REVIEW! | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light + Diffused Light

How cool would it be to have your own lighting crew following you around 24/7 like you're Oprah?  You'd always look your best!  This is the premise behind Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Powders.

Available in six universally-flattering powders, Hourglass has a lighting crew finishing powder for everyone.  I first purchased Mood Light, which is described as a "soft, sheer lavender pink powder that mimics the softest, most forgiving light."  Sounds good, ay?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light - On NW20 skin - Full Sunlight

On my face, it did a great job of smoothing out imperfections and setting my makeup, but it gave me a slight lilac sheen.  A purple haze, if you will!  I liked it when first applied, but after a full day of wear it became more of an iridescent lavender sheen in places (mainly on my cheeks) and it made my skin look oily.  After trying several different application methods and getting the same result, I headed back to Sephora and exchanged it for Diffused Light.

Diffused Light is described as "a soft, warm, pale yellow powder that reduces redness and gives skin clarity - like a soft ray of morning light."

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light - Swatched Heavy / Light on NW20 skin - Flash

I really like Diffused Light.  It sets my makeup without changing the color and gives me a *hint* of glow.  My skin has been really oily lately, and even so, I still only have to touch-up with powder once in the late afternoon.

Another great thing about this powder is I can use it to blur the sun damage on my décolletage when I wear v-necks (which is all the time).  I have one particular red mark that sometimes looks a bit like a scratch right below my neck, and this powder makes it fade away.

The texture of these powders is beyond A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  Like buttery soft pillows.  The compacts come with a nice sized mirror should you decide to tuck your lighting crew into your bag, but you'll need to provide a brush or a sponge.  Hourglass sells an Ambient Powder Brush specifically for this product, and you can pick that up for $35 if it's a must-have.  I use a fluffy foundation brush to apply mine and it works great!

For me, one of the things that lands a product in my solid gold bin is if my fiance Jason compliments the way I look when I'm wearing it.  The man has no idea what the hell I'm wearing from day to day, he just knows he likes it when I have that "glowy, natural" look ("The Natural Look" AKA roughly the same amount of time and effort one would put into their makeup routine for the stage production of CATS).  He has complimented me several times since I started using Diffused Light on a regular basis. That, on top of the fact that I personally think it's fabulous, has garnered Diffused Light a permanent place in my heart.  ❤

Disclosure: Product purchased by me.
My Rating: A
Cost: $45.00
Where to Buy: Hourglass, Sephora

REVIEW! | NARS Marie-Galante Eyeshadow Duo

Jason and I just finished watching Skyfall and it. was. AWESOME!  I've never seen an entire James Bond movie (I know!), only bits and pieces of the 70's and 80's installments on late night TV.  The opening chase sequence was so suspenseful and explosive, I sat transfixed with my mouth agape.  When the scene ended and Adele's lovely voice started singing the title theme, our eyes met and we both had "holy $#!%" looks on our faces.

What does this have to do with NARS' Marie-Galante Eyeshadow Duo?  I had the same thrilled look on my face when I saw a look done with it by the lovely Christine at Temptalia several months ago.

NARS Marie-Galante Eyeshadow Duo

NARS Marie-Galante Eyeshadow Duo

The shadows are described as an "iridescent orchid" and an "iridescent regal blue" and they contain purple and blue micro glitter.  The shadows are on the sheer side, and that's one of the reasons why I bought it.  The lighter wash of color is one of the things that makes them wearable for me personally.  I love that the colors aren't as punchy and go on like a sheer overlay.  The iridescent micro glitter is gorgeous!

NARS Marie-Galante - Swatched Wet / Dry on NW20 skin - Full Sunlight

Without primer, these shadows creased at the 8 hour mark, but I had no creasing or fading when I wore them over a primer.

If you're looking for a more subtle way to wear purple, I think this duo belongs on your wish list!

Did you see Skyfall?  What's your favorite Bond movie?

Disclosure: Product purchased by me.
My Rating: B+
Cost: $34.00
Where to Buy: NARS, Sephora

REVIEW! | WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner

WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner

WEN Cleansing Conditioner has been buzzed about ever since it debuted a couple of years ago.  I was never really tempted to try it because I have oily hair and the thought of using a "cleansing" conditioner gave me visions of stringy locks dangling lifelessly from my scalp.

