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-

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.

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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.

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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.

-Affiliate Links-

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.

-Press Release-

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.

-Affiliate Links-

Live Now On Ulta.com: Tarte Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay Palette & PRO Glow Contour and Highlight Palette; Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario; and the Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

Now Live Now On Ulta.com: Tarte Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay Palette & PRO Glow Contour and Highlight Palette; Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario; and the Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette.

Yesterday, Ulta sent out a 20% coupon that was available on prestige brands (like these) but it expired last night at 11:59pm your local time. You can still try to use it today just in case yours still works (mines didn't).

Extra freebies:

1. Don't forget to add your free samples at the end of your order.
2. Check your emails to see if you received a 300 extra point perk offer. I received one this morning (if I spend $60 or more which would be $9 off my next order).
3. Click here to add 20% off 1 Qualifying Item with Code 402800 (Exclusions Apply. Code may not be valid to new arrivals/prestige brands).

What will you be ordering?

-Affiliate Links-

Anastasia Beverly Hills Black Cherry Lip Gloss – Swatches, Photos, Video & Review

Anastasia Beverly Hills Black Cherry Lip Gloss is a creamy deep plum gloss that is designed to give your lips an intense pout. For $16, you get 4.5 grams of product which is almost 16oz. It's a very creamy formula that doesn't apply tacky or sticky but still leaves your lips with a super shine - a glass like finish. ou can wear it alone or pair it with a lipstick for an extra pop.

Here is a live look at me applying it.

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

Cupid's bow highlight - OPV Highlighter in Glam-O-Rous $27.00

Versace Eros Pour Femme, Verssace Pour Homme & Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Fragrance Prize Pack (Twitter) Giveaway

Surprise! I told my twitter fam yesterday so they were already prepared for this! I have one full set fragrance set for one of you! The set includes:

Versace Eros Pour Femme

Versace Pour Homme

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine 

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned 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.

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around!

Kami Cosmetics Liquid Matte Smooch Swatches & Photos - Wanted & Blue

If you remember - or if you're a new reader here Kami Cosmetics is a luxury beauty brand that has been designed for the sophisticated and chic woman in every skin tone. The best thing about this brand is it is owned by woman of color with the kindest heart. You can find out more about the brand in my first review here. I was recently sent some more of their products to test out and I couldn't be happier to share some photos of the liquid matte smooch line.

 

This liquid lipstick formula is one of the best that I have tried. It's very pigmented for how light-weight it is on the lips. You really only need one swatch to get a true color payoff (see below) but if you want to apply two coats to build it up, touch up wear after a long day or even do an ombre lip then these are the liquid lipsticks you want to try.

Here, I wanted you guys to see what Wanted and Blue looked like on my lips. Let me know which other colors you want lip swatches of.

Available: Online at Kami Cosmetics for $18 each.

-Press Sample-

Miu Miu Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

I said it once before and I'll say it once again - I am a fragrance bottle junkie! Packaging can really sell a fragrance to me especially since most of my purchases are blind buys (meaning I don't have a chance to smell them before placing an order online for them). And this is exactly what happened when I first saw the ads for the Miu Miu Eau de Parfum by Miu Miu.

The bottle just speaks fashion and couture to me so I really didn't care what it smelled like. Luckily, the Prada team did very when composing this. Perfumer Daniela Roche Andrier developed the composition of Miu Miu. As Andrier explains it, its notes include lily of the valley flowers supported with floral notes of rose, jasmine, and green notes, as well as a special ingredient created by Givaudan, akigalawood, which is a powerful peppery note that develops the scent of patchouli and woody aromas of oud.

Now I normally don't favor oud fragrances that are heavily dependent upon the note or a heavier pepper note (TF's Black Orchid and I do not mix at all). You guys know, I love my sweet, fruity and floral scents. So I definitely took a chance blindly ordering Miu Miu - all for the love of fashion and fragrance.

The Packaging Miu Miu’s signature red and quilted baby blue in etched all throughout the box and bottle.

