Kat Von D Studded Obsession Collector's Edition Set Available Now

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Kat Von D has released a collector's edition set of studded kiss lipsticks.  The set includes 20 lipsticks beautifully packaged in a reusable lipstick storage container.  The set retails for a 295.00 USD.  Before your jaw drops, the retail for each individual lipstick is 21.00 USD.  So, the set discounts each lipstick to 14.75 USD which is a great value.  The set will be available at Sephora.  Kat Von D has a pretty good lipstick formulation and variety of unique colors.  Though, the set is missing some of my favorite colors such as Poe and Chula.  Will you be purchasing this set?  Stay FABULOUS!

Alicia Asks! What Beauty Item Did You Purchase This Month?

What Beauty Item Did You Purchase This Month?

Lipstick

Foundation

Eyeshadow

Skincare

Blush

Lip Gloss

Other

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New Too Faced Liquid Lipsticks Winter 2015!

Photo:  BeautywithEmilyFox

New Too Faced Melted lipsticks posted by Jerrod Blandino. These gorgeous colors are expected to release in spring 2016. I'm in love! Chocolate Cherries and Metallic Candy Bar are my favorite.  What do you think? Stay FABULOUS!

*Correction:  New liquid lipsticks are set to launch December 8, 2015.

Sephora Rouge VIB Holiday Sale Coming Soon

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It's almost here!!!  The biannual Sephora Rouge and VIB sale is approaching this November.  There are two times a year when I am most excited...that is April and November for the the Sephora holiday sale.  These are VIB and Rouge members' two opportunities to get 15% and 20% off respectively.  The fall sale is expected to start November 6, 2015 and last through November 9, 2015 for Rouge members.  I am not sure of the sale dates for VIB or Beauty Insiders at this time.  One other great perk is Sephora usually sends out dollar amount discount cards in the beginning of December as a reward for recent purchases.  Stay tuned for more information and my shopping wishlist.  Stay FABULOUS!

Urban Decay Naked Vault II Available For Pre-Sale

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The Urban Decay Vault II is the ultimate value set that includes all of the naked palettes.  The set includes 6 palettes for an awesome value of 165.00 USD.  The twelve shadow palettes retail for 54.00 USD each, so the value speaks volumes!  The previous vault set retailed for 280.00 USD.  So, it was not a surprise that the Urban Decay Naked Vault II sold out as soon as it went on pre-sale yesterday October 27, 2015 at Sephora and urbandecay.com.  Urban Decay has notified consumers that the set will be available at urbandecay.com on October 29, 20915.  Grab it while you can!  Stay FABULOUS!

Ariana Grande For MAC Viva Glam

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The newest young sensation to the MAC Viva Glam line is no other than Ariana Grande.  I think that she is perfect for the next Viva Glam release and has the perfect color choice.  Ariana's line will include a deep purple, matte lipstick and a shimmery, baby pink gloss.  MAC's Viva Glam line supports HIV and AIDS charities and began years ago with RuPaul as the first celebrity spokesperson.  Expect to see the newest Viva Glam products in January 2016.  Stay FABULOUS!

Kate Spade 75% Off Sale Going On Now

Kate Spade has a great sale going on right now.  75% off handbags, accessories, and jewelry.  The sale will continue through October 29, 2015 11:59 PM EST.  Keep an eye out for more flash sales!  Stay FABULOUS!

Why Everyone Needs A Staple T-shirt

Photo:  Pintrest

One of the most universal clothing items is so easily attainable and cheap...t-shirts.  Anyone can wear them and look good!  You can dress them up and dress them down.  What more can you ask for?! 

Photo:  Pintrest

Photo:  Pintrest

The 1950s and 1960s birthed the stylish fad of t-shirts.  Movies such as Grease, A Streetcar Named Desire, Rebel Without A Cause, etc. portrayed the emerging style of the simple, solid colored cotton shirt as more than an undergarment.  The tie dye and slogans in the 1960s increased the popularity of t-shirts.  Also, one thing to note is the transition from semi formal dress for every occasion to a more casual style to suit the more everyday lifestyle.  Women were beginning to be seen more in pants, and everyone was in the workforce.  Casual and comfortable became the American way.

