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?

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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:

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Enter to Win a His & Hers Yves Saint Laurent Fragrance Prize Pack on Twitter!

It's time for a new Twitter giveaway! Last time, you guys had so much fun participating in the His & Hers Versace prize pack (that was won by @_tgbeauty_) that I decided to do it again. For this round, I decided to include one of my favorite brands - Yves Saint Laurent. If you've been following me for a while or read up on some of my other reviews, you must know how much of a big fan I am of Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium EDP - it is literally my holy grail of fragrances. If you're new, then I highly recommend that you head back to my full review here to get the details on this scent before entering.

So I decided to pair Black Opium with a familiar male fragrance La Nuit De L'Homme - you know since I'm sticking with my favs will become your favs (especially with the gifting season now upon us).

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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Essie Maki Me Happy Fall Nail Polish Swatch & Photos

I couldn't let Mani Monday end without posting well...today's mani! Recently, I've been wearing Essie Maki Me Happy ($9) - a crimson with berry hues nail polish from their Fall 2016 collection.

I saw this color at the Rebecca Minkoff S/S 2017 NYFW show and have been hooked ever since. As usual, I applied the grow faster base coat just to protect my nails from being stained and it gives an extra added layer of strength. Then I applied two coats of Maki Me Happy and topped it off with a shiny top coat. Once everything dried, I moisturized my hands, nails and cuticles with Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.

What color have you been wearing?

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Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Trio - Quick Review, Swatches & Photos

Urban Decay released an illuminating palette that contains three shades of Urban Decay’s Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body in the shades Pyrite (gold champagne), Oasis (marbled frosted taupe) and Twilight (iridescent pink).

The limited edition palette which retails for $36 includes the three shades in 0.08 oz/ 2.36 mL and a double ended brush to apply them with.

I was able to swatch and play with these during the Sephora holiday preview but sadly, I have nothing positive to say about these. I mean...the packaging is pretty?

Ok maybe I was exaggerating by saying I had nothing positive to say. Pyrite, the gold champagne on the left and Twilight, the iridescent pink on the right did look pretty on my skin tone. They are just very chunky and glittery so I would personally use this on my body as opposed to my face.

Now that shade in the middle - Oasis (the marbled frosted taupe) - just...no UD. This was a major fail on their part because I couldn't even get it to swatch decently. It is too chunky, chalky and fell apart every time I tried to pick the product up on my hand or brush.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this palette at all. Save your money for a better holiday item. If you have to have a holiday highlighting/illuminating palette, I would look into the Laura Mercier Fall In Love Face Illuminator Collection.

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Have you ever really listened to someone as they raved about their signature scent? I couldn't quite understand the enamor with finding one scent that truly captured everything about myself; one fragrance that captured that personality, my love, my bubbliness or my passion in a bottle? There was absolutely no way. But then, Yves Saint Laurent launched Black Opium and well...I found my holy grail fragrance.I was first introduced to this fragrance in October 2015 and it has taken over my life since then - seriously, I think I gave everyone this fragrance for the holidays and I probably will again this year with the re-release of it as Black Opium Wild (the same fragrance in a limited edition wild leopard print bottle).The NotesTop: Pink Pepper and Orange Blossom Heart: Pear, Jasmine and Rich Coffee Base: Sensual Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar, Musk and Sandalwood

The Packaging Black Opium is packaged in a textured glass bottle and covered in glitter that sparkles when the light catches it. In the middle, sits a glass opening with the YSL logo and Black Opium signature. It was designed as a rock'n'roll interpretation (and flanker) to the classic 2010 Opium which is much more spicier.The Bottom Line This is a fragrance that is meant for floral and coffee lovers. Personally, I don't like to drink coffee but I love the aroma of it. Whenever I smell someone brewing it - especially the french vanilla flavored beans - I am in heaven and that's what Black Opium is to me.

Because of the mix of Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar and Musk, it makes it a heavier fragrance which is perfect to take you through the Fall and Winter. Availability Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum is available in 1.0 oz, 1.6 oz and 3 oz bottles at Sephora, Ulta, Saks and Nordstrom from $68 - $115. But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites. I'm going to be hooking 2 of you up with your own bottle of Black Orchid 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 (hey you can even tell me your favorite coffee flavor - I'm looking for new ones to smell :). 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 Monday, September 12^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!

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Paco Rabanne Olympéa - A Scent Fit for the Gods - Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Rose Gold. I mean...there is a reason that I am obsessed with this color. Just look at Paco Rabanne's Olympéa Eau de Parfum.Beautiful right? The second that I saw the images hit the internet I knew...this was going to be one of those bottles that I collect and showcase in my glam room. From the dusty rose gold to the glistening rose pink and even the warmer copper blend, the packaging is absolutely stunning.The concept for Olympéa is based on the idea of a modern Greek goddess that evokes strength, dynamism and conquests. The bottle is shaped like a laurel crown and adorned with a jeweled cap. It is the female counterpart to the masculine Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Invictus, which was inspired by the athletic spirit, competition and victory. When I finally conquered my lust for the bottle, I sprayed it on my wrists for the first time and dare I say it but with that one spritz, I felt like a goddess of love and beauty. Move over Aphrodite!

The best way to describe this fragrance is to understand the unique fusion between a sensual salted vanilla accord and refreshing floral notes that highlight jasmine, ginger lily, citrus, woody and vanilla. On me, I find that it settles into nice white floral vanilla scent with a hint of sea salt that lasts about 7 hours before I need to reapply. 

And given that you guys know that I am completely obsessed with this color, this review would not be complete without giving you a chance to win a bottle for yourself.

Blog giveaway (One winner) 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 Tuesday, August 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!

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A Purple Rain Makeup Tutorial with the OPV Gorgeous Eyeshadow Palette

✨ About last night! ✨ Saturday night called for a run look so I grabbed the Gorgeous Eyeshadow Palette from OPV and went to work.

Here are swatches of the 4 main colors that I used. I used all 4 colors all over my lid and crease and for the inner corner highlight, I used the Gold Digger highlighter.

Details on the rest of the products for my look:

Brows: Colourpop Cosmetics Bangin' Brunette Pencil ($5) Lips: OPV Liquid lipstick in Crush Eye Pencil: Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in Aqua XL D-12 - diamond black ($21) Eyeshadow Primer: PÜR COSMETICS Cease Crease Eyeshadow Primer ($14) Liquid liner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22) Lashes: Ardell Lashes Demi wispies in black natural ($3.99) Foundation: Tom Ford traceless perfecting foundation in Sienna Concealer: IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer in deep ($24) Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof mascara ($23) Sigma Brushes: E25 - Blending Brush; E55 - Eye Shading Brush; E35 - Tapered Blending Brush; E30 - Pencil Brush; E45 - Small Tapered Blending Brush; E57 - Firm Shader Brush; E15 - Flat Definer Brush

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