The Bottom Line I do enjoy it more after it settles and dries down - after about 30 minutes or so. It's a bit more sophisticated than what I normally wear which is actually good to get me out of my comfort zone. The floral notes balance out the pepper, oud and patchouli so they aren't too overpowering on my skin. It does have a soft touch of a deep elegance to it which works perfectly for me for the fall and winter.

Availability Miu Miu Eau de Parfum is available in a 0.33 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, and 3.4 oz bottle starting at $68.

But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites so I’m going to be hooking one of you up with your own bottle of  with a giveaway!

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're looking forward to this holiday season. 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 Sunday, October 30^th, 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 (One winner) 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-

Bite Beauty Gold Crème Lip Gloss - First Review & Swatches On Different Skin tones

Excuse me as I interrupt our regularly scheduled program - but I just had to when I opened this Gold Crème Lip Gloss from Bite Beauty.

Literally. Liquid. Gold. I will update you all once I have do official lip swatches but my friend @manniefique and I swatched this so you can see how it pops on different skin tones.

[wpvideo LfzkWWyC]

I was mesmerized from the moment I took this out of the box. There is no other lip topper or dazzleglass in my collection or that I know of that comes near the amount of shimmer and sparkle in this. I wore it around the house (for about 45 minutes as I'm typing this) and it's not sticky or gritty at all nor does it have a scent.

Again. I will update you all with a better swatch and some looks as soon as I can but I wanted this to get up while it was still in stock (and I was able to get a back up of it)

Update: You can view a video of me using this on my lips here

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8rsn_9ORMg[/embed]

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

-Affiliate Links-

ColourPop and Hello Kitty Collection - First Look and Swatches

The newest beauty partnership that is set to break our banks is the Colourpop Cosmetics X Hello Kitty Collaboration.

Photo from @buyalltheprettythings

Last week, we received the brief that everyones favorite feline character has teamed up on an impressive limited edition holiday collection that will include:

1. 4 Supershock eyeshadows ($5 inidividually; quad $20)
2. 3 Ultra Glossy Lips ($6)
3. 3 Lippie Stix ($5)
4. 2 Ultra Satin Lip ($6)
5. 1 Ultra Metallic Lip ($6)
6. 4 Super Shock Cheeks - highlighters & blush ($8)
7. 1 Makeup bag ($15)

The full face kit should be available for $42. Here's a look at the full collection:

Photo from @hippiesandlippies

Colourpop and Hello Kitty held a lippie bar pop-up event in California last week where attendees were able to receive an exclusive sneak peek at the collection (the above photos) and were able to swatch some products! Check out a few of the photos below to get your first look at the collection.

Availability: The collection will release on November 1 (Hello Kitty's Birthday) and it is limited edition. It is rumored that the set will be $42 (prices range from $5 - $42) and will be available until February (I don't recommend waiting though - have your shopping plan set for Halloween night).

Photo from @buyalltheprettythings

Photo from @stylebybare

Coloured Raine 24Seven Liquid Lipstick – Swatches, Photos, Video & Review

Coloured Raine 24Seven Liquid Lipstick ($17) is a matte deep rose pink liquid lipstick with beige undertones.

Coloured Raine is a black owned beauty business that creates products that are cruelty, paraben, gluten free and vegan. These lip paints are very pigmented and only need one swipe across the lips to show - please note that these are not the ones that you want to try and layer - don't do it to your lips. As always, make sure that you exfoliate and add some moisture to your lips before applying.

Here is a video of me applying it so you can get a better idea of the color.

[embed]https://youtu.be/X804oH-wPsE[/embed]

Get the MAC Cosmetics "Good Luck Troll" Collection For 60% Off!