Photo:  Pintrest

Photo:  Pintrest

So where can you find a trendy t-shirt?  Just about everywhere?  The price range is anywhere from 2.00 USD to over 100.00 USD.  I personally purchase mine based on quality.  Quality does not always mean expensive.  My favorite place to currently purchase t-shirts is Forever 21.  They carry several different brands at a great price. 

Photo:  Pintrest

What should you wear with your t-shirt?  Be creative.  You can not go wrong in styling.  Wear it with flip flops, sneakers, heels...  Wear it tucked in, untucked, tied up...  What's you favorite style for when wearing a t-shirt?  Stay FABULOUS!

Photo:  Pintrest

Sephora Exclusive Kat Von D Lolita And Lolita II Duo

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Sephora has an exclusive duo with the long awaited Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in Lolita and Lolita II. These are deluxe size items, and the set retails for 19.50 USD. Do not be disappointed! Because, the full size Lolita is sold out everywhere and Lolita II isn't expected until 2016.  Grab it before it's gone. I ordered mine! Stay FABULOUS!

Alicia Asks! Which Brand Has The Best WOC Shades?

Which Brand Has The Best WOC Shades?

Becca

Make Up For Ever

CoverGirl Queen

Black Radiance

Black Opal

Black Up Cosmetics

Revlon

Milani

Bobbi Brown

Other

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Lorac Ultimate Unzipped Collection Now Available

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Ulta has released an exclusive deal!  For only 80.00 USD you can have the Lorac Unzipped Palette, Lorac Unzipped Palette Gold, Lorac Unzipped Cheek, two Behind The Scenes Primers, and a Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick in Girl Next Door.  This set has a 516.00 USD retail value according to Ulta.  If you missed out on any of these items at the release date or want to try a few Lorac products, grab this set.  The original unzipped palette is one of my favorite eye shadow palettes.  Lorac has great quality eye shadows and lipsticks.  I have not yet tried any blushes, but this may be my chance.  Check for coupons and happy shopping!  Stay FABULOUS!

LA Splash Liquid Lipstick Review

Photo:  LA Splash Cosmetics

I will start off by saying that I think this will be my last liquid lipstick review for a little while.  I want you to have options, but I don't want to beat a dead hoarse.  We get it!  They're popular!  LA Splash liquid lipsticks retail at 14.00 USD, and they are available on the LA Splash website and several other cosmetic retailers.  LA Splash has three collections of liquid lipsticks; the only variation is in the packaging.  There is a wide variety of colors.  I chose four colors for reviewing purposes:  light pink, light purple, dark brown, and dark purple.  The application is a little tricky.  The lipsticks are on the thinner side and apply a bit streaky.  The darker colors apply better with one coat.  The catch is do NOT apply more than one coat...unless you want a crumbly, sticky mess.  The first time that I tried untamed, I applied two coats.  Those two coats were fine until I started eating and drinking.  The lipstick showed obvious wear in the inner lip and starting crumbling off in chunks staining my shirt.  I tried to apply another coat on top of the mess once I did a little wiping away of the previous color, but the mess became worse.  I had to wet a paper towel and wipe away as much product as possible before reapplying the lipstick.  After using one coat, the lipstick wore well, but there was still visible inner lip wear.  These lipsticks are also quite drying, which is not a surprise for a matte liquid lipstick.  (Some are more comfortable than others).  The lipsticks can be difficult to remove and may require an oil based makeup remover.  The colors are great, but the wear and application are not my favorite.  I will probably not purchase any more of their liquid lipsticks, but I will use the ones that I own.  Too bad, the colors had great potential!  Do you own any LA Splash liquid Lipsticks?  Enjoy and stay FABULOUS!

Maleovent

Untamed

Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay Coming Soon

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There have been a few whispers in the past weeks about a collaboration between Gwen Stefani and Urban Decay.  We all know that Gwen Stefani has a unique style and makes some pretty awesome creations.  We are expecting her awesomeness to spill over into a 15 color eye shadow palette November 22, 2015.  Stay tuned for availability.  Is this a grab or pass?  Stay FABULOUS!