After getting to know the kind-hearted and hilarious Chaz Dean on Flipping Out with Jeff Lewis (Jeff designed his LA salon) and seeing a post raving about WEN from another beauty blogger who has long, gorgeous locks, I ordered the Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner.  I'd been having a horrible time with dandruff that would NOT go away, and I figured it couldn't hurt to try WEN.  

The first thing I have to say is you have to use a LOT of this cleansing conditioner.  The product directions advised me to use 24-32 pumps on my long hair.  24 PUMPS?!  The thing is, if you try to use less, the product is less effective, so you really should use the recommended amount.  

WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner

The directions say to get your hair sopping wet, apply half the recommended number of pumps to your hair in sections and really massage it in.  Rinse it out thoroughly.  Repeat cleansing with the remaining half of the recommended pumps, comb through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, and let it sit on your hair for the rest of your shower.  Then thoroughly rinse it out, and if needed, apply an additional pump as a leave-in treatment.  

Following these directions (minus the leave-in treatment pump), I got great results the first three times I used WEN.  My hair had actual body and lift at the root without using any styling products and letting my hair air-dry as I usually do, and it was softer than angora rabbits.

The Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner smells fantastic and tingles a bit on the scalp.  Having the ability to drag a comb through my wet hair from root to tip without any tugging or knotting was amazing!  

Sadly, after the initial few uses, my hair got oily shortly after cleansing and there was no more bodifying awesomeness.  I had to stop using WEN because my hair was just too oily and my scalp continued to flake.  

After only three uses, I'd already used a quarter of the bottle!  At $32.00 for a 16 ounce bottle, I don't want to have to buy this cleansing conditioner every few weeks.  After using it about eight times, I had about twenty pumps left.  I decided to use the rest of it as a conditioner because it did an incredible job of leaving my hair softer than it's ever felt.

WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner

I wanted to love this, but it just wasn't the right solution for me personally.  

One thing I learned was that I wasn't cleansing my hair properly before.  I never take the time to really massage the shampoo into my scalp like they do at hair salons.  I'm ecstatic to report that after a week of taking the time to really massage my regular shampoo into my scalp, I had no dandruff!  ZERO!  It has now been two months since I changed the way I shampoo, and I have been dandruff-free ever since!  I know a lot of people who struggle with dandruff and I recommend really massaging your shampoo into your scalp - spend some time on it and work in sections - and you may find your dandruff is gone, too!

I think this could be an absolute miracle product for someone with dry or coarse hair, and I've recommended it to a few friends who don't have fine, oily hair like myself.    

Disclosure: Product purchased by me, opinion is my own.

My Rating: B

Cost: $32.00

Where to Buy: Sephora, WEN

ABC Survey from Galaxia @ xLoveHappyx

A – Age: 32
B – Bed size: King (best purchase ever!)
C – Chore you hate: Folding and hanging the laundry.
D – Drink of choice: Root beer is my gangsta.  We are down like 4 flat tires.
E – Essential start to your day item: COFFEE!
F – Favorite color: Coral, with neon fuchsia and teal in a close tandem for second place!
G – Gold or Silver: I love them both, but I have more silver.
H – Height: 5’7″
I – Instruments you play(ed): After an unfortunate (and accidental) tussle with a string bass that nearly took my ear off, I made the switch to the more compact and less deadly violin in 6th grade.
J – Job: I'm an admin and I love my job!  I'll be celebrating my 8th year there this May!  Unbelievable how time flies!
K – Kids: None.
L – Living arrangements: I live with my fiance Jason and, hopefully soon, a cat (or 12)!
M – Mom’s name: Ginny
N – Nicknames: Krisabelle, Kbelle, June Cleaver.
O – Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None - crossing my fingers to keep it that way!
P – Pet Peeve: Mean people.  Why?  Life is short, don't be an ass-monkey!
Q – Quote from a movie: “The next time I have to come in here I'm crackin' skulls.”-The Breakfast Club

REVIEW! | Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm

During the winter months, a great lip balm is crucial to keep your lips from getting chapped beyond comprehension.  I picked up this Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm from Sephora when my lips took a turn for the worst this winter, hoping it would bring some much-needed relief.

