Cirque du Sephora

My, my, my. My Sephora orders have been quite the circus.

When I orginally placed my order 3 weeks ago, I used the promotion code for the Jackpot sample bag. Well a week later my order was still sitting in the warehouse. I called to find out what was wrong, and they told me a few orders got messed up, unfortunately mine was one of them, and they would have to resubmit it. Oh, and the Jackpot bag was now out of stock. I asked if they could replace it with the cirque bag and they said sure.

I still wanted the Jackpot bag though, so I ordered one off eBay. The girl listed it as BRAND NEW, but a few of the lotion and perfume samples had barely anything left!! Too bad I had already left positive feedback.

So I ended up getting my replacement Cirque bag a few days later. I love getting minis of product, especially cosmetics and skincare. But the perfumes in there were STINKY!!

Then I got my order, and they had another cirque bag in it!! I got the Murad Vitalic Duo, which has a double size pomegranate moisturizer, and mini size pomegranate face wash. I love both products, the cleanser does a wonderful job of taking off my make-up. I also finally got my Nars Orgasm Blush. It is really everything it is cracked up to be, it goes on flawlessly and looks great with everything. In order to get free shipping, I added a few small products. I got the benefit sharpener for my ColorPlump and a Smith Rosebud Salve which I have heard a lot about. It does go on nice, I'm not as crazy about it as other girls are, but the scent reminds me of cute little babies. I also got a sephora jumbo liner in violet. I was expecting it to be an intense voilet color, but it is a shimmery lavender, better as subtle eyeshadow than a liner for adding a pop of color, oh well, they are so cheap and I can always buy another in store.

Despite the fact that my fav comedian Dane Cook says that no-one really likes monopoly, it really is my favorite board game. And when Sephora teamed up with them for a special edition, you know I was all over it. And yes, I placed my order. You may also remember me saying that Silky Dirt came out 2 months ago but under a different name?? Well, I was wrong, the real Silky Dirt just came out, and I had to have it too. So that brings me $2 shy of free shipping. I found a Sephora Lip Pencil for that price in pink.

The kind people at Sephora are now automatically adding the Cirque bag to your cart, so bag #3 is on its way. I also got the SugarCookie 3-in-1 from the promo in my previous post (this one is good while supplies last) and for my standard 3 free I got perfumes by Burberry, Missoni, and Kenzo.

Rock the Gloss;
Tues. ~ Benefit Color Plump pencil in Hey Sailor!
Wed. ~ mark. Party Time lipgloss in Blush
Today. ~ MAC Lipglass in Underage
**we are getting close to the end

It's Christmas Time

Well this weekend officially marked the beginning of the christman season. Me and the Hub went to visit his fam for thanksgiving and here are the glosses I wore:
Wed.~ MAC Maqnetique, my last gloss from the cool dress set
Thurs.~ Chanel Glossimer in Satinette (you have to do Chanel for the Holidays)
Fri.~ MAC Crystal Rose
Sat.~ VS's new lipgloss (its a sample) in Hottie, the brush applicator is quickly loosing all of its hairs, also while it starts to go on red, it winds up being a sheer pink
Sun.~ no make-up day.
Mon.~VS's discontinued gloss in Pink Slip

On Sat. we went to the casino, my first time, and I got two really good wins. On Money Storm I won $150 and on Solstice Gold I turned $10 into $90. The hub lost most of our money, but I won it all back and we left without loosing any money.

On Sun. we went shopping to get outdoor Christmas decorations and then put them up. Looking at everything helped me get my ideas ready for what I want to do at my apt. (I'm gonna shop and decorate next weekend)

And a Christmas gift to you, Promo Codes!!:(hurry they end tomorrow)
Smashbox: MODGIFT8 free mini dream eyeliner duo compact in cavier/midnight green, free full-size lip gloss in location, and a double compartment mod chic make-up bag ~ends the 29th~
Jaqua: HOLLY11C 30% off on Our Favorite Body Butters set, Our Favorite Sweet Shower Syrups, Lip Whips set, Pink Coral Casino Kit ~ends the 29th~
Sephora: SUGARCOOKIE free 4oz philosophy 3-in-1 in sugarcookie

