Prestige Cosmetics Extraordinary Spring 2014 Total Intensity Collection: Review & Swatches

 Press Samples (Unaffiliated links)

I am continually thrilled by the consistently outstanding quality of the products made by Prestige Cosmetics, but their new Spring Total Intensity Collection takes this to a whole new level of excellence. Everything from this gorgeous collection boasts unbelievable color saturation, ultra-smooth application, and creamy dreamy textures. While Prestige is a drugstore brand, it truly rivals the quality of the most coveted luxury brands.

Total Intensity Makeup Travel Case ($10.00 8" x 3.25"): The Total Intensity by Prestige sleek black cosmetics pencil bag is perfect for organizing, storing and traveling with your favorite makeup products. It’s lightweight and looks great. The convenient size allows you to to carry your favorites must-haves in your purse, and finding what you are looking for is made very easy thanks to the great design!

1) Total Intensity Color Rush in Pretty in Pink ($9.75 for .13 oz.): Advanced formulation that provides a controlled and even pigment release during application. It imparts ultra-cream and even application,high pigment, vibrant and lasting color registration, extended wear and skin conditioning benefits. Pretty in Pink is a gorgeous champagne pink that effortlessly glides across the skin leaving behind a stunning wash of color. While the color is light, it does offer buildable coverage. It is perfect on the lid accompanied only by a cat eye lined upper lid, or as part of a more complex smokey eye. It also is great as a brow bone highlighter and an inner corner brightener. It is a very versatile shade that you will likely get lots of use out of.

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a Color Additive. Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids, Boron Nitride, Lauroyl Lysine, Magnesium Myristate, Polyethylene, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Behenate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Silica, Tin Oxide. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Mica CI 77019, Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Ultramarines CI 77007, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Bronze Powder CI 77400, Copper Powder CI 77400. 

2) Total Intensity Color Rush in The Chase ($9.75 for .13 oz.): Advanced formulation that provides a controlled and even pigment release during application. It imparts ultra-cream and even application, high pigment, vibrant and lasting color registration, extended wear and skin conditioning benefits. This purple stunner looks like gleaming and sparkling amethyst gem stones. It is gorgeous smudged into the lash-line as or used on the lid. It boasts luscious pigmentation, and effortlessly glides across the skin, and it is so beautiful that it is sure to tempt even those for whom purple eyeshadow is a no-go.

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a Color Additive. Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids, Boron Nitride, Lauroyl Lysine, Magnesium Myristate, Polyethylene, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Behenate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Silica, Tin Oxide. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Mica CI 77019, Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Ultramarines CI 77007, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Bronze Powder CI 77400, Copper Powder CI 77400. 

3) Total Intensity True Metals in Copper ($9.75 for .09 oz.): A foiled look eye shadow that with one sweep of color creates an exquisite eye-catching metallic look. It enwraps lids in a long-wearing smooth and stunning glint of color with seamless blendability and a creaseless finish. The True Metals Eyeshadows are truly among the most impressive eyeshadows that I have tested in years. They are ultra-finely milled to the extend that they feel like creamy velvet. They spread across the skin effortlessly and smoothly, and the pigmentation is so rich and dreamy. Copper is an alarmingly pigmented true copper that is nothing short of gorgeous. While it has buildable coverage it reaches full opacity in a single pass. The color is so vibrant, true and rich that one can barely comprehend that this beauty costs less than $10.00.

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a Color Additive. Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids, Mica, Boron Nitride, Lauryl Lysine, Magnesium Myristate, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Talc, MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Mica CI 77019 / Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Bronze Powder CI 77400, Copper Powder CI 77400.

4) Total Intensity True Metals in Sterling ($9.75 for 09 oz.): A foiled look eye shadow that with one sweep of color creates an exquisite eye-catching metallic look. It enwraps lids in a long-wearing smooth and stunning glint of color with seamless blendability and a creaseless finish. This has got to be the most beautiful silver eyeshadow that I have ever seen. The color is so true that it has the appearance of molten metal. The texture is delectably soft, smooth and creamy-- and the pigmentation is stunning. Like Copper, Sterling offers full opacity in a single pass.

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a Color Additive. Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lipids, Mica, Boron Nitride, Lauryl Lysine, Magnesium Myristate, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Talc, MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Mica CI 77019 / Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Bronze Powder CI 77400, Copper Powder CI 77400.

5) Total Intensity Lip Crayon in Wine Not? ($9.50 for .09 oz.): Intense and long lasting color. Luxurious creamy smooth lipstick that in a single stroke, delivers intense and stay-true color and luminous finish. Glides effortlessly and stays put without running or feathering while conditioning lips. This perfectly on-trend fuchsia lip crayon effortlessly provides comfortable to wear opaque coverage. It can be blotted down to a stain or built up to maximum opacity and impact, either way it is comfortable to wear and non-drying. It's also very convenient to use since the twist up mechanism is fully retractable-- so there's no need to sharpen it.

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Mica , Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Lanolin Oil, Ozokerite, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina, Polyethylene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Mica CI 77019, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Red 6 Lake CI 15850,Red 7 Lake CI 15850, Red 28 Lake CI 45410, Red 30 Lake CI 73360, Red 33 Lake CI 17200, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140. 

