Thursday, May 30, 2013

MAC All About Orange Available at MAC Online Now!

So pissed I didn't watch out for  this late last night/early this morning! I've been so wrapped up in packing and planning for my trip that I didn't realize today was Thursday and that the collection would be released online.  Of course, all the lipsticks I want are SOLD OUT. And the blush! Ugh.  I will update when the collection goes on sale at Nordstrom/Macy's online, because I'm def going to try to snatch up a few of these lovely things.  Either way, the collection will be in stores Thursday, June 6th.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

MAC All About Orange Collection Summer 2013

MAC is releasing a new collection (of course, right?) this summer called All About Orange.  It actually has a release date of June 6, 2013 (same as the RiRi <3 MAC collection), but will be available in stores as well.  The fact that it is available in stores is great because with the range of orange/peach/coral shades, I'd prefer to swatch them in the store than buy them all...because orange isn't the greatest color for me personally. 

Anywho, it looks like a fun collection...and a big one.  There are lipsticks, cremesheen glosses, nail polish and blushes...some of which are permanent and some limited edition.  For a more detailed write-up of the collection, head over to Temptalia! She's got some great pictures and listing of all the deets.



RiRi (Hearts) MAC Summer 2013

The RiRi <3 MAC 2nd collection is slated to be released (online only) on June 6, 2013.  This collection is supposed to feature three lipsticks (RiRi Woo plus 2 new shades), Lustre Drops, and a Blush Duo.  The lipsticks are all retro matte finishes, so they will have great smooth color with no sheen.  The new lipstick shades are: Riri Boy and Heaux. RiRi Boy is described as a "retro matte version of Up the Amp" and Heaux is a "deep berry" color.  They both look absolutely gorgeous! I'm probably more excited about these two lipsticks than RiRi Woo (which, again, will also be re-released in this collection).  If you don't have Up the Amp, it's a great purple shade that looks gorgeous on all skin tones! It's a lighter purple that looks great for the summertime or for a nice date night.  I'm sure the matte version is going to be even better! So excited!

"Hibiscus Kiss", the blush duo, features a cool coral shade blush and a matte bronze shade (which would be great for light contouring).  "Barbados Girl", the lustre drops, are a shimmery bronze color.  They'll look great added to moisturizer or foundation in the summer time.  

For me, the lipsticks are a must have in the collection, as well as the blush duo.  Not sure if I will get the lustre drops or not yet.



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Travel Makeup...What to take?

I'm going out of town Friday (YAY!!!) and I'll be gone until Monday...so of course I have to bring some make-up with me.  I've been looking at the TSA site and checking Google to see about what's best for travel make-up.  Below I've posted a picture of what I am currently taking...of course I need to minimize, but would you believe I've been through all of it twice now and have put stuff back already? Lol.  The only thing about going out of town is that you don't want to be without anything, and of course you don't know what "looks" you want to wear.  So I picked some safe choices...but I also am planning on doing my friends' make-up, which is why I wanted more eyeshadow and lip options.  Either way, I'm thinking of putting my make-up (what I can at least) into my carry-on because heaven forbid my luggage gets lost and I lose my make-up.  Uh uh. Ain't nobody got time for that! 

When traveling it's important to pick things that will work for different looks, day and night.  For me the eyeshadow choice was pretty clear. Naked and Naked 2.  They both work great for neutral looks or smokey night looks and you can pair them with any colors.  They are also (of course) universally flattering.  My foundation and primer I'm taking in a little sample container (like the ones they give you at Sephora) because that's all I will need for the weekend.  I think the hardest selection for me to narrow down was lips: liner, lipsticks, and glosses. I've packed at least 5 of each.  I'm going to go through one more time though.  I can't wait to wear MAC's Heroine for a night out on the town in San Francisco!!


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Nordstrom-Buy Two Get One Free Mascara, Today ONLY!

