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
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-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

Smokey Eyes -Eye Shadow and Brush Giveaway

I recently reviewed the New Smokey Eyes Eye Shadow/Eyeliner Sampler Collection (with brush) from Pink Quartz Minerals and I love it. I am excited to announce Pink Quartz Minerals is offering one Review Retreat reader the chance to win the same collection!

Giveaway
One Lucky Reader Will Win The Smokey Eye Collection!

Mandatory Entry
Visit Pink Quartz Minerals & Tell Me Another Product You Would Like To Try.

Extra Entries

1. Follow me Publicly via Google Friend Connect. If you already are, comment to let me know.

2. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Review Retreat. (5 Entries)
3. Add my button to your blog and tell me where to find it. (2 Entries)
4. Stumble, Digg and/or add to Del.icio.us Bookmarks (1 entry each -must include username)
5. Subscribe to My Newsletter Via Email.
6. Subscribe Via RSS.
7. Follow Pink Quartz Minerals on Twitter.
8. Add Pink Quartz Minerals on Myspace.
9. Become a Fan of Pink Quartz on Facebook. (include username)
10. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet the Following (Up to 3x Daily):

RT- @PinkQuartz I'm entering the Smokey Eye Mineral Eyeshadow #giveaway @Jennifer_Marek. #Contest Ends 4/11 http://beta.tiny.cc/zae4m

Disclaimer:*Giveaway begins on 3/15/10 & Ends on 4/11/10 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen using Random.Org. An email notification will be sent to the email address provided by the winner. The winner must respond within 48 hours. Failure to do so will result in being disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Only one person, per email address, per household, per IP Address may enter. Failure to follow the rules will lead to disqualification. **I received a complimentary eyeshadow kit 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.

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.