Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend....Smashbox had their friends & family sale and I went a bit crazy :) but that should not be surprising.  Newest treats for me include the camera ready foundation in F0, the suntan kissed bronzer (fake sun in a compact is only sun to "kiss" my skin), a new nude lip pencil (gotta love 1 pencil that works with ANY color i put it against), and finally I took a spin around ebay and replaced a few old favorites that have since been discontinued.

tip of the day? when your in the mood to splurge...set a budget :) I probably overdid it AGAIN on my ebay spree but when I can find my fav eye shadows for 5.00 including shipping? hehehehe can't resist.  Located a Limitless Eye shadow in shade of Long Beach.  ...back in 2008...Smashbox offered a few sets...
Waterfront series....The colors are a bit MUCH for them, but there are tricks to making any colors work.

For the On the Waterfront - Hermosa (Hermosa limitless lid, skin tint - heat, lip gloss -melt) I use the Hermosa applied with a brush, lightly up to brow. then pack on lid, line lower lash lightly.  the heat is applied lightly with a foundation brush then blended using blending brush from decadent series, sweep up and out as if a bronzer (and apply just as lightly as you would a bronzer), the gloss - use a liner pencil in nude for your skin (fair for me), then brush apply lightly to upper lip, press together, dab little to lower to finish filling in lines.  result is a lightly sun and sand ready look.

Long beach is trickier :) too much of it and your resembling a show girl from vegas! Take a brush and lightly apply a cream shade from base to brow.  Then lightly with liner brush, line the lid with the Long beach and smudge up to blend it into the lid segment but not fully up to crease, can then lightly line lower lashline with the Long Beach to the mid-pupil point. (when lining only go to mid-pupil top and bottom - it will make eyes appear wider and give a younger look to your features)  because your using a more attention getting eye shade, go light on the blush - skin tint in tint or a soft lights powder is good for this.  finish with a brush applied gloss that is not over the top shiny, just enough to keep lips moist and to give a slight amount of color.  if you dont feel need to use liner, don't worry about it...it's all about the eyes this time :)   another tip while I am thinking of it...part of what makes pretty girls look trashy? if your playing up the eyes, use a neutral lip color or just gloss...if playing up the lips? go easy on the eyes.  too much working of both areas will give impression of your working something else later :D can't have that   so...enjoy the tips...if any one has some to share..feel free to add them!

Until later, Enjoy the weekend!

Friends and Family Sale...and other news

Smashbox site is having their friends and family sale this week...20% off any purchase with code FF2011 -ends 5/27 at midnight pst. (3am saturday morning for those on the east coast).  Cant use it on "curtain calls" nor on "let's do lunch" grrrrr but okay 20% plus the 4% from ebates.com plus the points I get from my credit card...not bad :)

Other news...Philosophy is no longer my go to skin treatment :(  I started developing a reaction to the ingredients and switched over to Mario Badescu.  According to the site, the products are made with all natural ingredients and the prices are amazing...much less then philosophy.  Can get it online or in Ulta..not sure where else it is carried at the moment, but I will find out!  Ashley and Marla at Ulta tested some on me and no tingling, itching, irritation at all (seaweed cleanser, strawberry facial scrub, ceramide eye gel, kera moisturizer)  forgive spelling errors- too lazy at moment to go in bathroom to look at bottles.  Anyway, will be testing out each of their products for dry and sensitive skin and will post the good and the bad of it all.

Until later, Enjoy the day!

Let's Do Lunch - Thursday!

Todays Let's Do Lunch is the double ended lip color in shade of Amaretto...this was found in the Reign Collection (fall 2009) but I love the color for late nights out and yes, mainly a fall-ish shade, it does complement my dark hair / pale skin looks if out for an evening...though a bit bold for daytime use.

Was in my "local" Sephora 2 days ago ..(local being a relative term as it is 1 hour 15min from my house) and was playing with the new Smashbox lip stains/ balms.  hmmmm ok...guava is definately NOT a shade for me in the stain (though I do love it in the double ended lip color pencil).  Very bright and pigmented in a corally shade...  Petal seemed pretty in a light pink and Nude seemed a bit too brown for my taste.  Berry was another very deep shade and so was Sangria.  Will be waiting for them to show in a kit before I invest in them..they seemed nice but a bit drying unless using a constant application of the balm thats included. (I easily see running out of balm before finishing the stain and then needing a gloss to come to rescue)  Remember..Kits might run more in cost, but if your replacing favorites or don't have and want the products in it...kits are a great investment as your getting the items for less then if bought separately.  If your like me though, most kits contain duplicates of things I have plenty of and are not that good of a deal unless I plan on pawning off my duplicates to others :)

Anyway...take care and enjoy the day!

