PDP Exclusives by Rebecca

Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 in a nutshell!!!

        2011 has been a fantastic year for me in so many ways. I feel like I really came out of my shell and started making time for myself. I did not realize what a rut I had been in. I feel so much better about myself now! This blog has been a great outlet for me. I have made so many new friends through it and have had the opportunity to try so many great new companies. I truly thank each and everyone of you who reads this blog. You are AWESOME!!! I hope 2012 continues to be just as fantastic. I have so many plans for the blog! More guest posts reviewing and swatching higher end makeup, more Indie reviews, picture tutorials, the return of Super Duper Tuesday, more giveaways and definitely more spreading the love through random makeup gifts!! I am so grateful that I was able to send so many gift bags out this Christmas. Next year I am planning it even bigger and better. I also am working on a very small version of the gift bags for Valentine's Day. I have truly been blessed and to not share, especially when I have more than enough would be horrible of me! I hope this New Year brings you all health, happiness and lots of makeup!!

               2011 was filled with great beauty discoveries!!
Here are some of my most favorite products from 2011!!!

I really could not live without this brush. It is amazing.
I heard it is discontinued. If you do not have it, GET IT!!
Quick!!!


I normally dislike cream cleansers but this one is perfect!
My skin is in the best condition ever!!


Jordana Fabuliner
This may be my favorite product of the year. This pen is less than $2.00,
it applies perfectly and after 4 months of use is not dry at all!!!
 My favorite color is Peaceful and I wear it pretty much everyday.
These are super moisturizing and give a hint of color. 
I <3 them!!!

This is a new product for me. I just tried it last week and love it!!
It fills in pores and gives a flawless look. It has such good coverage
that it can be worn alone instead of foundation.

 These are hands down the best pressed shadows I have ever
tried. Anyone who likes bold, bright makeup needs the Burning Heart
and Sweetheart palettes. Sugarpill should be releasing new
pressed shadows soon. I can't wait!!!!!


I use this at night to wash my makeup off. It is a face wash and 
makeup remover in one. It takes all the heavy eyeliner and
mascara right off without scrubbing or pulling on the eye area.

I use the Mia every other day with the Say Yes To Carrots cream cleanser.
It is the perfect combination for my skin. I was prone to breakouts on my cheeks 
and chin but since using this routine I have not really had any breakouts.
My skin is definitely the best it has ever been.


             So tell me, What is your favorite product of 2011?? What do I need to try in 2012? Once again, Thank you all for reading and being a part of this blog!!!
PhotobucketHappy New Year!!


     

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tick : Tock Cosmetics. Review, Swatches, EOTD and a Giveaway!!

        I am going to be ordering, reviewing and showcasing each company or blog who donated and helped with the gift bags this year!


   Tick : Tock Cosmetics is the first company up in the spotlight!  Tick : Tock Cosmetics is run by two friends, Elizabeth and Tiffany, who both hail from Indiana. Tick : Tock opened it's virtual doors mid 2011 and it's customer and fan base is steadily growing. This past Summer they were even featured in a local magazine!

Tick : Tock sent a nice big package filled with pigments and more for the gift bags and Elizabeth was kind enough to throw in some goodies for me and for you!! Thank you SO much for your generosity!!

             I was sent 2 Infinitity Bases, 4 pigments and 5 samples! Tick : Tock even made a custom color for me!! The pink is called  Glitterholic!!!

            I am all out of pots which is driving me nuts. I have not been able to order any because of my "No Buy". I have tons of samples that need to be potted!!  Soon!!!!!

Bottom labeling on the pots.
All the needed info!

Glitterholic , Frozen in Time,
Time Warp Again and  Stop...Zombie Time

           These bases were formulated to take the place of the beloved NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk that most loose mineral makeup lovers use!  I already put my finger in the white base so that is why it is smudged in
the picture.  I really liked these. I used the white base on my eyes instead of my normal NYX Jumbo pencil and it worked just as well if not better. No creasing at all. Infinity base is a bit thicker in texture so I just made sure to rub it between my fingers to warm it up a bit before applying to my eyelids. This thins it out a bit and makes it easier to apply. Infinity eyeshadow base comes in black and white and is $4 for a 5 gram pot.


