Benefit just launched their Ultra Plush Lip Gloss line, which was inspired by their very popular boxed blush colors.
During one of my Sephora “check outs,” one of the many goodies available to purchase with my Beauty Insider points was a cute little box with a flap cover containing a nice-sized sample of Benefit Dandelion Blush and their newest Dandelion plush gloss. I didn’t think about twice. :biggrin:

Benefit’s packaging always gets me — So darling!

While I kind of assumed Dandelion blush was going to be wrong for my darker skin color, I was very excited to try the gloss.

Dandelion Blush

 

The blush is a very light pink and contains a small amount of shimmer.  As I assumed, this color was totally wrong for me. It ended up looking ashy because of the too many layers I had to sweep  in order to see a hint of color.  I have used this blush on much fairer skin and wasn’t impressed either. It’s hardly noticeable, and while I don’t dig looking like a toddler who’s been playing with mom’s makeup, I do like a pretty rosy cheek!  On the up side, it does work nicely as a faint highlighter, but again, only for fair skinned beauties.

Dandelion Plush Gloss

If you’re looking for a gloss with the only attribute being shine, then go for it.  On the other hand, if you like your gloss with some color and a little oomph, then don’t bother. It had almost none.  At least none on my lips

I so wished the color I sampled on the back of my hand remained somewhat true on my lips. It failed big time. It looked like I had applied a clear gloss. Why bother?

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: Blush B-; Plush Gloss C-

Overall this is just not my jam.. After reading so many great reviews, I was expecting so much more. Have your tried either of these two products?

What’s the toughest part about planning your wedding? Many brides and brides-to-be will answer this question by saying, “Picking the date!” There’s so much to coordinate when it comes to planning your dream wedding, especially a dream destination wedding. Is your favorite resort available? What about that amazing photographer? Will you have enough time to find your dress, send invitations, select the cake and the caterer? It’s a lot to manage and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Of course, the same goes when it comes to booking your hair and makeup.

We are thrilled to host the Second Annual “Live Gorgeously!” Facebook Fan Photo Contest offering one lucky bride the chance to win FREE hair and makeup for her and her entire bridal party. This year, we’re also giving away two Runners Up Prize Packages, and every monthly winner gets her choice of FREE false eyelashes or a FREE spray tan.

We want to make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. We strongly urge any bride who enters the “Live Gorgeously!” Contest to book with us in order to guarantee her wedding date. We are a boutique studio with a very busy wedding season and we want to accommodate as many gorgeous brides as possible, but we have our limits. If you enter the contest and you have not booked your wedding date, there is a possibility that you will have to forfeit your win if we are fully committed on your wedding date.

We all know wedding planning takes major coordination, so save yourself the worry, and secure your wedding date with us now. We’re so excited to get to know this year’s “Live Gorgeously!” brides. Take a look at June’s contestants and cast your vote. It’s still anyone’s race between Brandi, Emma, and Laura. Good luck ladies!

The first time I met Frances was the day she came to the studio for her hair trial. I love meeting my brides before their big day. She wanted a big beautiful chignon, something classic and timeless. I loved it so much I posted it on Facebook right away.

As a side note, it’s a good idea to “use” your trial to go out that evening. After all, if you’re going to get all dolled up, you might as well go show it off.  And don’t worry, if you don’t want to wear your wedding hairstyle, we’ll take it down and do something fun before sending you your way! :biggrin:

Then it was time for the big day! I was so excited to see Frances again surrounded with all her friends and family.  Frances asked me if we could modify her hair slightly to include more details in the back. Done!

Frances wanted her makeup to be a classic as her hair and to make her eyes pop. False eyelashes were a must.

We had a wonderful time and as you can see Frances looks AMAZING! Congratulations Frances it was such an honor to be a part of your day.

Some of Frances vendors:

Event Planner: Simply You weddings:
Venue: Westin Resort
Flowers: Lili Bee’s
Photography: Studio Julie

Congratulations to Tara Wesley! She’s officially the first semi-finalist in our second annual “Live Gorgeously!” Facebook Fan Photo Contest! She’s already won her choice of a FREE spray tan or a FREE false eyelashes application for her big day! She’s also entered into the finals round for her chance to win the GRAND PRIZE: FREE hair and makeup for her and her entire bridal party. This year, we’re also giving away two runners-up prize packages! We are so excited over here at Studio Marie-Pierre to meet this new round of lovely Key West brides-to-be.

Tara entered this adorable photo into the contest of her first trip to Key West with her now-fiance. She says it was the trip that they first “had the talk” about getting married. I love that I can totally recognize their location in Key West based on the picture’s background. They’re catching the sunset on the pier at the Westin Resort & Marina while they wait for the ferry to shuttle them over to Sunset Key for dinner at Latitudes.

This couple clearly knows romance! I’m sure their  May 18 wedding will be positively swoon-worthy! Congratulations again Tara on your semi-finalist win. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Are you planning a Key West destination wedding? Why don’t you join us in our little contest. The field for June is still anyone’s to win! Visit us on our Facebook Fan Page for more information and to enter!

First I signed up for Birchbox. Then, I heard about Glossybox. Being the product lover that I am, I signed up for both. I received my May Glossybox at the beginning of June. Apparently, shipping was slow, but I was still rather impressed.

