Monday, December 30, 2013

Mia Mariu Fragrance & Lipstick | Review + Swatches

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.



Mia Mariu is a new brand to me, and upon seeing their new perfume line, I had to give it a go (even though I have far too many perfumes!) I absolutely love the simple and chic pink polka-dot packaging of the Magia perfume, and the very sleek looking bottle. 

From the website: "This deliciously flirtatious fragrance invigorates the senses, creates a mood and sets the scene for unforgettable fun, romance and pleasure. With a medley of juicy strawberry, mandarin, peach and pear that play sweetly atop dewy blooms of jasmine, plum, magnolia and flirty frangipani; makes the perfect playmate and ideal soul mate for smooth and sensual base notes of rich vanilla, musk, tonka bean and warm and enchanting golden amber."

If you've smelled Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture, it smells like an exact replica of that. It's a very classy feminine scent that's perfect year-round, for any occasion. It smells really nice, and it's a scent that I would definitely wear.

Magia retails for $42 for a 1.7 oz bottle. You can pick it up at www.miamariu.com and from select independent Mia Mariu retailers. 


I also tested out the Mia Mariu Perfecting Finish Hydrating Stick Gloss in the shade Amore. The formula of this lippie is amazing - it combines color and gloss in one stick. It feels very hydrating on the lips. The best part is the smell, which smells really sweet, kind of like MAC lipsticks. 

What I like about this color is that the color can be kept really natural or built up for a bold look. Upon first glance, Amore may look intimidating, but it actually goes on very lightly and applies more pink than it looks in the tube.


I am absolutely in love with this shade! You can pick this shade up, or any of the other 10 shades, at miamariu.com. These lipsticks cost $15 each, and are totally worth the higher price. 

Overall, I am really liking these products from Mia Mariu. As I mentioned, Mia Mariu is a brand that was new to me before trying out the perfume and lipstick, but I am really curious to try more of what they offer! Let me know if you've ever tried anything from this brand in the comments below!

Find Mia Mariu on Facebook, HERE and on Twitter, HERE. 

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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.

Friday, December 27, 2013

December 2013 - Battle of the Subscription Boxes: Birchbox vs. Ipsy!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays! I know I sure did! I apologize for the couple missed posts, but after a nasty cold and lots and lots of Christmas-ing, my blogging fell behind. But now I'm BACK and I hope my blog will be better than ever, because my awesome husband got me a Canon Rebel T3i for Christmas, and I am freaking obsessed! (with it, and him!)

I already used it on Christmas to post the picture of my Christmas manicure, but today's post will be the first post where perhaps you'll really be able to tell the difference. To me, it makes all the difference in the world.

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My Birchbox came VERY late this month. I just got it on Christmas Eve, so that is why this post is far overdue. No more waiting... let's get right to it!



The bag is  absolutely adorable, and the products in this month's Ipsy are awesome, too!


  • Nicka K New York Nail Polish - Oddly enough, there's no name on this polish. It appears to be a vibrant red cream polish. This brand is totally new to me, but I dig the packaging and can't wait to try it out.
  • POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life eye shadow trio in Naturally Bare - POP Beauty seems to have stormed its way in to the spotlight recently, and I'm loving their stuff! This trio is surprisingly high quality, with buttery and pigmented shadows that are super gorgeous!


  • NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in B52 - Full-sized product alert! I love NYX lipsticks, and I certainly enjoy receiving a full-size product in my Ipsy bag! This is a super gorgeous color, too. 



  • Demeter Roll-On Perfume Oil in Snow - I love trying out different Demeter scents; they're so unique and fun to try. Snow smells fresh and sweet and is a nice subtle scent. These rollerballs are valued at $10 - the entire price of the Ipsy bag!
  • Be A Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush - This is a cool multi-purpose product, not to mention it is full-sized and valued at $16! You can use it on your eyes, cheeks, lips or as a highlight. This creamy all-in-one stick will be fun to experiment with.




  • Greenleaf Starlight Candle - This thing smells so good! It made my entire Birchbox smell awesome. It's just a little votive candle, but I can already tell the scent will light up any room I burn it in. Kind of a different type of product from Birchbox, but I think most of us beauty-loving girls also enjoy candles, too.
  • Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo - I don't love tiny shampoo samples like this, but I am intrigued by this shampoo. It smells minty and nice, and is the perfect size for traveling.
  • Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy in Morelia Monarch - I really love the soft subtle smell of this lotion. I've actually seen it at a local drugstore/gift store but never thought to pick it up. The packaging is adorable (I'm bound to grab anything with a monarch on it) and the product inside is really nice, too.
  • Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum Boosting Anti-Aging Serum - I'm always down to try a new anti-aging cream. I've never heard of this one before, and it smells nice like coconut, so I'm more than happy to give this a go.
  • Mally Beauty Lip Magnifier in Tulip - Full-sized product alert, valued at $20! I'm really excited to try something from the Mally brand, which I've never tried before. This is a gorgeous lip pencil touted as a lipstick lipgloss. Great color, too!



