Thursday, April 30, 2015

Smith & Cult 'The Graduate' and 'Porn-athon' nailed lacquers review + swatches


         As a color enthusiast, I try to feel out a brand for it's particular style. With Smith & Cult, I've noticed that they really get color nuances. Their spin on shades tend to be shocking, maybe a little garish, but pleasantly so. In a sea of polish, it's refreshing to see the unique!

          Today I have two new shades, 'The Graduate' and 'Porn-a-thon' from Smith & Cult Spring 2015 to share with you. (I keep looking around as I'm typing this post, hoping that no-one's reading my bold-type... I swear this is about nail polish!) I still haven't gotten over the artfully 'dented' caps. The 0.5fl.oz. product is plus too, in addition to the smooth 5-free formula.


            Smith & Cult Nailed lacquer in 'The Graduate' is a taupe crème. This neutral strikes me as straightlaced with a little edge. The undertone runs quite warm (as I'll show in the swatches below). It does accentuate the pink tones in my skin because of this; I think this shade would work well for those with a warm / yellow-based skintone. The formula, as usual, is smooth and relatively quick drying. Each shade comes with a little ditty, which I've included below:

Mrs. Robinson's precise yet unfussy, sexy chignons
made me romanticize the notion of how much better
life would have been back then - if only.


           Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in 'Porn-a-thon' is a pastel peach crème. To me, it's a little reminiscent of a spray-tanned Barbie. (I find myself oddly drawn to it, despite not being a peach person on a usual basis). The color does seem to be yellow based, as opposed to more common pinky peaches.  On a more technical note, the formula is fabulous as typical of Smith & Cult. Pastel peaches generally suffer from formula issues, but this doesn't seem to be the case here.

Very concerned about my photographic recollection
of Teddy's new girlfriend's incessant posting of tragic
selfies- MUST STOP LOOKING.


         I've included swatch comparisons of both Smith & Cult The Graduate and Porn-a-Thon below. I think you can appreciate the warm yellow base of 'The Graduate' relative to the relatively neutral OPI Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh? (reviewed here) and the cooler Smith & Cult Doe My Dear (reviewed here). (I absolutely adore 'Doe My Dear' on my cooler skintone). You can also discern from my swatches that Smith & Cult Porn-a-Thon is a pretty yellow-based peach, when compared to other peaches in my collection. Both Butter London Keen (reviewed here) and Essie Van D'Go are clearly more pink.

            Both Smith & Cult 'The Graduate' and 'Porn-a-thon' are two fun, off-kilter shades that are provide a unique spin to Spring 2015. As I've mentioned above, both shades do have a bit of a yellow base and would probably work best with warm skintones. (That said, I'm still going to have fun wearing them this season, despite having cooler tones). I've really enjoyed the Smith & Cult experience so far, both with color and formula! For more shades (and their accompanying poems, be sure to check out SmithandCult.com).

         Thanks for reading! Have you tried Smith & Cult? What shades would you try?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Smith & Cult nailed lacquers can be purchased at smithandcult.com, C.O. Bigelow, and Net-a-Porter.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Sonia Kashuk 'Art of Makeup' 10pc. brush set + roll review


          Here's a cool collision between art and beauty! Sonia Kashuk has a limited edition 'Art of Makeup' collection for Spring 2015! It's a collaboration with Linda Mason, makeup and visual artist, and mentor to Sonia Kashuk herself. The collection features a number of beauty tools and organizers, created with splashes of bright color.

         Today, I have two highlights from the Sonia Kashuk 'Art of Makeup' collection to share with you: the Ten Piece Brush set and the Brush Roll!


         As an avid pink-lover, you could say I'm pretty excited about the Sonia Kashuk 'Art of Makeup' Ten Piece Brush set ($35.99). The pink ombré bristles are going to provide a great pop of color on my vanity! Of course, I can also tuck them neatly away in the matching Sonia Kashuk Art of Makeup Brush Roll ($19.92) as well.

           I like the addition of a brush roll to the 'Art of Makeup' line; it's not often that you see rolls available! The Art of Makeup brush roll is a 12-pocket roll that's both sturdy and cute. It keeps my brushes separate and in good shape. There's a protective top flap to keep brushes from falling out; it does take a little finagling to roll up flat, but otherwise works well. Each pocket is quite roomy and can accommodate large handles. In a pinch, I think I could fit two little brushes into a single slot!

