Thursday, September 29, 2011

Behind The Scenes With My Pirate King

Okay, it's not all glamour and face scrub at Casa da Pirate. If something is made by a branded company, or at least big enough to not give two farts what I think, I'll make wicked fun of them. it's a bit more sensitive when presented with handmade items by tiny companies. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, because I'm a crafter and I know what pride people take in their work. In those cases, I'll just decline to review an item. No harm, no foul- right? It may just not be my thing, but that doesn't make it awful.

That doesn't mean that opinions aren't expressed within the household however, and my husband will pop out the most hysterical opines on products. I will NEVER tell you who he's referring to here (probably don't even remember), but there are times when he's made me almost cry with laughing.

"It smells like having sex in the herbal section at Whole Foods"
"It's what my scalp feels like if I haven't washed my hair in a week"  (please note- pirates go camping frequently, he bathes daily at home!)
"No! No! It smells like something that I don't want to be smelling!" (must flail arms)
"Maybe if you put a drop in a large aerated area and then it mellowed out...." "It's a perfume." "Oh, well that's a problem."
"I think something didn't go right here, and they were like F it, it's for a sampler. That's my new business plan."
And the one that so far holds the title:

"It smells like a trash can full of used menstrual pads that have been sitting about a week"

Pirates can be a mean spirited lot. What did you expect? (and note, some of the zingiest ones I have to keep to myself because it's too obvious who I might be referring to in the case of the 'punny' ones)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Tantalizing Sampler Has The Luck O' The Irish

The Tantalizing Sampler is a great sampler to give as a gift to someone you know who has a tart burner, because there's generally a big emphasis on scent tarts and because they show up so beautifully packaged that they're ready to go! They come all gussied up like a professionally done gift basket but with indie gems inside! Boxes are available in two sizes, the mini sampler for $10.00 and the regular sampler for $18. Last month's boxes all had a raffle ticket for a giveaway by the awesome Soy Breeze, and there's generally a raffle from one or more of the participants each month, making for a fun extra!

To give you a taste of what to expect, here's a video of the St. Patricks Day box and what was inside....

I'll start with Angel Made Scents scent tart in Wishing Well, because sheerly by coincidence I am currently burning one of their Apple Butter tarts! Sadly, I don't see that scent listed anymore, which breaks my heart because this smells so good that I keep dipping my fingers into the melted wax and massaging into into my skin. Their food scents are divine!
Pure Romance Pure Romance condom and strawberry flavored Ex T. Cee arousal cream
Crystaltree End Of The Rainbow Shea Butter Soap
Soy Breeze Rainbow Soy Wax Brittle, Grapefruit Vanilla lip balm
Treasured Sweets mini candy bar with customized label sample
OMG! Candles Irish Cream tart warmer melts
Sun Harbor Scents Wild Irish Rose soap
Delightful Scents Aroma Beads in Spectrum
Scentsy tart sample in Shades Of Green
Bath Bliss Coconut Lime Mini Fizzy Bath Melt

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New Beauty Test Tube NOW WITH FREE SHIPPING!

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle! QVC done grown up on me! What was once the bastion of ugly dolls and weird old ladies selling gaudy jewelry now is some HIGH FALUTIN ACTION! And now, they actually have the New Beauty Test Tube! No more waiting lists, you can get yours right now for only $33!

What can you expect in your Test Tube? Well, here's a sample of what I recently received
1 issue New Beauty Magazine
New Beauty Spa Finder Guide
$20 Spalook gift card
Ahava Time To Hydrate Essential Day Moisturizer for normal to dry skin 15ml/.51oz
Clean 4 hr Anti-Bacterial hand cream 15ml/.5oz
Lumene Radiant Beauty Drop, Radiant Day Cream 15ml/.5oz
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray 75ml/65g
Dr Brandt Crease Release 5g/.2oz
Boost-it! Instant Complexion Enhancer 7.5ml/.25oz
Beauty Society Success perfume 5ml
Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser 30ml/1oz
Dr Denese New York Glow Younger Self Tanning Glove 
Lash Food Eyebrow Conditioner1.5ml/.05oz
Kerstin Florian Oil Free Daily Defense SPF 50 20ml/.7oz
Here's a quick slide show so you can see the goodies ( I accidentally left out the self tanning glove) 


And by the by, my scent of the day is The Ugly Duckling Designs in Pink Watermelon blended with a few chunks of Anam Cara Candles Very Vanilla tossed in. 

Think Pink With Out Of The Box Sampler

Once again, it's a delight to receive Out Of The Box Sampler's newest box! This month we're thinking pink for breast cancer awareness, and if you hurry, you can snag one of these boxes for yourself! Looking at the list of contributors, you can see who might show up in YOUR box! (the samples are random, but always fun!)

This video I'm joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Clara (or as I call her quite often, Tinkerbell.) It's so much fun to have someone do these with me! I've got to start harassing my friends to quit being so shy! Thanks to Marsbar 35  for designing such lovely jewelry that I just HAD to wear this set to the music hall! Right now she's having a 25% off sale in her store, which is a great deal- I stocked up on her last sale when I got these pieces. So let the dorking out begin!



Now you want to go check out all of these cool sellers, right? See what they have to entice you, eh? Well, just let them know that The Beauty Pirate sent ya!

Oh, and by the by, as I type this I am burning a meltie from Primitive Kountry in their Primitive Kollection scent, which is their custom blended scent, a woodsy scent with a little bit of something good in the oven.

