Giveaway Break: Spring Beauty Essentials

Happy second day of Spring! Looking to freshen up your Spring beauty routine? Look no further. A few of us gracious beauty bloggers have teamed up to bring you a Spring Beauty Essentials Giveaway. There are some great prizes up for grabs to help you transition into Spring! Check out the prize collage below! 

Thanks to XOXO Alexis Leigh for setting this up! Contest starts today and ends April 4th. 23 prizes up for grabs...good luck!

L to R, XOXO Alexis, Lipgloss Break, LozLosa, Manicurity, InTruBeauty, Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom, Harajuku Girl FL, Lani Loves, Justina's Gems, (POREfessional) Beauty Info Zone, 10 Fickle Fingers, Polish Etc., The Fabzilla, Manicurator, Rachel's Makeup and Skincare, Sincerely Stephanie, Beyond Beauty Lounge, Lisa's Nail Obsession, Valiantly Varnished, Darling Girl Cosmetics, Midnight Manicures, Beauty and Fashion Tech, Beauty With a Twist.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules of contest:

• Giveaway open from March 21st to April 4th 12:00 am EST
• Open to US residents only
• 23 winners, 1 prize to each winner, 23 bloggers participating.
• All "options" available on the rafflecopter widget are mandatory
• Must be 18 or older to enter or have a legal guardians permission
• All winners are picked at random!

 

Sponsored Post: Maybelline Color Whisper

I’m a lipgloss girl, hence the name of my site, but I do enjoy lipsticks with a hint of color and moisture. Maybelline Color Whisper is a unique gel lipstick that has both a hint of color and moisture to keep lips looking healthy. This formula doesn’t contain wax, so it doesn’t dry out lips like some lipsticks do. 

My lips felt super soft after I applied Color Whisper and I didn’t feel the need to put a balm on before application. I tried Color Whisper in Lust for Blush, which is a soft pink color. It’s described as ‘sheer’ on the site and the color swatch is super light, but I love the hue of color it shows up with on my lips. One coat on my lips is pretty light, but if I apply it a few times, it develops into a creamy pink with a hint of shine. This color is going to look great in the summer with a little bit of bronzer to make it pop more on my skin.  

I love keeping this type of lipstick on me at all times. It’s a great staple for a travel bag or purse. Since the colors are sheer and soft, the shades will go with pretty much any outfit you wear. You can also add a glitter gloss to dress it up for night or wear it alone for during the day.

If you're looking for a new lipstick or lipgloss to try, I would highly recommend checking the available colors out at your nearest drugstore. There are 20 shades in the line. Definitely one for every skin tone. My favorites are Lust for Blush, Pink Possibilities, Oh La Lilac, & Go Nude. You can check out all of the shades on Maybelline.com, but remember, they always look very different depending on skin tones.

Check out the Maybelline Color Whisper website to participate in the ‘Dare to Whisper’ sweepstakes. You can select any color and share your whisper for a chance to win all 20 shades. For example, if you select Lust for Blush, you have to fill in the following phrase ‘I blush every time…’ It’s fun, and don’t worry, Maybelline won’t share your secrets! You can also select the Coral Ambition shade and fill in the blank for a chance to win $5000! Don't wait to enter - there are two chances to win!

Maybelline New York’s Color Whisper™ by Color Sensational® empowers you to make a statement in soft, sexy sheer color. Because sometimes a whisper says more than a shout. Dare to whisper for a chance to win fab prizes: http://www.maybelline.com/colorwhisper.aspx

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Maybelline via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Maybelline.

IT Cosmetics Hello Beautiful Kit on QVC

Tune in! Monday, March 18th, QVC will be running a special on IT Cosmetic's Hello Beautiful Kit. The inspiration of this collection stems from the believe that you deserve to say Hello Beautiful to yourself every day!

This extensive kit will be available one day only on QVC, Monday, March 18th.  

I've had a chance to play with some of the items in this kit and I've been truly impressed. My favorite so far is the Vitality Flush Color Stain Stick in Je Ne Sais Quoi (which means 'I do not know what' in French according to Google). This cheek and lip stain is awesome. Don't be fooled by the light color of the stain stick, it darkens once you apply it! My advice: apply a little to your finger than blot on to the apples of your cheeks. Start with a little at first because after a few seconds the color will darken into a rosy pink.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Sally Hansen Magnetic nail polish = Amazing!

Sally Hansen Magnetic in Electric Emerald

Happy St. Patty's Day weekend! I was told I had to wear green to work on Friday, so of course, my nails had to be green too! I saw Sally Hansen Magnetic at CVS and was intrigued. I'm so glad I took a chance on this polish. It's great quality and so easy to use! I can't believe how easy it was to create this nail design.

I first applied a clear base coat and then one thin coat of color. For the third coat I put on a THICK coat of color on one nail, and then held the magnetic cap over the nail for 10 seconds. Voila! Waves magically appeared (okay, I know it's not magic, it's science!). The picture doesn't do this nail polish justice. It's kind of like a hologram when you look at it in person. I did each nail one at a time and used the magnet immediately after I painted each nail.

The magnetic cap comes off separately from the brush, and has a 'guide' on it so you know how to place it on your nail. I can not stress enough how easy this was to do. The KEY is for the third coat to be thick, so the magnet can move the polish. I applied a quick dry top coat so the thick coat wasn't too much of a pain to dry.

I was out the door in 30 minutes after applying this nail polish + quick dry top coat. I definitely want this in more colors. Love it! 

And the Winners Are....

Julep Maven box giveaway - stephanie_adkins
Sol Republic giveaway - mjzimmerman55

Congrats and keep entering to win the Fergie fragrance giveaway!

CND Shellac Cityscape & Negligee

This is CND Shellac in Cityscape with a layer of Negligee. I wanted a light color for work travel that would go with most of my outfits. I tried Silver VIP Status over my pinky (if you can see the sparkles) but decided to opt out of shimmer for a work trip. I'll try the shimmer again when I don't have to meet with clients. I can see the shimmer being cute on toes for the summer. Here are some more CND Shellac swatches. 

Meet Ellie

Oh, great, now I have a new obsession...Ellie. Have you met her yet? Ellie is a new fitness line that is going to give Lululemon a run for their money.

I'm not one to spend a lot of money on workout clothes. We only sweat in them, right? But sometimes, when you know you look good, you feel good, and that can make for a better workout. Probably the same reason I put on lipgloss to go to the gym (#truth). Ellie takes fashion and fitness and feeling good all into consideration when they design their lines. Most of the pieces on the site (mostly the tops) are very unique, which I love. They are nothing like what you will find in popular workout gear lines..  All pieces are mix and match which is convenient for gym clothes. I have a hard enough time piecing together outfits for work, let alone the gym!

You can shop on Ellie.com just as you would any other site, or, you can sign up for a monthly subscription, aka the Fit Fashionista Club. It's $49.95 a month and you get two new pieces each month, your choice. Also included in a membership is free shipping, priority access to the new lines, flash sales and other exclusive events.You'll take a style quiz as soon as you sign up to choose your style preferences and size. From there, they will tailor your shopping experience to the looks they think you'll love.

I received 'My New Obsession Leggings' and 'Peek-a-Boo tank,' both pictured below. They arrived in a super bright pink bubbled envelope, wrapped in tissue. Like I mentioned earlier, the top is super unique which is why I chose it. It looks like a regular tank from the front, but has a mesh, open back. It fits loosely around the hips and kept me cool during my yoga workout. I will also wear this to circuit training, cycling and kettlebell classes.

The pants are super comfortable too. They were a little long on me so I cuffed them at the bottom and they still looked cute. I wore them for yoga but they are also perfect for an early AM run and/or a cycling class.

DDP Yoga poses (warrior and superstar) and our new 'yoga room' aka living room.

Check out Ellie's new line for March, the Little Black Collection, here. Ellie and I are also offering 20% off of your first order...click the banner to the right to redeem! I will definitely be ordering more from Ellie. I could get use to looking fashionable while at the gym!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews the entire skincare line from SeabuckWonders.

Mama Fashionista: It's the purchase she's been planning for since the beginning of the series! Find out what Quinn picked for her February MAC Matters purchase!

emily hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist d: Fall Bridal Portraits. A Stylized Shoot and Building Professional Makeup Artist Porfolio

D.G.S.Beauty: Need a new eyeliner in your life? Check Marbella's 24 Eyeliner that will leave you wanting one for your collection.

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust in Sunset Blvd is one of Destany's go-to eye shadows!

In Her Makeup Bag: How "naked" do you like your makeup to feel? Stephanie tries out Revlon's new Nearly Naked powder to see if it delivers on its claims.

TheFabZilla: Eyelashes don't lie. Will the search for holy grail mascara stop for TheFabZilla? Check out her review on tarte gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara & multiplEYE Lash Primer

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks that B. Kamins has hit a home run with their Nia-Stem Eye Cream Kx because it solves a multitude of problems with ease!

Painted Ladies: Make Up For Ever’s Technicolor Palette Makes Brights Fun and Wearable!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Have you seen Make Up For Ever's new Pro Finish Powder foundation? Pammy Blogs Beauty loves it!

