Pop go the eyes!!

So my good friend Anne always hooks me up with free stuff - she has some killer connections! And since she is a very tan blonde and I am a very pale brunette - we don't use the same cosmetic colors and the ones she can't utilize get thrown my way.

Her most recent freebie is one that has been amazing since the first use....

Eyecake by POP Beauty - $19-$20 (see link below for locations)

I seriously have been blown away by this set. Not only are all the colors beautiful and perfectly coordinated AND they highlight whatever color eyes your momma gave you -best of all - they last.
Yup, you read that right- they actually last from when I put them on in the morning at 7am all the way through till 11pm when I am washing my face for bed (and yes that included going to the gym and sweating it up...). In a word- these eye shadows are solid quality. And what is most telling to me is the fact that when it is very early in the morning and I am staring at my make-up kit thinking I have nothing to use (you know the same feeling we all get in front of the closet) - I inevitably grab for this eyeshadow palette just like we all reach for that killer black dress. Yup - these eye shadows are that great.

Totally recommend this pack and a huge thank you to Anne for giving me my first taste of POP Beauty. I am already making a list of the other products I am going to try. So no worries POP- I will be paying money for these eye shadows and more soon enough!

If you are as into this new find as I am - click here and POP will hook you up with the retail location closest to you.

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Runway to Reality...

There are always plenty of new make-up looks that come out of the fashion shows every year. Some are workable and some are just well...see below....


This year however, there have been some great looks on the runways. Two of my favorites? The delicious golden look and the fun purples. Either one of these looks is a great option and almost anyone can wear them. But every year it's seems hard to find a cosmetic that is easy to find and easy to implement. So today I bring you a lovely little package from our good friends at Clinique that combines the golden look and the purples look in an easy and accessible way.

Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo - $17.50 (Sephora, Clinique counters and online) Specific color- Beach Plum
(I have included both the general image for the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo and the specific colors I am talking about.)

I love this eyeshadow. Not only is it amazing quality... it never creases, the color stays, it is a good bang for your buck and the colors are two of the trendy of the moment shades right off the runways but they also look amazing alone or together. The image from Clinique.com doesn't really give you a true idea of the colors but they are a sheer, shimmery gold and a deep, sparkly purple. I actually got this eye shadow set free in a gift with purchase and looked at it as one that would go to waste. Well last week I decided on a lark to try it out. It looks fantastic and it is unique and fresh. Anyone else tired of using the same 3-4 eye shadow colors?!

To complete your look, go with either black or purple eyeliner, or perhaps even a deep brown/bronze. My recommendations?
Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner - $5 (In Eggplant)
M.A.C. Eye Kohl - $14.50 (In Plushblack or Powersurge)

A few sweeps of your fave mascara and you are good to go.

Heidi Klum you have met your match!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND