REVIEW: Wet N Wild's Nude Awakening aka Shades of NAKED

Wet N Wild Color Icon Spring 2013 Limited Edition Nude Awakening Palette

Bottom Line: A great neutral palette in a price that can't be beat with shades that do a fabulous job of keeping up with Urban Decay's beloved Naked palette. Get this limited Spring 2013 palette while you can!

I lucked out when I found the last, lonely Wet N Wild's Spring 2013 Color Icon Palette in Nude Attitude on a back shelf in my local drugstore. I couldn't wait to take it home and play with it. Despite the $4.99 price tag, the eyeshadows in this palette rival some of its high-end pricier counterparts with its great pigmentation and easy blend-ability.

And when I say these rival, I mean these closely resemble some other premium shadows in my collection.  Behold.



Obviously Urban Decay's Naked palettes contain more colors, but upon close comparison and much swatching, the Wet N Wild Nude Awakening palette offers some pretty fantastic dupes for some of my favorite UD shades.

Passport to Beauty Vol. 2: Sleek Makeup - Beauty from Across the Pond

I heard about the Sleek Makeup line from Pixiwoo - unfortunately, this was shortly AFTER my trip to London last year. I was KICKING myself, wishing I had known about this line just a little bit sooner, so I could take full advantage of a trip to Boots or Superdrug. Short of buying a plane ticket back to London, I would have been hard pressed to get my hands on products from the UK-based line, but THANKFULLY, they do ship to the US.  Shipping might take a little time  - the site says up to 20 working days to get to the US, but IMHO it's worth the wait.

The Sleek website is great when it comes to swatches - most products are swatched on fair, medium and dark skin so you can envision how the shade will match your skin tone. As a tanned girl, I can't tell you how many times I've been frustrated trying to choose makeup shades only to be disappointed upon testing. Way to go, Sleek!

I was most excited about the i-Divine eyeshadow palette in Storm. I agonized for a while trying to decide which palette to get, and finally chose this one for its balance of neutral and dramatic shades. I wasn't disappointed.

These are not the softest or most buttery shadows I own, but they blend well and the pigmentation  is fantastic, particularly of the shimmery and darker shades. Also, this palette has the deepest, darkest matte black I've ever tried and only the TEENSIEST bit is needed to deepen any of the other shades.  They wore well for a good 8 hours before I noticed the start of some creasing.

1. Sleek Blush in Suede  2. Edward Bess Lipgloss in Love Always  3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 56 Hale Clair   4. MAC Paintpot in Groundwork  5. Too Faced Perfect Lip Pencil in Perfect Spice  6.  Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Deep  7. Sleek Contour Kit in Medium  8. Sleek i-Divine Storm Palette

Face

Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium 

Sleek Blush in Suede 

Collection Concealer under eyes

Eyes

Lioele Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

MAC Paintpot in Groundwork as base

Sleek i-Divine Palette in Storm

Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Type Mascara in Black

Ardell Accent lashes

Lips

Too Faced Perfect Spice Lipliner

Edward Bess Lipgloss in Love Always

Sleek's blush was also great for pigmentation. I used Suede for a more neutral look that wouldn't compete with the eyes. It's a great non-shimmery shade that also helps with scupting.  It reminded me of one of my favorite NARS blushes, Madly, but at a fraction of the cost.

I'm new to contouring, so I don't know how the Sleek Contour kit compares to other, similar products. I have tried matte bronzers to contour before this, but most were still either too light or came off too orange to do the trick. Thanks to the great swatches on the Sleek site, I picked up the medium kit. It's natural looking and doesn't turn me an Oompa-Loompa shade of orange.  The highlighter is pretty too. Unlike many highlighters which are too glaringly white, this one is subtle and doesn't make me look oily as some cream highlighters can.

The Sleek site is great for swatches and shipping, but they can't ship some of the i-Divine palettes to the US (annoying, I know).  HOWEVER, I was easily able to find those palettes on eBay. For all the US beauty mavens who haven't tried Sleek Makeup, you have no idea what you're missing.  I already have a laundry list of other products I am going to buy, including at least 2 other palettes, several of the blushes and I'm dying to try a few of their lip products. I definitely recommend!

