By Terry Holiday Goodness!

I got a close look at the new By Terry Holiday 2012 Collection...

I would say that the must haves of this collection are the oil and the lip gloss. The Blush Prestige is an expensive blend of the Rose Amber and Coral colors (which are permanent). I much prefer the Rose Amber to the Blush Prestige.

This oil ROCKS. The good news is, all that gold (yes, that's 24 karat Rose Gold) doesn't translate into glitter on the skin. It melts right in. And oily girls, this absorbs so quickly... no oil slick! You can use it alone as a moisturizer, or blend it into your regular moisturizer or foundation. And it smells like HEAVEN.

I had this version in the pot some moons ago. This is the same formula, but in a convenient wand. And it's a little cheaper... not much... but a little. Every time I've worn this gloss I've gotten compliments. It flatters just about every skin tone.

The whole collection is available at Space NK and Barneys.

Tom Ford Platinum Dupe?: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color (BR 709)

The Tom Ford Cream Color in Platinum came and went. No sooner was it released, than it was sold out... so many beauties had no choice but to hunt for a dupe.

I think I 'might' have found it.

During a makeup hunt for unusual and ugly colors (I am always interested in colors and formulas that might initially turn people off), I came across Shiseido (which is always good for weird or unusual colors) Shimmering Cream Eye Color in BR 709:

In the pot, this color is pretty horrid. But when I swatched it, I fell in love. It reminds me a lot of Tom Ford's (now unavailable) cream color in Platinum. It's not really BROWN. It's more of a shimmery ashy taupe, with gold accents. It's actually really lovely on the skin.

See? It's really lovely. I think this would be perfect for a quick smoky eye, or a shimmering base for any selection of colors. I went from turning my nose up to clapping with glee over this color. It's a must have for me because it's so versatile.

It's cheaper too. Shiseido Cream Eye Colors retail for $25. You can find out more about Shiseido Cream Eye Color HERE.

Lip Service: Sunday Riley Rebel Rose

This is my first foray into the Sunday Riley 'color' makeup line... I decided that the shocking pink lipstick called 'Rebel Rose' was an appropriate introduction.

I fell head over heels in love with this magenta-tinged pink. These colors look amazing on my warm skin tone, and this lipstick is no exception.

Thanks to Stephanie at Space NK, I learned how to use this lipstick. She found out that it's kind of 'dry' and has to really be pressed onto the mouth. BUT, I think that the exposed tubes of lipstick on the display, are just dried out. This lipstick is on the dry side, but not nearly as dry as the display. I applied it to very dry lips, and found that it went on just fine, and even plumped my  lips a bit.

It's not an incredibly moisturizing formula, but it's not awfully dry either. This was my favorite color in the collection. Stephanie is fond of this shade's darker cousin: Stereotype. It goes on deep red-fuschia on her. But on me it just looks like a pinky-scarlett. Not very exciting. This color was a much better choice for me.

The other thing that's noteworthy about this lipstick is that the color deepens over time. It tends to act like a 'stain' on the lips, and the color gets deeper (and more vibrant) as you wear it. Pretty good stuff.

You can find out more about Sunday Riley lipsticks HERE.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON....

... truly brings out the best in us, and the WORST in us. I had a rather interesting weekend, after someone decided to help themselves to a gift card in my purse.

Yes, you read that right.

I was at Target to pick up food for the cat, and I pulled my wallet out of my purse to check my list. I noticed a woman hovering near my cart... middle aged... not particularly interesting in one way or another. I just assumed she was waiting for me to get out of the way (I was in front of a cash machine). She and I were the only people in that little area. Since I had my wallet in my hand, I felt a bit confident. Besides, who is REALLY interested in the contents of my boring purse?

This woman was. I swear I was distracted for just 'seconds' while I dug around my wallet for my list...

Just before I left the house for Target, I put a gift card from Bloomingdales into my purse. I intended to use it for one of the incomparable Hourglass Opaque Lip Rouges (ICON). So I went on with the business of getting the cat food, and left Target with not a care in the world. On the way to Bloomingdales, I reached into my purse to check that I'd in fact placed the card where I thought I placed it...

...and came up empty. This is the worst part. The card was attached to a special 'thank you' message from the store. The actual message card was still there... ripped a bit from where this person apparently 'hurriedly' removed the gift card.

I was SO UPSET. OMG. I called Stephanie Cooper (who takes amazing care of me at the Space NK store in Bloomingdales) and screamed and hollered. She told me that she wasn't sure that the store would replace it, but she'd certainly call a manager and try.

I met with Stephanie and the manager (who asked me to please stop yelling and using bad language inside the store). He disappeared upstairs with my account card and some basic information. I let him know that it wasn't that I wanted a 'new' card... I just wanted to make sure that the person who took my card wouldn't be able to benefit from it.

