Beauty Want Its- Sleek Cosmetics

I am not one for budget beauty, at all. Now that you all know that, I will say that the tides of change might be on the horizon. Another UK brand has recently fallen under my radar, and it happens to be a budget beauty find (insert collective gasp here).

Thanks to many of my UK beauty blogging bunnies, I am seriously wanting to snag myself some Sleek Makeup. Sleek is a brand that sells in most UK Superdrug stores, but hasn't yet made its debut on our side of the pond; a fact that has me very, very upset. According to the website, a direct shipping feature will be available at some point, but I am not exactly known for my patience and I want to try it now!

Anyway, here are the items that have caught my eye in particular:

- Sleek iDivine Palette in Acid- Promising creamy matte shadows in bright neon colors, this definitely has my interest piqued.

- Eyeliner Ink Pots- Pink and yellow gel eyeliners? Sign me up!

Illamasqua, Barry M, and now Sleek. Considering the fact that all of my lingerie comes from London too, and I would say a relocation is in order pronto.

Has anyone tried Sleek? Is it worth the hype? Do share!

Zoya Hot Lips

L-R: Resolution, Blog, Luvie

By now, everyone and their mom has probably heard of how great Zoya Nail polishes are. With fantastic colors that last on my digits for over a week (an impressive feat for any polish), it is no wonder Zoya is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands for my nails.

News to me, and I am sure to some of you too, is the fact that Zoya also has a great line of lipbalms called Hot Lips. Hot Lips are glossy squeezable tubes of lipbalm. They come in a wide variety of colors (50 shades that range from clear to deep red), smell and taste fruity, and have a tackiness to them that helps them adhere to the lips for a long time. Being that these are a balm and not straight up gloss, they have excellent moisturizing properties, making my lips super soft. These are a great alternative to boring Chapstick, and I keep the three I have stashed in various spots for whenever I need a glossy boost.

Here is a swatch of the 3:

L-R Resolution, Blog, Luvie

And a lip swatch of the raspberry shade,Resolution:

Zoya Hot Lips are available exclusively on the Art of Beauty website and are an affordable $6 each.

What are your glossy quick-fixes?

Shu Uemura Limited Edition Cleansing Oils

You read my review, now its time to get excited over brand new, limited edition packaging on the fabulous Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils.

From the website:

"In collaboration with renowned manga artist and beauty expert Moyoco Anno, Shu Uemura introduces playful new packaging. the oils remain the same; the bottles are more beautiful than ever. These new presentations are available for a limited time only, while supplies last."

Available in Premium, Brightening, Fresh, Balancing and Classic, these cleansing oils come in formulations to suit every skin type. I can imagine these quirky and unique bottles adorning my bathroom quite nicely. They are pricey- ranging from $65-$75, each, but the quality is exceptional and they last forever. I am sure you can also refill the bottle with handsoap (or even lotion) when you are done with the oil, making this an excellent multitasker.

The Shu Uemura cleansing oils are available right now, so Go Shopping! Tell me if you indulge, because I just might, Fresh is calling my name I say...

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Polish

I have blogged on my love for the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars, now allow me to introduce you to the amazing nailpolishes, while you still have the chance to snag free shipping:

These polishes are serious hotness. With a satin finish and intense pigmentation, these polishes dare you to go bold in colors like bright acid green (Wasabi) and traffic stopping yellow (Traffic). For those who are not as adventurous, there are colors like beige (Pallid) and taupe (Uber). I love the versatility, the application of the colors (which apply smooth and full with 2 coats), and the satiny finish these polishes have.

There are 15 shades available, of which I have 12, shown below. I do believe I need to complete my set, though Ginger doesn't appear on the site.

L-R Swamp Thing, Dangerous, Anime, Spanglemaker (the only non-satin, this one is metallic), Traffic, Pallid

L-R Wasabi, Ginger, White Noise, Blackboard, Lucretia, Uber

Here is my fresh manicure, using OCC Polish in Wasabi, a bright shade of chartreuse green. Lets just say this color had everyone in the nail salon oohing and ahhing.

With flash
Sans Flash
I will try to get swatches of all the colors I have soon, but until then what do you all think? Do you love it as much as I do?

OCC Polishes are available on the OCC website here, for $8 each. Love them!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics- Free Shipping this Weekend Only!

Just a heads up, now is your chance to try some of the great offerings off the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics website, with free shipping on all domestic orders over $50!

You saw my review of the awesome lip tars, and I have reviews of both the nail polishes and loose eyeshadows coming up very soon too! Snag it all with free shipping over $50, now through Monday. Just enter code FS835 on checkout.

Check out the site, and let me know if you indulge. Would love to hear what you all got!

Go Shopping!

Open Mic- Ask Me Anything

Hey all!

Today's post is an interactive one.

I want to hear your requests, feedback, and general thoughts on Krasey Beauty and beauty in general. I am always striving to bring you all more of what you want, and your feedback will help me do that!

I'm all ears, and the comment box is open and ready!

