tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17504490026212719772024-03-12T20:52:48.261-07:00guitarrasaraguitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-72971354387571626542016-09-12T16:08:00.003-07:002016-09-12T16:08:50.475-07:00Do you remember me?It's been over 5 years since I have posted here- anyone still reading? 😁 Just a little note to say I'll be coming back, not yet sure if this will be where I will post but you can find me on Instagram and eventually YouTube! There's going to be a lot of fun stuff to share including maybe my story on how I transitioned from one career path to another and became a beauty product developer. Hope you'll join me!guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-38923616657222021542011-05-23T17:09:00.000-07:002011-05-23T17:35:11.351-07:00Wet N Wild Color Icon Customized Neutrals & Colors PaletteIt is rare for me to purchase eyeshadow at the drugstore, but I've been really excited to try many of the Wet N Wild Color Icon Shadows since they have received so much praise. One of the reasons I hate drugstore eye shadows is the packaging... So I found a solution and de-potted the pans to create a custom palette!<br /><br />Using 6 Wet N Wild Color Icon Trios and one Eyeshadow Collection I created a neutrals and colors palette I can't wait to start using!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6NtJL0lsiM/Tdr5kv6FmII/AAAAAAAABB4/pYtDliqIrEw/s1600/Palette%2B5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 161px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6NtJL0lsiM/Tdr5kv6FmII/AAAAAAAABB4/pYtDliqIrEw/s400/Palette%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610070695574083714" border="0" /></a><br />The WnW Trios and Eyeshadow Collections I used to create this are:<br /><br />-I'm Getting Sunburned 334<br />-Silent Treatment 335<br />-Walking On Eggshells 380 B<br />-Sweet As Candy 381 B<br />-Cool As A Cucumber 382 B<br />-Knock On Wood 383 B<br />-Don't Steal My Thunder 385 B<br />-Comfort Zone 780<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc80ZLp0afE/Tdr5jMo0-7I/AAAAAAAABBo/hoOiMaALphs/s1600/Palette%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc80ZLp0afE/Tdr5jMo0-7I/AAAAAAAABBo/hoOiMaALphs/s400/Palette%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610070668926581682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zCX6ye15hI/Tdr5j26SRhI/AAAAAAAABBw/xGu_Fkm9A3w/s1600/Palette%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zCX6ye15hI/Tdr5j26SRhI/AAAAAAAABBw/xGu_Fkm9A3w/s400/Palette%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610070680274093586" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1l2GKTphWI/Tdr5IVpIGlI/AAAAAAAABBY/4ctBq9Tv8ms/s1600/Palette%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1l2GKTphWI/Tdr5IVpIGlI/AAAAAAAABBY/4ctBq9Tv8ms/s400/Palette%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610070207487285842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23ce61G4V7E/Tdr5IwriFYI/AAAAAAAABBg/T-GeNE0DVOE/s1600/Palete%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23ce61G4V7E/Tdr5IwriFYI/AAAAAAAABBg/T-GeNE0DVOE/s400/Palete%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610070214745134466" border="0" /></a><br />By glancing at the pans you might think there are several duplicate colors, but when swatched, you'll find subtle variations that make each color special and unique.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Swatches:<br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IQ0ilZJ5VI/Tdr351ZcHJI/AAAAAAAABA4/RgdHGeGlOq4/s1600/Hilights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IQ0ilZJ5VI/Tdr351ZcHJI/AAAAAAAABA4/RgdHGeGlOq4/s400/Hilights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068858801757330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1m7HmcBiEEU/Tdr37BYPc1I/AAAAAAAABBI/gtp8c-AXhnQ/s1600/PinksPurples.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1m7HmcBiEEU/Tdr37BYPc1I/AAAAAAAABBI/gtp8c-AXhnQ/s400/PinksPurples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068879197827922" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0B2EbOyGN4/Tdr4vUsLsWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Q4iEl4c37_I/s1600/PurplesBrowns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0B2EbOyGN4/Tdr4vUsLsWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Q4iEl4c37_I/s400/PurplesBrowns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610069777734938978" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RQFu5kTtfY/Tdr36c49-JI/AAAAAAAABBA/jk52jT7B170/s1600/Neutrals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RQFu5kTtfY/Tdr36c49-JI/AAAAAAAABBA/jk52jT7B170/s400/Neutrals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068869402982546" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fxLb0CEvc/Tdr35evC6nI/AAAAAAAABAw/DBOvkd5w4Oc/s1600/GreensSilver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fxLb0CEvc/Tdr35evC6nI/AAAAAAAABAw/DBOvkd5w4Oc/s400/GreensSilver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068852718365298" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1UWRJSEMMk/Tdr35C2GxNI/AAAAAAAABAo/6RHdqEkzPyA/s1600/Dark%2BGreens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1UWRJSEMMk/Tdr35C2GxNI/AAAAAAAABAo/6RHdqEkzPyA/s400/Dark%2BGreens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068845231785170" border="0" /></a><br />I owned the Walking On Eggshells for several months and loved it, and based on my swatching experience I think I will love most, if not all of the colors as much as the ones from my first trio.<br /><br />What do you think of WnW shadows? Do you hate the packaging too? Or is it worth putting up with for such a great product?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. the photos above were taken with my new camera... <span style="font-style: italic;">in manual mode</span>! I am still learning but hopefully my photos will be improved over time. I'm learning as I've never had a DSLR camera before - and have no photography experience outside of point and shoot cameras. Wish me luck!</span>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-4483384323869724692011-04-17T16:17:00.001-07:002011-04-17T16:47:39.318-07:00Vanity Organization, FOTD and "Project X Pan" Update<div style="text-align: justify;">I have gone through several variations of makeup vanities and internal storage, but I think I have finally found a solution that works for me! I wanted to share some quick pictures to begin with, and if there is interest I can do a longer post on the vanity itself and / or my storage solutions. Let me know what you think!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawer #1:</span><br />Everyday face products, blushes and eye bases that are not in palette form. And yes, to the left - my birth control! What can I say, it is a convenient place to keep it :)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jj8KtWCWEY0/Tat1bavJmOI/AAAAAAAAA_o/B13vZRpU6jY/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jj8KtWCWEY0/Tat1bavJmOI/AAAAAAAAA_o/B13vZRpU6jY/s400/IMG_1503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696075831974114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout the drawers you will see that there is room to grow, and that's the way I like to keep it!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3D_YsUak1w/Tat1-qfLGTI/AAAAAAAAA_w/jZFN2rnT44A/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3D_YsUak1w/Tat1-qfLGTI/AAAAAAAAA_w/jZFN2rnT44A/s400/IMG_1507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696681355352370" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawer #2:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Lipsticks, glosses, lipliners, eye liners, stick eye bases, lash adhesive, lashes.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRTfqAESKEg/Tat1aE41_yI/AAAAAAAAA_I/wtqky4DBmnE/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 198px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRTfqAESKEg/Tat1aE41_yI/AAAAAAAAA_I/wtqky4DBmnE/s400/IMG_1499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696052787183394" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bi5D8BpIHas/Tat1av0_0bI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/-F8cHczkIcw/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bi5D8BpIHas/Tat1av0_0bI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/-F8cHczkIcw/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696064313774514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawer #3:</span><br />Brush roll for storing brushes that are not in use, Bare Minerals eye shadows and complexion enhancers, brush cleansers and some fragrance rollerballs.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvR8m3fnwA/Tat1--AryjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/ONFiSwYQxNU/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvR8m3fnwA/Tat1--AryjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/ONFiSwYQxNU/s400/IMG_1508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696686596180530" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVTIS5jke4c/Tat1_El_WMI/AAAAAAAABAA/GOrYmCcrPBM/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVTIS5jke4c/Tat1_El_WMI/AAAAAAAABAA/GOrYmCcrPBM/s400/IMG_1509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696688363264194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The acrylic trays that I use are stackable, so I can fit more in less space ;)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt0cVo4g5j8/Tat1_X7D5eI/AAAAAAAABAI/YfmQWa9knIg/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt0cVo4g5j8/Tat1_X7D5eI/AAAAAAAABAI/YfmQWa9knIg/s400/IMG_1510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696693551916514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawer #4: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Palettes (MAC, Inglot, Nars, Urban Decay, NYX and some Custom made ones) to store eye shadows, blushes, and other face products<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nh8oBbonY/Tat1a0yot8I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/59Nat_FF2pg/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nh8oBbonY/Tat1a0yot8I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/59Nat_FF2pg/s400/IMG_1501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696065646049218" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNmCxLr4OWA/Tat1bEZLU6I/AAAAAAAAA_g/QbwnAE0-4cE/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNmCxLr4OWA/Tat1bEZLU6I/AAAAAAAAA_g/QbwnAE0-4cE/s400/IMG_1502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696069834232738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Probably one of the best items I used while reorganizing my vanity was this kitchen shelf liner... It makes a HUGE difference in preventing items from moving around, and it also looks cool beneath the clear acrylic.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31tjuAKu2dM/Tat2LmVAU7I/AAAAAAAABAY/pSBefHntOaw/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31tjuAKu2dM/Tat2LmVAU7I/AAAAAAAABAY/pSBefHntOaw/s400/IMG_1518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696903577260978" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And... A Sunday afternoon F.O.T.D. after a 4.5 mile hike (lookin' a lil scrubby but I still have most of my "face" on!)...<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMvkfaqhdDM/Tat2L7uRKoI/AAAAAAAABAg/g1AqJe-pPZI/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMvkfaqhdDM/Tat2L7uRKoI/AAAAAAAABAg/g1AqJe-pPZI/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596696909320366722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Project X Pan update... This probably deserves its own post, but I started out really strong, and then I broke!!! Inglot's shopping site launched, and I<span style="font-style: italic;"> had </span>to buy a couple palettes... Then, I got a VIB coupon from Sephora, and I just couldn't take it!!! I have been focused on using up items, and have been good about that, but I am still buying new things from time to time. For right now I am putting that project on hold, but maybe I will decide to commit some time this year and really make a dent!<br /></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-14781793417141110922011-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:002011-03-27T14:48:25.593-07:00NYX Lip Liner Overview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ao8yF4S2n-U/TY-meTbrleI/AAAAAAAAA9I/FdFxQtPeHig/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ao8yF4S2n-U/TY-meTbrleI/AAAAAAAAA9I/FdFxQtPeHig/s400/IMG_1418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588868702132737506" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the last couple years I have collected quite a few NYX lip liners. In my opinion, this is NYX's best product. While the textures and pigmentation vary slightly from shade to shade, in general these lip liners are creamy, pigmented, and long lasting. The bonus with these lip liners is the price tag - these are often sold between $2.50 - $4.00 at most retailers that stock them. In short, I highly recommend trying them out.<br /><br />My favorite shades are: Pale Pink, Nude Pink, Mauve, Rose, Dolly Pink, Burgundy and Coffee. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pinky Nudes/ Naturals</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqjitcxbX5k/TY-myhoIsSI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ebY6k5Uu3Pw/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqjitcxbX5k/TY-myhoIsSI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ebY6k5Uu3Pw/s400/IMG_1443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869049540456738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Beige </span>is light tanned beige color with a warm undertone.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pale Pink</span> is a cool pastel pink with a hint of beige.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nude Pink </span>is a warm light peach with a hint of beige.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Natural </span>is a neutral mid tone peachy brown.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peekaboo Neutral </span>is very similar to nude pink, except it has stronger beige undertones.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mauve</span> is a mid tone pinkish- brown with a slightly purple undertone.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0C5yEvYtE/TY-my-D2nZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0wXAcHulMBc/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0C5yEvYtE/TY-my-D2nZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0wXAcHulMBc/s400/IMG_1447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869057172905362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Peaches</span><br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRm1j55IjsM/TY-ogfFMREI/AAAAAAAAA-4/yQJwo5GZuvA/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 77px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRm1j55IjsM/TY-ogfFMREI/AAAAAAAAA-4/yQJwo5GZuvA/s400/IMG_1432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588870938642629698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tangerine</span> is a light peachy coral with subtle shimmer. This liner is a bit dryer, harder to blend and is not as pigmented as others.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nectar</span> is a peachy berry color with subtle shimmer. This liner is also a bit dryer, but not as fry as Tangerine.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUfdeQllKm4/TY-og35AfqI/AAAAAAAAA_A/yIpbDsdYXZc/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUfdeQllKm4/TY-og35AfqI/AAAAAAAAA_A/yIpbDsdYXZc/s400/IMG_1433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588870945302412962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pinks</span><br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1eE3ohLOM/TY-mfXDG4LI/AAAAAAAAA9g/BjLh_C-3K80/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1eE3ohLOM/TY-mfXDG4LI/AAAAAAAAA9g/BjLh_C-3K80/s400/IMG_1427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588868720283279538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Flower</span> is a pale frosty pink. This liner is dryer in texture, is harder to blend and is not as pigmented as others.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Citrine</span> is a mid tone warm pink with subtle shimmer. Citrine is dryer in texture, but not as dry as Flower.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rose</span> is a mid tone warm pink with peach undertones. Rose is very creamy and easy to blend<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dolly Pink</span> is a mid tone cool pink with blue undertones. Dolly pink is creamy, but as creamy as Rose, although it is very easy to blend.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pinky </span>is a dark hot pink with red undertones. Pinky is very creamy and easy to blend.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6u2n_pOmLKs/TY-mfxOxXxI/AAAAAAAAA9o/yeG76m7Qc6s/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6u2n_pOmLKs/TY-mfxOxXxI/AAAAAAAAA9o/yeG76m7Qc6s/s400/IMG_1430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588868727311523602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reds</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMnc3Zx2OoI/TY-mehjvfgI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/nKfhv5lhWC8/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 132px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMnc3Zx2OoI/TY-mehjvfgI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/nKfhv5lhWC8/s400/IMG_1421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588868705924644354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pumpkin</span> is a mid tone orangey red with subtle shimmer. Pumpkin is extremely smooth and creamy, so it is not quite as long lasting as others.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hot Red</span> is a cherry red that works well with both reds and dark pinks.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burdundy</span> is a deep wine colored red with neutral undertones.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deep Purple</span> is a is a very deep wine red with purple undertones.