FOTD Fail & Nail Polish I've Been Hearting

 We beauty bloggers are masters of the at home photo shoot.  On the occasions our husbands, boyfriends, or tri-pods are not accessible, we snap our own pictures.  Sure, we sometimes need to crop out what appears to be a Stretch Armstrong arm every once in awhile, but that comes with the self portrait territory.  Ha!

Yesterday, I spent hours painting my face and creating a 'do that would have made my perfectly coiffed pal, Tiffany (Big Hair Bigger Lashes), do the slow clap and rise.  I was especially proud of my locks; they were curled, teased, and a force to be reckoned with.  Yet, somehow my HOTD found a way to ruin my FOTD.

I took NINETY-TWO pictures of my mug and mane, confident that at least a few would be worthy of posting.  Upon uploading the photos, I noticed my hair appeared horrifically frizzy.  Nick Nolte's mugshot looked sexier than what I had going on.  So, instead of a FOTD, you get EOTD (plus one cheek)!  XD

[Click to enlarge.  I had to significantly lighten this picture up because it was too dark.  I also airbrushed everything except my eyes and lashes as my skin looked strange after I messed with the photograph's exposure.  Blech...]

EOTD Products:

♥ NYX Black Eye Shadow
♥ NYX Cherry Eye Shadow
♥ Christian Dior Beige Eye Shadow
♥ GOSH Extreme Art Eye Liner in 07 (Liner courtesy of my wonderful follower, Dominique!)  :)
♥ L'oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black
♥ Ardell Wispies

On my cheeks, I am rocking NARS Crazed.  The stunning Miss Natty recently reviewed this blush.  Check out her post here.  I agree 100% with what she had to say!

On to my latest nail polish obsession: OPI's "Do You Lilac It".  I have been wearing this for quite some time now, and love it!  Two coats are all you need to achieve this pretty shade.  Wearing it definitely puts me in a Spring type of mood!

What are y'all sporting on your nails?

I heart my followers!

I.  Have.  The.  Best.  Followers.  Ever.

Sharlene, a fellow beauty blogger and follower of mine, sent me a cute Valentine's Day package chock full of all sorts of goodies.  I was, and continue to be, deeply touched by her generosity and random act of kindness.  (Some of you hussies only perform "random acts of kindness" after a night of drankin' at the bar or club.  This is different.  Bahahaha!)  Sharlene, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the (non-hussy) thoughtful gesture!

The larger package arrived neatly wrapped with a pretty blue bow wrapped around it.  I tried to re-wrap it for the sake of the photo.  As you can see, I failed.  Ha!

Look at all the great stuff that was inside!  Everything was girly and very me.  The bag pictured in the back contained delicious treats, which I immediately scarfed down.  My favorite item was the letter she included.  Her handwriting is so neat and precise!

Please check out Sharlene's blog.  She is an extremely sweet girl who knows some awesome beauty tips and tricks.  (Her latest post features a DIY lace nail tutorial!)  And, unlike yours truly, she posts FOTDs.  :)

Sharlene, I cannot express how appreciative I am!  You're awesome!!!!

P. S.  Sorry I have once again been MIA on Blogger and Twitter...  I've been ill.  Blech!

Stila Giveaway Winner & Other Awesome Giveaways!

 

To select a winner, I hand wrote and cut out slips of paper with everyone's names on them.  There were 126 entries total!  Shh...  Do you hear that?  The "Clearly Kate Gene Has Too Much Time On Her Hands Alarm" is going off like crazy!  Bahahaha!

After mixing the bowl up multiple times, I closed my eyes and randomly drew out a name...

Congratulations, SARA!  

Please contact me via e-mail with your full name and mailing address.  My e-mail address is: KateGeneBlog (at) gmail (dot) com.  I will then forward your information on to BeautyTicket.com as they will be mailing out your Stila "On the Glow" set.  You have until February 28th, 2010 to claim your prize, otherwise, I will select another winner.

Thank you to all who participated - and to BeautyTicket.com for sponsoring this giveaway!  If you did not win, I highly recommend checking out their website.  They are still offering 10% off to all my readers.  Just use the code "KATIEGENE" at checkout.  (Code is valid until 3/15/2010.)  I don't receive any sort of commission for referring anyone over there; I just truly think it's a great site for discounted make-up!

