Total Blackout

Outside all I see is white white snow. But inside, I'm enjoying a sooty blackout thanks to NYX Kohl Kajal Black Eyeliner.

What? You don't practice new beauty looks and products when you have a sorta-snow-day? Then you're missing out! Especially with this awesomely inky and amazingly inexpensive pencil that goes on smooth and lasts all day and night. It has the best quality pigment I've ever used with a hoarder-friendly price tag of $6.

Kohl Kajal offers a matte black finish, but NYX's other Noir Collection options include glossy, satin finish, liquid and more. Plus, the wallet-friendly product offerings extend to lips, nails, tools, body, face and even accessories.

Los Angeles based NYX Cosmetics was named in honor of the ancient Greek goddess who ruled the night... and their pitch-black eyeliners also surely do her proud.

NYX products can be purchased through their website, www.nyxcosmetics.com. Check out their Store Locator page to also search for a retailer near you.

Fancy French Fabulousness

Hooray! Another product to keep us ladies from looking like decrepit old hags!

Which, as I've mentioned before, I am all about these days! 

Eau Thermale Avene Innovation D-Pigment Riche is based on the principle of three active ingredients scientifically recognized by dermatologists to reduce excess pigmentation: Melanyde, Pre-tocopheryl and Retinaldehyde.

Ooooh, sounds fancy! Plus, it's French! 

Avene actually has a laboratory and hydrotherapy center in southern France where they treat patients with dermatological disorders with Avene Thermal Spring Water. Declared to be of "public interest" since 1874, the spring has a unique, anti-irritating composition that's been scientifically proven to improve skin quality and sensitivity. The skin care line is based on the water and developed with the most sensitive and intolerant skin types in mind.

The D-Pigment Riche should be applied in the evening to concerned localized or extensive areas. Optimal effectiveness of course means regular and prolonged use. 

I really love this product.  It sinks right in, leaving skin feeling soft and supple, and it's inclusion of three specific scientific complexion boosters leaves me confident for seeing fantastic long-term results. 

And who wouldn't say "Oui! Oui!" to that?!

Eau Thermale Avene D-Pigment Riche can be found at drugstore.com and dermstore.com and retails for $49.  

Wowza! Whip Hand!

Is it normal to have a crush on a beauty line? Because I am mad digging on Whip Hand Cosmetics,

GIVE GOOD FACE Rosewater Tonic

I don't really understand what hyaluronic acid is or why or how it "hydrates the skin, plumping and toning your complexion", but it just DOES. I'm officially capital "A" addicted to this stuff. Not only does it smell awesome and is fun to spritz, it 100% made a noticeable difference in my skin. In the slow crawl through a brutal winter's cold, wind and snow, when most of us women struggle double time to keep our epidermis in top form, I caught myself checking out my complexion in the mirror because it looked DEWY. And HEALTHY. Insanity! In the very best way. 

SET THE STAGE PRIMER

Goes on like a soothing lotion all over the face to fill, smooth and re-texturize skin before applying foundation and other concealer. It's unscented, non-irritating and easy to blend in. Again, this product delivers a noticeable difference- pores become invisible, skin becomes balanced and smooth, and foundation glides on like a dream. Fun fact: This product is even used on-set by the Good Morning American make-up and beauty team! 

LIMITED EDITION LOOSE PIGMENT EYE SHADOW: CAMO COLLECTION 

Special Forces: Shimmering peachy gold is a great highlight and all over lid base color. 

Locked + Loaded: A gorgeous gun metal gray with the perfect amount of shine and staying power. Truly my new favorite color. 

LIP CREME in Coven

A pretty bubblegum pink that you can build from lovely light stain to more heavier, saturated coverage. Oh and it doesn't budge one bit. 

Beyond the addiction inducing products, the packaging is flippin' bada$$ too. Oh and did I mention that Whip Hand is also a local Detroit, MI made and manufactured company? The amazingness is almost too much! So what are you waiting for?! Get out there and Whip Hand! Whip Hand it good!

Purely Pro Simply Delivers

There are so many reasons to choose Purely Pro Cosmetics- They're a Michigan-based company, they're not tested on animals, they're guaranteed to weather long days (the line was originally created to meet entertainment industry demands), they integrate "cutting edge technology and the purest ingredients"... Really the list could go on, but the most important aspect is that Purely Pro really does deliver fantastic, quality products.

A few stand outs:

1) Stuck on You Eyeliner Fixative 
This guy is a total game changer. It allows you to transform any eye shadow into a long-lasting gel eyeliner. Simply wet a brush with a few drops and mix into powders to create a smooth, creamy consistency and apply. I cannot even tell you how obsessed I am with this product. It truly opens up a whole new eye palette world.

2) Cream Hilites in 56 Hi Glow
A cream formula that can be used on the face or body for subtle to dramatic shimmer. #56 is a gorgeous bronze that I found ideal as an all over eye shadow base right now, but I know will also be a go-to face/cheek bone highlighter in the warmer months once I have some semblance of a tan.

3) Small Pointed Face Brush
A vegan brush with a nice weight and crazy soft bristles, this is meant for defining and highlighting your cheek bones. I liked using it to apply liquid foundation around my nose, chin and underneath the eyes.