PO BOX Talk

Hello, my Pretties!

I have a little box of goodies to share with you today. This came to me about three weeks ago and I am just sharing it with you today. Whoops!

I met Julie on Twitter and one day she was asking Tweeties what they did with nail polish they didn't want anymore. I asked her if she had ever tried Frankens. A conversation ensued when she asked me what Frankens were.

From there on we tweeted for a while and at the end, she said she was going to just give them away. Then she asked me if I wanted them since I had mentioned I was trying to grow my nail polish collection earlier. Of course, I said yes. I'm not a fool!

I was in disbelief. First of all, who doesn't want nail polish? And second of all, what kind of a person would just give me something the first time I chatted with them? A really sweet, giving person, that's who.

So, I waited anxiously for my gift. I didn't know what colors she had put in. It was like a pregnant woman waiting to find out if she was having a boy or a girl.

And then they arrived!

Hello, my pretties!

My very first Essie nail polishes!

Essie Nail Lacquer in 475 Castaway

Essie Nail Lacquer in 655 Big Spender

O•P•I Nail Lacquer in Got A Date To-Knight

Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition
Nail Color in 01 Cyber

Swatches with flash.

Swatches without flash.

(I don't know why it posted this way. UGH!)

Sorry for the sideways photo. In the preview, it's correct. I post it, and it's like this. Oy vey! Second time this happens to me.

Well, anyhow, she did send me a sweet little note to go along with my new nail polishes. It says:

"Lisa,

Here are the nail polishes I said I'd send. I added in 2 extra! I hope you enjoy and appreciate them more than I did! Good luck on your collection!!!

-Julie"

So, so sweet. 

And yes, Miss Julie, I am in love with my latest addition. I can't believe that you parted with them. I love them all but my favorite are Got A Date To-Knight and Big Spender. Thank you so much, again. I am truly grateful and humbled that there are still sweet people out there. And I will always remember that you gave me my very first Essie nail polishes!

So, my Pretties, stop by Julie's blog at MyBeautyRate and you will fall in love with her blog :)

Luv & Luk,

--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this post were given to me as a gift from MyBeautyRate. I did not have to blog about this or mention her blog in my post. There were no requirements for accepting this gift. I did this post out of my own free will. These are my own thoughts and opinions. ♥♥

Subbie Saturday: November 19, 2011

Hello, my Pretties!

It's been so long since I did a Subbie Saturday post that I can't even tell you when the last one was off the top of my head. But I always wanted to start back up and for one reason or another, it always got pushed aside. Well, not today!

Congratulations to Krystal of Beauty By Krystal!

I think it is so important that we support one another in our blogging aspirations. The beauty community is so huge but there is always room to get to know others. We all have our own opinions and thoughts on beauty products. We all have our own techniques for applying makeup and tips and tricks for achieving the perfect look.

Krystal is no different. I had read her blog before and found some really great posts. But I have to admit that since she showcased my blog on her blog post the other day, I sat at my computer and read blog post after blog post trying to get to know this sweet girl some more. She is fantastic.

Here are some of my favorite blog posts of hers:
ELF Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencils
LA Splash Diamond Lux Pressed Shadow
Mermaid Eyes Featuring LA Colors Single Eyeshadows
And also, check out her COSMETIC INGREDIENT AWARENESS series. Krystal has so much information about the ingredients in our makeup and body products that we don't, at least I don't, think about.

Granted, she did mention my blog on her blog but that isn't the reason why I chose her as my first Subbie Saturday in months. It's not like I am repaying a favor. I would hate for you all to think that and I would hate for Krystal to think that. I guess I just felt motivated to start up my Subbie Saturdays posts all over again thanks to Krystal. I'm not one to "follow me and I'll follow you" or "advertise me and I'll advertise you", just to make things clear. I chose Krystal because she is someone new that I am following--her blog and on Twitter and we have chatted a little and she seems to be a really great person. And of course, her blog is wonderful.

