Acne Update | New Skincare Goodies | November 2015

It's been a while since I lasted posted an acne update. Since then, my skin has changed along with the season. Right now I'm starting to show more signs of dryness, which also results in more breakouts. 

To fix the dryness I bought a heavy night cream over the weekend. I'll probably see how that works out before I spend the big bucks on a new moisturizer. 

To be honest, no matter how much I spend on skincare, my skin always looks and feels the same. The only thing that really makes my skin feel different is the Glamglow Supermud mask. It doesn't make my acne go away completely but it subsides my breakouts to some degree. Though, right now I feel like it may be too drying for the colder months. I need all of the moisture I can get! 

As you can see in the photo above, my breakouts are lower and closer towards my mouth. I haven't had very many on my upper cheeks. However, I'm worried I'll break out up there soon. I do every single time during  winter. I don't know if my skin just hates cold weather or I break out because of allergies (is that a thing?), or what. I just know I do break out worse when it's cold outside.

Another weird thing I have noticed are pimples on my nose. I have never broke out on my nose but for some reason I have woke up with nose pimples a couple times this month. I Don't know what that's about! 

I did buy two other things along with my new moisturizer. I got the Burts Bees Natural Acne Solutions Gel Cleanser, the Loreal Youth Code Serum Instense and of course, the Olay Regenerist Regenerating Night Recovery Cream Moisturizer. 

If you can't tell, I'm in a major Christmas mood. I know Thanksgiving is this week, no I don't want it to be over with, but I am in the holiday spirit! How can I not be when I already started Christmas shopping? 

I pretty much made those three products my night time routine. I started two days ago and I think I have noticed a difference but it may be too early to tell. I can say I haven't been cursed with any new pimples and my skin does feel extra plump. Wouldn't it be crazy if I bought my perfect combo?! Doubt it, but hopeful. 

If you want a complete skincare routine just let me know. I'm willing to do one,  but I haven't found my holy grail products yet... So it might be pointless. Plus, products that help me will only help you if your acne or skin is the same as mine. 

Well that's it for now. I'll give everyone an update in a future post or on Instagram & Twitter. Let me know if you have any questions or feed back. I always enjoy reading comments from you all! 

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Fall Inspired Makeup Look | Drugstore & High End | Morphe 35C

A couple weeks ago I decided to give in and order my first Morphe palette. I ended up picking the 35N and what do you know, I love it. In fact, I loved it so much I ordered another one. The second one, which is the 35C, arrived a day ago (as I'm writing this), and I couldn't help but create a look with it for a tutorial. 

Now I know some of you said you'd rather have a day time tutorial before the fall tutorial but I wanted to go ahead and get the fall one up before... Well, Fall is over! Christmas is seriously right around the corner and we all know holiday tutorials are in store. 

Don't worry, though. My day time look will be up next week! 

You will need:

Morphe 35C palette or similar colors

Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint Eyeliner or Black Gel Eyeliner 

Catrice Cosmetics Liquid Metal Eye Pencil in "Blingo Starr" or a silver shimmer eye pencil 

Covergirl Supersizer mascara or mascara of your choice 

(Optional) NYX Cosmetics Tame & Frame Brow Pomade or Brow product of your choice

Brushes: Sigma e25, fluffy blending brush, angled eyeliner brush, smudge brush, flat shader, small pointed brush.

Directions

1. Prime your eyelids with a primer or concealer. Then set the product with a powder or any light eyeshadow you have on hand. 

2. Grab a fluffy blending brush and use eyeshadow A on the second row as your transition shade. Apply it in a sweeping motion into the upper crease, than blend it in using circular motions. 

3. Grab shade A on the top row with the same brush and do the exact same thing but a little lower in the crease. Blend until there are no harsh lines. 

4. Now to deepen the crease use shade B on a Sigma e25 and sweep this into the crease over the second A shade we used. Once it looks blended take a clean fluffy blending brush and blend even more!

5. Take shade C and apply it all over the lid using a flat brush. Once applied take your Sigma e25 and blend that into the crease with no additional product. 

