I WON! GIVEAWAYS!

Hi Beautycallers. I must apologize for being MIA. I haven't been feeling well and had some family stuff I needed to take care of. I hope everyone has been well. Talking about being well, whoever is on the East Coast, BE SAFE! Did anyone else go to multiple stores yesterday and water, flashlights and batteries were all sold out? And SO crowded. Yep it was not fun.

I've been wanting to share 2 beauty giveaways I won this spring & summer.

The first one was from the awesome Blinging Beauty. The win was Tarte's Amazonian 12-hour blush in "Blushing Bride." Look how pretty.

A great color for fall & winter

The second was from the lovely Red Lip Gloss. It was her blogiversary, where she celebrated with a summer giveaway including:
Handmade beach bag
Matching beach towel
Matching cosmetic bag
Pocket mirror
Sally Hansen Forever Stay Moisture gloss in Creamside
Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer in Sun Kiss
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer in Lime Coolada
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 Sunscreen
A pair of very chic sunglasses
A chick-lit book: Lunch In Paris by Elizabeth Bard. Check out Lisa Bard on her website,
Facebook, & Twitter.

I had to include the card. I luv it!

Talking about chick-lit, which I'm a HUGE fan of, here are a bunch of giveaways:

Chick Lit Central:

"500 Acres and No Place to Hidw by Susan McCorkindale

"Another Bad Dog Book" by Joni B. Cole

Choice of one of Jessica Degamaro's e-books

"40 Love" by Madeleine Wickham (audio)

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

A Novel Review:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

The Girl from the Ghetto:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

Chick Lit is Not Dead:

"Summer Rental" by Mary Kay Andrews

Girls Just Reading:

"Little Black Dress" by Susan McBride

Chick Lit Reviews:

"Before Ever After" by Samantha Sotto



I'd love to know your favorite summer beauty products. Good to know for next year b/c summer is almost over :(

FOTD, visiting my BFF & Giveaways

Hi beautycallers. Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

Yesterday was a happy day but a also a sad day. I visited my best friend Emily and her 4 month old son Nathan. He's SO SO SO CUTE! Next week she is moving to Maryland because her husband just began his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Yes it's an incredible an opportunity, but sad because she will no longer be close by. It's not "goodbye", it's "see you soon."

Unfortunately because I was running late (what else is new) I wasn't able to do as an elaborate eye as I wanted to. But it's all good :)

(It looks like I'm sleeping here but I am awake)

FACE
Bobbi Brown corrector "light bisque"
Clinique airbrush concealer "neutral fair"
Jouer Cosmetics luminizing moisture tint "pearl"
Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush "tipsy"
Tarte smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder "bronze"
Tarte Amazonian clay shimmering powder "champagne"

EYES
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go "brunette"
Anastasia Brow Duality "matte camille/sand shimmer "
Tarte emphasisEYES clay shadow stick "bronze"
Tarte emphasisEYES waterproof clay shadow/liner "black"

Loreal luxurious color eyeliner "navy" (I've had this liner forever, I don't believe this particular line is made anymore. I can barely read the wording on the pencil, hence it's time for a new navy liner)
Tarte Amazonian clay mascara

Mally LightWand Eye Highlighter in tear ducts

LIPS
Sue Devitt lip enhancing gloss "coral sands"


Emily before gloss w/ Nathan

Applying gloss on Emily. Wish I could have done her entire face but that was not happening with Nathan around. It's ok b/c I had SO much fun playing with him.

I found this picture/quote about best friends & friendship. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Remember, best friends don't come around very often, so make sure your best friend knows how awesome they are. Here's to you Emily:



BEAUTY GIVEAWAYS:

Check out Lauren's Beauty Tips Giveaway Once I Reach 550 Followers!!

Check out D.G.S Beauty's Summer Giveaway. THIS IS HUGE!!!!

Check out Aquaheart's Obsessions Conair You Wrap and Wave Review and Giveaway.

Summer eyes for an Interview & GIVEAWAYS

Hello beautycallers. Hope everyone is having a nice week.