New Kit release....kind of

The Luminous Summer kit is on the Smashbox site as new for this summer...ok then...

• Its a face and body highlighter in Allure (previously released)
• mini artificial light luminizing lotion in Flash - guess this is offering a purse size..
• eye beam double ended brightener - great but I prefer the poured photo op
• lip shine in Melon Drama (heartbreaker collection)
• jet set waterproof eye liner in bronze - only "must have" in this kit...IMO

See...nothing new :(  but it gives a new combo to try using old fav's...

Tuesday Let's Do Lunch special

For those who need it or just plain want it...todays Let's Do Lunch they are offering a creamy cheek color in "untamed".  For those interested...keep in mind it is the cheek color from the Untamed Collection (2009). Color is Terracotta.  Recap of that collection is :

• waterproof shadow / liner trios
• exotic
• savage
• lip gloss
• flesh 
• raw
• untamed creamy cheek color - terracotta
• double ended eye brightener (with tiger stripes on it)
• shadow liner duos (these were released along with the collection but not always mentioned as part of it)
• goddess
• smolder
• slate
• cashmere

Think fleshy earthy tones with some exotic purple blended in and that sums up the collection.  pretty and long wearing....todays LDL is from it and if needing replacement is free with any purchase :)  me? I am passing...I like the collection but rarely wear it enough to need duplicate blush

Take care and enjoy the day!

Mail today = goodies!!!

Well my entering contests paid off again! Courtesy of the April Contest by "the nerdy fashionesta" I received in the mail today a benefit Radiant Skin Care 3 piece set, pair of Aldo earrings (will have to gift them since I think the nickel content in posts will be too high for me), a gorgeous Zora nail color, and .....SMASHBOX lol ..the "perfectly polished lids" set. I am in heaven :D

So...when I post contests for everyone to enter (from other sites) ...you can be assured I only post ones that I know will actually pay out goodies :)  Take care all and enjoy your Monday!

Followers :)

Okay everyone...up to 389 clicks here :) Thank You!!!  Followers = 4 though...and all men ..so Ladies? if your out there...please click follow. Reason is simple...once I gain 25 followers, I can start to do the contests and things other bloggers are able to offer.  Some of what will be up for grabs includes gift cards and delivered through email...so...just waiting on this to become more interactive then me just posting :)

On another note....smashbox faq's collection hit qvc and I posted the contents in the 2011 link.
Nerdyfashionista is offering contest 3 contests : a diamond up for grabs, a 50.00 sephora card, and a mother's day contest.  those on my facebook can find the link on my wall for the diamond one :) but will post here too http://engineershavemorefun.blogspot.com/  just go to her giveaways link...it is another google supported blog (same domain / format as here) and uploads/ download free... enjoy!

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Get Exposed! Enter our “It� Girl Search now

Please vote for me! ranked 8 of top 10 most popular :)

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Mary Kay Cosmetics :) yes it is not a smashbox link lol

This is the link to a friends site...she is a rep for mary kay.  No she is not bribing me to post this lol.  Apparently since I last tried Mary Kay Cosmetics..they have changed their formulas...so for those looking for a rep or for those interested in trying out the products...consider Stephanie as a sales consultant :)
marykay.com/stephaniempietsch/default.aspx

"New" kits released

Well I hope everyone had a lovely Easter holiday...

Smashbox is offering 2 "new" kits for Mother's Day ...should be a thing of excitement for me but this time it's not :(
1-Super chic kit (2011) has the brow tech / liner palette, lip gloss in aura and tease (yep older items)
2-Naturally Pretty (2011) PF primer w/ spf 15, blush/sl's duo super/model, mascara-black, limitless lip gloss in "for keeps"....the gloss is only thing I am drooling over ...the other 3 items have been around for ages :(

yeah I know, I can't expect them to be always coming out with new products...but...a truly original kit on occasion would be nice ...though this gives me a new color combo idea to play with...and a way to update my older makeup, I WANT NEW SHADES! ;)  ahhhh well...a girl can dream

Anyway, off to do some work around here...will be checking in tomorrow for the ldl specials :)

Until then...be safe and enjoy!

