International Swap!

Don't judge this one... I didn't have the big flash on!

Hello again, my blog reading pals. I would love to say that my house is all back to normal and there aren't random piles of stuff everywhere (literally everywhere.. I stacked stuff up under the kitchen table, just have a "spot" to put it) but it seems like it will still be a while before life gets back to normal. You don't realize how much you have until you have to move it all.

a little bit "arty"... not from the swap however, swatches soon!

Anyhow, I couldn't go without posting any longer. I missed you guys! And, Christmas came extra early for me... I got a new camera! My mom sent me loosed to get one as my little Sony Cyber Shot has been giving me grief lately. I intended to get a Cannon Rebel XS, which was on sale, but I ended up with a FujiFilm Fine Pix HS 20. I was hesitant to get it on the spot, since I'd researched the Cannon, but I am very happy with my Fuji. I'm still learning all the neat things I can do (hello super macro, where have you been all my life?!) I am so excited about what I'll be able to do now. I'm not sure what these are going to look like, as they were super huge. I might have to change some settings around to get the best outcome. But, this is supposed to be about a swap, so onto the goods!

MUA shade 7, MUA shade 11, Natural Collection Rose Petal

I recently did a swap with Adrienne of The Sunday Girl (be sure to check her out!) and I am so excited about everything she sent! Above are the lipsticks she sent:

• MUA (Makeup Academy) Lipstick in shade 7
• MUA Lipstick in shade 11
• Boots Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Rose Petal
  

I also got some really great nail polishes, and a sample of Benefit's B Spot perfume (I didn't know which category to include this with, so it went with nails...) I'm really excited to get to swatch these as they all are just that bit different from anything in my collection.
From left to right:

• MUA Nail Polish in shade 13
• Technic Nail Varnish in Turkish Sea
• Accessorize Nail Polish in Purple Dream
• Technic Pretty Pastels Moonlit Jade
  

Vaseline Rosy Lips, Sleek Powder Pink, Rimmel Seduce

Onto the glosses! Adrienne is not a gloss fan, have you ever shopped for a non gloss wearer? I had to remind myself quite a few times to step away from the gloss. I always go for gloss, so it was a hard to resist. She sent me some awesome items:

• Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips with Rose and Almond Oil
• Sleek Pout Polish in Powder Pink
• Rimmel Volume Booster in Seduce

I am so in love with three products! I've never used Vaseline, but it is such an amazing balm and it has just a hint of a pink tint. Perfect for on the go. Sleek Pout Polish was the one item I requested and I love the shade Adrienne selected for me. It is really pigmented, glossy, moisturizing... all around great. The Rimmel gloss is an unexpected hit as well. I usually don't got for plumping formulas, but this on is great for wear and the colour is perfect. I like that it isn't a stingy plumper and that the forumula isn't too thick or sticky.

Next up, the eyeshadows. From left to right are:

• Beauty UK Eyeshadow and Liner Collection #2
• Rimmel Glam'Eyes in Spicy Bronze
• Rimmel Glam'Eyes in Royal Gold
• Rimmel Stir it Up Eyeshadow in No Way!

I did a little swatch on the Beauty UK shadows... they are so soft and buttery. I'm very excited use them. The shades are really beautiful and more complex than they look in the pan.
The Rimmel Stir it Up shadow is really interesting as well; up close it looks like asphalt, but swatches super smooth. You'll have to wait to see more.

And, last but not least, the blushes- and a high lighter. From left to right:

• Collection 2000 Shimmer & Shade in #3 Just Peachy
• Boots Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Peach Melba
• MUA Blusher in Shade 3
• Boots Natural Collection Cream Blusher in Apricot

Needless to say, all my new products have really made my makeup routine more interesting lately. It's almost like I have too many choices. I know, not possible, but it has been fun trying everything out. I'll have reviews on items as I get to know them all.

Have you swapped lately? Find any new faves?