A Beauty Mystery...The Case of a Mascara in the Mail...

This lovely Jane mascara arrived in my mail today...with no note or return address...

WHO SENT IT??

So I did a bit of sleuthing:

-Its from a Charlotte NC zip code, around the Pineville-Matthews Rd/Carmel Rd zip....

-Who ever it is has my address...it can't be somebody I'm close to, because they never remember my address, im not listed in the phone book...

-The handwriting looks familiar....but I ruled those two people out.

-The post stamp is from one of those Hassler systems....office postage systems, so maybe it was mailed from an office.

-Who ever it is...is really NICE:) and I would like to say thanks personally( well via internet or something)

If its you....just email me or something.... ruralglamouratyahoodotcom:)

***update: Thanks to my girl Rai...I figured out where this mascara came from. Its from a survey I filled out on twitter. Rai got one too. Thanks girl!! That's what I get for signing up for free shit lol*****

Jamie

Two Great Tools To A Brown Smoky Eye....Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Cosmetics..

I've found the perfect recipe to a great smoky brown eye: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Chubby Eye Stick in Bronzilliant and Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Espresso Lane...

Use Bronzilliant use the base then apply Espresso Lane on top.....
Super gorgeous...and its held up all day...the shimmer is both the stick and shadow and great for night too....
Likey??....VS Beauty Rush is 5 for $20 right now!

Jamie

***purchased myself at VS***

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub....

I realized that I needed a scrub my face when every week I was battling a breakout. My pores were clogged and my face felt rough. I also realized that a once a week scrub was not going to get it. I need a scrub that could battle the acne yet be gentle enough for every other day use. I went to my local BSS for answers, since recently I saw some Queen Helene products on stock. I got Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Scrub and tested it out.

Pros:

- it’s in a tube, so I can squeeze it out and not have to dip my fingers in a scrub.

-subtle mint scent that’s not overpowering

-can be used everyday or every other day on oily skin, its really gentle.

-left my skin soft and for two weeks, no breakouts.

Cons:

-grimy texture. Mainly because the scrub is made of walnut shell particles. It took me seven rinses to get it off and I still felt the grime. I had to pull out my cleanser to really get rid of the grime. I don’t want to go thru that every night.

Jamie’s Take:

-I didn’t like it overall even though it done its job. The grimy texture that took another cleanser wash turned me off.

Jamie

***I bought it, cuzins…love JamieJ***

Review: Halle Pure Orchid.....

Top Notes: Jungle Cactus Flower, Italian Lemon, Papaya Nectar Fizz

Middle Notes: Blackberry Crème Concentre, Star Anise, Masdevallia Orchid

Base Notes: Giant Sequoia, Patchouli, Sustainable Tonka Bean

Pros:

-Feminine. Every woman can wear this….

-Perfect for day in and day out. It’s a classic signature scent. There is not event, hour, day you can’t wear it.

Cons:

-Packaging was lacked creativity. Its same bottle as the popular, original Halle (link to my Halle Review) but lavender- colored. But, hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Jamie’s take:

-FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES!!! LOVE IT!!! Halle Pure Orchid is genius. So far, my favorite scent of this year. It’s soft, creamy, warm, and subtly floral. The Masdevallia Orchid in the middle just blooms all day. I’ve worn during the day, to bed, to church, to the Piggly Wiggly…I need another just for my handbag! Every one that I have told to go and get this, smell this, want this, has agreed, it’s simply amazing. Halle Pure Orchid is a must buy at $28.00. Don’t waste anymore time, buy it!!

Jamie

***Thanks to folks at Coty for sending over this press sample***

Review: Beckham Signature for Her.....

A perfume accord is a balanced blend of notes which lose their individual identity to create a completely new, unified odor impression…..( source: Now Smell This)

Beckham Signature for Her Notes:

Top: anise flower and candy apple accord

Middle: orchid, heliotrope, vanilla

Base: patchouli, amber, musk

Pros:

-Beautiful bottle. Classy, sexy, great, smooth silver accents

-The “candy apple accord” got me!! I had to do some research. And thanks to Now Smell This, I now know what it is. Love a new beauty term!

-a soft, warm, sweet scent. Perfect date night scent

Cons:

-Not very impressed. I wanted more from Beckham Signature.

-Follows in the footsteps of several scents out there with the amber base and floral top notes

Jamie’s take:

Beckham Signature for Her didn’t impress me, even though I like it. I have that nose that attracts warm florals. But, I like that it is a warm floral that’s not overpowering or strong. It also doesn’t ‘bloom’, meaning that it didn’t change with my chemistry. Great date night scent for right behind the ears so when that guy leans in for a hug, he gets a whiffJ

***Thanks to the folks over at Coty for sending this press sample***

$1.50 off Vaseline Sheer Infusion....

