The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: June 30, 2013 Edition

• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction shows us the BECCA Cosmetics Ultimate Eye Colour Quad in Night Star.
• MakeUpMom123: Spectacular One Year Blogaversary! 12 Prizes!!
• Mama Fashionista: Quinn of Mama Fashionista shows us how to make it a L'Occitane summer!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naked is the perfect nude beige peachy pink to get you through the warm days of summer- it's that stunning!
• Beauty Fiends: Julia took a trip to the States and picked up an Ulta exclusicve - The Natural Palette by Stila. See swatches & a review.
• TheFabZilla: It's that time of the month again. TheFabZilla shares her new product empties!
• Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Create beautiful eyes for summer using Guerlain's 11 Les Roses Palette!
• Beauty Professor: Looking to embrace a new summertime hair style? The Beauty Professor has the answer with her easy.
• Geniabeme: Winged liner is not a problem when you have Kat Von D Tattoo Liner!
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s simple but eye-catching manicure.
• Daydreaming Beauty: Should tennis balls be a note in a perfume?
• BellBelleBella: Brittney has fallen in love with the YSL Volupté Shine Lipstick formula.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Giveaways from Around the Polish World-- Newly Updated!!!
• Glamorable!: Anastasia is unboxing her Blackbox by Cult Cosmetics, a new monthly nail polish subscription service.
• Betzy's Makeup A Beauty Blog: Are you on the market for a new summer foundation? Then Diva Mineral Foundation a great option this summer.
• Peace Love and Glitter: Summer time, the perfect time for rosy lips! Pucker up!
• Makeup by Kim Porter: Kim has the scoop on the new OCC Creme Colour Concentrate. Plus, review & swatches.
• Harajuku Girl FL Beauty: Looking for a great new moisturizer for oily skin? Mizon has a great one!!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: June 29, 2013 Edition

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction shows us the BECCA Cosmetics Ultimate Eye Colour Quad in Night Star.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: The face oil craze has really gained traction in the beauty world, but few can stand up to The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum because it's a true anti-aging antioxidant rich powerhouse!

My Highest Self: The nude makeup trend is hot for Summer! See Tina's "no makeup" look with Rimmel products.

BeautyTidbits: Enter to win Jane Iredale summer must-haves giveaway over at BeautyTidbits!

D.G.S.Beauty: Need more nail art items to glamour up your nails? D.G.S.Beauty reviews several Born Pretty nail art products

In Her Makeup Bag: Smoky eyes made easy! Stephanie tries out one of the new Maybelline Master Smoky eye pencils and shares why she's loving it.

Painted Ladies: Sheila is in love with Makeup Geek's Liquid Gold pigment and doesn't care who knows it!

Beauty Professor: Feeling this summertime heat and pressed for time? The Beauty Professor shares her video tutorial for a "10 Minute Summer Face!"

TheFabZilla: So how do you wear you bronzer? TheFabZilla shares other ways you can rock that bronze on!

Geniabeme: Beautisol is a great self tanning product that gets you tan NOT orange!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed Mineral foundation from Estonian online store Candy Minerals.

Blushing Noir: Fall is here and Chanel Mystere Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow will have you set for the whole season!

Lipgloss Break: Review of L'Occitane's Radiance Color Care Mask...a necessity for dry and damaged hair!

Beauty 101: Are you experiencing "makeup meltdown" this summer? Come see how Casey from Beauty 101 keeps her makeup looking fresh in hot weather!

Hairspray and High Heels: In search of the perfect summer manicure? Check out Ange from Hairspray and Highheels tutorial on how to create one!

Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50: Is Abolene really safe for melting away cellulite, let me know your thoughts!

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Polish Insomniac's Top Ten Textured Polishes!

This week The Beauty Spotlight Team is continuing their Top Ten lists with Jessika showing us her Top Ten Textured Polishes!  Love them or hate them, the Textured Trend is here!  Now that Jessika's  found her Top Ten, she DOESN'T NEED ANY MORE!

Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel: New Cream Blush Swatches

The Chanel counter that I visited was still expecting to receive the rest of the collection, and were sadly missing two of the Le Blush Crème de Chanel colors in Destiny and Revelation.

The texture is creamy, but more stiff than I had expected. The pigmentation is very rich and a little goes a long way. I would definitely suggest a light hand with the darker colors. They are all quite lovely!

According to Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel is,

"An innovative powder-cream formula offers an enticing new way to blush with sheer yet vibrant pigments for instant luminosity. The silky texture offers a long-wear satin finish—soft and comfortable for every skin type—and is simple to apply with fingertips or brush."

Présage: a lovely peachy coral

Affinité: a gorgeous bright rich watermelon pink

Inspiration: a lovely cool toned light pink

Fantastic: a bright über pigmented fuchsia pink

Destiny (not shown): a rich golden bronze

Revelation (not shown): a warm-leaning rosy pink

I haven't purchased any yet because I was in a rush and didn't have the time to linger at the counter, but I will likely get one of them.

$38.00 from Nordstrom (Affiliate link).
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Google Reader Closes Down July1st & Bloggers.com Closed on June 25th

As you know, two more methods of subscribing to your favorite blogs have been permanently retired. Bloggers.com shut their virtual doors on June 25th, and Google Reader will do the same on July 1st.

You still have numerous subscription options:

1) You can subscribe via email feed

2) You can subscribe via Bloglovin'. You can import your reading list feeds here.

3) You can subscribe via Google Friends Connect (GFC) because it is still enabled on the Blogger platform.

4) You can follow on Twitter: @lolassecret

See the side bar to subscribe.

Perlier Italian Sorbet Limone Refreshing Crackling Ice Body Water: Review

Press Sample

Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita is a "cooling crackling body water" and they contend that it is unlike anything that you have tried before!

It's summertime. You're sweltering. All you want is a cool, refreshing sorbet. How about indulging in a little sorbet sweetness — for your skin? Exuding an exhilarating scent, this granita is the perfect summertime skincare refreshment.

Perlier recommends to place this in the refrigerator "to cool and use in the morning for a splash of 'freezing' energy or after a long hot summer's day to instantly cool down your skin, add moisture and relish in the refreshing, cooling sensation this delicious product gives!" They suggest that for best results that on should apply it to the skin in a "solid, continuous spray."

Features:

• Sparkling and crisp
• Moisturizes and refreshes in one step
• Makes your skin pleasantly smooth and scented
• Crackles when applying to skin
• Provides sudden and strong cooling effect
• Formulated with food ingredients, just like a true fruit sorbet
• Fresh and light texture gives a sorbet-like effect on the skin
• Made in Italy
• 
  

My experience: What a refreshing surprise! From the moment that I first sprayed this two things came to mind: Pop Rocks and Limoncello Gelato! It really does crackle, and it does to the skin what Pop Rocks (a carbonated candy the pops and crackles in your mouth) does to the mouth! It has a remarkable cooling effect on the skin, and I can't think of a more fun way to cool the skin down when it's scorching outside! If you do refrigerate Perlier Italian Sorbet Limone Refreshing Crackling Ice Body Water it really intensifies the cooling effect multifold! The crackling and cooling effects refresh the skin, but the lemon scent further makes this a refreshing, fun and novel product. I find that the scent lingers long after the it ceases to crackle and pop, but the moisturizing properties keep the skin hydrated for hours. This is the most fun that I have had with a skincare product in a long time, and I will definitely use it down to the very last drop! This is well worth trying- especially since iFabbo is offering a $5.00 discount!

Ingredients: BUTANE, AQUA (WATER), ISOBUTANE, PROPANE, ALCOHOL DENAT., CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, MENTHYL PCA, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRAL, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CI 19140 (YELLOW 5), CI 42090 (BLUE 1).

Overall assessment: This is a seriously fun product! You will love it, and your kids will be even more enchanted by it! A fun find for summer!

