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Hello there, everyone! Did anyone else do a little dance when they saw the announcement that Kat Von D Beauty would be releasing a follow-up to their Shade and Light Eye Contour Palette? Just me? That’s fine. Anyway, you might say the new Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette is the flashy younger sister to the practical original.

According to Sephora:

Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette allows you to seamlessly build a look within the palette by layering different levels of dimension to achieve eye-opening effects, or pair glimmer shades with the original matte eye contour palette for endless possibilities. Each velvety powder is blendable and buildable, and features Kat Von D’s signature high-performance, long-wear eyeshadow formula—for glimmering looks that shift and sparkle with every movement.

The Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette actually contains 4 different eye shadow formulas. Porcelain, Dusk and Dune are satin base shades. Copper, Cinder and Rust are metallic contour shades. Bronze, Onyx and Jasper are glittery defining colors. Sterling, Glacier and Quartz are glimmer top -coats.

I think it’s really important to note that this is a “glimmer,” rather than glitter, palette. Not all the shades are shimmery in the pan, but they are not matte like the original Shade + Light.

The palette is housed in a sturdy-feeling plastic casing with a large mirror. The back of the palette shows the shade names, however, I forgot to take a photo of the back!

The Swatches

As always, I’ve swatched for you using a short, synthetic hair eye shadow brush over primer. Photos were taken in overcast, natural light.

As you can see, the shades are subtle but pigmented. They all fall in the realm of “neutral” but with slightly more visual interest than the original Shade + Light Palette. I think it is pretty easy to see how the palettes would complement each other.

Here are both palettes together:

The Kat Von D Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Contour Palette is available at Sephora and at the Kat Von D website for $49. Also take a peak at the Glimmer Effect Eye Brush which was designed to work well with the Shade + Light Glimmer palette.

Don’t need a huge palette? Maybe the Kat Von D Eye Contour Quads are more your style!

Shop Kat Von D Beauty:

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Oh my goodness, class, I almost forgot to do my monthly favorites again! But, I didn’t, so let’s get the January favorites rolling! As you know, if you follow me on Instagram,  I did a “no buy” in January as well as a one lipstick per day challenge. Therefore, you are not going to see any really new products this month, or any lipstick at all!

Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Natural Perfection Foundation is quite possibly my new “HG” foundation. It applied beautifully with sponge and brush, and leaves the most natural satin finish. It is also the longest wearing foundation I’ve ever tried, and it doesn’t even settle into the one deep line I have by my mouth. It’s magical! I use the lightest shade, and I do find that it oxidizes a tiny bit.

MAC Prep + Prime 24 Hour Extend Eye Base was my go-to eye primer this month.  It really prevents shadows from creasing throughout the day.

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette is amazing for transforming your look from everyday to magical mermaid unicorn. I especially love layering it over simple black liner for an out-of-this-world holographic effect. It’s currently out-of-stock at Sephora, but check you local store and take a peek at my swatches here!

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Kitten Karma” is the most amazing creation of sparkly goodness. It is a lightweight liquid formula that’s easy to blend out for subtlety or pack on for glitter that you can see from space. I also use an angled brush to turn it into a liner. Glitter for everyone!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara  has probably been on my favorites list before, but I’m too lazy to check. Every time I go back to it I wonder why I’ve ever used anything else. It truly keeps my stubby lashes curled all day, without them feeling stiff.

Well, those were my January favorites! What were some of yours? Please tell us!

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Hello, everyone! I thought it might be nice to share some beauty gift recommendations for the special people in your lives. When possible, I’ve suggested items that I myself have tried. Please feel free to add to the list in the comments!

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you are uncomfortable with that, by all means just google the product! Additionally, I took these photos directly off the sellers’ sites.

for the beauty newbie…

Ulta

Benefit never disappoints with their sets! The Girl O’Clock Rock 12 Benefit Bestsellers ($45) is available at Ulta. Help that makeup amateur in your life by gifting these twelve easy-to-use minis!

Sephora

The Smashbox Try It Kit  ($22) contains five minis of Smashbox bestsellers. This is a great way to help your novice-friend get acquainted with some awesome products.

for the natural beauty…

Glossier

Order a Glossier Phase 2 Set ($50) for your friend who prefers a subtle makeup look. Simply choose a Generation G lip shade, a Stretch Concealer shade, and a Boy Brow color for a cute little set that a natural beauty lover will appreciate.

for the classic beauty…

Sephora

The Dior Holiday Couture Palette ($89) boasts face powders, eyeshadows and lip glosses that your classic beauty lover will truly thank you for.

