My Miss Suki Hold Me Bag Photos- Part Two

Read My Full Review Here: With product Specifications And More Photos

Here is Part Two of My Hold Me Bag review with photos showing how I organized some of my beauty products. It's so roomy I even managed to add my Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System, now that's roomy! I need to apologize for the bright camera flash, I'm looking into getting a new camera because this one is toast and I can't seem to get the settings right. It was an expensive Sony and I don't know what's up with it! Maybe I should buy a thriftier one next time. Please bear with me on this, thank you.

As you can see in the photo you can add super thick brushes in the slots. I could even pack my Smashbox #19 brush in this bag and that brush handle is very thick. I equally added my other Smashbox and thick Bare Essentuals brushes with total ease having more room to spare.

In the center zippered case I added tons of makeup with more packed underneath which you can't see because it's covered up. Not forgetting to add my Too Faced pink travel toothbrush. The Suki print removable liner underneath all that product ensures it's kept clean in case of spills.

The extra side pocket is also very spacious as I could add full size tubes of my Hard Candy Lotions and my large Mia Cleansing System with more room to spare! This is half of what I can store in here and when it was time to close it up I had no problem zipping the case or keeping it closed with the tie.

A fun fact: This bag was modeled after vintage school girl's book bags. How cute! I knew it looked familiar somehow as I'm a classic move fan and if you watch an old black and white movie next time with little children you will see them carrying those charming book bags with the ties.

A Venus Tip: When not traveling with the Hold me Bag and you want to make sure it stays clean without picking up lint or dust store it in a clean lined drawer, a large travel bag or as I did in a vinyl pillow/bedding case with snaps or zippers. This will ensure it's clean and lasts a lifetime.

Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Hold Me Bag Company $95

My Miss Suki Hold Me Bag Review: Part One

A lovely message from Hold Me Bag Publicity

Taa daaa! The Bag!

It's nice and thick

Limited Edition "Miss Suki" print lines the inside

opened up

inside the zipper compartment-with a side pouch also lined in Suki print

 

 Miss Suki lining is removable-to line the bottom of the zippered case

This will be my Hold Me Bag Part One which will be the actual review of the product and the upcoming post will be Part Two where I will upload my photos and show how I organized cosmetics inside the bag. This was sent to me from publicity along with a lovely thoughtful note thanking me for hosting a successful HMB Giveaway. It was my pleasure and I'm definitely grateful for the brand contacting me to sponsor the contest for my members, giving one lucky winner the prize and for allowing me the opportunity to review one for myself. I will be looking into purchasing another one in the future either for myself (I have too much makeup) or as a gift just as soon as I scrap some more coin together...

The version I was sent was the limited edition "Miss Suki" print. Yes, they have limited editions and if you were in love with the Vanity Dames pattern your out of luck because it SOLD OUT. So if you see a bag with a pattern you like get it fast before they sell out.  I don't know how they read my mind but I love oriental prints.  I should say more obsessed than love and this particular print reminds me of the cutest pink Oriental girl umbrella my mother got for me in China Town when I was younger. It was this adorable pink children's umbrella with ruffles and just about the same print except all in various shades of pinks and the best part was the handle that had a huge round wooden pink knob with tassels and a wooden china doll figurine attached to it. I don't know what happened to it but when I saw this bag it made me think of one of the few happy childhood moments. Why am I telling you all this? Who knows... Just nod your head and read along with my ramblings  :) 

The Hold Me Bag Product Info:

The Miss Suki Bag features interior highlights made from an all-cotton print that has been over-laid with a sleek washable surface. The exterior and parts of the interior are made from Knew Suede, a high-performance, created fabric that is sleek and soft to the touch. This beautiful fabric was chosen for its great personality with traits that include superior shape retention and cleaning. It is easy care, as even the most stubborn make-up traces are easily wiped away. Measuring a compact 10"H x 7"W x 2"D closed, it extends to 22"W fully opened. Original Patented design. Made in the USA. $95.00

Pro: super spacious!, easy to store & travel friendly, separate section for all your brushes, zippered compartment and removable lining keeps spills secure, easy to clean, soft material, fun unique prints, an extra side compartment to hold larger bottles, closes and ties with ease, stays shut, items stay in place

