When you don't purchase Halloween costumes, makeup is the easiest way to pretend that you have your thematic shit together. I copied redditor Sssamanthaa's tricolor pop art makeup. The original looks like this:

Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/1pj02p/a_different_style_of_pop_art_makeup_for_rmua/

Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/1pj02p/a_different_style_of_pop_art_makeup_for_rmua/

(Now that I'm gotten your hopes way too high...) My way-shittier version that got super smudgey and weird around the neck looks like this:




This was done with Illamasqua's Rich Liquid Foundation in 105 and the Makeup Forever Flash Palette.

I hope you have a happy, totally not-at-all racist* Halloween.

*I am having a conversation literally right now with someone who thinks, essentially, that if you can't dress up as a sugar skull, a geisha, or an "indian", there is no point in dressing up for Halloween at all. Don't be that person.

OHMYGODYOUGUYSITISTHEENDOFHALLOWEEN. LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN STUFF BEFORE IT FADES TO IRRELEVANCE UNTIL NEXT YEAR.


I found these hair chalks in the "impulse buy" section of my local Rite Aid. (By "impulse buy" section, I am referring to literally the entire makeup department.) I immediately thought, "Wow this is a really practical buy. Otherwise, what will I do if I suddenly find out that I need blue and/or green hair?" Then, of course, I gave myself a frugal high-five for purchasing a mere two colors, instead of all six-or-so that they had on display. I purchased "Slimy Lime", which is Crayola Green, and "Cryptic Blue", which is a primary-color blue. They are both simple, bright colors... the kind of colors that wouldn't confuse preschoolers. ("What color is this, Billy?""Pink?""STAY IN SCHOOL, BILLY, IT'S A WARM-TONED FUSCHIA.")

I have good news and I have bad news.

The bad news is that these are kind of shitty hair chalk. I found that I had a very difficult time building up any color. Furthermore, even setting it with hairspray didn't prevent massive amounts of fading. I can tell it stayed in my hair because when I showered at the end of the night, it turned my bathtub the color of a polluted lagoon. However, it kind of hung out incognito; by lunchtime, you couldn't really see the color at all.

I also discovered that I had to use an absurd amount of chalk. My hair (pictured below) took about half of each of those chalk containers and it is still subdued enough to appear half-hearted.


The good news is that these chalks do have one super handy purpose: eyebrow colors! It's hard to find a good drugstore eyebrow color and, for me, eyeshadow usually doesn't cut the mustard. They got a little powder-y when used for brows, but the color payoff is good and the price is right.

Fright Night Hair Chalk in Slimy Lime on Human Eyebrows

Fright Night Hair Chalk in Cryptic Blue on Human Eyebrows

As with all drugstore products, there is some pricing variation based on raw luck. It seems that full price on these hair chalks is $4.99 for 0.1oz ($49.90 per ounce. That's kind of pricey, especially for hair chalk, which requires about a pound and a half to really change up your hair color. For me, that's more evidence that these will work a little better as brow product, where a little will go a long way.

Julep boxes normally cost $20 a month, but they also have an "upgrade" feature for an additional $35 that gets you the whole shebang: all the polishes and all the products that were sent out for the month. This is the first time that I have upgraded, and I appreciated the fact that Julep congratulated me for choosing to upgrade with a sticker that reads, "excellent UPGRADE choice!" Thanks Julep, I do have fabulous taste.


There were actually two upgrade choices this month. The products for the month were a lip primer and a lip gloss. You could upgrade to get all the polishes, the primer, and a gloss of your choice for $35 extra, or you could upgrade to get all the polishes, the primer, and all the glosses for an additional $55. I opted for the former choice. In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't pay for this box with money. I paid for it with Jules, which a part of Julep's point system. You get Jules for making referrals, for accepting boxes (as opposed to skipping), and for having birthdays.


If I was paying for this with cold, hard cash, I would not have upgraded. I would have gotten the "Bombshell" box, which had an orange polish, a so-vampy-it's-almost-black red polish, and a "black honey" lip gloss.

What my "Bombshell" box would have looked like.

Instead, though, I got a way-more-exciting nine polishes, plus the lip gloss and primer.


Pictured from left to right, the polishes included:
Cynthia (from Classic With A Twist)- This is a taupe with iridescent glitter that seriously looks like Christmas in a tube.
Sheila (from Classic With a Twist)- This is a cherry red that would look right at home on a lady in a soda fountain.
Nic (Bombshell)- A gothic-looking reddish black.
Aisha (Boho Glam)- The color of a really good berry smoothie. None of that yogurt filler.
Brielle (Bombshell)- A rusty orange. If you were painting a Thanksgiving scene, this color would definitely be involved.
Alexandra (Boho Glam)- An eggshell.
Lola (It Girl)- A deep navy.
Winter (It Girl)- A light gray.
Chloe (It Girl)- A shimmery coffee.


I didn't swatch them all for you purely for laziness-related reasons, but I did paint my nails using Nic and Brielle, the two Bombshell colors. I've been told that the fact that my nails are always so messy makes me more "relatable", so I'm glad that my crappy attempts at manicures makes y'all feel better about yourselves, I guess.

I swear to god, all the polish on my fingers will get picked off when I shower.

My upgrade came with one lipgloss of my choice. Julep released four glosses this month: a nude, a mauve, a pink, and a red. I picked out the lipgloss "Posh" (the red), which is described as a "sheer black honey". Although it looks dark in the tube, it looks like candy apple color on my lips.

Julep Lip Gloss in Posh

I was worried that this would be really sticky, and it definitely was not. There was some "stick" to it, but no more than you would expect from a conventional lipgloss. The color is really pretty and I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Julep Lip Gloss in Posh Swatch

The Julep lip glosses are retailing for $22 for non-Mavens and $17.60 for Mavens. The gloss contains 0.25 fluid ounces of product, putting the price at $88 and $70.40 per fluid ounce, respectively. That's actually on the lower end simply because the lip glosses are bigger than the 0.15 fluid ounces you see more typically. I'm not necessarily sure that I would purchase this at this price, but I'm also not a lip gloss person. If you love lip glosses and are digging the colors, I would say to go for it.

Julep Lip Gloss in Posh on Human Face

Additionally, I got a lip primer. Sadly for Julep, ELF's remarkably good packaging is not doing Julep any favors. When I look at this product, I think, "Wow... that looks like it cost exactly three dollars. This is how many dollars it looks like this product cost." Sorry, Julep.


Inside the primer is this sort of spongy applicator. You click the button on the back and the product oozes out of the tip like the sponge-version of a Stila Lip Glaze. The product is basically sheer, with a tiny bit of a light pink tint. It feels quite sticky when you first put it on, but it feels normal under a regular lipstick.


I tested its efficacy the same way I tested the Chapstick "primer" I got from Birchbox: one half of my mouth got primer, the other did not. This time I used MAC's Russian Red as my testing lipstick. I waited four hours and a meal and photographed my results. I don't think my picture really did justice to the primer's efficacy. There was a huge difference between the side that got primer and the side that did not. I was actually pretty impressed at its ability to keep my lipstick on. I don't tend to wear lip primers, but I'm beginning to think that I may need to modify that stance. That being said, I didn't compare this to any other lip primers, so all I know is that lipstick + Julep primer works better than lipstick alone.


Finally, I got a sample of the Luxe Repair Skin Serum. I actually didn't quite realize what this was before I opened it, but, uh, it's oil. So if you are into the whole oil thing, go for it. For me, I just spilled it all over my hands and body and then grumpily threw the packet in the trash.


Overall, I'm really happy with this box. I liked that there were so many non-glitters since I get so damn frustrated trying to remove glitter nail polish that I tend to avoid it completely now. The lip primer was totally functional, which was great, and the lipgloss was surprisingly fabulous (and I say this as a non-lipgloss lady). I also would have been happy with the Bombshell box if I hadn't upgraded. As an added bonus, after I accepted my box, they sent me an online code for a free nail polish.

If you are interested in joining Julep, you are more that welcome to use my referral link by clicking here. You can get your first box free using the code "FREEBOX" or "SCENICROUTE".

I'm an impulse buyer. There are people out there who do impeccable research on the products that they purchase, even at the drugstore. They read reviews and they look at swatches. They watch youtube videos and they read blogs. For a $5 product, I don't do those things. I just walk into Walgreens and go, "OOH, IT'S WET'N'WILD AND IT'S GLITTERY."

This product was made for people like me because there is no way that Wet'n'Wild doesn't know that this is a shit product. Wet'n'Wild quality isusually super good. They know what quality is and they know that this isn't it. For the 2013 holiday season, Wet'n'Wild released six glitter cream trios and an eight-pan called "Getting Flashed", which is what I bought. As a side note, "Getting Flashed" is a totally inappropriate name for an eyeshadow palette, especially one like this, which I assume will primarily be used as stocking stuffers for 11-year-olds whose parents know nothing about makeup.


In the pan, these look really exciting and glittery. However, when you start digging into these shadows, it becomes immediately apparent that the pretty glitter layer that is on top is just a mask for the greaseball cream shadows that lay underweight.


Overall, the pigmentation on these palettes is very weak. The only one that I might recommend at all is the pearlescent cream shade. Literally all of the other colors are absolute crap. The cream shade actually seemed like kind of a nice throwback to 1990s Wet'n'Wild, especially given that '90s makeup is kind of trendy right now. The rest was a throwback to 1990s quality Wet'n'Wild, which was much less desired.


I get a lot of comments asking about how much eyeshadow or eyeshadow primers crease. I am terrible person to ask about this because my eyeshadows never crease. I can layer on an inch and a half of greasepaint on my lids and I'll still look fine at the end of the day. Sadly, this product is definitely an exception to that rule. These started creasing before I'd even finished my makeup. I wore them all day, just for you guys. This included wearing them to a rather nice restaurant... and I was actually kind of embarrassed because they were so faded and creased by that point that I just didn't think my makeup was appropriate for the setting.

Again, the only one I might use again is the pearl color, and I'd keep it on the inside corner of my eye, where smudging and creasing is non-issue. 

What's more, I found them really difficult to work with. Because they are so patchy and uneven, I had a really difficult time getting my eyes to match. Normally, you might think, "Oh, I put more black in the crease of my left eye than my right eye; let's put some more on my right eye to even it out." Here, I would try to smudge in some extra color and the product would get picked up by my brush or my finger, making my eyes even more lopsided than they already were.

Here's what my attempts at using them ended up looking like:



I should also probably note that since glitter is not an FDA-approved additive, these aren't FDA-approved for use on your eyes at all. So, obviously, if you do try this monstrosity on your eyes, please be cautious and don't scratch up your wonderful eyeballs.

This palette costs $5 for 0.3oz of product ($16.67 per ounce), which is the same as a normal Wet'n'Wild eight-pan palette that will be infinitely superior in quality.

There's an excellent youtube video that's been making the rounds on the internet about how your skin protects you from the environment, including your cosmetics.

Check it out:

Urban Decay recently released a super, super pricey value set for the 2013 holidays called "the Mother Lode" The Mother Lode contains 68 full-sized single eyeshadows at 0.05 ounces each, a total of 3.4 ounces of eyeshadow. It retails for the SERIOUSLY WHAT THE HELL price of $595. One of the most common comments I've seen about this set is what a "totally good deal" it supposedly is. Unfortunately, I don't think that the math supports that conclusion.

An Urban Decay eyeshadow single retails for $18 for 0.05 ounces ($360 per ounce), so, using single eyeshadow prices, the Mother Lode contains $1224 worth of eyeshadows. The Mother Lode comes out to $175 per ounce. By that logic, it sounds like a good deal.

Source: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2013/10/urban-decay-mother-lode-shadow-set-holiday-2013.html

The problem is that eyeshadow singles are usually a total rip-off in terms of price. However, there is one benefit to buying a single eyeshadow: you can make sure that you buy the exact shade that you want instead of the shades picked out by whoever-the-fuck designed the palette. You pay extra for that privilege. However, the Mother Lode doesn't offer that option. Thus, I don't think it's fair to use the prices of eyeshadow singles to calculate the value of the Mother Lode. I think that a palette is much more reasonable comparison.

The Urban Decay Naked Palettes retail for $52 for 0.6 ounces of eyeshadow. That's $86.66 per ounce. I chose this as a benchmark because it's the quintessential Urban Decay eyeshadow palette. If the Mother Lode was being sold, ounce per ounce, at the same price as the Naked Palette, it would cost only $294.64. That's $300.36 less than the price of the Mother Lode.

The new Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette is $59 for 0.6 ounces, or $98.33 per ounce. At that price per ounce, the Mother Lode would cost $334.33.

The Urban Decay Ammo palette is $34 for 0.3 ounces, or $113.33 per ounce. At that price per ounce, the Mother Lode would cost $385.32.

No matter what palette you pick for comparison, it is clear that the Mother Lode is overpriced.

Presumably, Urban Decay priced the Mother Lode so high because they wanted to avoid de-valuing the cost of their single eyeshadows. However, the price borders on the ludicrous, no matter what Sephora and Urban Decay try to tell you about the "discount" you are receiving. I'm forced to conclude that those who buy this product for personal use (as opposed to, say, splitting the shadows to sell at profit) are people with more money than sense.

Dear Wantable,

You have so much promise. Your survey is super good. You are working with at least a couple of fancy-pants brands (that you consistently insist to send exclusively to other people). The premise of spending more money on some shit you might actually want is appealing. The idea of being able to skip and return boxes fills my heart with joy.

But seriously, Wantable. What the fuck is this shit? You can do better.

Regards,
Robyn

Here's what I got:


First of all, in case you're not weirdly obsessed with pictures of beauty subscription boxes, Wantable switched up their packaging. They went from those snazzy foamrectangles to a "crumpled up paper" approach to safeguarding your cosmetics. This in-and-of-itself isn't a big deal, but it added to the 'sad trombone' effect that I got when I opened up this box.

Darla Makeup Peepers Eyeshadow in Tiny Tooter (full size at 0.035oz), retail value $18


Darla Makeup is a kitchy little brand that, as best as I can determine, only makes one product: Peepers Eyeshadow singles. The packaging looks sort of like a hoarder Grandma house, and the name, to me, immediately brings dead fish to mind.

Source: http://images1.fanpop.com/images/quiz/7421_1213200027925_500_281.jpg

That being said, I can definitely imagine some people really digging the whacky packaging and silly names. (Seriously, this eyeshadow is called "Tiny Tooter". We are adults, here.)


The color is actually quite pretty. It's a dusty medium purple with a sprinkling of rainbow glitter. It's quite pigmented, and the color is really wearable.


I went on the Darla Makeup website to check out their other offerings and I was dazzled by the gorgeous colors in their array... until I saw the way that they depicted "Tiny Tooter". This dark color bears little resemblance to the eyeshadow itself. As a result, I don't think I would trust the brand unless I found some reliable blogger swatches.

Source: http://www.darlamakeup.com/tiny-tooter/

The other big problem with these eyeshadows is the price. This eyeshadow is teensy weensy at 0.035 ounces. At the full-size $18 pricetag, this eyeshadow costs a mind-boggling $514.29 per ounce. WHAT? No eyeshadow is worth that much dough.

Girlactik Beauty Star Blush in Milan (full size at 0.12oz), retail value $18


Girlactik is another brand that I hadn't heard of. Given their brand name, I think they missed a serious opportunity by not emblazoning their makeup packaging with space scenes.


Milan is a medium matte rose shade. Although I worried that it would be too dark, it actually looked gorgeous and natural on my fair skin.


Unfortunately, Milan seems to totally not exist at all. Was this shade discontinued? Did Wantable send me discontinued makeup?

Cailyn Grand Volume and Curl Mascara in Blue (full size at 0.4oz), retail value... $15? Maybe?


Next came yet another Cailyn Cosmetics product. I love blue mascara, and this shade is substantially different from the other blue shades in my mascara collection.


It's comparitively a lot more subtle. On my eyelashes, it doesn't scream "blue!". This may be good or bad, depending on what you are seeking from a blue mascara.


The problem? This is another product that doesn't seem to exist. Did Wantable send me two discontinued makeup items? I can't for the life of me figure out an alternative explanation!

Michael Marcus Lip Liner in Tapesty (full size at 0.036oz), retail value $19


If you weren't underwhelmed enough,Wantable sent me another duplicate item. My August Wantable box contained a Michael Marcus Lip Liner in Port. This one is a ruddier, browner red called Tapestry.

I wish these were softer, but these are acceptable quality... I just didn't need to get a second one! I want to try new products, but it seems that Wantable's mission revolves less around product introductions and more around building a solid makeup collection. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is not what I want from a subscription box.


(Bee Tea Dubs, did y'all notice that this lip liner contains MORE product than the eyeshadow they sent me? That is how teeny tiny that eyeshadow is...)

Skiin Instant Skin Tightener and Line Filler (0.1 fluid oz), approximate retail value $7.99


I don't have wrinkles, so I am the worst judge of this product. It seems to be a moisturizer that will plump up wrinkles a bit to lessen their appearance. I tried it and the finish was almost reminiscent of a primer.

Someone in marketing decided that this container should not be reusable, even though it contains a full fifth of the full-size product's contents.

Total Box Value: $77.99

Here is a look with all the November Wantable products:


All of these products are acceptable to me, but I'm not jazzed about any of them. I want something that will get me really excited! Adding one amazing lipstick, for example, would have resulted in satisfaction. Because the products were overpriced (cough cough Darla Makeup cough), I didn't feel like I actually received seventy-seven dollars worth of stuff. Furthermore, products that are either discontinued or not available for general sale are even less valuable. Consequentially, my overall impression is one of disappointment.

If my grumpy reviewed piqued your interest about Wantable, you are welcome to use my referral link by clicking here.

Yesterday, the FDA officially began steps to ban trans fats in the United States. Their ruling was that partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of dietary trans fats, are no longer "generally recognized as safe." This suggests that the FDA intends to re-classify artificial trans fats as "food additives". Because the burden will then shift to the company to demonstrate safety (a virtual impossibility given their well-documented dangers), this would result in what would essentially be an elimination of artificial trans fats from the American diet.

My food philosophy has always been an "everything in moderation" sort of strategy. Trans fats are my one exception, thanks to a particularly enthusiastic and competent chemistry teacher who taught me sophomore, junior, and senior year of high school.

The Science 

 

The chemistry of fats is relatively simple. Fats are legally defined as triglycerides*. This means that they are three fatty acids linked together by a simple sugar called glycerol. The fatty acids are made up of a carboxyl group and a super long chain of carbon molecules called an aliphatic compound.

A triglyceride Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fat_triglyceride_shorthand_formula.PNG

Carbon has four valence electrons that want to find someone to love. Thus, carbon molecules need to form four bonds in order to be stable. In a fatty acid, those carbons form a lovely, long chain connecting carbon to carbon. Hydrogen molecules (which only need one bond to be happy) ensure that the carbon molecules all have four bonds.

You can also satisfy a carbon's need for bonds with something called a double bond. Instead of sharing two electrons (like the carbon and hydrogen are are doing), they share four. Then, two of carbon's four valence electrons are occupied, so the carbon molecule only needs three bonds, which are locked in place by the double bond. That adds some new potential variation. The two hydrogen molecules can be on the same side, called the cis formation, or they can be on the opposite side, called the trans formation.

Source: http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu/gcaplan/anat/notes/API%20Notes%20D%20organic%20chem.htm

These simple facts open up three broad classes of fatty acids:

1. Fatty acids can be completely filled up with hydrogen, with no double bonds at all. Since they are saturated with hydrogen, they are called saturated fats. 
2. Fatty acids can have cis-formation double bonds. These are usually referred to as unsaturated fats. (Technically, trans fats are also unsaturated.)
3. Fatty acids can have trans-formation double bonds. These are called trans fats.

Source: http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/999/flashcards/317999/jpg/blog_trans_fat1.jpg

Despite what you may have heard, unsaturated fats, saturated fats, and trans fats all occur naturally to some extent. However, saturated fats are frequently man-made and trans fats are almost always man-made.

Unsaturated fats (the kind of fats you might find in, say, olive oil) contain less energy, meaning that they have fewer calories than their saturated counterparts. However, they have a few disadvantages. The most notable is that they are susceptible to a chemical process known as lipid peroxidation, in which free radicals steal the electrons in the fat's double bonds. This results in rancidity. If you manufacture Twinkies (or whatever), obviously this is a really big concern for you because you don't want your Twinkies to go bad.

The other big disadvantage of unsaturated fats is that they are liquid at room temperature. One of the big ways that molecules interact with each other is called Van der Waals force, which are super weak forces that operate outside of stronger forces such as bonds. Unsaturated molecules are are all wonky and they don't fit together. That means that there are fewer Van der Waals forces holding them together, and it's easy to pry them apart. Their melting temperature, then, is pretty low, meaning we usually encounter them in liquid form. Saturated fats, on the other hand, fit together perfectly. This means more Van der Waals forces acting on the molecules, meaning they are harder to rip apart and have a higher melting temperature. Thus, they're probably going to be solid at room temperature, like lard would be. If you don't understand why this is a problem, I dare you to try to make a pie crust out of olive oil.

And who wants to live in a world without pie? Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aricee/35826379/sizes/o/in/photolist-4aBWc-dvx3qC-aeMcf5-8apvo7-6zhDp8-7NQmQi-6c4ByK-9g9dQa-6r3Qkq-7iHEFd-3JQ8pM-5ufn36-5Tosft-6Ycyk-66JMZi-2Ut3k6-5wojMg-8Vcj7P-9kyTKS-6JFuGo-7coGDM-77KG2c-5MAjfP-626X3G-73NEAN-KtQ6C-eMtWDy-2bbEGY-5Wxb1D-Qpgt-PRdCH-4EA9W-51dbqP-8Pwa6T-6PZc4J-73kge-w2Zz1-jW2Xb-jW2ZA-7ESPBQ-szqrh-4X4fRp-5FjggL-4X65Wg-4Mh9zD-dnzu4g-cz9ZKd-thjv5-3URrZ7-9BhZtk-98o4SV/

Saturated fats can be produced by a process called hydrogenation. This is literally exactly what it sounds like: You add hydrogens (plus a catalyst) to reduce the number of double of bonds. If you like, though, you don't have to do the whole thing. By controlling the amount of hydrogen, the catalyst, or the temperature of the reaction, you can do a halfway job called "partial hydrogenation". A company might choose partial hydrogenation if they want an end-product that is soft and malleable, like Crisco, instead of a solid, hard block of fat.

Unprocessed fats are almost always in the cis configuration. However, since the trans configuration is lower energy than the natural cis formation, partial hydrogenation results primarily in trans fats. It's a byproduct that must be produced during partial hydrogenation. Since hydrogen molecules are added one at a time, partial hydrogenation will always give you a shitload of trans fats.

Trans fats (and saturated fats, of course) are processed differently than unsaturated fats, elevating cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Although the full mechanism is not yet known, it is clear that the liver plays a crucial role. For example, the PGC-1beta coactivator protein is triggered by trans fats, altering liver metabolism. This ultimately puts consumers at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. As the New England Journal of Medicine notes, "from a nutritional standpoint, the consumption of trans fatty acids results in considerable potential harm but no apparent benefit."Mozaffarian and colleagues add, "Trans fats appear to increase the risk of [coronary heart disease] more than any other macronutrient, conferring a substantially increased risk at low levels of consumption (1 to 3% of total energy intake)". 

The News

 

Outcries by public health advocates have led to substantial voluntary decreases in trans fats in the past few yeas (because people like me refuse to eat them). One of my elated thoughts after hearing this news was, "I can finally eat at Jack-In-the-Box again!" When I checked, though, it seems that they have actually been trans fat-free since 2010. (If they still made Chipotle Chicken Ciabattas, my unnecessary boycott would almost certainly qualify as a tragedy!) Presumably, this is related to FDA requirements to disclose trans fat content on product nutrition facts. However, trans fats are still quite common, especially in pre-made food. This constitutes a significantly public health hazard. According to the FDA, a ban on trans fats would prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease every single year.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/camknows/5433849857/sizes/o/in/photolist-9haUfv-8kNtdi-cmJrGC-cmJrLw-cmJruu-cmJrEq-cmJrJf-6CHLUu-6Tk7vT-j81UC-79JNXG-2bFQ1z-coAMuh-8Amb4U-57UXx5-bxB85P-bxB84V-bjGf8b-7GTnYJ-bw4itH-bw4gKV-fKTbff-6Z1sAB-35iGW3-MES6p-fKTbmL-fKAuXe-fKT6Rf-fKT6yL-fKT6rS-aLQFui-fKT8fu-4kNjFS-37tNU8-7pnnNs-8Gzdof-74X9nm-6vtedH-4EScsr-4EWtfh-4nL3SY-9jMYtg-eQFfR-csXijW-76E2xn-88NeGj-4BPJK-7YC16R-ddfE3a-5sUPQu-5QK7b6/

The FDA has opened a 60-day comment period to investigate the best way to phase out partially hydrogenated oils completely. From those comments, they will determine a timeline. New York City and California have both already banned trans fats from restaurants. Outside of the US, Denmark and Switzerland also have bans.

