I know I am not the only one that thinks a black smoky eye is just too heavy for them. Well, I love the fact that we are not limited to *only* black for a smoky eye, but can use other shades in the same style. Luckily, brands are hip to this and work to help us lovelies out. Take for instance, tarte. They have teamed up with Sephora to create the new, limited-edition Beauty in a Box: Bronze Smoky Eye kit.

"Be bronzed and beautiful with this Sephora exclusive kit packed with best-sellers and brand new products featured in new shades; all of which are waterproof or water-resistant for a look that will last morning 'til night! From lids to lips, each longwearing must-have perfectly complements each other for an overall bronze glow topped off with a modern take on an old favorite: the bronze smoky eye. Unlike the traditional charcoal smoky eye, this look is flattering on a wide variety of skin tones and can easily be worn day to night."

Sephora exclusive kit includes:

• full size lock & roll 12-hour eyeshadow, burnt bronze
• full size emphasEYES™ waterproof clay shadow/liner, plum (*you KNOW I'm dying for this *PLUM*!!)
• full size rise & shine lip gloss and stain, nude
• full size clean slate natural face primer
• deluxe mineral powder bronzer, park ave princess
• deluxe lights, camera, splashes! natural waterproof mascara

These products also contain "skinvigorating™" ingredients:

• rice bran wax: natural wax that helps lengthen lashes
• carnauba wax: emollient, natural wax ensures smooth application
• provitamin B5: vitamin B derivative that treats and thickens lashes
• vitamin C: antioxidant that fights free radical damage and prevents oxidative stress and premature signs of aging

This limited edition set is supposed to be available from Sephora from August thru October 2010, but it looks like it is available on the website already.

Is there anything in this set that you want, besides "all of it"? I am lemming that Plum liner so much - the hunt for the perfect Plum continues!!

When I was growing up, the only kind of blush I ever used, or was even introduced to, were powder blushes. I have come to learn that there are so many variations besides powder now, that I want to make sure you know, too.

In this video I mention several different types of blushes/brands. They are:

• Three Custom Colors Crème to Powder Blush in "Morning After" (*PR provided)
• tarte Cheek Stain in "True Love" (*discontinued - boo! - GWP)
• Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in "Shy Blush" (*mine is a mini-tube GWP)
• MAC Blushcreme in "Florida" (*PR provided)
• Benefit "Posie Tint" (*from a gift bag)
• NARS Cream Blush in "Penny Lane" (*from a giveaway)

I forgot to mention a couple of brands/products that def deserved to be shown, too. The first is the Sue Devitt Starbrights Lip & Cheek Gel in "Capella" (*got in a gift bag). This cheek gel scared me when I first saw it becaus it is *purple*. But after the lovely MUA put it on my cheeks and showed me how pretty it could be on my skintone, I was hooked.

The second one that should have been in the video is the Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush. Besides being a creamy blush that goes on easily, it is also the only blush that incorporates Olay's Regenerist Serum into the mix - making it not only pretty, but good for your skin, too. (*of course, I can't help but to mention that I was lucky enough to have celebrity MUA Jake Bailey apply it on me and it looked *good*). (*warning: I may be biased).

Like I said in the video, the colors are going to look more intense in the package, but with a light touch, you make just about any color work for you. Also, don't forget what I said about layering - you can start with an alternate type of blush, finishing off the top with your powder blush for a longer lasting cheek.

Let me know if you have tried any of these, or if you have heard of another blush type that I didn't list here. I would love to hear about it.