6) Total Intensity Eye Shadow Crayon in Jungle War ($9.50 for .18 oz): Long wearing, waterproof, high pigment eyeshadow that stays put without smudging, creasing or fading. Glides on smoothly thanks to its creamy texture that blends evenly for a flawless and slick look. This stunning hunter green eyeshadow crayon has gorgeous green pearl, but no fallout! It can be smudged into the lash-line (though I would not recommend the waterline because of the sparkle), worn as a shadow, or used as a base. Once it sets it stays put. 

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a color Additive. Cyclopentasiloxane, Mica, Synthetic Beeswax, Magnesium Silicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Myristyl Lactate, Stearoyl Inulin, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Alcohol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-DI-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide, Stearic Acid. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Mica CI 77019,Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 CI 77499, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Copper Powder CI 77400, Carmine CI 75470, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Ultramarines CI 77007, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090. 

7) Total Intensity Eye Shadow Crayon in Meteorite ($9.50 for .18 oz.): Long wearing, waterproof, high pigment eyeshadow that stays put without smudging, creasing or fading. Glides on smoothly thanks to its creamy texture that blends evenly for a flawless and slick look. Meteorite is a gorgeous gray taupe that is stunning on the lids and smudged into the lash-line. It also makes for a spectacular base for a cooler leaning smoky eye. This might just be my favorite of the bunch! This formula is absolutely budge proof!

Ingredients: Contains Carmine as a color Additive. Cyclopentasiloxane, Mica, Synthetic Beeswax, Magnesium Silicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Myristyl Lactate, Stearoyl Inulin, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Alcohol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-DI-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide, Stearic Acid. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Mica CI 77019,Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499, Aluminum Powder CI 77000, Copper Powder CI 77400, Carmine CI 75470, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Ultramarines CI 77007, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090.

The pigmentation is extraordinary across the board, and the quality is just astounding.

Left to Right: Total Intensity Lip Crayon in Wine Not?, Total Intensity Eye Shadow Crayon in Jungle War, Total Intensity Eye Shadow Crayon in Meteorite, Total Intensity Color Rush in Pretty in Pink, Total Intensity Color Rush in The Chase, Total Intensity True Metals in Sterling & Total Intensity True Metals in Copper.

Overall assessment: Amazing quality, superb pigmentation and reasonably priced. A+

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

NEW!! The Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic Launches Online & A Special Gift with Purchase at Macy's March 31- April 19!

Press Release (Affiliate Links)

The Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic Launches Online! 

After a short interactive quiz, the tool helps women identify the perfect products for their skincare and beauty needs. The Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic has been used at beauty counters around the country for several years, and now women can use it to shop based on their individual needs from the comfort of their own home. It packs the basic knowledge of a beauty consultant into a simple, interactive quiz! It also will is a great way to help your readers identify the best product to purchase in order to receive the Clinique Bonus free gift from Macy’s.

Click here to try The Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic

Details of the Clinique Gift With Purchase at Macy's: Choose a free 7-Pc. gift with any $27 Clinique purchase through Macys.com. The gift with purchase includes free makeup valued at $70 available only through Macy’s from March 31 until April 19.

Product Details:

Think spring. Healthy skin, a choice of eye and lip colour and more in your FREE 7-Piece Gift with $27 Clinique purchase. 

Gift includes (A $70 value):

• Cosmetics Bag: There's a garden's worth of colour in this cheery and spacious floral-print bag.
• Companion Bag: Coordinating mini keeps your must-haves in reach.
• Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: Twelve hours of soothing moisture with an addictive by-a-waterfall feel.
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+: With a new complex, our formula now strengthens skin's own moisture barrier by 54%. Moisture stays in, skin feels soft, springy and has a glow.
• Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects: It's not a laser. But it delivers 63% of its visible wrinkle-reducing power at 12 weeks. Now with double the smoothing power.
• All About Shadow Quad in Greens or Berries: Long-wearing eye looks in your choice of two can't-buy-it-anywhere quads.
• Dual-Ended Lash Doubling Mascara in Black and Different Lipstick in Tenderheart or Glazed Berry: Touch-ups are simple and impact is easy with this perfect pairing for lashes and lips.

Your gift will be added automatically at checkout with any $70 Clinique purchase. Minimum purchase amount does not include the purchase of gift card(s), tax, shipping or gift wrap charges.

One gift per customer. Available while supplies last.

Press Release provided to Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Courtesy of Clinique and Macy's. (Affiliate Links)

Fabulous Weekend Reads from the Beauty Blog Coalition: March 30. 2014 Edition

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla shows how you can transition red lipstick from subtle sweetness to mighty gorgeousness!

Glamorable!: Obsessed with Milani's latest Spring 2014 Collection? Me too! Check out review and swatches of Brilliant Shine lip glosses in Sweet Grapefruit and Coral Crush.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: While the TATCHA GOLD Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm is beautiful enough to be on display at a museum, rest assured that it is as amazing to use as it is beautiful to look at!

In Her Makeup Bag: See 5 super easy spring makeup trends that Stephanie thinks you should try this week!

D.G.S.Beauty: D.G.S.Beauty raves about Studio Gear’s Hydrating CC Cream. See what her review has to say.

Geniabeme: Beauty inspiration comes from everywhere, even my new pair of Tieks!

