QotD...Honesty with reviews?

Okay, so I got my new camera and have been swatching lots of different things for you girls! I've written a few reviews for mmu companies that I haven't posted yet...well, because they just aren't that "nice". There are some companies that I've had bad experiences with or they just flat out sell prepackaged mica for more money or whatever. Anyways, here's my question...

Do you read reviews even if they are bad? Do you think I shouldn't post bad reviews about companies because it is a mean thing to do? Or do you like knowing about other people's bad experiences with companies so you don't have them too?

Sorry, I just want to know if I should post some of these or not...This is kind of a bad QotD!! It's just that there are some companies I NEVER would have ordered from if I knew then what I know now...just to save money or save myself the hassle.

I started this blog to write my HONEST opinion on different companies, but now I feel like an ass if I post some of these...these are small companies and I'm sure the owners work hard at them.

This is nothing against people who get things for free and write good reviews (that whole issue has been going around the beauty blog world lately)! This is basically that in the past I tried a lot of companies to find the ones I like and I don't know if I should post the ones I don't like...

Help me out girls...Do you wanna just hear the good stuff or the bad stuff too?

Zoya's Here!!

Let me start out by saying that I bite my nails...that, combined with the child-like size of my nails, makes for teeny tiny weird looking nails. (I generally do not paint them...I just did this to show you guys!)

Jo looks much darker in person. I was expecting a lighter tone to it, but its very "medium" if you know what I mean. I ended up getting Zara on a whim (and the website was going really slow, I just picked anything) and I love it! You can definately see the gold shimmer in it, it's more duochrome than either of the other colors.

Did you get your Zoya in yet?

QotD...Battle time: Lipstick, gloss or stain?

So what is it? Lipstick, lipgloss, lipstain, other? Favorites?I guess I'm a lip stain girl. Or lipstick. It's hard to decide but I think mostly stains nowadays. I am anti-gloss. I hate the way it feels and I drink a lot of water so it comes off so quick. I really like Fyrinnae lip lustres and Physician's Formula plumping lipstick.

New She Space Collection: A Tribute to our Troops!

This is the New TSS Collection: A Tribute to our Troops. It's under August Limited Edition and looks pretty cute. They are featuring pictures of military families on the page.

Here is what Heather says about the collections:

Regardless of where you stand politically, we must always remember that these
brave people and their families are the ones defending our country and keeping
us safe from foreign and domestic threats as well as all of the other
responsibilities they have to endure! I can't imagine putting my entire
life on hold as these heroes do, and so, on behalf of my husband and I,
would like to let you know just how amazing I think you are!!

I really like that. Sometimes people get all crazy about whether there should be a war or not, and they really do forget that there are REAL PEOPLE out there getting shot at to protect us. Even if there never should have been a war in the first place, there was and now families every where are effected by it.

BRAVE MILITARY WIFE: crystal pearl twinkle with a tiny diamond sparkles
STAR SPANGLED SALUTE: Sheer silver pearl with a subtle blue twinkleAPPLAUDING OUR MILITARY MOMS: sheer iridesccent rose bisque with a hint of coral light
THANKS TO YOU!: iridescent copper mauve shimmer with hints of purple and gold twinkle
FEMALE SOLDIERS STANDING TALL: smoky raisin shimmer with a charcoal cast and iridescent twinkleDEFENDERS OF OUR FREEDOM: Smoky wine shimmer with a bit of raisinPROUD AND PATRIOTIC: shimmering metallic navy with layers of multi-colored twinkling starsWORLD CLASS HEROES: soft charcoal shimmer with a bit of iridescent light

I'll probably get samples of these, but nothings really jumping out at me. That can all change once I see them though!

Will you be getting anything from the Tribute to our Troops collection??

Getting to Know Each Other

Yeah its one of those survey things again! These are fun to waste time and learning more about a person that one would obviously not know otherwise (Yeah, do you girls like broccoli or what?). I'm tagging everyone for this, so leave a comment with your linky so I can check it out!!

