HELLO KITTY GRAFFITI PALETTE

pigments are somewhat sheer and light

An item left almost forgotten in my beauty review basket for weeks finally now is getting it's moment in the sun for todays' review- Limited Edition Hello Kitty Graffiti Palette. You know as a New Yorker I had to get this and maybe I'll go back for another design cover because the cases come in various prints. My palette case has purple, yellow, pink and blue hues with the word Kitty graffiti sprayed on it. Oh yeah, it also has BK on the cover. For you non NY-er's that's short for Brooklyn. I love this palette so much not only for it's fun print but because the shadows are semi-sheer and naturally looking. If you prefer color on your skin or heavily loaded pigments you might not appreciate this so much and if your pale skinned like me you will love how the colors look natural especially with the blush giving you just  a hint of wash. The new Hello Kitty graffiti line is available for sale now only at Sephora and includes palette's, cosmetic cases, mini notebook, rollerball perfume, compact mirror and a mirrored hello kitty brush holder with brushes all in the graffiti print.

Hello Kitty Graffiti Eyeshadow & Blush Palette.  

What it is: 

A two-tier compact featuring four eye shadows and a blush duo.  

What it does: 

Hello Kitty shows off her street style with this graffiti-inspired palette. The striking visual language of street art always gives her a little surprise and a big smile. This compact's design pays tribute to the daring artists who decorate Hello Kitty's favorite downtown sidewalks. 

This palette contains- 

4 eye shadows in shimmery gray, soft pink, charcoal, and grayish teal  

2 powder blushes in dusty pink and bronzy peach

Pro: natural color palette, natural blush shades, collectible compact, travel friendly, cruelty free, decent pigment wear (primer is a must), decent amount of product fill weight, well constructed material, limited ed.

Con: color range may not be suitable for all, semi-sheer pigmentation, pricey

My results: I'm completely in love with this palette even though it has it's flaws and this review and my ratings are based on how the colors work with my skin tone. I also reviewed the hello Kitty Memoirs Of A Geisha Palette which is linked on this blog and I'm glad that when making this second palette they decided not to add lip gloss but blush instead. Lip gloss in palettes are somewhat useless to me and I prefer getting my moneys worth with something I will actually use such as the blushes. I like that no matter what age you are Hello Kitty is loved by all making it an ageless collectible cosmetic. If your not a HK fan you probably will skip this as the colors are not heavily pigmented and if your a fan like me you will love it for it's fun design and natural looking color range although it probably works best on fair to medium skin tones.

Packaging: This palette is two tiered with the 4 eye shadows and mirror on the top level and two blushes with a printed artwork top on the second level. It's pretty thick in size at a little over 1/2 inch. The case itself is about 4 inches all around. The outer compact is drenched in graffiti artwork from artist POSE and comes in a couple of different cases. The top case has the usual HK bow in a faux mirror material while the entire case is a well constructed plastic all tucked in a fabulous artwork box which I will be keeping.

Formula: The shadows are very lightly pigmented and semi-sheer. You will definitely need a primer on your lids yet the shadows are buildable for more color impact. The highlighter is the lightest color and was not easy to capture with a camera making it appear invisible but you will get more color when you apply this on your skin. The blushes are natural looking and have more pigmentation than the shadows. I have to mention the beautiful blue gray shades have more pigmentation to them and are stunning in person. The color range in this palette probably works best with fair to medium skin tone. I don't understand why they just didn't do two palettes and allow everyone to actually wear these. You can easily use this palette for daily use as there is no glitter in the formula just a nice sheen to the shadows.

I might have given this a higher rating than another product because I'm in love with it and it suits my own skin tone personally but I hope the info I provided helps everyone decide if they would like to purchase it or not. If the palette isn't for you then maybe you might like something else from the new line. It is rather pricey but like I said the ratings and review are based on my personal experience with this product and I enjoy having, using and collecting it. I think for the skin tone range it's suitable for makes my 4.5 starfish rating fair. The reason for the high rating was based on this and the fact that it's a collectible item. I do feel they could have improved on the pigmentation and had released another palette color choice for women of every skin tone to wear. Could it be that they market this brand heavily in Asia making it work well with the majority of women? I don't know but they should look into offering more of a varied palette in the future. What item will you buy from this collection? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Sephora $35

