Maybelline Color Whisper-Pink Possibilities swatch

Hey, Everyone.

Maybelline has launched a new line of lipsticks called Color Whisper for Spring 2013.

They are quite similar to Revlon's Lip Butters.

They are described as pure color pigments suspended in a gel with no heavy waxes for see-through color with a touch of shine.

I happened to run into the display at my Target with most of the 20 shades bought up already. 

The only one I found that was unmolested was Pink Possibilities.

 Maybelline Color Whisper in Pink Possibilities.

LA Fresh Acetone-Free nail polish remover, an accidental love story.

Hey, Everyone!

I am back. 

We're pretty much settled down now. 

We moved from the East coast to the West coast. Literally. North Carolina to LA. Whew. 

And yes, we DROVE! Ugh. lol. 

Anyways, I packed my nail polish instead of having the movers move them, but I didn't have my nail polish remover.

Luckily, I had these handy little LA Fresh nail polish remover pads from a previous Birchbox so I put them to use.

I did not read the packaging before I used them, I just knew they were polish remover and I needed to get my polish off. And it was glitter on top of glitter!

I was kind of worried because I only had two packets. I didn't even think one would get half a hand done before the alcohol dried up.....

I opened the packet and started removing the glitter bomb and the first thing I noticed was it smelled really nice. 

Then I noticed it was oily and not evaporating. What!?

And it got ALL ten glitter explosions cleaned up!

And my nails were not dried up cracked little things! 

HUH!?

So I looked at the packing and did some investigating.  

LA Fresh

Acetone-Free

Fresh Tuscan Orange scent.

Oooooh, I see now. This nail polish remover is actually good for your nails. Ah, it all makes sense now.

And it smells nice too.  

And to top it all off they are 100% biodegradable and cruelty free.

 :)

This one little pad got ten glitter on top of glitter nails clean! 

I am amazed and I am pretty hard to impress. 

My overall opinion: I LOVE these!

Two thumbs up.

You can get a box of 18 for about $10 at the Birchbox online shop, or look around Amazon and other online stores. 

What's your favorite nail polish remover? Do you have a non-acetone favorite?

XO

Quick Update

Hey, Everyone.

Diamonds & Pearls will not have any post updates for a couple weeks, we are currently in the process of moving across the country. 

Once we get settled in our new home we'll be back to regular posting. Until then, check out some of our past reviews and tips.

Xoxo

How to get high end beauty products on a budget

How much money do you think I spent on these items?

Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit-review

*I received this product free to test out from Influenster. I am not required to write a review or mention this product on my blog. All opinions are honest and my own. Want to try out free products? Check out Influenster!* 

Okay, I had to do a blog post of the Kiss Ever Pro Lash Kit.

Why?

Because I love these lashes!

I'm not normally a lash girl. I just try to make the most of what I got and be done with it.

I'll only break out the lashes on special occasions because I hate messing with the lashes, making sure they fit right, the messy glue. Ugh. Too much of a fuss.

When I got this lash kit in my voxbox I noticed it's an all in one kit including a little tweezer tool to help place your lashes.

Yes!

 I think the little plastic tool is much safer than using your metal tweezers. That could be disastrous. 

Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Half Baked, and Haight swatches

A few posts back I mentioned that Urban Decay had their eyeshadows in the old packing for sale at various locations. Well, I couldn't resist so I bought a few.

I picked up Half Baked, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, and Haight.

Half Baked is in both the Naked palettes.

It's a gorgeous bronze color that glides on like butter.

Midnight Cowboy Rides Again is a glittery champagne color. This shadow tends to have a lot of fall out so be prepared. It's gorgeous though. It's also featured in several palettes.

Swatched without primer.

Haight is a frosty teal blue shade.

Sephora and the Urban Decay website still have some shades left for $6 so if you're interested go check them out!

If you order online, don't forget to use Ebates! :)

Do you have these shades? What are some of your favorite UD shadows?

XO

2012 Sephora Fragrance Sampler review

It's that time of year again!

You'll be seeing tons of gift sets just in time for the Holiday's.

And guess what tomorrow is at Sephora? 

The VIB 20% off sale!

