October 2011 Favorites [Hits & Misses] Product List and Details

The list of products shown:
Feather Rock Earrings and Accessories
Butter London Holiday 2011 Nail Polishes in The Black Knight & Tart As A Hart
Sally Hansen Moisturizing (green) Nail Polish Remover [Also mentioned: SH Fast-Acting (blue) NPR]
Sally Hansen Clip N'Catch Nail Clippers for Fingernails & Toenails
Revlon Nail Polish in 092 Blue Lagoon
Chanel Glossimer in Sweet Beige
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine in PK337
   *Available from the Shu Uemura site, linked here: http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan
Jill Stuart Blossom Dual Blush in 06 Little Anemone
Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 13 Milky Strawberry
Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyeshadow Compact in 08 Dazzling Moon
Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Duo in Gold
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 5
Duo Waterproof Glue, Deluxe Size from Sephora
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Shiseido The Skincare Eye Moisture Recharge Gel-Gream
jeune d'age organics Moisturizing Eye Cream
Bobbi Brown EXTRA Eye Repair Cream
Vichy Normaderm Pro Mat Ultra Mattifying Oil-Free Lotion with SPF 15
Dior DiorSnow UV Shield SPF 50
My Beauty Diary Black Pearl and Apply Polyphenol Face Masks

Make-up Worn:
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 140 Tan
Shiseido The Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan [as a contour]
Jill Stuart Blossom Dual Blush in 06 Little Anemone
Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Duo in Gold
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black
Kiss False Eyeslashes in 05MAC Technakohl in Graphblack
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine in PK337

Nails:
Butter London Holiday 2011 The Black Knight

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Green from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)
Please Note: I do not make any commission whatsoever from the use of this code!

Bracelet:
Chan Luu 3-Wrap of Hemp & White Beads from Hautelook

Philosophy Senorita Margarita Bath and Shower Gel Review, Photo

I have used Dove bath soap bars my entire life and could never work up the courage to shell out the money for these colorful babies but the name of this delectable bath and shower gel makes me giggle and crave a drink.. Who's with me?!

The retail price is $16 but I purchased it with my Ulta 20% discount coupon that I received in the mail so it was well worth it! I usually give these shower gels as gifts because I know most girls love bath luxuries but I couldn't justify buying them for myself. But the more I try Philosophy shower gels, the more I become addicted to them! I've tried my friends' Be Somebody in Water Lily [floral] and Birthday Cake [sweet], which are both lovely, but I like the invigorating, sassy citrus scent of Senorita Margarita best.

The formula, when used as a shower gel, lathers well and you will see plenty of foam if you use a loofa as I do. My dry skin feels clean and comfortable, not stripped, after using any Philosophy shower gel. The scent lingers on my skin for the time I'm in the shower but not much longer than that. If you don't like the smell of citrus or lime, however, it'd be best to avoid this particular scent because it is not for the faint of heart.

I only use Senorita Margarita as a shower gel and have yet to try it as a bubble bath. I don't recommend you use any Philosophy shower gel as shampoo unless you're in a pinch and have nothing else to clean your hair with. They are touted as multi-tasking formulas but they generally don't lather nearly as well in the hair and unfortunately, I always see drying out my normal hair when I use these as shampoo.

Bottom Line: Repurchase!

Dior Forever Extreme v Fusion Foundation Review & Comparison + Demo

Make-Up Worn:
Dior Forever Extreme and Fusion Foundations [please see video]
Cargo Blu_ray Pressed Powder in 30
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
D&G Blush in Tan [as contour]
D&G Blush in Peach
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 1
Lancome Artliner in Noir
Kiss False Lashes in 3
Chanel Glossimer in Sweet Beige



Nails:
Deborah Lippmann Like a Virgin [sheer white base]
Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday [mutli-colored glitter]

Lenses:

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Grey from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

Please note: I do not make any commission whatsoever from the use of this code!

