Thursday, September 30, 2010

Bubblegum Pinks: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash Review, Swatches, Photos

Repurchase: Yes (but not this shade)
Price: $6.99 (0.1 oz)
Product: 17/25
Packaging: 4/5
Value: 8/10
Overall Grade: C-

I recently bought Milani's Lip Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash on a trip to CVS. I've been intrigued by the lip gloss pencils since I saw display (I think) a little over a month ago. As usual, I opted for the lightest shade.

The Packaging: This comes in pencil, or crayon form actually, with a clear, plastic cap. I love the "wrapping" around it -shimmery pink. The only downside with this though is that it will easily melt if left in the heat.

The Product: Milani's Lip Flash Pencils are basically shimmery glosses that are applied with a "pencil" instead of using a tube and wand. The first thing I noticed was that this does not apply evenly. The color payoff wasn't the greatest and because of the patchiness, it just looked really wrong. I'm quite disappointed because the lip gloss pencil is labeled as being "full coverage" when it's actually (or at least this shade) is semi-sheer. It definitely accentuates any dryness and lip lines. From a distance, it looked OK but who wants a lip product that doesn't look good up close? Also, it felt glossy but "stiff" on my lips and was a tad drying. For me, this lasted about an hour and a half and wore away leaving icky patches of glitter.

I've read many good reviews for this product and I think there is hope -but I'd have to try a different color. When I see swatches of the other colors (for instance, on Nouveau Cheap), the lip swatches look way more even and pretty unlike Star Flash (the shade I tried.) Also, the dryness could be due to this particular shade -paler shades always tend to be more drying.

The Color: Star Flash (08) is semi-sheer, very light lavender pink with lots of shimmer. I am a huge fan of pale pinks but this is borderline porn star-ish.

Swatches..
Above (no flash) from left: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash
Above (with flash) from left: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash
Lip Swatches..
Above (with flash) from left: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash
Above (with flash) from left: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Star Flash

Overall: This lip gloss pencil definitely needs to apply smoother and more evenly for me to love it. I've seen so many other reviews where every one is raving about the color payoff these have but I just don't see it in Star Flash. I think I'm going to give it another try though to see if maybe it's just the color that stinks -not the "product" itself. I can't recommend going out and buying this just yet but definitely stay away from Star Flash unless you want uneven porn star lips.

Where To Buy: CVS


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

So I Made A Formspring.. (And Giveaway Update)

Hey everyone! I made a Formspring last night. I doubt I'll be getting loads of questions but it's there if you need it. Feel free to ask away here. (I'm open to all questions whether beauty-related or not.)

I forgot to add that questions can be asked anonymously on Formspring. =)


P.S. I have been working on sorting out the giveaway winners all week -don't worry, I haven't forgotten! I've just been so busy lately and haven't had much time to do anything. I've written down most of the entries onto little pieces of paper -still need about 1/5 to go. I know, I could've used a random generator thing but I wanted to do it old school. Have a lovely day everyone!

The Pari Beauty Experience: Review, Swatches, Photos

Awhile back, I stopped at a makeup cart in Valley Fair called Pari Beauty. I was excited by all the products and shades they offered at such a tiny little cart. They had rows and rows of blushes, pressed eyeshadows, and mineral eyeshadows to choose from -they reminded me of a compact, mini-MAC all stuffed into one cart. This turned out that this is the only Pari Beauty "store" in the United States (it's a Canadian brand.) In all the excitement, I bought the eyeshadow/blush palette for $45. She also told me she'd give me 2 more eyeshadows for free but I opted for a primer and lipstick instead.
First, I have to tell you that their refillable palette sucks. My other palettes including MAC and Coastal Scents work better. If the palette is open and I tilt it to the side or upside down, all the pans come falling out. If they want to go into the business of selling empty palettes to be filled up with eyeshadow and blush pans, they need to start bumping up the quality and add stronger magnets.
Now for my thoughts on the actual eyeshadows and blushes?
Eyeshadow:
The eyeshadows are decent -I'd say better than drugstore (Maybelline, Revlon, etc.) but not as good as high-end (MAC, LORAC, NARS, etc.) I have to swatch 2-3 times to get good color payoff but the pigmentation is there, the eyeshadows are smooth and soft, and they last long with a primer. Without a primer, they'll fade over time.
The Color:
1. ES 59- Dark, silvery slate blue with shimmer.
2. ES 54- Medium slightly plummy purple with gold shimmer. To me, it looks like a not-as-shimmery version of MAC Trax.
3. E 12- Warm bronzed brown with golden shimmer.
4. E 14- Medium tanned beige champagne with shimmer.
Blush:
I bought the palette mainly for the blushes. I really loved the colors and they have excellent color payoff. The downside is that (on me), they don't last long at all -about 2-3 hours tops.
The Color:
1. BO 14- Warm red with a golden iridescence and shimmer.
2. BO 08- Light but bright peachy salmon orange with shimmer.