Are you excited?

I'm excited.

;)

Today I have the 2012 Fragrance Sampler to show you.

November Julep bombshell box 2012

Hello, Hello.

I am all over the place today. I was thinking this was my October box, but I guess it's the November box? 

I am frazzled, I think. 

Halloween, Elections, moving soon, etc, etc.

So, anyways, here is my box. :)

The theme for this month's box was suedes. Some of the boxes also had a matte topcoat included. 

I'm not a matte or suede lover so I figured I would end up skipping my box again, but alas! The bombshell box had two non-suede polishes and a delicious body whip.

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

*I received the mini candle in Mahogany Teakwood from BBW free from Influenster to try out. All other candles and candle holders were purchased by me. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. I am not required to blog about BBW or their candles, but am doing so from my own free will.*

Hey, Everyone.

If you checked out my Influenster Beauty Blogger voxbox you'll know I got the Bath and Body Works mini candle in Mahogany Teakwood to try out.

I've been wanting to try this scent out for a while because someone mentioned it smelled like Abercrombie & Fitch  and I happen to love that scent. 

I could not, for the life of me, remember to check it out when I'd go to the BBW store, so I am sooo happy this is the scent I received. 

And in case you are curious, it does, in fact, smell like A&F, but not as strong.

The description on the bottom says:

"The scents of fine woods-mahogany, cedarwood and oak-highlighted by delicate lavender and geranium notes conjure up an escape to a cozy library on a chilly fall day."

I am not a lavender kind of girl, it gives me a headache, but this is so subtle. 

It's a nice cologne scent. If you have a guy in your life, I would suggest picking up one of these for him. Most likely he's not thinking about ways to freshen up his space and this isn't your typical girly floral or fruity scent. 

I had some of the winter scents in mini form from last year in the old packaging.

The new packaging is glass and are slightly taller but are the same product size.

I love the new packaging because you can re-use the glass holder once your candle is done.

BBW also has many cute holders to store your mini candles.

I love owls, can you tell? :)

Mini owl candle holder

Large owl candle holder that can hold medium or mini candles.

If you're interested in viewing all of BBW mini candle scent check out their website.

Mini candles are $3.50, but they are often on sale, so keep an eye out!

What are some of your favorite fall BBW candle scents?

I love Apple Crumble, Pumpkin Cupcake, and of course Mahogany Teakwood.

XO 

Easy last minute Halloween costume ideas

Happy Halloween!

I have some quick and easy last minute costume ideas for those who are like me and love YA books.

Divergent

-Dauntless

All you need for this look is simple. Black, Black, Black.

Top from Target

$10

Black Jeans from Target

$23

Boots from Target

less than $50

As long as it's black, it's good to go!

Swap the top with a white button down and you're Candor. Replace the boots with black dressy shoes.

White button down Target

$20

Abnegation is all things gray and simple.

Swap the black jeans for green khaki's and you're Katniss from the Hunger Games.

Most of these items are probably already in your closet!

Have fun and stay safe! 

XO

NYC-Individual Eyes eyeshadow palette-review

*If you saw my Beauty Blogger voxbox post, you'll know I received this product free to test out and review. I'm not required to review it and I'm not being compensated for my review. All opinions are honest and my own. * 

NYC Individual Eyes eyeshadow palette in Dark Shadows.

I was pretty excited to receive this product to test out because what girl doesn't love to play with make-up? 

Exactly.

A peek inside Influenster's Beauty Blogger VoxBox

If you're not familiar with Influenster, I have a blog post all about it here.

I got chosen for the Beauty Blogger box and this is what I received.

See what's inside my Julep Trick-or-Treat mystery box

Hey, Everyone.

I got my Julep Trick-or-Treat mystery box in the mail a couple days ago and this is what I got in my box.

Sephora-Urban Decay eyeshadow singles on sale-Friends&Family news

Hey, Everyone!

The Sephora Friends & Family Employee appreciation sale is going on right now, unfortunately it's not open to the public this year. 

*sad face*

*It's just been confirmed that Sephora will be doing something special for VIBs soon and it will be 20% off as well*

BUT, incase you didn't know, they are having a huge sale on Urban Decay eyeshadow singles.

