Tia Cosmetics Review

So friends and fellow beauty lovers I feel like I have been away forever!  With the smell of fall in the air, and the temperature of my pool being below 70, I am BACK on the blog circuit.  I have a ton of goodies that I have received over the past month that I need to share with all of you. 

I am starting it off with a line of cosmetics from a 15 year makeup veteran Bettina.  I actually met Bettina on, where else, the social network that I love Twitter!  From Twitter it went onto Instagram where I am also a huge fan.  I started talking to her and ended up on her website.  With her help, and my constant addiction to all nude lipsticks and glosses, I decided to get a lipstick along with a gloss to wear over top.  I bought the Micro Bubble lipstick in Nude, and Lip Lacquer in Cooper Topper.  I have to say that I have been wearing this combo every day since I received it.  The micro bubble lipstick is so creamy, moisturizing, and long wearing.  I have had a problem this summer with my lips due to the sun.  My lips have been so dry and wearing my favorite nudes had been a problem until this formula graced my pout.  I use it straight from the tube, which means it is a wearable nude.  I then put a little Copper Topper on top to give it a sleek shine.  The combo is just gorgeous and makes me very happy!  Here is a picture of the colors -

See I told you....just gorgeous!  While I purchased the two lip products, there were two goodies that were added into my order for me to try out.  One is a gorgeous eyeshadow duo in the most gorgeous shade of purple I have ever seen. As you can see below, this color gorgeous and goes on so soft and blendable.  It also is a long wearing formula that lasts all day!

The next product that she sent me is a product that I almost ordered but was unsure if the color would be dark enough for me.  It is the Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20, in the color Deep.  I immediately used this the minute I received it and have to say it is absolutely amazing.  First of all you only need a little to cover your entire face.  This multi-purpose foundation is oil-free, hypo-allergenic, and contains sunscreen and antioxidants.  It nourishes, protects, and moisturizes for a flawless and even look to the skin.  I love products that are multi-purpose and this does not fall short! 

Here is a photo of the products all packaged in their cute black bags the way they came to me.
Well there you have it my friends, a product review FINALLY!  If you are interested in Tia Cosmetics, which you definitely should be, they can be found at -
http://tia-cosmetics.myshopify.com/

You can also follow her on Twitter - @tiacosmetics

In the case of finding another beauty website to spread my hard earned $$$ around - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!

It is finally time for me to unveil a secret project that I have been working on for the past two months.  I have been  so excited and even though I shouldn't have,  let a few hints out of the bag!   Now my investigation is complete and I finally am able to share it with all of you.  

I am honored to say that I am a Power Primper for Pretty in my Pocket, a.k.a. PRIMP.  This is a revolutionary mobile shopping assistant and social sharing app that just became available in the iTunes app store! 

• beauty product reviews with makeup tips from experts and friends. Did I mention all of their tips are available on your phone?
• With PRIMP’s social community, you can follow your friends and our experts and rate and review beauty and skincare products yourself!
• If you are in metro Atlanta or Nashville, PRIMP has partnered with Woo Skincare and Cosmetics and (Plā) Beauty for local beauty perks. These are available starting Monday, July 16^th.
• Coming soon: PRIMP will release location-based perks to your area.
• Download the app now to follow me as a Power Primper TODAY!

With a quick bar code scan or product search, you can locate beauty product reviews, recommendations from experts and friends, 

I joined PRIMP as a Power Primper, offering insights into my beauty bag, including my must-have products and favorite beauty tips.

Check PRIMP out on Facebook, Twitter and via their website.

So there you have it my beauties!  As I said above I am honored to be a part of such an amazing outlet for beauty enthusiasts.  I always get questions like, what products are my favorite, and now you can have a virtual look into my makeup bag with you on your mobile phone.  Its like having me with you when you shop.  How fun is that! 

I will keep you updated on PRIMP's progress.  If you have any questions please feel free to comment below, tweet me, or send me an email.  You know I love to talk, especially about makeup! 

Here is a picture of me along with the other PRIMPERS -

In the case of being able to participate in an amazing way to help out my followers when they are need of beauty advice - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy or should I say ... Power Primper Kathy ; )

 

New foundation, fragrance, and fun eye combo to share!