Too Faced Summer Sale

Quick, hurry! Too Faced is now offering 20% off all online orders using the code SIZZLE. From now until June 28, get 20% off all online purchases, and a free mini lash pinpoint mascara with any order over $35!

Who's going to indulge? I recommend the Lockdown Shadow Bases, which I have blogged about here.

Makeup in the Movies- Tim Burton does Alice in Wonderland

Any Tim Burton fans out there? How about Alice in Wonderland?

Talk of the release of a 3D Tim Burton adaptation of Alice in Wonderland swirled around the internet for a very long time, but news of a March 2010 release have just been revealed. The first official promotional images that Disney released really have me excited for this to come out.

What does this have to do with beauty? Well, I am excited not only for the movie itself, but also for the amazing makeup artistry and costume design I am already seeing in these photos.

Have a look at the images of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Mia Wasikowska as Alice, and the stunning Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. I am in awe!

The Mad Hatter- The hair and makeup make him look downright demented, and I love it! Johnny Depp is all demented clown meets crazy homeless person.

The Red Queen, or Queen of Hearts- There is definitely something twisted and sinister about this one. The blue around the eyes and painted on brows gives her a somewhat clownish appearance
The White Queen- Anne Hathaway looks absolutely gorgeous here! I cannot get over the platinum hair, pale glowing skin and blood red lips. Wow

Alice- She looks the picture of innocence, despite the character's age of 17. Looks like they went with a very natural look for her.

2 more stills from the movie:

Alice and the White Rabbit in the garden:

Alice with Tweedledee and Tweedledum:

Is everyone else as excited as I am?!

*Source: All photos borrowed from USA Today

In Memoriam

The music and entertainment industry has lost 2 stars yesterday

Golden Globe/Emmy nominee and original Charlies Angel, the beautiful Farrah Fawcett died tragically of cancer at the age of 62. She will forever be remembered for her talent, stunning looks, and later for her humanitarian efforts.

The King of Pop and International Superstar, Michael Jackson died much too young, on the cusp of a comeback. He passed away at the age of 50. The world will remember him first as the sweet faced crooner of The Jackson Five, and later as the pop superstar that the world came to know and love.

On Wednesday, Ed McMahon also passed at the age of 86. He was known and loved both far and wide, becoming a household name as host of the show Star Search in the 80's and 90's.
May they all Rest in Peace, the world will miss them.

Loreal HIP Loose Khol Eyeliner Review

Most of the time, you will see me giving a product rave reviews on this beauty blog. If I love a product, I feel the need to share that love. If a product is just so-so, I usually don't feel the need to tell you about it unless asked. Now products that I dislike, those make it into a very different kind of post. This is one such post.


After hearing a lot about the cheaper alternative to the oft talked about Guerlain Loose Khol (Hey, Angelina loves 'em); I decided to venture out to my local Duane Reade and try one out myself. With visions of sexy smoked out eyes dancing in my head, I nabbed the Loreal H.I.P loose kohl eyeliner in Burgundy.

I will mention that I have not tried the original Guerlain loose khol, so I can't really compare the H.I.P version to the Guerlan version unfortunately. I can say that the color is a gorgeous shade of warm purple with considerable sparkle and shimmer. The applicator is a stiff, hard, thin plastic stick that tapers to a rounded point at the end.Unfortunately, the beautiful color is not enough to make me want to use this again.

The loose khol powder itself is chunky, flaky, and does not adhere well to the area you apply it to. I applied it by dragging the applicator horizontally across my lash line on both top and bottom. The result was uneven liner with a sufficient amount of fallout on my cheeks and under my eyes. The powder also felt scratchy to my eyes.

The final verdict? While the color was lovely, and the novel technique seemed really cool, I was not impressed at all with this product. There is the chance that I wasn't applying it correctly, but my first and second time using this convinced me that this liner is not for me.

Will I try the Guerlain loose khols? After this foray into the world of loose khols, I am not so certain. Can't win them all I guess. That is money saved for liners that I do love!

FunctionaLab, Beauty from the Inside Out

When it comes to beauty, I have always taken an outside-in sort of approach. I spend hundreds on creams, potions, and color products to improve my appearance. I figure that if my outside looks healthy, then the inside will be healthy as well.

When it comes to health, I have always been very conscious of what I put into my body. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, drink my water, and eat as healthfully as possible. I realize that several nutrients may not be present in my current diet, and with that in mind, I like to supplement by taking a multivitamin daily. Never did it occur that I might not be reaping full beauty benefits from my multi.

FunctionaLab is an up-and-coming brand that seeks to change the consumer’s views on total beauty. Promoting a holistic approach and personalized programs, FunctionaLab has created a line of products that help one to achieve beauty by working from the inside out. The truly wonderful thing about the program is that you have the ability to find a very specific customized program based on your answers to a questionnaire, or you can mix and match the vast assortment of stand-alone products to meet your individual needs.

