Seeing Red!

My Current Loves:

 O.P.I.'s Royal Rajah Ruby

[Gaw-juss!]

NYX's Snow White Lipstick

[Also gaw-juss!]

[Swatch of the gaw-juss Snow White]

(Dear The Beauty Blog Trolls: Yes, I am aware that my heart and arrow do not match.)

I would love to write more, but I need to save my energy.  Tomorrow is my adorable hubby's 29th, and I am ill.

Fortunately, I am not as ill as T-Bone.

[Source]

Ha!

I hope you're all doing well.  What are your current must-haves?

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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P. S.  Don't forget to enter my Apothica.com giveaway!  Apothica is similar to stores such as Sephora, Ulta, etc.  It's definitely worth checking out!

Boi-ing Concealer & Buxom Healthy Lip Polish Review

Tired of resembling an NFL linebacker, I decided it was time to invest in a high end, quality concealer.  Last week, my raccoon eyes and I stopped by Sephora, determined to find the answer to my dark circle prayers.  After countless moments of indecisiveness, I reluctantly departed, Benefit's Boi-ing Concealer in hand.  (My wishy washy behind suffers from buyer's remorse like nobody's business.  LOL!)  Fortunately, the trip turned out to be a success!

[My under eye circles before Boi-ing came into my life.]

 [How cute is the message on the inside of the box?]

[Benefit's Boi-ing 02 Medium.  Is it just me, or does "Boi-ing" sound like a phrase straight out of Wayne's World?  Ha!]

My thoughts on this concealer?

PROS:  The consistency is creamy, rich, and a breeze to work with.  Simply pick up a little bit of the product with your index or ring finger, and gently pat your imperfections away.  Because the concealer is extremely thick and opaque, one or two swipes is all you'll need per eye.  It works beautifully on my under eye circles; it works even better on blemishes and areas of discoloration.  The $18.00 investment was worth it.

CONS:  The price.  Yes, I said the concealer was worth it, but $18.00 is still $18.00.  Also, the product occasionally settles into my fine lines, exaggerating them a bit.

I am pleased to announce that I have finally found the peach gloss of my dreams.

[Buxom Lip Polish in Amber]

Buxom Lip Polishes are hands down my favorite glosses.  They're shiny, moisturizing, and have awesome staying power.  (Check out my previous post for a more thorough review of this line.)  Amber is a sheer - but buildable - shimmery peach shade.  It looks especially pretty when paired with Myth or Nude Attitude.  I love it!

[Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a decent photograph of the gloss on my pout.  This other blogger's picture is a great representation of what Amber looks like IRL.  Photo Credit: http://www.orange2la.com.]

[Nude Attitude photo from an early Kate Gene post.  Yep, this is my kisser!]

Can you picture the two products together?  It's the hotness.

In my Gift Card Haulin' post, I raved about Essie's Van D'Go Polish.  Here is what it looks like once applied: 

Gaw-juss!

I have some other posts in the works, which I am excited to share with everyone.  (Get ready for some DSK Jewelry eye candy!)

Don't forget to enter my SkinCareRx.com Giveaway!  It's easy to enter and open internationally! 

I hope you all have a lovely day!

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Gift Card Haulin'

Sephora and Ulta employees have seen more of my mug lately than my adorable husband.  I refuse to rest until every last cent of my gift cards are spent!

Here are some of the items I purchased during my last trip to the mall:

[Essie Van D'Go Nail Polish]

My mission to find the perfect Summer polish has officially come to an end.  Essie Van D'Go is peachy, creamy, and neutral enough to wear with most of my wardrobe.  I love it!  It takes three coats to achieve the opacity and streak free finish I desire, but who cares?  This pretty polish is worth the extra elbow grease.

[Healthy Hoof Lacquer]

My former top coat, who shall remain nameless, used to make my brown eyes see red.  Every time I polished my nails, it always managed to make a streaky mess of my handiwork.  We Asians are born natural nail technicians, so I knew the repeated issue was of no fault of my own.  LOL!

My best friend purchased me a bottle of Healthy Hoof Lacquer because I am a centaur with dull hooves after I vented my top coat frustrations.  Once dried, this horse-friendly varnish produces a smooth and glossy looking finish.  I was hooked after one use.  The best part?  It's a mere $2.50.

[NARS Deep Throat]

It's a NARS blush.  Need I say more?

Nope.

[NARS Striptease Gloss & Revlon Peach Gloss]

Both of these glosses feel lightweight, are incredibly pigmented, and appear pretty and peachy in their tubes.  Sadly, each are going to be returned as they made my kisser look alabaster.  (Momma didn't raise no Ganguro Girl!)  There is absolutely nothing wrong with the products themselves; the shades just weren't suitable for my skin tone.