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle: Budget too tight to take a trip to Europe this year? Let NYX Cosmetics transport you with a large, colorful collection of cosmetics to Florence, Rio or Paris

BeautyTidbits: Win it! Beyonce Midnight Heat Fragrance Giveaway.

Beauty Professor: Always one to experiment with foundations, The Beauty Professor shares her latest concoction featuring By Terry and Kevyn Aucoin!

Glamorous Mama: Janelle from Glamorous Mama shows off the new Urban Decay Naked SKin BB

Endless Summer: Elena loves her new holo glitter top coat from El Corazon

The Lacquered Lady: Ready for some holo?! Here's the gorgeous Color Club Miss Bliss swatched by The Lacquered Lady.

Scottish Beauty Blog: Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog gives her verdict on the new luxury Guerlain Spa - the only one in the UK.

Blushing Noir: Everything is in technicolor with this new palette from Make Up For Ever!

Beauty Blogazon Round Up

• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews the entire skincare line from SeabuckWonders.
• Mama Fashionista: Check out NCLA's "Life's A Beach!" Collection (and Quinn's first attempt at swatching)!
• Emily hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Stylized Fall Bridal Portrait Shoot and Building your Pro Makeup Artist Portfolio.
• Makeup Demon: Battle between two mousse foundations - Maybelline vs Bourjois!
• Chickettes.com: Get in the mood for spring with the new Gelish "Love in Bloom" collection!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: Acne causing you stress or are you stressed by acne? Perhaps Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash is for you.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse has a professional colorist to tell you when to DIY and when to seek professional help.
• TheFabZilla: What's in your everyday makeup bag? Sneak inside TheFabZilla's.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust in Sunset Blvd is one of Destany's go-to eye shadows!
• The Convenient Beauty: Tom Ford Love Lust isn't just another peachy blush. It's the peachy blush.
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win Fergie's new fragrance, Viva by Fergie!
• Beauty by Miss L: On 24th February was Estonian 95th Independence Day and Miss L did a patriotic manicure inspired by Estonian flag.
• Lacquer Buzz: What can you do with a fan brush? Awesome nail art!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love the idea of a pretty pink lip gloss with lots of anti-aging ingredients- then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog would like to gleefully introduce you to vbeauté Lip Spread!
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel found a new finishing powder that she thinks can compete with Guerlain's Meteorites. Can you guess what it is?
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor shares swatches of her favorite pink blushes!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Alessandro International's Cashmere Touch is subtle yet elegant. A classy touch to any wardrobe.
• Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's Milani COLORstatment Pinks & Corals Lipsticks and Lip Liners Review. Another win for Milani Cosmetics!

Best Eyeshadow Primers

In my opinion, eyeshadow primer is a must when applying makeup. I can't get through a day of work, even in an air conditioned office, without my eyeshadow creasing. Here are my favorite primers that save me from the dreaded crease....

I'm totally obsessed with Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper. If you work all day or night, or you're going out for a night out, you're going to want to ensure your makeup stays put, including your eyeshadow. I hate when it creases up! Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper works insanely well. I purchased this last summer while in NYC and my eyeshadow didn't move in 100 degree NYC subway heat!

I've had this for about 6 months so far and I still have over half of the product left. A little goes a long way. I only use a small amount on each eyelid, all the way up to my brow bone. Once applied, it dries very quickly in a neutral matte color. I would wear this even when I'm not planning on adding eyeshadow, to give me a more awake look. When I purchased this back in August, the packaging was a little Tiffany blue dome (pictured above). Since then, they changed their packaging into a squeeze tube (left). Although I haven't tried the new packaging, Lime Crime claims it's the same formula and you get 40% more. It retails at $16.99 and it's worth every cent. LimeCrimeMakeup.com

Votre Vu Lingerie Pour Les Yeux is another favorite of mine. I don't use this as a primer if I'm applying shadow, only as a shadow replacement. I use this more for when I'm running out the door somewhere, without time to put on makeup, and I sweep it over my eyes to make me look more awake. It visibly helps minimize lines too (not permanently, just while it's on). I also like using it under my eyes to help conceal my dark circles. I usually use this when I roll out of bed for an early AM workout. It comes in two different shades, light and medium. You can purchase this on VotreVu.com. It retails at $29.


Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion was the first ever primer I tried (thanks for recommending Justine!). It works well as a primer and by itself. Urban Decay has seen such success with this product that they created several other shades, some that even have a pop of color and can be worn alone. The only downside is the packaging. It's hard to tell how much you have left. It would be a crisis to be at the end of the tube and not have primer in the AM (half joking). It retails at $20.

 

What's your favorite eyeshadow primer? I'm always open to trying new ones!

 Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.