Best Christmas Gifts of 2014: For Your Gal Pal

I love Christmas, more than any other holiday.  I love the lights, the trees, the food, the snowmen but my absolute favorite part is buying other people gifts, especially knowing you've found that perfect item!!  There is something so great about buying that perfect present for that special person.

These items have all been on family and friend's lists this year.  Check them out:

Christmas Gifts 2014 by redlipgloss featuring a lip gloss

Soap and Glory Soap for the Best Gift Set - Okay, if you've never tried an S&P product before, you need to run out and buy one ASAP.  No matter what it is you buy, (lotions, soap) their products are just out of this world.  $20 CAD for the set.

Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette -  I may or may not have picked this up for a certain best friend of mine for Christmas (wink, wink).  She LOVES Urban Decay and especially loved the color combinations in this little palette.  $62 CAD from Sephora

L'Occitane "Beautiful Hands" Set - I have been a lover of the L'Occitane line for a number of years.  Their creams are very luxurious and keep my extra dry hands moisturized all winter long.  $34 CAD from Nordstrom

Buxom Full Bodied Lip Gloss (any color) - I ranted and raved about this product last night.  Long lasting, kissable colors that aren't sticky AND plump up your lips while you wear it???  Yes, please.  $22 CAD from Sephora

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara - Have you ever wanted to try eyelash extensions?  Well, for half the price, and without the hassle, you can apply a special mascara that gives you that look.  This mascara has been raved about all over the internet.  It's no wonder there are so many replicas of it.  $35 CAD from My Site

Ole Henricksen Total Truth Eye Cream - Ole Henricksen has been a staple in my beauty regime for a few years.  This eye cream is great for people who aren't used to using one daily because it smells great and is mild for use around the eyes.  $56 CAD from Sephora

Happy shopping!!

    

Santa, You Really Are A Gem!

Whew.  As nice as holidays are sometimes it's just as nice to get back into a normal routine.  As much as I'm going to miss wearing my Christmas onesie (yes it has a trapdoor, feet and everything) everyday and eating absolutely ANYTHING I feel like, the time has come to go back to work, eat healthy and put away Christmas decorations.  It's also time to remove all the newly packaged gifts from under the tree...

I'm sure I am not the only one who can say this but MAN, did I get spoiled this year.  Though Allan and I typically only ask for gift cards or money (since renovating the condo costs quite a bit) I still got some really fantastic things that were on my list.  Here' s a few of my favorite things..

1.   Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Straightening Iron

I'd mentioned how much I had wanted this straightener in THIS post and was very thrilled to see it in my stocking.  (I knew I was getting it BUT had no idea the fantastic freebies thrown in with the original purchase.)

Can you believe these things were free?  I got a Sedu Revolution Pro Ionic Travel Dryer, a Sedu Revolution Compact Styler/Straightener AND a thermal pouch to store my iron in.  (The travel straightener also came with it's own thermal pouch.)  Love love love freebies so much.

2.  Aquis Essentials Microfiber Hair Towel

Allan turned me on to this towel about three years ago when he first purchased one for me for Christmas.  I had been using it ever since hence why a new one was needed.  For those that aren't too familiar with this item, it actually absorbs moisture more quickly then a normal towel and reduces the time needed to blow dry your hair.  Honestly, I use this every time I wash my hair and love the way my hair feels after using it.  I highly highly recommend this to all women OR people that blow dry their hair in the morning.

3.  Dior Couture Collection Brush Set

One of my biggest pet peeves of travelling is packing makeup brushes.  Not only do they take a lot of room since I only use full-size brushes but I am forever worrying about them breaking during flight.  This is my very first set of travel brushes and I am so looking forward to using them for our trip to Bali!  The brush set contains a foundation, blush, eye shadow and lip brush.

4.  Urban Decay Naked Palette 

YAY....it's finally mine!!!  Allan was such a gem in picking this up for me.  I have been going on and on and on about it that it's a wonder I never purchased it for myself.  Anyway, I have it and love the packaging so much that I have yet to open it.  However, when I do, I will not only swatch them BUT do an EOTD for you. I am so happy that this is finally mine!

5.  Mexican Ceramic Salsa Bowl

My parents came back from the Baja a few weeks before Christmas after spending almost three weeks touring Mexico in a little rented Nissan.  This bowl is something that my dad actually picked out for me and since he never shops, it means a great deal.  Mexican culture (and food) is very important to my family and I grew up eating chilis, burritos, tacos, enchiladas and pico de gallo from a very young age.  Actually, my family also wrote a chili cook book about 12 years ago.  Anyway, having my very own Mexican salsa bowl is awesome and I can't wait to put it to good use.

Hope you all got exactly the things you wanted from Santa and had a fabulous holidays and New Year.

Dear Santa....I've Been Sooooo Good This Year!!!!

It makes me sad to know that I stopped believing in Santa when I was 11.

