Hidden Gems - LA Splash Eye Sparkle

A nice little treat to get you through this last half of the week (this very....long...week. Is it like this for everyone else?).....

About a week ago, I ventured to one of the last remaining Kmarts in my area (seriously, who knew that store would still be holding on today?) and came across a new display from LA Splash Cosmetics. I am not a stranger to this brand, but was excited to see that they have revamped their image since I last had a visit with them. It seems like LA Splash is going through some sort of transitional phase. If you visit Cherry Culture, you'll still find their products listed, but it's just under the name "Splash" (Sans LA). If you google, you'll get two different website addresses, one website goes with what is listed on Cherry Culture under the name of just "Splash". Another website goes with it's new "revamped" look (and looks like it's currently under construction).

On this display was a small offering of eye sparkle (loose shadows) and liquid liners. There were about 10 or so to chose from, and only left with one:

Conch Coco

There were mostly bright shades, this was one of the only "neutral" shades in the display. Just looking at it in the store, it looked rather pretty. A nice dark shimmery brown.

Once I got it home, I was SUPER surprised.

Conch Coco is a definite gem. It's a beautiful dark brown with some major sparkle. There's a big difference from the eye sparkle I tried a long time ago. The old eye sparkle was very gritty, the base color was chalky and there was huge glitter. This is a HUGE improvement. The brown base color is really pigmented and the shimmer is really fine. When I was doing these swatches, I came to realize something. This definitely reminded me of something I already owned. I ran over to my stash and dug through my drawers. Then, I found it!!!

Left: Bare Escentuals Drama
Right: LA Splash Conch Coco

I am quite surprised....Bare Escentuals glimmer in Drama looks a lot like Conch Coco. The photo looks like they are exact dupes, and they are really close, but not dupes. Drama is a bit lighter and definitely more taupe, Conch Coco is darker in general. But, I do have to say that they share the same texture, pigment, and sparkle-factor. I paid about $4 for this and definitely worth it. I'm not sure where else this is poping up at, but keep an eye out for it at Kmart and online at it's new (hopefully) website.

Taupe Tuesday! - Bare Escentuals Drama

First, I have to get something off my chest.

I don't like Bare Escentuals.

...well, that may be a stretch, really. I don't hate all Bare Escentuals. Just the foundation. Anything that goes on the face, really. I do admit that I'm a big fan of the Buxom Lip Glosses and, now, the eyeshadow...

Today's Taupe Tuesday features a Bare Escentuals shadow, Drama, from their "glimmer" line. Glimmers are supposedly the most shimmery/glittery shadows from BE, and are best used "foiled" (IE: wet). I admit I own a few BE shadows already, and, honestly, I don't reach for them often. Maybe it's because of the different finishes, but the texture of this shadow is nothing like them. It's smooth, blends wonderfully, and leaves some awesome shimmer. Be aware though, you'll need a good, sticky base to get the best use out of this shade, if you don't use it wet (or, her, foiled).

Call it whatever you want, call it gorgeous, call it super-awesome-in-a-jar, but this is a beautiful, complex shade. It's brown. It's kinda purplely. It's kinda bronzey. It even kinda flahses blue. I don't care, I know I'm probably bending the rules when it comes to taupe but, to me, this had to be included in Taupe Tuesday.


To end this entry on a totally different note, did anyone catch the premier episode of Glee?? WOW!!! As a former (and still at heart) band geek- I was totally excited for this show as soon as I heard it. No, I was never in choir, but for me this is the closest thing I'm ever going to get to a show about marching band. Really. Anyways, I seriously couldn't keep the smile off my face during the whole hour- I fell in love with all the characters, sang along to all the songs, and have never been so attached to a show like this before- and it hasn't even started yet!! I don't know how I'm ever going to make it until the Fall for the season to start! Okay, enough with my fangirling......for now.....

I'm Feelin' Good - Sephora Haul.

Ahhh!!! I feel so good to be back in the game!!! I'm finally getting back into the swing-of-things, I went back to work on Monday, went back to my class on Tuesday, and I have my voice back!! To celebrate, I did a little haulin' on Sephora (using the 15% off code, of course!).

First, I finally got my hands on Benefit's Coralista!

It's so gorgeous! More so when it's in your hands- I kept looking at this over and over at the Benefit counter and at Ulta, however it never seemed to make it's way home with me...

It leaves the most beautiful glow, I can't wait to try this one tomorrow!

I'm not a big fan of Bare Escentuals (okay, at all. I really don't care for them- with the exception of the Buxom glosses and a few shadows), but this was calling my name:

Glimmer in Drama.

It's a bad photo, but guess what? It's gorgeous taupey goodness!!!!!

How could I pass up this deal? I purchased Benefit's Girls Night In!!! (have to add in the !!!, since it's in the product title, haha). This is such a great deal, EVERYONE should take advantage!

It comes with Lady's Choice full-finish lipstick:

A "carmel pink" shade, it's a pretty pink neutral.

TWO!!!! Creaseless Cream shadow/liners in Birthday Suit and Skinny Jeans:

YUM. These things are gorgeous. And, as you can see from the finger imprint, I couldn't help but swatch before photos ;)

Not photographed seperately, but the set also comes with a brush (the Talent brush, it's perfect to use with the cream shadows) and a set of 3 magnets. I'm going to have the chicest fridge in town!!! And can you believe this set only cost $38??? I think my Sephora store had some sets still, but it's currently out of stock on the website. Hurry fast!! All Benefit fans need this!!

I also made a little dash-n-haul today at Longs (slowly being converted to CVS- the bags now say CVS on them). I only went in for a bottled water, but made a mad dash around the cosmetics. I came across another sight of yellow tags on the L'Oreal wall and saw even MORE clearance items than at the last store I was at!!! I picked up a couple of things:

Color Juice Stick in Island Punch and another HIP Jelly Balm in Succulent.

I snagged both for $2.25 each!!!! I'm in LOVE with Color Juice Sticks, like, really. I think this is my 5th one. They are absolutely amazing, methinks a review is up for those!!!

Well, that's all for tonight, folks. Any bloggerettes out there watching American Idol?? I can't believe I haven't talked about this season so far- remind me to do so ;) If you're watching along with me- what did you think of the dreaded Disco night? Without getting too into it, I really enjoyed Matt's performance of "She Works Hard For The Money" and Adam's take on "If I Can't Have You" - those two always impress me with their unique arrangements! I also have a weak spot for Matt- that boy is just too cute!! ;)