Smashbox special offer

Smashbox is offering something different this week....can not use it with Let's Do Lunch though...

Choice of jet set waterproof eyeliner in midnight blue ...code ITEYES
Choice of lip gloss in smitten... code ITLIPS
Choice of creamy cheek color in captivate...code ITCHEEKS

Way it works...place a 70.00 order and then choose your free gift by entering 1 of those promo codes when placing your order.  5 pretty points per $1 = 350 points for this...500 gets you a 10.00 gift certificate...ebates gives % cash back as well for buying off smashbox.com through their link ...pretty point members get a free gift automatically...currently it is the deluxe size sample of the Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in "Glow".  plus the 2 other free samples for placing normal order....so lots of perks to think about.  Email about it says this ends on April 21 2011....
so I think I am doing the complexion perfection kit (49.00),
Double take lip color - gossamer (love this shade and can always use backup) (22.00
photo finish foundation primer w/ spf 15 deluxe sample (free)
photo finish lid primer sample packet (free)
jet set eye liner in midnight blue (free but worth 22.00)
artificial light luminizing primer in glow deluxe sample (free)
= 71.00 + tax....shipping is free and will get 355 points from smashbox...points from my credit card...and 4% back from ebates...yes I am looking forward to this smashbox delivery!

Enjoy your week everyone!

Style Files!

Okay got it in the mail today! Here's the details on it...

3 mini "books" ....eye shadow, eye liner, lip / cheek.

Pro's list :

• well-organized
• variety of colors
• 5 featured looks with book showing how-to do each (with a model matching my coloring)
• all wearable colors 
• mix of matte and shimmer eye shadows
• 4 cream liners palette style as well as 2 pencils
• 2 blush choices
• 2 gloss choices

Con's list:

• no seal on the cream palette liners - means will dry out fast unless stored in ziploc freezer bag when not in use. (can't just leave on dresser / throw in drawer)
• cute set up but bulky if wanting to toss into small clutch - won't fit. could only take lip gloss and eye pencil with me if using clutch as purse for day (these eye shadows, liners,  and blushes are stuck in the "book"...grip room 2 case style would have been more practical) 
• glosses are nice but having an actual lipstick would have been nice - 1 gloss 1 lip...since there are a few light eye shadows, could of offered way to play up the lips
• 4 cream liners with 2 pencils...a lip pencil in place of one of the sticks would be nice...will be doing that when packing it to travel...
• was hoping for a more all in 1 kit.
• most of this kit was made in china and smashbox china facility isn't as quality control good as the usa made items (good but not as good)

Okay ...now since I traded my credit card points in for a sephora gift card, and used the 15% off Beauty Insider special with ebates 4% special...price was 53.15 counting tax (-2.01 I will get back from ebates in May) and I paid $0.00 ...plus added more points to my Insider points account....so ...I should not complain too much / list so many con's.  I just was expecting more out of this ...though...it is online and that teaches me to read product details closer :)

Sale@ Sephora!

Okay...I am lacking as a hardcore blogger....I know this, you all know this...*hangs head in shame*  I can not believe I forgot to mention details about Sephora's sale...

between April 15-21, those in usa, enter code BICHIC in promo box and get 15% off your purchase.  If you use a server like ebates, it is an additional 4% off....yes not much but hey 19% off total bill before taxes? and if it is over 50.00 your getting free shipping....FYI I bought the masters class style files collection...59.00 - 15% + tax = 50.13.  Not bad huh? lol the code is NOT a one time thing....use as often as you like...so...to take advantage of the samples I want to try...I placed 2 59.00 orders...and saved 18.00 plus got 6 samples instead of  3....yes I know they offer deluxe sample....however I am currently hoarding my BI points and samples? big deal right? well...nearest sephora is 2 hours from me and to try scents or lotions/ creams before buying and stuck with something...sample packets are fantastic way to do it!

Enjoy!

The Nerdy Fashionista - Life as a Girly Engineer: April Giveaway Leader Board

The Nerdy Fashionista - Life as a Girly Engineer: April Giveaway Leader Board: "Leader Board as of April 16th, 2011 1. Meg Adams (6 posts) 2. Danielle McCarroll (4 posts) 3. Morgan Kontz - Kacey Fetcho Phillips (2 ..."

Finally!!!

