Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes

I got a few more amazonian clay blushes since my original review here and wanted to show you some more swatches in case you are considering picking up one. There are four new shades listed on Sephora's site but are listed as out of stock. (One of which is the shade Adore, which my boyfriend purchased for me in the Tarte Discovery Kit)

I first wore this blush to a wedding I attended in November. I was impressed that this blush lasted pretty much the entire day even through dancing. Tarte advertises that the blush lasts 12 hours. I would say it lasted on me between 8-10 hours with little fading.

From Left to Right: 

❤ Flush: Deep Berry

❤ Natural Beauty: Muted Strawberry Red

❤ Amused: Bright Pink

❤ Blissful: Warm Peach

❤ Adored: Shimmering Light Pink

 ❤ Natural Beauty: Muted Strawberry Red

❤ Amused: Bright Pink

 ❤ Flush: Deep Berry

 ❤ Adored: Shimmering Light Pink

*Contains tiny bits of glitter

❤ Blissful: Warm Peach

Left to Right: Flushed, Natural Beauty, Amused, Blissful, & Adored

The pigmentation of these blushes are amazing although the picture above really does not do them justice. The first time I tried this blush (in Amused), I packed my brush with blush and had really pink cheeks and had to blend it out. So I would definitely recommend starting with a light hand and slowly building up the color.

While they are on the pricier side (I picked up two with a discount/three were gifts) at $25, I 

really think they are a great investment. Best blush I've tried yet.

So have you tried Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush? What's your favorite Tarte product?

Handmade Love Vol. V

Because the holidays are coming up, I've decided to do my Handmade Love posts more frequently. A gift guide of sorts. Handmade items make wonderful gifts. Plus, what are the chances that your recipient already has this gift? 

Here are some handmade items I've been admiring over on Etsy.

Oversized Leather Snake Clutch

$150 by Patkas

Animal prints are big again this Fall and I've been spotting leopard, zebra and snake prints everywhere. This shop has amazing leather clutches, bracelets, even iphone cases. Not into snake print? These accessories also come in gold and gorgeous pink and blue metallic leathers.

Bow Necklace in Fine Silver

$28 by ShizenDesigns

This bow necklace is adorable. I'm borderline obsessed (okay, I'm really obsessed) with bows probably because they are so girly. This seller also makes adorable panda bear face necklaces and bunnies too!

Pink Paper Pencil Set

$6.25 for a set of 5. By WriteWithMoxie

Seriously, where were these pencils when I was in college? Not only do these pencils come in other pretty pastel colors, but they also are eco-friendly. They are made up of colored recycled paper so when you sharpen these, the color changes around the lead. Doing homework will be a little less boring, no?

Do you have a favorite handmade item someone made for you or you bought at a craft show or online?

Let me know in the comments below! 

♥♥♥

A lot of sellers are having Cyber Monday Sales today including my shop (makeup brush rolls/makeup bags) where you can save 20% using code PINKGLITTERFRIDAY! Search 'Cyber Monday Etsy' to check out amazing handmade items on sale!

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

I'm a pretty packaging product junkie. Try saying that 10 times fast!

When Soap & Glory was in sold in Target stores I would always marvel at their retro packaging and fun product names. Although I love pretty packaging, I must admit, I never tried any of Soap & Glory products. Then their products disappeared from Target's shelves and the United States (they were still sold overseas). I told myself I would finally try a product if they ever returned. Well, Sephora picked up the line and I'm glad they did.

I chose to try their Hand Food Hand Cream first.

I decided to pick up the smaller size (1.7oz) to test out the product as I ordered it online. I am extremely weary when a product claims to be non-greasy because more often than not the product ends up being greasy.

I am thoroughly impressed with this product. Not only is the product not greasy/slimy but the product absorbs really fast leaving your hands soft and smooth. Actually, I was so impressed I decided to pick up the larger size to keep on my dresser for the morning/nighttime. The smaller size I carry around in my purse.