Never Say Die Beauty: Allison shares her insomniac HSN purchase that turned out to be quite a deal!

Beauty by Miss L: Neoteric Cosmetics Inc Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle review

Slashed Beauty: Miranda finally reveals what mystery products help her get fabulous hair every day! Ready to discover the secret to goodness?

Makeup, Life and Love: Say good bye to pesky pores with Jamie's review of a Invisible Pore Detox Mask...

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog : LUSH Cosmetics has their Easter 2014 products out right now! See some of the limited edition goodies!

daydreaming beauty: Amber has swatches and pictures of the new Red Carpet Manicure Nail Lacquers! These non gel beauties couldn't be shinier!

Lipgloss Break: Perfect for a morning pick-me-up - Check out Angela's review of Jurlique Purely Bright Mist.

Advice Sisters Beauty Fashion and Lifestyle Web Site: In the middle of a Wintry day. Jane Iredale threw a garden party for their new Spring cosmetics

My Highest Self: Be sure to stop by and read more on Shiseido Perfect Rouge and Lacquer Rouge lipsticks.

I Know all the Words: Add a touch of Spring to your nails with Born Pretty Store Orchid Leaves Water Decals

Weekend Reading from The Beauty Blogazons

• TheFabZilla: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush #2. This time, TheFabZilla got her hands on Mood Exposure! 

• Glamorable!: Obsessed with Milani's latest Spring 2014 Collection? Me too! Check out review and swatches of Brilliant Shine lip glosses in Sweet Grapefruit and Coral Crush.

• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Love subscription beauty boxes? Then ring in the warm weather with the fabulous Beautybox 5 March 2014 box! 

• Beyond Beauty Lounge : Check out swatches of a new line of vegan 5-Free Nail Polish from Mineral Fusion 

• Never Say Die Beauty: Allison takes the plunge and orders a new statement necklace from Shoplately 

• ColorMeSoCrazy: Water Decals from KKCenterHk with a ZERBA theme!! 

• New World Beautiful: Take a trip to a European pharmacy for my review of popular German drugstore makeup 

• Geniabeme: I am loving Spring and my Spring Gradient Flower mani! 

• Beauty by Miss L: Geometric nail art done with nail polish color which HE chose. 

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Swatches & Pictures: All New Swatches!

Given the staggering number of visits that I receive for my Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter post, I decided that I should provide you with much better swatches! Click here for the vastly improved pictures of 22 shades!

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beautybox 5 Makeup Madness Box: 5 Amazing Full-Size Products for $39.00 (Limited Time)

Press Release 

Forget point guards-- we're talking about looking on point. Steal hearts and score serious cosmetic points with this exclusive Makeup Madness box! Filled with five full-size products and sporting a $100+ value, this limited time offer ONLY contains makeup. From liners, to shadows, to lipsticks, and more, you're guaranteed to look romantic and radiant this spring.

OUR MAKEUP MADNESS BOX INCLUDES:

• Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eye Liner in Café Noir ($27.00)
• Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Blackened Brown ($7.99)
• Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Old Hollywood ($25.00)
• Lancôme Le Crayon Lip Contour (assorted colors) ($25.00)
• Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow Quad in Golden Lilac ($30.00)

Five full-size products for only $39.00 plus shipping from Beautybox 5! (Unaffiliated link)

Press Release provided to Lola's Secret Beauty Blog courtesy of Beautybox 5.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Top Weekend Reads!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has fallen madly in love with African Botanics Marula Résurrection Eye Crème because it is an antioxidant rich anti-aging cream that gives real results. It is truly amazing!

Carrie from eyeliner on a cat reviews Sage Lifestyle's newest perfume called Diamond-- a lovely gem 10 years in the making!

Everyone's buzzing about the OPI Sheer Tints and the Nicole by OPI Roughles Check out how polish insomniac layered them to create a match made in heaven!

There are some gorgeous blushes in Giorgio Armani's new Maestro Mediterranea collection. Mostly Sunny has a sneak peek of a bright Maestro Fusion Blush for you!

Phyrra shares her Top 10 Cruelty Free Spring Beauty and Accessory Items!

Spring means new fresh lip colors to Beauty Info Zone and we have some from Senna that are so so Pretty in Pink.

Prime Beauty brightens up your spring with her Top 10 Spring Beauty and Accessory Picks!

Are you short on time yet you still want a high-end, results-oriented, and spa-like treat for your skin?
See why Pammy Blogs Beauty loves reaching for these Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads from Radical Skincare. From the effervescent feel to the amazing results, these are totally worth checking out!

Get a sneak peek at the new Dior Addict Fluid Sticks and see why Perilously Pale is so enamoured with this new lip product.

15 Minute Beauty asked the experts, and they responded! Here are the favorite eye creams of dermatologists! Is your eye cream listed?

Radical Skincare Spa Facial Event at Space NK in Sherman Oaks: Saturday, March 29th! Special GWP!!!

 Press Release

Space NK in Sherman Oaks is hosting a Radical Spa Facial event on Saturday, March 29th from 11:00AM- 6:00PM!

With any $250 Radical Skincare purchase, enjoy a complimentary 30 minute Spa Facial which will include a new mask from Radical, that is not yet available in stores.

There will also be a gift with any $250 Radical Skincare purchase.

What: A fabulous 30 minute Radical Skincare Space Facial.