WHY, WHY, WHY do I subscribe to emails from all these companies? I am FLAT BROKE lol. I have California this upcoming weekend and I've spent every penny preparing for the trip and everything. UGH. But seriously? Buy two get one free mascara?? ANY BRAND? MIX OR MATCH? Come on now, that's a good idea. And you can never have too many mascaras, ever! And it's a great opportunity to try new ones you've wanted to.  I'm going to resist the urge...but I'm letting you gals know if you're interested.

Okay, I just have to update this to say that if I could pick three mascara IF I WERE GOING TO ORDER THEM WHICH I AM NOT, they would be: 1. Burberry "Effortless Mascara" 2. Guerlain "Le 2 de Guerlain" Mascara 3. any of the Lancome mascaras

New MAC Goodies + Feel My Pulse v Heroine

I got my Ripe for Love blush and Feel My Pulse lipstick in the mail yesterday (from Nordstrom).  These are the final two items I picked out from the Temperature Rising collection. This blush was insanely popular and now I can totally see why.  It is absolutely gorgeous!!!! Gorgeous!   Pics will not do it justice. It's a gorgeous coral peach like color. So pretty and great for summer!  I can't wait to play with it on vacation. 

Also, peep those free samples Nordstrom set.  I've never seen anyone bag the samples separately but it's a great idea especially for super strong fragrances that can overcome the rest of your package.  Again, I'm super excited for these free samples!!! I rarely purchase perfume nowadays because I don't wear it too often, and I'm usually able to find a sample of a scent that I know I like.

This pic is with no flash.





Swatches of the blush and lipstick.

I also compared feel my pulse lipstick to heroine to compare. Honestly in my opinion nothing compares to heroine! It's a gorgeous deep matte purple, true purple. Feel my pulse is a cremesheen finish, so it's got a nice shine to it. It's a pretty color, sort of like a pinky purple. 


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Ulta Mini-Haul


I stopped at Ulta yesterday because I had a coupon that expired soon and I needed makeup remover wipes. I picked up a couple other things while I was in there. They had a decent clearance on some Maybelline products so those lip stains I got were only $2.29. NYX was also buy one get one 50 percent off so I picked up an illuminater and matte bronzer that I can't wait to try. I'm not good at highlighting and contouring so hopefully these powders will make it easier for me!  I also got a travel kabuki brush for powder and blush application and NYX's Jumbo Eye Liner pencil in Milk. 


These Maybelline colors were only $2 after my coupon.  I swatched them on my wrist.  The colors were okay, the Fresh Fuschia was definitely prettier than the Plum...which had a lot of brown undertones.  These definitely live up to their title of "Super Stay"...after I washed them off they left behind a nice, dark stain.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

MAC's Temperature Rising Mini-Haul

Today I received the lipstick and lipglass I ordered from MAC that were part of the Temperature Rising collection.  I also ordered another lipstick and blush from Nordstrom (that were sold out at MAC) that should be delivered Friday and I will update this post.  

I received the Altered Beige lipstick (a Lustre finish) and the Liquid Passion lipglass.  They are nudeish neutral colors, very pretty and soft.  Lustre finish lipsticks aren't my favorite...for me they don't apply the best.  They look "wet" sometimes, so the good thing is that you don't need a lipgloss if you're one of those people who always likes a shiny/shimmery lip. Sometime the lustre finish lipsticks settle in the lines of my lips, which makes application look uneven.  Either way, the color is pretty and sheer, I'm sure it would flatter many skin tones.  I actually think I'll discuss my skin tone in a separate post.

Below are a couple of pics, I will update once I get the other lipstick and blush! 


Lipglass: liquid passion.  Lipstick: altered beige.



Lipglass on the left , lipstick on the right.


On the top is the lipstick with the lipglass on top, the middle is the lipstick, and the bottom is the lipglass.
 

Monday, May 20, 2013

MAC's Temperature Rising Available at Nordstrom and Macy's Online NOW

This collection became available in the wee early hours online at Nordstrom and Macy's.  For some reason, when you search and go to makeup or the MAC section at Nordstrom, it does not appear.  But if you search 'temperature rising' or go through this link here you should be able to pull up the entire collection.  The lipstick and blush in this collection are pretty popular items so they'll be going fast!!!!

**Nordstrom has free shipping and returns, all the time.  Macy's has free shipping (for beauty) at $50 purchase.**

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Tested all my foundation samples...

...and here's the results. After testing all the ones I've picked up the past month or so (on a hunt to find the best shade match) I'm still not impressed. Argggghhhh. Again this is why it's important to test out samples. Just because it looks great in the store doesn't mean it really looks great. I tried 16 different samples from all types of brands. At the end of the day there was only one shade that I will actually do a test run on my face to try out. There were six that didn't match but were close enough that I could mix them together to get a close shade (but who wants to do all that work?). Finally, there were nine that were absolutely nos.  Sigh. So I'm back on the hunt yet again. I hope the one I liked actually looks good on me. I'm going to try it tomorrow and wear it for the day to see how it goes. Here's a pic below. On the left are the no's. On the right the maybes if you mix them. And that lone one in the middle. 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Nordstrom Mini Haul (with FREE samples!)

Last week when I was doing some Mother's Day shopping I stopped at the MAC counter and was informed that the following weekend (today) they were having an event.  With the event they were giving away gift bags/boxes with free samples with a purchase.  For MAC I don't think there was a minimum purchase amount, so I just got 2 lipsticks and a lipglass I had been eyeing.  I prepaid and all I had to do was pick it up today.  Glad I did because it was a zoo.  Makeup chairs everywhere in the beauty department, so many people. Ugh.  I like to shop in peace and quiet, when I can have an associate's undivided attention.  

So the box the samples came in is pretty cool, a super sturdy matte black box.  I'm actually glad I got this over a bag because for my trip to Cali, I could put my travel makeup in the box and not be super worried that it will be damaged at the airport.  It is really really tough. I listed the samples below, and I got a few Gucci Guilty because they know it's my current fave and I'm not ready to shell out a ton of money on perfume when I don't wear it too often.  

The items I picked up were MAC lipstick in Viva Glam II (satin finish-a light brownish purplish color) and Creme Cup (a cremesheen finish--a soft, light pink) and a lipglass in Viva Glam V.  There are sample pics below.

Free samples from my gift box:

  • Thierry Mugler Alien eau de parfum
  • Gucci Guilty eau de toilette
  • Diptyque Eau Rose eau de toilette
  • MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (super excited to try this--heard good things)
  • MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara
  • MAC Tan and Rose Pigment


Friday, May 17, 2013

Makeup of the Day

I meant to take a picture earlier lol, instead of this one at the end of the day when I'm tired and beat.  But here was my makeup today.  On my face I have Lancome foundation and powder, Bobbi Brown corrector, MAC studio fix concealer, Urban Decay eyeliner, Covergirl mascara. I used the Balm's Nude-Tude palette and Urban Decay's Naked palette. I LOVE this lip I did today!!! Nice and springy, but not too bright.  I put a layer of the Balm's Imma Goodkisser lipstick, on top of that MAC's Peachstock lipstick, topped off by the Balm's Cocoa my Coconut gloss.  

I really have to invest in a real camera.  The pictures on this iPhone suck.


Updated:Philosophy's Soul Owner (foot cream)

I stumbled upon this beauty at Marshall's the other day.  I'd never heard of it before, but since I love the Philosophy brand, I decided to pick it up.  At ten dollars, if it didn't work I wouldn't be too pissed.  Once I got home I googled and saw that the cream was still sold at Nordstrom and Ulta, and got pretty good reviews on both sites (and was priced at $16...go Marshall's!).

I have a trip planned to California in 2 weeks, May 31st.  My feet look a hot mess. HOT.  Totally not sandal ready.  I have hard calluses from years of excessive flip flop wear.  So I'm going to use it until that time and see how it works.  I will post before and after pics at that point too to see if there is any visible progress.  There should be after two weeks, especially considering it claims "immediate results."

