Macy's Clinique "Purchase With Purchase" Offer

Clinique and I used to be the best of friends (read: Clinique used to be the only make-up line I would shop consistently!) Though you can't turn to this brand if you are seeking bright, dramatic, over-the-top colors, you can always depend on Clinique to deliver very wearable, natural shades which can transition from day to night. They also have great skincare.

I was browsing cosmetics counters one day, as I am wont to do, and I decided to reacquaint myself with the brand's offerings. As soon as I approached the display, I was greeted by a lovely pink shade of lipstick, the Butter Shine Lipstick in Pink-a-Boo (and yes, the Sales Associate greeted me as well!). First off, if you know me, you know that I can't resist a pink lipstick! So that automatically caught my attention. Secondly, how cute is the name of that lippie?!? Admittedly, it made me smile.

As I stood there swatching the lipstick - I was immediately impressed by the smooth texture and glossy finish - the SA shifted my attention to a cute set, Clinique's Sunny-Side Favorites: five full-size products including a special edition palette. She informed me that the set was $32.50 (a $92 value) with any purchase. She showed me the two color options being offered: pink and bronze. Each collection contains some of Clinique's make-up and skincare greats: a Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser Mousse, All About Eyes, a Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, a High Impact Mascara, and a cute compact housing four eyeshadows and one blush shade. I was taken in by the value and the pinks of course caught me in their web.

I ended up with the Butter Shine Lipstick and the set of pink favorites, which included a lip gloss in Air Kiss, a gorgeous, slightly shimmery baby pink, eyeshadows in Sparkle Pink, Lucky Penny, Precious Pink, and Black Amethyst, and a blush in Cupid. In addition to the cosmetics items, the kit also came with an adorable pink and white summer tote bag!

The bag:

The goodies inside:

A close up of the palette:

Lipstick in Pink-a-Boo:

I loved the lipstick packaging. It reminded me of Bamboo (the shiny metal version!)

L-R: Butter Shine Lipstick in Pink-a-Boo, Long Last Glosswear SPF15 in Air Kiss, blush in Cupid

L-R, T-B: Sparkle Pink, Lucky Penny, Precious Pink, Black Amethyst shadows

All of the colors are soft, natural, and have a pretty shimmer to them. Check out Clinique's line of cosmetics and skincare at Macy's stores and on the Macy's website, for this special offer, while supplies last. You can, of course, find Clinique products at other department stores, Sephora, and at the Clinique website.

I also really love Clinique's Long Pretty Lashes mascara for beautiful natural looking lashes. Do you have any favorites? What are your thoughts on the set I featured?

Celebrate Independence Day With a Free Gift From Benefit!

Come celebrate the upcoming July 4th holiday with Benefit Cosmetics! With any $50 purchase at the Benefit website, receive a free double-ended lip gloss. To redeem this offer, enter the code JULYFOUR at checkout (and don't forget to add the item to your shopping bag before you check out!) The two shades of lip gloss you will get - the glosses are new to the Benefit line - are Air Kiss (a golden nude) and Friends in High Places (a sparkling raspberry).


So, go snag some of your Benefit faves (I love the Creaseless Cream Shadows and I've been itching to try Coralista blush!) and test-drive this new lip gloss formula. Benefit promises it will deliver "the perfect payoff, dazzling shine, and would never dream of being sticky." Sounds great to me!

Dior Addict Lip Polish - Swatches and Review

I had never tried a Dior lip gloss before, so when I spotted this new product, the Dior Addict Lip Polish, I was really interested in giving it a closer look. This gloss, which is touted to be a lip polish and primer in one, is available in three colors. Each of them contains a "spin-on" applicator, a revolutionary design intended to deliver the right amount of high-shine glossy goodness to the lips. The Lip Polish contains "hyaluronic microspheres and ultrareflective mother-of-pearl pigments" to create highly moisturized and glossy lips.


The three shades available are intended to each impart a different effect, as Sephora describes:

Fresh Expert: the pink tone restores lips' youthfulness and promotes fresh-looking beauty

Glow Expert: the light coral tone adds sheer, warm color to lips to give luminosity and glow

Radiance Expert: the beige tone optimally re-balances the natural color of lips and illuminates them with radiance

L-R: Glow Expert, Fresh Expert, Radiance Expert

Glow Expert Lip Polish and a look at the packaging

These glosses can be found at Sephora stores and online at their website, and retail for $29.50. The packaging is definitely sleek and sophisticated in the usual Dior way, and the gloss does make the lips look shiny and helps keep them moisturized.

