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

Stila Smudge Stick Review

 This is another of the awesome deals I got last Friday! Stila 2-packs of smudge sticks were only $10 at Ulta! These eyeliners are on clearance for $10 A PIECE on the Stila website, so I decided to get an extra. The first color is Koi, a beautiful burnished gold the color of... you guessed it, a koi. The other is Silver Dollar, a delicious metallic, pure silver. (On a side note, the Bare Minerals set was $10, but this post isn't about those!)

swatches with flash to show metallic pigment. I have no idea why my skin looks so red here lol.

in natural light to show color. This is the best representation of the 2 smudge sticks.

 For the price, you absolutely can NOT beat these. They aren't the typical black eyeliner, but metallics are so in right now! Experiment with some color and add fun to your routine. I've found that their endurance is similar to Urban Decay's 24/7 liners. Once they dry, they're good to go for at least 3 to 4 hours without heavy sweating. I don't think I would pay the normal $20 for these, but then again, I don't pay that much for hardly anything haha. The colors are perfection, and the silver one looks like a dupe for HiP and NARS. I'll have to do some research into that and let you know what I find out! All in all, a very good deal on a great product.

MAC Melt Your Heart Set

cute red and white packaging

 One of the things I picked up on Black Friday was the Melt Your Heart lip bag. It features BOTH Viva Glam Lady Gaga I and II, as well as a red makeup bag. Every cent of profit from your Viva Glam purchase goes towards helping those affected by HIV and funding AIDS research. Lady Gaga I isn't even sold anymore, so I would recommend picking one up while you can.

 The set comes with a card that says:
"DID YOU KNOW CONDOMS AND VIVA GLAM GAG ARE SOME OF THE BEST GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? LOVE, SAFE SEX, AND VIVA GLAM!"

~

(Regardless of your views on safe sex/abstinence, I'm glad to see such a huge company trying to spread awareness.)

 

 

The swatches above were done with flash, so the Viva Glam II (on left) is a bit more caramel colored than it normally would be. Both shades are gorgeous! VGG is a lustre finish, and VGG II has an amplified finish. Overall, I feel like both colors are very suitable for most skintones. Go out and pick this set up while you can!

Sugarpill Black Friday Sale

code: PINKWEEKEND

Urban Decay Tinted Moisturizer Review

This review is for the lightest shade Halo. I have alot of acne scarring, so please dont run in fear at the first pictures haha! I'll say right off the bat that it's a tinted MOISTURIZER... not a foundation. It does have pretty good coverage, but don't have expectations of thick coverage when that's not what this product is. As far as color goes, this shade does have more of a yellow tone to it, which is hard to find in foundations sometimes. The container isn't the best, because you have to be careful with the pump spitting out too much. However, I got it on sale for $4, so I'm not going to complain too much. Wear time is great, I normally can keep it on for a full work day. It doesn't break me out, which is super important! Some bases tend to mess up my skin from being too thick or oily. Overall, I like it. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

blended out

with powder and full makeup

Face of the Day

 Today I used Graffiti by Urban Decay, Black Dog by Urban Decay, Merle Norman blue liquid eye liner, and Honey by Urban Decay. (Graffiti and Honey are part of the Deluxe palette. Black Dog is part of the Black palette.)

 

 

 The lips were a mixture of MAC pigment and Victoria's Secret clear gloss. Easy to make and wear!

The Face of Viva Glam 2012

The MAC Facebook page just released the images and names of the Viva Glam 2012 campaign! Nikki Minaj and Ricky Martin will be the faces of the new lipstick. 100% of the proceeds will go to AIDS research, so keep an eye out at the MAC counters in February 2012.

Smashbox Package and Swatches

the super cute packaging

 I got a package in the mail today from Smashbox! I scored BIG on this one guys... The Burlesque set is on clearance, and you receive a free sample with every order (Photo Finish Primer). If you decide to look at the clearance section of the website, you have to be a member first! Their last call section is only for those who already signed up. Shipping is free with every order. Because I spent $25, I also received a deluxe sample of Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder in Fair. Last but not least, Smashbox has a program called Let's Do Lunch! Members of the website get a free full size product with any order on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The day I ordered, it was Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust.

The Burlesque set includes Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black, Loose Shimmer in Burlesque, Dual Lipgloss in Peep/Show, and Shadow/Liner Quad in Risque - all for $25.

Shadow and Liner Quad in Risque

Free Stuff! - primer, powder, and gloss

 

 Swatches with flash, L-R: Lust gloss, Peep/ Show duo, Jet Black liner, Risque Shadow Quad

Swatches in natural light, L-R: Lust gloss, Peep/ Show duo, Jet Black liner, Risque Shadow Quad

Vibrant Doll Online Magazine

I have some great news... You are looking at Vibrant Doll Online Magazine's newest writer, Sarah Doll! I will be posting all kinds of articles, and I promise that this blog will be updated just as much as it is now. Feel free to check out the website if you would like to follow the awesome work of all of my fellow dolls. :D
"We are excited to be able to give you guys & dolls the pleasure of receiving a Vibrant Doll experience. As you can see it's very bright and colorful.. but that's just us, that's how we live our lives - and you should too. Vibrant Doll is all about life and living it vibrantly. We are musically inspired young individuals who have a lot to say and a lot to give. This isn't your average website, it's an experience."                             -vibrantdoll.com

"Truth" Palette Review

 This is the last of the palettes from my Sephora order. I didn't think I would like this one as much, but it actually is gorgeous. Everything that I have tried from the Kat Von D line so far has been amazing, and I am impressed. The colors from this one are more vibrant and happy. However, it is very pigmented. The quality is about the same as the other palettes. I don't even have a problem with the matte colors, which happens a lot with eyeshadows. The colors are:

Sugar Skull (vanilla), Long Distance (citron), Snake Eyes (lime), Finland (aqua), Prague (matte plum), Galeano (pale lilac), Rehab (golden tan shimmer), Sister (matte pink-peach)

with flash

The swatches on my arm have a thin line of primer through the middle of each swatch to show how the shadows look with primer. The shadows definitely need a primer underneath to bring out their full potential.

without flash

in daylight

Today's Look: Flash

 

I recently acquired a new Paint Pot in Pure Creation from MAC. I love the color! It's super pigmented and doesn't get sheer when used. Some of the paint pots don't last as long as others, but this one has lasted me all through my workday today.

 This product's soulmate? Blue Brown pigment from MAC. That pigment has a red tinge when blended by itself. However, put it on top of a blue base, and the blue duochrome flashes beautifully. On the swatches below, the pigment is on the left and the pigment over Pure Creation is on the right.

with flash

without flash

It looks beautiful on the eyes. Add a swipe of black liner and you're good to go!