UPDATE: I've taken pictures of my feet but I'm totally not posting them lol.  They look rough.  Maybe once they're better looking but as for now, I'll pass.  But after the first use I noticed significant difference in the feel of my feet.  They aren't as dry, and it moisturized better than lotion.  So hopefully the lasting result will be exfoliation of the calluses and hard spots.

Excuse the box, my daughter stepped on the bag after she knocked it on the floor.  Smh. Kids.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

MAC's Temperature Rising Collection (LE)

I can't be the only person in the world over MAC and its bi-weekly "limited edition" collections, can I? Seriously, every other week there's a new collection that's limited so everyone rushes to purchase for fear of missing out and never seeing it again.  Truthfully, MAC re-releases certain items out of a collection when its super popular.  But regardless, makeup junkies don't want to miss out.  I was going to pass on this collection...but its such a big collection! Four lipsticks, four lipglosses, four powerchrome eye pencils, two eyeshadow quads, two blush, two nail polish, two bronzing powders, two prolongwear bronzing powders, a golden elixir strobe liquid, a bronzing oil, a brush, and a bag.  Seriously? That's like 13423423 different items.  Have a seat MAC. 

Anyway, it releases online tomorrow 5/16/13 and in stores 5/23/13.  I think I'll be picking up two of the lipsticks and a blush.  THAT'S IT. SERIOUSLY. Because the rest of the Riri <3 MAC collection comes out in June. And I'm sure there's probably a couple other collections as well. 

Seriously, how gorgeous is this shot here!



You can check out some up close pics over at Temptalia.

MAC's Marilyn Monroe Collection...Re-release


The Marilyn Monroe collection was released sometime fall 2012.  It was a nice collection, with special packaging.  It has been re-released earlier this week, and I believe exclusively to Macy's.  The only products that really, really caught my eye were the lipsticks.  Of course, all of them are already sold out, so there's nothing left for me to consider buying.  Some of the eyeshadows are pretty, but knowing MAC's eyeshadow formula and the price, I'm not interested in purchasing.  It does suck that I didn't realize this sooner, because there are some lipsticks from this collection I really really want (Charmed I'm Sure and Deeply Adored).

You can view the collection at Macy's online, or click here.

Fall '13 Forecast by MAC

I've been eying (eye-ing) the Fall '13 Forecast/Lips by MAC for weeks now.  When I was going to purchase it, it was all sold out.  I noticed Monday night it was back in stock while I was perusing the website...but I didn't purchase it because its $40 and I was more interested in MAC's collection releasing later this week (I'll put that in another post).  Anywho, today I go to look thinking maybe I will pick it up, since I got some $$$ for Mother's day...and lo and behold. It's sold out again.  Clearly I needed to snatch it up as soon as it became available.  This is def a palette I'm going to keep my eye out for.  I like all the colors, but there are two that really stand out to me.  You can check out the palette on MAC's site.  

 I also noticed that FAll '13 Forecast/Eyes while on the site.  I normally am not the biggest fan of MAC eyeshadow anymore, but these are cream color shadows, and will likely have much better color payoff than MAC's powder shadows.  And the colors look great.  This is something else I'll add to my neverending "makeup I really really really want to buy" list. It's actually in stock, but right now its not on my OMG WANT NOW list, so I'll hold off.  You can check it out here.

However, next time I see the lip palette back in stock, I'm purchasing immediately. Check out some pics below:



Beauty.Com 20% off Sale...Ends 5-17-13


You can skip over to Temptalia's blog/website for the info, here: http://www.temptalia.com/beauty-com-friends-family-sale-may-14th-through-may-7th

When it comes to makeup....ALWAYS ask the sales associate for help!

I decided to write this post after having a conversation with a good friend of mine.  I used to feel the same way too actually, so I decided to share.  If you are "new" to makeup and have questions or want to try new products, go to a department store/Sephora/Ulta and ask for help!! I know getting into makeup can be daunting, but at the end of the day these people are PAID to help you! Accordingly, you're more than welcome to stop in, ask questions, get product recommendations and SAMPLES of foundations to work with.  