Swatches..
Above (no flash) from left: ES 59, ES 54, E 12, E 14.
Above (no flash) from left: BO 14, BO 08
The first thing that drew me in was the lipstick collection. I saw lots of nude and pink options that were too pretty to resist. I ended up walking away with a nude lipstick in LS 46 Flesh, which is a light pink nude with a satin-y finish. On my hand, it looked fairly pigmented but on the lips, no color would show up at all! I may have to wear some concealer on my lips to make this work.

As for the quality, this obviously isn't pigmented so I can't tell you how long it wore for (I couldn't even see it on my lips even when I first applied it.) It felt decent on my lips -neither moisturizing nor drying. That being said, this was a complete dud as when I use a lipstick, I expect color.

The Precious Glow eye primer was my favorite. I got it in 02 Platinum which is a shimmery, pearly white with a pink edge. I usually use non-shimmery primers but this adds some extra sparkle to my eyeshadows. I also like to use this as a highlighter for on my browbone and cheekbone. This can also be mixed with lotion or foundation for some "glow" to the entire face.

Above (no flash) from left: LS 46 Flesh Lipstick, Precious Glow in 02 Platinum.
How does it compare to my other primers?

I could never wear Precious Glow alone with no other primer underneath. It does not last all day like UDPP, TFSI, and MAC Paint Pots do. When I did a "test" on my hand, Precious Glow (with eyeshadow on top) was easily removed with a baby wipe while the UDPP, TFSI, and MAC Paint Pot (each with eyeshadow on top) needed lots of makeup remover. UDPP did the best in terms of helping the eyeshadow's pigmentation while Precious Glow came in second.

Above (no flash) from left: UDPP, TFSI, MAC Paint Pot, Precious Glow, & (at top) no primer. I used LORAC Cappuccino on top of each primer.
I was also given some empty single blush and eyeshadow compacts in case I didn't want to carry the entire palette. The singles are 100% more convenient than the palette because of the palette's terrible magnets.
I was also given a sample of the Balancing Foundation in 52. I've only used it 3 times (since it is a sample) but so far, no breakouts or irritation. The foundation is medium-heavy coverage and really helps with my forehead problem (my forehead is 2-3 shades darker than the rest of my face and most foundations tend to make it look ashy or gray.) Also, the lasting ability is good -I've worn it for up to 6 hours so far.
I'm contemplating going back for this foundation -it really does make my skin look "almost flawless" but I'd still like to shop around for a better foundation. Even though it's the best I've tried (for my forehead), it still does look a tiny bit ashy (on my forehead.)
 Above (with flash): Balancing Foundation

Overall: The 2 things that irritate me the most about Pari Beauty are the terrible palettes and the fact that most the shades don't have names -they go by letter/number combinations. Also, better staying power and even better color payoff wouldn't hurt (for the eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks.) My favorite part about the line was the variety and the fact that the products didn't irritate my sensitive skin. I really liked the primer and foundation but all the other products were only so-so for me. I ended up returning the palette and got my $45 back ..but I was in luck! She let me keep the primer and lipstick "as a gift" -probably a little trick to get me to come back.
If you're ever in the Bay Area and want to try out some new cosmetics, I'd give them a try. You may find a thing or 2 that are worthwhile and they do offer some really good deals. I got 4 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 1 lipstick, and a refillable palette for just $45 (a steal compared to most high-end brands.) Individually (at this particular cart), the eyeshadows are $11, blushes are $12.50, primer is $15, and lipstick is $12.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

MAC A Tartan Tale Collection Details & Photos

I nearly peed myself when I saw this on Temptalia last night. Iwas so supposed to be studying/doing homework but I thought I'd post this instead!