The face brushes have a lip print handle, which matches the Art of Makeup design on my brush pouch!
           I've photographed an up-close look at the brushes in the Sonia Kashuk Art of Makeup 10 peice brush set! When it comes to brush sets in general, it's so important to take a look at what exactly is included. My must-have list typically includes a powder, liquid foundation, angled eyeliner/brow, and blush brushes; it was nice to check of all my basics in this set.

          The brushes included within this set include: powder, blush, pointed foundation, dense powder, concealer, pointed blending, crease shadow, medium eye shadow, angled eye shadow, smudge. There are a mix of natural and synthetic fiber brushes. Overall I find them to be of good construction; the heads are soft and don't seem to actively shed! It's worth noting that the box notes that the pink bristles do require a little care to maintain color. Mainly, gentle brush cleaner is recommended (as opposed to strong detergents and hot water).

Appropriately, the eye brushes all have an 'eye print' handle.
            Overall, the Sonia Kashuk 'Art of Makeup' collection is a fun one for those who love art, beauty, and color. I'm always up for more pink, so the brush set is a fun way to spruce up my routine this spring! The brush roll is a nice compliment to my brushes and should come in handy for travel and storage. If you're a fan of the print, there are a number of organizers and train cases available in it as well. The Art of Makeup collection is limited edition, and available at Target.

           Thanks for reading! Would you use pink bristled brushes? Have you seen the Sonia Kashuk Art of Makeup collection in-store?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset collection review + swatches


         There's something so mesmerizing about Sonia Kashuk's Sahara Sunset collection. The reflective gold, terracotta, and onyx drew me in like a desert mirage! However, unlike the aforementioned, this collection does not disappoint; inside the pretty packaging, I found that this spring collection to be a neutral lover's dream.

         Thanks to Sonia Kashuk, I have three pieces from the Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset collection to share with you today. If you love warm neutrals, I have a feeling you'll be in for a treat!


           First up is Sahara Sunset Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Nirvana ($11.99). I'm kind of obsessed with the glowy gold packaging! The lipstick is a sheer warm peachy-beige, which I've swatched for you below. The formula is smooth and has nice shine.


           Next, I have the Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset Bronzing Blush Stick in Marrakesh ($11.99).


            I wasn't sure what to expect from the Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset Bronzing Blush Stick in Marrakesh,  however I was pleased to find a glowy bronze shade within! I think this product reminds me somewhat of my NARS Multiples. When applied, it can deposit an intense, pigmented bronzy glow. However, it can easily be blended out to any amount of sheerness. I found that the formula tends to be softer and blendable for longer than my multiples. I'd use this for adding bronze highlights to the face or perhaps collarbones.


           The stunner of the Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset collection has to be the Sahara Sunset Eyeshadow Palette in Desert Escape ($19.99). The palette contains bronzed nude, sand, shell, pink, and terracotta paired with matte deep eggplant. (I think the eggplant tinted matte shade is such a great pairing with the warm sandy glow of the shimmers). The formula is smooth and quite soft. I noticed that each brush swipe left a small depression in the palette.


          I've swatched my pieces from the Sonia Kashuks Sahara Sunset collection for you below! The Sahara Sunset Eyeshadow Palette in Desert Escape ($19.99) has five sandy / earthy shimmers and one matte eggplant brown. I've compared Sahara Sunset Bronzing Blush Stick in Marrakesh ($11.99) to my NARS Multiple in South Beach. The former is more bronze and less orange tinted than the latter. Sahara Sunset Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Nirvana ($11.99) is a sheer peachy beige nude. I'd say it swatches similarly to NARS Love Devotion. However, I think Love devotion is sheerer and wears much more coral, while Nirvana is more pigmented and beige-leaning.


          This glowy desert-inspired collection is perfect for those who love warm neutrals. My favorite piece has to be the Sonia Kashuk Lip Color in Nirvana. It's an easy to-wear nude, and it has the prettiest packaging! I wouldn't be surprised if the Sonia Kashuk Desert Escape eyeshadow palette gets the most love, though. It's a great set of glowy shades perfect for the warm months ahead. The Sonia Kashuk Sahara Sunset is now available at Target (both in store and online!)