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

PIGMENTATION:: 4 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

COLLECTIBLE:: 5 stars

COLOR PALETTE CHOICE:: 5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4 stars
OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

Hard Candy Stay In Line Eye Liner & Eye Def Shadow

 

shade-#430 knockout

shade-baby brown sparkle

 smudger upclose

  

Hard Candy's Fall Collection 2011 includes new and delicious colors just in time for autumn with Stay in Line Precise Mechanical Eyeliner Infused With Growth Serum Shade-Baby Brown Sparkle and Eye Def Molten Metallic Cream Shadow Shade #430 Knockout which were sent to me for consideration. As you recall I reviewed Eye Def previously and now Hard Candy revamped the line to carry hot new metallic shades. I'm absolutely in love with both colors and like how they interplay off of each other. These will certainly be beauty staples to match my fall wardrobe. And isn't it great that plum is stilling going strong after a couple of seasons. And who doesn't love must have rich chocolatey brown's that are one hundred percent essentials when the weather starts to cool down. Some product info below before posting my results:

Stay In Line Precise Mechanical Eyeliner Infused With Growth Serum:

Line eyes with maximum control with Hard Candy Stay In Line Eyeliner, a precise mechanical eyeliner and smudger. The self-sharpening retractable pencil allows for easy, smooth application. Each liner is infused with growth serum to promote long-term lash growth.

Available in six basic, bright, and shimmering shades

Eye Def Molten Metallic Cream Eye Shadow:

Hard Candy Eye Def Metallic Cream Shadow is a unique crease-proof formulation that coats the lid with stay-put coverage that lasts all day.

Gorgeous metallic shades give eyes a stunning flash of color

Packaged with an over-sized, angled doe foot applicator

10 shades

Pro: well pigmented, rich color palette, long wear, affordable price, smudge proof shadow, precise liner, cruelty free, growth serum infused liner, self sharpening pencil, fabulous high shine shadow, glitter was minimal, can be used by all age groups, non flaking shadow formula

Con: liner is creamy and wastes down rather quickly

My results: I'm always nicely surprised with Hard Candy's Cosmetics because you would think for such low affordable prices the quality might be lacking, not so. The liner was easy to work with and had just the right amount of shine compared to some past glittery products that had too much glitter making them versatile enough for young girls and more mature women to utilize. The colors are absolutely tempting and they updated the palette just in time to wear with your fall fashions. The shadow stays put!  I find this formula much better than the previous Eye Def I reviewed which I will get into. And let's not forget the cute packaging!

Packaging: The metallic cream shadow is still housed in a lab-like tube container and the angled brush makes it easy to apply/work with the product. The eyeliner has a self sharpening precise point to it and the smudger brush on the opposite tip is well constructed and great to blend with.

Formula: For the cream shadow: this is a big improvement from the last Eye Def collection as the shadow stays super put but is not as dry and does not crack or flake. I mean it stays put even without primer. The angled applicator tip allows you to go thin or go big and bold. I'm in love with this metallic plum shade I was sent, it's high shine and gorgeous! You must try this out!

For the Eyeliner: it has a very precise tip allowing you to also create thin or fatter looks and the formula is very creamy blending well. I love the added factor of the growth serum but I haven't seen any results yet since I have only used it a couple of times. It's great that it sharpens itself and has a well constructed durable smudger on the other tip. This won't peel away and fall off as the material seems to be thick. It has just  a little glitter in the formula so you can wear it during the day and any age group can enjoy this. The liner stays put only coming off a little when my allergies started acting up but that's my weepy eye syndrome. Otherwise it's has a decent staying power.

So far I'm seeing that Hard Candy's Fall 2011 has gotten off to a great start with these two products and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. You can't go wrong with these prices so grab a few in different shades. The added bonus of being cruelty free and having super adorable packaging along with the quality and price garnishes these two products with an overall five starfish rating. What shade will you choose?  Stay beautiful!  XOXO

Availability: Walmart Eye Def $6  Stay In Line Eyeliner $5

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

LONG WEAR:: 5 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

EASE OF USE:: 5 stars

FORMULA:: 5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 5 stars

OVERALL PRODUCT:: 5 stars

Boscia Luminizing Peel Off Black Mask

product test kit

 

Luminizing Black Mask

product out of the tube and after peeled from your skin

Happy Friday my gorgeous readers! Before I get into today's post I want to wish everyone living here on the East Coast in the path of Hurricane Irene a very safe weekend! Especially you guys in Long island, New Jersey and The Rockaways. I'm actually kind of freaked because Mayor Bloomberg evacuated residents of Coney Island in Brooklyn into city shelters if they didn't have relatives they could stay with. Although I'm away from that area it's not far from the water. First an earthquake, a tornado in New York this past winter and now this! What's up Mother Nature??? So here's hoping I'll be around next Monday if Me and Toto aren't blown away to the Land of Oz! Fingers crossed XOXO

I was recently given the opportunity to test out a full size product line from the Japanese natural skin care brand Boscia. Publiicty sent me a variety of skin care cleansers, moistuirizers, exfoliators, etc. as well as some other natural brand lip care products and sanitaizing sprays. I'll get to all of them as soon as I can but for now I'm ready to review Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask Peel Off.  This mask is outrageously fabulous! I never tried Boscia before and am gratfeul fro the opportunity so I can pass along my results to my subscribers. Product info below before getting to my results.

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask-Peel Off: 

What it is: 

A groundbreaking, mineral-rich mask that peels off to deliver powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects.  

What it is formulated to do: 

This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results. Made with a premiere-quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil. Other natural ingredients go to work exfoliating skin and refining pores. Powerful antioxidants shrink pores, firm skin, and reduce inflammation. Once dried, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal immediate and visible results.

Pro: cruelty free, vegan, natural, very exfokiating, cleanses skin, softens skin, clears skin of debris, non irritating, travel friendly, skin glowing qualities, pore size appears to reduce, neutral scent, skin feels nice  and firm and skin redness appears lessened, helps with ingrown hairs

Con: pricey! you need a large amount of product to cover your skin allowing a thick layer to form or it will not peel properly, this tube should have double the amount for this reason.

My results: I have to say hands down this is the best peel off mask I tried so far! When I removed it from my face I found all the debris and dead skin peeled away! It unclogs the ingrown hairs trapped under your skin as well. The only fault this product has is it's size and price. It's 2.8 ounce and normally that's not bad for a mask since you need a little to cover your face but with this mask you need a large quantity of product which I found out the first time around. Since this is a peel off mask you need a lot of product to form a thick layer so you are actually able to peel it off  your skin. If you don't apply the right amount when it dry's on your skin you can't peel it off in one sweep. You have to sort of crack a smile and allow it to peel on your face then grab layers wherever you can and peel away. The rest that does not come off you can just wash it with warm water. I stopped adding product when I realized I was emptying out the tube but I did need to add more. Next time I use this I will add a super thick layer allowing me the ability to peel it off in one swoop rather than bits and pieces. You can see from my photo swatch that it peeled of in little bits rather than a whole mask because I didn't apply more product. For this reason the product might last you 4 uses if your lucky, that's awfully expensive even though it's a amazing product.

Packaging: This is packaged in a sleek black plastic tube and is a travel friendly container. I feel this is more of a sample size than an actual full size because you need so much product to form the mask properly.

Formula: What is unique about this mask is that it is black, not green or mud like the typical peel offs on the market. The formula has a creamy gel like consistency and is a little sticky. It dry's up fast so you have to work fast with this. You need to apply loads of the product on your face especially around the top of the forehead , under the chin and on all the corners that will serve as the peel away spots. Avoid around the eye area, around the lip and the nostrils. The box includes a picture showing exactly how to apply it and in what areas. It has a neutral scent which is nice and does not irritate at all. Your skin will feel refreshed, cleansed, exfoliated and very soft. And your pores appear to be minimized. It's an amazing formula!