6. Now take shade D and apply this on the outer V for extra definition. I used the Sigma e35 for this step. What I do is start off tapping on the black shadow all over the outer V. Then I make short sweeping motions towards the center of my eye. Just don't go to the center. Keep that black shade on the outer part of your eye. Now take a fluffy brush and blend out any harsh lines from the black shadow. 

7. Now take shadow E with any brush (I used a fluffy one) and pick up just a little bit of eyeshadow. Use that to lightly transition the black shade into the lid color...Just so there are no harsh lines. I used light tapping motions. This shade is pretty similar to the lid shade but just a little lighter. So mixed in with the black, it pretty much looks the same afterwards but that's what I did, so yeah. You can go in with that same lid color in step 5 or use this one. Either is fine.

8. I forgot to add it in the picture above but I used the lightest shade in the palette to highlight my brow bone. Seriously though, any white or cream shade you have will work!

9. Now for the fun part! Use your silver eye pencil and run it around the inner corner of your eye. Once you have the desired pigmentation, use your finger and lightly dab out the edges to blend it in. 

10. Use your gel eyeliner to line your eyes. I went with a simple wing that I created with an angled brush. 

11. Don't apply your mascara just yet! First, we need to do the bottom lashline if you're comfortable with that. Take shadow A from the second row and sweep it on the whole lashline. Use any brush that you like. I just used my Sigma e25.

12. Now take shade C on a smaller pointed brush and blend that closer to the lash line. Don't go too low or it will look dark and messy down there. 

13. Grab some of the black, shade D, and apply it on the outer half of the lashline only. I used a small smudge brush for this step. 

14. Now take the Sigma e25 brush and blend out the lower lashline. Do not drag the shadows down, just blend them together (lightly). 

15. Now take a clean fluffy brush and blend out any harsh lines anywhere on your eye. If there are none, add mascara and call it a day! 

The lipstick I have on in the photo above is Chilly Chili by Colourpop. A full review of it can be found here.  Also, the brows are optional. Don't feel like you have to do your brows. I sometimes don't but I always do for photos just because they look more... Put together? 

Are you going to try out this look? If you do, please tag me on Instagram (@TaylorPieB) and show me your work. I would love to see it! 

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Chit Chat Wednesday | $90 Lipstick?

Hey guys! I'm back with another Chit Chat Wednesday. Sorry if I'm a little off my game, I have a really bad sinus headache. But don't worry, I wont let that to get in the way of my blogging today. Chit Chat Wednesday is my favorite post of the week. I'm able to kick it back and just chit chat with you all. ❤️ 

This weeks topic is Christian Louboutin $90 lipstick. Would you purchase a $90 lipstick? 

My answer would definitely have to be a firm no. Even if it's a great lipstick, why spend $90? Other brands have "great lipsticks". Hell, even drugstore brands have great lipsticks. I just cant find any justice for spending $90 on a single lipstick, even if I can wear it as a necklace(btw, people do that with this lipstick)!

I have heard from some people the lipstick is amazing but not worth $90. Yes, the formula is fantastic but you're mainly paying for the brand and packaging... That's it. 

It's not going power through the day any better than a Tom Ford lipstick. It's not going to give you the best lips of your life. The shades are not anything special. Just the packaging and brand are the highlights of the lipstick. I say go for a lipstick from Bite Beauty or Maybelline. I bet they're just as good formula wise (if not better). 

I do admire the lipstick, though. If you're someone who's willing to pay $90, don't think I'm judging you. Some people judge me for the amount of money I spend on my makeup. We can all do what we please with our money! 

So let me know in the comments below what your opinion is. Is $90 just ridiculous or is it justifiable? 

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New From Too Faced | Chocolate Bon Bons | Melted Chocolate Liquid Lipstick

You know what gets me riled up for my makeup routine? Freaking cocoa! Thank you Too Faced for having my cravings back and providing me with delicious makeup. I have some for my eyes, face and... Lips? Before we know it I'll be wrapped up in candy paper and shoved in an Easter egg. 

Ok that's a little carried away but I know you get me. Too Faced is killing it with their cocoa infused line. I just can't get enough. Maybe sometime soon we'll have chocolate scented lipgloss?! 