The only downside to this product is the scent, which may or not be a problem depending on your personal preference. The scent is very perfume-y and I usually prefer light scents. I think I might smell a hint of roses? However, it works so well in my opinion, I'm willing to let the strong scent thing go.

Cost: 1.7 oz for $5 or 4.2 oz for $10

Where to Buy: Sephora

Do you have any Soap & Glory recommendations? I really want to try more from their line!


♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Also, I want to wish you all a
 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 


Save 20% off with code PINKGLITTERFRIDAY in my Etsy shop!
Save on Makeup Brush Rolls, Makeup Bags and other accessories!
Starts tonight at 11/25 at 12am & ends Cyber Monday at 11:59 pm.  

My shop: www.pinkglitterboutique.etsy.com

Handmade Love Vol. IV

Not only do I love shopping for myself (who doesn't?) on the handmade site Etsy, but I also love shopping for gifts to give friends & family. It makes gift-giving a little extra special when you give a gift that someone actually made.

Here are a few items I've been lusting over on Etsy.

All of which would make excellent gifts for a loved one or maybe you want to put it on a holiday list for yourself ;)

Pyramid Stud Earrings

$45 by TinyArmour

Aren't these earrings fabulous? I keep seeing pyramid studs everywhere and I'm really loving this trend.

Glamour Girl Lipstick Mini Cards

Need to write thanks or maybe just hello? Send a friend a glamourous pink lipstick note card. 

Set of 5: $5 by InfraredStudios

Glitter Guide Hand Painted Crystal Necklace

$40 by spikethepunch

It sparkles. It glitters. Need I say more?

Tuff Love Leather Dog Collar/Leash Set

$34.99 by thecoolpuppy

The perfect gift for the furry friend in your life. TheCoolPuppy has so many stylish collars with leather flowers, colorful hearts, and even studs! We bought the Cool Sky Blue collar for my dog (she's a black lab) last year and she looks adorable in it.

More Handmade Love/Gift Guides to come!

Previous Handmade Love posts HERE, HERE, & HERE.

P.S.- If you shop on Etsy, let me know your fave items/shops. I'd love to check them out!

Butter London: Dressing Table Worthy

I'm in love with Butter London polishes. Besides the fact that they apply so well, they are so darn pretty displayed on a side table or dresser. Which is the idea behind this holiday set.


I'm such a sucker for cute packaging and this is no exception. Look at the adorable little cardboard vanity the two colors are displayed on!





My boyfriend surprised me with the Fairy Lights & Tart with a Heart set. The other set includes Black Knight (black/pink/blue/silver in black base) in place of Fairy Lights.

♥Tart with a Heart is a glitter polish; pale pink with a hint of grey added. The glitter is small and iridescent (green, blue, purple & orange).

♥ Fairy Lights is described as a "liquid metal" rose pink.

Left to Right:

Fairy Lights with Tart with a Heart

Fairy Lights (two coats)

Tart with a Heart (two coats)

Most nail polish companies put out dark greens, glittery reds & golds for the holidays. Not that I don't love those colors, but it's nice to see a unique holiday collection from Butter London. 

Where to Buy: Ulta

Cost: $25 (normally $14 each) for 11 mL/.4 fl. oz

What nail polishes are you loving right now? 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused

I learned from Tarte Cosmetic's site that their makeup is cruelty-free, they give back, and have a line of vegan products. I have no idea why I have not tried products from Tarte Cosmetics sooner. 

I've always been tempted by their lipsurgences (which remind me of cute chubby markers) and their cheek stains. For one reason or another, I always put them back or passed them up and purchased from another brand.

When Sephora had their F&F sale, I decided to take advantage of their 20% off code and try a Tarte product. I went with one of their Amazonian Clay blushes because I read so many glowing (get it?) reviews.

I chose Amused. A bright pink. 

I recommend starting with a light hand and slowly building the color because this blush has Ah-MAZ-ing pigmentation. When I first applied this blush, I didn't do this and ended up with really PINK cheeks. I had to blend and blend some more to lighten it.