Relaxation Bath Salts Charmed Touches
Ghoulishly Delightful scent tart The Melt Shoppe
Provence Meets Rooibos loose tea SBS Teas
Full Sized Clamshell Blue Hawaiian soy melts MoneyPenny's SoySations
handcrafted 3D gift tags Bad Candy Studios
Pink Ribbon scent stick Fairly Charmed
Crocheted gift tag with heart pin Butterfly Alley
Save The Ta Tas gal From Nancy's Heart
Poker Chip pendant Made 4 U By Me
eyeshadow samples La Coquette Cosmetics
Birthday Cake tart melt Angelas Candles
Berry Lemon Fireworks Pop bar soap Sudsy Sweetness
Autumn Apple Cinnamon bath bombs Samadhi Salts
Chocolate Kiss lip balm, Pink Sugar Hawaiian soap by Brieabella's Black Cat Creations (on Facebook)
Joint Pain balm Nature's Apothocary
crochet scrubbie Jodi's Craft Emporium
Strawberry soap gem One Of A Kind (i couldn't get either link listed on the card to come up with a page, sadly)
Seasonal Sample Spray voucher from Saltbox Scents
handcrafted card A Penny For Your Thoughts
scent sample Safari Soapa
Papaya & Dragonfruit Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Soap Pics Petals Scents
Alabaster Corrector and Lavender Rose magic Grains Herban Luxe Handmade Makeup



Go Go Girlfriend: Girlfriend- GO!

Go Go Girlfriend is one of the most fabulous discoveries of the year! I haven't been so thrilled by something in recent memory! When that box shows up each month, I can barely restrain myself from ripping it to shreds to get inside! So many exclamation points!!!! UPDATED WITH INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT REVIEWS: I have been asked about the necklace I'm wearing in the video- it's from Marsbar 35, who is currently having a 25% off sale. I'm wearing another jewelry set from her store in my most recent sampler box review (to be posted soon.) 
Regular Membership
    ·$6.99 a month ($13.98 billed every 2 months)
    ·free box shipped every 2 months
Premium Membership
    ·$12.99 a month
    ·free box shipped every month

By joining you will receive access to member-only special store discounts, reward points, giveaways and most importantly a FREE GoGogirlfriend gift box delivered to your door.
5% of Your Membership Fees are Donated to the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research




When you join at the Premium (monthly box) level, you receive a free Tarte lipgloss with your first box! The giveaways are awesome, and every month there's additional freebies, like the full sized liquid vitamins that I recently received.

What can you expect from Go Go Girlfriend? Here's what was in my first box:

Borghese Crema Saponetta Cleansing Face and Body Bar is a multi-dutied cleansing bar. It's non drying formula deep cleans both the face and body, removing makeup and dissolving dirt. It's awesome for when I'm taking an "ohmigodIoverslept!" shower and don't have time to pull out the Clarisonic and do my whole face cleansing ritual. I can use this on my body and my face with excellent results and clean skin and pores. While not drying, you will still need to use a moisturizer and/or lotion afterwards. It also makes a great shaving bar, just lather it up good and thick and it really preps your skin for shaving. It's a solid bar, too. I've been using mine for a while now and it doesn't dissolve into nothing like so many bar soaps do. A light, pleasant scent that doesn't overwhelm and fades after you're done so there's no competition with your fragrance of choice.  Borghese has yet to disappoint me! 






Camille Beckman
Camille Beckman Tuscan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy How on earth did I miss out on this product? Possibly the most awesome hand lotion I've ever used. NO JOKE. It comes in tons of scents, but I have the Tuscan Honey, which is a mild, clean smell. Your skin feels like satin after applying this, and stay soft even after a handwashing. Extremely concentrated as well. I'm in love!


3 bags of Kusmi Tea- 1 Be Cool and 2 Detox-   total tea porn, pure and simple. I'm a tea junkie, and am so glad to be introduced to this brand! One of my brothers is a tea connoisseur, and I already know what he's getting for Christmas. The Be Cool really is a relaxing, zen like tea and the Detox was fabulous when paired with a hot body mud cleanse. VERY at home spa- oooh lala!


1 Comodynes Easy Cleanser Make-Up Remover towelette : I wouldn't say these are my holy grail towelettes, but they do a good and through job. The toner test afterwards showed that it did get all makeup, including stubborn eye makeup. What DOES make these stand apart however is that you can get different formulations for different types of skin AND that you can buy them individually wrapped, making them perfect for an emergency overnight/walk of shame bag. I intend to get some more of these to keep one in my purse for impromptu face cleaning. I could see these being a godsend for a makeup artist since you wouldn't have to carry a whole pack, which takes up extra space and can get dried out or leak. 

Go Go Girlfriend Shimmer- WHY MUST YOU TORTURE ME SO? This is one of the most FAB  shimmer dusts that I've ever used, and Go Go Girlfriend said they would soon be selling their mineral powders. Not yet, and I'm getting antsy! WHAHHHH!!!!! 


L`Occitane Verbena Shower CreamL'Occitane en Provence Shea Shower Cream- is absolutely a dream. No surprise there, everything by this brand is A NUMBER ONE in my book. What's so nice about this though is that you can use it as both a body soap AND a shampoo, perfect for traveling and lightening your packing (and liquid allotment) load. Some dual purpose soaps like that somehow fail to a certain extent in one of the categories, but this stuff performs admirably in both. As a matter of fact, as a shampoo I found it to be far superior to many hair potions I've used that were made specifically for that purpose! My hair was bouncy, shiny, and silky with plenty of body.  Another winner for the "ohcrapIgottahurry!" award!