$24.50 5 fl. oz from HSN. $5.00 off for my readers with Code: iFabbo5 Link and discount code provided by iFabbo.

#PerlierOnHSN #Coolest BeautyProductEver

http://bit.ly/17G1rtG

Press Sample Provided by Perlier & iFabbo. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Zeus & Lucy of Urbino: Waiting for Titian

Titian. Venus of Urbino (1538) Uffizi. (Source)

Every time Lucy sleeps in this fashion I always think of Titian's sweet little sleeping dog in Venus of Urbino. It then occurred to me that the artful feline and canine shenanigans in my household were a plea to Titian to repaint the portrait properly. I tried to tell them that Titian was a sixteenth-century painter (which Zeus knows since they were friends- read here), and was therefore unavailable to paint their portraits, but let's face it- there is no reasoning with these two. They refuse to stop reenacting the painting, no doubt as a form of protest, until Titian shows up. I suppose that this means that it will afford me many photo opportunities while we wait.

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Burberry Complete Eye Palette in No. 01 Smokey Grey: Review & Swatches

Purchased by me. Affiliate Links.

According to Burberry Beauty, 

Designed for effortless application, each Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette contains an illuminating base, two blendable shades to add structure and a liner to define and enrich.

The lightweight, natural formula allows you to create a customizable smoky finish, while the spectrum of textures blended with silicones provide smooth glide and easy application. Micronized pigments impart long-lasting, vibrant color in a color-true finish.

Comes in a convenient velvet pouch with three applicators to help you create a multitude of looks.

Burberry Complete Eye Palette in No. 1 Smokey Grey is an utterly stunning classic palette, and one that will thrill anyone who loves the quintessential smokey eye.

The colors in the quad are a rich black with a delicious satin finish, a semi-matte smokey mid-tone grey, a stunning gunmetal grey with shimmer, and a cool frosted white that leans a touch grey in some lighting.

Initially when Burberry launched the quads, there were people who thought that the quality of the quads was not comparable to their iconic single eyeshadows. I have to heartily disagree. I own a great many Burberry eyeshadows, and if there is any difference in quality it is imperceptible to me. Each of the shades in this quad is creamy, buttery soft, and unbelievably finely milled. The pigmentation is utter perfection, and can be built up to maximum opacity, or sheered out for a wash of color. 

In the pan the colors are definitely cool-leaning, and they remain so on my cool-toned skin. However, Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book found that the semi-matte shade leaned warm on her warmer olive-toned skin, whereas it remained cool on my decidedly cool-toned skin.

I find the colors to be long-wearing with or without primer, but I do not have oily eyelids- therefore your mileage may vary.

I personally tend to wear a simple wash of color and liner rather than the traditional smokey eye, and I have found endless possibilities with this gorgeous palette. The black shade makes for one stunning rich eye liner,  both of the grey shades are stunning as a wash of color on the lid, and the white makes a stunning eye brightener in the corner of the eye. I also found that blending the shades together in various combinations created even more beautiful shades.

Ingredients:

Overall assessment: Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! This is a must-have quad for me. This is the quality that you expect from Burberry, and I remain resolute in my belief that Burberry makes among the very highest quality eyeshadows on the market.

$59.00 available from Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue (Affiliate links). Stock photo from Nordstrom.

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum Review

 Purchased by me. Affiliate Links.

 According to The Organic Pharmacy, the Antioxidant Face Firming Serum is, 

"For all skin types. Developed using the latest cutting edge research, the Antioxidant Face Gel and Antioxidant Face Firming Serum make a powerful duo that together lift, tone, repair and regenerate the skin. The serum is nicknamed by our clients as 'the instant face lift oil'. The power of Rose Hip, Grapeseed, Alphalipoic acid, DMAE, Carrot and Grapefruit make this oil 50 times stronger than Rose Hip alone. Reverse sun damage, lift and tone the skin, reduce wrinkles, mop up free radicals."

A powerful anti-ageing serum that has been nicknamed ‘the instant face lift’. It reduces wrinkles, mops up free radicals, reverses skin damage, lifts and tones the skin.

