Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!!

Face

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW 40

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC 45

Sephora Mattifying Foundation as a highlight and to set the concealer Medium 31

MUFE Super Matte Loose Golden Apricot 52

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Groundwork Paint Pot as a base

A flesh-toned eyeshadow all over (sorry don’t remember which one I used)

NARS Outremer Eyeshadow over the entire lid

MAC Swiss Chocolate for the crease

MAC Malt as a highlight under the brow

MAC Electric Eel in the inner corners

Red Cherry Lashes (sorry I don’t remember the number but they have a medium density with thick spikes)

Cheeks

MAC Blunt Blush to contour

Lips

MAC Freckletone Lipstick

MAC Wildly Lush Lipglass

This is one of those “yeah you know what? We’re just going to do this again” moments.

Lark Voorhies played Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell,  which has been off air for nearly 20 years but she’s still been very active in the industry.  Lark’s been practically ageless for all these years, but this interview has people questioning the overly snatched look.  Could be bad surgery or just a bad makeup job, either one could add years on a gorgeous face.  Even her rich bronze glowing skin is missing an appearance here.  I think it’s bad makeup…looking at the structure of her face she looks the same.  She also has a long history of wearing bad makeup (wrong shade of foundation and application)

You guys make the call.

When Bad Makeup Happens to Good People: Lark Voorhies aka Lisa Turtle

Yes fellow Addicts, I’ve joined Instagram!

If you’ve downloaded the free Instagram app on your iPhone or Android, you can search and follow me using my screen name, Krissy90220.  Though my life is an open book, you’ll rarely see these photos posted anywhere else (including the blog) and I’ve found them to be a lot more personal.  Some of you have asked if it was really me on IG and I didn’t understand why until I started randomly seeing my photos on other people’s pages with no credit given or mention of me (odd I know).  So yes, I am on and my screen name is still the same.

Krissy90220 Instagram

Kim Kardashian’s latest fragrance, True Reflection is now available exclusively online at Lord & Taylor’s website.

An alluring scent that reflects the dynamic, sparkling spirit you embody. A tribute to the intriguing essence that defines you and the eye-opening experiences you have triumphed over, Kim Kardashian brings you True Reflection. The fragrance that embraces every side of you, from your entrancing femininity to your sophisticated glamour, True Reflection mirrors every layer of your captivating, vivacious personality, and tells the story of a woman who’s seen it all and remains as strong as ever. Created to reflect Kim Kardashian’s evolution as a woman, True Reflection is meant to inspire confidence, evoking the wisdom and glamour that can only be attained by experiencing life to the fullest.

“I wanted True Reflection to have a bit of a twist compared to my previous scents,” says Kim. “Gardenia is a constant in all my fragrances, but I wanted this one to be a little more rich and layered, to reflect the experiences I’ve been through and all the different dimensions of my personality.”

Housed in an art deco vessel reminiscent of a diamond, True Reflection’s two-toned bottle encapsulates the scent’s enigmatic, complex notes that embrace the full scope of a woman’s life, marked by its intensity and its hopefulness. Opaque and multifaceted, the bottle shifts seamlessly in the light from a deep, dark tone into a more translucent color – it is as intriguingly luxurious and utterly irresistible as the fragrance it contains.

WHAT IT COSTS: Eau de Parfum Spray 100 ml, $68.00; Eau de Parfum Spray 50 ml, $55.

WHERE TO BUY: www.LordandTaylor.com

• Find out if the piece was even created
• Does the seller has proof of purchase?
• Is the price too low to be true? This could be a tell-tell sign.
• Is it missing the dust cover? Is the cover poorly crafted and made of a combination of paper and material?

The hardware on this particular piece is tarnished and that has nothing to do with wear and tear.  The registered symbol is far too large for this tag and the N in Vouitton is switched over.  Also contrary to belief, not all pieces are made in France; it can produced in the USA, Germany, Spain and Italy.

The double bubble seam, and the logo being all kinds of cut off flipped and introverted is a dead giveaway.  The zipper logo isn’t consistent with this style.

The piping is clearly painted on with thick deep red rubber or glue (and poorly at that)

Once again not normal wear and tear of a real bag and the poorly painted pipping.

More tarnished hardware and the sewn strap isn’t a 5-corner stitching, it’s only 4.

