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GOTTAHAVEIT: LIMITED EDITION LE PRISMISSIME EYESHADOW BY GIVENCHY

Ok, so the weather is finally warming up...so get into the spring spirit! This neon-light inspired palette will kick your spring style into high gear with 9 fabulous colors to perfectly complement your spring wardrobe!!!  Best of all, it comes with 3 different applicators, so you can toss it right in your makeup kit without a second thought!

GIVENCHY Le Prismissme 9-Color Eyeshadow Pallet
$62 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com


Swatch & Review: Zoya Casey

Zoya Casey may not be the most obvious choice as we move into the warmer months, but this gorgeous blackened plum remind me of deliciously juicy dark summer berries. Casey is a phenomenal deep purple that leans heavily red. Most times it looks almost black, but in the sun it is a beautiful, glossy dark plum. While this vampy shade lends itself well to edgier ensembles, I think that Casey would also complement and add a pop of surprise to feminine, flirty pastel sundresses. The formula was perfect- not to thin or thick. I am wearing 2 coats here, but next time I wear this I will apply a third to eliminate some of the sheerness as the base of my nail.




What do you think of Casey as a spring shade? Do you think vampy shades are for autumn only? What dark colors will you be sporting in the warm weather?

GO GREEN: HAIR

In continuation of last week's theme of going green, there are just as many earth-friendly haircare products out there.  Here are a few of my favorites:

PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Shampoo
This rich shampoo, infused with wood cellulose and jojoba seed oil, leave hair supremely moisturized without weighing it down.  So much so that you might even want to skip conditioner!!

$24 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

CAROL'S DAUGHTER Mimosa Hair Honey
Shea butter and cocoa butter along with lavender and rosemary make this one serious conditioner. Orange essential oil leaves your hair smelling great all day long!
$17 - Carol's Daughter www.carolsdaughter.com

PHYTO Spray Laque Hair Spray
A great botanical hair spray with a medium hold that won't dry out or damage your hair....especially great for fine or color-treated hair.  The trick with this is a little goes a long way, so don't overdo it or your style could get greasy!

$18 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

COLLECTIVE WELLBEING Flake Fighter Shampoo
Uses salicylic acid as a dandruff fighter and it really works! The best is that this shampoo is thick and rich, unlike so many dandruff shampoos! Also contains calming tea tree oil and nutritive vitamin b5.

$12.50 - Collective Wellbeing www.collectivewellbeing.com

Making a Change: Nutrisystem Week 8 - Slow and Steady Wins the Race


I've now been on Nutrisystem for two months and in that time, I've noticed some dramatic changes in my eating habits. This is important for several reasons.

1. I won't be on Nutrisystem forever and will need to be able to live and eat on my own.

2. Habits are the hardest thing to change. When I've done other plans, specifically those with points, you can easily make excuses for eating certain things. And for me personally (remember, food is more like a drug to me, especially sweets) it's a slippery slope. Instead of thinking, "I can eat this piece of cake now and still go out to dinner" and rationalizing using all of the points known to mankind to make that work, I'm making healthier decisions. And that is the ultimate goal.

3. I look thinner. Not only am I down 11.5 pounds (a little more than a half pound from last week), but my measurements are going down. Plus, Loxy is positive I look thinner and jeans that previously didn't go above my knees now fit perfectly. I haven't been yo-yoing, I've been going steadily in the right direction. Even if there are a few stops and starts along the way, slow and steady wins the race!

My new favorite thing I have discovered is making a really special breakfast on the weekend for myself. Normally, during the week, I tend to eat at my desk while I work. But on the weekends, I like to take the extra time and dive into some frozen pancakes or french toast with a side of berries and an egg. It's like eating a hugely satisfying IHOP style breakfast, but without the fat and weighted down feeling you get after those giant meals. It is so satisfying and something I find I am looking forward to every weekend!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting here.

I am part of the Nutrisystem Blogger Nation and Nutrisystem is providing their plan and food in exchange for my reviews. As always, opinions are my own.  Photos by me. 

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

BeautyLand Tour, Week of 4/25/2011

One certainly couldn't miss the excitement and glamour of the royal wedding on Friday. This week's beauty and fashion bloggers give us several ways in which we can all feel beautiful and special.