I have been purchasing quite a few items these days and I thought I would share a few with you.  This will be a quick one so if you have any specific questions about the products, please comment below and I will answer! 

I would like to start with a product that I have been loving this past week.  It is a foundation by Loreal called True Match Lumi.  I was at Ulta and ended up spotting it, remembering that Vanessa from TheBombShellSuite on YouTube bought it, I decided to give it a try.  This is a wonderful, light foundation.  It is sheer for me which I only really like, and can get away with in the summer.  The color suits my skin tone, which is hard to do these days so that is a plus.  I will continue using this for the summer and then most likely switch back to my Chanel's for fall and winter.  This is when I will need more coverage and my skin will be lighter.  Here is a picture of this foundation in the color C6 -

The next product that I would like to tell you about is a perfume oil that is actually a repurchase.  I was visiting my sister in Albany the other day and we went into my favorite store Circles.  A large sale table appeared and on it were Sage Fragrances for less than half the price.  Last year I bought one for $45.00, now they were all $20.00.  These are the cutest little perfume oils with the most  gorgeous scents.  If you are not familiar with Sage, her website is http://sagejewelry.com/ you can read all about her, and her amazing creations.  The fragrance that I bought is Turquoise.  It is so amazing for summer, very beachy.  This tiny little bottle packs a punch in the fragrance department.  I totally think that they are worth $45.00.  To find them on sale was a fab surprise.  I am actually going to have my sister pick me up a few more.  On Sage's website you can order samples, in case you don't have a place that sells them near you.  If you like unique scents, Sage is your girl!

The last products that I bought were also from Circles.  These are two products by Laura Mercier.  This is a brand that I usually skip over, accept for their concealer.  Once again I was watching a YouTube video and Michelle1218 was raving about the Metallic Cream Eye Colour in Rose Gold.  This is a gorgeous color and I really have nothing else like it in my collection.  I bought that and also a shadow in Pink Crystal.  Here is a photo of the shadow below.  As you can see its sparkly and gorgeous.  I haven't used it with the Rose Gold yet but I am positive it will be a winning combo -

Well that is all I have for you today my friends.  I do have other purchases that I will share at a later date.  I also have some fab new products to tell you about so stay tuned!

In the case of adding some more pretties that I cannot live without to my collection - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

All Nudes are NOT Created Equal!

So you all know show me a new nude lip combo and I am so on board!  I feel like I say this about all nudes but I have found the best nude combo in the whole wide world!  Ever since my girly Vanessa, TheBombShellSuite on YouTube raved about Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Cream in White Russian I was on the hunt to make this baby mine.  I stalked Sephora like it was my job and couldn't seem to get it.  What I did get was my 500 perk bonus that I had been saving months for.  This was from Bare Escentuals and included a full size lip gloss, mini mascara, and also the new love of my life Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick in Sydney.  Who would have ever thought that I would find my holy grail lip product in a free 500 perk package!?!?!?!? This color is absolutely amazing and the perfect nude.  It goes on smooth and creamy and stays forever and ever.  I do use a lip liner with this, though you really don't need too.  I just like more definition in my lips.  I used MUFE Aqua Lip in 3C, which is another rec from Vanessa.  So after calling Sephora one day to ask the girl if White Russian was in stock, her reply was NO, I still proceeded to venture in.  I was just getting ready to check out and happen to glance over at THREE, yes that is right my friends, THREE BUXOM LIP CREAMS IN WHITE RUSSIAN! Now silly me just grabbed one, little did I know that it will probably never be seen again in my Sephora.  Oh well at least I have one of these gorgeous creatures in my greedy little paws FINALLY!  So I have worn it every single day and even purchased a full size Sydney incase I happen to run out.  My lips are the perfect shade of nude for my tanned summer skin!  All is good in the world and I am one happy little camper.
Here are the colors below for your viewing pleasure -

See how gorgeous they are?  All I have to say is that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE BUXOM Lip Products and cannot imagine using anything else.  I failed to mention that these products smell amazing and have a tingling effect to plump your pout.  As for the plumping part, I really don't know if that ever works for me, but they are fab as is!  I even went in, checking for more White Russian, and purchased another combo of Buxom products in PINK!  That is another post for another day.

