Audrey Dao

OPI Maintenance Nail Envy ($16) I L-O-V-E OPI Maintenance Nail Envy! It is an awesome nail strengthener. Nail Envy normally retails for $16, but I was able to get it for $8.95 through head2toe Beauty. It’s very easy to apply. Your first day you apply 2 coats and then every other day you apply 1 coat on top. After a week, you remove the layers and start all over. The polish goes on clear and gives your nails a pretty shine. Nail Envy doesn’t make your nails grow faster. It just strengthens your nails.

For the past year, my nails have been breaking so easily. The slightest little bump would cause my nail to break. After a week of using Nail Envy, my nails did not break once. Every little bump that normally would cause my nails to break or chip did not do my nails any damage. My nails even felt thicker. If you’re looking for a way to strengthen your nails, I recommend you try OPI Maintenance Nail Envy.

Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) What it is:
An ultralight, high-shine, low-tack gloss that delivers true, even color.

What it does:
Achieve a full-bodied lip look with medium-intensity pigment suspended in this silky, hydrating formula. Special emollients encapsulate water to keep lips supple while plumping spheres work to draw water into lips for a smooth, voluminous effect. An infusion of exfoliant enhances cell turnover to promote fresh softness.

My Thoughts:

I was was not impressed with this gloss. The gloss is quite sheer and thin, and I had to layer on so much for the color to be the same as it is in the tube.  I don’t like the wand/applicator either. It’s flexible so it was more difficult to apply. What I liked about the Gem Gloss is it’s non-sticky and the colors offered are so gorgeously different. I wouldn’t recommend Gem Gloss to anyone. There are drugstore glosses that are better quality. The poor performance was unexpected from a high end brand.

I used Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in my Spring Time Look: Bold Blue Eyes. I had to layer on at least 3 layers to get the color I achieved.

Nars Orgasm Illuminator ($29) NARS Orgasm Illuminator lights your skin from within! Deceptively sheer and decidedly luminous, it magically transforms lackluster skin into a remember-me, luscious complexion. Flirt with foundation, go it alone, or go neck-and-neck with your décolleté. The effect is, well, orgasmic.

My Thoughts:

I love illuminators and highlighters. My favorite go-to look is glowing skin so I am always on the hunt for the perfect product to give me that angelic glow. I had heard and read such positive reviews on the Nars Orgasm Illuminator so I knew I had to try it. Did I like it? I’m not sure. It’s not a great product, but it’s not a bad product. I guess it just didn’t live up to its hype. I think it will only work for people who have a light to medium skin tone. It gives a slight peachy glow. Be careful when applying it over makeup because if you don’t give enough time for your makeup to set or dry the illumintor will cause your makeup to get sticky, gummy. I don’t think it’s worth $29 and isn’t as great as the other Orgasm products.

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows ($52) Open the palette to reveal a pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest. Her “drink me” bottle discarded, she staggers past towering mushrooms, only to cross paths with a very peculiar, hookah-smoking caterpillar. A large mirror rests behind the scene – you feel as if you are transported into the film itself.

Hidden inside a secret drawer are 16 best-selling Eyeshadows, given topsy-turvy names like White Rabbit, Jabberwocky and Oraculum. Alongside them lie travel sizes of Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils. From smoky neutral eyes to flashes of hallucinogenic green and purple, the looks you can create are as endless as the rabbit hole itself. Anyone who loves Urban Decay, Tim Burton, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland absolutely MUST have this palette. Even the Mad Hatter would say this Book of Shadows delivers it all.

My Thoughts:

I own practically all the shades already so there was really no reason for me to purchase the book of shadows, but I couldn’t resist! I told myself no too! The shades are not new. They were just renamed to go with the Alice in Wonderland theme. If you own the any of the previous book of shadows, Ammo palette, and/or the Sustainable palette, you would already own the majority of the colors in this palette. Here is a chart displaying the real names of the shadows and the ones used in the Alice in Wonderland Palette.

