Review

Bandar Crisped Vegetable Harvest Vegetable Snack Review

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Hello All Y’all!

To say that I’m a fan of Bandar Food’s sauces is an understatement.

We have their sauce in our fridge at all times. We have our friends try them when they come over. Just like “It’s Maile” did to me.

Read the Sauce review: CLICK HERE

Recently, they contacted me to review their newest product. Of course, I said, “YES!!”

Let’s bring on the vegetable-y goodness.

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Seriously, a snack of veggies? Sign me up!

Let’s look at the deets:

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In the 75 gram bags you get 2.5 servings. (While taking photos I ate a whole bag!) There are carrots, pumpkin, okra, onion, purple sweet potatoes, green beans and sweet potatoes.

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I was trying to figure out my favorite vegetable. I started saying in my head, “Oh, the carrots the best. Noooo, the green beans, noooo the sweet potatoes, but what about that okra!” They are full flavored, the texture is very crispy and crunchy with the perfect touch of saltiness. The okra surprised me so much, I’m not a huge fan of it.. okra tends to get slimy when you cook it. Whatever magic Bandar has, they make it delicious! I’d be happy munching on a whole bag of these okra!

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When I received the box, one of my dearest friends, Laura was over. I wanted to get her thoughts, too. She stole all the okra out of the first bag.

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Here are her thoughts:

One of my favorite aspects, Laura noticed it, too… They retain the shape, vibrancy and taste of the actual vegetable. “Eat the rainbow.” they say.
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In closing, I’m still a fan of Bandar. They keep coming out with some great delicious products.
Go and show some love to Bandar. All their products can be found on their website. CLICK HERE! 
Stay Awesome and Eat Your Veggies!
Cheers,
Clare
**Products provided for review. All opinions are my own.**

BoxyCharm – March 2015

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Hello All!

It’s subscription box review time. We’re going to start with BoxyCharm.

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I love me some BoxyCharm. The crinkly paper drives my cat and me wild. So fun! He likes to eat it. I don’t.

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Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray – I’ve been using this for a bit now. I don’t think I’ve really seen a difference. It smells fresh. Perhaps it’s just not for me. Oh well. Small size is $11

What they say:

Beat the heat. Defend hair against heat styling with 450 F heat protection. Oscar Blandi’s dry spray formula protects from all hot tools for less damage and more healthy shine.
Benefits:

  • Nourishes & Strengthens
  • Prevents breakage
  • Enhances shine & holds style
  • Instantly & easily restyles hair

Key ingredients:

  • Patented Polymer Complex clinically proven to protect hair from heat & prevent breakage
  • Keratin Proteins nourish & strengthen
  • Fragrance: Lemon Verbena neutralizes odor

Formulated without alcohol & parabens.

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LVX Nail Polish in Mynt –  I wanted to love this. I tried it on plain nails and with a base coat. I couldn’t get a smooth, non-streaky finish. The color is darling and so Spring like! Full size is $16.00

What their site says:

Stimulating and revitalizing, this cool mint is the perfect summer pastel. Mynt pays homage to the significant prevalence of green this season. Invigorating and powerful, this serene green will prevail as a top choice for the warm summer days that are ahead of USA.

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OFRA Black Eyeliner –  It’s a black eyeliner! 🙂 It smokes out really nice. Lasts a fair amount of time. It’s a basic wood eyeliner. Full Size… Retails $13.00

What they say:

Water resistant pencil suitable for the most sensitive eye & lip areas. Created with a synthetic beeswax base for a smooth, soft and long lasting application.

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Tarte LipSurgence in Charmed – Another item I wanted to love. Out of the box it broke. The color is too pale for me, but it is moisturizing and tingly! It’s full of good things for you lips. Full Size… $24.00

Here’s what the site says:

tarte’s iconic lip tint that’s become a staple in celebrity and beauty editor makeup bags alike.

Product Performance: This award-winning, 3-in-1 lip tint offers all the benefits of a lipstick, lip gloss and a creamy balm while delivering rich, complexion-enhancing pigment and keeping lips hydrated and refreshed all day. Infused with skinvigorating™ ingredients like vitamins C & E and jojoba seed oil, the nourishing formula moisturizes and smooths lips for a younger-looking pout with a refreshing burst of peppermint. Simply twist up the automatic pencil tip and glide it over lips to deliver sheer color and a surge of moisture for a plumped-up, luscious appearance.