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I really liked both of these boxes this month. I thought both were well worth the value. I'm glad to see Birchbox keeping up the good work, and Ipsy hasn't faltered for a second. If you'd like to sign up to either or both of these subscriptions, just click any of the hyperlinked "Birchbox" or "Ipsy" links in this blog! Each cost just $10 per month and offer various coupon codes and points for purchasing from brands given in each month's box. 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas | China Glaze - Twinkle Lights

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day is full of family, love and laughter! Glazed Over will be back after the holidays, but for now - enjoy a peek of what I'm wearing for Christmas (China Glaze's Twinkle Lights).


Friday, December 20, 2013

Drugstore Gems: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Singles in Nutty and Glamrock | Review + Swatches

L to R: Glamrock, Nutty

There's a hidden gem in your drugstore that you've probably walked past many times without thinking about twice. But today, I'm putting them on your radar. The Wet n Wild Color Icon single shadows are completely worthy of picking up, and they won't break the bank either - they'll cost you just $1.99! 

I picked up two colors this weekend (since I found them on sale for $1.39! cha-ching!) - one that I've been meaning to grab for ages called Nutty, and the other, called Glamrock, is one that's completely new to me but looked intriguing. 




Glamrock was part of the Wet n Wild spring 2012 Color Icon Shimmer Singles collection, so it's been around for a while. It is a very shimmery, blue-ish purple. It's bright and bold, but still wearable. It may not be the most "everyday" wearable eyeshadow, but it's just a fun color to have in your collection. The texture is nice and buttery, not powdery at all (which you might expect from a shadow as cheap as this!)





Nutty is a shadow that's been around for quite some time and you can find this in the permanent Wet n Wild displays at your drugstore. This shadow is a must have. It looks and feels like something straight out of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. The color is a gorgeous silvery cool-tone taupe that has a nice shimmer finish. Just like Glamrock, Nutty is buttery and smooth - performing like a high-end eyeshadow.




The quality, pigmentation and texture of these eyeshadows goes well beyond the $1.99 price tag. These singles perform as well as many high-end shadows, and for the tiny price tag, they're certainly worth picking up.


Product: 5/5
Pigmentation: 5/5
Texture: 5/5
Packaging:  4/5

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Essie - On a Silver Platter | Review + Swatches

 natural lighting

Today I am wearing one of THE coolest nail polishes I own - Essie's "On a Silver Platter". I saw this in Walgreens not too long ago and absolutely could not walk away from it. I'm not one to spend full price on a nail polish often (as you probably already know) but I caved and spent the full price on this beauty!

On a Silver Platter is from Essie's Encrusted Treasures Holiday 2013 collection, so if you make your way to the drugstore soon, you'll still see this collection sitting on shelves. 


artificial lighting

I think what captivated me so much about this color is that I don't think I've seen anything quite like it -- EVER. It is so unique, and it the holographic goodness is practically blinding! 

On a Silver Platter is described as "pearlescent gold with holographic violet glitter." The underlying base has gold shimmer that catches the like light you've never seen, and the various sizes of holographic violet glitter pop in the more neutral sparkling base color. 



I'm wearing two coats, topped off with one coat of my go-to... Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat.

Really - have you ever seen anything like it? I think this is the most unique polish on the shelves for this holiday season, and really... the most unique polish in my collection! I highly recommend it - I don't want to take it off any time soon!!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Limited Edition Maybelline Color Tattoo - Nude Pink | Review + Swatches


You ladies know how much I freakin' love the Maybelline Color Tattoos. These things are the best eye products to hit the drugstore in a long time (IMHO), and I am a hardcore fan-girl for them. Not only do they have tons of gorgeous shades, but these things have major sticking power; they will last you all day and they function amazingly as a base. You wanted a drugstore alternative to MAC Paint Pots? You got it.

Maybelline created a couple skin-tone shades for their Gilded in Gold holiday collection recently that are limited edition, and I've been scouring my town for the last month trying to find them. I lucked out this weekend and finally found Nude Pink, the color I've been pining over. 


As you can tell, I couldn't even wait to use this thing until after I'd taken pictures -- so excuse the smudgy pot you're looking at above. 

