Hi there, my darlings! I've been saving this particular post for months...and with the big holiday parties, like NYE, New Year's Day etc, just around the corner, there's no better time than right NOW! Are you planning  a special look to bid 2014 goodbye? Do you want to look especially gorgeous for a special someone? Are you going to party the night away and want to make sure every head turns when you walk by? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I've got just the thing for you! I'd like to introduce you to the utterly gorgeous Milani Cosmetics' Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow collection!

Let's take a look at what the brand has to say about these gorgeous eyeshadows :

A gel powder – what would that even look like? We’ll tell you: It looks like rich, vibrant color that glides on in a single stroke, delivering a stunning multi-dimensional effect. What makes it a gel powder? Well, the formula starts as a gel and then is transformed by a special process into a stunning powder eyeshadow with pure color and power wear.

The unique process allows you to blend this incredibly innovative, weightless formula easily with your fingertips to light up your eyes. Even more to entice: It can be used wet or dry, resists creasing, and comes in satin matte, shimmer and iridescent metallic finishes. You just have to try this gel powder. It’s that different. 

Apply using ring finger or brush for luminous eyes in one stroke. Use lighter shades on brow bone as a highlighter, mid-tone shades on the lid and deeper shades for contouring in the crease. Use any shade WET as a liner to create intense color or added definition for limitless, multidimensional looks as unique as you!

Now let's get to swatches--I have SO many favorites in this collection!

From left to right :


  • Bella Ivory : Ivory Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Sand :  Shimmering Beige (Vegan)
  • Bella Cappuccino : Light Red-Brown Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Caffe : Ash-Brown Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Taupe : Taupe-Brown Satin Matte (Vegan)




Though the first four shades are a bit too light to really pop on my complexion, the last, Bella Taupe is an immediate favorite for a smokey eye!




From left to right :

  • Bella Espresso : Dark Brown Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella White :  Bright White Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Sky : Shimmering Light Blue (Vegan)
  • Bella Navy : Navy Blue Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Gray : Light Gray Satin Matte (Vegan)



These shades, all five, are ones that should be staples in any eyeshadow lovers' stash and I particularly love Bella Navy--a gorgeous vibrant navy blue!




From left to right :




  • Bella Charcoal : Shimmering Dark Charcoal (Vegan)
  • Bella Black :  Deep Black Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Pink  : Shimmering Pink
  • Bella Violet : Shimmering Violet Purple (Vegan)
  • Bella Purple  : Rich Purple Satin Matte



I had hoped that Bella Black would blend easily but it is a bit of a challenge. That being said, it's incredibly pigmented and I would even use this to line my eyes. Of these five, Bella Charcoal and Purple were immediate winners for me!




From left to right :




  • Bella Champaign : Shimmering Champagne Pink (Vegan)
  • Bella Khaki :  Shimmering Dark Green (Vegan)
  • Bella Emerald  : Shimmering Emerald Green (Vegan)
  • Bella Rouge : Red Metallic Sheen
  • Bella Silver  : Silver Metallic Sheen (Vegan)



Bella Khaki cracked, unfortunately, before I managed to get it photographed but of this batch, Bella Emerald was a surprising favorite! I don't usually do greens but this green is GORGEOUS!




From left to right :




  • Bella Teal : Teal Metallic Sheen (Vegan)
  • Bella Gold :  Gold Metallic Sheen (Vegan)
  • Bella Copper  : Copper Metallic Sheen (Vegan)
  • Bella Bronze : Bronze Mettalic Sheen (Vegan)
  • Bella Cobalt  : Cobalt Blue Satin Matte (Vegan)



I love all five of these shades! ALL five! They are bold and vibrant--just what attracts me to eyeshadows! The bolder, the better!




From left to right :




  • Bella Fuschia : Fuschia Pink Satin Matte
  • Bella Mandarin :  Light Orange Satin Matte (Vegan)
  • Bella Chiffon : Shimmering Off-White (Vegan)
  • Bella Rose : Shimmer Light Pink
  • Bella Diamond  : Shimmering White (Vegan)



Now of these last five shades, I must admit none of them really spoke to me, though I do want to see what I can do with Bella Mandarin--such an unusual shade!




IMPRESSIONS : Across the board, I was really pleasantly surprised by the texture of these shadows--so velvety smooth! No flaking, no chalky mess despite being powders--there is a little fall out but nothing that a little remover can't fix. Great color pay-off on most of the shades--a little goes a long way with these pigmented beauties! All in all, a fabulous ranges of color at a very affordable price!


So there you have it, my darlings! The Milani Bella Gel Powder Eyshadows collection! You ca find all the shades on Milani Cosmetic's online site HERE for the fab price of $4.49 for each! You can also look for them at select drugstore/retailers such as CVS, Walgreens and Duane Reade. Please remember to follow Milani Cosmetics on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for all the latest news and updates!


Which of these caught your eye? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!



Until next time,
<3
B




****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****







Hi, my darlings! Are you or someone close to you a fan of the hugely popular boy band, One Direction?  If the answer to that question is an emphatic yes, then I have a treat in store for you! One Direction has teamed up with Markwins International to launch their own line of cosmetics! Today, I'd like to show you the limited edition Beauty Collection tin!

5 Limited Edition Tins are available (1 for each band member). While the packaging of each tin is different, that is, adorned with the face of one of the boys, the contents of each tin are the same! So you can pick your favorite or collect all five!




Each tin includes:

  • Eye Shadows:
  • Nobody Compares- Metallic silver
  • Tell Me A Lie- Metallic nude pink 
  • Same Mistakes- Metallic mint
  • I Would- Smokey brown shimmer
  • Summer Love- Smokey purple haze
  • Everything About You- Smokey black shimmer
These shades are really nicely pigmented and would be great for a holiday smokey eye! Don't be afraid to experiment!




Eye Pencil: I Want- True matte black

A smokey, soft black, rather than jet black which is nice for blending and smudging along the lash line.




Lip Gloss Top Coat:
Over Again- Silver glitter sparkle


Lip Gloss:
  • Loved You First- Bubble gum pink
  • One Thing- Frosted pink ice
  • Irresistible- Shimmered pearl
  • Heart Attack- Creamy rose shine

A range of pink shades, these shades are best suited for a lighter complexion--they didn't work that well on mine. The lipgloss is lovely thought--a hint of silver shimmer that would look lovely layered over your favorite matte,




Nail Varnish:
  • Stole My Heart- Magenta pink shimmer
  • Alive- Multi-coloured glitter flakes

A shimmery bright magenta pink, Stole My Heart needed 3 thin coats for full opacity.




Alive is a clear glitter topcoat with circle glitter in various colors. The swatches show just 2 thin coats over Stole My Heart above.




Makeup by One Direction can be found at the following retailers :

Macy's
Dillards
Boscov's
Stage Stores
Beauty Brands
Lord & Taylor


To find about more fabulous products from the Makeup by One Direction collections, follow them on Facebook.


Do you know someone who is a big fan of One Direction and would love one of these kits? Tell me who in the comments section below!


Until next time,
<3

B



****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****






Hi there, my darlings! In my quest for the perfect facial moisturizer, I've stumbled across a product that, though not perfect, came very close to satisfying all my expectations! With today's post, I'd like to introduce you to Oleavine's Facial Mositurizer.





Before we get started, let's take a quick peek at the product description and the brand's claims :

ORGANIC & NATURAL INGREDIENTS (NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS!!!) - NO Harmful Chemicals: (FREE from Preservatives, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Sulfates, Silicone, SLS, SLES, PG or PG Derivatives, Synthetic Fragrance and Dyes.) Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Allergy Friendly, Fragrance Free.

