Pretty Polishes: Butter London Haul

I picked up a few polishes during the Ulta's Butter London BOGO free sale last week. I had chose 4 colors, however, the fourth color (Muggins, a really pale lilac purple) color was sold out and did not ship. I was disappointed because I was most excited for that polish. 

From Top, Clockwise:

♥ British Racing Green 

♥ Big Smoke 

♥ Queen Vic

Because my fourth Butter London didn't ship and I didn't want to swatch only 3 nails, I decided to swatch HRH (the purple) which I had picked up awhile ago.

(L to R) Big Smoke, British Racing Green, HRH, and Queen Vic

Just from these swatches, I can tell I'm going to really like the formula of these Butter London polishes. They applied nice and evenly with two coats of polish. The only problem I had was with the polish I had purchased previously, HRH. I'm not sure if it's just my particular polish, but it applies very uneven.

I chose three colors that I think will work perfect for fall. Now bring on the fall weather!

Don't forget to enter to win my handmade shop's GIVEAWAY

(You could choose from fun makeup accessories!)

http://pinkglitterboutique.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway.html

Handmade Love Vol. II

I got many positive comments on my first Handmade Love post, so I've decided to make it a regular feature. I'm glad so many love handmade as much as I do! 

So here are some beautiful, handmade items from Etsy I'm currently lusting over:

Layering Necklaces $78

by Modrn

Modrn allows you to choose three of eight necklaces that you mix and match to create a fun layering effect. I love jewelry that mix different metal tones and I'm especially in love with gold/copper circular beads on the red gold tone chain (Mykonos layering necklace V). I keep picturing these with different fall outfits...

Personalized Chevron iPhone Case $55

by Daninotes

I'm not going into my love for the iPhone, but I want it to be protected in case of any accidents (eek!). These cases (for the 3g or 4) are so chic. You can choose the color combinations and personalize it with your name or initials. The cases come in prints like chevron, stripes, and trellis. Thinking of choosing the pink chevron and a navy blue combination soon.

Various Illustrations by EmmaKisstina

I've been waiting for my boyfriend to paint an antique vanity I have for awhile now (although, it would help if I would settle on a paint color). Anyway, as soon as I get my new makeup area set up, I'm going to be ordering some of these prints from EmmaKisstina to hang above my vanity. She has fabulous makeup & beauty prints like her 30 Lipsticks, 7 Red Nailpolishes, and even has Chanel perfume prints. 

Oh, and don't forget to enter to win my handmade shop's GIVEAWAY

(You could choose from fun makeup accessories)

http://pinkglitterboutique.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway.html

My Favorite Hair Products.

♥ Philosophy Shear Splendor: "an age-defying hair marinating oil"

This stuff is amazing! I try to use it once a week as recommended or on special occasions because I'm hoarding it (I bought this awhile ago at a Marshalls so I'm sure this has been discontinued). You apply "a palm full amount" on dry hair, working from ends to scalp, and then leave on for 20 minutes and shampoo out in the shower. After using this my hair is super soft and shiny. If you know of a similar product you like, please let me know in the comments. I'm almost out! 

♥ Moroccan Oil/Macadamia Oil Treatment:

Although I have been using Moroccan Oil for over a year now, I decided to put both products up. I just received the Macadamia Oil as an Ulta reward and have been using it the last few days. I'm liking it a lot so far but want to continue testing it. I'll be doing a comparison post between the two soon because there are some differences. I apply a dime-sized amount of either oil (not both!) to the ends of my damp hair and work it about half way up towards the roots. Both treatments make the (damaged) ends of my hair softer, appear healthier and helps my wet hair dry faster.

♥ John Frieda Frizz-Ease Leave-In Conditioning Spray

This conditioning spray is not simply a leave-in conditioner but also detangles and has a heat protectant built in.  On top of needing this spray to condition my chemically-treated (and sometimes heat styled hair), my hair has been tangling very easily when I get out of the shower. This stuff really helps detangle and makes my hair soft. I really notice a difference in my hair when I use it vs. don't use it.  For whatever reason, I hadn't repurchased this for a couple months (this is probably my 8th bottle) but I'm not making that mistake again. I now have a back up on hand (it was buy one, get one 50% off). Oh, and did I mention it's affordable at $5.99?

♥ CHI 44 Iron Guard 

I love this product to protect my hair from heat damage from flat ironing and curling. The only downside is you can only spray it on dry hair, so it won't protect your hair from blow drying. I've heard some complain about the smell of the product but I actually like the smell.

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY: http://pinkglitterboutique.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway.html

You could win a $35 credit to my shop to choose

a makeup brush roll like this!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express

I'm naturally a dark blonde so my brows (and eyelashes) are light and my brows are somewhat sparse. I've heard a lot of good things about Anastasia eyebrow kits and accessories so I figured I'd give it a try when I made a recent online purchase at Ulta. 

