Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette Review

Hello Beauties <3

Can we take a moment and talk about a palette inspired by vintage vinyls,  the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix palette......gasps

Ok, back to the task at hand. I was super excited when this stunning palette arrived and yes I went a little "loca" opening the box to get my hands on it and stare (maybe drool a little) at all the beauty.

If you're looking for highly pigmented and bold colors.......stay tuned

With a striking combination of technicolor brights and everyday neutrals, this palette proves that there’s no shade too bold or combination too daring. It features an inner wheel of seven nudes and neutrals surrounded by an outer wheel of 17 vivid brights. Discover how to rock three stand-out and insanely vibrant looks on the illustrated insert. Each is named for one of Kat’s cult favorite Studded Kiss Lipstick shades. 

Kat asked her fans to name their all-time favorite Kat Von D palette. And the winner was….Mi Vida Loca. This holiday’s new hit, Mi Vida Loca Remix, features brand new shades inspired by the bold brights from Kat’s former bestselling palette. The packaging features original portrait drawn by Kat Von D herself.

This palette contains: 

24 x 0.04 eyeshadows in 

• Muse - lilac purple
• Echo - purple glitter
• Dark Wave - deep navy
• Synth - electric blue
• Hyperballad - sea blue
• Lemmy - grass green
• Misfit - kelly green
• Vinyl - neon green
• Legend - golden yellow
• Fran - deep mustard yellow
• Analogue - burnt orange
• Harpsichord - metallic bronze
• Rewind - aubergine
• Destroyer - bright strawberry
• Swoon - fuchsia
• Love - shimmery rose
• Anthem - purple
• Vox - chocolate brown
• Moulder - butter yellow
• Noble - nude
• Skulls - iridescent pearl
• Black Metal - matte black
• Lyric - white pearl
• Strutter - taupe 

Are you ready for some swatches? Take a peek below..........

Today's look of the day:

Above Crease - Strutter

Crease - Rewind

Lid - Love

Here are a few up close shots

And a couple more pictures

A big thumbs up to Kat Von D and her Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette

I can't wait to play some more with this palette and dabble in the blues and greens and see what looks come of it. Until then.......................

Stacey <3

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment Review

Hello Beauties <3

It's time to relax in paradise and treat yourself to an at home spa treatment. Who doesn't love spoiling their face and skin every couple of days....well maybe there are a few but I'm certainly not one of them.



For tonight's (Saturday night) Hollywood treat, I pulled out my GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment. This mask delivers instant hydration to dry, dehydrated and thirsty skin. It moisturizes, restores, replenishes and calms the skin.

What I like about this mask is it can be left on your face overnight just like a sleeping facial, Ever have those lazy nights where you don't want to wait 20 minutes then wash the mask off, followed up with your nightly skin care routine which for me consists of toner, serum, eye cream and moisturizer (yes I have those nights often). ThirstyMud, to me,  is a one step all inclusive treatment that saves me so much time during my nightly skin care routine while delivering amazing results.

If you don't want to keep it on overnight, you can apply an even layer of product to your face and neck for 10 to 20 minutes then rinse with water.

Oh by the way....did I mention this mask smells divine,,,a delicious coconut scent that instantly draws me to white sand beaches and pina coladas. Count me in at least twice a week!

It retails for $69 (1.7 oz) but if you don't want to spend that much money, you can try the 0.50 oz for $19. Or better yet get a sample at Sephora. I bet you will love it as much as I do.

Stacey <3

Bite Beauty Watercolor Lip Gloss Library Review

Hello Beauties <3

As I looked into my magic beauty box, otherwise known as my makeup collection that gets little attention, I pulled out this pretty lip gloss set from Bite Beauty. The Watercolor Library consists of 12 x 0.05 oz lip glosses ranging from a pale yellow to a deep purple and retails for $49.

You get a variety of pigmentation from a very sheer, barely there look to a full coverage opaque look. The lighter shades can be mixed and matched with your favorite lipstick to add a little shine.

My lip swatches above were #'s 9, 11 and 12. They look similar in color on my lips but a bit different in their respective tubes. They were pretty sheer so I had to apply a few layers to get any color payoff. They also felt a bit thick and not a smooth gliding application I normally look for in a lip gloss. Not a long lasting lip gloss by any means but I really like the subtle citrus flavor these glosses have. 

So......those 3 were my favorite picks of the set. Now unto my least favorite ones. They swatched nice on my arm but were totally lost on my lips.

Swatches of  #'s 3 and 4. Overall I do not think I will be wearing these glosses all by their lonesomes. I will definitely be pairing them with some of my favorite lipsticks.

Stacey <3

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review - September 2015

Hello Beauties <3

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and luxury size beauty items for $21 a month.

Here is a peek at the September box of beauties........

Tarte Skinny SmolderEyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Emerald - Full Size 0.04 oz  $19

  (unfortunately mine arrived damaged in the box)

Previse Skincare HydroMilk Hydrating Lotion - Full Size 2.0 oz  $48

Vasanti Professional Foundation Brush - Full Size  $32

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel - Full Size 0.17 oz  $18

Scratch Nail Wraps - Fill Size  $12

Bonus Item:

Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil - 0.50 oz  $2.75 value

  Full Size 3.0 oz  $16.49 

Approximate value of this box  $131.75

Stacey <3

Ipsy Subscription Glam Bag Review - September 2015

Hello Beauties <3

If you subscribe to Ipsy, each month you will receive a cute Glam Bag filled with a mix of 5 full sized beauty products or deluxe samples all for just $10.

Here is a peek of the September Glam Bag

This NYX eyeshadow trio was made exclusively for Ipsy. Each shadow is 0.035 oz, compliment each other and can be worn together or separately. The colors do not have names but are referred to as color 1, 2 and 3.

Here are the swatches, Color 1 on top is very light and you may have to build it up to get good color payoff. It will work perfectly in the corner of your eyes or under your brow bone to add a pop of highlight. Color 2 was a nice all over the lid shadow and Color 3 works well for a smokey eye look.

Swatch of the TreStique Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude

NYX Trio Palette - Full Size 3 x 0.035 oz  $6 value

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - 1.0 oz  $6 value

    (On their website they have -  2.0 oz for $12 and 6.0 oz $30)

Octavio Molina Hair Aceite De Argan Oil - 1.0 oz  $7 value

    Full Size - 4.0 oz  $29.50

Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill Tinted Brow Gel in Light Medium - Full Size 0.14 oz  $20

TreStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude - 0.02 oz  $10 value ??

Approximate value of this Glam Bag - $49

Stacey <3

GlossyBox Subscription Box Review - September 2015

Hello Beauties <3

GlossyBox is a monthly subscription box that includes 5 full and deluxe size beauty items for $21 a month.

Here is a peek at the September box of beauties........

  

12 Benefits Love At First Lather Foaming Hair Shampoo - 1.7 oz  $9 value

     (Their website offers 3 different sizes 2 oz $7.99 - 8 oz $24 - 32 oz $58)

Julep Luxe Up Your Lips Lip Gloss in Sheer Coral - Full Size 0.42 oz  $24 value 

Biossance The Revitalizer - 0.05 oz  $19 value

      Full Size 1.7 oz  $58

Emite Makeup Artist Colour Powder Blush in 108 - Full Size 0.35 oz  $22

Nails Inc Uptown Nail Polish (Dusty Pink) - Full Size 0.33 oz $14

       (GlossyBox listed this as 0.47 oz but it's really 0.33 oz)

Approximate value of this box - $88

Stacey <3

Hip Hip Hooray....another Sephora Haul

Hello Beauties <3

How fun is it to come home after a long day at the office and be welcomed by a bunch of Sephora boxes dropped off by the UPS guy for the umpteenth time. I often wonder what goes through his mind when he realizes he will be bringing my goodies to me once again in any given week.

First up is my eyeshadow palette haul. Like many other beauty addicts, I have more palettes that will last me a lifetime ten times over but........ I can't pass up palettes with gorgeous packaging especially when they are on sale.

Next up is some OCC goodies. Like the brand name suggests, I am obsessed with their lip tars, pencils and nail polish.

Lip Tar Mattes from left to right are: Lydia, Digitalis and Momento

Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Dekadent

Lydia is my favorite one from this haul. Here's a helpful hint when using lip tars.... shake well before applying and let the matte lip tars dry a few minutes before eating or drinking. They go on a little wet? liquid-y? but they dry to a nice matte finish and last a good 6 hours.

Until my next haul arrives.........

Stacey <3

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist + beautyblender = The Perfect Couple

Hello Beauties <3

We all love our beauty products and I bet we love them even more when they are multi-functional and serve many different purposes. Who wouldn't want more bang for their hard earned buck!

Pair these two products together and you have a match made in heaven!

Here is the secret beauty tip I discovered between this couple...........

Let's start off with my foundation routine. I apply my MUFE Ultra HD foundation with a Sigma F80 flat kabuki brush and then blend it out with a beautyblender. I do love the finished flawless look, however I do not like having to get up and go to the bathroom to wet the beautyblender. I know what you may be thinking, it's not a big deal, but once I'm sitting at my vanity I like to stay put. (I hope some of you understand the feeling)

Rewind a month.....I attended a Rouge event at Sephora and one of the brand reps I talked to was from Jurlique. The truth is, she came up to me with a free sample of a night cream and introduced herself so I was immediately reeled in -  hook, line and sinker! Free stuff, yes please!

She was giving away a free 3 piece deluxe sized set that included a day cream, face oil and a mask with any Jurlique purchase. Although I love free stuff I try and make sure the products I'm buying makes for a practical purchase. Doesn't always work out that way but one of the products that intrigued me was the Rosewater Balancing Mist because I love the smell of fresh roses. Its not overpowering by any means but you definitely get a quick whiff of roses.

Fast forward to today.....remember earlier when I mentioned about the benefits of having a product that is multi-functional, Not only does this product tone, hydrate and restore your skin, it can also be used with a beautyblender instead of plain boring tap water.

This revelation was gold to me....I no longer have to get up to wet my beautyblender and my skin is reaping the benefits of blending my foundation with rose water instead of tap water. Just give your beautybender a few spritzes and blend away. I also use this Rosewater Balancing Mist after cleansing my face and before my skin care routine for added hydration. Talk about serving multiple purposes...I'm a believer for sure!


Stacey <3

August Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

It's hard to believe September is here but that means it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my August empties. Although summer is coming to an end, it's exciting to know Pumpkin season is around the corner. I love me some pumpkin coffee, pumpkin spice creamer, pumpkin pancakes.......everything pumpkin!!

Ok back to the topic at hand. Here are my empties....

Besame Cosmetics Translucent Brightening Violet Powder -  0.21 oz  $22

From their site:  A translucent violet powder that brightens any skin tone. The finely milled formula sets makeup beautifully, leaving a soft, matte finish and a subtle violet fragrance. Wear it alone, over foundation, or around eyes to instantly lighten dark circles.

This finishing powder brightens your face without the shimmer and leaves your skin with a porcelain matte finish. It does not settle into fine lines and no cakey finish (I love cake but I'm glad there's no cake here). I do not have oily skin so I can't say that it diminishes shine but many reviews confirm it controls the oil for hours.

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased 2 more of these but will not use them until I finish a few more deluxe sized powders I have from other brands.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder -  0.30 oz  $34

Apply this luxe translucent finishing powder over foundation to set your makeup for an all day fresh look. It evens out your complexion and gives your skin a glowing, radiant look. It also blurs out any imperfections, large pores or fine lines.

The verdict: Yay - I do like the powder but have not re-purchased it yet only because I have a handful of other powders I need to finish up first. I have it in my Loves List for the future.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation -  1.01 oz  $43

I wear this foundation in Y375 Golden Sand. It is lightweight and delivers a medium coverage that is quite buildable. In the winter I wear Estee Lauder Double Wear but I find it to be too heavy for the summer months. This was the perfect addition to my collection and I have quite a bit of deluxe samples to last me awhile. Paired with a setting powder and a few spritzes of setting spray, I get a flawless look all day.

