Nordstrom Rack / Marshall's Finds!

I scored tonight at Marshall's again. Tis my dearest friend Lola's birthday tomorrow and since she loved the lip gloss I gave her so much, I thought I'd surprise her with some more goodies. Once again, I ran into a heavily restocked supply of Lola Cosmetics. Yay for me, nay for my wallet! This time, I got lucky and scored the Lola Go Lightly II for $7.99 vs. $40.00 retail! Oh man, does this little package pack a mean face artillery! My whole back up office make up bag can be completely redone with this nifty little kit alone! The hues are so useable for everyday looks, you can't go wrong. I got so excited, I literally giggled hysterically. Luckily, my sister was the only one to witness the craziness. I can not wait to try this out! At first glance, the brushes seem almost like a practical joke, like the make up mavens at Lola really intend them for actual use...on human sized faces. I guess I could always MacGyver them somehow but like I said, I never really use the included brushes so its no biggie. No pun intended! Ha! With this kit and the last palette I purchased, I think I may have a complete mini Lola Cosmetics product line for only $15.00! Wowsers!

Then I remembered, I totally forgot to share the haulage from the Nordstrom Rack visit a few days back. I picked up the Stila Blanc palette, since I am a big neutrals fan. I also picked up a couple brushes to test them out with. For me, I can't form a proper opinion about a brand unless I use the product with the tools. I know, my neurosisness rears its ugly head with beauty products! LOL.




I will somehow remind myself to post a proper review/mugshot before you forget this post ever existed! Forgive me, but I have been super lazy and getting up at the last possible minute. There has not been any post worthy make up looks for the past couple of weeks. I get in these moods, so when I am back to the "Let's get up early to look pretty today." mode, you'll know. Until then, enjoy these pictures and if you want any more photos, do make a request!

Update 10.10.08: So I loved the Stila Blanc palette so much that I went back to NR and picked up one of the few remaining Stila Noire palettes! My bff Lola thinks I'm crazy for picking up all these quads and mini palettes lately but girl hardly ever wears make up M-F so she doesn't get the convenience of them just yet! I mean come on! Stila totally takes the guess work out of it by selecting the three most complementing (HR friendly) shades and throws in a blush for kicks! Perfect to toss in my purse for those mornings when I am barely running out the door in time for work! Shhh... don't tell Smashbox but the more I am exposed to Stila's shadows the more I seem to like them and they've become my second favorite brand making Smashbox the third wheel. I am so unfaithful! Pictures have been taken. I will post soon.

Lola Cosmetics Details!

I am soooo excited about this opportunity to test out Lola products at such a low cost! I came across Lola first at Ulta but it never much called out to me. Given that the price is a bit higher than MAC and comparable to NARS, I didn't think I would ever purchase a Lola product unless it was recommended with high praises. Needless to say, I don't hear the name Lola tossed around much in the beauty world. 

Here is a pic of the case of the LuminEyes Eye Colour Collection palette from a 2007 Limited Edition promo. The case is a pearly, opalescent white python.  The tab closure is magnetic and bedazzled with a few jewels. Lola is embossed in red foil on the front, in its signature cursive font. 

Inside, you'll find 8 cashmere soft, shimmering shades. I tried to find names to these shadows, but have been unsuccessful so far. In order from Left to Right, Top to Bottom: a buttery yellow, a bronze gold, a rich brown, an olive green, a fleshy pink, a smokey gray, a mellow taupe, and a vibrant blue. Most shades have high shimmer, similar to a pearl or veluxe pearl. The brown is more matte with tiny bits of sparkle, and the blue is an oddball one being that it isn't very pigmented and requires a bit more packing than the others. Kind of shocking, considering the vibrancy of it in the pan. I was bracing myself for a Mimi-esque pay off.

I was in a swatching mood last night...these are in the same order as in the pans.

Now, I mentioned this before, I am not the biggest fan of liquid liners. I can honestly say, until this palette, I own absolutely no liquid liners! Maybe with the four color options provided, I can grow to like them with some forced practice, eh? Time to search some application techniques on youtube! From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Bronze, Olive Green, Silver, Blue. All with a low glare metallic finish. The first two applied evenly with a good amount of product and was consistent in application. The last two, especially the blue, seemed to be a bit more watery as if the formula seperated.  These liquid liners have a no budge policy. It took a few wipes before they released their hold. The applicator tip is a fine brush tip.