Does anyone ever wonder what eyeshadow colors to use for going on an interview? If you have then please read on. I had an interview the other day. Don't even think about doing a dark smokey eye or using funky colored eye shadows (I have a feeling you guys know this but just in case). You want your makeup to be conservative looking. How conservative depends on a few factors, those being the industry, financial vs. creative, where the actual interview is taking place, be it at an office or at a Starbucks, or the season. From what I have seen, when women go on an interview, or go to work, they mostly wear neutral colors, brow, grays, taupes, etc. While this is always your safest bet, it doesn't mean you can't add a little color. I went for my Tarte lock & roll 12 hour eyeshadow in rose gold. This color is not a typical neutral, but it's still safe and very pretty, if I say so myself. In the spring and summer I prefer lighter eye shadow colors for during the day.

FACE

CHEEKS

EYES

LIPS








FOTD:

FACE
Bobbi Brown corrector in "light bisque"
YSL Touche Éclat in "2 luminos ivory"
Laura Geller Ethereal Spackle Skin Brightening Primer
Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint in "pearl"
Tarte Park Ave Princess matte bronzer
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in "tipsy"
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze
Tarte Amazonian clay shimmering powder in "champagne"

EYES
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in "brunette"
Mally Lightwand Eye Brightener
Tarte lock & roll 12-hour eyeshadow in "rose gold"
Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in "midnight"
Tarte Amazonian clay mascara

LIPS
Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Liner in "shell"
Eve Pearl lipstick in "blushed"
Mally lip gloss in "baby blush"

I just came across a few beauty and chick lit giveaways:

Chic Beauty blog is have an awesome, huge eye palette giveaway from MUA Makeup Academy.
Enter here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chic-Beauty-Blog/181454715233941

Enter Fully Beatable's Summer Fun Mini Giveaway

Enter Dr.'s Remedy $85 Nail Polish Set


Chick Lit Central is having two book giveaways:

One to win Lennie Ross's debut novel "Blow Me" & another to win Lisa Lim's debut novel "Confessions of a Call Center Gal"

Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation & the Morristown Green

Hello Beautycallers. Thanks for stopping by. I was planning on posting this last night, but due to our toilet overflowing at 1:00am, it just wasn't going to happen. But I'm here now to share my Sunday with you.

I was like a little kid opening the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation box. And then there was feeling the amazing brush, all I can say is WOW. It should get an award for "best foundation brush." I was hesitant to buy it because I don't like the heavy feel of a full coverage foundation. I prefer sheer to light coverage. But after reading all the glowing reviews on QVC, recommendations from fellow tartlettes, I caved. And you would think it must be amazing if it's always sold out on QVC.





Per the description on QVC, the foundation balances and neutralizes your complexion, absorbing any oily areas, and helping to reduce any dry areas. By using the brush, you will achieve an airbrushed finish. A very important benefit, for me and many others, is that it has SPF 15. I have tried many foundations with SPF, but for one reason or another, I didn't care for them. I am extremely happy that my search is over.




Jason and I spent the afternoon at the Morristown Green in Morristown, NJ. Morristown is a town with character, history and charm.

FOTD

* Face
Laura Geller Ethereal Spackle Makeup Primer - this is one of my favorite primers. If you are interested, now is a great time to purchase it on QVC, where it's offered in a super size for $35.96 with two EZ payments of $17.98. This event price ends Tuesday July 19th at 11:59pm EST
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in "light"
Bobbi Brown corrector in "light bique"
YSL TOUCH ECLAT in 2 "luminous ivory"
Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "tipsy"
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzing HD Finishing Powder
Tarte Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in "champagne"
On neck & declotte used Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting in "honey glow"

* Eyes
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in "brunette"
Mally Beauty LightWand Eye Highlighter in "midnight" on the upper waterline
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow Pot in "seashell pink"
Mally Evercolor Starlight eyeliner in "midnight" on the upper water line
Studio Gear Invincible Gel Cream Eye Color in "earth"
Tarte eyelash curler
Tarte multiplEYE lash primer
Tarte Amazonian Clay mascara

*Lips
Laura Geller Light Beams Ultimate Lip Shine Gloss in "pink flamingo"

Giveaways & Love

"What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone"

by Jackie DeShannon

During our journey through life, we experience many ups and downs. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing more downs than ups lately. If you are feeling sad, try to do something to lift your spirits. For example, go outside and take a walk, go for a drive, or watch a funny movie. What I've been doing is focusing on TheBeautyCall, reading fun and entertaining chick lit books, and entering A LOT of beauty giveaways. As a result I'm sharing with you a bunch of giveaways that are going on right now. Hopefully in a way I can lift your spirits too.

