Okie Dokie, tokidoki!

Have you been anywhere near a Sephora lately? If so, you've no doubt been bombarded by cutesy products from tokidoki.

When I first saw the products, I shrugged them off. I had never used anything by tokidoki, and the graphics seemed a little too tween-ish for my taste. I figured tokidoki was all about packaging and that the actual quality of the product would be an afterthought.

But then I actually tried something by tokidoki--their Prisma Lip Gloss (in Bullets)--and my mind was changed. Apart from being a bit too fruity, I adore this lip gloss. The color is subtle, the shine is insane, and I love the way it feels--and looks!--on my lips. The applicator takes a bit of getting used to: it's a clear silicone paddle that makes lip gloss application a snap once you get used to it.

Based on my experience with Prisma Lip Gloss, I feel a bit better about the tokidoki collection and would recommend checking it out--especially if you're buying products for a slightly younger woman.

Here's what Sephora has to say about their tokidoki products:

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to add a pop of color to your palette! Whether you are an au naturel gal or glam goddess, the new criminally cute tokidoki collection exclusively at Sephora has you covered with the hottest shades of the season. From shimmering bronzer to long-lasting lip stains and eye-popping shadows, the collection offers all you need to create an irresistibly edgy new look!

Add a little mischief to your makeup bag with these colorful must-haves:

• tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – Channel your inner artist and draw a temporary tattoo on the skin or expertly line the eyes with this innovative chisel-tipped liquid liner. Available in eight bold shades.
• tokidoki Fantastico Lip Stain ($15) – This unique marker pen applicator will provide lips with intense color for all-day wear.
• tokidoki Luminosa Powder ($22) – Achieve a luminescent, radiant glow with this highlighting powder.
• tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow ($15) – Housed in signature tokidoki heart and crossbones packaging, these high-pigment shadows layer beautifully for a velvety finish. Available in 16 shades and multiple textures.
• tokidoki Brillante Glitter Eyeliner ($14) – Make your eyes sparkle with these vibrant, glitter-infused pencil liners. Available in 14 vivid shades.
• tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss ($15) – Add sexy shine to lips with this non-sticky, moisturizing formula in a sweet blueberry flavor.
• tokidoki Inferno Bronzer ($22) – A shimmering bronzer gives your face a glowing, warm color that looks stunning solo or over makeup.
  

Blend art and beauty for a criminally chic look with the new tokidoki collection available exclusively at Sephora stores.

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This Product Surprised Me!

I get a lot of products to try out...it's one of the hazards of being a beauty blogger! And I recently received a bunch of products from mark (a division of Avon). The products they sent over are double-sided multi-taskers called mini mark it sticks: on one end is a lip pencil , on the other side is eye color. The idea is that you can mix and match and make your own combination of colors.

Using a pencil on your eyes is nothing new, so that side of the mini stick didn't surprise me in any way. The lip pencil, however, I instantly dismissed. At first look, I thought--well, I would never use that. I don't use a lip pencil because I am not a big fan of that dark lined lip look. But then I looked at the lip pencil and realized it is meant to be used to color the entire lip. That intrigued me, but also concerned me. Would it make my lips too dry? Would the color go on nicely?

So with a level of trepidation, I swiped the Plummy Pearl pencil over my lips. And to my surprise, the color went on smoothly. My lips weren't cakey, they weren't dry....they felt shockingly slick. And even more surprising was that the pencil color produced a bit of shimmer. The Plummy Pearl reminded me--at least a little bit--of Clinique's Black Honey. And for a fraction of the price.

So there! My initial impression was meh!, but on final inspection, I don't think mark's mini mark it sticks are a bad product whatsoever. This product proved me wrong...and I'm glad for that!

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Cosmetique's Not Just for Skin Care (GIVEAWAY!)

Last week I introduced you to Cosmetique. They're a site that sells exclusive skin care and beauty products. And, last week, I highlighted some of those skin care products.

Well, this week it's all about the beauty, baby!

Check out some of these lovely products sold by Cosmetique. Leave me a comment at the end of this post and all of these items could be yours. Yes, I'm giving them all away to one lucky reader (and they'll come to you in a cute makeup bag to boot)!

Ok...on to the goods:
Princess Livia Define and Shine Lipcolor (in pink cloud): a magical pairing of genuine beauty. Define your lips with the Lip Pencil … it applies smoothly and effortlessly. Then add colorful shine with the Lip Gloss. It always feels wonderful and glides on easily … leaving lips shiny and moist.

Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder: add a lit-from-within glow with Special Effects Face Powder. This unique luminizing finishing powder helps to diminish the look of imperfections and add a subtle, wearable sunlit radiance to your skin. Swirl all of the shades together with the included brush, or enhance your skin one shade at a time. They all work with every skin tone, and will have you glowing in no time!

Sistina Cafe Colori Eyeshadows: inspired by the beauty of Italy, five sophisticated neutral eyeshadows are featured in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind compact that is a true work of art.

Be sure to leave a comment to enter and I'll announce who wins next Wednesday.

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Get Your Glam On!

The Oscars were a little over a week ago, but I still love seeing all the glamorous dresses and hair/makeup from Hollywood's big night. But glam isn't just for celebrities, and looking amazing doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Here are some hints to achieving the hottest looks at home, with the help of e.l.f. products. The tips come from Achelle Dunaway, Creative Director and Makeup Artist using their the wildly popular “everything’s a dollar” e.l.f. cosmetics line.

Bold, Colorful Lips – Hot pink, coral and dynamite red are ideal colors to sport with a sheer fairer-skinned face and are the equally perfect complement to a stunningly structured white gown – all the rage at the Emmys and SAG Awards. “I can see Kate Hudson, Diane Kruger and Carey Mulligan nailing this look,” says Dunaway.

PRODUCT PICKS: Mineral Lipstick in Cool Coral ($1), Studio Lip Stain in First Date ($3) or Studio Minty Lipgloss in New York City ($3)


Soft Smoky Eyes – “The smoky eye has been replaced with a refreshed, softer look,” says Dunaway. “Pretty plums and radiant browns will bring the right amount of balance for those who will wear their hair in long, Lauren Bacall-inspired styles.” Think Sandra Bullock and Penelope Cruz.

PRODUCT PICKS: e.l.f. Eyeshadow Duo in Berry Mix ($1) or e.l.f. Brightening Eye Shadow in Luxe ($1)

Golden Skin – Nothing screams red-carpet-gorgeous more than a soft, all-over Fergie-esque tan. “The key is keeping it only one or two shades deeper than actual skin-tone,” explains Dunaway. “Anyone wearing a daring, skin revealing dress needs a little warmth.”

PRODUCT PICKS: Mineral Glow ($8)

Peachy Cheeks – Peach tones work perfectly on all ages and skin tones. It’s a subtle look, but enhances cheek-bone structure beautifully. “Peachy tones will work on Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep alike,” says Dunaway.

PRODUCT PICKS: Studio Blush in Peachy Keen ($3)

Radiant Hollywood Glow – There is nothing a shimmer highlighter can’t do. “All of the leading ladies will have soft shimmer effects enhancing their best facial and body parts.” This is a must-do.

PRODUCT PICKS: Studio Shimmer Palette ($3) or e.l.f. All Over Color Stick ($1)

All e.l.f. products are available online and can also be found at Target.

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Kiss Me, I'm Irish (sorta...)

Tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day--the day when we dress up in green, drink green beer, and the day when we're all a little Irish.

Like your favorite bars, Sephora is also catching green fever. Sephora searched high and low to bring you beauty bounty that’ll have you looking so good there will be no need for luck. So stop by Sephora this St. Patrick’s Day and sample it all from glossy pink lips to luminous skin and bright shadows.

Stand out from the crowd with these spring trends:

• LUMINOUS SKIN! Sephora Collection Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer ($21) – Get glowing skin with this lightweight blend that is made for all-day wear.
• BOLD LIDS! Tarina Tarantino Eyedream Hypershadow ($19) –These bold, high-intensity shadows in matte, shimmer or glitter pigments will get you noticed.
• GREEN NAILS! Sephora by O.P.I. Leaf Him At The Altar ($9) – One coat of this glimmer green and you’ll have the St. Patty’s Day color code covered!
• GLOSSY PINK LIPS! Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in Pom Pom ($19) – Pucker up your pink lips by adding high impact shine to your look with this moisturizing gloss.
• LIGHT FRAGRANCES! Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – The second addition to Leslie’s new perfume line is light and fresh, perfect for transitioning in to warmer weather.
• WATERCOLOR EYES! Tarte Flower Child Natural Eyeshadow Palette ($44) – Let your eyes do the talking by making a playful statement with this multiple color palette.
• BRAIDS! Sephora Collection Thick Braidie Headband ($10) – You don’t have to be a hair stylist to wear the trend, just add this stylish headband to your wardrobe! Available in blonde, medium brown, dark brown, and black.
  