Same order as above...see how the blue was uneven?

And the included tinsy brush. So so cute!  I don't think I ever use the included brushes though.

Here are the lip gloss bottles. These lip glosses remind me of the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shines you can find at Bath & Body Works (Free S/H with $60 purchase, Promo Code: FREESHIP60) being that they had a fresh minty scent. Guess what, there's NO flavor though! The texture is creamy, not at all tacky and sticky. Although, it looks like a lot of shimmer, the formula appears very natural on the lips, highlighting and accentuating the shape of the lip very well. 

The product swapper strikes again! In my rush, I didn't notice that I picked up two Muses. One was in a box marked Celestial. Oh hum, oh well. My bestie, Lola, will be blessed with the duplicate. Surprisingly, she's never heard of the brand! I will be scoping out other Marshall's soon, because I definitely am a fan of this minty gloss and at $2.99, I can't justify not getting more as stocking stuffers! 

I love Lola's packaging. It totally appeals to the girly girl in me. A much different approach, than the more fashion forward labels and their simplistic black packaging or the clean, clinical look of the more eco-friendly brands. I love the racy, scarlet red! Product review and Mugshot to follow soon, please check back!

Marshall's Finds!

I went on an impromptu stake out last night and its sad to admit, but seeing make up at huge discounts makes me so giddy! On my way to pick up my angel, I decided to swing by a local Marshall's to see what was going down in the beauty section. Much like it's frenemy, TJ Maxx, Marshall's has historically carried fragrances, skin/hair care products, and spa quality bath products. I haven't seen much cosmetics or maybe hadn't noticed any, until today that is! When I walked up to the racks, a display of brazen red boxes met my gaze. When I realized it was Lola Cosmetics, I literally brightened up and did a hop and skip as I rushed on over to meet the lovelies waiting for me. Among the items, there were:

• Assorted Eyeshadow singles and duos for $3.99 vs. $18.00 retail 
  
• Mascara in Dark Brown and Aubergine for $2.99 vs. $19.50 retail
• Liquid Eyeliner in Dark Brown for $2.99 vs. $20.00 retail
• Pressed Powder in Fair and Amber for $4.99 vs. $27.50 retail
• Creme Foundation Duo in Mahogany for $4.99 vs. $35.00 retail
• Lipgloss Bottles for $2.99 vs. $16.00 retail, I got Lust and Muse...

Update 09.24.08: I stopped by Marshall's again tonight because my sister needed to get a gift, and she twisted my arm to tag along. ;p Once there, I expected to see an empty shelf where Lola Cosmetics once grazed, but lo and behold did they restock or what!? There was double the amount but this time items include tools, brushes, gel eyeshadows, more lip gloss bottles, and sample sized liquid foundations. The liquid foundations were going for $1.99! What a fantasmic way to try this brand out for a low price before committing to retail. I have yet to put on my Lola face, so watch out for that review slash mugshot! Maybe I can convince you more to get going to Marshall's. This just might end up being a Deals and Steals Hall of Famer!

LuminEyes Eye Colour Collection for $7.99 vs. $44.00 ($32.50 on Makeup.com)

There were also various items from Lancome's 2007 Holiday Limited Edition items...

Lancome Deluxe Brush Set and Fashion Case - Glamorous Eyes

$14.99 vs. $0.00 retail

Lancome Color Design Eye Palette - Diamond Studs for $14.99 vs. $45.00 retail

Shimmering Lips Color Fever Glosses for $14.99 vs. $42.50 retail

Of course, everyone has their preferences on whether to get the latest and greatest in beauty products, but for me? A deal and a steal is not something to be ashamed of! Color palettes change with the seasons, but those seasons that have passed do come back! So although, the products you may find may be past season launches, it'll still be good for next season especially if you find it items launched around the same time last year. I never ever pass up a good beauty deal! Especially if it involves high quality brands! Stay tuned for the reviews and mugshots!