Powered By: 
•  vitamin C: antioxidant free radical fighter that helps prevent premature signs of aging, while brightening skin
•  vitamin E: natural preservative that also acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient and antioxidant
•  jojoba seed oil: natural soothing extract that leaves lips soft, supple and smooth

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Previse Skin Care Nutrify – Now this item makes the whole box fabuuuuulous. This is a tonic/serum item. You use it after you wash and tone, before moisturizer. I’m just getting into skincare. I’m 41. Extra steps makes me roll my eyes. I use a face wipe, a toner (which I love, it may just show up in my March Faves) and then slap some moisturizer on. I do all of this while watching Beauty Guru videos on YouTube. Recently, I added this to my routine. I didn’t know if it was doing anything, I seemed to look fresher, glowier. A friend was over this week and without prompting told me my skin was looking great. So, I’ll be using this until the last drop. It doesn’t irritate my weird, strange sensitive skin. (Sensitive skin items have made me rash out. Weird, right?) It’s not oily. Feels like a thick water upon application. After a few minutes it mattifies a little. I’m a fan.  Full Size. $48.00 (This is more than twice what the box costs!!)

What they say:

Our potent antioxidant elixir helps to hydrate your skin. Nutrify is not a serum or toner. Nutrify is oil-free and non-astringent. Step 2.0 in our three-step series, Nutrify follows Purify, our sulfate-free wash. Nutrify helps hydrate skin, fights free radicals and waterborne pollutants or additives like chlorine.

That’s the March BoxyCharm! Total worth? Siri tells me it’s $112.

Want to have a monthly BoxyCharm for yourself?  CLICK HERE!

They will want a magic code. Copy and Paste:

Y3FmMnBJbjdQOVNlc0oyeW5lbnlZVC9odURCWnc0K0U0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

Thank you if you use my referral. I love amassing points (for anything). 🙂

Please like, share and subscribe to this blog for more schtuffs!

Stay Awesome!

Cheers,

Clare

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette Review

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Hello Goo Lovers!

Story time.

A month of so ago, I was sitting in my living room with my dear friend WayDizzy. We were having some coffee and kvetching. My email dinged… So, I checked it, like you do. It was an email from Too Faced and HSN letting me know that HSN had a bundle with this palette. I let out a little bit of a whine. It seems like it had been forever of me watching my YouTube Beauty Gurus talk about the sheer fabulousness of this palette. I figured that it was just hyped piled on hype. A hype lasagna, if you will. Mmmmm lasagna!

Waydizzy asked why I was whining. I told her. She told me to buy the dang thing. My friends enable me. It’s really kinda sweet! I hemmed and hawed for the next day, then pulled the trigger. I figured since the bundle was $10 more than just the palette, I rationalized it, like all goohorders do.

I patiently waited…. and waited.

And then it was in my mailbox.

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It sat just like this on the coffee table for 3 days. I kept thinking it was a box of fancy macarons or chocolates, which was painful since I had just started low carb.

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Then, I opened it and stared at it like that for a day. The bundle comes with theToo Faced Chocolate Bar Palette, Better Than Sex Mascara, Le Creme Lip Cream in Nude Beach, a deluxe sample tube Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer and a single use of Cocoa Powder Foundation.

Let’s go through all the goodies.

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I haven’t delved into this. I will.

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I love this line of lipsticks. They smell divinely of lemon cream. The packaging is sleek matte gold. I have Cinnamon Kiss and Spice, Spice Babby Shimmer. This particular on in Naked Dolly is a LIGHT pink with a whisper of nude.

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I wear it over a darker lip stick or the Too Faced Lipliner in Perfect Spice (my favorite lipliner, ever.). I’m weird about pale colors on me.

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Bring on one of the most hyped mascara in recent year. The buzzed has been equal to Urban Decays’ Perverted and Benefit’s They’re Real and Recently their Roller Lash. I like this Too Faced Mascara. The name, Better Than Sex is a little overboard, but it is a BIG, black volumizing mascara. Most of the time I scrape the excess back into the tube.

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The brush is large, hourglass shaped and has scattered bristles. All this helps with making big, fat, awesome lashes!

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Eyeshadow Primer….. Shadow Insurance… One of the better ones I’ve tried. I will totally use the ish out of this!

Let’s get into the real reason we’re here…..

Did someone say CHOCOLATE?