Looking for more beauty at the end of your rainbow? Shop Sephora stores or call 1-877-Sephora or log onto Sephora.com.

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Beauty Product of the Week: Glossblossom

What is it? Mark's Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint, "goes on clear, then ripens to a juicy pink to leave lips tinted and shiny. Alluring, personalized pink tone lasts even after the gloss is gone." Available from Mark (a division of Avon) for about $6.50.

What did you think? This product looks a lot like Smashbox's O Gloss, a product I tried back in 2008...a product I was less than thrilled with back then.

The Mark version is much more budget-friendly. Like O Gloss, it goes on clear and then develops into a personalized pink tint. I liked the general idea of this product when I tried it. My main complaint with the Smashbox product was that it didn't seem special enough to warrant spending over $20.

Mark's glossblossom smells strong when you first apply it, and that super sweet, super strong smell initially frightnened me. Thankfully, the actual product doesn't taste as sweet (it has very little taste whatsoever) and is not in any way offensive to wear. The color is subtle, but like O Gloss, I think this product feels a little heavy on my lips.

The final verdict? If you like the idea of a lip gloss that adjusts to your personal coloring, that's easy to use, and that's subtle, give glossblossom a try. Also, if you've been curious about Smashbox's O Gloss, try Mark's glossblossom instead. You'll save yourself a ton of money for a remarkably similar product. As for me? I am on the fence with this one.

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The Thrill Is Gone...

It happens to the best of us, but lately I've noticed that a few of my favorite beauty products--my old faithfuls--have let me down a bit. Here are my top three "I'm not feeling it anymore" products:

1. Great Lash by Maybelline. Say it ain't so! Once my favorite inexpensive mascara on the market, Great Lash seems sorta ho-hum to me now. I am not exactly sure what's happened, but the last time I cracked open a tube, it seemed too clumpy and a bit, well, cheap. I've been a big fan of Great Lash for years and I do plan to give them a chance at redemption, but for now, I'm going to find something else.
   
   
2. Lip Venom by DuWop. I was a Lip Venom addict, especially when it first came out. I liked the cinnamon-y bite of the lip plumper, and I also liked the way it made my lips shine. Now? It seems like Lip Venom has lost it's bite. It seems to fade away too quickly in my opinion. Plus I was really unimpressed with their Lip Venom V, the plumper with color that tied in with Twilight.
   
   
3. Bare Minerals by Bare Essentials. I am not sure why, but I have fallen out of love with this mineral foundation. Maybe they've saturated the market too much? Maybe I'm just ready for a change? Whatever the case may be, I'm going to search for something new once my current foundation is used up.

So sorry formerly loved beauty products. It's not you...it's me. Except, maybe it IS you. Ugh. I guess time moves on, things change, and what was awesome 4 years ago doesn't quite cut it today.

Have you been let down by a much loved beauty product? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!

And...don't forget to become a fan of Kiss and Makeup on Facebook!

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Beauty Product of the Week:

What is it? LypSyl Lip Balm "has been the first choice of European lip care users for generations. The brand originated in Sweden over 100 years ago, with a name derived from Swedish to communicate the soothing and natural benefits of beeswax. For the American market, the product has been reformulated with pure Swedish beeswax and an advanced blend of natural and therapeutic ingredients.

Made with pure Swedish beeswax, LypMedication with Eucalyptus. Helps soothe, moisturize & protect your lips naturally with over 100 years in Swedish Lipcare, LypSyl knows to bring out your natural beauty. Contains:

• Minty Flavor: Refreshes
• Coconut Oil: Moisturizes
• Organic Shea Butter: Heals & Protects
• Vitamins A&E: Softens & Heals"
  

Available at drugstore.com and other drugstores for less than $3.50.

What did you think? Like a lot of you, if I need lip balm, I reach for Burt's Bees. I guess I'm a creature of habit.

LypSyl is hitting the American market and I've been testing out a tube lately. And so far? I like what I'm seeing from the product. Here's the good:

• the packaging is super cute. There's a little bee on the side that you use to slide the product up. I know it's gimmicky but I think it's super cute. I also like that the tube isn't perfectly round. I don't know how many times my Burt's Bees has rolled off my nightstand. With it's slightly flat sides, rolling is not a problem.
• the product goes on easily. It coats well and feels great. My lips feel moisturized, not sticky or gunked up with thick balm.
• the flavor is good. It's not as strong as Burt's Bees, which is fine with me.
• the moisturizing benefit lasts and lasts. Love that!
  