Check out this coupon for $1.50 off Vaseline Sheer Infusion!!


Jamie

Fresh Coat: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps Orchid Frost....

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps in Orchid Frost....me likey. And I only paid $.50 for it!:)

Jamie

Sale!!!!: Adornments by Alycia...50% off

One of my favorite bloggers Alycia's Hot Spot is having sale on her online jewelry store Adornments byAlicia... "'Everything is 50% off. Add'l 10% off if you spend $75.00 or more(Use SPRGCLEAN at check out)

Check it OUT!!!

Jamie

Rural Glamour: Viva Glam Cyndi...

My last post, which was the AMAZING swap gift box I got from Carolyn of Hang On Little Tomato, featured Viva Glam Cyndi. Ironically, the same day I got the box, I passed on stopping at the MAC counter in Greenville, instead going to....Whole Foods. lol. How great was it that Viva Glam Cyndi was sitting on porch waiting for me.:) ( Check out that Korres Lip Butter!)
It's a glossy, slightly sheer coral....
I decided to pair the Viva Glam Cyndi with a pretty basic face, foundation(Tarte Re-Create), powder and bronzer( Tarte), Mascara( Revlon Beyond Natural) , Black eyeliner( NK) and blush (KLS)....
I love it:) Great color, great gift, great cause:)

Jamie

My Good Karma Swap Package....

One of my favorite blogs....KaileenElise ( I absolutely love her 'Weekend To Do Lists)...was sponsoring a "Good Karma Swap". Each person was given a swap pal and you had to send four gifts, something that comforts, calms, brings creativity, and celebration... I decided to join...I love the idea of sending someone goodies in the mail out of pure generosity:)

So, when I got home from a LOONNNNGGGGGG day with the kids at the circus, my package was waiting for me!

Doesn't it look pretty already! Mine package was from Carolyn of Hang On Little Tomato!!Handmade....:)
Creativity: a journal, some stationary, and ribbon....
Calms: soap from Wylde Ivy and a bath melt from Lush....
Comfort: Hot Cocoa and Pecan Pralines( that I quickly ate up.lol!)
And finally....celebrate....hehehe! It was packaged sooo pretty, then I opened it and it was....
MAC's new Viva Glam Cyndi and Korres Lip Butter!!!! I DID Celebrate..by jumping up and down with excitement!
BLISSS!!!!!

THANKS AGAIN CAROLYN!!!!!

Jamie

Fresh Coat: Essie Lilacism....

I have a new name for my NOTDs...Fresh Coat!! Why? Because I always take a picture of my nails immediately after I paint so its a 'fresh' picture.... **silence**

You'll "get" it later:)

I'm rocking the perfection known as Essie Lilacism... well, its three coats of perfection. I love it...

I will definitely be doing pastels for the spring and fall this year.
With a flash....
Without flash....

Jamie

Review: Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in Cappaccino....

I’ll admit…I’m turned off by the packaging and the selection of shades when it comes to Revlon’s foundation and powders. But, when I heard the beauty rumble about Photo Ready, I had to get this.

Touted as the drugstore answer to MakeUp For Ever Foundation, Revlon Photo Ready’s 12 shades supposedly give the same airbrushed, flawless look. Here’s my take, of courseJ

Pros:

-Great, light coverage foundation

-Only need a little for coverage, which is cost effective

-pump style packaging is sleek and attractive

Cons:

-No color was a close enough match for me. I purchased Mocha( 010) and Cappuccino( 011), but decided that Cappuccino was the best out of the two evils. Mocha was too light and ashy and Cappuccino is too red.

-The red tint in Cappuccino is horrible. Who’s that red and brown? I need to meet a sista who’s that dark with red undertones. How did they come up with last THREE Dark shades? Out 12 shades, 3 are dark.

-The foundation gets darker through out the day. That sealed it for me. When my face got a darker shade of red, I was like “Where’s that receipt?”

Consensus:

Unfortunately for women of color, these are not good picks. Unless you’re Halle Berry (who is the Caramel shade, btw) or lighter, the shades are of slim pickings. I was so disappointed because I can’t afford MUFE, nor do I want to break off 40 something bucks to get it and I thought Photo Ready could be the answer. Hey Revlon, if you can pay Ms. Berry big bucks to be your spokes model, you can revamp and make more colors for women just like her.