(It's worth noting that the FDA is focusing exclusively on partially hydrogenated oils. Some trans fats are found in other food products. For example, they are byproducts in the manufacture of fully hydrogenated oils. There are also naturally-occurring trans fats, such as vaccenic acid. Those of you who know your Latin may have already inferred the source of this fatty acid: beef and dairy products. However, naturally occurring fatty acids like vaccenic acid have not been associated with the negative health effects of partially hydrogenated oils and may even be somewhat beneficial.)

There are definitely a few potential pitfalls in this new decision. Most notably, some processed food will probably have a slightly shortened shelf life and may increase in price. This will be especially problematic for Americans who are living in poverty, and it is important that governmental assistance programs made adjustments as needed. Additionally, many products, ranging from coffee creamer to Bisquick, will require substantial re-formulations, which may affect their flavor. (With that said, I do want to explicitly state that trans fats do not taste better. That's a myth I see getting thrown around a lot... my mom is particularly convinced that reducing trans fats will result in less appealing food. It won't! In fact, pure fat tastes like nothing at all. Impurities in yours oils are what give them different flavors, and it's only the texture that poses a meaningful concern!)

Overall, I believed that the FDA's step to eliminate artificial trans fats is a fabulous one. Hooray for public health!

*Note that I am talking about the legal definition, not the practical one. It is common practice for diet food products to chemically split triglycerides into mono- and diglycerides so that they can say that they contain less fat. Since the very first step of triglyceride metabolism is to split the fatty acids into mono- and diglycerides, your body is still treating these molecules as fat, even if the label doesn't. Fuck you, diet ice cream.

I don't normally review nail polishes because I have the manual dexterity of a four-year-old and my nail swatches look like I spilled paint all over my hands. However, I was so excited by these new scented nail polishes by Revlon that I decided to break with tradition and show them to you for your admiration. The Revlon Parfumerie polishes are a new permanent collection. (Yes, you heard that correctly! They're not limited edition!) Some shades have yet to be released, but there will (supposedly) be a full 24 nail polishes in the range by the holidays. I have seven of them, in Wintermint, Apricot Nectar, Lavender Soap, China Flower, African Tea Rose, Autumn Spice, and Wild Violets.


Scented nail polishes get a bad rap for being too early-1990s and for having overpowering, unsophisticated scents. These polishes definitely challenge that crummy reputation.


Wintermint

Revlon Parfumerie Wintermint Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 2
What's the Color?: This is a metallic seafoam with a crapton of microglitter and big hunks of blue sparkle.
What's the Scent?: I normally associate the term "Wintermint" with the really aggressively minty flavor of gum or toothpaste. This scent is much softer and sweeter. Have you ever been a mom-and-pop gelateria where they make mint gelato using actual mint leaves? This smells like that tastes.
Overall Impression: I adore this nail polish. As a nice added bonus, it does appear to be a dupe for Deborah Lippman's Mermaid's Dream. I don't own that polish so I can't make a direct comparison about its similarity, but I can tell you that, once I bought this, I removed Mermaid's Dream from the purgatory that is my online Sephora cart. It filled the Deborah Lippman-sized hole in my heart.

I also want to note that this polish was super easy to remove. Glitters usually kill my nails, but this polish did not.

Apricot Nectar

Revlon Parfumerie Apricot Nectar Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 3
What's the Color?: This a gorgeous, creamy coral.
What's the Scent?: This is a difficult scent to describe. It's one of the flavors that smells a bit more artificial than the other polishes in this line. The scent is definitely overtly fruity and sweet, with less "apricot" than you might expect, given the name. If there was an apricot-flavored Starburst candy, I expect that it would smell like this.
Overall Impression: The overall effect of this polish is absolutely dreamy, but speculate that this is one of the scents that won't be appreciated by people who are sensitive to odors.

Lavender Soap

Revlon Parfumerie Lavender Soap Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 3
What's the Color?: This is a pearly, soft lilac.
What's the Scent?: When this polish first dried, I initially only smelled a soap-y odor, and I was totally prepared to tell you that it smelled like laundry. However, a less hasty analysis showed me that there was actually quite a bit of lavender scent in there. Even more fabulously, the lavender smells really natural, as if you were whiffing a plant.
Overall Impression: This polish has one notable downside; it is easy to leave brushstrokes on your nails. Thus, it takes a little extra effort to ensure that your nails look nice in the end. Unless that sinks your ship, though, the color and scent and lovely and clean-feeling.

China Flower

Revlon Parfumerie China Flower Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 3
What's the Color?: This is another one of those "reds that think they are hot pink" shades.
What's the Scent?: This is another scent that is difficult to describe. It's very floral, but it doesn't smell like a particular flower. A "China Flower" sure as hell isn't a thing (and I'm not quite sure what the idea was with that name). To me, this polish gives the impression of a perfumed bath.
Overall Impression: This polish applied very evenly, even though it took more coats than I expected to reach opacity.

African Tea Rose

Revlon Parfumerie African Tea Rose Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 2
What's the Color?: This is a hot pink with just a hint of lavender iridescence.
What's the Scent?: This is a pure rose scent. If you love the smell of roses, you will love it.
Overall Impression: This is another polish where their naming is sort of confusing. A tea rose is a real thing, but they sure as hell aren't from Africa. Tea roses were hybridized in East Asia and further bred in France. I assume that the "African" in the shade name is to make the polish sound more exotic, which seems a bit problematic. It would be different if "African Tea Roses" and "China Flowers" were actual things. But, uh, they ain't.

The nail polish itself, though, is fabulous, with a great color and great smell. 

Autumn Spice

Revlon Parfumerie Autumn Spice Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 2
What's the Color?: This is a vampy brown shimmer.
What's the Scent?: This is the only scent where I have absolutely no idea what they were thinking when they named it. To me, "Autumn Spice" says cloves, cinnamon, mace, allspice, and nutmeg. This doesn't smell like any of those things. I actually get a coffee odor out of it. It's not a sophisticated coffee, but maybe if you made a candy out of coffee, it would smell something like this. This was a big bummer because I wanted my nails to smell like pumpkin pie.
Overall Impression: I didn't like the scent, so this was probably my least favorite of the polishes that I tried. However, the formula is fabulous and if you do enjoy the scent, I'm sure you'll love it. This is also a glitter that is really easy to remove.

Wild Violets

Revlon Parfumerie Wild Violets Nail Swatch

Number of Coats Needed to Reach Opacity: 2
What's the Color?: This is a dark purple with a little blue shimmer.
What's the Scent?: It smells like violets! No further explanation needed.
Overall Impression: It's a great color. It's a great scent. It's a great product.

I'm quite impressed with these enamels. I haven't noticed any decrease in wear time thanks to their scented nature, which is excellent. It's hard to tell exactly how long the scent lasts because it fades so gradually. At some point you will find yourself sniffing your nails and thinking, "Do I think my nails smell like mint because I know they are supposed to smell like mint? Or do they still smell, and it's just really subtle?" I would say that after 24 hours you will have substantial fading of the scent and after 48 hours, the odor will be completely gone. Happily, the scent lasts through both topcoats and your need to shower.

I also really dig the bottles; I think the little round top looks great. They look modern and expensive, despite their cheap price. If you are picky, though,  you may want to examine the bottles when you buy them, as there are clearly some bottle flaws that I didn't pay attention to when made my purchase (for an example, look at the shape of the part of the bottle containing my nail polish in China Flower. Crooked as fuck!). I don't care, but you might.

It is also worth noting that these polishes are slightly smaller than a traditional nail polish. Usually, nail polishes are 0.5 fluid ounces. These are 0.4. However, they may be slightly cheaper, depending on who you use as a benchmark. OPI and Essie will usually run you $8 for 0.5 fluid ounces ($16 per fluid ounce). For the Parfumerie collection, I paid $4.79 for 0.4 fluid ounces ($11.98 per fluid ounce). If you want to compare within-brand, though, they are pricer than other Revlon polishes.

I'm happy with these purchases and would strongly encourage anyone who isn't opposed to scented nail polishes on principle to check out this line. My top three, of the ones I have used, were Wintermint, African Tea Rose, and Wild Orchids. That said, I would recommend picking out a polish where both the color and the scent that is described are appealing to you, personally.

The hardest part about doing your makeup in three minutes is to allow yourself to leave things in an unfinished, imperfect state. You can't keep blending your foundation, no matter how much you may wish to.

The second hardest part is resisting the urge to say, "And, uhhh..." on camera. 



Edit: By request, here is a photo of how that actually looked on my face (this is after being at the park for a few hours, although I re-applied the gloss to approximate how it looked when applied):


Obviously, there was not a lot of time for spot concealing. I also just realized, after taking this photo, that I completely forgot to contour my nose!

I've talked previously about Kat Von D's incredibly inappropriate and offensive product shade names. Happily, Sephora and Kat Von D have received a small portion of the backlash that they rightly deserved for their terrible, terrible judgement thanks to a group of advocates who discovered the "Celebutard" lipstick. (Ugh.)

Actress Lauren Potter, best known for playing Becky Jackson on Glee, started the conversation with her tweet to Sephora asking, "Really, Sephora, celebutard? Not cool." Potter, who has Down Syndrome, triggered a cascade of negative attention by both regular consumers and groups such as All About Developmental Disabilities, which prompted the cosmetics giant to respond.

Source: http://www.wetpaint.com/glee/articles/2013-11-05-lauren-potter-slams-celebutard-lipstick

Sephora pulled the lipstick and issued a statement: "It has come to our attention that the name of one shade of a lipstick we carry has caused offense to some of our clients and others. We are deeply sorry for that, and we have ceased sale of that shade both in our stores and online."

Personally, I'm actually pretty satisfied with Sephora's apology. It reads as sincere and they took tangible action to correct the problem by refusing the sell the offending product. I do wish that they had included a "And we'll try hard to not pull crap like this in the future".

Sephora's response has been totally acceptable, but Kat Von D's was far less elegant. The tattoo artist tweeted, "At the end of the day, it's just a fucking lipstick." This tweet demonstrates a deep and fundamental lack of empathy for individuals with intellectual disabilities and for their friends and families. My older sister has Down Syndrome and I promise that all it takes is a receptive conversation with her for it to become overwhelmingly obvious how harmful slurs like "r*tard" can be. If it's just a fucking lipstick, why choose a name that is needlessly hurtful?

Furthermore, although I'm happy with Sephora's decision, I'm not happy with their narrow scope. Hey Sephora, can we get Kat Von D's "Underage Red" pulled next? ...please?

P. S. My sister totally wears lipstick. Just so you know.

There are certain things that shouldn't be shaped like Valentines. Tampons. Junk mail. Your toenails. Blush, though? Blush should definitely be shaped for romance.


Although there is something covetable and romantic about the heart-shaped container, I actually don't think that the packaging is very well-designed. The blush container is cardboard, which seems a little low-end for a thirty dollar blush. It's also huge. The product itself isn't huge: at 0.19 ounces, it's actually a bit on the small side. But Too Faced managed to maneuver it in such a way that everything you get pops bulbously out of the pan (even more than a traditional baked blush might) and the pan is unnecessarily gigantic. I assume that this was done to give the illusion of the product being substantial, but what it actually does is forces me to dedicate way too much space on vanity to this one item. I would guestimate that the volume of this container is two to three times the volume of a MAC blush (which actually contains more product, at 0.21 ounces).

I like that it is shaped like a heart, I just wish it was sized in accordance with the amount of product it contains.


Thankfully, the blush itself is good enough to make up for the ridiculous packaging. There are three shades: a cool, light pink with a shimmer finish, a satin-finished coral, and a rosy peach with a frosted finish. When you mix them together, you get a peachy-pink with just a hint of frost. You can, of course, adjust your application to get slightly more of a certain shade.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow Swatches- Individual shades swatched on the bottom. The top, horizontal swatch is how they look mixed together.

If you are fair or light-skinned, the application is an absolute dream. You get good color without having to worry about overdoing it and looking clown-ish. The slight frostiness, on your face, reads as a vibrant glow. This has been my go-to blush for the past couple of weeks because it is so easy to apply in an elegant way and because it's just fucking pretty.

With that said, if you have darker skin, I'm not sure that this blush will work well for you, as it's a bit of a chore to build up any color intensity.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow on Human Face

The Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush retails for $29 for 0.19 ounces, putting it at the slightly-pricer-than-you-might-have-wished total of $152.63 per ounce. For comparison, a MAC blush is $21 for 0.21 ounces, or $100 per ounce.

'Tis the season for blatant consumerism... and what better way to celebrate than to determine the best way to purchase makeup you don't really need for slightly discounted prices?!

More information about my methods and my suggestions for using this guide are available on my original Sephora Value Set Guide, which you can find by clicking here.

This guide contains Sephora's current full-priced value sets, organized from 'worst' deal to 'best' deal based on [(full price value)/(set cost)]100. As always, please use Control-F to find a particular set. And, of course, I make no guarantees about whether a particular product is actually worth the full price, let alone whether or not it will work well for you. (You probably shouldn't buy anything merely because it is near the end of this list.) This is simply a tool to help shoppers make a slightly more informed decision about any value sets they are considering from Sephora.

Here are the value sets that are currently available:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar All-Star Mini X 4 Set
Contains:
- 0.08 oz x 4 Lip Tar in Memento (pink plum neutral), NSFW (primary red), Anime (vibrant neon pink), Black Dahlia (blackened red), approximate retail value 
Sephora's Stated Value: $34
Actual Value: $17.45
Total Cost: $20
Percent: 87.25%

2. Amazing Cosmetics Perfectly Amazing

Sephora's Stated Value: $107
Actual Value: $56.11
Total Cost: $57
Percent: 98.44%
3. Josie Maran Argan Lip and Cheek Stick Set
Contains:
- 4 x 0.21 oz Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick in Beautiful, Pink, Coral, Twinkle, estimated retail value $33.60
Sephora's Stated Value: $56
Actual Value: $33.60
Total Cost: $34
Percent: 98.82%

4. BeautyBlender Duo Set
Contains:
- 2X BeautyBlender, retail value $28.95
- 5 oz BlenderCleanser, approximate retail value $14.95
Sephora's Stated Value: $43.90
Actual Value: $43.90
Total Cost: $39.95
Percent: 109.91%

5. Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Collection
Contains:
- 13 x 0.126 oz Lip Color in Showstopper (true red), Dizzy Spell (warm peach pink), Understudy (terracotta pink), Role Play (dusty rose), Little Pretty (shimmering berry purple), Seduce Me (berry red), Saboteur (deep maroon), Surrender Dorothy (orange red), All The Way (darkest orange), Voila! (magenta red), Happy Ending (hot pink), Severine (warm beige pink), and Moody Margot (brownish nude), retail value $390
Sephora's Stated Value: $490
Actual Value: $390
Total Cost: $350
Percent: 111.43%

6. Bite Beauty Collector's Edition Lip Layers Set
Contains:
- 10 x 0.14 oz Lip Layers in Lavender, Violet (vibrant purple), Pomegranate (candy apple red), Lilac (bright fuchsia), Shiraz (soft plum), Mulberry (wine), Pepper (dusty rose), Quinta (rosy pink), Retsina (light pink beige), Quince (deep magenta), Salut (nude almond), Apricot (warm red), Fig (light pink), Vidal (raspberry pink), Granache (cool pink), Cava (nude lilac), Tannin (poppy red), Cin Cin (tropical coral), Palomino (vibrant magenta), Vento (sheer bubblegum pink), approximate retail value $120
Sephora's Stated Value: $110
Actual Value: $110
Total Cost: $98
Percent: 112.24%

7. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer + No. 28 Primer Serum Duo
Contains:
- 0.16 oz No. 28 Primer Serum, approximate retail value $10.40
- 0.33 oz Veil Mineral Primer, retail value $18
Sephora's Stated Value: $29
Actual Value: $28.40
Total Cost: $25
Percent: 113.60%

8. Yves Saint Laurent Love and Lacquer Reds Set
Contains:
- 0.2 oz Rouge Pur Couture Vern is À Lèvres Glossy Stain in 9 Rouge Lacquer, retail value $34
- 0.06 oz Mascara Volume Effete Faux Coils Baby doll in Black, approximate retail value $9.00
- 0.34 oz La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in 1 Rouge N Pop Art - Vibrant Red, retail value $25
Sephora's Stated Value: $74
Actual Value: $68
Total Cost: $58
Percent: 117.24%

9. Benefit Feelin' Dandy Lip & Cheek Kit
Contains:
- 0.13 oz Posietint, approximate retail value $9.29
- 0.1 oz Dandelion, approximate retail value $10
- 0.13 oz High Beam, approximate retail value $7.51
- 0.22 oz Ultra Plush Dandelion, approximate retail value $7.04
Sephora's Stated Value: N/A
Actual Value: $33.84
Total Cost: $28
Percent: 120.86%

10. Benefit Cosmetics Go TropiCORAL Lip & Cheek Kit


11. Benefit Cosmetics Sugarlicious Lip & Cheek Kit
Contains:
- 0.13 oz Benetint, approximate retail value $9.29
- 0.1 oz Sugarbomb, approximate retail value $10
- 0.13 oz High Beam, approximate retail value $7.51
- 0.22 oz Ultra Plush Sugarbomb, approximate retail value $7.04
Sephora's Stated Value: N/A
Actual Value: $33.84
Total Cost: $28
Percent: 120.86%

12. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar & Nail Lacquer Set
Contains:
- 0.33 oz Lip Tar, retail value $18
- 0.5 oz Nail Lacquer, retail value $10
Sephora's Stated Value: $28
Actual Value: $28
Total Cost: $22.50
Percent: 124.44%

13. Dolce & Gabbana Lace Collection Gift Set
Contains:
- 0.37 oz Intense Nail Lacquer in Perfection 220, retail value $24
- 0.13 oz Ultra-Shine Lipgloss in Perfection 133, retail value $29
- 0.23 oz Black Intensity Mascara in Black Intense 1, retail value, $32
Sephora's Stated Value: N/A
Actual Value: $85
Total Cost: $65
Percent: 130.77%

14. Clinique Black Honey Beauty
Contains:
- 0.14 oz A Different Enamel in Black Honey, approximate retail value $5.83
- 0.21 oz Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey, approximate retail value $6.30
- 0.14 oz High Impact Mascara, approximate retail value $8.00
- 0.06 oz Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, approximate retail value $12.86
Sephora's Stated Value: $35
Actual Value: $32.99
Total Cost: $25
Percent: 131.96%

15. Bite Beauty Cuvée Deluxe Lipstick Collection


16. Givenchy Red Carpet Look Set
Contains:
- .05 oz Le Rouge Mini Lip Color in 103 Brun Creatéur (dusty rose), approximate retail value $15
- .28 oz Noir Couture Mascara, retail value $32
- .05 oz Mister Light Corrective Pen in 4 Mister Macaroon, retail value $34
Sephora's Stated Value: $82
Actual Value: $81
Total Cost: $60
Percent: 135.00%
17. Guerlain Precious Lights Radiance Essentials Kit
Contains:
- 0.28 oz Météorites Perles Illuminating Powder in 01 Teint Rosé, approximate retail value $15.47
- 0.17 oz Météorites Perles Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer, approximate retail value $12.07
- 0.05 oz Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator in 01, retail value $49.50
Sephora's Stated Value: N/A
Actual Value: $77.04
Total Cost: $57
Percent: 135.16%

18. NARS Forever Yours Eye, Lip & Illuminator Set
Contains:
- 1.1 oz Illuminator in Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer), retail value $30
- 0.14 oz Lip Gloss in Deep Throat (shimmering peachy pink), approximate retail value $12.50
- 0.14 oz Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noir (black infused with gold shimmer), retail value $24
Sephora's Stated Value: $65
Actual Value: $66.50
Total Cost: $49
Percent: 135.71%

19. Smashbox Complexion Perfection
Contains:
- 0.25 oz Photo Finish Foundation Primer, approximate retail value $9
- 0.25 oz Halo To Go Hydrating Perfecting Powder, approximate retail value $22.01
- 0.2 oz High Definition Concealer, approximate retail value $16.30
- 0.5 oz High Definition Healthy FX Foundation, approximate retail value $19.50
Sephora's Stated Value: $75
Actual Value: $66.81
Total Cost: $49
Percent: 136.35%

20. Laura Mercier Secrets of Radiance Volume 5
Contains:
- 0.14 oz Shimmer Bloc in Pink Mosaic, approximate retail value $26.67
- 0.15 oz Lip Glacè in Gossamer, retail value $24
- 0.05 oz Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Pink Spark, retail value $24
- 1 oz Foundation Primer in Radiance, approximate retail value $18.29
Sephora's Stated Value: $93
Actual Value: $92.96
Total Cost: $68
Percent: 136.71%

21. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Trio Set
Contains:
- 3 x 0.33 oz Lip Tar in Clockwork, Hush, Memento OR 3 x 0.33 oz Lip Tar in Nylon, Harlot, Trollop, retail value $54
Sephora's Stated Value: $54
Actual Value: $54
Total Cost: $39.50
Percent: 136.71%

22. Stila Holiday Essentials Kit
Contains:
- 0.01 oz Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black, approximate retail value $12.50
- 0.03 oz Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, approximate retail value $6.60
- 0.035 oz Eye Shadow in Kitten, approximate retail value $7.00
Sephora's Stated Value: $26
Actual Value: $26.10
Total Cost: $19
Percent: 137.37%

23. Tarte the Best for Lash 4-Piece Deluxe Eye Set
Contains:
- 0.14 oz Deluxe MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer, approximate retail value $9.63
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara, approximate retail value $12.67
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara, approximate retail value $11.87
- 0.002 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes Inner Rim Liner, estimated retail value $0.95
Sephora's Stated Value: $46
Actual Value: $35.12
Total Cost: $25
Percent: 140.48%

24. Deborah Lippman Big Bang
Contains:
- 0.27 oz x 12 Nail Lacquer in Sweet Life, Bad Moon Rising, Scream & Shout, Girl On Fire, Sunshine Superman, Lara's Theme, Harlem Shake, One More Night, Big Blue Note, Green Eyed Lady, Sparks Fly, Invincible, approximate retail value $110.16
Sephora's Stated Value: $144
Actual Value: $110.16
Total Cost: $78
Percent: 141.23%

25. BareMinerals The Perfect Pair
Contains:
- 0.28 oz Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, retail value $27
- 1 oz Prime Time Original Foundation Primer, retail value $23
Sephora's Stated Value: $55
Actual Value: $50
Total Cost: $35
Percent: 142.86%

26. Hourglass Best of Hourglass Set
Contains:
- 0.33 oz Veil Mineral Primer, retail value $18
- 0.35 oz Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara in Onyx, retail value $28
- 0.24 oz Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Ignite, retail value $28
- 0.16 oz N° 28 Primer Serum, approximate retail value $10.40
Sephora's Stated Value: $85


27. Stila Best of Kitten Set
Contains:
- 0.09 oz Eye Shadow in Kitten, retail value $18
- 0.5 oz All Over Shimmer Liquid in Kitten, retail value $20
- 0.05 oz Deluxe Lip Glaze in Kitten, approximate retail value $13.75
- 0.01 oz Smudge Stick in Angelfish, retail value $20
Sephora's Stated Value: $82
Actual Value: $71.75
Total Cost: $50
Percent: 143.50%

28. Makeup Forever HD Complexion Starter Kit
Contains:
- 0.17 oz HD Microfinish Powder, retail value $16
- HD Kabuki Brush, retail value $40
- 0.5 oz HD Microperfecting Primer, approximate retail value $16.83
- 1.01 oz HD Invisible Cover Foundation, retail value $42
Sephora's Stated Value: $114
Actual Value: $114.83
Total Cost: $79
Percent: 145.35%

29. Tarte Thoughtful Treasures Best-Sellers Set
Contains:
- 0.053 oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in limited edition Thankful (golden pink), approximate retail value $6.89
- 0.24 oz Pure Maracuja Oil, approximate retail value $6.49
- 0.06 oz LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint in Energy, approximate retail value $14.40
Sephora's Stated Value: $36
Actual Value: $27.78
Total Cost: $19
Percent: 146.21%

30. Givenchy Haute Couture Look


31. Marc Jacobs the Showstopper 7-Piece Holiday Set
Contains:
- 0.13 oz Mini Rollerball in Honey Eau de Parfum, approximate retail value $5.51
- 0.12 oz Style Eye-Con No. 3 in The Star, retail value $42
- 0.16 oz Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl in Kiss This, retail value $28
- 0.016 oz Magic Marc’er Precision Pen, retail value $30
- 0.24 oz Lash Lifter Gel Mascara, retail value $26
Sephora's Stated Value: $216
Actual Value: $131.51
Total Cost: $89
Percent: 147.76%

32. Korres A Flawless Complexion Quercetin & Oak Essentials
Contains:
- 0.16 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer, retail value $22
- 0.34 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Primer, approximate retail value $11.11
- 0.91 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Foundation, retail value $39
Sephora's Stated Value: $72
Actual Value: $72.11
Total Cost: $48
Percent: 150.23%

33. Laura Mercier Mineral Flawless Face
Contains:
- 1 oz Foundation Primer - Mineral, approximate retail value $18.82
- 0.16 oz Mineral Powder SPF 15 in Real Sand or Natural Beige, approximate retail value $17.88
- 0.08 oz Secret Concealer #2, retail value $22
- 0.13 oz Mineral Illuminating Powder in Starlight (Real Sand kit) or Candlelight (Natural Beige kit)
- Full-sized Blending Brush, approximate retail value $13
- Full-sized Secret Camouflage Brush, retail value $26
Sephora's Stated Value: $150
Actual Value: $97.70
Total Cost: $65
Percent:150.31%

34. BareMinerals Try. Believe. Love. Kit


48. BareMinerals Get Started Kit
Contains:
- 0.07 oz Original SPF 15 Foundation, approximate retail value $6.75
- 0.05 oz Matte SPF 15 Foundation, approximate retail value $6.75
- 0.02 oz SPF 20 Concealer, approximate retail value $1.80
- 0.05 oz Warmth All-Over Face Color, retail value $19
- 0.015 oz Mini bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil, approximate retail value $11
- 0.5 oz Mini Prime Time Original Foundation Primer, approximate retail value $11.50
- Full Flawless Face Brush, retail value $28
- Angled Face Brush, retail value $15
- Concealer Brush, retail value $20
Sephora's Stated Value: $186
Actual Value: $119.80
Total Cost: $68
Percent: 176.18%

49. LORAC The Private Affair Collection


50. Smashbox Wondervision Lip Gloss Set
Contains:
- 0.09 oz Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant (metallic golden rose), Pout (sheer pastel pink), Tease (sheer raspberry), Luster (sheer with golden pearl), Ruby (sheer bright red), approximate retail value $42.75
Sephora's Stated Value: $95
Actual Value: $42.75
Total Cost: $24
Percent: 178.13%

51. Bobbi Brown Cool Lilac Long-Wear Eye Collection
Contains:
- 0.10 oz Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink, retail value $23
- 0.12 oz Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Cool Lilac, retail value $24
- 1 oz Soothing Cleansing Oil, retail value $6.27
- Dual-sided eye shadow brush, retail value $29
Sephora's Stated Value: $81
Actual Value: $82.27
Total Cost: $46
Percent: 178.85%

52. Laura Mercier Luxe Stickgloss Collection
Contains:
- 0.12 oz x 3 Stickgloss in Brown Sugar, Peony, Courtisane, retail value $66
- 0.13 oz Sheer Lip Colour in Baby Lips, approximate retail value $20.43
Sephora's Stated Value: $92
Actual Value: $86.43
Total Cost: $48
Percent: 180.06%
53. Josie Maran Escape to Morocco Holiday Lights & Brights Set
Contains:
- 0.5 oz 100% Pure Argan Oil Light, retail value $14
- 0.5 oz Argan Illuminizer, approximate retail value $14
- 0.21 oz Argan Color Stick in Spice, approximate retail value $8.40
- 0.3 oz Argan High Gloss Lip Quench in limited-edition Pink Honey, retail value $16
Sephora's Stated Value: $58
Actual Value: $52.40
Total Cost: $29
Percent: 180.68%

54. Stila Artist Essential Kit
Contains:
- 0.14 oz x 4 Pop Art eye shadow in: Parity(shimmery sand), Irony (golden khaki green), Primary (golden hunter green), Edgy (midnight green), estimated retail value $11.14
- 0.14 oz x 4 Renaissance eye shadow in: Poetry (shimmery light gold), Perspective (golden bronze), Fresco (copper shimmer), Drama (rich matte brown), estimated retail value $11.14
- 0.14 x 4 Abstract eye shadow in: Illusion (delicate white pink), Vivid (soft lavender), Visual (deep aubergine), Linear (matte purple smoke), estimated retail value $11.14
- 0.14 oz x 4 Surreal eye shadow in: Dream (soft nude), Symbolic (metallic beige shimmer), Fantasy (deep taupe), Reality (matte black smoke), estimated retail value $11.14
- 0.07 Deluxe Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream in Peony (neutral nude with pink undertones), approximate retail value $11.67
- 0.03 oz Deluxe Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina (dusty rose), approximate retail value $6.60
- 0.01 oz Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray (jet black), retail value $20
- #9 brush, retail value $24
Sephora's Stated Value: $174
Actual Value: $106.83
Total Cost: $59
Percent: 181.07%

55. Buxom Dolly's Opening Act Set
Contains:
6 x 0.07 oz Full-On Lip Polishes & Creams in Emma, White Russian, Dani, Dolly, Berry Blast, Michelle, approximate retail value $53.20
Contains:
Sephora's Stated Value: $54
Actual Value: $53.20
Total Cost: $29
Percent: 183.44%

56. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Pro's Picks Lip Tar
Contains:
- 5 X 0.33 oz Lip Tar, retail value $90


58. Makeup Forever Ultimate Long Lasting Lip Set
Contains:
- 6 x 0.04 oz Aqua Lip in 8C (red), 2C (rosewood), 14C (light rosewood), 10C (raspberry), 16C (fuchsia), 18C (coral), retail value $114
- 6 x 0.08 oz Aqua Rouge in 8 (red), 2 (rosewood), 14 (light rosewood), 10 (raspberry), 16 (fuchsia), 18 (coral), retail value $144
Sephora's Stated Value: $258
Actual Value: $258
Total Cost: $140
Percent: 184.29%

59. Illamasqua Mystery Box
Contains:
- 0.2 oz Sheer or Intense Lipgloss (mystery color), retail value $22
- False Eye Lashes With Glue (mystery style), retail value $15
- 0.5 oz Nail Varnish in Monogamous (creamy pink), retail value $17
- 0.07 oz Powder Eye Shadow (mystery color), retail value $20
- 0.28 oz Liquid Metal Eye Shadow (mystery color), retail value $26
- 0.06 oz Precision Ink in Scribe (pure white), retail value $27.50
Sephora's Stated Value: $127.50
Actual Value: $127.50
Total Cost: $69
Percent: 184.78%
60. Kat Von D Spellbinding Lipstick Set
Contains:
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Backstage Bambi (hot pink), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Lovecraft (berry beige), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Thin Lizzy (metallic rusty red), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Underage Red (bright crimson), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Ritual (terracotta suntan), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in A Go-Go (reddish coral), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Mau5 (deep pinky purple), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in l.u.v (rich violet), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Bachelorette (dark fuchsia pink), approximate retail value $7.25
- 0.042 oz Lipstick in Vampira (deep reddish burgundy), approximate retail value $7.25
Sephora's Stated Value: $100
Actual Value: $72.50
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 185.90%

61. Benefit Cosmetics It's a Love Fest
Contains:
- 0.75 oz The Porefessional pore minimizing balm, retail value $30
- 0.22 oz Coralista lip gloss, approximate retail value $7.04
- 0.13 oz Sun Beam golden bronze complexion highlighter, approximate retail value $7.51
- 0.3 oz They’re Real! mascara, retail value $23 
Sephora's Stated Value: $75
Actual Value: $67.55
Total Cost: $36
Percent: 187.63%

62. BareMinerals Dare To Wear Gold Set
Contains:
- 0.3 oz bareMinerals READY™ Blush/Luminizer in The Natural High & Shining Moment, approximate retail value $31.43
- 2 x 0.02 oz Eyecolor in Double Dare, Wild Thing, retail value $28
- 0.04 oz Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 3 AM, retail value $15
- 0.15 oz Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Rock Star, retail value $18
Sephora's Stated Value: $90
Actual Value: $92.43
Total Cost: $49
Percent: 188.63%

63. Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Set
Contains:
- 1.7 oz Bi-Facil, approximate retail value $11.33
- 0.04 oz Artliner in Noir, approximate retail value $24.00
- 0.22 oz Hypnôse Drama in Black, retail value $27
Sephora's Stated Value: $66
Actual Value: $62.33
Total Cost: $33
Percent: 188.88%

64. Benefit Cosmetics Primping With the Stars Contains:
- 0.08 oz Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer for Concealers and Eyeshadows, approximate retail value $6.30
- 0.12 oz Some Kind-A-Gorgeous Foundation in Medium, approximate retail value $10.59
- 0.13 oz Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain, approximate retail value $9.29
- 0.25 oz The Porefessional Pro Balm, approximate retail value $10.00
- 0.25 oz Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Pearl for Face, approximate retail value $18.75
- 0.1 oz They're Real! Beyond Mascara in Black, approximate retail value $7.67
Sephora's Stated Value: N/A
Actual Value: $62.60
Total Cost: $32
Percent: 195.63%

65. BareMinerals Complexion Superstars
Contains:
- 0.07 oz Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, approximate retail value $4.67
- 0.07 oz Illuminating Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, approximate retail value $4.67
- 0.07 oz Blush in Golden Gate (warm apricot), estimated retail value $19
- 2 x 0.07 oz All-Over Face Color in Warmth and Clear Radiance, estimated retail value $38
- Mini Full Flawless Face Brush, approximate retail value $10
Sephora's Stated Value: $101
Actual Value: $76.34
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 195.74%

66. Buxom Red Hot Set
Contains:
- 0.01 oz Pen & Ink Long-Last Eyeliner in P.S. Ciao, retail value $20
- 0.33 oz Sculpted Lash Mascara in True Black, retail value $19
- 0.03 oz Full-On Lipstick in Barcelona, retail value $19
- 0.15 oz Full-On Lip Polish in Krystal, retail value $19
Sephora's Stated Value: $77
Actual Value: $77
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 197.44%

67. BareMinerals Insider Introducing Color Shift Eyecolor

 
68. NARS Guy Bourdin Holiday Collection Limited Edition Promiscuous Lip Pencil Coffret
Contains:
- 0.06 oz x 4 Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, Sex Machine, Never Say Never, Dolce Vita, approximate retail value $69.77
- 0.08 oz Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover, approximate retail value $22.22
Sephora's Stated Value: $97
Actual Value: $91.99
Total Cost: $45
Percent: 204.42%

69. Becca Best of Becca
Contains:
- 0.24 oz Eye Tint in Baroque (mushroom beige), retail value $24
- 0.24 oz Beach Tint in Grapefruit (pale coral pink), retail value $25
- 0.5 oz Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal (golden opal pearl), approximate retail value $12.06
- 0.2 oz The Ultimate Mascara in Black, approximate retail value $17.78
- 1.35 oz Resurfacing Primer, retail value $40
Sephora's Stated Value: $128
Actual Value: $118.84
Total Cost: $58
Percent: 204.90%

70. Tarte LipSurgence Collector's Set
Contains:
- 0.10 oz x 6 LipSurgence Lip Tints in Amused (bright pink), Charmed (light pink), Joy (peach); Enchanted (rose), Lust (red), Moody (deep berry), retail value $144
- 0.10 oz x 6 LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Envy (mauve berry), Exposed (nude), Fiery (matte red), Hope (warm rose), Lively (hot pink), Lucky (light pink), retail value $144
- 0.10 oz x 2 LipSurgence Lip Lusters in Buff (nude), Achiote (shimmering golden pink), retail value $48
- 0.10 oz LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint in Energy (unique pink), retail value $24
Sephora's Stated Value: $360
Actual Value: $360
Total Cost: $175
Percent: 205.71%

71. Too Faced Beauty Blogger Darlings
Contains:
- 0.14 oz Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, approximate retail value $12.00
- 0.17 oz Primed & Poreless Face Primer, approximate retail value $5.10
- 0.17 oz Better Than Sex Mascara, approximate retail value $14.48
- 0.17 oz Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer, approximate retail value $9.71
Sephora's Stated Value: $42
Actual Value: $41.29
Total Cost: $20
Percent: 206.45%

72. BareMinerals Insider Introducing Whipped Velvet Long-Wear Eyecolor
Contains:
- 0.01 oz Sugared Bronze Eyecolor, approximate retail value $7
- 0.02 oz Flawless Radiance All-Over Face Color, approximate retail value $12.67
- 0.15 oz Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Rule Breaker, retail value $18
- 0.14 oz Whipped Velvet Long-Wear Eyecolor in Plush Brown, approximate retail value $12
- 0.33 oz Flawless Definition Curl & Lengthen Mascara in Black, retail value $18
- 0.04 oz Round The Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 2AM, retail value $15
Sephora's Stated Value: $91
Actual Value: $82.67
Total Cost: $40
Percent: 206.67%

73. Too Faced The Iconic Collection
Contains:
- 0.5 oz Size Queen Mascara, retail value $21
- 0.25 oz Eye Shadow Collection in Lavendar, Satin Sheets, Ever After, Birthday Suit, approximate retail value $23.07
- 0.1 oz Deluxe Glamour Gloss, approximate retail value $15.83
- 0.26 oz Blush-Bronzer Duo, approximate retail value $21.48
Sephora's Stated Value: $110
Actual Value: $81.38
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 208.67%

74. BareMinerals Customizable Get Started Kit
Contains:
- 0.05 All-Over Face Color in Warmth, approximate retail value $19
- 0.07 oz Original Mineral Veil, approximate retail value $4.66
- 0.5 oz Prime Time Foundation Primer, approximate retail value $11.50
- 0.28oz Original Foundation OR 0.49oz READY Foundation, retail value $27 OR $29
- Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, retail value $20
- Flawless Application Face Brush, retail value $22
- Full Flawless Face Brush, retail value $28
Sephora's Stated Value: $138
Actual Value: $132.16 OR $134.16
Total Cost: $62 OR $64
Percent: 209.63% OR 213.16%

75. Bite Beauty Best Bite Set
Contains:
- 4 x 0.05 oz High Pigment Matte Pencil in Quince, Rhubarb, Cranberry, Madeira, approximate retail value $53.33
Sephora's Stated Value: $55
Actual Value: $53.33
Total Cost: $25
Percent: 213.33%

76. Bite Beauty Lip Layers
Contains:
- 2 x 0.07 oz Luminous Crème Lipstick, approximate retail value $25.85
Sephora's Stated Value: $70
Actual Value: $25.85
Total Cost: $12
Percent: 215.38%

77. Too Faced Creme de la Creme Long Lasting Lip Collection
Contains:
- 0.01 oz Perfect Spice Lip Liner, retail value $17
- 0.11 oz La Crème Lip Cream: Spice Spice Baby, retail value $21
- 0.11 oz La Crème Lip Cream: Naked Dolly, retail value $21
- 0.12 oz Deluxe Lip Insurance, approximate retail value $15.20
Sephora's Stated Value: $74
Actual Value: $74.20
Total Cost: $34
Percent: 218.24%

78. Stila Madison Avenue Stila Metallic Eyeshadow
Contains:
- 3 x 0.09 oz Metallic Eye Shadow in Pigalle, Azure, Copper, retail value $54
Sephora's Stated Value: $54
Actual Value: $54
Total Cost: $24
Percent: 225.00%

79. Buxom Shimmer and Shake Show-Stopping Collection of 15 Mini Full-On Lip Polishes and Creams
Contains:
- 15 x 0.07 oz BUXOM Full-On Lip Polish in Lauren, Rachel, Olivia, Victoria, Trixie, Dolly, Sandy, Katie, Sugar, Royale, Mudslide, Pink Lady, White Russian, Amanda, Cherry Flip, approximate retail value $133.00
Sephora's Stated Value: $135
Actual Value: $133
Total Cost: $59
Percent: 225.42%

80. BareMinerals Crystalized Full Face Collection
Contains:
- 0.01 oz Mesmerized Liner Shadow in Dark Charcoal, retail value $14
- 0.02 oz Steam Eyecolor in Metallic Silver Shimmer, retail value $14
- 0.03 oz Golden Gate Radiance All-Over Face Color, approximate retail value $11.40
- 0.09 oz bareMinerals READY® Eyeshadow 2.0, The Magic Wand in Presto (almond satin) and Abracadabra (shimmering slate), retail value $20
- 0.12 oz. Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Break Away (luscious mauve), retail value $18
- 0.07 fl. oz Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Hypnotist (holographic violet-peach), approximate retail value $14.40
- 0.37 oz Lash Domination 10-in-1 Volumizing Mascara in Intense Black, retail value $18
- Double-Ended Shade and Line Brush, estimated retail value $12
Sephora's Stated Value: $146
Actual Value: $121.80
Total Cost: $54
Percent: 225.56%

81. LORAC Pro Eye Tutorial Kit
Contains:
- 0.15 oz Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Star Power, retail value $27
- 0.08 oz Pro Cream Eyeliner in Black, retail value $19
- 0.47 oz Behind the Scenes Eye Primer, retail value $21
- 0.53 oz Pro Mascara in black, retail value $23
Sephora's Stated Value: $110
Actual Value: $90
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 230.77%

82. Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit
Contains:
- 1 oz Foundation Primer, retail value $19.50
- 0.21 oz Undercover Pot Shade #2, retail value $34
- 1 oz Tinted Moisturizer in Nude or Sand, approximate retail value $28.67
- Secret Camouflage Brush, retail value $26
- Camouflage Powder Brush, retail value $28
- Velour Puff, retail value $12
- Egg-shaped Sponge, approximate retail value $3.75
Sephora's Stated Value: $159
Actual Value: $151.92
Total Cost: $65
Percent: 233.72%

83. Makeup Forever Ever Lasting Liners Set
Contains:
- 3 x 0.04 oz Aqua Eyes in 25 L (matte brown), 3L (iridescent navy blue) , 0L (matte black), retail value $57
- 3 x 0.025 oz Aqua Eyes in 11L (purple), 23L (champagne), 20L (forest green), approximate retail value $35.63
Sephora's Stated Value: $90
Actual Value: $92.63
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 237.50%

84. Too Faced All I Want for Christmas
Contains:
- 0.28 oz Exclusive Blush/Eye Shadow Trio Compact, estimated retail value $42.74
- 0.11 oz La Crème Lip Cream in Believe, retail value $21
- 0.03 oz Perfect Eyes Eye Liner in Perfect Black, approximate retail value $13.50
- 0.25 oz Lash Injection Mascara, approximate retail value $10.71
- 0.35 oz Shadow Insurance, retail value $20
Sephora's Stated Value: $105
Actual Value: $107.95
Total Cost: $45
Percent: 239.89%

85. Benefit Cosmetics Little Love Potions
Contains:
- 0.25 oz The POREfessional, approximate retail value $10
- 0.1 oz It's Potent Eye Cream, approximate retail value $6.80
- 0.08 oz High Beam in Luminescent, approximate retail value $4.62
- 0.08 oz Posietint in Poppy Pink, approximate retail value $5.71
- 0.08 oz Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium, approximate retail value $6.30
- 0.08 oz Watt's Up, approximate retail value $7.27
- 0.14 oz BADgal Lash Mascara, retail value $10
- 0.25 oz "That Gal", approximate retail value $19.59
- 0.1 oz Hoola Bronzing Powder, approximate retail value $10
- 0.22 oz Ultra Plush - Hoola Lip Gloss, approximate retail value $7.04
Sephora's Stated Value: $90
Actual Value: $87.33
Total Cost: $36
Percent: 242.58%

86. Smashbox Try It Kit


87. Urban Decay Ocho Loco 2
Contains:
- 8 x 0.04 oz 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Roach (deep copper brown shimmer), Twice Baked (rich brown satin w/gold micro-sparkle), Crave (deepest, darkest brown-black matte), Perversion (blackest black matte), Deep End (bright metallic peacock shimmer), Mars (bright metallic green shimmer), Ultraviolet (bright blue-violet shimmer) and Tornado (dark eggplant pearl), retail value $152
- Grindhouse Double Barrel Sharpener, retail value $10
Sephora's Stated Value: $162
Actual Value: $162
Total Cost: $59
Percent: 257.63%

88. Benefit Cosmetics Goodtime Gals
Contains:
- 0.08 oz Posietint, approximate retail value $5.71
- 0.25 oz Girl Meets Pearl, approximate retail value $18.75
- 0.25 oz ''That Gal" Primer, approximate retail value $19.59
Sephora's Stated Value: $56
Actual Value: $44.05
Total Cost: $17
Percent: 259.11%

89. Sephora Favorites "Glitz and Glam"
Contains:
- 0.05 oz Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy, retail value $20
- 0.11 oz Nars Lip Gloss in Gold Digger, estimate retail value $15.05
- 0.17 oz Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat, estimated retail value $5.15
- 0.18 oz Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelèe, retail value $22
- 0.135 oz Lancôme Hypnôse Star in Noir Midnight, approximate retail value $17.18
- 0.34 oz Stila Stay All Day 10-In-One HD Illuminating Beauty Balm with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, estimated retail value $9.93
- 1 x Sephora Collection False Eye Lashes in Celebrity, estimated retail value $10
- 0.02 oz Too Faced 3 Way Lash Lining Tool, retail value $22
Sephora's Stated Value: $159
Actual Value: $121.31
Total Cost: $45
Percent: 269.58%

90. Tarte the Tarte of Giving Collector's Set and Travel Bag
Contains:
- 20 x .07 oz Limited-Edition Amazonian Clay Eye Shadows, estimated retail value $102.67
- 8 x .059 oz Deluxe Maracuja Lipglosses, approximate retail value $20.65
- 0.23 oz Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil, approximate retail value $6.22
- 0.08 oz Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment, approximate retail value $8.69
- 0.05 oz Deluxe Limited-Edition Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable, approximate retail value $6.50
- 0.17 oz Deluxe Cheek Stain in Flush, approximate retail value $5.10
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara, approximate retail value $12.67
Sephora's Stated Value: $490
Actual Value: $162.50
Total Cost: $59
Percent: 275.42%

91. Clinique Party Favors
- 0.14 oz A Different Nail Enamel in Limited Edition Cosmo Chic, approximate retail value $5.83
- 0.50 oz All About Eyes, retail value $30
- 0.17 oz All About Shadow Quad in Chocolate Covered Cherry, Raspberry Beret, Hazy, Limited Edition Pink Shade, retail value $28
- 0.10 oz Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Limited Edition Roundest Raspberry, retail value $17
- 0.28 oz High Impact Mascara in Black, retail value $16
- 0.01 oz Quickliner For Eyes Intense in Intense Black Honey, retail value $16 Sephora's Stated Value: $109
Actual Value: $112.83
Total Cost: $39.50
Percent: 285.65%
92. Tarte Stop and Stare 6-Piece Eyeliner and Lash Set
Contains:
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara, approximate retail value $11.87
- 3 x 0.04 oz Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners in Onyx, Purple Garnet, and Azurite Green, retail value $57
- 2 x 0.056 oz SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners in Taupe and Rose Gold, retail value $44
Sephora's Stated Value: $115
Actual Value: $112.87
Total Cost: $39
Percent: 289.41%

93. Sephora Favorites Lash Stash
Contains:
- 0.10 oz Benefit They're Real Mascara, approximate retail value $7.67
- 0.141 oz Blinc Mascara, approximate retail value $17.46
- 0.2 oz BUXOM Lash Mascara, retail value $10
- 0.14 oz Clinique High Impact Mascara, approximate retail value $8.00
- 0.135 oz Lancôme Hypnôse Drama, approximate retail value $16.57
- 0.13 oz Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant, approximate retail value $13
- 1 x Sephora Collection False Eye Lashes in Celebrity, estimated retail value $10
- 0.5 oz Sephora Collection Outrageous Mascara, retail value $15
- 0.31 oz Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara, retail value $23
- 0.17 oz Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, approximate retail value $14.48
- 0.06 oz Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Baby Doll, approximate retail value $9
Sephora's Stated Value: $145
Actual Value: $144.18
Total Cost: $45
Percent: 320.40%

94. Tarte Pure Delights 8-Piece LipSurgence Lip Set
Contains:
- 4 x 0.06 oz LipSurgence matte lip tints in Glee (watermelon), Cheerful (coral), Destined (raspberry), Generous (pinkish nude), approximate retail value $57.60
- 4 x 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tints in Believe (warm pink), Grateful (nude), Lovely (mauve pink), Enamored (cool red), approximate retail value $57.60
Sephora's Stated Value: $112
Actual Value: $115.20
Total Cost: $34
Percent: 338.82%

95. Flower Power Lip Glaze Trio
Contains:
- 3 X 0.05 oz Lip Glaze, approximate retail value $41.25
Sephora's Stated Value: $41
Actual Value: $41.25
Total Cost: $12
Percent: 343.75% 

96. Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set
Contains:
- 0.045 oz x 9 Lip Glaze in Cranberry, Persimmon, Melon, Dazzleberry, Wildberry, Strawberry Cream, Passion Fruit, Kaleidoscope, Amaretto, approximate retail value $111.38
Sephora's Stated Value: $124
Actual Value: $111.38
Total Cost: $28
Percent: 397.77%

97. Too Faced A Few of My Favorite Things Set
Contains:
- 20 x 0.06 oz Eye Shadow in Snowflakes, Whiskers on Kittens, Chocolate Milk, Moon on their Wings, Dark Chocolate, Cream Colored Ponies, Honey Honey, Busch de Noel, Evergreen, Blue Satin Sashes, Coquet, Taffy, Crisp Apple Strudel, Woolen Mittens, Soirée, Tinsel, Bluff, Ooh La Orchid, Party Time, Pure Glam, estimated retail value $110.40
- 2 x 0.28 oz Blush in Raindrops on Roses, Melt into Spring, estimated retail value $85.47
- 0.28 oz Bronzer in Sun Bunny, approximate retail value $24.00
- 0.28 oz Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil, approximate retail value $24.00
- 0.1 oz Lip Injection Color Bomb! in Bee Sting, retail value $21.00
- 0.17 oz Better Than Sex Mascara in Carbon Black, approximate retail value $14.48
Sephora's Stated Value: $436
Actual Value: $279.35
Total Cost: $56
Percent: 498.84%

Let's keep this short and sweet. Here's what I got in my Birchbox this month:


Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner (0.04oz), approximate retail value $9.14


The Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner is one of my favorite eyeliners and I am borderline annoyed at Birchbox for robbing me of my ability to do a full review. (Since I also own a mini, I went ahead and took pictures of my old, beat-up one so as to not unnecessarily open the new one.) The shape is what really sets it apart from other pen eyeliners: it allows you to create both thin and thick lines that are smooth and attractive, making it perfect for dramatic eyeliner looks.


It's drawbacks are similar to other pen eyeliners: it can get clogged up with eyeshadow and sometimes it feels dried out if it is not stored upside down. Thus, if you hate pen eyeliners, it probably won't change your mind.

Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches in Green Tea Tropical, Organic African Nectar, and Vanilla Bean, approximate retail value $1.99


I've bought Mighty Leaf Tea in the past, but this sample definitely re-kindled my love. The aromas are so appealing and they are perfect for dreary winter days in the office. Vanilla Bean smells super vanilla-y. Organic African Nectar was weirdly mint-y. My favorite, though, was Green Tea tropical. I had to restrain myself from shoving my mug of tea under my co-worker's noses and shouting, "SMELL THIS. IT SMELLS SO GOOD!"

All the teas are the perfect balance of mild but flavorful.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator (0.71oz), approximate retail value $5.67


I know it's not Birchbox's fault that they sent me a ton of things I already own, since they can't stalk my possessions, but it's kind of silly that this is the THIRD product in this box that I already had sitting around.

BrightenUp uses a papaya enzyme called papain as an exfoliant. It's usually (sexily enough) used to liquify necrotic tissue in a prescription-strength drug called Accuzyme. It works by breaking down the extracellular matrix of the skin. I can't speak to the concentration of papain in BrightenUp, but it's definitely theoretically sound.

There is also got a bunch of aluminum oxide in it (that's what the "microderm crystals" actually are), which works as a physical exfoliant. Aluminum oxide is used for a shitload of abrasive purposes, like making sandpaper or toothpaste. (Some people find that physical exfoliation is too rough on their skin, and if you are one of those people, obviously don't use this.)

BeeKind Body Lotion (1.01 fluid oz), approximate retail value $1.89


I'm not much of a body lotion person, and I'm not much of lemon-scent lover, so I'm not the best person to be reviewing this product. I will say that it is not at all greasy, which was really nice. I also thought that the packaging seemed really professional and classy, given the low value of the sample. I think it will make a pretty nice foot lotion.

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection in On the Rocks (0.25 fluid oz), approximate retail value $4.00


I tend to like Color Club nail polishes. This one, though, may be the best nail polish I've gotten from Birchbox. The pictures are a single coat of polish! It looks like tin foil! You need this in your life!

Total Box Value: $22.69

I'm actually really happy with this box, even though I got a bunch of stuff that I already own. It's hard to complain about getting a spare of one of your favorite products!

If you are filled with a intense desire to join Birchbox, you are always welcome to use my referral link by clicking here.

I not-that-recently-but-recently-enough-that-I-considered-using-recently-as-an-adverb-here received a sample of Guerlain's 'Cils d'Enfer' Maxi Lash Mascara. Actually, I received a ton of samples of it, and I've been slowly working through them with the diligence expected of someone who is weirdly obsessed with cosmetic formulas.


Guerlain's new Maxi Lash formula is seriously impressive. First of all, before we even get into how it makes your lashes look: it smells amazing. The scent is very floral and perfume-y. If it was an actual perfume, I would say lovely things about it. Sadly, I can't think of very many times when it would be appropriate to spread mascara on my wrists, no matter how excellent the odor may be.

The actual tube is very gold and pretty. This one has been hanging out in my bag and is thus less visually appealing.

It's got a pretty standard-looking, medium sized-brush. It doesn't looking like it will knock your socks off. The magic doesn't happen until it hits your eyelashes: it's the perfect mix of "yes, I can wear this to work" and "oh my god, my eyelashes look incredible!". It's everyday drama in the best possible way.


Besides the price ($30 for mascara hurts my soul a little bit), the only drawback to this mascara comes right when you pull the wand out of the tube: it leaves you with a hunk of gloopiness right at the end, that you will need to scrape off.


Here is a before and after of the effect it gives:

No Mascara

With Mascara

 One more time:

No Mascara

With mascara

Guerlain Maxi Lash retails for $30 for 0.28 oz ($107.14 per ounce). For comparison, Clinique High Impact retails for $16 for 0.28 oz, or $57.14 per ounce.

One of the so-called "beauty hacks" that's floating around in the internet is that Milk of Magnesia supposedly makes a fabulous primer for oily skin. There are countless beauty gurus on youtube touting its mattifying tendencies. Bloggers who should really know better are recommending it. Makeup Alley has rated 4.1 out of 5 with 367 reviews.

Dear internet people: please don't do this to yourselves. I sometimes wonder if internet browsing makes people's skin better, since they have easy access to research, or worse, because they also have easy access to people's crackpot theories about what they should put on their faces.

Y'all already know that there are a fair number of home remedies that make me cringe. Milk of Magnesia is the perfect example of this. Although there are some elements that may be helpful, it's only helpful if you ignore the damage you may be inducing.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/calypso/33940578/sizes/o/in/photostream/

First of all, what the ever-loving fuck is Milk of Magnesia?

Milk of Magnesia is magnesium hydroxide suspended in water with a bit of sodium hypochlorite. Magnesium hydroxide is an inorganic compound patented in 1818 for digestive issues. It is formed by a simple salt metathesis reaction in which magnesium salt is added to ammonium hydroxide.

Mg²+ + 2OH^- ---> Mg(OH)₂

It is most commonly used as an antacid or as a laxative. When used as an antacid, the OH^- groups will pop on off the molecule and bind to the extra H⁺s you have in your painful, acidic belly, leaving you with water. This prevents your stomach's hydrochloric acid from reaching your gastrointestinal nerves, meaning that you won't be in horrible pain. Hooray! Science! When used as a laxative, you rely on Milk of Magnesia's osmotic force. The magnesia ions formed after the OH^- groups pop off aren't absorbed by your intestinal tract, leaving you with a high concentration of magnesium ions. Osmosis, at its most basic, is a movement of water from areas with low concentrations of ions to areas with high concentrations of ions. Thus, the magnesium pulls fluid into the intestines. Your colon sexily responds by dumping its contents, triggering you to dump yours. Hooray! Bowel movements!

The second key ingredient of Milk of Magnesia, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), is standard household bleach, which is an oxidizing agent. It's in a very low concentration (doctors don't usually recommend drinking large quantities of bleach), but it is a very effective buffering agent.

Why the fuck do people want to put laxatives on their faces?

Against all odds, there actually is a pretty good reason why people put Milk of Magnesia on their faces. A study by Stewart and Downing (1981) showed that magnesium hydroxide is remarkably effective at breaking down wax esters and steryl esters extracted from human skin. These are the major components of the oil on your face.

In other words, it really actually is a de-greaser. It's no surprise that people keep recommending this as an option for a primer. It definitely would minimize oiliness and I have no doubt that it has the potential to prolong your makeup wear. 

Why is this a terrible, very bad, no-good idea?

Remember how magnesium hydroxide has a bunch of OH^- groups ready to jump out at you and neutralize any acid that may come its way? That means that Milk of Magnesia is alkaline as fuck. It has a pH of 10.5. For comparison, ammonia has a pH of 11. Baking soda looks downright harmless in comparison, with a pH of only 8.3.

In order to ward of particularly unpleasant bacteria, your skin needs to maintain a mildly acidic pH. P. acnes, for example, is best inhibited by a pH between 4.2 and 5.6. Your skin has evolved to maintain this balance very effectively. Your sebaceous glands secrete a thin layer of acidic film called the acid mantle, which protects you from viruses, bacteria, and other potential threats. Milk of Magnesia was formulated to neutralize stomach acid. It's going to do that, but on your face. This totally destroys your acid mantle, leaving your skin unprotected. Using Milk of Magnesia as a primer sounds like the perfect way to turn your face into a nasty-bacteria's dream.

Interfering with the acid mantle may also cause contact dermatitis, interfere with the activation of enzymes involved in extracellular lipid processing, impede your skin's ability to shed its dead layers, and damage overall skin integrity.

When you use Milk of Magnesia as an everyday primer, you are coating your whole face in this shit on a daily basis. This has the potential to be quite damaging. Milk of Magnesia may be effective for oil control, but there are a shitload of primers that can help control oil that are actually supposed to go on your skin. I would recommend buying one of those, instead.

Ideally, when you press the "checkout" button on the Sephora website, you want it to be a celebration. "I WILL HAVE THE MOST SPECTACULAR EYELINER IN ALL OF THE LAND!" you might hypothetically exclaim. "MY LASHES WILL BE AS LONG AND LUSH AS A UNICORN'S MANE! MY LIPS WILL BE AS SUPPLE AS A GIGANTIC BOWL OF TIRAMISU!"

That was not what it was like to purchase the Stila Magnificent Metals eyeshadows. "Am I... am I really about to spend 96 dollars plus tax on three eyeshadow singles? Is that a real decision that I am really making in real life?"

Well, I did it. Crap. (20% back from the VIB sale + 8% back from ebates did slightly lessen the blow.)

WHY THE FUCK DO YOU COST SO MUCH.

Each of the eyeshadows comes with a teeeeensy tiny vial of liquid primer and a mixing tray. The primer is labeled as 0.06 fluid ounces, but none of the primers in my shadows were anywhere close to full. 0.06 fluid ounces looks to be a proper volume measurement, but if you leave them 90% empty, that is a ridiculous and dishonest number to write on the packaging.


The texture of the shadows is really unexpected. It almost feels like a mousse, but it has these flakes in it that create a really unique texture. The multidimensional effect is completely different from any other eyeshadow that I own. Shimmer shadows don't do this. Sparkly shadows don't do this. Applying loose shadows wet (one alternative that I see popping up on the internet machine) looks totally different. It's a super unique product. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only eyeshadow product that creates this appearance.


The colors are super, super pigmented. The swatches below are what happens when I dip a finger in the pan and just pull across my arm. Seriously, holy shit.

Swatches from left to right: Metallic Dusty Rose, Metallic Emerald, and ComexSwat Gold

There are definitely people who are having serious trouble applying these products, and I think that's the source of many of the negative reviews that are floating about. The biggest potential problem is that the liquid primer is in a little dropper, which makes you feel like you should use a drop of primer. Do not use a drop of primer. That is way, way too much. I try to blow a little bubble with my dropper, and the bubble's worth of liquid is a decent amount. Tapping the tube against the mixing tin might get you enough, as well.

I then use tweezers to extract a little bit of eyeshadow, and I mix the primer and eyeshadow together. I apply this to my lid. Finally, I stick my finger right in the pan and dab on additional eyeshadow to build up the color.

Using this method, my eyeshadow has stayed all day and remained completely creaseless. 

If you are having trouble with the primer, I would recommend skipping it entirely. Use your regular eyeshadow primer and just use your finger to apply. This will give a much better result than fussing around with eyeshadow that has been turned into a liquid via primer overuse.

This is how much eyeshadow I would use for both eyes.

There's definitely a bit of learning curve on these puppies. The first time I used them, I covered my entire face with sparkle. After I figured out how to work with them, though, I didn't experience significant levels of fallout. I also found that it was easy to blend additional colors into them to create a full eye look. It's also worth noting that the Emerald color has a very slight tendency to stain. 

I adore the ultimate look, so the mild trickiness didn't bother me too much. I get ridiculous numbers of compliments every time I wear these. I wouldn't recommend them to eyeshadow beginners (GOD, NO) but if you are already skilled with eyeshadow application, I think you'll find that these are relatively easy to adjust to.

Here are a few of the looks I have created using these eyeshadows:

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Metallic Dusty Rose on Human Face

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Metallic Emerald

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Comex Gold

These retail for $32 for 0.07 oz of eyeshadow ($457.14 per ounce), plus the alleged 0.06 fluid oz liquid eye primer. To give you a sense of how overpriced these are: Urban Decay eyeshadow singles are $18 for 0.05 oz ($360 per ounce). NARS eyeshadow singles are $24 for 0.07 oz ($342.86 per ounce). Dior 1-Colour Eyeshadow Extremes are $29 for 0.07 oz ($414.29 per ounce). The only eyeshadow I could find that was more expensive, ounce per ounce, was Giorgio Armani Maestro Mono Eyeshadow at $30 for 0.04 oz ($750 per ounce).

Are they worth that price? Honestly, probably not. Am I super happy that I bought them? YES! I LOVE THEM! If you are 1. a makeup-lover, 2. who is pretty good with eyeshadow, 3. who has been lusting after these, and 4. has a bit of disposable income available, I would totally recommend buying at least one. If you are not ALL FOUR OF THOSE THINGS, then you should probably go on your merry way.

Do my eyes deceive me? Did I receive an ipsy bag that is startlingly badass? Although it seems frivolous to complain about a service that costs $10 a month, I feel an obligation to let you know when things are shitty. The nice converse, though, is that I get to let you know when things are awesome, as well. This ipsy bag was pretty awesome.


The bag itself, a gold, metallic snakeskin, is tacky in a sort of lovable way. I adore my faux fur jacket and my pleather circle skirt in the exact same way.

Em Cosmetics by Michelle Phan Lash Gallery Lengthening Mascara in Black (full size at 0.236 fluid oz), retail value $20


Although I was quite pleased with my bag, I am starting this review off on a sour note: I would like to propose a new rule of thumb. When you consider purchasing a new mascara, check whether it has been sampled on ipsy. If it has, DO NOT BUY IT. It is almost amazing how terrible ipsy mascara samples are. 

I've written previously about my issues with Michelle Phan's recently launched makeup line, Em Cosmetics. Supposedly, though, ipsy subscribers flooded the subscription service with requests to try the new line. Each bag included a full-size product from Em. There was a lip balm, a lipstick, an eyeliner, and, what I received: one of the most dreadful mascaras I have ever used.


I was expecting to find that the Em Cosmetics mascara was generic and unexciting. Sadly, that would be a big step up. Although it does add length, I swear that it looks like it subtracts volume. It looks like I have tiny little skinny lashes. What's more, it made my eyelashes crispier than a bag of Fritos... and then it was impossible to remove. Wearing this mascara basically commits you to having awful-looking lashes for two days in a row, since removal is 48-hour-process.

This strongly discourages me from trying any other products in this line, even though I recognize that the mascara is probably a point of particular weakness. It's unfortunate that the product teams did not realize that this was an unwise choice for a sample. Since mascara isn't something one can sanitize and find a new home for, I am going to have to just throw this in the trash.

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in Amethyst (full size at 0.08oz), retail value $14


The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils are metallic-finished pencils that can be used as eyeliners and, if you're careful not to stab yourself, as eyeshadow. They're smooth and creamy... and, best of all, beautiful! Amethyst is a frosty, metallic lilac. I was so mesmerized by its prettiness when I received it that I spent half an hour swatching it, removing it, and then deciding I needed to see it one more time.


I don't love this as an eyeliner, but it's perfect on the inner corners of the eye or smudged into some light eyeshadow. It might also look nice on the lower waterline.

Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon in Hot Damn (full size at 0.09oz), retail value $14


This pencil is very waxy, but it's quite pigmented and it lasts a long time, which may compensate for the Crayola-reminiscent texture.


Hot Damn is a warm, orange-y, maraschino-cherry red. It has the slightest hint of shimmer when you look at the tube, but it looks matte when applied. The color reads a little bit on the young side, to me.

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched (0.11oz), approximate retail value $5.50


I am not a bronzer person. I've embraced the pale. What's more, most bronzers are either too dark on my skin, or they need to applied with a super light hand to be wearable. Bronzers also tend to lean very warm, which can look orange and muddy on cooler tones. Happily, this bronzer is not like that.


If you have cool-toned, fair skin and are interested in a bronzer, I would definitely pick this up. It's not cool-toned, per se, but it's definitely pretty neutral. The color looks really believable on light skin tones. The hint of shimmer adds a radiant glow.


If you are not fair-skinned, definitely don't buy this color, since it won't show up on your face.

GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment (travel size at 0.5 fluid oz), retail value $19


I've actually received a slightly smaller (0.24 fluid oz) sample of this product from Sephora in the past. I find that GlamGlow products are really overpriced given their ingredients. The main ingredients are montmorillonite, a major component of bentonite clay, and magnesium aluminum silicate, or kaolin clay. You could probably buy bentonite clay and kaolin clay, add some water and neutralize the pH as needed with raw apple cider vinegar, and make something similar for WAY less money (just make sure to test the pH before putting it on your face!). For those of you who don't trust your DIY skills, there are plenty of products that use these ingredients that are in a more reasonable price range-- just look for bentonite and/or kaolin on the label. With that said, I love mud masks and I am happy to take GlamGlow's samples!

Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Caviar Cocktail (full size at 0.5 fluid oz), retail value $13 


This is a gunmetal nail polish that was opaque in two coats. I have no strong feelings about it.

Total Box Value: $85.50

Overall, I was very happy with this bag. I will be able to use everything except the mascara, and I was particularly entranced by the bronzer and the Starlooks pencil, which were worth it on their own.

Here is what my November Ipsy products looked like on my face all together:


If you are interested in joining Ipsy, you are always welcome to use my referral link by clicking here.

Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Eau de Parfum. $70 for 1.0 fl oz ($70 per fl oz)


If Atelier Colognes were less pricy, I would probably own every single one of them. Vanilla is an appealing, but simply scent. This interpretation is full of layers, with clear woody, jasmine, and citrus notes. When you smell it, it seems like something enchanted is going to happen.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Morgan Le Fay from the Mists of Avalon.

Bond No. 9 I LOVE NEW YORK Eau de Parfum. $105 for 1.7 fl oz ($61.76 per fl oz)


If I was a grandma, this is what I would want to smell like. It has a zesty, spicy scent that is reminiscent of kitchens full of nutmeg and cloves and libraries full of family albums. It doesn't smell like a conventional grandma smell, per se, but it smells like someone who doesn't care what you think about her wearing gingham every day and who is up to her elbows in homemade desserts.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Granny Next from the Thursday Next series. 

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette. $88 for 1.7 fl oz ($51.76 per fl oz) 


This smells like plantlife so strongly that I keep imagining that I'm in the garden, weeding. Breaking dandelions apart and rubbing the juices that come out on your hands. Cutting the grass. Sticking your nose in still-green flowers. If you spent a lot of time outdoors as a child, I suspect that you will find that this is a very visceral, memory-filled aroma. It doesn't smell like a perfume that smells like something. It just smells like you're in the garden. With that said, I'm not necessarily sure that the scent is pleasant, per se. It's not the scent of pretty flowers. It's the scent of your hands after you spent the day weeding.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Pomona Sprout from Harry Potter.

Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Parfum. $94 for 1.6 fl oz ($58.75 per fl oz)


This is so floral, you'd almost feel like you were in a flower shop, were it not for the slight woodiness.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Titania from a Midsummer Night's Dream.

Escada Cherry in the Air Eau de Toilette. $56 for 1.6 fl oz ($35 per fl oz) 


The gleeful packaging and vernal-reminiscent name led me to believe that this would smell like juicy, fresh-from-the-orchard Bing cherries. It... it doesn't. If marshmallows and Jolly Ranchers had a baby, the baby would smell like this perfume. It's very sweet and the cherry aroma is quite artificial-smelling.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Lottie from Disney's Princess and the Frog.
 
Givenchy Very Irresistible Eau de Toilette. $69 for 1.7 fl oz ($40.59 per fl oz)


This perfume is very delicate. It has a very rose-oriented scent, but it is so soft and light that it doesn't make much of an effect.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Maris Crane from Frasier.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette. $81 for 1.6 fl oz ($50.63 per fl oz)


If I had to choose recognizable scents to describe this fragarence, I would probably choose cherry and biscotti. However, it smells most strongly like a Christmas ornament store that is located near my childhood home.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Jack Skellington 3/4 of the way through the Nightmare Before Christmas


Jessica McClintock Brilliance. $48 for 1.7 fl oz ($28.24 per fl oz)


This smells like a really old house. If you smell dusty staircases in an overly perfumed manor, it will probably smell like this. Unlike I LOVE NEW YORK, which is sort of the modern, awesome grandma smell, this is a sad, lonely grandma smell.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Mrs. Dubose from To Kill a Mockingbird


Ralph Lauren Polo Black Eau de Toilette (For Dudes). $61 for 2.5 fl oz ($24.40 per fl oz)


To me, the strongest smell in this fragrance is sage. Sage kind of hits you over the head with a reminder that you might consider making a casserole. There also seems to be a bit of pine. Together, these smells remind me of the holidays in the Pacific Northwest.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be a mall Santa. But... he'd be real.

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette. $69 for 1.7 fl oz ($40.59 fl oz)


This smells a bit like some sort of diet powder that you add to water to make it smell like pink lemonade. Although "citrus" seems like the wrong descriptor, it tingles my nose the same way that a citrus-flavored item might. There are also some floral aspects. In particular, there is a peony odor.

If this scent were being worn by a fictional character, it would be Mrs. George (Amy Poehler's character) from Mean Girls.

I used to have a problem with collecting multiples. If I bought a sweater, I would want to buy two of the same sweater so I wouldn't have to worry if I spilled something on one of them. Why find three different tank tops that fit when you can have the same tank in red, blue, and green?

Naturally, this also extended to my makeup. I originally saw the Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blasts advertized on America's Next Top Model and thought, "WELL THAT'S JUST BRILLIANT. I BETTER BUY ONE OF EVERY COLOR." (I did a half-assed job, though, and missed one.) I have gotten over my enamoration with duplicates, but I haven't thrown these in the trash yet. (Well... hadn't.)

The concept of the Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blasts is that they are an easy way to create a smoky eye. These stick, cream shadows are double ended, with a rounded, lighter-in-color end, for your lid, and a pointier, darker color for all the smokiness you'll supposedly be doodling on. According to the Covergirl website, "The two different, specially contoured ends of our SmokyShadowBlast stick make it easy to create a bold, colorful, smoky eye."

Sadly, these shadow sticks fail on just about every count. 

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blasts

The first failure is just a fundamental problem of definition. Putting a coordinating eyeshadow in your crease definitely does not constitute a smoky eye. Just throwing that out there.

The colors look alright when swatched. Citrus Flair has a yellow-y lime green paired with a very orange-y copper. Purple Plum has a pink-based lilac paired with a cool, medium brown. Bronze Fire has a nude paired with a warm, medium brown. Tempest Blue has a frosty baby blue paired with an ocean color. Finally, Onxy Smoke is a black and white duo. All of the colors have quite a bit of shimmer and shine.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast Swatches

Unfortunately, we can't just judge how pretty an eyeshadow is based exclusively on arm swatches. Once you try to use these in a look, everything falls apart. When you try to layer the darker colors over the lighter colors, they... just... don't. I even found that sometimes, the darker color would pick up some of the lighter color, leaving me with less pigment than before I tried to add it. They were also very difficult to blend, requiring lots of manipulation with my finger. Ultimately, this means that a product designed for people who are confused about eyeshadow application requires expert skills to use in a flattering manner.

Another frustrating aspect was the cheap packaging. I would that it was common for the shadows to pop out of the tube. Once they are out, they won't go back in, and your product is officially broken.


The Looks:

If you are being held at gunpoint and are forced to purchase one of the Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blasts, I would recommend choosing Citrus Flair. The lime green was relatively easy to build up in pigmentation, and the coordinating bronze definitely stood out beside it.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Citrus Flash on Human Face

Purple Plum, on the other hand, was far less successful. The pinky-purple shade was so greasy that almost no color made it to my eyelids. Trying to layer on some brown was unsuccessful due to the slick nature of the associated lid color.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Purple Plum on Human Face

Bronze Fire suffered from similar, albeit less dramatic, problems.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Bronze Fire on Human Face

Although the pigmentation on the Tempest Blue lid shade was sufficient, the crease shade didn't show up on top.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Tempest Blue on Human Face

 Onyx Smoke was the one I had the most difficult time working with, since a lot of careful blending is needed to move from black to white. I was actually so frustrated with their trickiness that I gave up on creating a well-blended look using this shadow.

Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast in Onyx Smoke on Human Face

Overall, I would strongly recommend avoiding these due to their difficulty of use and greasy, unappealing texture. Use your eight bucks to buy some better drugstore eyeshadow. Alternatively, you could just throw your cash in the gutter.

The Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blasts retail for $7.89 for 0.162oz, or $48.70 per ounce. For comparison, the Maybelline Color Tattoos retail for $6.99 for 0.14oz, or $49.93 per ounce.