China Glaze Hunger Games Sneak Peek

I have loved the Hunger Games trilogy (written by Suzanne Collins) since it first appeared on the market. Imagine my joy and rapture when I found out that the story is being made into a movie!
China Glaze is debuting a line of polishes next year inspired by the Capitol city in the books. For those of you who may not have read it yet, the Capitol is luxe, rich with color and fashions.

The press information states that it is a “collection of 12 new nail polish shades inspired exclusively by one distinct setting in The Hunger Games – the Capitol of the nation of Panem. Awash in lavish fashion, food, and entertainment, Capitol citizens enjoy extreme cosmetics and body modifications, bold wigs, and outlandish costumes.”
There was talk around the beauty community a few months ago that this collection was being created. However, no one knew exactly for sure. A few swatch sheets were seen, but PR stated the collection was not confirmed yet. Fast forward to now, with new *confirmed* sheets. According to the swatch sheets sent around then and now, everything has remained the same except for the names of the colors.
The different polishes should be very interesting for this collection. The matte gray (obviously inspired by the coal district) is a personal favorite. Luxe and lush looks like a very beautiful overlay. The collection will be sold at retailers starting on March 1, 2012.

N.Y.C. Liquid Lip Shine Review

This is one of the items I received in my VoxBox! Keep in mind that yes, I got it for free, but all reviews I do on this blog will be honest and unbiased. Moving on... The lipgloss is named Nude York City. The name reminds me of something OPI would use as a name. ;)

"Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

     A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others.  Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!"     -from the NYC website

 Above is with flash. Below is in natural light.

 The gloss is a peachy nude with very subtle microshimmer. It looks like a very tame version of NARS Orgasm. Alot of glosses *ahem, MAC* are very sticky and thick. These do last longer, but I don't always like globbing pounds of colored petroleum jelly on my lips. The formula on the NYC gloss is a good consistency, not too thick but not greasy. It's super sheer and would be good for any skintone.

 

One last note on these: the applicator is awesome! It's very similar to the Tokidoki lipglosses. The little brush isn't a normal doe foot applicator. It's a little rubber spatula covered in the same material as a doe foot. I'm really liking it due to its flexibility. Have you tried this one before?

Overall, I like it. I'd pay full price for it, considering full price is super cheap for NYC. Definitely a hidden drugstore treasure over here! You can find it at http://www.newyorkcolor.com/

Healthy Holiday Foods

This season, it can be super easy to let all restrictions fly out the window and eat anything and EVERYTHING. :) I can be guilty of it too guys! I thought it might be helpful to post a few foods to keep an eye out for at holiday parties. These are delicious, as well as good for you! Don't let a few parties wreck your complexion.

The obvious choices include nuts, fruit, and reduced-fat cheeses. But being good doesn't mean you have to give up meat. Chilled shrimp is great for you, as is white meat poultry.

• Like stuffing? Try wild rice made with chicken broth
• Like mashed potatoes? Try baked sweet potatoes
• Like pecan pie? Try pumpkin pie
• Like eggnog? No problem. Just grab the low fat version!
• Like lasagna? Just switch out the meat for vegetables and use low fat cheese and skip cream.
• Just use common sense. It doesn't hurt to splurge a little bit! Mostly, just stay away from alcohol and concentrated sweets. Also, if you're doing the cooking, use light oils like olive oil.

Foods to avoid at ALL COSTS: cheese straws, swedish meatballs, creamed spinach, pot roast, fruitcake, cranberry sauce, candied yams, yorkshire pudding

NOTE: This post is my personal intellectual property. It appears here and Vibrantdoll.com as an authorized post. DO NOT use without permission.

NARS, HiP, Stila - Dupe

Not too long ago I did a review on Stila's Smudge Stick in Silver Dollar. You can read about it here. I noticed that it is actually a perfect dupe for a NARS liner and High Intensity Pigment liner, both of which can be seen here. Since all three are essentially interchangeable, you can just aim for whichever one is most accessable or most affordable to you!

MAC Dazzlesphere! Plum Ornament Review

This is one of the MAC Glitter and Ice 2011 Holiday Collection Dazzlespheres. It contains 4 different pigments in interlocking containers. The pigments weigh 12 grams all together, and the set costs $32. I'll get some swatches to post within the next few days. Right off the top, please remember that this collection is called the "Glitter and Ice" collection for a reason. The pigments are metallic and sparkly. They aren't too outrageous, but they are gorgeous enough to make an impact. I found that the two darker colors had a better wear time than the lighter two, and always remember to wear a primer with pigments!

Left top: Misty / Left Bottom: Seasonal Cool / Right Top: Light Violet / Right Bottom: Grape

with flash to show sparkle of pigments