Here is some information from the Tick : Tock shop.
Our take on the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil!
First of all, a big difference between the two is that our product is VEGAN and the NYX product is not. That was a huge factor in creating our eye shadow base, we had to make sure we created an identical product without the ingredients that made it a non-vegan product.
Another difference in these products is packaging. We decided we wanted to put our eye shadow base in a 5g pot, the same size as our full-size eye shadows. Our reason is that it takes up the same amount of space as an eye shadow, so storage will be super easy. Also, if you leave it in your car on a hot summer day, it won't be ruined like a NYX pencil would be.
Infinity Eye Shadow Base
Ingredients: Castor Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Carnauba Wax, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline wax, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E
Apply to eyelids using either a concealer brush or fingertips! They apply your favorite Tick:Tock Originals Eye Shadow to get the strongest pigmentation, durability, and results out of your shadows!


 Swatch time!!!  
            I did my swatches different just so I could show the different bases. All of the colors swatched nicely over the bases. Bare skin was pretty transparent but most loose minerals do not perform well without a base
so it was expected.

Swatches in the sunlight.
          I love Glitterholic, Frozen in Time and Clepsydra! Pigments come in sample size (baggie) for .70, you can buy a sample set with 32 colors and an Infinity base for $20. Full size pigments come in 5 gram jars and cost $4.95. Browsing the shop I see they have quite a few sets, collections and packages you
can also choose from.

        I did a look using Glitterholic, Frozen in Time, Clepsydra and Time Warp Again. I personally have a hard time with grays and blacks looking muddy on me but I think this look came out nicely without going that way.

       My eyeliner had a mind of its own this day and the wing is extra huge. These pigments applied nicely. They went on pretty opaque and blended well without much fallout.

                     Overall I really like Tick : Tock Cosmetics. This company is run by two hardworking, sweet and generous young ladies, the product is a nice quality, the packaging is professional and the pricing is good. Tick : Tock currently offers over 33 different color pigments, Infinity bases and are always adding new things to the shop. Elizabeth is a photographer so the shop has very crisp images that show the pigments well which is very refreshing. Have you tried Tick : Tock Cosmetics? If so what did you think? If not, keep reading and enter the giveaway!!


Giveaway Time!!
One lucky follower will win 
1 Infinity Base and 3 Full Size pigments from
How To Enter:
You must BOTH to enter!!
1. Be a follower on this blog
2. Like Tick : Tock Cosmetics on Facebook
Once you have done both comment ENTER along with your email address.


Extra Entries:
1. Like Confessions of a Glitterholic on Facebook.
2. Follow me on Makeup Bee
3. Post a link to this giveaway anywhere ( blog, twitter, facebook, message boards etc) You get one extra entry for each place you post.
4. Become a follower of the Tick : Tock blog.
5. Head over to the Tick : Tock shop and tell me what color catches your eye!
Each extra entry MUST be commented SEPARATE or it will be counted as one entry.

Giveaway ends  1/4/2012

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

December Birchbox



        My December Birchbox arrived last week which was bit later than normal. If you signed up for Birchbox using my affiliate link then THANK YOU!!! If you are wondering what a Birchbox is you can check out my post from last month here or you can check out the Birchbox website . I will also explain it a bit at the end of this post.

             This is my 4th box and I really liked it. A bunch of the girls in my makeup group have been with Birchbox longer than me and are not liking their boxes anymore. They feel the items are not beauty/makeup related enough and that Birchbox is not adding enough product or brand variety. For $10 a month I still think it is worth it and I am enjoying it. My favorite aspect of Birchbox is the surprise every month. You never know what you will get. I also like that I get to try high end, expensive products that I could never afford in full size. Especially perfumes. I have really liked all the perfumes that I have received in my boxes. The size is usually sample or a tiny bit bigger than sample size and that is enough to last me 6-7 applications at least. Also you get 10 points per product when you leave feedback. 100 points equals $10!! I did not know about leaving feedback the first month but have left it for the other months products plus I got a 50 point bonus for someone signing up with my referral link. I has 320 points banked and was able to get the full size Benefit Porefessional ($29) for absolutely free! Now that rocks!!! So yes, I am still loving my Birchbox!!!