First I have to share a beauty blog contest that I won this week from Blinging Beauty. And to top it off it's from Tarte, specifically the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in Blushing Bride. A big shout out to Blinging Beauty! You have to check out this awesome, full packed beauty blog. I can't wait to get it, and when I do I will include it in a FOTD.

Also, at the end of April, I won a bag of goodies from ShadowChic, an awesome makeup artist, who serves the NY, NJ and PA areas. Check her out on Facebook.


Who wants the Tarte for True Blood Limited-Edition Palette? I know I do! Enter Makeup and Beauty Blog's contest to win! Enter ASAP because the contest ends TODAYat 11:59PM (PT).

Check out Blushing Noir's 1000 follower giveaway. I can't believe how many products are included. And it comes in a gorgeous summer themed Lancome tote.

If anyone has heard of OCC Cosmetics, and has wanted to try their famous Lip Tars, well this is the contest for you. Enter xsparkage's Giveaway Thursday - Win a $250 OCC Prize Pack. Talk about another huge giveaway.

Next we have Beauty and Fashion Tech's Mystery Box Full of Beauty Items. Don't even try to count how many products will be in this box.

Calling all MAC Lovers! Check out Love Lust & Fairy Dust: Mac Giveaway. The winner will receive a lipstick and an eyeshadow from Mac's permanent lines. FYI this contest is open to international followers as well.

Now is the perfect time to try some self-tanning and bronzer products. Enter this Summer Giveaway from Beyond Beauty.

We all want smooth and moisturized skin. Enter Nadine Jolie's Suave BodyCare giveaway, where the lucky winner will receive a Suave Creamy Cocoa Butter Shea Body Wash.

Interested in a flat iron from Inglam? And what about a bag of makeup goodies from Planet Beauty? Enter these 2 giveaways from Beauty Junkies Unite.

I have never heard of SkinAgain but I am definitely interested in trying their products after finding this contest. If you are too, then enter My Life as an Esthetician's SkinAgain's nEu-tone Balancing Serum giveaway.

Whoever likes Elizabeth Arden, this contest is for you! Enter Beauty Info Zone's Elizabeth Arden Giveaway. The winner receives a great bag and makeup items inside.

I love Bed Head by TIGI. For a very short period of time I worked at their hair school and salon in New York City. I loved getting those 50% discounts :) Check out My Beauty Bunny's Bed Head Curling Iron Givaway.


Included in future posts I will definitely share more beauty giveaways and contests.


Have a great sunday :)

3 Newest Tarte Products

First I want to say a BIG thank you to my followers. It means SO much, especially this being a baby blog.

Now to the good stuff, talking about our favorite topic...MAKEUP! I get so gitty just hearing the words "makeup", "beauty", "beauty products", & "skincare" :)

Originally, this post was going to be called "2 Newest Tarte Products." The reason I changed it to "3" is because I got in the mail yesterday, from an awesome friend (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15 w/ Brush. Because I haven't tried it yet (I already had makeup on & was running out the door) it will not be included in this post. But you better believe I will be doing a separate post on it. Some of you may be shocked, those who know that I'm a Tarte fanatic, that I'm JUST getting this foundation. The reason I did not order it when it first aired, is because my preference is sheer to light coverage. But after reading ALL of the reviews on QVC, how it's almost always sold out on QVC, beauty blogger reviews, I caved. I caved at an awesome time, when it was the One Time Value (OTO) on QVC Friday Night Beauty on July 1st, right before Tarte's Today's Special Value (TSV) Glow Your Way to Gorgeous kit on July 2, which by the way I have not received yet, but that's a whole other story. I waited too long and now I'm on waitlist. Even though it will be late, I will definitely be doing a review as well.

