Vemayca Cosmetic Bag Review

The one problem nearly every woman faces is keeping her cosmetic bags clean. From my experience, they are all difficult to clean no matter what size or material they’re made from. Whether you spend $10 on a Wal-Mart makeup bag or $100 on a Nordstrom cosmetic bag, it’s going to end up covered in makeup residue in just a matter of weeks, possibly even days. When you attempt to clean your bag, the problem only seems to get worst. Your eyeliner smears into the material and your powder does a wonderful job of setting the stain for you!

Vemayca Cosmetic Bags are amazing! Finally, an easy to clean cosmetic bag! Vemayca is an extraordinary makeup bag because unlike all other makeup bags, Vemayca is made with a removable soft pear liner. This liner allows you to keep the inside of your cosmetic bag clean and new like the first day you bought it. You can unsnap the liner to conveniently replace with a new one or just use a damp cloth to wipe clean!

The Vemayca Cosmetic Bag is available in two colors: black and red. I received the black cosmetic bag and I love that it so stylish and chic. Black is a color that never goes out of style and it matches perfectly with everything! This oversized makeup bag measures 9 inches wide, 6 inches high and 2 inches deep. Vemayca bags feature a large center compartment as well as two side pockets for complete organization.

 

I have been using my Vemayca Bag everyday and I absolutely love it! It seems to stay much cleaner than my other makeup bags and when my makeup does spill or leak, it only takes a few seconds to wipe clean. I love that the bottom is flat so my bag stands upright. This is a wonderful feature, especially if you apply your makeup on the go. There is nothing worst then trying to find your favorite eye shadow, only to have all of your other cosmetics spill out.

The only problem I can see with the Vemayca Bag is the size. The size is one of my favorite features. I carry large bags and like to have most of my makeup with me. However, I can see how the size could be a problem with women who carry smaller purses. Yet, the Vemayca bag is so spacious that it could replace your purse all together. 

The bag itself is velvety soft and seems to repel liquid, which is wonderful when you have kids! The outer pockets are lined with silver satin which helps make your items more visible. The zipper pulls are circular which makes them easy to open or even attach your keeps or a work badge to. The Vemayca Cosmetic Bag is lightweight which makes it the perfect bag to carry along with you anywhere you may go. The possibilities are endless with Vemayca!

PURCHASE INFORMATION: The Vemayca Cosmetic Bag can be purchased online for $35.99. Visit Vemayca online to find out more information.

WIN IT: Enter my Vemayca Cosmetic Bag Giveaway.

 

*Disclaimer: A sample product was provided to me in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review or host a giveaway.

Softlips Goes Tropical with New Summer Flavors: Review

Perfect to stick in your pocket or beach bag, the new limited edition flavors in Coconut Cream and Peach Mango help protect lips from the sun with SPF 20. The new Softlips Limited Edition Lip Balms contain the same great moisturizing properties the other popular lip moisturizer made by Softlips. Each fruity summer flavor comes paired with a complimentary Softlips favorite lip balm and will leave you feeling like you’re lying on the beach sipping your favorite tropical drink!

Each limited edition pack includes two extra-moisturizing lip conditioners: Coconut Cream with Cherry, Peach Mango with Vanilla, Piña Colada with Strawberry and Passion Fruit with Cherry.

For my review, I received one pack of the Coconut Cream and Cherry as well as one pack  of the Vanilla with Peach Mango. I have always been a fan of Softlips products and I am especially pleased with the new limited edition flavors. They are non-greasy and will not leave a yucky taste in your mouth. They are perfect for tossing in your purse or beach bag for all day moisture! While all of the limited edition flavors are wonderful, I especially love the coconut cream and it’s sweet coconut fragrance. All of these lip moisturizers glide on ever so smoothly and last longer than most lip balms. Besides the SPF 20 protection, and added moisture, the best part about the Softlips Limited Edition Lip Moisturizers is the price. For under $3.99, you can enjoy constant lip relief and moisture in fun fruity flavors!

BUY IT: For a suggested retail price of $2.99 to $3.99 for the dual-stick pack.  Through out the summer season, the limited addition flavors Coconut Cream and Peach Mango will be available in Target, and Piña Colada and Passion Fruit will be available at Walgreens. Additionally, Softlips Limited Edition (as well as other Softlips products) may be purchased online.