One of the corners in my kit came bent :/

The kit includes:

♥ Brow Wax

♥ Brow Powder Duo (blonde version)

♥ Shadow Duo

♥ 5 Stencils

♥ Angled Brow Brush

5 Stencils included are: 

Full Arch, High Arch, Medium Arch, Petite Arch & Slim High Arch

Before Picture 

(sans makeup) 

After Picture
 makeup: Urban Decay 15 Anniversary Palette and UD liner

 (sorry about the weird angle/weird chunk of glitter in my brow)

In case that picture is hard to read, here is a basic how-to:

1.  Take one of the stencils and line up the red lines (top line parallel with forehead, inner line through middle of nostril, and the outer line diagonally to to the edge of the nose). Pick the stencil that fits the most of your natural brow through the cutout.

2. Apply the brow wax cream to help powder adhere.

3. Align stencil to brow and apply brow powder.

4. Remove stencil and tweeze hair outside the powdered area (tweezers not included)

Review:

 The stencil my brows fit was the high arch. Step 3 is definitely the hardest step in the kit. It takes some practice and shifting the position of your hands around to be able to fill in your brows with the power while holding the stencil in place. I'm hoping after trying this a few more times I'll get the hang of it. The mirror is essentially useless in the kit because there is no way  you are going to be holding a mirror, stencil, and powdering your brows all at once.

In my opinion, the brow colors for blondes are okay. I feel the darker brown of the two shades was a too bit dark for me. My hair is now a mixture of different blonde tones so I can get away with using a mixture of the two. However, if I lighten my hair to the platinum blonde it used to be, I think I will only be using the lighter of the two shades. The kit does come in a brunette version as well. 

The kit definitely has value but really depends if it works for you powder color-wise and what you already have or need in your makeup kit. The kit is $39.50. If purchased individually at Ulta, the stencils are $20 for 4 stencils (excludes full arch), the brow powder is $22 for .1 oz (kit has 2 powders, each 0.056 oz) and the angled brush is $17. I did not see the eyeshadow (which I personally could have done without) and brow wax sold separately on the Ulta or Sephora website.

Helpful info if you want to purchase items separately:

 Individual powders come in 5 colors (2 shades each) vs. the kit which only comes in 2 colors (2 shades each). Purchase the stencils at Sephora. They are the same price and come with 5 stencils vs. 4 at Ulta.

Overall, I like the Anastasia Beauty Express. I think it is important to pay attention to those brows because they can really help define your face. I think the stencils are great for girls who need help with finding a shape that best fits your natural brow. Although I think the items in the rest of the kit can be replaced with (cheaper) alternatives, I like having the items in one place especially when traveling. Hopefully, I can just get the hang of using those stencils!

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY: http://pinkglitterboutique.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway.html

CLOSED: GIVEAWAY!

Hooray! I've reached over 450 sales between my 2 handmade shops!  I want to celebrate by giving one lucky winner a $35 credit to my shop. You can choose from makeup brush rolls, makeup bags and other girly accessories!

Makeup Brush Roll/Holder & Makeup Bag Set:
Don't throw those makeup brushes in a bag full of makeup to get ruined!

The Prize:

One winner will be awarded a $35 dollar credit to chose item(s) from my Etsy shop, PinkGlitterBoutique (www.pinkglitterboutique.etsy.com). 


To Enter: 
♥ Giveaway is open to United States legal residents only
♥ Must be 18 years or older to enter (see below exception if you are a resident AL, DE, NE or MS)
♥  Fill out the form located at the bottom of this post telling me your favorite item in my shop! ( Shop link: www.pinkglitterboutique.etsy.com)

Get 1 additional entry for each of the following completed. The following are NOT required to win. Maximum 4 entries per person.


1. Follow my Blog (+1 entry)
2. Follow @ShopPinkGlitter on twitter (+1 entry)
3. Tweet this message: (+1 entry)
Entered @ShopPinkGlitter giveaway to win a $35 shop credit! Winner's choice of makeup brush rolls/bags! Details: http://pinkglitterboutique.blogspot.com


Following my Facebook fan page will not get you an additional entry, however, you can follow to be the first to know about new shop products, blog posts, sales & more giveaways! www.facebook.com/pinkglitterboutique

Official Rules:


The value of the prize is $35.00 USD. The prize is non-transferable. No cash alternative will be given nor any cash given for any amount under $35.00 not redeemed. Any remaining credit balance can be used toward future purchases and will expire two years from end of giveaway (October 15, 2013). Individual (winner) is solely responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes with respect to the prize. Prize will be mailed to winner's physical mailing address.   


By entering or accepting the prize in this contest, winner agrees to be bound by these Official Rules, Terms, Conditions and conform to all federal, state, and local laws, and regulations. 