Yayyyyyyy! I did it! My "beauty bible"is now published on here....any that I am not sure of, I put at the bottom of 2011 list with a line drawn separating 2011 and the unknowns....if anyone knows the years of them...would love it if you could let me know!  Next project is to change 2005 and later to 2006 and later and use the page that frees up to list the "before and after name changes"...grrr lol

Until later...enjoy your weekend!

Let's Do Lunch Thursday

Well todays special is the Heartbreaker perfume rollette again....guess they have a lot in stock?  It is a very light scent and great for spring...only issue I have with it is that the scent does not last very long before needing to be reapplied...but for a free gift item...it is worthy of consideration

Be sure to check smashbox's site of new arrivals....They brought out lip stains with matching lip lip seal balms...I am thinking it is the color in a gloss ....as a lot of their colors have made appearances in the past as glosses...if this is the case, I want them all lol just for convenience of having it 2 in 1...with the sephora vip 15% off next week that I got in the mail....I think some new smashbox goodies are in order :)  one of which is the style files collection I have been putting off getting....this gives me the incentive for it (along with the gift card I traded my credit card points in for) ...will let you know what I settle on and whether it is a must have it or leave it item

I bought my softbox lip collection last week...got to say overall colors are great...though I don't think I will be wearing the glam or 24/7 very often :(  ...glam is a bright purplish pink...24/7 is def. purple....but when in mood for something different...maybe....*glances at the 2 glosses skeptically*  collection has 6 in it...so 4 love its / 2 leave its...is pretty good average I guess...

My project this week is the remainder of the collection listings to get it current...and to find a new rolling 2 tier train case....I learned the hard way that they are not fire-proof even when they say heat-proof....though insides not touched...everything did indeed get melted and needing replaced, so that has been my project this past couple months...thank goodness there is ebay :)

So...besides a touch of the flu which made posting last priority on tuesday (last call was an eyeshadow? if i remember right)....I am back to trying to get this up-to-date and will make decision this week on whether to "review" each individual product...as well as whether to have a page listing the individual items that were not part of kits...that have undergone name changes that I am aware of..(example = Lust eyeliner / tempt and scene marker trio / blockbuster trio)  I know smashbox wants to breath new life into some colors but really....they should announce it...since if you love a color combo and it is "discontinued" to be brought back as something else...it is helpful to know what the something else is :) so...I will be only individually listing last 5 years...and clumping older into 1 page to free up a spot for the name changes that occurred....

Until next time...enjoy your week!

New! Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm + 3 new lip gloss shades

New! Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm + 3 new lip gloss shades

Newest Editions from Smashbox site!! Loving how the stains look, hopefully their reality matches the hype and dried out lips doesn't happen....

maybe that will be my Tuesday lunch purchase :)

Let's Do Lunch Thursday

For those of you who have not checked Smashbox website yet, todays lunch special is the Heartbreaker perfume.  It sells for 22.00 and is the free gift for todays shopping....good thing for me as mine is almost empty! A floral and spice scent that is light and fitting for spring....plus it is free :)  worth checking out the site from 9-2 pst if there is anything you need

Yes I tend to sound like a smashbox ad, but remember....I am not affiliated with them and I do not get paid by them (my products were purchased by me).  I use the products exclusively since they are one of the very few that I have not broken out from and always get compliments when I use...so my entire train case (and it is the oversized 2 section rolling kind) is overflowing with smashbox products :)

If you are looking at the collection links and see one I missed....please let me know. I have around 30 I still have to type out...but most of the collections / kits should be posted and showing....I am chipping away at listing them.    I am also considering making a link for "create your own" collections....color combinations I have used that worked well and will open postings for anyone on that for people to share their own tried and true experiments (no it does not have to be all smashbox items for it)

Until later...have fun and enjoy!

Todays "Lets do lunch"

Good morning everyone!

Today is tuesday so todays lets do lunch on smashbox site is the lip gloss in "stunning"

This shade has been used in the collection (rapture holiday 2008) so if you are filling in the collection or replacing the shade you should be thrilled :)

my let's do lunch bag of the day is
travel size photo finish adjust foundation primer -17.00
photo finish foundation primer spf 15 travel size - free
photo finish lid primer packet - free
lip enhancing gloss - stunning (15.00 value medium sized) - free
and if like normal for them, another travel size mascara - free (they usually send this but i think it has to do with pretty points membership)

total = 17.00 + 1.42 sales tax = 18.42
ebates gives 4% cash back = $0.68 (nice chunk of tax paid back)
pretty points earned - 85 (approx 1.70 towards next purchase)


oh and I updated the 2010 collections....feel free to take a look :)
Enjoy!