I still remember that awful day when I found out he wasn't "real".  I had come home from school crying after being teased on the playground by my school mates about still believing in Santa.  I asked my Mom directly, "Mom, everyone says that Santa isn't real but I keep telling them that he is."  She looked at me and said, "Christina, it's time you knew the truth..."  Our conversation ended with me crying all evening and promising never to tell my little sister what I learned.  From that day on, Christmas was different for me.

Needless to say, my Mom still signs Christmas packages from Santa but, let's be honest, we all know the truth.  And this year, the role of Santa has fallen on to Allan's shoulders since we're having a just-him-and-I-and-no-family-Christmas this year.  Though we're on a budget because of the pending nuptials, my desires usually outshine logic during this time of year.  My ever-increasing list looks like this:

1.  Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron (1")

Alright, alright, I already know that Allan got this for me BUT it was an absolute necessity that I told him the one I wanted.  First, about three or four weeks ago my straightener DIED.  Seriously, DEAD!!!  Anyway, this one came not only very highly recommended but also with tons of free goodies so I sent him the link and made sure he purchased it.

2.  Urban Decay NAKED Palette 

I have wanted this palette for quite some time, let me tell you.  And about three weeks ago, with the launch of NAKED 2, I was completely taken aback by the fact that I didn't own the original yet.  Either way, the original is still the one I want and am hoping Santa/Allan will make it happen.

3.  Sephora Monopoly Limited Edition

Yes, I am slightly nerdy but, come on, Sephora makes a Monopoloy game???  How exciting would it be to play with lipstick charms instead of Scotty dogs?  Tons if I do say so myself.  Plus, I can not wait to sit Allan down and make him play with me!!!! 

4.  Nutcracker/Swan Lake/Carmen Ballet DVD's 

Ballet as you all know is still a major passion of mine and I would love nothing more than to have a HUGE collection of ballet DVD's.  The Bolshoi, the Kirov, the National School of Ballet....it doesn't matter the company as long as they are performing one of my favorite ballets.

5.  Strawberry Shortcake Decadent Body Butter by Cake 

Have you smelled this before???  It smells EXACTLY like the Strawberry Shortcake doll I used to have.  The scent is absolutely heavenly.  Plus, Cake is a great bath/body line and their creams last a very long time on your skin.

6.  LUSH Bath Bombs

I have left this open as I am happy with ANY and ALL scented bath bombs created by LUSH.  They all smell divine, make the tub water feel dreamy and leave a gorgeous feel on your skin afterwards.  No bath time is complete without one of these bad boys in the tub.

I really really really hope you're reading this Santa.  I have been SUCH a good girl this year.  (PS - What's on your list to Santa?)

Tropicana Eyes

Tropicana Eyes by redlipgloss on Polyvore.com

 
There is something so fascinating about lagoon-inspired colors.  They are beautifully rich in tone (almost resembling the richness of a peacock) and make me wish I was on a permanent beach vacation. 

The best part of wearing colors like this is the fun they add to any outfit.  Whether you're relaxing in capris or a long maxi skirt, wearing tones like this on your eyes attracts attention; in a good way!!

What are your thoughts about lagoon/peacock eye shadow colors?  How have your pulled the look off?

XO

FOTD: The Work Appropriate Black Smoky Eye

NOTE TO SELF:  Never attempt to apply a black eyeshadow before going to work.  Or, ensure you double check the eyeshadow you've grabbed before you apply it.

Yes, I'm sure you can figure out exactly what happened here.  I was applying my makeup, like I always do, and as I was applying my eyeshadow, I realized I had selected a color that could literally pass for black.  As you all know, once a color like that is ON your eye lid, it's very very very difficult to remove.  So, after rubbing my lids with a kleenex for a very long time (alright, slight exaggeration...more like 5 minutes) AND applying a shimmery shadow on top, I think I found the perfect smoky eye mix:

Face:

Smashbox Photofinish Color Correcting Primer (Green)

Dior Diorskin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup 010

Youngblood Fair Ultimate Concealer 

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup in 102

Youngblood Brow Artiste in Dark (Eyebrows)

Cheeks:

Gosh Cosmetics Giant Sun Powder

E.L.F. Natural Radiance Blusher in Shy

Eyes:

E.L.F. Elements Essential Custom Eye Shadow in Dusk

Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadow in Diamond Dog (bronze sparkle)

Youngblood Eye Liner Pencil in Blackest Black

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Black

Lips:

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Kiwiberry

I have to say, once applied I really do enjoy the look.  All in all I am pleasantly surprised.

XO

I Wish.....

For many things, of course, like any person does but here are the top 5 items I really really really want for the month of May!

1. The guts to pull off Pink's awesome hair cut and color

Now, you all know that I have short red hair now however, my style is longer on one side so I still have that comfort of hair covering my ears.  I'm sure with enough coaxing I will totally get this fabulous cropped do, hair color and all.

