Review: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

I know we were talking about Lip Glosses before, and figured I'd drop a line to let you guys know that this is the lip gloss I bought:

Bare Escentuals - Buxom Lips in Candi - $18

I have to say...I actually don't really like it. I think it's just not the best fit for me, but I'm sure other people love it...it's obviously a big seller. When I got it, I forgot it was one of those "lip plumping" lip glosses that are supposed to make your lips more full. I'm pretty far from having Angelina Jolie lips, but I think mine are pretty full already. I'm not sure I'd actually want my lips much bigger and really, the tingling feeling of the lip gloss is rather annoying. The color is pretty nice - just a tad bit of color over your natural lip color. Anywho, if you don't want your lips to tingle the whole time the gloss is on your lips, then this is not for you. If you're a BE girl, there are non-plumping BE options. If you're interested in getting something to plump up your lips, then give it a whirl - this may be the product for you - I hear it's not as intense as other options, but good if you want a more natural option. Either way, if you're curious now, I'd just drop by Sephora (or wherever else they sell BE) and get a sample to try it out in person.

If you've tried a lip plumping lip gloss, what do you think?

NOTE: image/item sephora.com

Make-up Addiction: Bare Escentuals

One of my bridesmaids and I had plans to go bridesmaid dress shopping this weekend, and I had planned to treat her with a facial (had received two complimentary facials awhile back), but when that fell through, I decided to plan make-overs at Sephora. I love make-overs...they're so fun! The only downside is that you usually end up wanting to buy at least one or two things that you wouldn't have even thought to get before the make-over (not to mention some counters require you purchase a certain # of products). I made appointments for us for a Bare Escentuals consultation mostly because my friend is super laid-back and wasn't particular about the line we tried, and I have been extremely curious about this whole Bare Escentuals phenomenom. I've been wondering what the big deal is for a while now and have looked skeptically at all the BE products every time I shopped in Sephora. So, this weekend, I figured I'd give the line a try with a make-over since I really like to wear make-up before I buy it to make sure it meshes well with my skin.

Well, go ahead and add me to the Bare Escentuals craze because I have to say that since my make-over, I've become a big fan. My skin has always been a bit acne-prone, so I've never been a fan of foundations and powders. In fact, I've tried wearing them from time to time over the years, but it never lasts long. I buy foundation here and there only to wear it a few times and then accidentally leave it in my make-up bag forgotten. I'm always so scared that heavy make-up will break my face out, and I've never liked the feeling of foundation and/or powder on my face. If this sounds like you, too, I highly recommend you schedule an appointment for a BE consultation of your own. Bare Escentuals features mineral-based make-up that comes in powder form - even the foundation and concealer is in powder-form! To boot, the foundation contains SPF15 to help protect your skin during the day. I would have gotten the starter kit this weekend,

but I ran out of money for the month of March and you guys know I'm trying to be good and stick to my budget. Let's hope April gets here soon, b/c I'm ready for a lighter option to even out my face.

NOTE: Image/item sephora.com

Best Lip Glosses for Spring/Summer 2008

I am a lip gloss fanatic in addition to being a shopaholic. At least twice a year, I get a new lip gloss and I try my best to use it up by the end of the season (and not buy other colors). Lip glosses only stay good for so long, you know. Anywho, with all the pretty shades out there, it's been tougher and tougher to stick to just one. I went to Sephora today so a friend could pick up some samples and thank goodness I didn't have time to look around b/c I surely would have left with at least one lip gloss and probably some strange new make-up product I've never heard of before but sounds strangely fascinating.

Here are my pick for the best lip glosses for Spring 2008 and/or Summer 2008:

Bobbi Brown Nude Glitter Lip Gloss
I've been a big fan of Bobbi Brown lip gloss for about 7 years now. The gloss can be a bit thick at times, but is usually pretty moisturizing, stays on well, and comes in nice natural shades. My only complaint is that the colors are sometimes too natural looking (I guess that's her style), so if you're looking for a nice every day color, go here, but if you're looking for something more bright and fun, then I'd try elsewhere.