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0T0cU3sQu_4/TY-mfA3yRPI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/MXdY9oOo-gc/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0T0cU3sQu_4/TY-mfA3yRPI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/MXdY9oOo-gc/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588868714330211570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Browns</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-eShXtYZdQ/TY-mxutAHNI/AAAAAAAAA9w/aF6yYc7lsiI/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 102px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-eShXtYZdQ/TY-mxutAHNI/AAAAAAAAA9w/aF6yYc7lsiI/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869035870657746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coffee </span>is a mid tone peachy brown with neutral undertones.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cocoa </span>is a mid tone brown with warm undertones.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dark Brown </span>is a rich, very dark brown with cool undertones.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrNTlWYWN14/TY-myI0Eu1I/AAAAAAAAA94/B772c39aSC4/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrNTlWYWN14/TY-myI0Eu1I/AAAAAAAAA94/B772c39aSC4/s400/IMG_1437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869042879642450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swatches</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pinky Nudes/ Naturals</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWhdfXlWTE/TY-mzfkRcfI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/SwKR7NBFa_4/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdWhdfXlWTE/TY-mzfkRcfI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/SwKR7NBFa_4/s400/IMG_1449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869066167251442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">beige - pale pink - nude pink</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">natural - peekaboo pink - mauve</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Peaches</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9nqokF4AHA/TY-nAy0ydUI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/pDa0NXRhMTA/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9nqokF4AHA/TY-nAy0ydUI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/pDa0NXRhMTA/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869294675096898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">tangerine - nectar</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pinks</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYacOZELM-E/TY-nLvx5xWI/AAAAAAAAA-w/CBxvR5DzwPU/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYacOZELM-E/TY-nLvx5xWI/AAAAAAAAA-w/CBxvR5DzwPU/s400/IMG_1469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869482836247906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">flower - citrine - rose</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">dolly pink - pinky</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Reds</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tds5ytQZ14/TY-nB-pfhoI/AAAAAAAAA-o/2lsZv_lthNA/s1600/IMG_1476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Tds5ytQZ14/TY-nB-pfhoI/AAAAAAAAA-o/2lsZv_lthNA/s400/IMG_1476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869315028813442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">pumpkin - red </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">burgundy - deep purple</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Browns</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ1ZNra8NrE/TY-nBc40QYI/AAAAAAAAA-g/HrVSCUwoqME/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ1ZNra8NrE/TY-nBc40QYI/AAAAAAAAA-g/HrVSCUwoqME/s400/IMG_1471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588869305966281090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">coffee - cocoa - dark brown</span><br /></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-65438726268855662832011-03-16T19:58:00.000-07:002011-03-16T20:05:25.934-07:00Brush Drying FrameThis will be a quick post!<br /><br />I asked my boyfriend to make me a brush drying frame so I could dry my brushes head-down after washing them, and I was constantly annoyed at how much space my brushes take up if I have to wash and dry a few dozen at one time...<br /><br />So here is the finished product! The brushes are suspended by rubber bands, which are hanging from thumb tacks. It works really well! I am going to store it in my closet on my dresser, so my brushes are out of sight while they're drying.<br /><br />(and I might paint it so it looks a little prettier!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmhovEjVCB0/TYF54k0RIzI/AAAAAAAAA84/MAv-Oa_EKG0/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmhovEjVCB0/TYF54k0RIzI/AAAAAAAAA84/MAv-Oa_EKG0/s400/IMG_1373.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584879025778664242" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZG0Y6F7b8/TYF547o7oMI/AAAAAAAAA9A/A_pfYVcp04U/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZG0Y6F7b8/TYF547o7oMI/AAAAAAAAA9A/A_pfYVcp04U/s400/IMG_1379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584879031905132738" border="0" /></a>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-13040197972332440502011-03-13T17:53:00.000-07:002011-03-13T18:09:05.170-07:00The New Urban Decay Naked Palette?My palette arrived so much faster than I anticipated! <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRcXvZKWDY/TX1n8Ne2XWI/AAAAAAAAA8I/PWwGxFPW9Sw/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 188px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPRcXvZKWDY/TX1n8Ne2XWI/AAAAAAAAA8I/PWwGxFPW9Sw/s400/IMG_1329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733397118147938" border="0" /></a><br />Because of the coverage this palette received on blogs, I knew exactly what to expect...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwVaj-syVhk/TX1nmzhNEuI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7hSrZVxTKcU/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 181px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwVaj-syVhk/TX1nmzhNEuI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/7hSrZVxTKcU/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733029371450082" border="0" /></a><br />But I was surprised! My palette did not come with the double-ended zero/ whiskey 24/7 eye liner. Instead it came with a brush:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It-pRbSuhPA/TX1nnGEX_9I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/g8reORSi7K0/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It-pRbSuhPA/TX1nnGEX_9I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/g8reORSi7K0/s400/IMG_1309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733034350804946" border="0" /></a><br />Is this palette overrated? Absolutely not- every color in this palette is awesome, and I wouldn't change a thing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pictures:</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI4lrfk2GmA/TX1nnsSt6MI/AAAAAAAAA7g/TyI2nAOPVIQ/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CI4lrfk2GmA/TX1nnsSt6MI/AAAAAAAAA7g/TyI2nAOPVIQ/s400/IMG_1312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733044611508418" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZwnNfN8aEY/TX1nn9q2wwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/wbrLb0ANy20/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 90px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZwnNfN8aEY/TX1nn9q2wwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/wbrLb0ANy20/s400/IMG_1321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733049276154626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGV9cdKvWCM/TX1n77lyt9I/AAAAAAAAA8A/PDqjJlx7F5Y/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGV9cdKvWCM/TX1n77lyt9I/AAAAAAAAA8A/PDqjJlx7F5Y/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733392315430866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUXKtqt50i8/TX1n7j9u7AI/AAAAAAAAA74/iSeeyJyJ5f0/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUXKtqt50i8/TX1n7j9u7AI/AAAAAAAAA74/iSeeyJyJ5f0/s400/IMG_1323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733385973394434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmi1Tp3r0rs/TX1nocgA-MI/AAAAAAAAA7w/MRfbjsV8LQM/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmi1Tp3r0rs/TX1nocgA-MI/AAAAAAAAA7w/MRfbjsV8LQM/s400/IMG_1322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733057552185538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swatches:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fD1sXnto5aQ/TX1n8wt0VPI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/04Goue5L23E/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fD1sXnto5aQ/TX1n8wt0VPI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/04Goue5L23E/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733406576170226" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juYmT_HE-dg/TX1oNv8aEWI/AAAAAAAAA8g/ZQAKhS5_YHQ/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juYmT_HE-dg/TX1oNv8aEWI/AAAAAAAAA8g/ZQAKhS5_YHQ/s400/IMG_1346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733698426704226" border="0" /></a><br /></div>And my eye look/ F.O.T.D. after trying it for the first time:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tUZ7gAJKkg/TX1oNwgob-I/AAAAAAAAA8o/SgLYGuMOTk0/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 118px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tUZ7gAJKkg/TX1oNwgob-I/AAAAAAAAA8o/SgLYGuMOTk0/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733698578640866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9RK7QsveoA/TX1oOXTOPPI/AAAAAAAAA8w/E4k_v1Hf_sM/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9RK7QsveoA/TX1oOXTOPPI/AAAAAAAAA8w/E4k_v1Hf_sM/s400/IMG_1371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583733708991380722" border="0" /></a><br />I highly recommend this palette. Hopefully it will come back into stock soon!guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-33154143469818515222011-03-07T15:40:00.000-08:002011-03-07T16:08:58.218-08:00I'm Beginning Project [X] Pan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNzB2e2ZtQk/TXVtofy1N0I/AAAAAAAAA7A/XGX1WkMUs_s/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNzB2e2ZtQk/TXVtofy1N0I/AAAAAAAAA7A/XGX1WkMUs_s/s400/IMG_1282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581487855692494658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been away from blogging for several reasons (work, brainstorming for my next blog- which I hope to get up and running by the summer, etc.), but I am back and hope I can keep blogging on a regular basis because it is something I truly miss. <br /><br />I have purchased a ton of higher-end makeup/ brushes/ skin care in the last 6 months and decided that once I was able to get the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I would begin a Project [X] Pan. I found the Urban Decay Naked Palette in stock last night on <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/categories/NakedPalettewithBrush.cfm">Urban <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Decay's</span> website</a>. As I write this, I have confirmed the site has already sold out (unfortunately!). <br /><br />I am calling this a "Project [X] Pan" because I am not actually sure how many products I can finish. When I think about getting to the bottom of a blush or eyeshadow pan, it seems impossible... I decided to start with products I just want to get out of my vanity drawers, although there are more that I should be able to finish in the coming months. I am shooting to finish 10- 20 products, depending on how things go. <br /><br />I put the ones I want to "work on" in this tray so I can remind myself to use them every day:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjSedAjgJKw/TXVto0YYXyI/AAAAAAAAA7I/E5Bzo3b_I6c/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjSedAjgJKw/TXVto0YYXyI/AAAAAAAAA7I/E5Bzo3b_I6c/s400/IMG_1284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581487861218696994" border="0" /></a><br />I am certain I can get through several lip products, so I feel like that will get me off to a good start!<br /><br />Other food for thought:<br />1) I am sort of over buying makeup online and in the drugstore. I really got into trying inexpensive makeup (ELF, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NYX</span>) in 2009, but as 2010 ended, I felt like I had a ton of cheap makeup that was collecting dust. I went through my stash and tossed a lot and reorganized other items I thought were worth keeping. In the last 6 months I've been getting back into high end products.<br />2) Hopefully I'll be getting <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+EOS+Rebel+T2i+18.0-Megapixel+Digital+SLR+Camera+-+Black/9778635.p?skuId=9778635&productCategoryId=pcmcat180400050000&id=1218171770784">this</a> camera soon, and provided that I learn a bit more about photography, I hope I should soon be posting better quality pictures.<br />3) I've been considering video-making for my YouTube channel (I deleted all of my videos), but for some reason I just haven't taken the plunge. I have recorded and edited countless "test" videos to A/B lighting and camera settings, but I just haven't wanted to put myself out there yet.<br />4) I am in my 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> week testing Rapid Lash, and so far, I haven't seen a huge difference. I plan on posting a full review in the next few weeks, with before and after pictures.<br />5) I am so ready for Spring and Summer! I can't wait to be rid of these gloomy days!<br /><br />Hope you all are well :)guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-18604270465883637512010-11-07T09:08:00.000-08:002010-11-07T09:40:30.527-08:00Loreal Color Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMGO7jzI/AAAAAAAAA6A/oS0aw43tn-Q/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMGO7jzI/AAAAAAAAA6A/oS0aw43tn-Q/s400/IMG_0401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857091311636274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Although I may have grown up in the lip gloss generation, I have definitely discovered the loveliness of lipstick in the last 3 years or so. I don't normally seek out lipsticks at the drug store because I find that most of the shades offered are ones I wouldn't be likely to wear every day (i.e. lots of berry "mommy" shades!). This particular lipstick is definitely outside of that category. While not my everyday lipstick, this is one I reach for when I want a natural, pretty lip that is not so pink.</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMUpz6eI/AAAAAAAAA6I/PZ_V-_RPYEk/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMUpz6eI/AAAAAAAAA6I/PZ_V-_RPYEk/s400/IMG_0406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857095182477794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As with most drugstore brands, Loreal Color Riche Lipstick does not come in the greatest packaging, but it is better than some! One really odd thing is that I have to twist about twice as much to get the bullet to make an appearance, but I don't find it to be a real problem.</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMwfMPJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/v1EKSA8Gf88/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeMwfMPJI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/v1EKSA8Gf88/s400/IMG_0408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857102654127250" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeLnMkIZI/AAAAAAAAA54/rJu79k7zlUI/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeLnMkIZI/AAAAAAAAA54/rJu79k7zlUI/s400/IMG_0399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857082980213138" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As the swatches indicate, this color could be described as a beigy-mauve that falls somewhere between light and medium. It is definitely not a nude shade that will blend into the skin tone, especially for a fair skinned person like myself.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe7YbroII/AAAAAAAAA6g/f4sGLIIsETQ/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe7YbroII/AAAAAAAAA6g/f4sGLIIsETQ/s400/IMG_1085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857903650807938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >*Please excuse the shoddy retouching! My skin is a bit flaky from benzoyl peroxide, and while it isn't noticeable from most angles, in a macro photo it looks quite scary!</span><br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe86DKZVI/AAAAAAAAA6w/3CQovlnz1IA/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe86DKZVI/AAAAAAAAA6w/3CQovlnz1IA/s400/IMG_1096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857929854641490" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;">Full face shown in natural daylight:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe7-TQqeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/uCrzXuHGxbI/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbe7-TQqeI/AAAAAAAAA6o/uCrzXuHGxbI/s400/IMG_1090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857913816033762" border="0" /></a><br />Full face shown with flash:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeNZtF65I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/qigY4dRooqI/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TNbeNZtF65I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/qigY4dRooqI/s400/IMG_1080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536857113718287250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">In summary, this lipstick is probably worth trying if you're looking for a natural lipstick shade with a cream finish that feels more on the moisturizing than the drying side. Color payoff is quite opaque, and the scent could be described as "papery rose" (I don't find it to be off-putting, but others may!). All things considered, this is a good lipstick!</span></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-5168608041520007102010-10-27T19:21:00.000-07:002010-10-27T19:56:20.739-07:00What would you like to read about?