The only fault for this mask is it's price and size. It should be twice the size or larger which would make the price more valid. I think for this size this price point is way to high and even if you splurge on it the tube will not last you a month if you use it weekly. It's too bad because I need to use this every week or even bi-weekly, it's that great! I'm hooked on it. I really hope Boscia improves on this in the future because people would try it once and keep coming back for it. I think the price may affect that. Of course if you can afford to splurge then you probably wont mind. I can't splurge on this but I will save up for it and use it less because it's that wonderful on your skin. You have to try it for yourself to understand what I mean. I would definitely recommend this product as promising what it says to do but giving it a little lower rating because of the price.This gets a fabulous 4.5 starfish rating for quality, cruelty free, vegan ingredients and it's overall ability to exfoliate and soften your skin. Any try this? Opinions? Stay beautiful! Stay safe this weekend  XOXO

Availability: Sephora $34 2.8 ounce 

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

EXFOLIATING QUALITY:: 5 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

CLEAN & SOFT SKIN:: 5 stars

FORMULA:: 5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 stars
OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

Urban Decay Book Of Shadows IV

 speakers to hook up to your iPod or cell phone included

Urban Decay is putting these palettes out faster than people can buy them and don't look now because Book Of Shadows IV is hitting the shelves in October 2011.

What's different about this palette is that it's for the tech-y freaks out there equipped with speakers for your iPod listening, smartphone, and includes a video tutorial you can hook up and watch while applying your makeup. Innovative... yes. It's just that these are getting pricier and some people have get to buy the Naked Palette. But no doubt it will sell out and I will definitely grab one for review so stay tuned. Sephora previewed this the day I came back so I missed getting one this past weekend.  I'll add new info as I receive it, in the meantime enjoy Urban Decay's Fall Line available to purchase now on site and the usual UD retailers. And enter my giveaway for a chance to win Urban Decay's 15 Year Anniversary Palette-link below. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: October 2011 $64

What's Included:

16 x 0.03 oz eye shadows in Blue Bus (periwinkle blue sheen), Gunmetal (gunmetal gray with silver glitter), Cobra (smoky green with gold shimmer), Baked (rich golden bronze shimmer), Bender (moss green sheen), Gravity (violet with silver glitter), Lost (neutral brown shimmer), Hijack (metallic muted teal), Midnight Cowgirl (golden beige with gold glitter), Sin (light shimmering champagne), Midnight Rodeo (beige shimmer with silver glitter), Crystal (pale icy blue shimmer), Bust (taupe sheen), Missionary (light taupe sheen), Skimp (ivory peach sheen), Zephyr (pearly cream sheen)

0.25 oz 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion (carbon black)  

0.18 oz SuperCurl Mascara in black

0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

Mini Keychain Speaker

What else you need to know:
-Any phone with a browser and a camera can access Urban Decay's exclusive how-to videos.
-If you don't already have an application that reads QR codes, download one at your carrier's application store (many of them are free).
-Open the application.
-Hold phone over the code and center. Hold it still, and make sure you have enough light and no glare.
-Hit "scan," or the video may just pop up.
-Your video will load instantly and then start to play.
-Place phone in holder to watch the video hands-free while you follow the steps.
-The added bonus: the portable speaker delivers big sound. Attach it to your keychain so you can whip it out whenever you demand better sound from your phone and MP3 player.
-The Book of Shadows IV display features a two-way cradle so your smart phone can play video in either a vertical or horizontal position. 

 

 

Hard Candy Cosmetics Fall Launch

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS FOR PRODUCT DETAILS

First let me start by wishing everyone here on the East Coast who experienced that 5.8 scale Earthquake has now calmed down and relaxing from all the anxiety and that of course your all safe! I'm still a little shaky as I literally almost had the seat I was sitting on pulled right from underneath me not to mention huge chandeliers over my head almost drop. Actually this was a wake up call so now I know how not to panic next time and get a plan of action together. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...In the meantime enjoy this press release sent over to me from hard Candy Cosmetics. They are launching some new products and new colors to existing items for early fall. This is a little teaser as I will have full reviews for you when my test products arrive. Now I'm gonna run and grab a appletini tp calm my nerves after surviving an impending world destruction devastation. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Before you throw your bikinis in the beach bag, let’s focus for a moment on Fall!

Hard Candy has the most innovative, fun and amazing products lined up in their latest collection debuting in early September exclusively at Walmart and on walmart.com. 

Say hello to your new best friend! Our new first of its kind Walk the Line 24 Hour Lash Grow system gives you the sexiest black patent leather liquid liner you've ever laid eyes on. Stays put until you take it off and that's not the best part. This formula is infused with an Amino Acid and Protein laced Lash Serum that will help make lashes thick, long and gorgeous! So while you're looking fierce the serum is doing its job. Switch over to the clear serum when you take off your makeup. Not into liner? Use the clear serum for 24 hour growth. Sit down for this – it’s $7!

