Shop With a Vengeance

SHOP WITH A VENGEANCE IS MOVING!

2008-10-01T00:19:00.006-04:00

Notice: SHOP WITH A VENGEANCE is undergoing some major changes!

On Friday, October 3rd, 2008
SWAV will be transferred to DOLCE BEAUTY!

I made the executive decision that I would like to delve more in to the beauty realm and get away from some of the fashion aspects. This blog was never really devoted to shopping, but rather, more of a beauty and celebrity topic that I feel I can more appropriately touch on at the new site. I will be transferring this entire blog right over to Dolce and I will be contacting all my fellow beauty bloggers to update their links.

I hope that my loyal readers will stick with me through the change, and I would like to thank everyone so much for your support these past 9 months! It's been an amazing run here at SWAV and I am so grateful for all I have learned and accomplished here. I plan on having an even better time at Dolce Beauty and I hope that you will come along for the ride!

The updated links will be:
http://dolcebeauty.com
http://dolcebeauty.blogspot.com

I'll see you there!

Thank you all,

Nicole@ShopWithaVengeance.com
-----------------------------------------
Nicole@DolceBeauty.com

P.S. The YES Giveaway will still be in existence for its duration, it will all just be moved to the new site.

Y.E.S. Anti-Aging Dynamic Duo Giveaway (9/30/08 - 10/7/08)

2008-09-30T16:13:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! I have a lovely skincare giveaway from KMR Communication and Y.E.S. today to share with you!

Y.E.S. (Young Essential Skincare) is offering their newly developed Anti-Aging Serum and Rejuvenating Moisture cream as a duo set that prevents damage, protects against free radicals and rejuvenates all skin types. The products are formulated to improve skin firmness, tone and texture, and also to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Could this be your next fountain of youth? We sure hope so!

The Dynamic Duo set by Y.E.S., valued at $98., is available now on their website, or free to one lucky winner here at Shop With a Vengeance! Fill out the form below to be entered to win!

Read more about Y.E.S.'s Dynamic Duo here.

Good luck and best wishes!

Magic of Makeup: Christina Aguilera

2008-09-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

Xtina, it's time for an intervention. Lay off the makeup, honey.
You are a gorgeous woman, no need to pile it on that heavy!

Oh, and also, lose the Brooke Hogan haircut!

Any thoughts?

Image Credits:
Terminator @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/christina-aguilera-rock-vote-hosted-christina-aguilera-los-89371.html

Fashion Report: Britney's "Womanizer" Music Video Outfit

2008-09-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a pic from Britney's new music video shoot for her song "Womanizer".

I just heard the song via Youtube and it's kind of catchy but at the same time boring. I don't really see this song going far. Just my humble prediction though!

What do you think of this outfit? I'm curious to see what she does with it! I think she looks like Katie Holmes a little bit here. Well, except for that shirt that looks almost like a straight-jacket!

Given Britney's mental state, I give this outfit three stars. She's trying, ya'll.

On a side note, red lips are definitely a big trend in all these recent celeb pictures!

Image Credits:
Isa_ @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/britney-spears-new-face-womanizer-video-september-24-89311.html

Celebrity Crave: Rihanna Eats KFC and Wears Rocker Jewelry

2008-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Product placement anyone? Here we have Rihanna dressed edgily-as-ever at a KFC restaurant. Check out those heavy-metal accessories! Seeing these pictures makes my inner punk chick squeal with delight. Well, if punk chicks did that. But they probably don't. So, instead, in the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die!"

Actually, I don't know about the whole outfit. I am a little skeptical on that skirt, and the hat. Mainly, it is the skirt that concerns me. It looks very 90's, and we all know the 90's were a time of frightening fashion. Then again, Halloween is coming! Maybe Ri-Ri was getting a Warriors costume together!

Wanna get the Rihanna-turned-rocker look for yourself? Check out these fiesty picks:

Betsey Johnson
Long Star & Lightning Bolt Necklace, $110 @ Nordstrom
Juicy Couture
No Juicy Angel Earrings, $58 @ Net-A-Porter
Sojourn Ring, $10 at Urban Outfitters

What do you think? Like her look?

Would you wear it?

Image Credits:
Terminator @ Celebutopia Forum
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/rihanna-kentucky-fried-chicken-hollywood-september-27-46-89702.html

Review: Eucerin Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil

2008-09-28T22:32:00.004-04:00

As part of my haul yesterday, I picked up Eucerin's new Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil. This product claims to "Gently cleanse with a mild lather while natural omega oils soothe and protect" and that it is "Clinically proven effective for dry, itchy skin".