Chapter 1

Lipstick ($14.50 USD/ $17.50 CDN)
1. Courting Lilac (LE)- Sheer lilac mauve with soft gold pearl (Glaze)
2. Cut-A-Caper (LE)- Mid-tone peachy pink (Lustre)
3. Deepest Wish (LE)- Deep creamy red-brown (Amplified)
4. Full Fuchsia (PRO)- Bright blue fuchsia (Amplified)
5. The Faerie Glen (LE)- Pale neutral pink (Lustre)

Dazzleglass Creme ($18.00 USD/ $21.00 CDN)
1. Light Prancing (LE)- Light peach with gold peal
2. Passing Fancy (LE)-Birght orange coral with soft pearl
3. Radiant Jewels (LE)- Dark sparkly magenta
4. Romancin' (LE)- Mid-tone lavender with multi-dimensional pearl
5. Soft Dazzle (LE, Repromote from Dazzleglass Creme '09)- Mid-tone peach pink with gold pearl

Eyeshadow ($19.50 USD/ $23.50 CDN)
Each eyeshadow has a plaid pattern imprinted on the eyeshadow and is similar in size to Mineralize Eyeshadows.
1. A Wish Come True (LE)- Dirty mauve with bubblegum pink Tartan striping
2. Enviably Fun (LE)- Grass green with dark green Tartan striping
3. Follow Your Fantay (LE)- Mid-tone peach with chocolate Tartan striping
4. Glamora Castle (LE)- Dark grey with teal Tartan striping
5. Golden Crown (LE)- Light gold with bronze Tartan striping
6. Semi-Precious (LE)-  Aubergine with chocolate Tartan striping

Pigment ($19.50/ $23.50 CDN)
1. Later (LE, Repromote from Alice + Olivia)- Black with transforming purple pearl (Frost)
2. Moonlight Night (LE)- Blackened teal with teal pearl
3. The Family Crest (LE)- Blackened bronze with pearl

Pearlglid Intense Eyeliner ($14.50 USD/ $17.50 CDN)
1. Black Line (LE, Repromote from Art Supplies)-  Black with gold pearl
2. Black Swan (LE)- Black with peal
3. Lord It Up (LE)- Bronze with pearl
4. Petrol Blue (LE, Repromote from Art Supplies)- Deep navy with pearl
5. Undercurrent (LE, Repromote from Art Supplies)- Teal with pearl

Blush ($18.50 USD/ $21.50 CDN)
1. Her Blooming Cheek (LE)- Bright iridescent blue-pink (Frost)
2. My Highland Honey (LE)- Bright coral with soft gold pearl (Frost)

Nail Lacquer ($13.00 USD/ $15.00 CDN)
1. Sly As A Fox (LE)- Creamy mid-tone russet/burnt red (Cream)
2. Style Clan (LE)- Dark taupe with red pearl (Frost)

Chapter 2

6 Dashing Lassie Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. A Dashing Lassie (LE)- Metallic milk (Frost)
2. Bronze (LE/possibly permanent as description is different)- Copper penny (Frost)
3. Buckwheat (LE, Repromote from Naked Honey '09)- Frosty medium brown (Frost)
4. Magical Mist (LE)- Metallic taupe (Lustre)
5. Showstopper (LE, Repromote)- Dark brown (Matte)
6. Unknown- Will update later

6 Reelers & Rockers Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Carbon (Permanent)- Matte black (Matte)
2. Crown & Sceptre (LE)- Metallic copper (Veluxe Pearl)
3. Family Treasure (LE)- Metallic bronze (Veluxe Pearl)
4. Gaelic Gold (LE)- Metallic gold (Veluxe Pearl)
5. Melt My Heart (LE)- Metallic silver (Veluxe Pearl)
6. White Rabbit (LE, Repromote from Holiday '09)- Shimmer white (Pearl)

6 Twists of Tartan Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Bows & Curtsys (LE)- Metallic hunter green (Satin)
2. High Spirits (LE)- Shimmered avocado (Frost)
3. Lady's Prance (LE)- Clay (Matte)
4. Rolled Gold (LE)- Gold (Lustre)
5. Set To Dance (LE)- Dark royal blue (Matte)
6. Vainglorious (LE, Repromote from Venomous Villains '10)- Metallic maroon (Frost)

6 Beauties Play It Cool Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Altered State (LE)- Blackened Plum (Veluxe Pearl)
2. Heather Belles (LE)- Dark charcoal (Satin)
3. Hold My Gaze (LE, Repromote from Holiday '09)- Medium grey (Frost)
4. Magic Moor (LE, Repromote from Holiday '09)- Purple grape (Veluxe Pearl)
5. Silverwear (LE, Repromote from Holiday '07)- Metallic lavender (Frost)
6. To The Ball (LE)- Dusty lavender (Satin)