So back to the OTO, which consisted of the foundation, the AWESOME foundation brush & and a full size Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Balancing Powder, all for just $38.02!! I can't tell you what an incredible deal this was. Just the foundation with the brush is $34.56. The powder is $25.46. Do I need to say anymore? If anyone is interested in the Amazonian Clay Airbrushed Skin Complexion Duo w/ Deluxe Brush it is available on QVC for $41.82.

If anyone does not have the Smooth Operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze GO GET IT! I was hesitant at first because it seemed weird to put bronzer on all over the face, like you do with a finishing powder. However, Kimberly Lutes, a great friend & Tarte lover as well, BIG TIME talked me into it. As opposed to your typical bronzers, where you either use the "E" application, or contour, where you make a fishy face, this gives you a beautiful, all over sun-kissed glow with a matte finish. Many people, like myself, don't care for shimmer bronzers. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer, getting dressed up for going out at night, but if you are looking for a natural glow, then this is for you. And like the original Smooth Operator micronized clay finishing powder, it balances out your skin, mattifying oily areas and, at the same time, hydrating areas that might be dry.

Available at Tartecosmetics.com, Sephora, Ulta and QVC. If you want the amazing brush, order from QVC, which I highly recommend. The brush is AMAZING!

Before

After. I think I put on too much here. I also had on Tarte Park Ave. Princess Matte Bronzer But it's all good because there's more.

I have been looking for a gold shimmer powder to highlight. What I like about Tarte's Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder, like I say above, is that the Amazonian Clay enhances all skin types.

Both the bronzer and shimmer powder in "champagne"

Beauty weekend w/ my cousin Lucy

Jason and I had the best time last weekend with Lucy and Sophie, my 9 year old twin cousins. The entire time I was playing with Lucy, a huge girly girl, while Jason was hanging out with Sophie, who's wat at the opposite end of the spectrum. They were playing Wii and video games while Lucy and I were beautifying ourselves.

Friday night we both did our makeup. Lucy told me she had a big party to go to and wanted an all glammed up look, and requested glitter. I wish I brought my Lit Cosmetics bag of goodies that I got at The Makeup Show. Oh well. I still had a couple of glitter products.





FOTN:

Eyes:
Mally Beauty eye primer from my city chick smokey eye kit
Heidi Klum VS eye palette
Milani Infinite liquid eye liner in "endless"
Makeupforever aqua liner in 8, a gorgeous purple
Urban Decay heavy metal glitter liner in "distortion"
Makeupforever aqua eyes in 11L, purple, on bottom lashes
Tarte lights camera lashes mascara

Face:
Motives blush in "lust"

NO NEED FOR CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION. Remember those days when we didn't even have a clue what concealer was? Or obviously had no need for it?

Lips:
Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick in "blossom"

Please don't laugh at my makeup. Remember it was done by a 9 year old.

I was begging them to stop making funny faces. As you can see I was not successful.

Face:
Laura Geller balance 'n' brighten in "fair"
Tarte smooth operator micronized clay finishing powder.
Tarte the eraser 4-in-1 natural concealer in "fair"
Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in "dollface"

Eyes:
Mally Beauty city chick smokey eye kit in plum chelsea (she only used the lighter purple shade)
Makeupforever aqua eyes in 12L, "teal"
La Splash Liquid Eyeliner in "silver dollar"
Tarte lights camera lashes mascara.

Lips:
Tarte lipsurgence natural lip luster in "pouty"
Bare Escentuals 100& natural lip gloss in "glazed donut"

SATURDAY MORNING PEDICURES!

On Lucy's toes we put Brucci "Christina Court" & Essie "Sweet Tart"

I used Essie "Pop Art Pink"

Ulta visit & a little bit more - Thursday June 23

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been a while since my last post. Things have not been going well for me in the job department. But I'm trying to stay positive.