Who wants the biggest, badass lashes around? We thought so! Welcome your latest addiction: Lashaholic - super volume mascara. The fabulous water-resistant formula won't flake or smudge. Black volume-building weightless powders create ridiculous volume and a flexible wand will pull every lash from wimpy to wow!  $7 – can you believe??

What do you get when you mix a fabulous glossy, tinted, lip balm with an amazing sugar-lemon flavor and cool packaging? World Balmination!  8 shades to protect, nourish and moisturize your luscious lips and all for $3 each!  Who's collecting them all??

Hard Candy just had a Stroke of Gorgeous!  How about infusing a felt tip eyeliner that defines eyes in one smooth sweep?  The calligraphy type pen allows thin or thick lines and the saturated tip prevents pulling across the lid.  Each liner is infused with our Growth Serum to promote long term growth.  3 shades – black, purple and teal – developed for the makeup artist in all of us.  $5 each.

Not much of a liquid liner lover? Stay in Line is a new formula that infuses our Lash Grow Serum into a mechanical pencil for the first time ever!    The self-sharpening retractable pencil allows for easy, smooth application.  These must-have pencils are available in basic, bright and shimmering shades.  6 beauty editor-named to choose from and only $5 each.  Grab ‘em all and line ‘em up!

 

Everyone wants their makeup to be in Eye Def.  And that collection is blowing out of Walmart.  So Hard Candy has added an entire new Molten Metal Cream collection to the lineup to melt hearts and turn heads.  This unique crease-proof formulation coats the lid and will stay put all day or night.  Oversized angled doe foot applicator deposits the most stunning flash of color.  10 beauty editor-named shades are so magnificent your eyes will pop with never before seen color.  $6 each!

Shade Revisions
Out with the old and in with the new.  New shades on existing amazing products include:
Plexi-Gloss ultra, wet, high shine lip gloss – 4 new shades in pinks and naturals.
Mouthing Off sheer lip shine – 4 new shades in pinks, naturals and browns
Plumping Serum fat pout lip gloss – 5 new shades in pinks, orange and naturals
Lash Tinsel glitter mascara – 2 new shades in purple and fuchsia

REVIEWS AND ACTUAL PHOTOS COMING SOON. 
MORE PHOTOS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE

NUDE SKINCARE HYDRATING WATER SPRAY

fun smooth rubbery lilac spray bottle

Happy Monday! Here's hoping everyone had a really great weekend. Get ready to be bombarded with loads of reviews, hauls and fall fashion.beauty trend reports as I'm back in Venus mode.

Well let's get to it then... Up for review today is Nude Skincare's Hydrating Water Spray sent to me for my consideration from publicity. This was actually sent a few days before I left and had the chance to use it for a couple of weeks daily/nightly and fell in love with it. But before I talk about this hydrating spray some info on the brand. As most of you already know NUDE is a brand created in part by Ali Hewson, whom is U2 Rocker's Bono's wife, but who doesn't know that. Seriously? And I'm controlling myself from going in an all out crazed fan rant on my teenage obsession with U2 and how I own every Cd, Cd/Set, concert video they ever made because were talking about skincare right now. Oh and if you haven't noticed, NUDE is EDUN backwards which is from Ali's first fair trade clothing venture of the same name which was meant to be NUDE spelled backwards. So now it's EDUN spelled backwards, loves it! Brand, product info below.

NUDE Hydrating Water:

NUDE Skincare's refreshing rose and vanilla floral water removes final traces of cleanser and locks in moisture, leaving skin calm and beautifully soft. Mist natural toner onto clean skin and wipe gently with a cotton pad. A skincare essential, Hydrating Water is perfect for setting make up and instant refreshment. Revives normal, dry and sensitive skins.