The Directions:

Create a New Blog Post, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your title as "Getting to Know Each Other!", then tagged as many people as you like :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:00 AM

2. How do you like your steak? well done

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? My Bloody Valentine 3D (unfortunately!)

4. What is your favorite TV show? ...I'm so embarassed about it, but probably Charm School or any of the other horrible train-wreck-y reality "celebrity" shows on VH1

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'm hoping Arizona!

6. What did you have for breakfast? BK crossanwich! yum!

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican! I could eat it everyday.

8. What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms. I refuse to eat them!

9. Favorite place to eat? This little hole-in-the-wall mexican place by my house called El Jalapeno...or Taco Bell

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch (I'm from Ohio, we love ranch here)

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Dodge Neon

12. What are your favorite clothes? Lazy maxi dresses and flip flops

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? San Diego Zoo

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? I would like to say 1/2 full, but probably 1/2 empty

15. Where would you want to retire? Arizona

16. Favorite time of day? Late at night

17. Where were you born? Cleveland, OH

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Minor League Baseball...I get all rowdy and loud! (this doesn't actually happen that often though)

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Well, I'm blogging so I doubt anyone will. This is just for fun, survey, don't be an asshole.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? What did I just say, survey!?!

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Pretty much all my readers and fellow bloggettes-I love getting to know everyone!

22. Bird watcher? Sorry, not sure about this question, but not really an actual "bird watcher"

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night

24. Do you have any pets? 2 guinea pigs

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? ...Not yet!!!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher

27. What is your best childhood memory? Probably anything involving our dog Coty! She was the best, just like a family member

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog

29. Are you married? Yes :o)

30. Always wear your seat belt? Oddly, always when I'm driving and most of the time as a passenger (I forget!)

31. Been in a car accident? Yeah, a few. Some of which were not my fault *cough* mybrotherdroveintoapolegoing40milesanhour *cough* ;o)

32. Any pet peeves? Lots! Well, mostly old people driving. It gets me crazy.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pepperoni

34. Favorite Flower? Orchids

35. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? BK for breakfast and Taco Bell for ALL THE TIME. Mmm.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Once. It was the manueverability! In a big car!

38. From whom did you get your last email? Glamour Girl

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Walmart, probably. Buy a new TV!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Uh, well decided to watch a dog in my dog-free apartment and didn't tell my husband til the last minute...probably doesn't count though!

41. Like your job? My job as a student and housewifery? Awesome.

42. Broccoli? Only if smothered in butter or cheese!

43. What was your favorite vacation? My honeymoon of course!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My brother and his fiance (it was lunch but it counts)

45. What are you listening to right now? Ellen, Vanessa Hudgens is being a bitch to her. Ellen's getting mad.

46. What is your favorite color? Purple

47. How many tattoos do you have? 11

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? All my readers!

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 4:41 pm

50. Coffee drinker? Sometimes...Used to be more when I worked full time at the bank!

QotD...Curl Your Lashes?

I feel like I've been lazy lately, not posting and all, but I swear I finally got my camera and have like 12 posts in the works right now! Real quick QotD today...

Do you curl your lashes? Every day? Special occasions? What method do you use?

I really try every day (or every day I do my makeup). I have a cheapie Essence of Beauty lash curler...They make great brushes, but the lash curler isn't all that awesome. I really want a Shu Uemura one, but at $19 + shipping I'm not sure it will get enough use.

I use the "pump" method for lash curling- starting at the base I gently press and release all the way up to the ends. When I'm pressed for time, I just do the press at the roots thing. I NEVER heat my curler up since I saw someone in beauty school literally burn their lashes off doing this...I mean they sizzled. Off. Her. Face. *shudder* No thank you!

This pic is for Katie, since I'm babysitting her lil' pup and I know she misses her!

Yes! I take the BEST pictures right?

Urban Decay @ Hautelook, Rock & Republic @ Gilt!