2.  Urban Decay Naked Palette

This palette makes my heart flutter.  It's one of the best products I've seen come out of Urban Decay's door AND it's also been given a huge amount of media attention.  However, since Allan has officially forbade me from purchasing any more palettes for a while, it looks like this product is officially staying a wish.  Unless, there is an Urban Decay Fairy.....hmmmmm

3.  The Barnes & Noble Color NOOK

I am actually going to be picking mine up here verrrryyyy soon.  This little bad boy is not only a color eReader BUT you can also get all your favorite magazines sent monthly to the NOOK for about 0.99 a month.  (Such a bargain.)  Oh, it also has tons of cute little apps to play, you can listen to your own music AND even watch you tube videos.  Sigh, I'm counting down the days....

4.  Stitched Logo Leather Alexandra Tote Bag from Coach 

Gorgeous right?  I love anything metallic and this bag is definitely silver awesome-ness.  I love it because it's big enough to hold everything (aka the NOOK) and is extremely fashion forward.  I have to say that here, in Vancouver, I hardly ever see anyone carry anything metallic so I love having things that make me different.  This bag is perfect for me.

5.  Eyelash Extensions

So, a few months back I blogged my progress on the RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum and actually had great success with it.  However, there comes a time when you need to try something new and different.  Since we're getting close to summer and mascara is not a good beach product, I thought I'd give this a whirl.  There are some amazing lash bars here in town so as soon as I give it a try, you'll all be the first to know!

What's on your May wishlist?  Anything extra special?  XO

My First Giveaway!

*********Closed at 11:59 pm (PST) March 26th*********

Thank you so much to all my followers and friends. This giveaway is definitely with you in mind...so, without further adieu, here are the items of My First Giveaway.

-St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask
-Avon Naturals Body Vanilla Hand & Body Lotion
-Two Revlon Scented Nail Polishes in Orange Pop and Peach Smoothie
-Bloom Aromatherapy Spearmint Lip Balm
-Rimmel London Color Rush Trio Shadow in Dark Angel
-Mark Celebrate Shimmer Powder Brush
-Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara in Electric Blue
-A cute sequin-y, shimmery purple change purse (or lipstick tote)

Giveaway Rules
1. You must publicly follow my blog through Google Friend Connect
2. Giveaway is open to all (International friends included)
3. If you're under 18, please have your parent or guardian's permission to enter

For One Entry

Follow me, if you aren't already and post in the comments:

-What you're most excited to try from this giveaway
-Your name
-Your Google Friend Connect name
-Your email address

For Additional Entries (Optional)
-Post this picture of my giveaway and link (back to this page) on the side of your blog [2
additional entries]
-Post this link and picture into the body of your blog [2 additional entries]
-Follow me on twitter @myredlipgloss and tweet about my giveaway [1 additional entry]

***if you are using any of the following Additional Entries, please indicate in your comment which ones you're using...I will check! This contest will close March 26th at 11:59PM pacific standard time.

I will be using Random.org to determine the winner and it will be announced on my blog. Once the winner is determined, I will email the individual promptly. If the winner has not responded within 3 days (72 hours), a new winner will be chosen.

YAY!! Good luck guys! xo

Lovin' the Bronze

I am completely mad for bronze eyeshadow.

Seriously, every store I go to I instantly beeline for the shadows and grab anything bronze. I think I'm into bronze for a few different reasons: First, I love the smoky eye look but had to find a different color other than black SINCE you can't wear dark colors to the office and still look professional. (It's really not appropriate.) Second, you can wear all your beautiful pink glosses and lipsticks with bronze lids. Last but not least, you don't look too overdone. (For some reason, Allan LOVES it when I wear little or no makeup so wearing bronze on my lids is like my compromise.)

Being the connoisseur of bronze that I am, here's a great list of shadows:

1) LORAC Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Superstar. This is the expensive one of the bunch ($33 CAN) but, man, is it worth it!! Three different colors that can be blended together to make the perfect bronze shade. They are extremely highly-pigmented and long-lasting on your lid. This is, quite possibly, one of the prettiest trios I have ever purchased.

2) Urban Decay Stardust Eye Shadow in Diamond Dog. This is a nice brown glittery color that goes on silky smooth but actually stays on the lid. I find with a lot of glitter shadows the sparkley bits fall onto your face during application but this product doesn't do that. Not too shabby for a medium priced shadow ($22 CAN)

3) Wet 'N' Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow in Nutty. This is, by far, my favorite of the three bronze shadows. Why you ask??? Could it be the fact that it only cost $1.99? Maybe. Or could it be that once applied it stays on all day? Fact is the shadow is highly-pigmented, has a very smooth texture and the color is absolutely perfect with my skin tone. I picked up three more of this color whenever I see it, just so I'll never run out.

4) COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Bedazzled Biscotti. This color is great for a base. Apply to lids, all the way up to eyebrow bone, prior to adding your favorite bronze shade. The color is similar to a light latte and has a subtle sparkle. ($4.99 CAN)

All in all, try out the bronze shadows and give your eyes a different look. Plus, this color really is a nice alternative to black.