Beautiful without parabens, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, mineral oil and silicones

NUDE founder Bryan Meehan learnt how the right nutrition supports the way the body works and, more specifically, looks and feels, when he set up Fresh&Wild natural health food stores around London. He understood that the skin is the largest organ in the body and it made sense to feed it well.  His customers wanted to avoid potentially harmful skincare ingredients but they didn’t believe ‘natural’ could deliver the same results as ordinary skincare. Bryan believed  ‘natural’ could deliver better results.... Inspired by Bryan’s conviction and armed with the experience and passion for ethical business, friend and co-founder Ali Hewson joined Bryan to create NUDE, now synonymous with high performance, luxury, natural skincare.

Pro: harmful chemical free, cruelty free, non-irritating, refreshing, quick absorption, no residue, travel friendly, sets makeup

Con: although the ingredients incorporate natural essences they are not organic, may be considered pricey, a faint hint of rose scent (strictly personal-I can't tolerate rose scent) although very subtle and non intrusive.

VENUS TIP:

Hydrating Water's Dual Use/Purpose- Can be used as a makeup setting spray. I tested this in humid weather and my makeup stayed fresh until evening

My Results: This lightweight feeling hydrating spray comes in very handy when you need a quick moisture mist without having to apply heavy cream. I love that it also works as a makeup setting spray and it does work because I tested it out in very humid weather. I think this product would be perfect for winter weather when your face is always exposed to the harsh elements, you can carry it in your bag and mist your skin for on the go moisture anywhere.

Packaging: The spray comes packaged in this lovely innovative lilac rectangular spray bottle made out of this smooth rubbery material but not the sticky kind where debris would stick to it. The material is recyclable and if you don't have a recycling program in your area you can send the bottles to the company and they will recycle for you. Wonderful!

Formula: The formula is very lightweight and quickly absorbs into your skin. It contains hints of rose water, prickly pear, vanilla and grapefruit. The scent is very subtle but it contains roses and I'm sure I have blathered endlessly on my loathing of rose scents & roses altogether so it's a little bit of a turn off for me. But I have to state it's very faint and non intrusive, it's more of a personal quirk for me. It does make your skin feel refreshed and moist but then quickly drys which is great for not having shine but those with severe dry skin might not like this. Still it gives you a nice refreshed boost on the spot. The ingredients are chemical free, cruelty free and contain many naturals but it is not an organic product and the site states they feel the performance level would be less if the line were organic. I don't know if I agree with this because having used Beauty Without Cruelty I find they deliver what they promised.

All in all, it's a great brand that is concerned with the environment, harmful chemical free and they don't animal test which is huge for me which is why I'm giving it a great 4.5 starfish rating. The price is a bit high but a little goes a long way so this and the non organic factor is the reason for my rating. I definitely would recommend you try this spray out as it's great to have on hand, travel with and serves as a makeup setting spray. I'm excited to see what other items I will try out from the rest of the line.Has anyone tried this yet? Opinions? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Nude Skincare $20 3.4 ounce

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

CHEMICAL FREE -NOT ORGANIC:: 4.5 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

MOISTURIZING:: 4.5stars

FORMULA:: 4.5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 stars
OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

Tarte For TrueBlood Natural Cheek Stain

 GORGEOUS SHIMMERY SHEER RED!

 flip-side on tube

 not blended in, with more coverage

 blended in makes your skin look sheer flushed rosy with a glittery effect

It's finally here! With all the craziness before I go away for a short time I managed to take photos and swatch Tarte For True Blood Natural Cheek Stain Limited Edition which is part of Tarte's new collection of the HBO TrueBlood Series line. So far I have reviewed the TrueBlood Palette and this, hoping to grab the lip gloss soon. This cheek stain is really more subtle in color than it looks in the tube because it goes on sheer and natural. The only thing that might turn some of you guy's off is the glittery effect but in my opinion if you blend in well it's very micro-fine and more like shimmer than glitter.

Tarte TrueBlood Natural Cheek Stain

Have you spent eternity in search of an everlasting glow? Meet your MAKER. Inspired by the hit HBO® series True Blood™, this sparkling red cheek stain blends on smooth and lasts from dawn to dusk, and well into the night. A drop is all you need to create a crave-worthy natural luminescence for all skin tones and types. Like all tarte products, this lusty natural stain will do good things to you thanks to natural mineral pigments and fruit extracts

Pro: sheer natural glow, sweet fruity scent, a little product goes a long way, great for body, travel friendly, easy to use tube, great fill weight, cruelty free, collectors item, natural ingredients, great for highlighting