         Thanks for reading! Have you had a chance to play with Sonia Kashuk Spring? What pieces are you loving most?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Friday, April 24, 2015

Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana fragrance collection review

Mimosa + Bamboo + Lime.
            Sometimes, it's ok to judge a book by it's cover. (Or, in this case, perfume). The gorgeous parrot tulip patterning on the new Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana fragrance line certainly captured my fancy. However since then, I've come to realize that the scent within is twice as nice! Here's why I've been giving White Etheriana a lot of love this past week...

          I love the scent of tulips. There's something so very spring about them! In perfume, though, its not a common accord, as it can't be harvested and has to be created in lab. Hence, there's not that many tulip perfumes out there. In my opinion, Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana has taken a cool abstract approach to the tulip, approximating its spirit with soft florals and green citrus-like freshness! I'm going to go a little perfume-nerd here and give you the full breakdown of how I experience the scent:

         At it's essence, Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana is an uplifting combination of mimosa, lime, and bamboo. First, comes the crisp watery green of the bamboo. It's followed by the soft, rich scent of mimosa which gradually builds in intensity to become the body of this perfume. Brilliant hints of lime (and if you smell closely, acai) add alacrity and dimension to what otherwise would be a powdery perfume. The florals are grounded by a touch of violet, and seem to coexist continuously with a soft, clean base. There's no standout base note, which I like. Instead, I find it to be a nice admixture of patchouli, musk, and even oakmoss (one of my favorites). There's a nice peachiness at the base as well, making this an even nicer skin scent.

          Just like parrot tulips, this fragrance isn't your garden variety. I love how the rich mimosa is livened by green bamboo and lime. It's a creative combination as far as fragrance is concerned. Overall, I'm really loving this scent (though it should be said, I'm a spring perfumista at heart) and would definitely recommend Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana if you're looking to freshen up your fragrance routine!

        Thanks for reading! What Sonia Kashuk scents have you tried? What fragrances or notes are you loving this spring?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana is available at Target for Spring 2015. The line includes: the Eau de toilette ($19.99), Crème Body Wash ($8.99), Body Lotion ($8.99), and Hand Crème ($6.99). My personal favorite is the body wash; I feel like the mimosa is amplified when it hits hot water!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sonia Kashuk Lustrous Shine Lip Crayon in Pink Lily review + swatches



       Hi everyone! I hope your day's been off to a relaxed start! I'm writing this post at the gym in-between yoga sessions, with a mug of Starbucks Kenya in hand. I also have a stack of May magazine issues to catch up on, and have been working my way through the latest issue of InStyle...

         Speaking of Instyle, the bright pinks on covergirl Reese Witherspoon brought a big smile to my face. (Though ruffled velvet and sequins do seem a bit more Elle Woods a la Legally Blonde than real-life Reese). It's worth flipping through the article within; there's a montage with movie sets and space suits, as well as inspiring quotes!

       Anyhow, back to beauty! I think a relaxed morning calls for a relaxed pink (don't you think?). Lately I've been playing around with Sonia Kashuk Lustrous Lip Shine Crayon in Pink Lily, a brand new shade for Spring 2015. Light pinks are my love, so I've been all over this rosy hue!

The color of Sonia Kashuk Pink Lily is a touch (or two) warmer than suggested by the cap color!
           The twist up crayon is packaged in sleek black with color capped packaging. (It's nicely reminiscent of the popular NARS velvet mattes.) The formula contains myrrh resin for plumping (a nice alternative for those who can't do peppermint), as well as broad spectrum UVA and UVB filters. The formula goes on smoothly for a semi-sheer finish with soft shine.

           Sonia Kashuk Pink Lily is lovely light warm pink. Though it appears to near the pink coral spectrum, I'd say not quite. It's a still a solid, albeit very warm pink.  When compared to CHANEL Dedicace (reviewed and swatched here), you can appreciate the warmth of Sonia Kashuk Pink Lily.  I was surprised by how closely Sonia Kashuk Pink Lily swatches to NARS Niagara. However the former is more pink than the latter, which is more coral. The difference is much more noticeable on the lips. Niagara is quite bright, while Pink Lily is a more demure rose. MAC Sunny Seoul is a lighter yellow-pink.