The verdict: Yay! I love this foundation and wear it everyday. Once all my deluxe samples run out, I will re-purchase the full size,

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel -  1.0 oz  $42

An overnight eye gel that lifts, firms and de-puffs your eyes while you sleep. Pop this bad boy in the fridge for a sweet treat on your eyes. Seriously, who wouldn't want to open the fridge and grad a calorie free treat. The end result is a soothing cooling effect. Apply it under your eyes, over your eye lids or under your brow bone. 

The verdict: Yay. I will continue to use this eye gel and give my tired eyes a delightful pick me up treat.

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover -  6.76 oz  $14

I have tried may different makeup removers and although most get the job done, this one removes my waterproof mascara the quickest and the easiest with very little tugging of my lashes. It does not sting or irritate my eyes at all. Give it a few shakes, pour a little onto a makeup wipe and you're good to go..... bye bye makeup. Oh and of course the price is a major plus.

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased 2 more.

Philosophy Just Release Me Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover -  6.0 oz  $19

As the name suggests, this is a gentle oil free makeup remover. Once applied to your eyes, it breaks down your eye makeup and wipes away pretty easily. Make sure you shake it well. It contains aloe, cucumber extracts and chamomile perfect ingredients to soothe, calm and refresh your eye area.

The verdict: Yay. It's a good makeup remover but I have no plans on re-purchasing this in the near future but if it came in a set or GWP, I would still use it.

Lancome BiFacil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover -  6.7 oz  $39

I received this in a GWP promo and although it got the job done, I found I had to use more product to remove my waterproof mascara. It conditions and refreshes your skin without leaving an oily or greasy residue. 

The verdict: Semi Yay. 

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave In Conditioning Spray -  5.1 oz  $20

First let me say this product smells so good! Now, if you put your hair through the ringer like I do, then you may want to try this. Apply this lightweight leave in conditioner to damp hair and it will act as a barrier against the heat your hair is about to endure. The ingredients include rosehip, argan and coconut oils that serve multiple benefits like nourishing, hydrating, softening, strengthening and allowing for more manageability. The milky formula does not weigh your hair down and has reduced my awful case of frizz when air dried. 

The verdict: Yay! I already re-purchased.

Sephora Collection Age Defy Night Moisture Cream -  1.69 oz  $30

From their site - This anti aging cream works overnight to support natural cell growth and collagen synthesis, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and keep the skin looking radiant.

Research results:
In a study under dermatological control carried out among 30 volunteers for 28 days, applied once at night, accompanied by a measurement of anti-wrinkle effect and self-evaluation questionnaire: 
- 70% of volunteers observed fewer number of regular wrinkles 
- 64% of volunteers observed fewer number of deep wrinkles 
- 73% of volunteers observed decreased area of wrinkles overall 
Moisturizing effect measured among 10 volunteers: 
- After 2 hours: +17% (observed effect by 100% of volunteers) 
- After 4 hours: +27% (observed effect by 81% of volunteers)

The verdict: Semi Yay. I actually have a couple of these left in my collection so I may still reach for this on a rare occasion. Since good moisturizers could cost you a pretty penny, this night cream is a good option for those looking for an alternative within their budget.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask -  5.0 oz  $58

This Irish moor mud mask draws out dirt, oil, toxins and impurities leaving your skin hydrated and full of moisture. It minimizes the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving skin looking pure, fresh and radiant. I do not have sensitive skin, so I did not experience any irritation, stinging or redness. 

The verdict: Yay. I have this in a deluxe size that I will continue to use. Before I re-purchase a mask, I have a ton in my collection I still have to go through.

Overall I was pretty satisfied with all the products I used and finished in August. I have normal sometimes dry skin so most products work well for me. Rarely will I find something that has irritated or had a negative effect on my skin. That means you will hardly ever see a Nay from me.


Stacey <3