Step 3: L.A Girl Endless Auto Lip Liner in Dark Plum

Bomb. I haven't tried anything by L.A. Girl that I haven't liked yet. This lip pencil is a semi-permanent formula that is waterproof and smudge proof for all day wear. It applies creamy & smooth and has added vitamin E in it to condition the lips. I like how lightweight it is for how pigmented it is. You can wear it as a base for another lipstick or on its own as a lip color or lip tint.

Step 4: Pop Of Color Matte Liquid Lipstick Rags to Riches

Inspired by the greatest city in the world, each Pop of Color liquid lipstick applies a bit glossy and then dries to a rich and velvety finish that leaves your lips with a vibrant lip color that is way too comfortable to really be calling it a matte liquid lipstick. This line is vegan and cruelty-free.

Step 5: RickyCare G-Tips

These are super pointed q-tips that are great for cleaning up your edges or wing liner.

Availability: You can register for the Cult Crushes box online here for $11 a month. So what do you beauties think? Are you ready for the #CametoCrush box?

-PR Sample-

Fragrance Flash Giveaway: Chloé Love Story & Roses De Chloé

I'll be honest...this Random Act of Kindness giveaway was prompted by everything that's going on and my need to smile today. So I'm coming to you guys to help me gift a fragrance bouquet that's full of love.

I'm giving you the opportunity to gift a bottle of Chloé Love Story and a bottle of Roses De Chloé to someone that you love. (You can click on the links to read more about their notes and fragrance story etc.)

Here’s how to enter:

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag a friend and tell them something uplifting; something positive. Tell them why you love them!

3. You can enter as many times as you want – just make sure that you comment and tag a new friend with a new message that will make them smile.

Contest runs from Thursday, November 10, 2016 and ends Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 11:59pm est. One winner will be randomly chosen from those who commented (not those tagged within the comments) and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

-Affiliate Links-

One Glitter Shoe That Will Get You Through All of Your Holiday Parties

There is just something about the holidays that scream glitter to me. I always find someway to incorporate it into my holidays looks - whether it be on my lips, eyes, clothes or my feet - I must always sparkle during the holidays. However, if you're more on the conservative side and can't wear glitter on your eyes/lips or you're just looking for a fun shoe to wear this holiday season, take a look at this pump from Shoedazzle.

Available in 3 shades, Raziel is the perfect pump to take your party wardrobe to the next level. I have this in gold and I absolutely fell in love with the ombre glitter. 

I will warn you...this shoe is not for the high heel faint of heart. It runs true to size and has an outside heel height of 4.5 inches. There is no platform in this shoe so don't expect it to feel comfortable right off of the bat - you're going to have add some inserts and break it in before going outside with it. I recommend that you plan on wearing this on occasions where you're not standing or walking much - not more than 3 hours neither. It is imported and made of faux-leather and glitter. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector Review, Photos, Swatches On A Woman of Color - Shades Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark and Deep

Over the summer, Urban Decay released a new tinted moisturizer called Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector. This is an oil-free, hybrid complexion cream that is designed to provide lightweight coverage with SPF protection, instantly and completely blur imperfections, and even out skintone for a result that looks natural.

It is available in 6 shades light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark and deep that you can see swatched on two different skin tones below:

Shades from left to right: Deep, Dark, Medium Dark, Medium, Medium Light and Light Swatched on NW20 skin (above @lipstickjunkieforever) and NC50 skin (below)

The UD Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector comes in a 40 ml tube for $34. The formula contains peptides, vitamins, and a range of moisturizing ingredients as well a SPF 20 and a plant-derived ingredient that promises to improve the tone and texture of skin. I kept the shade Dark & Deep as they were the only two that worked on my skintone. 

Here are additional swatches in different lighting for you:

(Photo taken with no flash)

Overall, I love this foundation - in summer because I really don't like putting on heavy foundations or full coverage for that matter - but also in the fall/winter for those days that I don't want to wear makeup but I still need to wear something to look presentable. I only wish that UD would expand the shade range.

This has been put into my no makeup makeup drawer next to the MUFE Water Blend foundation and NARS Velvet Matte Skin tint.

-Affiliate Links-

NYX Toasted Marshmallow and Black Cherry Tart Intense Butter Glosses - Review, Photos, Swatches On A Woman of Color

NYX Cosmetics Intense Butter Gloss is a super creamy and pigmented, non-sticky lipgloss. They are available for $5.99 at Ulta.com (I ordered mines during a BOGO) and you will get 0.27 fl oz of product. They are not transfer-proof or kiss-proof but I wore mines for about 5 hours without having to reapply it during the day. There is a vanilla scent to these as well. NYX Toasted Marshmallow Intense Butter Gloss is the perfect deep mauve color for me in a cream finish.Photo taken with flash and LED lights

Photo taken with no flash and LED lights

NYX Black Cherry Tart Intense Butter Gloss is a deep purple plum in a cream finish.Photo taken with flash and LED lights

Please note - You can get 3 colors in some sets for $11.99 (basically giving you one for free). You can get the Black Cherry Tart shade in a purple gloss set and the Toasted Marshmallow set in a nude/mauve set right here - and don't forget to add your extra samples.

-Affiliate Links-

Today, November 4th, is National Candy Day so it’s Time to Celebrate!