Lioele Cosmetics & Skincare Review Video Detail

Lioele is now officially my favorite Korean make-up brand. The prices are affordable and considering how difficult it is for me to access Korean brands because of where I live in Southern CA - far away from all the Korean metropolitan centers and stores - Lioele is very easy to access through the web! I received the Lioele products reviewed in the video from Circle Lens AU, the largest Australian circle lens distributor. Apparently, circle lenses and Lioele make-up go hand-in-hand these days, due to the trend-spouting Korean pop groups! You'll hear all about my favorites in the video here but if you want to browse through the products before watching it, here's a link: http://tinyurl.com/3lqhfa3



My Favorites, In Order: The Blooming Gloss, Dollish Lipstick, All in One Gel Liner, Aroma Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-up Remover, Fresh Sunscreen SPF 45, and the Glittering Jewel Eyeliners
My Least Favorites: Brush Pen Eyeliner, Dollish Mascara - I also do NOT highly recommend the Real Waterproof Eyeliner because it could be more waterproof.

I just made a purchase order for more Dollish Lipsticks, Blooming Glosses, and a waterproof mascara so I'll review and swatch them as soon as they arrive!


Make-up Worn:: YSL FALL 2011 [See Tutorial Here!]

YSL Teint Resist Foundation in 6
YSL Semi-Loose Powder in 2
YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter in 8
D&G Powder Blush in Tan for contour
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Too Faced Glitter Glue Eyeshadow Primer [available at Sephora]
YSL Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadow Palette in 11 w/MAC 239, E45 & E35 Sigma Eye Brushes
YSL Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black
YSL Shocking Effet Faux Cils Felt Tip Liquid Liner in Black
Velour Premium Handmade Lashes in T Dot Oooh!
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara in Black
Chanel Limited Edition Lash Curler [still available at most counters]
YSL Blush Radiance in 4 [The older version is called Blush Variation]
YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in 112
YSL Golden Gloss in 41


Nails:
Butter London HRH

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Violet

Circle Lenses Pinky Paradise Giveaway Winners Announcement

Here are the winners for the Circle Lens Giveaway! Thanks so much for entering and I will try to hold another circle lens giveaway soon :)

Please leave me your e-mail addresses here and I will delete them as soon as I receive them to protect your privacy or you can YouTube message me your information so that I can forward it to Pinky Paradise. The company will be in contact with you so the lenses can be shipped directly to your address!

beautyru5h

mikeymichelle1

raenuhbee

Chanel Holiday 2011 Les Scintillances de Chanel Tutorial Details

This is such a classic look that can be worn all year round, on any day or occasion. It's not too made up and very easy to achieve. I love that Chanel leaned back to its retro roots but gave it a modern twist with the lovely textures of the eyeshadow and lipgloss! Enjoy :)



Products Used in the Video:
Chanel Perfection Lumiere in 40
Chanel Poudre Douce in Peche Tendre
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
NARS Pro-Prime Eyeshadow Primer
Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Beige Lame
Chanel Eyeshadow and Cake Liner Duo in Jet-Gold [LE, no longer available]
MUFE Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gold
Velour Lashes in T Dot Oooh
Chanel Tweed Blush in Brun Rose
Chanel Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel Highlighting Powder 
Chanel Extrait de Gloss in Triomphal
*I forgot to show the red nail polish, Rouge Carat, from this collection! You can see a preview photo at the link below but I'll be applying to my nails and reviewing it here this week.


For a complete review of the collection with most of the lip swatches, please see my review!
http://www.theraeviewer.com/2011/10/chanel-holiday-2011-les-scintillances.html


Nails:
Butter London HRH

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Grey from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

Please note: I do not make any commission whatsoever from the use of this code!

Tarte, Robbi & Nikki, and Alterna Haul Details

Here's my latest haul! It's definitely more modest than usual but that's because I'm saving up for all the special, limited edition holiday make-up pieces! I hope you still enjoy it, though, since a lot of you asked me for clothing hauls and this is about as close as it gets.


Tarte Cheek Stain in TEN
It's my first cheek stain so I'll really excited to try it. This is a shimmering bright pink so I'm sure I'll love it! Let me know what your favorite shades are so I can give them a whirl!

I LOVE Robbi and Nikki Clothing! Especially if it's on Sale from Haute Look. They were totally worth the money and I'm wear the first tank shown below right now. It's ultra soft and incredibly comfortable!
Here are the individual piece names and information in case you wanted to try tracking them down :)

Alterna Shine Bamboo Shine Duo
*Make sure you take advantage of the 20% coupon! You'll see it on the right :)
http://www.skinstore.com/p-16877-alterna-bamboo-shine-duo.aspx [Not an affiliated link!]

