TheBalm Has Hit!

There's much hype going around about TheBalm's Muppet Palette - a quick check on Facebook and one will find countless comments asking, 'Has the second batch of palettes been sent?' 'I have #174!' 'Where can I order The Muppet Palette?'

If you aren't wanting to pay a house payment for one (no joke, check ebay!), take a deep breath because TheBalm has come out with another palette The Balm & The Beautiful. Themed after cheesy soap operas, The Balm & The Beautiful has the EXACT SAME SHADOWS, CHEEK COLORS, & LIP COLOR as The Muppets. Same goodies inside just different packaging :)

At this moment there isn't any way to order the much sought after Muppet palette and The Balm & The Beautiful isn't even on TheBalm's website yet BUT hold onto your brushes! TJ Maxx & Marshalls have been rumored to have The Balm & The Beautiful!!!

How? Well, I'm not quite sure - & to be frank, let's not dwell on it because these babies are hard to find! I found 2 @ my local TJ Maxx tonight - even thought I snatched it up (quicker than a squirrel hiding his nuts) I'm pretty sure my heart stopped. BUT WAIT! That's not it!

TJ Maxx has been housing (more like hoarding) quite the collection of TheBalm. I found an entire shelf almost completely filled with TheBalm skincare, tinted moisturizers, eye makeup remover, blush sets, single loose shadow, & (another not yet released palette) Meet Matt(e).

The 2 palettes I was able to find were not yet dirtied by selfish swatchers but the only thing I did find was some shadow residue - similar to that of pictures that were being thrown on Sephora's site of the Urban Decay 'nightmare' when they tried to keep up with the demand of The Naked Palette. There is also a grease stain by one of the lip colors - almost looks like they filled it too full and some was wiped away from the side of the pan. All things I can definitely deal with and nothing that looks as if it was tampered with. My guess is that these unreleased palettes are just ones that were a lil' sloppy and didn't make the cut for the website.

By this point, you should have brushes in hand, jumping with excitement - or have already googled the above mentioned palettes to figure out what the heck they look like ;) I realize this post is meaningless without pictures and I assure you they will come - TOMORROW :)

For now, get some rest so you can dart into your TJ Maxx or Marshalls first thing!

Swaplist

BRUSHES
· Crown
· Sigma

EYES
· Benefit – Lust Duster Snow Bunny, sealed
· NYX – The Caribbean Collection I Dream of St. Thomas SIB, green has top layer broken off and is messy
· Tarte – Amazonian Brow Mousse in Medium Brown with Angled brush & spolie, used a couple times SIB
· Tarte – Femme Fatale Palette, swatched /used couple times
· Tarte – Spring Greening Set, in straw reusable case 6 mini shadows & 3 lip glosses, swatched/used once
· Too Faced – Baked Shadow Galaxy Glam Moon Beam
· Too Faced – Baked Shadow Galaxy Glam Deep Space
· Too Faced – Baked Shadow Galaxy Glam Super Nova
· Urban Decay – Wallpaper Palette, most swatched but no dents
· Urban Decay – Ammo Palette, Mildew is swatched, Sin is used a couple times but the rest is untouched

FACE
· Laura Geller – Blush-n-Brighten in Honey Dipped
· MUFE – Blush N*99
· Wet n’ Wild – Blue Had Me @ Hello
· Wet n’ Wild – Petal Pusher
· Wet n’ Wild – Sugar Plum Fairy LE Holiday 2010

FRAGRANCE
· Ed Hardy – Shimmering Body Lotion (pink tube)
· Gucci – Envy Me 2
· Harajuku Lovers – Lil’ Angel
· Hermes – Hermessence Ambre Narguile samples, Four 4ML vials (purchased 2 for $20, this is not your average perfume nor is it your usual tiny sample)
· Juicy Couture – Original Perfume, Lotion, Scrub Set (will cost a bit to ship due to weight & if you want the box)
· Juicy Couture – Original 3.4oz perfume
· Juicy Couture – Original Body Milk Mist, I have 2 (one sealed in box, one opened)
· Moschino – I LOVE LOVE
· Oscar de le Renta – Oscar Red Orchid
· Paris Hilton – Can Can
· Roberto Cavalli – Serpentine
· Tommy Hilfiger – True Star Gold

LIPS
· Stila – Lip Rouge Liquid Lip Stain in Red
· Too Faced – Lip Sparkler Diamond Dust

NAILS
· Essie – Neo Whimsical
· OPI – Just Tea-sing!, Pink Before You Leap, Sea Ya Later, Sailor!, Black Shatter

SKINCARE
· Clinique – Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 1oz

Toenails!!!