Jamie

V-Day and My Valentine's Gift/Haul to myself:)....

Hi!!

I hope that everyone had great weekend...Its snowed here in South Carolina, then melted, then it was Valentine's Day. I went to Church to celebrate my love for the Lord and how much He loves me!!

This is my look for V-Day...I look red, right? I'm wearing Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in Cappachino....review coming this week.
On my way to pick up the boys, I stopped by Prime Outlets...to get some V-Day gifts for me.:) I doubt any man could buy me the perfect gift... even, I did have one boyfriend who was good at getting me great gifts, I wont' lie!

I got these goodies at the Bath & Body Works Outlet Store...All this was 11.87!!
Then off to the CCO! The goal was to buy myself a MAC 187 brush(which is 29.50 at the CCO compared to retail $42) But these buys were MUCH better value...

Holiday 2009 5 Sexpot mini pigments/glitter set( naked,sunnydaze,chocolate brown,reflects antique gold,dark soul) $22.95

Holiday 2007 Heirlooms:4 Face Brushes(168,190,184,187) $33.75

Jamie

The Curls.biz Contest Winner is....

The Curls.biz Champagne and Caviar Curl Elixir Contest winner is.....

RAI!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Jamie

***The winner was picked randomly by Contestmachine.com***

Beautiful Blogger Award!!!

Thank You Alycia from Alycia's Hot Spot for the Beautiful Blogger Award!!

In order to accept this award, you must do the following things.

• Thank the person who gave you the award.
• Paste the award on your blog.
• Link the person who nominated you for the award.
• Tell 7 interesting things about yourself.
• Nominate 7 bloggers or less.
• Post links to the 7 blogs you nominated.

Seven Interesting Things About Me...

1) I obsessed with this dish called Chicken Adobo...I can eat it everyday. Its my comfort food.

2)I love Chinese take-out. Steamed Dumplings, Cheese Wontons, Egg Drop Soup, Sweet and Sour Sauce....LOVE Chinese take-out!!

3)I feel like couches are better to sleep on than bed. I can sleep on a couch over a bed any day.

4)I use my Snuggie as blanket. I never used the sleeves... they are too long. lol!

5)I can't wait to get my income tax money. ***huge smile***

6)I took the Census job test last week. There 28 questions and you only got to get 10 right. The girl in the test with me says to me before the test that her friend took the test with 10 other people and the friend was only person that passed!!! smh! Anyway, I got 25 right out 28....It was stimulating. lol! I actually was cocky enough to think I had all of them right. ***huge smile***

7) I've only rode the Amtrak once in my life. It was to NY last February and it was the longest trip of my life!!

Jamie

Review: e.l.f. Brushes....

I’m not one to spend a lot of money on brushes. Every since I discover the wonderful Essence of Beauty line of brushes…I was done with coveting expensive brushes( currently waiting for EOB to knockoff a MAC Duo Fiber 187 brush).So, when stumbled across e.l.f. brushes for a $1 a piece at one of my local Dollar General, I saw new dawning of cheap brushes.

Total Face Brush: It’s not the softest brush, but it does a great job of lightly veiling the face with powder. If you pick this brush up, wash it first and air dry for a softer feel.

Bronzing Brush: The angle of the bronzing brush is perfect for sculpting under the cheekbone. I don’t know why they call it a ‘bronzing’ brush because it’s a wayyy better “angle blush brush”

Foundation Brush: This brush is my least favorite of my $6 buy. Along with any liquid foundation, it gives poor coverage. Plus, its super, duper, extra hard to clean!! I mean, it took way too long for me to remove the foundation out of it synthetic hairs

Eye Liner Brush: Works well with gel liners and eye shadows. Love it. I plan scooping up another one for good measure.

Defining Eye Brush: A crease brush to have and hold. Plus it blends well. Need another one of these too.

Eye Shadow Brush: I’m kind of on the fence with this one. Great brush but it has too many hairs…its bit too thick.

Consensus: Get the Defining Eye Brush, Bronzing Brush and Total Face Brush. Wash them before using. And watch you have enough money left over for a cup of java!!!

Jamie

Rural Glamour:Contest Time!! Win Curls Champagne and Caviar Curl Elixir....

Enter to win NOW Curls Champagne and Caviar Curl Elixir

Do you chemically alter your hair? Are your curls dry, dull, and lackluster? Does your hair seem to be growing at an alarmingly slow rate? If so, Champagne & Caviar Curl Elixir is the product for you! Formulated with Champagne Grape and Caviar extracts, this growth enhancing, hair strengthening treatment is THE solution for increasing hair growth and creating unbelievable sheen.