Nude Pink is the perfect base for fair skin. It completely evens out my eyelids and cancels out any discoloration. I can smear this from lid to brow bone and it blends so well with my skin. I am a pale girl, so for those of you with tanner or darker skin tones, this will be rather light. 





This shade is super super creamy, blends well (although it will stay put once it sets, so blend quickly) and lasts all day long. I've used it twice as a base and it gripped my eyeshadow and increased wear-time. This is easily my new favorite primer!

You'll have to look quickly to find these new shades (the other two colors are called Just Beige and Matte Brown) at your local drugstore. These retail around $6 each, and as I mentioned, they're limited edition so they'll be gone before you know it. 

I highly recommend giving Nude Pink a shot if you have lighter skin. It will be your saving grace for covering up lid discoloration and keeping your eyeshadow on all day long!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Savvy by Femme Couture - Ruby Slippers | The perfect holiday red polish



In the spirit of the holiday season (my absolute favorite time of year) I pulled out an untried polish from my stash that practically screams "Christmas!" This is an oldie I picked up at Sally Hansen on clearance ages ago, and it's called Ruby Pumps by Savvy by Femme Couture. It's part of an old holiday collection from the brand - I think from 2010 (eek!).



You can find Savvy by Femme Couture at Sally Beauty Supply.I'm actually not sure if you can get it anywhere else as that's the only place I've seen this brand. You might remember another of their polishes I sported around this same time last year. 




Ruby Slippers is deep red jelly with red microglitter. In person, this polish looks much more glittery than the camera seems to show. Take a peek at the bottle in the photo above for proof of how jam-packed with glitter Ruby Slippers is. 


I'm wearing two coats of Ruby Slippers and even with a generous layer of top coat, it's still pretty bumpy. I prefer a smoother glitter polish, but that's not the biggest deal. I still really love how beautiful and on-season this polish is.

Also, if anyone can tell from the photos, I'm actually wearing clear fake nails. The winter has taken a nasty toll on my poor nails and they are thin and weak and dehydrated. So I used  nails from Kiss and I'm really loving them! I trimmed them down and filed them to the shape I wanted, and I think I've found my new favorite things!

What holiday red is your favorite?


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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette | Review + Swatches


Oh yeah, Naked fans - the third palette in the Naked line has finally made its grand arrival and if you want the shortest review so you can quit reading right here: It is fantastic! If you own the first two Naked palettes, you're aware that there is some overlap in colors and Naked 2 wasn't all that different from the first Naked palette. Naked 3 is an entirely new palette made up of 12 brand new shades that lean towards rose gold and pink tones.

This palette retails for $52 and can be found at Sephora, Ulta and UrbanDecay.com.




The Naked 3 palette comes with a dual-ended brush; one side is flatter for packing on color, and the other end is more round for blending. The brush works great and serves its purpose well. 








Not shown in the picture are deluxe samples of their beloved eye primer in the shades Original, Sin, Anti-Aging and Eden which come with the palette. Each sample is said to last for a week of applications. 

As you can tell, all of these shadows have a pinkish, rose gold undertone. For me, this is the most complementary Naked palette for my fair skin tone. I can wear many of these shades alone and they are gorgeous, pigmented, shimmering and they last all day long. If you have paler skin, this palette is a must in your collection. It is going to look amazing on your skin. Those without fair skin tones, this is going to look amazing on you as well! This is a nude palette that is suitable for any collection and wearable for any occasion - a regular day at work, or a night out on the town.




I found the quality of each shadow to be very buttery, smooth and pigmented except for Dust which had some chunkier shimmer in it which made it a bit more powdery and more prone to fall-out than the other colors. Dust is the one so-so color in the palette, but aside from it I would rate this palette an A+ and recommend it to anyone. 

My absolute favorite colors from Naked 3 are Limit (perfect for the crease), Liar and Factory. Blackheart is also a really cool color (black with pinkish red glitter) but I don't use black shadow all that often so I'm not sure how much use I'll really get out of it. I just enjoy looking at it

What do you think? Will you be putting the Naked 3 palette on your Christmas list this year? 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Gone, gone, gone | Empties #3

There is something so sickeningly satisfying about finishing products. With a stash that is ridiculous rather large, I try to get through things so that I can move on to something new. Especially since I like to use some of my beauty products the same way that I read books -- that is to say, one at a time. I do this for things like body wash, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, etc. 

It's been just over 2 months since my last empties post, but yet again I've accumulated some trash and so I've got some things to show you with a quick review on each product as well.  Here goes nothin'... 



  • Clean & Clear Mattifying Moisturizer - I got this at Big Lots a few months ago, and I have to confess that I didn't use this up entirely. In fact, it's about 75% full. I hated this stuff. It did a horrible job of moisturizing and it would slough off white gunk that wouldn't melt in to my skin. I can't be bothered to get through this tube, and while I think it's discontinued, I wouldn't repurchase it if I saw it again. 
  • Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer - I did use all of this moisturizer, and I enjoyed it. It was very lightweight, but it packed a punch and was very hydrating for my dry skin. It lasted me a good 4-5 months, so the ~$8 price tag was totally worth it. I would repurchase it.


  • Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes - These are my new favorite makeup removing wipes. They smell really nice like cucumber and they're really gentle while still removing all my makeup. They're also super soft and feel lovely on your face. I will absolutely repurchase these again. 
  • Studio Beauty Night Calming Makeup Remover Towelettes - Studio Beauty is Walgreens store brand. These were cheap, and the package says these compare to Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I've actually never tried those, so I can't compare. I thought these were fine. They weren't anything special, but they didn't break me out, they had a nice light scent and they got my makeup off well. I'd probably repurchase these because they're a bit cheaper than a name-brand wipe. 

  • Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser - This is a no nonsense cleanser that is great for people with sensitive skin. It cleans your skin without any scent or fanciness, it just simply wipes the dirt and makeup away! This big daddy size lasted me a good 3 months or so, which is pretty awesome. This isn't the first bottle I've gotten through, and it won't be the last. 
  • Boots No. 7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - Boots is a UK brand that has somewhat recently been introduced to Target. Awhile ago I found this eye makeup remover in the Target clearance bin and figured I'd give it a shot. It worked really well without burning my eyes, and it got all of my eye makeup, waterproof and not, off like a charm. I'd definitely repurchase this.


  • Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shea Enriched Shower Gel - I have been trying to finish this since FOREVER. I know I said I use body wash one at a time, but there were a couple times I took this out of the shower to swap it for a different scent. It's a very sweet, autumnal scent, and I just couldn't bear to use it in the spring or summer. I can't say I love this scent (primarily a strong shea scent), and I definitely didn't love the fact that it's not moisturizing in the least. Since there's always something new at B&BW I'd rather try something else next time. 
  • Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - I've talked about this so many times that I won't go in to detail. I like this stuff. It gives this pale redhead some color in the summer, and I can build it up to look pretty convincing. I'll buy this again and again in the summer as I always do.


  • L'Oreal Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask - I use hair masks or deep conditioners once a week to keep my hair healthy, and I like to switch around and use something new. This was one I randomly picked up, and I thought it was just alright. It didn't seem to moisturize my hair any more than a regular conditioner. I don't think I'd buy it again. 
  • got2be Oil-licious Golden Shimmer conditioner - I hated the smell of this stuff, but the product itself was okay. It's not thick at all, as if the cream of the conditioner was merely just to hold the oil and transfer it to your hair. The one thing I did like about this was that I could actually SEE the golden shimmer in my hair. It wasn't obnoxious or anything, but in the right light there was a nice sparkle that looked awesome in my auburn hair. I'd maybe buy this again, if I can get over the smell. 


  • Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation - I won't bore you with ANOTHER review on this. I love it. It's my favorite foundation. Period!
  • Maybelline Lash Stilletto Voluptuous mascara in Brownish Black - This made it in my August Favorites and for good reason! I really liked it. It separated, lengthened and most importantly, it volumized. It had a cool, curved brush and it applied well. I'd repurchase! 
  • Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer - I used to use this stuff religiously on any spots on my face, not that it ever seemed to really clear them up (as it's supposed to). I found this in my makeup stash and I haven't used it in well over a year and it's nearly gone so it's time to toss it out! I wouldn't buy this stuff again as it doesn't have great coverage and it was far too runny.

  • Dove Cleartone deodorant - I bought a three pack of these last holiday season and I'm still working my way through it. I'm not overly particular about my deodorant, so this stuff worked just fine for me. I wish I could make the switch to all-natural deodorant but it just makes me smell bad! I'd repurchase this.
  • Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste - I received this in an Influenster VoxBox this past summer, and I have to say I enjoyed it. The toothpaste is a bright electric blue color and it foams like crazy. As for whitening, I didn't really notice much. It tasted nice and cleaned my teeth which is good enough for me. I've only seen this at Walgreens and it's a bit on the pricey end of the toothpaste spectrum, so I probably won't buy it again.