No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.


Contest starts September 15th, 2011 at 8:15 PM EST and ends October 15th, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST.


Eligibility:
This contest is open to legal residents of the United States only unless prohibited by their state (void where prohibited). Must be 18 years or older to win with the exception of Alabama (19 years old), Delaware (19), Nebraska (19), and Mississippi (21). The odds of winning is determined by the number of eligible entries. Family members and friends of owner of Pink Glitter Boutique are not eligible to enter.

How to Win:

One (1) winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries after the end of the contest. Random.org will be used to select a winner from their corresponding comment number. If for any reason the original winner does not meet the eligibility requirements or he/she forfeits the prize, the prize will be awarded to the next randomly drawn eligible participant. The winner will be notified via email address or twitter account that is left with the winning entry. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize after the initial notification. An alternative winner be be selected if original winner fails to claim prize within 72 hours. 

Overview:

♥ Open to US legal residents only.

♥ Must be 18 years or older (see above exception if you are a resident AL, DE, NE or MS) to enter.

♥ Contest begins September 15th, 2011 at 8:15 PM EST and ends October 15th, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST.

♥ Maximum 4 entries per person. 

Handmade Love

If you've read my blog before, you probably know I am obsessed with "handmade" just as much as I'm obsessed with makeup. I own a shop on Etsy (think huge, online craft show) and I am constantly discovering really awesome products from other sellers. 

Why I shop (and love) handmade: 

1. It feels so good to support a small business owner vs. a large corporation 

2. The things you find on Etsy will be unique because they aren't in every mall across America. 

3. Many shops will customize their products to your specifications/likings!

Here are some handmade items I'm currently in love with.

The Oversized Ego Scarf 

$48 from seller, topherco

Isn't this scarf amazing? This shop is on vacation until September 24th, but as soon as the shop owner returns I am so picking up one of these awesome, chunky infinity scarves for Fall. Thinking of choosing a neutral color like cream/wheat so it matches different fall/winter coats.  If this scarf is too big for you, the seller does make a smaller version. 

The Ombre Metals Bracelet

$35 by HRHCOLLECTION

I love jewelry pieces that mix gold and silver together. Shop owner, Alex, used to have an Etsy shop but has since started her own webshop. She has really great style (check out her blog) and is amazing at designing jewelry. If I could, I would seriously buy out her entire shop. I've had my eye on this chunky metal wrap bracelet which fades from gold to silver (love the name-- the ombre bracelet!). 

Lace Earrings Xandra (Ombre)

$22 by WhiteOwl

This shop has been featured in Lucky Magazine & Marie Claire! It's no wonder why her products were chosen. WhiteOwl has beautiful earrings, necklaces and bracelets all made from lace. I love big, statement jewelry and many of her pieces are just that. 

Upcoming posts:

♥ What's in My Bag?

♥ A Giveaway!

August Favorites

I LOVE the summer, and wish it would never end. But right now it's at that weird period between summer and fall here in the North East. One day it's hot and humid and the next day you're wearing a sweatshirt. As much as I love Summer, I just wish it would leave and it were Fall already. I'm not looking forward to cold weather but I do enjoy Fall things like apple picking, football, & of course Halloween! 

Well, here are my makeup/beauty favorites for the month of August.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

I picked up a Benefit skincare mini kit (it contains refined finish facial polish, total moisture facial cream, and facial emulsion) from Ulta for $12 to try out a few of their products. 

The facial cream is really moisturizing and not greasy. I was reading reviews and some say they use this as a night cream as it is a thick, rich cream. However, with my dry skin it works for me if I need to use this during the day (thinking this cream will be great for winter). The other mini in the kit, the refined facial emulsion, is a lighter, oil-free moisturizer and has an SPF 15. This is a moisturizer that Benefit recommends to apply in  the morning, so if the facial cream is too heavy for you during the day, this might be what you're looking for.

The packaging is so pretty, something I'd want to leave out on the bathroom counter. The three I've sampled from the line smell really fresh. The line is on the expensive side (full-sized facial cream is $38) but I'm thinking about purchasing the cream in the full size once Ulta sends out their 20% off coupon.

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, BenefitCosmetics.com

Cost: $38 for 48.2g Net Wt. 1.7 oz

Benefit Sugarbomb

I love this peachy-pink blush for a soft, natural flush of color. It's a great everyday blush that I found myself reaching for a lot during the month. This blush is light which works with my light skintone and is perfect if I want my makeup to appear a little more "natural." Full review here.