Photo credit: Instagram by @beautywithemilyfox

The first thing I want to talk about are the new liquid lipsticks. As you can see in the photo above, all of the new lipsticks are chocolate scented and colored. There's a variety of metallics and satin finishes. 

Personally, I'm not overwhelmed with cravings when I look at the metallic swatches. They look inconsistent with coverage (patchy) and the thought of a mattalic brown on me makes me cringe. However, some of you may enjoy the chocolatey goodness! 

What I'm excited for is Dark Cherries, Honey and Milkshake! They have a satin/gloss finish like the original melted formula. Now I can picture myself wearing those! The finish makes them more wearable and practical but I also think this formula of the chocolate lippies won't look as patchy. Although I could be wrong about the metallic formula. Are you going to buy one? I plan to purchase Chocolate Milkshake when I buy this next item in December. 

Photo credit: Instagram by @caseyvee23

I'm sure we have all heard of the chocolate bar palettes. Well now Too Faced has created a beautiful Chocolate Bon Bons palette with that same signature cocoa scent. 

The packaging is a bit different but still cute. The outer package is pink with raised heart shapes. The inside also has heart shaped pans that hold the cocoa eye shadow powders. There are 16 matte and shimmer shadows. I'm assuming the price is going to be $49 like the other Too Faced Chocolate Bars. 

The over all theme of the palette seems to include warm Browns, pinks and a couple shimmery golds.  I can not wait to get this palette. As soon as I do, I promise I'll post sneak peak swatches on here and of course a review later on after I thoroughly test the formula. The release date is 12-8 but I may have to wait until Christmas to get it just because my money is going towards other things right now. I will have it by the end of the year though! Will you? 

Alright guys, that's it for now from Too Faced. Well unless you include their holiday releases but you can find those in this post here.  Let me know if you're going to try anything new from this Too Faced. And as always, don't forget to tag me on Instagram (@taylorpieb) of your new goodies! 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide For Sephora | Great For Gift Ideas Or The 20% Off Sale Event

Just because we are told we cant celebrate Christmas in November, doesn't mean we cant get ahead on shopping. This is practically a wish list for me but a shopping guide for you. I picked out all of the palettes I think are unique/ a good deal.

This is a great list if you're someone who is looking for a gift to give to the makeup junkie in your life. I am a makeup junkie myself and I think I have a good idea of what that person would want. Just be sure she doesn't have it already, we tend to pick it up ourselves sometimes because we cant wait to get our greedy little claws on these products!

I was going to add products from Ulta  but I decided to wait and make an exclusive post for them since they have drugstore products as well.

Here is a percentage calculator if you're shopping for the 20% Off Sale Event! 

Kat Von D- Mi Vida Loca Remix Eyeshadow Palette $59
Best for: makeup collector, someone with few shadows, someone who wants one palette only

This palette is the holy grail of gifts. Sure, its expensive but the amount of shadows you get (24) and the quality is what makes it such a great palette. There are two wheels of shadows, the inner wheel features seven neutrals and the surrounding wheel has 17 electric brights.

 The looks with this palette are endless! It might be the only palette you'll ever need, even though we know that wont happen. If you have the money don't skip on this one!

Too Faced- Le Grand Chateau $49

Best for: multiple gifts, traveling 

 Le Grand Chateau features an adorable and chic chateau that opens to reveal three separate palettes with 18 high-impact eye shadows, two blushes, one bronzer, and a deluxe size of Too Faced’s bestselling Better Than Sex Mascara. It includes three step-by-step glamour guides for each palette, and each one celebrates a romantic evening in St. Tropez, a sunny day in Côte d'Azur, and a stroll along the Seine at night.

 This giftable set has a palette for every occasion, and it’s perfect for giving as one gift, or for gifting each palette separately.

 I cant get over how cute the packaging is for this kit! The palettes come out and the box can sit where ever you want it to, such as your vanity. I would recommended this kit over the next set because its better for traveling and the quality seems to be better (that's what I have heard).

Too Faced- Le Grand Palais $58

Best for: makeup collector, gift to family member or friend 

An exclusive, full-face collection with 18 eye shadows, two blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, a deluxe Better Than Sex mascara, a deluxe Melted Lipstick, and a deluxe Shadow Insurance boxed in a cute Paris themed box.