Beautylish

Charlotte Tilbury’s Dreamy Look In A Clutch  (available on Beautylish for $128) has everything your classic beauty needs for a super chic look. The Luxury Palette in Legendary Muse and Hot Lips lipstick in Secret Salma are the perfect color combination.

for your edgy bestie…

Sephora

With 8 mini liquid lipsticks ranging from nude to blue, the Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set ($49) is sure to please those who like their look to be a bit edgy. It’s a great formula, too!

Sephora

The Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette ($55) is one of the most colorful eye shadow palettes on the market and is perfect for your friend who’s not afraid to stand out!

for the glitter princess…

Lime Crime

Lime Crime just came out with their Diamond Crushers lip toppers ($80). These can be worn alone or over a liquid lipstick without disturbing it. You can buy the whole set or just colors that your glitter princess might like.

ColourPop

I’d be remiss if I didn’t have anything from Colourpop on this list! Their Never Not Chillin set ($30) has 6 special edition shadows, 3 of which boast an amazing sparkle.

for the skincare queen…

Sephora

Anyone who loves a good mask will die over the Caudalie Mask Trio ($39). This set has three masks that cover a variety of skin concerns. The glycolic peel treatment is one of my favorites!

Sephora

The Boscia Japanese Favorites set ($35) offers an amazing array of products from a fantastic skincare company. Your skincare loving friend will be positively glowing!

Don’t forget to leave your recommendations below!

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One of the biggest beauty buzz words of the past year or so has been “contour.” So it’s not surprise that a company has come out with a lip set with this title. Kat Von D, one of the queens of liquid lipstick, has put forth this little Lip Duo, which contains two baby-sized lipsticks for the purpose of contouring. According to the description on Sephora, the Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Duo:

… features Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in two complementary shades. Become a lip-contouring pro by outlining lips with the ultraviolet Susperia. Then, fill in the center of your lips with the Melancholia shade, its pink companion. Blend them in with your finger, a lip brush, or the doe-foot applicator to reveal perfectly shaped lips.

Everlasting Liquid Lipstick provides long-lasting wear and high-pigment color. Its creamy, color-rich formula glides on lips like a gloss and dries to a true matte finish. This next-level formula is infused with comfort-enhancing ingredients, including vitamin E and sunflower seed wax so you can rock everlasting matte color that keeps lips feeling comfortable.

So, here are a couple reasons you may need this set:

• You really want to “contour” your lips. – Sorry, but in the case of lips, isn’t this the same as ombre? Either way, the shades are definitely complementary and work well together.
• You want to try this formula. – This may be the perfect way to do it! Or, even if you have some of these everlasting liquid lipsticks, and just want some new shades – go for it! After all, have you ever finished a normal size? I have not.

I gave the whole lip contouring thing a try quickly. I’m going to say that I’m mediocre at it. I’ll practice.

I have worn each shade individually, so that’s also an option.

Susperia, left, and Melancholia, right

Anyway, like I mentioned, this set is available at Sephora, so take a look!

More Kat Von D…

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Hello, class! Raise your hand if you took advantage of the recent Sephora VIB sale! Everyone? Good. Today I want to showcase a product that’s recently become available- the Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad! I have shade + light eye contour quads to show you, Plum and Sage. Plum is the quad recommended for green eyes, and Sage for brown. However, I will always profess my belief that anyone can wear any shade, if said shade is applied correctly!

Plum & Sage

All of the Kat Von D quads have a larger lid shade (“base”), a brow “highlight” shade, a crease (“contour”) shade, and an outer corner or liner shade (“define”). All the shadows are matte.

All of the shades in the Plum quad are lovely. I do find the darkest color to be a bit chalky, which is unfortunate. All shades also kick up a bit of powder, but not excessively so.

As for the Sage shade + light eye contour quad, well, it’s nice to find a green shadow that’s actually matte! I would have loved for that green definer shade to be a bit more warm-toned. However, the shades are lovely and for me, slightly less chalky than those of the Plum quad.

SWAtches

indirect sunlight

direct sunlight

As you can see, the shade variety is amazing. I even think combining these two quads would lead to some amazing looks.