Luxe Lips: YSL's New Rouge Volupte Shine in Rose Infinite

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine 07 - Rose Infinite $34.00 at Sephora

As a newbie beauty junkie, it was only recently that I started splurging on luxe lip products.  It was during a particularly long and painful flight delay that I talked myself into buying my first high-end lipstick. Since then, I've been hooked. There's just something so sumptuous about pulling out a beautifully-encased lipstick that just can't be replicated with a drugstore product.

Now that the weather's FINALLY warming up, I've been itching to ditch the darker shades I've been sporting all winter.  I went to Sephora earlier this week hoping to find a lip color that was lighter both in color and texture to herald in the spring and decided to pick up YSL's Rouge Volupte Shine in 07 Rose Infinite.

I love YSL products in general, and I love their lip products most of all. While I adore YSL's creamy pur couture lipsticks and the cult-status glossy stains, I was never quite able to talk myself into buying one of the ever-popular Volupte Sheer Candy glossy balms. Though raved about by youtube beauty gurus - my main source for finding new products to lust after - the glossy balms didn't have quite enough color payoff for me to justify the price.

This new formulation from YSL seemed to address all my reservations.  The formula is light and goes on smoothly.  The color looks dark in the tube, but comes off much lighter. Sephora's website describes Rose Infinite as a "shady pink taupe" which I think is accurate.

In natural sunlight

On me, Rose Infinite applies as a my-lips-but-better shade with good color payoff. (I'm an NC42 for reference) If you're looking at brighter shades, you may want to swatch them before purchasing to make sure they are the opacity you are looking for.

For those that are sensitive to fragrances in their cosmetics, be forewarned that like the YSL shimmering glosses this formula does have that familiar hint of mango to it, which I actually quite like.

The new formulation is aptly named a "shine".  It does catch some light when first applied to the lip. would say that this is the mid-point between a satin finish and a gloss. The finish actually reminds me a lot of MAC's Sheen Supreme lipsticks.

YSL's Rouge Volupte Shine does have an emollient texture, but it's not so slippery that it feels like it's going to slip off your lips and require constant reapplication.  The wear time is better than I expected. The shine did wear off fairly quickly, though the color lasted quite well.

Let's not forget the signature packaging. The picture does speak for itself. This is where the luxe factor comes in and no one does luxe packaging quite like YSL.

All in all, I love the new Rouge Volupte Shines and will be looking into picking up another brighter shade.

Will you be picking up any new lip products for the spring?

REVIEW: Tatcha Skincare - luxe skincare, Geisha-style

Photo courtesy of thewindow.barneys.com  1. Pure Camelia Cleansing Oil $48.00  2.  Rice Enzyme Powder (comes in Gentle, Classic and Deep) $65.00  3. Deep Brightening Serum $150.00  4. Moisture Rich Silk Cream $150.00  5.  Original Aburotorigami blotting sheets $12.00

BOTTOM LINE:  Tatcha's lineup of skincare products, derived from the time-honored traditions from the geishas of Japan,  works together to cleanse, polish and moisturize skin to glowing effect. Though geared to be used as a 4-part system, each product can stand on its own to help smoothen and brighten skin.  My favorite product of the lineup is the Camellia Cleansing Oil which I can envision repurchasing for years to come.  Tatcha is most definitely a luxury line worth investing in. If I had a bigger beauty budget, I'd have the entire line sitting on my shelf right now. Until that time, I'll be dropping a few hints to the husbando for Valentine's Day :)  To find out more about the individual products, read on!


Months and months ago, I posted a glowing review about Tatcha and a new product I discovered from Tatcha called the Dewy Skin Mist - a moisturizer you could spray on that wass perfect for the hot, muggy, NY summer. (Read the original post HERE). The Dewy Skin Mist quickly became a staple of mine. 

I was contacted by Tatcha after that review and they sent some other products for me to test out. I had intended on testing everything out right away, but due to travels and the seeming constant stream of new things I was testing, I wanted to put it off until I could focus solely on Tatcha so I could see if the lineup as a whole lived up to the high expectations I had thanks to my summer skin savior, the Dewy Skin Mist.

I've been testing out the products for the last couple of weeks and despite the cold and dry winter weather / dry indoor air from the overly warm heating system, my skin is rosy and glowing thanks to the Tatcha 4-step ritual. 

So what are the Tatcha products I've been using?