*Update:  Palette is expected to release 11/22

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Review

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A blog wouldn't be complete without talking about mascara.  I feel as though I owe you some conversation on mascara.  Now, I must say that once I find one that I like, I do not stray.  I have tried so many in the past from drugstore to high end...now I finally have a favorite.  Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is by far my favorite mascara!  So let's talk about what Sephora claims:   "An intensely black, volumizing mascara with an hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection".

"Inspired by the curves of a woman’s body, the hourglass-shaped brush was designed with extra stiff bristles to maximize the performance of this carbon black, collagen-fueled formula. One coat and lashes are full and defined. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled, and dramatic. Three coats help you achieve the most intense, black, multidimensional lashes possible."

I agree with it all.  I have short thin lashes.  So, when I am seeking a mascara, I'm looking for lengthening and volumizing.  The formula is a very black, a wetter formula.  When applied, it lengthens and volumizes in the first coat.   Multiple coats lead to long, think, and dark lashes (Va Va Voom!).  My one con is that this mascara can be a little flaky once dried.  The more coats that you apply, the higher chance of it flaking everywhere.  After a long day of wear, sometimes I find myself with the slight resemblance of raccoon eyes.  Despite the slight downside, this is still my favorite mascara.  What's yours?  Stay FABULOUS!

Stila Holiday Sets Now Available

Photo:  trendmood1

Stila has released their lovely holiday sets.  These sets are available at Sephora, Stila, Ulta, and other Stila retailers.  I am most excited about the liquid lipstick sets.  The Eternally Yours liquid lipstick set includes two new Stila liquid lipsticks, Caramello and Chianti.  I have not yet tired their liquid lipsticks, so I am exciting to jump on the value.  The prices range from 20.00 USD to 59.00 USD.  What are you buying?  Enjoy and stay FABULOUS!

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My Favorite Nail Polish Right Now (Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

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My favorite nail polish right now is from an old faithful brand, OPI.  OPI's Nail Envy Nail Strengthening Polish in Hawaiian Orchid is in my top nail polish right now.  This nail polish claims to be a nail strengthener and by golly it is!  I have brittle nails that chip and break often.  For the first time in several months, may I even say years, my nails have been growing long and strong.  Now there are many factors that contribute to the growth of your nails, but this in addition to my regular routine has worked wonders on my nails.  Not only is this a great nail strengthener, but the color is a gorgeous soft pink.  It's great for all ages, races, and occasions.  Of course the OPI brand lives up to its name...the nail polish is minor chipping, which is a big concern for me.  Check it out!  Have you tried OPI's nail envy line?  Stay FABULOUS!

Alicia Asks! What Is Your Favorite Drugstore Brand?

What Is Your Favorite Drugstore Brand?

Revlon

Loreal

Maybelline

Covergirl

Milani

Black Opal

Black Radiance

NYX

Almay

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New Makeup Geek Matte and Duochrome Eyeshadows Available Now!

Duochrome Eye Shadows (Stock Photo)

One of my favorite budget makeup brands, Makeup Geek, has just released 20 new and reformulated matte eye shadows and 12 duochrome eye shadows.  I have followed Makeup Geek's YouTube page forever, and she has done some great things.  I especially like that she is one the few entrepreneurs that has maintained quality, budget friendly makeup.  I own several of her eye shadows and expect to pick up more soon.  The duochrome shadows are available in pan and pigment form.  The pans retail for 6.00 USD, and the pigments retail for 12.00 USD.  You can purchase all 20 matte eye shadows for 110.00 USD.  Do you own any Makeup Geek eye shadows?  Snag some new eye shadows!  Stay FABULOUS!

Matte Eye Shadow Colors (Stock Photo)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Self Made Palette Coming Soon

Anastasia is expecting to release yet another palette.  The newest palette is the Self-Made Palette.  There are already a few makeup looks floating around by Norvina, the owner's daughter, on Instagram and Pintrest.  I am not sure about the cost, but the previous palettes were approximately 30.00 USD.  One popular repeat color is pink champagne, which is a gorgeous pale pink color.  The colors seem interesting enough, but I think that I will want to see this palette in person before purchasing it.  What do you think?  Stay FABULOUS!



