Hello Kitty Graffiti Eyeshadow & Blush Palette Review & Swatches

Repurchase: No
Price: $35.00 (eyeshadow- 4 x 0.07 oz, blush- 2 x 0.16 oz)
Overall Grade: B-

The Packaging: The Hello Kitty shaped compact is the answer to any Hello Kitty lover's dreams. The charming palette features a silver (mirrored) bow and colorful "graffiti" along the surfaces of the compact. When the top tier is opened, a nicely sized mirror can be found above the four eyeshadows. The second tier reveals the two blushes.

I absolutely adore the packaging. I really appreciate that they kept the classic kitty shape down the bow. Also, while the compact is a tad bulky, it's bulky enough to be sturdy yet it's not so bulky that it's too large for travel. It's love.

Ingredients

The Product: Aside from the cuteness factor, I wasn't crazy about the actual "product." While the eyeshadows swatch decently, applied, they're not so great. They were "too soft" which made them powdery which then resulted in some fallout. There was decent color payoff but eyeshadow primer is a MUST. The blushes weren't any different and I had to swatch them several times to pick up the color.

The Color:

Eyeshadows

• Pale muted neutral gray with shimmer
• Light-medium grayed blue with shimmer
• Very pale, almost white, pink with silver glitter
• Dark smoky charcoal gray with silver shimmer

Blushes

• Light warm muted brick red
• Warm bright pink

Swatches..

Above (with flash): eyeshadows (clockwise), blushes (left to right)

Overall: While this palette does have decent quality eyeshadows and blushes, I would never use it. If this were my only palette, I could of course see myself getting some use out of it. However, with my collection, I would never reach for this when I have so many better options -it just wouldn't make sense. To me, this is more of a palette to get for "collecting purposes". If you're looking for top quality eyeshadows and blushes, this is not for you. But if you're only fishing for something "adorable", this is the palette for you.

Where To Buy: Sephora

How was your luck with Missoni @ Target yesterday?

Yesterday was an insane day in TargetLand. I'd been looking forward to their highly anticipated Missoni collection to hit the stores for months but I didn't even realize just how highly anticipated it would be. I checked the website a few times before 5 a.m. Tuesday morning (when I went to bed) and nothing was up on the site yet. At 9 a.m. when I checked again, the site had crashed. At 10 a.m., I headed to my first Target. At 10:15 a.m., I was informed that practically everything was sold out.

I've never seen so many frantic women running down the aisles at Target before. From young twenty-year-olds to middle age housewives, everyone was grabbing whatever Missoni leftovers that they could get their hands on.

I spoke to a few Target employees at each of the stores. Everyone pretty much told me the same story. People were lined up outside at 7 a.m. and by 8:15-8:30 a.m., everything was gone. Ladies were piling everything into their carts -without even looking at the prices or sizes. This obviously meant that they were buying just to re-sell. Smh..

When I got home, I checked eBay and was not surprised to see a ton of listings -I'm talking in the thousands. This really bothers me. They need to place a limit on how many items each person can buy when it comes to collections like this. Because we have all these people hoarding everything only to resell it and then there's people like us who just want a few things for ourselves -not to resell anything and get over on anyone. Everything on Ebay is at least triple or more times the normal price. It's absolutely ridiculous. What also ticks me off is that Target (from what they said) will not be getting anymore Missoni shipments into the stores (I hope this isn't true though so still crossing my fingers!)

All in all, I went to a total of four Target locations. The first was a total miss -I couldn't find a single thing. I found the boots and flats at a second Target (Thank God I can fit kid's sizes), and then I found the rest at the third forth stores.

Girls Rain Boots ($29.99)- I bought a size 3 but I'd love a size 4. I could probably get away with leggings and thin socks but I could never ever wear jeans or pants with these (due to how slim the calf area is (on me at least.)

Girls Flats ($22.99)- I got these in a size 3 as well which is a tad small but the size 5 was way too big. Again, I'd love a size 4. I prefer the colors in this flat over the women's version (mostly purple) but I really would've loved to buy both. Oh well, at least I got one.

Girls Pleated Sweater Skirt ($24.99)- This was my last pick (size x-large.) I'd say it fits like a women's x-small or small. I'm so happy I tried this on. I don't generally wear or buy skirts but I really like the soft pleats and it's not too frilly for my body type.

Floral Scarf ($14.99)- The colors look faded and washed out due to the sunlight but it's a gorgeous design. I don't generally wear scarves like this but I will now! =)

Bobby Pins ($6.99)- I found this laying on a random table (thank goodness for rude customers who leave stuff laying around on the wrong shelves.) I wasn't going to get them at first but hey, it's Missoni! I thought I'd "splurge."

