Zoya: Lovely Collection Spring 2013

Good Morning Lovelies!  Today I'm showing the Zoya's "Lovely" Spring 2013 nail polish collection.  This collection is comprised of three cremes and three shimmers, however, the level of shimmer (I know super technical) varies with each of those three shades.  I have to say this collection is off the charts gorgeous! Zoya definitely knew their audience with this lovely array of pastels and shimmers.

First we have Julie, which is a pale purple (leaning a little on the blue or periwinkle side) with a lovely shimmer.

Next is GeiGei, a lovely pale pink neutral pink with a gorgeous shimmer.

Next we have the last of the shimmers, Piaf, which is a gold-toned yellow.  This one is the shimmer-iest (I'm making up words left and right here today) of the bunch.  This isn't typically a color you would see for Spring, which makes me love it even more!

Here we have the first of the cremes in Blu, which is a beautiful robin's egg blue.

Next is Jacqueline, described by Zoya as a nude, but it looks like it could lean yellow depending on the skin tone of the wearer.

Last in this collection is Neely, which on the website looks to lean towards a grassy green-grey, but in the swatches I've seen it looks to be a dusty pale green with blue undertones.

I placed my order for this entire collection about a month ago and I just received notice yesterday that they've shipped, so I should have swatches for you in the next few weeks.  These can be purchased on Zoya's website for $8/bottle or $48 for the set with a savings of $8.

On another note, I know in my description I stated that I'll be showing a lot of Indie products, but I have not done a whole lot of that thus far.  I'm working on a very exciting project, which I hope to have live on the blog in a few weeks, so please stay tuned!  Also, please keep in mind that posts may not be as frequent over the next couple weeks while I hustle to complete this project.  Thank you SO MUCH for reading!

All photos courtesy of Zoya.com

OPI: Oz the Great & Powerful Collection

Good Afternoon Lovelies!  It's been a slow day for me, so I thought I would show off the fabulous OPI collection geared around the "Oz the Great & Powerful" movie (premieres March 8th as does this collection).  This collection has seven shades with three glitter top coats, three jellies (quite sheer), and one sand texture.

First up we have Don't Burst My Bubble, which is a soft cloudy white with a jelly finish.  This polish looks ideal for jelly sandwiches.

Next up is I Theodora You, which is a soft pink jelly, which has a sheer finish, but appears to be more build-able than DBMB.  Another polish ideal for jelly sandwiches.

Next up is Glints of Glinda, which is a gorgeous camel/nude colored jelly.  Be still my heart!

Next is the first of the glitter top coats, Lights of Emerald City, which is comprised of white squares and iridescent flakies suspended in a clear base.  This would look lovely layered over any of the three jellies, or in a jelly sandwich.

Next is the lovely Which is Witch, which (man that sounds funny) is comprised of impossibly small holographic hexes and bars.  This is such a soft a beautiful glitter, LOVE IT!

Next we have the last of the glitters in When Monkey Fly, which is comprised of large gold hexagonal glitter and varying sizes of holographic glitters all suspended in a clear base.  From all the pictures I've seen there is CRAZY reflective curl and taco-ing with the large gold glitters, so I'm not sure if that's on purpose or what the deal is with that.  I think it looks interesting and different, but if taco-ed glitters drive you crazy then this is not the polish for you.

Last we have What Wizadry is This, which is a bronze liquid sand polish with black undertones.  The sand textured polishes debuted a month or so ago with the Mariah Carey collection, so while I haven't tried them yet they certainly look interesting.

All in all I would have to say that this collection looks fabulous and I intend on picking up all of them, which is not something I do often with these collections.  The jellies are staples for any collection and the glitters are unique even among my crazy indie collection.  These are set to be released on March 8th and you can pick them up in your local Ulta, or where I prefer to do my shopping Amazon.com.  Please enjoy!