How does Champagne & Caviar Curl Elixir encourage growth, increase strength, sheen and elasticity?

• Caviar extract increases hair’s sheen, strength, and elasticity (key to preventing breakage and realizing hair growth) and promotes healthy keratin formation.
• Why is Keratin formation important? 90% of human hair is made up of this natural protein (Keratin) which is responsible for the hair’s strength, resistance to wear and tear, elasticity, flexibility and shine. Hair keratin is damaged by straighteners, colors, perms, blow-drying, the sun, pollution, pool chemicals and even everyday brushing.
• Champagne Grape extract contains a high concentration of Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and amino acids that help regenerate and stimulate the scalp to combat the effects of free radicals thus encouraging growth. Usage: Use alone or on top of your favorite product for extra sheen. Apply directly to scalp daily to encourage a healthy scalp and enhance growth. Use after any chemical service to restore elasticity and strength. .

!!! Starts today and ends February 15, 2010...One entry per email and USA ONLY:)

Jamie

New Regimen Kits at Curls!!!!.....

New Regimens Kits at Curls!!! Check it out:)

Pure Ecstasy and Champagne Curl Kit! Retail $30.00

Keep it sassy and classy with CURLS Pure Ecstasy and Champagne Curl Kit. Created to pamper your curls and send them into pure ecstasy! Your curls will love the extra TLC. Start off with Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo, to remove buildup and give your curls a fresh start. Turn up the heat with Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner, a deep conditioning treatment that reacts to heat for the ultimate conditioning experience. Add the final touch with Champagne and Caviar Curl Elixir, CURLS recently launched finishing product. Only the best for your Curls!

Hugs, Kisses and CURLS Kit! Retail $55.00

February, the season of love…full of hugs and kisses, but what about your curls? CURLS has got you covered with the Hugs, Kisses and CURLS Kit! This kit includes all four steps of the CURLS product line. Designed to keep your hair healthy and frizz free! Sweeten the deal with a little chocolate on the side!

Y Step 1-Cleanse with Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream

Y Step 2-Condition with Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner

Y Step 3-Moisturize with Quenched Curls Moisturizer and

Y Step 4-Style with Curls Milkshake

Review: Faith Hill Parfums...

I should know country music. I’m from South Carolina…Up Country or Upstate South Carolina at that. But, I don’t. I’ve spend most of my life ignoring it because its every where you go. Every store, restaurant, standing outside pumping gas at the pump is playing country. I only know Faith Hill from magazine covers and that she sings country( I don’t know a single song she sings). So, when I received Faith Hill Parfums, I was taken aback from what I found…here’s the dealio…

Pros:

-sophisticated notes, It immediately gives you aura of the classics in fashion. I felt like putting on black sheath and kitten heels

-Perfect Sunday go-to-meeting scent. It’s a “good suit” scent

-the powdery dry down to filled my spirit…AwesomeryJ

Cons:

-the packaging so bland…overly simple, like throw the perfume in a bottle and tie a ribbon around it. You can do classic and sophisticated, without being paper bag plain.

Consensus:

-Love it. Would’ve passed by it in a store and never gave it a glance…but Faith Hill Parfums just taught me that you have open up eyes as well as your nose to find a treasure. Faith Hill Parfums is a super treasure!!

Jamie

***press sample provided by Coty...thanks!!**

Review: Tarte Natural Complexion Collection in Deep **NEW**

I think I have achieved “complexion perfection” with the Tarte Natural Complexion Collection in Deep. I have never had so many options to even and smooth out my skin tone in one kit for only $54. How is that possible for a brown girl like me? Well, Tarte offers the collection in fair, light, medium, and now deep for the brownest of girls. It includes

-Clean slate natural face primer

-the eraser 4-1 natural concealer

-ReCreate natural anti-aging foundation with Wrinkle Rewind Technology SPF 15

-Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 8

-Mineral Powder Bronzer

-Foundation Brush

You don’t have to use every product every day….mix and match. I doJ There are so many combos:

-Clean slate primer+ReCreate Foundation+ Pressed Mineral Powder= full coverage finish

-The Eraser Concealer + Pressed Mineral Powder= great natural day time look

-Pressed Mineral Powder + Mineral Powder Bronzer = quick-out-the-door look

-The Eraser + ReCreate+ Pressed Mineral Powder = complexion perfection

The Complexion Collection is only available via Sephora for $54. Four products and one brush…even I think that’s deal.:)

***press sample provided by the good folks at Tarte…Thanks!!***

Jamie

Review: Clairol Professional Jazzing....