I saw this product in a magazine a few months back and I've been dying to try it! I must say, it was sliiiightly disappointing. Granted, I don't have really dry, itchy skin, but this product to me fell a little short than I had hoped for. Essentially, it is an oil that lightly foams into a creamy lather when wet. It is a little difficult to operate in the shower because it gets so slippery, and you need quite a bit to cover large surface areas (ie. your body). I did like the fact that it was fragrance free; a very important factor in my book. That being said, it sort of has a light, earthy fragrance that is likely attributed to the Soybean Oil (ingredient number one) it contains.

This product falls under the category of Cetaphil for me: great for really sensitive skin -- but I don't feel like it really cleansed all so well. HOWEVER, all hope was not lost! After abandoning this as a cleanser, I decided to use it as a shave gel. GREAT IDEA! It worked wonders! My skin feels smooth and supple, and it allowed me to actually see what I was shaving since there is just a light lather. I will definitely be using this as my shave gel, er... oil, for now on.

Review: Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light

2008-09-28T22:13:00.003-04:00

Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light aerosol hairspray is one of my very favorite hair products. This light-hold finishing spray is awesome for controlling flyaways, and helping hair hold a casual style. I have a 3.5 oz bottle and this stuff has lasted me forever because you only need a little bit to create a soft style -- you may need more if you want that '80's shellacked look ;)

For a salon product, this Paul Mitchell spray is pretty affordable at around $10 a bottle. The bottle gives a fine mist of product and has yet to get clogged or have any issues. I usually spray a little of this directly on to a soft hair brush to tame flyaways, or I will hold my head upside-down and spray underneath for extra volume. It is just enough hold to get a good style and keep it, without looking overdone or too polished. I also love the smell, it is amazing! It's that signature Paul Mitchell Awapuhi-type scent, delicious. Also, it is great that Paul Mitchell does not test on animals!

Highly recommended!

You can find this at salon retailers, or your local Walgreens.

New Products at Walgreens!

2008-09-27T02:00:00.001-04:00

On my recent trip to Walgreens, I noticed that a lot of beauty and skincare lines are releasing new products for Fall and Winter. I took some pictures (on my camera phone) and found out some information about the new items they are stocking, including Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit products, St. Ives In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish, Gilette Shave Cream, and more!

Among the new things I found was St. Ives In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish. This looks like a nice, affordable ($8. for a large tub) body scrub for the colder months. There are two formulas here, one is "Mineral" and the other is "Healthy Brilliance Brighten & Glow", both look promising and spa-like.

For the Back-To-School and sport season, it looks like Sinful Colors has released a new collection called "Team Colors". As we all know, Sinful Colors are awesome and with them, the price is always right (at around $1.99 each). I didn't get a chance to look at all the shade names, but there was a deep shimmering maroon, a bright yellow, forest green, and other shades that look like your school's logo. Depending on your Walgreens' stock availability, I believe there is also a black shade, a deep cobalt blue, and a white.

Interestingly enough, Gilette Satin Care (my personal favorite brand of shave gel, by the way) has come out with a new scent called "Alluring Avocado". My Walgreens had a mini size for about $2, but I wasn't daring enough to try this scent. I like avocados and all, but generally I don't think they smell that delicious. Apparently this scent is infused with aloe, jasmine, and orange blossom as well. A user on Buzzillions has a rave about it, so maybe I'll try it when I run out of my Wild Berry shave gel!

What really excited me, however, was Neutrogena's line of acne fighting products now infused with pink grapefruit. I already use and love their Body Clear Body Wash, so I was happy to see a less medicinal scent infused with microbeads. I will definitely be trying the Pink Grapefruit Body Clear Body Wash as soon as I use up mine!

I also made a little haul on this trip. Reviews and pictures to come within the next few days!

What do you think of these new products?

Anything you want to try?

Blog Happenings

2008-09-26T19:51:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone!

I wanted you to know that I am in the process of doing some major work on/for my blog. I want to have a lot more content available to my readers, so I plan on having at least 2 posts a day in the future, starting this coming week (Sunday). To kick it off, I will be hosting a new giveaway as well, so make sure you check back!

Right now, as you all may know, I am a full-time student and part-time worker besides doing this blog, so I'm sure you can imagine that it is a bit busy for me. I really want to devote myself to this, for you guys! I am running out to CVS and Walgreens tonight to check out some products for potential review.

