Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Review: Abigail's Boutique Designs Smurf Collection



Sample sized Smurf collection


As you may already know, Abigail's Boutique Designs released an amazing Smurf inspired collection late this summer.

The Smurf Collection consists of six very fun yet versatile shades.These colors are really packed with sparkle, and  shimmer- which you know I am a big fan of. As usual they are fairly pigmented, and super blend-able.

I usually just use these over my E.l.f mineral eye primer, and they show up vibrantly every time. They do however look great used over NYX white eyeshadow base if you're wanting a brighter look. When used wet these colors will just blow you away at how shiny they really are. I think 'Smurfville' + a foiling serum would be a sight to behold ;)


Included in this collection is:


Big Papa- A cranberry red shade that can be worn dry for a subtle look, or worn wet for a festive sparkling metallic look.



Brainy- Brainy is a soft sparkly brown with sort of a mauve-ish undertone. If you like Abigail Boutique Designs color 'Blackberry cobbler' you will love Brainy & Gargamel.


Gargamel- is a soft sparkly brown with a purple-ish undertone. This shade looks incredible any way you apply it.


Smurfette- is a shimmery Robin's egg blue with just the slightest hint of gold. It is a very soft and dreamy looking blue that would compliment many different skin tones.


Smurfling- is my favorite of the bunch! Smurfling is a very pale sparkly lavender that has an intense shine when used wet. I love this as a highlight shade.


Smurfville- is a sparkling shimmery olive green with hints of gold. I think this color is really the gem of the whole collection. For me it is difficult to find a shade of green eyeshadow that I like with my skin tone, and this one is just perfect.



top row swatched over white base, 2nd row dry no primer


still amazingly vibrant with no primer



Sooo sparkly



I made a video tutorial for the look you see here using Smurfville, Smurfling, and Smurfette that can be seen below :) Overall I'd have to say that I have no complaints about this collection whatsoever! These colors are just fantastic and appeal to neutral lovers & bright, fun color lovers alike. If you prefer mattes or do not like glitter this collection might not be up your alley though. I do think a little sparkle is always fun & festive ;)

 




You can get your Smurf Collection *Here*

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Going pink for the cure...Team Pink Eye Project

I'm sure by now you've probably figured out that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I think it's a great thing that so many people are using their blogs and small businesses to create not only awareness but also to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Every Friday in October the Team Pink Eye Project has been featuring groups of bloggers who are turning themselves passionately pink for the cure by doing all sorts of pink makeup! :D It's not just about pink makeup looks though. Many blogs have combined their efforts with small independent businesses and have been hosting awesome giveaways and raffles. The goal of Team Pink Eye is to raise $1000 this month for the Susan G. Komen foundation. A lot of these same companies are also offering special products all month long with a portion of their proceeds going to this cause. You can get pick up some truly wonderful products and have the added bonus of helping your community. Just a few of these stores offering such products are: Rag Doll's Bath & BeautyWhimsybeading, and Glamasaurus.  You may also make a donation directly to the Team Pink Eye Project HERE if you are so inclined. If you want to bid on the raffles or browse all the awesome pink makeup looks contributed and see whose sponsoring what please check out the Team Pink Eye blog

In 2011, it is estimated that there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer, and 39,520 breast cancer deaths. While it's pretty rare, men also die each year from breast cancer. In 2011, it is estimated that there will be 2,140 new cases of breast cancer among U.S. men and 450 breast cancer deaths. You can protect yourself by knowing your family history, getting a clinical breast exam every 3 years starting at age 20, and talking to your doctor about your potential risk factor. Always make sure to check your breasts monthly for any lumps, nipple discharge, painful spots, and any other changes. If you are over 40 you need to have a clinical breast exam each year and a mammogram. Don't skip out on these things ladies (& gentlemen). Prevention and early detection can make the difference between life and death.

Here is my pink-inspired look :) I've really been into bronze/gold tones and sparkly browns this fall. 

I used Abigail's boutique designs colors in 'Gargamel', 'Papa Smurf' and 'Ice Queen'. I also used a small amount of Rag Doll's Bath & Beauty 'Cranberries'.
These are WT-A07 (I believe?) lenses and they can be purchased from Circlelens2u.com





Check your boobs!

-Kaitlyn