Fall/Winter Fashion Haul: DaCar Popup Shop

I Bought This

This is so extremely late and I know Fall is pretty much over (it is, right?) but Winter in SoCal is so mild that you can wear Fall fashion through til February anyway. My friend Daralyn is a stylist and operates under the name DaCar Style. She had a popup shop with cool Fall and Winter fashion and invited me and our friend Dee to be the first to check it out and shop the items!

Daralyn had an array of beautiful things, from jackets to hats, purses, clutches, jewelry and more. 

DaCar's brand slogan is 'Make a Statement' and there were certainly a lot of beautiful 'statement' pieces that would help to make your outfit. There were a bunch of different things that I wanted to buy, but I managed to cut it down to what I really couldn't pass up on.

These are the must-have items that I think are not only perfect for fall/winter, but can be integrated into a spring or summer wardrobe as well.

Studded faux leather clutch

Turquoise faux leather vest

Mustard yellow purse, a very on trend colour

Cute two finger LOVE ring

All my new purchases!

Dee ended up buying two purses as well, she was really happy with her new stuff. Pop up shops are a great way to discover new fashion and on trend pieces that can ramp up your wardrobe a bit. I haven't had much of a chance to wear my new pieces though, I really have to go through my wardrobe, get rid of some stuff and organise it so I know what I have to wear and what I need to buy. I'd like to have a closet organiser app or something, which I can use to make outfits with. Does anyone use one that they recommend? Let me know what you do to keep track of all your clothes and accessories!

Beauty Box 5 December Subscription Box Review

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After last month's Beauty Box 5, I was really excited to see what would be in this month's box! The December 'Naughty and Nice' box is a mix of skincare and makeup, and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed...

The three full size products make this box worthwhile, although I'm not a huge fan of the other samples, two travel sized lotions. Lotion samples in a subscription box never wow me, although they are handy to have around and pop in your purse.

The product I was MOST excited about was the NYX palette! I love NYX, they are one of my favourite makeup brands. I have been wanting to get some of their new eyeshadows and these ones look like really pretty shades. I've never heard of Ofra Cosmetics before, but I'm a sucker for lip products and especially lip plumpers! The Every Beauty foot smoother is going to come in handy, since Winter has been drying out my skin. I was actually thinking about getting a foot peeling mask, but I'll see how this foot smoother works before I do anything more drastic. I'm really liking the Beauty Box 5 subscription boxes so far.

Look out for individual reviews on the full sized products coming soon :)

Wet n Wild Fergie Lipstick Penthouse Sweet & Old School Glam on Warm/Yellow Toned Skin

I Bought This



I'm quite liking a few of the Fergie x Wet n Wild products and these lipsticks are no exception. They aren't the best matte lipsticks out there, but they're pretty great for the price!

Price:	Around $3.49
Size:	.1 OZ
	L-R: Penthouse Sweet, Old School Glam

L-R: Penthouse Sweet, Old School Glam

L-R: Penthouse Sweet, Old School Glam

Penthouse Sweet

Old School Glam

The texture is a creamy matte which can be a bit drying, but they go on pretty smoothly with slight tugging and are opaque. You should always prep your lips by exfoliating and putting on lip balm before wearing lipstick anyway! Both shades seemed like cool tones, so I wasn't sure how they'd look on my warm toned skin, but surprisingly they look quite nice. I really enjoy matte finishes for winter and these two don't settle into lines too much. I would probably advise taking a lip balm along though, as they do get more drying the longer you wear them, but I do also have dry lips. The quality is kind of in the middle, not the most amazing matte texture, but not the worst either.

I think I'll be picking up a few more of the shades, since they're so pretty and you can't beat the price!

Purple Labyrinth Galaxy OOTD

I Bought This

Once again through Rie I discovered something really awesome, I swear that girl is a goldmine of cool stuff. She had posted a few t-shirts from TeeFury on Facebook and I started stalking the site every day, waiting for tees that corresponded with my fandoms. They have had a lot of good ones, but I wasn't sold on any of the artwork until this absolute beauty popped up. A purple, ink style art Labyrinth tee?? Be still my heart! I threw together a few things to create an outfit around it and ended up loving the result.

Outfit posts are pretty rare for me, so please excuse my awkward 90s beauty queen posing.....

I swear I was not trying to pose with my hand on my hip (when you dip, I dip, we dip) but the person who was taking the photo - my 'friend' - was all like "Come on, pose a little, put your hand on your hip!"... I think she secretly hates me.

As you can see, this outfit comprises of a few of my favourite things right now, my Labyrinth tee (of course), purple Galaxy leggings from Forever 21 and my sneaker wedges from Target. I'm on a big purple kick at the moment which you can probably tell from a few of my past posts. My hair is turning pink though, time for another dye job!

Ok well, time to go stalk TeeFury a little more..... I also got some really cool Supernatural tees for my husband!

$500 Holiday Giveaway from the Beauty Blogazons!

The Beauty Blogazons are back again with a Holiday Giveaway! This year the prize pot is even BIGGER than ever, you can win $500 cold, hard cash (Paypal or Visa Giftcard, your choice). Think of all the makeup you could buy!

Let's thank all the bloggers that are involved and get started shall we?

Glitter.Gloss.Garbage	Chickettes
BellBelleBella	ColorMeSoCrazy
Pretty In Pink	Polarbelle
Polish Etc.	TheFabZilla
Beautyfiends	Glitz Glam Budget
Peek & Ponder	Glamorable!
Big Time Beauty	Beauty Info Zone
Carinae L'etoile's polish stash	Geniabeme
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom	Betzy's Makeup
Midnight Manicures	Beauty by Miss L
Makeup, Life and Love	XO, Noelle
Pretty Squared	Ishah x Beauty
Beauty and Fashion Tech	Daydreaming Beauty
Makeup Mom 123	Citizens of Beauty

The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY! Giveaway starts right now (November 25) and ends December 9 2013. Official contest rules below in the rafflecopter widget.

Thanks for supporting us!!


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Hue In The City Girls Chat 4: Do you struggle with pairing an eye look with a bold lip?

Question of the Week:

Do you struggle with pairing an eye look with a bold lip?

Honestly, no.... I don't have any problem pairing an eye look with a bold lip because I always do the same thing!! Simple eyes, neutral eyeshadows with liquid liner and maybe falsies for a bit of drama. Maybe my problem is finding new and different eye looks to do with bold lip colours.... Changing up my circle lenses is probably the only big difference in all of these looks. What kind of eye makeup do you usually do when you wear bold lipstick? I need some fresh ideas!

Some great recent posts from the Hue in the City bloggers:

• Quinn shows us her 13 October favorites, which products made the cut?
• Leticia reviews the beautiful Blitz and lovely Liquid Gold pigments from Makeup Geek.
• Mai is giving away a set of Lilly Brushes AND $250!
• Mina is having a giveaway for the OFRA Cosmetics Semi Permanent Waterproof Eyebrow Gel.
• Ishah does some dazzling peacock nail art for short nails.

nuNAAT Garlic Magic Hair Collection Review

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My hair is a strange beast. It's fine and wavy, slow growing and thin in places since I had my last child, oily at the roots and dry at the mid-lengths and ends. I also have a sensitive scalp. I have a hard time finding hair products that are moisturising, gentle on my scalp, but still light enough that they don't weigh my hair down. I previously tried nuNAAT's Keratin system, but as smooth as it made my hair feel, it also weighed it down and made it feel stringy. I would recommend it more for thick hair and I use it on my two boys who have very thick, curly hair. I was still searching for a system that would help my wayward locks, when I received the nuNAAT Garlic collection.


From the nuNAAT website:

The collection includes:

Garlic Extra Force Shampoo (16.9 oz)
The shampoo has a nice lather, without too many bubbles. I prefer this, as any shampoo that lathers up into a lot of bubbles usually strips more of your natural oils and is harsher on your hair and scalp. This shampoo cleaned nicely without leaving my hair feeling too dry and stripped. I actually washed once and didn't have time to condition, so I just shampooed and then put the leave in styling cream in and it was fine.

Garlic Extra Force Conditioner (16.9 oz)
This conditioner is pretty creamy, without feeling heavy. It's best for fine hair that doesn't need a lot of detangling, as it isn't as thick and creamy as a heavier detangling conditioner. THis works fine on my hair, but not as well on my boys' very thick, very curly hair. It left my hair feeling smooth and soft, without weighing it down at all.


Garlic Extra Force Styling Cream (10.5 oz)
The bottle says 'Leave In', and it's more of a leave in conditioner than a styling product. It tames frizz and makes it easier to comb through damp hair. I like the lightweight feel and it never leaves my hair feeling greasy or sticky.

Garlic Magic Hair Mask (17.6 oz)

I love this hair mask, again it's better for fine hair and doesn't leave hair weighed down. I use it when I'm dying my hair to dilute the hair colour, and it makes my hair super soft and smooth and locks in the dye.

From the first use, I liked the way this collection made my scalp and hair feel. It definitely is a more lightweight collection, more suitable for my fine hair and oily scalp. All the products have a light, floral scent and don't smell like garlic at all. I am so happy to have found a system that works for my combination of hair problems, and my scalp feels healthier and less oily.

