Review: Annabelle Volume Lip Gloss in Sweet Tweet

Over the past few weeks, Annabelle's Volume Lip (lip pumping gloss) has found a home in my purse.  In other words, it's been a go-to gloss that I can rely on to match any look or outfit at any time!  The shade I've been sporting is Sweet Tweet, but it comes in 5 other shades:

Snapshot taken from Annabelle website

Sweet Tweet is a sheer pink with a pearly finish.  I find it pales out my lips, which I tend to like over deeply pigmented glosses.  It's got a smooth texture that leaves a glossy feel (with a small hint of sticky-ness) for at least an hour or two.  Given that it's supposed to be a lip plumper there is no tingle or burn upon application, which makes me question if it really does plump the lips.  I personally did not see a difference, but I think the fact that it's a luminous finish (rather than high shine) helps to create the appearance of a more pouty lip...and I'll take that any day! 


This gloss has a built-in applicator - you've got to squeeze the product out of the slim tube, which is probably my least favourite thing about this gloss.  I find the tube to be fairly stiff making it hard to push the product and keep it out for application. Sometimes I have to use two hands to apply...which makes me wonder how I'll get the product out when I reach the end of the tube?      
Also, the tube doesn't  indicate the name of the shade anywhere on it...but once you've got it the name is not that important anyway - right?  I have heard that Annabelle is working on new packaging, so hopefully it will be available in more a more application-friendly tube soon!

Overall (aside from the packaging) I am quite pleased with this gloss.  It retails for approximately $8.50CAD and can be found as a limited edition item across Canada, but has a permanent home at Pharmaprix.

Here's the gloss in my FOTD pic for today:

 

On a side note - this is my day 5 hair...can you believe it?  I don't think I've ever gone this long.  It was a little stringy and frizzy at the ends so I smoothed in some Moroccan oil, brushed it out,  and finger-combed it into a side braid.  Tonight's definitely a hair-washing night but I am quite impressed that I made it to FIVE days!


Disclaimer: This product was provided to me by Marcelle Group for consideration only. The above post consists of my honest opinion and thoughts on the product.

FOTD: Lancome ft. Fast Kisses

My last temptation was the limited edition Lancome L'Absolu Rouge lipstick in Fast Kisses (read about it here).  I ordered it online last Saturday and got it in the mail on Thursday.  YAY!  Here's how it looks:

Please excuse the chapped lips!

I am sooo happy I got my hands on this!  It's just the shade I've been missing in my collection - a deep pink with blue undertones that's true to its colour (not too red or too orange).  Throughout the day, as the product faded I was left with a deep stain that made it appear as if I were still wearing the lipstick - a long-lasting shade that survived my lunch and coffee breaks :)  My lips were hydrated, soft and pink throughout the day - in my mind it was totally worth the $42 (including shipping) I paid for it.

PS:  This is the most expensive lipstick I've ever bought!  I've always been hesitant to cross into expensive makeup, but now that I have, I foresee this becoming a habit :S

I combined this lipstick with the Lancome Colour Design eyeshadow and Definiciles waterproof mascara I bought yesterday (read about these purchases here) - here's the look:

And another photo just for fun:

I loved this look today!  I felt a little retro sporting a teal shadow and pink lips...but I loved every second of it!  Hooray for bright summer colours!

SDM Optimum Redemption Haul & Minty French Tip

This weekend is Redemption weekend at Shoppers Drug Mart.  Typically 40,000 Optimum points will get you $75 worth of product...today it was $100!  So of course I went on a mini haul to spend my points and here's what I ended up with:

Back Row:

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Clear'd for Takeoff ($8.49)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Colour in Mint Sprint ($6.99)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Colour in Snappy Sorbet ($6.99)

Essie Nail Polish in Splash of Grenadine (SALE $6.50)

Middle Row:

Annabelle Lipliners in Fuchsia and Flame ($4.99 each)

Lancome Colour Design Eye Shadow in Personal Style ($22)

Front Row:

Nailene Perfect Tips French Polish Guides (pack of 96 stickers SALE $2.54)

I still had a few more dollars to spend and really wanted to buy the Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover (regularly $34 - I LOVE this product), when I saw the Lancome Beach Essentials pack.  Available for only $50 with the purchase of any one Lancome item, this is a great deal.  Here's what's included:

From left to right:  High Resolution Refill and Eye Refill (anti-wrinkle products, Bi-Facil makeup remover, Definiciles Waterproof mascara, Colour Design eye shadow palette, Poudre Soliel Bronzing powder, Detoxifying body scrub, and Juicy Tube in Creme Brulee. 