Happily Ever After Lip Kit ($22.50 USD/ $26.50 CDN)
1. Cheers All Around Lipstick (LE)- Bright candy pink (Frost)
2. To Joy Lipstick (LE)- Medium pink (Frost)
3. Endless Fun Lipglass (LE)- Sheer frosty pink

A Fabulous Fantasy Lip Kit ($22.50 USD/ $26.50 CDN)
1. Imagine This Lipstick (LE)- Pinky beige (Amplified)
2. Storybook Ending Lipstick (LE)- Rasin (Lustre)
3. Heroic Tale Lipglass (LE)- Sparkly flesh tone

A Triumphant Face Kit ($38.00 USD/ $45.00 CDN)
1. Melba Blush (Permanent)- Soft coral peach (Matte)
2. Peachtwist Blush (Permanent)- Golden peach (Sheertone)
3. Smooth Harmony Beauty Powder (LE, Repromote from Diana Ross '05, Heatherette '08)- Neutral mid-tan

Hark The Heraldry Face Kit ($38.00 USD/ $45.00 CDN)
1. Dame Blush (Permanent)- Sophisticated blue-pink (Satin)
2. Plum Foolery Blush (Permanent)- Faint drusty pulm (Sheertone)
3. Oh So Fair Beauty Powder (LE, Repromote from Venomous Villains '10)- Pale pink

Vain & Glorious Lip Bag ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Mellow Mood Lipstick (LE, Repromote from Electroflash '08)- Sheer pink (Lustre)
2. Baby Sparks Dazzleglass (Permanent)- Sparkly baby pink
3. In Synch Lip Pencil (LE, Repromote from Too Fabulous '10)- Light pink

Dazzle The Lads Lip Bag ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Baron's Rose Lipstick (LE)- Medium Rose (Cremesheen)
2. Moth To Flame Dazzleglass (Permanent)- Sheer neutral beige
3. Draw Me Close Lip Pencil (LE)- Dusty Rose

Noble Knights Lash & Line Kit ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Blitz & Glitz Fluidline (Permanent)- Black with gold pearl (Frost)
2. Teal Pigment (Permanent)- Bright metallic teal (Frost)
3. Zoomblack Mascara (Permanent)- Black
4. 209 SE Eyeliner Brush

Violet My Love Lash & Line Kit ($36.00 USD/ $43.00 CDN)
1. Macroviolet Fluidline (Permanent)- Deep, smoked violet with pearl (Frost)
2. Violet Pigment (Permanent)- Bright metallic purple (Frost)
3. Zoomblack Mascara (Permanent)- Black
4. 209 SE Eyeliner Brush

The Swinging Violets Mineralize Kit ($49.50 USD/ $59.50 CDN) (Nordstrom Exclusive)
1. Icescape Lipsglass (LE, Repromote from Love Lace '09)- Sheer pale pink with pink pearl (Frost)
2. Earthly Riches Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo (LE, Repromote from Mineralize '09)- Deep plum grey with rose veining (Frost)
3. Bare Study Paint Pot (Permanent)- Champagne with gold and white pearlized pigments (Frost)
4. Zoomblack Mascara (Permanent)- Black (Promo Size)

The Glamorous Mineralize Kit ($49.50 USD/ $59.50 CDN) (Nordstrom Exclusive)
1. Blessedly Rice Lipsglass (LE)- (Will update)
2. Engaging Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo (LE, Repromote from Mineralize '09)- Deep plum grey with rose veining (Frost)
3. Indianwood Paint Pot (Permanent)- Metallic Antique Bronze (Frost)
4. Zoomblack Mascara (Permanent)- Black (Promo Size)

The Scottish Fling Mineralize Kit ($49.50 USD/ $59.50 CDN) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

1. Budding Romance (LE)- (Will update)
2. Pink Split Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo (Permanent)- Dirty rose with bronze and pale blue veining/pink with gold pearl mono (Frost)
3. Fresco Rose Permanent)- Mid-tone pink with matching pearlized pigments (Frost)
4. Zoomblack Mascara (Permanent)- Black (Promo Size)

Wishlist (This is bound to change a whole lot once we get more photos and swatches)

1. The Faerie Glen Lipstick
2. Semi-Precious Eyeshadow
3. Petrol Blue Pearlglide
4. Black Swan Pearlglide
5. My Highland Honey Blush
6. Reelers & Rockers Eyeshadow Palette
7. Twists of Tartan Eyeshadow Palette

What's on your wishlist? Are you excited for this collection?! I am -more than Venomous Villains!