In the Before/After picture, you can see my roots are less oily and clumped together and my hair is smoother and less frizzy.

I will definitely be keeping this as my go-to hair routine, although I test other products as well. If you have fine or oily hair, weak and slow-growing strands, I definitely recommend this collection. If your hair is thicker and dry, try out nuNAAT's Keratin line.

Beauty Box 5 November Subscription Box Review

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Beauty Box 5 is a beauty subscription service where you get 5 cosmetic samples (some full sized, some sample sized) delivered to your door each month. There are a few of these subscription services out there, but they differ in the quality of the samples, the brands offered etc. I've never subscribed to a monthly beauty box before, but I've considered doing it many times.

Wit Beauty Box 5, you can choose to pay month to month, or have a longer subscription. The prices are as follows (from the Beauty Box 5 website):

My one big question has been, for what you pay each month is it worth it? I've seen people post about beauty subscriptions that are basically glorified sample boxes, full of sample size products that you'd usually get for free and they end up feeling ripped off. My first Beauty Box 5 is NOT one of those boxes.

This is the November box!

This is what I received in the November box. There are 3 full sized products and a full single pack mask! The card inside gives you the value of the full sized product, so keep that in mind when you're working out the value of the box. Not including the sample of Aveeno body wash, the other full sized products come to a value of $30.46, so you're getting almost triple value for your $12 subscription, even more if you pay quarterly/yearly. I like the products I received because they were mostly things I needed or wanted to try, but some people may not prefer getting mostly beauty/skincare items instead of makeup. Every month is different though, last month I got a preview box and it had a full size ModelCo lip liner and a mini Nubar nail polish.

Now let me tell you a little more about the products from my experience...

1. Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant: I was actually going to go and buy a new deodorant the day that I received this box, so it was perfect timing! I haven't tried the invisible solid deodorants, usually getting the gel ones, but I really like this one! It feels less sticky than the gel and doesn't leave white marks.

2. Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Cooling Face Mask: Ok, I was expecting this to be one of those clay masks that is actualy like runny clay, that you squeeze out and rub onto your face... NOPE! It's actually a fabric mask that you place on, much like the asian beauty masks. I haven't tried this yet, but I am REALLY looking forward to it. They are a natural and cruelty free beauty company and they have the most delicious sounding ingredients in their masks. Check out their website for more details: Montagne Jeunesse.

3. Body Drench Lip Drench: The lip balm flavour I got was Pomegranate. It is SO GOOD. It smells just like a fresh pomegranate and feels really nice and hydrating on my lips.I was a bit like "$4.99 for a lip balm?" *WTF face* but it really smooths and hydrates and lasts for a long time. And plus, it's pomegranate *swoon*.

4. Bellapierre Cosmetics Shimmer Powder: The shade I received was called Storm. It is a loose mineral eyeshadow which is a very shimmery silver grey. It was easily blendable and went from a darker grey when packed on to a lighter silver when blended out.

I don't really use loose eyeshadow much, so I may give this one away. It's a pretty shade though, perfect for Winter! I've never heard of this brand before, so it's nice to be introduced to new products. They seem to focus on mineral makeup, with everything from eyeshadow to foundation and even nail polish. Check out their website for more info: Bellapierre Cosmetics.

5. Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash: I didn't test the body wash, but it's nice that they give you an actual travel sized bottle rather than just a little sachet. Aveeno is an ok brand, I have a few Aveeno products in the house, but I don't go out of my way to ONLY buy Aveeno.

Also included in the November Beauty Box 5 was a coupon booklet. It has a bunch of high value coupons, including an free Secret Clinical Strength deodorant which is worth another $7.99! That's pretty darn good value if you ask me.

Overall, I really liked the November box and I'm eagerly anticipating next month's box. I think for what was included, it's well worth the $12 and I haven't been disappointed by anything I received.

Look out for my review of the December Beauty Box 5 next month!

Bedi Phone Covers - Edgy, High Fashion For Your Phone.

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I am a girl who loves her phone and I love to dress my phone up as well! I am constantly looking for cool new phone cases and accessories and have recently been really into studs and leather. They have been in style since last Fall/Winter, and are still going strong this time around.

Bedi Phone Covers are high fashion cases that combine form and function. I was contacted by Daniel from Bedi Phone Covers to try out one of their gorgeous cases.

From the Bedi Phone Covers facebook page:

About: Bedi phone cases transform your phone in the way it looks and feels, making it become something closer to whom you really are.

Description: We believe in poetics, dialectics, art, taste, fashion, style, idealism and everyone's desire to, once in a while, stand out of the crowd. In other words, we promote the being different spirit, while becoming poets, artists, fashionistas, or idealized people.
The way we promote this is through a single thing that everyone uses and loves so much that they can't live without it. Phones.
We don't make your phone, but we style it and make it look just as cool and awesome as you are. We let it become something close to whom you really are. Our very edgy cases aim to not just transform your phone, but make you feel and look better with the one electronic you love.

