Eyeliner -NARS - Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner - Rue Saint-Honoré 
blondejunkie 8/7/2011 12:34:00 AM
This is an awesome product. It is a twist up pencil shaped like a pencil you sharpen. The cap on the top comes off to reveal a sharpener underneath. The packaging is amazing. The Rue Saint-Honoré is a blackened royal blue. This is what I was hoping MAC Prussian would be. Prussian lacks the pigment and fades over the course of my day. The Rue Saint-Honoré is more pigmented and more blackened and has more of a royal blue sheen to it. This product literally glides onto the eye, it did not skip or pull. It can be smudged if done so right away, if not it sets pretty quickly. The heat in the Southwest is unforgiving in the summer. The color has not faded in the 12 hours I have worn it. It removes well with my cleansing oil and face wash. The colors in this eye liner collection are very pigmented. I will be purchasing more colors. I can not wait to try the Madison Avenue (it will replace my MAC Grey Utility). The price is a little steep, but not as expensive as Armani's liners. On this you get the performance you pay for. I would purchase this over a MAC pencil liner any day (shade pending). I hope NARS comes out with a wider range of colors in the future.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Unlisted Brand - Hand and Nail Harmony Gelish Gel Polish
blondejunkie 5/9/2011 11:26:00 PM
I have embarked on the badwagon of the DIY gel nails. After having the service done every 2 weeks in a nail salon, I finally decided to bite the bullet and splurge. I love my gel nails, I have soft brittle thin nails. I have worn acrylics for 10+ years and I will never go back. A regular nail polish mani lasts 2 days for me....with the Gelish I get at least 2 weeks. After 2 weeks there may be a little lifting and a lot of growth from the line of demarcation. The growth line drives me nuts, but easy to redo. I am a regular at the nail salon and feel the supplies are worth the investment. I went to the local vietanemese nail supply store and picked up the soak off base gel (foundation gel) $22, the Soak off Sealer (top it off) $19. I also picked up my favorite pinks, High Bridge and Go Girl ($17 each). I got the Entity nail prep ($4) because they were out of the Harmony Ph balancer. They said it would work just as good. They also said I could try it with my OPI bond aid. I have very oily nail beds, so this step is important to me. I will do this before I lay the foundation gel. I went to Sally and picked up some orange wood sticks and lit free nail wipes and some posh cuticle cream. It was about $20 for all of those. I also got a 36 watt uv nail lamp at the nail supply for around $65. I will practice my application with the Gelish and then get some OPI Axxium colors. These look like they take a steady hand to apply. There are some OPI colors I can't give up. I know the process will work great as I am confident from doing my own acrylics for about 2 years. The results will be well worth it. I certainty have been enjoying wearing them fresh from the salon. Let me tell you from experience, the Harmony Gelish LED light cures super fast but it is very $$$$. However, if I really like doing it myself I may take the splurge. I hope this review was helpful. If you are thinking about having the gel nails done they are great. I can't say enough good things about them. However, the nail ladies to tend to buff my nails. This does not require a lot of buffing. I am happy that I will be able to control this. It makes the whole thing worthwhile for me. I will be stocking up on more colors soon. They have some great deals on Amazon. I have been reading the Jessica Gelerations work good with the Harmony base and top coats. I have had that done in a service before. I find the Harmony lasts a little better for me than the Jessica gels. The Jessica gels tend to peel at the tips after about a week and a half. However, it's still so much longer lasting than a regular mani! I will also be expanding with Jessica colors for this DIY method too. Update: I did my first Gelish manicure with June Bride. I knew the glitters would be more forgiving if I messed up. I didn't mess up. This is easier to do than I thought. My best advice is to keep the coats thin. I will be adding more colors to my gel stash soon.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Giorgio Armani - Rouge d’Armani 518 Dawn Pink
blondejunkie 2/7/2011 9:46:00 PM
From the Spring 2011 Armani Collection. Oh the anticipation! I was waiting and waiting for this lipstick. I got it in the mail, ripped the package open and turned the tube up for this icy sheer cool toned soft pink shade. There is some shimmer to the lipstick, but it's not quite a frost. It gives the color a nice shine. If layered too much this lipstick can become streaky. I took off a lippie for this reason and also the price. $30 isn't completely insane, just a little steep for the color. This color is very gorgeous; however, I don't feel it is completely unique. Dawn Pink sort of reminds me of a less pigmented and sheered out MAC Cultured lip glass. However, the lipstick is quite a bit longer lasting than the lip glass. There is no detectable scent in this lipstick (huge plus for a HE lipstick). It does not feel waxy and glides on well. The texture is a very creamy feel and hugs your lips like a gel. The packaging for the GA lipsticks are quite lovely. The magnetic closure makes sure the contents inside are secure. I love the packaging of a high end lipstick. This will be great for a springtime smoky purple eyeshadow look. I can't wait to pick up some more Rouge d'Armani pink shades. I have pre-ordered Chanel's Boy. I can't wait to compare. If you're on the fence and looking for a little luxury in your life, you can't go wrong. It is a very wearable shade. I can see how this would very easily work on almost any skin tone. However, with a little bit of research there are other things out there.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Chanel - Pink Pulsion Glossimer (247)