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Jaclyn Hill For Becca Champagne Glow Palette Coming Soon

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Becca has done it AGAIN!  Jaclyn Hill has collaborated with Sephora to create a holiday highlighter palette.  This palette will contain Jaclyn Hill's Champagne Pop, Blushed Copper, and the new Opal shimmering pressed powder.  The palette will retail for 34.00 USD and be available for purchase on October 27, 2015 at Sephora.  I personally will be passing this up due to already I own Champagne Pop and Blushed Copper.  Also, Pearl may be a little to light for my liking.  This is a great deal for those who missed these infamous highlighters previously and looking to try the new Opal.  What do you think?  Stay FABULOUS!

How To Adjust Your Beauty Routine For the Fall/Winter Season

The fall has officially begun, and we are beginning to see and feel the wonderful change in weather.  Also the holidays are approaching! (Christmas is in 73 days...but who's counting?!) With the dryer, cooler weather entering in this season, you may want to amplify or adjust your beauty routine for the fall and winter seasons.  Consider some of the tips below.  Stay FABULOUS!

1.  Moisturize
Our skin is so precious to us.  Make sure that you have a great moisturizer to protect it.  This is the time of year when I like the thick, heavy moisturizers that will not require reapplication throughout the day.  My favorites are from Sephora Collection, The Body Shop, First Aid Beauty, and L'Occitane.

2.  Oils
The right oils can keep your skin moisturized, smooth, and breakout free.  Add a few drops of oil to bath, lotion, hair product, and/or use it alone.  Keep your skin soft and supple through the winter season.  Try Jojoba oil , Vitamin E oil , and Lavender oil.

3.  Shorten Shower Time
Winter air has less moisture.  Excessive long, steamy showers can lead to damage of your skins lipid layer.  The skin's lipid layer holds the fatty acids that contain our skin's moisture. Shorten your shower or cool down the water.

4.  Non-Foaming Cleanser
Sources state that drying soap lather is worse on the skin than hot water.  Avoid soap-based cleansers because there is not as much moisture in the air during the winter.  I love Neutrogena and Ole Henriksen.

5.  Lip Balm
Our lips contain no oil glands, so they can be more prone to drying out than any other part of your body.  Waxy lip balms with ingredients such as lanolin and mineral oil make it difficult to for moisture to penetrate the lips.  Fragrance is a known allergen for the lips, so also avoid lip balms with fragrance if possible.  Vaseline/petrolatum has not show any detrimental effects due to wear of the product.  It  actually creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss, but there is just difficulty getting moisture past that barrier.  So pick up a moisturizing lip balm.

6.  Do Not Skimp on The Sunscreen
You skin is still absorbing sun rays throughout the seasons, so make sure that you are still protecting your skin with SPF.  Aveeno is one of my favorites.

7.  Exfoliate
We don't want flaky skin under our foundation, on our feet, and especially on our lips.  Exfoliate to soften and remove dead skin from those pesty areas.  I love Soap and Glory's exfoliating products.

Sephora Collection Mud Mask Purifying and Mattifying Review

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Let's go ahead and point out the obvious, the Sephora Collection mud mask seems quite similar to the infamous Glamglow Supermud clarifying mask.   With that out of the way, let's talk about what Sephora claims this mask can do.  Sephora states the mask is a zinc and copper mud mask that cleanses the skin, removes impurities, unclogs the pores, and reduces the appearance of blemishes.  When you open the product, the mask is a gray clay-like formula similar to the Glamglow.  I would say that this formula is thinner in texture than the Glamglow.  The mask had a very potent smell, slightly chemical in nature.  The mask wore comfortably and was easy to remove.  I noticed immediately that my skin was smoother and softer, but no immediate visible reduction of active acne.  Compared to the Glamglow, the Glamglow mask grips tightly to the skin where you can feel as though the mask is sucking the impurities from your skin.  Normally after using Glamglow, I notice an immediate reduction in redness and swelling in my active acne.  While we are comparing products, let's compare the price.  The Sephora mask is 19.00 USD, while the Glamglow is a staggering 69.00 USD.  With such a drastic difference in price, you would expect a significant variation in quality.  But, the two masks are very similar in objective and performance.  I still slightly favor the Glamglow mask, but I very much so favor Sephora's price! If you are a diva on a budget, definitely try out Sephora's mask.  Sephora is very generous with samples...ask for one.  Have you tried it yet?  Check out my review on Glamglow Supermud clarifying mask.  Stay FABULOUS!