 I think the packaging is just adorable with this collection! Usually Too Faced has good holiday kits but I have heard some people say this palette isn't the best because the shimmer shades have fallout (but that can be cleaned up easily). So read up on some reviews before you bite the bullet. I personally chose not to purchase it because I have my eyes on other things. However, the variety in this palette is promising and the packaging is insanely adorable.

Makeup For Ever- 15 Artist Shadow Palette $59

Best for: makeup collector, someone who loves shimmer, younger women, beginners

This palette is arranged into five easy-to-apply color trios (great for beginners), this extensive collection ranges from soft, subtle neutrals to daring bolds and brights. The included step-by-step leaflet lets you effortlessly create endless holiday looks.

 This palette is beautiful, as is the formula for the shadows, but the only down fall is the variety of finishes. There are no mattes in this palette. So if you are a matte person or prefer a palette that gets the whole job done, then this one isn't for you. However, if you do like shimmers, this limited edition palette is a home run!

A limited-edition palette packed with 20 gorgeous, never-before-seen shades, a huge mirror, a double-ended brush, and a chic bag.

Urban Decay- Vice 4 $60

Best for: makeup collector, someone who loves jewel tones

Urban Decay created Vice4, loaded with 20 gorgeous shades of their iconic Eyeshadow. It features a huge mirror, a double-ended brush, and a coordinating bag.

These shades are filled with rich, deep jewel tones in a wide range of finishes—from velvety-smooth mattes and shimmering metallics to shades infused with micro-glitter. Each Eyeshadow in Vice4 is formulated with Urban Decay’s own Pigment Infusion System™, a proprietary blend of ingredients that deliver rich, velvety, blendable color that lasts and sparkle that stays in place.

A lot of people love this palette. Its a great collectors edition but not typically an everyday palette. I wouldn't buy this for your mother but I would buy it for the collector or for someone who loves color.

Tarte- Light Of The Party $59
Best for: Someone who likes to build their eye shadow (the formula is sheer), mom or grandma 

Create an eye-catching statement wherever you go with the travel-size takeaway palette, featuring shadow, cheek and contouring shades. The trendy collector’s case features a full-size, built-in eye shadow palette with 30 shades, including 24 brilliant, never before seen shades in mixed mattes and shimmers. With a travel-friendly eye shadow brush and deluxe-size mascara, this set is perfect for achieving seamless, on-the-go touch-ups for alluring, party-perfect looks.

I just adore the packaging for this kit. The outside is a zip up sequin case. I don't believe the shadows come out of the package (sucks, i know), but there is an unattached palette included in the set. Inside of that palette is a blush, bronzer, highlight and 4 eyeshadows.


Stila- A Whole Lot Of Love Set $59

Best for: variety of products, makeup collector, someone with a small collection

It includes 20 color-rich matte, pearl, and shimmer eye shadows, four shades of universally flattering, silky-smooth blush, and a deluxe-size HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara. It comes wrapped in a vintage-inspired special delivery package that's perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.

I haven't heard much about this palette but it does have great reviews on Sephora's website. It seems like a good deal for a palette with 4 blushes and 20 eye shadows.  It's said to be bulky but travel friendly because the packaging is sturdy. The color payoff is said to be rich and creamy. 

Becca- Shimmering Skin Perfector Champagne Glow Palette $34

Best for: makeup collector (must have), beginner, sister or other family member, someone with limited highlighters in their collection

 A Sephora-exclusive, curated palette of three limited-edition Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed shades—new Pearl, Blushed Copper, and bestselling Champagne Pop x Jaclyn Hill.

This palette is inspired by the festive holiday season. The shimmering shades are designed to enhance your natural beauty and allow your features to glow. Simply sweep the luxuriously creamy luminizing powders across the face or apply to targeted areas including cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose to see how beautifully they catch the light.

I probably wont purchase this just because I already own Champagne Pop by Jaclyn Hill. But if you don't already own it, you should definitely get it. Becca makes the best highlighters and this kit is a steal for the price and quality. This palette would make the perfect gift for anyone in your family!