For only $16 more, I thought it was worth it to spend the $50 to receive the extra product.  With the 40,000 point redemption, I got away with spending only $28.24 on all of the products listed above.  Gotta love a sweet deal!  

As soon as I got home I started playing with the french tips and Mint Sprint nail colour...and created these minty french tips:

There's my favourite little guy on my finger :)

I don't typically experiment with different nail colours like this, but lately I've been drawn to funky nails.  I don't know what it is but I'm quite enjoying different types of nail art :)

Are any of my Canadian readers planning to redeem points this weekend?  I'd love to hear about your hauls!

FOTD: Vasanti Cosmetics ft. Aruba Lipstick

Today, before I demoed for Vasanti Cosmetics at a local Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM), I turned to some of my favourite Vasanti products to create my Face of the Day:

Face:
- Liquid Cover Up in V4
- Facebase in V4
- Blush in Sayan (a sheer peachy shade)

Eyes:
- Eye Colour Palette in Tinseltown
- Eye Pencil in Volta
- Long Lash Mascara

Lips:
- Lipstick in Aruba

I'd like to put the spotlight on the Aruba lipstick in particular.  I wear this shade literally 3-4 times a week because it is simply gorgeous for the summer!  It's a relatively neutral shade that really stands out against tanned, summer skin.  If you are looking for a coral-pink that's not too much of either shade, you'll love it:  

This lipstick is ultra creamy and hydrating and will last for approximately 4 hours.  I can drink my morning coffee and sip on water in the morning without having to reapply until after lunch.  You may have noticed it in some of my previous posts, and you better believe you'll be seeing it often throughout the summer!  This lipstick retails for $15CAD and can be found in select SDMs and Rexall's across Canada, or online at www.vasanticosmetics.com. 

Running or Hair...can I have both?

HELP!  I need some advice!!

As you know, I'm training for a half marathon.  What that means is running 4-5 days a week during the months of July, August and September.  What that also means is a head full of sweat-drenched hair after every run.  Before I started training, I was in the habit of washing my hair every 3rd or 4th day...now I feel the need to wash almost every day.  I know that shampooing so often tends to strip the hair of it's natural oils leaving it dry and hard to style...but I also know that sweaty hair is smelly and gross...so what should I do???

I ran last night and decided not to wash my hair.  Instead I rinsed it with warm water and let it air-dry over night.  This morning it was wavy and frizzy, so I smoothed some Moroccan Oil in the ends, dusted some dry shampoo on the roots and sprayed a flexible hairspray all over.  It wasn't looking quite right and I was in a rush so I fingered it back into a loose braid.  That seemed to get me through the day, but I'm wondering if that's the best solution.

Does anyone have any maintenance advice for someone who will be working out often but doesn't want to wash their hair every day? 

If the shoe fits...

...you'll run better!  

Yesterday I attended my 2nd Running Room session for this year's 1/2 marathon training.  The topic of discussion was shoes.  I always knew that having the right shoe was important, but I didn't necessarily understand the mechanics behind it.  Here are a few tips I picked up:

1. Cross Trainer vs. Running Shoe - many "running shoes" today are not made for running.  When buying a shoe, make sure you know if it's a cross trainer (made for indoor activity with more lateral support and toe flexibility) or a running shoe (extra cushioning to support against the impact of running and specifically made for forward motion - stiffer in the toe area) 
2. Where's the support?  You have to understand what kind of feet you have in order to find a shoe with the right supports.  Do you have a flat foot?  High arch?  Are you heavy on the heels or do you run on your toes?  I would recommend going to a running store where the staff can help you determine your foot type.  The employee helping me at the Running Room looked on the bottom of my shoe to see where the wear was and it turns out I run more on my toes than my heels!  (this is good to know in the early stages of running so I can correct my form over time)
3. When to put the shoes to rest - Over time, running shoes wear down - the cushioning depletes, the rubber soles soften, and the supports are essentially gone.  This can cause extra stress on your feet and legs, so always make sure you replace them when necessary.  They say shoes should be replaced after 700km of running...but who keeps track of that?  Here's a trick:  try to gently bend your shoe in half - If you can curl the toe up to meet the laces, it's time to replace your shoe! 
4. Finding the right fit - it is recommended for long distance running that you leave a thumbs-worth of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.  This is important because as we run our feet swell so we'll need the extra space, and also when we run downhill (even subtle hills that we may not be aware of) our foot tends to slide forward.  For me this is challenging...I already have size 11 feet to begin with, now I have to buy 12's???  Of course most women's running shoes only go up to size 10, so I have to buy mens.  I am currently wearing a 9.5 mens, but realized that was too short...I have ordered a pair of *gasp* 10.5 men's to allow for enough space and comfort while running.  Oh well - better to have big-ass feet than to suffer from black toe-nails and cramped muscles.
5. Care for those babies - It was advised that we should not keep our shoes in the car.  Why?  Because extreme weather (too hot or too cold) can impact the rubber on the soles leading to inadequate support and eventually running injuries.  Also, never throw your shoes in the washer or dryer!  This will break down the rubber soles and you'll lose all support!  Shoes are meant to get dirty.  If they are exceptionally muddy or stained, you can rinse them under hot water - otherwise, let the shoes be shoes!