Chipped paint on the flaps of this particular piece.  This fake even has bottom tabs that aren’t sewn.  Look out for blank non-monogrammed tabs and feet where they shouldn’t be.

Look closely but the bottom of this piece is separating.

A closer look of the double bubble seam.  And yes, those are threads busting at the seams.

Stitching is precise and neat the coloring of the tab is as it should be.  It also has the 5-corner stitching.  The material is upside on the other side of the bag because it’s completely folded over and not pieced together.

A better look at proper craftsmanship.

No kind of chipping peeling or random discoloration.

In no way shape or form is this post coming down on anyone who knowingly buys knockoffs me personally I don’t own any fakes, and I wouldn’t buy any either however, different stroke for different folks. My reasons for never ever buying a fake are simple it’s an issue of pride if I’m working hard to buy things I will enjoy I’m going to buy them, and not to mention if I were the purveyor of goods I wouldn’t want my goods and or image tarnished. Word to the wise when buying luxury goods make sure you go straight to the source i.e. the store there’s no way you can go wrong with that.

Photos: @Krissy90220

Milani Powder Eyeshadows

Milani Powder Eyeshadow in Just Perfect, Tickled Pink, Purple Shock, and Shocking Pink

Milani Powder Eyeshadow in White Lie, Olympian Blue, and Just Perfect

Milani Powder Eyeshadow in White Lie, Olympian Blue, Just Perfect, Tickled Pink, Purple Shock, and Shocking Pink

Milani has stepped it all the way up with these new shadows.  Not only have they set a new bar for drug store shadows, but department shadows, and high-end brands as well.  These are how eyeshadows are supposed to be.  Unlike other Milani eyeshadows the new CVS exclusives aren’t part of any other categories, themes, or style set.  They’re simply powder eyeshadows described as super pigmented, easily blendable, crease-proof, silk-like powder eyeshadow.  Playful colors in both matte & pearl finish that can be used as shadow or liner.

These are perfect!  With the exception of “White Lie” I found them all to be really pigmented and smooth, without a whisper of chalkiness.  I also found them to be smooth in texture but dense enough to grab on a brush and not make your heart skip a beat it you drop it on the floor; it won’t crack into a million pieces.

Shocking Pink – vibrant hot pink with strong cool tones (matte)

Purple Shock – warm purple with cool-tone purple (iridescent)

Tickled Pink – warm salon pink with golden pearl (iridescent)

Just Perfect – shimmer teal with jade green pearl (iridescent)

Olympian Blue – vibrant bright blue (matte)

White Lie – bright white (matte)

Release date and locations:  CVS Exclusive, May 2012

Price: $4.49 (0.11 oz/ 3.1 g)

Rating: A+

This is what happens when you want to wear dark nail colors but NEED that pop of neon; you get random nail colors like L’Oréal “After Hours” (navy blue with a touch of indigo), L.A. Girl (now Love & Beauty at Forever 21) “Flushed” (bright peach), neon purple and green Color Club stripers, and China Glaze “Marry A Millionaire” (purple and neon green holographic bar glitter).  Simple. Random. With no ***s given.

I really need to practice applying my polish thick on my left middle finger lol. My bed is so wavy but I’ll take the waves over ridges any day *knocks on wood, that I don’t get ridges next*.

]]> http://addictedtoallthingspretty.com/2012/05/loreal-after-hours/feed/ 3 http://addictedtoallthingspretty.com/2012/05/creating-new-hairstyles-with-ghds/ http://addictedtoallthingspretty.com/2012/05/creating-new-hairstyles-with-ghds/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 15:26:39 +0000 Krissy90220 http://addictedtoallthingspretty.com/?p=11687358 [...]]]>

