N.Y.C. Custom Compacts

Rating: ♥♥ (Like it)

I usually don't buy many eyeshadows or eyeshadow palettes from the drugstore. I never know how good the quality or color pay off is going to be so most of the time I don't bother. These NYC palettes were actually discovered by my mom. She picked one up for me at RiteAid awhile back and after trying one I had to check out the others.

About the product...

These palettes are great for traveling and taking your makeup on-the-go. They come with 4 shadows, a primer, and an illuminator. The colors were created to coordinate with your eye color but I just buy the ones I like regardless of who they're meant for.

I have Union Square (for brown eyes), Bryant Park (for blue eyes), and Smokey Browns (for brown eyes).

What I think...

The shadows have good color pay off. The primer has a waxy texture to it and it works as a good basic primer. The only thing I'm on the fence about is the illuminator. It has a clumpy texture and looks very frosty so you have to be careful with how much you apply. 

Overall...
I think these are great all-in-one products. They fit easily in your purse and work well enough for quick makeup looks. Best of all, they're very inexpensive!

Urban Decay Naked 1 & 2 Palette Comparison

Urban Decay 
Naked 2 Palette | Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ (3/3) Love it!

This palette is awesome! The first Naked palette was an instant love for me. I have to admit when I first looked at the second one online I thought it was close to the same as the first palette. I didn't see a need to buy it, didn't even see a point in looking at it in person. After seeing videos and hearing such wonderful things I had to give it another look and I'm glad I did.

Here you can see the two palettes side by side. Naked 2 is on top. You can see that I use the Naked (first) palette pretty often.

Looking at this picture they basically look the same. You might be thinking that anyone who has both palettes is clearly blind, but it's not until you actually use it that you see the differences in the shadows. Yes, they are very similar but the shades are different enough that if you have both you'll just have a big range of neutral colors to wear (which I love). There is only one repeat shadow which is Half Baked - a nice gold. I don't think it's absolutely necessary to have both palettes.

I like the packaging a little better with the Naked 2. It snaps closed and the hard case allows for more wear and tear. It will stay looking nice for a longer time. The first palette only has a magnetic closure and the outside is a velvety texture which can look worn down after so long.

I wouldn't be able to pick one over the other as far as the shadows go. The quality is the same. If you're stuck trying to decide between the two palettes I would suggest looking at them in person. I think anyone would be happy to have either one though.

Handmade Scarf Giveaway!

Who's ready for another giveaway?  This time I've decided to giveaway a handmade knitted scarf from my online shop. The winner will get this pretty blue and brown scarf (worth $18).  Details of the scarf can be found by following the link.

Chunky Blue and Brown Knitted Scarf

In order to be entered to win this scarf you will need to use the Rafflecopter widget (below) to complete at least one of three following tasks:

-"Like" my shop on Facebook
-Tweet about this giveaway
-Visit my shop and come back to tell me which scarf is your favorite in a comment.

All entries will be handled entirely through the widget.
Contest is open to US and Canada.

Winner will be announced on this same blog post once the contest has ended and will also be notified by email.
Contest runs 2/20/12 to 2/28/12

If you're interested in buying a scarf please contact me on my etsy store, SparkleKnit.  I update and add new scarves constantly. I also update my facebook page with new projects I'm working on often.

Have fun browsing my shop and good luck!

My shop: www.sparkleknit.etsy.com

Pin It a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rio Rumberry Body Scrub

Bath & Body Works
Rio Rumberry Glowing Body Scrub | Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ (3/3) Love It!
$14

I've been using this scrub in the shower daily. Every time I use this it smells like I'm having cocktails on an exotic island! It's like going on a vacation in the shower. How awesome is that?
It's a blend of tropical berries, papaya, and vanilla blossom. I seem to like anything with berries. It would be a perfect summer scent for me.

Apart from the smell I love the packaging. So cute and even the scrub itself is a pretty purple color!
It lathers well and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. I like to use it mostly on my legs and a little goes a long way. I can tell this product is going to last me a long time.

I will definitely purchase this again!
What is your favorite body scrub?

February Birchbox 2012: Dermalogica, Jouer

My February Birchbox
1. colorescience pro glow and go Travel Puff
Full size - $50

A puff that contains pigment. Mine is "Kissed by the Sun", a golden bronze self-tanner. Apparently the puff has enough pigment for several uses and it's reusable after it's empty. Since I'm not too familiar with this brand I looked it up and it seems like a good company that cares about the healthiness of your skin. The founder is the same person who founded Bare Escentuals.


2. dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Full size - $50

A gentle exfoliating powder. I'm super excited to try a dermalogica product this month! The concept of this is a little new to me. You add water to this powder to make a paste (interesting!) and you can use this daily because it's not harsh on your skin.


3. EYE ROCK Designer Liner
2 packs of 4 - $13

Adhesive eyeliner! I had no idea this type of product even existed. I took at look at the strips - they are pretty thick so they may have to be trimmed down a little. You basically just stick them on your eye and peel them off when you're done. I think it would try this for a night out but I would definitely pair some false lashes with them because they are so thick and bold.


3. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint
Full size - $38

Tinted moisturizer in "Bronze". I was introduced to Jouer in my December Birchbox when I was given their lip gloss. I've never tried a tinted moisturizer but have always been intrigued by them.  I'm definitely willing to try a few. Jouer seems like a fun chic brand.


Extra - Heart-shaped Nail File - Cute! I always seem lose my nail files so that's an awesome little extra.

Birchbox Digital Download - Birchbox included a free download of 6 tracks from the indie rock band, Green River Ordinance. I'm always open to new music!

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this month's box. I like that I'm being exposed to new brands and completely different products that I would've never discovered otherwise. I look forward to it every month and I will be continuing my subscription.


Join Birchbox for $10/month
More of my Birchbox reviews can be found here.


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. A referral link was used.

Valentine's Love ♥

Oh February 14th; I don't need a day to express my love for anyone ....but I sure do love the goodies I receive!
It was a pretty regular day except Mark got home later than usual and with Valentine's goods in tow.
The first thing I noticed was this gigantic heart balloon! Aren't balloons so uplifting?

He also gave me a small box of chocolates from a local candy store that I love.

Mmmmmm. Semi-sweet truffles, chocolate covered honeycomb, peppermint patties, almond clusters, and a peanut butter cup. Delicious!

He also gave me a little stuffed animal dog and beautiful flowers.

AND 

DRUMROLL PLEASE

Naked 2 Palette!

Words can't explain my excitement!

We ended the evening with some take-out chinese. Orange chicken for me, like always.

My fortune said: You look pretty.

How nice!

By the way, guess what came today? My February Birchbox! Come back tomorrow for my Birchbox post.

So how did you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Bath and Body Works + Ulta Haul

Today I was out doing a few things so I made a couple stops to browse my favorite stores.

I had to go to Bath and Body Works to pick up some body wash and of course I looked around at other things too. I bought 2 bottles of my most loved body wash, Secret Wonderland.

There was a deal going to buy 2 get 1 free (or buy 3 get 2 free) so I decided to try something new and different for my 3rd choice. I got the Rio Rumberry Glowing Body Scrub. I've been wanting a product for exfoliating and this one smells pretty good so I'm excited to try it. Review to come!

Then at Ulta I was looking around at hair products and spotted this:  Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil 

It was inexpensive and also smells really good. It claims to heal split ends and tame frizz. I'll review this too after I have the chance to use it a few times. 

The last thing I picked up was a NYX Cream Blush in the color Boho Chic. I've never tried using cream blush before so I chose this one since it's inexpensive and I like NYX products.

So that's all for my little haul. What do you think of these products?

10 things I like about Winter

Winter isn't my favorite season at all, but there are some things I like about it. While I like the longer days of summer and constant good weather, there are certain things I can only enjoy during wintertime...

1. Drinking white mochas, hot tea, or hot apple cider. I just bought a box of instant spiced apple cider packets from the store. They taste amazing!

2. Cooking at home. I cook year round but cooking over the stove and in the oven in summer is not such a good time. I love making warm meals in the winter.

3. Watching all my shows! I literally had to write out a schedule of the shows I watch currently so I can keep track of them all. (I don't know that this is something to be proud of though)

4. Knitting on looms. For me this is definitely a cold weather hobby.

5. Normal mall trips. After the craziness of the holidays it's nice to go to the mall, be able to park easily, and just walk around for awhile with no agenda or list of gifts to buy.

6. Doing indoor activities without feeling guilty. Is it just me or does it feel wrong to be inside on a nice warm sunny day?

7. Knee high socks, slippers, and blankets. Pretty much anything comfy and warm.

8. Soup, especially chicken noodle. A nice bowl of soup is a great way to warm up.

9. Hot showers. I don't take baths but when it's cold it feels so good to stand under the hot water.

10. Fires in the fireplace. Having a fire going just fills the room with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.


What is one thing you like about Winter?