Urban Decay: Oz the Great & Powerful Palettes

Good Morning Lovelies!  I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!  Mind was too short as per usual, but it was the fiance's birthday, so we had a great time celebrating.  Festivities are likely to continue into next weekend, so I better rest up this week while I can.  On the block today we have two palettes from Urban Decay dubbed Glinda & Theodora, based on the witches from the "Oz the Great & Powerful" movie set to release on March 8th.  These palettes are both super cure, and on top of that they're a great value at $49 a piece for six shadows, an eye pencil, gloss stick, and a "look" card.

First up we have the Theodora palette, which lends itself to a more neutral and earthy eve with a pop of sheer red on the lips.  This palette is great for work and will compliment those with green and brown eyes.

Next up we have the Glinda palette, which features ethereal and soft shades, which will look great with a black felt tip liner.  I would also recommend using the dark purple shade to create a smoky eye.

Of the two I think the Glinda palette is most different from the products I already have, so that will probably be the one I pick up.  However, I haven't seen them in person yet, so I might indulge and purchase both.  I'm hoping to pick one of these up this weekend, so reviews and haul posts are sure to follow.  Please enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Sephora.com

MAC Archie Girls Collection

Good Morning Lovelies! For all of us up in the Northeast it's been so so so so so COLD!  We're expecting some snowfall tonight, so if you're in the area please stay warm and be safe.  Now on to today's post, which features the brand spanking new Archie Girls Collection from MAC due to appear online on January 30th!!! I saw this the other day and I have to say I'm beyond excited!!! MAC always does such a nice job with their themed collections, and I mean come on who doesn't LOVE a good theme?!  This collection features products designed to show the personalities of both Betty and Veronica.  The packaging is off the charts adorable with Betty and Veronica's faces being featured on their own individual products; the packaging is white with red trim, which I think keeps in theme with the whole 50's vintage feel.  For today I only have sneak peek pictures b/c unfortunately I was not one of the lucky few that were given the products early, so you'll have to bear with me on that.

Up first we have the offerings for Betty.  These play right into the girl next door feel that Betty has always portrayed in the comics and I have to say I really love this collection b/c it's great for everyday wear, BUT you can vamp up the soft colors (in the eye palette) with some black felt eyeliner or use them as highlights for smoky looks.

Next we have the offering for Veronica, which I have to say play right into her wheelhouse with the dark, vampy colors.  These are sexy all the way and should definitely be used for night looks.

There are also a few accessories being offered: a brush set, mirror, key-chain/pouch, makeup pouch/pencil case, and tote bag.  These are super cute and I think the brush set and makeup pouch will have to be added to my collection.

All in all this collection is super cute and I think the pigments and the blushes are the most unique and definitely worth picking up when this collection debuts on January 30th.  Please enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Maccosmetics.com

2013 Spring Collection: Chanel

Good Morning loves!!!  So sorry to have taken such a long break, but I have been on a CRAZY project with work, which has left me only about 36 hours a week at home.  Plus I just got engaged!!! YEAH!!!  So things have been super crazy on all fronts, but I do apologize for not posting in quite awhile.  My goal is to post everyday, but at worst five times a week.  I'm really hoping to get going on my videos b/c I think those will be more conducive for hauls, and then I'll be able to do some vlogging!  I've been going back and forth on how to do my posts b/c I know that I personally LOVE haul videos, but I was thinking I would do hauls in one post and then reviews in another; please leave me any thoughts that you may have on this.  It's much appreciated!!!

Now on to today's post.  So after having an intervention type moment with both the parentals and fiance in regard to my huge makeup and polish collection, I've decided that every season I'm going to try and focus on one collection and that will be the one I buy.  This excludes new products introduced to core lines.  For Spring 2013 I searched high and low, but as soon as I saw Chanel's Spring line I KNEW it had to be mine.  I ordered several pieces (to be reviewed at a later date), so for today I'll be going over all that's included in the Spring line and what I've determined to be the highlights.  This is going to be a HUGE post, but I wanted to allow for ya'll to make informed decisions when purchasing this AMAZING line.

First up we have a beautiful quad in Raffinement.  This quad looks super simple and ordinary at first glance, but I ASSURE you it's anything but ordinary.  This is ideal for work, but you can also vamp it up for a sexy night look by using the darker shade.  This quad is being added to Chanel's core line, so if you don't pick it up for Spring no worries b/c it'll be available for awhile.

Next are the eyeliners in Or Rose, Santal, and Beryl.  The great thing about these liners is that Chanel went with more non-traditional colors for this season's eye liners.  Santal is an absolutely gorgeous shade of brown with red undertones.  This is a great shade for night or day.  Or Rose is a lovely peach color, which would look great to brighten up the corners of the eye or on the water line.  Beryl, a soft pink, would also look great as an eye brightener and on the water line.  Another great use for Beryl and Or Rose would be to layer them on top of a darker liner.  I had a Chanel rep do this with a solver liner over black and it looked amazing!  It softened the harsh black line while adding depth and dimension to the look.  Of the new eyeliners Beryl is the only LE of the bunch, and the others have been introduced to the core Chanel line.

Next up is the lovely coral shade of blush in Frivole; this shade will look amazing on just about any skin tone and will add a touch of Spring to any look.  This is being added to Chanel's core line.

Next is my favorite item in the collection, the Illuminating Powder compact.  This might be the most beautiful illuminating powder I've ever seen, plus the packaging in of itself is off the charts fabulous.  This item is sure to go quickly, so snap it up fast as this is LE for Spring.

Next up are the Luminous Color lipsticks in Fantasque (a pink-toned nude, LE),  Captivante (a muted orange-toned red, core-line), Envoutante (a deep, purple-toned burgundy, core-line), and Preciesue (an orange-toned nude, LE).  Of these the two nude colors, Fantasque in particular, are my favorites.

Next we have the Luminous Matte lipsticks in L'Eclatante (a pink-toned coral) and La Favorite (a BRIGHT orange-toned coral).  Both of these colors are being added to Chanel's core line.

Up next are the Long-Wear lip glosses in Merveille (a muted mauve) and Attirance (a peach-toned nude).  Merveille is being introduced to the core line and Attirance is LE.

Next are the Precision Lip Definers in Rubellite (a saturated pink-toned coral) and Pallisandre (a deep burgundy).  Rubellite would look fabulous paired with either of the Matte lipsticks and Pallisandre would pair best with Envoutante.  Both of these liners are being added to Chanel's core line.

Last we have the nail polishes in Fracas (a saturated red-toned coral, LE), Beige (a soft pink-toned nude, LE), and Accessoire (a deep burgundy, core-line).  Of these colors, Beige is my favorite, but then again I am a sucker for any and all nude nail polishes.

Well we've finally reached the end of this fabulous line and I hope that you're able to pick up a few of these fabulous pieces!!!  These items are available at your local Chanel counter (Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, etc.) and at Chanel.com.  Please enjoy!

All photos courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Boutique Showcase: Llarowe

Logo courtesy of Llarowe.com

Good Afternoon everyone!  I hope everyone had an amazing (and safe) Christmas and New Years; I'm back to work today, and it's so tough getting back into things after being out for almost two weeks.  Hopefully all of you are less tired than I am b/c I have to say I am really dragging today.  So this is another segment I'm trying out where I showcase a boutique (online and brick & mortar) and describe some of their amazing offerings and benefits.

Today's post focuses around the amazing Llarowe.com, owned and operated by the fabulous Leah Anne LaRowe.  This site is the go-to for all indie and international polish brands.  I'm only a recent purchaser of these polishes and I have to say this site was the main gateway to my addiction.  If you're one of those people that loves to own the unique and different, then this is the place for you.  Llarowe was launched in January of 2011 out of Leah Anne's love for indie polishes and her desire to share that love with fellow polish addicts.  Her business has grown very quickly and steadily into what most people consider to be the be-all, end-all for the unique, unusual, and hard to find in the world of nail polish.