STEP ONE: PURE - One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil - As a devotee of waterproof mascaras, I have been a proponent of using oil cleansers. Even with a dedicated eye makeup remover, I find that waterproof mascara can leave residue. Oil cleansers help melt away any residual mascara so I don't wake up with the dreaded, though rather hilarious, looking "panda eyes" that make me look like I was out all night partying. 

I've used at least 3 other brands of cleansing oil and the two things I did not like in general were 1) how thick and greasy they felt and 2) how stingy they were to my eyes.  Tatcha's Camellia Cleansing oil does neither. I don't know how Tatcha's oil cleanser can be so light and non-greasy while still being so effective. My skin is left totally makeup free and cleansed, without feeling at all stripped. I WILL be repurchasing this after using up the other cleansing oil in my medicine cabinet. Honestly, by comparison - my last facial oil cleanser was so thick and greasy that I felt like I could use it to deep fry french fries afterwards! 

STEP 2: POLISHED - Rice Enzyme Powder - Out of all the products, this was the one I was most afraid to try. I was traumatized in my youth when I used a cheap drugstore cleanser that promised to exfoliate my skin with ground-up apricot seeds. (Aside: For the love of God, do not EVER use any product with ground up apricot seeds on your face. Save your skin!) Anyhow, the thought of using any exfoliant has been scary to me ever since the EPIC breakout caused by those damned apricot particles.

Tatcha's exfoliator starts off as a powder enzyme and comes in 3 varieties - Gentle, Classic and Deep. It's activated with a few drops of water that you emulsify into a paste. Because of my breakout-prone skin, I have only been using the gentle or classic formula every two or three days for no longer the suggested 1 minute. The lather is silky, with only minute grittiness from the dissolving enzyme powder.  My hands and skin do feel as though there is a slippery coating on it which takes a bit more rinsing off than one might expect. 

The extra effort seems worth it, though. My skin has not been irritated or broken out at all. I do have some minor rosiness on my cheeks after using the Classic powder, but all in all my skin has been smooth and soft and seems to have that "soft effect lighting" thing going on. 

STEP 3: RADIANT - Deep Brightening Serum - Being a neophyte when it comes to serums, I don't have many to compare this to. Tatcha's Brightening serum is chock-full of Asian botanicals and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex which are supposed to give you more radiant looking skin. The brightening serum soaks in quickly and does not leave my skin feeling sticky or tacky the way that some of the other serums I've tried do. While some other reviewers have reported seeing lightening of dark spots on their face after as little as 4 weeks use, I've been using it faithfully for 2 weeks with no noticeable changes in my hyperpigmentation. I'll continue using it all up and will happily report back if they do lighten at all.

STEP 4: SUPPLE - Moisture Rich Silk Cream - It's winter and my skin is thirsty. I was a bit dubious that this moisturizer with its light texture would be hydrating enough for my parched skin. I don't have dry skin in general, but I do have dehydrated skin during the colder months. And when my skin is dehydrated, I've generally turned to thick, rich night creams thinking that thicker = more effective. Tatcha's Supple Skin Cream has not only moisturized my skin but shown me that a good moisturizer doesn't have to have the consistency of spackle to do its job. Tatcha's Moisture Rich Silk Cream light but still rich, moisturizing my thirsty skin without leaving that unsightly oily sheen on the surface of my skin. 

Bonus Deep Hydration Lifting Mask - As an added treat, I received a Deep Hydration Lifting Mask sample to try. It's a sheet mask that is soaked with Tatcha's serum containing their red algae blend and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex. I LOVE a good sheet mask and literally have made it a weekly ritual. Tatcha's offering is definitely luxe and deeply moisturizing. I used it before a big date night and my skin was positively glow-y. At $28 a pop, it's certainly a luxury item. However, this could be the thing for you before a big occasion if you want the benefits of a facial without the risk of breakout from the steam or the pain and possible redness from extractions. If I had my way,  I would use the Hydration Mask before every big night on the town to give my skin some added oomph. 

Tatcha products are available in the US at Barney's or online (with free shipping!) at Tatcha.com.

*Disclosure: This review contains products sent for *consideration* by the company. No remuneration for this review was given or requested and all views expressed are 100% my own. Promotional products are not guaranteed favorable reviews. The BBZ Project is committed to providing readers with unbiased reviews based on personal experience with the product. 

