Guest Post: The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette

The following review is courtesy of guest blogger, Angela Showell. Take it away, Angela...

The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette #02 comes in a really pretty gold case - and from the front little window, I could see that the colors were right up my alley: golds, blue, and copper. I then decided to get a closer look by opening the case. It was extremely hard to open. I do have acrylic fingernails so they are a little long, but not even my stubby fingernailed husband could get it open on the first try! Eventually he got it, thus making this review possible!

The case has a mirror and long-handled, double sided applicator which was handy for the eyeshadow, but not so much for the bronzer. So, I broke outmy fluffy blush brush and got to work.

I applied the bronzer over my normal cream powder foundation (shout out to Neutrogena). It was a little too bronze for my winter pale-ness so I toned it down with a little more foundation blending. Next I went for my all over lid color. The palette came with 3 shades of gold (well, a light gold, a true gold, and a bronze) and one shimmery blue. I used the light gold as a base and then did the blue for my inner corner (it came out kind of green when mixed with the light gold) and blended in the copper for my outer crease. I used the applicator to do the blending instead of my normal brush, it worked out pretty well with a little help from my finger (the best blending tool anyway, your mom is right).

The eyeshadows stayed a nice color all day, with minimal creasing. Overall, I really liked this product. The colors are neutral enough that it could be your everyday standby.

Guest Post: The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette

The following review is courtesy of guest blogger, Angela Showell. Take it away, Angela...

The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette #02 comes in a really pretty gold case - and from the front little window, I could see that the colors were right up my alley: golds, blue, and copper. I then decided to get a closer look by opening the case. It was extremely hard to open. I do have acrylic fingernails so they are a little long, but not even my stubby fingernailed husband could get it open on the first try! Eventually he got it, thus making this review possible!

The case has a mirror and long-handled, double sided applicator which was handy for the eyeshadow, but not so much for the bronzer. So, I broke outmy fluffy blush brush and got to work.

I applied the bronzer over my normal cream powder foundation (shout out to Neutrogena). It was a little too bronze for my winter pale-ness so I toned it down with a little more foundation blending. Next I went for my all over lid color. The palette came with 3 shades of gold (well, a light gold, a true gold, and a bronze) and one shimmery blue. I used the light gold as a base and then did the blue for my inner corner (it came out kind of green when mixed with the light gold) and blended in the copper for my outer crease. I used the applicator to do the blending instead of my normal brush, it worked out pretty well with a little help from my finger (the best blending tool anyway, your mom is right).

The eyeshadows stayed a nice color all day, with minimal creasing. Overall, I really liked this product. The colors are neutral enough that it could be your everyday standby.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Love chocolate, but watching your waistline? Next time you get a craving, put down the M&M’s (my personal weakness) and pick up one of the following products. They’re sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s sweet tooth!

Bath & Body


Chocolate Milk Body Wash by Philip B is a playful and magical experience that revives the spirit of your inner child and lends a spiritual youth jolt! Nurturing and skin conditioning, the aromatic rich scent is a treat from your nose to your toes and makes you feel 100% delicious.


When times are rough, let nature’s original physical therapist, pure Cocoa Extract, reveal your softer self. Origins Cocoa Therapy Body-Buffing Scrub helps delete skin-dulling debris and excess impurities.


Prepare yourself for pampering with Spa Chocolate Gift Set by Not Soap, Radio - consisting of exfoliating sugared body polish, ultra-whipped cocoa butter body soufflé, and a purifying face mask all made with real cocoa, a dash of vanilla and a hint of nutmeg.


Fragrance


Aquolina’s Chocolovers Sweet Kiss Gift Set includes a 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray and a 0.27 oz Creamy Lip Color in a signature gift box.


Dangerously alluring and passionately addictive, Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Amour de Cacao offers a delicate and original alternative for vanilla lovers. With notes of unsweetened dark chocolate, vanilla, and bitter orange, this elegant confection lingers with a powdery exoticism.


Cosmetics


There's just nothing sexier than a juicy, plump, healthy, satin-smooth pucker. Keep your lips in kissable shape with Too Faced Beauty Balm, a seductive lip balm infused with lip loving essential oils. The Chocolate Bunny shade (a chocolate-scented nude) keeps lips soft and supple.


Sweet Beauty Lip Balms are formulated to moisturize, heal and protect, while pampering your lips with the delicious taste of chocolate. They are available in 5 degrees of chocolaty intensity.


Bourjois Bronzing Powder and Kabuki Brush give your skin a radiant, healthy glowing tan with a chocolate-orange scent.


Home


If you're not eating chocolate, what's the next best thing? A Cocoa Bar that looks and smells like the real thing...but can hold all sorts of things for you. Slide cards or photos in between the individual "pieces" to hold them up or use it as a soap dish or a paperweight. The possibilities are endless...and if all else fails, you can always take an intoxicating whiff. Chocoholics won't be able to resist.


Laura Mercier Chocolate Truffle Candle diffuses a warm chocolate fragrance throughout the home. It blends top notes of almond with creamy espresso and a hint of Frangelico; the chocolate scent is warmed with a blend of vanilla, sweet maple and honey topped off with rose.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Love chocolate, but watching your waistline? Next time you get a craving, put down the M&M’s (my personal weakness) and pick up one of the following products. They’re sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s sweet tooth!

Bath & Body


Chocolate Milk Body Wash by Philip B is a playful and magical experience that revives the spirit of your inner child and lends a spiritual youth jolt! Nurturing and skin conditioning, the aromatic rich scent is a treat from your nose to your toes and makes you feel 100% delicious.


When times are rough, let nature’s original physical therapist, pure Cocoa Extract, reveal your softer self. Origins Cocoa Therapy Body-Buffing Scrub helps delete skin-dulling debris and excess impurities.


Prepare yourself for pampering with Spa Chocolate Gift Set by Not Soap, Radio - consisting of exfoliating sugared body polish, ultra-whipped cocoa butter body soufflé, and a purifying face mask all made with real cocoa, a dash of vanilla and a hint of nutmeg.


Fragrance


Aquolina’s Chocolovers Sweet Kiss Gift Set includes a 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray and a 0.27 oz Creamy Lip Color in a signature gift box.


Dangerously alluring and passionately addictive, Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Amour de Cacao offers a delicate and original alternative for vanilla lovers. With notes of unsweetened dark chocolate, vanilla, and bitter orange, this elegant confection lingers with a powdery exoticism.


Cosmetics


There's just nothing sexier than a juicy, plump, healthy, satin-smooth pucker. Keep your lips in kissable shape with Too Faced Beauty Balm, a seductive lip balm infused with lip loving essential oils. The Chocolate Bunny shade (a chocolate-scented nude) keeps lips soft and supple.


Sweet Beauty Lip Balms are formulated to moisturize, heal and protect, while pampering your lips with the delicious taste of chocolate. They are available in 5 degrees of chocolaty intensity.


Bourjois Bronzing Powder and Kabuki Brush give your skin a radiant, healthy glowing tan with a chocolate-orange scent.


Home


If you're not eating chocolate, what's the next best thing? A Cocoa Bar that looks and smells like the real thing...but can hold all sorts of things for you. Slide cards or photos in between the individual "pieces" to hold them up or use it as a soap dish or a paperweight. The possibilities are endless...and if all else fails, you can always take an intoxicating whiff. Chocoholics won't be able to resist.


Laura Mercier Chocolate Truffle Candle diffuses a warm chocolate fragrance throughout the home. It blends top notes of almond with creamy espresso and a hint of Frangelico; the chocolate scent is warmed with a blend of vanilla, sweet maple and honey topped off with rose.

Tis The Season To Be Stingy

I’m not really advocating avarice – but Stila makes it so difficult to be generous this upcoming holiday season. Their recently released Dazzle & Dream collection is so covetable, you won’t want to give it away!


The Gift of Glaze is the ultimate present for the gloss obsessed. The set includes six best-selling mini lip glaze shades - with two new flavors just for the holiday season. They are: two new limited-edition shade; nutmeg spice (a golden rosy peach with nutmeg flavor), and candy cane (a sheer golden red with a candy cane flavor), grapefruit, apricot, vanilla and brown sugar. This will sure sell fast so place your order now!


Tis the season to don a healthy bronze glow even though you may be surrounded by snow! The Gift of Glow Bronzing Set contains Stila essentials like sun bronzer SPF 15; baked eye shadow trio in gold; lip glaze in brown sugar; delux sample smudge pot in bronze; and a mini eye liner brush.