Wow! The sales at Hautelook for UD are really good. The most expensive thing is $10 loose pigments. So, if you haven't spent all your money @ the F&F sale, check it out:

http://www.hautelook.com/catalog/1035

Rock & Republic Cosmetics are on sale at Gilt Groupe. Not my cup of tea, but cheaper than normal!

http://www.gilt.com/s/rockcos?ifs=mailing_id%3D16111729%26link_type%3Dtext

Enter lsliter (at) live (dot) com to sign up!

QotD...Do you change your makeup for fall?

Most fall trends go the same way...darker eyes, darker lips, bigger brows. *Yawn*. It seems like nothing is new. BUT I do notice that a lot people change their makeup when it starts to get colder. So...

Do you change your makeup for fall? Wear more, less? Different colors?

The only thing that is different for me is probably foundation...I'm actually less likely to wear it in fall. Powder is the same way, I rarely use it since I'm not all sweaty and gross like in the summer! (TMI?) Ohio is the weirdest place to live, weather-wise. We get 100 degree summers that instantly change in October to -30 degree snow-piling-up winters. Ugh.

I don't really change my lipsticks or eyeshadows, but I think thats mainly because I like to wear light colored lips all the time. I'm not big on fall/spring trends because I think they are pretty circular. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing them, but sometimes it feels like more of the same.

I want to be a bit bolder this fall and try darker lip colors. With my coloring, I'm not even sure what color to wear! Now that I have my lip pierced, I'm more confident about my lips. I've always hated the dark color they have but the piercing makes them stand out and look bigger!

Pic is from Zac Posen's Fall show...I'm loving her studded headband!

My first award!!

Apparently, I have *so* not been up on reading my blogs lately! I was nominated by two awesome, glitterific bloggers Naomi (http://dare2byourself.blogspot.com/) and Aquaheart (http://www.aqua-heart.com/2009/08/first-award-yay.html)!

(Side note...I really need to figure out how to put in hyperlinks correctly...if anyone can tell me this, let me know!)

Anyways! I have to nominate 12 blogs I really enjoy reading, and I'm sure that some of these have already gotten the award, but thats okay! More love!

1) Cassie @ They've Created a Monster (http://sleepyheadtrip.blogspot.com/)- always has great deals and reviews, plus a ton of Etsy love!

2) Kimberly @ Fab Finds Under $50 (http://www.fabfindsunder50.com/)- Such an effing cute girl! Always rocks her own style, from the midwest (like me!) and has a cool thing called the inspiration calendar!

3) Sara @ The Makeup Snob (http://www.themakeupsnob.com/)- She is a totally sweet and honest girl! I live for her reviews!

4) Becky @ Embrace Your Imperfections (http://iambeautiful20.blogspot.com/)- Always fun and posts some really interesting looks!

5) Rosaly @ *All Things Girly* (http://rosalyxoxo.blogspot.com/)- A great, adorable read! I'm always lemming her stuff!

6) Mama Jen @ Beauty anf the Housewife (http://beautyandthehousewife.blogspot.com/)- Makeup, babies and housewifery- What else can you want?

7) Shopn'Chomp @ Shopn'Chomp Daily (http://shopnchomp.blogspot.com/)- Mmm...Food and makeup- my two favorite things!

8) Mizz Worthy @ Mizz Worthy's Stuff (http://mizzworthy.blogspot.com/)- Has the best contests and FOTDs!

9) Katie @ Legally Brunette (http://katiewolford.blogspot.com/)- Because I love her and she cracks me up. So bitter. I love it!

10) Robert Smith's Mistress @ Robert Smith's Mistress Makeup Wonderland (http://robertsmithsmistress.blogspot.com/)- One badass chick. Posts daily and gives great reviews and tips!

11) Krista @ Krista's Fascinations (http://kristasfascinations.blogspot.com/)- another glitter junkie!

12) Madeleine Bouquet @ A Bouquet of Beauty (http://madeleinebouquet.blogspot.com/)- She just started her blog but so far, I've really enjoyed reading it!