<span style="font-family:arial;">Some of the reasons I have not posted in 4 months include that I have been considering starting another blog (and possibly a new video channel as well) and also that I have also been really busy with work and moving (again!!). Anywho - If you're still reading this blog, please let me know what you'd like to see next!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Loreal Color Riche Lipstick</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fairest Nude</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfzUF1txI/AAAAAAAAA4I/N8_PCv5xI2M/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfzUF1txI/AAAAAAAAA4I/N8_PCv5xI2M/s400/IMG_0401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918214884177682" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Victorias Secret Lipstick</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Satin Slip</span><br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgOYrAJaI/AAAAAAAAA4w/a9rF0vbIszg/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgOYrAJaI/AAAAAAAAA4w/a9rF0vbIszg/s400/IMG_0722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918679970260386" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />MAC Lipstick</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Various Pink Shades</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgQIiRJNI/AAAAAAAAA5I/KtRjo_o031c/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgQIiRJNI/AAAAAAAAA5I/KtRjo_o031c/s400/IMG_1002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918709998396626" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sandy<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf0Ul5k2I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/-lQK5mvPSt8/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf0Ul5k2I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/-lQK5mvPSt8/s400/IMG_0432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918232198517602" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Stars Makeup Haven Eye Shadow</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Various Shades</span><br /><br /></div><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgO_YsbkI/AAAAAAAAA44/qSqUDoMWUXg/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgO_YsbkI/AAAAAAAAA44/qSqUDoMWUXg/s400/IMG_0945.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918690362453570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Urban Decay Eye Shadow</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yeyo - Revolver - Vapour</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgPmhIIaI/AAAAAAAAA5A/U3ZXONL2Gys/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjgPmhIIaI/AAAAAAAAA5A/U3ZXONL2Gys/s400/IMG_0962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918700866806178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Smashbox Eye Shadow</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Flirt - Minx</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf2rvDamI/AAAAAAAAA4o/C5b-meDEWN8/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf2rvDamI/AAAAAAAAA4o/C5b-meDEWN8/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918272770665058" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Smashbox Blush</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chiffon - Flush</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf2YOjd_I/AAAAAAAAA4g/XyO6jc46anU/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf2YOjd_I/AAAAAAAAA4g/XyO6jc46anU/s400/IMG_0512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918267534079986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />NYX Mosaic Blush</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All Shades</span><br /></div><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf1T5AZMI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/yGexX3hBy5c/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjf1T5AZMI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/yGexX3hBy5c/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532918249190089922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Sigma F25 (SS138) vs. MAC 138</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfN9XMmXI/AAAAAAAAA34/Rx-OGSXcgSI/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 186px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfN9XMmXI/AAAAAAAAA34/Rx-OGSXcgSI/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532917573127805298" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfOcdGnSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/eFuksGjtlzI/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 187px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/TMjfOcdGnSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/eFuksGjtlzI/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532917581474077986" border="0" /></a></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-69457500020588517872010-06-22T19:13:00.000-07:002010-06-22T19:18:48.602-07:00What is Weird: "Gift Hauls"Am I the only person who thinks that this phenomenon is <span style="font-weight: bold;">really creepy</span>?!<br /><br />I am subscribed to probably a dozen gurus who regularly accept "gifts" from subscribers. Sometimes the items the gurus receive are used, and other times they are brand new.<br /><br />I don't mean to pass judgment on people who send the gifts, or those that receive them, but the idea is really strange to me... <br /><br />I could definitely elaborate on this, but for how I'll keep this short and sweet!<br /><br />If you are inclined, share your thoughts in the comments ;)guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-11886743974639361252010-05-30T13:00:00.000-07:002010-05-30T13:14:10.605-07:00mark. Eye Shadow Overview<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The simplicity of <a href="http://shop.meetmark.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&dept_id=489&pf_id=8034">mark. eye shadows</a> appealed to me from the first time I saw them- they're square, have a the "mark." logo imprinted in the center of the shadow, and can easily be popped in and out of palettes and rearranged. Initially I started with 8 colors in the spring of 2009, and after using them several times I sort of forgot about them...</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Then, when I discovered an <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/avon-beauty-center-daly-city">Avon Store</a> in the San Francisco Bay Area (who knew there were Avon stores?!) I decided to pop in and check out the other colors. Several of the shades I wanted to try were out of stock, so I hopped online and placed an order for some colors I didn't have but wanted to try. I already owned a couple mark. palettes, but instead of purchasing more, I decided to house the shadows in a MAC palette (for storage reasons- something I plan to talk about in a subsequent post).</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92U4EJxWI/AAAAAAAAAvg/rXXaIsPDpjk/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92U4EJxWI/AAAAAAAAAvg/rXXaIsPDpjk/s400/IMG_0491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722173297706338" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >18 colors fit nicely into the MAC palette. As pictured above, I created a nice neutral palette that I really like.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Below you can see the size difference as compared to the mark <a href="http://shop.meetmark.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&dept_id=489&pf_id=29827">mega palette</a> that holds 8 shadows.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9631vLXDI/AAAAAAAAAwY/LP324lNJeAs/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9631vLXDI/AAAAAAAAAwY/LP324lNJeAs/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471727172014791730" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92t8IFJwI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/ewvOMFtHp4w/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92t8IFJwI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/ewvOMFtHp4w/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722603884652290" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-964d2tNaI/AAAAAAAAAwg/Xf6axBv7JUY/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-964d2tNaI/AAAAAAAAAwg/Xf6axBv7JUY/s400/IMG_0499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471727182783788450" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >There are two other sizes of mark. palettes available, the <a href="http://shop.meetmark.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&dept_id=489&pf_id=31848">mezzo</a> (pictured below) and the <a href="http://shop.meetmark.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&dept_id=489&pf_id=29826">mini</a> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>that fits two colors.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9643oZBKI/AAAAAAAAAwo/YZTzF9H2JTk/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9643oZBKI/AAAAAAAAAwo/YZTzF9H2JTk/s400/IMG_0551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471727189703066786" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >As for the colors in my neutral palette, I think all of them would be flattering on almost any skin color. I think that mark. has aimed to create very wearable colors, for the most part. The only thing to watch out for with these shadows is the finish- some of them have micro glitter, and I think that is something most of us over the age of 20 want to avoid (for daily wear). See my descriptions and swatches to get an idea of how the colors will appear when applied to the skin.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Neutral Colors<br /></span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-GungNLI/AAAAAAAAAx4/-w9woYcSoaA/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-GungNLI/AAAAAAAAAx4/-w9woYcSoaA/s400/IMG_0576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471730726336476338" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_CmUCV2hlI/AAAAAAAAA2o/SCVnhTESEnw/s1600/mark+neutral+pallete.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_CmUCV2hlI/AAAAAAAAA2o/SCVnhTESEnw/s400/mark+neutral+pallete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472056410411271762" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiC8--5vI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Q1QP5D9_968/s1600/whisper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 106px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiC8--5vI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Q1QP5D9_968/s400/whisper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910981380531954" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >whisper (matte)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Flat pale ivory-beige that is great as a highlight or base color. Pigmentation is middle of the road (i.e. not sheer but not totally opaque either).<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhUYQhRaI/AAAAAAAAAzw/t-tUHXtKcOk/s1600/biscotti.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 107px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhUYQhRaI/AAAAAAAAAzw/t-tUHXtKcOk/s400/biscotti.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910181247993250" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >biscotti (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Shimmery (with micro glitter/ large shimmer- however you want to look at it) sheer ivory color. this works well applied across the entire lid and in the inner corner. I wouldn't use it as a highlight due to the level of shimmer. This color doesn't have great color payoff, so I would use it to add a touch of shimmer, more than anything else.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah4DkIwDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/UuppmHq6ixc/s1600/nomadic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 107px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah4DkIwDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/UuppmHq6ixc/s400/nomadic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910794168418354" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >nomadic (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Shimmery (with micro glitter/ large shimmer) sheer pale buttery gold. This works well applied across the entire lid and in the inner corner. I wouldn't use it as a highlight due to the level of shimmer. This color doesn't have great color payoff, so I would use it to add a touch of shimmer, more than anything else.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiCKG5FgI/AAAAAAAAA2I/KHyGuP9xONg/s1600/stellar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 107px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiCKG5FgI/AAAAAAAAA2I/KHyGuP9xONg/s400/stellar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910967723496962" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >stellar (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Light shimmer/ sheen finish pale golden yellow. This color is beautiful applied across the entire lid, or in the inner corner of the eye. Pigmentation is good, but is not totally opaque.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtkaQrFI/AAAAAAAAA1I/q2p7epnmnm4/s1600/magic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtkaQrFI/AAAAAAAAA1I/q2p7epnmnm4/s400/magic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910614006803538" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >magic (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Light shimmer/ sheen finish pale golden copper. This color is beautiful applied across the entire lid. Pigmentation is good, but is not totally opaque.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhUtBjGvI/AAAAAAAAAz4/nkbkq3DvYw4/s1600/cake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 105px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhUtBjGvI/AAAAAAAAAz4/nkbkq3DvYw4/s400/cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910186822343410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >cake (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Light shimmer/ sheen finish baby pink. This color is beautiful applied across the entire lid, or in the inner corner of the eye. For light to medium skin tones, this may work well as a warm highlight color. Pigmentation is sheer.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtKnR_kI/AAAAAAAAA04/x8ts73e2q8I/s1600/latte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 109px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtKnR_kI/AAAAAAAAA04/x8ts73e2q8I/s400/latte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910607082094146" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >latte (matte)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Flat warm beige. This is a nice highlight color for tan- deep skin tones, and words well as a crease/ blending color for fair- light skin tones. It would also work well as a base color applies across the entire lid. Pigmentation is middle of the road.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhemIF-SI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/I9Hwvqm9zGQ/s1600/fairy+dust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 105px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhemIF-SI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/I9Hwvqm9zGQ/s400/fairy+dust.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910356769437986" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >fairy dust (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmery (with micro glitter/ large shimmer) rosy warm beige. This works well applied across the entire lid and in the inner corner. I wouldn't use it as a highlight due to the level of shimmer. Pigmentation is middle of the road.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah3agBltI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/3cF0QuIytV8/s1600/minx.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah3agBltI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/3cF0QuIytV8/s400/minx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910783145318098" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >minx (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Light shimer/ sheen finish mid-tone taupe with cool undertones. This is beautiful as a base color applies across the entire lid, or as a standalone color. Pigmentation is middle of the road, but can be intensified by layering.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhfGKXXWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/UJjVqyxDZJE/s1600/gioia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 105px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhfGKXXWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/UJjVqyxDZJE/s400/gioia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910365368900962" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >gioia (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmery/ sheen finish mid-tone neutral brown. This color is beautiful as a stand alone color across the entire lid, or when used to subtly deepen the crease. Pigmentation is good, but is not completely opaque.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiCijlOlI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Iq5w_FrngSw/s1600/tiki.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 109px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiCijlOlI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Iq5w_FrngSw/s400/tiki.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910974286281298" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >tiki (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer (micro glitter/ light shimmer) finish warm golden brown. This color is beautiful as a stand alone color across the entire lid. I don't think it is the best color for the crease, given the level of shimmer. Pigmentation is middle of the road, but can be layered for more intensity.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AheU_ABvI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/9eILZIGy7bQ/s1600/espresso.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 105px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AheU_ABvI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/9eILZIGy7bQ/s400/espresso.