Here's my one minor complaint: you use the bee to slide the product up. However, I find that the product is either too high or not high enough. It's probably user error, and again, the complaint is minor. Also, since the tube is more oval-y than round, it takes a few tries to get comfortable applying it.

The final verdict? The product is super cute and the formula matches the cuteness. I give it a big thumbs up and think that LypSyl is a great change from the usual Burt's Bees. Since Christmas is coming, this is a perfect stocking stuffer idea!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

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Get Your Yum on at Sephora!

This Thanksgiving, satisfy your cravings without an ounce of guilt! From creamy lotions to hydrating cleaners and luscious lip shines, Sephora offers an array of skincare essentials that will have you glowing at your fabulous feast.

Check out these sumptuous deals:

Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio ($18 a $21 Value) – Better on your lips than on your hips, this set of hydrating lip glosses will leave your lips soft and deliciously irresistible. Choose from delectable flavors like Guava Passion, Tropical Jasmine, and Apple Pomegranate.

Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter To Go ($15) – This rich, hydrating body balm literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind experience. Made with shea butter, it moisturizes, nourishes, protects, and leaves skin silky and smooth.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man™ Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16) – Pamper yourself with this ultra-rich, moisturizing shower gel that’s decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12) – Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide in this luscious indulgence, which works to hydrate and soothe while offering a high-gloss shine with lots of flavor.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($24) – This set of natural spray perfume, signature soy candle and customized box of matches is a delight to your sense with its addictive Tuscan Blood Orange scent! Spritz it on, light it up and enjoy.

*Holiday News Alert* Beginning November 18th, just in time for the holidays, Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days until December 18th. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”

Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini NARS Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.

For more Sephora Clause details, visit www.Sephoraclause.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150.

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Pretty, Pretty for the Holidays

Halloween's now just a memory, so it's now "not too early" to start thinking about the holidays--especially when we get to look at beautiful lines of products. And speaking of beautiful, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season.

Toasting the year and its 15^th anniversary, NARS is celebrating with red-hot holiday-packaged gifting that boast a variety of products. Below are the highlights:

15^th ANNIVERSARY PALETTES- $75.00 each

NARS introduces two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation.

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET– $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

The perfect gift for any stocking, this miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga

D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora

I love NARS products. They have rich, dynamic shades and high quality products. Their packaging even feels good! As for their holiday line: wow! You could almost close your eyes and pick--they all look great!

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elf-ish Beauty

Yes, the economy remains crappy. We're all painfully aware of that fact. Even though "they" are saying the recession is over, consumers are still feeling anxious and have yet to return to the carefree spending days of not-so-long ago. Even if you're like me and you're gainfully employed, I have little doubt that you're always looking for ways to save money. But you still want to be beautiful, and that's where e.l.f products come in hand.

While I'm still a MAC virgin (can you even believe that?!), I've finally tried a few e.l.f. (eyes lip face) products. And I must say, for $1 for their basic products to $3 for the studio and mineral lines, they're not too shabby!

Their blush is nicely packaged (somewhat reminiscent of NARS packaging) and the color is rich and flattering. Their lipgloss made my lips feel refreshed and moisturized while providing just enough color and shine.

Now, I know that super cheap cosmetics sound somewhat scary--almost too good to be true. For me, it brings up memories of Wet & Wild products from the drugstore. Others think that $1 beauty products are probably full of toxic chemicals and test on animals.

So I did a little research.

First off, e.l.f. does not test its products on animals, nor do they use products derived from animals. They're PETA approved!

I went a step further and checked out e.l.f. at the Environmental Working Group's handy-dandy cosmetic safety database, and it looks like the ingredients used by e.l.f. are no better or worse than some of the spendier brands. Here's an overall comparison from the Environmental Working Group (1 = good; 10= bad):

• MAC Cosmetics: products range between 2 and 9
  
• Bare Escentuals: products range between 1 and 6
• Philosophy: products range between 1 and 9
• NARS: products range between 2 and 10
  
• Cover Girl: products range between 2 and 10
  
• Revlon: products range between 1 and 10
  
• e.l.f.: products range between 1 and 7

After doing my homework, I can recommend e.l.f. without too many reservations. They're cheap in price but not in quality, and right now we can all use a little savings here and there. Check it out!