Korres Natural Products Love Your Lips Gift Set
I've never heard of this brand before, but saw it online at Sephora.com and thought it sounded like something I'd like to check out in person. The cherry-inspired colors caught my attention, and I like how the lip gloss contains shea butter - a great moisturizer.


Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss
This is the gloss I almost bought today in the color to the right of the lip gloss images - it's called "Beauty" and it's a matte, light pink color - very pretty for spring! I tried it on in the store and it looks really pretty, but I'd like to shop around some of the other lip glosses before I decide on this one for my Spring color.


Rosie Jane Lip Dew
This lip gloss is not only a pretty, sheer tone, but it is super yummy! The flavors are so tasty and the glosses go on so nicely. This gloss adds a hint of color and some shine to your favorite lip stick. The Rosie Jane Lip Dew would also be a great every-day lip gloss for when you want to look more natural while adding some yummy shine.

What's your favorite lip gloss? How many lip glosses do you buy in a year?

NOTE: Images from respective web sites

Best of the Blogs: Week Ending 3/16/08

Couture in the City's contest to win the MAC fafi contest ends tomorrow (3/17) - enter today!

Flair helps you pick the perfect bathing suit - just in time for warm weather days spent out in the sun!

ShopDiary found some bigtime brands being sold on bigtime bargains - we're talking YSL, Balenciaga, and more!

Frugal Fashionista shows you how to get another fab Rachel Bilson look on a budget. Hey, Rachel's jacket reminds me of the one I just got!

The Glam Guide has the scoop on Christian winning Project Runway

Business Casual with a Trendy Twist

So, besides a couple items I purchased that I probably shouldn't have, I've been doing pretty good with the whole budget thing. I did have one major purchase that I've been holding out on you guys to share, but that was purchased with a portion of my hard-earned bonus since I spent the rest of my bonus on my debt. Responsibility deserves a treat here and there, no? Anywho, I've been hitting up the sale racks like mad and keeping myself within a reasonable spending budget. I've also been avoiding shopping in general - trying to stay away from the mall and stuff. So far, pretty good!

This outfit features a few reasonably priced items: a full-price skirt that cost right around $50 in a classic cut - a wise investment IMO, a black sweater in a modern cut - purchased on sale and with a discount code for $50 (to be worn as a light-weight jacket), a green jersey top on final clearance for only $15 - woohoo! Anywho, I wore this Business casual outfit to a client site earlier this week and I love how the trapeze-style sweater gives this classic look a slightly trendy feel.




Camisole: The Limited
Green Jersey-Knit Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Black knit sweater: Banana Republic
Black dress skirt: Banana Republic
Peep toe linen pumps: Banana Republic

My "It Bag" for Spring 2008

Guess what came in the mail today?!


That purse I was talking about awhile back...remember? Oh yea - it's Ziordia's Brielle!

Isn't she gorge? Look at those ruffles!

Brielle is going to be my "It Bag" for Spring 2008!

This purse is one of the best purses I've seen on the web this season and the price makes it so much more affordable than other "It Bags" I've been eyeing lately. Anywho, the purse is uber soft and has all these nifty pockets inside - perfect for people like me who don't like to rummage around a big pocket-less bag.

You can get yours (or any other Ziordia purse at ziordia.com) for 10% off for the entire month of March using code ZSHOPAHOLICS10

Click here to start shopping

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch

How cute is this Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch? I love the color options, especially the one shown here - Cassis:

$805 (photo/item eluxury.com)

It reminds me of all those vampy nail polish colors that have been so popular lately. I know dark navy is in, but I still like my dark reds and purples, too! Anywho, I think this would be a great clutch as a simple accessory to something a little on the fancy side. It's sleek and chic and would accent your outfit nicely.

Best of the Blogs: Week Ending 3/9/08

Flair does a recap of Katherine Heigl's best looks

For those who liked the pin-up shoes, you'll LOVE how The Glam Guide shows you how to get the Pin-Up look on a budget

Couture in the City has been noticing celebs rocking the color purple

Check out the video ShopDiary is featuring - the Chanel RTW 2008 runway show

NOTE: photo source not known - if you're the owner of the photo and object to its use, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll take it down. Thanks!

Trend Alert: Cutout Sunglasses for Spring 2008

Designers are going cutout-crazy for Spring 2008. First, we had the cutout wedges, now we have the cutout sunglasses. Here are the best cutout sunglasses I could find on the web (for some reason they jumped from under $100 to over $300 - I couldn't find anything in between!):


Forever 21 H81 1674 Sunglasses - $9.90


Calvin Klein Open Temple Sunglasses - $58.00

*My personal fave*

Dolce & Gabbanna - $330


Tom Ford 'Whitney' Open Side Sunglasses - $360

Does anyone have a Sunglass Hut coupon so I can get those fabulous Dolce & Gabbannas??

NOTE: Images by respective sites

Fab's Massive Closet Clean-Out

Looking for a great deal in fashionable clothing and accessories? Then, check out fashion friend, Fabulously Broke in the City's Massive Closet Clean-Out (click). On her new blog, Fab lists some of her gently worn or unused goodies for sale at super-discounted prices sure to be nice on your pocket. The selection is great, the prices are better, and the money is going to a good cause...to help pay off Fab's debt.

Here are some of your options:

Statement dangling lace-like earrings with hanging beads in between - $3


Naomi Wolf: The Beauty Myth - $13


Black Lace-covered Champagne Peep Toe Heels with Bow (Size 7) - $25

Check her site often for updates and new listings!

NOTE: Photos fbcloset.blogspot.com/

Casual Chic: Stripey Button-Down

I couldn't resist this green, stripey button-down I found on a Banana Republic sale rack the other day. I've been wanting to wear more button downs, but I tend to avoid them if they're not "non-iron." Why? Well, I don't really like sleeves, but mostly I'm too lazy to iron button downs. I'm also not the best ironer (is that a word?) so, I usually just avoid the whole ordeal altogether. However, this sale top, at $30 after markdowns and my coupon, simply couldn't be passed up! I know you can't see from this photo, but it has the cutest tabs on the sleeves and the most adorable white enamel buttons. Love it!

Green, stripey button down: Banana Republic
Skinny jeans: Guess
Leather peep-toe flats: J Crew

New Name in Accessories: Ziordia

As much as I'm a fan of the big-name designers like Chanel, Dolce, Chloe, and Gucci, every once in awhile I want something a little less likely to be seen on every other arm at the mall. Luckily, new designers are emerging every day, bringing fresh looks to your attention. I'd like you to meet Ziordia - a fresh face in the world of designer accessories featuring yummy handbags and totes and clutches. Here's a little more info direct from the source:

Ziordia is a new line that was recently launched in Fall of '07 by Romar International, a 40 year-old award-winning design and development fashion firm headquartered in New York that has been recognized as a leader in design and innovation in both the apparel and accessory markets. Named after a small rustic town in the countryside of central Spain, Ziordia's Creative Director, Arlene Hildreth, chose the namesake for inspiration in design, paying tribute to her Spanish ancestry. Ziordia was created for the modern youthful and spirited women who buy for both fashion and function. The Ziordia woman loves to wear classic sexy styles and accessorize with eye catching trend pieces. She is up on pop culture, reads celebrity style magazines and the best fashion blogs. She works hard and appreciates a well designed handbag that is convenient and rich in style.


After years of listening to what customers and buyers look for in a bestselling bag, Arlene Hildreth wanted to make sure Ziordia offered a luxury bag that was unique fashion forward as well as very functional and made sense for modern busy women to carry. The inside of the bags are just as unique as the overall silhouette. In a saturated accessory market, when asked what makes the line stand apart, Arlene Hildreth said, "I spent a lot of time concentrating on offering the customer value as well as style. I have included in all bags a logo mirror, removable key fob, cell phone/PDA pockets as well as zippered front and back pockets for added security and convenience."


Peyton


Ruelle


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Jorie

*Here's my personal favorite*

Brielle

Like what you see? Great! Shopaholics Anonymous readers get a VIP discount of 10% when they use ZSHOPAHOLICS10 at http://www.ziordia.com/. Offer good for the entire month of March!

Click here to start shopping! If you're lucky enough to get one, let me know. I'd be getting myself a little Brielle action if I weren't saving for my wedding! lol. Happy shopping!

NOTE: Images courtesy of ziordia.com