Yes, I did.

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Here’s what it says on the site:

The Chocolate Bar experience begins as soon as you open the palette and the smell of sweet chocolate envelops you. The eye shadows are pigmented with pure, antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and includes 16 matte and shimmer shades of natural browns, delicate pinks and luscious plums. Includes our signature how-to Glamour Guide with three looks to get you started. 

GAH! I didn’t even touch it until I took pictures. I sat and smelled it for days.

Then I used it and was mad that I wasn’t packed this all over my eyes sooner. The shades are a combo of matte and shimmers. There are two highlight shades, once matte…one shimmer. Choices! YAY! The colors are a wonderful mix of neutrals, warmer shades and two cooler shadows. I ain’t even mad there’s no black. See that top right shadow? It’s a really dark brown that is deep and broody enough to assuage any need for a black.

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Top two rows. Swatch Time. Outdoor and Indoor.

Swatches from Top to Bottom:

Amaretto, Candied Violet, Strawberry Bon Bon, Semi-Sweet, Marzipan, Salted Caramel, Triple Fudge, Black Forest Truffle, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Gilded Ganache.

Gah! The names make me salivate for sweets. These are swatted with really only one pass. Press and swipe. The pigment is perfect. The smell is divine. (I have the palette next to me as I type this.. and I want some chocolate!!) And if you are wondering about the taste? They do taste sweet. I did it for you guys! I guess this would be the palette I would want on a deserted island.

Bottom Row.

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Top to Bottom, again

Champagne Truffle, Cherry Cordial, Haute Chocolate, Creme Brule, Hazelnut

This is a palette that I haven’t put down since I got. I’m very happy that WayDizzy pushed me and helped me rationalize it. It’s a great travel palette. So many looks to do. Perfect amount of light and dark shades. Great transition shades.

This bundle has sold out, but I still think this is a palette that most should have. It’s truly one of the best I have. The hype is real. I believe this is one of those palettes that will be around for years and peeps will go back to time and time, again.

Available at Ulta, Sephora or Too Faced.

Stay Awesome,

Clare

My First BoxyCharm – February 2015

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Hello Goo Lovers!

I have succumbed to another subscription box. And I love it!

BoxyCharm sends out full size items and the boxes can be worth close to a $100 (or more!)

Let’s start this unboxing party….

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Yay for Valentine’s Day themed things. As an adult female, I know love pink. It was the last color I chose as a child. Now? Bring on the Pink and Girlie!

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NCLA Polish in Heart Attack. Srsly. How cute is this?! This is a clear base with pink and red mylar hearts. I’ll be wearing this all year long. I might have to try their other polishes, the color selection is amazing! Retails for $16

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Jing Ai Velvet Shine Lip Jewel.  This feels goooood. Pigmented. Moisturizing. No real discernible scent. Full of good emollient ingredients. The color I received is a little pale for me. I’m sure one of my friends will love it. (Who wants to claim it? Luck gurl!) Did I mention it just feels good? I did. Retails for $22

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Mistura Beauty Solutions C-2-P Complexion Corrector.  Unfortunately, my showed up a little rough and broken. Enh, Screws fall out, the world is an imperfect place (Name the movie for 5 points!) The product itself, though? Pretty dang sweet! I’ve been having The Invasion of The Dark Circles.  This helps this. C-2-P? Cream to Powder. It’s a light formulation, comfortable. Apparently, one color fits all! Retail $29

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Modern Minerals Duo Fiber Mini Round Brush.  I’ve been searching for my HG pencil brush and BOOM in my 1st BoxyCharm! BAM! This brush is stiff, yet soft. Dare I say damn near perfect? It’s blends shadows like a frickin’ dream. LOVE IT! Retails for $15.

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Mullein & Sparrow Mini Facial Mask. First can we talk about this adorable glass jar with a cork stopper?? MARKET TO ME! I’m a sucker for a clay mask. This one has 3 different clays: Kaolin, Rhassoul and Bentonite Clay.

Here’s what they say:

Kaolin Clay – Helps to stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing skin. As kaolin clay does not draw oils from the skin, it can be used on dry skin types without negative results.

Rhassoul Clay – Contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, than other clays. This makes rhassoul clay famous for its unmatched ability to absorb impurities from the skin and improve skin texture without overdrying.