Con: may be considered pricey (but you get your moneys worth), may be glittery for some

My results: I have several of Tarte's cheek stains and I love them all but this one is super gorgeous! The scent is delicious as all of Tarte's cheek stains and after Doll Face & Cloud 9 I didn't think I would really get excited over another shade. I find I can use it for the daytime if I blend it in really well and use just a little bit as not to give my face a disco ball look but at nighttime or a special party occasion you really want to layer more on for a gorgeous sparkly glow. If it weren't for the shimmery effect this would have replaced my obsessed collection of Smashbox Rose Red blush (discontinued) I use now ( I have like 12 stashed away) because it's similar in shade to giving you a beautiful rosy cheek glow. A great tip is to use this as a highlighter and on your body as well such as your shoulders, neck, etc.

Formula: The formula is highly blend-able gel consistency and it glides on smoothly with a sheer coverage. It feels lightweight on your skin and you get a nice glow. The color goes from a pinched pink hue with shimmery effect when blending in all the way to a more natural rosy tint with added layers. I love how it works perfect with my fair skin but I think the glow will show up nicely on every skin tone with different variations. The glitter is more like shimmer to me as there are no chuncks of glitter and no fallout. It's not chunky or tacky at all and I tell you this because in reviews I have read women complain about the falling glitter. There is no glitter in it that falls out, the gel based formula has the shimmer inside of the gel. The trick is to really blend it well and use just a smidge. This is pricey but will last you a very long time so you get your moneys worth. A perfect stain for the upcoming holiday season.

Packaging: As with all Tarte Stains it's in a roll up tube at 28 grams which is a lot of product since you only need to use a few strokes at a time. It's in a black tube with HBO TrueBlood logo and a message that reads Glamour Me in what looks like a Vampire Blood Red Font. It's really cute!

Even if your not a fan of glittery things this is one you might want to consider having for touching up on glamorous festive occasions if not for daily use. It might be a personal preference but I'm in love with it as it's my fave sheer tint with a fabulous formula that works perfect on my skin tone. It would have been nice if they did offer a second stain in the collection without the shimmer but I guess they were going for a Vampire Glow theme to match the HBO Series mood. I think they did a great job with this and the palette which is why I'm giving this a 4.5 starfish rating for the reasons mentioned above. A different variation of the stain being available would have gotten it a higher rating as more people might have a choice in selecting either one. If this isn't for you fear not because Tarte has similar red stains without the glitter just not with the cute TrueBlood packaging. Anyone try this yet?  Opinions?  Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Tarte Limited Edition $30 28 gram

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

NATURAL INGREDIENTS:: 5 stars

PACKAGING:: 5 stars

EASE OF USE:: 5 stars

FORMULA:: 4.5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 stars
OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

In other news: The winner for my Hold Me bag Giveaway is Super Girl from Supreme Living Blog. Congrats! Send me an email so I can forward you info to the Hold Me Bag giveaway contact. And when you receive the Hold Me Bag you must submit a photo showing us how you organized all your cosmetics. You have 2 weeks to do this after getting your prize.

I wanted to explain how the winner was chosen- The final name pulled was selected randomly at Random.Org. But first I selected which bloggers I thought could really use a brand new cosmetic bags from the photos each contestant sent me and believe me it was hard to choose because if it were up to me I would give you all a prize but only one winner can be chosen. My duty was to pick one winner from the photo's but I couldn't pick just one so I ended up choosing 8 bloggers and decided to let Random.org pick 1 out of 8 as to be fair to everyone. I dislike when things are not fair and this was the most just way to choose a winner. I blocked out the names of the other 7 girls so there would be no hard feelings with the bloggers that were not chosen as the final 8. Please please, please... don't take the fact you did not win personally as it was hard to decide. I want to thank all of those members for entering as it meant a lot to me. You can enter my Facebook Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Palette Giveaway and try your luck there as the winners will be randomly selected. Click image link below

I will also be away for a short time for a mini birthday getaway and yes this time it's my birthday woo! I will try to upload some posts later on tonight/early tomorrow morning and schedule them giving you a chance to receive some updates. I'll also try to add at least one to my foodie blog and will give you some sneak peak photos on twitter before I leave. Regular posting will resume in a week or so. Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer. Stay beautiful! XOXO