By the way, if anyone has any requests, questions, tutorial desires, whatever... just let me know! I'd be happy to fulfill them because sometimes I run out of ideas as to what to put on here.

Also, I do appreciate feedback on all my posts, positive or negative. I recently got a few comments on an old post of mine that were borderline rude, but still I do appreciate the fact that someone was that affected by my post to bother commenting and "calling me out" on it. It seems to be the way of the web: people hiding behind their computer screens can have a complaint about anything and everything, but in real life they wouldn't have the nerve to actually say something to your face about it.

Anyway readers, thanks so much for your support and I hope that you enjoy what is to come at Shop With a Vengeance!

P.S. I am really excited that I sold my first item at my "Shop My Stash" store on e-crater tonight! I will be picking out my samples and sending it out on Monday. Yay!

Cute and Wearable Japanese/Korean Trends!

2008-09-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

Normally, I don't focus in on the Asian fashion trend bandwagon, but these picks were just too cute. EFashionLane.com focuses on featuring Japanese, South Korean, and other hard-to-find Asian fashions at affordable prices. If you are looking for a wallet-friendly way to expand your wardrobe, check these out!

Fashionable Day to Night Dress, $21.99
Sheer Sexy Top, $19.99
3/4 Sleeve Blazer, $21.99

(Click images for website)

These clothing choices are not only fashionable and stylish, but they appear to be high end quality as well. Why not buy something that will help you stand out from the crowd?

What do you think of Asian fashion trends? Would you wear my picks?

Celebrity Crave: Megan Fox's Turquoise Necklace!

2008-09-24T04:00:00.003-04:00

My boyfriend LOVES Megan Fox. I mean, okay, the girl is HOT. But, I don't know, she's a little skinny for my taste! Regardless, Megan always seems to accessorize and dress rather stylishly, so maybe she deserves a feature. Just a little one.

Today I am sharing with you these photos from the "Eagle Eye" premiere that I found on the web. I love her necklace with her simple black dress. Miss Fox looks great, as always.

Wanna steal her style? Check out these replicas:

Spiegel, $15. (sale)

What do you think of Megan Fox? Do you like turquoise jewelry?

Image Credits:
DailyPOA.com Forum - User CamelTap
http://www.dailypoa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1848

Handbag Planet: 24 Handbags in 24 Hours!

2008-09-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a pretty cool contest that was brought to my attention the other day: Win a Free Handbag at Handbag Planet! Now, the Handbag Planet website is not up and running just yet -- they open on October 15th. To celebrate, however, Handbag Planet is giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours! You get to choose which bag you would like to be entered in to win, and you're entered in just by giving your name and info. Sounds good to me :)

I can't wait to see what kind of deals they have on this site when it opens! For now, don't forget to enter the "24 Handbags in 24 Hours" Giveaway!

Pure Luxe and Earrings Haul!

2008-09-23T02:30:00.000-04:00

I recently ordered some Pure Luxe Eye Shadow samples and a Soothing Calamine Facial Bar (rec'd by Vanessa of Nessasary Makeup) from the Pure Luxe website. My goodies arrived today so I took some pictures and swatches to share with you all!

Here is my Pure Luxe Haul:

Shadow swatches (the combination reminds me of NYX's Hippie Chic Trio!) applied wet, with flash:

Earrings from Amuse:

Hunter, my puppy, for good measure:

What do you think of the new site layout, by the way? Are there any categories you would like to see more of, or less of? Let me know!

Web Spotlight: The Orchid Boutique

2008-09-23T01:37:00.002-04:00

Why must Summer be over now?! I just found the cutest swimsuits, and now I can't even wear them... well until next year.

What am I referring to? The site I am highlighting today is called TheOrchidBoutique.com! They offer Designer Swimwear, Jewelry, Handbags... you name it. Really unique and creative pieces, like these:

The jewelry and handbags are just as original, featuring trendy, vintage, and eclectic styles.

If you love it -- great news -- Yvonne from The Orchid Boutique is offering you guys, my readers, free 2nd day shipping on any order over $25. All you need to do is enter the code: SEP08 (in caps, at checkout).

Check 'em out!

Mario Badescu Drying Cream Review!

2008-09-20T18:22:00.004-04:00

A long time ago I wrote in for free samples from Mario Badescu. My samples arrived and after reading a few negative reviews on MakeupAlley, I decided I didn't want to try them right away. I wasn't really in love with any of the products, so I tossed them aside to review later. Recently, in response to a pretty bad breakout, I revisited Mario Badescu's Drying Cream, and I am so glad I did.

I have previously written about using a sulfur-based soap to treat acne, so it comes to no surprise that Mario Badescu's Drying Cream, which contains sulfur in its ingredients, would work wonders. I used this as a nighttime treatment, just dotting it on areas such as raised bumps or whiteheads, as well as a couple cystic pimples I was having. My skin cleared up so nicely!

I am really, really pleased with this product. I just make sure to dot it on at night because it doesn't really sink in and it looks sort of silly. It also smells kind of bad because of the sulfur, but it works, so I'm not complaining. It works on those painful cystic bumps as well as to dry out regular pimples. I have been using this in conjunction with Cerave Moisturizing Lotion, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap (which I also gave a second chance), and Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Gel. I ordered Pure Luxe's Calamine Soap last week and I can't wait to try that also!

Anyway, the sample I got for free from the Mario Badescu website seems like it will last a super long time because you don't need to use much of this stuff, but if I wanted to buy a new one, its only $12! Definitely worth it, and I'm sure when I run out, I will be repurchasing.

Try it!

Noevir Skincare Sample Review!

2008-09-17T05:00:00.002-04:00

Hello ladies, today I am writing to share with you a brand of Japanese skincare called Noevir. I had the opportunity to sample the Noevir Herbal Skincare (or NHS) set, which included a Foaming Cleanser, Deep Cleansing Cream, Balancing Lotion, and Moisture Lotion. They even threw in some extra sample packets for me, and a free "Lip Conditioner S".

I have been using the products for a few days now, and I must say I really do like a few of them. I like the Moisture Lotion because it is very lightweight, has an almost milky texture, yet leaves my skin feeling pampered and hydrated. I also like the Balancing Lotion, which is more of a toner.

The products have a light fragrance of Linden, Sage, and Jojoba leaf extract. The Lip Conditioner S is awesome, but it does have a slight lipstick-y smell. They definitely fall in to the category of "splurge", for me at least, as the products run between $20-$40 each. The website, however, is very customer friendly as they often have promotions or gift with purchase items. Right now, the Lip Conditioner is free with purchase.

If you are looking to start a new skincare regimen, check out Noevir!

Wanna sample it for yourself? For free samples and a skin care consultation, just fill out this form!

Fashion Match: Elisha Cuthbert

2008-09-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

Long live the Fashion Match! I know I haven't posted one of these in a while, so I figured I should. Here is a recent picture of actress Elisha Cuthbert, featuring a shocking neon bag on a backdrop of black.

What I used:

A) Miss Me Collection Contrast Accented Waist Silk Blouse in Black, $79 at Revolve Clothing

B) Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Glamour Oval Sunglasses with Metal Logo, $18 at Target
C) Yellow Satchel Fashion Bag, $35 at Popartboutique.com
D) Chinese Laundry Women's "Babe" Sandal in Black, $74 at Endless.com
E) High Waisted Skinny Jeans, $35 at Charlotte Russe

I like it, what do you think?

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask Review

2008-09-15T02:00:00.001-04:00

This baby comes in a super chic-Bliss white pump packaging, and starts off as a shimmering pink, slighly citrusy gel. Then, with a quick swipe, it foams up like shaving cream and you can spread it all over your face, neck, wherever! You are supposed to leave it on for 5 minutes to get the full effect of the vitamin C, free-radical resisting, oxygenating foam. During that five minutes, an awesome, tingling, alka-seltzer sensation goes on... waking up your skin cells!

The packaging says to use a maximum of 3x weekly, and there is no need to leave the product on any longer than 5 minutes because that is as long as it takes for all the oxygen to release. Basically, when it stops fizzing and seems to sink in to your skin, wash it off. As for results, I am yet to notice anything dramatic. But it just feels so cool on that I enjoy using it anyway.

Since it is more of a perky mask than a treatment mask, I would suggest doing this as an addition to your morning routine. It really is like a "breath of fresh air" for your face!

I'd say it's definitely overpriced at $52, but if you are one to splurge on skincare, it could be worth a shot!

Thanks, Total Beauty, For the opportunity to review this :)

Keeping Your Eyes in Tip-Top Shape!

