SHADY LADY the BALM- REVIEW+swatches

COST: $38

STORE: Sephora

PROS:

Very pigmented

Blendable

9 colors for around $4/shadow

Great for travel

All range of colors for every look

CONS:

Very soft shadows can easily be chipped

I think this may be my most pictured palette & I still haven't reviewed it! I have taken this with me on every trip, & honestly this may be the only colors you'll need to take if traveling. I always take way too many things. Love the packaging, pretty & small.

Look at how much I've used them, they're all dented. The darkest brown, green, & blue can be used as eyeliners also. You can achieve any look with this. I have been using the 2 browns for a bronze look & the light purple is a favorite for night. All the colors are really wearable.
These swatches are swiped only 1x. The shadows are bigger than Mac & you only need a little to go a long way! This palette will last. The shadows are so pigmented you can use any brush to apply them.
I guess you can tell by my gushing I love this product. If you're not sure just stop by Sephora for a swipe. I think you'll fall in love too.

Do you have this palette? What other products are good by the Balm? What's another great multi colored palette to have?

MAC FAVORITES-RIGHT NOW

I love Mac products because I think they're quality products at a reasonable price. These are the products I use almost daily. Just a few suggestions of my currents loves.

Mythology eye shadow- I have been using this to blend out my crease or crease corner. It looks good with every color browns, blues, purples.

Painterly Paint Pot- Evens out the lid w/out putting on any color.
Angel lipstick- Looks good alone or w/gloss & w/ a smokey eyes
X-Rocks blush- perfect mauve/brown for my skin & blends great
Love Nectar Lusterglass- for the JLo pout & perfect for summer bronze
Tempting & Next to Nothing Lid color & highlight
Tempting quad- Stays in my bag because I can use my finger to put it on the colors are so smooth.
What is your Mac favorite? I need some new ideas of what is a good next product from Mac?

GOSSIP!!

This week has been full of celebrity news & gossip.

1. I just read that Jon(kate + 8) called police on Kate because she wanted to get into their home & he wouldn't let her. When 1 parent is there the other is not allowed. Kate was pissed & showed up because the "nanny" Jon hired & is hooking up with was on duty, & Kate flipped.

Dear Jon,

I can not wait until your kids are old enough to google you & find out what a 2 timing loser, who called the police on their mom & is dating 3 girls at the same time you have become. Kate may be a nut, but show some discretion. You've gone too far!

2. Kortney Kardashian is preggers with her 2timing boyfriend. Wow! I thought she was the level headed one. How long before he's lying & cheating & heading out the door?

3.John Edwards to announce he is the baby daddy to the mistress's baby. Good job John, & how is your wife, you know the one who has terminal cancer?

4. Jessica Simpson is sauced up every night over her break up, or did she break up because she was sauced up all the time?

5. Kim Kardashian is a beautiful blonde now. That's right Kim, there's nothing that gets to a man after a break up than looking like a bombshell!

6. Heid's Playboy shoot photos released. I am so tired of these 2 Heidi & Spencer! I see her with less clothes in Us magazine. Boring!!!!

I don't even think that was a full week of news, maybe a couple of days! What have you heard? What do you think of Jon now?I thought he was dealing with a psycho, but he's right up their!

SOMETHING DIFFERENT- WHAT'S BEAUTIFUL ABOUT YOU?

We talk about beauty & makeup a lot. I love it here in the bloggy world.

What I want to talk about today is what is beautiful about you/me, not the makeup stuff. I think we all feel not so beautiful sometime or a lot. I try to think about the stuff I have inside to keep me strong when I feel this way.

When I'm down in the dumps I think about the strength I give to my friends & family when they don't have it themselves. Making someone smile when they're crying inside & out makes me smile & instantly feel happy about me. Even with the hair in a bun, pimples on the face, & PJ's on I am Beautiful.

Am I nuts?

What makes you feel beautiful? I would love to be inspired by you when I can't inspire myself!! Or maybe our ideas/stories can make someone smile today.

Love you guys xoxo

MAC BRUSHES I USE EVERYDAY

Mac brushes are really wonderful. They are a bit pricey, but I try to get them when I can. I always end up spending on the collections because they're are so many. This gives little $$$ for the brushes.

TOP-BOTTOM Mac 187se, 190se, 224se, 217, 252se

I use these everyday. I think a brush is versatile. Play around to see the effects each brush has.

This how I use my brushes:

187 brush: foundation application, bronzer & bright colored brushes go on light & not intense color in one spot.

190 brush: foundation & I use it for concealer under the eye. It pats the concealer on without wiping it away

117 & 224: all over eyes application, crease application, really blends the color out to make everything look smooth. Sometimes I use the 117 for concealer also. It's soft & gently blends the concealer

252: Highlight application all over eye color & eyeliner.

How do you use your brushes? What's your favorite brush & brand? What Mac brush is a good one to get next?

JULY FAVORITES

I feel like I've been gone all of July. Summer is flying by! These are the products I have been using most this month for evenings out & while traveling.

Mac Next to Nothing (highlight) & Tempting (use this everyday w/liquid liner)

Walgreens $2 Fabuliner- Doesn't budge all day & very black
Mac So Ceylon MSF (bronzer & blush)

Revlon Colorstay Foundation Warm Golden 310 (stays put all day & no transfers)
Tarte Clean Face Primer (got this as a sample, keeps my skin matte not shiny)
Mac Viva Glam V (love this, but Viva Glams dry out my lips)
These have been my go-to products this summer. What is your go-to summer product? What do you think of the Viva Glam?

MINI-UPDATE!

I feel like I haven't been around forever. I have been away for the last 21/2 weeks. I did a lot of post before I left that have been going up. Well I am back now!

Thanks for all the great comments & suggestions. You're all so sweet. I have so much catching up to do. My camera is full of photos & as soon as I get them off I'll be back with some reviews & news.

Do have an suggestions on what you want to see or any reviews?

xo

Gigi