Ulta Friends and family

20% off at Ulta Friends and family event! April 2- April 9 , use coupon code 15555.  Now...my problem with this is ...Online can not use on Smashbox things...but..in store if you received the card in the mail, you can use it.  So..Guess I am headed to Ulta this week for 20% off my entire purchase :)

Weekend!

Hope everyone's weekend is going well! Feel free to comment or ask questions or offer tips...this is new experience for me and sometimes I feel as if I am talking to myself though the page views say 160+ people and 7 countries viewing here :)

Smashbox comment on the official fan page asked opinion about 2 items....and I thought I would share and ask what people think...

1- Bronzer in spring (ideal tip is use 3 design and reverse 3 to apply only to forehead cheek and jawline so as to not overdo it)  good idea? bad idea? wait for summer for more natural? and for application...what do you think of the 3 pattern...I have done it and like how easy when i am in rush, though shading isnt always ideal for my skin tone...

2- burgundy lip color is being looked at for fall shade....should it be now? or keep only the light and vibrant colors for spring and summer?
         I use burgundy when going out in evening but not sure if daytime glam is a good mix for me in summer...anyone using it already and which shades are your favs?

The Nerdy Fashionista - Life as a Girly Engineer: April Giveaway

The Nerdy Fashionista - Life as a Girly Engineer: April Giveaway: "The April Giveaway is a big one - and therefore it requires a little extra effort on your part. Let's talk about the good stuff first...."

Yes I do view others beauty blogs to see tips and trends....this one happens to be featuring a contest of skin care / smashbox stash items / jewelry / clutch....enjoy!

Hope everyone is ready for spring!  it's april and new colors are being announced as well as hints at fall shades...

Smashbox has mascara they are featuring and their pro mua released a video showing the beauty of using purple to the brow bone (who would have thought the bad 80s look could be made good?)  the video can be found posted on Smashbooks facebook page...i saw it and tried it out tonight (with a few adjustments) and got a ton of compliments on how i looked..

Also I added more collections to the list.....I am getting there...slowly but eventually my beauty book will be copied to here...i am more concerned with posting it all then with reviewing each ....i might go through and pick my years favourites from each once done...still figuring this out...

Til then, happy reading and enjoy winter being over :)

Thursday!!!!!

Okay reason for my excitement? let's do lunch special is today and todays special is a free eye shadow single in the shade of "honey"..this is a great shade for under brow to highlight ...is so light you can use in corners of eyes to make eyes appear larger and "pop" more...so...i am thinking i will be picking up those eyeshadow singles in the curtain call that i didn't get before and having one of these thrown in my box is an added bonus!
platinum = 12.00
honey = free
targeted pore & line primer mini or endless lip gloss mini or onyx eyeliner mini  = free
lid primer packet = free
shipping free
tax $0.72 = 12.72....AND 60 pretty points towards another gift card (10.00 for every 500 points)
hmmmm yep i am shopping between 9 and 2 today....are you?
 :)


(oh and join ebates and get 4% cash back= $0.48 - more then half the tax back)

now just need groupon to get hooked up with smashbox :)

oooo SALE!!!

Okay...just checked the email and found a wonderful surprise from smashbox that anyone who joined their points program probably also received...if not...here's the details...(copy and paste from message i received)

TODAY ONLY! Earn double rewards: Spend just $50, get a $10 rewards certificate‏

link posted in separate post! enjoy!

1 DAY ONLY! Double rewards in our Pretty Points program

1 DAY ONLY! Double rewards in our Pretty Points program

Loving "Let's Do Lunch" and "Curtain Call"

Well today was Thursday and Smashbox.com had their "lets do lunch" special again....todays gift was softlights tint (16.00 value) and you can use it with the curtain call items...for those who dont know....

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Smashbox offers a special....load up your cart on any day but checkout and pay on tuesday or thursday from 9 am - 2pm pst,  and receive a free gift with your purchase.  (yes you have to know time differences if you do not live in pst range). Now, what I love about this is that you can use this with the "curtain call" items (their version of clearance department) AND with the new customer loyalty program ...more details in a moment....you make out like a bandit on smash stash! I am sooooo in my element at the moment :)

Smashbox loyalty program = 5 points per dollar spent on smashbox website and at 500 points you get 10.00 gift certificate...AND you can do "lets do lunch" and shop in "curtain call" - purchases count toward your 500....in addition to the gift cards, birthday presents are given to members along with bonus deluxe samples added to every order.  You have to sign up for the program ON THE SMASHBOX WEBSITE. ( I put it in caps as reminder, this site is not smashbox's and I do not work for smashbox in any way).  I love this company! They are always finding innovative ways to part me from my money....and it's working :)

Anyway, I updated some of the collection links (not saying which ones so you have to look around on the site) and remember...feel free to comment on this page about anything you see on the site, as well as on "suggestion box" especially if you know of any collections i am missing, items for the tip page, or things you think i should add to this...(it is still a work in progress)

Contest!!!!

Smashbox is holding a contest...details are simple.

If you have facebook, simply like the smashbox fan page, then click the link to sign up for the contest.  There are some rules such as must be in usa and over 21 and other small technicalities...but..the prizes are fantastic....I am copying and pasting straight from the fan page so I don't mess up the details :

1ST PRIZE:Trip for 2 to New York City, including tickets to LCD Soundsystem’s FINALSOLD-OUT concert at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2011.

2ND PRIZE:Trip to L.A. for you and three friends for a party at Smashbox Studios with a livestream of the concert from Pitchfork.com on April 2, 2011.

3RD PRIZE:“Ultimate Studio” giveaway, including a digital camera (handpicked by Smashbox co-founder/renowned photographer Davis Factor) + $500 worth of Smashbox goodies

I so want the 2nd or 3rd prize more then the first, though smash reps did post that the 1st and 2nd prize winners would not be disappointed when it came to smash stash items :)  Keep in mind this is a contest held by smashbox and not by me (am only clueing in those who might not know of it)....so ...you are subject to their rules of entry and winning.  Have fun and good luck :)

Spring cleaning

Well this weeks fun and games for me include the spring cleaning of my cosmetics vanity.... never a fun job.  You know those multi-item palettes that we are all a sucker for around holidays and as new product lines come out? The ones where you tell yourself that "I love all the colors and will use all of them" ....and then don't?  This weeks project includes sifting through all the palettes that have giant empty spots from the 2-3 colors I did use and flawless colors in all the others.....  My tips page touches on this but I will be attempting to break down all my bulky palettes that have been committed to the back of the drawer,  into small jars to be used as eyeliners and highlighters.. After all, having 20 palettes that won't get touched as is, might as well try to salvage what I can from them.  (If I consolidate, I am thinking it makes room for the holiday goodies smashbox is sure to bring out for fall and winter..)

The other bright spot of this week...Smashbox came out with new lip glosses (back in November) and they are offered via QVC only until sometime this month... I just received mine and love / hate them.  The gleam / dazzle set (hot pink / mauve) and the  brillant / luster set (peach / nude) are the 4 shades offered (so far).  Tech specs : swivel up pen that lets you see how much remains in it.  Silicon applicator that reminds me of whats in lip tech.  ok, wore the gleam shade all morning while running errands to see how it holds up, results are : these are VERY shiny glosses with lots of glittery to them. color is minimal but there is some there. application is awkward in beginning until you get used to it ...holding it horizontally while applying seems to work best.  If not eating / drinking, lasts about 1-2 hours before reapply. After gloss is gone, glitter remains. If using it to keep lips moist with minimal color it is great until you eat / drink / smoke and then need to reapply more. tackiness is minimal (had car window down a bit and very little issue of hair clinging to it),  if wanting some color with gloss, definately need to apply over a lip color because there is not enough in these though they are labeled as highly pigmented (grrrrr).  I am still working on how to get photos up, if I can figure it out, will post swatches.

Remember....feel free to follow this and comments are always welcome!

details details details

I have been slowly getting more of these kits listed, and I realized something....the time is not in typing them up, thats easy enough to do, but my book has them listed in no specific order before I started actively collecting the kit items in spring 2010.. and when I did, I never thought to write in year of collection grrrrr. sooooo my time is mainly being spent looking up the years that they were made.  I am coming across duplicate kits though while doing this....the public release kit vs the qvc versions so to make it simple, i plan on making a note if it is qvc and drastically different. if only minor difference, i am just merging them since the older ones are no longer sold as actual kits, i do not see problem in doing this since to purchase, you would be tracking down each item separately anyway.  besides a bulkier kit of color co-ordinated choices can only be a good thing....right?  (i like grabbing the items for the one I am using in morning and seeing a couple glosses to pick from vs the 1 only).