I’m always wary of hair color. My motto is “ if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. I love my dark hair. But since becoming natural, I’ve looked at other options to bring out my curls and try a new style. Color is an option… finally!!

I was sent Clairol Professional Jazzing Hair Color in Cherry Cola and Ebony. I’ve seen Jazzing in my local BSS, so didn’t feel like I was putting some foreign brand on my hair. Here’s the 411….

Pros:

-Semi-Permanent but it lasts way more than the 3-5 washes. I was surprised at the longevity of the color

-Pleasant smell.

-Easy to handle with the small bottle

-Great color. My hair is pretty dark but the Cherry Cola tint was a pretty red-orange

Cons:

-It’s a professional product. So the directions are not outlined like it was a home product, even though you can use it at home. I found this confusing when I didn’t know if to put on gloves or not.

-Again, I wasn’t sure if I should shampoo before or after or both. The directions only say, “Apply to towel dried hair in sections. Use protective cream around hairline. Keep off scalp” The hair color semi-virgin in me was super confused.

Consensus:

-If this is to be marketed as a home product, more directions have to be included. As far as a product, I like it. I’ll do the Ebony soon, and maybe pick up the Cherry Cola for a summer color change.

Jamie

Review: Beyonce Heat...

I remember the first time I smelled J.Lo Glow, Jennifer Lopez’ first fragrance. It was fire shut up in my bones. I didn’t immediately think, ‘This is how J. Lo smells!’. I thought, “I want the lotion to match, this is awesome!”

One day, I’ll have my own signature fragrance…I don’t have name for it or anything but instead of representing what I like and who I am, my fragrance will be something that capture your heart and fill your spirit. Celebrity fragrances are not based on that lately. Its all about them. Beyonce Heat is the perfect example of Beyonce. Let me explain…

Pros:

-the notes are diverse… the list reads everywhere from peach to orchid.

-the scent reminds you of nothing you have smelled before. She hit that nail on the head.

-The bottle is pretty, even though I wouldn’t do the graduated color up but reversed it and did the color going down. It would’ve look more refined that way. But she was going for the look of “Heat” *stares*

-The dry down is my favorite part…smells like clean, fresh soap.

Cons:

-The first spritz will knock you out. The top notes are super strong

-Too much comes out of one spritz. Overkill. She should look into that.

-After 15 minutes, Heat reminded me of oil sheen, like Dudley’s or Design Essentials… high end oil sheen **giggles**

Consensus:

There are so many levels to Heat, it’s not even funny. First, it was too much, then it smelled like hair salon, and finally I liked it. Beyonce, you think? She sometimes does that to me! Lol! If any, she nailed the essence of her. So, if you are a ‘Stan’ or a fan, scoop it up. It will fill your spirit. **looks around** Overall, I like it. I would like to see her do something not so kitschy and popular but more refined, classic, and romantic. Don’t act this is the only scent she’s going to do! Lol!

***Press samples sent by the good folks over at Coty…thanks!!***

Jamie

Shopping My Stash: MAC Blush in Breezy....

From the depths of the blush/foundation drawer....MAC Breezy Blush....
I love this blush, but I broke the plastic cover on it and it ended up in a plastic bag....
See???
Working on wearing blush more...I don't wear it enough....
Jamie

NOTD: OPI Absolutely Alice....

Here it is...the genius of OPI Absolutely Alice...its filling my spirit with blue sparkle!!

( With a flash)
(Without a flash)

Jamie

Win A Bare Escentuals Blush This Week!!!

Win a Bare Escentuals Blush...This week its...Rethink Your Environment!!!

Go!

Jamie

Dupe-d: Maybelline Color Studio Eye Plush in Sapphire Siren....

Every time I see Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Quads, I have mixed emotions...

I think they look delicious in the display but....

I mean, I own most of the colors I see, then the prices for these are ranging from 7.49 to 9.99..too much for four colors in a drugstore or mass market store. **rolls eyes**

So....I decided that I would TRY to dupe to look I keep seeing in the magazines. Its their 'Sapphire Siren' quad....
I used NK HD eye shadows in #3023,#3020, and #3021 and NYX white eye shadow. For the lips, I found in my stash a $1.25 lippie I bought at my favorite $1.25 jewelry store called This N That....its Love Me 365 High Shine Lipstick in #49...
Dupe'd???? I tried....
Looks like "Sapphire Siren" right out of my own collection. Pow!
Jamie