blondejunkie 11/16/2010 3:59:00 PM
This looks bright pink in the tube, however goes on to look like a kiss of pink. This seems to have more sparkles in it than some of my other glossimers (pin up, myraid, brilliance, moonlight). However, I like it quite a bit. This looks nice over a nude lipstick like MAC Creme Cup for a nice fall look with a smokey eye. Upon one pass, the formula feels drier and not as hydrating or as gel like. It may be due to the sparkles and glitters in the gloss. However when layered, it does feel more gel like and cushy. This to me looks more like a Galaxy glossimer when I compare it to Astral (LE), Galactic, Equinoxe and Myraide. It's glittery, but with the Chanel glossimers glitter is never overdone. It looks nice and shimmery in the sunlight. The color of the Pink Pulsion looks fuchsia, it's blue based with pinkish silver glitters and a slight blue pearl. It is a great kiss of pink. Don't let the color of the tube scare you off. I would repurchase this again if it was not LE, or if they ever brought the color back. At $27 each I don't need back ups. ;)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NARS - Sex Appeal
blondejunkie 11/15/2010 4:30:00 PM
I'm a PPP (nc/nw 20) and horribly allergic to Benefit's Dandelion (or the vast majority of their box of powders)....I LOVE THIS! Squee! This is a brightening blush for me. It's not too cool, it's not too warm. I have paired this up with my NARS volga matte l/s and a little bronzer...and I'm loving it. This color does require more of a heavy hand to deposit the color. I don't mind. I am enjoying this product and I appreciate the natural glow and natural blush that this gives to my skin. Every once in a while it's nice to have a light flush. It does wear well and doesn't fade. I like applying it and stepping back from the mirror to see the pretty glow this creates for my skin. I appreciate it, however I can see how this product would not work for many people. I will repurchase, eventually.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Illamasqua - Intense in Move
blondejunkie 11/14/2010 2:12:00 AM
OMG! Run and don't walk to the sephora website...or your local sephora (if they carry Illamasqua). This is described as a muted thistle heather. I say it's a MLBB color, perfect for fall nude look. It's a purple grey mauve color. It has a hard plastic slant tipped applicator that is clear. The cap you pull straight up and you don't screw it on. That will take some getting used to. However, the gloss is very opaque and pigmented. This is from their intense gloss collection...they also have a sheer collection. The gloss is not sticky, it does not have peppermint in it, or any other flavor. Hallelujah! I really dislike peppermint oil in my lip products. It does not have a scent either. This is a very shiny lip gloss too. You MUST have this in your makeup arsenal...if not this color then one of these glosses! Trust me...you NEED at least one! . *wink, wink* The best part, at $20 they don't break the bank.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Make Up For Ever - HD High Definition Foundation
blondejunkie 11/7/2010 8:46:00 PM
I had high hopes for this foundations...however it blows chunks. It felt thick and cakey on my face...it turned me into a giant zit when worn for one day. It got greasy with different primers underneath (MUFE HD primer, UD brightening primer, Photo Finish). Maybe great for print/photo makeup but definitely not an every day wear. Ugh! Want over. I am using Lorac Breakthrough Performance or Face Atelier now.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -NARS - Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
blondejunkie 11/7/2010 8:43:00 PM
I was optimistic at first, however I was greatly let down. This has a great feel. The primer slid on with a lot of slip. It felt very siliconey. The shadow glided on much better than UDPP. However, about 3 hours into the wear my NARS shadow was a hot creased up mess. I tried this again and again. There is no hope for this primer and I. We are now ending our relationship. Back to my UDPP.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Urban Decay - Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder
blondejunkie 8/8/2010 11:37:00 PM
Ok UD, you have a reputation for making amazing products. Then, you put them in the crappiest packaging known to man. These powder pouf things are disgusting! They build up bacteria. It is a sponge. I tried mine out a few times to be sure I would like it. I went to the MAC store and got a sifter container and poured the contents into the sifter container. This made my life a lot easier. On the powder... I tried this because I broke out quite a bit with the MUFE HD powder. UD has not done my skin wrong. It is super finely milled silica powder. It sets my foundation quite a bit and helps control that horrid sheen I get especially in pictures. Sometimes I will use just a small amount of this on my t zone before I apply my foundation. I have sensitive skin and I have not had any break out issues with this. It works good over a variety of liquid foundations I wear as well as mineral foundations. I really enjoy this powder and would purchase again. However, I do not like this container at all. If I find something that works just as nicely in a better container, I may be swayed for that reason. I spotted the Too Faced Primed and Poreless powder...that spiked my curiosity and has a closing sifter package. However I will finish this powder first. The powder is nice, but again...it's the packaging.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Rock & Republic - Contrived Blush - Spank [DISCONTINUED]