Check out these other awesome giveaways, going on now!  Be sure to look in my sidebar for others!

Sarah's First Giveaway

 Charly's Giveaway

Beautylicious Love's Giveaway 

 Kim Porter's 100 Follower Giveaway (Her other giveaway is in my sidebar!)

 And, if you haven't already, please feel free to enter my Philosophy and Korres Giveaway here: 

Have a great week, everyone!

Honeycat Cosmetics Review

In 2003, I worked in the corporate office of a salon and spa chain.  The following is a real conversation I had with one of our patrons via the telephone:

Customer:  "I take baths with one of my cats.  She swims around my legs.  I use the same products on her hair that I do on mine!"  [insert cackle]

Me (masking my horror):  "Oh, that's too funny!"

Customer Crazy Cat Lady:  "Your office is close to my house...  When are you free?  I can bring her by and you can meet her!"

Me, thinking to myself:  "I am available three weeks from never.  I'll pencil you in."

Don't get me wrong; I am a huge feline fan.  I strongly believe I Can Haz Cheeseburger is one of the best sites ever created.  My adorable husband and I are proud parents to the cutest fur kid around and spoil him rotten.  However, we prefer to reserve our TREsemmé and Crew products for our 'dos, not his.  P. S.  Our idea of a bath differs greatly from his.  Ha!

I shower in the morning, but love to take baths in the evening to unwind.  Needless to say, I was incredibly excited when Terry at Honeycat Cosmetics generously sent me a box full of delicious smelling goodness to review.  (Terry has a super fun personality, by the way!  Love her!)  Honeycat Cosmetics has been featured in multiple publications, such as OK! Magazine and Elle.  The infamous Pinkiecharm (a.k.a. Irene) on YouTube has raved about their products.  She is notorious for her brutally honest reviews, so I knew Honeycat had to be good.  I couldn't wait to test these products out!

[L - R:  Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff, Calypso Kitty Moisturizing Tropical Scrub, Honeycat Shower Gel, & Rub My Tummy, Milk and Honey Hand and Body Cream]

[Hiss Goodnight Pink Peppermint Lipgloss in Pink Kisses]

PROS & CONS

Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff
Pros:  Smells great, is moisturizing, affordable.
Cons:  Scent is mild and doesn't linger.

Calypso Kitty Moisturizing Tropical Scrub
Pros:  Smells AMAZING, is moisturizing, the best exfoliating body product I have ever used!
Cons:  $20.00 for one jar.  (It's worth every cent, though!  I am in love with this stuff!)

Honeycat Shower Gel
Pros:  Lathers well, a little bit goes a long way, smells like peach brandy and brown sugar, is moisturizing.
Cons:  If you're not a fan of peach brandy, you're not going to like this scent.  However, please note that the scent is mild and doesn't linger.

Milk and Honey Hand and Body Cream
Pros:  Very moisturizing, leaves your skin buttery smooth, not greasy.  Has a unique scent that smells like almond oil (and something else I can't quite put my finger on).
Cons:  Is more of a runny lotion than a cream, but who cares?  The cream - especially when combined with the scrub - leaves your skin feeling lush. [Edit: They are working on the consistency of the product!]

Hiss Goodnight Pink Peppermint Lipgloss in Pink Kisses
Pros: Extremely lightweight, not sticky, the craziest gloss I have ever seen.  (In person it looks like I have foiled my lips!)
Cons:  Glitter is difficult to remove, but that comes with any glittery product.  A bit pricey at $16.00.

I was extremely impressed by this line, especially the scrub.  The packaging is durable, girly, and cute.  (Even their packing tape has their logo on it!)  Another bonus?  They "never test on animals -- especially sexy felines".  LOL!  Honeycat Cosmetics are sold online and at select stores and spas.  They offer a variety of items to pamper yourself with, including candles and bath bombs...  I recommend that you check 'em out!

P. S.  Just a friendly reminder:  You only have until midnight (PST) tonight to enter my BeautyTicket.com Stila Giveaway!  Link is in the side bar!

 
Disclaimer: The products were sent to me by Honeycat Cosmetics to review, free of charge.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

EOTD

  Everyone's favorite petite diva, J-ezzy, oh-so-subtly hinted that I should start posting pictures of the products I review on myself.  Now that my laptop and charger issues are resolved, y'all will be seeing a lot more of my face.  This one's for you, J!

[You know you want to frame this and put it on your mantle.  Bahahaha!]

Ugh...  My eyebrows always disappear in pictures!  I swear they are thicker in real life!  LOL!

Products I used:

♥ NYX Eye Shadow in Black

♥ NYX Eye Shadow in Purple

♥ Christian Dior Eye Shadow in Ready-to-Beige

♥ Almay Liquid Liner in Black

♥ L'oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black

♥ Ardell Lashes

So, I may be M. I. A. for a bit as my husband and I are moving this weekend...  I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

[photo credit: www.joeydevilla.com]

Stila Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Did you know that Sephora doesn't accept hugs as a method of payment?  I was low on funds one day and really wanted some new beauty products.  It wasn't until I was escorted out by mall security that I learned enveloping sales associates in my arms was not okay.  Ha ha ha!  I am kidding, of course.  But, with so many of us facing tough financial situations, purchasing high end products is not always feasible.  And really, bargain hunting - regardless of your income - just makes sense!

BeautyTicket.com is a website that sells department store brands at deeply discounted prices.  They have been featured on NBC News and in magazines such as In Style, Teen Vogue, and People Style Watch.  While they, like Sephora, don't view hugs as currency, they do offer great deals.  For example, they currently have Smashbox Eye Shadow Trios available for $14.99 (down from $28.00).  Not bad!

BeautyTicket.com was kind enough to offer one of my readers a Stila "4-Piece On The Glow Set".

[photo courtesy of: www.beautyticket.com]

Included is: 

♥ Stila Sun Bronzing Powder SPF 15 (Bronzuh yuh can use to get yuh Jersey Shore on!)
♥ Stila Mini Lip Glaze Brown Sugar
♥ Stila Mini Convertible Color Peony
♥ Stila Major Mascara Black

CONTEST RULES

1. You must be a follower of my blog, or you will be disqualified.

2.  Leave me a comment below saying "Enter Me".

 3.  For those of you with a blog, you can earn an extra entry by writing about my giveaway.  Your post should include a link back to my page, as well as the photograph above.  (You may copy and paste what I've written here if that's easier!)  Please leave me a comment with a link back to your post as proof.  If you do not have a blog, add me on Twitter (click here) and tweet about my contest.  Make sure to include a link back to my page.  Once you have posted your tweet, please leave me a comment on this post letting me know you've done so.

4.   This giveaway is open to U. S. and Canadian participants only.  (If you haven't already, please enter my 100 Follower Giveaway!  This is open to everyone!)

5.   If you are under the age of 18, please obtain permission from your parent or guardian before you enter.

6.   The deadline is February 19, 2010 at 12:00 A.M. (PST).  

One winner will be randomly selected using the "names written on pieces of paper and dumped in a bag" trick.

DISCOUNT CODE

For those of you who wish to purchase items from BeautyTicket.com, they are offering a discount code to all my readers.  Take an extra 10% off your entire order by using the code: "KATIEGENE" at checkout.  This offer expires 3/15/2010.

Thanks again to BeautyTicket.com for sponsoring such an awesome giveaway!  

Good luck, everyone!  :)

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with BeautyTicket.com, nor was I paid to promote their website and/or products.

Dominique est trop doux, aye!

When I announced that I was hosting a 100 Follower Giveaway, one of my awesome followers, Dominique, contacted me via e-mail.  She wrote that she enjoyed reading my blog and wanted to send me a small gift to celebrate my Blogger milestone.  I was so surprised and touched.  Her e-mail truly made my day!

[Dom - If this is what you consider a small gift, I can only imagine what your large gifts are like!  LOL!]

When my package arrived, I excitedly tore it apart like a two year old.  My jaw dropped.  I could tell she had put a lot of thought into everything she picked out for me.  For example, I have complained in the past about my hands being extremely dry, so she included gloves that I could wear to bed with lotion.  How sweet is that?

