Spring

MAC Eye Shadow x 15, Warm Neutral

Neutrals have leaned cool lately, and words like “greige” have been coined as a result. To stand out a bit in the crowd, you can opt for this MAC Eye Shadow x 15 Warm Neutral palette. My first thought when I saw this palette was, “No, no, no… this won’t work for me!” When I swatched these colors, however, I realized that you really can’t judge a book by it’s cover! The colors delivered by these pretty shadows appear different when applied, and are very appealing for the spring and summer of 2017!

MAC Eye Shadow x 15, Warm Neutral Swatches Top Row

The top row of shades is filled with a combination of finishes, from metallic to soft matte and everything in between! From left to right: Hey (a medium gold), Warm Breeze (a soft peach), Gingersnap (a spicy rose), Dark Brew (a soft pinkish brown), and Dance In The Dark (a deep coffee brown). These five shades can be used stand alone to create such a pretty, modern “sunset” eye makeup look!

MAC Eye Shadow x 15, Warm Neutral Swatches Middle Row

The middle row has a frosty feel, with shades ranging from pale champagne to a deep rust. From left to right: Brule (a soft ivory), Vanilla Extract (a peachy ivory frost), Honey Lust ( a shimmering pale bronze), Amber Lights (a bold copper), and Saddle (a matte copper).

MAC Eye Shadow x 15, Warm Neutral Swatches Bottom Row

The bottom row is a mixture of precious metals, from pale gold, copper, bronze, and an antiqued bronze that appears almost green. WOW these are eye catching! They are great to use as accent colors in conjunction with other shades from the palette. From left to right: Lemon Tart (a very pale gold), Creative Copper (a pale bronze), Butterfudge (a medium bronze), Divine Decadence (a bold dark bronze), and Unwind (a tarnished antique gold that leans green).

Retail price for this gorgeous shadow palette is $65.

Click HERE to shop MACCosmetics.com, other retailers include Nordstrom.com, Bloomingdales.com, Macys.com and Saks.com.

The product in this review was a press sample. Please click HERE to read my full disclosure.

Lancôme La Rose Blush Poudrer Spring 2017

The jewel of the Lancôme Absolutely Rose Spring 2017 color collection is the stuff dreams are made of. Lancôme La Rose Blush Poudrer is housed in a delicate paper box inspired by a jewelry box, and adorned with a Parisian design. Inside is a fabric flower with a special secret. The petals are dusted with an opalescent pink highlighting powder! While this item is naturally a wonderful choice to buy yourself, it would also make an outstanding gift! What a perfect substitution if you planned to buy someone a bouquet for their birthday!

While the artful quality of this highlighter is most captivating, the color it delivers is spectacular as well. This highlighter is an icy pink that gleams a youthful quality and adds major dimension to the cheeks. Not sure how to apply? The collection also offers a kabuki brush to expertly apply this gleaming highlight to the top of the cheeks. A quick visit to the Lancôme website will also help out, as a video is available showing how to apply many items from the Lancôme Absolutely Rose collection!

Retail price is $60. Retailers include Lancome-usa.com, Nordstrom.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Bloomingdales.com, and Saks.com.

The products in this review were press samples. Please click HERE to read my full disclosure.

Kroger And Fry’s Patio Furniture Selection

When it comes to grocery shopping, I’m generally in and out as quickly as possible. I also choose shop at the stores nearest to my home, and generally don’t venture out to see what other stores offer. My friends had raved to me about Fry’s–part of Kroger family of stores–so when I was approached with an opportunity to check out their seasonal patio furniture selection I was happy to accept!

Kroeger Patio Sale: Large Outdoor Dining Table at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Large Outdoor Dining Table at Fry’s

First of all, Fry’s was HUGE and had an incredible selection! They even had a book section, complete with rich-looking wooden shelving. While wandering in that section, I really felt like I was in a bookstore, not a grocery store!

Finally, I found it. In the midst of pantry merchandise was an oasis of outdoor furniture, complete with an open umbrella. An older gentleman had spotted this little retreat as well, and relaxed in a cushioned rocker. I snapped some images to share the selection with you, but what was most notable were the prices. These pieces are just downright affordable, and the selection includes options for just about any amount of space from a larger dining table with umbrella and padded chairs to a smaller bistro set for a balcony.

Fry’s Patio Furniture Selection

The very first thing that caught my eye was this Catalina 5 Piece Dining Set. The collection includes a very attractive neutral table and four chairs with cushions. What a wonderful set for hosting outdoor meals! Umbrella is sold separately for $39.99. Catalina 5 Piece Dining Set retails for $299.99!

Kroeger Patio Sale: Outdoor Bistro Table at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Outdoor Bistro Table at Fry’s

For those with tinier outdoor spaces, the Orchards 3 Piece Balcony Set is the perfect choice! Ideal for romantic candle-lit meals for two on a highrise balcony, this set features a 27″ glass top table with dining chairs. Each piece is sold separately, so you can add as many chairs as you’d like! Orchards 3 Piece Balcony Set Retails For $119.97.

Shown above: Glass table with chairs.

Kroeger Patio Sale: Outdoor Bench at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Outdoor Bench at Fry’s

I’ve been looking for an outdoor bench for quite some time. I’ve always enjoyed hanging out in the front yard while my kids play, but right now I have no chairs to relax in! This bench is a beautiful bronze-tone that is perfectly at home here in the Southwest. Retail price $69.99.