Whether giving a gift to your favorite Stila girl (or to the Stila girl in you), the Gift of Glamour/Best of Stila is most definitely the ULTIMATE! Featuring some of Stila's best-selling shades and iconic products, it includes: eye shadow in kitten and barefoot contessa; an illuminating tinted moisturizer; a tube of multi-effect mascara in black; and a new limited-edition lip glaze, fruit cake (a golden rose shade).


Take your look from the office to cocktail party in style with Guinevere's and Scarlett's deluxe palettes of dazzling shades. Each set includes three eye shadows, blush, and lip color. Beautifully decorated with two delicate Swarovski crystals, you’ll love to have them handy for touchups on the go.

Tis The Season To Be Stingy

I’m not really advocating avarice – but Stila makes it so difficult to be generous this upcoming holiday season. Their recently released Dazzle & Dream collection is so covetable, you won’t want to give it away!


The Gift of Glaze is the ultimate present for the gloss obsessed. The set includes six best-selling mini lip glaze shades - with two new flavors just for the holiday season. They are: two new limited-edition shade; nutmeg spice (a golden rosy peach with nutmeg flavor), and candy cane (a sheer golden red with a candy cane flavor), grapefruit, apricot, vanilla and brown sugar. This will sure sell fast so place your order now!


Tis the season to don a healthy bronze glow even though you may be surrounded by snow! The Gift of Glow Bronzing Set contains Stila essentials like sun bronzer SPF 15; baked eye shadow trio in gold; lip glaze in brown sugar; delux sample smudge pot in bronze; and a mini eye liner brush.


Whether giving a gift to your favorite Stila girl (or to the Stila girl in you), the Gift of Glamour/Best of Stila is most definitely the ULTIMATE! Featuring some of Stila's best-selling shades and iconic products, it includes: eye shadow in kitten and barefoot contessa; an illuminating tinted moisturizer; a tube of multi-effect mascara in black; and a new limited-edition lip glaze, fruit cake (a golden rose shade).


Take your look from the office to cocktail party in style with Guinevere's and Scarlett's deluxe palettes of dazzling shades. Each set includes three eye shadows, blush, and lip color. Beautifully decorated with two delicate Swarovski crystals, you’ll love to have them handy for touchups on the go.

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

I Sense A Pattern Here

Missoni, the Italian fashion house, recently threw their saw-tooth patterned hat in the cosmetic ring. The new Colori collection consists of a gold face highlighter compact and quadruple-hued lip gloss.




Stroke the shimmering bronze, champagne, and dusty rose colors on your cheeks and temples to zigzag your way to a radiant, sun-kissed complexion. The chocolate-berry flavored gloss creates the perfect pink by layering sheer red, apricot, fuchsia, and pearlescent white in the Missoni trademark pattern.

Available at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

I Sense A Pattern Here

Missoni, the Italian fashion house, recently threw their saw-tooth patterned hat in the cosmetic ring. The new Colori collection consists of a gold face highlighter compact and quadruple-hued lip gloss.




Stroke the shimmering bronze, champagne, and dusty rose colors on your cheeks and temples to zigzag your way to a radiant, sun-kissed complexion. The chocolate-berry flavored gloss creates the perfect pink by layering sheer red, apricot, fuchsia, and pearlescent white in the Missoni trademark pattern.

Available at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Couture For The Cure

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dior will donate 20% of the sales from its limited edition Couture Palette - which features a bronzer and two lip glosses - to the American Cancer Society. The palette is available at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. So go ahead, make a puchase with purpose.

As a staff member and volunteer with the American Cancer Society, I am proud to report that the largest private, not-for-profit source of funding for cancer research is involved in the fight against breast cancer in many areas. Since 1972, the Society has awarded approximately $322.7 million to breast cancer research grants. Society-funded research has also led to the development of lifesaving breast cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen and Herceptin, as well as discovery of the breast cancer gene.

Here are some ways that you can get involved in the fight against breast cancer:

*Walk and raise money to help us continue to make strides against breast cancer – sign up for your local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk. Since 1993, more than 3.5 million walkers have raised more than $230 million through Making Strides events to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eliminate breast cancer. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

*Become an advocate for women who cannot afford to be screened or treated for breast cancer – join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the sister advocacy organization of the American Cancer Society, to advocate for all women to have access to mammograms and follow-up care. Visit www.acscan.org/makingstrides today to send a message to your member of Congress asking them to support the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. After all, financial status should never determine whether someone survives cancer.