WIN IT: Softlips has generously offered to give away two packs of their new Limited Edition Lip Moisturizers. Enter the Softlips Giveaway here.

CONNECT: Keep up to date on the latest news, promotions and events by “liking” Softlips on Facebook. For more, follow Softlips on Twitter and/or sign up for the free Softlips Newsletter. 

Disclaimer: The Softlips moisturizers were provided to me in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation for my review. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

Megan Fox Makeup Tutorial

This is a great tutorial from makeup artist Kandee Johnson on how to look like Megan Fox. This makeup tutorial is very easy and the overall look is beautiful.

Learn more about Kandee and her amazing makeup tutorials here.

Hard Candy Makeup Review

Hard Candy was the first makeup I was introduced to as a young girl. I can remember back to elementary school when my friends and I would proudly share our newest Hard Candy cosmetics with each other. I'm not quite sure if Hard Candy was even available in my local stores or if I just didn't notice, but it has been several years since I have used their products.

Anytime I am at the store, I have to browse the makeup aisles before I check out. Just the other day I was walking down the aisle and my eyes were immediately drawn to the Hard Candy display. Their cutting-edge design is absolutely captivating. I haven't seen anything quite like it before. The eye-catching design seems to be inspired by tattoo art.

Hard Candy graciously sent me several cosmetic products to try. First up was the In The Shadows Eyeshadow Collection. Each collection is perfectly color coordinated to create any look. I received the shade Splendid, which is a beautiful five color palette of purple/blue, blacks/grays, and white. All of the In The Shadows eyeshadow palettes come with a mini black eyeliner pencil or a 4.3ml of primer. My particular palette included primer.

I originally thought this palette would be too dark for me. After playing with several color combinations, I found that it works great for a subtle day time look or as a bold and dramatic evening look. The colors in this palette provide a shimmery metallic finish- very pretty!

If you are looking for a lip gloss to plump your lips and give you that wet sexy look, look no further. Hard Candy Plexi Gloss is a non-sticky lip gloss that will do just that! I received the Mauve- Alous Plexi Gloss. I was very impressed by this gloss. This is a bright shade of pink with a hint of shimmer. This gloss has a light fragrance that smells so yummy, you will want to eat it. This smooth, moisturizing gloss lasted hours and I love the fact that I did not have to reapply after eating or drinking.

A dynamic eye pencil in a rainbow of shades, 12 to be exact! These creamy eye pencils deliver powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries to a long-lasting finish that won’t budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full, artistic, multi-hued effect.

I rarely wear eyeliner. I would love to wear liner, but I have had such a hard time finding a good liner that doesn't smudge or cause my eyes to water. If you have the same problem, you have to try Take Me Out Liner. I received Soy which is a rich black shade. This liner glides on very smoothly and best of all it does not smudge! I have paid over $20 for eyeliner that doesn't come close to comparing to this. At only $5 at Walmart, this is a steal! The design doubles as a hair styling stick, which is great for some women but I would prefer the same thickness throughout. This liner stays put all day, so there is no need to carry along with me. I am still looking for my cap.

Blush Crush is a marbleized baked blush that give your cheeks an all-over warmth and glow. Baked for eight hours, the texture is easy to blend and natural looking. I received #126 Pin Up. This blush can be applied wet for a dramatic look or dry for a soft & delicate look. Pin Up is a light pink shade with a light gold shimmer. I love that this blush is so light. I didn't notice a fragrance which is great, because my hubby is always complaining that I smell like makeup. This particular shade was very similar to my skin tone, so it didn't add a lot of color. It did provide a slight shimmer to my cheeks. Living Doll is a beautiful bright pink blush. It's sitting on the store shelf calling out to me, and I can't wait to try this color next!

Hard candy has really set the bar high. With Hard Candy makeup you can express your beauty with products in fun, flirty colors. These cosmetics are great for females of all ages. I am in my mid twenties and I am sold on these products. My mother has already purchased some and I know young girls would love Hard Candy.

Hard Candy Cosmetics Can Be Purchased Online and at WalMart Stores.

Many thanks to Hard Candy for providing the review samples!

Disclaimer: I received samples for reviewing purposes. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Affordable Eyeshadow Palettes and Makeup Brushes - Review

Eyeshadow is the best way to accentuate your eyes and add drama to your look. Applying eyeshadow can be a lot of fun. You can apply subtle shadow for a natural look, apply bright colors to really make your eyes pop or even apply eyeshadow to match your outfit. Eyeshadow is my favorite cosmetic product to use but they can become so expensive. Some eye shadow palettes cost well over $100.00! I was searching online for an affordable eyeshadow palette and came across BH Cosmetics.


BH Cosmetics provides contour and blush palettes, eye shadow palettes, lip palettes and makeup brushes. I recently received the 1st Edition 120 Color Palette. I admit, I was very skeptical. I thought there was no way possible a 120 eyeshadow palette could cost under $30.00 and actually be a good shadow!

When I received my shadow palette, I was expecting several colors to be broken and scattered throughout the palette. Every single shadow was in tact with not a single color broken. I appreciate the fact that BH Cosmetics took the time to carefully package my palette.

I found the eyeshadow in the 120 Color Palette to be highly pigmented. I was able to apply the eyeshadow with ease. You won't need to cake the shadow on as they are so rich in color, you only need to swipe each color across your lid once. This palette includes every color you would possibly need from blues, browns, grays, pale shimmers, pinks, greens, reds, vibrant bold shimmers and everything in between. I have been using this palette exclusively for several weeks now. I love that this palette can be used for everyday wear! The colors blend very nicely and are long lasting. I have tried several color variations and haven't seen any of them crease. I am still in shock that BH Cosmetics offers a 120 eyeshadow Palette for such a small price!

Here are a few more details:

• One palette contains 2 layers,portable and convenient to use.
• Long lasting, easy to match different make-up styles !
• Super-fine Powder Produce even and long lasting makeup.
• Feels light and soft.
• Easily create clear and brilliant eye makeup finish.
• Includes matte and shimmer colors.
• Case size is 9" x 6"

I also received the 10 Piece Deluxe Brush Set (wood color). I was very impressed with the high quality of these brushes. They are very soft and worked great for applying and blending my multiple eyeshadow shades.


The 10 eye shadow brushes are neatly stored in a convenient black zipper case. The brushes included in this kit are:

• Powder brush
• Blush brush
• Foundation brush
• Smudge brush
• Large eyeshadow brush
• Small eyeshadow brush
• Eyebrow brush
• Lip brush
• Pointed Eye Liner Brush Mascara brush

The advantage of natural hair is that it has scales which traps the makeup on the bristles. These scales of the hairs hold the pigments and transfer it to your skin effectively when applied. I noticed that these brushes really pickup the color. One of the problems I have with my other brushes is the hair or bristles falling out. I haven't had that happen with the brushed in this kit.

Where To Buy: Shop BH Cosmetics Online

Cost: 1st Edition 120 Color Palette - $29.95 / Deluxe Brush Set - $ 39.95

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary eye shadow palette and brush set in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Senna Silky Primer Review

Senna Cosmetics was created by Emmy nominated celebrity makeup artist, Eugenia Weston. Eugina has worked with celebrities such as Bette Midler, Elizabeth Berkley, Tori Spelling, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson and Sela Ward. Her natural passion for makeup inspired her to create Senna Cosmetics, the first complete artist line created for everyday women to use at home.

Senna Cosmetics has everything a woman could possibly need to enhance her natural beauty. Whether you are looking for lipstick, eyeshadow, skincare products, makeup brushes, eye brown transformation kits, concealer, blush and bronzers, foundation or mineral makeup, you will find it all at Senna!

Many women, including myself, have a hard time finding the perfect foundation. Shopping for foundation can turn into an all day event. Once you find your perfect shade, you get home and apply it. During the day, you find your foundation runs, or quickly fades. There is a quick and simple resolution to this problem- applying primer beneath your makeup. Primer creates a protective base for natural longer-lasting foundation application and wear.

Senna's Silky Primer is a silky, sheer, oil free formula that gives your skin a flawless appearance. It contains antioxidants and vitamins to help nourish your skin while at the same time diminishes imperfections and helps to fill lines and wrinkles.

I applied Silky Primer and found it to be very light and fragrance free. It was easy to apply and felt very silky. My skin felt incredibly smooth, so much that I could not resist touching my face. I used the Silky Primer with liquid foundation as well as mineral (powder) foundation. I found both to be equally as easy to apply. Both foundation types seemed to go on smoother and both blended beautifully. My pores are so large that most people mistake them for freckles. When I used Silky primer, I noticed my pores had magically vanished! The primer helped to fill in the laugh lines around my mouth and provided me with an overall flawless finish. After a full day of running around, sweat and all, my foundation looked as fresh as it did when I first applied it.

What Did You Like Most About This Product?: It made my skin feel very smooth and made it easier to apply my foundation while making it last longer then it normally would.

Is There Anything You Didn't Like?: Silky Primer does not contain Sunscreen or SPF. This is not a concern to me since my foundation contains SPF, but it may be a concern to others.

Where To Buy: Shop Senna Cosmetics Online

Size: 1.7oz / 48g

Cost: $38.00

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Silky Primer in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Overall Beauty Review

Overall Beauty began in 2004 selling Mood Nail Polish, Magic Lash Eyelash Enhancer and Black Magic Mascara. They did so well with these products that they decided to expand their line to include mineral makeup and natural organic skincare products.

Overall Beauty graciously sent me six of their mineral eyeshadows to try.

Mineral Shadow #1

• Peachy - A light peach color with a hint of shimmer.
  

Mineral Shadow #2

• Sunny - A beautiful sunny gold. Sunny looks lighter then shown in the picture and is a gorgeous shade.

Mineral Shadow #3

• Flashy Denim - A bright electric blue. I normally don't wear blue eyeshadow, but this color really made my eyes pop. Very pretty!

Mineral Shadow #4

• Lavender - This shade is a very light purple and is one of the prettiest shades I have seen. Purple's look great on every woman, and I absolutely love this. Definitely a must have for spring.

Mineral Shadow #5

• Autumn - This shade is a very pale pink with a hint of shimmer. I love this color as a highlighter but it also looks great worn alone.

Mineral Shadow #5

• Peace - When I saw this shade in the container, I thought there is no way I will wear this. It looked so very dark. However, I applied Peace, and this shade is absolutely stunning. It is a lot lighter then shown in the photo. This shade is a beautiful sparkly warm green.
  

The eye shadows come in sifter jars making them easy to use without spilling or making a huge mess. You can chose to purchase the shadows in a 3 gram jar, 5 gram jar, or 10 gram jar. If you are unsure of which shades you would like, the option to purchase a sample for just $1.50 is available. All of these shadows provided me with easy-to-achieve application and results. All of these shades were absolutely vibrant and stunning. Overall has a huge selection of mineral eyeshadows, and at the low prices, they are just too good to pass up!

Try it Before You Buy it... Enter the Overall Beauty Giveaway!!

Where To Buy: Shop Overall Beauty Online.

Cost: Sample $1.50, 3 Gram $4.99, 5 Gram $7.99, 10 Gram $11.99

Disclaimer: I received complimentary eyeshadows in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

The All Natural Face Review

The All Natural Face provides women with pure and clean all natural Vegan Cosmetics and bath and body products. Their mission is to provide women of all ages with the best mineral cosmetics available. Products from The All Natural Face are free of bismuth, talc, carmine, silk powder and parabens. They have products starting at just $1.50! This is by far the most affordable, high quality mineral makeup I have come across.

The All Natural Face generously provided me with several products to try. Over the last several months I have become more and more interested in mineral makeup. Not only does it apply flawlessly, but it leaves your skin with a healthy natural glow. The All Natural Face has a wide selection of eyeshadow, shimmer eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, mascara, application brushes and much more!

First up was the Honey Peach Eyeshadow. This eye shadow comes in a 5 gram sifter jar. The ingredients in this shadow include: Mica, Magnesium Myristate, Boron Nitride, Oxides. This shade is much prettier then the picture. It is a beautiful peach shade with a hint of pink shimmer. I had to apply the Honey Peach several times to achieve the desired color because it blended in with my skin tone. Once I was able to achieve the look I was going for, it made my eyes stand out and lasted the entire day!

The next eyeshadow shade I tried was Twilight. The ingredients in this eyeshadow include:Mica, Magnesium Myristate, Boron Nitride, Oxides. This is also available in a 5 gram sifter jar. Twilight is a very beautiful royal shimmer blue. This is darker then the shades I would typically wear out but is great for wearing out or achieving a dramatic look. My third eyeshadow to try was the shade Boysenberry Shimmer. The ingredients in this shade are the same ingredients as used in Twilight. This is the nicest shade of blue I have ever seen in an eyeshadow. It is so bright and beautiful! You can blend it in for a more subtle shade of blue or apply once to your eyelid for a stunning bold look.

The fourth eyeshadow I received was the shade Metallic Antique Copper. This shade reminds me of a brand new penny. The color is very rich and warm. This is my favorite eyeshadow of all time! I have actually been looking for a similar shade for quite some time. This shade looks great on brunettes, and compliments women with all skin tones. Like the other eyeshadow's from The All Natural Face, this applies easily and provides a lasting effect.

Finally, I received The All Natural Face Lengthening/Volumizing Mascara and Vegan Gel Pot, both in black. The mascara wand is straight and I found it to be very easy to apply. You can apply once for a very natural look. I prefer a very dramatic look, so I applied once allowing it to dry and added several more coats. The end result? The mascara definitely added length and volume. My lashes were defined and I was easily able to achieve the dramatic look I was hoping for. This mascara seems unable to clump, which is a huge plus! The "That Black" Gel pot is basically a liquid eyeliner. Since I don't normally wear eyeliner, it took me a few attempts to achieve an even line. This gel pot is highly pigmented and lasted me all day. I like that it did not smear and it did a beautiful job of defining my eyes.

The All Natural Face is offering 30% off all Gel Liners, Lip Yummies, and Concealers! Shop before 4/15 when this amazing sale ends!

Where To Buy: Shop The All Natural Face Online, or Purchase from Their Etsy Shop

Cost: Prices start at just $1.50!

Disclaimer: I received these complimentary products in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

20% OFF NVEY ECO Organic Makeup

As many people are becoming more aware of our environment, they are quickly discovering other ways to be "green". One of those ways is by using organic makeup!

Organic makeup is great for people who have sensitive skin and/or suffer from acne. Unlike many conventional beauty products, organic makeup does not contain harmful toxic chemicals. Organic makeup is easy to apply and will leave you with a flawless, glowing complexion.

If you are not familiar with organic makeup or NVEY ECO, please read my full review to find out more.

Enter the code RR-20 during checkout to receive 20% off your entire order!
Valid now through May 31, 2010

NVEY ECO Organic Makeup Review

NVEY ECO is the leader in luxury organic makeup. They are the first organic artistry brand - high performance, intense pigments, no compromises! NOT mineral - Certified Organic!

NVEY ECO's luxurious collection of cosmetics include ingredients such as natural beeswax, rose absolute, jojoba oil, chamomile and vitamins such as A, E and C . Unlike many chemical based cosmetics, NVEY ECO does not test on animals. They offer such a infinite color selection to accommodate women of all ages and skin types.

NVEY ECO graciously sent me several cosmetic samples to try. In the past I have used mineral makeup, but this is the first time I have used organic makeup. NVEY ECO carries everything from concealer, eyeshadow, lipstick, foundation, blush and so much more!

First up was the NVEY ECO Organic Lip Lustre in the shade Flirt. All of their lip lustre's come in a long "tube" similar to many lip glosses. The handle is long and rectangular, making it easy to grasp and apply. Flirt Lip Lustre is a beautiful rich burgundy shade. This lustre was ultra moisturizing and very smooth. Although this shade is darker than I would typically wear, I like the fact that these lusters are non-sticky and lightweight. Only one application was needed because this product lasted for hours!

The Organic Creme Deluxe Foundation is available in 10 shades. I was sent the darkest shade- Deep Medium to Dark -878. Even as a self admitted tan-o-holic, my skin would never be dark enough to wear this shade. This foundation was smooth and creamy with a light, almost unnoticeable fragrance. I like that NVEY ECO's foundation felt as if it was melting into my skin rather than caking up and highlighting my flaws.

I was also sent Organic Powder Blush-950, or Deep Terra Cotta. This shade is a dark, deep reddish brown. I have dark hair and dark eyes and normally choose a color to help brighten my face. Although this was too dark for me, it would be great for anyone who likes browns and reds. This also pairs great with the Flirt Lip Lustre. This blush is highly pigmented therefore only a tiny amount of product is necessary. If you prefer lighter shades, NVEY ECO has a beautiful warm pink shade!

The NVEY ECO Organic Eyeshadow-167 is a beautiful Bronzed Marigold Shimmer. This shade can be worn alone or as a highlighter. I wore this shade while on an adventurous all day shopping event under the hot Texas sun. I found that throughout the day, my eyeshadow stayed fresh and looked as if I had just applied it. It took 15 hours before it began to crease. I imagine it would last even longer if a primer was applied prior to applying the eyeshadow.

The Organic Eyeshadow- 161 is a very versatile Pale Silver White Shimmer. This shadow can be worn alone, to compliment other shades, as a brow bone highlighter, as a liner or used in the corner of your eyes to help brighten your eyes and make them stand out. I didn't think I would like this shade. From looking at it in the package, it looks like a solid white. But once applied, this shadow completely transformed my eyes. I used this shade in the corners of my eyes and as a base. My eyes definitely stood out. This shade blended easily with my other shades and lasted all day.

I have saved the best for last! NVEY ECO also sent me Organic Eyeshadow- 159. They describe this color as Pink Carnation Shimmer. I would call it "Every woman's Must Have"! I'm so excited that I had the opportunity to try this shade. For months, I have been looking for a pink eyeshadow. Everything I came across screamed 13 year old glitter pre-teen princess. The shades I have found either look too light, too pink or too glittery. NVEY ECO's Pink Carnation is the perfect shade of pink. You can apply it once for a subtle shade of pink or re-apply for a brighter pink color. I swept it across my eyelid then used it to contour my crease. It actually looked like I was wearing two shades of eyeshadow. This has just enough shimmer to draw attention to your eyes. Like the other eyeshadows from NVEY ECO, Pink Carnation Shimmer is lightweight, easy to apply, smooth and best of all it lasts all day without creasing or fading. If you are looking for a pink eyeshadow- look no further! This shade is absolutely gorgeous!

Green Is Sexy!

NVEY ECO Organic Makeup can be purchased online.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary product samples in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Mineral Basics Eyeshadow Review

Mineral makeup has quickly become a growing trend among women all over the world. Mineral makeup is made with minerals rather than a chemical-based makeup, so not only are you able to achieve your desired look, but you are able to do so without damaging your skin.

I have been experimenting with several different mineral makeup products. Of course, my favorite product is mineral eyeshadow. I have found that mineral eye shadows often include a much wider shade selection. While performing a search for mineral eyeshadow, I came across Mineral Basics. Chandi Plank created Mineral Basics in 2004. Like many of us, Chandi has experienced acne, inflamed skin, oiliness and dryness and flaky skin. Unsatisfied with other mineral makeups, she decided to create her own line of mineral makeup- Mineral Basics!

Mineral Basics has a wide collection of products including eyeshadow, foundation, Concealer , bronzer , lip products, brushes and those are just to name a few. I was recently given the opportunity to review Mineral Basics eyeshadow. I received 15 eyeshadow samples. The samples from Mineral Basics come in a small bag and contain enough minerals to last several uses. For under $2.00 you can try as many shades as you like!

I was very impressed with the eyeshadows I received. I was able to apply them effortlessly. Mineral Basics sent me a combination of mattes and shimmers. The mattes are highly pigmented and really compliment my skin tone. My favorite shade is Pink to Gold which is a beautiful bright pink with gold shimmers. These shadows really make your eyes pop! I used the shade nectar on my eyes but also as a blush. I love how many of these shades can be used as eyeshadows, highlighters and blushes. Mineral Basics has so many shades to chose from; I'm sure there is something for everyone!