While I enjoy the feeling of the rotating brush on my lips, however, I don't feel that that quality, though unique, justifies spending almost $30 on a sheer lip gloss. When swatched some color is apparent, but on the lips, I didn't notice much beyond the glossiness. The gloss might be nice to use to prep the lips for further color. It is intended to mimic the effect that runway makeup artists create on the models. After swiping a cotton ball across their lips to exfoliate them, they use petroleum jelly to prime the surface of the lips. Much cheaper products than this Dior gloss, therefore, can be used to the same end.


What do you think? Have you tried out the Dior Addict Lip Polish? Are there other products in the Dior line that you rave about (or ones you dislike)? You know the drill!

Free Shipping Offer From Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is offering free ground shipping on US orders of $50 on their website through Monday, June 29th! Did somebody say Lip Tars?!? Check them out if you love intensely pigmented lip colors like I do! Two new shades, Vintage and Plum are now available.

In addition the the Lip Tars, there are also some really hot loose pigments and nail polishes.

Enter code FS835 at checkout (under Special Instructions) when you order from http://www.obsessivecompulsivemakeup.com/.

Happy shopping everyone! Don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know if you pick up anything!

Getting To Know The Beauty Chick: Girl, You Smell Good

OK, so I know that fragrance preferences are very subjective - the scent that one individual might love could be an odor that another just can't stand. Perfumes work with body chemistry. The effect of the very same fragrance might come off slightly differently from one person to the next.

With this in mind, this post is meant less to recommend perfumes that I think you should check out, but more to give you a little more insight into the persona of "The Beauty Chick" - what I love and what makes me tick. Nevertheless, If I do give you some ideas of products you might want to try, that would be great!

I generally have around five bottles of perfume in circulation at any given time. I love to rotate my favorites. I'm definitely not the type that waits to finish one fragrance being before starting another. Hey, they all need some love! My favorite scents are generally fruity, have hints of vanilla, are slightly floral, and are, of course, very girly ;-)

Here are some of the fragrances that get me going in the morning:

Chanel - Chance Eau Fraiche (3.4 oz, $90)

Dior - Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum (1.7 oz, $72)

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum (3.4 oz, $85)

Burberry - London Eau de Parfum (1.7 oz.)

This one I use more for nights out.

Sarah Jessica Parker - Lovely Eau de Parfum (3.4 oz., $68)

*I usually am not a fan of perfumes with celebrity names attached to them, but Lovely I really found to be"lovely" and I couldn't resist ;-)

Lavanila - Pure Vanilla Eau de Parfum (rollerball, $18)

I love when perfumes are available in rollerball form. These are great to keep in your purse for those days when you're in a hurry in the morning (you can swipe some on while you're rushing to get to work!) or for some "touch-ups" during the day. This one, by Lavanila Laboratories, is made with all natural ingredients.

There you have it - a few of my favorite perfumes. I'm the kind of gal who can't get through a day without a little spritz of something sweet. These perfumes can be found at Sephora and other department stores (see stores and their websites for pricing info on other sizes available). I often get many of my perfumes from outlet stores. You can find some great deals and they usually have a nice selection of current and popular scents. The Fragrance Outlet and Perfumania are great for discounted prices. You can check out http://www.premiumoutlets.com/ to find the center nearest to you that has one of these stores.

What are some of your favorite perfumes? Are there some you just can't get enough of? Share with me!

Illamasqua: Unleash Your "Alter-Ego"

I have heard so much great talk about the British make-up line, Illamasqua, in recent months, that ever since starting this blog, I have wanted to write my own piece about it. This is hopefully going to be my first post of several on this brand. To start off, I wanted to provide some background info on the company, what factors have influenced them to create their product range, and what they stand for.

Illamasqua pulls heavily from the "dark and illicit 1920's club scene" as well as the "alternative" cultures and their tendency towards the more dramatic. Illamasqua is all about "unleashing (one's) alter-ego," not being afraid to experiment with one's looks, and viewing personal style as the ultimate way to express the inner self. Each individual should be the master of his/her uniqueness, irregardless of what others think. The brand's products - with the professional quality and the wide range of products and colors being offered - allow for a great deal of self-expression. Intense, bold color is not shunned at all here!! All of the products are designed to be "color-intense, color-true, and long lasting."