If I had to choose a single Holy Grail skincare powerhouse product that I couldn't live without- it would definitely be a potent face oil/serum. I have used many over the years, and still use many more than a rational human being needs in my daily product rotation. That said, while many of the oils that I use offer great nourishment to the skin, I have yet to find one as power-packed with anti-aging antioxidants as The Organic Pharmacy's Antioxidant Face Firming Serum. When it comes to wanting astounding visible results, and a notable difference- this is the only one that I have reached for over the last several months. I use it once a day no matter what- sometimes twice, but I generally do rotate it with my Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil or my Sponge Ladi Avokanto (but I do have a few new phenomenal oils in my rotation that I will be sharing soon). 

First, it must be said that this beautiful oil has the intoxicating scent of Sweet Orange- therefore upon application you are assured of a magnificent and visceral sensory experience. This brilliant concoction boasts a high concentration of the powerful Alpha Lipoic Acid, a known powerful antioxidant, that helps to prevent cell damage by scavenging free-radicals. The high concentration of Rose Hip Oil is rich in transretinoic acid and essential fatty acids, and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and also helps to reduce scarring over time. Sweet Orange helps prevent capillary fragility, and Carrots are rich in Beta Carotene (part of the Vitamin A family), and are rich antioxidants that protects the skin against free-radicals. Lemon (Citrus Limonum) lifts, tones and exfoliates the skin, and does so in an immediately visible way. This is also to say nothing of the fact that my skin is left soft, supple, and deeply moisturized and hydrated.

This combination of ingredients, along with those that I didn't enumerate, create a powerful cocktail that has visibly changed the texture and clarity of my skin. There is a notable lifting effect in that my expression lines are radically softened, and my skin has an unprecedented radiance and clarity. I would describe this oil as one that stimulates circulation because my skin has the type of radiance that is not superficial, but one instead that causes my skin to have a rosy radiance as though lit from within. The difference is so noticeable, that whenever I use it people comment on how gorgeous, glowing and beautiful my skin is. In fact, I recently had an aesthetician tell me that I had really great skin that was just gorgeous and glowing. I attribute a good deal of this to this magic potion, of course it is not solely responsible for the current condition of my skin- but I am currently under an inordinate amount of stress, and often when stressed my skin goes haywire. Instead, my skin looks and feels wonderful. 

I am not saying that I don't still covet Olio Lusso or Ladi Avokanto- both are amazing moisturizers, but neither offers the same level of anti-aging benefits. I will continue to repurchase all three because they deeply resonate with the needs of my skin while comporting to my personal skincare tastes and proclivities. 

Suggested usage: "Mix 2 drops of serum with Organic Pharmacy moisturizer and apply every morning to slightly damp skin. At night mix 4 drops of gel with 2 drops of serum and apply to damp skin after cleansing. No night cream is necessary." 

I tend not to mix the serum with my moisturizer, but instead prefer to massage it directly into my skin all by itself. It is a truly divine experience! It should be noted that it is very concentrated and potent- it really only takes two drops to do the trick. I tend to warm it up in my hands first and then massage it into my face afterward.

Ingredients: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Rose Hip (Rosa Canina) Oil, Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) , Vitamin E (Tocopherol) , Limonene , Carrot (Daucus Carrota) , DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Linalool, Lemon (Citrus Limonum).

Overall assessment: A real game changer for me. I'm still shocked that such an unassuming little golden elixir can render such outstanding and transformative results. It was worth every single penny to me, and I will most definitely repurchase this magical potion. This is the stuff that dreams are made of! A+

$160.00 for 1.1 oz. Available from Barneys New York (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Le Métier de Beauté Empress Lip Kaleidoscope Still Available!!! Swatches and Assessment

Purchase by me. Affiliate Links.

I have learned to make it a habit to carefully check the websites of my favorite retailers to see if I can locate hard to find items that I may have initially missed out on, or limited edition items that resurface - because I have found some of my very favorite beauty products by this tried and true method. Such was the case with the Le Métier de Beauté Empress Lip Kaleidoscope- a lip kit so extraordinary that it takes my breath away each time I open it! To read my full review of Empress, click here!

According to Le Métier de Beauté. this gorgeous lip kit is "Reminiscent of the majestical jewels exchanged along the ancient Silk Road." Empress was a limited edition Kaleidoscope Lip Kit for Fall/Winter 2011, but there are still a few available!

Blending luxury and shine for an opulent pout, Empress features four lush hues.

Imperial Silk—a pale pink for a nude base. This is a very sheer shade.
Plum Satin—a creamy plum for rich contrast. An extraordinarily gorgeous rich red.
Silk Road—a shimmering red for sheer highlight. Subtle and lovely.
Empress—a delicate mauve mixed with soft champagne. Sublime. My favorite shade!

All shades mixed together, but of course you can customize the shades to suit you.

Overall assessment: I love this lip kit more today than I did when I bought it. A must have for me!

$95.00 at Nordstrom, Cusp, Neiman Marcus & Bergdorf Goodman (Affiliate links). 
Stock photo from Nordstrom.

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: June 23, 2013 Edition

Mama Fashionista: Quinn loves her new red hair and wants to keep it bright and vibrant. Find out how John Frieda's Radiant Red collection is helping!

Blushing Noir: Is the June Birchbox enough to keep my subsription alive for another month?

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Have you been looking for a BB Cream with anti-aging skincare ingredients? Look no further-the new Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream fits the bill!

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle: For beauty fans, there's nothing better than a BIG box of beautiful makeup colors. e.l.f. has a collection that will make you feel like a kid with that box of crayons, and the prices are ridiculously low!

BeautyTidbits: Looking for an affordable, sulfate-free moisturizing haircare line? Check out the review and enter to win DermOrganic haircare products over at BeautyTidbits!

The Lacquered Lady: Sunscreen during the summer is a must! Find out The Lacquered Lady's top pick to keep you looking pretty!

TheFabZilla: What's your summer makeup routine like? Check out TheFabZilla

My Highest Self: Tina tries some nail art on a nude mani with butter LONDON and Kiss Products this week!

Painted Ladies: Sheila welcomes back 365 Days of Makeup with purple glittery lips!

Endless Summer: Get great lashes with DS Laboratories Revita EPS Eyelash Growth Stimulator

D.G.S.Beauty: Want new stylish hairbands? Popband has an amazing selection perfect for your hair.

Geniabeme: Geniabeme uses affordable makeup from Rimmel for a natural FOTD.

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura at My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog swatches some amazing polishes from Oopsie Daisies Nail Polish.

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L tried Oriflame? Maxi Lash 3D mascara that promises to add 16x more volume to lashes.

Lipgloss Break: Learn how to create 'beachy waves' and enter to win Joico hair care products!

Tom Ford Illuminating Cheek Color in Blush Guilt and Bronzed Amber Still Available!!!!

 Purchased by me. Affiliate Link.

The Tom Ford Summer Collection 2013 sold out quickly, but Saks Fifth Avenue actually restocked a few items, and I was thrilled to discover that they still have the Illuminating Cheek Color in Blush Guilt  (shown above and below) and Bronzed Amber!

Blush Guilt swatched. To read my full review, click here!

Overall assessment: I might have to buy a backup of Blush Guilt because I am so smitten with mine. I fear that I will have used mine up by the end of the summer! It is such a gorgeous treat!

$58.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Affiliate Link. Stock photo from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Weekly Roundup: June 22, 2013

If you love lip gloss, and want to try the perfect nude peach- then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog suggests trying Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Charm! It will charm and enchant you!

Need a bit of color but don't want the sun damage? Prime Beauty lists her Top 10 products to give you a gorgeous summer glow without the sun.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is sporting summer on her nails thanks to the Quo by Orly Summer Collection- can you figure out what Trash Glam is a dupe for? Check it out and add your two cents (or if you're Canadian we're rounding up to five)!