Similar, but different

 Once you sign up with Birchbox ($10/month), you receive a monthly selection of about five deluxe samples. The samples are mostly from well-establish brands, but you’ll also find a few upcoming brands. The deluxe samples are chosen based on your personal beauty profile.

With Glossy, the subscription cost is $21/month. Just like with Birchbox, most samples are chosen specifically for you based on your personal profile.  Up to five deluxe samples and some full size! The products come from all over the world, and to me, that is the  most exciting part. Here’s the list  of brands they have worked with in the past. Very sweet!

The packaging

 While the Birchbox packaging is nice and very green with all recyclable materials, I completely swooned over Glossy. Absolutely gorgeous! The main box is very sturdy, and just lovely with black and pink on the inside and light pink with the Glossy logo on the outside. It’s substantially larger than Birchbox, probably due to the size of the samples. The products were carefully wrapped in tissue paper with a black ribbon around them to keep things secure. In the bottom of the box was shredded black paper to protect all the goodies.

The Goodies

 Imported from Florence, Italy, Marvis is a superior dental brand that has been loved in Italy for generations. Marvis Whitening, with a sharp taste of cool mint for a pleasant and lasting freshness, carries out a whitening activity on your teeth for a more beautiful and splendid smile. The whitening formula protects your teeth, helps prevent tooth decay, tartar and plaque. Meanwhile, innovative notes of mint offer you a long-lasting, pleasurable taste sensation and fresh breath all day long. This distinctive, display-worthy tube will most likely be the best looking accessory in your bathroom.

Exclusively made for Glossy, this blush brush is made out of 100 % natural bristles

Amore Pacific is a mineral rich, oil- free, hydrating gel, which encourages skin’s optimal hydration levels for a clearer, and radiantly smooth complexion. Unique, water-free formulation utilizes Stabilized Bamboo Sap in lieu of distilled water for improved skin vitality. Infused with brightening botanicals such as Ginger Root and stress fighting minerals such as Magnesium to leave the complexion refreshingly hydrated with a vibrant, clear, and matte appearance.

The lightweight, creamy texture and gelled structure of Burberry Beauty Lip Mist allows for effortless control and glide. High-shine oils deliver a sheer and dewy effect, while shine-filming polymers provide a natural look. Moisture-rich emollients improve hydration of the lips, while wild rose provides regenerating and restructuring properties.

 The Zoya BEACH & SURF collection was designed and inspired by resort runways and tropical get-a-ways. Dive into the creamy shades of the Zoya Beach collection or the shimmering sea foams of the Zoya Surf Collection. This new splash of color, designed by Zoya’s color experts, is kissed by sea and sand translating beautifully onto the nail in the famous, full-coverage, long-wearing and glossy Zoya formula. As always, each and every Zoya color is made for women, so they name them after women.

 

Phyto is a staple at top salons, this aromatic formula, enriched with jojoba oil, instantly moisturizes, softens, and detangles without weighing your hair down. A unique concentration of angelica root extract (75%) and essential oil of sweet orange imparts brilliance and vitality. Your hair regains silkiness, elasticity and manageability.

Thoughts

Beauty subscription services like BIRCHBOX and GLOSSYBOX are so much fun and enable me to try new products that I would not necessarily buy otherwise. The thing is,  there are no guarantees on the products you’ll get every month. You may love it… you may not. But that’s part of the fun!

Overall, I think if I had to choose between the two, I’d opt for Glossy because of the product selection and the luxurious feel of the package. Have you tried any of these beauty subscriptions?

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!

The Giveaway is now closed

Congratulations to Deanna Cali and Lily Bee’s

Who have each won one (1) $50 Sephora gift card

Thank you to all who particpipated and check back later for more giveaways!!!

I’m in a mood for a giveaway. Have fun!!!

The prize

2 (two) $50 Sephota gift cards sent via email to 2 separate winners. YAY!

 

 How to enter

Simply share to Facebook, tweet and/or blog about the giveaway.  Then comment here below or on our facebook page! here’s the link to share: http://a.pgtb.me/c3B4
Up to three entries per person (one for each share), and 2 (two) will be chosen to win (1) one each $50 Sephora gift card sent via email.

Winners will be announced on Friday June 15, 2012!

I’ll choose the winner at random from among the people who enter by 11:59 PM (EST) on Thursday June 17, 2012 Please don’t forget to use a valid email address so I can reach you if you win.

Terms and Conditions

Contest is open to USA residents 18 years or older. With these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21
The deadline to enter is  Thursday June 17, 2012 11:59 PM (EST)
Entrants must enter using a valid email address to win.

A maximum of three (3) entries per person — Within the comments at the bottom of this post, and on Studio Marie-Pierre Facebook page
I will select two (2) winners at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or on Studio Marie-Pierre Facebook page

Void where prohibited by law.

Thanks for participating!

Today I wanted to share photos of Natoshea’s hair and makeup whom I had the pleasure to style for her recent destinartion wedding in Key West.
The day of her wedding I met Natoshea and her bridal party in a private home that had been rented for the occasion.

In terms of hair and makeup Natoshea knew excactly what she wanted. To be timeless! She had brought photos with her which I always encourage.

Being a hair accesory kind og girls I was thrilled with her hairpiece. Natoshea had turned the groom’s Grand Mother’s brooch into a beautiful clip.

 

Congrats!XOXO