Where: Space NK apothecary Sherman Oaks
14060 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

When: Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 11:00AM-6:00PM

RSVP: (818) 325-2483

If you cannot make it to this amazing event, and are interested in the Gift with Purchase-- then be sure to call (818) 325-2483 and they can send it to you!

Press Release provided to Lola's Secret Beauty Blog courtesy of Space NK.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Surratt Lipsliques in Fee Soie and Chuchoter Review & Swatches

 Purchased by me (Affiliate Links)

Surratt, an extraordinarily innovative and luxuriously conceived and executed line, is niche beauty at its finest. Troy Surratt spares no expense in his chosen ingredients, or in his decision to have all of his luxury products masterfully crafted in Japan.

Surratt Lipsliques boast a unique formula that has a fantastic hydrating effect, the perfect amount of cushion, and they feel fantastic on the lips. One might expect that the more moisturizing formula would lend itself to reduced wear-time, but these buildable coverage beauties are longer-wearing than one might expect (particularly true of the darker shades that have all of the coverage of a stain without the tendency to dry out the lips). 

According to Surratt, Lipsliques are:

An alternative to lipstick. Versatile and beautiful. Luscious texture, buildable color. Sheer to medium finish. 

I chose two of the lightest colors: Fee Soie and Chuchoter, therefore I have not experienced the stain-like tendencies of the darker shades, but these two beauties do boast buildable coverage with comfort, longevity and hydration.

Fee Soie, which is described as a "glistening sugar pink," is a stunning pale pink with gorgeous shimmering and glimmering pearl that might be described as a modern fashion forward frost. It has buildable coverage, and is one of those "it shades" that will make pink-lovers squeal with joy because it is truly pink perfection.

Chuchoter, on the other hand, is the ultimate pinky nude. This is the color that Troy picked for me, and  as soon as he put it on my lips he exclaimed that it was just perfect for me-- so I naturally bought it! Unlike Fee Soie, Chuchoter does not possess shimmering and glimmering pearl. Instead, this is the nude pink shade that I have sought for years. It resides somewhere in the lipstick lip balm hybrid realm, and while the coverage is buildable it always allows your lips to shine through. It is that perfect my lips but better shade that you can put on without a mirror, and look perfect every time.

Troy Surratt at The Beauty Event featuring Surratt and TATCHA at Barneys New York at The Grove. See event details here.

The only thing that takes any getting used to is the fact that the applicator is of the propel-only kind, and therefore it does not retract. This means that you only want to twist it up enough for each use so that you don't needlessly smash excess product into the cap. What makes this not too hard to remember is the fact that while twisting an internal mechanism only allows you to twist up small increments at a time courtesy of a ratchet system that clicks as you twist. As I result, I have neither over-twisted, nor lost any product to the cap.

As you can see from the swatches, Fee Soie is more of an opaque blue-based pink with shimmer, whereas there is an inherent transparency to Chuchoter. Both are stunning, and the effects are more varied after several passes than one might expect.

The minimalist, and unpretentious, packaging is eco-friendly while simultaneously being elegant, and should be commended for its disavowal of excess. Where so many cosmetic companies use excessive packaging (from the boxes to the vessels themselves), Troy does not. Instead he employs economy and elegance in every choice made, and the result is an elegant and chic minimalist aesthetic for his packaging which contains breathtakingly high quality products-- the likes of which are hard to find at any price point.

You will note that at the top of the list of ingredients is Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil which is one of the reasons that this lovely formula is so moisturizing and comfortable to wear. 
Overall assessment: I need to buy Hevyn next (touchingly named as an homage to Troy's mentor and friend, the late Kevyn Aucoin). Once you try Surratt Lispsliques you will be unable to resist their charms. One will turn into two, then three, then four, and then before you know it you will have collected them all. When  you find yourself Tweeting the company in the middle of the night asking for more shades-- then you know that there's no turning back! Wait until you try the Surratt blushes!

Fee Soie and Chuchoter are $34.00 each from Barneys New York (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by me. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Delilah, The Superhero: Then and Now

 It's hard to believe that Delilah was ever such a little baby, but she was indeed. 

While her size has markedly changed, her sweetness has not. She is the most kind and affectionate girl who lovingly gazes in to the eyes of her humans for sustained interludes of time between playing catch and tackling Maximus (who, incidentally, often initiates these gladiator games).

She also believes in guarding my feet while I work at my desk-- just in case there is any threat mounted against them. One never knows if, or when, such attacks might take place-- therefore she leaves nothing to chance.

Having lived with Delilah for most of her life, I thought that I was more than adequately aware of her proclivities as well as the things that she finds objectionable. I also believed that I knew everything about her, and that I would most certainly be aware of any "special" attributes or powers that she might possess. However, what I was completely unprepared to learn was that she was a superhero with many rare and magical powers that she kept concealed for our safety. This act of dissimulation, as she feigns the role of a mere mortal canine, protects her family from the secrets that she holds, and the mighty powers that she possesses. I am unclear about the extent of her powers, but the laser beams of light that emanate from her eyes can incinerate her foes, transport beings and things from one place to another, mind-read, and compel people and animals to do as she wishes. I suspect that there is far more to it than that, but given her cagey responses I suspect that I will have to witness more aberrant behavior before she will be willing to read me in on the true nature of her powers. For now, I must be satisfied with what I know, and trust that my canine companion will be safe as she protects her family and friends while on her noble quest. I now suspect that the gladiator games in which she engages with Maximus are all part of some larger plan, and that he is far more than a mere side-kick, but thus far his lips are sealed on the subject. I suppose that time will tell, but for now at least I know that my feet are protected while I work at my desk.