Swatched heavy on left. Blended out on right.

I first wore this blush to a wedding I attended last weekend. I am impressed that this blush lasted pretty much the entire day even through dancing. Tarte advertises that the blush lasts 12 hours. I would say it lasted on me between 8-10 hours with little fading.

Tarte claims that this blush is great for all skin types:

"Oily skin: Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around the pores to balance skin and keep product in place

Dry skin: Amazonian clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so your blush wears better & longer

Dull skin: Amazonian clay improves the appearance of skin clarity and skin texture

Combination skin: Amazonian clay is completely intuitive; gives skin an overall smooth & even appearance" (taken from the Tarte website):

       

I can't attest that this blush will work for everyone. However, I do love the consistency of the powder- it's soft and blends easily.

Overview: 

I'm in love with this blush and it's awesome pigmentation and long-lasting results. I really want to get a few of the other shades, especially Flush (deep berry) which will look great for Fall/Winter. The positive experience I had with this blush will definitely have me adding more  products from Tarte to my makeup collection.

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, & Tarte

Cost: $25 for 0.2 oz

Have you tried these Amazonian Clay blushes? What is your favorite Tarte product?

Benefit F&F Sale

Another one of my favorite makeup brands is having their Friends & Family Sale! 

Save 20% on Benefit Cosmetics with code LOVEYALL

at BenefitCosmetics.com

Unfortunately it does not include the holiday products. But you can get Free standard shipping automatically on orders over $50 in the US (orders over $125 internationally). 

I figured I'd write another recommendation post similar to my Urban Decay post last week in case you're looking for something to get for yourself or a gift for someone else. :)

They're Real Mascara

Regular Price: $22.00

Sale Price: $17.60 

If you love a great lengthening mascara, They're Real is the mascara you've been looking for. I usually stick to drugstore mascaras but this mascara is one high-end mascara I will likely be repurchasing. Full Review here. Want to know what the differences between They're Real & Bad Gal Lash? Click here for my comparison post.

Sugarbomb Blush

Regular Price: $28

Sale Price: $22.40

Never thought that these four colors blended together would create such a pretty blush. This blush is great for everyday. The pinky-peach color gives your cheeks a soft, natural flush of color. Full review here.

Bella Bamba Blush

Regular Price: $28.00

Sale Price: $22.40

Described as a 3D brightening powder to brighten, sculpt & define. Bella Bamba is a pretty pink color with great pigmentation. It can be built up in intensity or blended out for a softer, pretty pink glow. (Tip: A little goes a long way!) Full review/swatches here. 

Hello Flawless!

Regular price: $34.00

Sale Price: $27.20

This product is great if you don't like liquid foundation but still want coverage. This powder foundation is silky too! You can use this product in a few ways. For a sheer finish, I apply the powder with a brush. If you want a lot of coverage, I use the sponge that is included. I recommend using your own face/powder brush as the little brush that is included is scratchy and sheds like crazy. However, I did purchase this product awhile ago so maybe the brush has improved since then?

Code Expires: 11/14/11 at 11:59 pm PST.

More Details from Benefit:

Get 20% off any order, enter LOVEYALL at checkout. Offer valid only at benefitcosmetics.com. Excludes holiday products and expires 11/14/11 at 11:59pm PST. Combinable with standard shipping offers only. FREE standard shipping is automatically applied on all US orders over $50 and international orders over $125. No codes necessary. Excludes order shipping to China.

What's your favorite Benefit product? Are you going to pick up anything during the F&F sale?

Wedding Weekend

My boyfriend and I were invited to a wedding this past weekend. My bf was a groomsmen so I was very excited to see him all dressed up in a tuxedo. Plus, I love a reason to get dressed up and dance! 