Cashmere Lining

Yesterday, my wonderful hubbin surprised me by bringing me into Coach and letting me get whatever I wanted. "Hmm", I thought, "what would I like?" And then it hit me, gloves!! I got the most beautiful pair of black buttery leather gloves with cashmere lining. They are so warm and chic. The style is totally classic so I will be able to enjoy these for years to come. And since we are going to Oswego, NY for thanksgiving, I couldn't have gotten them at a better time ;*

Rock the Gloss:
16th~ mark. Juice Gems in Buttercream Brioche
17th~ MAC lustreglass in Opal. D was wearing MAC lipglass in Nico that day, and I tried that on and layered opal over it. It looked amazing. Once I allow myself to buy lipgloss again, I am definitly getting that color.
18th~ Lancome Juicy Tubes in Miracle. I layered this over a pearl creme highliter so that I would really get the gloss to pop.
19th~ mark. Glow Baby Glow in Tease
20th~ MAC lipglass in Courting Rose

Lotsa Lip & Behnaz

Rock the Gloss:
Sunday: Clinique Superbalm in Raspberry Tint
Monday: MAC Lipglass in Fine China (part of the dress set)
Tuesday: Laura Mercier Lipglace in Petal
Today: MAC Lustreglass in Pinkarat (also part of my set)

Yesterday D and I were poking around the MAC counter (again). She tried on Enchantress which looked amazing on her, this beautiful sheer pinky peach which was the perfect complement to the smoky eyes she had done with the Smoky Eyes holiday shadows, however she wanted to wait to get it. The wait lasted all of 30 min. All through lunch we both couldn't get over how great this color was. While she was purchasing it, I tried it on , so disappointed!, on me it turned into this nasty orange color, it was sad, I had high hopes for it.

Target was my stop today, so I could check out the Behnaz Sarafpour collection. The stock was pitiful, they didn't have my size in the two skirts I wanted, and they hadn't gotten in the entire collection yet. I was able to get the ivory cardigan with black lace overlay and the lace headband. I also got a Velvet Mossimo blazer, a Mossimo wrap cardigan (something I have been looking for), and a cute tan zip hoodie with a fleur de lis embroidered on it (I'm such a francophile).

I try to give my self a theme for each season to shop around. I find it makes my shopping more focused and I end up with a wardrobe that coordinates and I can get dressed easier in the morning. Since August I have been going with purple. But the season is changing, and with some inspiration from my mags, my theme is now Velvet & Lace, two hot materials for the holiday season.

Last, but most definitely not least, I picked up Sally Hansen's Invisible Liner. I'm hoping this will help my gloss stay on longer. I am wearing it right now and I will post my review once I get to see how it works.

mark. gets Sassy

On January 9th, mark. welcomes in the new year with some Sass!! After a month of repackaged products into giftsets, and another with nothing new but ugly jewelry, we finally have some products to get excited about. A run down of what you can look forward to:

Sassy Eau du Toilette and Dry Oil Mist
A sheer, modern fragrance infused with sparkling black currant, peach skin and ginger leaf. Delicate yellow jasmine and rose coupled with warm musk and white moss add a distinctively dynamic touch for a scent that's pure sass.

Pro Glimmer Hook-Up Lip Powder & Pro Gloss Hook-Up Plumping Lip Shine
Loose, pearlized powder adds staying power to any gloss, lipstick or balm. Pairs perfectly with Pro Gloss * Plumping gloss adds a hint of shimmery, super-shiny color. Wear alone or layer over Pro Glimmer. Pro-inspired duo preps and shines for full glossy lips.

Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara
Build and lengthen for clump-free, lavishly long lashes with this lightweight, smudge-proof formula and super-sized brush.


Femme 4 Eye Shadow Quad
Subtly shimmering shades glide on silky smooth and can also be used as eyeliner.


Glow Xpert Face Shimmer
Instantly brighten any complexion with this sheer, shimmering lotion. Use as a highlighter on browbones, cheekbones or wherever you want to glow. Includes Xpert sponge tip applicator.

Hook-Up Mints
Freshen your gloss. Freshen your breath. Introducing mark's latest Hook Up innovation. Glow Baby Glow in Pink Crush—our best-selling shade—comes connected to sugar-free cinnamon and chocolate mints. Includes one refill of each flavor and a connector.

