Archive for September, 2010

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MAC – “Venomous Villains” Collection REVIEW

Posted in EYE MAKEUP, MAC MAKE-UP, MAC MAKE-UP COLLECTIONS, MAKE-UP on September 29, 2010 by stylebymeli

MAC's "Venomous Villains" officially launches tomorrow, September 30th.

MAC has collaborated with Disney to create a collection called, “Venomous Villains,” which is inspired by Disney’s most infamous villains.  This leaves us with a fall collection filled with a little darkness and a little sparkle.

Besides featuring a wide range of eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglasses, blushes, and beauty powders…there are also two mineralize eye shadows coming out that definitely catch my eye.  I typically do not like MAC’s mineralize eye shadows (like most people) because the texture does not blend as nicely and the color payoff is not consistent. However, whenever MAC comes out with the dark marbleized eye shadows, I typically end up buying at least one. I love all the shimmer and the nice mix of colors.  Beautiful!

There are also two greasepaint sticks coming out, “Slick Black” and “French Quarter” which are perfect for eye shadow prepping for these eye shadows.  I had “Slick Black” at one point but am still loyal to my my “Blackground” paint pot.  I do plan on buying the “French Quarter,” which is a black with greenish gold shimmer in it.

As for the lip products from this collection, surprisingly there really aren’t too many items peak my interest. “Violetta” is a MAC Pro store color that is a bright purple, which I already own and very much like.  It’s a statement lip and I find it to be very flattering on most people (although I find that most people are not daring enough to wear a bright purple on their lips).

My favorite is “Strange Potion” lipglass (pearly soft coral) and also “Devilishly Stylish” lipglass (nude color with slight shimmer).  However, I don’t think I will purchase these because I already have many things that are comparable enough to these lipglasses.

The one MAC item that everybody is talking about from this collection…

Magically Cool Liquid Powder in "Truth & Light"

This is the first time ever that MAC is coming out with a product called, “Magically Cool Liquid Powder” in two shades.  The name pretty much sums up exactly what it is.  The powder looks like a dry powder but feels like liquid on the fingertips and then sets to powder upon application. It’s unbelievable!  There is nothing like it!  Actually, I shouldn’t say that because Prescriptives first originated this with a product called, Magic Liquid Powder.

Originally, I was dead set on buying this product but then questioned, am I buying this for functional purposes or buying this just because the concept is cool and I am always wanting to try the newest things??

After doing a little research, I stumbled upon RAVING reviews on the original Magic Liquid Powder.  The reviews have totally sold me on the product and I hope I like it enough to make this a part of my regular makeup regime.  Apparently it makes the surface of the skin look extra flawless, enhances foundation, and also diminishes the appearance of lines.  Is this is not magic, I don’t know what is!

Nail Lacquers in "Formidable!," "Mean & Green," and "Bad Fairy."

Lastly, the nail lacquers from this collection are definitely worth checking out.  All three shades are fantastic!  They all have a multi-dimensional shine with color-packed pearlized pigments.

Being that I already ordered, “Mean & Green,” I was able to paint my toe nails this morning with it and it’s amazing!  I plan on wearing this color all season.  These are definitely going to be an instant sell-out.

Overall, the color story behind this collection is mediocre.  In my opinion, MAC has come out with much better fall collections. However, what makes this collection extra special (besides it being a Disney Collection) is that there are some innovative products.  The most exciting product being the Magically Cool Liquid Powder.  Even if this seems a little too high tech for your daily makeup regime, definitely feel the product and experience the magic.

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My First Online Purchase at MAC Pro – Take a Look at What I Ordered!

Posted in EYE MAKEUP, MAC MAKE-UP, MAC MAKE-UP COLLECTIONS, MAKE-UP, ONLINE SHOPPING, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SHOPPING with tags , , on September 28, 2010 by stylebymeli

For the first time ever, I made a purchase from MAC Pro and can I just say it was one of my best online shopping experiences!  At MAC Pro, they sell even more makeup products that are geared more for professional makeup artists.  They carry certain MAC Pro exclusives, the way that MAC stores have some select products that are not sold at their department store locations.

The last time I went to a MAC Pro store was in Las Vegas (in Caesar’s to be exact) when I celebrated my birthday.  I just wanted to see their MAC Pro store and didn’t end up buying anything.  Usually when I need something, I just go to the MAC Pro store in NYC.

The only problem I find when I go there is that they are usually out of stock of all the items I want (all MAC Pro exclusives, that’s why).  So it can be frustrating to make a trip there only to find they don’t have everything I want!

Which is why purchasing online is the way to go!  On their website, I was able to buy everything that I had always wanted to try, rather than finding it to be out of stock like I would when I went to an actual MAC Pro store.

Another amazing perk…they always launch collections on their website a full week before the actual launch!  I did not learn this until I was shopping on their site at the end of last week.  Meaning “Venomous Villains” has already been selling on MAC Pro even though it is not launching until Thursday.

This is why you can see that there are a couple of items from the collection in my pile of new makeup! :)

Take a look at my newest makeup, purchased online from Mac Pro.

Here’s a a list of what I ordered:

1- “She Who Dares” Mineralize Eye Shadow (“Venomous Villains”)

I have not officially worn this yet although I am pretty excited to try it out.  These mineralize eye shadows are very comparable to the ones from last year’s fall collection, “Style Black.”

To be completely honest, I think I like last year’s mineralize eye shadows better because the color payoff seems to be stronger than the one I just purchased. The only mineralize eye shadow I have from “Style Black” is “Gilt by Association” and I LOVE this color!  It’s just a beautiful blend of black, gold, and bronze.  It’s unfortunate because I don’t wear nearly as often as I would like to.

Regardless, being that it’s a mineralize eye shadow (or any eye shadow for that matter), it NEEDS some sort of cream eye shadow base. When I use these darker mineralize eye shadows, I ONLY USE A DARK BASE such as “Blackground’ (OR I do plan on buying “French Quarter” greasepaint stick from “Venomous Villians”) because it’s the only way it’s going to pop. These are best for the LID only.  I’m sure it can work in the crease but I just think it would be a little too messy.  Being that this mineralize eye shadow is very dark to begin with, I suggest using this for a smokey eye look.

2 – “Nude” Cream Colour Base

I totally took a chance on this.  I had never actually seen this color in person but thought it would be a nice product to own.  I was expecting it to have some sort of shimmer in it like most of the other cream color bases MAC makes but surprisingly, this one is matte.  (I was intending on using this as a cheek highlighter).

It’s a really pretty flesh tone color.  I think I am still going to try this as a skin highlighter. I will play with it and see how I want to use it.

3 – “Mean & Green” Nail Lacquer (“Venomous Villains”)

SUPER EXCITED to use this on my toe nails tomorrow. ALL three of the nail polishes from “Venomous Villains” are AWESOME!  This is coming from a person that doesn’t even care that much about nails!  For me to buy a MAC nail polish, the color has to be super HOT.

I was planning on buying all three shades but being that I don’t take the time to do my nails on a daily basis, I decided to limit myself to this shade only. It was hard to choose one but this one is my favorite.  It has so many colors blended into one nail polish and looks like a mood ring but much prettier.  (Haha, remember those?  Although they originated in the 1970′s, they made a total comeback in the 90′s!  I know I rocked one of these!!)

4- “Feeling Dreamy” Lipglass (“Warm and Cozy”)

Okay I was in TOTAL SHOCK that MAC Pro actually still carried this!  This was from last winter and was one of the best shades from the collection.  This is a super pretty nude gloss that looks like it would just have a creamy finish (comparable to a cremesheen lipgloss) but has just a slight sparkle in it. I love, love, love it so much that I decided to order another backup because as well all know, otherwise you won’t be able to find it again!

5 – “Ground Brown” (Matte) Eye Shadow Pan

This shade looks like a darker version of the eye shadow “Expresso.” It’s a deep chocolate brown color.  I look forward to using this as an outer crease color!

6 – “Aqua” (Matte) Eye Shadow Pan

This is a color I had been dying to buy in the past, but they never had it in stock!  I have a lot of aqua/teal eye shadows but nothing matte and as light and pretty as this one. Although this may not be the most practically everyday color, I still want to find ways to wear it!

7 – “Soot” (Matte) Eye Shadow Pan

Looking at it, it looks pretty black/grey but I swear there is a slight indigo in it.  Sort of reminds me of “Nehru” which I actually don’t currently own.

I remember wanting to try this in the past as well but was never able to find it!

8 – “Deep Damson” (Matte) Eye Shadow Pan

This looks like a matte version of “Sketch” but a slightly more plum version.  This looks like a great fall eye shadow color.

That is everything!  I look forward to playing with my new shades this week!  Everything looks great!  I definitely plan on making online purchases at MAC Pro rather than going to a free standing store.  Shipping was also lightening fast!

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How to Choose Your Perfect Lipstick & My Top 10 MAC Lipsticks

Posted in LIPS, LIPS - LIPSTICKS, MAC MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP, PRODUCTS I LOVE on September 27, 2010 by stylebymeli

For many people, finding the perfect lipstick can be a challenge and especially overwhelming when you have about a hundred shades staring at you, “Pick me, pick me!”

I love lipsticks and believe every woman should own at least one amazing lipstick, even if you’re a “lip gloss only” sort of girl.

Why do I love lipsticks so much? For me, lipstick is a total style accessory such as a beautiful cocktail ring or a stunning handbag.  It really expresses your personality, style, and even what mood you’re in.

This has inspired me to write about how to choose your perfect lipstick shade and guidelines to follow for the next time you are faced with a sea of lipsticks without any sense of direction.  Sometimes it can be really hard to choose a shade on your own,  but if you know what exactly to look for, you can go to any makeup counter with confidence!

1-  TEXTURE

Lipsticks come in various textures which will allow for them to look and feel very different.

*  Matte:  These are TOTALLY shine free.  Your lips will have a more dry looking finish (rather than shiny) and typically last longer throughout the day than any other lipstick texture.  Matte lipsticks are usually very pigmented meaning you can expect a very good color payoff.

* Sheer: These lipsticks have very little color payoff and usually allow for your natural lip color to shine through.  The finish is usually glossy and sort of feels like you are wearing a chapstick or lip conditioner because it feels very lightweight (as if there is nothing on).  The is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to feel like there is much on the lips and don’t want a ton of color.

* Creamy: These lipsticks feel exceptionally smooth on the lips because it has the most moisture.  These lipsticks also have great color payoff and best for people that have drier lips.

* Frost: These lipsticks always have a high shine with a metallic finish.  The color payoff can vary but almost always has more pigmentation than a sheer lipstick.

2- INSENSITY

In color theory, intensity refers to the saturation and brightness of a color.  Meaning when choosing a lipstick, it’s good to consider how bright you want the color to be. Although red may seem like the brightest color, depending on its intensity, certain reds are not as bright as others.

3- VALUE

In color theory, value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.  Choosing how dark or light a shade is usually determined by a person’s personal comfort level and personal taste. I believe it’s good to have a variety of dark and light shades because depending on the overall look of the makeup, it’s good to have both options available.  Plus, it’s great to be able to mix different shades and having both light and dark colors allows for you to do this more easily.

4- COLOR FAMILY

Determining a color family can narrow down the lipstick process tremendously.  This simply means picking a general lipstick color such as:  brown, pink, plum, coral, or red. Once you choose a specific color family, you can then examine all the different shades within it.

5- OCCASION

Are you going to a special event where you want your lips to pop?  Or are you looking for an “everyday” shade that you can wear all the time?  Keep in mind that depending on where you are going or what occasion this is for, your lipstick choice could vary tremendously.

6- SKIN / HAIR / EYES

It’s important to consider your skin tone, hair, and eye color when choosing your best personal lipstick shade.  This is something that you may not have a good eye for initially, so it’s always good to ask for a second opinion from a friend or a makeup professional that can give you recommendations on shades that will best suit your personal coloring.

7- EYESHADOW

I mention this only because I find this to be extremely crucial in coordinating the right lipstick to complete a look.  It’s important to always think about the OVERALL look you are trying to create with the makeup.  If you are wearing a smokey eye, usually you want the lips to be soft.  If you’re wearing very little eye makeup, you may want to make your lips be the main focal point in which your lipstick choice can afford to be more bold.

8 – PERSONALITY

This basically refers to your personal taste and what colors you are most drawn to are usually what best reflect your personality. I know for myself, I’m a very girly girl and typically stick to wearing pinks.  However, being that I am a trendsetter and heavily into style, this specific personality type allows for me to also be experimental with my lipstick choices, meaning I like to wear the hottest new shades.

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Okay…now I am going to reveal my personal TOP 10 list of my all-time FAVORITE MAC LIPSTICKS. Being that I easily own about 100 lipsticks (I haven’t actually counted but this is probably a good estimate), I put a lot of thought into my list and narrowed it to PERMANENT lipstick shades that can be purchased at MAC at anytime.  Although most of my lipstick collection consists of limited edition or discontinued shades, I thought it would only be fair to put together a list of shades that still exist.

My TOP 10 FAVORITE MAC LIPSTICKS!!!

1- “Saint Germain” – Bright, light bubblegum pink that is very blue based (cool toned)

I really love, love, love this color.  It’s one of my favorite pinks because although it’s light, it’s coolness really contrasts nicely against my fair skin.  It’s very flashy and bright for a light pink and totally why I love it!

2 – “Blankety” – Neutral beige with dusty pink undertone

It took me a few years to discover this color because this is not a shade that I’m usually attracted to being that it’s fairly nude.  However, it’s a great neutral that’s soft but not totally nude where I feel like my lips have blended into my face.  I wear this mainly when I wear a smokey eye look.  I can’t imagine not having this color in my life!

3 – “Spirit” – Pinky beige brown

Another color I never in my life thought that I would love but this color totally flatters my face.  It has a lot of color for a neutral and I just think I look amazing in it.  This is a perfect daytime color.

4- “Kinda Sexy” – Neutral peachy pink

This looks semi-nude but still has color.  It’s gorgeous by itself but being that it’s matte, I also like putting a little gloss over it for extra shine.

5- “Fanfare” – Warm pink with slight coral

This color is a nice warm pink without being too flashy while still brightening up my face.

6 -”Chatterbox” – Bright warm pink

This has always been one of my favorite lipsticks and not only does the name suit my personality (I’ve always been a chatty girl hehe), this shade of pink is beautiful!

7- “Costa Chic” – Bright coral with slight frost

This is a total statement lipstick right here and that’s why I love it.  It’s really just pretty to look at and really stands out!  Even though it’s coral, I sometimes like to put a nude gloss over it to get a light peach coral shade.

8- “Snob” – Light baby pink

Another great light baby pink but not as flashy as “Saint Germain.”  I love this by itself although I find myself pairing it up with various lip glosses.

9- “Viva Glam III” – Deep brownish plum

This is my favorite dark lipstick shade.  I love wearing dark colors sometimes because it just looks great against fair skin.  I find this color to look really striking on me and also be sort of a statement piece because of it’s strong contrast against the skin.

10- “Impassioned” – Bright hot fuchsia pink

This is definitely a show-stopper.  I only wear this on rare occasions and pair this up with an almost naked eye look (skin tone eye shadow) and black liner.  I always get compliments on this lip.  It’s just really stylish and bold.

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When choosing the perfect lipstick, remember to follow your instincts on the colors that catch your eye (obviously it stands out to you for a reason!) and be open minded to trying out different colors at a time.   Although some women have no problem wearing the same lipstick for 10 years, I personally find that very boring. It’s more fun to be experimental and try new things, isn’t it?  You just never know what you’ll discover!  :)

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Project Runway Season 8, Episode 9 Runway Review – The L’Oreal Makeup Inspiration Challenge

Posted in FASHION, PROJECT RUNWAY with tags , , , , on September 25, 2010 by stylebymeli

Okay so I’ve totally fallen behind on my Project Runway reviews.  I do greatly apologize.  So much has happened since I’ve last talked about the show but so far my critiques have been pretty dead on.  I can seriously write forever regarding my thoughts on each episode because I have such a strong opinion on fashion and I can’t get enough of it!

My parents both (yes, my father too…I got him hooked on the show!) already saw the episode and said I would be really excited about the challenge and the results.  I have to say this was one of my all-time favorite challenges ever in Project Runway because it so heavily was inspired by makeup.


CHALLENGE:  To create a high fashion look for a L’oreal makeup ad.

* Second Look – To design a ready-to-wear look to correspond with the high fashion look.

The designs were specifically inspired by the L'oreal HIP shadow duos. Each designer had to choose a different eyeshadow finish (choices were: Bright, Matte, Metallic, Velvet, and Crystal) as the theme behind their design. What a great idea!

[WINNER to win $20,000 from L'oreal...First cash prize ever!  How exciting!]

GUEST JUDGE:  Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan with Eva Longoria - She is exquisitely beautiful and one of the most attractive celebrities in Hollywood right now. I just love her face, although she is stunning from head to toe!

Being that Michael Drummond got eliminated last week (I think he should have lasted for at least two more challenges), I have adopted Mondo as one of my top 3 favorite designers along with Andy South and Michael Costello (both still going strong)!

Why I Love Mondo

Although Mondo was not one of my all time favorites from episode one, he DEFINITELY caught my eye as the competition progressed because of his creativity and strong sense of self as a designer.  I love that you know what to expect from him because he has a strong sense of style.  Yet at the same time, you DON’T know what to expect because he is so innovative as a designer and to me, that is what Project Runway is all about.  Innovation. I really love that he takes risks and is not afraid to be too “out there.”  His “out there” state of mind really keeps me wanting to see more!

It’s also the moments where I get goosebumps watching a design walk the runway where I get such a fashion high and intense emotion that makes the show so amazing to watch.  I can’t explain what a great feeling it is to really FEEL the design, if that makes any sense?

Mondo’s designs definitely give me that high every so often because he is such an amazing designer!

My Thoughts on “Too Safe” Designers

I really don’t like when designers are “too safe.”  Meaning they do not take the creative risks needed for a challenge and just produce a design that takes them to the next challenge.  WHAT IS THE POINT OF THAT?  That shows lack of creativity and doesn’t show the designer’s true point of view.

I find it BEYOND coincidence that for this challenge April and Chris were both “safe” meaning they didn’t make the Top 3 or Bottom 3.  I’m sorry but I still have NO IDEA who Chris is as a designer and tired of him just floating on throughout the competition.  As for April, she has at least made Top 3 and Bottom 3 meaning she is taking the creative risks necessary for the competition but she just disappoints me for not kicking up her designs up a notch.  She doesn’t have a strong enough vision for a designer in my mind and that just worries me.

THIS REALLY SURPRISED ME!!!

Okay, I don’t understand how Michael Costello got Bottom 3 for these looks.  His cocktail dress was beautiful!  His first look was a bit dramatic with the train on the back but I liked the drama!  He could have maybe tweaked a few things but I was sure he was part of the Top 3 with my other two favorites for this challenge.

Michael Costello Design - THIS DID NOT BELONG IN BOTTOM 3!!!

WHO Should have been in the Bottom 3 instead of Michael Costello….

OKAY, I’m sorry but there is absolutely NOTHING about these designs that capture my visual interest in any way.  I actually really hate that I have to showcase this in my blog because it’s just so distasteful.  However, it is here for me to explain why this is not Top 3 material…

Gretchen Jones Design - How did this make Top 3? This would have been on my BOTTOM 3 list!!

For starters, I HATE when clothing does nothing for the shape of the body. I do admit it had good MOVEMENT when the models walked down the runway which made up for the fact that the silhouettes were very weak.  More so in the first look than the second.

I hated the prints, the two looks were the LEAST cohesive compared to what all the other designers presented, and worst of all–both looks were very outdated (again, the ready-to-wear piece was OKAY but did NOT wow me in the least bit).

Who I Thought Should Have Won…

Andy South Design - I love Andy! His designs are so fierce! His designs ALWAYS give me goosebumps because they always blow my mind. There is no doubt that he is a designer genius!

I was honestly really mad he did not win this challenge.  He always has such a strong vision behind his designs and I truly appreciate all the small design details that go into every single design.  At first I did think his looks were a little strong for the L’oreal ad, but after watching everything that went down the runway, his clearly won my vote for the winner of the challenge and the $20,000 cash prize.

Congrats Mondo!!!

Mondo Design - I especially liked his ready-to-wear piece. Job well done here!

Although his was not my top pick, his work did not disappoint me.  I thought his first look was just a tad over designed (the focus on the L’oreal ad is obviously the MAKEUP, so I thought the clothing design should not be so over-the-top where it distracted from the makeup) but yet it was really innovative and I admire that in his designs.  I really loved that head piece he whipped up for the first look.  His hair and makeup choices were also phenomenal!

FINALLY!!!  Ivy can pack her bags!!!  Or should I say sewing kit??

I have been waiting patiently week after week for her to pack her sewing machine.  Seriously, she needed to go home a long time ago. I never liked her from Day 1.  Her designs CONSISTENTLY lacked any sort of stylish taste and although she toots her own horn about being an impeccable seamstress…her construction skills really are not all that exceptional.

Although she did not impress me at all during the competition, I do admit I did shed some tears when she left because it was a very emotional moment on the show where Valerie admitted she believed she should have been the one to go home for this challenge instead of Ivy.  In all honesty, I think they both should have packed their sewing machines.

I also have said from the beginning that Valerie does NOT impress me.  She had one fantastic dress early in the season but you cannot be a one-hit wonder in this competition and expect to make it to Fashion Week.  I just know she does not have what it takes and she made it even more obvious during her meltdown in this episode. She is not consistent and I felt like she practically gave up during this challenge due to her lack of vision behind her work and poor construction.  It will only be a matter of time before she gets eliminated.

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STYLE BY MELI – Look of the Week [9/21/10]

Posted in EVENTS, EYE MAKEUP, FASHION, JERSEYLICIOUS, LIPGLOSSES, LOOK OF THE WEEK, MAC MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP on September 21, 2010 by stylebymeli

This look was actually created exactly a week ago (I just have not had the opportunity to post it in greater detail until today) when I went to Briella’s birthday party.  She comes to me when she needs makeup and it was nice of her to invite me!  Her party was held on a boat and will be featured in “Jerseylicious” this season during episode 13.  It should be fun to watch the episode knowing that I was there!

WHAT I AM WEARING…

- Purple cocktail dress (XOXO)

SHOES:

- Lavender heels with rhinestone detailing (Prada)
[These designer shoes are amazing and surprisingly comfortable!]

JEWELRY:

- Clear beaded lucite bracelet (Metropark)

- Silver ring (Forever 21)

MAKEUP: For the makeup, I wanted to go for a more smokey look and big lashes with more emphasis on the eyes.

EYE SHADOWS:

- MAC “Carbon” –> Jet black matte (LID)

I layered this shadow over “Blackground” paint pot, which is a dark grey black with shimmer.  For creating a super smokey look, “Blackground” is essential for eye prepping.

- MAC “Copperplate” –> Medium grey matte (CREASE)

This is a great color for a smokey look or even incorporated in the daytime.

- MAC “Solar White” eyeshadow –> Shimmery goldish white (HIGHLIGHT)

I wear this all the time!

* Please note for the eyeliner, I used a Korres WHITE eye liner pencil inside the waterline (on the bottom) with a black pencil lining the actual lash line.  This always picks up nicely in photography.

- MAC #6 lashes

These are big and dramatic!  Love them!

BLUSH:

- MAC “Peaches” blush –> Bright peach blush, matte

This is my typical jam, I especially wanted to wear it being that the eyes were really cool with the grey, I wanted brighter brush to warm up the cheeks.

LIPS:

- MAC “Boldly Bare” lip liner –> Neutral brownish/pinkish tone

This was a limited color but there are many other lipliners that could have worked out with this lip such as MAC “Whirl” which is sold all the time.

- MAC “Myself” lipstick –> Creamy neutral, lustre

This is another discontinued product from a previous MAC collection.  Although it is discontinued, I figured I’d show a photo of what the color looks like.  It is a basic neutral color without being too nude (where I feel washed out).

- Smashbox “Pout” lip enhancing gloss –> Pastel baby pink

Although I am true to MAC when it comes to the majority of my makeup (especially lip products)…I absolutely LOVE this lipgloss.  This color is totally my style when it comes to lipgloss.  It’s very sheer so it is best to wear over lipsticks.

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