If you are thinking about getting into running, I highly recommend going to a running-specific store.  The employees are experts in the area and will help you find the shoe that is right for you. This is very important as it will help prevent long-term injuries to the ankles, knees and hips.  I ordered a pair of New Balance shoes that should be in next week.  I'll be sure to share them with you once received!

Bridal Party Looks!

Two weekends ago I had the pleasure of working with Farah on the makeup for a bridal party!  While she was busy doing up the bride and her sister, I had the opportunity to work on two bridesmaids, Nikki and Kirr.  They were wearing gorgeous ivory and lilac coloured outfits, so we incorporated some shimmery purples into their looks!  Here are the before and after shots:

These girls were a riot to work with!  I love the excitement and energy in the air of a bridal suite!  These girls have been friends with the bride for a long time and I was happy to have had a chance to contribute to their special day :)

NOTD: Sally Hansen Gray by Gray & more Fimo!

I was in Shoppers Drug Mart today and decided to pick up a bottle of Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Gray by Gray.

This is the swatch from the Sally Hansen website

But of course because I had so much fun experimenting with the fimo slices I received from Kawaii for nail art last week, I decided to add a few today as well.  This time, I didn't do every nail and kept it pretty basic:

I would say this is more of a blue than a gray, but I am enjoying the colour :)  I am not usually enticed by blues or greens, but today I thought I'd try it out...and it doesn't look as bad on my hands as I thought it would!  I'm going to rock this for a few days to see if I can handle more of these kinds of shades.  What do you think?

On your mark...Get set...TRAIN!

Over the past few weeks I had been toying with the idea of training for another half marathon.  I ran my first one, the Mississauga Half Marathon, in May 2009 and finished in 2hrs 11min.  It was such an amazing feeling to have trained for and successfully completed such a physically and mentally demanding race.  I loved the challenge at the time and have recently been craving something that will give me more discipline and focus (I am also determined to lose the 20lbs I put on over the past year *eeeeek* - I am an emotional eater...nuff said) so I decided to go for it again!  I'll be running the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Half Marathon on Sunday, October 17th at 8am.

 
I started my first week of training with the Running Room (Pickering) on Thursday evening.  I trained with them last year and found it to be a really supportive environment and a great way to learn about technique and nutrition while training...so I decided to take the same route this time around.  We will meet every Thursday for the next 17 weeks for a 1/2 hour info session where the instructors and guest speakers give tips, advice, and motivation for running, and then we head out to do our Thursday group run.  The Running Room also hosts public group runs on Sundays and Wednesdays where clinic members and the general public can meet up an run together, but I prefer to run on my own so I think I'll only attending the Thursday sessions for now.

 On the first day, we ran 3.5km together...you guys should have seen me, I was one of the slowpokes at the back of the line who was fighting to catch her breath the entire way while the superstars at the front looked like they had just warmed up.  (Admittedly, after last year's race I had let my life take over and let working out and eating well slip down the priority scale...hence the reason I have put on so much weight.  So it's hard for me to jump back into it as I am in much worse shape than I as last year when I started...but that's also fueling my determination to do this well!)  It was hard for my ego to be in the slower group considering I was able to keep up with the star runners last year...but I have to remind myself that I am not competing with anyone.  This is something I am doing for ME and by taking my time with it and gradually increasing my endurance, as opposed to imposing unrealistic expectations on myself, I will see better results.  I am not going to put the pressure on to be faster or stronger, I will pace myself according to what my body can handle and will be proud after every run.  Eventually I do have to set a goal time and work toward it, but for now, I just want to get back into running comfortably at a pace I can handle.