blondejunkie 8/5/2010 12:42:00 AM
First off, I more than likely would not repurchase because I will NEVER run out of blush. There is a crapola load of blush in these little buggers! The blush is uber pigmented. It's a neutral-cool toned matte pink. I put my brush in and put it on my cheek and was like WOAH! I used too much. A little goes a loooooonnnnnnnnngggggg way. These are more pigmented than my NARS blushes. They wear very well too. There is little to no fading. I will purchase more colors, but not one of the same. The case is quite heavy in the hand and has a mirror inside of it too. The cases are beautiful works of art.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Liquid Lurex Dazzle Lipstick
blondejunkie 7/18/2010 4:29:00 AM
I like this color...this is the same shade as MAC Vex eyeshadow. It is green with a pink duochrome glitter. This color looks very strange when worn alone, however it does go well with MAC Dervish lip liner worn underneath and filled in. Also, I have worn it with MAC Pink Treat lip liner, again filled in. I can't wait to experiment with this color on my other lipsticks. I bet it will be lovely over Snob. This texture is not gritty, it is rather smooth, it does wear well, however it leaves behind pink duochrome sparkles. It is quite lovely and very unique. This is limited edition from the Digi Pops Collection which is a Nordstrom Exclusive.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - All Styled Up
blondejunkie 7/18/2010 2:22:00 AM
This is a limited edition color from In the Groove Collection. I LOVE this color. I am a HUGE fan of the cremesheen lipsticks and the amplified cream lipsticks. I do have snob and was praying for a brighter and creamy version of it. This is it!!! It does have a tinge of yellow to it, but is ultimately blue based. The description on the MAC website is not accurate when it describes this shade as a yellow pink. I would argue with anyone who said this was not a cool toned pink. I was very excited this was as cool toned as it was. The lipstick wears true to MAC cremesheens, it lasts well with MAC Prep and Prime Lip underneath. I chose the Prestige brand liner in the shade love to wear with this. I felt it would match the best and it did. I really enjoy this lipstick and I may buy another one soon, before they fly off the shelves. I compared it to Splashing, English Accents, Snob, Saint Germain and Gaga in the picture above. It is definitely a little more yellow and brighter than Snob, but no where near as cool as Saint Germain. All Styled Up is not as coral as Splashing lip glass. Gaga is lighter and not as opaque as All Styled Up. My verdict, All Styled Up makes a great Barbie pink. Don't worry. It does not make my teeth look yellow. They look white because it does have those cool tones in it as well.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Highlighters -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish in Petticoat [DISCONTINUED]
blondejunkie 7/17/2010 2:21:00 AM
Beautiful golden red raspberry color with shimmer. Beautiful blush for me. I have had this for a while and love it. I got this based on a friends recommendation and I am glad I did. She used up a whole Petticoat! :) I knew she wasn't joking. This is gorgeous for us fair gals and gives a nice splash of a blushed color. I love to pair this with perfect topping as a highlighter or by candlelight (depending on my mood). It's a great summer and spring color. It's not chunky or glittery like so many MSFs can be. I love it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Falsies
blondejunkie 6/29/2010 10:55:00 PM
Appealed by the name, the FALSIES my eyes stopped there on the packaging...Well I got this mascara, first I thought the wand was broken. Behooved by a broken mascara wand I planned to take it back to the store. However, I was curious to try it out first. I was dreaming of false lashes. :) With this "flexible wand" that it's met to have, I thought I was going to poke my eye out! The mascara didn't behave any differently then the regular volume express mascara. I feel the regular version of this is more pigmented. I tried the blackest black mascara from the falsies and it was more like a grey black instead of a true black. I did not find it curling to my lashes, nor did it build any differently than the regular volume express mascara. Confused, I took what I thought was my broken mascara back to Ulta for an exchange. Upon browsing, I found that the "flexible wand" was the mascara perk. Meh, I exchanged it for another colossal lash. IMO, it produces a better "falsies look." I personally found this product annoying. I have never returned a mascara before. Maybelline, I seriously could have poked my eye out!!!! Ladies, skip this one and try out the colossal lash, or the L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara instead...that is unless you like quirky wands.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -MAC - Opulash
blondejunkie 6/27/2010 1:51:00 AM
I was seriously hoping this would be more dramatic, like the SA promised. However, I can get it to build to a descent volume. I was hoping for something more UD Big Fatty-ish with this mascara. It was not it. This is a mild volumizing mascara with a little lengthening packed into it at best. I will wear this on days I don't really feel like doing my lashes up. It does make the lashes beefier than dazzle lash. However, I still remain unimpressed by MAC's mascaras. I should have used my better judgement and passed. However at least it can still be B2M'd. I do have to give it credit where this wimpy mascara deserves. It did not transfer, smudge or flake. The mascara is very black and has good pigment. If you like big brushes this has a big brush, like UD Big Fatty. If big brushes aren't your thing, you won't like it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No