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910352167896818" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >espresso (matte)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Flat warm brown with red undertones. This is a nice color for deepening the crease. Pigmentation is good but is not completely opaque.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahsgmyr7I/AAAAAAAAA0o/ddTghK4Imrc/s1600/glitterati.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 110px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahsgmyr7I/AAAAAAAAA0o/ddTghK4Imrc/s400/glitterati.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910595805753266" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >glitterati (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmery/ sheen finish pale silver. This color is beautiful when applied across the entire lid. Shimmer fallout can be a problem, so patting this color onto the lid rather than sweeping it will help to prevent fallout. Pigmentation is a bit sheer, but can be built to medium opacity.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtZ5iJDI/AAAAAAAAA1A/_4zOHBxZAoo/s1600/lotus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 111px; height: 111px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhtZ5iJDI/AAAAAAAAA1A/_4zOHBxZAoo/s400/lotus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910611185181746" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >lotus (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmery/ sheen finish pale lilac. This color is beautiful when applied across the entire lid. Shimmer fallout can be a problem, so patting this color onto the lid rather than sweeping it will help to prevent fallout. Pigmentation is a bit sheer, but can be built to medium opacity.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiGWdAjuI/AAAAAAAAA2g/ULCPc3ofoRc/s1600/wink+wink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 113px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiGWdAjuI/AAAAAAAAA2g/ULCPc3ofoRc/s400/wink+wink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471911039756963554" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >wink wink (matte)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Flat beige with purpley- grey undertones. This color works well when applied as a base color across the entire lid, or as a crease color for subtle definition. Pigmentation is middle of the road.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah5C77jUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/DfksRhGTipI/s1600/plum+velvet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 115px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah5C77jUI/AAAAAAAAA1w/DfksRhGTipI/s400/plum+velvet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910811179650370" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >plum velvet (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish mid-tone burgundy. This color is beautiful in the crease, but can also be applied across the entire lid for a bold eye look. Pigmentation is good, but is not completely opaque.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahs2_ZRpI/AAAAAAAAA0w/AChE_BLZs1M/s1600/java.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 109px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahs2_ZRpI/AAAAAAAAA0w/AChE_BLZs1M/s400/java.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910601814525586" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >java (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish deep neutral brown w/ copper shimmer. This color is beautiful in the crease, but can also be applied across the entire lid for a bold eye look. Pigmentation is good, but is not completely opaque.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhdQBfw3I/AAAAAAAAA0A/05rQ1ewp-Lw/s1600/corset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 110px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhdQBfw3I/AAAAAAAAA0A/05rQ1ewp-Lw/s400/corset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910333656318834" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >corset (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish charcoal black. This color is a few shades lighter than a straight-up black, so some may find it easier to blend. Pigmentation is good, but is not completely opaque.<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Bright Colors<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I also have six bright colors. I don't wear them very often, but they are nice to mix with neutrals, or even to wear alone on occasion.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92VQpHFzI/AAAAAAAAAvo/F46jA-8IEyA/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92VQpHFzI/AAAAAAAAAvo/F46jA-8IEyA/s400/IMG_0492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722179895170866" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(The blush pictured is angelic. It is filled with chunky glitter. I would not recommend it to anyone. I believe this color has been discontinued.)</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhTvF4McI/AAAAAAAAAzg/tjziv1EbMpk/s1600/mark+colorful+palette.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhTvF4McI/AAAAAAAAAzg/tjziv1EbMpk/s400/mark+colorful+palette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910170197504450" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahds-TJiI/AAAAAAAAA0I/NG-4WT6CClI/s1600/dragonfly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 104px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ahds-TJiI/AAAAAAAAA0I/NG-4WT6CClI/s400/dragonfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910341427537442" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >dragonfly (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish lime yellow. Pigmentation is middle of the road, but can be layered for more opacity.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiB5q7p3I/AAAAAAAAA2A/qInBkmBaHbw/s1600/retro+peacock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 98px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiB5q7p3I/AAAAAAAAA2A/qInBkmBaHbw/s400/retro+peacock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910963311257458" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >retro peacock (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish deep blue-teal. Pigmentation is very opaque.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah3yYBv9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/XRC0Pi47MMg/s1600/night+owl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 100px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah3yYBv9I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/XRC0Pi47MMg/s400/night+owl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910789554225106" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >night owl (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Slightly shimmery finish deep blue. Pigmentation is good, but is not completely opaque.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiBfX0SbI/AAAAAAAAA14/ucIofhlWJMg/s1600/pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 107px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AiBfX0SbI/AAAAAAAAA14/ucIofhlWJMg/s400/pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910956251761074" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >pool (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Light shimmer finish aqua color. Pigmentation is middle of the road, but can be layered for more intensity.<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah4VLC79I/AAAAAAAAA1o/WwP_Qud5M6I/s1600/piccadilly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 101px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_Ah4VLC79I/AAAAAAAAA1o/WwP_Qud5M6I/s400/piccadilly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910798895017938" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >picadilly (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Light shimmer deep purple. This color actually looks more matte when applied. Pigmentation is opaque, but applies patchy.</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhTwsPVSI/AAAAAAAAAzo/bhWebteaVY0/s1600/apple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 96px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_AhTwsPVSI/AAAAAAAAAzo/bhWebteaVY0/s400/apple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910170626839842" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >apple (shimmer)</span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Shimmer/ sheen finish coral. Pigmentation is good but is not completely opaque.</span><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Swatches</span></span><br /></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99kUNnTeI/AAAAAAAAAxI/sVAXbyvt7AU/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99kUNnTeI/AAAAAAAAAxI/sVAXbyvt7AU/s400/IMG_0564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471730135133015522" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99j1lKDXI/AAAAAAAAAxA/mWydhKSUxpY/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99j1lKDXI/AAAAAAAAAxA/mWydhKSUxpY/s400/IMG_0563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471730126910262642" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">whisper - biscotti - nomadic<br />latte - fairy dust - minx<br />glitterati - lotus - wink wink<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-FkchBmI/AAAAAAAAAxo/2enUJzzNf5A/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-FkchBmI/AAAAAAAAAxo/2enUJzzNf5A/s400/IMG_0571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471730706426168930" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99lZHPr8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/5p_Z1Vk1Uwg/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-99lZHPr8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/5p_Z1Vk1Uwg/s400/IMG_0566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471730153628348354" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">stellar - magic - cake<br />gioia - tiki - espresso<br />plum velvet - java - corset<br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-j9qgzsI/AAAAAAAAAyg/YDz0S6nx3CU/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 144px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-j9qgzsI/AAAAAAAAAyg/YDz0S6nx3CU/s400/IMG_0582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471731228591836866" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-jXJ1dNI/AAAAAAAAAyY/MFpwi2ReBRs/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-9-jXJ1dNI/AAAAAAAAAyY/MFpwi2ReBRs/s400/IMG_0580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471731218254230738" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />dragonfly - retro peacock - ocean drive</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">pool - piccadilly - apple</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92s-RjCJI/AAAAAAAAAwA/8QwwcGiT6XQ/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92s-RjCJI/AAAAAAAAAwA/8QwwcGiT6XQ/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722587281361042" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92sdH8HYI/AAAAAAAAAv4/IFUSA0sa5p0/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92sdH8HYI/AAAAAAAAAv4/IFUSA0sa5p0/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722578382691714" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92r2GO0yI/AAAAAAAAAvw/idSCBFaL96c/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-92r2GO0yI/AAAAAAAAAvw/idSCBFaL96c/s400/IMG_0493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471722567906546466" border="0" /></a><br /></span></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-42169333471580294222010-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:002010-05-25T17:48:35.280-07:00Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 Is Not For Me!<span style="font-family:arial;">In the last month, Laura Mercier's mineral foundation has received a lot of praise from beauty gurus on youtube. I have been happy with my Bare Escentuals foundation, but decided to try this foundation to see if I would prefer it.</span><span style="font-family:arial;">..!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A little about my skin issues:</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- I have very very fair skin, and I usually find that most foundations are too yellow or pink for me (even BE foundation falls to either side, but I make do).</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- I have a lot of discoloration (inflammation, acne scarring, freckles) that I need to cover.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">- My skin texture isn't the greatest... I have some acne scarring and visible pores that I don't want to accentuate with makeup.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- My skin is sensitive.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wU2F4u76I/AAAAAAAAA2w/wEIPPiT_5GU/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 166px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wU2F4u76I/AAAAAAAAA2w/wEIPPiT_5GU/s400/IMG_0691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475274166501306274" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wU_AKR-fI/AAAAAAAAA24/y6YSxYsN080/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 167px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wU_AKR-fI/AAAAAAAAA24/y6YSxYsN080/s400/IMG_0694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475274319583115762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wV1DdyE1I/AAAAAAAAA3I/zda1s-Uwm3U/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 128px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wV1DdyE1I/AAAAAAAAA3I/zda1s-Uwm3U/s400/IMG_0695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475275248183153490" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wWTd-N-MI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/HMH8NInuJVc/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 159px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wWTd-N-MI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/HMH8NInuJVc/s400/IMG_0699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475275770694596802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">(the jar is only half filled, so the packaging should be smaller)</span></span><br /></div><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wWjlSRCKI/AAAAAAAAA3g/lnZLHoevn8I/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 349px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S_wWjlSRCKI/AAAAAAAAA3g/lnZLHoevn8I/s400/IMG_0696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475276047535638690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />To get to the point: <span style="font-weight: bold;">I didn't like this foundation at all.</span> Here are the reasons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />1. The color I picked was too little bit too light for me, but I won't be trying another shade for the reasons below...</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />2. The finish of the foundation just looks ridiculous. It looks like I took a highlighter and applied it over my face... Not a good look. To me there is nothing subtle about the pearl powder in this product- it is noticeable and is not in the least flattering or natural in appearance.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">I</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">don't think anyone with even the slightest skin texture issues should go anywhere near this product (as a full on foundation).<br />3. The packing is cheaply constructed, and is too large for the amount of product that is provided. I know it took Bare Escentuals over 30 years to improve their packaging, but at least they have finally done it!<br /><br />Bottom line- I just don't like it. It doesn't give me enough coverage (it is a light- to medium coverage foundation), it emphasizes skin texture flaws and looks very unnatural on the skin. I am assuming some of the more medium-tones colors are not as bad as the lighter toned ones (my guess is there is probably less pearl powder in those).<br /><br />This could be nice as a highlighter, but I think there are better products for the price (and in more convenient packaging) so I don't think it is worthwhile to use this solely for the purpose of highlighting. I will say that the foundation didn't irritate my skin and wore about the same as my BE foundation (as far as lasting power is concerned).<br /><br />Oh well!<br /></span>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-23933573085223810522010-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:002010-05-11T12:32:59.084-07:00My first NARS Eye Shadow Duo: EGEA<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-family:arial;" >NARS EYE SHADOW DUO, EGEA</span><br /><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYgjgg_zI/AAAAAAAAAt4/CaNLyittyc4/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 362px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469367220031258418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYgjgg_zI/AAAAAAAAAt4/CaNLyittyc4/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYf8ZUT5I/AAAAAAAAAtw/SWY3IJrivlA/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469367209532084114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYf8ZUT5I/AAAAAAAAAtw/SWY3IJrivlA/s400/IMG_0425.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cqGku4OtI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/e-5GKsRFjwA/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 74px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469386564892637906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cqGku4OtI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/e-5GKsRFjwA/s400/Picture+1.png" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Described by NARS as a "frosted sage and smoky lilac", I thought this would be the perfect introduction to the brand, since I tend to gravitate towards cooler-toned light colors to compliment my fair skin. Because the duos are a bit more expensive, I also wanted to pick one that contained two unique, slightly complex colors. I have many different colors of eye shadow in various finishes in my collection, but none quite like this. </span><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline;font-family:arial;" ><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-crNAFNWQI/AAAAAAAAAuY/JXj0H7pDCwU/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469387774824896770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-crNAFNWQI/AAAAAAAAAuY/JXj0H7pDCwU/s400/IMG_0439.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Both colors have a fairly frosty finish, although the sage color is a bit more intense in its light reflecting properties. It almost borders on neutral, but is ever so slightly warm. The smoky lilac is definitely cool- toned. Mixed together they create a very unique, pale color that is hard to describe... When paired with other shades of eye shadow, the duo is very chameleon- like, and I think it would work with a lot of colors.</span><br /><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: arial" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYiCcuB5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lDhMBigQK7U/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469367245516703634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cYiCcuB5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lDhMBigQK7U/s400/IMG_0442.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Unfortunately, when I actually wore the duo, I didn't feel that it was complimentary to my skin tone. I was also surprised by how powdery the finish was. I have heard others say that the NARS shadows and blushes are not nearly as creamy as the testers in stores are, so I wasn't totally surprised by this, but I didn't think I would feel as underwhelmed as I do. Another disappointment with this duo is the packaging- no matter how clean I keep my vanity area- seemed to show off any and all traces of makeup, fingerprints, dust... It was impossible to keep clean. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I should also say that I tend to prefer using shadows from a custom palette, so reaching for this duo, given my feelings for it, would be somewhat of a chore.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For $32, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be. Sadly this went back to Sephora. I'm thinking next time I'll go with a larger pallette from Nars.com, and see if I have better luck in the future.</span><br /></p>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-73083448469128655092010-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:002010-05-09T18:44:14.690-07:00Sigma SS165 vs. MAC 165 Brush<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRakjAUII/AAAAAAAAAto/7yQhdGdSJU0/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 145px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRakjAUII/AAAAAAAAAto/7yQhdGdSJU0/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469359420649525378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRTXvTaGI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_VH4KgrCvN8/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRTXvTaGI/AAAAAAAAAtY/_VH4KgrCvN8/s400/IMG_0533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469359296952363106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRSiNlBOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/0G_-5-K8r6g/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRSiNlBOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/0G_-5-K8r6g/s400/IMG_0532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469359282583831778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MAC 165 AND THE SIGMA MAKEUP SS165<br />D</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ifference in Price: </span>$24.69. You'll spend 73% more on the MAC version.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Difference in Weight: </span>0.3 grams.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Difference in brush length:</span> approx. 1/2". <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Difference in Brush Diameter: </span>MAC handle is smaller than Sigma handle. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Difference in Brush Heads:</span> None in terms of size. Differences between bristle softness and stiffness are noted in the detailed descriptions below.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Difference in construction:</span> MAC brush head is glued and clamped onto the handle. Sigma brush head is only glued onto the handle.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >MAC 165 TAPERED CHEEK AND HIGHLIGHTER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br />Cost: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">$34. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Availability:</span> Limited Edition (MAC releases this brush a few times a year but does not stock it in the permanent collection). </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Origin:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Japan. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Blush application, contouring, highlighting.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx. 7 1/2"</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 15.6 grams.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No dye bled.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Softness (Scale of 1-10): </span><span style="font-family:arial;">9. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Extremely soft, very comfortable to brush across the face</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. Quality is very high; ferrule is attached very securely.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Availability, price.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is a fantastic brush I would recommend investing in when it is next available. I don't think all MAC brushes are worth the price, but this one is an exception. It is very uniquely shaped, of very high quality, and performs in a way that most other cheek brushes don't. It is a one of a kind.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQt6MFkzI/AAAAAAAAArw/y7f3qsdZlnw/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 122px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQt6MFkzI/AAAAAAAAArw/y7f3qsdZlnw/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358653364867890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQveICSFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/08akDD2sY_A/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQveICSFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/08akDD2sY_A/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358680191420498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ-wGcyiI/AAAAAAAAAsg/f9YESQKS22Y/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ-wGcyiI/AAAAAAAAAsg/f9YESQKS22Y/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358942714645026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ99SBSJI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bGpUp8wQQZk/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ99SBSJI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bGpUp8wQQZk/s400/IMG_0137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358929072965778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >SIGMA MAKEUP SS 165 TAPERED HIGHLIGHTER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Cost: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">$9.31 (When purchased in the $149 kit, and the price is divided equally among 16 products). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Availability:</span> Online at <a href="http://www.sigmamakeup.com/products/7018.html">sigmamakeup.com</a>, but only in the $149 kit (not individually). </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Origin: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">China. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Blush application, contouring, highlighting.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 7"</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 15.3 grams.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No dye bled.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Softness (Scale of 1-10): </span><span style="font-family:arial;">8 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Inexpensive. Bristles are stiff enough to contour really nicely. Pretty soft.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Bristles are not quite as baby-fine as the ones in the MAC 165, and they are a bit more "frizzy". The brush doesn't hold its shape as well after washing, and the tapering is a little bit asymetrical.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The brush head is simply glued onto the handle.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is a good brush that works best for contouring and highlighting. In most situations I don't think it would be great for blush application, but you can definitely make it work if you must. This brush is one I am pleased to own.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQtc7Sy7I/AAAAAAAAAro/-WlRPNO_Xiw/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQtc7Sy7I/AAAAAAAAAro/-WlRPNO_Xiw/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358645509802930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQuc7T4JI/AAAAAAAAAr4/MzKZXmqxUD8/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQuc7T4JI/AAAAAAAAAr4/MzKZXmqxUD8/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358662689742994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ9RGuDnI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/9S3Q0U0qE14/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ9RGuDnI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/9S3Q0U0qE14/s400/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358917214408306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQv2sgGQI/AAAAAAAAAsI/wZOY35_Qqz0/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQv2sgGQI/AAAAAAAAAsI/wZOY35_Qqz0/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358686786820354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRR04VKRI/AAAAAAAAAtI/vv1ukuvDMi0/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRR04VKRI/AAAAAAAAAtI/vv1ukuvDMi0/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469359270415116562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRQRx0w9I/AAAAAAAAAs4/Jj0dIFU-yO8/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cRQRx0w9I/AAAAAAAAAs4/Jj0dIFU-yO8/s400/IMG_0529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469359243812717522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ_2ZgJGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/5fRxmkyfAs4/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S-cQ_2ZgJGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/5fRxmkyfAs4/s400/IMG_0528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358961585038434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />So... Which brush do I prefer???</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The MAC 165. It is a higher quality brush. It is softer. The construction is superior. I still like the Sigma SS165, but I feel that the price differences between the two is not enough to make a significant difference in my</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> decision.</span><br /></div>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-38478011774708118592010-03-27T22:38:00.000-07:002011-09-16T22:13:38.293-07:00Sigma Makeup Professional Premium Brush Kit Review/ Overview<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BMA4Wu7I/AAAAAAAAAqA/USNhBBjhm98/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BMA4Wu7I/AAAAAAAAAqA/USNhBBjhm98/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790085907921842" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BLk3pZaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/McQKf-30vqg/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BLk3pZaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/McQKf-30vqg/s400/IMG_0322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790078388757922" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BKgJoTnI/AAAAAAAAApw/CDdjKq7vJG0/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BKgJoTnI/AAAAAAAAApw/CDdjKq7vJG0/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790059942137458" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BKJD5OZI/AAAAAAAAApo/5WnZs_RIzs8/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BKJD5OZI/AAAAAAAAApo/5WnZs_RIzs8/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790053744064914" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BJpf7tTI/AAAAAAAAApg/FoSV2yrm3ng/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BJpf7tTI/AAAAAAAAApg/FoSV2yrm3ng/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790045271733554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_K_tww6I/AAAAAAAAApY/3bw2UYMc2eM/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_K_tww6I/AAAAAAAAApY/3bw2UYMc2eM/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787869391930274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">***Preface</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>I purchased these brushes with my own money. This is not a sponsored post.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*** </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Although I had heard A LOT about Sigma Makeup Brushes through youtube, I hesitated to purchase the original brush kit. I did purchase the revised SS 187 when Encore Makeup published his video about it, but otherwise, I owned no other Sigma brushes. I was simply sick of hearing about the company, and wanted to spend my money elsewhere. However, when I received an email about the Professional Premium Brush Kit, I was intrigued....</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_JlSOHvI/AAAAAAAAApA/sGPOALOid5I/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_JlSOHvI/AAAAAAAAApA/sGPOALOid5I/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787845117222642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At $149, it is considerably more expensive than the first full brush kit offered by Sigma Makeup; however, there are more face brushes in this set. Compared to what one would spend for similar brushes individually, this is a very good value for money.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Shipping will vary by location (I.e. Domestic v. International). I paid $7 for shipping, and no sales tax (which is awesome- I live in California and would have had to pay an extra $14 otherwise!).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">15 Brushes are included in the set, along with a brush roll. If divided equally, the price for each item is $9.31.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fKqojwlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/Q9gGWuw5x60/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fKqojwlI/AAAAAAAAAfY/Q9gGWuw5x60/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471204384162386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I ordered this set on Monday, February 22nd and it arrived on Wednesday, February 24th. I was impressed that it shipped so quickly (to California). The box the kit shipped in was black with a Sigma sticker on it. I appreciated the care taken in packaging the contents.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66dTLIyudI/AAAAAAAAAeg/RXZCGHekMPU/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66dTLIyudI/AAAAAAAAAeg/RXZCGHekMPU/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453469151524993490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">When I opened the box, I observed everything packaged nicely in a black gauze bag. Instructions for care and a brochure detailing each brush were included. Unexpectedly, I smelled an extremely strong, artificial and rubber/ glue- like odor. Initially I believed the smell originated from the brush roll, but after removing the brushes from it, I determined it was coming from the brushes themselves (probably due to the glue used in the manufacturing process). The odor has significantly decreased after several washings, but is important to consider. I was surprised by this since no other gurus that I have seen have mentioned this detail...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66dT5A_AsI/AAAAAAAAAeo/m7q5otcfAHk/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66dT5A_AsI/AAAAAAAAAeo/m7q5otcfAHk/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453469163840275138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The included brush roll is the exact same version as compared to the one sold with Sigma's Complete Brush Kit (and also available individually on the site). I noted that some of the brushes fit very tightly into their slots (in particular, the SS 227 and the SS 165) and were difficult to remove and replace in the roll. Contrary to comments made by others (Tiffany D and the like), I found the brush roll to have a very cheap feel. It didn't feel like imitation leather, but more like a thin rubber. The brush roll is not an item I would use, since I already own a brush belt that I prefer to Sigma's brush roll. I would have preferred the option to order this kit without the roll.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJaCdKaI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ThEu4zcADJE/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJaCdKaI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ThEu4zcADJE/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471182749510050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">All brushes were nicely packaged in plastic for protection. As I removed the brushes from the roll, I immediately noticed that the plastic sleeves were labeled "Made in P.R.C." (People's Republic of China). Given background information </span><span style="font-family:arial;">provided by several gurus (including Tiffany D)</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> about the Sigma brand, I believed the brushes were made in the United States. In fact, the brushes are <span style="font-style: italic;">designed</span> in the U.S., <span style="font-style: italic;">manufactured</span> in China, and then <span style="font-style: italic;">distributed</span> by Sigma (based in the U.S.). Whether or not this poses an issue is for you to decide, but I think it is important to clarify this point. I was previously under the impression Sigma products were made in the U.S.A. since "U.S.A." is stamped on each brush handle (Why not omit "U.S.A" to avoid confusion?).