Summer is a great time of year for reinvigorating your look, whether that’s going out and buying a few new additions to your wardrobe or changing your style altogether. Experimenting with new hairstyles is one of the best ways to bring a new edge to your look without spending too much cash. You don’t need to go to top salon to alter your style, with salon-quality styling equipment available for your own use. This not only saves you money but also gives you the freedom to experiment with as many different looks as you want in the comfort of your own home. If it goes terribly wrong, no worries! Wash it out and try again. If it works perfectly, great! You can do it again whenever you want.
However, if you are experimenting with new styles at home, you need to be sure to use top quality heat styling tools. Otherwise you risk causing serious damage to your hair, with cheap styling equipment often failing to meet adequate safety standards. Straighteners and stylers from ghd already have a great reputation in salons and with celebrities, and although they are an expensive investment, they have consistently been regarded as the best tools on the market.
One ghd styler can replace multiple different cheaper alternatives; with a pair of ghd hair straighteners you can straighten, curl, wave and flick your hair in hundreds of different ways, all with the same tool. This is due to their careful design and optimum temperature, giving whatever style you create great hold and longevity whilst reducing heat damage.
For some great ideas to inspire your summer style, you can view the ghd website and explore their hairstyles guide, gallery, and instructive styling videos. These will help you create your perfect ghd style quickly and easily, in your own bedroom!

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post and the opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Addicted to All things Pretty.

The sun has nothing on you this summer!  Rival its brightness and heat with China Glaze® Summer 2012 collection, Summer Neons.  Featuring 12 new sizzling shades perfect for surf, sand and nightlife, the all new hot hues in China Glaze® Summer Neons include:

• Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer
• Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry
• Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer
• Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink
• Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer
• Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape
• Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer
• Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral
• Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink
• Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue
• I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green
• Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Also available 8-piece box collection featuring Under The Boardwalk, Ride The Waves, I’m With The Lifeguard, Sun-Kissed, Orange You Hot?, Surfin’ For Boys, Flirty Tankini and Pink Plumeria.

 China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available as open stock colors and 12-piece counter display.  Individual polishes retail for $7 MSRP and the 8-piece box set retails for $56.  China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in June 2012.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook and Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Click to see bottle pictures *1 is missing, I’m still waiting for it to be sent to me*

Nonetheless get pumped about this collection! Remeber their last neon collection, right?

Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer

 Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry

Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer

Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink

Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer

Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape

Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer

Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral

Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink

Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue

I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green

Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Professional Cuticle Softener, Acetone, and Pineapple Cuticle Oil - excuse my messy product drawer lol

Jade Nail Lacquer in "Provocative"

Every now and then you have to go back to products you know and trust and just take a breather from trying and testing.

I went back to regular ol’ nail shop products for at-home manicures.  Nothing fancy, high-priced, and no-fuss; just pure acetone ($3), cuticle softener ($3), and that infamous pineapple cuticle oil ($3) which I’ve always loved.  The acetone probably won’t last longer than a month but I’ll be using this cuticle softener and oil for 3-6 months.  I even used Jade “Provocative” nail lacquer, which is one of the few $1 nail polish brands I love.  A small investment for some simple pleasantries, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t live near Skylark Nail Supply.  But I’m sure a lot of ladies live near nail supply wholesale stores and just don’t know it.  Start doing some research and get to shopping girls!

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Antibacterial Blusher Brush

Oh Bdellium, how do I love thee; you’ve made me fall in love with cream blush all over again.

I bought the Bdellium Tools 965 Duet Fiber Blusher Brush at The Makeup Show LA this year, with the one and only purpose of finding a brush to primarily use for cream blush.  I had been using my MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush and it was giving me too round of a look.  I already have high cheek bones, so this isn’t the look I was going for.  At other times I really had to work with it to soft the look.  I’m lazy and don’t like working too hard.

The Bdellium Tools 965 is the total opposite of what I was using before.  It’s tapered and pretty flat on both sides so you can easily contour the face with it.  The width of the brush is perfect; it isn’t wide and bulky but not too narrowed so it doesn’t give the look of a narrow streak.

The mixed natural fibers are somewhat dense and it has enough firmness to pick up some really thick cream blushes (like Illamasque) without having to dig a hole in the pod of product.  The synthetic fibers are super soft and create a nice even look without much effort.  I’m HOOKED on this brush.  I don’t mind calling it the best brush for cream blush.

Note:  I know you guys want me to point out the fact that bristles on this brush are antibacterial, which is great but it doesn’t really move me.  This brush will more than likely last longer antibacterial properties that the bristles are made with as they dissipate over time. I also keep my brushes clean…sooo yeahhh.

Where to buy:  Bdellium Website (Studio Line)

Price:  Unknown.  It’s out of stock on the website as of right now but I think I paid $10 for it at The Make Show.  Click on the link to check availability.

