Archive for September, 2011

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with fall, and naturally that obsession includes the scents that come along with this magical time. Autumn leaves, pumpkin spice and candy corn are scents I wait for all year – and now thanks to Philosophy I get to smell like them all day.

Philosophy is well known for introducing a ton of new scents every season, and while they have a variety of offerings this fall (including caramel apple and crispy marshmallow bar) these two are my favorites:

I Love Candy Corn – It’s funny, cuz I actually DO love candy corn. For most people it’s just something they use for decorative purposes and throw away afterward. To me however the sugary, melty treat is something that tastes as good as it smells. This shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath smells exactly like the candy – to the point where if I didn’t have such a weak tummy I would try to drink it. I’ve seen a few similar products out there, but this one by far smells the best thanks to the hint of caramel that really brings out the sweetness, giving Philosophy’s version a warm aroma that is absolutely delicious. It smells so good I can’t wait to wake up at the ungodly time of 6:30am just because I know this will be waiting for me in the shower. I REALLY wish they would make this one into a body lotion!

Autumn Air- This fruity, slightly spicy scent reminds me of a warm cup of cider on a chilly fall evening. Of all the fall scents I’ve tried, this one is by far the most unique as it manages to combine tangerine with cinnamon and nutmeg to create a sweet yet spicy aroma that’s more far more inviting than many of the more overwhelming fall scents. It may be a little too spicy to use as a shampoo, but I’m thinking this used as a bubble bath complete with candles and a glass of Riesling sounds like the perfect way to end a long day at the office.

Philosophy also offers a Harvest Spice scent which I like, but more as a home scent rather than a body one. I almost wish they would offer this one as a scented candle so I could enjoy it without walking around smelling like the Pottery Barn. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Pottery Barn I just don’t wanna smell like it!

Have any of you tried the scents yet? I love them so much I may just have to go back and get a few for my mom as well!

I got my nails filled today and decided to give stiletto nails a try. Since I’m not bold – or dumb- enough to get the fully pointed super long stilettos my nail tech Kim suggested I get the minis instead. Now before you full-on stiletto nail sportin’ ladies get mad, please note that when I say “dumb” I’m referencing myself, not you. Those of you who have been following me for a while can attest to the fact I’m somewhat accident prone and would likely stab myself in the eye with the such sharp nails. So in order to keep me glammed up without being a danger to myself, we decided to go with these hot pink gel mini-stilettos.

I have to say I love these. They’re not as sharp as they could be, but because the look is so dramatic Kim suggested I try it this way first to see if I like it. Baby steps if you will. I actually think I may keep them this way as I think they’re just right. What I wasn’t expecting -that makes me even more glad we went for baby steps – is these make typing a little more challenging. They’re gorgeous and sexy, but gonna take some getting used to for sure.

Another bonus is because the nails get thinner at the top and draw the eye upward, they create the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers. Which is great for people like me with shorter, chubbier fingers cuz we need all the help we can get. As for the gel polish, I took a look at the bottle and the brand my shop uses is called Gelish. The color is #402 High Voltage and I’m pretty much in love with this super sparkly, deep pink hue.

I’ll keep you guys updated on how I’m doing with these, but so far, so fab!

I know I’ve been MIA for a while, but I caught the flu of fail that’s been going around so I’ve been out of commission for the past week and a half. Amidst all the coughing and sneezing I managed to make a video of the most fabulous haul I’ve ever done. Everything is covered in sequins and jewels!

My new bag and shoes are so sparkly they make my wood floor look like a disco ball!

These gorgeous Steve Maddens are by far my favorite shoes I’ve ever purchased. They almost remind me of something Lady Gaga would wear, and in person the sparkle is unbelievable!

Steve Madden’s new BGLITZ bag almost looks like a Juicy bag but with much more sparkle. And it’s only about half the price. I just love how the different shades of blue give it a multi-dimensional look.

Told ya this haul was fabulous, just call me Zsa Zsa! Or Mariah! Or Gaga, whatever works.

I had a pretty rough week so I decided to hit the mall for some retail therapy at the Steve Madden store. On my way there I had to pass by the Urban Decay counter at Macy’s and look what had just arrived! I’d been dying to get my hands on this thing since I saw Kandee Johnson’s review so i just couldn’t pass it up. I initially hesitated because of the hefty $64 price tag but after playing with this palette for a few days I have to admit it’s pretty darn cool – even for the price.

I love how bright and futuristic looking the box is. It’s really fitting considering this palette is part beauty, part technology and all glam.

How cute are the 3D butterflies!? This is totally something you leave out as a decorative piece on your dresser or makeup table. It’s so pretty I almost feel bad for keeping it locked up in my makeup cabinet.

This palette is packed with goodies including 16 eyeshadows (10 new shades), a 24/7 liquid liner in Perversion (black), a curling mascara and a mini tube of UD primer potion. Not to mention all the techy stuff- QR codes so you can view tutorials on your phone, a mini speaker and usb cables.

These are swatches of the brighter colors. From left to right they are: Hijack (sparkling green – for some reason it didn’t photograph well but it’s gorgeous!), Lost (creamy brown), Gravity (deep, shimmering purple), Bender (matte green), Baked (rich gold), Cobra (black with gold flecks), Gunmetal (dark, glittery gray), Blue Bus (Blue with pink undertones).

These are the more neutral shades. From left to right: Bust (matte, taupey color), Missionary (light, shimmery taupe), Skimp (Light Beige), Zephyr (iridescent white), Crystal (glittery baby blue), Midnight Rodeo (dark taupe with large gold flecks), Sin (shimmering natural beige), Midnight Cowgirl (buttery gold with gold flakes).

I’ve already tried a few of the looks they put together, but I can’t wait to play around and come up with some of my own. This is SO gonna be my favorite new toy!

I haven’t done a haul in a while, but I’ve done a little shopping here and there and picked up some good stuff so I figured I would share since you guys love hauls so much. It’s a pretty good mix of high and drug store items, which is pretty much how I always do things when it comes to beauty products.

And yes, that really is how I cool off on a hot day!

I just love how that NYC lipgloss photographs – the color is so vibrant. I would say it’s almost a dupe for my Lancome La Laque Fever in Electric Pink, and it costs $23 less!

As for the Sonia Kashuk Brush Cleaner, so far I like it. Check back tomorrow for a full review!