And the Accessories...
Fit to be Tied Bag, Little Black Shirt, Teared Lariat Necklace, Cross the Line Earrings, Squared Off Ring

Color Me Beautiful

Color # 1: Rock the Gloss
Thursday~ Mark Juice Gems in Creme Caramel. Interesting story, this shade originally came out in February as part of the Toute Sweet collection. There were five shades and they came in extremely small tubes, mine was gone in two weeks. For x-mas they dropped sugared almond and marshmallow, and re-packaged the other three (buttercream brioche and chocolate fondue are the others) into the juice gems tubes yielding a much greater amount of product.
Friday~ Victorias Secret lipgloss pots in Ice Princess. This shade and actually the entire line have been discontinued.

Color # 2: Manicure Day
I used Limo-scene today, which I know I love, but something the girl did, is just making it seem drab. I wanted to try a different nail salon, but due to circumstances, I ended back up at the same one I had been going to. I'm not giving up on this color though, it's been absolutely gorgeous before.

Color # 3: See Last Post
I got my lipgloss set!! I was so exited to see it in person, the colors are amazing. If you gravitate towards pinks, purples, and nudes (that means you are a "cool" person, as opposed to "warm") you will absolutely love this set. As they enter into my Rock the Gloss rotation, I will post reviews. I also picked up Beautiful Iris eyeshadow. Purple shadow really makes my blue eyes pop, and I needed a strong medium toned color, this is soo it!

And on a non-color note: I went to BBW to pick up the two scents from the temptations collection that smelled yum-my; Cinnamon Bun Heaven and Pecan Passion. Nothing makes me happier than sweet foody scents. The other scents in this collection are Pumpkin Pie Paradise and Spiced Apple Rapture. But here is the kicker: They added four MORE scents for the holidays. Wickedly Hot Chocolate, Twisted Peppermint, Spicy Gingerbread, and Crazy Caramel Corn. I want all of them expect the chocolate. They all smell so delicious and are going to make my sleepy morning showers feel like Christmas morning.

Coming up soon.....
my sephora order, but I'm not saying what I got until it comes :)

Dress You Up in My Love

MAC Holiday Formal Black: I am lo-vi-ing the packaging, but none of the colors are really pulling me in.
MAC Holiday Dress Sets: We have a winner!!
The Mac Holiday Dress Sets collection includes two 5-piece lipgloss sets in cool and warm; a 4-piece lipgelee set; 5-piece pigments sets, again in cool and warm; and a 4-piece shadestick set. I swear the cool lipgloss collection was made just for me, and while it is not yet available, I am definitely getting it!! and the price~ $28.50!! How can you beat that?? I am also intrigued by the shadestick set, but I will wave to see it in person before I make a decision.

Rock the Gloss
Yesterday: Shu Uemura Lolishine in 922. This nude with sparkles color is the perfect shade to go with a smoky eye, which I did with Vincent Longo Untitled III. Very Allure Magazine Cover.
Today: Chanel Glossimer in Spark. I paired this light red with Bobbi Brown Champagne Shimmer wash and Champagne Truffle, ooh la la.

You put the Ugg in Ugly

My doctor's appt today took me into GWU territory, and all those college outfits - my god!! Now I only graduated last May, but my school was a commuter school and people got dressed for class. On top of that, most people worked, so the majority of students went to class in their work clothes. My first year of college was at a traditional college, so I do remember the oh so wonderful mix of pajamas and loungewear worn to class. I saw the standard I rolled out of bed after a long night of partying and just can't be bothered, the it's just class and I want to be comfortable, and then the girls with the cool sense of fashion. But on almost all of them, I saw UGGS!!!!!! Ug, don't these girls realize that the Ugg fad died out years ago?? I know they are comfy and warm, but they are NOT the only shoes that offer these features. So please, give the Uggs to someone who truly needs warm shoes, and get out of 2004.

Rock the Gloss: A Sephora Collection gloss in Hot Coral: the shade is my lips just more intense. I do like this color, but it wasn't cutting it today.