  • OPI Shatter polish in Black Shatter - I actually only used this a few times, but was cleaning out my nail polish collection and noticed this one had dried up. That's the thing with these shatter polishes, if there's even a tiny bit of air coming in to the bottle they dry up in a split second. I'm not sad about it because I am completely sick of shatter nails. 
  • B&BW PocketBac in Raspberry Pink Peony - If you've seen my other empties posts, you'll have noticed these show up in every one. I use these before applying my makeup to kill any bacteria I have on my hands so I don't transfer it on to my face. This one smelled really nice, and I love the design on the packaging. A+! I have more of these in my stash, so I won't be repurchasing this scent any time soon (and I think it's part of the limited edition summer collection). 



  • Slatkin & Co. Scented Candle in Autumn Day - Kind of a random empty, but I had to include it! This candle is from B&BW (geez, this is a B&BW heavy post!) and it smelled divine! My whole bag of empties smells amazing because of this candle! It's the perfect autumn smell that will fill up any room you're burning it in. I would definitely purchase this again!



Well, that's it! Another round of used-up products, and I assure you this won't be the last of these posts. Even now I've got a bag started of "new" used things. Stay tuned... and let me know if you've loved or hated any of these same products!


Friday, December 6, 2013

Miyu Teas & Beauty GIVEAWAY!!



It's high time a giveaway happened on Glazed Over, and today it is ON! Remember a couple months back when I raved about the Miyu Teas & Beauty Prettea Little Quartet? (click link for full review and product details) Well today I have one to give to you! Now through 12/27 you can enter to win this set of facial mists and teas! You don't want to miss your chance at winning!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Official Contest Rules

The approximate value of the grand prize is $24.00. This prize is non-transferable. There are no cash or other substitutes of prizes by winner. Glazed Over reserves the right to substitute similar prizes of equal or greater value in the event the above prize is unavailable for any reason. Prize will be mailed to the winner’s physical mailing address. Please allow six (6) to eight (8) weeks for delivery.
By entering or accepting the prize in this contest, winner agrees  to be bound by these Official Rules, Terms, and Conditions and to conform to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. This contest runs from December 6, 2013 through December 27, 2013 at 12 AM.
Eligibility
This contest is open to United States residents. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Eligible participants are allowed to enter up to one (1) time, as per the section below.
How to Win
One (1) winner will be selected through a random drawing from all eligible entries after contest closes to win. In the event that the original winner does not meet eligibility requirements or he/she forfeits the prize, the prize may be awarded to the next randomly drawn eligible participant. All entries must be received on or before December 27, 2013 at 12:00AM EST. The winners will be notified via e-mail or message (as applicable). Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize after initial notification. If winner fails to claim within 48 hours, an alternative winner may be selected.
Disclosures
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Blogger, or Twitter. We hereby release Facebook, Blogger, and Twitter of any liability. Information that participant discloses is provided to Glazed Over, not to Facebook, Blogger, or Twitter.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Denise Richards Perfume | Review





I'm always curious about new scents on the market, as I'm a self-confessed perfume addict.  So when I was contacted to review a new perfume by Denise Richards, I have to be honest that I was a bit skeptical. Celebrity perfumes are hit or miss, and to be frank - I don't know much about Denise Richards other than girl was with Charlie Sheen (moment of silence for this tragedy).... and I don't think she's much of a blip on the A-List radar these days. All judgments aside, I had to try it for myself and share it with you.


"In creating her signature fragrance, Denise Richards evokes her fondest memories of soft tropical evenings. White flowers have the most voluptuous and sensual floral aromas. Denise's scent has the natural, relaxed feeling of sundrenched tropical white flowers on a warm breeze."

As you may have gathered from that flowing desciption, Denise's signature scent is extremely floral. It has top notes of ylang-ylang, coconut and plumeria, with the boldest scents being gardenia, jasmine sambac, tiare and white lily. Of all the blended smells, plumeria is the strongest scent that shines through.

A little goes a long way, and with just a couple sprays on my wrist and body, I can get a solid 5-6 hours of wear before the smell begins to fade.

This scent is not yet available in stores, but can be purchased on the scent's webpage. Prices range from $19.95 for a 1.7oz Eau de Parfum to $29.95 for a 3.4oz Eau de Parfum. 



The bottle itself is pretty cool, and reminds me of a pool. Fitting for the theme of this perfume.

When I first smelled the Denise Richards fragrance, I didn't love it. I am not a floral perfume girl; I tend to stick to dark, musky, vanilla based scents. However, upon my weeks of testing this perfume, I actually came to like it quite a bit. It's something totally different in my collection, and come spring, I think this would be a nice addition to a floral perfume-lover's collection. 



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