Guerlain's Terra Inca Collection has us clamoring for summer. Best Things in Beauty focuses on the Ombré Fusion Creme Eyeshadow from the collection.

The Beauty Look Book shows us the hot tropic trend of bright nails for summer. This one is Electric Tropics Catwalk Nail Duos in Aloha by Dior.

Looking to lighten and brighten your skin? Diva Debbi shows us Youth Corridor's Skin Brightener and is giving one away!

Full brows are youthful, and Fab over Forty shows us how to make the brow a perfect shape with the proper tools.

Dior Addict lipstick newest formula is all the rage. The Non-Blonde gives us her thoughts on the formula and swatches shade 626 Androgyne.

Exfoliating is an important step in your skincare regimen and Gouldylox Reviews shows us Jan Marini Instant Refining Exfoliator and is giving one away!

Daly Beauty shows us how to make a classic, simple bun style hairdo with the new Goody Simple Styles Bun Spiral. Perfect for summer or anytime.

Everyone needs that perfect bronzer for summer and Café Makeup shares with us the latest Chanel bronzer, Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Rose.

This week Product Girl interviews Nonie Creme, Founding Creative Director of Butter London nail polishes. See what she keeps in her makeup bag.

Florals are so fresh, and BeautyXposé shares with us some great floral accessories that are all under $20. A perfect wardrobe addition!

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

April Favorites & Flunkies

Where did April go? I spent most of this month in front of a computer screen finishing up my MA paper (and taking a blogging break every now and then, of course). This past few weeks I was introduced to a few fantastic products, as well as a few disappointing ones. So what have I been loving and regretting?

Favorites:
  •  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 674 Coral Berry- I have been wearing this shade all month. Coral Berry is a rich creme orange coral that leans towards a strawberry pink. It definitely isn't a subtle lip,  but it is totally wearable, especially when paired with neutral eye looks. This coral has ushered in my spring in a sophisticated, juicy way!
  •  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash- Metallic rust red might not sound like the most flattering shade for your lids, but I am finding this shadow really versatile. I have rocked a few smokey eye looks with this, but it is also nice blended into the crease for an interesting contour (check out my Fierce Femme FOTD for an example). More detailed images and a swatch can be found here. Green eyed babes like me will particularly love this.
  • Slathin & Co. Candle in Salty Carmel from Bath & Body Works- We all know that Bath & Body Works sells some awesome candles, but in my opinion this one tops them all. Salty Carmel is an fantastic scent to start your warm season with. It smells just like going to the fair as a kid! Absolutely delicious!
  • Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge- I had heard raves about the Beauty Blender, and while I do not know how this compares, I have been loving this blending sponge. It doesn't eat up much product and gives me a natural finish without compromising on coverage. The little pointed end makes it ideal for applying foundation around the nose or concealer under the eyes. This has totally replaced my old foundation brush.
  •  Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment- A dime size of this on my wet hair keeps my long locks manageable and fizz free. With continued use I can tell it is improving the texture of my hair and keeping it moisturized. It doesn't leave me feeling greasy, and smells divine. The price tag for the full bottle of this is steep, but a little goes a long way and for the quality seems completely worth it.
  • LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender- This came in my April Birchbox, and I am definitely going to invest in a full sized bottle of this. It is moisturizing and soaks into my skin quickly. Also, I love that LAVANILLA is natural and packages their body butters in sanitary tubes instead of tubs like other brands. I associate lavender with sleep, so I keep this by my bedside table to apply at night. I am interested it trying out other scents as well.
  • Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum- This stuff has totally transformed my foundation. This combo skinned babe now can have longer-wearing foundation, oil control, and a subtle luminous finish. Check out my full review here.
  • Zoya Pasha- This month I have picked up quite a few polishes, but I can't help but come back to this one. It is a gorgeous silvered taupe with mushroom, almost purple undertones. Check out my full review and swatches here.
  • E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black- I wasn't too fond of this at first, but have really gotten into this liner this month. It is creamy and easy to apply, and once it dries this stuff doesn't budge or flake. I have been using it to line my upper waterline and it lasts all day.
  • EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss- My legs and underarms have never been softer or more closely shaved. I can't find anything to dislike about this natural, deliciously scented, smartly packaged product. Check out my full review here.
  • EOS Lip Blam Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit- This lip balm makes me want to abandon all of my others. Clever packaging, hydrating, natural, great taste- I love it! Check out my full review here.
  • Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy- I am not even tempted to buy another blush in the near future, unless it is other shades of this Tarte blush. The formula is that amazing, and Tipsy is an awesome coral for spring. My full review and swatches can be found here.

 Flunkies:
  •  Revlon CustomEyes Mascara Waterproof in Blackest Black- The only reason I bought this is because I had a CVS coupon for it, a tactic that unfortunately sucked me in. The selling point of this mascara is that the brush is 2-in-1: with a twist of the dial, the wand changes between 2 settings, one for "Length & Drama" and the other for "Length & Definition." More like "Spikey & Clumpy" and "More Spikey & Clumpy." Total gimmick! The formula isn't bad, so in the spirit of Project 10 Pan sometimes I apply this as a first coat and use another mascara with a better brush as the second.
  •  Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads- I love the brand Yes to Carrots so this is upsetting for me. To be fair though, I am almost certain that the reason this product is sub-par is my own fault. I should have know better than to pick up an item like this from the discount bin at Walgreens, because I discovered at home that all the pads were totally dried up! I might give these another go, but pick them up from YTC directly.
  • E.L.F. Super Glossy Lip Shine in Goddess- This sticky, cough syrup flavored gloss does not make me feel like a goddess. Good thing it was only a buck! Read my full review here.
  • E.L.F. Essentials Natural Lash Kit in Black- These lashes are inconsistent, leaving me with one fluttery cute eye and another crazy, blinking doll one. Read my full review here.
Pheww! So there it is! What are you loving and regretting this month?

Love, Chloe May Be My New Favorite Scent

I've been a Chloe devotee for about a year. Considering my attention span and the number of products that come across my desk, that is saying something. So when a Chloe fragrance hit the shelves a few weeks ago, they had me at hello.

But before I dive in, you should know that I don't often review perfume. I don't know a thing about it, besides if I like it or if I don't. People like my friend Gaia can tell Rosewood from Sandalwood at 50 paces. Personally, I couldn't tell them apart if my life depended on it. (Although once, in front of a new client, I was able to distinguish the scent of generic diet Pepsi from real diet Pepsi, by the scent alone. Sadly, my client was boasting that his generic was the perfect dupe and I haven't been asked to participate in food-related smell tests since.)


But, because I do really like it, I thought I would give it a try. So here goes. Love, Chloe is similar to its original namesake, but quite a bit more powdery and sexy. To me, this is a warm, personal and potentially intense scent. You know when you get really close to someone and the warmth of their body intermingles with their scent; only detectable when you are very close, usually right before you kiss? That is what Love, Chloe smells like to me. This scent also seems to smell better on skin than on a test strip. And too much of it is very intense. This is where the old adage, "spray, delay and walk away" comes into play.

So from people who know what they are talking about, Love, Chloe is made up of these notes:

Orange Blossom, Pink Pepper, Iris, Lilac, Hyacinth, Wisteria Blossom, Powdery Musks, Talc, Rice Powder.

I know that I really like it and that Loxy said it smells "hot". And he doesn't really notice these kinds of things...

Product was sent for review. Picture by me.


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NuMe Envy Hair Extensions Made Loxy Say Wow.



I love playing with hair extensions, but you already knew that. My new obsession is my bright red, natural hair extensions from NuMe's Envy Hair Extension line. NuMe is an online shop that sells high quality hair tools and products as well as human hair extensions in colors you don't see everyday. Sure, you can dye human hair to match your own, but as a red head that can be impossible. You just don't know enough about the history of the hair to know what you are working with. High quality extensions in my color are seemingly impossible to find in synthetic hair, so I had to branch out and up my game.


And upping my game I did! This full set of high quality human hair extensions comes with 7 total pieces in the following widths:

1 piece is 4 inches
3 pieces are 3 inches
A pair of 1-inch wefts

(16 inch long weft)

These are available in two lengths, 16 and 18 inches. I tried the 16-inch length. I have extraordinarily thick, straight hair and I needed two sets of these extensions to fill out my hair. A normal person would only need one. My hair is so thick that as it has grown longer, I've given up coloring it myself. It's too much work. There is just so much hair.


The Envy hair I tried, R300, is silky straight and made Loxy say, "Wow". I don't know how or why, but my big issue with all clip in extensions is that they are not comfortable. The clips usually feel really tight on my scalp and the hair just feels really, really heavy.

(close up of the weft)

I am not exactly sure why, but these actually are comfortable. Normally, the clips, no matter how carefully applied, seem to pinch. These seem to blend seamlessly into the hair and are so comfortable, I could sleep in them. (But I wouldn't, because it could be very stressful for your hair and I definitely don't want to damage my growing locks.)


Real human hair isn't the cheapest thing to buy, but when taken care of properly, it will last for a decent amount of time, can be heat styled, colored and look perfect. NuMe's Envy Extensions are definitely worth checking out, especially for those with hard to match hair colors!

Product supplied for review.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Win a Basket of Goodies From The Set of the Web Series, Talent!

While I'm the one person who isn't a fan of Gossip Girl, I will admit to getting sucked into a season or so of Pretty Little Liars. And while they PLL is no Friday Night Lights,  it is addictive fun. The same people behind Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars have launched a new web series, called Talent, that follows the struggles and dreams of a rising singer from a small town. I've only seen the first episode, but it's kind of charming and may be the next big thing. Plus, the girls in the show look gorgeous and I will sheepishly admit to watching these shows to keep up on the latest trends from time to time.


Check out the episode and leave a comment below and you will be entered to win a basket of beauty goodies straight from the set of Talent! Be sure to watch the show and tell me what you honestly think. And if this show isn't your cup of tea, tell me what is! I'm always looking for a new show to get wrapped up in.  I'll pick someone (with the help of Random.org) on May 10th . US only please. Be sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the event you are chosen. The winner will be notified by email and must respond in 48 hours to claim the prize. Want extra entries? Promote the contest on Facebook or Twitter and leave me an extra comment telling me you shared the love. Like GR on Facebook and follow Gouldylox on Google and get extra, extra entries! Still need more ways to enter? Submit this contest to Stumble Upon or other similar sites. 

Good luck!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Haul: Zoya Nail Polish Earth Day Exchange

In my first Beautiful Brains post, I gave an update on my adventures with Project 10 Pan and mentioned that I found Zoya's Nail Polish Earth Day Exchange too good to resist. The sale only ended yesterday, and I already received my package! I ordered a few days ago, but regardless that is some superior shipping! Thanks Zoya!

My rainbow of treats, From L to R: Faith, Jancyn, Willow, Creamy, Dove, Casey, Marley, Buffy, Gaia
I snagged 9 delicious looking shades, and I am so overwhelmingly excited just looking at them. Which do I try first?!?! I broke out of my comfort zone and picked up a shade or two that I wouldn't typically go for- Marley, Creamy, and Jancyn were too stunning to deny. And has anyone seen Gaia? Sweet goddess, what a gorgeous shade. It is a soft white with golden shimmer that I can't wait to see on the nail.


Did your package arrive yet? What colors did you order?

Milani Liner Love: Liquif’Eye Liquid-Like Eye Liner Pencils

 

 My favorite drugstore line, Milani, recently launched new eye liner pencils that give my favorite Stila and Urban Decay pencils a real run for their money. Right now, Liquif'Eye Liquid-Like Eye Pencils are only available in three colors: Blue, Green and Purple.

 

I was able to check out the purple in advance. Trust me when I say it is GORGEOUS. It's got some sparkle and some sheen and wears all day with no signs of fading or smudging.


I paired it with a great golden shadow for a really simple look that made my blue eyes pop.


 
Here it is photographed next to my beloved Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof liner in Purple Tang. I tried to smudge them both and you can't. The difference is one is $20 and one is $8.


(Milani is on top, Stila is on the bottom. Neither could be smudged.)

Love it! I am going to have to pick up the other two, stat! Pick one (or all three) up for yourself at CVS or from Milani cosmetics.com.

Milani doesn't test on animals. Product was sent for review.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Fierce Femme Face of the Day: Vintage Neutrals

Today I have a meeting with my academic adviser and a cohort photo, so I wanted my look to be sophisticated, natural, and professional without compromising too much on sex appeal. I'm calling this one Vintage Neutrals because it feels both classic and sultry.







Products Used


Face:
Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer
Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum (mixed with foundation)
Revlon Colorstay in Medium Beige
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium (under eyes)
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Light Medium (blemishes)
Sephora Sculpting Disk (pressed powder for setting, bronzer for contouring, highlighter on cheekbones)
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in Translucent (all over glow)
Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Score
CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara in Clear (for brows)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original (not pictured)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in French Fries (not pictured)
NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette "The Runway Collection" in Versus (shimmery light beige for inner corner and browbone, shimmery taupe for lid)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash (crease)
E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black
Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Black (first coat)
Revlon Grow Luscious in Blackest Black (second coat)
Benefit BadGal Plum (lower lashes)

Lips:
E.L.F. Lip Liner & Blending Brush in Natural
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in 200 Sultry

Cover FX Skintint FX Moisturizing Treatment

Cover FX is known for providing real coverage while still looking natural. Their liquid foundation has been on my list of Holy Grails for more than a year. The finishes of their foundations are creamy, perfect and stay in place until you take them off.


And now that it's time to switch gears into a lighter feeling foundation, I was thrilled to get a chance to try their tinted moisturizer, Skintint FX Moisturizing Treatment. Before I get started, I am a really hard judge of tinted moisturizers, hating almost all of them. They oxidize really quickly on me or fade away by lunch. Or heaven forbid I break a sweat, they disappear instantly.



(My skin looks like this for 10 hours a day wearing this tinted moisturizer!)

As I should have expected, Cover FX lives up to its reputation with a light but nice coverage that feels like you are only applying something slightly heavier than a daily face moisturizer. The best part is that it doesn't oxidize or fade away - at all. It has better staying power than some of the foundations I have been wearing lately. It is also infused with pearlized minerals which give skin a little extra oomph in the luster department. Skintint is also oil-, paraben- and fragrance-free!

It's not the least expensive at $42, but it is worth it to me not to worry about turning yellow or orange and to have coverage that doesn't budge. It's available in six shades, one of which is sure to be right for you.

This is definitely one of my favorite tinted moisturizers! It was submitted for my review. Pick it up for yourself at Sephora or from Cover FX online! Cover FX does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Beautiful Brains: The Cultivation of Need (& a Project 10 Pan Update)

On April 12th I embarked upon the infamous Project 10 Pan in hopes of clearing out old, unloved products, making way for future natural beauty purchases, and buckling down on my spending. How am I doing just 2 weeks in? I have actually started to finish up products a lot more quickly than I had anticipated. In fact, I have already hit 10...this is probably because I was already close to pan on some products and that I decided to include deluxe and travel sized products in the project as well. The next time I do a Project 10 Pan, I do not think that I will count these smaller sized products, but for a first go at this I am glad to be rid of all of those random little containers cluttering up my bathroom and makeup drawer. Since it is only 2 weeks in and several are deluxe sized products, I am going to keep up with Project 10 Pan for a while longer.

Using up that last little dusting of loose powder and that final squeeze of conditioner is indeed satisfying. However, this satisfaction does not always curb the desire to bring home some hauls from the store. I will be honest: I caved. A few days ago I placed an order with Zoya for their Nail Polish Earth Day Exchange, which ends April 27th. I justified my purchase by telling myself that this sale was an opportunity to get rid of old polishes in an environmentally friendly way and replace them with half-priced Zoya ones which are free of harmful chemicals. Of course, this is all true, but the bigger reason is that I totally succumbed to product lust. Did I need more nail polish? Nope, but I sure as hell wanted it...bad.

But let's consider that my polish binge might not simply be a moment of personal weakness but perhaps part of a huge capitalist beauty industry machine that is really good at inspiring consumers to hand over their cash. Of course, I am certainly accountable in important ways- I decided to shop the Zoya site, pick out 9 shades (which are gorgeous, but that is beside the  point here), and enter my credit card info. Yet, my individuals decisions, options, and desires are under the supreme influence of the beauty industry. I call this the cultivation of need.