They're on sale for $6! Yes, you read right. Insane. 

If you've ever wanted to try them out, or if you already love 'em, go check it out now.

I'm sure they won't last long.

What colors are you picking up?

You can also check out the Urban Decay or HauteLook sites for $6 shadows as well. 

XO

Color Club Insta-this-swatch

Today I bring to you a swatch of this gorgeous bright cobalt blue creme from Color Club in the shade Insta-this.

I'm pretty sure this is a birchbox exclusive shade.

I got a sample of Color Club's Put-a-pin-in-it *Swatch here* and had some points to spend so I got this shade to try out. 

Insta-this-$8 at Birchbox

Maybelline Great Lash limited edition mascara-Totally Teal review

Okay, these Maybelline Great Lash colored mascaras were Limited Edition and supposedly only available for the month of August, but I've seen them around here and there still so I thought I'd go ahead a do a review on this.

And if you can't find this product, I'm sure they'll have them again sooner or later. 

Maybelline- Volum'Express The Colossal-Cat Eyes review

Hey, Everyone.

While I was out and about shopping I stumbled upon Maybelline's new mascara-The Colossal Cat Eyes.

This is a new product for the US, I'm pretty sure this has been released elsewhere for a while now...correct me if I'm wrong. 

The packaging alone drew me in. I'm a sucker for animal prints, what can I say?

I didn't have high hopes though, because Maybelline mascara and I don't get along that well. 

I have rather short stubby lashes and the Maybelline formulas don't do them justice.

But I thought what the heck, it's cheap, I'll try it.

Cute, right?

All about Influenster

Hey, Everyone!

I've made posts about Influenster before but mainly to review a product and not actually talking about what Influenster is, so that's what I'm going to do today.

Influenster is a free to join community where you can qualify to test out products and give reviews.

You unlock lifestyle badges so they can get a feel for who you are so they can send you boxes that you would enjoy.

In return for your free box of goodies you'll need to do a survey about the products they sent you.

It's so easy and simple.

You also have the ability to complete product badges for the products you received in your box. You don't have to do these, but if you do you can receive even more free products, so why not?

Influenster just revamped their website so you'll have to request an invitation to join. You'll receive an email when a spot opens up for you. 

Once you join you'll need to fill out and unlock your lifestyle badges and check out the expert badges. You can unlock 5 expert badges in the beginning.

Everything you do reflects on your overall score and increases your chance at a free box of goodies.

It is definitely worth it.

I've had several boxes sent to me with full size products to test out.

If you want to learn more about Influenster and want to sign up just go to www.influenster.com and request an invitation. 

A few tips:

Don't be discouraged.

 You will get an invitation and you will qualify for a box.

It took me a few months to get a box, but I've been consistently getting boxes ever since.

Log on to the site and do reviews and answer questions to keep active and keep your score up.

HAVE FUN!

It's free.

XO

Julep Mystery Trick-or-Treat box!

Hey, Everyone.

Julep just announced they're having a Halloween themed mystery box.

For $19.99 + free shipping you're guaranteed at least two polishes and mystery gift which could be a bracelet, scarf, or nail decals.

 I've gotten these boxes in the past and have gotten the big box worth $200+. 

I'm pretty sure you don't have to be a Julep Maven to get these boxes, anybody can go onto their site and purchase one, but they are limited quantity. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that scarf. ;0)

Are you going to get a Halloween box? 

Let me know what you got if you do.

XO

Wanna help me out? Use my Julep Link. I appreciate it if you do, but it's cool if ya don't. 

Color Club- Put a pin in it-swatch

I love this polish!

I got it in last month's Birchbox and I'm pretty sure this shade is a Birchbox exclusive, but it's so gorgeous I had to share.

Urban Decay Friends & Family sale! 20% off everything!

The Urban Decay Friends & Family sale is here!!

Get 20% off everything including the Naked palettes.

Use Code: FFHOLIDAY12

Sale ends 10/13

*All info is also available on their website*

What are you going to purchase?

I already have the Naked 2 palette, but that Naked 1 is looking mighty tempting. ;)

XO

October Goop Birchbox

Hey, Everyone.

I wasn't expecting my Birchbox for a few days but it was in the mailbox today! What a surprise.

I got an email a little while ago to opt in or out for a special Goop birchbox. I didn't do either and let fate decide which box I'd receive. 

Well, I ended up getting a Goop box.

And since it did come so early, I actually didn't peek for once. Haha.

So shipping was fast, I got a Goop box, and it was heavy. 

What could go wrong?

The packaging was white with "Goop" written all over it.

NOTD-Zoya Breezi-Swatch

Today's nail of the day is Zoya's Breezi.

It's described as "Soft, dusty, dirty medium cerulean blue with an opaque cream finish."

NOTD-Essie-Glamour Purse-Swatch

Hey, Everyone.

Today's nail is brought to you by Essie's Fall 2011 Brand New Bag Collection in the shade Glamour Purse.

My September 2012 Birchbox

Hey, Everyone!

I haven't been posting what's in my birchbox for a few months now, simply because by the time I get my box everyone else has already gotten their box. 

I used to get them early and now I'm one of the last to get my box. Ugh! lol. 

I was pretty excited by this box so I just had to share my thoughts.

Julep-Gayle-A fall must have polish

I did a quick swatch of Gayle a while back and since then I've put her on the back burner. 

Fall is vastly approaching so I've been shopping my own collection seeking out the perfect fall shades. 

I stumbled upon this lovely little gem and fell in love all over again.

Quoting Julep, Gayle is a regal, deep aubergine creme.

I love, love, love it!

My pictures are doing her no justice. She is stunning in person. 

Sunlight-inside

Gayle applies easy and could very well be a one coater if you're careful when applying. 

Outside

Inside-artificial lighting.

What are some of your go-to Fall polishes?

Unreal Candy Review- Peanut Butter Cup

*I'm a Bzzagent and received a coupon for a free unreal candy to try out- I am not required to review this product, but decided to share my thoughts*

Candy! 

Who can resist it. It's unhealthy, but oh so good! 

Unreal is a candy company dedicated to making candy a little healthier.

 The packaging states they have NO Artificials, Hydrogenateds, Corn Syrups, Preservatives, and GMOs.

This particular candy has 3g of fiber, 5g of protein, 115mg of sodium, 12g of fat, 11g of sugar, and 190 calories.

The fiber is good, we could do without the fat, but it IS a candy bar.

The packaging was nice and the candy was not expensive. 

I found mine at Walgreens.

Zoya Haul! Swatches included

Zoya had a BOGO promotion going on a few days ago for those who had an account so I had to take advantage and do a little haul. 

I skipped my Julep box so I figured i'd go ahead and go for the max and get four polishes and four free, which also included spoons of the Gloss collection and swatches of the Designer & Diva collection  AND I got a 2oz bottle of remove+ and a 6oz shower gel.

Whew. 

Totally worth it. ;)

The Gloss Collection

Frida, Paloma, and Katherine.

These are jelly based polishes.

I actually picked up Frida in my haul.

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish- Dolly Swatch

Hey, Everyone!

I got this Buxom lip gloss in the shade Dolly in my Fall Allure Beauty box a little while ago and I thought I'd swatch and review it.

I have not tried out the Buxom glosses before simply because they are meant to be plumping and plumping glosses and I do not get along.

I've tried two before that burned my lips. I think I may be allergic to the plumping ingredient the other two used.

*Julep and Physicians Formula*

So when I received this gloss in my box I was hesitant to use it.

Sephora describes this shade a shimmering muted plum.

I'd say that's pretty accurate. It's a mauvish color with gold reflects in it. 

September 2012 Julep Maven boxes-feat. Trina Turk-with swatches

It's Julep preview day!

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

*I received this product to test from Influenster. If you want to test out products, go check 'em out! :) *

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy-review

* I received Clear Scalp & Hair beauty therapy free from Influenster to test out-if you're interested in reviewing products, go check 'em out!*

*All opinions are my own*

Hey, Everyone!

Today I'm reviewing Clear Scalp & Hair beauty therapy shampoo and conditioner.