Aside from being a brand that prides itself on "bucking the trends" in favor of doing what pleases the individual, Illamasqua can also state with confidence that their products are cruelty-free - absolutely no testing is done on animals.

I have to say every time (and this has become a daily occurence!) that I glance at the Illamasqua website, I am amazed - perhaps, in fact, slightly overwhelmed by the incredible products being advertised. There truly is something for everyone out there among the lipsticks, glosses, shadows, and face products! The images displayed on the site are stunning, too! Take a look!

To say that I am impressed at the quality of the artistry, is a most definite understatement!

I will say that these products are relatively pricey, however - roughly $23 (14 £) each for a lipstick and a single powder eyeshadow, for example. Nevertheless, this is really not too bad for high quality, pigmented make-up.

I am planning to provide you all with more specific reviews and swatches once I purchase some items from the brand, but in the meantime, check out the Illamasqua site at http://www.illamasqua.com/ for more information on the brand and to shop online. While this is a UK-based company, they do ship to areas outside of the country (but, man, I really do wish I were living in the UK right about now!)

Also, Illamasqua has recently launched their own blog. You can follow them at http://illamasqua.blogspot.com/.

Thoughts on Illamasqua? Are you as intrigued as I am?

Do Not Gloss This Over: A Closer Look At Huge Lips Skinny Hips

I've already given you all an intro to the Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip gloss, the first product (hopefully in a long list of many!) created by Karen Robinovitz, the mastermind behind the PurpleLab brand. In this post, I'm going to give you a more in depth review of the product, including lots of yummy swatches.

First off, I LOVE the way this gloss feels on my lips! The formula is so moisturizing and the color applies effortlessly. Each gloss includes a doe-foot applicator, one of the softest I have ever encountered. It's interesting, but you almost don't feel the gloss going onto your lips. The end result, though, are some amazingly juicy, bee-stung, "huge" lips, the smell/taste of which are intoxicatingly fruity! I can't really comment on the appetite-suppressing aspect of the gloss....for those of you who know me well, you can vouch for the fact that there truly is not much that can curb my appetite!! When I'm wearing this gloss, however, I can't stop licking my lips (so that helps me a bit!)

There are currently six shades available: No Panty Lines (clear), Kitty Pole Dancer (nude), Love Your Thighs (coral-pink with subtle gold shimmer), Red Sole (red with subtle shimmer), Lychee Martini (peach), and Worship Kate (berry). I said it once, and I'll say it again....these names are too cute!! All of the glosses contribute sheer, yet buildable (and delicious!) color.

The two colors that I have in my collection (so far!) are Love Your Thighs and Red Sole. Both have become staples in my summer make-up bag. The colors are so versatile (even the red is sooo subtle and wearable!!)

L-R: Love Your Thighs and Red Sole

Love Your Thighs

Red Sole

And for some swatches of the entire Huge Lips Skinny Hips collection:

L-R, T-B: Red Sole, Worship Kate, Love Your Thighs, Lychee Martini, Kitty Pole Dancer

**The only gloss not swatched is No Panty Lines, as the clear wouldn't show up well in photos

The other amazing thing about the Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip glosses is that they seem to have nice staying power. I was able to eat and drink, and the lip gloss stayed pretty well on my lips! Even when the gloss wears down, you're left with a gorgeous stain!

Please check out the line of Huge Lips Skinny Hips glosses! They will give you sexy, plump lips without the overpowering sensation many plumpers provide. As mentioned previously, they retail for $20. You can go to http://www.purplelabnyc.com/ for more info on where to buy them.....they're constantly popping up at new locations! I found mine at the SpaceNK inside of my local Bloomingdale's. I'm pretty sure Lychee Martini and Kitty Pole Dancer will be coming home with me soon ;-).

I Have An Adorable Blog? Really? I'm So Flattered!!

I am really feeling the love! Thanks so much to one of my dearest friends, the gorgeous Adina of Krasey Beauty, for nominating me for this award! Being new to the beauty blogging scene, this really feels amazing :-)


The Adorable Blog Award rules are as follows:


--Include the logo in your blog or post


--Nominate as many blogs which you like


--Be sure to link your nominees within your post


--Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog


--Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received this award



I nominate the following lovely ladies:


--The Makeup Snob - I love her blog! The layout is great and her reviews are really informative and fun to read! She includes great pictures, which are always very helpful to get a sense of what the products look like. She is also one of the sweetest gals ever!! Check her out!