He reappeared 10 minutes later with a new 'handmade' gift card. He was so kind (despite my agitated disposition). I was SO happy. I immediately got the ICON Lip Rouge, and a Sunday Riley lipstick for good measure.

The card wasn't for much money. But that wasn't really the point. I was devastated that someone would steal from me... and overwhelmed that Bloomingdales would address my misfortune with a replacement card quickly and efficiently.

So to the manager at Bloomingdales, and to Stephanie for calming me down and taking care of me (like she always does), I issue a very heartfelt THANK YOU.

And to the woman who took my gift card...

... I forgive you. I am sorry that you felt the need to steal. You'd be surprised at how easily your needs are met, if you simply ask.

(CLOSED) HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY: LORAC Eye Candy Collection

I saw this and just HAD to do it for a giveaway. LORAC has released the coolest collection of eye and face colors, all packaged up to look like chocolate holiday candy.

I used the Sephora pictures for this because my pictures don't even REMOTELY do justice to this collection. It is AMAZING. There are six 'candy bars' with four colors each. Each bar represents a different color scheme. I fell head over heels in love with this idea, and there was no way I was going to pass up an opportunity to pay it forward.

YOU MUST BE A PUBLIC SUBSCRIBER TO QUALIFY. YOU CAN AMP YOUR CHANCES BY FOLLOWING 'ADVENTURES IN MAKEUP' ON FACEBOOK, FOLLOWING VIA NETWORKED BLOGS, AND FOLLOWING @shahadakarim ON TWITTER. IT HELPS A LOT TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENTS WHEN YOU LIST YOUR ENTRIES (makes it a lot easier to contact you if you win). 

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON DECEMBER 31ST. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Tom Ford Holiday 2012: Diabolique

For Holiday 2012, Tom Ford released a complimentary lipstick collection to accompany the Jasmin Rouge Fragrance. The four lipsticks are all shades of red, meant to flatter every skin tone. There are two shimmer, and two matte colors. The darkest matte color, Diabolique, is the one that caught my eye.

Why are the color labels always crooked on these lipsticks? SMH. You'd think that for $55 a pop, they'd at least get the packaging labels straight. They're ALWAYS crooked. Doesn't matter what color. It's just something I've noticed...

I do love the new lipstick packaging so much better than the old white version though.

The formula is creamy, but a little dry. I'd suggest a healthy dose of lip balm before putting it on. But the color is rich and highly saturated. I think that this is meant to be a 'blue' based red... but I notice that it wears warm and dark on me... like maybe there's a little bit of brown in there as well.

You can find out more about Tom Ford Lipstick in Diabolique HERE.

Eye Adore: By Terry Opaline Flash

I previewed the By Terry Holiday 2012 collection... the actual pieces of the collection are slow to manifest though. They are  now available at Barneys online and Space NK online. But there is no physical display at my local Space NK. I'm told that it's coming.

So I ordered the Kohl Terrybly in Opaline Flash from Barneys:

It's a pale pink shimmer pencil, meant to add 'light' to the inside of your eyes and really open them up. It reminds me a lot of Chanel's Rose Platine Crayon, but a bit brighter. I'd say this is perfect for fair skinned beauties, and will look amazing with a wide range of Holiday makeup looks.

The pencil is smooth, and actually blends out to a soft pink shimmer... which is how I'll likely use it. You can find out more about By Terry Kohl in Opaline Flash HERE.

Updates and what not...

Hey Guys,

I know it's been a while since my last update. I've had to take a break from the computer after a mild eye irritation turned into full blown grossness...

My eye swelled shut, and got REALLY photosensitive, and it was horrid. I go to the doctor and he tells me to take breaks away from the computer screen and I'm thinking REALLY? THAT'S IT?

No way.

I was literally walking around looking like:

... seriously, I had an eye patch and EVERYTHING. So I took some time away from the computer screen and used some eye drops to take down the inflammation and swelling... and now I'm at about 50%.

More reviews are coming. I have a FANTASTIC giveaway for you guys. I think you're gonna love it. Meanwhile, I'm taking it slow...

... and taking breaks.

More tomorrow. Ciao for now!

Shiseido Holiday 2012: Camellia Compact

Shiseido has released the most gorgeous multi-use compact, with a price tag that won't shut down your wallet. Normally, limited edition compacts come with a hefty price tag that can reach and even exceed $100 (Ahem CHANEL, Guerlain, and Sisley... I'm looking at you). But for $36, the Camellia Compact can come home with you.

Don't panic. All that shimmer you see is just overspray. It comes right off with the tiniest swipe.

As I understand it, You can use this compact as for any part of the face... either as eyeshadow or blush. And you can swirl the colors together to get a deep rose flush...

I love this little palette. It's functional and really easy to use, and it'll flatter a wide range of skin tones. You can adjust that blush to go as light or as deep as you like. It's perfect for the holiday season.

Apparently, this is a Macy's exclusive. You can find out more about the Shiseido Camellia Compact HERE.