As usual, all the shadows are great quality and perform exceptionally well. The majority of the shades are a bit shimmery, glittery. There are not many matte or semi-matte colors. It’s a great value if you don’t own the colors yet or want to try out Urban Decay eyeshadows. I wish they made new shades or limited edition shades instead of re-naming the ones that already existed.

NARS Makeup Primer SPF 20 ($33)

What it is:
A lightweight, fast-absorbing, sunscreen-infused foundation primer.

What it is formulates to do:
Moisturizes and prepares the skin for flawless makeup application as it protects the skin from environmental damage.

My Thoughts:

Truthfully? I was disappointed. When something costs $33 and is made by NARS, you expect quality performance. I don’t think it made my makeup last throughout the day and it made me look so oily and greasy! I also didn’t like how watery/runny it is. I don’t think this is for people with oily skin. It could possible work for people with normal and/or dry skin.

ghd limited edition professional hairstyling iron ($205) The ghd flat iron is the mother of all flat irons. I have been eying this flat iron for a couple of years now and saving up. I bought this ghd limited edition professional hairstyling iron from beautyticket.com. Normally, ghd flat irons cost about $200-$250 depending on the model. Beautyticket was selling the model I bought for $119.99 which included everything you see in the picture: ghd flat iron, how-to dvd, and the pouch. I actually got it cheaper than $119.99 because beautyticket was running an extra 15% off gifts and sets promo. When I saw the amazing (and rare!) discount, I knew I had to pounce to get my hands on this bad boy. I ended up paying 50% of the original cost. The most I have ever seen the ghd discounted for was 20%. Even with the extra 20% off, it was still to expensive. Even though my version is from 2006, I didn’t care. A ghd is a ghd.

My Thoughts:

Pros:

• Doesn’t just straighten hair. You can create curls and waves. How you ask? The hot plates move back and forth and up and down. Also the edges are rounded, not straight. This allows for smooth hair with no creases.
• Heat resistant. No worries about burning your hand, scalp, forehead, etc. While it is on, you can touch the outside and not worry about getting burned!
• Internally set temperature. It is automatically set at 374°F so you don’t  have to think about adjusting the temperature. It’s all set for you!
• Ready to use in less than 1 minute. The flat iron heats up really quickly. No standing around for 5 minutes wondering and waiting for it to heat up.
• Go over hair once. You only need to go over your hair once, rarely twice, to achieve the style you want. This will save you lots of time and saves your hair from damage.
• No frizz or pouf. You will get sleek, silky, shiny, smooth hair.
• Long power cord. The cord is 9ft long and swivels.
• No snagging. When you run the straightner through your hair, it is a smooth pull with no tugging and snagging.
• Sleep mode. It will turn off automatically if you don’t use it for 30 minutes. A wonderful safety feature.

Cons:

• The cost!
• The cost!
• The cost!

To make sure you are buying a real ghd and not a fake, I would check out ghd’s UK site or ghd’s USA site. They have a list of legit sellers. If you’re unsure of a seller, give them a call and ask.

NARS Nail Polish ($16) This season, the NARS Nail Polish line debuts a new longwearing formula that provides a tough, chip-resistant finish with UV protection to prevent polish discoloration.

What else you need to know:

For best results, apply NARS Base Coat before applying color, then use the quick-drying NARS Top Coat for a shining finish. NARS Nail Polish is Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP Free.

My Thoughts:

What an expensive nail polish! The consistency is great. It goes on smoothly and dries quickly. The staying power is a little average though. I found it a little difficult to control the brush because the cap is shaped in a square so it felt awkward to hold. I wouldn’t recommend buying colors you see everywhere like the white shades and the top coat. If you’re going to buy Nars nail polish, buy a unique color you don’t see everywhere. It will be worth it. I didn’t find anything special about Nars nail polish except for the shades. I don’t see myself buying this again because I don’t think it’s worth $16 unless I find a shade I’m in love with.

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo ($37) This limited-edition Blush-Bronzer Duo contains the incomparable combination of Nars’ Orgasm Blush (subtly peachy-pink shimmer) and Laguna Bronzer (sheer light brown shimmer), which have been individually touted for their universally flattering and natural-looking hues. This compatible pairing creates summer’s quintessential glow both with ease and convenience – anytime of year.