</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJ2MJH_I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/juMaCqO556c/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJ2MJH_I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/juMaCqO556c/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471190306332658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The information included with the kit is great, especially for beginners who may not know how to care for or use the brushes. One criticism I have for the brochure is that there are inconsistencies in the descriptions of the brushes. Some descriptions include the materials the brush is comprised of (I.e. "natural bristles" vs. "synthetic bristles") while others do not. I think this is something Sigma should consider revisiting. Consistency is important (Something we'll revisit when inspecting the quality of the brushes)!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJNT-8hI/AAAAAAAAAfA/bBMUcYeQzRE/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fJNT-8hI/AAAAAAAAAfA/bBMUcYeQzRE/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471179333366290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />...Onto brush specs and review details!</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">S</span><span style="font-family:arial;">S 134 LARGE POWDER BRUSH</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Setting Powder and Bronzer application.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx 6 3/4"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 43.3 grams.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not bad. Only a few bristles shed here and there prior to washing, and a few after.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not bad. Very little dye extracted during washing.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Very Soft, very dense and lush feeling.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Becomes extremely fluffy after washing and loses its "paddle shape". Over time it takes on the shape of a fluffy powder brush.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Final Impression: </span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I do like this brush, and am hoping that drying the brush in a brush guard will help to condense the bristles so they do not become so fluffy as they dry.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fLH0J07I/AAAAAAAAAfg/YxoatK_67u4/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fLH0J07I/AAAAAAAAAfg/YxoatK_67u4/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471212217422770" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gN3FZeOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/M4DA_siMcrQ/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gN3FZeOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/M4DA_siMcrQ/s400/IMG_0070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472358777583842" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hlAV7wcI/AAAAAAAAAkY/G3eUDsxO23c/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hlAV7wcI/AAAAAAAAAkY/G3eUDsxO23c/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473855911477698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h50-D_EI/AAAAAAAAAlA/dYDoATSZ6JQ/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h50-D_EI/AAAAAAAAAlA/dYDoATSZ6JQ/s400/IMG_0105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474213635816514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g94JCl_I/AAAAAAAAAjY/CfYVNPGFO8g/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g94JCl_I/AAAAAAAAAjY/CfYVNPGFO8g/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473183695017970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 129 POWDER/ BLUSH BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Blush and powder application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 7 1/2"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 21.8 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No noticeable amount of bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">No noticeable bleeding while washing.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7.5. The bristles aren't quite as baby fine as some of the others.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Good, basic blush brush- a "can't go wrong" standby.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Might be a little large for some people. Could be softer.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not my favorite blush brush in the world, but definitely not bad.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66famGSyVI/AAAAAAAAAgA/p5xr3QupoMs/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66famGSyVI/AAAAAAAAAgA/p5xr3QupoMs/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471478044608850" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gRqVJWOI/AAAAAAAAAh4/fZBXN-I2y2Y/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gRqVJWOI/AAAAAAAAAh4/fZBXN-I2y2Y/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472424073451746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h36-khGI/AAAAAAAAAkw/yhLF0z6_Pug/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h36-khGI/AAAAAAAAAkw/yhLF0z6_Pug/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474180888822882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h5Zjy8bI/AAAAAAAAAk4/R2ZwYs0zENM/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h5Zjy8bI/AAAAAAAAAk4/R2ZwYs0zENM/s400/IMG_0104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474206277890482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h1etz31I/AAAAAAAAAko/yPIhlnJM3k4/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h1etz31I/AAAAAAAAAko/yPIhlnJM3k4/s400/IMG_0101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474138942594898" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS131 DUO FIBRE POWDER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Blush and powder application, application of cream and liquid products.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx 7 1/2"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 23 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> A few bristles shed prior to washing.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Noticeable bleeding during washing. In addition, black dye leaches into the white synthetic bristles as the brush dries and tints them a grayish color.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Unique brush, may help to deposit highly pigmented products with less intensity.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Dye leaching into white bristles.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I like this brush, and hope that the dye leaching will discontinue over time.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fZ8TeGHI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CKketTYB7rI/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fZ8TeGHI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CKketTYB7rI/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471466825586802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f-JcpdJI/AAAAAAAAAhY/tPafQOI19FE/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f-JcpdJI/AAAAAAAAAhY/tPafQOI19FE/s400/IMG_0069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472088829031570" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hlTfcQDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/I0T3KEOxYcM/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hlTfcQDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/I0T3KEOxYcM/s400/IMG_0100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473861051629618" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h6WTMl2I/AAAAAAAAAlI/E9S5g1iDntk/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66h6WTMl2I/AAAAAAAAAlI/E9S5g1iDntk/s400/IMG_0106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474222582830946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-r0BPBI/AAAAAAAAAjo/btVQiPamIa8/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-r0BPBI/AAAAAAAAAjo/btVQiPamIa8/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473197565492242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 138 TAPERED FACE BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Powder application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 8"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 35.7 grams.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> LOTS of shedding. Countless bristles shed and even a clump of about 4 bristles came out of the brush prior to washing. This brush shed more than any other I have owned in any price range.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Bleeding was a bit more noticeable with this brush, but was not bad.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10): </span><span style="font-family:arial;">9</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Very soft, pleasant to use for powder application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons: </span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Brush head is very fluffy, and like the SS 134, this brush almost turns into a standard powder brush after washing. The domed and pointed shape lose definition when the brush head is pressed into the face. Lots of bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I like the brush, and am hopeful that the use of a brush guard during drying will help to condense the bristles so they are not so fluffy.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">I am disappointed that the brush head does not retain it's pointy shape when brushed across the face.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fZXhYknI/AAAAAAAAAfo/iRlwtjwvkRY/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fZXhYknI/AAAAAAAAAfo/iRlwtjwvkRY/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471456951833202" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gOtCiaQI/AAAAAAAAAho/FR46tBoUGmw/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gOtCiaQI/AAAAAAAAAho/FR46tBoUGmw/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472373261101314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jImh6uDI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/Vsz8wibSSj4/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jImh6uDI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/Vsz8wibSSj4/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475566969337906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-LvY93I/AAAAAAAAAjg/Sxknq2Hk_rk/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-LvY93I/AAAAAAAAAjg/Sxknq2Hk_rk/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473188956141426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 165 TAPERED HILIGHTER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Hilight, contour application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx. 7"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">15.3 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not bad. A few bristles broke off, but did not shed from the base of the brush.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No noticeable bleeding of dye.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Brush retains its pointed shape even after washing. Works tremendously well for contouring.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> The tapering around the brush is not completely symmetrical. There are some "Frizzy" and slightly scratchy bristles that stick out of the brush.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I like this brush, but wish it was a bit softer and tapered more precisely. This is another example of inconsistency in the bristles. While the similarly shaped, but larger SS 138 bristles are extremely soft and baby fine in texture, there are definitely some bristles in this brush that are on the scratchier side.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66faRT9KvI/AAAAAAAAAf4/aABLZj7woAQ/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66faRT9KvI/AAAAAAAAAf4/aABLZj7woAQ/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471472464767730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gRJ9yZzI/AAAAAAAAAhw/tuiHXA-tGxw/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gRJ9yZzI/AAAAAAAAAhw/tuiHXA-tGxw/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472415385544498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hkQXzznI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/fGv1m5HyHTQ/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66hkQXzznI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/fGv1m5HyHTQ/s400/IMG_0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473843034443378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-9ok0JI/AAAAAAAAAjw/e6VN9O5dU00/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66g-9ok0JI/AAAAAAAAAjw/e6VN9O5dU00/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453473202349330578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 192 LARGE CONCEALER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Concealer, cream products application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 6 3/4"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 16.5 grams.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No dye bled.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10): </span><span style="font-family:arial;">9 (although synthetic bristles are inherently slick and are often soft)</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Large brush head can conceal larger areas quickly. Cream products wash out more easily than they do when used with natural bristled brushes.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> None.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is a good basic brush. It doesn't particularly stand out in the set, but it performs very well.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fbMrprBI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Ac0Bnx7W1Tk/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 132px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fbMrprBI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Ac0Bnx7W1Tk/s400/IMG_0045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471488401845266" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gShszQVI/AAAAAAAAAiA/ulcdje81UVE/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gShszQVI/AAAAAAAAAiA/ulcdje81UVE/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472438936617298" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iKf8UBsI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/g7dwgwmR-bU/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iKf8UBsI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/g7dwgwmR-bU/s400/IMG_0107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474500049110722" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iKjeSUUI/AAAAAAAAAlY/jN_WH2CTy_Q/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iKjeSUUI/AAAAAAAAAlY/jN_WH2CTy_Q/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474500996911426" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iK9PouqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/4DDvVUnY7LU/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iK9PouqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/4DDvVUnY7LU/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474507914787490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 195 CONCEALER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Application of concealer and other cream products such as eye bases.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx. 7"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8.2 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">No bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> N/A.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7.5.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Tapered and slightly pointed brush tip allow you to get into all crevices around the eye area. Since the brush is extremely thin, it doesn't absorb too much product. Does not cake on liquid or cream concealers, and allows for building of products if necessary.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Can feel slightly pokey. Tapering, again, is imperfect. I can see jagged cuts on this brush.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I really like this brush. I wish it was a little less pokey, but it not so bad that it would prevent my use of the brush.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fvKrlNEI/AAAAAAAAAgY/H5Jeg2sqt3I/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fvKrlNEI/AAAAAAAAAgY/H5Jeg2sqt3I/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471831462065218" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gg2Bzj_I/AAAAAAAAAiI/OMiddF9nOuw/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gg2Bzj_I/AAAAAAAAAiI/OMiddF9nOuw/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472684911595506" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iYwufvbI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/LAanr4xeWD0/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iYwufvbI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/LAanr4xeWD0/s400/IMG_0116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474745072729522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iZAmBOmI/AAAAAAAAAmY/fCPsGNiuuks/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iZAmBOmI/AAAAAAAAAmY/fCPsGNiuuks/s400/IMG_0117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474749332142690" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SRgaJIKI/AAAAAAAAAqg/TTeFRNKqC7Q/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SRgaJIKI/AAAAAAAAAqg/TTeFRNKqC7Q/s400/IMG_0331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808871968153762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 210 SMALL EYE LINER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Creme and liquid eye liner application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx 6 1/4"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 4.8 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bristles shed</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bleeding occurred.