A little over a month ago I went to have my FIRST PEDICURE! I am 24yrs old and had never had one, EVER! Besides being addicted now, I feel like I can't have my toes bare. I painted my toenails Rimmel's Lasting Finish PRO in Steel Gray 270 but couldn't leave it @ just that. I tried to recreate the design that I had on my big toe from the pedicure (I'm such a goof that I took a pic of it in hopes I could master it).

The design on the left foot definitely looks better than what I attempted (TWICE) on the right foot.

What designs do you do on your toes?

Brush Love

When I was first in the making of becoming a makeup junkie I was introduced primarily to only higher-end makeup and discovered drugstore finds via youtube or here. Brushes were something that I never splurged for (only owned ones that had come with Gift with Purchases or sets) until I bought Sigma's first Complete Brush Set.

I have since become familar with ELF's Studio Line due to Target expanding their ELF section :)

These are the brushes that I love on a daily basis ...

ELF Studio Powder Brush - I simply LOVE this brush. It's labeled 'Powder' but I use this as a liquid foundation brush as many have recommended. It's super soft and yet dense enough to apply liquid foundation flawlessly.

ELF Studio Complexion Brush - I use this to apply MUFE HD Powder to set my foundation and after I am finished with my makeup to distribute UD All Nighter. Again, all the ELF Studio brushes are synthetic and surprisingly soft @ just $3 a brush!

ELF Studio Blush Brush - A little bit smaller than I would like but it's perfect at building up blush on the cheeks. I have backups of all the ELF Studio brushes that I have mentioned.

The other 2 brushes are by Sigma and these happen to be the first run (SS-219 & 224) of their eye brushes. They have since changed the way they name their brushes.

Sigma SS219 - Perfect for applying and blending in the crease shadow up into the brow bone. I have even used this to set Benefit's Powderflauge under the eye area. This one has been shedding on me - as to all Sigma brushes & I do have the new version of it.

Sigma SS224 - I have yet to find a dupe for this one! I use this to smudge out pencil eyeliner. It's tapered and stiff enough to do the job with ease.

Products I can't keep outta my hands

I've been on a neutral kick for quite some time now & have found myself reaching for the same products over and over again. Here's what has been in my hands as of lately ...

Maybelline Concealer in Medium 25 - I picked this up when Maybelline's Fit Me debuted. It was with the foundations, powders, & blushes. At first, I wasn't a fan but I find the light, yet buildable consistancy to be perfect for getting rid of redness prior to foundation.

MUFE HD Powder - Originally I was afraid to try this because it contains Bismuth Oxychloride (which I have always believed broke me out horribly while using Bare Minerals) but I can't skip this powder after foundation application. It really helps control my oily skin.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller - I had first heard of this via MakeupByTiffanyD and was very skeptical of all the hype. I have to say, this is one time to buy into the hype. I roll this underneath my eyes 2-3 times and then use my pinky finger to pat it in and don't even need to use concealer for my undereye! It's a wet consistency so it doesn't settle into fine lines or get cakey. Even on days that are makeup optional I use this and it seems to just brighten my entire face for a fresh, natural look :)

Urban Decay All Nighter - This is definitely HOLY GRAIL! I use this EVERY SINGLE DAY after I have finished putting on all of my makeup (besides my eyebrows). It keeps my makeup fresh and makes my makeup last all day & night and sometimes into the next morning, lol. I spray like the directions say, 'in a T motion and in an X motion'. Then I take my ELF Studio Complexion Brush and pat it on all over for a better distribution over the face.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance - Eyeshadow and TFSI go together hand in hand, you can't have one without the other. I have used this since I first started out in the makeup world. I can't say that it's necessarily HG due to our love/hate relationship but it does the trick better than Urban Decay Primer Potion.

MAC Naked Lunch & Sable - Both are Frost finishes which I was surprised to have liked so much but these two, paired together are absolutely beautiful! I use Naked Lunch on the entire lid and all the way up to the brow bone. Then I take Sable and swipe it in the crease. It's a natural, simple look that really makes the eyes pop.

Maybelline Stylish Smokes Natural Smokes 02 - When Maybelline's line of Stylish Smokes first came out I had blown this quad off. I later went back and bought it after hearing beeisforbeeauty talk about it as one of her favorites. I use every single shadow in this quad just how it's labeled (Lid, Crease, Brow Bone, Outer Crease) and it makes a lovely eye for daytime that can be smoked out to a sultry night look. I own A LOT of a palettes (low and high-end) and have nothing that is a dupe for these shadows.