My Thoughts:

Orgasm and Laguna are cult favorites. So when I saw this duo I had to snatch it up. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it was on sale. Thank you Sephora Friends and Family.  Did I mention I’m a sucker for sales?

Orgasm: a very pigmented shimmery/sparkly blush. It’s a peachy pink shade that despite what practically everyone says, doesn’t work on every skin tone. I’m sure it works on most skin tones, but it didn’t really work on mine. I have yellow undertones if you were wondering. Orgasm looked more pink than peachy on my skin.  It also shimmered like a disco ball. I think it’s overrated. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a pretty color. I just think there are better shades of peachy, pink blushes than Orgasm. Overall, the blush texture is wonderful. It’s finely milled, soft, and pigmented. You can read about my thoughts on Nars blushes in the review section.

Laguna: gotta love the Laguna Bronzer. It gives you that perfect tan color that isn’t reddish or orangy. Do you notice that? That reddish or orangy tone that comes with most bronzers? I have to say Laguna will probably suit  most skin tones. Be careful if you have a light/pale complexion. It can look dirty/muddy if you put too much on. Laguna adds a natural warmth to you face that will be perfect for summer and handy during the winter. It’s a pigmented bronzer that does shimmer. Overall, I will probably purchase the full sized Laguna bronzer. It’s not everyday you find a good bronzer.  I can understand why people are going nutso over Laguna.

Benefit Sugarbomb ($28) why we love it: Swirl the 4 flattering shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose powders together and sweep on cheeks for a sweet rush of gorgeous. what else you need to know: Complete with soft, natural-bristle flush brush.

My Thoughts:

The newest blush to join the Benefit family gives a gorgeous rosy, peach flush. I think this blush will only work for people who have a light to medium tone. It’s a light colored blush so I don’t think it will show up on a tanned or dark complexion. The blush is shimmery, but you can’t see the glitter because the powder is finely milled. It doesn’t show up shimmery, but rather gives you a glow. Sugarbomb actually reminds me of a lighter, more subtle shade of Benefit’s Coralista. I think Sugarbomb is for light complexions and Coralista is for darker complexions. It’s an expensive blush, but it will last a very long time.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set ($249)

What it is:
A limited-edition set of 25 Full Size Aqua Eyes Eyeliners.

What it does:
The 25 Aqua Eyes Collector Set includes the full range of 25 shades so that you can create endless eye looks. Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, waterproof, and long-lasting eye liner pencil that contains a unique formula that adheres to the eye lids and resists water—even under the most extreme conditions. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly for precise application and intense color, and by smudging it immediately after applying to the lid, it can double as a shadow.

What else you need to know:
Shades include Aqua Eyes in Champagne 23L, Fuschia Pink 13L, Purple 11L, Black Purple 6L, Shimmering Plum 4L, Burgandy 18L, Pearly Brown 2L, Light Brown 19L, Light Taupe 24L, Bronze Green 5L, Bronze 10L, Gold 9L, Pistachio 17L, Green 16L, Forest Green 20L, Turquoise 7L, Blue With Green Highlights 12L, Majorelle Blue 15L, Iridescent Navy Blue 3L, Mat Black 0L, Star Black 1L, Dark Grey 21L, Grey 22L, Silver 8L, White 14L.

My Thoughts:

You can read about the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes review to find out how the eyeliners perform.

This is every makeup and eyeliner addict’s dream.This reminds of the Crayola crayon boxes with 64+ colors. I know the $249 price tag is a lot to take, but if you were to buy these eyeliners individually, it would cost you $425. That is almost double the cost of this collector set. I don’t recommend buying the collector set unless you like wearing color because it would be money down the drain. A good way to cut down on the cost of this collector set is to split the cost with a friend(s). Divvy up the eyeliners. Take what you need/want. You will still be saving money.

I actually got this for myself. I know. I must be one crazy lady. I love this set. I wouldn’t have gotten it if the eyeliners were poor quality. I honestly will not have to worry about buying eyeliners for a very, very long time.