The program is set up so we do short steady runs during the week and long slow distance (LSD) runs on Sundays.  The LSD runs are 10and1's, meaning cycles of 10min running and 1min walking.  So today I did a 7km LSD run.  I was really proud of myself because it's been almost a year since I've ran a distance that long - and I was able to do it at a consistent pace without being short of breath or in any kind of physical pain.  Yay!
Here's my schedule for the rest of the week:

Monday - OFF

Tuesday - 4km run

Wednesday - 3km run

Thursday - 3km run

Friday - OFF
Saturday - 3km run

Sunday - 7km LSD run

We start of with short distances to build the base for long distance running - each week the distances get longer until we are close to running the 21.1km near race time.  I am also training with a personal trainer at Extreme Fitness who will gives strength training workouts that will keep me strong during the training and on race day :)

I am really looking forward to embarking on this journey.  Wherever I can, I will share my experiences, tips and knowledge with you - in case you are a runner or you are considering trying it out!  Do we have any runners in the crowd?  If so, drop me a line :)

Temptation Tuesdays: Lancome L'Absolu Rouge

After reading Joy-the-Makeup-Junkie's review on Lancome's Limited Edition L'Absolu Rouge lipstick in Fast Kisses, I desperately want to try it!  This seemingly gorgeous shade is the result of a collaboration between designer Mark Fast and Lancome Makeup Artist Lora Spiga and will only be sold June 17-19th either online OR at The Bay on Queen St. (Toronto).

In Joy's review, she writes:
"Hand-picked by Fast and Spiga, the very limited edition of L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick has been named FAST KISSES by Fast himself. Spiga has collaborated with fashion designer Fast to create a make-up look complementing the knitwear garment he designed exclusively for Luminato to reinterpret Lancôme’s iconic rose and femininity."  (read more here)

According to the website, this is a hydrating lipstick with up to 8hours of lasting power.  You can read more information about it here.  I have to admit, the exclusivity of it all is tempting me even more!  Only being sold for 3 days?  I must get my hands on it!!!  I'll be logging on bright and early on Thursday morning trying to buy it online!  I work really close to The Bay on Queen St. but I wont be able to make it on Thursday after work, so I'd rather be safe and try to order online :)

Is anyone else looking to indulge in this little temptation?

My First Fimo Nail Art...Dont Laugh!!!

Hi Everyone!  A little while ago I was kindly sent a sample of over 50 Fimo Slices from Kawaii Deco Store in Richmond Hill.  I was a little nervous to try them as I have never used Fimo Slices before (nor have I ever done any nail art!)...but tonight I was adventurous and after watching a tutorial from LOVE4NAILS I decided to give it a shot.

Let me preface this post with the following:  No, a 4-year old did not paint my nails - this was all me.  I applied the Fimo when my nails were still slightly wet and immediately covered them with clear polish (as directed in the tutorial)...but for some reason my hands were not steady tonight and I got it all over myself. Now, I could have waited until tomorrow to clean around the cuticles and show proper pics...but I don't think I'll have the time so thought I better do it tonight.  Bear with me.  Don't laugh - give this nail art newbie a break!!!

Here's what I ended up with:

(Note: I used OPI No Spain No Gain nail polish as a base)

The design and application are not very nice, this was mainly for experimental purposes :)

I have to thank Kawaii Deco Store for giving me the opportunity to try this out!  Now that I've done it once I think my next few tries will be much more successful.  However, I may just end up going to their salon to have some funky nail art done professionally - check out their Facebook photos to see samples of their work!

If you are interested in ordering from or booking an appointment with Joyce of Kawaii Deco Store, you can email them at kawaii.deco.store@gmail.com or call at 647-299-0342

Have you tried Fimo slices before?  What was your experience like?  I'd love to see photos if you have any, so drop me a line or send me an email!

Thanks for not laughing too hard - I'm sure with practice I'll create something pretty :)

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to Dana of Lily Bean Designs for winning my Pink Flat Iron Giveaway!!!!  

This selection was made using Random.org.  

Thank you to everyone for participating in my giveaway - keep reading and stay in touch!

