MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick : Go Big Or Go Home

I know, I know. I am so behind on reviews (LOL, which I seem to be doing all the time).  I did some heavy damage to my wallet during the Sephora Friends & Family sale, so please do expect tons of product reviews coming up.

While hunting for a nice opaque lip color, I set my eyes on the MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick ($19).  I've read some awesome reviews on this product, and it sure did not fail my high expectations. I picked up #39, a bright orange coral shade, which isn't your usual color for the Winter months, but I am a sucker for coral lips.

More about the product : A highly pigmented, long-lasting lipstick that delivers rich color in one stroke. Formulated with 50% more pigment than the traditional lipstick, Rouge Artist Intense gives an immediate true-to-color result. A blend of three natural waxes, the creamy texture glides on effortlessly for a long-lasting hold. The extensive color and texture range provides unlimited creativity. This product is sold exclusively at Sephora and are available in 3 finishes—matte, pearly, and satin.

The Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick comes in a variety of finishes (matte, pearly, satin), depending on the shade of the lipstick. #39 actually looks like a bright orange red in tube but applies with a much stronger coral tone. It is a very close dupe for the mega popular MAC Ever Hip Lipstick ($14.50) that was launched in the Give Me Liberty of London Collection earlier this year.

To me, the Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick is like the adult version of Ever Hip. It is brighter, stronger, creamier, and more opaque. It did not dry out my lips even after a whole day of wear, but also didn't give any moisturization. And it definitely takes some practice before you can get a smooth and even finish. Using a lip brush is highly recommended due to the somewhat "heavy" creamy texture. The best part about this product, other than the lovely bold pigmentation, is that the color stays on for hours, although it slowly gets rubbed away throughout the day. However, being careful of not eating or drinking excessively with the lipstick on, I was able to get at least 5-6 hours out of it, which is a very great performance.

I am in love with this lipstick and already have my eyes on more shades. Next time when my local Sephora gets more in stock, I will pick up #43 (Moulin Rouge), which I have heard many raves about. 

If you pick the right color, this lipstick can be a perfect addition to a natural and long lasting daily look. However, with the bold formulation and high pigmentation, some of the brighter colors are more suitable for night looks or special occasions.

Note : Sephora is the exclusive beauty retailer for this product.

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Boscia : Friends & Family 2010

For those of you who missed the Sephora Friends and Family sale, now is a good opportunity to pick up some Boscia products as the brand is kicking off its 2010 Friends & Family event.

Fine print : Enter code fnf2010 in the promotion code box at checkout to receive the offer on qualifying purchases. Not valid in Canada, retail stores, on previous purchases, purchases of kits, regimen sets and gift cards. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Offer valid through November 15, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. PST/PDT.

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The Power of Pink : Darphin

Our Breast Cancer Awareness Month showcase is coming to an end as we step into November, but hang in there everyone; I have just a few more brands to name.

More about the product : The limited Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Darphin Intral Soothing Cream ($70) is particularly recommended for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated. Respects skin's vulnerability as it replenishes skin with essential moisture and helps protect against environmental aggressors.

Darphin will donate $20.00 for each Intral Soothing Cream sold in North America throughout October which will go toward a $6,000 donation. This product is available at select spas, Bergdorf Goodman, and at www.darphin.com

For more information on the pink campaign and breast cancer, please visit :

http://www.nbcam.org/

http://www.komen.org/

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.cancer.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/features/breastcancerawareness/

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The Power of Pink : Boscia

Only a few more days left until the end of October, so let's pick up our speed and see who else is on our line up.

Although the hot summer days have long gone, a good blotting paper is still one of my everyday necessities. This October, bring home the famous Rose Blotting Linens ($10) from the brand and do something good for the Pink Campaign. Boscia will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation to support breast cancer research.

More about the product : Instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration without disturbing your makeup. Let your personality shine, not your skin! Made from finely woven leaf fibers of the exotic Abaca Tree Plant and infused with the exquisitely feminine essence of rose to help soothe your skin and uplift your psyche.

Enter code Allure20 at checkout for 20% off of any online order.

For more information on the pink campaign and breast cancer, please visit :

http://www.nbcam.org/

http://www.komen.org/

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.cancer.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/features/breastcancerawareness/

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The Power of Pink : Bumble and bumble

Next brand on our line up for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month showcase is Bumble and bumble.

During the month of October, $5 from your each purchase of the Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode Hairspray ($15 ~ $25) from either of our two Bumble and bumble NYC salons, the Bb.StylingBar and Shop at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, or online will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The brand will donate up to $25,000 to BCRF.

More about the product : A multi-dimensional styling tool - it gives flexible hold, workability, exceptional memory and can take heat & repeated brushing - on supermodels and non-supermodels alike. 

For more information on the pink campaign and breast cancer, please visit :

http://www.nbcam.org/

http://www.komen.org/

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.cancer.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/features/breastcancerawareness/

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