Please leave your thoughts below if you’ve experimented with any of the Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye Contour Quads!

shop Kat Von D:

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Let’s start off 2016 by taking a look at some of my favorite beauty products from 2015! For the sake of brevity, I’ll try to keep my descriptions short and sweet. Feel free to let me know in the comments if you’d like more information! Where possible, I have included links to the product from websites I have used in the past. I have also linked to previous reviews, if I have one.

• Favorite Primer: Marc Jacobs Invisible Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer – This is my favorite all-purpose primer. Having used it in both warm and cool weather, I can safely say that it is great for dry skin, yet does not over-grease oily skin. I especially love it under the serum foundations that are becoming popular.
• Favorite Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (I use Chantilly)- This concealer is amazing over blemishes; a tiny dot can cover the biggest zit. I’ve also used it under the eye, and I have to say that it creases less than some products marketed as dedicated undereye correctors.
• Favorite Foundation: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation (I’m shade NC20) – OK, so this one is a big deal because my skin does not normally get along with MAC foundations. However, this product has been a game changer. I use it especially on days I know are going to be very long, as well as any time I have to be on stage, because I know it will last. We reviewed this foundation here.
• Favorite Eye Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance – I got this one because everyone raves about it. I now understand why. It is very easy to apply and does help shadow last on long days. I notice significantly less creasing when I use this versus other popular eye primers.
• Favorite Eye Liner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (shade Trooper) – The applicator on this is so interesting; lying somewhere between brush and felt tip, this product makes winging eyeliner a breeze.
• Favorite Mascara: L’Oreal Miss Manga Rock Voluminous Waterproof Mascara (side note – our only “drugstore” product today!) – I have issues with many high-end mascaras, so to find a drugstore mascara that I love is fantastic. I am on my third tube of this because I love the way it lengthens and volumizes dramatically, without being overly clumpy.
• Favorite Brow Product: It Cosmetics Build-A-Brow (shade Blonde) – I didn’t think anything could trump the popular ABH dipbrow, but this cream is by far more forgiving and easier to manipulate.

• Favorite Eye Shadow Palette: Kat Von D Shade+Light Eye Contour Palette – It’s amazing how much you can do with a neutral palette, especially when it’s a good one. The shadows are exceptionally pigmented and easy to work with.
• Favorite Single Eye Shadow: Charlotte Tilbury Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise (shade The Huntress) – There’s really something special about this shadow. The golden brown pigmented has little flecks of glitter than enhance the eye without being overwhelming.
• Favorite Contour Product: Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder – A fantastic option for fair skin. We took a look at it here.
• Favorite Highlight Product: Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (shade Moonstone) – The ever-popular “Opal” was too dark for me, but this option from Becca works for me in both summer and winter. It provides a subtle sheen that is good for everyday use.
• Favorite Blush: Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Blush (shade Rapture) – These blushes are crazy pigmented. I love the plum tone of Rapture, especially for the fall and winter. It can be sheered out to become very natural and pretty.
• Favorite Face Powder: Besame Brightening Violet Powder – This translucent powder has a hint of violet that really brightens the fair complexion. I like to use it as a finishing powder. It also smells lovely, so that’s an added bonus.

• Favorite Lip Gloss: Dior Rouge Brillant (Hollywood) – I hated lip gloss until I found this. It is thick but not tacky and lasts quite a while for gloss. Also, the color is fantastic.
• Favorite Cream-Finish Lipstick: Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick (Cava) – This is my all-time favorite nude because it is cool-toned and pigmented. The cream finish has decent staying power and the formula is moisturizing.
• Favorite Liquid-to-Matte Lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetine (Bleached) and ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip (Trap) – Similar formulas and colors, I had to have a tie happen. Bleached is a peachy nude and Trap is a gray-toned nude, but both are fantastic and can be altered by using a liner beneath them.
• Favorite Matte Lipstick: ColourPop Lippie Stix (Pinch) and Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lipstick (Barberry) – ColourPop Lippie Stix are some of my favorites, and Pinch takes the cake as the best slightly-darker-than-nude shade. I believe Bite Beauty Barberry was a limited release, but I suggest pouncing on any matte lipsticks that Bite comes out with.