Bentonite Clay – Draws excess oils and debris to the surface of the skin, boosts circulation to tighten skin and stimulate blood flow, and whisks away dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Rose Powder – Helps to balance the skin. Rose powder has astringent and antibacterial properties, but does not strip the skin of moisture.

 Use:

Mix a small amount with water to form a smooth paste. Apply to moistened face, neck, and chest, avoiding eye area. Allow mask to dry. Gently remove with warm water, followed by a cool water rinse. Use at least once a week for deeply clean, radiant skin. Most effective when applied following our herbal facial steam.

Like I said, I’m a sucker for clay masks. I have slightly oily skin.. so bring it on! This one did very gently exfoliate and pull some oily out of my face. I’ve only used it once so far. Can’t wait to use it again! Retails for $15

So there you go! My first BoxyCharm Box. Each box is $21 a month. Full Retail value on this box? $97 Whoa! Very COOL!

If you want to subscribe. CLICK ME!

And please use this code: Y3FmMnBJbjdQOVNlc0oyeW5lbnlZVC9odURCWnc0K0U0NGNOVWY0MVBHRT0=

I can’t wait for March’s Box… and you’ll see it here.

Stay Awesome!

Cheers,

Clare

Ipsy Bag – February 2015

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Hello Y’all!

It’s Ipsy Time!

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Let’s chat about the bag. It’s cute. Pink for Valentine’s Day. They grey sweet accents against the hot pink. I’m more of a fan of the bags with the zipper on the top, but hey, it’s still adorable!

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It’s all about the products, right? Overall, I like the selection.

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First item! Emite Eyelash Curler. I’ve been using an eyelash curler for over 20 years. Every time I put on makeup. Currently, I’ve been using my elf curler. I was stoked to find out that I was getting this. I really like it. It came with 3 replacement cushions. Its bent to not disturb you foundation. This sounds like a gimmick. I can tell you that countless times I have put curler dents in my cheeks. Partially because I’m lazy and I’ve got big cheeks. This retails for $25. This alone, though covered the cost of this month’s bag.

Here’s what they say:

Our Professional Eye Lash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes, without touching your makeup base. Its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally. Your eye lashes will remain in perfect shape all day.

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Second item. Model Co Blush in Cosmopolitan.  The color is a sheer barbie pink. The formula is soooo soft! It’s not chalky at all. Provides a sweet healthy pink flush. I like it. I really appreciate the lack of shimmer/sparkles. Retail for full size $22.

Here’s what they say on the site:

ModelCo’s BLUSH Cheek Powder creates a beaming, rosy glow to brighten every complexion. The micronized colour pigments and luxurious, pressed powder delivers a sheer, natural radiance that lasts all day.

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Third Item. eva-nyc Up All Night Volumizing Spray. Hrmmm. I tried this yesterday when I blow dried my hair. It didn’t blow me away. (I’m punny!) I’ll try it again. Maybe I need to use more. I’m always apply conservatory when trying a new hair product. I have fine hair and hate rewashing when I’ve done something stooped like putting too much stuff in my hair. It smells warm and clean. Didn’t notice any scent after styling. Which it great! Full size is $24.

Here’s what the site says:

Get the ultimate blowout with this multi-tasking spray! The light-weight formula adds volume and texture to hair, while protecting against heat for healthier styling.

How to use:  Apply to damp hair before blow drying for added texture and lift, or use on dry hair as a revitalizing spray.

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Fourth item. Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil. I wanted to LOVE this. And I partially do.  I really like how it makes my skin feel. The morning after my skin is a little plumper, a little more glowy and happier  You know what I’m going to say…. The scent. For me it’s too much. I know it’s a running theme for me. I was born with a uber sensitive nose. (For example, I’ve told The Boyfriend what he had for lunch when he gets home at 7pm. It’s a blessing and curse.) I’ll use this when my olfactory system isn’t turned up to eleven. Full size is about $46.

Here’s what the site says:

A highly effective face oil packed with powerful natural anti-oxidants and vitamins that are instantly absorbed to leave skin feeling plumper, firmer and glowing with radiance.

The unique formulation, which has a luxuriously powdery feel, contains cobnut oil from the Mitchell farming estate. The oil is mildly astringent (producing a tightening effect) and brimming with Vitamin E, known for its anti-oxidant properties, as well as Vitamin B, which evens skin tone.

Other ingredients include vitamin-rich apricot kernel oil, coconut oil and wheat germ oil to protect against oxidative stress.