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Very thin, allows for precise application of eye liner. The brush handle is is a good size in terms of diameter- it fits really well in the hand.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I wanted this to be an arced liner brush. Arced liner brushes are simply easier to use and are more precise.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Great brush. Does what it is intended to.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f9UoWjFI/AAAAAAAAAhI/Xv9E1IkyMDg/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f9UoWjFI/AAAAAAAAAhI/Xv9E1IkyMDg/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472074651044946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gwB1d2RI/AAAAAAAAAi4/H2YveqD79VU/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gwB1d2RI/AAAAAAAAAi4/H2YveqD79VU/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472945779104018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SRYbEO_I/AAAAAAAAAqY/D_7RiNwsEFM/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SRYbEO_I/AAAAAAAAAqY/D_7RiNwsEFM/s400/IMG_0329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808869824543730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_Sc0E9BKI/AAAAAAAAArQ/BbnSp9qD6B4/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_Sc0E9BKI/AAAAAAAAArQ/BbnSp9qD6B4/s400/IMG_0346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453809066226549922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 212 FLAT DEFINER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Eye liner application, smudging, eye liner setting with powder.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx. 6 1/4"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">6.1 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No shedding occurred.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> N/A.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7.5</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Dense but very thin. Wide enough to cover a good amount of real estate, but not so wide that it doesn't contour to the curves of the eye.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">A little bit stiff, but I really can't complain here.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Awesome brush.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f87aPnNI/AAAAAAAAAhA/kUf2sKrRV2M/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 119px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f87aPnNI/AAAAAAAAAhA/kUf2sKrRV2M/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472067880983762" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gvmTs88I/AAAAAAAAAiw/bQlg_6CKlN8/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gvmTs88I/AAAAAAAAAiw/bQlg_6CKlN8/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472938389730242" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_ScFes18I/AAAAAAAAArA/AIlFzSbn2LA/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_ScFes18I/AAAAAAAAArA/AIlFzSbn2LA/s400/IMG_0342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453809053718075330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SQzvt48I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/I8DFLHn1pew/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SQzvt48I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/I8DFLHn1pew/s400/IMG_0328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808859979047874" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 214 SHORT SHADER BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Precise shading and smudging.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 6 1/2"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7.3 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Has shed probably about 6 bristles so far, some prior to washing, and some after while being used.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No bleeding occurred.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Nice small size with rounded edges makes it great for smudging.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Wish it was a little more dense. Surprising amount of bristles shed.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Like this brush, but it could be improved upon (make it a little softer and just a touch more dense).</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f8lRI4mI/AAAAAAAAAg4/XxQGndKooyI/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66f8lRI4mI/AAAAAAAAAg4/XxQGndKooyI/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472061937214050" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gizrA-DI/AAAAAAAAAio/4l76_9TUHKc/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gizrA-DI/AAAAAAAAAio/4l76_9TUHKc/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472718638872626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SciS-UQI/AAAAAAAAArI/hpOrtrNwBsc/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SciS-UQI/AAAAAAAAArI/hpOrtrNwBsc/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453809061453517058" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SR3kRREI/AAAAAAAAAqo/26IaOwqFT5o/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SR3kRREI/AAAAAAAAAqo/26IaOwqFT5o/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808878184645698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 217 BLENDING BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Eye shadow application, blending of eye shadow and cream products.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">approx 7"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7.3 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No shedding occurred.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">N/A</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 10</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Extremely soft, lays down color nicely and blends wonderfully.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Can be a little difficult to clean. It is a good idea to research cleaning methods for white bristles to retain the brightness of the white goat hair.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I absolutely love this brush. I love it more than I thought I would. It might be my favorite from the set.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fwGrsVpI/AAAAAAAAAgo/xXKwRogi6AI/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 122px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fwGrsVpI/AAAAAAAAAgo/xXKwRogi6AI/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471847568660114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gh3rK0JI/AAAAAAAAAiY/oSK_YghtSpU/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gh3rK0JI/AAAAAAAAAiY/oSK_YghtSpU/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472702533390482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66in4K6z1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/ucPooP-fAHI/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66in4K6z1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/ucPooP-fAHI/s400/IMG_0123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475004769029970" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SSVkJKvI/AAAAAAAAAqw/QR39VtPRCPg/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SSVkJKvI/AAAAAAAAAqw/QR39VtPRCPg/s400/IMG_0339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808886237178610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 222 TAPERED BLENDING BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Blending, application of eye crease color.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 7"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">7.6 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Maybe 1 bristle? Pretty much not an issue.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">N/A</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10): </span><span style="font-family:arial;">8.5</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Great blending brush that works well even on small eyes. Lays down crease color precisely.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The tip of the brush can feel a little pokey, but I expect that this will improve over time as the brush is used.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I really like this brush, but not as much as the SS217!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fvpWQC4I/AAAAAAAAAgg/0_2z3Nqz-ek/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 148px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fvpWQC4I/AAAAAAAAAgg/0_2z3Nqz-ek/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471839694097282" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66ghc9cuLI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/seo04s7SzRk/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66ghc9cuLI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/seo04s7SzRk/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472695362304178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66inSRVY6I/AAAAAAAAAmo/vLpSiyTA1_c/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66inSRVY6I/AAAAAAAAAmo/vLpSiyTA1_c/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474994595390370" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66inPn8lRI/AAAAAAAAAmg/CQSUvBKz6NU/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66inPn8lRI/AAAAAAAAAmg/CQSUvBKz6NU/s400/IMG_0118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474993884927250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 226 SMALL TAPERED BLENDING BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Application and blending of crease color.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 7"</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 6.6 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Maybe 1 or 2 hairs? Not really a big issue.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not noticeable.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Works well to apply color and blend in the crease. Retains its shape after washing.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Tapering is not symmetrical around the diameter of the brush head. There are also a few bristles that are on the scratchier side, as occurred with the SS 165.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I like this brush, but wish a little more care was taken in the manufacturing process to ensure that the brush head was symmetrical. Overall, I don't think this effects the performance of the brush.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fwhGlG3I/AAAAAAAAAgw/u-QUTKY4sr8/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 108px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fwhGlG3I/AAAAAAAAAgw/u-QUTKY4sr8/s400/IMG_0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471854660754290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66giT2wLII/AAAAAAAAAig/deQu7z499yY/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66giT2wLII/AAAAAAAAAig/deQu7z499yY/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472710098168962" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_T5alXqJI/AAAAAAAAArY/a3MuhJiUh7g/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_T5alXqJI/AAAAAAAAArY/a3MuhJiUh7g/s400/IMG_0126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453810657111025810" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66ioUdELWI/AAAAAAAAAnA/51XCLTCwpYs/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66ioUdELWI/AAAAAAAAAnA/51XCLTCwpYs/s400/IMG_0125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475012361334114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 227 LARGE FLUFF BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Eye shadow application.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 6 1/2"</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 17.3 grams.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Shed about 6-8 bristles prior to washing and while being used.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Not noticeable.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Covers large area, feels soft and is comfortable to use.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Shedding of bristles, although I expect this to improve over time.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> This is a good brush. For me, it is not a must have, but is a nice supplement to my collection.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fu880dmI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/RyQILLzqm2o/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 156px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66fu880dmI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/RyQILLzqm2o/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453471827776271970" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_VrpyBRBI/AAAAAAAAArg/qt0D30Yg4pQ/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_VrpyBRBI/AAAAAAAAArg/qt0D30Yg4pQ/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453812619695703058" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iLQ0rIKI/AAAAAAAAAlw/PuzvPiqmyfk/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iLQ0rIKI/AAAAAAAAAlw/PuzvPiqmyfk/s400/IMG_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474513170407586" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iYB41sYI/AAAAAAAAAmA/1c-guHrg-1E/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iYB41sYI/AAAAAAAAAmA/1c-guHrg-1E/s400/IMG_0114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474732499644802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iLH8lI8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/uhIQb5meiEw/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66iLH8lI8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/uhIQb5meiEw/s400/IMG_0111.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453474510787650498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">SS 316 LIP BRUSH</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><br />Intended Use: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Application of lipstick and lip gloss.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Length:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> approx 4" when closed, 7" when open.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Brush Weight:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 8.2 grams</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Shed Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> No shedding occurred.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Dye Bleeding Factor:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> N/A</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Softness (Scale of 1-10):</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 9</span>.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Pros:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Very sleek looking, and the brush head is protected by the cover.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Cons:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Poor design. The cover scrapes the brush handle as it is slid on and off, damaging the black finish finish. The shape of the brush head is a bit small and rounded for my taste.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"> Final Impression: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">This could be a good brush, but the design needs to be improved.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gxv3xIMI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/S-FO3qLZ05Q/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 173px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gxv3xIMI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/S-FO3qLZ05Q/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472975316656322" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jXJsqxwI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Q8E-2aORSEk/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jXJsqxwI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Q8E-2aORSEk/s400/IMG_0139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475816927840002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SbiaZ3eI/AAAAAAAAAq4/44CPr9V21ro/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_SbiaZ3eI/AAAAAAAAAq4/44CPr9V21ro/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453809044304813538" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gwhZN_MI/AAAAAAAAAjA/RseiJN39SvQ/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66gwhZN_MI/AAAAAAAAAjA/RseiJN39SvQ/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453472954250558658" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jYZlHEII/AAAAAAAAAoo/MW5H0msKTS4/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jYZlHEII/AAAAAAAAAoo/MW5H0msKTS4/s400/IMG_0141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475838370975874" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jY8a30jI/AAAAAAAAAow/lWZC9O_4vcg/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S66jY8a30jI/AAAAAAAAAow/lWZC9O_4vcg/s400/IMG_0142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453475847723274802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">More pictures... Because we love pictures!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BSLpJZOI/AAAAAAAAAqI/IqwQd6jM4Xs/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6_BSLpJZOI/AAAAAAAAAqI/IqwQd6jM4Xs/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453790191876138210" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_KiHHzuI/AAAAAAAAApQ/vK0efc6OQE0/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_KiHHzuI/AAAAAAAAApQ/vK0efc6OQE0/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787861445234402" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_JFd27KI/AAAAAAAAAo4/sa5iHyWehqU/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S6-_JFd27KI/AAAAAAAAAo4/sa5iHyWehqU/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453787836576099490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;">Final Thoughts:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />I am really happy with the set after using it for just over a month. Although there were some brushes I probably wouldn't have purchased on their own, I think I will still use every brush in the set. I was so pleased with this set that I went ahead and purchased the original complete set after the fact, which I am still testing out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I wouldn't rely solely on these brushes if I were a makeup artist, but I think that for personal use they are just fine and will likely last for years. I think that like the original complete set, some will probably prefer certain MAC brushes, and some will prefer certain Sigma brushes. Be on the lookout for my comparison of the Sigma SS 165 to the MAC 165, as I think this review will detail some important differences between the brushes, as far as quality is concerned.