            Sonia Kashuk Lustrous Lip Shine Crayon in Pink Lily ($8.99) is a lovely warm pink thats wearable without being wallflower! It's one of those shades that can get a lot of use (though I may be biased as I do love my light pinks!). I'd love to see more light shades like this in Sonia Kashuk's lip crayon lineup. They're such an affordable, portable way to get lip color on the go!

        Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Sonia Kashuk lip shades or products? What lip crayons are you loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Loving right now : Palm Print


          Lately, I've been all about leaf prints. Perhaps the verdant patterns seem particularly fitting given my upcoming vacay to subtropical climates. (Or it's possible that I never outgrew Fern Gully...). Regardless of the reason, I had to get my hands on the new Palm Print line of makeup organizers from Sonia Kashuk Spring 2015!

           Thanks to Target, I've gotten my 'palms' on a Sonia Kashuk Palm Print Makeup Organizer ($9.99); it's been a constant companion since! Let's revel in a few photos...




        The pouch itself is pretty roomy. I've photographed it with my tag-along beauty products to give you an idea of size. What you can't see are two zip pockets within. It's a natural shoe-in for my personal care products en route to the gym everyday. However, I've seriously considered using it as a clutch. It's the right shape and size, as well as made of a pretty stiff material that holds some shape.


           When it comes to botany, the cutout shapes of Monsterosa leaves have always fascinated me! (Though truthfully, there's something beautiful about all broad-leafed shade-casting genera.) As you might imagine, I absolutely adore the leaf-print patterning here which features the iconic Monsterosa Deliciosa. 

          As you can tell, I've been all about the fronds lately, so I love my new Sonia Kashuk Palm Print Makeup Organizer ($9.99)! The pouch is bigger than I expected, which is handy for storing all those beauty extras I might need during the day. I may have to check out the 'Weekender' size next time I stop by Target; the zig zag version (reviewed here) was such a key piece during last winter's travels!

         Thanks for reading! What prints are you loving lately? What are your Sonia Kashuk staples?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Malted (17) and Slate (25) review + swatches


           I've been on makeup autopilot for some time now (perhaps on the order of months!). I suppose it's a product of living out of a suitcase during interview season, then continuing to coast with that same routine afterwards. My makeup sensibilities have slowly started to rekindle, which led me to 'rediscover' these two beauties I'd ordered earlier this year. (And by rediscover, I mean open completely new product. They've suffered from bloggers' must-photograph-first syndrome).

         Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows were amongst the first makeup products in my stash. I went through an entire jar of 'Malted', which even in retrospect was such a great shade for me. During my makeup exploration phase, my initial love for Bobbi's basic cream shadows fell by the wayside in favor of shimmer, glitz, and color. Lately, I feel like I've come full circle and find myself appreciating a carefully pared set of great basics all the more!


         After a great deal of deliberation, I chose Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadows in Malted (17) and Slate (25). Malted, of course is an old favorite that just can't be beat. Its slight pink undertones just work well with the similar tones in my skin. Slate is new to me, but a shade I've been eying for some time. Greige shades are essentials for me; they add a more natural shadowed effect on cool skin than do warm browns.


        When it comes to application, I typically use my Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow brush, as it was designed for such use! However, I think any flat synthetic would work fine, as well as fingers (which I've done on many occasions). The formula dries quickly and wear time is excellent.


        Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Malted (17) is a great nude shade that blends in easily against my skintone. (I keep hoping they'll add a powder eyeshadow version to the full-size collection). My neutral/cool skintone pulls the pink out of shades, so Malted appears more neutral in my swatch below. If you have warm skin, the shade will swatch to a more peachy hue.

          Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Slate (25) is a medium 'greige' type of shade. I've swatched both cream shades heavily here so that you can appreciate their color. However, a single swipe with my cream shadow brush actually is semi-sheer. I like this, as the effect is more natural and I can build for more color.



         I'm so happy I invested in both Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadows in Malted and Slate. They're timeless, wearable neutrals that look natural against my skintone. (I'm incredibly picky with neutrals, so this isn't a description I use with any old nude/brown shade!) I like how these could function as base shades or primer, as well as standalone shades for the days I'm doing minimalist makeup (which is most days for me, thanks to yoga).

        If you're looking to dabble in great basic shades, I'd definitely recommend trying Bobbi's eyeshadow line. I really find myself coming back to them time and time again!

         Thanks for reading! Have you tried Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadows? What are your favorite Bobbi Brown shades?

Love, Dovey.