The Fine Radiance Face Oil is delicately fragranced with Mitchell and Peach’s Flora No.1 fragrance, a blend of uplifting floral essences including rose, lavender and ylang-ylang

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Fifth item. Color City Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini. This color on my is a slight tint, a sheer wash of color.. I have dark lips. The formula to me is thin and lightweight. It’s supposed to be matte. It never gets there completely on me. There is a distinct flavor. Like maybe roses. I’m getting use to it and it fades after wearing. All the shades beside Flirtini are sold out at the moment! Retails for $4.99

Here’s what the site says:

A hybrid between a lipstick and gloss, City Color Creamy Lip Stain gives your lips true, bold color that won’t quit! Applies thick and creamy with a glossy shine and sets with a lightweight, matte stain that doesn’t dry out. Available in 6 fun and flirty shades.

So there you have it! February’s Ipsy Bag.  Some fun and useful stuff for $10.

If you want bags for yourself.. Please use this link.. I’ll love you forevah!

CLICK ME!!!!!

Stay Awesome!

Cheers,

Clare

Colour Pop Review

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Alright Fellow Goo Lovers!

I’m sure a lot of you have heard and seen the Colour Pop Eyeshadows and Lippie Stix all over the Interwebs.

The HYPE is REAL!

I love these products.

These eyeshadows have a wonderful cool, sponge-mousey feeling. The pigment is amazing. They are long lasting. The color selection is plentiful. There are several finishes…. Metallic, Pearlized, Pressed Pigments, Satin, Tie-Dye, Ultra-Metallic and Matte.

Lippie Stix are also pigmented. There are so many colors! They come in 4 finishes comes in Pearlized, Glossy Satin and Matte. The texture is wonderful. Pretty long lasting.

I bet you want to see swatches about now, right? Okay then, bring on ALL the photos!! (Seriously, there’s a lot!)

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I ❤ This… No seriously, that’s the name. I do ❤ this it’s a neutral, shimmery medium champagne

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Truth… a satin peachy shadow. It’s a good base color.

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Meow… This is one of their Tie-Dyes shadows. It’s sparkly. When all the colors are swirled together it’s a lavender steel color. All most like a cool taupey color.

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3… This a multicolored glittery bronze shade. So pretty.

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Hammered… The glittery reflex is gold the base is olive.

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Kringle…A silver blue grey… Seems slightly green at times. (This one almost matches my eye color.)

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Rex….. This is one of those you have to see it to believe it. It’s a black base with purple and blue reflex glitter. GAH! I wore this for a cocktail party. Such Dark Happiness!! It’s also, very pretty over black liner.

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Took this in indirect light. Look at these! All done with the single swipe. One dip and swoosh on to my arm. These are incredibly smooth feeling even the highly sparkly ones. For the most pigmentation use your finger. For a wash of color use a brush. They are buildable.

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This one is in direct lighting. It’s party on my arm!

IMG_0202I took a makeup wipe to remove the swatches right after the photos. Now that’s some awesomely awesome staying power!

Let’s look at The Lippie Stix and a Lippie Pencil.

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The one on the left is Trixie. She’s a bright pink with a whisper of coral.

On the right, I ❤ This. Yes, there’s a Lippie Stix with the same name as one of their eyeshadows. I like to wear this with the eyeshadow. Such a pretty combo. This one is a bright pinky red! It’s the one I’m wearing in my current Instagram Profile Picture.

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Next we have L to R. Lumiere and Bichette and Lumiere Pencil. I follow Kathleen Lights on You Tube and Lumiere is her collaboration with ColourPop. (I can’t wait for here eyeshadow colab.) It’s such a pretty everyday dusty pinky mauve. I’ve gotten compliments wearing this one.

Now for Bichette, It’s a perfect wine lipstick. Not quite vampy, classically old Hollywood wine. It’s BOLD. (At least for me.) And lovely!

IMG_0203Top to bottom: Lumiere Lippie Pencil and Lippie Stix, Trixie, I ❤ This and Bichette. (Colors are showing rather bright,)

The amazing thing is that these are $5 a piece. Say what? Yes.

Colour Pop is currently launching their blush line. They are going to be $8 a piece. To say that I want some.. is a an understatement.. I think I might need. Love me some blush. I hope they come out with some contouring products.