Benefit The POREfessional 

 Of all the beauty minefields out there, visible pores are one of the trickiest to dodge. Foundation alone doesn’t do the trick, which is why we turn to this translucent balm to shrink our pores. We can use it as a primer in the mornings or as a touch-up treatment throughout the day. Perfect t-zone, here we come. The silky, oil-free formula diffuses pores and fine lines for an “airbrushed” finished. It goes on sheer, leaving skin even and smooth. Don’t we all love instant gratification?

As a primer, apply a fine layer on clean or moisturized skin, starting from the center of your face and working outwards. Pat to blend. Feel free to use for midday touch-ups too — just dab a pea-size amount over your makeup and blend.
 0.75 fl for $29
 Okay, I love this stuff. Love isn't enough a strong enough word. I have been using ReCreate
face primer by Tarte. It is a pretty heavy primer and applied like a thick facial lotion. It works
quite well and I thought I loved it. I was wrong. Benefit Porefessional is awesome!!
It goes on SO LIGHTWEIGHT. I applied it and rubbed it in and felt nothing on my skin.
I have a fairly large scar from a blemish right underneath my nose, I applied Porefessional
and the scar disappeared before I even put my foundation on. You could not see it at all.
This stuff works great and in my opinion is worth the $29 price tag. After trying it out I went to
Ulta and talked to the girl at the Benefit counter. She told me that Porefessional was a great
product because it did not contain dimethicone like so many other primers.

Ingredients-CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, SILICA, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISODODECANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), MICA, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), LIMONENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, BHT. N° 04932

                     Uh........... she may want to check the ingredients again. I am a newbie to face primers so these ingredients are Greek to me. This definitely is not a natural type primer. I do not have sensitive skin at all so I'm  curious to know if those of you with sensitive skin have used this product without issues???


Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black 

 Keep peekaboo bra straps and rebellious hems in check with these double-sided fashion tape strips. A secret tool in every celeb stylist’s arsenal, they stop the big reveal before it happens. We keep a pack of these strips in our desk drawer at all times. Think of them as your wardrobe’s little helpers.

Each foam adhesive adheres to a variety of fabrics and has over eight hours of sticking power. You can conceal awkward straps, create your own flawless hem, or prop up a strapless bra. Lucky for you, the durable nude and black strips come in 24-packs: you’ll have plenty on hand to help prevent fashion faux pas. Peel away the backing, stick the strips in place, and press down for a few seconds to secure. You can apply them to fabric or directly onto your skin to keep your favorite sleeveless dress from sliding down.
 $9.99 for 24 strips
 I am not really sure where I would use this. I can see how this would be helpful for some people
but it just is not for me. I doubt it will ever be used. If you want it shoot me an email
glittermomto6@aol.com and I will send you it.

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss

 This gorgeous gloss conquers both dry lips and ho-hum style in a single, shimmery swoop. The shades may look pigmented but they go on sheer, and the ultra-shiny finish makes lips look fuller. The formula is packed with moisturizing shea butter and jojoba seed oil to moisturize, plus Vitamins A, C, and E to heal cracks and flakiness.


 0.21 fl for $20
 It was a bit hard to get enough gloss on the wand. This could be because it is a small
size and not filled with enough product though. I also had to heavily apply it to get the color to show up on my lips. It had a decent texture but leaned more on the sticky side. I like this but do not love it.


Some more goodies all wrapped up. One thing I love about Birchbox
is the gorgeous packaging. The tissue is white with some shimmer on it.
So holiday!!


What started out as a sweet gift idea has turned into a cult fragrance. The brother duo behind Harvey Prince originally created this uncommon blend as a Mother’s Day present for their stylish mom. And they didn’t just design a pretty scent — they used olfactory research to develop a fragrance that counteracts the natural scent of aging. The result, a sophisticated mix of citrus notes and blossomy florals, is guaranteed to make you feel more youthful.Olfactory studies have shown that when the fatty acids in our skin begin to breakdown, they emit a particular odor. Fascinating, no? Even more fascinating: pink grapefruit and mango counteract that smell, which is why they’re called the ‘olfactory antidote to aging.’ Beyond the science, this lovely scent has layers of fresh citrus, pomegranate, and mango as well as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. It’s guaranteed to make you feel good.
 100 ml for $98
 I love this perfume. This is one I would actually consider buying even though it is almost
$100 for a full size bottle. The scent is awesome. I have worn it daily since getting it.
My sample is almost gone!!
:::::::::::::CRIES::::::::::::::::


EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster


These fizzy energy packets will bring out your inner Energizer bunny. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and a dose of natural caffeine, they dissolve in water to create a tasty orange tonic.

