Every piece of PR I saw or received on the new Maybelline Summer 2013 Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream-Gel Shadows said there were eight.  Yet every display I saw showed only six.  Each display only had room for six.  So, I’m thinking… error or maybe two got pulled for whatever reason.  Nope.

I drove all over creation searching for the six that originally launched, luckily I found the final two shades on an impromptu stop to Ulta.  Precious Pearl 10 and Blue Paradise 15 are as beautiful as their brothers and sisters and make excellent additions to the line up!

The swatches above were taken outside using a flash.  The swatches below were taken outside with no flash, with sort of an overcast sun thing going on:

Precious Pearl almost appears to be a duochrome in the pot, but swatches pearly white.  This shade is on the shimmery side and perfect for that inner corner of the eye pop.

Blue Paradise is a blue with a pinkish-purple shift that you can see better in the pot and in person.  In the flash photo it appears teal, where in the shaded photo it looks to be a cornflower blue.

Out of the two, Blue Paradise is my favorite, yet both serve different purposes (for me) of use.  They feel like a gel (solid but wet) and slick on the eye, giving enough time to blend before they set into a powder.  These make fabulous bases for shadows and even alone as a wash of color.  Precious Pearl, like Icy Mint, is more toward sheer in color.

These Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream-Gel Shadow ($6.99) are limited edition and will be available at select mass retailers nationwide for the month of May 2013 only.

This is my first passage into the fuzzy-textured type of nail art manicure.  I must say, I’ve been interested.  It’s easier to do than you would think, though rather messy.  For my testing pleasure, the Layla Velvet Effect Textured Nail Color in Lemon Soft.

Simply paint the nail as desired and on the last pass of polish shake on the Layla Velvet Effect Textured Nail Color.  After the polish is dry brush off the excess texture.  I did both the shaking and brushing over the sink.  Tip: Do one finger at a time to ensure that your base polish is still wet and the Velvet Effect adheres well.

Lemon Soft is described as a luscious yellow, but I think it has a hint of green in there… so I’ll call it chartreuse.  You can place this product over any color while the polish is still wet and you’ll get the same effect.  I did it just over a clear polish so that the focus would stay on the Velvet Effect.

It’s pretty cool looking.. furry.. not something everyone is going to love.  I’m not a fan of a full mani of it but I think it makes a cool accent nail for an otherwise prissy mani.  And, hey, if anything it’s a conversation starter!

The top pic is taken with the flash and the bottom macro pic is taken with no flash.

You can purchase Layla Velvet Effect Textured Nail Color for $15.00 at Zappos.

Fashion Sets must be becoming some type of annual thing, because one year ago MAC released Fashion Sets for the first time, albeit a little different, but Fashion Sets none-the-less.

Where the Fashion Sets of 2012 brought about wearable shades (such as neutrals Myth and Spice), the Fashion Sets of 2013 brings us neons and brights, for the more confident makeup enthusiast (and also added in extra products like liners and shadows).

In addition to those extras come the usual lipsticks and lipglasses, including today’s post of Ablaze Lipstick.

Ablaze (bright apricot cream, matte) is a pigmented and vivid salmon color.  This shade is intense even after one pass on the lips and as a matte isn’t horribly drying.  As this fades out this will leave a very slight staining, and makes an excellent shade for Summer.

For more information on this collection, please see the Official Press Release.

MAC Fashion Sets Lipstick retails for $15.00 and are available at your local MAC counter (try Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s) or store, as well as online at maccosmetics.com.

First off, Little Black Bag customer service has been wonderful throughout any issue I’ve ever had with the products on this website.  Their stellar customer service is the ONLY reason I keep coming back to the site.  Always prompt, always above and beyond.  That being said, I’m about to give up on Little Black Bag.  This is the second month in a row that I received a damaged item, and at this point I don’t know if I want to risk it anymore.

I opened my bag with this product – the MMS Design Studio Studded Bow Crossbody in Nude.  I freaking love it.  To pieces, I love this thing.  It’s so girlie yet rock and roll.  When I opened it I was impressed with the color being more of a blush shade and I adore the studs as well as the size of the interior.

Now look at the first pic.  Does anything look off to you?  It should, the studs don’t go the whole way up.  So, I referenced a pic on the LBB Facebook page and noted the studs should have been all over the center of the bow.  But that’s not all.  When I opened the flap of the bag the middle of the bow detached on the bottom.  From the pic (see below) it seems glue came undone.  I tried to slide it back in the hole area to no avail.

To say I’m devastated might sound dramatic, but that’s putting it mildly.  I’m seriously so sad right now.

The jewelry items didn’t really have me on cloud nine either, so it’s like nothing saved this particular shipment lol The items pictured below are the Betsey Johnson Coral Reef Drop Earrings, the Stein & Blye Tassel Stone Drop Earrings and the Carol Dauplaise Nugget Stretch Bracelet.

The Betsey Johnson Coral Reef Drop Earrings are lightweight and very teen.  Cute, but definitely not my style, though they are visually nicer in person than they were on the website.  These were an item I ended up with that I didn’t want.  I actually had a $40 item that I couldn’t trade off either and I traded down thinking these would go better.

The Stein & Blye Tassel Stone Drop Earrings are actually pretty nice with a good heft, they just aren’t my style.  Another item I ended trading with that I didn’t want.

The Carol Dauplaise Nugget Stretch Bracelet was the only jewelry item that is my style and that I would wear quite a bit.  It’s just chunky enough to look fabulous for Summer but not so chunky that I can’t layer it.  I always have good luck on the Carol Dauplaise front!

So, the million dollar question, what do you think of this month’s Little Black Bag?  I’d have been thrilled if the MMS bag would have been in good condition.  I’m just really disappointed, because I know this bag sold out quickly and there is just no hope of a replacement.  Winner, winner chicken dinner!  They had another bag on hand so a replacement is on it’s way!  WOOOOO I am so flipping happy!  LBB Customer Service shoots and scores again!

For information on Little Black Bag please refer to this post.

If you’re interested in opening your own Little Black Bag here is a referral link for you!  

Disclaimer: I purchase my own LBB, but there is a referral link(s) in this post, which gives me credit once you open and bag and it ships.  Every member of LBB gets the referral link option.

Tom Ford makes some pricey, yet excellent eye shadow brushes.  I definitely don’t have the funds for a huge multiple purchase of these, but they looked amazing and fellow bloggers have given them high praise.  Because of this, I decided on a tried and true firm brush that I’d be able to use for multiple looks – the Eye Shadow Contour Brush.

What Neiman Marcus says about the Tom Ford Eye Shadow Contour Brush:

Tom Ford’s brush collection is designed to bring ease and luxury to the process of creating your look—they make expert makeup application completely effortless.

The Tom Ford Eye Shadow Contour Brush, developed with natural hair, ensures a flawless crease and corner eye shadow application. A perfect companion for the Tom Ford Eye Color Quads. Handle is designed for true comfort and balance.

This brush is very, very firm.  Even more so than the MAC 239.  It packs on the pigment of the eye shadow so that all of the color hits the lid and you’re not left with dusting or fall-out all over your cheeks.  The slight angle makes it ideal for getting just the right outer V shading.

The Tom Ford Eye Shadow Contour Brush retails for $55.00 and is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

I’m so excited to share with you my first Tory Burch purchase!  I’ve been stalking her designs for awhile now, looking to invest in the perfect piece to fit into my every day lifestyle.  Finally, on ShopBop, I struck gold with the Amalie Adjustable Mini Bag.

After that, it took about two more days to decide between Black and Nutmeg.  In the end, Nutmeg won out because I feel like if I just want a plain black bag then the purse itself should be a little flashier in terms of hardware.

What ShopBop says about the Tory Burch Amalie Bag:

Designed with 3 compartments and accented with a topstitched T, this Tory Burch bag is a chic way to carry the essentials. Antiqued hardware and adjustable cross-body strap. Lined.

Leather: Cowhide.
Weight: 20oz / 0.56kg.
Imported, China.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: 5.5in / 14cm
Length: 8in / 20.5cm
Depth: 3in / 7.5cm
Strap drop: 24in / 61cm

In terms of being exactly what I was looking for, this bag is a win.  I love the color, texture and overall look and design.  Three zippered pockets mean I can keep organized and the box shape is actually quite roomy.

My biggest gripe, is the adjustable strap is simply “stick this rivet through the hole and pray it doesn’t come undone”.  Which it did.  In the middle of the mall.  My whole deal with wanting a cross body was so that I was hands and worry free so I could keep tabs on my kids.  I really don’t want to have to stress out about a bag too.  I was definitely disappointed because other than that, it’s exactly perfect.  I am hoping that this one just had a dud for a strap and an exchange will fix it!

The Tory Burch Amalie Adjustable Mini Bag retails for $350 and this particular design can be purchased at ShopBop.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour has been long bragged about from my Makeup Wars buddies, so I figured I needed to see this magic for myself!  This product is available in 12 shades, so I purchased two of my favorites from the bunch to swatch, test and share with you!  Please enjoy the Summery shades of Sand Glow and Rose Gold!