For fun, I’ve included swatches of the above-mentioned lip products:

top to bottom: Bite Barberry, Bite Cava, ColourPop Pinch, ColourPop Trap, Lime Crime Bleached — left: Dior Hollywood

My favorite part of starting the new year is seeing everyone else’s favorites from the previous 12 months. Please, share your lists in the comments so we can all see!

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Representing Colourpop: Bichette is a deep, blue-toned red. It’s super classy. Bossy is a brighter red. It’s really nice to pair with a gold eye.

From Kat Von D: Adora is an orange-toned red, which is a lovely warm option for this time of year. It has a slight shimmer. Thin Lizzy is more of a brick-red that has a bit more shimmer and would be nice with a smokey eye.

From MAC: Charlotte (LE) is another deep red if you’re feeling sultry. And Russian Red is a MAC classic that looks great on many skin tones.

Please share your holiday red picks with the class in the comments! Wishing you and your families a happy holiday season!

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These lipsticks are advertised as being bold, lasting 10 hours, and being comfortable to wear. Keep that in mind as we go on.

Spoiler alert: one of these is amazing and one of these is not amazing. Let’s get to it. (See the rubric if you need a grading procedure reminder.)

First up: Thin Lizzy

Ease of Application: 5/5
This lipstick applies smoothly and without tugging, which is impressive given its glitter content. It has a standard lipstick shape which allows for easy and quick application.

Formula: 5/5
Long-lasting? Yes. Comfortable? Yes. We are talking about a lipstick that applies and remains semi-matte without being drying. I drank a whole iced coffee without this coming off enough to notice. It does not emphasize dry spots or bleed at the lip line.

Color: 5/5
Holy mother of lipsticks this is gorgeous. Thin Lizzy is described as a

Thin Lizzy

“sparkling brick copper.” It is red without being red and dark without being vampy. I am comfortable wearing this day and night. There is noticable shimmer but it is not distracting. It simply adds an interesting dimension to the lips. I believe this would work on most skin tones.

Packaging: 5/5
The Studded Kiss packaging is the reason I purchased it in the first place. It is literally a studded black tube. The cap goes on securely and carrying this makes me feel bad ass.

Thin Lizzy has earned an A+

Next up, Vampira

Ease of Application: 2/5
I’m sorry, but it shouldn’t be this hard to put on a lipstick. Not only does this tug, but it is nearly impossible to get a clean line or an even coverage.

Formula: 1/5
Yes, this is long-lasting. However, I do not want this on my lips long enough to prove it. It is drying and utterly uncomfortable. I feel dirty wearing it. I hope that doesn’t sound mean. Just being honest here. Furthermore, I cannot for the life of me get this to cover my lips completely. It is always crumbling at the inner lip and it just looks like I’ve worn it for hours from the get-go.

Vampira- after spending 5 minutes trying to make it cover evenly…

Color: 4/5
Vampira is described as “matte deep reddish burgundy.” That is true. However, it is only opaque in one swipe in some spots. Like I said, I cannot get this to apply evenly. Otherwise, it is a lovely, vampy color that would be perfect for fall and winter.

Packaging: 5/5
See “Thin Lizzy” above

Vampira earns a C+

Here is a comparison of the shades we discussed today:

Vampira, top, and Thin Lizzy, bottom

So you see, this Kat Von D line is extremely hit or miss. I urge you to really test out the shades before purchasing. (Fun fact: I purchased Thin Lizzy after Vampira… so I went back for more despite really not liking my first experience!)

Edit: since this originally posted I have acquired more of this line and greatly enjoy it. See here for the shade Wolvesmouth.

originally posted 11/24/14

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Hello, class!

You probably remember from our long-ago grading session that I have a love-hate relationship with Kat Von D‘s Studded Kiss lipstick line. (The summary is – love Thin Lizzy hate Vampira.)

Since that time, I’ve acquired a few more. Adora is my favorite orange-red and Coven is that soft lilac that everyone needs but really has no place to wear. Ever.

I was in the market for the perfect deep berry for Thanksgiving and Wolvesmouth caught my eye. It is described as “metallic berry” and I would say that description is pretty darn accurate.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

As you can see, this is a true deep berry with a metallic sheen:

Surprisingly, I did not take any selfies on Thanksgiving to show you. Seriously, what’s wrong with me?!
I can tell you that it did last forever, and has the formula that I appreciated in Thin Lizzy and Adora and none of the problems of Vampira. So if you’re looking for a great fall/winter color – add this one to your list!

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