Clinique mini-pallete with Color Surge Eye Duo in Butter Pecan and Powder Blush in Sunset Glow- Of this pallette, I like the blush best, a soft glow of color that is neutral enough to work with almost any color. I've always been a big fan of Clinique blushes, as their colors tend to be muted enough not to overwhelm my fair skin. The eye duo, in my opinion was not nearly pigmented enough. While I realize these are muted colors, the lighter of the two shades I literally couldn't tell I had applied until I did a few coats. If I'm wearing a light subtle color, I don't want to have to pile it on. I've never been a huge fan of their eye colors for this exact reason. I think it's that these make my eyes look a bit washed out- they'd work best on someone with darker eyes. 

Available at Sephora Free Samples, Sales & More. Check out the latest beauty deals at Sephora.com!
2 Clinique travel brushes


and of course my Tarte lip gloss in Om! which has become a (soon to be depleted) purse staple since I got it. Tarte glosses are shiny without being gloppy and leave the lips soft and gently flavored. It smells yummy and looks flirty and sexy without looking childish. Considering that we ingest the majority of the lipstick we apply, I'm glad Tarte is out there making lippies that won't turn into evil balls of chemical toxins in our tummies. Tarte now partners with Borba cosmeceuticals to create healthy cosmetics that have gotten them the Sephora green seal!


And you're still reading this, why?

Get your tchutckes over to Go Go Girlfriend!!

 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Cheering Myself Up

Tomorrow I will be going under the knife for (hopefully) the last time relating to my April car accident. I'll be having a nerve removed from my back, a somewhat daunting prospect. Needless to say, I'm a bit stressed out. So what makes me feel better when I'm stressed? Hmmmmm...... I wonder...... Could it be, pampering myself a bit? Who me? Nah.....

First I popped Crystaltree Bath & Body Buttermint Candies heart wax tarts into my tart burner. These smell so exactly like those little mints that you get at weddings that are pastel colored and melt in your mouth. I mean EXACTLY. Even The Husband immediately nailed it. Yummmmmmmmyyyyyyy.......My only complaint is that on their web page, the scents aren't listed in any sort of order, so it's difficult to find something specific.

Say It So Sweetly  definitely sweetened up my mood with a Peanut Butter Cookie Pop. No business! This is a cookie with a CANDY BAR baked inside of it! Holy smokes! These things are amazing. I seriously am covered in drool.  What's really nifty is that you can get them in customized labels making them perfect for parties. They'll even customize colors and everything! I promise, if you brought these to an affair, you will suddenly become very very popular. Or you can secretly scarf them down hidden from greedy prying eyes that want to steal your cookie pop!


Borghese Eye Compresses
Ahhhhhhhh, nap in a jar. They feel so cool when you put them on, no need to refrigerate. They relieve tired, puffy eyes and tighten up fine lines as well. Borghese is one of those brands that just keeps amazing me with how much I'm discovering that I adore their products. A bit on the pricey side, but SO totally worth it if you suffer from tired eyes like I do. Next time I have a funeral to go to, I'm popping a jar of these in my suitcase. After watching The Road I used these and in a few minutes my eyes were no longer puffy and red and I no longer appeared as if I'd watched my puppy get hit by a car. These are super rad for people with allergies that affect their eyes.
Borghese Eye Care, 60pads Eye Compresses for Women
Borghese Eye Care, 60pads Eye Compresses for Women
Reduces puffiness,Soothes and combats the appearance of fine lines,Boosts hydration,Remove after 5-10 minutes, patting excess gel around eye area,Dispose of pads after each use,






Dr Dennis Gross 2 step Daily Alpha Beta Peel is gentle enough to use every day and works wonders at reducing redness and shrinking down pores. It makes your face look brighter and more toned and the effects last all day. It's easy to see why these have become a cult fave. I usually like to use these before a big night out, but supposedly with daily use, they'll transform you into a goddess or something :) You can buy them in jars with more content, I just like to keep the single serving sized ones around because I can throw them in an overnight bag.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel 10 Packettes
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel 10 Packettes
Developed with an exclusive two-step technology Contains easy-to-use pads for wiping on & off Offers micro-exfoliation without recovery time Helps firm skin banish dullness shrink pores & pacify redness Minimizes fine lines & wrinkles Suppresses oil production & prevents breakouts Efficaciously cures problematic skin like Rosacea & Acne Restores purified refined & evenly-toned skin








Laboratoire Remede Hydra Therapy Eye Cream
Um what do I say here? OOOH LA LA! Hands down THE BEST eye cream I've ever used. Ridiculously expensive, but a teegumbitty bit is all you need, so it's actually not that bad, dollar for dollar. Ohhhhh....... there's no way to describe how luxe this feels. After using the eye pads, I suddenly felt like a supermodel once applying this. I guess I COULD tell you about all of it's awesome properties, but suffice it to say- all I can say is oooooohhhhhhh......
REMEDE Hydra Therapy Eye Creme, 0.5 oz
REMEDE Hydra Therapy Eye Creme, 0.5 oz
What is it: A true multitasker, this hydrating eye cream restores moisture while fighting the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Who is it for: Suitable for those with fine lines and wrinkles and anyone with sensitive to normal skin. Why is it different: This gel-based eye cream is lightweight and easily absorbed, allowing for even makeup application. The formula contains soft focus powders to flatter the eye area, instantly illuminating skin and blurring skin imperfections. How do I use it: In the morning and/or evening, gently smooth around the entire eye area with light tapping movements. From REMEDE.










Hurraw lip balm in grapefruit is an all organic vegan choice for lip balms. (Weird how spell check disagrees with the word vegan, maybe because I just ate prime rib. BURP. Sorry!) Super smooth, easily absorbed, won't give me cancer or seizures. Hurraw! My only complaint is that for some reason it doesn't go on the wet parts of my lips (my inner area where my lips meet.) Maybe my lips are just too big and unmanageable. Guess I'll stick with my Whoo's balm (previously reviewed)

So wish me luck tomorrow, my pretties! MWAH! 