Some stores are better than others, and of course you get better service on certain days/certain times when the sales person/makeup artist has more time to spend with you.  So I'd recommend avoiding weekends at least.  Also, Nordstrom and Saks are very helpful, but don't feel compelled to purchase because your sales person may be pushy.  Ask questions, get samples, go home and try them out for a few days.  You may get a sample and get home only to realize that in the light the color is too light or too dark, or that you just don't like the "type" of foundation (too streaky, too cakey, not enough coverage, too much coverage, etc).  No one expects you to waste hundreds of dollars on foundation and not be pleased.  Sephora, Nordstom, and Saks all offer samples, so do not hesitate to ask for one.  

If you're not initially comfortable with "bothering" a sales person, then I'd recommend doing some online research and having in mind certain types of foundations you would like to try.  Then, you could just go into the store and strictly ask for a sample of that product in a shade that looks to you to be best for your skin.  Either way, feel comfortable and explore different brands and colors, until you find your fit.  

I know that for me personally, matching my foundation has become the world's hardest task.  Kinda like calculus.  For years MAC's NC 42 was perfect for me.  All of a sudden over the past year its too light and too yellow.  So then I began the task of foundation hunting.  I currently use Lancome, which works best for me, but I'm still not going to call it my "go to perfect best foundation ever".  So in the meantime I've got a bunch of samples that I'm trying out over time, to see if I find one that performs well and lives up to my expectations.  You should do the same!

I know it gets expensive and depressing buying a foundation (especially a high end one) that matched in the store, or that you were 'pressured' into buying...and then to get home and have it not work or not match your skin tone is super annoying.  That's why I recommend never purchasing a foundation on the day you go to look at it or get matched up.  Just try the sample and if you get home and like it, then consider going back to purchase. 

Matter of fact, I went to Sephora today and got two samples of Tarte's BB cream, because I hear good things about it.  Unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to mix shades since neither really worked for my skin.  Sigh.  

If you're looking for a person who is super informed about makeup I'd recommend going to a department store.  In my experience, personally, I've found they have done better jobs of color match ups for me than the employees at Sephora, and tend to spend more time with you.  But again, to each his own.  And i'm not sure if Ulta does samples or not, but either way, I haven't found their staff to be uber helpful.  Just my opinion.

I'm going to attach  a pic to this post in a few minutes so you guys can see the "sample" stash I've acquired over the past few months.  FYI out of all these samples, there are two that I'm still 'considering'. The rest were not close at all. 

I also view getting samples as being less wasteful as well. Sephora and Nordstrom both have great return policies. Even if you use the item, if you're not satisfied you can still return it. Personally, I'd much rather get a sample than waste a whole jar even if they refund my money. 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Master Cleanse: Day One

Not sure if today can actually count as day one or not.  Either way, I started the morning with the salt water flush.  Ugh.  32 ounces of warm water with 2 teaspoons of salt mixed in, all shaken up.  You basically have to chug this solution down, or do it in as few gulps as possible because once you begin drinking and stop, you taste the salt water.  It wasn't absolutely horrible, but it wasn't pleasant either.  Maybe I'll get more used to it as time goes on.  I would say that within 30 minutes of consuming the drink I was in the bathroom.  And then a second time within 15 minutes of that.  The point of the flush is to aid in waste removal.  I found that it did the job.  Not sure if I would do daily though, especially with the tea. Considering its a little uncomfortable and the drink isn't too tasty.  We'll see though.

The reason why I said I'm not sure if today could count as day one is because I had solid food technically.  It is amazing at how much food we probably eat without realizing.  There was a candy tray/dish at work and the first thing I did when I walked past was grab a few pieces and inhale.  Then I realized I wasn't even supposed to eat it.  Can you imagine how many calories a day are consumed from mindless, robotic eating? Anyway, I still had the lemonade.  I wasn't hungry at first, but I am starving now.  When I get home I will have another glass or two, since so far I'm only at four. 

I feel okay, not tired or sluggish.  But not energetic either. We'll see tomorrow :).

Monday, May 13, 2013

Master Cleanse aka Lemonade Diet

**Just a note: these are my thoughts on the cleanse and its history, etc, so do your research and inform yourself should you actually be interested in the cleanse .**

The Master Cleanse is an age old "cleanse" that was developed by Stanley Burroughs in the 1950s.  It has been around for some time now, and has been used by people worldwide, for cleansing, detoxing, or weight loss.  There are just as many advocates as there are antagonists.  The original purpose of the diet is to cleanse the body of toxins and old fecal matter during which time a person's health may improve or whatnot.  As a side effect, many individuals lose weight, whether it be a small amount or a great deal, during their time on the cleanse.  In theory, anytime you are only drinking liquids and not consuming food you are super likely to lose weight.  Some consider the cleanse controversial and misused by people only seeking to lose weight.  

Essentially while on the cleanse you consume 6-12 glasses of the 'spicy lemonade', as well as do a salt water flush in the morning, and a laxative tea at night.  The salt flush and tea are meant to cleanse your intestines.  The lemonade is supposed to provide your body with all the nutrients you need.  You are not to consume any other food or drink while on the cleanse, except filtered water.  You can google the 'recipe' online, or find it in the original Master Cleanse book.
  
The plus: detoxification, improved energy, mental clarity, weight loss.

The negative: weight loss is temporary, skin likely to be flabby, may decrease metabolism, lack of energy, easily fatigued. 

I'm only going into a little background because I am going to California in two and a half weeks and I'm so scared of the seatbelt not fastening/being kicked off the plane/forced to buy an extra ticket due to being overweight.  Its been a fear of mine of late and before I even realized it, California has crept up upon me.  So now that its so close away I could diet and exercise and lose a couple pounds the correct way, but instead I'm going to do the lemonade cleanse.  I'm aware of the effects, downsides, etc.  And I'm aware that its not permanent but for me the need to lose the extra ___ pounds so that I'm not frightened at the thought of flying there is more important for me.  So i'm going to post daily for each day I do the cleanse and post how I feel.

I expect that I will be consuming about 6-8 glasses of the lemonade, not 6-12.  If you're trying for added weight loss and not just detoxification, 6-8 glasses is more ideal as you'll be consuming less calories.  For the laxative tea I picked up Smooth Move from my local Whole Foods.

Tomorrow will be my first day, so I'm all prepared with my ingredients and I will have my tea tonight.  I'll keep you guys posted :) Wish me luck :)

Sunday, May 12, 2013

CCO Store in Aurora Farms (Ohio)

Today I visited the CCO in Aurora Farms for the first time ever.  I can't believe I've walked past it sooooo many times and never even knew it was there! For those of you who don't know, a CCO is referred to as a Cosmetics Company Outlet store.  From what I know, they are owned by Estee Lauder, and sell only Estee Lauder products.  They sell items that have been discontinued and items that you may currently find in a department store. Some brands they have include: Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Origins, Smashbox, and Prescriptives.  They sell all types of makeup, perfume and cologne, and some hair products. They also sell gift sets, which were probably at one point and time "free gift with sale" sets.  I thought it was pretty cool and would def go back.  I picked up all MAC items, lipstick and lipglass, most of which were discontinued.  My items ranged from 10.50-11.00.  The items are generally discounted at 20-30% off.  

They sell lots of things that you can find in your department store which is great.  All the Clinique and Estee Lauder skincare items are in stock.  The ladies who worked there were also super nice.  This is probably my last makeup purchase for a while.  I've spent more than I should, but I had to restock my stolen/lost makeup.  I'll probably blog on things I've purchased and haven't used, or things that I can't live without.