Headbands ($9.99)- The last item I purchased was a set of two headbands. All the sets either had a missing band or broken one so I grabbed two that were in perfect condition. I really wanted the solid blue band (goes well with my hair color) but it was cracked.

This is what all the Missoni walls and shelves looked like. Lonely, sad, and all alone.

Xhilaration Purse ($3.74)- This purse was randomly placed on one of the racks with no clearance stickers. However, I decided to take my chances since there were no others like it around. Good call because it turned out to be just under 4 bucks! The "leather" is quite soft and I love the clasp and color. This just might be the best buy of the day.

Did anyone else go to Target hoping to score some Missoni goods? What did you get? And what did you want but couldn't get?

Happy Wednesday everyone! <33

P.S. Please don't support those eBay sellers trying to get over on us. If they're trying to sell at for hundreds/thousands, you might as well get the "real thing" anyways. I think in terms of buying on eBay (for these Missoni items) I'd only get it if 1) I desperately love and need it and 2) It's only $5 above the retail price. It's not a matter of money -I feel like it's definitely a principal thing. It's not right that people are buying out the store only to resell it and make loads of money.

Urban Decay 15-Year Anniversary Palette Review & Swatches

Repurchase: Yes
Price: $55.00 (15 x 0.05 oz)
Overall Grade: A-

Urban Decay's 15-Year Anniversary Palette seems to be the "most talked about" product at the moment. At first, I was unsure about it but as time went on, it became something that I had to get. I wanted it more for "blogging purposes" in the beginning but after having worked with the palette, I'm falling in love with it more and more every day.

The Packaging: As I mentioned before, I don't like the packaging. To me, it's a hot mess. The lid of the palette is packaged in a smoky mirror material and contains a cool "laser-cut filigree design" along the edges (as described on UD's product page.) The top of the lid contains a purple, jeweled "UD" logo. Inside the lid, there's a huge mirror which is a nice touch. The tray holding the shades is made of a bright purple, mirrored material. And the final touch is a "secret compartment" -the tray holding the eyeshadows is removable therefore revealing the tiny compartment.

While the design is indeed very original, I rather have something more practical. The cons?

• Too heavy
• HIGHLY prone to fingerprints
• The lid is too loose and comes off very easily
• Not ideal for travel
• Too big to store
• The hidden compartment is so small. Sure, there will be room after all the eyeshadows are used up but 1) Who's is going to actually use up all these shades and 2) It'll still be too small and too bulky even if you use up all the eyeshadows. I'd much rather have a jewelry or trinket box that I can store a lot in.

In other words, I'd much prefer something in a sleeker, more compact design. Why does Urban Decay always feel the need to package their amazing their amazing eyeshadows in such bulky, impractical packaging?!

The Product: The palette contains 15 limited edition shades that have never been released before. While some have argued that there are dupes, of all the UD eyeshadows I own (and I only own 2 other palettes -sold the rest of my UD palettes), I don't believe there are any "exact" dupes. Yes, there are bound to be similarities but no exact dupes as again, these are all new shades.

As for the product itself, the color payoff, like most Urban Decay eyeshadows, is excellent. I didn't hit a single "true" dud. I read Christine's review and she mentioned that Tainted "sheered out easily." I guess in a way, it does, but I really didn't have too many problems with that particular shade -it's actually one of my favorites in terms of color. Each shade applies very smoothly (like butter!) and blends fairly easily. However, out of all the shades, I did find Evidence to be slightly chalky and stiff. It didn't feel as smooth as the others but overall, I'd say the quality of the shade is still very good. As for the shade that I liked the least, it would be Blackout. I had to layer it on a few times to get a "true" black and while it is a very good matte black, I do feel like I have other matte blacks that are better.

The Color:
I've read so many shade descriptions for this palette -here's my take on the shades..

1. Midnight Rodeo- Taupe-y brown bronze with a touch of champagne and subtle glitter
2. Midnight 15- Frosty pale, "dirty" champagne with a touch of silver shimmer
3. Vanilla- Pale yellowed ivory with golden shimmer
4. Flow- Frosty light peachy champagne with shimmer
5. Chase- Frosty tanned bronze with a touch of gold and shimmer
6. Tainted- Slightly warmed, rosy lavender with champagne shimmer
7. Junkshow- Bright violet-fuchsia with a touch of violet shimmer
8. Omen- Blue-violet with silvery blue shimmer
9. Evidence- Deep sea blue with blue shimmer and sheen
10. Deep End- Frosty teal with shimmer
11. Deeper- Deep bronze with a touch of olive and golden shimmer
12. M.I.A.- Deep brown with the slightest touch of plum and copper shimmer
13. Ace- Very deep gray with subtle silver shimmer (leans almost blue to me)
14. Blackout- Matte black
15. Half Truth- Cool deep silvery purple with silvery shimmer

Swatches..

Above (with flash) from left: Midnight Rodeo, Midnight 15, Vanilla, Flow, Chase

Above (with flash) from left: Tainted, Junkshow, Omen, Evidence, Deep End

Above (with flash) from left: Deeper, M.I.A., Ace, Blackout, Half Truth

Overall: This is a great value. At $17 per single (0.05 oz) eyeshadow, you're basically getting 15 full size eyeshadows for the discounted price of $55. Individually, the eyeshadows would cost a grand total of $255 -that's a savings of $200!

The palette contains shades from three categories: neutral shades, bright fun shades, and deeper, smoky shades. This is a palette that could fit individuals of all different tastes. It's a great all-around palette for someone who's just starting out and would like to buy high-end eyeshadows in a variety of different shades. It's also a wonderful palette for any makeup junkie or collector.

The quality is there. The only reason the palette got an "A-" is because of the packaging. Change that and it would definitely be a a solid "A".

Where To Buy: Urban Decay, Sephora (in stores)

This should be coming to other retailers by the end of July/early August

Bubblegum Pinks: NARS Sephora Exclusive Lip Gloss in "Angelika"

Repurchase: Yes (But not this shade)

Price: $24.00 (0.28 oz)

Product: 8.9/10

Packaging: 8.5/10

Value: 9/10

Overall Grade: A-

Recently, Sephora came out with 5 NARS limited edition glosses that included Albatross, Angelika, Luster, Super Orgasm, and Oasis. I was going to go with Oasis, since that's one of my favorite blushes ever, but ended up getting Angelika since I love my bubblegum/pale/pastel pink lippies.

The Packaging: Standard NARS lip gloss packaging -clear tube with rubbery, matte black cap and doe foot applicator.

The Product: As I've said before, NARS glosses tend to be thin, tacky, and slightly sticky. I feel that tacky can easily be passed off for "sticky" -to me, these are more tacky than sticky. The gloss is also moisturizing and smooth. It lasts for about 4 hours on its own. Also, NARS glosses, along with their lip products in general, tend to smell and sometimes taste like crayons. For their glosses, I find that once it's applied to your lips, the smell quickly goes away.

The Color: Light-medium bright blue based pink with a bit of lilac and silvery shimmer.

I sort of like the color but I'm not in love with it like I expected to be. I wanted it to be a more pale, pastel color. It looks nice but to me, it looks like any old pink gloss rather than a "special", Sephora exclusive shade.

Swatches.. (The non-flash pic better resembles the actual color but the flash pic shows off the texture and shimmer. The color is slightly darker than in flash pic and is better captured in the non-flash pic.)

Above (no flash): NARS Lip Gloss in Angelika

Above (no flash): NARS Lip Gloss in Angelika

Above (with flash): NARS Lip Gloss in Angelika

Above (with flash): NARS Lip Gloss in Angelika (Btw, this is the look I used for my "No Makeup Look" on Temptalia!)

Overall: I love the gloss simply because it's a "NARS gloss" and they're one of my favorites but the shade just isn't doing it for me. I don't find it very special and I don't see myself wearing it often. Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous shade -just not what I thought it would be. This may be a return but I'm not sure yet!

Where To Buy: Sephora

NARS Sephora Exclusive Lip Glosses In Stock @ Sephora (LE Shades Include Albatross, Angelika, Oasis, Super Orgasm, Luster)

I read on Temptalia a while ago that the NARS Sephora exclusive glosses were being launched on July 29th but I randomly checked the Sephora website just now and they're in stock already! From what I've read, these shade are limited edition but this is not stated on the product page (@ Sephora.com.) I don't know for sure but right now, the shades are only available at Sephora.

NARS glosses are $24.00 each (0.28 oz.) The glosses have a tacky texture, are slightly sticky (if you apply a lot), are moisturizing, and are long lasting. They do have sort of an odd scent -to some it smells and tastes like crayons but it doesn't bother me much and the scent goes away after it's applied.

The 5 new shades (inspired by their blush counterparts) are: (Descriptions from Sephora.com)

1. Oasis- Sparkling pink champagne

2. Luster- Sheer golden apricot

3. Super Orgasm- Peachy pink with gold glitter

4. Angelika- Cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle

5. Albatross- Luminous glow

I've been wanting Angelika for a while but not sure if I'm loving the shade. Check out swatches (and lip swatches) of each shade here.