- Anjali

FOTD: All Bronzed Up! & Curling with Amika

I was in a super bronzy mood yesterday so I quickly picked up 10 reliable products and went to work!  Here's what resulted:

Products Used:

1. Vasanti Liquid Cover Up in V4 as a concealer and foundation
2. MAC Studio Fix in C40 to matify and even out
3. MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre used as a shadow primer on the eyelids
4. Faces Duo Hi-Liter Bronzer which I previously wrote about here.  This time I used the bronzer as an eye shadow!  I love the luminous gold pigment it creates.
5. Lise Watier Shine palette - used the taupe colour on the crease of the eyelid to neutralize the shadow and create depth to the eye
6. Annabelle Smudgeliner in Oh My Goth!  Previously blogged about here.  
7. Vasanti Long Lash mascara - my staple mascara for now 
8. MAC Springshine Blush Ombre used as a bronzer on the cheeks - I thought it would be an UGLY brown but it adds just the right tint for my skin tone.  This has actually become my favourite matte bronzer (for now at least!) 
9. Aveda lipstick in Sheer Ivory Nut - used this to neutralize the pink colour of my lips...this is one of my favourite nude lippies! 
10. Lancome Juicy Tube in Grand Cafe Creme Brulee - a very sheer bronze lip gloss

 

I thought this was a great work-appropriate look for Spring!   

What do you think?  What products are you using to create your bronzy face?

Oh and I must give credit to the Amika Tourmaline Curler I used for my hair (previously blogged about here).  A few months ago my hair wouldn't hold a curl (or any style for that matter) to save my life!  Now with the help of this amaaaazing curler I can create a shape that will last quite literally for days.  I've realized that while keeping your hair strong and healthy is very important, the tools you use play a huge role in how well your hair will hold it's style.  I'm so happy with these curlers! 
 
I'm still trying to get into the habit of curling in a consistent direction (in these photos the curls are all over the place - hair was never my forte)...but with practice I'll get there :)

Do you have any tips or must-do's when you're curling your hair?  Please share :)

Pretty on Monday...

I just want to share this little fact I read in the Globe & Mail this morning:

Pretty on Monday, Pretty Grim by Friday 

76  Minutes average British women spend on grooming to get ready for work on Mondays 

19  Minutes women spend to get ready for work on Fridays.  

 Women spend four times as long making sure they look sharp for work at the beginning of the week than they do by the end, according to a survey of 1000 customers of British retail chain Debenhams.  Men also let their attention to appearance slide as they week wears on, but over all spend much less time sprucing themselves up, from 28 minutes on Mondays to 11 minutes by Wednesday.  
(Globe & Mail, Life Section, June 8th 2010)

Does this ring true for you?  Personally, I think I spend more time getting ready as the week progresses!  By Friday I am rolling out of bed a tired mess, needing extra time to put rugged self together!  And 19 minutes?  Who can do all their grooming in 19 minutes?  If that's you, I genuinely applaud you.  These days I think I average about 45 minutes for hair and makeup (30 of those minutes on hair), probably another 30 minutes deciding what to wear...so an hour and 15 minutes is just about right. Seriously...19 minutes???? Tell me how???

Nevermind men - can you imagine being able to get ready in 11 minutes?  Must be nice...

Although I do have to say, sometimes getting ready in the morning is my favourite part of the day :)

I'd love to hear your thoughts/comments/reactions - drop me a line!

GIVEAWAY: Misikko Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION! KEEP READING & STAY IN TOUCH :) - ANJALI

In March, I was contacted by Misikko.com to review their Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron. I was more than happy to do so as I had never used a Hana product. Checking the Misikko website, I found the Hana was comparable to their Chi and Babyliss products (both brands that I am familiar with) so I was looking forward to trying a new brand. When I received it, I was stoked to see they sent me the PINK edition!

A few things I noticed when I first received it:

• Very light weight as compared to most irons
• Bouncy (floating) plates - this makes it easy to curl and flip hair of any texture without causing creasing from the edge of the iron
• On/Off button - always a good idea
• Adjustable temperature up to 450 degrees

After using it, I loved the frizz-free, silky finish that the pure ceramic plates gave my hair! I'm looking forward to experimenting with various styles using this iron and perhaps trying other Hana tools in the future.

