More Sale Stuff at Nordstrom

If you're looking for some post holiday deals or just want to stock up on gifts for the year ahead, Nordstrom has some great sets for sale.

The Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Quartet is tempting me so badly!

Will indeed post more (including confection) once the holidays are over.  I've been ridiculously busy getting ready for 2013.

Happy Friday and Happy New Years!

Live Happy!

Beau Khaki Anyone? Sinful Colors Beau Khaki and Revlon FX

Update!!!!  The collection for Sinful Colors is called Haute Rebel.  Actually I find the name kind of dumb (like Rihanna's Rebel Fleur).  But that's the name of the collection if you are looking for it.

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So it's Friday and I got paid.  I guess it had to mean that I go and get some nail polish.

I'm also going to try my hand at making something sweet and paleo friendly so I will have a treat soon I promise.

First up is Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish FX!

Revlon Top Speed FX: Celestial FX and Hearts of Golf FX.

I got the 2 topcoats that are apart of this collection.  I know I have shaped glitter polish somewhere but I really wanted to try these. 

The shade Hearts of Gold FX is a gold glitter polish in a clear base with holo hearts.  The main glitter in these polishes is tiny and not heavy so you don't have to worry about drowning out your base color.

This polish is pretty and looks great with green but the hearts were difficult to work with.  You would definitely need to pick and place the glitter.

Celestial FX is a silvery iridescent glitter polish with holo stars, crescents and diamonds.  I found this polish to be much easier to work with and needed less time placing the larger glitters on my nail.  It kind of makes me feel like I have Lucky Charms on my fingers.

Onto Beau Khaki!!!!!!!!

Sinful Colors Beau Khaki.  If you don't get it I won't be the one to tell you.

Seriously, such a perverted name right?  Well I got this at Walgreens along with my Revlons.  I can't for the life of me remember what collection this is from but I know it has a lot of dusty colors (grey, army green, etc.) and the girl on the display looks a little emo.

But colors are colors and I couldn't help but think that I have nothing like Beau Khaki in my large collection.

Beau Khaki and Revlon FX: Index and ring finger has Celestial FX; middle and pinky have Hearts of Gold FX

Application was amazing!  This could be a one coater.  and the formula was nice and self - leveling.  The color looks like if Army Green and Khaki had a baby.  It's a light moss (baby poo) color that looks very neutral.  For those afraid of bright greens this may be the green for you.

Beau Khaki and Revlon FX: Index and ring finger has Celestial FX; middle and pinky have Hearts of Gold FX

This shade is similar to Essie Sew Psyched and Chanel Khaki Vert.

Beau Khaki and Revlon FX: Index and ring finger has Celestial FX; middle and pinky have Hearts of Gold FX

While I never had Khaki Vert, I had Sew Psyched and for some reason never liked the way it looked so I got rid of it.

Beau Khaki and Revlon FX: Index and ring finger has Celestial FX; middle and pinky have Hearts of Gold FX

But this color is heaven in a bottle for me.  I love how it looks and the undertones flatter me nicely (or I would like to think so).  And for $1.99 it's a bargain!

Definitely check this color out.  Especially if you're looking for an even cheaper dupe of Chanel Khaki Vert.

Dupe Time! Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Big Bang

--------------------------Begin Long Ramble----------------------- 

Let me start this post by saying that I absolutely love this pencil.  They are still available at the Urban Decay site here.  But I do admit the cheapo in me cringes when I see that $19 price tag (that's 29 pork buns there folks).  And that's without tax.

So one day a long time ago I spotted something very similar at CVS in the Milani endcap.  You can get them at the Milani website here if you don't live near a CVS.  At about $8 they are a steal in comparison to the Urban Decay one.  But how would the formula be?  Granted I'm sure many a blogger has already compared these two products but I couldn't justify spending $8 on a possible dupe if I already had one at home.

So I waited, some times I came so close to buying it during a sale but the shade I wanted was always either out or opened.

So comes the drugstore beauty sale to end all sales.......

CVS is having their clearance sale where select items are 50% or 75% off.  If you like something on sale then stock up time is now!

Milani had the Lip Flash pencils on sale at 75% off.  I didn't jump on it because I have a crapload of makeup already.  But earlier tonight I took a detour and found myself near a CVS.  I figure why not check it out.  Like fate I tell ya!  I found the shade I wanted and it was the last one to boot.  Seal intact and good to go.  So without further ado I present my findings. 

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So for the Urban Decay shade I got Big Bang.  It's a gorgeous bright fuschia with sparkle in it.  It really demands attention and I love it.

The Milani LIp Flash pencil is in shade Flashy.  It's a totally apt name given how bright it looks.

Compared side by side they look damn near identical.  The only thing that differs is the top.

Both products are made in Germany and have the same slightly waxy smell to them.

Now the color..... here's where I couldn't be happier.

Can you tell the difference?  Look at how seamless they blend into each other.

Urban Decay on top and Milani on the bottom.

They are the exact same!  The only difference I could tell was that the Milani one might be slightly (very slightly) less pigmented than the Urban Decay one.  But with the shimmer in both of them it really isn't noticeable at all.