Llarowe currently offers 28 brands of polish, with new brands being added on a consistent basis.  She offers some of the most popular and sought after brands, such as Enchanted Polish (my personal favorite), Femme Fatale, Hare Polish, and a host of others.  One of the many great things about Leah Anne's site is that she usually does two restocks a day (generally 1pm and 7pm MST), so if she's launching multiple brands you can usually place orders for some of the brands at one time and some at the other so that you can avoid the infamous cart-jacking.  Also, if you miss out on a polish you wanted at 1pm, you then have a second chance to score it later.  You can find information about restocks and shipment arrivals on Llarowe.com and Llarowe's Facebook page.

Another great quality of this site is the amazing customer service, and the fact that Leah Anne is always so quick to respond when I have an issue or inquiry.  The thing that made me really fall in love this site is when i placed an order, ironically my very first Llarowe order complete with a few highly sought after Hare polishes, the US Postal service lost the package and Leah Anne shipped out a replacement order right away, no questions asked.  That is how you create a loyal customer base and how she keeps us polish addicts hooked on her amazing site.  Just today even I sent Leah Anne a question about a collection offering, which was certainly not urgent and was just a general wondering, and she responded within the hour.  She is truly super woman.  Please check out this amazing site and let me know what you think!  Enjoy!

Stocking Stuffer Guide: Manly

Photo courtesy of cafepress.com

Good Afternoon! So today's post is a follow-up or extension of yesterday's girly stocking stuffer post.  This one is for that amazing man in your life, be it your dad, boyfriend, husband, uncle, you name it he'll be thrilled with these great stocking stuffers I've put together.

Photos courtesy of Kiehls.com

First up we have a few body care gift sets.  I love these b/c they're generally a great value and you generally get several stocking items in one purchase.  The sets I picked are the Kiehl's Men's Starter Kit (retails for $39.50 and is perfect for a Kiehl's/body care beginner; all items in this set are travel size), the Kiehl's Ultimate Man Refueling Set (retails for $58), and the Kiehl's Helping Hands Essentials (retails for $25 and is great for someone who is outside a lot).  These kits are amazing and I think any guy, whether they're into body care or not, will fall in love with these fabulous products.  I have these items linked, but at the can also be found at your local Kiehl's store or Kiehl's counter found at numerous Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom locations.

Photos courtesy of Bookstone.com and ThinkGeek.com

Next up I have a few alcohol related products for the wine-o in your life.  If you really want to cheat out on the stocking stuffers. I would suggest just buying a nice bottle of that person's favorite alcohol and just stuffing the stocking with that.  Stockings are pretty much the PERFECT size for alcohol bottles.  So funny how that worked out... Anyway one of my other alcohol related items is whiskey stones (retails for $19.99 from thinkgeek.com; Brookstone sells a stainless steel version for $$24.99) and these are great b/c you put them in your freezer and then use them to chill your drinks without watering them down.  I also found a collapsible shot glass (retails for $7.99 from thinkgeek.com) for the party-er on the go.  Brookstone sells a ton of alcohol-related items, including a variety of wine openers and bottle openers (range in price, but my favorite is the iPhone case one, which retails for $39.99) and pocket breathalyzers (retails for $26.99) to determine if you've had just a little too much fun.

Photos courtesy of Dickssportinggoods.com

For the golf-lover in your life they're are a few small golf-related items that are perfect for stocking stuffing.  Golf balls generally come in large boxes of a dozen, but a good amount of brands make little sleeves that contain 3-4 balls; some boxes also package their balls in individual sleeves within the large box, so be sure to ask an associate for more information.  Golf tees are also great b/c you can buy a large quantity for a small amount of money (usually at least 100 tees for $10 or less).  Be sure to find out the gift recipient's tee preferences (material, height, and brand) before purchasing.  A club brush (Frogger makes a great one that retails for $17.99), golf towels, and head covers are other great options.  These items can be found at your local golf or sporting goods store.

Last up I have something that i mentioned in my girly stocking post as well: gift cards!  For the man in your life I'd recommend cards to his favorite restaurant, favorite sports bar, golf course, and iTunes.  These are a little more personal (with the exception of iTunes) b/c it shows you took the time to think about his favorite places.

Well that's about it for now.  I hope this guide helps make your stocking stuffer buying a little easier and enjoyable.  have a safe and happy holidays! Oh and MERRY CHRISTMAS!