Mega doses of vitamins B, C, and D fortify your immune system. Natural caffeine from green tea makes you more alert. Antioxidant-rich resveratrol (the same ingredient found in red wine) nourishes your body, and stevia acts as a natural sweetener.
 20 packets for $28
 First let me say that I hate Stevia. It has a disgusting  taste that is just
gross. I decided to try this last Friday. It was a LONG day and I was still up making 
Christmas cookies with the kids late so I mixed it with some water. I thought it tasted 
okay but the stevia was overpowering to me. I drink a lot of Emergen C and I thought
this would be similar in taste but it wasn't. I would not buy or try this again because of the
taste.

blinc Eyeliner in Black

 There’s nothing wrong with having a good cry or a spontaneous swim, but you need the right products to avoid total makeup meltdown. This eyeliner is unlike all others —instead of painting on a line, it actually forms a water-resistant layer that won’t smudge or run. (Really! We tested it.) If you have sensitive eyes, wear contact lenses or just need your liner to last you through the day (and night), this is your new go-to.
How it Works Similar to their mascara, blinc’s eyeliner formula lays down a single line of pigment that stays put throughout the day. Even if you don’t have surgeon steady hands, this is fairly forgiving. The ultra-thin tip is versatile, and if you look closely at the point, you’ll notice that the brush lies slightly off center, helping you avoid a collision with your lashes.How to Use Lower your gaze so that you have a smooth eyelid surface to work with. The formula glides on so no need to apply too much pressure. Start at the inside corner of your eye and lightly trace a line as close to the lashline as possible (the thickness is up to you). When you’re ready to take off your makeup, you can set aside the remover—the layer of liner will peel right off with warm water and gentle pressure.
 0.21 oz for $24
I have not tried this yet because I am afraid it is going to suck and I do not want to ruin a whole makeup look by using it. I will have some free time next week and I will test it and edit this post to include my thoughts <3

           This months box had some real gems in my opinion. The perfume and Porefessional were FABULOUS products. What did you think about this months box?? Are you dissatisfied with your Birchbox as of late?
 If you are interested in joining Birchbox click here .
That is my affiliate link and I will get points when you sign up. 
Month to month subscriptions can be canceled at anytime. 
Just make sure you cancel before the end of the month!

If you know what Birchbox is then you can skip reading below. 
I want to explain it again for the new followers here =0)

Birchbox you ask?
Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.
Co-founders Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp met at Harvard Business School. They created Birchbox to help women cut through the clutter of the beauty world to find products that really work for them.
Each month, you'll receive a  selection of 4-5 samples that we’ve tried (and retried) ourselves.  You'll receive anything from skincare to makeup to cult beauty tools, from well-known brands as well as emerging gems.A subscription to Birchbox is $10 a month or $110 for the year.

Friday, December 23, 2011

A ton of Shiro swatches for you!!! Guest post by Jenelle!!

I love Shiro to death. The colors are nerd themed, brilliantly hued, long wearing, and completely homemade. The owner, Caitlin, is one of the sweetest, hardest working women I've ever met. She ships fast and she's accurate. 

The pictures in this review contrast the colors in her wide range of collections, The Science Collection (based on the video game series Portal), The Super Effective Collection (based on Pokemon), and The Legends Collection (based on the video game series Legend of Zelda), it also includes her special sets, Kawaii shadow (a pastel collection), iShadow (monochrome), and her standalone shadow Everything is Bears based on her friendship with the owner of the blog http://www.lipsticksandlightsabers.com/

While some of the colors photograph similar, each color is unique. Check out the swatches for yourself!






















Thank you Jenelle for taking the time to swatch your entire collection of Shiro for us!!!
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