2008-09-14T15:12:00.005-04:00

A lot of people take their vision for granted! My grandma just went to the eye doctor for cataract surgery in one eye. She is doing great and says that her eyesight has dramatically improved. For the mean time, she is putting in a ton of eye drops daily. She reads and watches TV a lot so she has various glasses to do those things, but now I'm sure she can pair down how many she needs. My mom wears prescription glasses, and my dad wears reading glasses. I don't have any issues with my eyesight as of yet, thank God!

As we all know, prescription glasses can be quite pricey and if your eye problem is one that could get worse with time, they seem rather counter-productive. If you feel uncomfortable wearing glasses, contacts can be an added frustration when they feel as if they are going to dry out, or if one falls out and gets lost.

I was looking in to it, and there are some ways to strengthen your eyesight naturally. There are these cool looking things that are called pinhole glasses, which are a safe and natural way of relaxing and training your eyes. These pinhole eyeglasses are also known as "stenopeic glasses" and work by allowing only a very narrow beam of light to enter the eye, reducing the eye strain and increasing depth of field. Sounds pretty intriguing right?

The best part is that pinhole glasses are super-affordable, as most are sold for under $20. Just for wearing around the house, these are perfect. They look sort of like sunglasses if you wear them out, although they are not supposed to be worn while driving. They kind of remind me of those trendy shutter shades, but they are actually a lot more functional!

What do you think of pinhole glasses? Would you try 'em?

Sleepwear Suggestions and Staples!

2008-09-14T02:00:00.000-04:00

Ahh, I had the liberty of sleeping in this weekend and it got me thinking about my sleepwear selection. Generally I go for the cami and shorts route, as I don't really feel comfortable sleeping in full length pants. I also love a good, snuggly robe! Mmm, heaven! God, I love sleeping.

So, in honor of a good night's rest, today I am going to share with you some super cute picks. These cozy picks are perfect for a sleepover... or just a comfy night at home.

Here are some of my choices from BareNecessities.com:

And here is a very lux pick from BodyLinens.com, where they offer pajamas by thread count (just like bedding):

The Classic Robe: Tagless, French Seams, 100$ Egyptian Cotton, $95

What are your sleepwear staples? Let me know!

Quick and Cheap D-I-Y Skincare from MakeupAlley.com!

2008-09-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

What beauty-obsessed product junkie doesn't love scouring MakeupAlley's forums and review section for tips? This girl certainly does!

I was looking for some do-it-yourself beauty ideas in their review section, and I came across some interesting ones that I've tried or plan on trying very soon!

Under the Skincare review section, the Aspirin mask is highly rated. If you haven't tried this mask yet, I highly suggest that you do! I do this all the time and it is great. I think I posted about this before, but just to recap, I'll repeat myself. Just sprinkle a few uncoated aspirin tablets with warm water to dissolve into a paste, add a squirt of honey, and smear on for a few minutes. If you're feeling fiesty, mix the aspirin paste in with your favorite pre-made mask, such as Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask (also highly rated), and leave on for about 10-15 minutes. Love it!

Another cool tip is to use Milk of Magnesia (or Mylanta) very lightly as a primer, after moisturizer, under mineral makeup. This is apparently very good at absorbing excess oil. I plan on trying MoM as an on-the-spot blemish treatment, as it supposedly has anti-inflamatory and antibacterial properties. Plain ol' honey has very high ratings as a facial treatment as well, although most of the readers seem to be mixing it with something to apply or to use as an exfoliator or mask (with brown sugar, cornmeal, or green clay).

Over 200 reviewers suggested Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a body or hair moisturizer, while around 100 recommended Coconut Oil. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar apparently makes an awesome toner, but make sure you dilute it first!

One of my favorite tips is to sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste before brushing in order to get your teeth feeling super clean and white.

What are some of your favorite beauty tips? Have you tried any of these?

Is Jack White the Equivalent of a Scantily Clad Mexican Model?

2008-09-11T02:00:00.000-04:00

Let me get up on the proverbial soapbox for a moment ;)

Now, as we all know, I am one for superficial things. I appreciate beauty, style, fashion, trends, and all the talented people who put such things together. I think that beauty and glamour are important in day to day life, to a point.

In real life, I don't really put on a full face of makeup unless I'm going somewhere special. I don't really get dressed up unless I have a reason to. I consider this attitude to be "normal". Unfortunately, as women/girls we are constantly reminded that we should be a picturesque thing of beauty at all times.