"Nurture your soul with positive thoughts and internal happiness will blossom before your eyes" ~ Melanie Moushigian~

"Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can't do it. You want something? Go get it. Period." Will Smith (Pursuit of Happiness)

Talking about jobs, this morning I called the Ulta store near me and found out they were hiring. I filled out the online application and went to the store late this afternoon to meet the hiring manager. I'm going to be following up with her on Monday. Now, does anyone think I was going to leave without playing? COME ON NOW! Surprise surprise, I have some more items on my wishlist.

Ulta has an exclusive Lorac 10 eyeshadow palette called "Time to Shine." A great spring and summer palette. Unfortunately it is not listed on Ulta's website. You can see how gorg the colors are from this picture.

If any of you want this, which comes with a mini mascara, run to Ulta NOW! Check out another review and picture from the great beauty blogger known as Makeuptalk.com.
http://www.makeuptalk.com/forum/thread/115645/new-ulta-exclusive-lorac-time-to-shine-palette

I also finally tried on Lorac's 3D Liquid Lustre Shimmering Top coat for the eyes. I saw this in Sephora, Ulta & on Lorac's website. when it first came out. On Sunday I saw MakeupGeek's review and video called Top Beach Products. One of the products is the 3D Liquid Lustre, and WOW does it stay put. Put it on top of any color shadow and it makes the color pop and sparkle. You can also use as a highlighter on your cheeks and brow bone. I would have swatched on my hand, and taken a picture, but of course my phone died :(


I have been on the hunt, for a long time, for a muted gloss when wearing a dark smokey eye. Well I finally found it! Amazing Cosmetic's Amazing Seven Lip Gloss in "Sandy." This picture does not do do the color justice.



I have seen many youtube beauty bloggers reviewing their favorite spring blushes and it seems NYX blush in "peach" comes up a lot. One of them, again, being Makeup Geek. On my fair to light skin, it is the perfect peachy/pink.


Talking gorgeous corally/peach blushes, my favorite and newest blush, is Tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in "Tipsy."




When it comes to nude color lipsticks I am very picky. (I'm actually a very picky person, but that's a whole other story). Well today the search has ended. I found a gorgeous creamy sheer nude plumy color by Smashbox called "Flawless." This lipstick will be MINE very soon, I will make sure of that!



Last, but certainly not least, we have Tarte smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze. I didn't buy it from QVC, when it first came out, because I was a bit skeptical about a bronzer being used as a finishing powder. I knew eventually it would be available at other stores for me to try. Today was my second time trying it. I wasn't too fond of it the first time. (I don't remember why). But after putting it on today, I LUV IT! I can't decide which I like more, this or my Park Avenue Princess Matte Bronzer. As opposed to a few areas, my entire face had a NATURAL looking flawless tan! That's pretty darn hard to find for those of us who have fair to light skin tone complexions.


Normally I would do a Face of the Day (FOTD) but because this picture is from earlier tonight, and I did a few touch ups, I'm calling this Face of the Night (FOTN):

FACE:
Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint in "Pearl." I mixed the tint with Make Up Forever's Uplight Face Lumizing Gel in "23" (pearly golden flesh).
Lorac's 3D Liquid Lustre as highlighter on my upper cheeks.
Tarte smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze.
And a pop of Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in "tipsy."

EYES:
Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in "brunette."
Laura Geller eye spackle.
Too Faced shadow duo in "toasted." - the light color on the lid, the dark color in the crease, and a pop of purple, in the crease, from Tarte's 8th World Wonder Kit eyeshadow quad. I put the light pink color from this quad on the brow bone.
Make Up Forever Aqua Liner in "8" (bright purple sheen).
Mally's Evercolor Starlight Waterproof liner in "midnight" on the inner rims.
Mally's Light Wand Eye Highlighter in the tear duct.
Tarte lights, camera, lashes mascara.

LIPS:
Chanel Le Crayon lip liner in "nude."
Tarte's Pure Optic Moisturizing Lip Gloss in "Golden Pink" from the 8th World Wonder Kit