It's time to get those credit cards out because holiday shopping is upon us. If you wanted to collect any pieces from the MAC Cosmetics "Good Luck Troll" collection or shopping for holiday presents now is the time you to shop. Let me walk through a few scenarios on how to get the best deals for this: First, head here to activate the site so you can see everything. Your webpage should look like this:

Second, start adding thigns to your cart! Remember that Nordstrom's does offer Fast and easy free shipping & returns so no matter how little (or much) you order you will get free shipping. You also get your choice of 3 free samples at checkout! Also, don't forget that you can earn Nordstrom Rewards points with every purchase - if you're not already a member, sign up now by clicking here and you will get a $10 credit that you can use at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, or HauteLook during the holidays.

-Affiliate Links-

Sugarpill Cosmetics Trinket Liquid Lipstick Review, Swatches, Video & Photos On A Woman of Color

Sugarpill Cosmetics re-released their first liquid lipstick in the shade Trinket.

It is described as a creamy matte mauve that is infused with luminous golden sparkles. It is listed as vegan and I believe it is cruelty-free (see the ingredients below). The color is now permanent and for the second launch, I had to get my hands on it to review!

Availability: Only on Sugarpill.com for $18. There is a $6 flat rate shipping cost but if you spend over $100 you do get free shipping. They do ship worldwide (with the exception of a few countries). It is made in the USA and you are going to get Net Wt. 6 grams / .21 oz of product with a shelf life of 12 months.

Thoughts: I love it! This is an independent brand that was started by Amy aka Shrinkle. The lipstick itself is very comfortable; does not apply streaky; has a citrus scent to it; and a beautiful gold reflux to it that you can activate once it dries down by tapping your finger over it. Please review the photos and video below to see exactly what I mean.

What it looks like when first applied & wet:

What it looks like when it has dried down for 5 minutes:

What it looks like when it has dried down for 10 minutes and tapped on to further activate the gold glitter:

And onto the video:

[embed]https://youtu.be/sUoXuF2knAo[/embed]

Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Kaolin, Petrolatum, Isobutylmethacrylate/Bis-Hydroxypropyl, Dimethicone Acrylate Copolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, Dimethicone, Polyester/Dimethicone/IPDI Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trihydroxystearin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate. May Contain (+/-): Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Tin Oxide

Everything else that I'm wearing:

Halloween Earrings Foundation: Tom Ford traceless perfecting foundation in Sienna

-Purchased-

Stila Stay All Day, Sparkle All Night Liquid Lipstick Set Review, Swatches, Video & Photos – Baci, Rubino, Fresco, Patina and Bacca

By now you know Stila Cosmetics released their holiday lip kits. I picked up the Stay All Day, Sparkle All Night Set when it first released on Ulta.com because I was obsessed with trying the Glitterati lip topper. The set includes 1 glitter lip topper and 5 liquid lip colors in the shades:

1. Baci (nude pink)
2. Rubino (beet red)
3. Fresco (mid-tone dusty rose)
4. Patina (dusty rose)
5. Bacca (raspberry)

It is limited edition and currently available at Sephora, Ulta and StilaCosmetics.com for $39. I love their liquid lipsticks - the smell, the comfort - amazing. I only wish this set had a bit more variety to it with the colors (like last year's set). All in all, it's a great set for the Gliterrati top coat; a holiday gift set and/or a way to test out Stila's formula before committing to the full size.

L to R: Fresco, Bacca, Patina, Rubino, Baci

Glitterati top coat

Here is a quick swatch video of them all. Make sure you watch until I turn off my studio lights and you can get a better view of the glitter shift of the colors.

[wpvideo 8E7f1VG0]

As per usual, here are lip swatches of each of them. Please keep in mind that these are incredible more beautiful with the glitter top coat on (if that's your thing) and it's hard to fully capture the glitter on the lips in a photo.

Stila Rubino

Stila Bacca

Stila Patina

Stila Fresco

Stila Baci

When it comes to the lip topper, make sure that you tap it onto your lips instead of swiping it across so you can build up the glitter. Here's a look of me applying Glitterati to Bacca.

[wpvideo Oy5VLbMd]

And just in case you missed it, here is a shot of me wearing an ombré lip with Bacca on the outer part of my lips with Patina in the inner portion.