Where To Buy: Online at Mineral Basics

Want To Try Before You Buy? Click Here To Enter For Your Chance To Win 15 Eyeshadows!

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review/giveaway.

Mineral Basics Giveaway

GIVEAWAY
Mineral Basics has generously offered to provide one lucky Review Retreat reader with 15 eyeshadow shades / samples!

MANDATORY: To enter, visit Mineral Basics and let me know what product you would like to try the most (other then eyeshadow) Your email address must be visible in your entry comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry. If it says 3 extra entries, leave 3 separate comments. If you only leave one comment, it will only count as one entry!

-Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect. Be sure to tell me the name you are following under. +2
-Follow Mineral Basics on Twitter. +1
-Follow me on Twitter. +1
-Leave a comment on Mineral Basics Facebook Wall. Include link/Facebook ID. +1
-Subscribe to my free newsletter. +2
-Add my button to your sidebar. +4
-Subscribe to Review Retreat via RSS. +1
-Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post. Comment with the post link. +8
-Stumble, Digg and/or add to Del.icio.us Bookmarks.(Include username/link) +2 each
-Add me to your blog roll. +2
-Subscribe to the Mineral Basics Blog.
-Tweet the following (up to 3x daily) +1 each tweet

Enter the Mineral Eyeshadow Giveaway @mineralbasics & @Jennifer_Marek #giveaway #contest, #mineral, #cosmetics http://beta.tiny.cc/0vuha

DETAILS:
Giveaway begins on March 29, 2010 and ends on April 26, 2010 at 11:59 cst. Giveaway is open to everyone. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner must respond within 48 hours otherwise a new winner will be selected. Only one person/ per email/ per household/ per IP address may enter. Click here to view the complete giveaway rules/guidelines.

Disclaimer: I received free eye shadow samples in exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review or host a giveaway.

Orglamix Eyeshadow Giveaway

Good News! If you missed out out on my recent Orglamix giveaway, you still have a chance to win! Little Yayas and Blessed is having a giveaway for 3 shades of your favorite Orglamix mineral eyeshadows! Orglamix has a huge selection of shades and is by far the best quality mineral makeup I have used.

Enter to Win

Free Rimmel London Beauty Products

Choose from the following free items:
Color Rush Trio Eyeshadow
Lycra Lash Extender Mascara
Exaggerate Eye Definer
Natural Bronzer
Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick

The FREE coupon can be found on page 20 in Issue 4 April 23,2010's All You Magazine and is good for one free product from the above list.

Let Them Wear Gloss Giveaway!

Dani at Let Them Wear Gloss is having an awesome giveaway for 2 OPI Nail Lacquers, 1 Daily Mirra Dome Eye Shadow Brush, 1 Contents Makup Bag, and a Benefit to-go Beauty Bestsellers which include: 1.8g Some Kind-A gorgeous, 7.5ml "That Gal" face primer, 2.5g High Beam, 2.5mL Posietint lip and cheek stain.

Click Here to Enter

Pink Quartz Mineral Eye Shadow {Etsy} Review

If you are looking for affordable, long-lasting mineral makeup, you should look no further than Etsy's own Pink Quartz Minerals. Pink Quartz Minerals specializes in vegan mineral makeup and makeup brushes. Mineral makeup is great for every woman, especially those with sensitive skin. The mineral makeup found at Pink Quartz Minerals is made without the use of bismuth oxychloride, silicas, preservatives and other potentially irritating ingredients.

I recently had the opportunity to try the Smokey Eyes Eye Shadow/Eyeliner Sampler Collection from Pink Quartz Minerals. This collection contains 3 of their most popular eye shadow colors: Kettle, Ecstasy and Hazelnut. The eye shadows from this collection came in a 3g pot with a sifter lid. It also came with a dual angled brush.

I am by no means an expert at applying makeup. I would consider myself to be a beginner. The smokey-eye look is a classic look that, in my opinion, will never go out of style. For years, I have been trying to achieve the smokey-eye look but the end result is always me looking like a raccoon. The shades included in this kit made is very easy to achieve my desired look. I will admit that when I first began to apply the eyeshadow, I wasn't confident that these colors had enough contrast to give me the look I was going for. I used the angled brush to blend the shades and my opinion had completely changed.