You know I like a company that has great products… I love a company that are filled with some kick-arse people.. I haven’t met them, but I do follow them on a couple social media sites.. and they send these handwritten cards with each order.

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Go find them: HERE!

Love,

Dandelion

**DISCLAIMER: All products bought by me.**

Urban Decay Smoked Palette Review

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I remember seeing this palette when it came out. I was at South Coast Plaza, walking through the cosmetics department in Macy’s. One shade in this palette caught my eye from 15 feet away. Mushroom. Yep, my taupe loving soul began lusting over this neutral shade. At the time, life was financially very tenuous. So, I swatched it on my hand and admired it for the rest of the evening. Life went on.

Last week, I got an email from Ulta. The Smoked Palette was on sale for $29 and a coupon for 20% for the whole order. I knew Mushroom and her friends had to be mine. I immediately put in in my cart. (I also picked up an Essence Lipstick. We’ll chat about that at a later date!) With shipping my order cam out to $34. That, I could live with. Originally, this palette was $49. The sample size Primer Potion and the Perversion 24/7 eyeliner are over $26. I bagged a deal. You can, too! Here’s the link to the Urban Decay site. It’s now on sale for $29 on their site! I’m sure if you look around  there’s a discount code somewhere on the interwebs.

Here’s everything in the palette:

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You get:

10 eyeshadows – 4 matte and 7 shimmers

1 24/7 Glide-n Eye Pencil in Perversion

1 Sample Size Primer Potion in Original

1 Smoked Get the Look Book

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Here’s a closer look at the shadows.

I really like them. They are creamy and the colors are beautiful. When the light hits the shimmer shades.. it dances. So pretty. (All swatches done sans primer. Of course, they will be more intense with said primer!)

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Top Row:

Kinky: Matte cream color. Feels very buttery to me. I’ve heard that some think it chalky, but I haven’t had that experience. Would definitely work for a matte brow bone highlight.

Freestyle: Matte peachy shade. It barely shows up on me. Good all over base color.

MUSHROOM: (That’s right she deserves all caps, I love her.) Shimmery taupe. Beautiful lid color. One of my favorite shadows, already!

Backdoor: Matte neutral-ish dark brown. Great crease shade.

Blackout: Matte black. Really good pigmentation. When I went to clean off my arm with a makeup wipe, this one wanted to stay on.

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Bottom Row:

All of these seem to have the same depth of color and pigmentation.

Barlust: Shimmery mid-tone warm brown

Rockstar: Shimmery Eggplant Purple

Evidence: Shimmery Indigo Blue

Loaded: Shimmery Dark Forest Green.

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Those are the shadows. Also included is the Look Book, the Eyeliner and the Primer.

The Look Book contains 12 different looks that you can do.

The 24/7 Glide-n Eye Pencil in Perversion is very black and creamy. Once it sets it’s almost completely smudge proof. There’s a reason why these liners are a cult favorite.

The Eyeshadow Primer Potion is also a cult fave. Why? Cause it works! Bam.

There you go folks.. Go get this palette!!! Srsly, you may just kick yourself if you don’t. I have a feeling it’s not going to be around for much longer!

Stay Awesome, My Fellow GooHorders!

Cheers,

Clare

Bandar Foods aka The Makers of Monkey Sauce

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Sorry, I haven’t been around. I’ve been helping out The Boyfriend and dealing with what is probably a bad gallbladder. Life…. she took the reigns and drove me away from this little corner of Internet.

Now…. I’m hopefully back on track.

And it’s Story Time!

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(A cheese-tastic ‘We have Fancy Cocktails’ Selfie! Left to Right. Maile and Me)

Last October 25th, I was in San Francisco. It was one of the trips that I  took with The Boyfriend and his company. I help out by booth set-up, fetching lunches and other Girl Friday tasks. When I’m not needed, I’m let to my own devices to explore. This time I met up with, Maile. She agreed to play tour guide.

First we hit Blue Bottle Coffee in The Farmer’s Market and then did some shopping. She found me in the hot sauce area.. and asked, “You like hot sauce?!” She grabbed my hand and we sprinted to the other end of The Farmer’s Market… within minutes a tasting spoon was in my mouth.

This little spoonful packed a flavorful punch… it was like nothing I had tasted before. A little sweet, a little smokey, a little herbaceous, some good heat… Heaven in a Bottle. It was the Spicy Mango Chili Sauce. A love affair began.