Make-up Worn:
Chanel Holiday 2011 Tutorial Sneak Peek ;)

Nails:
Butter London HRH

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Grey from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

-- I don't make ANY commission off the code!

Lancome Genifique Giveaway Winner: lindawlai

Thank you to all those who participated in my giveaway! I loved reading your entries :) I'm planning to hold another Christmas giveaway and Genifique will be one of the three or four prizes so you will have another opportunity to win it, soon! Also, once my blog hits 3,000 followers, I will hold a special giveaway for my blog followers only so please encourage your friends and family to start reading!

Lindawlai -
Congratulations! You are following my blog privately so I couldn't message you or leave you a comment. Please YT message me with your full name and address so I can forward the product to you!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone <3

YSL Fall 2011 Midnight Garden Tutorial Details

I was taken aback when I first saw the promotional photos for this campaign because purple lips don't generally appeal to me but once I started playing with the products, I knew it was love. The eyeshadow quad is seriously worth every penny! It's an easy, smoky way to experiment with color, especially if you're bored with brown or scared of black. Also, the new Radiance blushes are so smooth and so well pigmented. I can't wait to pick up the peach shade to use in the Holiday tutorial, even if it's not officially a part of the Tuxedo collection :) I hope you enjoy the tutorial!



P.S. I forgot to mention in the video that the YSL Fall nail polish I purchased, Midnight Blue, is nearly identical to Dior's Tuxedo. I see better wear time with Midnight Blue but there's no real need to own both - unless of course, you just want to! I almost always wear the nail polish that is released with each collection but chose to opt for a 3-free polish this week because of my mosquito bites, just in case my skin would become more irritable due to standard polish when I scratched.

Products Used:
YSL Teint Resist Foundation in 6
YSL Semi-Loose Powder in 2
YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter in 8
D&G Powder Blush in Tan for contour
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Too Faced Glitter Glue Eyeshadow Primer [available at Sephora]
YSL Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadow Palette in 11 w/MAC 239, E45 & E35 Sigma Eye Brushes
YSL Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black
YSL Shocking Effet Faux Cils Felt Tip Liquid Liner in Black
Velour Premium Handmade Mink Lashes in T Dot Oooh!
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara in Black
Chanel Limited Edition Lash Curler [still available at most counters]
YSL Blush Radiance in 4 [The older version is called Blush Variation]
YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in 112
YSL Golden Gloss in 41

Nails:
Butter London HRH
*Not a bad shade to replace the blues and greens released with the collection, right? I wanted to stay as true as possible to the Midnight Garden theme!

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Violet from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

My Sephora Friends and Family Sale Picks - Pictures and Thoughts

If you haven't redeemed your e-mail address in exchange for a Sephora F&F 20% discount code, here you go: http://goo.gl/ZVi0e

I promised I would announce it but take your time if you don't need anything right away. The sale doesn't end until November 2, I believe. Keep in mind, though, the online coupon code you will receive can only be used ONCE! Sephora has changed the rules and regulations so read the fine print carefully before you finalize your order. I actually prefer that it's a one-time use coupon because it prevents me from buying excessively. Thank you for prohibiting any irrational, potentially unnecessary expenditures, Sephora :)

A lot of you asked me what I was going to purchase so I'll share my picks here. I already made my order so here goes! *All photos courtesy of Sephora.com

TEMPTU Base Smooth and Matte Primer, $35
This primer piqued my interest when I saw it had pretty outstanding reviews on Sephora. I was looking for a matte primer to use for photography, one without SPF, so this fit the bill. I'll let you know how well it does or does not cooperate with my skin and camera flash!

NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette, $65
This limited edition, $107 value palette was too tempting. I'm not even a dedicated NARS fan but I know a good deal when I see one. I own the Orgasm blush and the Hungry Heart higlighting duo but I haven't tried any of the other shades so it will be nice and easy for me to review the other shades without breaking the bank. And after reviewing, it will go straight into my kit! I may purchase the full sized compact of Desire, the cotton candy pink, if I like the way it looks against my coloring.