So...... 

If you like Urban Decays Big Bang but don't like to spend big bucks (see what I did there?).  Then head on over to CVS and grab these Lip Flash pencils for 75% off while you still can.

  

Review: Missha Transtyle Dynamic Wax

So I've tried this hair wax out for a week and I have some thoughts on it.

 

Overall I really like it.  I've been using the Extreme Holding wax and my bf has been using the Super Clay wax.

 

Both have a light scent to them that is generic and unoffensive.  No heavy cologne smell and it's actually a bit feminine.

I use this to style my hair once it has dried.  I use just a little bit and rub it throughout my hair for added denseness and soft styling.

The Extreme Holding wax is good if you want messy bedhead with fair hold and pliability.  It doesn't get too greasy as long as you don't use too much.

The Super Clay wax is indeed super!  Be careful when putting this in your hair.  Bf had a few hairs pull out.  This wax provides really strong hold up to a point.  On my hair it still couldn't hold a proper faux hawk but it kept my bf's hair in place all day and night.  It still keeps a soft pliable hold but it does kind of set so once you're done styling don't touch as much as possible or you could pull some hairs out.

All in all I think both hair waxes are pretty decent but there's nothing special about them.  They get the job done with very little fuss and no bells or whistles.

Would I buy it again?  Maybe.  Only if it was at a good price I very well might.  But this doesn't offer enough for me to not look into other brands.

Should you get it?  If you like no frills hair wax then yeah this is a choice.

   

Review Time: Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream

So my other reviews from this order will come when I have some time to fully test out the products.  I'm super excited to see how they work for me.  In the meantime I will do a quick review of my free gift.

So I got this for spending $60 on the Missha website.  They have gifts for you when you spend $60, $100 or $200 in one order.

This retails for $45.99 on the site so it's a pretty darn good freebie.  I've been wanting to try this out but was not sure how close the Shade 21 in this BB cream would be to the Shade 21 of my Perfect Cover BB cream.

with flash L to R: Missha Perfect Cover, Missha Signature Real Complete and 3Lab Perfect BB

without flash L to R: Missha Perfect Cover, Missha Signature Real Complete and 3Lab Perfect BB

Color:  It's actually pretty close to Shade 21 in the Perfect Cover.  It is a tad pinker than the Perfect Cover though.  It also seems a lot sheerer when blended out.

Blended out L to R: Missha Perfect Cover, Missha Signature Real Complete and 3Lab Perfect BB

Blended out under Philips Natural Light Bulb in the kitchen L to R: Missha Perfect Cover, Missha Signature Real Complete and 3Lab Perfect BB

Consistency:  This is much more liquidy than the Perfect Cover.  It applies almost like a lotion for tinted moisturizer.

Packaging:  The packaging is beautiful on this one.  It is a hard case with Missha's signature flower design on it.  One thing about the packaging is that you are able to screw off the pump.  I suppose it's because of the hard case but my inner germaphobe is not happy.  With my tubes of Perfect Cover I am unable to unscrew the pump top.

Skin Benefits:  Both BB creams claim to be whitening and anti-aging.  Only the Signature Real Complete BB cream does this and is also: Non-chemical, Paraben-free, Mineral oil-free, Alcohol-free, GMO-free, Triclosan-free and Benzophenone-free.  

It also has an SPF 25 PA++ so it's a high grade sunblock and from what I read in the ingredients list I only saw physical sunblock so for those who have reactions to chemical sunblocks (like me) this may be a good option for you.

Would I buy it?  I don't know to be honest.  I currently have a BB cream that I love and that matches my skin a lot better than Missha's BB creams.  However, the formula feels great and there's a bunch of good stuff in it so I would definitely get it for a friend if they were thinking about trying a BB cream and wanted something that was light like a lotion.

Should you get it?  If you're looking for a lighter textured BB cream with more healthy ingredients than a hipster raw food restaurant, AND are of a pale complexion then I think this would be good fit.

Hope this helps and live happy!

  

Review Time: Missha The Style Perfect Eyebrow Styler

Update!!!!
So apparently I'm a dum dum and I didn't realize that you can buy refills for these pencils (if they ever get them) by pulling out the pencil end and snapping in a new refill.  So my brain started working and I decided to pull the smudger end off the pencil and.....

Pencil can be pulled apart for refills or to switch smudger with spoolie.

It indeed comes with a spoolie!  Now I love it even more!  The spoolie is larger and softer than my Dior one so I will assume it's less irritating to the skin.  But on the same note I don't think it will be as precise on blending.

Dior Brow Styler spoolie (top) Missha Eyebrow Styler spoolie (bottom).

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So I bought this eyebrow pencil in hopes of finding a cheaper alternative to my Diorshow Brow Styler.  I got this in shade Grey Brown in hopes that it would look more natural.

So there's a few things about this pencil that are different from my beloved Dior.

flash

no flash

First:  There's more than one color.  This pencil comes in 6 different shades.  Dior only comes in Universal Brown.