*Get a free email mammogram reminder, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Sign up here. You can also call the American Cancer Society for a free breast cancer information packet at 1.800.ACS.2345.

*Learn more about breast cancer, early detection, treatment options and how you can take control of your breast health at www.cancer.org/breastcancer.

Couture For The Cure

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dior will donate 20% of the sales from its limited edition Couture Palette - which features a bronzer and two lip glosses - to the American Cancer Society. The palette is available at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. So go ahead, make a puchase with purpose.

As a staff member and volunteer with the American Cancer Society, I am proud to report that the largest private, not-for-profit source of funding for cancer research is involved in the fight against breast cancer in many areas. Since 1972, the Society has awarded approximately $322.7 million to breast cancer research grants. Society-funded research has also led to the development of lifesaving breast cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen and Herceptin, as well as discovery of the breast cancer gene.

Here are some ways that you can get involved in the fight against breast cancer:

*Walk and raise money to help us continue to make strides against breast cancer – sign up for your local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk. Since 1993, more than 3.5 million walkers have raised more than $230 million through Making Strides events to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eliminate breast cancer. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

*Become an advocate for women who cannot afford to be screened or treated for breast cancer – join the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the sister advocacy organization of the American Cancer Society, to advocate for all women to have access to mammograms and follow-up care. Visit www.acscan.org/makingstrides today to send a message to your member of Congress asking them to support the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. After all, financial status should never determine whether someone survives cancer.

*Get a free email mammogram reminder, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Sign up here. You can also call the American Cancer Society for a free breast cancer information packet at 1.800.ACS.2345.

*Learn more about breast cancer, early detection, treatment options and how you can take control of your breast health at www.cancer.org/breastcancer.

The Gold Standard in Bronzer

Happy 1st day of fall, y'all! I’m a fall baby, so I love this time of year. The crispness of the air…the red, orange, and gold of the foliage…and football!

But on the flip side, the days are getting shorter and your summer glow is getting dimmer by the day. Instead of investing in a tanning salon membership, do your skin a favor (news flash: tanning causes cancer and wrinkles) and pick up Prescriptives Custom Blend Bronzer. It's not yet on the website, but it's available in stores.

I have a wedding to attend, so I’m going to pass the mic to one of my favorite blogs, Makeup Loves Me. Click here for the review.

The Gold Standard in Bronzer

Happy 1st day of fall, y'all! I’m a fall baby, so I love this time of year. The crispness of the air…the red, orange, and gold of the foliage…and football!

But on the flip side, the days are getting shorter and your summer glow is getting dimmer by the day. Instead of investing in a tanning salon membership, do your skin a favor (news flash: tanning causes cancer and wrinkles) and pick up Prescriptives Custom Blend Bronzer. It's not yet on the website, but it's available in stores.

I have a wedding to attend, so I’m going to pass the mic to one of my favorite blogs, Makeup Loves Me. Click here for the review.

You're Blushing!

What is Bobbi Brown’s advice for looking younger instantly? “Use color to bring out your cheeks. Everyone should have a beautiful pink blush. As soon as you put it on, you won’t notice anything else. Playing up your features will draw attention away from lines.”

To apply blush, dust on the apples of cheeks. Then sweep on up towards hairline, then downwards to blend and soften color.

Some of my most beloved pink blushes include:

Bobbi Brown Blush in Nectar and Peony

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Breathless Berry

Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2

Laura Mercier Face Tint in Blushing

MAC Powder Blush in Pinch Me

Stila Convertible Color in Poppy

You're Blushing!

What is Bobbi Brown’s advice for looking younger instantly? “Use color to bring out your cheeks. Everyone should have a beautiful pink blush. As soon as you put it on, you won’t notice anything else. Playing up your features will draw attention away from lines.”

To apply blush, dust on the apples of cheeks. Then sweep on up towards hairline, then downwards to blend and soften color.

Some of my most beloved pink blushes include:

Bobbi Brown Blush in Nectar and Peony

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Breathless Berry

Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2

Laura Mercier Face Tint in Blushing

MAC Powder Blush in Pinch Me

Stila Convertible Color in Poppy