Tarte- Bling It On Amazonian Clay Blush Palette $44

Best for: makeup collector, someone with a small blush collection, travel, family members

 
This sleek, statement-making palette features five long-wearing, pigmented powder blushes. The full-size, flattering mix includes all-new stunners and blushing favorites powered by Tarte’s iconic Amazonian clay, which helps to balance and replenish skin for better, longer, truer wear for a party-perfect flush. Treat yourself to this limited-edition bestseller encased in an accessory-inspired palette designed to delight and dazzle through any festive adventure.

Tarte blushes are some of the best out there. They are pigmented, smooth and free of harmful chemicals. The price may seem expensive but they are full sized and a single blush will run you around $28 anyway. It's a great addition if you don't already own very many blushes or need one for traveling.  All of the blushes except for one are limited edition.

Hourglass- Ambient Lighting Edit $80

Best for: makeup collector, someone with dull skin, anyone in the family, mom and grandma 

The portable, sleek palette is designed to give you everything you need to finish, brighten, contour, and highlight your skin. Featuring the Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light, a sheer illuminating highlighter that’s designed to emulate the way in which strobe lights capture and reflect light on the face—plus, it can be used dry or wet for a more intense highlight.

All products in the palette are universally flattering and deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer and lit-from-within. Unlike traditional powder, blush, and bronzer, which tend to go on flat, all Ambient®Lighting products use Photoluminescent Technology to filter out harsh light and refine the look of the complexion. Its beautifully designed, custom compact has a large mirror, and it’s perfectly sized so your Ambient Lighting wardrobe is always within reach.

$80 is a lot of money but sometimes its worth it to fork over the extra money for great makeup. This palette will have your skin looking like your 10 years younger. It would make a great gift for your mom, friend or yourself! It's not only a must have in a makeup junkies collection, but everyone's!

Nars- Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette $69

Best for: makeup collector, travel, someone with a small blush & bronzer collection, family 

Created exclusively for the Steven Klein for NARS collection, this palette features seven shades for alluring cheeks. Featuring four blushes, a contouring duo, and a glowing Laguna bronzer, this palette is perfect for emphasizing makeup looks.

Nars is known for their great blushes and bronzers. This palette is a must if you're looking for a travel blush and bronzer palette. I'm sure you wont be disappointed with the quality or packaging.

Too Faced- Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Kit $36

Best for: multiple gifts, makeup collector, sampling, all family 

 This holiday set features three deluxe Melted Lipsticks and three coordinating deluxe Love Flush Long Lasting 16 Hour Blushes. The Melted Lipsticks provide the lasting power of a stain and the intense color of a liquid lipstick in one long-wear formula—the perfect accessory for any party. Glow from day to night with the lasting, fade- and smudge-proof Love Flush Long Lasting 16 Hour Blush to give cheeks a wintery flush for up to 16 hours. Each set of three lipsticks and blushes are individually wrapped and nestled in one pretty package that’s perfect as one gift or for gifting separately.

As soon as I can I'm purchasing this kit. I have always wanted to try the blushes in this kit but I hate spending $30 on a single blush. I have heard great things about them though and that blush packaging is just adorable! I do own quite a few of the Melted Lipsticks and I adore them. I totally recommend this kit!

Too Faced- Le Petit Tresor Set $29

Best for: someone who loves lipsticks, mom & grandma, sister 

 A limited-edition set filled with three full-size lipsticks in a party-ready glitter clutch. This kit would make a great gift for the lipstick lover in your life. The shades are wearable and posses high quality ingredients. The price is pretty great too considering a single lipstick is $22!

Kat Von D- Studded Obsession: Studded Kiss Collectors Edition Set $295

Best for: makeup collector

A collector’s edition vault with 20 iconic, full-size Studded Kiss lipsticks.

The set features hard-to-find favorites and the newest signature shades. The lipsticks are perfectly nestled in a chic, black keepsake case, ideal for storing and displaying the collection. It also includes a gorgeous insert with a personal note from Kat Von D, plus four awesome Studded Kiss shade pairings for totally fearless lip looks. She reveals the personal stories behind each lipstick, letting you in on the muses and memories that inspired all of her incredible shades.