Shucks :-) Z Box wrote some very sweet things about me!

Zibbet's Z Box Sampler blog had this to say about my blog (I'm blushing!):

The Beauty Pirate Review!!!

Hello,  as you can see I'm a little behind in my features of Z Box Shops!  Let's just say it's been a CRAZY busy summer!
So while you wait for the features to start back,  I wanted to share with you one of my favorite people!
The Beauty Pirate!
I have been watching her do video reviews of other sampler boxes for quite some time now.  Even before Z Box was ever thought of!! She is funny, cute and ADOOOORABLE!!  Please watch her review of Z Box,  and if you are into beauty, fashion, make -up, and sampler boxes you should follow her blog,  and her you tube channel!!
PLEASE tell her Z BOX sent you to follow her!!  We just love her!



The newest Zibbet sampler goers on sale today, I believe, so take my word for it- it's worth your while! (Just watch the video and you'll see how awesome it is!)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My Ugly Brown Box

It's not unusual for folks to have a go-to beauty box, and I'm no exception. I have a big cardboard box that I got a Korres set in that I've been carting around for a few years. I know I should upgrade to something a little,um, sexier, but I'm waiting for it to completely fall apart first (the lid is halfway held on with duct tape). I keep this box by my bed and it's filled with items that I use every day (like my moisturizer du jour) or else the basics that I'll need when I'm running late and I have to put my makeup on in the car :-) I keep a little bit of everything in there so that I'm always covered. The Husband always knows to what I refer when I tell him "Don't forget to grab my makeup box!" If I'm throwing it into a weekender bag, I just put a rubberband around it (just gets classier and classier, eh?). So with no exaggeration or embarrassment,  here's what is in the current incarnation of my Ugly Brown Box.


Laura Geller Kabuki brush
My previous review " I love using this brush to apply mineral foundation or veils, because it's so smooth and rounded that it gives even, flawless coverage. It doesn't pick up too much powder at one time either or give you those weird poofs of hidden deposits that have to be rubbed off. It's very thick and fluffy. What I like best is the handle, it's thick but longer than most kabuki handles making it really easy to have natural control over your application."
Laura Geller Lucite Handled Kabuki Brush
Laura Geller Lucite Handled Kabuki Brush
Achieve a flawless finish. This soft and silky kabuki brush is perfect for applying a fluff of color across your face. Its clear lucite handle is sized and shaped for a comfortable grip. From Laura Geller.










Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths now officially hold the title of my 2nd favorite face cleaning wipes (Nothing has topped Korres Pomegranate wipes so far). They remove even the most stubborn eye makeup with no stinging and your skin feels fresh and thoroughly clean. They really do get everything! They don't have anything soapy of foamy that leaves a residue, either. When I use these, my hubby will often use the other side after I'm done, even though getting him to wash his face as a separate event from bathing or shaving  is generally a foreign concept to him. Metrosexual he's not! Nothing is worse for your skin than going to bed without washing your face, particularly if you're wearing makeup, but these bad boys leave you no excuse!
Glacial Cleansing Cloths (30 piece)
Glacial Cleansing Cloths (30 piece)
These detoxifying cleansing cloths are designed to cleanse and soothe the skin while on-the-go. Infused with Icelandic glacial waters and botanical ingredients, they gently yet effectively rid the skin of makeup, excess oil and impurities, leaving the skin feeling fresh and pure. Plus, the residue-free, non-drying formula never leaves the skin feeling tight or sticky. Ideal for travel or every day use.






Colorescience All Clear Sparkle Sunforgettable
What I said before "I have become OBSESSED with Colorescience Sunforgettable Sun Protection! It's a powder that provides EXTREMELY water resistant protection. Because it's a powder, it goes on evenly and you don't have that awful shiny greasy feeling. Every time I pull this stuff out, everyone is clamoring to try it. I adore the powder puff in the orb, and it's a perfect stand in for your regular foundation. I use it just like a mineral foundation with wonderful results. I look great and don't have streaky, blotchy or cakey makeup. Since it is so water resistant, it sticks even when sweating. I wore this on my face on the 4th of July at the lake and didn't get even a hint of sunburn on my albino face!

There's also a roller style that looks like a Ban deoderant that makes application a breeze on larger areas like your arms and legs.

They're available in tons of shades, and I especially the the Sparkle shades. They have a touch of glittery sparkle to them that makes me look like Ziggy Stardust :-)
The two I used most recently were the orb in All Clear Sparkle and the Rock N Roller in All Clear Shimmer." 



Using this stuff at the pool last weekend garnerned tons of attention. One of my friends said to another "Julie Ann always has the coolest makeup!" 
Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 30 Orb (0.52 oz.)
Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 30 Orb (0.52 oz.)
Colorescience's popular Sunforgettable in All Clear Sparkle is a clear, weightless powder with long-lasting sun protection and sexy sparkle. Free of damaging dyes, chemicals, colorants and odors, Sunforgettable is the perfect powder for those with sensitive skin, such as rosacea or eczema, but is great for keeping the whole family safe from the sun's harmful rays. Packaged in a stylish blue orb and accompanied by a cute powder puff for perfect application. This creamy powder cools the skin and can be used to help soothe skin already exposed to UV sun rays, as well as skin left exposed from surgical and cosmetic procedures. Sunforgettable has received the FDA seal of approval and the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation of America.