Rating:  A+

Via Beauty Press

Suede, by its very nature, can be as rugged as a pair of boots or as sensual as a soft shirt that drapes like liquid. Which explains why it’s one of Michael Kors’ dream materials. “There are few things in the world that embody so well the signature elements of my collections,” says the designer. “Suede is sporty and sexy and feels incredible on the skin, but it can also add a great unexpected twist when you’re thinking of what’s luxurious.”

So how do you imbue a fragrance with all of those characteristics? It is, as with Kors’ iconic clothing, all about getting the mix of those almost contradictory elements just right. Michael Kors Suede, the designer’s new scent for spring 2012, takes inspiration from the sensuality of the tuberose flower found in his signature scent and bouquets the note with the freshness of lily of the valley and crispness of the michelia flower. Mandarin opens the scent with an effervescent quality to awaken the senses. The heart and base are infused with creamy woods and alluring musks, providing a rich, enveloping scent that evokes the soft essence of suede itself.

More Michael Kors…

The Limited Edition Michael Kors Suede Eau de Parfum will be available in a 1.7oz bottle, encased in a suede carton, for a suggested retail price of $75.00* at fine department stores and at www.michaelkors.com beginning April 2012.

NEW Mom Approved Innovations:

Mum Reusable Bubble Bar Wands: $8.95

This bouquet of reusable bubble bar wands will last way longer than the roses you always get for Mom and she will be sure to enjoy these “flowers” more since they contain the NEW Bubbleroon fragrances! Just one swish of these bars around the tub and mom can enjoy the fragrance of fresh cut grass (Mum bubble bar wand), a tropical getaway (Mum Tulip bubble bar wand) or a dozen roses (Madame Butterfly bubble bar wand). When she’s done, place on the side of the tub to dry. Each contains about six baths—a gift that keeps on bubbling!

The Dish Fairy: $6.95

This is our first foray into household products, a lemon-scented, unpackaged, unpreserved, solid wand so you can get your dishes clean and have soft hands too! This Mother’s Day, give mom the night off, fill the kitchen sink and swish around your fairy in the water.  The Dish Fairy makes this chore fun and will make you want to help mum out more often.

Sensational Gifts for a Super Mom:

Thanks Mum: $26.95

Just a little something or the lady who gives you everything. Treat mom to a few of LUSH’s most luxurious pieces and say “thanks” for being so lovely!

Contents: Tiny Hands, Dream Cream 45g, Butterfly Bubble Bar Wand, Sugar Scrub

Mamma Mia: $39.95

Treat Mom to some TLC with this lovely package containing a selection of hand care products and an indulgent assortment of bath goodies. She’ll enjoy some me time in the tub and her hands will thank you!

Contents: Lemony Flutter, Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner, Sultana of Soap, Buffy, Olive Branch

Happy Mother’s Day Tin: $56.95

This collectable tin contains beautiful bath time treats that mom can soak in long after her special day ends. After she’s experienced all the tin has to offer she can keep it to store photos, cards or items from Mother’s Day past and present.

Contents: Mum Tulip and Madame Butterfly re-usable bubble bars, Tiny Hands, Butterball bath bomb, Dream Cream, Ocean Salt, Miranda soap.

Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Bar Soap

Honey I Washed the Kids is one of our best-selling soaps because it’s simply irresistible. People who fully intended to walk past a LUSH shop find themselves unable to resist its sweet caramel fragrance. You’ll inhale, drool, pick up a big chunk and immediately want to wash yourself all over with it. It’s so gentle, buttery and scrumptious you’ll have a hard time keeping it to yourself. The honey water and aloe are so softening and moisturizing, you can use our toffee-scented sensation on the whole family

Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Bar Soap

Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Bar Soap

Lush “Honey, I Washed the Kids” bar soap was released about 2 years ago (at my local store, but it’s been around for years).  I honestly never paid it much attention; I thought it looked cool with the honeycomb layer on top but never took any interest in it beyond that.  Big mistake!

This delicious soap isn’t edible but the scent is soooo nice that it should be.  It smells of real honey, subtle caramel, and hints of cocoa; an odd blend but it works.  It also builds a nice rich lather, better than many of the commercial soaps as well as Lush soaps I’ve used in the past.  It left my skin soft, smooth, and well hydrated.  I even skipped the body creams and body oils last night (something I do as the weather warms up).  The scent remained but was very subtle and it later just smelled like a hint of cocoa.  I’m hooked on this soap!  I think everyone I know that frequents Lush uses this soap…I was like the odd girl out lol.