--The Informed Makeup Maven - This girl is awesome! She features and reviews so many amazing products/brands. I love reading her posts! She is also very receptive to comments and gives great recommendations and suggestions!


--Clumps of Mascara - Specializing in giving the low-down on which mascaras to buy or to skip (I bet you had no idea from her name, right? hehe), Brittany provides excellent reviews on these products and so much more! She has an infectious personality, sure to brighten up any room.


--Yummy411 - This gorgeous girl loves to talk makeup and beauty.....and guess what?!? I love to listen to what she has to say! Everyone should definitely check her blog out! It's great :-)

Bare Escentuals 20% Off Friends and Family Sale

From now until June 21st, receive 20% off on purchases made at the Bare Escentuals website or at Bare Escentuals boutiques nation-wide (http://tinyurl.com/sharingthelove for printable coupon). Some restrictions apply.

Check out BE online at http://www.bareescentuals.com/ for products and to find retail locations near you.

Are you going to take advantage of this sale? Leave me a comment and let me know!

'Choo' On This: Jimmy Choo to Collaborate with H & M

(Photo of Tamara Mellon is from the Jimmy Choo website)

Good news for all of you shoe lovers out there! The much sought-after, British-based designer shoe line, Jimmy Choo, loved by many a celebtrity, is planning a collaboration with H&M. Set to launch November 14, 2009, the collection will feature a range of shoes and handbags (of course!) as well as clothing to coordinate with the accessories. This collaboration will mark the first time H&M will be joining forces with an accessories brand. There will even be a line of men's shoes, bags, and accessories, so your husband or boyfriend will really have no excuse to complain! This affordable line will hit 200 H&M stores world-wide and it is undoubtedly going to FLY off of the shelves! I can already see the lines a mile long in NYC. Tamara Mellon, the Founder and President of Jimmy Choo, is said to be extremely excited about the up-coming Fall collaboration (as am I!!!) I can't wait! Lucky for me, my birthday is in November ;-)

In the meantime, be sure to check out H&M's affordable fashions at their stores around the world. You can also find further info at http://www.hm.com/. If you would like to check out some of the beautiful products Jimmy Choo has to offer (and for more on the brand), you can take a look-see at http://www.jimmychoo.com/.

Thoughts? Are you all as excited as I am???

**Source of information: http://www.hm.com/

Mario Badescu: Skincare's Got Me All Excited Again

OK, I have a confession to make. This beauty fiend right here has not always been so good at keeping up a healthy skincare routine. While I always wash my face twice a day (with a generic facial cleanser), I'm not as devoted to a regimen of exfoliating and moisturizing as I know I should be. I think the skin on my face would best be described as combination - I get the occasional oily T-zone, with drier patches on my cheeks and chin. The rest of my skin, however, is nothing short of dry, dry, dry! My arms and my legs especially crave moisture, even in the balmy summer months. I'm hearing my skin's faint plea more and more lately to wake up and stop neglecting it. I think I'm finally ready to listen!

The foundation of any good makeup routine has to start with keeping up with skincare. I'm happy to report that the Mario Badescu skincare line has really helped to rekindle the flame inside me. I recently received samples of three of their products: the Seaweed Cleansing Soap, the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, and their Vitamin "E" Body Lotion (Wheat Germ).

Here are some details about each product:

Seaweed Cleansing Soap - This facial cleanser gently exfoliates the face while removing makeup residue. This product contains seaweed extract as well as actual bits of seaweed in it (I know I love eating seaweed - sushi anyone?), so I think I am going to dig rubbing it on my face! The cleanser is available in two sizes: 8 oz. ($12) and 16 oz. ($20).

Cucumber Cleansing Lotion - This astringent (which I think would work nicely after washing with the seaweed cleanser), helps to disinfect and remove any residue left on the skin's surface. This toner is available in three sizes: 8 oz. ($15), 16 oz. ($26), and 32 oz. ($45).

Vitamin "E" Body Lotion (Wheat Germ) - I am so excited to introduce this product. This "non-greasy, light and creamy" lotion is going to be welcomed by my body without a doubt. First of all, I must say that I love the scent of this lotion. Honey extract lends a delicious fragrance, while acting all the while to seal in the skin's own moisture. This baby is getting slathered on my thirsty skin ASAP. The lotion is available in two sizes: 6 oz. (for $10) and 16 oz. (for $22).