Green Gardens Naturals Silky Face Daily Moisturizer is made with emu oil, which is rife with cosmetic properties. There's an excellent article that explains all of the benefits to your skin from emu oil HERE. It's an extremely concentrated moisturizer, I find that I only need a tiny bit for complete moisturization. It absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy and is gentle and healing on the skin. Noncomodogenic and full of antioxidants, this cream is also packed with beneficial natural ingredients such as neem oil, comfrey, and black willow bark. They make their products by hand, so you can always be assured that what you're getting is fresh and prepared with love. If you go to their Facebook page you can see what current discounts and specials are available. Thank you All Natural Beauty Mall for introducing me to them!


MAC Select Sheer Loose Powder
What I said previously "It's feather light, microfine, and provides some mattifying without being cakey- your skin keeps a luminescence that can often be dulled by too heavy powder. A tiny bit goes a long way, so it lasts forever, too. And I really like the way it smells, too. Very clean and fresh. It balances out skin tone and helps to diminish the appearance of imperfections without looking like you tried too hard."
Mac Face Care, 8g/0.28oz Select Sheer Loose Powder # NC15 ( Unboxed ) for Women
Mac Face Care, 8g/0.28oz Select Sheer Loose Powder # NC15 ( Unboxed ) for Women
A lightweight, ultra-fine & supersheer loose powder,Incredibly offers a sheer micro-fine matte finish,Sets & perfect color, creates the most comfortable wear,














Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist- ooooooooooohhhhhh. aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh. That is all.


Just kidding! This stuff is divine! It's a definite multitasker- it hydrates your skin, sets mineral makeup, refreshes tired makeup and skin, soothes skin irritations and redness and smells absolutely heavenly to boot! A few spritzes on a hot day will give you instant relief, too. As a side note, I also really like the bottle :-) Seriously, it's glass, but it's such a heavy thick glass you don't worry about accidentally breaking it and I also get the feeling you could give someone a nice little concussion if you swung it at their head!
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
For rejuvenating refreshment throughout the day, try Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist. It's a unique, compact, and travelworthy way to soften and revive your skin. With soothing extracts to heal and calm, your skin will feel soft and smooth....








Laura Geller Spackle Trio
What I said before "Thursdays are always painful for me, I have to be at work at 7:30am and I'm a night owl who does not like to hoot that early (unless I'm still up from the night before). Needless to say, my thursday makeup tends to be subdued. On these days my primers make the most of what my sad tired face has to offer and gives me the optical illusion of rest. On days like this, I'm uber grateful for the one type of spackle that I actually put on my face on purpose, and that'sLaura Geller Spackle Trio Primer , which rocks. You got your face primer, eyes and lips all in one handy dandy jar, and a perfect little mirror to boot. This is also a travel essential  since you don't have tubes to explode or leak and you have everything you need in one place. Love it!"
Laura Geller Spackle Trio
Laura Geller Spackle Trio
Get the silky perfection of three luxurious primers at your fingertips with the Laura Geller Spackle Trio. Retexturize your skin's surface and get the smooth, flawless finish of Eye Spackle (0.18 oz), Lip Spackle (0.18 oz), and Original Spackle (0.85 oz) all in one convenient pot. Create even texture, prevent creasing and drying, enhance pigment, and extend the wear of your makeup all at once, allinone....









MyChelle Dermaceuticals Cream Foundation, Concealer
What an idea! Mineral makeup in a cream! No spills, no mess, just simple and smooth application. You control the application by using as much or as little as you desire- it's easy to go from light coverage to heavy depending on your desire. I like to use the foundation lightly and then touch up areas of concern with the concealer, which blends seamlessly with the foundation. It lasts all day and doesn't settle into my pores, and when my skin starts to oil up around the t-zones, a few dabs with a blotting paper and I'm good as new! Though their website says these are good for all skin types, I don't know that I'd recommend the foundation to those with super oily skin.
Check out some of these ingredients:
Key Ingredients:

1. Grape Seed Oil (Vitis Vinifera):
this flavonoid-rich antioxidant has many therapeutic benefits—it inhibits allergic reactions and guards the skin’s own stores of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

2. Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia Oleifera):
this light yet deeply penetrating oil also boasts antioxidant qualities plus it works overtime as a wrinkle-inhibiting brightener that gives skin a beautiful glow and texture.

3. Silica:
this wrinkle-reducing ingredient also helps controls sebum for a consistently smooth, matte finish throughout the day.

4. Natural Vitamin E:
a fantastic antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress and reduces wrinkles.

5. Prunus Persica (Peach) Extract: this moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial ingredient also has antioxidant properties.
 


Nature's Gift Calendula Repair Cream is awesome! After I discovered the joys of calendula, it quickly became an ingredient that I always look out for. Calendula is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and it works healing wonders besides. I tend to rub this into my arms and legs at night before bed and I love the calming and soothing scent. Unlike heavily perfumed lotions, this one is a gentle herbal scent that doesn't overwhelm and can be used by my hubby too! (Whenever he wants to use lotion, he tends to look around for a big bottle of Curel that he keeps around 'cause I punkd him a few times by giving him something girly to use, I'm evil, I know...) Check out some of the other ingredients "Subtly scented with the healing essential oils of Rose Otto, (antibacterial and soothing), Palma Rosa (anti-fungal), Neroli (gentle sebum balancer), and Sandalwood (again, skin balancing and anti-bacterial) this rich soothing lotion has a unisex appeal." Another product that I have to thank the All Natural Beauty Mall for introducing me to!




Ulta Cheek Color in Bashful
I am a big fan of Ulta cheek colors, they have smooth and even application and don't clog my pores. I find them just as good as some of the pricier brands. This has been my go to cheek color of late because it tends to look good with almost any shades of eyes and lips and does an excellent job of contouring my chubby little face so that you can see that yes Virginia, there are cheekbones!
Cheek Color
Cheek Color
ULTA Cheek Color contours, highlights and gives cheeks a fresh glow.