ANTI-AGING SERUM AND REJUVENATING MOISTURIZER (ALL-IN-ONE) - Deeply Penetrating powerful active ingredients you would expect in an Anti-Aging Serum including Inflammation Reducing Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 - Wrinkle Fighting Argan Plant Stem Cells - Powerful Antioxidants Vitamins A, B, C, E & Alpha Lipoic Acid - Skin Plumping Hyaluronic Acid - Soothing Rooibos Tea Extract, Avena Sativa Oat Extracts and Aloe Vera.

PROPRIETARY COLD PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS ACTIVE INGREDIENTS - Unlike many moisturizers on the market, our process uses little to no heat to carefully create our finished product. Heat during manufacturing is the enemy to sensitive active ingredients in moisturizers and serums. We further protect our formula in our elegant Airless Pump to shield it from oxidizing air and outside germs and contaminants.

LUXURIOUSLY SMOOTH, HYDRATED AND YOUTHFUL GLOWING SKIN IN JUST MINUTES - High-End Non-Greasy Formula Delivers Rapid Hydration and Locks in Long Lasting Moisture. Carefully combined botanicals address ALL Aspects of Aging and Damaged Skin. Naturally Occuring Phytoceramides and Skin Healing Lipids from Botanical oils and Exotic Butters (Grape Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Olive Squalene, Seabuckthorn Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Borage Oil, Cranberry Oil, Pomegranate Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Murumuru Butter, Mango Butter).

You will be confident in knowing your new moisturizer is All Natural, Preservative Free, Paraben Free, Petroleum Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free, Silicone Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, and Allergy Friendly.





USE AND IMPRESSIONS : I used this moisturizer every single night for the past 3 weeks. After thoroughly removing all my makeup (if I was wearing any that day) and cleansing my face with my regular cleanser, I applied a small dollop all over my face and neck--the pump nozzle comes in handy to squirt out just what you need. I lightly massaged the cream into my skin with my fingertips and then went to bed shortly thereafter.
I really liked this cream--it's not too thick nor too runny, just the right consistency for me. It has the silky texture of a lotion rather than a heavy cream, which is important to me because I'm the kind of girl who gets hot at night really easily. A sticky face is not for me! The product absorbed really quickly into the skin and left my skin definitely feeling hydrated, plumper and softer. All in all, it felt really great! My only quibble? And this is a personal preference more than anything, I really wish the product had even a mild fragrance. When they said fragrance free, they weren't kidding around! I personally would prefer the option of a mild fragrance, something reminiscent of the beautiful, feminine packaging! But if you have sensitive skin or allergic to fragrance, this is a fabulous product to try!




If you would like to try this moisturizer out for yourself, you can find it on Amazon HERE for the price of $19.95 for a full-size, 1.0 fl oz bottle--a great price for a great product!


What qualities do YOU look for in your facial moisturizer? I'd love to hear about them in the comments section below!


Until next time,
<3
B


***I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.***







Hi there, my darlings! Are you still frantically shopping on Christmas Eve for that one perfect gift? Or were you gifted some cash and would like to treat yourself? Do you, like me, love fragrances? If you answered YES emphatically to these questions, then this is the right place to be! Today, let's talk about three fabulous fragrances from Elizabeth Arden that you'll be sure to love this holiday season!




ARDEN BEAUTY :

Fragrance Mood: Spirited, captivating, sensual.

With its inviting presence, Ardenbeauty is a fresh, green floral fragrance that is as multi-faceted as the woman who wears it.

  • Top Notes: Living Rice Flower, Dewy Green Accord, Italian Bergamot
  • Middle Notes: Blue Lotus Flower, Living Gingerlily, Rubrum Lily, Golden Sunset Orchid
  • Base Notes: Indian Sandalwood, White Amber, Skin Sensual Musk

This fragrance has been my go-to night-on-the-town choice for as long as I can remember. It's a rich, full floral with a hint of musk that always makes me feel sexy and mysterious. Every time I've worn it, I've been complimented! This is a fragrance is for the strong, independent woman of today! (Retail $60.00; 3.3 fl oz)




UNTOLD ABSOLU

Olfactive Classification: Glamorous Oriental

UNTOLD was inspired by the multi-faceted woman as she thrives through her life’s journey—as her story evolves, so must the fragrance. A deeper, more sensual version of UNTOLD, UNTOLD ABSOLU was designed to convey the captivating and glamorous side of a woman. A fragrance that is as feminine as it is sensual, this new interpretation features intoxicating fruity accents that work in tandem with a sensual golden amber base. Touches of Black Raspberry and Italian Bergamot capture her elegant presence, while Red Plum and bright Ginger LMR convey her captivating allure.


  • Top Notes: Red Plum, Ginger Extract LMR, Black Raspberry, Italian Bergamot
  • Mid Notes: Egyptian Jasmine Absolute LMR, Rose Water Essential LMR, French Narcissus Absolute LMR
  • Base Notes: Brazilian Tonka Absolute, Cashmere Woods, Tahitian Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Benzoin Resinoid

Packaged in a luxurious gold-accented bottle, this bold, assertive floral is not for the faint of heart! Every time I've worn this and walked into a room, I've been noticed! Vibrant and sensual, this fragrance would be perfect for date night with someone special! (Retail $69.00; 1.7 fl oz)




RED DOOR

Fragrance Mood: Glamorous. Elegant. Sophisticated.

A melange of rich, rare florals, Red Door is Elizabeth Arden's classic signature fragrance. This elegant rich floral bouquet celebrates the glamour and luxury of the iconic Red Door. This classic fragrance in an eau de parfum spray captures the luxurious facets of this timeless fragance.

  • Top Notes: Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Wild Violets 
  • Mid Notes: Red Rose, Moroccan Orange Flower, Jasmine, Ylang 
  • Base Notes: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Honey

My mother, a beautiful woman by most standards, loves this perfume so much! Having traveled the world and amassed quite the collection, Red Door is still one that she immediately reaches for on any special occasion. A sensual, alluring fragrance, Red Door is the perfect choice for the classiest of women in your life!  (Retail $55.00; 1.7 fl oz)





Elizabeth Arden can be found at fine retailers such as Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Century 21


For more information or to find other products from Elizabeth Arden, follow on social media below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube
Website


Do you use an Elizabeth Arden fragrance? I'd love to hear which is your favorite in the comments section below!



Until next time,
<3
B


****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****




Hi there, my darlings! Today, I have a review of several products from Fusion of Color that I received a few months back...yup, right before my India trip! Most of these products I was able to pick out myself and thus chose the shades that I find flatter my complexion the most. As it so happens, these same shades are great for this time of year--a bold red lip is perfect for the holidays! So, let's take a look at what I picked, shall we?

I chose four lipstick shades, all in mattes :
  • Berry Delight : Berry Pink
  • Candi Apple : Medium Wine/Red color 
  • Funny Girl : Berry-Pink Red Shade
  • Hip : Deep Plum


From left to right, Berry Delight, Candi Apple, Funny Girl and Hip.




Being a red lover, I admit I chose shades that were similar to each other but I love them all though Berry Delight and Funny Girl were my favorites! The lipsticks are just the right consistency of matte--not too drying on the lips but super pigmented. Stays put with no bleeding for a good 6 hours!





Next, I chose a lipliner to match my berry obsession--I chose the shade Berry. It was an INSTANT favorite with me and I carry this in my makeup bag in my purse now at all times!




Then I chose two shimmer blushes :

Coral Reef : Medium Coral Shimmer Blush




and Creamsicle : A shimmery pinky/orange/coral




Out of the two, Coral Reef was definitely a winner for me! It had just the right hint of warm coral to really brighten up my complexion. The blushes are loose pigments so a little goes a long way and the color payoff is great! Mix a bit with your favorite bronzer for a sun-kissed glow, even in the Winter!




Finally, Kathy of Fusion of Color sent me her Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish powder and a primer--both were clear.

The primer was more the texture and feel of Vaseline--a bit too thick for my liking. But if you tend to have dry eyelids, this product would be great for you!




Aura-Lusion Diamond Finish is described below :

The newest product for making your face look flawless, this give you a subtle change in the look of your skin. You but only better.

This one has no color to it, you can use it before foundation, after foundation as a finishing powder, add to the foundation or finishing powders you do use.


This is like translucent powder and would be great for the summer when the least bit of makeup makes my face turn into a frying pan!




Not sure if you can see it, but the primer is too the left and the Aura-Lusion finish is to the right.




So there you have it, my darlings! If you would like to check out Fusion of Color, you can find her HERE--prices are super affordable with lippies running at $5.50 and blushes at $7.35


To discover other great products, you can follow Fusion of Color through on social media below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Blog


Which of these products intrigued you? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments section below!


Want a chance to win some gorgeous products from Fusion of Color? Find me on Instagram HERE to find out how!


Until next time,
<3

B



****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****





Hi there, my darlings! This afternoon, I have for you my review of Sally Hansen's Halloween 2014 collection! Yes, yes, I know Halloween is long gone but because I was out of the country for so long and hence so backed up with swatches, these not only got to me later than they should have but I also couldn't get swatches done until recently. And here we are. But while editing these photos, I realized that many of these polishes create some striking looks for the upcoming holiday season. Take a look for yourself!

The collection consists of 8 polishes in total--three cremes/crellies, one matte, two glitter topcoat and two of their signature Fuzzy Coat toppers. I didn't have any complaints with the formula and application of these polishes and was particularly impressed with how well the glitters applied. Let's take a look at swatches then, shall we?

Night Fright is a super-glossy jet black crelly. The swatches below show 2 coats of the polish with NO topcoat and look how shiny it is! And best part? I discovered this polish also stamps really well!






Costume Glitters is a clear glitter topcoat filled with silver glitters. The swatches below show 2 thin coats over Night Fright, topped with 1 thin coat of Sally Hansen's Triple Shine topcoat. I think this look would be perfect for a holiday party!








OMGhost is a white creme polish. The swatches below show 2 coats by itself. This polish has rapidly become one of my favorite bases for nail art!






Witch-ful Thinking is a clear base filled with black and orange bar glitter. The swatches below show 2 thin coats over Night Fright, topped with 1 thin coat of Sally Hansen's Triple Shine topcoat. The Fuzzy Coats are not my favorite but I have to admit this combination looked interesting!








Pumpkin Queen is a pumpkin orange crelly. The swatches below show 2 coats of the polish by itself. A great choice if you like bright, fun colors!






Fur-ankenstein is a clear base filled with black, white and lime-green bar glitter. The swatches below show 2 thin coats over Pumpkin Queen, topped with 1 thin coat of Sally Hansen's Triple Shine topcoat. Another interesting combo!








Scaredy Matte is a smooth jet black matte polish. The swatches below show 2 coats of the polish with NO topcoat. I love how velvety and rich this polish looks! Another nail art favorite!






Dressed To Kill is a clear glitter topcoat filled with gold glitters. The swatches below show 2 thin coats over Night Fright, topped with 1 thin coat of Sally Hansen's Triple Shine topcoat. Another great look for a night out on the town, right!?








If you would like to pick up any of these beauties yourself, you can probably still find them at your local CVSRiteAidWalgreensWalmartKmart or Ulta (among other fine retailers) for the price of $4.99 (prices may vary in different states) . Remember to follow Sally Hansen through the social media outlets below to learn about their latest products :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Website


Which of these combinations is your favorite? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments section below!


Until next time,
<3
B




****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****
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