In the case of finding products that make my lips look pouty, nude, and perfect - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy 

Anastasia Beverly Hills See and Be Seen Kit Review

My last post was about an amazing new product from Anastasia Beverly Hills. I told you that they were generous and sent me a full size of their Lash Genius to test out and review. To my surprise there was another item in my box. This product is Limited Edition and available right now at Sephora.com only. This is the See and Be Seen Kit. This kit retails for $44.00 and is valued at $80.00!
Here are the products in the kit -

Two new HydraFull Gloss colors in Heiress and Plastic. These limited edition colors were created specifically for this kit and are not available anywhere except in the See and Be Seen Kit. Anastasia’s Hydrafull Gloss contains lip tint to maintain longer lasting color while maximizing lip hydration and fullness.

The new caramel tinted Brow Gel. Anastasia’s brow gel sets your perfect brow look with a hint of tint and is fortified with botanical hair conditioners and essential oils to keep brows feeling as great as they look.
The soft pink and golden hues of the ILLUMIN8 Shadow duo in On Set. ILLUMIN8 Eye Shadow Duos are designed to illuminate, firm, and smooth the appearance of skin while also soothing, softening and hydrating.

As you can see you get 4 full size products for $44.00, that means you are paying $11.00 a piece for each product! Ok now on to the fun stuff. For me the star products were the glosses. When I first opened the package I was a little surprised by the bright colors of the two glosses. You know me I am usually a total nude lip girl. I immediately went to put the pink on on and there was my second surprise, the applicator. At first glance I thought that the sponge tip fell of inside the tube. I then realized that it is the way the applicator is made. My first time using this I did apply too much of this incredible gloss. You only need a little on the spatula type wand to apply to your lips and make them look glossy and fab. I have to be honest and tell you that I wore Plastic to work and received a ton of compliments. Everyone said how it brightened up my face and looked so pretty and juicy on. The best way I can describe these are popsicles for your lips!!! These look really bright in the tube but are totally wearable! Btw the smell and taste is divine as well and they last for HOURS.

The next product that I couldn't wait to try were the shadows. These go on and really pack a punch! The colors are amazing and would look great and flatter any skin tone. I have been using them daily since I received them last week. They are super pretty and wearable. They have a nice shine and not glittery at all. These would be good for woman of all ages.

The final product that I tried was the brow gel. Unfortunately, I am very dark and have dark eyebrows. This color was light for me. I would definitely need the next shade up. I did try it on to see how it wears because I currently use a brow gel that I have been using for years. I have decided that once I am finished, I will definitely be purchasing the Anastasia in Brunette. I gave the Carmel to my fair haired beautiful friend Erin and it totally worked for her!

* On a side note about Brow Gels, I totally LOVE them. I used them on every client that sits in my chair. I always say if you have eyebrows, gel is the way to go. The wand and the color will stick to the hair you have, darken it, and make it look fuller and hide any bare spots. If you do not have eyebrows, or if they are bare, I suggest a pencil.

Here are some photos of the kit -

All in all this kit is well worth the price of admission! The glosses alone are something that, even the nude lip lovers, need in their gloss library! I will definitely be re-purchasing the brow gel, in my color, more glosses, and more shadow duos. I am so happy that I was able to discover a new love with Anastasia Beverly Hills.

In the case of finding out that Anastasia makes A LOT more than brow goodies - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

** I did want to discolose that this kit was sent to me for my use and review. I will only review items that I would purchase with my own money. All of my reviews are my own and my honest opinion about the products. **

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brow & Lash Genius!

I was recently contacted by a company who wanted to know if I would be interested in testing out a new product that is currently on the market.  For the record, I get a lot of offers and only accept the ones that I would purchase with my own money to try.  With that said, I did say yes to the product that they had mentioned.  This product is by Anastasia Beverly Hills.  We all know Anastasia as a brow genius.  Who knew that she was also a lash genius as well!  The product is called just that, "Lash Genius".  When you apply this to any mascara it makes it waterproof.  I know some of you might be thinking why not just go buy waterproof?  There are actually many reasons to purchase Lash Genius instead of a waterproof mascara. 

