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

Minerals Mate Review & Giveaway!

I was recently contacted by this wonderful girly named Molly who asked me if I would be interested in trying and reviewing a mineral makeup tray called Minerals Mate.  Just so you know, Molly is the genius creator behind this amazing product!  When she asked I told her that I would love this opportunity because I had used mineral makeup for years and really didn't like the mess and waste that it created.  I received the tray in the mail and broke out the minerals to test this out.  The first thing I have to say is that the concept is spot on! What a great idea to have your minerals all in one place.  If you are a mineral makeup user this tray is definitely a must have FOR YOU!  The tray makes it easy for you to mix minerals by putting them into the wells.  You can use the large wells for foundation and powder, and the smaller wells for eyeshadow and mixing mediums.  You also have less waste because instead of shaking out the left over, you simply put a cap on it and use it over and over.  Fab idea right?

So I did break out my mineral powders to give this tray a whirl, while I love the tray, I have to be honest and  say that I have strayed away from mineral makeup the past few years and after revisiting them I feel that they just aren't right for my skin at this time.  I still use loose eyeshadows but foundations and other powders aren't my thing.  With that said, I thought that this tray was so ideal for my NON mineral makeup.  I am one who mixes foundations to get my perfect match.  This tray is perfect for that.  There are so many times that I had pumped out too much of my foundation and had nothing to do with the extra accept waste it.  This tray is fabulous for me to make my own custom palette.  I also have been loving Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars, which I will do a separate post about, and I decided to put these in the smaller wells for easy access since you only need a smidge. 

This tray really is a makeup artist's dream come true.  It can be used for mineral makeup and so much more.  The tray is lightweight, hygienic and ideal for custom mixing!  I love the idea of having my foundation and my newest obsession GLEAM by Melanie Mills in another well.  I can custom blend the colors together to make my perfect match.  I change color all of the time due to self tanning and the sun so it is usually hard for me to get a perfect match to my skin.  So I use the large wells for Gleam and foundation, and the smaller wells for Lip Tars and other lip products to mix. 

All in all this is a MUST have for those who use mineral makeup.  If you are a mineral makeup user you can consider Minerals Mate your new BFF.  For those of you who aren't a fan of mineral makeup, this can also be your BFF due to the fact that it allows you to become the makeup artist you have always wanted to become! 

Here is a photo of this fab tray, the bottom is with my Gleam and foundation -

See how convenient this is.  I put my Gleam in one well, foundation in another, and custom blend in the third.  When I am finished I just cap it up and they are ready for another use. This means absolutely no waste! When I want to clean the tray I can wipe it out with a makeup wipe or put it in the top rack of my dishwasher!  Btw the ribbed part on the bottom that you see can be used as a thumb grip or to gently clean your brushes. 

Molly was so kind to send me this product, which retails for $21.95 and can be found at - http://mineralsmate.com/  She also sent me another one to giveaway to one of my readers!  As you can see from above I have the color "Double Platinum" and the one that is up for grabs is "Red at Play" You can check this color out on the website. 

So the rules for this giveaway are -

1. You MUST follow this Blog.  This can be done on the side where it says "Join this site" and Join! 
2. Post a comment below and let me know if you like mineral makeup!

That's about it, pretty simple right?  Please only enter ONE TIME ONLY.  The names will only go in one time. This giveaway IS open to International readers! 

What I will do is put all the names in numerical order as the comments come in and then put the numbers into Random.org to get the winner.  I will notify you here on the blog, unless you follow me on Twitter, let me know that in the comments and I will find you there.  I will run this contest from TODAY until SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012.  On that Sunday I will pick the winner.  

If you cannot wait to see if you won and want to get your paws on this fab tray right away, Molly has given me a code for all of my readers to get 25% off of your purchase!  The discount code is - 2468MineralsMate  cute rhyme right?  This code is good until the end of May, which means if you don't win, you will still have time to order with the discount code!

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at Makeupdetective@gmail.com or Tweet me if you follow me on Twitter @makeupdetective. 

If you would like to follow Mineral's Mate you can find them here (yes, I know I am a social media junkie) -

Website - http://mineralsmate.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/Minerals_Mate
Facebook - https://twitter.com/#!/Minerals_Mate

In the case of finding a mixing tray that mineral makeup lovers and non mineral makeup lovers will love - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

**I wanted to bring this to your attention.  I do have a disclaimer on the side but wanted to point out a few things.  The review of this product is my own.  I am not being compensated for this in any way, other than receiving two trays for free.  One was for me to review, and the other was to giveaway to my readers. This is my honest opinion of this product and I will always give my 100% honest opinion on anything and everything that I am contacted to review in the future. **