Nucelle Mandelic Eyelift Creme
When I first received this in a SkinCareRx.com Beauty Cache, I intended to wait to use it until I'd done a video of my recent cache. Oops. One trial and I was hooked and started using it daily from that moment on. I use it at night and when I wake up, my eye area  looks toned and refreshed. I haven't had a problem with dark circles and my fine lines seem to be diminished (at least temporarily). It absorbs easily and doesn't burn if I get too close to my peepers.  
Mandelic EyeLift Creme (0.5 oz.)
Mandelic EyeLift Creme (0.5 oz.)
The only eye cream formulated with Mandelic acid, Mandelic EyeLift Creme is a soothing blend of natural botanicals and almond-derived Mandelic acid, and gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid. This non-irritating formula helps to strengthen and revitalize the tissue, reducing signs of aging in the skin such as fine lines and discolorations. Ideal for daily use on all skin types.









Ulta  lipstick- Totally Berried is a lovely shimmery lipstick that again, seems to go with almost everything. Goes on smooth and rich and doesn't feather, even without any sort of liner or lip primer. Very moist application with good color stay. The shimmer isn't drag queenie over the top, just a bit of a twinkle. I'm sad that mine is almost gone (yes, I have used up the whole tube!) but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't buy color repeats since I want to always be experimenting with different cosmetic colors and lord knows I OD on lipstick anyway! Is there a rehab clinic for lippie addicts?
Lipstick
Lipstick
ULTA Lipstick gives full, rich color in a long lasting formula. Finish guide: CR = Cream/SH = Shimmer/SHR = Sheer






Birchbox eyebrow brush
This was one of the extras in a recent Birchbox shipment, and I LOVE it! I have eyebrows that are perfectly clear, so I will often use a brow shadow to darken them up and make them stand out a little more. My eyebrows are thick and lush, but invisible! This little guy grooms them into submission and makes sure that I perfectly distributed the color.

Smashbox O Gloss
I was really skeptical about this stuff. It's like a mood ring for your lips, changing to a different color on everyone. My BS-ometer went off the charts, but guess what? It really DOES look different on everybody! It's a lovely flush of color, light but sexy. It turned a brighter pink on a friend with darker skin and on me is a light berry pink. It has great staying power and looks divine in photographs.
O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss
O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss
Smashbox O-Gloss turns lips your own perfect shade of pink!






Lancome Cils Booster XL lash primer    Brigette's Boutique even has mini sized versions for $3.50 and the full sized for only $16.95!!!!!!
What did I say in a previous review?
"Wedding bells are ringing for me and Lancome-Cils Booster XL-Mascara-Enhancer It's simply mind-blowing. Just like foundation primer and shadow primer, this stuff gets you the best performance out of your mascara for out of this world sixties sexpot lashes. It makes such a tremendous difference with the majority of mascara brands. You HAVE to put your mascara on right after application though or it doesn't go on right and thin formulas will need multiple coats. It takes some experimenting, but it's worth it! "
Lancome Eye Care, 5.2g/0.17oz Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base for Women
Lancome Eye Care, 5.2g/0.17oz Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base for Women
A new white mascara base enriched with Micro-Fibers,When your usual mascara applied,,Your lashes are visibly magnified & lengthened,Lashes are also perfectly protected ,Gives you an extraordinary glamorous look,






Cherry City cuticle stick -Mandarin Clove
Not only do I worship at the altar of Cherry City, but the cuticle oils are DA BOMB. I've always had raggedy sad cuticles that tore easily and looked like absolute crap. Not anymore! These handy little cuticle oil sticks come in an applicator similar to Stila lip glosses. A few clicks to release the oil into the soft brush at the tip so there's no muss, no fuss. You swipe it directly onto your cuticles and I like to run it on so I get the extra into my nail bed for additional moisturization. As with most Cherry City products, you get to choose the scent from an extensive list of fragrances. I'm a sucker for the Mandarin Clove because it's a bright, clean smell that perfectly combines the two scents. A little goes a long way, so this will last you some time. It doesn't effect your polish either, so you can apply it over bare or painted nails.
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss -Crystal
What I said before:
"Smashbox Lip Enhancing Sheer Gloss in Crystal is awesome by itself or over a lippie that you want to make absolutely the shiniest it can be. Really moist, really shiny, and gives the illusion of plumper lips with the use of polymers that reflect the light. It's a gel like texture, but not insanely sticky, like some glosses this texture can be. It also has good staying power, you aren't reapplying it every time you speak. 4.2 out of 5 on Makeup Alley."
Smashbox Lip Care, 6ml/0.2oz Lip Enhancing Gloss - Crystal ( Sheer ) for Women
Smashbox Lip Care, 6ml/0.2oz Lip Enhancing Gloss - Crystal ( Sheer ) for Women
Wraps your lips in luminous color & shine,Loaded with moisturizing agents,Keeps lips soft, smooth & comfortable,Long wearing & lips look naturally plumped for hours,Gives different makeup results - sheer, true or full,






Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil- Zero
What I said before:
"Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Zero is a perfect basic black. It's soft enough to go on creamily and I can even use it in my waterline- something I almost never do because it irritates my eyes. It's extremely gentle and keeps in place most of the day (I work 2 jobs, so my day is extremely long). The pencils sharpen cleanly and easily without becoming splintery, which I find to be a huge plus- nothing more irritating than losing half your freakin' pencil every time you try to sharpen it! Urban Decay knocks it out of the park with their eye products."