I immediately bought a bottle.

We continued our mission of adventure around San Francisco.

At the end of our journey.. I brought said bottle back to the hotel to The Boyfriend. After tasting, he wanted to know why I didn’t buy more. He, too had fallen in lurve with The Monkey Sauce!

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A couple months ago, Bandar Foods had an internet giveaway. I enter on all the social media sites I could… never thinking I’d actually win. I got a text from Maile (she entered, too) saying I won. It was a happy day!! The boyfriend was so relieved… he had finished the bottle the night before.

Shortly, there after my mailbox was full of tasty goodness. The three sauces we’re mine all mine.. (Okay… I shared them with The Boyfriend!)

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(The Sauces and Ned. Ned works for The Boyfriend. He was in San Francisco, too, but never got out of the convention room. Ned might be kissing the Spicy Mango… just saying’!)

Let me tell you about the sauces:

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce: (You’ve read a little so far!) It’s awesome. We eat this on so much stuff. We’ve put it on eggs, a slice of cheese, stir fries, rice & beans, a spoon. I’ve put in salad dressings, in curries, and in asian-y peanut noodles. Maile and I might have brought it to a Bachelorette party and slathered it on onion rings, fries and fried mozzarella sticks.

Every friend that we have try it… Loves it. Our fridge will never be without…

Tangy Tamarind: I’ve only recently be exposed to the awesomeness that is Tamarind. Where has this flavor been all my life? I was so excited to get this sauce. And I wasn’t let down. It’s sweet, tamarindy and tangy.. just like the name says. It reminds me of a fig preserve, perhaps because of the slight earthiness. Another winner for The Bandar Band of Flavor Masters! I’ve mixed this with Lee Kum Kee’s Garlic Chili Sauce, put it one some chicken and bake it… SOOOOO GOOOD! I’ve been know to put it on grilled cheese. I’ve also had it on Chicken McNuggets. (Don’t judge!)

Mint Cilantro Chili Sauce:  I would love to taste this. Unfortunately, cilantro sends me into fits of gagging. (Pleasant, right.) I wish I liked it. This article explains why. So, to get over this hurdle, I employed the taste hole of The Boyfriend. He loves cilantro! Here’s what he had to say: “Very tangy. An even taste of mint and cilantro. It would go wonderfully with citrusy grilled lemon chicken. A little bit in a salad dressing would lend a fresh, bright flavor. There is a slight little after burn.  Very fresh tasting. I want this on gyros, falafels and  a  grilled vegetable sandwich.” From his description I think a snack of hummus and pita bread would be another fabulous use… I’m see a trend of Middle Eastern foods that this would be good on..

Bandar has also come out with 2 flavors of Lentil Chips and a Masala Ketchup!

There you go… a review of some amazing sauces by some wonderful folks.

Go find them….  <——-Click there! Have some Monkey Sauce!

Be Awesome!

Cheers,

Clare

Ipsy Bag – September 2014

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Yay for the Break of the Heatwave! Yay for getting some needed housework done after being under the weather and heat!

Today, after I get some stuff completed.. I’m picking up Toni the Art Model and we are going to have some Girlie Time ™. I know I’m going to be getting some Botox for my Elevens. Tomorrow we have a Retro Photo Shoot at the Beach planned.

But now… It’s Ipsy Time ™!

Here’s an overview:

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This months bag itself? Super cute! It’s a square grey faux leather bag with some silver studs! Love it!

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First, Nourish Organic Cucumber and Watercress Face Cleanser . It smells really clean. I haven’t used it, yet. I can’t wait to. Looks to be a deluxe sample!

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Second, Crown Brush’s Infinity Shadow/ Crease Brush. I have used this.  It’s soft, yet firm enough to blend out shadows beautifully! This brush will be in my rotation. Love it!

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Third, Hikari’s Lipstick in Cabernet. It’s a beautiful pink (on me) wine matte lipstick. It’s creamy and pigmented. Wonderful bright color for Fall. This is another winner! It retails for $13!! Love it!

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Fourth, is the Alterna Caviar CC Cream 10-n-1. Yesterday, I spent the day in the pool. Pool water is harsh, it took all the light pink I had put in a couple days ago. (I love pink hair, it makes me stoopid happy.). I also have bleach my hair twice in the passed week. As well, toning it 3 times. I hated the color. Out of weakness, I turned to the dye again. I decided to dye my roots (I started going white at 18.). After I shampooed the dark brown from my roots I decided to keep the blonde. Seeings out I didn’t condition my hair, because I thought I was going to go pink…. I put this and some spray leave-in, then blow dried. This stuff ROCKS!! It was probably one of the best blow outs I’ve given myself!! Love it!

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Fourth, Pacifica’s Natural Minerals Eyeliner in Pewter. It’s lovely! Pewtery, sparkly and creamy. Can’t wait to use this as an eyeliner and as a base for shadow. Love it!

This months bag was really GOOD!!

If you want to subscribe to Ipsy @ $10 month… please use this link!

Stay AWESOME!

Cheers,

Clare

BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow Haul and Review

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For the last two weeks, I have been siiiiick. Some kind of flu. I was tested for West Nile and Lime Disease last Friday, still waiting for the results. This is the first day I haven’t felt exhausted and cranky. So, I took the bull by the horns and went shopping with The Boyfriend. He needed a few new suit jackets and shirts. The JCPenny’s Fall Sale is AMAZING! Plus there was a $20 of $50 coupon floating around on several apps.. Shopkick and JCP…

I also figured, Why Not A Blog!  (I’m so woefully behind. :hangs head in shame:)

Had a request on Instagram (if you don’t follow me there you should! @eyelinerandbourbon) to do some swatches of the BH Cosmetics eyeshadow haul I purchased during their Labor Day Sale. These shadows were 98 cents a piece!!

(Sidenote: As I type this blog it’s 90 degrees inside my house. I’m siting in my swimsuit. I will be canonballing into the pool as soon as I am done!)

BH shadow come in 6 different categories (finishes): Warm Matte, Warm Shimmer, Cool Matte, Cool Shimmer, Metallic Matte and Metallic Shimmer. Hence their numbering system.

All start with BH then the category code and then the number of the shadow.

Example: BHCM20 BHCoolMatte20

Let’s swatch these shadows!!

Here is the instagram photo:

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(The lighting is weird in this photo. Blame the Instagram filter!?)

I’ll be swatching these from top row then the bottom row.


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(Indirect outside lighting)  

BOTTOM TO TOP

BHCM20 – Black Matte. Reminds me of a really dark soot.

BHCS20- Dark Grey Cool Shimmer. Dark pewtery goodness. LOVE THIS ONE!

BHMM20- Dark Green Metallic Matte. Medium forest green with a little sheen.

BHCM10- Medium Cool Matte Green . Totally the medium color in camouflage. Matte, but not chalky!

BHMS15- Medium-sh Blue Shimmer. I think of mermaids. Almost has a yellow douchrome sheen. It’s really pretty and happy. One of my favorites.

BHCS12- Light Cool Blue Shimmer. It has a dash of lilac hiding in it. 2 sizes of shimmer, fine and just a wee bigger flecks that catch the light.

BHWM02- Matte ORANGE. Yes, mandarin ORANGE. I might use this one as a blush.

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 (Indirect inside lighting) 

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(Indirect outside lighting)  

BOTTOM TO TOP

BHMS06- Warm Metallic Brown. Very pretty sheen. I want to say a dark bronzy copper.

BHMM06- Coolish Medium-sh Matte Brown. One of those shadows that you should alway have in your collection. The Metallic Matte shades have a wonderful finish!

BHMM08- Warm Dark Tawny Brown. Hint of orange mixed into this one.

MHCS04- Medium/Light Cool Gold Brown. Doesn’t seem like such a winner in the pot, but boy howdy! So pretty!

BHWS17- Light Brown- Not much shimmer. Barley shows up on me… Could be a great transition color?

BHCS09- Copper. The finish on this one blows me away. It’s a pinky copper and it’s gorgeous. If it had a name it would be Brand Spankin’ New Penny!

BHWS13- Medium Pinky Brown. It doesn’t really pop on me, but I can see myself using this as an everyday kinda color.

These shadows are creamy and soft.. Dare I say that I like them more than a lot of the shadows I have!

I used to have the BH Day to Night Palette. I love their Party Girl Gel Liner in Star (I put it in my waterline).  I’ve had a lot of their products…. and again, they are great folks! You know I love that combination of great products and great people!!

Hope y’all are having a wonderful weekend. Stay cool or Stay warm, depending on where you are!

CANNONBALL!!!!!!