Bare Escentuals Prime Time Primer Shadow

The new Prime Time Primer Shadow from Bare Escentuals is an eye primer that provides light-reflective metallic color that can be layered with other shadows.  The primer is good for people with oily lids, uneven texture, and people who have problems creasing.


There are 6 shades to chose from and price is $18 USD for 0.1 oz of product.  The color I picked up is Chroma Violet, which is described as Ripe Plum.

Compared for size next to Too Faced Shadow Insurance - $18 for 0.35 oz.
 Prime Time Shadow is $18 for 0.1 oz.

I LOVE this product!  The color on me looked purpley-silver with shimmer depending on the light.  It did not crease on me either (and I usually crease everything).  The only down-side to this product is the price and how much product you actually get.  You do only need a little bit to give a good amount of color, but I wish Bare Escentuals would give you more for the money! You almost get 3x the amount of product for the same price with Too Faced's Shadow Insurance.  

Giorgio Armani Beauty to Go Set (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Its getting hot outside, summer is in full swing, and you know what that means................Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!! One of my favorite times of year. I always love their Anniversary sale because of the exclusive beauty sets. They have so many amazing sets to choose from, its so hard to decide! But I must admit, this year there was a specific set I had my eyes on ;)

I recently discovered the Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani, and love them. When I saw this gift set, I knew it was perfect. The Beauty to Go set contains 3 shades of Gloss d'Armani (103, 400, 602), an Acqua Di Gioia eau de parfum rollerball, and a beautiful white patent croc-print cosmetic bag (which can double as a cute clutch). The glosses in the set are so lovely. 103 is a beautiful, light nude, 400 is the perfect true red (my favorite of the 3), and 602 is a shimmering, vampy-plum. The set retails for $65, but is worth so much more! (I was fortunate to have a $20 Nordstrom note, so the price was even better!) If you love Gloss d'Armani glosses, this is the set for you, grab one before they're gone.

**Set purchased by me.

Benefit They're Real Mascara

A few weeks ago I received a sample of Benefit's new They're Real Mascara. To explain this mascara you must endure a short but very relevant story.

Do you remember the show Seinfeld? In one memorable episode Jerry starts dating a woman (played by Teri Hatcher) with a very nice figure. It is early in the relationship, and Jerry debates if "they're real" or fake. Hilarity ensues, as Jerry has his friend Elaine try to find out the truth. Elaine tries multiple schemes, but she is unsuccessful in getting the real scoop. Finally the woman gets wise to Jerry and Elaine's plan, and she's not happy. In the final scene, she breaks up with Jerry and as she walks out the door, declares "by the way, they're real and they're spectacular!".

**BTW: This photo is taken 24 hours after I applied the mascara. It still looks like I just applied!**

I share this with you, because that's exactly how I felt after using this mascara. My lashes were longer, thicker, darker, and curled. This mascara stays put, no flaking, clumping, running, or smearing. It is amazing how well it works (plus, no primer needed with this one). My new HG mascara!!! To sum up the way I feel about my lashes with this mascara, "they're real, and they're spectacular".

**Item purchased by me.

Dan Read Cosmetics Silver Screen Series Shimmer Foundation

I had actually never heard of Dan Read Cosmetics until reading a post on a blog a few weeks ago. The blogger gave the foundation rave reviews, so I became intrigued. Dan Read Cosmetics was created in 1997, for hi-def television, but also to provide make-up that is paraben-free and made from natural ingredients. After reading a few reviews and researching the company, I was ready to give it a shot. The Shimmer foundation sounds great. It's natural looking (think your skin, but better), lightweight, has SPF 15, is sweat-proof, humidity-proof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. After reading all this, I thought "sign me up."








Now, I must first warn you that this foundation is color matched by either taking an online questionnaire, or by talking to one of their reps by phone. Returns are not accepted, but they guarantee a match for 95% of customers. I took the online quiz and narrowed it down to about 3 shades, and then called to decide between them. I was matched to Far East 3. (My skin is described as Caucasian with Native American and Cajun French heritage). To put that in English, I am in-between shades #8 and #9 in Armani's Lasting Silk Foundation. When the foundation arrived, I was a little surprised. The compact is slightly larger than a single Stilla eyeshadow, and the make-up is hard as a brick. It is a solid, but goes on like a powder. It also looked a little darker than I expected. This foundation also has a learning curve as far as application goes. I have only found one sponge that works (it's a small white sponge, rectangular with rounded corners. Appx. 1.5 in. x 2 in. I think it's by Cover Girl--sold in pack of 3). Brushes and fingers do not work with this product.



One you figure out the technique, the finish is beautiful. I personally, use this as a finishing powder (in place of my Armani powder) to set my foundation or tinted moisturizer (depending on the day). The shimmer is so fine, it gives a satin-matte finish. It truly looks like you have flawless skin. I applied it over my Armani lasting silk foundation (applied very lightly), worked an 8 hour shift, drove 7 hours to meet my family for vacation, stayed up doing Zumba with my sister till 1am....and it still looked flawless. No touch-ups needed. Amazing!!!!

Benefit Cha Cha Tint

Sorry for the infrequent posts the last few months. Several family trips and extra hours at work have kept me very busy! I had a few minutes to myself the other day, and decided to pick up Benefit's newest tint: Cha Cha Tint. I love the new oranges for summer, and this "mango-tinted lip and cheek stain" is the perfect shade. It is just the right shade of peachy-coral to give you a lovely summer glow. I blend it on my cheeks for a nice flush, and also layer it under my favorite gloss for a pretty coral lip.

One bottle will set you back about $29, but it will last forever. A little really does go a long way!

**swatched on my hand**

**Item purchased by me.