REVIEW: Fairydrops Platinum Mascara Waterproof Type

Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Type Mascara - purchased for $15 at Sasa.com

After going back and forth on order Fairy Drops mascara - there are a few different types and lots of mixed reviews, I found a waterproof version on the Sasa.com.

Stubborn, stick-straight Asian lashes. I have fought with them all my life and have been on a seemingly-endless quest to find the HG mascara that would help me achieve the long, fluttery, giraffe-like lashes I've always wanted. (Seriously, check out a giraffe's lashes. They're insanely long!)

No mascara without curling lashes. Pretty unimpressive, huh?


Curled (using my trusty Shu Uemura lash curler), still no mascara.  (Forgive the stark differences in picture coloring, my camera auto settings were on the fritz.)

I have decent volume and pretty good length, but fighting gravity to keep my lashes curled has always been my issue.  Most mascaras weigh down my lashes and flatten out the most carefully curled lashes in minutes.  

I have tried any number of high end and drug store mascaras and always end up coming back to 2 - L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black in Waterproof and L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes also in waterproof.  Waterproof formulas have been my go-to. Lately, I've been trying a lot of Asian-brand mascaras since they are generally geared to women with the same straight lashes as myself.

After reading a number of unimpressed reviews that some other Fairydrops mascaras have received, I wasn't sure what to expect.

I chose to compare the Fairydrops to the L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes because both are fiber-based mascaras (to help with length) and both are also supposed to be waterproof.

Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Type on the left, L'Oreal False Lashes Waterproof on the right

So how did they perform?  The Fairydrops, with its unique wand takes a bit of practice to get the hang of.  But I got great length, slightly better than the L'Oreal, I'd say.  You can see that L'Oreal gives length and defines my lashes, while still giving them that feathery soft finish.  The Fairydrops goes on in such a way as to clump my lashes more - which could work for a more "dolly" look, but I did comb them out. Combing them out did not disturb the length or the curl.

Oh, mascara...this is why I love you. Curl, length and volume make me look so much more awake.

After 8 hours of wear my lashes were still curled and there was no flaking or smudging - which is GREAT.  L'Oreal always seems to smudge at least a little on me after the 4-5 hour mark, so Fairydrops wins in this category again. 

Waterproof mascara can be a bit*h to remove.  Using my trusty Lancome Bi-Facil waterproof makeup remover, I soaked a cotton pad and pressed them over my eyes for 15 seconds. Fairydrops came off rather painlessly - more easily than the L'Oreal. It didn't require more than one pad or excessive rubbing. No eyelashes were lost in the removal of this mascara!

The bottom line:  I really, really like Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Mascara. Is it my HG mascara?  I'm still on the hunt. The curl-holding power is great and the non-flaking / non-smudging is impressive. It's more finicky than L'Oreal in application - too much and all of a sudden you can end up with a clumpy mess.  Even after careful application, I have to comb through in order to get rid of the "dolly" lashes - not a dealbreaker, but certainly more time and effort.  The true test of this mascara will come during the hot summer months when sweat and makeup melting will be the biggest concern. 

    

Passport to Beauty Vol. 1 - Louise Young L34 Super Foundation Brush

Louise Young LY34 Super Foundation Brush; $41.00 at Nordstrom - However, I just checked the Nordstrom.com website and the LY34 no longer appears!  Hopefully, you can still get it in store

Welcome to Passport to Beauty - a new series on this blog that will feature products from international (read: non-US based) brands. Since becoming a dedicated makeup magpie earlier this year, I've watched dozens of videos from Youtube beauty gurus from around the world featuring an array of products that I now lust after.  Alas, some of the products I covet are inevitably unavailable in the US or are hard to come by like the brushes from UK-based Louise Young cosmetics.

BOTTOM LINE: At $41.00, it's definitely an investment, but the LY34 is a beautifully crafted brush that does what it's supposed to do AMAZINGLY.  If you primarily use liquid foundation,  this should be on your wish list.

A favorite brand amongst UK-based beauty bloggers and Youtube gurus, Louise Young brushes were only available to US customers via the Louise Young website willing to  pay the approx $15 international shipping fee.  

HOWEVER, just before Christmas I was online shopping for gifts on the Nordstrom website and I was OVERJOYED to find that Louise Young brushes had come to the US - and thanks to Nordstrom, with FREE shipping. WOOT!  I immediately placed an order.