The case I was sent is a silver and quilted leather combo, with 4 wicked cool fangs that really give the case a unique look. They also act as a stand to keep the phone upright when you're watching a movie! They feel super sturdy and are actually screwed into the phone case, not just glued on. Although I was worried they'd get in the way when I was holding the phone, my hand fits nicely in between the fangs and they actually rest on my upper finger, keeping my phone from slipping easily. Because of the way the fangs are curved, they don't catch on things as much as I thought they would either. Simply put: This. Case. Rocks.

The ONLY down side is that it doesn't protect the whole silver bezel of the phone, being open at the top and bottom, so I'd be worried about scratching it since I am a serial phone dropper. I dropped my phone twice yesterday........ onto concrete at that =_=;; I think because of that, I'd use this case for special occasions, when I want to give my phone an edgy level up fashion-wise. If it maybe had silicone at the top and bottom, protecting the exposed bezel, I'd definitely use this case as a daily driver.

This is the only design Bedi Phone Covers has for the Galaxy S4 so far, but they have a variety of stunning cases for iPhone 4/4s/5/5s. Check out their Fang Collection video on Youtube!

Peacock Nail Art for Short Nails

You know that urge you get to start off fresh with something, like getting a super short haircut? Well I get that feeling with my nails ALL the time and I'll go through stages of having long nails for a while and then just decide to chop them all down to nubs one day. I got this urge yesterday and as a result, my nails are the shortest they've been for a long time.

Thanks to Leticia, I've been inspired to do nail art on my little nubs, and I wanted to use this beautiful shade from Gap called Peacock Blue. So what else than Peacock nails!

I started off with two coats of GAP Peacock Blue and two coats of OPI Funky Dunkey on my ring finger and thumb. Then I sponged on Color Club Port-Folio over all nails but my accent nails, to give them the iridescent look of peacock feathers. On my accent nails I freehand drew a peacock feather-like design using Sinful Colors Open Seas, Wet n Wild The Gold & the Beautiful, GAP Peacock Blue, Essie Good as Gold and Revlon Royal.

I really like this look, but next time I think I might make the lines for the feather a bit darker, there seems to be too much contrast between the light strokes and the darker 'eye' of the feather. I am LOVING these shades together, they have a luxe feel that's perfect for the holiday season.

Now I need to wait for my nails to get a bit longer so I can get them back to an oval shape!!

Diamond Candles Giveaway!

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You may have seen my review and ring reveal of the Cupcake Candle from Diamond Candles. Thanks to the lovely people at Diamond Candles, I have a candle of your choice to give away to one of you lucky readers! You get to choose a candle in your preferred scent that has a ring inside worth $10, $100, $1000 or maybe even $5000. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

Open to US only.

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Hue in the City Girls Chat 3: Top 3 Makeup Products When You're in a Rush

Question of the Week:

What are your top 3 go-to makeup products when you're getting ready in a rush?

If we're talking about getting ready in 5 minutes, this is me basically every day. During the week I'm rushing around trying to get breakfast on the table, school lunches packed and kids washed, dressed and ready so I don't usually have much time to do my makeup. Through trial and error, I've found 3 great products that make me look pretty and polished in 5 minutes.

1. POND'S Luminous Finish BB Cream - This is my favourite lightweight tinted moisturiser and it's easy to quickly put on and blend with my fingers. It smooths and perfects my complexion, while still looking natural.
2. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit - Nothing pulls you together like a perfectly filled in brow. This eyebrow kit gives you an amazingly natural look with its duo of brow gel and powder. Even without mascara or eyeliner, my face feels 'done' when I have a well-groomed brow.
3. Jordana Twist and Shine Balm Stain - When I don't have time to do some prep work on my lips, I reach for a good all in one product like these. Smooth and hydrating like a lip balm, but giving the bright pop of colour of a lipstick. I love how long lasting these balm stains are as well.

Some great recent posts from the Hue in the City bloggers:

• Mina reviews OFRA Cosmetics Semi Permanent Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
• Leticia makes some incredibly easy Beetle Nail Art for the ladies with short nails
• Genia wants to show you her Inglot pretties
• Quinn is celebrating Fab Five Friday with blush!
• Jessica reviews Painted Earth Boo Boo Gel
• Mai and her Rose Gold Romance face of the day 
• Melody shows off her top Make Up For Ever face brushes
• Ishah reviews a really cute Sailor Moon T-Shirt
• Janice teaches you a lesson about Man Glaze Santorum