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bottom Line:</span> If you're curious about these brushes, I'd recommend trying them. But keep in mind that Sigma does not accept returns, only exchanges, for defective products. So if you end up disappointed, you're stuck with the brushes!</span>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-75891075568486899402010-02-14T18:43:00.000-08:002010-02-14T18:47:40.713-08:00Happy Valentines Day + PayPal Chocolate!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1q7jzIrI/AAAAAAAAAdg/BtTjygVXkSo/s1600-h/103_4969.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1q7jzIrI/AAAAAAAAAdg/BtTjygVXkSo/s400/103_4969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438296299196850866" border="0" /></a><br />On Friday morning, as I was exiting the BART station I saw a woman with a box of chocolate bars exclaiming, "Happy Valentines Day from PayPal!" I was happy to grab a free chocolate bar, and figured it was probably just a repackaged, chalky and overly sweet hersheys bar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1raMhzaI/AAAAAAAAAdo/bzGLV71Fa4U/s1600-h/103_4970.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1raMhzaI/AAAAAAAAAdo/bzGLV71Fa4U/s400/103_4970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438296307420745122" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I was wrong! The chocolate was even imprinted with the Pay Pal logo, and it was yummy! It was a lovely start to the 3 day weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1r_CxaiI/AAAAAAAAAdw/ziEb9ce76No/s1600-h/103_4973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/S3i1r_CxaiI/AAAAAAAAAdw/ziEb9ce76No/s400/103_4973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438296317311937058" border="0" /></a>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-45731016656836841032009-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:002009-12-30T15:23:40.724-08:00Introduction to LORAC Eye Shadow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq0HJt_kI/AAAAAAAAAcA/sYiZfIWV0Fk/s1600-h/loraceyeshadow1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 154px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq0HJt_kI/AAAAAAAAAcA/sYiZfIWV0Fk/s400/loraceyeshadow1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421114388720254530" border="0" /></a><br />Lorac has an amazing deal in their <a href="http://www.loraccosmetics.com/p-127-font-colorcb0000-size1vip-discountfontbreveryday-eye-collectionbrfont.aspx">Everyday Eye Collection</a>. I picked this up about a month ago along with two other colors not in the collection, Persuasion, and Innocence.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq0Wx8H-I/AAAAAAAAAcI/ZnCF_IJJU9E/s1600-h/loraceyeshadow2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 137px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq0Wx8H-I/AAAAAAAAAcI/ZnCF_IJJU9E/s400/loraceyeshadow2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421114392915484642" border="0" /></a><br />Pictured from left to right: Persuasion, Beige, Mesmerize, Joy, Innocence, Cappuccino, Cocoa, Suede, Kiwi, Lush, Jade<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq00GUMbI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ZIYPb2YIbqM/s1600-h/loraceyeshadowswatch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 119px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq00GUMbI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ZIYPb2YIbqM/s400/loraceyeshadowswatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421114400785576370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">*Swatches done over NYX Concealer in a Jar<br /><br /></span></div>Beige, Cocoa, and Suede are Matte while the others are between a satin and pearl finish (the camera flash makes the swatches appear more frosty/ shimmery than they are in person). All of these shadows are buttery, blend effortlessly, and look beautiful on the eye. They last all day over a variety of bases (from a NYX Jumbo Pencil to Urban Decay Primer Potion). My favorite shade is Kiwi- it is a beautiful, slightly green mid-tone silver that is gorgeous all over the lid and on the lower lash line by itself. The pots that hold these 26mm, 1.7 gram filled pans in place have a twist- off lid. A de-potting method for these shadows would be the same as the MAC or Smashbox method.<br /><br />This eye collection came with a calligraphy style pen liner, called Front of the Line, in the shade black. I personally prefer gel liner, and think a pen like this would be best suited for detailed eye or face makeup (for theatre/ photo shoots) as opposed to an everyday liquid liner. I also think that as an individual product, the product is way overpriced at $22.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq1D_4GrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Lcr0_t6fkH4/s1600-h/loracfrontoftheline.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 56px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq1D_4GrI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Lcr0_t6fkH4/s400/loracfrontoftheline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421114405053536946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq1S4fuhI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TEf9nmrd6Tw/s1600-h/loracfrontofthelineswatch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Szuq1S4fuhI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TEf9nmrd6Tw/s400/loracfrontofthelineswatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421114409049111058" border="0" /></a><br />Lastly, everything came in this very cute makeup bag!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SzutmLclrsI/AAAAAAAAAco/hRT56pV1A-E/s1600-h/loracmakeupbag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SzutmLclrsI/AAAAAAAAAco/hRT56pV1A-E/s400/loracmakeupbag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421117447889858242" border="0" /></a><br />As of today this collection is still available. I HIGHLY recommend picking it up. I have always been a fan of LORAC makeup, but never wanted to give in to an $18 shadow. Now that I have tried these, I can see myself splurging on a LORAC shadow single from time to time. Sometimes spending a little extra for luxurious application is worth it!guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-63440369900337243692009-12-19T09:39:00.001-08:002009-12-19T09:39:35.435-08:00Tarte Eyeshadow Review/ Overview<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qKHrbsFGP_M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qKHrbsFGP_M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-39921053829424594902009-12-18T15:28:00.000-08:002009-12-18T15:29:07.359-08:00Customized Magnetic Palettes<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MB-9TpHfFOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MB-9TpHfFOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-60090595437727468972009-12-09T21:59:00.001-08:002009-12-09T21:59:31.044-08:00Elf Studio Powders Review and Cross- Comparison<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZ6yjoSbVEE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LZ6yjoSbVEE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-18507229939995351592009-12-04T15:39:00.001-08:002009-12-04T15:39:47.406-08:00Crown Brushes Review<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kaJTz9uSoqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kaJTz9uSoqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-35025148266013361912009-12-04T10:12:00.001-08:002009-12-04T10:13:04.943-08:00Products of the Moment<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DR741wdjEFE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DR741wdjEFE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-59546793718315624222009-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:002009-12-02T11:03:01.834-08:00How to De-pot the Tarte Treasure Chest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Sxa5162vrlI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6rFbrvHuSSk/s1600-h/De-PotTarteTC1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/Sxa5162vrlI/AAAAAAAAAbU/6rFbrvHuSSk/s400/De-PotTarteTC1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410716338315308626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">*DISCLAIMER: THIS METHOD INVOLVES BAKING THE PLASTIC TRAYS WHICH SERVE AS THE PALETTES WITHIN THE TREASURE CHEST. BAKING THE TRAYS IS DANGEROUS, DUE TO THE RISKS OF CREATING A FIRE HAZARD, AS WELL AS THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BEING EXPOSED TO PLASTIC FUMES THAT ARE RELEASED AS THE PLASTIC TRAYS MELT. SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT TO DE-POT YOUR TREASURE CHEST (OR ANY OTHER COSMETICS HOUSED IN PLASTIC PACKAGING) USING THIS METHOD, PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE RISKS. I RECOMMEND HAVING A SMALL KITCHEN FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON HAND JUST IN CASE... YOUR ROOM SHOULD BE WELL VENTILATED, AND FOR ADDED SAFETY YOU MAY WANT TO WEAR A MASK (ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU HAVE PETS, YOU ARE ALSO EXPOSING THEM TO THE FUMES). I HAVE NEVER CAUSED A FIRE WHEN USING THIS METHOD, AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY DAMAGE TO MY RESPIRATORY HEALTH, BUT BELIEVE THESE ARE VALID CONCERNS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO DE-POTTING COSMETICS.*</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">*You will not be able to de-pot the lip glosses with this method- only the eye shadows, blushes, hilighter, and bronzer)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In Addition to the Treasure Chest, you will need:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(1) Metal sheet pan covered in aluminum foil. You will also need extra foil for additional "batches" of trays that you'll be baking.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(2) Oven mitts (Silicone Mitts are recommended as the melted plastic does not stick to them).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(3) Toaster oven or conventional Oven, pre-heated to 325 degrees fahrenheit (Make sure your oven light is on so you can see they tray as it is baking. You will remain in the kitchen the entire time the tray is baking, while watching, in order to pull it out at the right time). </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(4) Metal utensil to handle the shadows when they are ready to be removed from the melted trays. I recommend using a metal nail file.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(5) A flat work surface upon which you will place the tray</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(6) Trivets or a raised, heat resistant component to go underneath the sheet pan if it can not be placed directly on your work surface.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(7) Paper towels or additional aluminum foil to lay the shadows/ blushes on after they are de-potted, until they cool down.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Instructions:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(1) Remove all trays that slide out. Place the lip gloss tray to the side, as this will not be de-potted.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(2) Remove the Tarte ribbon from the tray housing the blushes, etc. by pulling on it firmly.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(3) Remove the matte eye shadow tray by ripping it from the packaging by ripping off all paper and fabric parts (this will be very easy).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(4) Remove the shimmer eye shadow trays from the packaging by ripping off all paper and fabric parts (again, this will be very easy).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(5) You should be left with your square palettes containing the blushes, etc., and the matte eye shadows, as well as two smaller rectangular trays that hold the shimmer eye shadows. Ensure that all of the paper and fabric is removed from the plastic. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(6) After the oven is pre-heated, you will place one tray at a time on the covered baking sheet, with the cosmetic product facing upwards, and place it in the oven for 2-3 minutes, give or take. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(7) Watch the plastic melt. It will begin to curl under or upwards, and you will see the cosmetic pans loosen from their holes. Pull the sheet pan out after the plastic has curled up. If the plastic starts to smoke, remove it immediately. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(8) Using your metal utensil (metal nail file recommended), carefully lift the pans from their pots. This should be effortless. Remove all pans that are easily lifted. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(9) For any pans that do not remove easily, do not force their removal. Place the sheet pan back in the oven for 30 seconds- 1 minute to re-heat the tray, then attempt to remove them on the second try.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(10) Once all pans are removed from the tray, throw away the plastic sheet along with the aluminum foil. Do this while wearing oven mitts; the tray will be hot.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(11) Repeat steps 6-10 for the remaining trays. (The rectangle trays containing the shimmer shadows will be at an awkward angle due to the L-shaped plastic trays, but this will not be an issue- they will bake normally just as the flat trays did).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Once the trays are de-potted and cooled, you can clean the backside of the pans with alcohol to remove the glue residue, and then place a magnet over the back so the pan can be placed in a magnetic palette (such as the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1556&PRODUCT_ID=514">MAC palettes</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, with the plastic inserts removed, or a </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.auralinebeauty.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=273&category_id=61&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26">28- hole plastic palette</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, with the foam insert removed, fitted with a piece of galvanized steel on the bottom).</span>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-11290254545900803362009-11-28T22:45:00.000-08:002009-11-28T22:55:35.877-08:00An Epiphany, Thanks to MyFavoriteWeapon<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OMG</span>! I have a PEAR face shape.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">How is it I have made my way through life never hearing this term? I have heard of square, round, oval, and heart, but never "pear". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MyFavoriteWeapon</span> told me she believed I had a pear face shape, so I did a google image search and found this:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxIZXS5Gi0I/AAAAAAAAAbM/EIQBHnMej_w/s1600/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxIZXS5Gi0I/AAAAAAAAAbM/EIQBHnMej_w/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409413990424415042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">And here is the advice for pear shaped heads (via </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.apply-sexy-make-up.com/face-shape.html">apply-sexy-makeup.com</a><span style="font-family: arial;">)...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">"The pear shaped face is narrow at the temples,forehead and wider at your cheeks and jawline. If you have a pear shaped face, you should highlight your forehead to create the illusion of width and highlight the area under your eyes on top of your cheekbones and also the tip of your chin.You could contour the jawline and your cheeks to minimize the width too. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ps</span>: Your hairstyle plays a part in balancing your face too. Bangs and hair brushed over your temples can add fullness to your upper half of the face."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">While I am concerned about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hilighting</span> my forehead and making it any bigger than it already is, I do have to say that I will take to heart the advice for my hair style.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MyFavoriteWeapon</span>! I am now an expert on my own head shape (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hehehe</span>!)!</span>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750449002621271977.post-57980029122698568752009-11-28T11:41:00.000-08:002009-11-28T11:43:55.664-08:00It Had to be Done: De-Potting the Tarte Treasure Chest<div style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Loved the contents.<br /><br />Hated the packaging.<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxF9E_uqvMI/AAAAAAAAAbE/t1VHM1hCxm0/s1600/De-PotTarteTC1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxF9E_uqvMI/AAAAAAAAAbE/t1VHM1hCxm0/s400/De-PotTarteTC1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409242152228797634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxF9ETmP2AI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Z3bC4o9X46s/s1600/De-PotTarteTC.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QzD2l07XznQ/SxF9ETmP2AI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Z3bC4o9X46s/s400/De-PotTarteTC.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409242140382320642" border="0" /></a>guitarrasarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07151333859006808274noreply@blogger.com6