Anyway....according to the ticker thingy at the bottom ....i am having people pop on and view this....and my pages stats thing says people are looking around....so....feel free to comment and say hi! I promise...I wont bite and having someone offer suggestions or let me know how this is coming so far is only a good thing (IMO).

Back to dealing with life away from computer....happy reading! :)

The expert advice link...

That leads to a smashbox promo that was sent to me today....takes you to their website. If you didnt get it in your mailbox this morning, enjoy. It shows how-to's on makeup application as well as other site exclusive items on the smashbox site :)

Expert Advice Just For You!

Expert Advice Just For You!

smash stash refill arrived yesterday!

I am so awful about checking my postbox immediately....I need to work on that! Yesterdays post held a treasure of goodies from my online retail therapy binge...bottle of brush cleaner, 4 light cast detail highlighters i found for 5.00 each with free shipping (yayyyy), 3 illuminating serums (found for 7.99 with free ship), some mini lip glosses, and i hit motherload of travel sized photo finish foundation primers (yes it takes a few to = 1 bottle FS but was equal to getting 4 bottles for around 18.00 each - basically around half off)  Sorry SB but I wouldnt resort to cruising other sites if you hadn't discontinued my light cast highlighter...I love that stuff!  also in my goodie packages was basic items like a cream eyeliner duo to replace the 2 colors from my palette set i finished.

Smashbox has this wonderful palette cream liner set in metallics / proof / vixen - i think the site shows only metallics and proof as current available options for purchase. These palettes give a sample size of 10 shades each and at 32.00 a palette it is a great deal for someone wanting to play with color and try out the different shades (normal cream liner is 22.00 each and not all the palette shades are available individually at the moment). One of my main reasons for loving these palettes (besides the variety in colors) is that though they look like small amounts, there is quite a bit of each color and you have less chance of it drying out before finishing = less waste for your money and more color play. (I hate buying the full size and having it dry out and get thrown out before even half used - yes i am still ticked off about throwing out an almost full reign jet set duo palette that I paid full price for).  This is not a new item, but it is one of my favorite "staple" items due to amount of variety it gives.  Many times I have used a palette to try a new shade and then bought a duo or single once I was sure I liked it and would use frequently.  (I really hate how many cosmetics I have that I bought and used once then traded or put in drawer and forgot about) This palette helps stop that color regret...thank you smashbox :)

My last and final goodie in my smash stash delivery ...was an item discontinued a while ago but i was able to find someone who had 10 of them available....the lip illusion gloss duo. NOT the palette...(i didn't like the palette, not as easy application / use).  This duo helps rejuvinate your old lip colors...one end is white (vanilla scent) other end is black (berry scent).  I have my suspicions about this....I really think that it was changed to the o-gloss shimmer and o-gloss noir but I cant prove it :)  Anyway, the white lightens the darker lip colors and the black darkens the light colors with just a touch of shade to it making previously tired colors new and more vibrant.  Something to look for when your on one of the sites....having a few of these, I still buy the o-gloss noir from smashbox as i love the packaging and i am weak when it comes to glosses :)

ok...i updated a few of the collection links...still way to many to type up but need my morning coffee and thinking of hitting the mall today instead of tomorrow for the smashbox items on sale at ulta....

Getting there......slowly

Well, as you can see, I have my sections set up / headers for pages...feel free to click some of the years and you will find a start of the collections listed as well as what was in the collection, what is great about it, and any tips on improving it that I found from my own experience.  (at moment 1 from 2005, 2 -2009, 2-2011).  I also set up a suggestion page so that anyone can offer kit / collection info or tips in addition to posting on main home page here.

I am also going to try to list the approximate values of each item. My reason for doing so is simple. If a collection is selling for 40.00 complete, but you need only a 5.00 item from it...why spend the 40? Now you're probably laughing and thinking 5.00 for a sb product? is she nuts? yeah I probably am just a little...after all, I decided to undertake listing 100+ kits / collections and eventually a running list of all single sold items (lip colors / liners / etc) made.  However....i found that if I really loved a collection and how it looked on me, but it was no longer produced, (not even to be seen in "curtain call"), sometimes I have luck finding the item in ebay and the jungle :) and thats where you find for the 5.00.