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, BenefitCosmetics.com

Cost: $28 for .42 oz

Urban Decay Primer Potion Professional Size

I picked up this primer potion during their Friends & Family sale back in June or July. This is probably my most re-purchased makeup product. Although I've been through a bunch of these tubes and have been a loyal fan of UDPP for quite some time, I'm adding this to my monthly favorites because I am so happy UD finally listened to their fans and put their primer potion in a squeeze tube. No more wasted primer potion at the bottom or sides of tube because the doe- footed wand couldn't reach it. I also love the value you are getting with the Professional size. The professional size is $1.16/mL ($29 for 25mL) vs. $1.73/mL ($19 for 11mL) of their regular-sized squeeze tube, a savings over $0.50 per mL. The only downside is the professional size only comes in the original (sheer nude) shade. 

Oh, and if you don't mind the original genie-style tubes and want to save some money, Urban Decay's website has 2 tubes of UDPP for $19 ($0.95/mL)! Click here.

Where to Buy: UrbanDecay.com and Sephora

Cost: UrbanDecay, $29 and Sephora, $30

Butter London & Zoya Nail Polish

If you're a follower of my blog you may have noticed I've recently become a fan of "3-free" nail polishes. Butter London is free from harmful ingredients like Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP or Parabens. Butter London nail polishes have so many beautiful colors in their permanent range. I find myself staring at them for quite awhile trying to pick one color over another in Ulta. HRH is such a pretty purple that I think can easily transition from Summer to Fall. Definitely going to pick up more during Ulta's buy one, get one free sale (read about it in this post), especially because they are on the pricier side at $14/polish.

Zoya is also a 3-free brand.  The one thing I really love is how fast-drying their formula is (I hate waiting for my nails to dry!). This color is Jana and is part of their Smoke & Mirrors Collection. The perfect muddy purple-gray for Fall.

Where to Buy: Ulta. ButterLondon.com/Zoya.com

Cost: Butter London, $14 each. Zoya, $8 each.

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

This palette has it all- neutrals, brights, darker hues for smokey eyes. What is really amazing about this palette is all 15 shades are brand new shades from Urban Decay. Click here to see my full review and swatches.

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, UrbanDecay.com

Cost: $55

What are your favorites for the month of August?
Oh, and I'm working on a "What's in My Bag" for my next post ♥

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty

Just wanted to write a quick post to share with fellow makeup addicts about Ulta's 21 days of Beauty. Ulta will be having 21 days of deals & steals on makeup and beauty products starting today, 9/4. Here are just some I'm super excited about and will likely be taking advantage of.


Day 6: September 9th


Too Faced Shadow Insurance for $9 (regularly $18). I love Urban Decay Primer Potion and tried Benefit's Stay Don't Stray Primer, but have yet to try Too Faced primer. At half off, now seems like the perfect opportunity!









Day 17: September 20th


Butter London polishes are buy one, get one free! I own one Butter London polish in HRH and their topcoat. I really like that it is a 3 free brand (DPB, Toulene, and formaldehyde free). However, I'm not too fond of their $14 polish price tag. I've been eyeing a few colors, so I'm totally taking advantage of this deal.


It's limited 2 per customer. I'm not sure if that means 2 "deals" which would equal 4 polishes or just one deal, two polishes. If it's the latter, I might have to drag my boyfriend along to pick up another two polishes. I know he won't mind, plus he owes me for all the ESPN I'm "forced" to watch with him. :p








Day 21: September 24th


Benefit Real of Concealness is $18 (regularly $32). This kit has 5 mini Benefit products including, Lemon Aid to correct eyelid discoloration, Boi-ong to conceal dark under-eye circles, Ooh La Lift to brighten eye area, Lip Plump, and High Beam highlighter. I love mini kits like these because you can try out a bunch of products without breaking bank. 

To see more info on savings & events during the 21 day event, click here. 

Any sale days you're particularly excited about?

Benefit Sugarbomb

When I originally saw this blush in Ulta, I couldn't imagine these four colors (peach, soft plum, pink, and rose) mixing together and creating a pretty blush. However, Sugarbomb is the type of blush you can wear everyday, anywhere. It is a peachy-pink color and it gives your cheeks a pretty, subtle, natural flush of color. 

 This is my third box o' powder (I also own Hoola bronzer and Bella Bamba, review here) from Benefit and I have to say I've become quite fond of each one of them.  

The only downside to this particular blush is the packaging. It has a removable lid which could easily come off in your purse, makeup bag, etc. However, the Box O' Powders pictured on the Benefit website do have flip-tops and mirrors, so I must have purchased an older version (darn!) from Ulta.  

In case you were wondering, Sugarbomb does come with a (semi-decent) brush. However, I prefer using a blush brush. Also, I just wanted to mention that this blush warns to avoid the eye area.

♥

I have my eye (cheeks?) on Benefit's Dandelion next.

So have you tried Benefit's Box O' Powders? Have a favorite?

Where to Buy: Benefit, Ulta, Sephora

Cost: $28 for .42 oz