The Hazelnut shade is a beautiful gray shade. I used this shade to apply to my entire lid and to line my lower lash line. I think gray compliments most eyes and this shade would also look great when worn alone. When blended, the gray transforms into a darker gray-brown. Kettle is a rich brown shade and I applied this in my crease. The last shade Ecstasy is a dark shimmery black shade. I used this in the corner of my eye and also has a liner on my top tip. The angled brush that I received was very soft and made it easy to apply and blend the eyeshadow. I used to opposite end of the brush to apply the shadow as a liner. I did wet the bristles of the liner side and noticed the bristles stuck together. As you can see, this had no impact on the brush's performance. I was able to easily glide the brush/shadow across my upper and lower lash line with extreme precision. This brush is amazing! Normally, I have problems with smudging, and I didn't have that problem with this brush. This kit is great for beginners!

Pink Quartz Minerals also has foundation, mineral veil, correctors and concealers, blushes bronzers and glows, lipsticks and glosses and kits tailored for your eye color or special gift kits and brushes. There is definitely something here for every woman and at these amazing prices, you can't go wrong.

Win It! Click Here to Enter The Pink Quartz Mineral Smokey Eye Shadow Giveaway!!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary eyeshadow kit from Pink Quartz Minerals in exchange for my review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Home Remedies That Actually Work

I love home remedies! For one, they are cheaper then going to the doctor or purchasing a product from the store that probably won't work anyway. Most of the ingredients found in home remedies can be found in your pantry or cupboard, saving you mega bucks at the grocery store or pharmacy. The best thing about home remedies, is the fact that they actually work! Here are a few that have been passed down from the women in my family have passed down. These are all remedies that I have tried and am proof that they really do work.

1.) Blemish/Pimple - The cure? Add a few drops of visine to a Q-Tip. The Visine will constrict the blood vessels, eliminating any redness. You can also pop the Visened Q-Tip in the freezer for a few minutes before applying. The cold temperature will reduce any swelling.

2.) Bags Under Your Eyes - Squeeze a tiny dot of Preparation H beneath your eye. We all know the main ingredient in Preparation H is used to constrict blood vessels, causing the problem area to shrink. You will have the same effect for tired baggy eyes. *Do Not Place on Your eyelids and be cautious not to get in your eyes.

3.) Abscessed Tooth - Place a tea bag in a cup/bowl. Add enough hot water to fully saturate the tea bag, usually a couple of tablespoons. Now place the tea bag on the infected tooth. The tea will draw out the infection. This was a hard one for me to believe, but I'm glad I tried it, because, I believe, its the fastest way to relieve pain from an abscessed tooth. *You want the water to be as hot as you can tolerate.

4.) Menstrual Cramps - Having ovarian cysts myself, I get monthly agonizing cramps. To relieve them, I drink Chamomile tea with Ginger Root. The Ginger will help relieve the pain.

5.) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - Drink Cranberry Juice! The cranberry helps prevent the bacteria from sticking to cells that line the urinary tract. If you can't tolerate the taste, AZO makes a cranberry pill you can take.

6.) Too Much Ear Wax - Place a Bottle of Baby Oil in hot water until the baby oil is warmed. Tilt your head to one side and place a few drops of warm baby oil in your ear. Then tilt your head to the other side. The baby oil will run out along with any excess wax.

7.) Dry Cracked Feet - Add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak until water turns cool. Not only will the epson salt soften your rough skin, but it will also remove odors and soothe any pain.

8.) Limp Hair, Lacking Volume - Add a few teaspoons of Sea Salt and water to a spray bottle. Spray generously on wet or damp hair. This will help to add volume and sexy beach waves.

9.) Swelling - Take the recommended dosage of Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an NSAID (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) and will help relieve the inflammation.

10.) Bee Sting - Wet a small pinch of Tobacco and place on the area that was stung. I'm not sure how this one works, but it does and immediately.

11.) Mosquito Bite - Spray Perfume on the bite. The alcohol in the perfume will help to dry up the skin, shrinking the infected area. Trust me, my mom was always spraying me with perfume when I was a kid, and now I get to pass it on to my kids.