Top: Missha, Bottom: Dior

Top: Missha, Bottom: Dior

Second:  For some reason there's no spoolie in the Missha one, only a smudger.

Third:  There's a cap for both ends on the Missha one.  There's only a cap for the spoolie with the Dior one which always irked me.

Fourth:  The formula for the Missha one seems waxier than Dior. Initially the product is a lot lighter on first stroke than Dior.  But the waxy formula helps to keep brows in place a little better and glides more smoothly over the hairs.

Fifth:  The shape of these two brow pencils is totally different.  The Dior is a fine pointed pencil (similar to MAC).  The Missha one is a triangular shaped pencil that has a tapered end and a wide end.  This allows for easier shading of the whole brow but also lets you use the tapered tip for fine details or for finishing the tail of the brows.

All in all I do think I'm in love.  I only wish I ordered it in Dark Brown as well instead of ordering 2 Grey Brown.  The Grey Brown shade is a bit more intense on me than I thought it would be.  Great for a night out but a little much for everyday.

So......

Would I buy this again?  Yes, a million times yes.  Not only is this a great brow pencil but I have finally found a replacement for my much more expensive Dior brow pencil.

Should you get this?  Only if you're looking for a brow pencil with a waxier formula that starts off light and gets darker with layering.  Since my brows are pretty much full  I only need a pencil to define my arch.  If your brows are thinner this will also work but I think that it might be best on brows that don't need to be drawn in too much.

Thanks for looking!

Review Time! Missha Creamy Matte Lip Rouge

I want to apologize about the lack of confections lately.  I recently started the Paleo Diet to help with my allergies and asthma.  But fear not since this is the holiday season and I do need to use up some supplies.  So there will be confections soon, just a little later.

On to the review!  I got shade PK01 (Lovely Angel)

This lipstick is touted as a creamy matte type lip rouge to reveal vivid color with soft texture.

Color Therapy: Colour complex from 5 kinds of colour fruits makes you feel comfortable and satisfied.

Elastomer Powder and Rolling Powder: Elastomer powder makes your lips soft and Rolling powder leaves matte feeling onto your lips.

Moisturizing care with Botanical oil: Containing shea butter and mango butter ingredients, it makes you lips nourished and firm while providing abundant moisture.

All that in a lipstick eh?

Please note that the color on the site is inaccurate do look for other picture sources before you buy.

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no flash

Now what do I think of it?

The Formula:  It's creamy and applies smoothly.  It almost feels like a lip balm.  I bet there's a lot of silicone in this one.

The Color:  This one is a pretty pink and looks very sweet.  It leans a little cooler on my lips even though it looks coral.

I have swatched this color along some other pinkish shades I have and I don't have any that comes close, albeit I won very few baby pinks.  Although it's marketed as a matte it still has a bit of a sheen.  Compared to Candy Yum Yum it is much less matte.

L to R: MAC Candy Yum Yum, Revlon Peach Parfait, Missha PK01, Dior Silhouette, Dior Undressed Pink

Bottom to Top: MAC Candy Yum Yum, Revlon Peach Parfait, Missha PK01, Dior Silhouette, Dior Undressed Pink

Application:  Ah this is where it kinda sucks for me.  I only have 2 Missha lipsticks and both give me uneven color when I apply.  I'm not sure if this is just me or my lips.  Unless I use a liner all over my lip I get patchy color.  I mean really patchy.  This is more noticeable since my lips are a more pigmented mauve color.

So would I buy it again?  No.  With my experience so far Missha lipsticks do not wear well on me.

Should you get it?  That depends, if you've had good luck with Missha lipsticks and want a baby pink matte-ish color then go for it.  If you don't mind prepping your lips with liner incase the color goes on unevenly then I don't think you'll have a problem working with this lipstick.

So there you have it.  Perhaps my last review on Missha lipsticks.

Hope this helps you out and don't forget to live happy!

Yay! Missha Sale Haul Has Landed

Well it actually landed yesterday.  These are items I got from the 40% off sale on the Missha site.  They have free shipping with $40 purchase and gifts when you reach certain spending levels.  This time I bought enough that they gave me a free Signature Real Complete BB Cream.

I'll be doing comparisons and reviews for the stuff I got.  In the meantime here's a group photo of my haul.

So What Was in the Bag? Inside the Urban Decay Mystery Travel Bag

So by now you've done your searching online and figured out what was in the bag.  I must say though for the products inside it's definitely worth it if you like them.  But for me personally, a little part of me is happy I didn't get it because I either have those items already or didn't like them.  As for the BB cream sample, I probably wouldn't have used it since I'm still so in love with my 3 Lab BB cream.

So what was in the bag?

Travel bag

A sample card of Potion Primer
A travel size of Supercurl Mascara
A 24/7 shadow pencil in Rehab
A travel size All Nighter Setting Spray
A Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked

A sample tube of Naked Skin BB Cream
A $5 off card

As for my predictions I would say that I was a lot closer than I thought I was going to be.  For a recap on my predictions you can look here.