The Pink Sith wants YOU to have beautiful hair. That's why she is giving away a full size bottle of Luxury Lane Soap Deep Moisture Hair Treatment Elixir. Enter Today!

Are you a lipstick lover? Pammy Blogs Beauty scopes out Layla's Ceramic Shine lipsticks. Find out what she thinks of the color and pigmentation of these lovely lippies!

Beauty Info Zone has been in a bronzer kind of mood. First there was the Top 10 Bronzer lists and now there's tarte's trio of bronzing wonders.

There's something to be said about classic colour combinations done to perfection, Visionary Beauty shows us one from Suqqu.

15 Minute Beauty is obsessing over this summer's CoverGirl Flamed Out Eye Shadow Collection. The colors are very fun!

Jessika from polish insomniac shows us her Top 10 Bronzers. Did any of your favorite make her list?

Perilously Pale shows us the new YSL Terre Saharienne Bronzer for Summer 2013 and why it is such a great option for lighter skin tones.

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: June 21, 2013

• Mama Fashionista: Work hard, play hard, right? Quinn shares how Champney's can be a rewarding treat after a tough workout!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Get your summer glow on with the Prestige Cosmetics Golden Summer Collection- their Bronzer and Luminizer are GORGEOUS!
• Adore A Polish: Kristina talks about the products she's been loving lately.
• The Socialite's Closet: Just what is black tie optional for women?
• MakeUpMom123: Spectacular One Year Blogaversary Giveaway! 12 Prizes!
• TheFabZilla: How do you make your makeup last all day? TheFabZilla shares her trick.
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L tried some e.l.f. Custom Eyes eye shadows. Where they as good as she hoped?
• Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Have you ever tried pre-glued eyelashes? Did Lily give them a pass or fail?
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Part 3 of NEON exploration in the Nail Challenge Collaborative!
• Geniabeme: Check out Armour's Cat Club lip gloss, its perfect for everyday!
• BellBelleBella: Reviewed the"Under the Sea" inspired Sephora Disney Ariel Collection Storylook Palette.
• Glamorable!: How to create a full-face makeup using only four products.
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura at My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog swatches some amazing polishes from Oopsie Daisies Nail Polish.
• The Convenient Beauty: An easy bronze looks with Tom Ford Beauty Summer 2013.
• Daydreaming Beauty: Have you tried any niche perfumes lately? This week I review the all natural botanical perfume, "Rose with a Broken Neck" from Strange Invisible Perfumes.
• Betzy's Makeup A Beauty Blog: My current go to look for summer.

Maximum Maximus Bids You a Happy Friday!

You would be hard-pressed to find a sweeter cat than Maximus. He is to cats, what Clydesdales are to horses. He really is that big. Everything about him is super-sized, but he remains perfectly proportioned, and stunningly beautiful. He is also the most soulful, gentle and affectionate kitty ever!

Maximus is a Chausie- one of those hybrid breed domestic cats intentionally bred with wild cats (specifically bred with the non-domestic Felis Chaus). We adopted 3 male Chausie cats (Oliver and Jasper are the other two)- all of whom are brothers, and all of whom were dumped off at high-kill shelters by the people who bought them from a breeder. Hybrid cats are different than regular domestic breeds because they often display many of the traits from their wild lineage, and as such they certainly aren't for everyone. What saddens me is the fact that people often seek more exotic animals for a variety of reasons- chief among them is the idea of owning something a bit more wild. Sadly this is why so many exotics end up in shelters because the idea of these sweet souls often exceeds the reality of living with animals that may have different needs or impulses. Of course we feel blessed to share our lives with these rare kitties, but I can't rescue all of them out there.

Maximus wishes for you to have a lovely weekend!
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naked Review & Swatches

 Purchased by me. Affiliate Links.