I usually don't showcase blogs with 300 or more subbies because I think that's a lot of subbies and the whole point of Subbie Saturdays is to get lesser known blogs out there in hopes that will increase their readers. But, I had to let you all know about Krystal's blog because it's a really good blog. She has fantastic pictures on her blog which is a big deal for me. Her reviews are honest. She not only uses high end makeup, there is a lot of bargain priced makeup on her blog. Especially E.L.F. and I love E.L.F. In some blog posts, she includes her YouTube videos as well so that's always fun.

Just do yourselves a favor and check it out!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ I was not asked to showcase this beauty blogger by the beauty blogger herself or anyone else. This is not repayment for advertisement on her blog. This was my choice based on the blog posts that I have read from this beauty blogger. These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

EOTD: Grassy Knoll

Hello, my Pretties!

Finally, at last we are here at the end of my L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow trios series. Yay! And last on my list is Grassy Knoll and you know why. It's green! I cannot pull off green for the life of me.

I did this look this morning and took photos but was so disappointed in the way the photos looked. I don't know what it was. I didn't want to post that up on my blog so I went ahead and redid the look.

I had a light lip before, I vamped it up. I went easy on the liner before, I added some to my waterline. Granted, I'm battling a cold right now that started this morning and quickly progressed into full on grossness. My eyes have been red and watery all day. Sheesh.

I promised all my tweeties that I would really try and have this final look up tonight. So, I will do my best while I sneeze my head off and sip on hot water with lemon and honey. Woo hoo...

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow
in BES507 Grassy Knoll

Swatches

1st green shade on inner half of lid.
2nd green shade on outer half of lid.
3rd green shade on lower lash line.

E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner on upper lash line.
M•A•C Fluidline on water line.
L.A. Colors Mineral Eyeshadow on brow bone.

L'Oreal HIP Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss
in 748 Enchanting.

Full face shot.

Ingredients.

FACE:
Avon Care Moisture Replenish Daily Hydrating Cream with SPF 15
Avon Magix Face Perfector with SPF 20
Avon Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation in T105 Sand Beige
Avon Marimekko for Avon All-Over Face Palette in Poppy Bouquet

EYES:
Avon Healthy Makeup Concealer in H101 Light Neutral
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES507 Grassy Knoll
L.A. Colors Mineral Eyeshadow in BME488 White
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Black
M•A•C Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz
Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volume Express Mascara

LIPS:
L'Oreal HIP Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in 748 Enchanting

By now you all know that I don't work well with green eyeshadows. I don't know what it is but I never think they look good on me. That is why I waited till the end to use these. I was hesitant because I knew I probably wouldn't like it. But, I'm the kind of girl that I see a makeup item in more than one color and I want them all. Just to have! Crazy, I know.

But in all honesty, I actually liked the way this turned out. I can't believe I'm saying that about green eyeshadow but I mean it. I think it actually looks nice. I think it was the revamping I did that saved this green eyed monster.

OK, my dollies, I'm out for the day. I'm sick as a dog (whatever that means) and I really do not feel well at all. I plan on curling up in bed with all my binkies (my blankets) and relaxing with some TV while I wait for the sweet-tart to get home from work. At least that's the plan. The baby is still up. Hmph.

Oh, and in case you want to know, here are the links to the other three L.A. Color 3 Color Eyeshadow looks:
Moon Rock
Southern Belle
Shooting Star

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All the products that were mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my own thoughts and my own opinions. ♥♥

EOTD: Moon Rock

Hello, my Pretties!

Continuing on today with look #3 from my L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow trio is Moon Rock. Get ready for some deeper blues and smokey black.

If you missed my last two looks, here are the links:
EOTD: Shooting Star
EOTD: Southern Belle

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow
in BES508 Moon Rock

Swatches

Teal on lid. Blue on lower lash line and crease.
Black in outer V.

Double eyeliner. Black with silver on top.