Kroeger Patio Sale: Solar Powered Décor at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Solar Powered Décor at Fry’s

I love sprinkling little solar-powered decorations throughout my yard! When I moved, I left behind my pretty little garden baubles. I was so happy to see these adorable little solar powered hummingbirds and butterflies! Retail price $19.99 each.

Kroeger Patio Sale: Firepit at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Firepit at Fry’s

Who doesn’t like s’mores on a cool spring evening? This portable firepit is a mere $34.99, and helps keep the patio nice and warm!

Kroeger Patio Sale: Bistro Table at Fry's — Kroeger Patio Sale: Bistro Table at Fry’s

There are even MORE beautiful choices than these available, so be sure to head into your local Fry’s or Kroeger to see the entire selection!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.

butter LONDON Project Runway Junior

butter LONDON products used in Project Runway Junior

Recently on Project Runway Junior, celebrity makeup artist Scott Patric created a neutral, glowing makeup look using butter LONDON products! The overall look was vibrant and natural, with subtle hints of metallic bronze, gold, and copper. Some of the items used to create this look are shown above!

True To Form Swatches, butter LONDON BronzerClutch Palette

The butter LONDON True To Form BronzerClutch Palette features three neutral colors of bronze in varying finishes and depth. This palette is designed beautifully, featuring an intricate geometric design on the case. Why so much detail into the appearance? This palette is reusable! The frame can be lifted and refill pans can slide in and out. Not a fan of three bronzers in one palette? You can replace with eyeshadow or blush!

True To Form BronzerClutch Palette swatches from left to right: Sun Kissed is a deep coppery bronze with a metallic finish. Sun Baked is a warm terracotta with a matte finish. Sun Shadow is a warm toasty brown that’s ideal for contouring. Finally, at the far right is the highlight shade, Gold.

Speaking of the highlight shade… The highlighter in the butter LONDON Bronzer Clutch comes in pen form! The On the Glow Pen in Gold is tucked into a compartment of the clutch, and can be applied atop the cheekbones to really add that golden goddess glow! Retail price for the BronzerClutch Palette $39. On The Glow Pens are available in multiple colors, so if another catches your fancy you can buy it stand-alone for $12.

butter LONDON Free Fall Plush Rush Lip Gloss

Free Fall Swatch, Plush Rush Lip Gloss by butter LONDON

The lips featured in the Project Runway Junior fashion show were neutral, but not invisible! Free Fall Plush Rush Lip Gloss by butter LONDON is neutral with a hint of a berry shade and a subtle sexy shimmer. I’m crazy about this decadent formula, and while it contains a plumping effect I detected zero tingling. Retail price is $20. STEAL ALERT! butter LONDON offers a duo of Free Fall Plush Rush gloss and Plush Rush Lipstick in Buzzed for only $30!

Spark Swatch, butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss — Bronzed Swatch, butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss

The focal point of the entire look was butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss. The molten “Bronzed” shade shown above makes big impact when used as part of a neutral eye. The unique butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss formula applies creamy, then quickly dries for to long-wearing intense color. There are a handful of colors to try, including one named Oil Slick that’s now on my short list. Retail price is $24.

Click HERE to shop this selection at butterLONDON.com! Other retailers include Ulta and Nordstrom.

The products in this review were press samples. Please click HERE to read my full disclosure.

NARS Wildfire Spring 2017 Collection

The NARS Wildfire Spring 2017 collection is here and it is filled with cheerful color that could brighten even the most dreary winter day! This spring makeup collection is filled with flowery pops of color, blues like the sea, and neutrals for balance. I’m crazy in love with this collection, and I’m guessing you will be too! Keep scrolling for close-up photos, swatches, and pricing!

NARS Wildfire Spring 2017 Collection Photos and Swatches

NARS Bumpy Ride Blush is a cheerful warm apricot/pink. This is THE blush color of the collection, and who wouldn’t like it? It’s a universally flattering shade that works for every complexion. Retail price is $30.

NARS Wildfire offers two different Duo Shadow compacts. Shown above is Chiang Mai, a perfectly paired blue/green with a frosty finish and bold bronze. Not pictured is Thessalonique, a pale pink paired with a smoky violet. Retail price is $36.

NARS Siros and Grand-Large Swatches — NARS Grand-Large and Siros Swatches

To further accentuate the eyes, these creamy NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks can be blended for all over color, or a controllable accent. There are a total of four shades in this collection. The two shown above (left to right) are Grand-Large a frosty pale blue, and Siros– a bronze brown. Retail price is $29 per pencil.

If you think only red lipstick makes a splash, you need to check out NARS Breaking Free lipstick. This orangy-peach shade is matte and very opaque. It is such an incredible shade to pair with a tan or darker complexion. The other lipstick in this collection is named Kiss Me Stupid, described by the brand as a burnt sienna. Retail price is $28 per lipstick.

NARS Asphalt Jungle Lip Gloss, NARS Wildflower 2017 — NARS Asphalt Jungle Lip Gloss, NARS Wildfire 2017

One of my favorite items from this makeup collection is NARS Lip Gloss in Asphalt Jungle. NARS Lip Gloss in general is such a buttery, decadent-feeling product. I love it in just about every color, but this neutral shade is a deep brown that leans a bit plum laced with a subtle deep pink shimmer. It’s such a unique twist on a standard neutral color. One other shade is available in this collection, a deep earthy red named Aragon. Retail price is $26 per lip gloss.

Click HERE to buy this product at NARSCosmetics.com. Other retailers include Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Ulta.

The product in this review was a press sample. Please click HERE to read my full disclosure.