It was agonizing trying to choose between the LY34 and LY02 - also synthetic, but more of a paddle shape, compared to the rounder LY34.  What clinched my decision was the rounded point of the brush, which is perfect for the nose and undereye area.

Since the brush arrived, I have used it exclusively.  I even travelled with it over the holidays, though it's a tad on the large side to be totally travel-friendly. I sometimes pick it up and just stroke it like a soft, cuddly puppy. With the first use, you can see why this is Louise Young's bestseller.  The website describes it as "a large luxurious brush" that "applies foundation perfectly." And boy, does it ever. 

The taklon bristles are so incredibly soft and packed densely, but with enough give to blend your liquid foundation seamlessly and with minimal effort.  I was a dedicated BeautyBlender girl, but after doing a side by side comparison, the LY34 wins.  Don't get me wrong, I still think the BeautyBlender is great, but I feel like the LY34 brush buffs the foundation into my skin giving a more natural finish and literally in half the time it takes me with a damp BeautyBlender.

Not only are the taklon bristles soft, but they clean easily and the brush dries overnight after I wash it. I haven't had any fallout from it.

Though I purchased the LY34 from Nordstrom.com in November, I saw today that it's not currently on the website, though other Louise Young brushes are. Hopefully they are re-stocking and will put it back up on the website. If you're at all interested in this LY34 and you live in the US, you may want to RUN, not walk to the nearest Nordstrom's near you to see if they have it in store.



*All products mentioned in this review were purchased by me. No promotional consideration was given for this post. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

Christmas Haul 2012 aka "Thanks, Santa!" PART 2

I TOLD you that Santa was reeeeeealllly good to me this year.  I have been loving playing with all my precious new additions to my collection. Nearly every one of the above deserves its own in-depth, stand-alone review.  Let me know which ones you want to see the most!

1. Best of Becca Gift Set (LE) - including: Eye Tint (in Baroque), Beach Tint (in Grapefruit), Resurfacing Primer, Shimmering Skin Perfector (in Opal) and The Ultimate Mascara

I had been itching to try Becca products for a while now and couldn't decide which I wanted more - one of the beach tints or a shimmering skin perfector. Before Christmas, I spotted this set on Sephora's website (it is no longer available there, sadly) and I knew I had to have it. I bought it for $58 and of the 5 products, 3 were full size!

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer  - not available in US / purchased in Canada for $19;  Another product I learned about from some of my favorite UK beauty bloggers. I spotted it in a drug store while I was visiting my parents in Toronto and picked it up. I have the Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and LOVE it, so I was ecstatic to try this out.  Light, smooth, great blend-ability. It's a tad too light for my skin, but works well to highlight the under-eye area.

3. Real Techniques Travel Essentials Brush Set - ($17.99 at Drugstore.com)  Ah, the famed brushes by Samantha Chapman, youtube beauty guru.  Good quality, great price.  The multi-task brush in this set is my new go-to for blush and bronzer.

4. Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in #25 - ($20.00 at Sephora) - I've been trying different ways of filling my brows and trying to find one with staying power. This was recommended to me by a friend. The staying power is great and the waterproof factor will be key for the sweaty summer months. I'm still trying to get the hang of this and am experimenting with different brushes to get the most natural effect.  

5. Urban Decay Naked Nail Set (LE) - ($26.00 at Sephora) - So pretty. There have been a few reviews expressing concern by a few of the polish formula's ingredients. As far as the colors go, they really are beautiful. The wear time is about average with a good base and top coat.  It's limited edition so if you're interested in picking this up, it's best to get it now.

6. Real Techniques Starter Set - ($17.99 at Drugstore.com) - I bought this set almost solely for the deluxe crease brush.  It really is great for blending in your concealer. The jury is still out on the other brushes, but I really wish Real Techniques would sell the crease brush as a single. I would totally buy more!

7. Guerlain Meteorites in Perles Du Dragon (LE) - ($58.00 at Dillard's, but may be unavailable now)  Part of the Holiday Collection for 2012. Part setting power, part highlighter, part skin perfector - Guerlain Meteorites are either something you either LOVE it or you just don't get what all the fuss is about. Right now, I'm not sure which I am.  I'm still playing with this product and need to test it out a bit more. 

8. MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme in Deep Dark Brunette (LE) - ($15.00 at MAC) - Yup, another brow product. Like I said, I'm on the quest for my perfect brow routine. It's gotten rave reviews online. This is another limited edition so if you want to pick it up, you'll have to hunt it down in stores.

9. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (Translucent) - ($35.00 at Sephora) - If you wear liquid foundation or concealer, you need to set it with a good powder. I've been using pressed powder, but hate how it can look cakey if you're not careful. Enter Laura Mercier's Loose Setting Powder. Silky, airy and so far, it has never been cakey. Win!

10. Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl - in Noir - ($36.00 at Sephora) - This was one of those "out there" products that intrigued me, but that I could never envision splurging on. So I put it on my list to Santa and lo, there it was on Christmas morning. I have trouble finding anything that stays put on my waterline, so I wanted to try more kohl products. Sadly, the kohl pencils I found still migrate on me, so I was searching for an alternative. This caught my eye (ha, ha).  Intimidating when you see the long, thin, rod applicator. Still trying to get the hang of this one. A full review coming soon.

11. Christian Dior Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm - ($27.00 at Sephora) - While I was in Colorado, my lips got horribly dry while I was out and about doing some last minute Christmas shopping.  I was without my favorite Qtica lip balm, so I popped into Sephora (convenient, huh?) and found this.  The packaging was so lush and I had heard some good things, so I got it.  It's been great, smells lovely and helps keep my lips hydrated and flake free. So far it definitely delivers on the smoothing action, but I'm yet to be convinced that it's worth the $27.00 price tag for a product that looks very similar to the iconic (and much more reasonably priced) Rosebud Salve.

12. YSL Rouge Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in #26 Violine Surrealiste - ($32.00 at Nordstrom) - This color is a new release for the spring.  Love these. Will buy more of these. Rich color and great staying power. 'Nuff said.

13. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-5 - ($30.00 at Nordstrom) I'm one of those unfortunate ones that gets hyperpigmentation really easily. I have a constellation of dark spots on my face from previous breakouts. They're annoying and unsightly. And until they fade, they need to be covered. I've tried a few different concealers, but finding the right consistency AND color has proved to be a challenge. I feel like Goldilocks sometimes with my constant chirping, "This one's too dry." Or "This one's too wet."  Hopefully Laura Mercier's highly praised Secret Camouflage will be just right.

14. Guerlain LIU Calligraphy Palette (LE) - currently unavailable in stores - When I opened this present on Christmas Day, I SQUEALED. My lovely and dedicated mother-in-law literally HUNTED THIS DOWN just before Christmas (aside: Thanks, Mom!) and I'm so touched and ecstatic that she did. The palette is / was the star of Guerlain's holiday collection.  I'm probably not going to do a full review as this product is LE and unavailable in stores now (why tempt you with what you can't have?), but certainly, I will post pics of any looks I create with this.

15. Louise Young Brushes - LY34  Super Foundation Brush / LY19 Taklon Shadow Brush - ($41.00 and $18.00, respectively - exclusively in the US at Nordstrom)  OMG. A full review on the foundation brush is going to be featured as the first post in a new series on this blog called Passport to Beauty.  Hailing from the UK, I was jumping up and down when I saw that these were now available in the US.  I confess - I sometimes stroke this brush as if it were a cherished pet. So soft. So perfect. I'm totally smitten. I haven't touched my Beauty Blender since this arrived.

16. Jane Iredale Crease Brush - ($17.00 at Beauty.com) - Sigh. It's hard to follow on the heels of the Louise Young foundation brush.  I bought this because I needed a pointed crease brush for more precise application. Saw this on beauty.com and tossed it in with the order. It's a totally fine brush, perhaps a tad spendy for what it is, but it does the job.

17. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blushing Bride - ($25.00 at Beauty.com) - I love a healthy plummy flush during the colder months.  It seems that every beauty guru has talked about Tarte's Amazonian Clay blushes. I jumped on the bandwagon and sure enough, these are great. I love the color, but other than that, I'm not sure what else to say about it. I didn't think it was particularly long wearing, but I don't have overly oily skin, so in general makeup staying power hasn't been a problem for me.  Good product.

So after receiving such an embarrassment of riches for Christmas this year, I'm officially on a self-imposed No-Buy for a while so that I can really play with all these new lovelies.  (I know, I know - famous last words!)   If you want swatches or an in-depth review of any of the products I mentioned in either Part 1 or Part 2, let me know! Ta, for now!!