Source

Nudey Tuesday: Collistar Double Effect Wet&Dry Eyeshadow in Rosy Beige and Lame Plum Review, Swatches, Photos

Repurchase: No
Price: (I think) around €13
Product: 22/25
Packaging: 4.5/5
Value: 8/10
Overall Grade: B

Back in early January, I bought 2 Collistar Double Effect Wet&Dry Eyeshadows at a Sephora in an Italain train station. I can't remember exactly where or how much these were (don't have time to look for my receipt) but I want to say that they were around €13 each and were bought in Milan.

The Packaging: The eyeshadows come in small clearish white compacts with golden trimming and text. The lids contain a small "window" so that you can see the eyeshadow shade inside. I really love the little curved sponge applicators included -cute and different from the traditional kind!

Product Description & Directions
Ingredients
Ingredients cont..
The Product: These baked eyeshadows can be used wet or dry. Dry, they go on a little sheer and "transparent" but I can't take away too many points for that because it's clearly stated in the product description. When applied wet, you get excellent color payoff that's foiled but not "overly" foiled if that makes any sense. I really like the shimmery, glittery effect of these -they're just really pretty colors. Without primer and applied dry, this will last about 3 hours but applied wet, it will last about 5-6. However, I tend to always use a primer and with UDPP, these will last all day long both wet or dry.



The Color: Although both shades do not have the best color payoff, over a primer, they are so much more pigmented.
1. Rosy Beige (Beige Rosato)
Dry- Sheer, light warm beige with golden shimmer
Wet- Foiled warm beige with a rosy edge and golden shimmer

2. Lame Plum (Prugna Lame)
Dry- Darker brown with a plum edge and golden and violet shimmer
Wet- Foiled brownish plum with golden and violet shimmer (it's more on the brown side when dry and more on the plum side when wet)

Swatches..

 Above (no flash) from left: Rosy Beige (dry), Rosy Beige (wet), Lame Plum (dry), Lame Plum (wet)

Overall: I will rarely ever buy eyeshadow singles (I prefer neat palettes) and even though I bought these on a whim, I really do like them. I really love both shades and all the shimmer each contains. If you ever come across Collistar, I'd recommend swatching/testing out a few of their products to see if there's anything you like.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Temptalia Challenge: Feline-Inspired FOTD

Hola everyone! The other week, Christine put up a Feline Inspired Challenge and this is the look I submitted. I originally wanted to do a leopard print eye or lip but didn't have much time so I did a basic eye but with "feline-ish" colors. I'm really not used to doing dark or colorful eyes -I'm a total whimp when it comes to dramatic looks and tend to stick with my basic neutrals. I definitely need more practice but this is how it turned out!
I wanted to use foundation since I rarely use it. I noticed how nice it makes the skin look though (more even) -it just gives a flawless (or almost flawless) finish. However, I'm self conscious about my forehead! You see, my forehead is 3 shades darker than the rest of my face (due to my melanin and possibly because my forehead is too big??) The problem I have with foundation is that most of them make my forehead look ashy and gray -they'll be a perfect match for the rest of my face but because my forehead is so dark, they make my forehead dull and gray.
How do you think this turned out?? Please give feedback as I'm inbetween about this foundation. I think it does work better (for the forehead problem) than most other foundations I've tried including NARS Sheer Glow, MUFE Face & Body, and more.
The Look:
I was trying to do a subtle but semi-dramatic eye. I used a light, peachy champagne for the inner corners of my eyes and then a gold for my lid. The crease and outer-v was supposed to be very dark blue but it turned out looking black -which I ended up liking. I wanted the focus to be on my eyes so I played down the cheeks with a light, peachy salmon orange and dabbed some nude lipstick onto my lips.

Products Used:
Eyes:
1. Styli-Style Browliner 24 in Brown
2. Pari Beauty Precious Glow Eye Primer in Platinum
3. LORAC Eyeshadows from Snake Charmer Palette (2 lighter shades) (lid)
4. Gold from 120 Palette (lid)
5. TheBalm Risque Renee (crease & outer-v)
6. NARS Night Flight (outer-v)
7. MAC Pearlglide in Black Russain (upper waterline)
8. Bourjois Regard Effet Duochrome Eyeliner in Noir Bleute (lower waterline)
9. Kat Von D Liquid Liner in Black Metal Love (thin, small cat eye)
10. Prestige My Biggest Lashes Mascara
Face:
1. Pari Beauty Balancing Foundation in 52
2. Pari Beauty Blush in 08
3. LORAC Perfectly Lit Highlighter in Spotlight
4. Stila Contouring Trio
5. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
Lips:
1. Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Spiced Cream

Here my skin looks much more like it does in real life. For some reason, my skin always look whiter and lighter in pictures.

