Who Wears It Well?????

I am sure with a title like this you would like to know the answer to the question, "Who that wears it well?"  I will tell you that the "who" is me now that I have been wearing The She Wears It Well Eyeshadow Palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills!  A few weeks ago I received a package in the mail.  As soon as I opened the package and saw this palette I knew it was love at first sight.  I have other nude shadow palettes, but I must say this is the one I have been using every day since I received it. 

First let me start by telling you what makes this palette so special.  That would be the colors!  The colors are so gorgeous and really brighten up my eyes.  The colors are - Trophy; Glow; Latte; Foxy (MY FAV); Sunset; Frosting; Almond; Onyx; and Toffee.  The colors Almond (taupe), Toffee (brown), and Onyx (black) are matte shades.  The others are not loaded with shimmer and have just the right amount of sheen.  I am so addicted to using Almond all over the entire eye, Foxy in the crease with a little bit of Onyx over top, and a bit of frosting or sunset under the brow.  I have even used Sunset as a cheek bone highlighter.  This palette really has something for everyone.  The color payoff is fab and they stay on all day even without a base.  This palette comes with a big mirror which makes it easy to travel with.  I will be honest and say that I usually discard the brushes in palettes the minute I open them up.  This was not the case with this.  I actually use it if I am on the go and want to add a little more Onyx to go out for the evening.  Here is a photo of this gorgeous palette -

See how gorgeous this is!  The top photo show the promotional goodies that I received along with the palette.  The cards show looks on the back.  The last photo with the lipstick and foundation is a photo that I posted on Instagram (@makeupdetective).  The tag was to choose your 3 favorite beauty products and post a pic.  As you can see this palette was one of my top 3! 

I was informed that this palette will only be available for the next 3 weeks so I suggest you hurry up and scoop one up!  It can be found at Sephora and Sephora.com - http://www.sephora.com/she-wears-it-well-eye-shadow-palette-P374932 This retails for $34.00 and is a $90.00 value! It can also be found at Anastasia's website where it will be featured, along with videos, right on the home page - http://www.anastasia.net/

This palette is described as - Classic Hollywood glamour meets modern moxie with this array of shadows that impart a sophisticated smolder to the eyes. Anastasia's Illumin8 formula features Youthful Synergy Complex®, clinically proven to illuminate, firm, and hydrate the skin.  What more could you ask for out of an eyeshadow palette!

Just a little secret that I have uncovered, please keep it to yourself because I wasn't supposed to tell, Anastasia will be coming out with a new palette for holiday - "Want You To Want Me", AND "Kisses On My List" gloss set!  Stay tuned for those because if they are like everything else that Anastasia creates, those will be must haves. 

In the case of uncovering the answer to the question, "Who wears it well?" - This case is SOLVED

Detective Kathy

nuNAAT Hair Care Product Review

If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter you know that I get sent products for review.  I am contacted by someone who offers to send me their products, or products that they sponsor to review.  One thing I will never do is accept a product that I would not purchase with my own money.  With that said, that is why there will be NO review of contact lenses with the Italian Flag or smiley faces on them in my blog! 

Hair products for me are a touchy subject since I have holy grail products that I have used for years.  I usually deny the hair products but there was something that made me want to try this line called nuNAAT.  It started with a survey and a conversation with Stephanie who helped me choose the correct products for my natural curly and unruly hair.  Stephanie was so kind to send me the entire line of Karite Special with Shae Butter products for dry, damaged, and broken hair.  Let me start by saying that I thought it was about time to review these products as I was on the website trying to purchase replacements!!!

Here is a photo of the products she sent me -

From left to right - Karite Special Combing Cream; Karite Nourishing Shampoo; Karite Reconstructive Conditioner; Karite Anti-Frizz Thermo Activator; and Karite Special Hair Mask. 

I have been using these products since the beginning of August and must say I am SOLD, I guess you can tell when you read above that I was purchasing replacements.  In the summer my hair is very dry and damaged due to the sun, pool, and the highlights that I get.  I began using the shampoo and conditioner and immediately saw a difference in the texture of my hair.  I use a little of the Thermo Activator mixed with my normal styling cream and then dry my hair with a diffuser.  If I have any frizz pieces or pieces that need to be tamed, I add a little of the combing cream and it takes care of that situation.  Lastly, I like to actually put the mask on my dry hair at night, about once a week, and sleep in it.  I have done this for years with various products.  I feel like my hair is more hydrated when I do this.  My hair has really never looked more healthy and frizz-free, especially for hot humid summer days.  The recommended use for the mask is twice a month for 15 minutes but I like to say, when it comes to my hair, go big or go home!

I can honestly say that these products are amazing!  I still have the shampoo and conditioner left but want a back up just in case I run out!  As for the other products, these will last me a while longer.  The mask comes in that huge tub.  With all of these products a little goes a long way.  I wash and condition my hair every day so these products tend to go first with me.  For reference the mask comes in a 17.6 oz tub! 

Ok now are you ready for the best part ..... I feel like there should be a drum roll......these products are sold at Walgreens, Sally Beauty Supply, and Drugstore.com.  Just for reference the Combing Cream is $2.49! 

As I mentioned above I usually pass on the hair products, especially an entire system, but I am so happy I said yes to these products.  Don't worry if you don't have curly or dry hair, they have a product system for every type of hair out there.  They even have a do it yourself Brazilian system!  The website walks you step by step through to help you find the products that suit your hair care needs.  You can choose by ingredients, hair type, or category.  Check it out at -  http://nunaat.com/productline/karite-special-with-shea-butter/  You will be so happy you did! 

In the case of finding a new product line to help my dry,damaged, and broken locks - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

Stay tuned because there will be a giveaway happening soon with your chance to win your very own hair care system from nuNAAT! 

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. **