The cultivation of need happens in a variety of ways. First, consumer culture promotes the notion that we are what we purchase. We often use the products we consume to display what kind of person we are. Brands are totally in on this, and cater to certain identities and niche markets. Are you an Urban Decay kind of girl or MAC? Hot Topic or American Eagle? Where we shop and what we buy has a lot to do with how we construct and communicate our identities. Secondly, I feel like the beauty cosmos knew that I started Project 10 Pan, because every time I open my mailbox or check my email I am bombarded by advertisements and tempting coupons. On the daily, Sephora, Ulta, Hautelook, Cherry Culture, among others of my frequently shopped beauty supply sources reveal new products and offer limited-time discount codes. My point is that the beauty industry is incredibly provocative and cunning in that it has mastered the ability to make their consumers feel elite in the interest of reaping profit. For instance, we can be Beauty Insiders at Sephora, indicating that we are the privilege lot that has special access to sweet deals and exclusive products. Moreover, limited time offers and coupons and limited edition shades and collections convince us that we must buy now. Rationally, sales will come again, and MAC will always have future collections, and dupes are pretty easy to find. Yet this marketing ploy creates a sense of necessity and urgency in buyers. Lastly, the cultivation of need often constructs a problem for or insecurity in the consumer, and then offers a solution to this problem or insecurity in the form of a product. We feel like we need a particular product, although we may have others already that perform similarly. Our needs and desires, if we aren't being critically aware and conscious consumers, are largely constructed by the beauty industry.

Am I saying that us beauty fiends are victims here? Certainly not. But sometimes we are blissfully ignorant. We hand over our credit cards willfully, but it is worth taking a minute to step back to take a hard look at the beauty industry that we support. It is really easy to get sucked in and completely consumed by the beauty industry. Does this mean that our whole lives should be a giant Project 10 Pan-like spending ban? No. But I think we could benefit from becoming more critical and thoughtful consumers.

On a lighter note, what polishes did you pick up during Zoya's exchange? I grabbed 9: Creamy, Marley, Jancyn, Dove, Gaia, Faith, Willow, Buffy, and Casey.

Steals and Deals: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Still need ideas? Check out these great gift ideas for the Moms in your life (and save big!).


Bodycology is offering up a fantastic gift set at Walmart that cannot be beat. You'll get a pair of warm and cozy socks, a body cream and matching body mist for $5. If you aren't familiar with Bodycology and like Bath and Body Works, you have to get to know them!

Three Custom Color is having an amazing deal. Buy Mom a gift certificate for $30 and she will actually get a certificate for $61.50! And if she spends $75, it will even ship free. Using what I like to call Gouldylox Math, that is like getting $26 in beautiful makeup for free! The Nude Attitude lip color is sure to please everyone!


Shari's Berries are delicious. I received them for the holidays last year and they were amazingly delicious, gigantic and very, very fresh. Click on the microphone in the upper right corner and type in promo code 100 to save big bucks. You can thank Howard Stern for that discount. But if your Mom is like mine, I wouldn't mention that part. (Shop fast. That code expires on 4/29/2011.)


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Blush Crush: Milani Baked Blushes

I have blush issues. It's probably one of my biggest issues (assuming blush problems can be considered an "issue"). Blushes just don't stay on my face throughout the day. The color always fades and leaves me looking lackluster.

I am in love with some cheeky new Baked Blush colors from Milani. My new favorites are Corallina and Luminoso. These baked shades come in a golden case, with a mirror and brush stored under the baked powder. Shocking to no one who has ever read a blush post from me, these two colors are both in the peachy/coral family.


Corallina is pinky/peachy/coral with tiny flecks of gold. It reminds me a bit of Coralista from Benefit, but with more and longer wearing color payoff.


And if the smell of Coralista ever bugged you, you will adore this, as it's scent-free. This is a richly pigmented blush and is best applied with a large, fluffy brush.



Luminoso is much lighter peach shade that gives skin a touch of color, luminosity and sheen. This color is great for a natural look on its own or used as a highlighter over other colors.


My red headed friends are going to need to pick this up stat, as it's pretty near perfect for us.


While I was in Charleston, I couldn't resist picking up Milani's Baked Bronzer in Glow. This bronzer is very light, adds a gorgeous, sheer glow and looks amazing on those of us who aren't tan. If you do have slightly tanned or darker skin, this will probably end up looking a little more like a highlighter on you. Any way the light hits it, it's lovely.

(Glow, Luminoso & Corallina)

These colors last through the day and into the night. I am going to be hoarding these as soon as I see more of them in stores. Check them out at Walgreens, Kmart, Target, CVS or at Milani online for $7.99.

Blushes sent for review. Bronzer paid for with my debit card. Milani does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews and more! Copyright 2009-2011, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.