So, what do you think? I definitely need more practice. The reason I always go with neutral looks is because it's so easy -you don't really see the mistakes. I'm also a little intimidated by bright and dark colors although it looks amazing on so many girls. I want to start doing more FOTDs but I haven't gotten my picture taking skills down when it comes to taking eye-closeups? Any tips for that?

Sunday, September 26, 2010

MAC & New Shoes: What More Can A Girl Ask For? (My 1st MAC Brush!)

Yesterday was a great ending to a crazy week. I wrote earlier in the week that I was super stressed and having a difficult time with school and a bunch of other craziness.. my boyfriend's been very supportive. He always tries to tone down my stress and does little things here and there to make my day better.

In the morning, we had brunch -I had steak with mushrooms and rice (that he made me) and he had a sandwich -I think my meal was better. =) We hung around the house for a bit and ended up taking a nap.. I've been so tired lately especially with all the schoolwork I have to do. When we got up, we headed to a Japanese restaurant for some sushi.. it was DELICIOUS. We ordered Spicy Chicken with Rice & Salad (I love salads at Japanese restaurants), a Spider Roll, Unagi, and Baked Mussels -pretty much all my favorites. Afterwards, we headed to the mall so he could get me something from MAC.

I chose the 168 Large Angled Contour Brush. I'm happy to announce that I am no longer a MAC Brush virgin. I've stated before that I've never owned any "real" MAC brushes -I did have a SE 168 awhile ago but I gave it away because it was horrible and I hated it. I haven't tried this brush out yet but I will tomorrow and all throughout the week. I hoping that this will end my search for the perfect contour brush. I've always wanted this brush and it's been on my list forever but honestly, it's so hard for me to be willing to spend $32 on just one brush (but I guess quality over quantity right?)
He also got me a pair of Classic Black Canvas Toms. These have been on my list for quite a while too -we actually looked for them while shopping in the city last week but Nordstrom didn't have my size (size 5) in any of their stores or online. But I got lucky! On Tuesday, my boyfriend's sister called and said she found my size so she picked them up for me. I'm so happy because they never have size 5 Toms anywhere around here (or on the Toms website.)

I loved the way that everything was packaged. Clean, simple box (recyclable) with minimal designs and writing. When you open it up, there's a Toms "flag" that comes with the shoes.
The best part of buying Toms? When you buy a pair, another pair is donated to a child in need. I know $44 is a bit much for plain canvas shoes that look very similar to the $6.99 pair that you can pick up at Rite Aid (I own those too) but when you buy these, you contribute to a good cause. Also, these are 100 times more comfortable than those Rite Aid shoes.

And lastly, here's a GWP I got from the Lancome counter at Macy's. I got suckered into buying products because I really wanted the GWP. I bought the Absolute Powder in Golden ($53) and the Flash Retouche Highlighter in 02 ($28) that Jason had used on me during my appointment.
When I got home, I realized that the purchase was way out of my budget and I had to return everything despite the fact that I really did love the 2 products and the GWP. I brought everything back to Macy's on Saturday when I went with my boyfriend and did the return. Surprisingly, she took back the 2 products and said I could keep the GWP since it wasn't on the receipt! Usually when I buy something at Macy's with a GWP, they awlays make me give back the GWP (which is understandable) so I was really excited. Basically, I got a free gift just for going to that appointment.
I really love this bag. Do you see the outline of the Angel on the right? I just love that it's black and wipes clean -perfect for traveling. I also like the convenient outside pocket.

Inside are 2 zippered compartments (also easy to clean.) This is perfect for when I travel because I take a "medium" amount of products -my other makeup bags are either too small, too bulky, or too large.

Samples! I got a full size toner and cleanser and also some deluxe sized products. I really hope the cleanser works because that's mainly what I wanted the GWP for (and the bag.)

Now I have a question for you.. Have you ever bought products solely for the free GWP or have you ever done that but returned the products and kept the GWP?! Call me awful but I know I've been guilty of it -usually it's because I actually want the products but they end up not working for me and the store allows me to keep the GWP (in my experience, Sephora usually lets you keep GWPs but department stores usually ask for them back!)

Have a lovely Sunday everyone!