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm

Being a native of Georgia, AKA "The Peach State", I can attest that this balm smells EXACTLY like a fresh peach!  It has a subtly sweet taste.

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm

The problem I found was that the texture turns from smooth and silky to bit tacky after about half an hour on the lips.  I personally don't enjoy sticky lip products, and this is the first balm I've used that turns sticky.  On one hand, the stickier the product, the longer it lasts, but on the other, if you don't like that texture, this balm is not going to work for you.

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm

I didn't find A Great Kisser to be the lip-saving solution I was looking for.  It lasts for several hours on the lips due to it's sticky texture, but it didn't hydrate the way I'd hoped.  The product description includes the phrase, "never sticky", and I didn't find that to be the case at all.  The description also says it lends a subtle coral tone to the lips, but on me it was clear.

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm - Flash / NW20 skin

This is the first product I've used from the Soap & Glory line that I haven't loved.  They make the absolute best body scrub I've ever used (The Scrub of Your Life) and their Hand Food, Clean On Me Body Wash, and Righteous Butter are favorites in this house and my mom's.

If you don't mind sticky lip products and love the smell of fresh peaches, this product might be a winner for you.  However, if you're looking for a non-sticky, incredibly hydrating balm to get you through the winter months and beyond, I'd recommend Aquaphor, Blistex Moisture Melt, Jack Black Lip Balm, MAC Lip Balm (Tube), or one of the new Nivea Lip Butters.

Disclosure: Product purchased by me, opinion is my own.
Cost: $10.00
Where to Buy: Sephora

REVIEW! | Stila Sun Bronzer in Shade 02

Looking to add a little warmth to your skin without clocking hours under the harsh rays of the sun?  Enter Stila Sun Bronzer, a bronzing powder that's not too orange and leaves only a hint of illumination for a very believable sun-kissed look!

Stila Sun Bronzer Shade 02

Stila Sun Bronzer Shade 02

Stila Sun Bronzer Shade 02 - Direct sunlight

Stila Sun Bronzer comes in two shades; I selected Shade 02 because it appeared to have more of a cool brown tinge, versus Shade 01 which seemed to lean more gold.

Stila Sun Bronzer Shade 02 - Heavy / Blended - Direct Sunlight on NW20 skin

Stila Sun Bronzer Shade 02 - Heavy / Blended - Flash on NW20 skin

I really like this bronzer; it lasts all day on me with fading or oxidizing.  It gives me the look of having spent a little time outdoors without the ruddy/muddy brown look common to a lot of bronzing powders.  The shimmer adds just a hint of light reflection to your skin.  Think Galadriel, not Edward Cullen on holiday.  :)

I love that the compact is sleek and contains a mirror, making it a handy player in your makeup stash.  A lot of companies make their bronzers enormous, which can be fun, but the fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand size of Stila's bronzer make it much less cumbersome to store or carry with you in a purse or cosmetics bag.  It's also wonderfully pigmented; I've barely made a dent in the pan after a year of near daily use!

Disclosure: Product purchased by me, opinion is my own.
My Rating: A
Cost: $28.00
Where to Buy: Sephora, Stila

REVIEW! | Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Mint Candy Apple is a lovely mint green creme that covers in two easy coats.  I typically get a week of wear with Essie polishes when I use Orly Bonder as a base coat and Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat.  

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Though this color debuted in the Winter 2009 (!!!) collection, I think it's such a great shade for spring!  I bought mine from Target, and I've seen it at CVS and Walgreens, so you can definitely still find it for sale if this is a color you'd like to add to your polish collection.  This happy pastel practically begs for nail art in the form of a coat of chunky glitter or a smattering of polka dots! 

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Disclosure: Product purchased by me, opinion is my own.

My Rating: A+

Cost: $8.00

Where to Buy: ULTA

REVIEW! | Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

I try to rise above falling in love with a product based on packaging alone.  There are countless beauty goodies out there that come dressed in simple plastic or cardboard that outperform luxuriously packaged products that cost four times as much.  I'm a sucker for blush and when I saw this one, posing like a cherubic-faced model atop the Too Faced display at my local Sephora, all of my anti-packaging love went right out the window!  The only thought in my mind was, "Awwwwwww!  Look at THAT!"