The first think that the makeup artist in me thought of was for my clients.  I usually tell my clients to bring their favorite mascara if they have one to their makeover.  Unfortunately, I find a lot of brides bringing me non waterproof mascara for their special day.  I always end up using my waterproof so they don't run into any problems.  I thought that this product would be wonderful to be able to make any mascara they bring me waterproof!

For me personally, waterproof mascara is a staple in my makeup bag and has been for years.  The problem with that is when a new mascara debuts on the market 9 times out of 10 it does not come in waterproof.  Sometimes it actually doesn't ever come in waterproof.  I used to have this problem working at cosmetic counters.  I thought that Lash Genius would be a perfect solution to my dilemma. 

I couldn't wait to try out this product once I received it.  I had just received a free gift at Sephora that featured a Bare Escentials Buxom Mascara, that I couldn't use because it was not waterproof until now.  I put on the Buxom and then added two coats of the Lash Genius on top and there you have it,  instant waterproof mascara.  It was actually a good thing that my allergies were acting up today because I was able to put this product to the test.  I will tell you that it absolutely worked.  No smudges or black under my eyes all day long.  I really am amazed at how well this product worked.  I think I will be wearing this on my sons graduation from high school next week!!!!

This product is a total must have in my beauty bag and my client makeup kit!  If you don't like to wear waterproof on a regular basis but know there are times you will need it, Lash Genius is the perfect solution.  This also came right off with waterproof eye makeup remover that I currently use.  I actually found it much easier to take off compared to the waterproof mascara I was wearing.  Here is a photo of the product along with a video that shows how to use this amazing product!

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFvspJUjXNg&list=UU1i4OA0FdWSavk5vumCKFJw&index=1&feature=plcp

I am so happy that I was able to test this product and share my findings with all of you! If you have any questions please comment below or email me. You can also ask me on Twitter!

I did want to mention that I was not compensated for reviewing this product. The product was sent to me for review and I always will give my 100% honest opinion.

In the case of finding an amazing product that will allow me to expand my mascara wardrobe to many instead of one - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

* This product is available at Sephora and sells for $21.00. Here is the link to the product and also a lot more reviews with positive feedback!
http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1401868&productId=P310204&keyword=lash%20genius&_requestid=86813

Josie Maran, MUFE, & Inglot Review

I know I have been MIA for a few weeks but have no fear, I am BACK! I have lots of products to share with you and I decided my first would be some new lip products that I have been LOVING! 

This first product is by Josie Maran and it is her Argan Oil Color Stick in the color Petal Pink. This is the first Josie Maran product that I have tried, and definitely will not be the last. This product is 100% organic, I have to be honest and say those words do not sway me from buying a product or not. I was really looking for something to cure my dry lips. This is a big stick of gorgeous color that is filled with good stuff for your lips and cheeks. I chose not to use this as a cheek product just because I would rather use a powder on my cheeks as blush. I first apply MUFE Aqua Lip liner in 3C which is one of Vanessa, TheBombShellSuite, on YouTube's favorite. I finally went to Sephora and tried this out and am so happy that I did. This is a perfect your lips but better color that goes with any lipstick. It is also waterproof which is a huge plus! So I line my lips with the 3C, then I take the Color Stick and apply it right out of the big tube onto my lips. Just to let you know this does have a distinct smell, for lack of a better work, kinda herbal, due to the Argan Oil that is in it. This does not bother me in any way. I actually like the smell and it does go away after a little while. I do suggest going into Sephora and smelling this before you purchase if smells bother you. The color is a little too bright pink for me on its own so I do add a gloss, such as Inglot Sleeks in #48 on top. I bought this color at IMATS and it is one of my favs for summer! The trio is pure pink perfection, what more can a girl ask for! Here is a photo of the products, along with a picture of them on my lips!

I am really loving this color and the effect that it gives. The Color Stick only comes in two colors at this time and they sell for $22.00. This is a great price because the tube is huge and will last forever. The other color is called Rosy and is a deeper rose. I would definitely buy more of these if she came out with more light colors. Josie, if you are reading, I would adore this in peach. xo

In the case of finding a new lip trio that I am loving - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy