Update! ♡ : News & Exciting Announcements

Hi lovelies! So for the past 2 weeks, I've been working like crazy right and left, trying to get as many blog posts and reviews for you all. And then out of the blue, I checked my mail one day and something totally unsuspecting happened that completely changed everything: A blogger reached out to me and not long after that, exchanged a few emails and now I officially work for her on a fashion website on www.tnt-tauna.com!

TNT Tauna is a fashion stylist and blogger that's based in the Orange County area, and she's been in the field quite a long time. I actually met Tauna through a couple of classes here in my college, and we've worked on a ton of projects together. Surprisingly, she was actually my inspiration to start my blog, and she couldn't have been more supportive on my decision. Words of wisdom were exchanged, and not long after that, the thoughts were in the air of actually signing me on to the team. As of now, she graduated with her certificate of Fashion Merchandising, and TNT-Tauna.com is continuously growing with a larger audience, and with a strong, dynamic and brilliant team of bloggers writing at Dynamite Editorials.

Dynamite Editorials is Tauna's very own production company that takes pride itself in exposing emerging talent. Dynamite Editorials is an educational production company specializing in editorial photography for portfolio use, promotion, and publication.  Artists are able to gain some real life experience working on a fashion production and an opportunity to network while learning from people who are already professionals in the fashion industry. As of now, I am officially working as a cosmetics blogger on Dynamite Editorials, and I couldn't be more happy, blessed, but of all else excited to even join a wonderful team of bloggers and us coming together to shine through on what amazing talents we hold and that what make each of us different.

So that now brings the question most of you have on your minds:

• "So what will you be doing now?"
• "Are you going to still be blogging here on "A Blog About Beauty xo?"
• "Where will I be seeing you on this new website you'll be at?"

And to make all three questions combine and answered all at once, I will be blogging on BOTH websites! Both of these websites are my jobs, and I actually have even more exciting things to share at www.tnt-tauna.com: I will be doing MORE in depth product reviews, plus step-by-step makeup tutorials! I can't wait to see you all at my 2nd location, and I just want to say that I love you all so much for your support here on "A Blog About Beauty xo". This website is growing so much, and I can't be more shocked that this is happening. I would never think that I would be here, but without all of you, I wouldn't even be here in the first place. Thank you all so very much.

• So check out my FIRST DEBUTED POST on www.tnt-tauna.com!
• As well also check out www.tnt-tauna.com herself!
• And, I actually created a Facebook page for "A Blog About Beauty xo"! All the latest updates for both blogs will be up on there! So go over and check it out! ♡ ♡ ♡

Thank you so much for reading!
Love you, xx

Review Time! ♡ : Lime Crime's Velvetine in "Pink Velvet"

Hi lovelies! So around of Summer of 2013, Lime Crime had a tremendous take-off with the company of their two Velvetines in their collection, "Red Velvet" and "Suedeberry" and they decided to expand their collection with an additional shade. Subtle hints and gorgeous pictures were taken on their Instagram page, and finally on September 9th, 2013 Lime Crime announced that Pink Velvet was joining the family! A shade not only as gorgeous and vivid itself, but it's unique with it's color vibrancy. Pink Velvet was officially released at Lime Crime on Black Friday, November 29th, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST.

This shade is really quite beautiful. It's very bold, but still has that natural "every day" look you want in a pink lipstick. This is actually a liquid lipstick, once applied to the lips, it's supposed to set dry as a matte finish. I highly recommend this lip shade if your looking for something that's bold yet simple, dramatic yet effortless, but of all else: daring yet natural, as well also something to set and last you for most of the day without worrying about it.

Photo above taken from my Instagram page.

This color is just really gorgeous, both in it's packaging, and even opened while staring at it's lip applicator. Looking at it from outside the tube, it has this frosted glass dome surrounding with the lip product holding inside. The top of the of the tube has pink flowers surrounding all around the handle, with the logo of Lime Crime unicorns on the top. Opening the product, you can smell a nice sugar scent, but after a while you can tell it's more of an "artificial" sugar smell lingering to it. The packaging itself is very cute, girly, and exciting but while holding it, it feels very heavy and expensive, so you can tell that this was made to last.

Photo above swatch in natural sunlight on NC 15 skin. 

Photo above swatch in indoor light on NC 15 skin.

Pink Velvet available for $20.00 USD at www.limecrime.com

This is one of the most gorgeous, yet simple pinks I have ever found in my life. A little just goes a long way with this shade, and it just makes you feel feminine in a way. The shade when wearing it feels very girly and happy, but also very youthful and still has that classy edge to it. Lime Crime describes this on their website that it's "The Perfect Matte Pink" and I can definitely say that the description is point on. The undertone in it has more of a soft fuchsia, rather than most pink lipsticks you see on the market this day has more combined with their cool blue undertones. It's something that can definitely be entirely universal to anyone, and I do recommend this shade to anyone who's looking for a lip color that wants to look very natural, but still set that effect of looking different. This finish of this lipstick is matte, meaning it sets dry after application. I got around a good 7 1/2 - 8 hours of wear with this, and touch up's were very minimal. More than amazed with this wonderful lasting power, and that there's no option of putting on a lip liner before applying this. In the end, your good to go with this baby!

Dupes: I can't think of any off the top of my head that's even remotely related to Pink Velvet, just because it's color payoff is so vibrant, let alone it's amazing lasting power. If I think of any, I will definitely update and let you know.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Application: 5

Coverage: 5

Color Payoff: 5

Texture: 5

Wear Time: 5

Packaging: 5

Photo above is me wearing Pink Velvet in natural sunlight, with Ardell Natural Lashes in #117.

Conclusion: Pink Velvet is just truly a shade I adore, and I never usually have felt that way about pink lipsticks. It a type of color that is not too harsh but it's not too simple either, yet again it is a simple shade. It has that happy medium to it, and it will look so flattering on just about anyone. It's a wonderful piece to keep in your collection, because it's one of those colors that can be used for an everyday look. It's a color that will definitely not disappoint, and I highly recommend Pink Velvet to just about anyone. If you get Pink Velvet, make sure you have fun wearing it!

If you want to shop for Pink Velvet on Lime Crime's website, click here!

Thank you so much for reading!
Love you, xx

Review Time! ♡ : MAC Cosmetics Maleficent Collection Pro Longwear Lipglass in "Anthurium"

Hi lovelies! So back around November of 2013, MAC Cosmetics announced that they would do another Disney collaboration with one of their most popular iconic villain's, Maleficent. The release of the collection was also released around the same time as the premiere of the movie, and I can't honestly tell you how much I have enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it, I recommend going to see it when you can, because the movie just has the most beautiful written story line. This collection was actually inspired by the makeup artists who created all of Angelina Jolie's looks in the movie, and they actually use most of these products on her, if not all of them! Most of these pieces in the collection are actually permanent, so if any of you missed out on the release, you can still get them in your local MAC retailers, if not online. MACxMaleficent was premiered on May 8th, 2014 around 6:00 AM PST, and in stores May 15th, 2014, and the collection comes with 14 pieces.

This collection is extremely exquisite and luxurious, but it's also very vampy. It's definitely something to consider looking into if you are a big fan of Disney, or even Maleficent herself. I highly recommend this collection if your looking into creating a look that's seductive, simple yet dramatic, and very effortless. I'm going to be reviewing the Pro Longwear Lipglass to the collection "Anthurium", which is a lipgloss, and it's one of the pieces from the collection that is limited edition.

Photo above taken from my Instagram page.

This lipgloss is quite interesting. When looking at the lipgloss outside the tube, it's very sleek and clean feeling. The bottom of the lipgloss has the movie logo "Maleficent" written around the the tube, with a slight faint image of her wings behind it, Disney's logo printed up top, and MAC's logo printed underneath. Opening the lipgloss, you can smell a cookie dough scent instantly, and the packaging is quite average, but holding and feeling it is very luxurious.

 Photo above swatch in natural sunlight on NC 15 skin.

Photo above swatch in indoor light on NC 15 skin.

Anthurium available for $22.00 USD at www.maccosmetics.com or a MAC retailer near you.

This lipgloss is really quite wonderful. The thing that I actually admire most is the fact that it can be easily worn alone, and you don't necessarily have to pair it with a lipstick. This lipgloss is PACKED with pigmentation, and it's so opaque, you can see how great the color payoff is at first swipe. One problem I have with this though is that it's super tacky and sticky, as well also that it bleeds within around 3 hours of wear. If you aren't really a big fan of glosses that stick on in the instant second use in it's application, then I wouldn't recommend this. The positive side though, usually when glosses stick, it will stay in place once you've applied the desired amount onto your lips. The gloss actually has wonderful lasting power, application is very easy to use, and will somewhat stay on your lips if your going out for the night. I got around 4 - 4 1/2 hours of wear, and I think that's amazing since glosses usually tend to last less than 2, if your careful. This gloss is very great if you just want something more light wearing, but you still want that high pigmentation in a lip product, and you want it to still somewhat show. You only need one or two coats to set the product, this tube will actually last in your collection for quite some time, since the tube is 1.92g/0.06oz. Anthurium is a wonderful piece to your makeup collection.

Dupes: Lime Crime's Carousel Gloss in "Cherry On Top" is a much cheaper and permanent alternative. It's quite similar and it's the same color, but it has gold specks of shimmer in the gloss, and not as near of it's lasting power like Anthurium. Another similar dupe would be Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in "Fire". It has more of a orange based undertone, and the payoff is quite sheer, but if built up, the color just looks absolutely the same. If you want a cheaper, easy access alternative, "Fire" would be my best recommendation. If I think of any similar products, I will update them on here. Definitely stock up on this if your looking for a red lipgloss to use for light coverage, or to use above any other red lipstick.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Application: 4.8

Coverage: 5

Color Payoff: 5

Texture: 4.5

Wear Time: 4.7

Packaging: 5

Photo above is me wearing Anthurium in natural sunlight, with Ardell Natural lashes in #117.

Conclusion: I'm far beyond happy with Anthurium. I recommend this if you've been looking for a good lipgloss that can do just about more than anything than a normal one, because this gloss will really impress you. Since Anthurium is limited edition, I definitely recommend to snatch this up. As of now, Anthurium is still available on MAC's website, so get it before it's gone! If you couldn't find the lipstick that came with the Maleficent Collection "True Love's Kiss", this is a better alternative, and it works just as well like the lipstick. Overall, this lipgloss is really a wonderful piece to keep in your collection if you want a wonderful red glossy shade, or if your a collector of MAC's limited edition collections. If you get this shade, make sure you have fun wearing it!

If you want to shop for Anthurium, or the rest of the MACxMaleficent Collection on MAC's website, click here!

If you want to read my review for the MACxMaleficent Lipstick in "True Love's Kiss", click here!

Thank you so much for reading!

Love you, xx

Review Time! ♡ : MAC Cosmetics Maleficent Collection Lipstick in "True Love's Kiss"

Hi lovelies! So back around November of 2013, MAC Cosmetics announced that they would do another Disney collaboration with one of their most popular iconic villain's, Maleficent. The release of the collection was also released around the same time as the premiere of the movie, and I can't honestly tell you how much I have enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it, I recommend going to see it when you can, because the movie just has the most beautiful written story line. This collection was actually inspired by the makeup artists who created all of Angelina Jolie's looks in the movie, and they actually use most of these products on her, if not all of them! Most of these pieces in the collection are actually permanent, so if any of you missed out on the release, you can still get them in your local MAC retailers, if not online. MACxMaleficent was premiered on May 8th, 2014 around 6:00 AM PST, and in stores May 15th, 2014, and the collection comes with 14 pieces.

This collection is extremely exquisite and luxurious, but it's also very vampy. It's definitely something to consider looking into if you are a big fan of Disney, or even Maleficent herself. I highly recommend this collection if your looking into creating a look that's seductive, simple yet dramatic, and very effortless. I'm going to be reviewing the lipstick to the collection "True Love's Kiss", which has an Amplified finish, and it's one of the pieces from the collection that is limited edition.

Photo above taken from my Instagram page.

This lipstick is just as gorgeous in person as it is in pictures. When looking at the lipstick bullet in it's packaging, it's very sleek and clean feeling. The bottom of the lipstick has the movie logo "Maleficent" written around the the tube, with a slight faint image of her wings behind it, Disney's logo printed up top, and MAC's logo printed underneath. Opening the lipstick, you can smell a yummy cake vanilla scent instantly and you can already almost fall in love at first sight with this gorgeous dark cherry shade.

Photo above swatch in natural sunlight on NC 15 skin.

Photo above swatch in indoor light on NC 15 skin.

True Love's Kiss available for $17.50 USD at www.maccosmetics.com or a MAC retailer near you.

This is one of the most gorgeous red's I have ever found in my life. The color itself is very indulging, similar to a yummy cherry. Wearing this, I almost felt like I was gracing everyone around, feeling like Maleficent herself saying "Well, well...". The shade when wearing feels very seducing, sexy, but also very sophisticated. On MAC's website, the shade is described as a "Clean Bright Red", and I can definitely say that the description is point on. I think since this lipstick is more blue-based, it can be use universally, with anyone having pale skin, or someone with color. The finish of this lipstick is Amplified, meaning that they have a soft and light creamy coverage, with a glossy finish and high pigmentation, but the lasting power tends to fade just a slight quicker than other average lipsticks. Surprisingly though, I actually got wonderful lasting power with True Love's Kiss than other normal Amplified lipsticks, and no lip liner applied with it! Applying it first, you have to put on a couple coats just to even out the pay-off. But after around 3 coats, I was good to go with this baby! It lasted at around 5 1/2 to 6 hours, before I actually noticed that you have to re-apply it. But I think that's wonderful lasting power, since half of the Amplified lipsticks I've worn by MAC didn't even last me for more that 4 hours. Optionally, I would recommend a lip liner to this though, just to play it safe if you want to go out with this for more than a few hours.

Dupes: I can't think of the top of my head any Amplified lipsticks by MAC that's almost exactly like this one. This is one of the best lipsticks by MAC I've ever seen, especially since it's lasting power! If I think of any, I will definitely update and let you know.

Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Application: 4.5

Coverage: 5

Color Payoff: 5

Texture: 5

Wear Time: 4.8

Packaging: 5

Photo above is me wearing True Love's Kiss in natural sunlight, with Ardell Natural lashes in #117.

Conclusion: I absolutely adore True Love's Kiss. This has got to be my most reached favorite red shade at the moment. I hope MAC decides to create a new shade that's similar to this, because the color is just beautiful and the finish it quite wonderful too! I'm far beyond happy with this color, and I'm very disappointed that it's sold out now on MAC's website. If you have a MAC retailer near you, I recommend you stop by and ask if they have any leftover from the launching date (which was May 15th), because this red is a must-have for your collection. Right now, they only have their Pro Longwear Lipglass from the collection "Anthurium" available on their website, which works just as well alone, or even with the lipstick if you have it. But if they don't have it, then check around other retailers and distributors who carry MAC, such as Nordstrom, Dillard's, or Macy's to see if they still have it in stock. I hope you find this lipstick shade, and I wish you lots of love and luck to find True Love's Kiss! I will be reviewing MacxMaleficent Pro Longwear Lipglass in "Anthurium" very shortly!

If you want to shop for the rest of the MacxMaleficent Collection on MAC's website, click here!

Thank you so much for reading!

Love you, xx