Now here's the fun part...the people at Misikko were kind enough to sponsor a giveaway to my blog readers! That means one lucky reader will win the Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron, a retail value of $119.99.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with the phrase "Pink Tools Rock!" with your email address by the end of the day on Saturday June 12th. The winner will be selected using Random.org on Sunday, June 13, 2010.

The following giveaway rules apply:

1. You must be a follower of my blog - if you are not one now, you can become one by signing into Blogger and clicking [Follow] at the top of my blog OR you can follow via Google Friend Connect on the side bar
2. One entry per person
3. You must have a screen name to win - no Anonymous entries please!
4. All entries must include an email address as I will be notifying the winner via email
5. Misikko will be sending the flat iron directly to the winner, so you must be willing to share your mailing address with them
6. You must be a resident of Canada or the US
7. You entry must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on June 12, 2010

I'd like to thank Misikko for being kind enough to sponsor this giveaway. Good luck everyone!!!

FOTD: Feelin' Blue w/ DuWop

Apparently I had a lot of extra time in the mornings this week because here's another FOTD from Friday morning...after I rediscovered my DuWop Peacock palette (first introduced here)!  Here it is:

Face:
- Vasanti Liquid Cover Up in V4 under eyes, around nose, on forehead and chin (focus on the center of the face)
- MAC Studio Fix in C40 to matify and even out
- Annabelle Mineral Blush in Hush

Eyes:
- Mac Paint Pot in Soft Ochre as a base
- DuWop Bright Teal and Navy (from the Peacock palette) blended over entire lid
- Annabelle Smudgeliner in Oh My Goth lined top eye lid and waterline
- Vasanti black mascara

Lips:
- Vasanti lipstick in Aruba

My makeup has been a little drab over the past few months so I decided to change it up and add some colour on Friday!  The DuWop palette has some amazing bright pigments - exactly what I was looking for :)

FOTD with Lise Watier, Annabelle & Vasanti

Today's (well, technically yesterday's since it's 12:25am...) FOTD was round 2 of the Lise Watier's Neon Love Shine palette, which I wrote about yesterday. I was anxious to try out the candy pink shade and and combined it with Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush in Hush (which I will be writing a separate review on) and Vasanti's Aruba lipstick - one of my must-haves for this summer! Here was the result:

For the eyes, I used the the pinkish-white shade all over the lid with a light application of the candy pink smudged in the crease then dusted over the rest of the lid. I lined the eyes with a black eyeliner and finished it off with black mascara.

I am going to write a separate review about the blush...so stay tuned for that!

The lips are all Aruba - a beautiful coral pink (looks more pink in these photos) that I've been rockin' very frequently in the past few weeks. I love the brightness of the shade and find the name is very fitting for the finishing touch it adds to any look!

Have you tried any of these products? I really enjoyed this combo...I'll definitely be rockin' this look throughout the summer!

FOTD: It's a Lise Watier Kinda Day!

Have you checked out Lise Watier's Neon Love collection?  My absolute favourite product in this line is the Eyeshadow Quartet in Shine ($35CAD):

I think it was the lime-green and the fluorescent candy pink combo that really caught my eye.  As soon as I saw the print ad for this I had to go grab it!  So today I combined this palette with Lise Watier's Blush-On Powder in Beige Du Desert and the Hydra Shine Lip Stain in Cherise to create a FOTD!

I was really struggling to get the right camera settings this morning, so the pics are a little washed out compared to the colour that was actually showing.

Notice how dark and red the lip stain appears on first application:

On the eyes I started by covering the entire lid with the pinkish-white shade.  I then used a fluffy dome brush to apply the lime-green to the centre of the lids.  Lastly, I used the taupe colour in the crease line to neutralize the look.  Uggggh my camera - I wish you could see the true colours!!!

Shortly after application, the lip stain sets in and appears less intense.  

Here are some clearer shots:

 After a few minutes, the stain lightens up, giving the lips a more natural pigment that lasts for hours:

This was a fun FOTD.  I haven't been wearing much eye makeup lately (mainly due to my need to sleep to the very last minute these days), so it felt good to doll up and start my day with a light summer look!

I highly recommend you check out this collection, it's way to pretty to pass up!

Temptation Tuesdays: MAC To the Beach

This week's temptation is easy - if you can believe it I still have not checked out MAC's To the Beach collection!  It's a must on my To Do list this weekend...IF there's any good stuff left!!! 

Have you checked it out?  If so, what are the must-have items?????