Alicia Asks! How Fast Can You Apply Your Makeup?

How Fast Can You Apply Your Makeup?

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

1 Hour

Too Long

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NYX Cosmetics Intense Butter Gloss Review

Photo:  NYX Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics has been leading the pack in budget friendly makeup.  They have created a budget friendly alternative to just about every new makeup craze.  They have their own highlight and contour palette, concealer palette, nude eye shadow palette, matte lipstick, and now a highly pigmented lip gloss, similar to the new liquid lipstick trend.  NYX previously released the butter glosses (sheer color gloss) and the soft matte lip crèmes (pigmented matte lip crème).  The newest release is liquid suede cream lipstick which contains some interesting colors such as gray and a vampy plum, but they seem no different than the soft matte lip crèmes in my opinion.

The colors are true to color in the picture above. Photo:  NYX Cosmetics

Back to the Intense Butter Glosses!  These glosses are high shine, pigmented glosses.  There are twelve shades, and I own seven.  They are moisturizing and fairly long lasting (without any contact).  Reapplication would probably be required after eating meals or any other activity that may cause your lips to come in contact with something else (kissing and all that good stuff).  The colors are truly intense in the sense that they pack a punch.  You will not go unnoticed in one of these shades.  These glosses are great for a one coat color, no lip liner.  I did not have any problems with streakiness, but the colors do transfer easily.  The price is 6.00 USD, which is awesome!  You can often find NYX products on sale  or bogo at Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, NYX Cosmetics website, etc.

I have Berry Strudel, Toasted Marshmallow, Orangesicle, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Crepe, Black Cherry, and Spice Cake.  Checkout my real life swatches and enjoy!  Stay FABULOUS!

Berry Strudel

Spiced Cake

Toasted Marshmallow

Chocolate Crepe

Sephora Jem and the Holograms Collection Coming Soon

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Expected to release the same month as the film debut, Sephora is releasing a funky 80s inspired collection called Jem And The Holograms.  Jem And The Holograms is a film about a small town girl made global superstar...the girl band rocks styles inspired by the 80s. The film is set to release on October 23, 2015.  The Sephora collection will include a eye shadow palette, liquid lipstick set, lipstick, and a compact mirror. The eye shadow palette is reminiscent of an Urban Decay Vice palette.  The rest of the collection seems cute and may attract the eyes of many young beauties.  Look out for it sometime in October.  What do you think?  Stay FABULOUS!

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Lustrous Lip Gloss Mini Review

Gilded, Sunset Strip, Danity, Metallic Rose, Weekend Barbie, Date Night, Socialite, Black Cherry

Hey Loves!  I tried out some of the Anastasia Beverly Hills lip glosses.  First off, Macy's has a sale for 8 full size ABH lip glosses for 40.00 USD (The sale is still going on!).  The normal retail price is 16.00 USD per gloss.  ABH claims that the ultra-smooth, weightless formulas combine the intensity of a stain with the mirror-like shine of a gloss.  So I wouldn't say that these are similar to a stain due to high degree of transfer upon any type of contact.  Like many glosses, the color would need to be reapplied after eating, drinking, etc.  Application and removal were simple and easy.  The set includes a mix of shimmer and cream glosses.  The glosses have great pigmentation for a "gloss".  Danity and Black Cherry were the most opaque.  The wear was very comfortable and not sticky at all.  The glosses smelled great with a strong vanilla scent (sorry for all those who hate strong scents!).  I do not think that I would purchase one of these glosses for 16.00 USD, when I could purchase an ABH liquid lipstick for 20.00 USD.  You can buy similar lip glosses from many other brands for a lot cheaper.  The deal with 8 for 40.00 USD makes each gloss 5.00 USD, which is a great value.  For that price point, I would say definitely snag you some while supplies last.  Stay FABULOUS!

Gilded, Sunset Strip, Danity, Metallic Rose, Weekend Barbie, Date Night, Socialite, Black Cherry

Starting from bottom left:  Gilded, Sunset Strip, Danity, Metallic Rose, Weekend Barbie, Date Night, Socialite, Black Cherry

Wearing Weekend Barbie