According to Tom Ford Beauty, the Ultra Shine Lip Gloss is "A high-shine, color-saturated gloss designed to achieve bold and glamorous lips. Its smooth and creamy texture has high adherence and easy comfort. It can be worn alone or layered over Tom Ford Lip Color to add dimension to the lips."

The Ultra Shine Lip Gloss has a delightful vanilla scent that is not overpowering, and it does fade rather quickly. The texture of the gloss is quite thick and rich lending itself to opaque coverage- though it can be sheered out. The texture is almost a touch sticky, but not quite- just this side to assure that it is long-wearing by typical lip gloss standards. It actually feels a bit more like a liquid lipstick than a lip gloss, and I find that I get several hours of wear out of a single application. The high shine finish is lush and elegant without being overdone.

Naked is a gorgeous nude beige peachy pink with refined golden shimmer, and it is sure to delight nude lip aficionados. While the color isn't what I would call particularly unique, it is utterly gorgeous.

I wish that I could say that I really didn't like the formula because of the luxury price tag, but I must confess that I am delighted by this beautiful gloss, and the formula is superb. It is so comfortable on the lips that I reach for it quite often, and the color is just stupendous for the season. Naked is gorgeous atop of lipsticks, but its inherent opacity lends itself to being worn on its own. It truly is gorgeous. The brush applicator does have a tendency to extract more gloss than I need for a single application- therefore I do try to minimize waste by scraping it against the side of the tube while removing the wand. The wand itself is quite long permitting you to scrape the last bits from the bottom of the tube- a definite must at this price point.

 Top swatches are sheered out, and bottom swatches applied for maximum opacity.

While Tom Ford Beauty doesn't suggest that this gloss is moisturizing, I find that my lips feel conditioned when I wear it.

I varied the lighting of my pictures in order to demonstrate that in some light Naked leans more peach, and in others it pulls a touch more pink. I thought that it might be too warm for my cool-toned skin, but it is surprisingly flattering.

 It really is gorgeous!

 Ingredients:

Overall assessment: True love. The formula is so lovely that I now have my eyes on Sugar Pink!

$45.00 Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, & Saks Fifth Avenue. Affiliate links.
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XI: June 2013

Despite the fact that there are still 12 days left in the month there is little chance that I will use anything else up by months end. I managed to finish up two full size conditioners, two full size soaps, a few deluxe samples, a couple sample packets, and 14 perfume samples. Not too bad, all things considered!

Surya Brasil Amazonia Preciosa Brazil Nut Conditioner is a really lovely deeply nourishing natural hair conditioner. I liked it so much that I even added water at the end to get the last bits attached to the side of the bottle! Surya Brasil is a wonderful company, and they make simply amazing products!

Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner is a staple in our household. It is an effective, affordable, and cruelty free line, and it even works well on my naturally curly hair.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap was the first luxury soap that I ever used. I began using it when I was a teenager, and in the last few years started using it again. It does a great job exfoliating the skin leaving it beautifully radiant. It is a very dense and long lasting bar, therefore it always feels like a huge accomplishment when I actually finish one!

Shannon's Soaps Vanilla Bean Soap is pure heaven. I am always a little sad when I finish one of Shannon's beautiful handmade soaps because they are so delightful.

REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum and the Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel were both part of my REN Six of the Best Set- the Omega 3 Night Repair Serum is a lovely antioxidant rich oil night serum- you simply apply it at night and then you wake up with gorgeous glowing skin. Some people do complain that the scent is too earthy for them, but the results are undeniable. The Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel is fantastic for people with combination to oily skin, and I loved using it with my Clarisonic.

TATCHA sample packets of Gentle and Deep Polished Rice Enzyme Powders- I regularly use the Classic Rice Enzyme Power, but the Gentle and Deep versions are equally fantastic. TATCHA is a line  that is well worth your attention- it really does live up to the hype! These cleansing/exfoliating powders leave your skin indescribably clean and baby-bottom soft. AMAZING!!!

Miscellaneous perfume samples- none of which resulted in purchases. Nothing was wrong with any of them- they simply didn't really work well with my body chemistry.