This topic is so redundant, I'm completely over it. I'm not a feminist, and I think that objectifying women is bad (although there are worse things). These are just my points of view. That being said, I want to share with you this screenshot from AskMen.com (taken 9/10/08):

Now, lets analyze this for a moment. Hmm... a scantily clad Mexican model (Daniela De Jesus Cosio) is "featured" as being worthy of attention... so we could say she is like the ideal girl for AskMen.com for the day. Now, to her left is the ideal male for AskMen.com for the day. Jack White.

Are we looking at the images here? The woman is completely objectified, posing in a sexy fashion while wearing a bikini... and the man is totally physically unappealing. What is this saying? It is okay for a guy to be unattractive if he is a supposed musical genius -- but in order for a woman to be "worthy of attention" she's gotta be sexed up eye candy?

Sounds like a good, old-fashioned double standard.

Now, I like looking at AskMen.com. I like reading their articles and seeing what guys have to say about certain women, etc. I'm not going to stop doing it. I'm not going to write them a complaint, because I know that this chauvinistic objectification is kind of what keeps their site running. However, I do think that it was a valid topic to point out. What do you think?

A Design Brushes Travel Set Giveaway! (9/11/08-9/18/08)

2008-09-11T01:03:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Tina Bagley, winner of the PZI Jeans Gift Certificate!

My next giveaway is also sponsored by KMR Communications and is equally amazing! This time, I'll be giving away an A Design Brushes Travel Set that includes SIX essential mini handle brushes with full size brush heads.

The set (valued at $45.) includes the following brushes: Powder, Foundation, Baby Buki, Shadow, Angled Liner, and Brow Brush.

You know the drill, just fill out the form below to enter. Winners will receive an email notification, but you can also check back to see who has won the contest. This contest is open to U.S. participants only.

Let me just say, A Design Brushes are TOP NOTCH and you will not be disappointed with this set!

To read my previous review on A Design Brushes, check out this link.

To read more about A Design Brushes, check out their website!

Good luck, readers!

Target Haul - NP Set by Napoleon Perdis!

2008-09-10T03:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight at Target I hauled a few new goodies, including a cute hoodie (can't beat $22), Pure & Natural hand soap, and some facial buff puffs.

Most excitingly though, I snatched up NP Set's Pasarella Powder Foundation (in Light)... which is simply amazing. I wasn't even looking for a new powder foundation when I found this little baby. I swatched the tester and applied it sparingly to a blemished area that was troubling me. Under the fluorescent Target makeup test area, which is new by the way, I expected to see a very unattractive face in the mirror. I was shocked to see this foundation had smoothed over my blemish without highlighting any flakiness, and without looking caked on. It even appeared about 80% concealed. It was a miracle!!!

NP Set Pasarella Powder Foundation comes in a cute white compact that has a separate area to hold the powder puff it comes with. I prefer applying my powder foundation with a Kabuki brush, but for a quick touch up, this puff isn't so bad. There are some cute star designs on the powder itself. The powder is layerable, so you can get medium to maximum coverage. This is awesome on all skin types because it does not highlight dry areas, and it seems to moderately soak up oil. Apparently, there is shea butter and pomegranate in here as well to moisturize and deliver antioxidants. Score!

Anyway, considering I bought this foundation quite recently, I know it isn't quite fair to review it without giving it a little time to see how my skin likes it. That being said, I like it so far. The $30 price tag is definite steep for the discriminating drugstore shopper... but if you are a drugstore/cosmetics counter drifter like myself, it could certainly be worth the price.

My only concern is that the NP Set line could be a flop entirely and then Target will be getting rid of it. But, if that happened, I could just stock up at a discounted price! So, no biggie.

Give it a shot :)

Check out NP Set by Napoleon Perdis at Target.com or at your local Target store!

Claudia Lynx is Ridiculously Beautiful!

2008-09-10T01:16:00.006-04:00

Well, well, well... what have we here? Looks like I'm resurrecting an old and neglected category: SWAV Props!

Today I'd like to feature actress, singer, model, etc., Miss Claudia Lynx! I had never even heard of Claudia until tonight, when I saw a website comparing her to Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls.

I think Claudia Lynx is absolutely stunning. So gorgeous, in fact, that I just had to give her "props" on her amazing look! It seems that she keeps her makeup natural, with an emphasis on her full lashes and black, smoky eyeliner. The result? An amazingly exotic and breathtaking style! Oh my gosh, and those eyebrows are just perfection. She resembles Angelina Jolie a little bit too, no?

Are you familiar with Claudia's work? Have you heard of her before? What do you think? Let me know!