And to anyone I've forgotten, I love you too! I just went down my recently posted list :P

Oooh and I'm FINALLY getting my camera today so I'll have more looks and swatches up soon!

Question of the Day...HG Mascara?

EDIT: This was Sunday's QotD, but since apparently my comments were down (damn you, Blogger!) I'm making it today, Tuesday's, question! I really want to know what you girlies use!

I'm working on a *huge* mascara-reviewing post and I wanted to see if anyone has as much trouble as I do on finding a Holy Grail mascara. I've tried TONS and one would think (with technology today, at least) that I would find one that I love and works perfect. So, onto the QoTD...

Do you have a Holy Grail Mascara? What is it? If not, what's your "favorite for right now"?

Of course, I don't have a Holy Grail. Right now I'm using Covergirl Lash Blast...Long story short- it makes my lashes black (and not blond!) and thats all I really care for. I'll use it until it's gone and then buy something else! Hopefully you girls will give me some ideas!

Freakin' adorable picture is from http://www.flickr.com/people/charlieandlindsey/ (and, PS, thats a boy!! How unfair!!)

Photo Tag...I'm It!

Whoa, could that headline BE any lamer? I'm in a total cheese mood.

The amazing and totally cute Robert Smith's Mistress tagged me. Here are the rules:

The Rules...

1. Open your first photo folder.

2.Scroll down to the tenth photo.

3. Post that photo on your blog and tell us the story behind it...

4. Tag 5 or more other people to do the same!

This is me and my husband in front of a Burger King in Pennsylvania on our way to our honeymoon. It was December and *freezing*!! We drove 6 hours to the Pocono Mountains to a really fun "honeymoon resort" called Paradise Stream. It was really cheesy and 70s! Our room had a heart shaped hot tub, a pool and a sauna in it! It was probably the most fun I've had in a long time. We did all this lame couple stuff like play bingo (which I won. 4 out of 5 times. Everyone hated me!) and play Wii on a giant screen against other couples (which Rob won. 10 times. He's good.). I really want to go back one day soon. Preferably not in the winter though... Our one year anniversary is coming up December 12th...Only 4 months away! Time has really flown!

I'm not really tagging anyone since it seems like everyone has already done this!

Question of the Day..Sales Shopper?

There are TONS of good sales going on right now. Urban Decay Friends & Fam 30% off (FNFF1), Aromaleigh's extended 20% off (august20), The She Space New Savvy Shoppers club...So...

Do you tend to buy things just because there is a sale? Or do you wait until there is a sale to buy? Or do you not buy anything at all?

Personally, I totally feel compelled to buy things just because there is sale. Even if I don't necessarily WANT anything. I'm trying to curb my spending (at least with Urban Decay, I rarely use their stuff) and just buy what I'm currently lemming. I have too much MAC, UD, & Too Faced that I never wear just because I bought stuff on sale.

Sometimes though, I just wait for good sales. For instance, there's the Aromaleigh 20% off sale and there is one eyeshadow that I'm really lemming. But, I know that sooner or later it will go on the 25% off, so sadly, I'm waiting.

Pic is one of my fave models (and total makeup icon!) Raquel Reed! Has nothing to do with this post, I just like it!

This...Or all this...Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Collection

I went to Ulta Sunday morning and swatched this palette...I really wanted it, but that's only because I'm a sparkle junkie. Regarding how much actual shadow you get, its not worth the money. Plus, I find Too Faced palettes to actually be un-handy for doing your makeup, they don't stay open, the glitter gets everywhere, etc. I wish I could have taken pictures of it, but my camera STILL hasn't come in (Thanks, walmart!).

So here's my (albeit cheaper) version of Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Collection...

**For reference, .07 ounces (the large size shadows) are equal to about 2 grams (a little smaller than a full size pigment shadow). The little shadows are 0.03 ounces, equivalent to 0.85 of a gram (a little less than a normal sample). So I will be using the prices for regular shadows for the larges and samples for the small ones.