I know, the price tag for this set is outrageous but I did the math and it would cost you $420 (over $120 saved plus tax!) if the lipstick is bought individually. I wouldn't recommend this kit if you're not adventurous with your lipstick. Some shades are really bold and daring for the average girl. Only get it if you're truly looking for unique shades to sport around!

Fresh- Sugar Lip Delight Set $55

Best for: friends, mom & grandma, someone looking for sheer lip colors

Sweeten the season with these Sugar Lip minis. Whether you’re looking for sheer nourishment, a touch of color, or a hint of shimmer, they’ll give you something to smile about. Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 nourishes, smooths, and protects, while Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy nourishes and diminishes the look of wrinkles.

This set is for someone who wants a hint of color for every day wear. Fresh is notorious for their Sugar lips. They are beautiful on the lips but provide greater benefits than most lipsticks. I think mom would love this set! I do think the price is steep but if you have the extra money its a great deal.

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 Alright guys, I hope you found what you're looking for. I spent hours writing this post but it's worth it if you found your next purchase or gift. 

Be sure to let me know what you are buying. Maybe it's for you? Your girlfriend? Mom? Grandma? Sister? We all know its for you, haha. #makeupjunkie

Covergirl Star Wars Collaboration Review

"There has been an awakening" and it is my inner geek girl. Covergirl recently (and by recently i mean a couple months ago) released a collaboration with the blockbuster film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The collection contains 6 lipsticks, 6 nail polishes and two mascara formulas (Super Sizer in regular and waterproof) with 10 different quotes.

It took me a while but the force was with me last week and helped me spot it at my local drugstore. Everything was mostly picked over but I did find one lipstick I liked and a mascara in the regular formula or, as advertised, the dark side edition. Click here to view on Targets website.

 

The lipstick is in the shade 30. It's a metallic red with glitter chunks. The formula actually comes from the Colorlicious line by Covergirl but the shade itself is limited edition. You can find it at your local drugstore for about $6. Each tube contains .12 oz.

Application was pretty easy. The formula is really slippery but creamy. I didn't notice any patchiness and it applied in full color with one layer. I noticed a slight sweet scent while applying it but that went away after application.



 The texture feels smooth but has glittery junks in it that are obvious on the lips. I can easily feel the glitter when I rub my lips together but I don't notice it too much otherwise. The wear-time of the lipstick is relatively short. It transferred easily and bleed outside of my line within an hour. I strongly recommend a lip liner with this lipstick.



 The mascara is actually just the SuperSizer that was released earlier this year but with limited edition packaging. The options you have to choose from are 10 famous quotes from Star Wars and the choice between waterproof (light side) or regular (dark side). You can find it at your local drugstore for around $6 and it contains . 40 oz.

The synthetic rubber wand for the mascara is definitely different. Its not my favorite for building volume but it works with extra effort. I do like the formula though. It is more wet than dry but its not overwhelmingly wet. Its great for adding length and adds somewhat of a curl.

I wouldn't normally go for this mascara just because I do like others better but I bought it anyway for the packaging. However, a lot of people claim to love this mascara and it does have a lot of positive reviews on Ultas website (buy it at a different store though, it's cheaper).  It does last all day on me without smudging or flaking. Its dark and separates my lashes beautifully. Maybe would make a great lower lash mascara? I do notice a faint smell with this mascara but it fades after application.

 I didn't purchase the nail polish because I personally don't like the formula from Covergirl. But if you're interested, it's available at your local drugstore for $4-5. The packaging looks like the permanent Outlast nail polish but with a Star Wars sticker on the handle. Nothing special if you ask me.

I honestly wish a high end brand would have done the collaboration. Don't get me wrong, I love the drugstore prices but I wish there was more to the line. I would love to see some metallic liners, blush or even highlighters. I feel like there could have been more to the packaging as well. Covergirl just slapped Star Wars on it and called it a day. I mean I guess I'm still OK with that because I love the idea. I just really wish the line would have been more unique like MAC limited edition collections.

 But the lipstick does makeup my inner geek happy when I see it on my vanity. I don't regret buying it or the mascara. 

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Are you a Star Wars fan? 

Does the collaboration interest you? 

Are you going to purchase anything? Or have you already?

Let us know in the comments below!