The personalized program works like this: you answer a series of very specific questions pertaining to your lifestyle, goals, and daily routine. Everything from sleep patterns, to health concerns, to current diet play a role in choosing your specific regimen number. After answering the questionnaire, the associate discusses the results with you, and then points you to your specific personalized nutrition program designed to cure what ails you, and make you beautiful from the inside out.

In addition to this personalized program, the brand offers individual supplements, vitamin tonics, and elixirs. From hair and nail health supplements, to a multivitamin that addresses the needs of the active women; FunctionaLab covers it all. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here, and the brand's associates were well-equipped to answer all of my questions.

For the past month, I have been taking the Active Mix Health Pack in conjunction with the Antiox Health Drops. For those days when I really need a boost, I indulge in the Energy Nutrient Tonic as well. I know how subjective "feeling healthy" is, but I can safely say that I do feel great! My skin looks radiant and my body is running at optimal performance. When I am feeling extra sluggish due to lack of sleep, the Energy Tonic gives me just the right amount of energy that doesn't leave me jittery or crashing afterwards.

I highly recommend Functionalab for all those people out there who are looking for a supplement program geared towards total wellness and holistic beauty. It is available right now at Henri Bendel in NYC. For those of you who are not in New York, give the Bendel’s Concierge a call and ask them to assist you with FunctionaLab. I am told the brand will pop up in more venues soon!

Viva La Montreal! Home, Home Again Part 3, The Food, The Sites, The Scene

This dinner was the most amazing meal I have had in a while. A seafood feast with lobster, mussels, scallops, and shrimp. Definitely ended the trip with a bang

At the Basilique de Marie-Reine-Du-Monde. My boyfriend thought it would be funny to stick me up in one of the statue nooks. His idea, I swear!

What? That gilded dragon was scary!

Scaling the fountains of Old Montreal

The Cirque De Soleil tents, this show was Ova

Old Port
Statue of Maisonneuve, outside of Le Basilique de Notre Dame

Yummy Chicken Teriyaki Dish at a fantastic Asian Restaurant

Enjoying my cheeseless flamm with grilled chicken, tomato, mushroom and onion at Le 3 Brasseurs


I hope you enjoyed all my Montreal photos! Let me know if you like these types of posts so I can do more of them! ;)

Nordstrom Annual Beauty Event

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I'm not talking about the holiday season, or even my birthday. It is actually time for Nordstrom’s annual sale and beauty event. Here is what has caught my eye:

Nars Modern Love Palette: This one is actually available online at narscosmetics.com, but you can also preorder this via the Nordstrom website. I absolutely ADORE my Nars holiday shadow palette, so I know this one must come home with me as well. Colors included are Alhambra I, Tokyo I, Jezebel II, India Song II, Habanera II, and Pandora II

View it here

Dior Jazz Club Eye Palette: Housed in a sleek little compact, this palette looks like it has the eyes covered with everything from a brow shade to a duo-chromatic topcoat. I especially love the smoky, sultry feel to the shades housed within this hot little number.

Check it out here

Phyto Dry Hair Collection: It is no secret that the curly mess on top of my head is also a very dry/frizzy mess at times. I have used Phyto before and loved how moisturizing it was and how it made my hair feel like silk. The value and combination of products in this kit is phenomenal, and I just might take this one home with me.

Find it here

These items are the standouts for me, and the main items that I am thinking of purchasing. Be sure to stop by the Nordstrom site and pre-order all the goodies that you are wanting, and don’t forget to tell me in the comments what has caught your eye!

Viva La Montreal! Home, Home Again Part 2- The FOTDS and Outfits

Day 1:

Face

Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Pink (number 7)

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 115

MAC blush in On A Mission

Smashbox Artificial Light in Prism

Eyes

MAC Paintpot in Painterly

Smashbox Eyeshadow single in Oyster

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows in 9, and a bit of 160 to start. Then intensified with 92, 158

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Liner in purple matte

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

Lips

First: MAC Melrose Mood Lipstick with Smashbox Lipgloss in Pout

Later in the Day: MAC Lipstick in Myth, MAC Moth to Flame Dazzleglass

Day 2:

Face

Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Pink (number 7)

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 115

MAC blush in On A Mission

Eyes

MAC Paintpot in Painterly

Smashbox Eyeshadow single in Oyster

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows in 125, 122, 92, 160

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Liner in purple matte

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

Lips

Smashbox Lipstick in Pout with Smashbox Lipgloss in Pout

Day 3:

Face

Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Pink (number 7)

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 115

MAC blush in On A Mission

Make Up For Ever Sculpting Powder Duo

Eyes

MAC Chromaline in White

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows in 0, 5, 9, 18, 92, 160

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Liner in purple matte

Make Up For Ever Aqua Pencil Liner in 20L, 23L

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

Lips

First: MAC Lipstick in Myth, MAC Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame

Outfits: Nothing too out of the world here, since we didn't go anywhere fancy. Figured I would post anyway :)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Unfortunately the weather made a decent shoe selection impossible, so I ended up wearing the only boots that could withstand lots of walking and rain: my La Canadiennes (how apropos).

Thats all folks! Let me know if you want any other details :)