What Sephora says about Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour:

What it is:
An eye pencil that offers a new technique to enhance the smoky eye look.

What it does:
Inspired by Laura Mercier’s cult classic Caviar Eye Liner, Caviar Stick Eye Colour is offered in a range of beautiful shades and in a creamy formula to provide endless options for a flawless smoky eye. Each convenient stick is long-wearing, transfer-proof, and crease-resistant. The color glides onto lids and blends easily with a rich pigment-payoff.

What else you need to know:
This product was dermatologist-tested.

Sand Glow is described as a soft bronze shimmer.  I was thinking more antiqued bronze.

Rose Gold is described as a rosy gold shimmer.  It’s that perfect flash of a brand new rose gold bracelet from Cartier.  *sigh* =)

The Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks are wonderfully pigmented and rich.  I loved how creamy these felt while they glided on, giving ample time to work with (blend and smudge) before setting.  I tested these all day on their own as well as with a powder shadow on top and they didn’t budge… no migrating, no creasing.

I posted an eye look previously to my Instagram.  Rose Gold is smudged all the way up to the brow and I dabbed Sand Glow at the outer v and into the crease and blended with my finger.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour retails for $24.00 and is available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

I’m going to be honest, if garbage sparkled like this I would not be putting it out on the curb once a week for someone to haul it away.  Sparkling Garbage is from the 2013 Orly Summer Mash Up Collection and is the stand out of the other shades, which are more creamy or chrome.

Sparkling Garbage is teal with obscene amounts of holographic glitter throughout.  It boarders on sheer (with the above swatch being three coats) but it’s so bling you can’t tell as much in person.  This would be so flipping gorgeous to layer.

What are some of your fave combos using Orly Sparkling Garbage??

For more information on this collection, please see the Official Press Release.

The Mash Up Collection will be available starting May 2013 for $8.50 each. ORLY Nail Lacquers and Treatment products are available at orlybeauty.com, Sally Beauty, Ulta and other purveyors of beauty throughout the U.S. and in over 100 countries worldwide.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Stain comes to us available in four shades – Magical in Mauve, Radiant in Rose, Pretty in Peony and today’s post of Matte Sweet Apple.

What the IT Cosmetics website says about Vitality Cheek Stain:

Vitality Cheek Flush is a cheek stain infused into a powder! Developed with plastic surgeons, this hydrating, brightening, and antiaging blush gives the perfect naturally pretty flush of color to the cheeks and lasts. This truly innovative formula contains It Cosmetics’ Hydra-Luxe technology, including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grape seed, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your skin. Plus, Vitality Cheek Flush is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, acai, green tea, and white tea. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Made in the USA.

Matte Sweet Apple is a juicy pinked apple red.  Almost like brand new sunburn, but without the skin cancer.  This shade is ridiculously pigmented.  Think of the most pigmented blush you’ve ever heard of and this one beats it by about 1,000.  You don’t need much powder on your brush to achieve a flush of color.  The formula is soft, easy to use and blendable.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Stain retails for $24.00 and is available on the website as well as at QVC and in Canada at theshoppingchannel.com.

New product time!  For the Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection, Dior brings out three Jelly Lip Pens!  I wouldn’t exactly call them “pens” more like a crayon with a lot of slip.  Regardless of the name, I’m in love.

What Sephora says about the Dior Jelly Lip Pen:

What it is:
A saturated lip color that delivers hydration, shine, and rich pigment.

What it does:
A true beauty multitasker, the exclusive jelly-like formula is available in three richly saturated hues offering an all-in-one treatment to deliver the hydration of a balm, the high-shine of a gloss, and the pigment of a lipstick. This jumbo pencil sharpens with a simple twist and is ideal for easy, smooth, touch-and-go application.

What else you need to know:
Christian Dior has always been influenced by Latin America and its luxuriant and shimmering tropical nature, which can be seen in his dresses from 1948 onward. Drawing from this passion, the 2013 Summer Look is an invitation to an exotic journey.

There are three Jelly Lip Pens within this collection:

Copacabana 516 – shimmering nude beige

Carioca 636 – shimmering pink apricot

Gaïa 656 – shimmering watermelon pink

I really thought there would be one I didn’t like, but each shade is so silky and luxurious….perfect for summer shine and moisture.  They aren’t hugely pigmented but are sweetly tinted to add a nice, demure pop of color to a bold statement look on the eye.

It’s devastating that these are limited edition, so hopefully Dior will at least bring out a couple with each collection so I can keep stocked!

Dior Jelly Lip Pens retail for $26.00 each.  The Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection will be available for a limited time at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Ave and dior.com.