The hunt for the perfect peachy lip gloss continues...

[Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero]

I have never been one to line my waterline.  As a contact lenses wearer, I find products that close to my eyes irritating.  Hopefully this pencil will be the answer to my beauty-related prayers!

[Zebra Loofah]

How cute is this little guy?!  I have yet to use him because I thought it'd be gross to showcase a loofah post-use.  XD

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  The hubby and I plan to BBQ, relax, and maybe squeeze in a little shopping.  I can't wait!

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It's been a long time/I shouldn't have left you/Without a dope beat to step to.

I have been slackin' on my Beauty Blogger pimpin', and I apologize.  Yours truly had a negative reaction to a new medication, and spent about a week spooning our porcelain jacuzzi.  (I was the big spoon.)  I also broke out in sex-ay hives...  on my face.  Shame on me for not doing a HFOTD!  Ha!

As some of you already know, I recently turned twenty-eight years old.  My darling little sisters surprised me with two Sephora gift cards to celebrate my senior citizenship.  I immediately placed an order online, but unfortunately, ended up returning everything to the store.

I drug my adorable husband with me to return my "great-but-not-for-moi" products.  He sweetly agreed to allow me to peruse for as long as I desired -- without dragging his feet or staring longingly at the exit signs.  I am proud to announce he did just that!  (In his eyes, Sephora and Ulta are the devil.  LOL!)

RETURNED ITEM #1:

[NARS Mekong Eye Shadow]

[NARS Mekong Swatch]

Oh, how I wanted to love this shadow.  I love NARS' products and had been dying to get my hands on this particular product for months.  In the pan and swatched, Mekong appears to be a rich dark chocolate shade, speckled with delicate gold flecks.  It's gorgeous.  However, once it has been blended onto the lid, the Godiva goodness and metallic sparkles morph into a flat black hue.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, however, I already own two matte black shadows.

RETURNED ITEM #2:

[Buxom Gloss in "Celeste"]

I am a HUGE Buxom Gloss fan.  Moisturizing, minty fresh, and emollient, they truly are my favorite glosses.  Sadly, "Celeste" was a miss for me as it wasn't as peachy as I had hoped it'd be.

What peach or pinky-coral gloss are you reaching for this Spring?

RETURNED ITEM #3:

[Sephora by OPI Polish in "How Cute Is That?".  The photograph does not capture the polish's true color.]

This pretty polish would have been a keeper had it been a tad less orange and shimmery.  The good news?  The varnish itself was easy to apply and didn't chip for days!

Anyway, I hope you're all doing well!  I look forward to catching up on all of my favorite blogs.  New posts are in the works, but in the meantime, check out this awesome giveaway:

SmootchKiss is generously giving away quite a bit of MAC goodies, among other things.  Check out her blog here!

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Korres Review & Discount Code!

In two months, I will be twenty-eight years old.  I am wise enough to know that, in the grand scheme of life, I am young.  Our fridge is free of prune juice, the need for adult diapers is non-existent, and I make sure my indicator is off after I change lanes on the freeway.  Not once have I left a Bingo hall with my arms raised in victory; my fanny pack overflowing with my winnings, good luck Treasure Trolls, and colorful daubers.  (Everyone knows you must be at least eighty to win Bingo.)  However, I definitely don't feel and look as youthful as I did ten years ago.

When rising from the couch, I make a noise.  (You know what I'm talking about...  That strained noise your grandma makes when she's trying to get out of her seat.)  I consider HSN television.  ("Ooh, that sweater with the giant sequined poinsettias IS a must have!  Should I call in to speak with the host about it?")  And here's the kicker:  I have wrinkles.  The lines that used to spring up only when I squinted, smiled, smirked, frowned, and wrinkled my nose are now permanent parts of my face.  And, similar to a tree, you can tell how old I am simply by counting the rings around my neck.

If you've been following me for awhile, you already know how important skin care is to me.  It's one of my most blogged about topics.  I am beyond excited to review these products because I have seen first hand how wonderful they are! 

[L - R: Quercetin and Oak Night Age - Reversing Cream, Body Butter in Jasmine]

Quercetin and Oak Age - Reversing Night Cream

PROS:  This product should be named "The Fountain of Youth in a Jar".  Despite being luxuriously thick and creamy, it absorbs fairly quickly, leaving behind no greasy residue.  It makes my face and neck feel smooth, soft, and supple.  The best part?  Within just two days of use, my parched and flaking winter skin was completely healed.  My fine lines were visibly reduced and my complexion looked brighter.  Sounds unbelievable, right?  I went online to read reviews and found that many others had similar experiences.  This.  Stuff.  Works.
CONS:  Retails at $52.00.  However, a little - and I mean a little - goes a long way.  I plan on purchasing this again, again, and again!

Body Butter in Jasmine

PROS:  This product makes your skin feel buttery smooth, soft, and silky.  It has a creamy, dreamy consistency, yet it absorbs very quickly.  I especially like how soothing it feels when applied to my hands, which are chronically dry from excessive washing.  The scent is pleasant.  I detect really sweet, floral notes.  My adorable Hubby and Mom said they thought the butter smelled more like candy than jasmine flowers.  Either way, it's nice.  I would love to have a bottle of this on hand at all times.
CONS:  Retails at $29.00.  However, as with the night cream, a little bit goes a long way. 

[L - R: Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara, Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer, Lip Butter in Jasmine]

Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara

PROS:  This mascara separates my lashes unlike any other I have used.  There is absolutely no clumping - just lengthening.  If you prefer really natural looking lashes, this is a great product to try.  Bonus:  The tip is shaped in such a way that you can get to those hard to reach lashes.
CONS:  The formula is on the dry side, flakes a bit upon application, and is a bit difficult to remove.

Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer

PROS:  The tiniest bit goes a loooong way.  (I have accidentally squeezed out too much on a few occasions.  Whoops!)  While it doesn't make fine lines or wrinkles disappear completely, it definitely makes them less visible.  I applied it over my moisturizer daily and allowed it to fully absorb before applying my make-up.  My bronzer and blush applied smoothly and evenly and lasted all day.
CONS:  This product would benefit more mature skin best; anyone in their mid-twenties and younger probably wouldn't gain anything from it. 

Lip Butter in Jasmine

PROS:  This product smells heavenly.  I detect notes of caramel and freshly spun cotton candy.  I seriously open the jar whenever I'm in the bathroom just to inhale its delicious scent.  When applied, it makes your lips feel smooth, but not slippery.
CONS:  It must be applied with your finger or a brush.  (Oh well.  This product smells too good for me to care.  ;))

Korres' products are all natural; they do not infuse their goods with pollutants such as mineral oil, synthetics, or silicones.  I have sensitive and acne-prone skin, so this is extremely important to me.  None of the products I tested caused irritation or blemishes.  The packaging is eco-friendly, durable, pretty, and sophisticated.  Anything from their collection would look gorgeous on a vanity or bathroom counter top.  Korres has truly impressed me beyond belief and turned me into a fan for life!

♥ DISCOUNT CODE ♥

Korres is kindly offering my readers a one time discount of 30% off any order of $25.00 or more.  Enter in the code "KATIE" when checking out.  This offer is valid until April 15, 2010.
www.korres.com

Disclaimer: The products were sent to me by Korres 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.

Honeycat Cosmetics Review Part II and Giveaway! [CLOSED]

The always fun Ms. Terry at Honeycat Cosmetics was kind enough to send me a couple more goodies to try.  Even more exciting for all of you, she gave me two items to give away!
  

[L - R: Vanilla Cream Grooming Bar Soap, Whisker Slickers - I'm in Heat Lip Balm]

VANILLA CREAM GROOMING BAR SOAP

Pros: has a faint, pleasant scent (smells like almond oil to me); didn't irritate my sensitive skin; leaves your skin feeling hydrated, soft, and squeaky clean
Cons: contrary to the name, I didn't detect notes of vanilla or cream; scent doesn't linger

WHISKER SLICKERS - I'M IN HEAT LIP BALM

Pros: very soft (but doesn't crumble); incredibly emollient; clear; cinnamon scent; tastes sweet
Cons: it can occasionally make your lips feel warm, which I don't mind, but may bother some

Both products feature Honeycat Cosmetic's signature girly and sassy packaging.  I tend to gravitate towards over-the-top fruity and bakery scents, but these products have a nice, almost aromatherapy-like aroma to them.  It's great, because I think the soap would appeal to both Honeycats and Tomcats.  ;)

♥ GIVEAWAY ♥

[L - R: Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff, Hiss Good Nite Lip Gloss]

To learn more about these products, click here.

TO ENTER:

♥ You must be a follower.
♥ Leave me a comment below, telling me about your fur kid!  If you don't have one, "enter me" will suffice.  :)
♥ If you are under the age of 18, please get your parent/guardian's permission before entering as I will need to collect your full name and mailing address.

This giveaway is open to U. S. and Canadian residents and ends March 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM (PST).  One winner will be randomly selected using random.org.  Thank you, Terry, for sponsoring this giveaway!

Good luck!



P. S.  Here is a picture of our cute little fur baby in a Whole Foods bag.  We adore him and his mustache.  (Someone clearly didn't read my Sally Hansen Wax Strip review.  XD)

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!

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.

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?