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Collection Total= $32
-0.07 oz Heaven-matte ivory
-0.03 oz Velvet Revolver- matte taupe
-0.03 oz Sexspresso- matte deep brown
-0.07 oz Silk teddy- peach champagne shimmer
-0.03 oz Push Up- light bronze shimmer
-0.03 oz Erotica- soft charcoal shimmer
-0.07 oz Nude Beach- champagne shimmer with gold glitter
-0.03 oz Honey Pot- gold shimmer
-0.03 oz Cocoa Puff- warm chocolate brown shimmer
-Double sided brush sponge wand


My Natural Eye Neutral Collection Total=$26.05
-3 gram The She Space Crisp White Shirt- snow white matte $4.50
-1 gram sample Aromaleigh Carolina Summer Mattes in Slate- classic taupe, the marriage of beige and gray $1.00
-1 gram sample Aromaleigh Carolina Summer Mattes in Willow- deep yellowish/greenish brown $1.00
-3 gram Fyrinnae kurisumasu! Loose shadow- satiny rose beige shade with flashes of golden sparkle $5.25
-1 gram sample Aromaleigh Elemental Lustre in Spark- sweetly shimmering honeyed mocha $1.00
-1 gram sample Fyrinnae Ashes- medium grey with a brown tone and slight sheen $1.75
-3 gram The She Space Touched by Truth- Twinkling Golden Taupe $4.50
-1 gram sample The She Space Shot the Messenger- antiqued gold shimmer with a hint of pink $0.50
-1 gram sample Aromaleigh Pure Eyes Frost in Hazelnut- medium deep warm reddish brown $1.00
-Aromaleigh Small All-Over (Eye) Brown Faux Luxurious Taklon Brush $5.55

too faced natural neutral by LisaKate on Polyvore.com

**Note- the colors in the Too Faced picture are slightly lighter than they actually are. I looked forever and still couldn't find a good pic of the palette!

The She Space Savvy Shoppers Club (AKA Lisa vs Math)

The She Space just announced their Savvy Shoppers Club, a discounted way for us sparkle junkies to get our fix. It's only in the US right now, but Heather's cooking something up for international clients. Here's what you get:

• Fifteen percent off on ALL full size items for one full year from the date of your enrollment (includes everything but samples)
• FREE SHIPPING for one full year
• FREE Surprise SAMPLES WITH EVERY ORDER (yay!)
• Password access to our new Savvy Shoppers page with previews of all new products and collections (love this!)
• Access to special products only available in our bricks and mortar Naperville Illinois shop

But, being a newly unemployed-living-off-student-loans kind of gal, I needed to make sure I would actually be saving money. To do this, I needed (damnit) math.

This was the only picture I could find to describe how much I hate math. Math is a monster that I, as a secret math-slaying ninja, must destroy. To do the calculations to see if you will really save that much money for the Savvy Shoppers Club took me HOURS!! HOURS!! (I messed up a lot in the beginning)

Ahem, here goes:

To get your moneys worth ($25 in savings) in one single order, you would need to buy 25 eyeshadows. This would equal $121.50 without savings (including shipping). After the 15% off of the full size shadows ($16.88) and free shipping (saving you $9.00), you would get $25.87 worth of savings. Each shadow would cost you $3.83 and your total cost for 25 pigments would be $95.63.

The best way to save is to buy a few each month. You would only need to buy one shadow per month for a year ($4.50+$2.00 s/h) to get your savings. The free shipping alone ($2 x 12 months = $24) is worth the cost of the club. Each shadow would be $3.82 and you would save total $32.10 (thats $7.10 in savings over the cost of the club).

This is great! I'm totally signing up, not only for the savings but all the other cool stuff that comes with it too. I most certainly can buy at least one shadow a year (or, uh, more!), especially since new collections come out monthly. Also, the 15% off works even when there is a sale, how awesome is that?!

Will you be joining the Savvy Shoppers Sparkle-Approved Discount Club?

Ninja pic is from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bentong/. He is now my favorite ever.