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XIX: March 2014 Edition

I would say that I did a pretty good job using up nearly finished products, and managed to get through quite a few samples as well. Despite the fact that I was testing new products, I still managed to make a dent in enough products to feel pretty satisfied by the accomplishment. I did a bit of traveling-- which made getting through sample packets fairly easy. Spring cleaning, for me, definitely involves finishing up partially used products that have been languishing in my cabinets and drawers. I get such a great sense of satisfaction when I put all of these empty bottles in the recycle bin, and gain a little breathing room in the bathroom cabinets and drawers.

Here are the full sized products and deluxe samples that I finished (hyperlinked product names lead to my in-depth reviews):

Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid: I have fairly sensitive teeth, and while preferable the super strength strips make them hurt. These seemed to do the trick, albeit a bit more slowly and gently-- but my teeth didn't hurt. They did a good job removing coffee and tea stains, but I think that I will do another cycle soon.

Perlier Volcanic Thermal Spa Scrub: I love this scrub because it effectively removes dead skin and reveals the softest silkiest skin imaginable. It also leaves no oil slick on the bottom of my shower-- so it cleans me without leaving me to scrub the shower floor.

Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter: This is a thick and super rich body butter that leaves skin scrumptiously silky, soft and moisturized. 

Kai Body Glow Spray: Yes, I still love Kai! Kai Body Glow leaves skin soft and moisturized with a lovely glimmering sheen! It does, however, contain silicones-- so if you don't like silicone in your skincare products then you might want to pass on this oil and choose their luscious body butter instead.

Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave in Honey Mango: We love this stuff in my household, and I usually buy 3-4 at a time. They are often sold out at my local TJ's-- so me thinks that many other Angelino's love it too! It's gentle and moisturizing, and very affordable!

Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze Shower Gel Relaxing: A hand-me-down from my sister in her pre-move purge. I really liked it a lot. It smelled great.

Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze Shower Shampoo Refreshing: Also from my sister. Very nice, and it smelled wonderful.

Clarins Gently Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed: While I love many Clarins products, I found that this particular cleanser left my skin too squeaky-clean for my taste. It didn't dry out my skin or leave it parched, it just felt a tad stripped. 

Shannon's Soaps Tropical Coconut Sugar Scrub: This delectable scrub smells so good that one might be tempted to eat it (don't). It not only leaves skin unbelievably smooth, but it also is intensely moisturizing!

Shannon's Soaps Cocoa Butter Love: If you love the smell of cocoa butter and love rich body creams, then welcome to cocoa butter nirvana! This is one of my very favorite rich creams to use! I have another in my stash that I am just about to open!

Sponge Krema Imeras Day Cream: How I wish that Barneys New York still carried Sponge Skincare! Krema Imeras is a fantastic anti-aging day cream! I loved it from the first to the last pump! When I am in need of another day cream I will reorder this one from Dermstore now.

Bare Love Beauty Luxury Hair Fuel: This is a wonderful firm oil that leaves hair looking and feeling gorgeous! It does wonders for my curly hair, and it is super concentrated-- so only a tiny bit is needed to do the trick. The end result is smooth gloss hair!

While I got through a good many samples, I am only commenting on those of them that I either found particularly noteworthy, own a full size version of, or have used long enough to have formed a meaningful opinion. Single sample packets and small samples generally don't give me nearly enough time with a product to decide whether or not it might work for me. However, multiple samples of a product can help me determine whether or not I am willing to buy the product. The two noteworthy samples that led to the purchase of the full size products are the Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment and the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength, and I am hopelessly in love with both.

Aroma M Camellia Hair Oil: I am crazy in love with this hair oil-- Maria has yet again created a masterpiece. Once I get through a few of my hair oils, I will be purchasing a full sized bottle of this amazingly effective and delectable smelling oil!

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil: Where to start?! I'm madly in love with this luxury face oil, and covet my full size bottle. This is a miraculous product, and I plan on using it as long as Julia and Craig make it! It really is that good! African Botanics is one of those rare lines that makes one extraordinary product after another, and it is one of my all-time favorite lines! I truly, madly and deeply love everything that I have tried so far, and won't be happy until I have tried everything that they make!

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This is a super effective at-home peel that works wonders on the skin. I find that it effortlessly and quickly leaves my skin soft, smooth and with a pronounced clarity! Somehow I still have a pile of samples-- so it will be quite some time before I need to buy a full size bottle.

TATCHA Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder: I love this enzyme powder, and have a full-size jar that I use very often. It is effortless to use and gives consistently excellent results. I still can't believe how soft and smooth my skin is after use!

Koh Gen Do Spa Water Cloths: I have yet to find a product to beat KGD Spa Water (cloth or liquid form). It removes everything and leaves the skin feeling clean and balanced. I have a bottle and a full pack of the cloths in my current rotation.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength: I'm surprised that I only used a single packet this month, but this is no reflection on my love of this product! This is a fabulously effective at-home maintenance peel program. It will take me a while to get through my big box, but I will definitely continue using this product.

Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment: It only took me a couple of sample packs of this gorgeous face oil to know that I had to have it! I will post a full review after I have used it a bit longer, but I really love it. While it is supposed to be for drier skin, I have found that it does an exemplary job on my combination skin!

What did you finish, toss, give away or return in March? Any great finds? Any huge disappointments? Do tell!

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beautybox 5 March 2014 Review

 Press Sample (Unaffiliated links)

I have yet to be disappointed by Beautybox 5, but I have to say that I may love the March box more than all of the others! It contains products that celebrate the coming of spring, and that puts me in a fantastic mood! As you see from the card in the box- the March box emphasizes renewal. Out with what is old and didn't work, and in with the new that will! It's all about cleaning, exfoliating, moisturizing, and perfecting.

 This box contains:

1) Jane's Pick All Natural Handmade Soap (Deluxe sample. Retail $8.00 for 5 oz.): "Jane’s Pick soaps are meticulously blended with all-natural herbs and flowers into fragrant oils. After cooling and setting, this mouthwatering soap is sliced into hearty chunks for your use."

I received a deluxe sample of Peace (Lavender and Litsea), and it is a delectable smelling concoction that I can barely wait to use in the shower. BB5 suggests lathering it up and using to shave, and I plan on doing precisely that!

Ever the prince of herbs, Lavender is as relaxing as it is luxurious. Made from a unique, yet simple touch of pure essential oil, Litsea, this soap is great for sensitive skin and will gently nurture the skin with the natural moisture level as it helps you with relaxing and calming touch.

Ingredients: Italian Olive Oil, Senegal Shea Butter, Hemp Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Avocado Oil and essential oils.

www.janespick.com
@Janes_Pick
#janespick

2) Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime (2 oz.deluxe sample. Retail $7.49 for 7 oz.): Forget smelling like spring, this delicious body butter smells of summer on the beach! It is absolutely a lovely balance between the scent of the coconut and lime, not to mention that it is richly emollient and deeply hydrating!

Experience Tree Hut Body Butter with the tropical scent of Coconut and Lime. Coconut and Lime extracts help to naturally condition, dull and neglected skin, helping it to regain its natural sheen.

This extra thick body butter, infused with certified organic Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Coconut extracts and Safflower Seed oil, was designed to seal in moisture, giving a deep moisturization and extra special attention to those problem area.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Glyceryl Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, PEG-8 Beeswax, Lanolin Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Laureth-4, Fragrance,
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, BHT.

www.treehutshea.com
@Tree_Hut

3) Bellapierre Cosmetics Makeup Base (0.25 oz. sample. Retail $18.99 for 0.29 oz.): According to Bellapierre, "This wonderful product helps transform all of our shimmer powders, from shimmery to matte; it also provides a water proof base for any of our pigments. Some clients also choose to use our makeup base as a Concealer for blemishes and impurities that are more difficult to cover with makeup. Apply makeup base with a clean finger all over the eye where you plan to apply the shimmer. Using the eye shadow brush apply the powder as normal to create a matte look as opposed to shimmer. The Mineral Make Up base will hold the shimmer powder even longer and is a great correction tool if you get a little messy!"

This makeup base has a lovely creamy consistency that effortlessly glides across the skin. I am currently experimenting with it, but already like it as a concealer! I am very excited about this makeup base!

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Cera Alba (Beeswax), Magnesium Carbonate, Kaolin, Candelilla cera (Candelilla wax), Copernicia Cerifera Cera(Carnauba Wax), SimmondsiaChinensis(Jojoba) Seed oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract,Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate(Vitamin A), [+/- Mica ( CI 77091),Titanium Dioxide ( CI 77891),Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI77499)].

www.bellapierre.com
#bellapierreusa

4) H20+ Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream (1 oz. sample. Retail $15.00 for 6 oz.): "Award-winning hand cream intensely moisturizes hands and cuticles while imparting a clean, fresh scent with Shea Butter, Hydrolyzed Silk Proteins and Hydrating Marine Blend."

Lightweight, non-greasy spa treatment restores moisture to hardworking hands
Silk proteins and vitamin E nourish nails and cuticles to leave them soft and strong
Moisture-rich marine botanicals, including Wakame, Sea Lettuce, and Sea Fennel provide deep hydration for visibly smooth skin.

While I have only been using this hand and nail cream for a short time I must say that I am liking the results. My hands and cuticles are soft and moisturized, and that means that this is going straight into my purse! I like it!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octyyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic
Acid, Gyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Fragrance (Parfum), Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylene Glycol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Methylisothiazolinone, Undaria Pinnatifida
Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract.

www.h2oplus.com
@H20PlusUSA
#h20Plus

5) Swissco Dual-sided Facial Pad (Retail $2.00 one size): "This Swissco Loofah & Terry Facial Pad cleans and revitalizes the skin. It is highly effective in stimulating blood circulation. It gently exfoliates unwanted dead skin cells on your face. Enjoy a refreshing and stimulating bath or shower massage! For use with your favorite soap! After use, rinse and let dry."

This Dual-Sided Facial Pad is so cool! I thoroughly soaked it warm water before using the loofah side on my face, but when used very gently the effects are amazing. The terry side is super gentle and can be used all over the face without incident. Those who have more sensitive skin might prefer using the loofah side for spot treating rather than on the whole face. The small size also makes it perfect for throwing in an overnight bag while traveling.

www.swisscollc.com

@swisscollc

#swisscollc

Overall assessment: I think the March box offered a lovely assortment of products that help to usher in the spring. I will definitely use each and every one of the products from the March box, and will thoroughly enjoy doing so!

About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box 5 is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.

All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.

Press Sample Courtesy of Beautybox Five. All views expressed are categorically my own. (Unaffiliated link)

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: March 23, 2014 Top Picks!

D.G.S.Beauty: SoxxyAir "Support A Cause, Support Your Legs!" Get a pair of stylish socks today.

TheFabZilla: In time for Spring, designer Tory Burch released new shades for her eponymous lip color line. TheFabZilla reviews Just Like Heaven and Scoundrel, hop in!

Glamorable!: Wouldn't you agree that Milani's Spring Collection was nothing short of fabulous? Anastasia raves about Power Lip Gloss Stain in her latest blog post.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: 3LAB Perfect Lips is a hydrating and plumping anti-aging lip balm that leaves lips silky smooth and lipstick ready!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog : Laura shares her favorite chubby lip pencil from Ardency Inn called Delancey!

Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle Website: BeautyPress Spotlight Day always has lots of interesting indy beauty brands to discover

Makeup, Life and Love: On the look out for a new foundation? Jamie gives us a look at a few of her favorites in this weeks installment of Covering the Bases...

Geniabeme: Geniabeme shows off her bright pink and blue Fyrinnae shadows!

Beauty by Miss L: Simple but eye-catching nail art for beginners.

I Know all the Words: Need a few new spring lip colours? Mary Kay's Hello, Sunshine Collection has you covered.

Slashed Beauty: Retro is IN! Miranda shows us a modern spin on a retro glam makeup look in this eye tutorial.

daydreaming beauty: A gorgeous and easy French Mani with Dior Snow Pink.

Never Say Die Beauty: Allison from NSDB reviews the freebie drugstore makeup she got from Ulta and from Influenster brands

BeautyTidbits: New spring beauty pick from jane iredale! In Touch Highlighter in Comfort is a sun-kissed coral, cream-to-powder highlighter that gives skin a natural-looking radiance!

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: Top Weekend Reads for March 23, 2014

• Glamorable!: Wouldn't you agree that Milani's Spring Collection was nothing short of fabulous? Anastasia raves about Power Lip Gloss Stain in her latest blog post. 

• lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Painted Earth Mineral Silk Radiance Powder in Seychelles is a stunning finely milled highlighting powder that quickly achieved holy grail status-- it's that amazing!  

• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog : Laura shares her favorite chubby lip pencil from Ardency Inn called Delancey!

• daydreaming beauty: Swatches of some gorgeous Vincent Longo eyeshadows, and a coupon code!

• Makeup, Life and Love: Need a quick fix for your eyebrows? But afraid of looking extreme? Check out Jamie's new error proof brow find this week.

• Geniabeme: Geniabeme does a Divergent inspired look for the movie release!

• ColorMeSoCrazy: Season Finale #RedCoatTuesday for Pretty Little Liars.

• Beauty by Miss L: Simple Spring themed manicure & tutorial.

• New World Beautiful: Devil's Club Salve by  Laughing Berry Botanicals.

• The Passenger Element: Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Colors in I Can Bare It + Back to the Fuchsia - swatch.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Q & A: Things You May Not Know About Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog

The Beauty Spotlight Team wants you to get to know each of our members better by asking us a series of personal and blogging questions, and now it's my turn to divulge! I love interacting with all of you-- so please feel free to ask other questions if you have them. And no, I'm not missing part of my left eyebrow!

1) Last book you read? I confess that I am a rather voracious reader. This is, in large part, an occupational hazard, but there is always a rather fine line between what I read for pleasure and what I read for work-- they are essentially the same. I generally have lots of books going at the same time, but that is a function of being continually engaged in academic research. My recent reads just for fun: Just Kids by Patti Smith and Essence & Alchemy by Mandy Aftel. Both of these books are exquisite, and I highly recommend them!

2) What is your dream job? My real job is my dream job. It would be a sad state of affairs if I had spent that many years in grad school only to discover that my chosen field just wasn't for me. As it turns out, I really do love teaching. I love interacting with my colleagues, staff members, and with the undergraduate and graduate students.

3) Do you have a special talent? A photographic memory, an odd attribute that my sister, niece and I inherited from my dad. When I was a retail manager I used to freak out my employees because I could walk into the store and take a look at the shelves and be able to see what they sold while I was gone. However, much of the time I retained largely odd bits of otherwise meaningless information, but I gained a whole new appreciation for it in my last two years of college since it made taking finals much easier. That said, it was really in grad school that I learned how to harness this quirky talent, and I employed it for my MA thesis, all of my Ph.D. qualifying exams and for my dissertation. It made such daunting and difficult tasks infinitely more manageable, and frankly more enjoyable. For me it's not quite a point and shoot type of paradigm, but instead one where I retain and see what I engage with. I do often see entire pages of text in my head (right down to the most minute details on the page). However, my crowning achievement occurred one very late night after spending about 12 hours writing. I decided to turn off the computer and go to bed because I was so exhausted, and the oddest thing happened: I scrolled through the last 3 pages of my chapter in my head, and edited them with my eyes closed. When I finished I jumped out of bed, turned the computer back on, and completed the chapter. Oddly enough it was my hard-to-please professor's favorite passage. Interestingly, two other Beauty Spotlight Team members have photographic memories: Perilously Pale and The Pink Sith!

4) What makes you feel beautiful? Being confident and happy-- all internal things, but they manifest themselves externally as well. However, a good hair day, the perfect pink blush, and the perfect pinky nude lipstick doesn't hurt either!

5) Do you have a guilty pleasure? Chocolate, luxury face oils, lip products, and anything from The Organic Pharmacy, Radical Skincare and African Botanics! Truth be told, I don't actually feel too much guilt about any of these vices!

6) What time do you wake up in the morning? Generally between 6:00-7:00AM without an alarm clock.

7) When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Different things at different times. When I was about twelve I wanted to be a jockey (I was short and rode horses-- and someone tried to recruit me). When I was in high school my parents sent me to Paris, where my dad grew up, to live with family-- and I wanted to be a Psychotherapist like my dad's über chic cousin with whom I lived. While in college I naturally gravitated toward Romance languages and the Arts and Humanities, and was encouraged by my very favorite professor to go to grad school. Because I was a rather rebellious professor's daughter it took me a little time to warm up to the idea, but once I did there was no looking back. While a child I was warped by academia because whenever asked my age I always responded in the number of semesters I had been alive rather than years. This endlessly amused my father's colleagues-- who were later thrilled when I chose an academic path. While I no longer give my age in semesters, I do gauge time via the academic rather than the Gregorian calendar.

8) Are you a cat person or a dog person? Well, I happily live with and love both, but I tend to prefer the feline sensibility in general. Though I have to say, I am partial to Pit Bulls, and Delilah utterly and totally melts my heart every single time I look into her lovely soulful brown eyes.

9) What was your first real job? Working in a restaurant at the age of 13.

10) If you were given a shopping spree at one store, what store would you like it to be? This is such an unfair question! That's simply too hard to choose. For luxury niche beauty products I definitely always choose Barneys New York and SpaceNK. However, I do also love to shop at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

11) What is your most favorite discontinued item? Chanel Joues Contraste in Narcisse #44 (US version).

12) Finish this sentence: "Don't start a beauty blog if…." You are simply trying to get free products! That is such a poor source of motivation for blogging, and it always shows.

13) What type of product is the most fun for you to test and review? It really depends on my mood. However, luxury face oils always make me very happy. So does Tom Ford and Surratt anything!

14) When you shop for makeup, skincare and perfume, do you do it with the blog in mind first and foremost-- or with your own use in mind? Both actually. I have become far more selective in my purchases, but I always have the blog in mind.

15) How has your relationship to beauty products changed since you began blogging? Well, I wouldn't say that I am any less obsessed with beauty products than I was in my pre-blogging life, but I would say that I have way more products now! I would also say that I am far more discriminating about what I use, and what I spend my money on.

16) What is your greatest joy about blogging? Interacting with people and forging friendships in this amazing community.

17) How much time do you spend blogging per week? That depends upon how busy I am with work. I do post something every single day, though. There is so much more to blogging than one can imagine-- you are basically the researcher, the editor, the writer, the publisher, the IT Department, the photographer, the social media manager, the PR manager, the product tester, and the troubleshooter. Additionally, one has to allocate time to respond to emails and comments, and when you put all of these things together it takes a considerable daily commitment. As any blogger will attest, you have to wear lots and lots of hats to do what needs to be done to run a blog, and for most of the bloggers that I know this is done while having a career outside of blogging.

18) If you could start your blog all over again, what would you differently? That's hard to say because the choices that I made brought me where I am now, and I like where I am.

19) What is the best piece of advice that you would give an aspiring beauty blogger? Don't write about what you think other people want to read- instead write about what truly interests you. This is the best way to find your voice, and then like-minded people will be drawn to your blog. This is the way to best engage with the blogging community, not by doing derivative work or mimicking the work of other bloggers. It's also important to take time to edit what you write, and to spell check your work. Articles rife with mistakes don't inspire confidence, or repeated visits to the author's blog.

20) Do you consider your blog a hobby, or is it part of a larger career objective? A happy hobby that has taken on a life of its own. I guess that some might call it a second career based upon the level of commitment and consistency necessary to keep a blog going. That said, I am and always have been very happy in my career choice.

21) How do you find the motivation to keep making the effort to keep the blog going? I love interacting with those who read my blog, and love interacting with other bloggers. I have also forged some amazing friendships with brands, the owners of brands, Sales Associates, Reps, PRs etc., and it is a very gratifying part of the entire blogging experience. Also I still get super excited about new skincare and makeup finds-- so remaining motivated comes naturally.

22) What are your favorite TV shows? My current favorites are: House of Lies, Shameless, Episodes, Ray Donovan, Being Human, Justified, Homeland, Veep, Covert Affairs, Elementary, Mad Men, Castle, Suits, Big Bang Theory, Perception, and White Collar.

Do you have questions that I didn't address? Feel free to ask!

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.