Benefit POWda WOWza, $28

This is a limited edition powder box, the kind Benefit produces every holiday but this one has CORALista, Hoola, and Bella Bamba - the one Benefit boxed blush I have not yet tried. Hoola is a great matte bronzer for most skin tones and it doesn't flash back so it's great for my clients who have to work the stage! CORALista is nice.. I lost my full sized product a while back so it will be nice to see it in my stash again.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $20
I already bought one of these for my twin sister to try and she really loves it so I picked one up for myself to test. I'm going to write up a comparison post for this product because the new YSL Shocking felt tip liner looks very similar.. The Stila is so much cheaper and the formula is waterproof, though, so I think we may have a winner!

I know it's a small haul but these products are mostly Sephora exclusives that I would not be able to find in department stores! I actually wanted more, like Escada perfume and a couple Illamasqua products but I know I don't need them right away so I figured this little haul would be more than enough to satisfy my bargain hunter cravings. I purchased the blush palettes to save some room in my kit for when I travel to work on my pageant girls. I still work as a freelance make-up artist, by referral only and special consideration only when I have spare time away from school and YouTube, and I'll be working with several girls next month so I wanted to avoid having to pack tons of individual blush products.

Feel free to share your hauls with me! I'm curious to see what you have purchased, too.. I recommend lots and lots of Illamasqua, Make Up Forever, Hourglass, Tarte, etc. My best advice to you is purchase what you can't find elsewhere! There are always promotions and Gifts With Purchases at department stores that make up for the lack of a discount. Hence, why I purchased a primer by Temptu - you can only find it at Sephora! Have fun but remain smart and savvy when it comes to your purchases <3

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in 20 Sensation Review, Photos, Swatches

I love lipsticks. Even though I know I have too many, I want more! #addict

When I recently made my first order of D&G cosmetics for my Make-up for Glasses Tutorial from D&G extraordinare Nikki in Texas [713.627.0500 EXT 5101 - tell her I sent you], I requested she select the lightest, coolest pink in the Passion Duo line up. Sensation arrived on my doorstep the next week and its lightweight formula won me over. The rose scent of the lipstick does not bother me but I do find the the rose flavor mildly off-putting. As much as I love rose scented products, my taste buds will never find artificial rose flavorings palatable.

I love how sleek the gold bullet is! It's longer than most bullets we've seen recently but it's very chic and easy to grip. The gold is not too yellow, unlike the significantly darker yellow gold compacts of the D&G eyeshadows. An do you see how there are two parts to this lipstick? The inner ring is the gloss, enveloped by the outer ring of creamy lipstick. When you want to wear both a lipstick and a lipgloss but you cannot be bothered with two products, all you need is one Passion Duo! I love killing two birds with one stone :)

Note: The lighting of my photos seem to make Sensation appear cooler than it is. The base color of this lipstick is not a Barbie pink. Sensation is a neutral pink with cool-toned pink and silver glitter particles. There is a touch of frost in the finish but it is not as dramatic as I expected, which is good! It is also worth mentioning that this particular shade is one of the sheerest Passion Duos and the lasting power is nothing impressive, 4 hours at best. The only remnants of Sensation on my lips at the end of the day are the glitter particles that were part of the outer ring.

From what I have seen, the deeper colors in the Passion Duos are much creamier and far less glittery. If you want a D&G lipstick that's worth $34, stick to the reds. But if you want more bang for your buck, treat yourself to a Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink!

*After several uses. The inner gloss ring is disappearing faster than the outer lipstick ring!

I will keep Sensation just in case I ever go dancing and want to rock a smokey eye with a sparkling pink lip!

My Favorite Circle Lenses + Giveaway [3 Winners] Details

Circle Lenses Giveaway Guidelines:
1. You must subscribe to my YouTube Channel here!
2. This contest is open worldwide but if you are under 18, you must have parental permission to participate.
3. In the comments under the video [not here under the blog post], please tell me whether you wear prescription lenses/glasses or not and tell me which lenses from Pinky Paradise you would like to try! Please make sure if you do need a prescription lens that you choose a lens style that offers it.
4. Please 'like' the Pinky Paradise Facebook page here!
5. This contest will end October 24 at 11:59PM PST. I will post the winners the following day on my facebook here!



