So, as I've mentioned many times over, I'm a sucker for good packaging and when I came across TOPSHOP's new makeup line, I nearly passed out.  Now I'm not normally into the whole girly girl look but these products have just the right amount of polka dots and also incorporate one of my staples, the black and white combination.  And that's just the actual packaging.  The products themselves are fab and, reasonably priced.  It's rare that I want to try every item in a makeup line but ladies, I'm just getting started.  First up?  The Nailpolish, Kohl Eyeliners, Metallic Colour For Eyes or Cheeks, Eyeshadow and Tint Lip and Cheek Stain.

So I've met many people over the years in this crazy industry...but one of the firsts was Emily Kate Warren.  She was a beauty editor at my beloved CosmoGirl! magazine and probably one of the nicest people EVER.  Now?  She's a famous makeup artist and most recently ventured out to LA on behalf of Hard Candy to do a fun event for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

To get the weekend started, Emily and the Hard Candy team set up shop at LA's London Hotel.  Suite attendees includes Molly Ringwald, Ali Landry, Katherine McPhee, Glee Cast members and even a few True Blood actors.  The theme was based around looks inspired by this year's "Best New Movie" nominees!  A fun event, indeed.  Follow @HeresHardCandy on Twitter for more updates on the classic brand.

So I recently checked out a new (and might I add innovative) store over in Brentwood, California called Makeup&Go.  The concept is similar to DryBar but instead, of hair, this one-stop-shop provides makeup application (note: they will soon also provide blow outs!).  Do they sell makeup?  The answer to that is N-O.  Makeup&Go is an absolute essential for anyone who has a big part, event or even a night out where they want to get a bit glammed up.  The shop even has dressing rooms so you can leave literally right after getting your makeup done!  I love how everything is very well thought out- including the fact that they even sell gifts and fresh flowers, if you happen to be heading to a birthday party or wedding shower, etc.

I don't know about you, but you probably read my post about Drybar and how you always feel extra sexy when someone else does your hair...I'm telling you, it's better than losing 5 lbs.  The makeup artists at Makeup&Go use products from great brands like Smashbox and Juice Beauty, which I adore, and the prices are reasonable - check out a list here and check out Makeup&Go!

So wouldn't life just be easier if makeup came in a convenient yet stylish pouch?  I'm so into Dieci Colori's Face in a case...For the Girl on the Go.  The compact makeup case contains all of the essentials for your basic beauty needs- a shimmering multi-colored mineral powder, three mineral eyeshadows, a large shadow eyeliner and a mineral blush, which, is makes my face look flushed...in a good way.

So, as I'm sure you can tell from my blog, I'm a big fan of leopard print.  Of course, I don't have big furry dice hanging from my rear view mirror and I certainly don't wear leopard print leggings but I DO appreciate a little wild print thrown into the mix via accessories and small accents.  Leopard print is a classic fashion staple and like it or not, it's not going anywhere.  Here are my leopard print beauty must-haves:

Hard Candy Eye Tattoo -Of course, only appropriate for Halloween and a crazy girl's night out but I love these nonetheless.

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer - The mix of pinks and browns makes for an ideal bronzer.  Plus, how cute is this?

mark Pretty Wild Color & Shine Lip Gloss - When I first saw these I thought "how do they do this?!"  Well it's the old tube in a tube deal.  No matter how much gloss you use, the leopard print never goes away.  Amazing.  Plus, the shine is supurb.

Remington Leopard Print Dryer - A blowdryer is something you use every day so why not get one with a little style?

So I'm a long-term Clinique fan and very open about it.  Every time they launch a new product, I'm always surprised that they can actually impress me even more.  It's kind of ridiculous actually.  I tried out the new High Impact Curling Mascara and my mouth literally dropped.  Not only does the wand have a fun shaped brush (it's crooked) but it really does make a "high impact," making the name uber appropriate. The verdict?  No smudging, flaking and came off pretty easy with warm water.  Approved.

So I recently attended the LA launch party for Tarina Tarantino Beauty.  One of the great things about LA is that, like New York, there is always a party so when I got the invite and saw one, that it was a beauty launch, and two, it was for Tarina Tarantino, I was instantly excited.  The party was awesome- it was in a huge space in Hollywood and I spotted the likes of Meredith from The Office and Chet Cannon from The Real World Brooklyn- who I found surprisingly attractive.  Anywho, my favorite item of the night?  Sparklicity Shimmer Dust.  Unlike traditional shimmers, this mist-on version contains no binders, so all you get is a subtle dusting of pure glitter from head-to-toe.  Love it.

So one of my favorite brand's, Avon's mark, has generously offered to sponsor a pretty awesome giveaway in honor of their m.powerment by mark charity.  Lauren Conrad is their spokesperson and the charity is dedicated to a GREAT cause - helping to stop dating abuse and partner violence.  This is something that I think everyone needs to be super aware of and has been since the whole Rihanna and Chris Brown incident.  The prize?  FIVE winners will win four of Lauren Conrad's favorites:

• mark Have a Heart Bracelet
• mark Glow Baby Glow Lip Glosses in m.powerment Peach and Gold
• mark It Kit
• mark a Spray We Go Hook Up Frangrances in Jewel and Rebel Rose

Wanna win one?  Leave a comment below and five winners will be choosen at random.  DEADLINE: March 1st

I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in Purple Lab's "Girls Night In" in honor of Purple Lab's debut on HSN!  BIG news- HUGE for the amazing brand and I was thrilled to be involved.  After receiving my "party in a box," I was super excited to have my friend's over for the 11pm show this past Friday and then, after trying out the products, I was even more excited for Karen and her fabulous brand.  If you're not familiar, Karen is a well-known New York writer and an all around inspiring person.  You can read the full story on Purple Lab here but in the mean time, you NEED to start shopping.  My favorite?  Well besides the original product, Huge Lips Skinny Hips, my new favorite is Cheek Implants.  I'm not really a regular blush girl since my face is usually just a little bit rosey naturally BUT this blush ROCKS.  It's inspired by runway looks and glides across the skin while plumping, lifting and enhancing cheek bones.  Sign me up.

So I've never really been a lipstick girl but when I saw a photo of YSL's ROUGE VOLUPTE Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15, I nearly died.  Not only does the lipstick go on smooth, but it also doesn't dry out your lips (like most lipstick does to me) AND the tube is probably the most glamourous thing in the whole wide world.  I was instantly reminded of the post I wrote awhile back on glam makeup compacts.  ROUGE VOLUPTE just seems like a lipstick my grandmother would use, and that's not a bad thing.  It's old-school and reminiscent of a time when people took a lot of pride in being classy.  As an added bonus, the lipstick also has SPF 15 so your lips are not only colored and gorgeous, but also protected from the sun's harmful rays.  UGH, and there's also a little mirror on top of the golden metallic case that's kind of making me melt.  I can't express my love in words right now for this lipstick.