New Beauty Tool: Tarte "The Sculptor Contouring Face Slenderizer"

I was poking around on the Ulta website the other day and came across this new product from Tarte.  At first I figured it was just a contouring stick.  But I looked more closely, I realized it was much more "ornate" than that.

Tarte is claiming this product will give you the appearance of a slenderized face with just the swipe of a crayon. "Drop 5 pounds in 5 minutes," the ad boasted.   I thought it was far out there, then I watched the accompanying video:


I don't know about you, but I am not impressed with the video.  I think the product is too over the top, and the video did a poor job of showcasing its application.  Products typically do poorly in the market because customers do not understand its application.  This video barely showcased the blending process on the model's check!  For customers to truly understand how to use this product, they need to see her actually blending that ultra dark line (which in my opinion was too much) with that specific brush.  Seeing the technique the model uses is important to at-home success.

The stick will only be ideal for a limited number of skin tones, and I can easily see users becoming easily frustrated with it.

If you are interested, check it out at Ulta for $24.

Collective Haul - Ulta & Drugstore Purchases

Hey y'all.   Even though I've been doing my best to limit my spending, I just can't resist splurging on cosmetics!  A new lip color is the perfect pick-me up, so why not go for it?
I've been picking up some beauty products here and there, but it never seemed like enough to post.  However, I just received a shipment from Ulta, so I decided now would be the perfect time!

I'll start with my new favorite lip product.  As you know, Carrie Underwood is the latest brand ambassador for Almay Cosmetics, and I naturally feel the need to purchase everything she endorses.  So I chose to start with the Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm.  This stuff is truly marvelous.  I have shades Cantelope Cream and Pink Pout.  I usually go for peaches and neutral lip colors because I don't want the funny look of bold hues as they start to fade from ware.  But I went out on a limb and picked up that magenta pink color (they were BOGO so the risk was warranted).  Much to my surprise I love the Pink Pout the best! It is a pinky-"my lips but better".  I find it totally ties my look together regardless of what I'm wearing.  The product is long lasting, and does not leave my lips feeling chapped or dry - which is one of my lip product pet peeves!!

I also picked up one of the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters from Target in the shade Juicy Papaya.  I've always been a fan of the product's formula, so I figured why not pick up a pretty summery shade! The color is subtle, yet has a nice tangerine hue to it on the lips.  Again, I love that it does not leave my lips chapped or dry!

Last week I was at Wal-Mart, picking up some items for my townhouse at school, and of course wandered into the cosmetic aisle.  I knew Maybelline had released new shades of the Color Tattoo product line, and was dying to try them out.  Any followers of the blog know that I am a religious user of these guys as eye-shadow bases in my make-up routine.  So, seeing as these were of a "matte" like texture, and were in neutral hues, I wanted to get my hands on these ASAP.  Thankfully they were in stock at Wal Mart, after I tried several times at Target with no luck.

I picked up shades Creamy Beige and Chocolate Suede.  I've only had the time to try out Creamy Beige.  It was a great neutral to use as a base for shimmer shadows, however if you would like to wear it on its own, you will need to build the product.  I'll let you know how I like Chocolate Suede once I use it!

I am most excited for these two items, both from It Cosmetics.  The Naturally Pretty Vol. 1 Matte Luxe palette is filled with warm, suede-matte like hues that are perfect for layering.

These shades are easy to work with and can be used for both day and nighttime looks.  The palette also includes a shade called "Transforming Pearl" which is meant to be applied over any of the other shades to add a shimmer to your look.

 I also picked up the Tightline Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer.  The super tiny brush makes it easy to grasp the base of your lashes and pull the roots upwards creating a volumized effect without clumping.  I found that the product distributes well and last for a long time! I use it alone and as a primer, both producing great effects!  I recommend this product to anyone with small lashes or small eyes because this will truly lengthen your lashes and really open up your eyes.