Disclosure: Press samples were provided.

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How to Wear Dark Lipstick

Fall is here and that means trading in your light, shiny lipgloss for a deeper, richer, dark lipstick. But pulling off the dark lip look can be tricky. If done wrong, darker shades can make thin lips look thinner. If the color feathers or is not applied flawlessly, it will look sloppy.

Here are some hints to help:

• Focus on your lips only. If you try to pull off a dark lip with a dramatic eye, you're going to look a little clownish. Avoid this by making your eyes look very natural with minimal shadow, just a touch of liner, and mascara. Also ease off the blush. Rosy cheeks and almost black lips could make you look silly.
• Be sure to pick your shade well. Consider your complexion and the undertones in your skin. And don't forget, dark lipstick doesn't have to be black.
• Exfoliate your lips. This is easy to do and requires no special products. When you brush your teeth, just gently brush your lips as well. This will remove dead skin cells and soften your lips. Dot on a little lip balm or moisturizer for added protection.
• Consider a lip primer. Again, don't buy anything special: just put some concealer or foundation on your lips. This will help to neutralize your lips' natural color and may help prevent against feathering. If you want a special product, try for something with silicone in it so the darker color has something to cling to.
• Line your lips. Try using a small lip brush and your dark shade to line your lips. I'm not a fan of using lip pencils for this, and you probably know why. Just think of the first image that pops into your mind when I say "lip liner." I rest my case! Next fill in the rest of your lips using your lipstick and the lip brush. Using a brush will give you better control and should result in a more precise look.

I've been trying out a few shades from Mattese Elite, one that's a deep raisin shade and one that's a vibrant (though dark) pink. Unlike some deeply pigmented lipsticks, this brand made my lips feel soft and moist--not cakey and dry. If you're looking for a dark shade, you might want to check them out (plus at just $10 a tube, they're pretty budget friendly!).

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Lip Primer FAIL!

I hate to give negative reviews of products, but I feel that it is my job to report my thoughts and experiences honestly and to not be swayed by the fact that I often receive products for free from various companies.

Unfortunately I have to give a negative review today. The product I tried out is Senna's Totally Transforming Lip Primer. I normally really like Senna products, so I'm disappointed that I didn't like this one.

Here's what Senna says about the lip primer: "The Totally Transforming Lip Primer hydrates and smooths lips for all day moisture and long lasting lipstick wear. Essential for anyone who wears lipstick as it prevents lipstick feathering, plumps lips, and neutralizes lip color."

I followed the directions on this product and have tried it out several times, and I'm not loving this. Here are my thoughts:

THE GOOD

• The primer does neutralize my lip color. My lips are rather dark, so being able to neutralize my shade is a plus. If I could get it to work, it would mean that I could have a wider range of shades to wear.
• The primer does make my lips feel hydrated.
• I can totally see how using the primer would keep feathering at bay.
  

THE BAD

• The primer makes lipstick application almost impossible. I tried applying my dreaded Lip Venom V, hoping the primer would allow the product to adhere better...I was wrong. The Lip Venom V beaded up on my lips and still didn't work (I really dislike that stupid Lip Venom V!!). Next I tried a deep red from NARS. The lipstick color was lighter on my lips--a lot lighter--than it should have been. It turned my dark red into a pink shade...not good. Plus it left a lot of gunk on the actual lipstick.

I'm not sure why this primer doesn't work for me. Maybe I'm applying it too thickly. Maybe I'm supposed to wait for the primer to dry before applying my lipstick. Or maybe I'm just not a fan of primers! Who knows. (On a side note, if you're a lip primer user, let me know your thoughts on the products in general.)

Sorry, Senna! This is one product I cannot recommend since I can't get it to work for me. I'm willing to try one more time, but for now....I say this is a pass.

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Lip Venom V Winner...

Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who entered my Lip Venom V giveaway! It's good to come back to the blog with enthusiasm from my readers.

So...without any further delay, congratulations to Sheina Fae, my Lip Venom V winner.

I finally got around to trying out Lip Venom V. To see MY thoughts on this product, please see below.

Note: Sheina Fae will also be receiving a vial of regular Lip Venom along with Lip Venom V. I am also going to ask that she email me back with her thoughts about Lip Venom V. I want to see if my review of the product is way off base!