Wet n' Wild & ELF Pencil Eyeliner in Black - These are both drugstore treasures! They retail for around $1 and I love them for lining the lid and then smudging out. Although I'm a fan of Urban Decay 24/7 liners I find that Wet n' Wild & ELF aren't as creamy and make for an easier time of smudging.

2010 Discoveries

I mentioned earlier that I have still been stalking youtube and blogger even though my posts have been few and far between. I've been anxiously awaiting everyone's videos and posts about their 2010 Favorites and I thought I would try my best @ a Top 10 of 2010 but I just couldn't narrow my list down to 10 items. I even tried to narrow it down in categories so I could cheat and add in more than 10 but even the categories thing wasn't going to allow me to pull it off, lol.

So here are my tried and trusted products from 2010. This was a big year for me in makeup - trying new techniques, brands, high and low-end makeup. It was huge for me discovering some amazing drugstore makeup too!

This is going to feel like I'm going all over with this post but I promise, if you look @ the picture above ^^^ there is a rhyme and reason behind my chaotic-ness ;) If you look from left to right, I tried to do the order I use the products - face, cheeks, eyes, lashes, etc

Clinique has been a recent love of mine but it started with Moisture Surge! This summer was horrible for my skin :( I have oily skin but in the summer it just gets worse and for some reason I had almost like heat breakouts - not acne, or even blemishes but sweat/heat bumps. My mom had a small jar of this stuff and after dipping my finger in it once, I was hooked. It's a moisturizer but a mixture of a cream and gel - it's light enough that it doesn't feel heavy and like a mask how some moisturizers can be yet it gets the job done even in this dry South Dakota winter. I have already emptied one jar (my mom's) and bought the biggest size I could find! When I went to the Clinique counter to repurchase Moisture Surge I ended up buying a set that came with Moisture Surge as a spray and will definitely repurchase. I've been using the spray after washing my face @ night because sometimes after using Proactiv it can feel a bit tight.

December was the month I finally bit the bullet and bought a Clarisonic Mia!!! I haven't even had her 2 wks yet but she has definitely claimed her spot on 2010 favorite discoveries and that should sum it all up for you! My facial cleanser routine has been been the following:

• using a makeup towel to wipe off makeup


• wetting my face and using Neutrogena Wave Duo (I'll get to that in a sec.)


• finishing my cleasning routine with Proactiv's 3 step system

Now I've replaced Neutrogena Wave Duo with Clarisonic's Mia and I couldn't be happier! It goes without saying that there is a huge difference between the 2 - price-wise and with the results. I had been searching for the Neutrogena Wave Refill Pads for quite some time, couple months without success. I knew something was up & and I contacted the company and got a response to the fact that they are always looking to better their products, blah, blah, blah! If they can't give their customers a direct answer as to whether they are discontinuing a product then SCREW NEUTROGENA!

My skin feels amazingly soft after using Mia and makeup residue is nonexistent - if there are any traces after using Mia I blame it on me missing a spot, lol. I ended up getting it off QVC for 4 months of easypay and shipping was free ... with tax it's just over $31 each month. I know it's still a lot of money but when you break it down it's so much easier to do in small payments - it's like layway - saving your money but even easier lol.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless is the only face primer that I have ever loved. I have tried several others but they either made me breakout or just didn't feel like they did a darn thing! This stuff makes your face feel so silky smooth - I have several lil' sample size tubes of it and have used up one completely and just bought a fullsized tube that is waiting in my makeup cabinet until the small tubes are used up.

Laura Geller's Real Deal Concealer had been sitting in my makeup stash for probably a good year before I really started using it. I believe I paid somewhere around $30 for this tube when I was on my Laura Geller kick - had I never watched QVC I probably still would have never heard of Laura Geller, lol. I remember being like, what the heck?! That is such a tiny tube! But just like the tube says it is 'Serious Coverage' & boy does it deliver! 2010 has been the year of the concealer, this was the year I branched out and EVEN TRIED concealer. I really can't say that I've hated any of the concealers that I have tried but there is something about this one that has given itself a front row spot in my face drawer. It's a thicker formulation so just the littlest of squeezes gives you enough to cover up undereye circles, blemishes and any redness you may want to cover up before foundation application.

It was either December of 2009 or January of 2010 that I decided to really try out liquid foundation. I have oily skin but during the winter it gets a bit dry - still oily but now we have added dry to it. Liquid just seems to lock in the moisture that I so desperately need during the colder months. My first trial was with Maybelline's SuperStay 24hr foundation - I'm not sure who keeps it on 24hrs and then takes it off just to put it on again but I guess it's good to know that it can last that long, lol. I love this stuff! I also joined the bandwagon on Revlon's ColorStay. Both provide buildable coverage and a matte look. They wear all day long and come in a range of shades.

I've always applied foundation with a brush - I use to use powder/mineral and would use a brush so that was what I naturally grabbed for when I started using liquid. I had a terrible time getting the foundation out of my face brush though when it came time to wash brushes. I also couldn't stand the brush strokes that were left on my face after application and I didn't like dirtying another brush to make it look flawless. So I went to wedge sponges and I LOVE THEM! I just pat it on and I love how it's very easy to control the coverage that you want.

For the majority of the year, my foundation would look cakey - eww! I knew it did but didn't know really what to do. I like more of a matte face and then add any dewyness later with highlighter or shimmer so I would use an Estee Lauder Double Wear powder on top of my foundation. Finally I decided to give Make Up For Ever HD Powder. THIS HAS BEEN A GIFT FROM HEAVEN! I was really worried it would make my face breakout - Bare Minerals has scared me for life :( but I have been using it for a good month to set my foundation and take away shine. It doesn't leave a white-cast either. Very natural :) PERFECT!

I use my ELF Blush Brush to apply MUFE HD Powder and to apply blush. I want to get another one because these have been my go-to blush brush. The size of the brush is perfect, not too big and not too small!

I have been dipping into Too Faced Mocha Mi Amore ever since I ordered it off from Too Faced's Vintage Sale back in August. It's a brown with a hint of plum and although I didn't like it @ first, this is the first blush you can actually start to see a dent in! It gives a nice, healthy natural glow - better and more believeable than NARS Orgasm. I would recommend it to anyone. I even will use it to contour when I use a different blush or to give me a sunkissed look without the shimmer.

A while ago I heard just lil' comments here and there about Maybelline's FIT Me line but never really got excited or even read more into it. I stumbled upon it while @ Walmart one night and picked up several items from the line. The blush I picked up is called Medium Nude and I was so excited. The color doesn't show up here well, it almost comes across too dark. It's a dirty rose almost - eh, I'm not the best @ describing things, lol. As soon as I swatched it I was pissed. When swatched you see absolutely NOTHING! I tried it on my cheeks - swept my brush across the blush and then across my cheeks and NOTHING AGAIN! I was so mad and frustrated - then I took my brush in a maddened state and swirled it around in the blush and patted it on my cheeks - WALA! You definitely have to build this blush and apply it like mentioned several times but it is worth it - a blushing glow - like you just got done with a jog or came in from the chilled outdoors. While I'm not sure I would recommend this to anyone, I have not only made it work for me but grab for it almost everyday.

I'm not quite sure how late I am on this one - Cover Girl's Shimmering Sands! I have heard so many people talk about this shadow trio but snubbed it off repeatedly - so much so that I never even looked at it while @ Walgreens or Walmart. I finally decided to try it out after hearing LolaMarie7 repeat daily in her OOTD that she was wearing it on her eyes. I LOVE IT! I would recommend it to EVERYONE - even people who only use highend makeup. These are the only shadows that show any love and I have used it so much - I will use it the entire wk with the exception of one day when I decide to try a little color. Looking @ the palette is deceiving because you're just kinda like, whatever. It's when you apply and blend that it looks amazizng - I finish my eyes with black eyeliner and smudge it and it's gorgeous for day & night.

Mascaras - I have so many open right now, I'm definitely not a follower of the 6month rule. Again, late on the following - Maybelline's Falsies Volume Express. I would definitely compare it to MUFE Smokey Lash but @ a much better price tag. Recently I've seen Falsies for as low @ $5 while Smokey Lash is $22 a pop! I love how Falsies looks, you can bulid it up for more dramatic lashes. It really lenghtens and adds volume without getting clumpy. I also love Too Faced LashGasm - I received 3 of these from swaps and contests and although, I thought I wouldn't be a fan after just looking @ the brush I hope to run into more of these :) It really lenghtens your lashes! The brush makes the application very easy.