***PLEASE NOTE, doing so is at a risk. These items have been bought by others first and though there is rule of no selling used products, it is impossible to know for sure what the climate conditions other people stored items at. That being said....I have found some of my favorite items that were discontinued (dang it!) in those sites and have been able to collect quite a few back ups of my stock favorites (illuminating serum, light cast detail highlighter, and off set converter to name a few). Eventually I will have to find replacements that are just as good or better....but for now I am still happily in denial about the death of productions.

 ok, I am rambling and my poor eyes need a break if I want to be well rested to brave the mall tomorrow for the spring sales! I will try to get more collections posted tomorrow...2011 and 2010 first as they are most recent, then the oldest to newest after that until they are all listed....who knows, you might find a new look idea based on only needing 1 or 2 items to round off...and I do try to be accurate in my titles and years so that you can easily search out photos online of the collections / colors used.  Once everything is listed, I will decide if I want to swatch them all or just leave it for everyone to look them up on their own.

Nighty Night

Day 2 ...still here, novelty of blog not worn off yet

2 things...
1- Don't forget to stop by Ulta for the 21 days of beauty....today is the smashbox promo 1 of 4 that will happen. You do not have to be there on these days for the prices, but you do if you want to talk to the reps from smashbox.

• dates for smashbox are : 3/18, 3/20, 3/25, 4/2

• can get the limitless beauty collection for 39.00 (value of 115)
• a 5 shade eyeshadow palette
• lip gloss limitless round the clock
• eyeliner limitless black violet
• blush rush everlasting?  (packages not marked and except for eye palette, I have all these)
• photo finish foundation primer 
• was at mall and stopped in ulta :( package not marked for shades and if me and the saleswoman are right on shades, only thing I dont have is palette so no new SB in my future until they sell it separately or I need replacements of those items enough to be worth it
• free travel brush set with any smashbox purchase - these well known brushes but in travel size, I included the numbers of the full size for reference only
• crease, #10
• smudger #20 (brush end not sponge end style)
• try me kit for 19.00 - made for those just getting into smashbox, it includes the smaller, travel sized items that are staples in any addicts collection (please see my post in the 2011 collection page if you want detailed breakdown of sizes / colors / values of items)
• photo finish foundation primer
• photo finish lid primer
• lip gloss
• eye liner
• mascara

2-Ok, I was doing more research on the older collections and realized that in one collection the shadowliner trio is called "scene marker" and in another the same trio is called "blockbuster". Good thing I check before buying things or I would wind up with yet another duplicate item...

But this got me thinking I need to start listing collections so others have info and can add to their collections or know when to avoid buying item they already would have...thats assuming anyone actually ends up reading this :) though the stats page says I have had 4 visitors so far...  must be my friends who are being supportive :) thank you :)

So, my daily goal will be to list at least 1 collection a day on the page I just started, and if anyone knows of a collection or sees one I post as incomplete....please let me know.

Starting this blog...

Well, this is a new experience for me....I have commented on blogs of others in past, but never thought to start my own. Someone made suggestion of marketing my personal "beauty bible" and well, I would rather just expand it and allow others access... that said, I guess I should explain what it is...


I use Smashbox cosmetics exclusively. For those who have bought the products in the past, you know that it can be pricey keeping up with having all the latest color combinations and kits put out there by the company.  I decided to get around that....


In a journal style notebook, I started google-ing for "smashbox kits" and writing down the products that were in each....then went through my own cosmetics and checked off the items i already had in each of those kits.  The way I see it, a girl can only use so many onyx eyeliners and reflection lip glosses when there are SO many other gorgeous shades out there to play with.  What started with me being tired of buying kits and ending up with multiples of certain products, turned into a custom shopping list to check before buying a new kit- many times I already have all but 1 or 2 items from the newest kits ...


And though it is hand-written logbook, I am familiar enough with the sets released by Smashbox since 2005 to page through the book in the mornings and pick my colors for the day based on my mood and what I am wearing without having to see the compacts laid out in each set. Though at some point,I just might start wasting printer ink and turn it into a scrapbook of collections, whether me wearing each combination, or the promo ad for the kits....Not sure yet, need to think on it and get advice from people first.....


Well, I rambled enough for tonight...if anyone sees this and cares to comment or offer suggestions on new product lines to check out, I will eventually start "reviewing" and posting swatches ...maybe...need to test out how good uploading to this is from my phone and picture clarity first..