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow is a heart-shaped trio of rose, coral, and peachy-pink shimmery powder blush.  The shades could be used alone, though you'd have to use a smaller blush brush to pick up the individual colors.  Swirled together, you get a flattering shade of peachy-pinky-coraly goodness that sets your cheeks alight with a soft glow.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow - Individual Shades / Blended - Direct sun / NW 20 skin

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

This blush lasts all day (10+ hours) without fading or oxidizing.  As a blogger, I have to say this was one of my favorite products ever to photograph!  As a blush lover, I'll say that this is simply a highly flattering blush that gives you a pretty glow.  

When a brand balances adorable packaging with a product that performs beautifully, it's a little like stumbling upon a double rainbow.  Too Faced knocked it out of the park with this one!  

Disclosure: Product purchased by me, opinion is my own.

My Rating: A+

Cost: $29.00

Where to Buy: Sephora

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow

Spring 2013 Wish List

Spring 2013 Wish List by glambunctious

1. NARS Schiap Semi-Matte Lipstick - This shocking pink (literally) screams SPRING!  I like that it can be toned down by dotting the color on the lips and going over it with balm.

2. NARS Vanilla Radiant Creamy Concealer - The results I've seen online from other bloggers have convinced me that this concealer deserves a look.

3. L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Scrub with Shea Butter - My skin is dry as a bone right now and this scrub kills two birds with one stone: exfoliate and moisturize!

4. MUA Undress Me Too Palette - $4.32 for twelve shadows?  You've got my attention, MUA! 

5. Coastal Scents Blush Too Palette - Ten pretty blushes for under ten bucks is music to a blushaholic's ears!

6. Butter London Trou Pout - As a coral fiend, I have wanted Trout Pout for months! A friend of mine told me all Butter London polishes were on sale for $9.00 at ULTA last week and I finally picked it up.  

What's on your Spring 2013 wish list?

Sneak Peek! | This Week's Posts

Here's a sneak peek at this week's review posts!  I hope you'll come back to check them out!

Have a great week! =o)

REVIEW! | Wet n Wild Comfort Zone and Petal Pusher Palettes

You know how sometimes something comes along and completely surprises you in the best way?  Like when you think you hate collard greens because they used to serve them in elementary school lunches, but then you taste them again at a southern restaurant, where they've been prepared with bacon and love, and you can't believe how delicious they are?  Or when you realize you've arrived at Target just in time to nab a front-row spot on a Saturday?  Or that moment when you think you've found a buck in the pocket of your jacket but what you actually pull out is a twenty dollar bill?  

For me, trying out these palettes from Wet n Wild was like having all of the above happen in one day!

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone and Petal Pusher palettes

I know I've bought lipsticks and eye liners from Wet n Wild as a teen but I honestly don't think I've ever tried their eyeshadows before.  I've seen them reviewed by other beauty bloggers and have been curious, but something else always ended up catching my eye when I stopped into my local drugstore.  I finally picked up these two palettes a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is WOW!  I am beyond pleasantly surprised.  :)

These eight pan shadows retail for $4.99 (!!!) and you get a LOT of bang for your buck!  The only two shades that weren't total slam dunks were the right cool-toned brown crease shade in the Comfort Zone palette and the left satin-finish lilac eyelid shade in the Petal Pusher palette.  Every other shade performed beautifully!  If, in the words of the venerable Meatloaf, "Two out of three ain't bad," then ten out of twelve is pretty fantastic!

The shadows wore perfectly on me for 11 hours with primer without a hint of fading or creasing.  I actually got a few compliments on my eye makeup when I was wearing some of the shades from the Comfort Zone palette.  People were really surprised when I told them they were from Wet n Wild and were so incredibly affordable!

To get eight shadows in a beautiful range of colors that perform as well as these do for just under $5 bucks is a truly unbelievable deal.  

My Rating: A

Cost: $4.99 MSRP

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, Walgreens

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone and Petal Pusher palettes

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone and Petal Pusher palettes

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette / With flash on NW 20 skin

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone (All shades from the right side of the palette)

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone (All shades from the right side of the palette)

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone (All shades from the right side of the palette)

Wet n Wild Petal Pusher palette

Wet n Wild Petal Pusher palette / With flash on NW 20 skin

Wet n Wild Petal Pusher palette

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone (L) and Petal Pusher palettes (R)