24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil
A waterproof eye pencil formulated with moisturizing Vitamin E and natural oils.






Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil- Tanzania, Kalahari
What I said before:
"Man, I love these eye pencils! They do create a thick line, but they are creamy as a baby's bottom and they DO NOT run all over your face. They are water resistent, but come off easily with cleanser. The color I love most is the tanzania for my green-blue eyes because the brick shimmer makes me eyes stand out. I wouldn't use this liner if you're going for wacky eyemakeup, because this seems to stand best with earth tones. Oh, and it has a built in smudgie!" 
"The eyes today are lined in Sue-Devitt-Eye-Intensifier-Pencil-in Kalahari , a really interesting greyish sort of color. These pencils are crazy thick, so they're more intended for a smoky smudged look than a super sharp line. They have a handy dandy smudging sponge on the other end, too. The only bad thing about these is that they're so soft and smudgable that you have to make sure you haven't rubbed any off during a long day- I'll carry mine with me so i can do any necessary touchups."
Eye Intensifier Pencil (0.05 oz.)
Eye Intensifier Pencil (0.05 oz.)
This dual-ended pencil features a super silky pigmented tip and a tapered blending tip for achieving perfectly defined eyes in minutes. Formulated with Nylon-12, it glides on with ease and sets to a water-resistant finish that won't smudge or fade. Line your upper and lower lashes, or use as a creamy shadow shade for instant glamour. Kalahari is a sheer gray shade.







Eye Intensifier Pencil (0.05 oz.)
Eye Intensifier Pencil (0.05 oz.)
This dual-ended pencil features a super silky pigmented tip and a tapered blending tip for achieving perfectly defined eyes in minutes. Formulated with Nylon-12, it glides on with ease and sets to a water-resistant finish that won't smudge or fade. Line your upper and lower lashes, or use as a creamy shadow shade for instant glamour. Tanzania is a shimmering deep tan shade.









Clinique Lash Doubling mascara
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara
Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara
Magnifies lashes to twice their size. Thickens them to maximum volume. In minimum time. For bigger, better lashes. Size: Extra Large....








I think it's a bit of wishful thinking on Clinique's part to call this lash DOUBLING mascara, but it's a good basic use mascara. It does make the lashes appear longer, but I don't think it thickens them at all. If you use a lash primer, it does have more oomph, and it doesn't clump one bit. Not anything to write home about, but it's a decent standard issue mascara that is reasonably priced. 
Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle night cream is an all natural formulation designed to target expression lines most specifically. I love Korres products, and this has been no exception. While as a night cream it is heavier than your daytime stuff, it doesn't clog my pores or make my skin feel oily (perhaps because I use a small amount.) Within a week of using this one, my skin began to feel 'plumper'. I've seen before and after photos from studies Korres did, and when used on heavily wrinkled skin, it makes a HUGE difference. Knock on wood, I'm not too wrinkly yet, but it's never too early for preventative therapy. Besides, maybe it's the preventative measures that had me mistake for a full decade younger than I really am at the pool on Sunday. (and that was sans makeup!)

Quercetin and oak is the first natural, clinically proven alternative to retinol. An ultra-powerful antioxidant derived from the oak tree, it works fast to help minimize the signs of aging and keep skin looking younger. 

Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Night Cream
Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Night Cream
Korres Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Night Cream is clinically proven to dramatically reduce wrinkles, significantly increase skin elasticity and visibly improve skin texture.






Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation, first of all, looks FABULOUS in photos. I prefer to apply this with a foundation brush to get the most even coverage. It's VERY sheer, so if you want heavy coverage this isn't for you. It's mostly for "I was born this way" skin. In my problem areas, I use a concealer instead of trying to build this up heavily. That way, my face still looks fresh and natural but I can hide areas like scarring. I recommend shaking the bottle a few times before application- this is an oil free formula so the color can separate from the carrier without a heavy binding oil. Thumbs up for SPF and hygienic packaging. To the people I've seen complaining about the pump clogging- well, um, honey, it isn't too hard to run your pump under the water to clear it, is it? I'll take a barrier between my skin and bacteria any day. This looks best if you use a blotting paper as the day goes on instead of trying to pile powder up over it. Sometimes simple really IS best.
Smashbox Cosmetics High Definition Healthy FX Foundation
Smashbox Cosmetics High Definition Healthy FX Foundation
Nourish your skin as you cover your flaws with Smashbox Cosmetics High Definition Healthy FX Foundation Fair F2. This hydrating formula is packed with vitamins and skinfirming ingredients that renew and repair your skin as you wear it. It contains SPF 15 for protection from future damage. Fair F2 is for fair skin with neutral undertones....








Cherry City After 5 Roll in undetermined scent as the label has come off.  :-)
The great thing about these is that they're in a roller ball applicator so they're convenient to carry in your bag or for travel without worrying about spills. The formulation is about as easy as you can get- jojoba oil and fragrance. No weird chemicals, nothing bizarre that will make you have 3 headed babies. And right now you get a free lip butter with any order!