[wpvideo vWlOgLpS]

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Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Normally, I would never order a fragrance online without smelling a sample of it and giving it at least 2 hours wear on my pulse points before deciding to purchase a full bottle. Of course, all of that fragrance knowledge and common sense went out of the window the second that I read about Valentino Valentina's Eau de Parfum.

Valentino Valentina first launched in September 2011 and was designed to capture the flavors of Rome and Italy while highlighting the sensual and sweet aromatic feel from the fashion house. I remember the first time that I smelled it - the sweet wild strawberries opened up on me and it made my room smell like I was baking a strawberry shortcake. There comes a time when you just know that a blind buy is going to work for you once you get used to understanding the history and notes of the fragrance. And me being a lover of everything gourmand and floral, I knew that this was the one.

The Notes Top: Bergamot, White truffles Heart: Orange Blossoms, Sweet Jasmine, Tuberose, Wild Strawberries Base: Vanilla, Amber, Cedar

The Packaging Valentino Valentina is packaged in a circular bottle that is decorated with elegant pink, rosey and ivory florals. The Valentino name is etched onto the front of the chrome nozzle that is capped with a safety travel top that is easily removable.

The Bottom Line This is a fragrance that is meant for fruity and floral lovers. Seriously, if you don't like strawberries and flowers then "X" out of your browser immediately. But if you do, then... :-).

Availability Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum is available in 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz and 2.7 oz bottles with an accompanying body lotion, body oil, shower gel and deodorant at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Saks starting at $88.

But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites and as you can see above, my Valentino collection kind of exploded after getting my first bottle of Valentino.

So I’m going to be hooking you up with your own bottle of Valentino Valentina with a giveaway!

Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. 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 Sunday, October 16^th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winners 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!

Colourpop Fall Edit 2016 Dusty Rose Review, Swatches & Photos – Femme, Viper, Times Square, Muse Eyeshadow

Recently Colourpop Cosmetics launched its fall edit - the dusty rose edition which included 4 liquid lipsticks and 3 eyeshadows.

• Femme ($6) – Oops we did it again with this muted dirty lilac in a satin finish
• Viper ($6) – You’ll really want to sink your teeth into this true dusty rose in an ultra matte finish
• Times Square ($6) – You'll always be bright in this muted pink beige that never sleeps in an ultra matte finish
• Barracuda ($6) – You're really gonna heart this warm deepened rose in a satin finish
• Muse Eyeshadow ($5) – This vibrant coppery rose in a Pearlized finish will inspire you
• Brady Eyeshadow ($5) – Here's a story of a soft dusty rose in a Matte finish
• Paisley Eyeshadow ($5) – Sheer golden ivory laced with tons of multi- coloured sparkle in a Glitter Sheer finish

I picked up Femme and Muse during the launch because I already had Times Square and Viper from my labor order. I will include swatches of everything that I have from the dusty rose edition below.

Here is a look at Muse Eyeshadow.

Click the video to see live finger and brush swatches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM2Oj1c5rcc

I will update this post with addition swatches in a bit and some more looks in a bit!

MAC Cosmetics is Releasing New Strobe Powders in Iridescent Highlighting Shades

Update 10.13.16 @ 2:22PM EST: We finally have swatches on a woman of color. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgyMY8D97f/[/embed]

Just when you thought you had enough highlighters...MAC Cosmetics goes ahead and releases a new set of iridescent strobe powders! Just look at these swatches that we've rounded up for you.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ_PShCDkeX/[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8I6gTN94L/[/embed]

Had enough? No? Oh, okay.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BKlrwbhj39k/[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BKwes28g0EW/[/embed]

Shades from left to right: Soft Frost, Beaming Blush, Double Gleam, and Show Gold.

These are scheduled to launch in November as part of their upcoming "In The Spotlight" Collection. It is being reported that there are 6 new strobe skin finishes being released that will all be permanent.

Stay tuned...we will keep you updated once we have the official press release and samples.