Today, November 4th, is National Candy Day so it’s Time to Celebrate! I mean, you have seen the name of this blog right? Candy Coated Closets was born because of my desire to write and love of photography. I knew I needed a creative outlet that could house all of that and still let me reach a fanbase that had a similiar passion so I knew I wanted my name to really capture what I was about - a fun and happy environment - like my beauty room (which was then solely my shoe room). Imagine, walking into a room packed with shoes, makeup, jewelry, skincare - I mean...it was heaven. Everytime I looked around, I felt like a kid in the candy store (mind you I am in love with candy too). So hence, the Candy portion of the name was born.

So I figured today was the perfect day to celebrate that and National Candy Day. I could go on and on about my favorite types of candy and what might be worth checking out but seeing as Halloween was just last week and we all have buckets of left over candy, I found another way for us to celebrate...with an amazing candy themed giveaway!

For starters, let's talk about the newest Candy fragrance. Prada Candy Kiss is a flanker to the playful gourmand collection from it’s earlier years: the original Prada Candy from 2011, Prada Candy L’Eau from 2013 and Prada Candy Florale from 2014. Last year, you may remember the adorable Candy Kiss mini collection that was launched (mini bottles of the three original fragrances in 20ml).

Now the new flanker, Prada Candy Kiss which was developed by Daniela Andrier, channels the addictive nature of the Candy composition and enhances its characteristic scent of musk. It’s described to have been designed to re-activate emotions and impressions. Largely, this idea has evolved from the sensual veil of musk evoked in delicate white cotton all in a sensual cloud. There are also notes of vanilla and orange blossom which enrich and brighten the fragrance as it opens. 

Overall, this isn't one of those overly sweetend fragrances that can have a tendency to overwhelm most people. It is more of a soft and sensual sweet that tends to pull more musky and vanilla on me as it dries down.

Now as for this Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colours & Effects Eyeshadow Palette in No. 676 Candy Choc shade. "True to the bold colour creation from the House of Dior, each harmony explores a unique world of colour. Based on a central shade, the signature of the palette, 4 accessory shades are used to create a multi-faceted look. Like a couture wardrobe for the eyes, 5 Couleurs gives free rein to your creativity to achieve custom makeup results. Dior has also created two ready-to-wear looks for the eyes—natural and sophisticated—based on the central shade." - Christian Dior website

I would have saved this bright palette for a Spring giveaway but its perfect for today.

Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me some of your favorite types of candy. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Saturday, November 5^th, 2016 at 5:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post. Remember that you have to be subscribed/following this blog! The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

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Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett are the New Faces of MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM 2017 Campaign

Empire stars Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett are the new faces of MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM 2017 Campaign that is set to launch in February 2017.

Since 1994, every cent from the selling price of M·A·C #VIVAGLAM Lipstick and Lipglass has gone toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The lipstick and lipglass look to be a maroon, pinkberry shade which I'm very excited about. And don't worry beauty junkies...this collection is around for an entire year, so you have a lot of time to save up and get your back ups. It's a beautiful shade and you'll be supporting a great cause.

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Bite Beauty Gold Crème Lip Gloss Review, Photos, Swatches On A Woman of Color - Holiday Red and Gold Lips

Last week, I showed you quick swatches of the Gold Crème Lip Gloss from Bite Beauty on different skin tones. Today, I wanted to follow that up with some lip swatches and a video so you can see it in action. The lip gloss on its own is stunning - very pigmented; non-tacky - the only thing is it doesn't apply as evenly as I would have liked on its own (see video and photos below). However, you aren't going to be able to see that when paired with a lip color as a base. 

Here is a video of me applying a red lip pencil as a base and applying the gold lip gloss as a topper. I recommend patting the Bite Beauty lip gloss on your lips as opposed to smearing the wand across so you get more of a color payoff and you won't "shift" the products on your lips.

[embed]https://youtu.be/B8rsn_9ORMg[/embed]

Swatches of the lip creme as a lip topper (I used it over a red lipliner). This photo was also taken with flash.

This photo was taken out of focus so you can see the glitter as it sits on your lips and catches the lights.

This photo was taken in darker lighting.

And here you can see the lip gloss applied to the lips itself.

Available: This is limited edition and currently in stock at Sephora for $22.

Other products used: Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm - I added this for today's lip swatch because I received so many comments and questions about the Farasli one that I showed in previous videos. Note - I am working on an entire video on this for you guys, but I use a beauty oil to keep my lips healthy and moisturized during the day and especially when I am doing lip swatches for you.

The Farasli Rose Gold Elixir is a super fancy beauty oil that you can use in your moisturizer, lips, skin etc. I paid $55 for the 30 mL bottle. The ingredients include Rosehip Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, 24k Gold, Vitamin E, Lemongrass Oil and Orange Peel Oil.

Now when you guys see me using it in my videos, please know that it is a good product - it does what I need it to do without any complaints as to its performance - but keep in mind that I am only using it now to use it up. Would I repurchase this again? Not for $55! I'll admit that I feel for the YouTube and Instagram hype around it and the allure of the gold flakes. The gold flakes or 24K Gold in this case do absolutely nothing beneficial for your skin or lips.

Again, I will have an entire separate review on lip products that I use but I wanted to address this really quickly. Oh, and the Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm is something that I purchase religiously and will continue to do so.

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