Where to buy:  Lush.com and Lush retail stores

Price:  I had my bar cut at the store so I can select the amount.  The amount shown is $11.72 (0.31 oz)

Rating:  A+

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick

A creamy-smooth, full-coverage, lustrous lipcolor that makes lips look and feel magnificent! The unique contour tip perfects lip shape with a more precise application.

Eehhhh.  Sigh.  Milani is one of my favorite drug store cosmetics brands but this lipstick is nothing like any of the products I use from them.  While the unique tip makes the application easy and precise, the lipstick’s formula leaves little to be desired.

When applied the color is streaky and at best is semi-full coverage.  I used “Barley There” (tan mid-tone nude with salmon tones) for a day and the color was so sheer you could see every line and color variation on my lips.  It wasn’t the sheerness of a lip gloss but that of a blotchy lipstick.  Every time I pressed my lips together the color would become more uneven and collect on the outward perimeter of my lips like a bad lip liner.  Within 2 hours the lip color was completely gone, expect for a few random splotches.  I don’t have a problem with cheap lipsticks, I just don’t want them to look or feel cheap, and that’s where this lip color fell short.

49 Plum Deluxe – shimmer wine

53 Barely There – salmon color nude crème

48 Brown Suede – shimmer golden brown

47 Red Velvet – cool red crème

50 Nude Crème – tan nude crème

53 Red Label – warm red crème

Release date and locations:  MilaniCosmetics.com, Mass market retailers and drug stores, Spring 2012

Price: $5.49 (3.74 g/ .13 oz)

Rating: D

Vapour Organic Beauty Clarity Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

Clarity Makeup Remover Made with 95% Certified Organic Ingredients and 5% wildcrafted essential oils
100% Natural
Chemical Free
Cruelty Free
Gluten Free
Made with Wind Power
Biodegradable ingredients
Inner & Outer Packaging Recyclable
No Nano Particles

Ingredients: Organic/Bio Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Organic/Bio Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Organic/Bio Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic/Bio Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Organic/Bio Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Essential Oil, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Chamomile) Essential Oil, Organic/Bio Borage Officinalis, Organic/Bio Helichrysum Arenarium, Organic/Bio Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail)

I’m an old hen when it comes to cleansing oils but I hesitate when it comes to trying a new one because I’ve been using the same one for almost 4 years.  I decided to give Vapour Organic Beauty Clarity Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil a try and I’m glad I did.

The cleasning oil comes in an airless bottle with a pump that I don’t see much of on the market.  The bottle doesn’t have the tiny plastic pipe that allows product (and air) to be captured in the bottle itself.  Instead, it uses just the mechanism in the top chamber to dispense product allowing it to be airless.  This helps preserve the quality of the product.

I apply 2 pumps and massage it into the skin for a few minutes then remove with a warm towel.  The directions say you can just wipe your face when you’re done without using water, but I can’t rest for the night without a war, towel hitting my face before bed.  This oil removes everything and I’ve used it wearing some really heavy cream foundation; it just breaks everything down.  More importantly is leaves my skin balanced and I’ve noticed some slight improvement in blemishes.

Despite the textured being on the thicker side, it doesn’t sit heavy on the skin.  I have oily skin and it works just fine.  I don’t use it as an everyday cleanser but on heavy makeup days and when my skin needs extra nourishing, it’s my go-to.

Where to buy:  Vapour Beauty,  and samples are available on the site

Price:  $28.00 (0.98 fl. oz.)

Rating:  A

M·A·C Fashion Sets features the best selling and your cult favorite M·A·C shades from around the world. 7 colors so globally gorgeous we worked them into 3-piece collections of go-everywhere Lipstick, Lipglass and Nail Lacquer.

Spice – #1 classic best-selling lip pencil in Canada, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, UK, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Portugal, Thailand, India, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Travel Retail

Myth – #1 selling lipstick in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Estonia and Finland

Russian Red – #1 selling lipstick in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Singapore and Venezuela

Snob – #1 selling lipstick in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Travel Retail

Chestnut – #1 selling lip pencil in the US

Rebel – Cult favorite for the perfect sultry, wine colored lip

Girl About Town – A fabulous bright fuchsia, a go-to staple for every fashionista

Now your favorite shades are available for your lips and tips!