Pur-lisse pur-bright Ultra Skin Brightening Serum
I started using this at the beginning of the summer, knowing that I'd have higher levels of sun exposure, which aggravates my lupus thus giving me ruddy and uneven skin tone. During a flare up, it's not unusual for me to look like I just ran a marathon because my face will get so red. While pricey, this stuff is worth it's weight in gold for my skin. This is the first summer that I haven't had massive redness issues ( I've been using this in conjunction with Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector). I apply this nightly before my moisturizer, applying it to my face and my decolletage. This is for evening skin tone-I've seen so many reviews from people who thought it would, I dunno, make 20 years of sun damage disappear or something. This is to protect you from what you are being exposed to NOW. Oh- a little bit goes a LOOOOONG way- one bottle will last you forever. Also comes with a hygienic pump dispenser! Yay! 
Pur-Bright Ultra Skin Brightening Serum (1 oz.)
Pur-Bright Ultra Skin Brightening Serum (1 oz.)
Pur-lisse Pur-Bright Ultra Skin Brightening Serum brings out your brightest skin without the harsh, aggressive ingredients. This hydroquinone-free treatment contains stabilized vitamin C to renew as neem and prune extracts diminish hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. Exclusive Lotus Lupine 5 peptide complex further helps your skin repair while combating aging. Avocado oil and squalane soothe irritations and condition skin, keeping your complexion soft, healthy and smooth.







Ulta dual sharpener
This is a great pencil sharpener! 2 holes so you can sharpen those big stubby pencils, and a little trap door to catch all of your shavings until you feel like emptying it. I've been using mine for at least 2 years and it still works great. It's cheap, too!
Cosmetic Pencil Sharpner
Cosmetic Pencil Sharpner
This double-bladed cosmetic pencil sharpener sharpens both large and small pencils and leaves a rounded-over tip.







Talika Lipocils Experts eyelash gel
HOLY SCHNIKEES! It actually WORKS! Seriously! I truly didn't expect it to- sounded like so much BS hype. Well knock me over with a tail feather! My lashes have gotten waaaay longer since I started using this. It hasn't increased the curliness of my lashes when bare, but they seem to curl better now with mascara. This really does create a thicker lash line, that's for sure. My guess is that the conditioners are strengthening my lashes allowing them not fall out so quickly. They're certainly thicker, longer and stronger. I started noticing a difference in just a few weeks, but after 2 months of use I can't even believe that these are my once sparse stubby lashes transformed.
Lipocils Expert Lash Treatment (0.035 oz.)
Lipocils Expert Lash Treatment (0.035 oz.)
In less than a month you can achieve beautiful, luscious lashes, safely and quickly. TALIKA Lipocils Expert Lash Treatment uses highly active natural ingredients to stimulate healthy, full lash growth while enhancing color and curl. The unique applicator top features an angled sponge top to sweep along your lash line while the mascara brush conditions each strand. Clinical tests have shown an improvement in length and thickness in as little as 28 days.








Nuxe Paris Tonific Intensive Firming Cream works really well at firming the skin in high stress areas (thighs, buttocks, bust). Do not expect miracle creams, but this does a good job and does tighten up the skin considerably. It's quite thick, so I tend to only use this at night, but it absorbs smoothly when massaged into the skin. Feels quite luxurious and has a fairly ordinary, non offensive scent. The one drawback is that it is impossible to find in the US now, it seems! I used up my jar a few days ago and am having a really hard time finding a place to get a replacement! Argh!

Sephora Glossy Gloss- Think Pink A light, non sticky gloss with good staying power. VERY high shine with a glass like finish. Normally glosses like that feel gloppy, but this one doesn't. Mine is fairly glittery, but it's a more sophisticated glittery- not full of chunks and not like something a child would wear. These are really moisturizing and have a pleasant fruity scent. I chose a more sheer color, but the darker shades are known to have a quite pretty tint to them.



Ulta brush
This is from what I think of as their 'economy line'. Not the best brush in the world, but a good cheap everyday use brush. I use mine as a blush brush because I have to use a light hand due to my fair skin. This is soft enough to provide a loose glowing application without creating the Alexis Carrington Dynasty look.
Medium Powder Brush
Medium Powder Brush
Get a feathery-soft touch with the Medium Powder Brush by Ulta.







Tarte Vitamin Infused Lipstick -Hatha
What I said before
a golden neutral with rosy undertones. This is a universal shade that should work well on anyone, and it's natural enough to not be blaring but does add a dash of color. This is a great daytime color, and with the addition of some darker lip liner will go straight into evening. (Any time I wear a neutral or light color after sunset people think I've gone insane, so I will usually add something to pop the color a bit.) It has a bit of a shimmer to it, but again it's very subtle. It's extremely moist and feels like some amazing balm. The only down side is that I find it to be a bit short lived compared to some other (less green) companies . In enviromentally friendly packaging and infused with a jillion nutrients though, it's a great lippie.

Whoo's Lip Balm- Fudge It
Mmmmmmmmm. Smells wonderful and has a delicious fudgy taste to it. Unlike a lot of flavored balms, this one doesn't taste like a chemical waste dump. Warning vegans- it does have beeswax. This is a handmade balm that's emollient and absorbent and make your lips feel divinely soft. It applies so smoothly and really fills in your whole lip, even if they're chapped. I put this on at night and in the morning my lips still feel full and soft. This is easily one of the most perfectly put together handmade balms I've used in a long time.


Ulta eyeshadow quad
What I said before:I'm loving my Ulta Pink Corals quad, though I must admit to being confused as to why it's called that when all of the colors are earth tones, but what do I know? Ulta shadows are always a bargain, with good pigment (especially their metallics like the GORGEOUS copper shimmer in this set!) I love that there's a tiny mirror in the case, but the sponge brush is a joke. Making a dual ended brush that's less than an inch long is fairly useless, unless you WANT to have eyeshadow all over your hands. Why even insult my intelligence by throwing that in there? Oh well, I suppose I can forgive them :-)
Eyeshadow Quad
Eyeshadow Quad
Accentuate your eyes with fine-milled eyeshadow by ULTA that is long-lasting and crease-proof. Finish guide: SH = Shimmer/GL = Glitter/MT = Matte





And there you have it! What is actually in my honest to goodness emergency face box!