My Makeup:

Urban Decay's Smog (Naked Palette) in Crease
UD Flow (15 Anniversary Palette) on Inner Lid
UD Chase (15 Anniversary Palette) on Outer Lid


I promise my makeup looked better in person than in this picture. I'm having a hard time getting any decent photos (most are out of focus/dark/and not picking up colors) with this Sony Cybershot. I'm probably going to be selling this camera and getting a new one soon. If you have any good camera recommendations please let me know. I also need it for product photography for my Etsy shop.

I finished off the look with pink cheeks and pink lips:




MAC lipstick in Angel (swatch on the right)
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused (swatch on the left) Review coming soon! here.

My dress:

Sequin Belted Dress, Express $98


As you can probably guess from my "Pink Glitter" blog/shop name, I love anything that glitters. So I was really excited when I found this black sequin dress. Even more exciting was that I saved over $90 at Express with coupons (I also picked up a pair of their Editor pants and two tops).

My shoes:



Steve Madden Glitter Heels, Marshall's $39.99

If you follow me on twitter, you probably already saw these shoes I found at Marshall's. My feet are killing me today but these glittery heels are so worth it! I was disappointed because the pair I tried on were too big, but my mom found a hidden pair in my size. I love shopping with my mom :)


Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Sephora F&F Haul

Happy Friday! If you follow me on twitter, you probably already saw a peek at my Sephora F&F Haul.

If you haven't, here is what I picked up during the 20% off event. Reviews and swatches to come soon, so be sure to subscribe! :)


 I'm so happy my order arrived quickly. My MAC foundation is too dark for my now pale fall/winter complexion. I have a wedding to attend this weekend where my boyfriend is a groomsmen so I'm glad my foundation will match for pictures. 

♥ Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused $25

♥ Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation in 115 Ivory $40

♥ Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in #38 $19

♥ Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream $5

♥ nails Inc. Magentic Nail Polish in Trafalagar Square $16

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in #38

Did you pick up anything during Sephora F&F event or Ulta's 20% off event?

If so, let me know what you hauled in the comments below!

Urban Decay F&F Sale

Just wanted to write a quick post in case you don't already know...

Urban Decay is having their Friends & Family Sale!

Save 20% off using code FFHolidaySale

(Included in the sale are items in the sale section!)

Urban Decay is my all-time favorite brand.

If you're new to the brand or are looking for recommendations,

here are some of my favorites:

Naked Palette 

Regular price: $48.00

20% off sale price: $38.40

Urban Decay is known for their bold, bright colors. However, if you're not into rocking brights, Urban Decay created a palette of neutrals that will please those looking for a more natural, toned-down look. This kit includes 12 eyeshadows, shadow brush, and a mini potion primer.

15-Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Collection:

Regular Price: $55.00

20% off sale price: $44.00

If you like neutral looks but also love the occasional bright look, this is the palette for you! This palette contains 15 brand new shades and is a nice mixture of neutrals, brights, and shadows to create a smokey eye. See my full review/swatches here.

Eyeshadow Primer Potion:

Regular price: $19

20% off sale price: $15.20

One of Urban Decay's cult favorite products. I discovered UDPP four years ago and have since gone through countless bottles (now tubes!). UDPP makes your eyeshadow last longer, makes it brighter, and prevents creasing. Comes in four shades. I love the Original and Greed (matte) version.

 Also available in XXL professional size (150% more than the original bottles) for $24 (regularly $30) or if you don't mind the vintage bottles they have them on sale for $8 (regular sale price $10).

24/7 Glide-On Pencils:

Regular Price $18 (some $9)

20% sale price: $14.40 (some $7.20)

I'm in love with these eyeliners. My favorite and most used is the carbon black shade, Zero. I even have quite a few backups. Like the name implies, these pencils glide-on easily (no tugging or dragging!) which makes it the perfect eyeliner for beginners or those without a steady hand. They come in so many different shades and value kits, check out all the eyeliners out here.

Dates: 12am PST 11/01/11- 11:59pm 11/05/11

To check out official rules/exclusions, go to: www.urbandecay.com

I'm still debating getting anything as I just placed a makeup order during Sephora F&F sale.

 If you're taking advantage of UD 20% off sale, let me know what you're getting below! :)