today's accessories

Why is spring so cold this year?

I can't believe it ended up snowing today.

St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer Review

I bought this St. Ives moisturizer almost three months ago and haven't found the time to update you on it. I was lured to this product by the promise of visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles with collagen and elastin proteins. Oh, that and it costs about $4 for a year's supply.

But darn my sensitive skin. 

I'm really disappointed in this moisturizer. Shortly after using it, I started breaking out in little tiny bumps all over my forehead. I have sensitive skin, but I've never been one to break out. I blame the high amounts of mineral oil in the moisturizer (and maybe the perfume). I have never avoided oil in my facial products because breaking out was never a problem... but this moisturizer really did it. I am still recovering from some blemishes due to the breakout. 

I now use this facial moisturizer as a body lotion. :( Perhaps the collagen will keep my skin supple. The problem is that it isn't even very moisturizing. For something completely oil based, you would think it is - but it feels like it just sits on your skin. This is not even worth the $4.

Have you bought any disappointing products lately?

BH Cosmetics Coupon Codes December 2012 & Giveaway

BH Cosmetics Coupon Codes December 2012

LUSH   Free Lush Gel Eyeliner With $25+ Purchase. Click coupon and enter LUSH Upon Checkout. Shop Now & Save!

SURPRISE   Purchase the New 40 Color BH Party Girl Eyeshadow Palette & Receive a FREE GIFT! Click coupon and enter SURPRISE upon checkout. Limited Time Offer!

View more BH Cosmetics coupons at KT Coupon »

BH Cosmetics 120 2nd Edition Palette Review

I received my BH Cosmetics 120 2nd Edition Palette in the mail yesterday. It was such a huge box that I got really excited. The box was nearly large enough to fit ten palettes!

Super break-proof packaging.

So many layers and covers to protect the shadows.

So many vibrant colors: matte and frost and oh my!

More eyeshadows underneath!

Quick swatches of the bottom right five colors.

There are 120 colors to choose from so I don't even know where to start. For myself, I stick to neutrals, golds and browns 95% of the time. This palette is not the most practical palette for me, but it would be great for someone who likes to experiment or for aspiring makeup artists. 

Review Summary: BH Cosmetics 120 2nd Edition Palette

Pigmentation: I have not tried all the colors, but the pigmentation was good for the most part. The quality of the eyeshadows are not uniform as some colors show up much better than others. I'll do some more swatches, but in general the quality of the shadows are similar to regular drugstore shadows. 4/5

Lasting Power: The lasting power varies between shadows, but are mostly average quality. 3/5

Packaging: The packaging is nice, but I don't care for the purple separator. 4/5

Value: Excellent for $29.99, although you will find similar or cheaper on Ebay. It might be worth paying for the service though. 5/5

Overall: Worth it if you are looking for a variety of colors. B

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure 

Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color Review

Swatches coming soon (without my camera at the moment)

Maybelline Super Stay 24 is extremely long lasting and nondrying - though the color selection leaves something to be desired. I tried on Everlasting Wine and it was quite true to its name.  It stained my lips for well over 24 hours (something I'm not too happy about). I am sure it lasted so long because the color I tried was so dark and because I rubbed so much on... but it is ridiculous when washing my face with soap does not remove my lip color. I also swatched Wear on Wildberry, Forever Chestnut and Timeless Rose on my hand and it took several hand washes and scrubbing with makeup remover to remove the color completely. I would only recommend getting this product in a natural, wearable color unless you want to go to bed with deep stained lips. You can wear this one to the beach without fear.

Disclaimer: This post contains product(s) sent to me courtesy of bzzagent. I am neither paid nor compensated for my opinion. As always, my priority is to my readers and I express only my honest opinion in every post.

Sigma Brushes Giveaway and Coupon

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Check Out Other Giveaways

Sigma Brushes Coupon Codes 2012

"This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament." -Sigma

Prize: 1 Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki
End Date: 4/15/2011
Details: Follow this blog and fill in your name and email below. As promised, this giveaway is open internationally. The winner will be selected using random.org at the end of the giveaway. I will contact the winner for her mailing address and forward it to Sigma. Sigma will be shipping the prize to the winner directly. One entry per person.

Sigma has kindly offered to sponsor this giveaway as a part of the Sigma Beauty Affiliate incentive program. I joined their affiliate program this week because I am planning to buy a few tapered face brushes. I have not yet made the purchase nor have I generated sales - yet they were kind enough to offer me an F80 brush for myself and one to give away. If you are someone who buys from Sigma, I encourage you to check out their affiliate program to save money.

Look out for a review of the F80 brush soon. I will also tell you how I like the tapered brushes once I get around to ordering them. (I just have to buy them after hearing Lisa Eldridge rave about them.)

 This giveaway is sponsored by Sigma. Sigma will ship the prize directly to the winner. I am not being compensated for this giveaway, but I am a Sigma Beauty affiliate.

Sephora Giveaway

CLOSED - Check Out New Giveaways!

First Place Prize: $40 Sephora Gift Card

Second Place Prize: $10 Sephora eGift Certificate

• To enter this giveaway, you must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and fill out the form below.
• Open to US and Canada residents; 1 submission per person, per email.
• Gveaway ends April 15, 2011 11:59 PM EST.
• Two winners will be selected via random.org and contacted after giveaway ends.

1 entry when you fill out the form. (Must follow blog.)
+2 additional entries when you blog or make video linking this giveaway. (optional)
+2 additional entries when you link the giveaway on your blog sidebar. (optional)

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored giveaway. Handmade Reviews is not affiliated with Sephora.

Emma Pillsbury's Sweater Guards

I've been watching Glee lately and have become absolutely obsessed with Emma's sweater guards/clips.

I love her style!

I have to get my hand on some sweater clips!

New Jewelry: Jewelmint, Etsy

I couldn't resist this Jewelmint Sweetheart Ring from the February collection!

The engraving in the back adds a touch of elegance.

It's truly a unique design and I love it!

As worn by Kate Bosworth.

I bought this sideways cross necklace from Lily Lawson on etsy.

It's a really subtle, barely-there kind of jewelry that I can wear daily.

I was not going to continue with Jewelmint, but I couldn't resist the ring. It is so cute and unique that it really stood out to me. I ordered it in a size 7 to wear on my middle finger, but it was still a little loose. They still have a few in stock, so I say size down if you are going to get it.

I received my necklace from Lily Dawson within two days of placing my order. She even customized the chain from 16" to 15" for me free of charge. At $26 with $3 shipping, the necklace is a little less than Jewelmint jewelry. Thanks Lily!

Disclaimer: I bought everything myself. Honest opinions as always.

Eyeko Coupon Code 2013 | Mascara and Eyeliner Review

Eyeko Cosmetics Coupon Codes and Discounts May 2013

E10427 Click coupon code and enter code into ambassador code box during checkout to receive a gift with any purchase of $20 or more from Eyeko.com.

Having heard that I have not yet tried Eyeko's Big Eyes Mascara and Graffiti Eyeliner Pen, Sophie from M Beauty sent me the mascara and eyeliner to try. Thank you so much, Sophie. I am really glad that I got a chance to try these products because I absolutely adore them!

As always, Eyeko products have the cutest packaging. The mascara tube can be squeezed like a toothpaste tube. :) How adorable is that? I don't know if I'll ever squeeze it in fear of it exploding, but it's good to have that option. You can save a lot of products.

I was instantly impressed with the graffiti eyeliner pen. Thin and thick strokes were easily attainable and the ink absolutely does not smudge. It dries almost instantly. I wore it out for a test run and after an entire night of dancing, the liner remained the same as when I first applied it. I still prefer my Revlon colorstay liner for everyday use just because it is easier to wash off at night, but this Eyeko eyeliner has become a personal favorite. I really recommend this Eyeko graffiti eyeliner pen if you are looking for an affordable eyeliner that will not smudge or budge. Be forewarned: you'll need to get yourself a good eye makeup remover!

Review Summary: Eyeko Grafitti Eyeliner

Pigmentation: 5/5

Lasting Power: 4/5

Packaging: 4.5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Overall: It's very easy to use and the payoff is great. A-

I love the consistency of the big eyes mascara. It is thin without being runny, yet sticks without being dry. The brush is thin and widespread, so if you don't wiggle it through your lashes you will get clumped. The mascara itself is absolutely waterproof. It is most things proof, actually. It adds extreme volume to my lashes. I just wish removing it were not such a hassle! It took a lot of makeup remover and time to remove the mascara. I will use this mascara on a hot, sultry day without worrying about it melting all over my face - but removing this is not something I want to deal with on a daily basis. I accidentally feel asleep with my makeup on one night and woke up with the mascara intact. A small clump or two of dried mascara here and there but no raccoon eyes. If you have not found a mascara waterproof enough for you - look no further.

Review Summary: Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara

Effectiveness: 4/5

Lasting Power: 4/5

Packaging: 4.5/5

Value: 3.5/5

Overall: It adds some volume, but no real lift and lengthening. B-

Disclaimer: This post contains product(s) sent to me for testing or reviewing consideration. I am neither paid nor compensated for my opinion. As always, my priority is to my readers and I express only my honest opinion in every post.