Avon Perfect Wear Extralasting Lip Gloss
in W101 Everlasting Petal

Full face shot.

Ingredients.

FACE:
Avon Healthy Makeup Mousse Foundation in V201 Medium Beige
Wet n Wild Natural Wear Mineral Foundation in 747 Medium
Avon Smoldering Pastels Blush Duo in Mauve Fantasy

EYES:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES508 Moon Rock
Avon Color Trend Eyeliner in Midnight Blue (on waterline)
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Black
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Silver
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black

LIPS:
Avon Perfect Wear Extralasting Lip Gloss in Everlasting Petal

What I think of this trio just repeats what I've said about the other two. I like it very much. I've never been fond of blue eyeshadows on me, personally, but I think these shades are really pretty and pigmented. I don't think they look all that great on me but as for the eyeshadows alone, they are really good shadows.

The look I did today works well as a nighttime look, if you ask me. The other two were fun and colorful, playful daytime colors. I do plan on wearing these again and trying something different. Not sure what I didn't like about this specific look so much, maybe it was the silver liner. I don't know. But I do like the shadows.

Which of the three trios is your favorite?

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All the items mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my own thoughts and my own honest opinions. ♥♥

EOTD: Southern Belle

Hello, my Pretties!

I am back again today with look #2 in my L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow series. Woo hoo!

The first look I posted was showcasing trio BES502 Shooting Star and in case you missed it, you can check it out HERE.

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow
in BES503 Southern Belle.

Swatches.

Greenish blue on lid.
Pink on inner lower lash line. Blue on outer lower lash line.

Purple on the crease.

Sally Hansen Diamond 12-Hr. Lip Treatment
in 6698-38 In Love.

Full face shot.

Ingredients.

FACE:
Avon Care Moisture Replenish Daily Hydrating Cream with SPF 15
Avon Healthy Makeup Concealer in Light Neutral
L.A. Colors Liquid Makeup in BLM312 Creamy Beige
L.A. Colors Pressed Powder in BPP321 Beige
L.A. Colors Blush in BSB335 Berry Plum
mark. Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Berry

EYES:
E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer
L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES502 Shooting Star (pink shade)
L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES503 Southern Belle
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Plum
Avon Color Trend Eyeliner in Midnight Blue (waterline)
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black

LIPS:
Sally Hansen Diamond 12-Hr. Lip Treatment in 6698-38 In Love

Once again, I was not let down by this $1.00 eyeshadow trio. It's so amazing. I thought the colors looked so vibrant on the eyes and gave me a really cute and fun look. And while the two blueish/blueish-greenish shades are very similar, I must say, so far, so good. Two out of two ain't bad. I'm a happy beauty blogger right about now.

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items that were mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my own thoughts and my honest opinions. ♥♥

EOTD: Shooting Star

Hello, my Pretties!

Back on September 27th, I purchased some L.A. Colors eyeshadow trios from my local Dollar Tree for a dollar a piece. Great deal! Even better deal when I got home and swatched them and saw how wonderfully pigmented these cheap shadows actually were.

I promised that I would show you these eyeshadows in action and although it has taken me a long time to do so, here is the first of 4 looks.

L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow
in BES502 Shooting Star.

Swatches.

Purple in inner half of lid and lower lash line.
Blue in outer lid and lower lash line.

Pink in the crease.

Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in 502A Dark Pink Frost
Avon Healthy Makeup Lip Cream in Peachy Keen

Full face shot.

Ingredients.

FACE:
Avon Care Moisture Replenish Daily Hydrating Cream with SPF 15
E.L.F. All Over Cover Stick in Honey
Avon Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation in Medium Beige
Avon Anew Age-Transforming Pressed Powder in Tan Beige
Avon Smooth Minerals Blush in Blushed

EYES:
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk
L.A. Colors 3 Color Eyeshadow in BES502 Shooting Star
E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black

LIPS:
Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in 502A Dark Pink Frost
Avon Healthy Makeup Lip Cream in Peachy Keen

So, I don't know about you, but I'm really liking this trio. The colors are very nice and apply very well. They are smooth and blend out easily. For me, the blue shade was the most pigmented, and the pink the least. But hey, I am loving them all. And just knowing that I paid a buck for this, makes me love it even more!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ All items mentioned in this post were bought by me with my own money. These are my very own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥

Avon: Makeup to Go Palette

Hello, my Pretties!

Today I have an Avon product to show you. As you all know, I am back to selling Avon again. I have been an Avon user since I was about 5 years old. It's always been in my life. Sometimes on and off but I always go back to it.

And right now, Avon is coming out with some cute stuff for the holidays. I thought I would share with you the things that I buy so that way you can have a better look at it in case it was an item you were thinking about getting.

My first order back as an Avon Independent Sales Representative was Campaign 23.

For those of you not familiar with Avon, a Campaign is what they call their selling period. Every Campaign has it's own brochure. Each brochure is valid for 2 weeks. So, in the 52 weeks in a year, there are 26 Campaigns in Avon. We only have 3 more Campaigns before this year is over and we start up again with Campaign 1.

OK, so anyway. Here is what I got.

Avon Makeup to Go Palette
Giftable box.

"Our portable compact opens to reveal eyeshadows.
Slide out the bottom of the compact to access the lip glosses
and blush shade."

The decorated mini palette measures
3 1/4"L x 2"W x 1/2" D

The outside of the compact is so glossy it was impossible to take a picture of it without the camera in the shot. I love glossy compacts but I hate photographing them. My apologies. But you get the gist. The compact is a glossy black with chrome like swirly accents. Very pretty. And it's also pretty small. It is about the size of a credit card just a little bit thicker. Perfect to carry in a small purse or evening bag for touch ups.

Eyeshadows: .24 oz. total net wt.
Lip glosses: .06j oz. total net wt.
Blush: .11 oz. net wt.

Avon describes this mini palette as:
"Everything needed for on-the-go holiday beauty! Makes a great present or stocking stuffer...and you'll want one,too!"

Swatches with flash.
Blush. Top row of shadows. Bottom row of shadows.

This mini palette contains: 8 eyeshadows, 4 lip glosses, 1 blush, and mirror.

Swatches without flash.
Blush. Top row of shadows. Bottom row of shadows.

The shadows are all shimmery and are really nice. I think with these 8 shades you can crank out a beautiful look or two. The colors range from a perfect holiday gold to a wintery blue frost to a deep dark Christmas plum.

And the blush, it is a peachy blush to me and I think it's very pretty. It is also very shimmery too. I guess you might want to take it easy with all the shimmer in this palette. I know it's the holidays and everyone loves to shine but you don't want to be more sparkly than the Christmas tree!

Lip gloss swatches with flash.

The lip glosses were what I expected them to be. Not that great. Rarely have I bought a palette that contains these little pots of lip gloss and actually have the glosses be good. Hasn't happened to me yet.

Lip gloss swatches without flash.

I will say that the glosses are really creamy. They feel good on the lips. While they are not very pigmented on their own for the exception of that bright pink one, I think these will work well over another lipstick just to add some shine.

And there you go! My overall thoughts on this palette are good! I like it.

If you are interested in this Avon Makeup to Go Palette, it is $9.99 (a $25.00 value) in the Avon Campaign 23 Brochure. You can also find it online.

If you like, you can check out my Avon e-Store at www.youravon.com/lmartinez2920. And here is the direct link to the Avon Makeup to Go Palette.

Also there is FREE shipping with your $30 or more order. Just enter the coupon code FS30REP at checkout.

Thank you all so much. See you soon!

Luv & Luk,
--L.

♥♥ The item mentioned in this post was bought by me with my own money. While I am an Independent Sales Representative for Avon, they do not sponsor me. These are my own thoughts and honest opinions. ♥♥