Lipsticks SRP $14.50 U.S. /$17.50 CDN

Lipglass SRP $14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN

Nail Lacqure SRP $16.00 U.S. /$19.00 CDN

M·A·C Fashion Sets will be available starting May 3, 2012 through June 28, 2012.

Review coming soon

Diptyque Eau Duelle

Diptyque Eau Duelle
Notes: Two types of vanilla, and notes of bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, elemi, juniper, saffron, calamus, frankincense, cypriol, black tea, musk and amber.

OPI The Amazing Spider-Man Collection

OPI Your Web or Mine

OPI Into the Night

OPI Call Me Gwen-ever

OPI Just Spotted the Lizard

OPI Just Spotted the Lizard

OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls

OPI Number One Nemesis

OPI Green Shatter (applied thin, really thick, and thick)

I’m not the biggest Spider-Man fan but this collection is cute and fun!  My step-boys just might take notice in what I do since OPI has combined 2 ultimate passions; comic books and nail polish.  I could have done without “Your Web or Mine” being included in this collection because it’s so frosty, but I have to remind myself that there are women out there that love frost shades and will still go crazy for this color…none of the polish lovers I know personally, but someone out there.  “My Boyfriend Scales Walls” is nice summer white, without being too white.  “Just Spotted the Lizard” will most likely be a top seller and go fast.  I didn’t have any issues with the formula of this collection, which was surprising because this collection has so many different finishes.

Note:  My camera is being stupid BUT the polish colors are accurate.  Sigh.

Your Web of Mine? – frosty medium, like straight from the 80’s.  But what’s old is new again, so if vintage frames can make a strong comeback I’m sure frosty pink can too.

Into the Night – shimmer (slightly frost) midnight blue with indigo tones.  This one took 3 coats for complete coverage.

Call Me Gwen-ever – crème coral orange.  Pretty orange, it’s bright but not glaring that looks good across the board.

Just Spotted the Lizard – duo-chrome (more like a triple-chrome) metallic golden yellow, olive green, and slate blue.  It was only a matter of time before we started seeing more dupes of Chanel Péridot.

My Boyfriend Scales Walls – crème white with blue-gray tones.  I can list this one in the “Twist on White” series.  I love this color and got a lot of compliments and curious questions about the color (most people can really see the gray) but the formula wasn’t stellar and a little too thin.  I’m sure it’s due this being a new bottle; by my next application it’ll be perfect.

Number One Nemesis – super shimmery gray-green jelly base with gold, green, and gray micro shimmer.  I love this color! I thought it was black with gold shimmer (which would have been a dozy because we’ve seen it before) but it was a pleasant surprise to see something different.

Green Shatter – dark gray base packed with green micro glitter that gives a shatter effect when applied in 1 single stroke (not layered) over semi wet nail polish.

Where to buy:  Available May 2012, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA

Price:  $8.50 (suggested retail price)

Rating:  A-

Lovestruck is the latest Vera Wang perfume, launched in 2011, and created by Stephen Nilsen, who also made Sarah Jessica Parker’s Dawn and Madonna’s Truth or Dare.

From the very start, it has a candy sweet, tropical red fruit soul with a sprinkle of pepper. Tropical notes aside, there is a good similarity in other fragrances like Delices by Cartier, Amor Amor by Cacharel, or Nina by Nina ricci.

What makes the difference in this Lovestruck Vera Wang however, is a thick and very present coat of warm notes, wrapping together the fruits with dense indefinite florals. The result is more than warm, almost hot; the dark berry color of the packaging in this case is spot-on.

After about one hour, the layer of heat starts to tail off, and the perfume goes from hot to warm. That’s when the floral side can come out more clearly, with a dense rose-like aroma, which is actually tuberose.

At this point, Lovestruck by Vera Wang grows gradually gentler until the dry down, when berries leave completely and the fragrance is moderately warm, with generic florals mixed with a soft and pleasant sweetness.

Lovestruck is young without being teenage, but don’t wear it in an office. Tuberose and sweet berries in the background make it perfect for a relaxed scenario with dimmed lights. It’s a sexy, addictive and coquettish perfume, definitely made to be smelt and appreciated more from a short distance, also thanks to an additional thin layer of vinyl.

Check out more reviews by Andrea at his perfume blog Yournextperfume.com.