I was first introduced to Benefit HighBeam and fell in love with it. It has a pinky/silver tone to it and is used to highlight. I have since discovered MoonBeam - same concept, also from Benefit but it has a golden/apricot sheen to it. I like this better with my skintone and feel it's more subtle. I apply it to my cheekbones, inner corner of my eyes, bridge of my nose, cupid's bow, and brown bone ... if I could think of more places to put it I probably would, lol.

I have never really been a huge perfume gal - I have a lot but I just never really had one where I was like, 'ahh that is mine and I will love it forever!' Not until I came across Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb ;) This stuff is expensive but I was able to get a couple of the Travel Sets via Sephora. I believe 1oz is around $70 while you get .75oz for $30!!! STEAL! I've mentioned I'm not one to describe things and scents is for sure not one of my specialties. It's floral without being overpowering. A little goes a LONG way! Several people have complained about the vials in the Travel Set not being sprays or rollerballs but I tend to like just an open container because it allows for more control.

I have really been into nail polishes this year. Unfortunately, one of my jobs does not allow me as much freedom in the polish world as I would like but I have found some great polishes. I love Relvon Lasting Finish Pro. The formulation is amazing - it goes on smoothly, the brush is big and easy to get your entire nail done in 2 or 3 strokes. It dries with out streaking and chips aren't a problem. I have 4 or so shades and look forward to getting more. I also have finally caved and purchased Seche Vite! I swear, I just like to be different and NOT FOLLOW trends, lol. Stubborn I guess! Anway, this clearcoat topcoat makes your nails dry super fast and almost makes them cushiony - I know that makes no sense but it looks like patent leather when applied to any polish.

Lastly - Sorry this is sooo long! Lip products :) A fave of mine - been loving them since grade school, lol. I have been pairing lipsticks with lipglosses - nothing special but I've never been a lipstick person and I think I just add lipgloss on top because I like the wet/glossy look. I also am in love with Nivea Kiss of Smoothness. I can literally apply this every 5mins if people wouldn't look @ me weird, lol. It feels wet/moisturizing long after you have applied. I even got 2 more for Christmas which just makes me wanna go through my tube even faster.

So that's the list of new products from 2010 that I have continued to grab for throughout the year and I know I will still be using these into 2011 :)

A Fresh Start ... & some lippies

I have never been one that has been a weekly poster or even a monthly one but I'm always lerking on blogs. 2010 has been a tough year for me but I'm ready for 2011 and what better way than to revive Beauty Smack~Talk?!

Lately I have been not only wearing lipstick (I'm typically a sweatpants and hoodie girl) but layering it with gloss. I've enjoyed choosing a lipstick and pairing it with a lipgloss to give it a 'pop'!

My favorites have been Estee Lauder's lipstick in Pinkberry (my HG lipstick) paired with Buxom's lipgloss in Clair, Rimmel's lipstick in Vintage Pink paired with Buxom's lipgloss in Star, and Rimmel's lipstick in Airy Fairy paired with Smashbox's lipgloss in Baby Pout.

Smashbox Baby Pout & Rimmel Airy Fairy

Buxom Clair & Estee Lauder Pinkberry

Buxom Star & Rimmel Vintage Pink

Rimmel's Airy Fairy quickly took over my HG lipstick in my makeup bag. I blame it on the SupeRope Licorice smell that surrounds me once I uncap Airy Fairy ;) Both Airy Fairy and Estee Lauder's Pinkberry smell delicious and are a pinky/nude but lately Pinkberry has been left on my counter.

Smashbox Baby Pout & Rimmel Airy Fairy

While peeking around the Rimmel lipstick section, I stumbled upon Vintage Pink. For whatever reason, it caught my eye. Unlike Airy Fairy, Vintage Pink didn't stand out to me as being raved about via youtube and the blog worlds - though I have since buying discovered Vintage Pink is loved by many. It is a bit daring for me. There is nothing crazy about the color but for one that is just breaking into the world of lipstick it was a bit of a stretch for me. The name is a bit deceiving. To me, it's a mixture of a deep purple with mauve - definitely NOT PINK. On my lips it's a great contrast to my pale winter skintone.

Buxom Star & Rimmel Vintage Pink

Lately, I've been feeling a bit guilty about leaving Pinkberry @ home and just laying in my lip drawer. Because of the scent all Estee Lauder lipsticks have, I swear you could get me to try just about any color, lol. I love the fruity/floral scent, along with how moisturizing it is - the pretty color payoff puts it over the top (perhaps that order is wrong but you get the picture)!

Buxom Clair & Estee Lauder Pinkberry