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BITE of the Vampire

Ok, so when I initially heard about Lip Venom V, I was excited. I could care less about the whole Twilight tie in...that's just a little too silly for me, but it wasn't enough to put me off the product.

DuWop's original Lip Venom is an awesome product. It's developed cult-like status, and for good reason: the stuff is brilliant. It plumps lips up while providing both a pleasant shimmer and a surprising cinnamon bite. I love the stuff.

So when I heard DuWop was bringing Lip Venom V, a tinted version of Lip Venom, to the market I was hopeful.

But then I tried Lip Venom V, and man--I am so incredibly disappointed by this product. I am so frustrated by it, in fact, that I am a little embarrassed to be giving a poor, unsuspecting reader a product I cannot stand by. (To rectify this, my Lip Venom V winner--who will be announced later today--will also be getting a vial of regular Lip Venom.)

Let's break this down.

Here's the good:

• The packaging is fun and very DuWop-esque.
  
• The color of the product in the vial is gorgeous.
  

Now, here's the bad:

• When the color goes on your lips, it doesn't cling or absorb into the lip surface. Instead it sort of spreads itself out, finally settling in those annoying lines in your lip that you don't want accented.
  
• What color I was able to get onto my lips was not flattering. It looked like I had sucked on a Popsicle...my lips appeared stained but not in a uniform or pretty way.
• Most annoying of all: the color seems to deposit itself in the inner part of my lips...not good.
• The color sucks, but the feel of this product is all off. My lips felt overly slick, almost oily, and not at all plumped like with regular Lip Venom.
• This product provides absolutely no shimmer or shine and did absolutely nothing to make my lips look better.

All in all, I would say this is a complete and total fail of a product. Thinking I had bad luck with my first trial, I tried this product out several different times and got the same crappy results.

Save your money. Instead, if you really love Twilight, pick up the book or the movie. If you really love makeup and want to try a DuWop product, opt for regular Lip Venom.

Man....I almost feel like asking for my money back from this one!

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Lip Venom V Giveaway

I must say: being on vacation is perfection. Getting back to a normal life after vacation? Yeah, that's not so hot. My day job has been slow since it's summer, and because of this slower pace, I feel like I'm not getting much done. Oh well.

Anyway, after a break, I am now back and am trying to get back into blogging. Thanks so much to all of you for staying with me over these quieter weeks. To kick off my return to the blog, I am having a giveaway!

I mentioned last month that DuWop is launching a new lip plumping product as a tie-in with the Twilight films. Their new product, Lip Venom V, is their normal Lip Venom mixed with a little red coloring. But unlike Lip Venom, this Lip Venom V is not a gloss. It is a "shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner."

I purchased two vials of this stuff: one for me to try out, one to give away. All you need to do to get a vial is leave me a comment here on this post. You can tell me why you want to try this product, what you're doing this summer, what you want to see more of on my blog, or one of your favorite recipes. I don't care what you say--just be sure to leave a comment that includes a way to get in touch with you, and you'll be entered. Piece of cake! I'll announce the winner on August 3rd.

And as for a review of the product: I'll get one out after the contest. Until then, go ahead and enter. Good luck!

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Hot Summer Looks At Sephora!

It’s hot outside and it’s about time to stop traffic with your sizzling style. Swing by Sephora and brighten up this season with pretty powders, petite palettes and a stunning array of eyeshadows. From barrel races to poetry readings – whatever the festivity may be – create a look for being fab and fun!

• Sephora Collection Favorites Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36, a $65 value) – From mascaras to eyeliners, this kit offers the essentials for eyes that will last the day – rain or shine.
  
• Benefit One Hot Minute ($30) – This loose, rose-gold finishing powder is the final touch for a "gaze at me" glow that works on all skin tones—anytime, anywhere.
  
• Stila Made Your Shade Foundation Wardrobe ($18) –This wardrobe offers six stellar shades. —Pick the color that works for your skin tone and shine on like a goddess!
  
• Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection ($34) – This perfectly portable palette of must-have neutrals comes with a double-sided brush/sponge wand in the pull-out tray provides easy application.
  
• Sephora Collection Electric 360 Palette ($30, a $130 value) – This high-voltage collection lets you go glam, natural, or diva-dramatic—putting a stunning array of eyeshadows, lip glosses, blushes, powders, and brushes at your fingertips.
  
• Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect & Mini Dior Show Duo ($25.50) – Together for a limited time, purchase the popular Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Jersey Pink, and a travel-size Diorshow Mascara, for thick, glamorous lashes.

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Make Your Own Fireworks This 4th!

Why let the fireworks steal the show? Dazzle this Independence Day with US destination-inspired shades from your favorite beauty brands. Check out these patriotic summer selections for a flawless complexion and a perfected pout.

Too Faced Magic Wand Illuminating Foundation -- An oil-free, all-in-one foundation “brush” that effortlessly creates picture perfect skin. The unique cashmere-soft formula imparts a semi-matte skin finish while also banishing large pores and adding skin-loving pigments that diffuse and bend light to achieve a flawless, radiant glow on skin! Available in wearable shades including: Miami Tan, New York and Hollywood. $32.50, toofaced.com

Sue Devitt Mini Lip Gloss -- Perfect for the ultimate flush of transparent color, this gloss provides protective essential oils that heal and nurture delicate lips while providing an irresistible shine. Infused with Primrose Oil for intense hydration. Available in: Nantucket, Fire Island, and Martha’s Vineyard. $18, barneys.com

IsaDora Crystal Gloss Stick -- A sheer lip gloss in a long-lasting lipstick formula that imparts a crystal shine finish while providing moisturizing Shea Butter and Vitamin E. Bermuda Pink $12, cosmeticmall.com

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Kiss of the Vampire

Well, we all knew it was bound to happen one day, and that day is finally here. It seems as though DuWop is unveiling a new product inspired by the glittery vampire juggernaut that is Twilight.

Here's what DuWop has to say about Lip Venom V, their lip plumper made in the vain (vein?) of Twilight:

Be transformed. Let the alchemy transcend.

This special limited edition Lip Venom is a sneak preview of our highly anticipated Twilight Venom, debuting this Fall. Lip Venom V is not your typical DuWop venom. Instead of a gloss, Lip Venom V is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner with a bite, and contains argan, avocado, olive oils and vitamin E.

This product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds and applied repeatedly until lips are plumped, revitalized and the desired intensity of color has been reached.

Hmmm....Interesting! What would Edward and Bella think? I love normal Lip Venom, so I'll bite my tongue for now. I just wonder if this will bite or rock....time shall tell. I wonder what kind of makeup product DuWop could design for Jacob and his werewolves? Some sort of hair remover, perhaps?

I ordered a few vials of Lip Venom V, so be on the lookout for a giveaway and a review soon!

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Sephora Samples in Time for Summer Travel

Planning for your pretty weekend or summer getaway? Be sure to tote these travel-friendly treats from Sephora! From multi-purpose mascaras to skin-sational moisturizers and fabulous fragrances, Sephora offers everything you need to make it through security…while looking snazzy! Slip these travel savers into your makeup bag and you're good to go.

Travel is made easy with these vacation necessities. And let me tell you, these samplers rock! I, for one, can't wait to try some of these babies out!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Make-Up Sampler ($40 a $111 value) – Be a natural traveler with these eco-chic pieces: Korres Natural Primer, Tarte EmphasEYES, Tarte Lash Hugger, and Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36 a $65 value) – Made to make - and take - a splash, this waterproof sampler includes Tarte Lights Camera Splashes, Too Faced Mini Lash Injection, Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash and Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler ($40 an $80 value) – This scent-sational pack of petite spritzers includes some of Sephora’s most notable fragrances such as Marc Jacobs Daisy, Christian Dior Miss Dior Cherie, and Prada Infusion d’Iris.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Get Pink’d Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler ($37 an $80 value) – Pucker up with Sephora’s most kissable lip glosses, including Smashbox O-Gloss, Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted, DuWop Prime Venom, Sephora Super Shimmer and Stila Cherry Crush.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Face Quenchers Moisturizer Deluxe Sampler ($37 a $100 value) – Treat your skin to Sephora’s ahhh-mazing face refreshers including Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer, Fresh Soy Face Cream, and Murad Protecting Day Cream SPF 30.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Fix-Its Skincare Deluxe Sampler ($40 a $118 value) – This emergency skin kit includes: Kinerase Extreme Eye Lift, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask and Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother, so pack them on for instant skin rejuvenation!

SEPHORA FAVORITES Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39 a $96 value) –You’re your bevy of lashes with these mini-mascaras. Including Buxom Lash, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Lancôme Cils Booster, Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara and more, the options are eye opening!

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