Mission Accomplished

In my quest for luminescent nails, a color has been found that meets my high expectations: Minimalistic (from the bare necessities collection). I had every faith that this color would deliver and it certainly has. I am definitely a white polish kinda girl. I love the idea of having a signature polish, and this one could definitely be it. Plus the name is great: I think nails should always be simple. I hate overly done nails, though I admit to being a design-junkie in high school.




oh! the horror>>>>>>>>>>>

Keep Running Up That Hill

OMG, People, OMG! People are actually starting to read my blog!! Thank you to all of you who have been reading, and esp. those who have commented. Please keep the comments coming and pass around the link....more readers gives me motivation to write more frequent and better posts.

Rock the Gloss: Yesterday I used Shu Uemuras Pink Shell. This gloss has a story behind it. Last December, I saw a trio of Shu glosses featured in In Style Mag. This gloss was one of them. These were limited edition and very hard to find. I searched eBay for a set but never ended up getting one. Then a few months ago, I finally found a brand new one on MakeUpAlley. The gloss gave a wonderful pinky/purple iridescence to my lips and it has an amazing creamsicle flavor.
Today I am wearing Pout's Gorgeous Girl. I love the color, it is the perfect nude, but it goes on really light, and the pink of my lips still comes through, I just wish that it would make my lips totally nude.



And on an unrelated note: OC premiered last night, one of my fav shows. Each season the premiere is overly dramatic and the Cohen's have to scheme to get Ryan to come back home. Of course by the third episode the show goes back to normal and life in Newport continues on. It is going to be an interesting season without Mischa, but I'm sure I'm not the first to point out that Shannon Doherty was only in the first three seasons of 90210. Summer's character seems to have gotten a lot more interesting. Taylor is now credited so she will be popping up a lot more, and I really thing that Kaitlin is going to steal the show. BTW the title of this blog is in honor of the amazing song in last nights episode. It's called Running Up That Hill by Placebo, they also did "Every You, Every Me" from Cruel Intentions, and the song is just as awesome. Seriously - iTunes=get it today! Also check out the Band Keane, they were also in the episode and have a lot of good music

***a little later***
I got a new phone today. My old one was janky. Almost a year ago my phone and nail file got into a fight, and the nail file won. I covered the scratches with rhinestones, but they were starting to come off. I also totally killed my battery using one of those cellboost things, to the point where i could almost never use my phone b.c it was always dead. So here is a pic of my pretty new phone.

Rock the Gloss and other musings

Today I have begun my own personal Rock the Gloss challenge. From what I have read on other people's blogs, you have to use a different lipgloss everyday for a month. Of course when I do it, I get to do it my way. So last night I gathered and counted all my glosses, and I have 28, a perfect four weeks. Granted I don't acquire any more during the month.

So today's color is Mark Glow Baby Glow in Honey. As a mark rep. I believe i got this one for free. It's darker and heavier than I normally wear. I might even end up using this challenge as a way to assess all my colors and get rid of those that aren't flattering. To be honest, I was bummed when I pulled this one out of my bag, not really an exciting color to start the month with, but oh well.

As for the aquisition of new glosses, I have been thinking deeply about my purchases from gloss.com for the beauty week event mentioned yesterday. Here is the problem, I certaintly don't need any more make-up, and there isn't anything out right now that I am obsessing over (like my bobbi brown shadows or dior detective chic). So it would purely be a frivolous purchase solely based on the clever marketing techniques employed by gloss. Of course as a marketing major, and I can see right through all of their schemes to lure me in; they still work on me, but at least I know why I feel the urge to splurge. So the question remains: do I really need to drop $75 on something I only want because it is being dangled in front of my face, or do I save it and get one of the many other things I need and want?

Third oob: Most of the time I talk about make-up, today I want to discuss fashion. Stockings: a point of contention for most women. There are two things that can come from these small garments. Scenario one: Your stockings are itchy, are easily prone to holes, by 9am you have already noticed one starting, and generally make you uncomfortabel all day. Scenario two: they feel silky smooth, and im part a feeling of glamour all day long. Mmm, want to know what today is? Scenario one! So moral of the story Hue brand stockings suck, this is my third pair that I have been disgruntled with and will cease to purchase them. I advise you to do the same. I will now faithfully purchase stockings only from Victorias Secret, which lead me to scenario two. A note on Hue, while there stockings suck, I have been enjoying their tights and will most likely continue to explore the many colors and textures available.