Here is a photo of the line-up:

From left to right: Seaweed Cleansing Soap, Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, Vitamin "E" Body Lotion

I have gotten the chance to try out the two face products one time each, and as initial observations, I really like the way they make my face feel (and they both smell great!) I am going to continue to use these products so that I can form a definitive opinion on them.

Mario Badescu skincare has been around for 40 years, and specializes in personalized skincare and treatments - they offer products to help deal with acne, the effects of aging, and to combat a variety of other skin issues. With something for everyone, Mario Badescu has garnered a long list of celebrity devotees.

Mario Badescu products can be purchased at the following locations:

Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon - 320 East 52nd Street in NYC (800) BADESCU

Online at http://www.mariobadescu.com/

A variety of Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/), Henri Bendel, and Fred Segal stores

Definitely check out the Mario Badescu line! They have renewed my interest in all things skin and I can't wait to write more in-depth reviews of the products I have!

Have you tried any of their products yet? Do you want to? Share your experiences! I'm already working on my Mario Badescu wish-list ;-)

Kryolan VIVA Brilliant Color Medley 15-Color Palette: Review and Swatches

One of the brands that I was most excited to check out at the Make Up Show in NYC this year was Kryolan. Long known for their creation of make-up for the professional sectors of theater, film, and television, Kryolan has been looking to expand into the beauty realm. I knew that I was going to try something from the Kryolan range, but I didn't know what it would be....that is until I was able to scope out the goods in person. Luckily for me, about five minutes after reaching the counter, I had my mind set on their VIVA Brilliant Color Medley 15-Color Palette. What really drew me to this palette was the fact that it included pretty much any color that you could want or need to create a variety of different coordinated looks, from a neutral everyday-suitable eye, to a smokey eye, to a bright and colorful eye. This would be a great palette to bring with you on trips. This one palette should have you covered, day-time to night-time!! The palette itself, which I believe cost me $70 (a great deal for 15 fairly large pans....definitely much larger than MAC pans), is made of a sturdy silver plastic with the Kryolan name and logo on the front. Included in the palette is a nice-sized mirror that could easily be used when applying these gorgeous shadows. What I also love about this palette is that all of the shadows come labeled with their color names. This obviates any need to create homemade labels - I like that! All of the colors are also suitable for use on the face and body and can be applied dry or wet (for a more dramatic effect).

So, on to the good stuff - the pictures, of course! I'm going to start out with a recent EOTD that I did using the pink and purple shades found in the palette. Unfortunately, I have discovered that many heavily pigmented pink and purples don't agree with my eyes - I must have some sort of allergy. Regardless, I was in love with the colors ;-)

Products used:

Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Kryolan Raspberry shadow (on the lid)

Kryolan Dragon Fruit shadow (in the crease)

Kryolan Cassis Shadow (in the crease)

Kryolan Lychee shadow (highlight)

MUFE Aqua Creamliner in No. 5

Clinique Long Pretty Lashes Mascara

(Note: The unkempt brows have since been tended to!)

Now for the swatches of the shadows!

Top row from left to right: Lychee, Peach, Raspberry

Bottom row from left to right: Blue Coral, Gold, Silver, Copper

Top row from left to right: Dragon Fruit, Blueberry, Orange

Middle row from left to right: Blackberry, Walnut, Wild Cherry, Cassis

Bottom row: Lime

I really like the duochrome nature of Raspberry; it reminds me a bit of Urban Decay's Deluxe shadow in Fishnet. All of the colors include Mica, which lends to their pearlescent finish.

This palette, and other Kryolan products, can be found at a variety of online retailers for purchase (it does not appear, however, that you can purchase at the Kryolan website).

I would recommend checking out this palette. It's a great value and the colors are very versatile - an endless number of combinations can be created.

View the Kroylan product range at http://www.kryolan.com/.

Have you tried anything by Kryolan before? Please share!

Sephora Favorites Kits

On a recent trip to Sephora, I was happy to come across these cute collections of some of Sephora's favorite products. The five kits featured some of the most sought after items in different beauty/makeup categories: skincare and makeup, lips, mascaras (one set each of waterproof and non-waterproof), and eyes and brows.

Here are the details about what you can find in each one:

Naturally Gorgeous Skincare and Make-Up Sampler

This set includes sample sizes of the following:

Korres Silicone-Free Vitamin E Face Primer

Tarte EmphasEYES

Tarte Lash Hugger

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream

Plant Love Blush in Peony

Jose Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil

Everything you need to create a radiant complexion! This set retails for $40.

Get Pink'd Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler

Includes deluxe samples of the following:

Laura Geller Lip Strip

DuWop Prime Venom

Korres Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in Fuschia

Sephora Super Shimmer in Think Pink

Stila Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain

Smashbox O-Gloss

Calvin Klein Lipstick in Mesmerize

Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted

Calvin Klein Plumping Gloss in Bloom

This kit hooks you up with products to help you achieve the perfect pink pout. It retails for $37.

Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler

This set includes samples of the following:

Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes

Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara

Stila Multi Effect Mascara

Benefit Bad Gal Mini

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash

Too Faced Mini Lash Injection Pin Point

Smashbox Bionic

Lancome Cils Booster

DuWop Lash Venom

Korres Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara

I have to say I am most excited about this one. I missed out on the Lashstash kits when they were available around holiday-time (I believe)! They sold out sooo quickly! This one offers slightly different options than the previous one, but it still provides a great way to try out different mascaras. I, like many others, am always in search of my HG mascara. With eleven mascaras to choose from, there's a good possibility you'll find a new favorite. This collection retails for $39.

Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler

This set includes deluxe samples of the following products:

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes

Too Faced Mini Lash Injection

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash

Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes Makeup Remover

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes

Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Electric

Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof

With this kit you get to sample a variety of waterproof and smudgeproof products, ranging from mascaras to eyeliners to a product to remove your eye makeup at the end of the day. This set definitely allows you to try out a good number of Make Up For Ever items, too! This collection retails for $36.

Blink, Winks, and Brows Eye Deluxe Sampler

This kit includes:

Sephora Electro Liner in Copper

Anastasia Brow Gel

Anastasia Matte Highlighter

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover

Cosmedicine Opti-Mologist Eye Cream

Smashbox Mini Cream Eyeliner Palette

Stila Mini Smudge Pot

Smashbox Mini Eyeshadow Trio in Head Shot

This final set that I mentioned contains some really great products, many of which I would love to try out (like Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Anastasia Brow Gel). The kit retails for $40.

I think these collections of Sephora's favorites are great values. It's great to get the opportunity to test out new products before you invest in any full-size ones. You're bound to find a new love among these offerings! These limited edition goodies can all be found at Sephora stores and will be available soon at http://www.sephora.com/. Check 'em out!!

Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipsticks: Review and Swatches

So, word on the street is that Max Factor will be phased out of stores in the U.S. by 2010. That saddens me, because I recently tried out their Vivid Impact Lipsticks and I really liked them! I always seemed to pass the Max Factor display by, eyeing the products, but telling myself that on my next trip to the drugstore I would actually try something out. Finally, on one occasion, I did. I stood in front of the lipstick display trying to pick a color to sample. After standing for quite a while in front of the lipstick display looking for just the right color, I ended up picking three: No. 16 Ms. Understood, a nice fuschia pink, No. 48 Bitten, a berry wine color, and No. 64 Ms. Behave, a peachy-coral. Of course, as soon as I got home from the store I swatched them all to experience the texture and finish of the products. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the lipsticks that I had picked up from Harmon Discount for a whopping $6.79 each! These lippies applied very smoothly and felt extremely moisturizing on the lips. They each imparted a nice glossy finish and had nice pigmentation to boot.

No. 16 Ms. Understood

No. 48 Bitten

No. 64 Ms. Behave

From left to right: 16, 48, 64

You can find these lipsticks, as well as other Max Factor products, at many drugstores (I know that Duane Reade stores in my area carry the line), Harmon Discount stores, and online at http://www.maxfactor.com/. Prices may vary slightly from retailer to retailer, but they should be under $10 regardless.

I would definitely recommend checking out these lipsticks. I was very impressed with them; they weren't drying or dull. I'm now interested in trying out some of the other Max Factor products. Too bad they're going to be leaving us in a year! I better hurry!

Have any of you had experiences with this product or any others from the Max Factor brand? Let me know if you have tried anything that you liked (or didn't like!) If you haven't yet gotten to know this brand, do you think you might check it out while you still can? I want to hear from you :-)