I have extremely long, course, wavy/curly hair. It's actually pretty difficult to manage, in my opinion. The roots get oily fast and the ends are really dry and damaged.

I straighten my hair about twice a week and avoid heat the rest of the week, but I do wash it pretty much every day. 

I've been looking for a shampoo that helps with breakage, I have a ton of it!

So, when I saw that this shampoo/conditioner helped with breakage, I was thrilled.

This shampoo is geared towards making a healthy foundation for healthy hair by targeting your scalp.

I'll admit that I've always focused on the ends of my hair...

so I was curious to see how this would pan out.

The shampoo itself smells really nice. I'm pretty sensitive when it comes to scents, and this one wasn't overpowering at all. It smells similar to Pantene shampoos. Kind of a fruity/floral scent.

The conditioner reminded me of the pink baby lotion. 

The shampoo lathered and rinsed well.

Combing through my hair was much easier since my hair wasn't as tangly. 

I was a little worried about my hair being too oily, since the shampoo does have oils in it.

I didn't have anything to worry about.

My roots were actually less oily and the dry parts of my hair felt more moisturized.

So far, so good!

I also noticed my hair felt softer as well.

I'm almost out of my samples, so I'm definitely going to pick up the full size versions to keep testing this out. *They have 6 different styles to choose from*  

Clear scalp & hair beauty therapy is sold at most major retailers and drugstores for about $4.99-$5.99

My hair after using Clear scalp & hair beauty therapy.

Have you tried Clear shampoos/conditioners yet? What did you think? Love it? Let me know.

Quaker Soft Baked Bars-Banana Nut Review

 *I received this sample free from Influenster. If you're interested in trying things out for free, go check 'em out!*

Hey, everyone!

I don't know about you, but I always need a snack throughout the day to keep myself from starving to death. Yes, literally starving to death. 

I'm just kidding, but seriously, I need snacks in between meals so my sugar doesn't drop.

I'm always having a hard time finding something healthy and quick to get me by, so I'm glad I got to try this Quaker soft baked bar out.

My picture flipped. Ugh! But you get the point.

I got to try the flavor Banana Nut Bread.

I am a huge fan of Banana Nut anything so I had high standards, and let me tell you, it was delicious!

I was expecting it to taste like cardboard.

It also tastes awesome heated up in the microwave for 10 seconds. I wish I could claim that little tip, but it was written on the package. ;0)

It was very soft and full of nuts and oats. 

It's made with real bananas and almonds and has 5g of fiber! 

I'm always having trouble getting in enough fiber so this is a great no brainer.

One bar has 140 calories so this is a great grab-and-go breakfast.

While I was enjoying my snack, my 3 year old daughter came over and requested I give her some.

She LOVED it and demanded I give her the rest. 

I am definitely picking up a box of these and going to try out any other flavors they have.

A box of these run about $3.29, so not too bad. 

Enjoying my stolen banana nut bar...

Have you tried out the Quaker Soft Baked Bars yet? What flavor did you try? 

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail color review & swatch- Red-y Response

* I received this product free from Influenster to test out*

*All opinions are my own*

I was so excited when I got this polish in my voxbox.

Magnetic polish seems to be all the rage, and I can see why. It's so neat and easy to do. 

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012

Hey, Everyone.

I got chosen for the Influenster Summer Beauty Voxbox and it came in the mail about a week ago. 

If you're interested in trying out free products, 

go check out Influenster.com and sign up for your chance to try some goodies!

Box Contents:

- Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion sunscreen SPF30

-Tampax and Always Radiant Collection samples. (It came in a cute clutch) 

- Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread

-Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail color in Red-y Response

-Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme

Julep Daphne, Mila, and Kate swatches

Hey, Everyone!

I've been MIA for a bit.

 After my last post I had wisdom teeth surgery. 

Blah.

I'm pretty much fully recovered, other than some giant holes in my gums. Ick.

Anyways, today I have my July Julep Maven "It girl" swatches.

The infamous Daphne. 

She's had so much hate for not looking up to par with Julep's swatches. I honestly thought the swatches Julep had up were more of a Robin's egg blue rather than a seafoam green.

I actually prefer this actual shade to their swatch, considering the description.