Con: pricey, might pick up lint over time (store in a clean area, drawer or bag)

My results: I'm completely in love with my Miss Suki Hold Me Bag. It's extremely spacious and feels very soft to the touch. I love how there are sections specifically for your brushes so they don't crack, bend or break like in regular travel cases. I tend to buy expensive brushes and love that I can travel with peace of mind knowing they are secure. I also love that it's lined with a plastic print so the suede like material can remain clean even thought you can wash it easily. Not only is it lined but there is a full case size liner with the adorable print that you can remove and use it to cover whatever part of the bag you wish. The side pocket can hold hairspray containers, large cleanser bottles and I even packed my Mia Cleansing Brush into it.

Some points I really love:

Bag is lined to protect from spills

A full case size printed removable liner insert is included so you can cover areas you wish.

Brushes stay in place and don't break.

Large bottles and containers can be stored

Extra side compartment

Zippered case

Case stays shut with the self tie

When not traveling with the Hold Me bag, can serve as a portable vanity

I would definitely recommend this to others especially for the woman who loves to travel and needs great tools to keep her organized. Other than the high price point I really can't think of any con's except that maybe over time it might pick up lint. A suggestion for those of you who have this is to keep it in a clean drawer with a lined handkerchief or store it in a plastic bag to stay clean. I stored mine in a plastic case used when you buy bedding/pillow sets. It works great because the plastic is thick and they usually have zippers or snap buttons on those bedding cases. This product get's a 4.5 starfish rating from me for all the qualities mentioned above. It would have gotten a higher rating if the price was not so high bit if you save for it, you won't regret it because it's worth having. You can always shop the sale events that the website has for a considerable saving. Anyone have this? Would you like to share your thoughts? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Hold Me Bag Company $95

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

STAYS ORGANIZED:: 5 stars

MATERIAL: 4.5 stars

EASE OF USE:: 5 stars

STORAGE SPACE:: 5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 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

LOVEMODE Junior CLothing Brand + Jacket Review

 Item I picked out for review

has slight ruffled puff sleeves

beautiful ruffle detail

medium junior size

Up for review today is a gorgeous ruffle trim jacket from LOVEMODE Trendy Junior Clothing line which was sent to me for consideration and I found it waiting for me in the mail when I returned. I was allowed to pick the item for review and I chose this jacket because it's fun and flirty with jeans but I can also pair it up with skirts, leggings and a pair of nice slacks. I also have a fondness for ruffly poofy sleeves clothing but we wont tell anyone...

Lovemode has a website which caters to trendy junior clothing but if  your like me and are not above the 5 feet 5 seven height you may be able to fit into the bottoms and for the tops you would have to choose a larger size. See the size guide on the website when determining a proper fit. I generally fit into a medium in junior sizing and size up to large if the fabric is super tight or the guide suggests it's smaller than the normal med. size. 

Lovemode carries tops, bottoms, denim, dresses and accessories with a large variety to select from. The styling is cute, trendy and fun with low affordable price points. You can find outfits for every occasion and even check out the new arrivals and clearance section for great finds. If this isn't for you because there are no work ensembles or designer gowns then maybe you have teenage girls or younger family members you could shop for at decent savings.

The Quality And Fit- The ruffle jacket I received was very substantial in fabric and had a nice stretch to it. The cotton was soft, sewn well and fit pretty much true to size in juniors. It snuggles nicely on my body and love the way I can wear it whether it's open or buttoned down. Although the price points are low the quality is really decent. I now you can grab yourself one too because it just went on sale!

Original price listed when I picked it out $22.89 now on sale $9.18!

Click here to buy this

I'm pleased with the quality of this brand and love the prices! I probably will scour the site again for pieces to mix and match as well as their accessories rather than full on outfits because it's a little too young for me for a complete wardrobe. Still there are many fun pieces to add at amazing prices. Ladies if you have teens, get some adorable and casual clothing here without maxing out the credit cards. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability-LoveMode.com
Lovemode 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