MAKE-UP SWATCHES
[products pictured on the right in the photo above]

  [L - R: Gosh Extreme Art Eye Liner, Ooh la la gloss! in Orange Sorbet, & Annabelle Blush]

The Gosh liner Dominique sent is the bomb.com!  It is an extremely opaque, black color.  She wrote that the product works like a tattoo, and I can vouch for that!  After taking the swatch photo, I had to scrub in like a surgeon to remove it completely.  LOL!  Maybe I should use the liner to draw a few tear drops on my face.  Or, how about "Thug Life" on my abs?  Ha!

[photo courtesy of: www.ragingtattoodesigns.com]

Here are the other product details:  The lip gloss smells like orangey sorbety goodness.  (Mmm...  Sorbet...)  It's very smooth and emollient.  The blush is a very pretty shade!  I do not own a blush in this color, so I am very excited to try it out!

Dominique, thank you again for your wonderful letter and goodies!

Bises!

Glamour Doll Eyes Review & Special Offer

As some of you already know, I ran a 5K with my best friend, Sarah.  The morning of the event, I teased and curled my hair.  My face was fully done up in my signature smokey eye and nude lip look.  So what if the other runners thought I was a drag queen?  This Korean version of RuPaul was going to cross that finish line in style!

Vee, the creator of Glamour Doll Eyes, was kind enough to send me six eye shadows to try out.  (She is awesome, by the way!)  I was thrilled!  Clearly, smokey eyes aren't something I reserve for special occasions; they are part of my every day routine.  High quality shadows are a must for me, since I wear so much of it.

Below are photos of what I received.  I encourage you to click on the photographs to enlarge them.  You have got to see these shadows up close to truly appreciate them!

[The packaging is so fun!]

 

[top to bottom: Chocolate, Stellar, Slumber Party]

  

[top to bottom: Just Dance, Dusk, Aqua Foil]

 

[L - R: Dusk, Just Dance, Stellar, Slumber Party, Aqua Foil, Chocolate  These were applied with no base.]

As you can see, these shadows are nicely pigmented and come in a variety of colors.  My favorite is "Just Dance".  It is the sparkliest shade I have ever seen.

For all you Twilight fanpires, Glamour Doll Eyes even offers a line called "Twi-Shadows".  How fun is that?  Another bonus?  They do not test on animals.  (Sit down and simmer down, PETA.)

 I really don't have any complaints about these shadows other than they are a bit messy to use and store.  Obviously, that is an issue that plagues all loose shadows; there's not much you can do about it.  I typically don't like loose shadows or pigments, but I love these!

DISCOUNT INFORMATION

Vee was kind enough to offer my readers 10% off any orders of $20.00 or more.  Please note the discount does not apply towards collections, Goody Balms, or discontinued products.  Use the code  "katiegene" at checkout.  This offer expires May 31, 2010.

Click here to be directed to the Glamour Doll Eyes website!

P. S.  I finally got my laptop charger in the mail!  Whoo hoo!  I will be doing a Glamour Doll Eyes FOTD some time the future.  :)

Disclaimer: The eye shadows were sent to me by Glamour Doll Eyes to review, free of charge.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their product.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig!

I have a confession to make.  I suffer from a chronic condition called "I-return-everything-I-purchase-itis".  Clothes, shoes, jewelry, beauty products, an aquarium -- you name it, I've returned it.  Yep, I said aquarium.  I purchased one on a whim, only to return it the same day.  Ha!

Every time I waltz into my local Ulta, orange and white bag in hand, the staff cringes.  (The last time I did an exchange, I actually used a Safeway bag.  That's not ghetto or anything!)  For some strange reason, they prefer I walk out with bags of merchandise, not carry them in.  I can't comprehend why...  It's not like my returns hurt their bottom line or anything.  ;)

Maybelline's Pink Please and Revlon's Nude Attitude have been all over what the Interweb, and I was lucky enough to snag them both the last time I was at there.  Both these lippies have been on my pout ever since.  These products will definitely not be going back to the store!  (You're welcome, Ulta.)

[Pink Please, Nude Attitude]

[Pink Please over Chapstick]

This lipstick has a smooth consistency that reminds me of NYX's Round Lipsticks.  It looks a little lighter in the photograph than it does IRL, but I love it.  The only con?  It smells like Play-Doh.  However, the scent doesn't linger, so I don't mind.

 

[Nude Attitude over Chapstick]

This shade looks similar to MAC's Myth in the tube, but is more peachy and orange.  Some complain that this lipstick is drying, but I haven't had any issues with it.  [EDIT:  I should mention that I always wear a lip balm underneath it and some sort of gloss on top.  Otherwise, it's much too dry!]  The only thing I dislike is that it settles into the lines of my lips, but what matte lipstick doesn't?

 

[Pink Please, Nude Attitude, & Buxom Lip Polish in Katie]

This is the combination I have been wearing every day and I love it!  Each of these products are long lasting; when combined, they create a pretty light pink shade.

Have any of you tried these lipsticks?

Har har, Melissa!

My friend Melissa just tagged me in this photo on Facebook:

The caption said: "Will you be my little helper, Katie?"  Bahahaha!

So, just a heads up...  Cherry Culture is having a 20% off sale!

[click the photo to be re-directed to their site]

I want some NYX, please!  Who wants to get me some new eye shadow, lipstick, and gloss?  Anyone?  Hello?  Where are you guys going?  LOL!

Have a great day!

I want to be Beyonce!

I love being tan.  Actually, I take that back.  I love being dark.  Whenever I see Beyonce strutting her stuff on the red carpet or singing her heart out on stage, I tell my adorable husband, "That is what I want my skin tone to look like!"  Her caramel complexion is so pretty!  His response?  "Um...  You know you two are different races, right?"  Thank you for raining on my parade, Captain Obvious!  ;)

[photo courtesy of: photobucket.com]

Don't get me wrong...  I think porcelain skin can be stunning.  (Helloooo, Marcia Cross!)  Unfortunately, my natural color is a pale, sallow tone.  If it were up to me, I'd be the same bootylicious shade as Mrs. Jay-Z year 'round.  I used to rely on tanning beds or would lie on our rooftop (sans sunscreen) to get my bronze on, very rarely using self tanners.  One of my New Year's resolutions is to refrain from both. I still plan to lounge on the rooftop, but only if I have SPF lotion slathered on every inch of my body.  Thus, the hunt for the perfect self tanner is on!

[I'm sad I'm not this color all the time.  LOL!]

The only sunless tanners I have had success with in the past are made by Chanel and Guerlain, neither of which are easy on the pocketbook.  Being jobless = being thrifty.  (Yes, I could work the street corners to support my sun-kissed habit, but the health benefits and 401K plans are garbage.  Ha ha ha!)  Jergen's products are reasonably priced, but don't give me the color I desire.

The gorgeous Miss Natty wrote about what she does to stay dark, which can be viewed here.  I am getting antsy to try the products she uses, as her skin tone is such a pretty shade!

What do you use to get a summer glow?

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Giveaway & My DSK Prize

The winner of the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is: ~Lisa!

Congratulations!

Please send me your full name and mailing address.  My e-mail address is KateGeneBlog@gmail.com.

In addition to announcing the winner, I also wanted to share with y'all a prize I received from the awesome Ms. DSK Steph.  She makes the cutest jewelry and could not be any sweeter if she tried!  She and I have become fast friends, and I am grateful to have her in my life.  (She's also a fellow Washington girl!  Woop woop!)  Please go check out her page and subscribe.  Every month she generously gives away a beautiful piece from her collection to one of her followers.  You're automatically entered into her lottery just for being a subscriber, so get your behind over to her page already!  :)

[Steph not only sent me me this super cute DSK Orca Bracelet, but also some treats and a note!  The candy isn't shown because my husband and I hoovered every piece as soon as the package arrived.  Ha!]

[Every time I come around your city, bling, bling!  LOL!  My camera phone truly doesn't do her jewelry any justice!]

It reminds me of my Tiffany bracelet, but dressier.  I love it!  Thank you so much, Steph!

Have a good night, everyone!

 

P. S.  Did you guys hear that 'Jersey Shore' might be filmed in another city?  I hope they come to the Pacific Northwest; I'd love to hang out with the cast!  I already layer on the friggin' bronzuh, pouf my hair, and dance like a fool.  My right hook needs some work, but other than that, I am extremely confident I would fit in!  Ha ha ha!

P. P. S.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  The link is in the sidebar.