Lenses Shown in the Video:
Geo Tri Color Lenses in Grey, Purple, Green ($20.90 each)
--Grey: http://www.pinkyparadise.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=96
--Purple: http://www.pinkyparadise.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=99
--Green: http://www.pinkyparadise.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=97
Princess Pinky Lenses ($28.90)
--Honey Pink: http://www.pinkyparadise.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=1249

Make-up Worn:

Dior Forever Fusion [new formula] in 031

e.l.f. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black

Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyes in 08 Dazzling Moon 

Lancome Artliner in Noir

Kiss False Lashes in 03

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

e.l.f. Essential Hypershine Gloss in Vixen

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Grey from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)
**I do not make any commission off the coupon code!

Nails:

YSL Nail Lacquer in 44 [Fall 2011]

Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter Review, Photos, Swatches

Benefit's new soft focus champagne highlighter is a hit with me! I say that right off the bat because I've tried NARS Copacabana and Luxor Multiples, which slide around my cheeks, even when set with a powder. If you're not familiar with these solid stick, cream-to-powder finish highlighting products, you're in for a treat! I think they are the easiest highlighters to work with and they are also the most natural in finish. I simply swipe the top of the stick across the tops of my cheekbones, blend out, and apply my powder blush just underneath it. You can, however, use Watts Up! over your blush if that's what you're used to. The champagne color may seem to suit warmer skins better but it actually is flattering across all skin tones! There isn't too much pink or peach so it will also work with a variety of blush shades.

My skin is still tan [Chanel Perfection 40] but Watts Up! definitely works on my coloring.

Close-Up of the Champagne Color! Some say it's peachy but it's neutral on me.

The packaging is cute yet practical, with the product on one end and a sponge for blending out the product on the other. I don't find I use the sponge often, as I prefer to quickly blend with my warm fingers, but if you cannot bring yourself to touch your face with your fingers, the sponge is very effective at smoothing out the edges. Watt's Up! is emollient but not overly creamy so there is not much slip, meaning the product stays put on my face all day. It does fade 4 hours later, though, so you may want to throw this in your make-up bag if you like to have highlighted skin all day!

The sponge is small but precise - easier to work with.

I do feel it's expensive at $30 for 0.33 oz but because Watts Up! outperforms my NARS Multiples, I would repurchase. 

Images: Benefit & Rae of TheRAEviewer.com

e.l.f Make-up Brand Review Details

I'm not skeptical of drugstore make-up and I do not dislike drugstore make-up. Some of my favorite products come from the drugstore! But when I chose such a small niche for my YT channel, I did not realize so many people would be quick to judge and misunderstand why I review so many high end products. It is true that I find most designer products to be worth the extra cost and that is why I focus on giving the brands the coverage they deserve. There are, however, gems like e.l.f. that I also feel deserve the same respect and that is why I filmed this review. I love that the e.l.f. products are very affordable and that's how drugstore make-up should be - accessible and practical. These days, many drugstore products are highly overpriced but I think e.l.f. has managed to keep their prices low without compromising quality. Definitely check them out the next time you're at Target or browse the line-up on their website!

e.l.f. Make-up Reviewed:

Studio Blush in Pink Passion [$3]

Essential Hypershine Gloss in Vixen [$1]

Studio Translucent Matifying Powder Compact [$3]

Studio Cream Eyeliners in Brown and Purple [$3 each]

Studio Angled Eyeliner, "C" Eyeshadow, and Powder Brushes [$3 each]

Studio Makeup Mist and Set Spray [$3]

*I would have loved to purchase more but these are, realistically, the only products I would use after reviewing. I hope you can understand I don't need more make-up but wanted to film the review as a show of respect to my many subscribers who requested this video. Like I stated at the end of the review, there are plenty of reviews on the products I was not able to show so take advantage of Google!

Make-up Worn:

Dior Forever Fusion [new formula] in 031

e.l.f. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black

Jill Stuart Illuminance Eyes in 08 Dazzling Moon 

Lancome Artliner in Noir

Kiss False Lashes in 03

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

e.l.f. Essential Hypershine Gloss in Vixen

Lenses:

Geo Tri-Color Grey from Pinky Paradise

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

Nails:

YSL Nail Lacquer in 44 [Fall 2011]