Left to Right: Viva Glam Gaga 2 (lipglass)--limited edition released sometime early 2011, Revealing (lipglass), Rich & Witty (lipglass), Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick--limited edition released sometime early 2011, Pure Zen Lipstick--limited edition part of the Marilyn Monroe collection fall 2012, Ruffian Naked Lipstick--limited edition released online only in June 2012, Mocha Lipstick--limited edition Mac Surf collection released summer 2011.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Rite Aid Revlon Mini-Haul

Today was the last day of the 40% off at Rite Aid sale (no biggie really, each week CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid has a similar sale).  Anywho, I picked up 2 more lip butters (Sugar Plum and Pink Truffle) that I'm going to try out.  I picked two darker shades, hoping they'll perform better than my other 3.  If they don't, I'm going to just assume that they're not my cup of tea.  I also picked up a Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Socialite.  Its described as a "modern matte" finish lipstick, and promised to provide up to 16 hours of wear. I also picked up a Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Pop.  Lastly, I chose shade #360 Golden Caramel in the Revlon ColorStay Foundation.  I hope this color works.  I picked two at first, but the next shade up seemed too dark, and the next shade down too light.  Ugh.  I found the lip butters to be better than my first ones, color round.  But they're def not the holy grail like I've seen some people discuss on the Internets.  

Here are some pics below: 


Swatches left to right: Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, Lip Butter in Pink Truffle, Suede Lipstick in Socialite and Lip Gloss in Pink Pop. 

**Yes I know my knuckles and hand are lotion-free lol.  Don't judge me.**

Friday, May 10, 2013

40% off Revlon at Rite Aid

Went to Rite Aid to get milk.  In my houseshoes.  Because it is around the corner.  Don't judge me.  On my way out I saw all Revlon was 40% off.  My Revlon usually has a decent stock of makeup, because it isn't a great seller in my area (most business is from the older living apartment building across the street). Anywho, I didn't have time to look because they were closing in 10 minutes, but I know it'll still be on sale tomorrow (most sales end Saturdays and new sales begin on Sunday).  I think I'm going to try 2 more lip butters, darker colors, to see how they perform, maybe they'll be better than my last batch.  I think I'm also going to try the ColorStay foundation, which gets good reviews on the internet, because if I hate it it was 40% off of 12.99, so I won't be too mad.  

Naked vs. Naked 2 by Urban Decay

Urban Decay is a big (popular) brand in the eyeshadow community, and the Naked and Naked 2 palettes are probably the most popular/most purchased eyeshadow palettes (opinion, not sure if this is rooted in some sort of fact or statistic out there). These palettes are available here at Urban Decay.  Both palettes retail at $50, which I know is a lot of money, but considering that you get 12 eyeshadows, all of which blend together beautifully and can be used for day or night looks, its not too bad of a deal.  Single pots of Urban Decay's eyeshadow retail for $18-$20 dollars, its not a bad bargain. I'd recommend watching out for sales.  Urban Decay, at least 2x a year if not more, always has a Friends and Family or Holiday sale, where you can receive upwards to 20% off your entire purchase.  Sephora will sometimes have a sale too and they are also retailers of Urban Decay products. Ulta also may have a 20% off coupon for Urban Decay as well.  I would def try and monitor sales and then purchase a palette at that time.  I'm not sure if you need both, perhaps swatching the palette in store and looking at the colors might help decide which you prefer.

OH! And both palettes come with brushes! Nice brushes! Brushes that retail from Urban Decay for $26.  So the palettes really is a good deal.  They also, in the packaging, come with either a free UD primer potion (Naked) or a sample size of the naked lip gloss (Naked ---a super gorgeous neutral pinky color that I love!)

In addition to the two Naked palettes, Urban Decay released a Naked Basics palette, which features six, all matte shadows.  I haven't purchased it because I have both Naked palettes and it retails for $27, but I don't feel like any of the shades are so spectacular or so different from the Naked shadows that I need to have it. I love both palettes, and often times find myself reaching for both, as they both have some of my favorite shades.  If I had to pick only one that I could have ever ever ever, it would be near impossible, but I'd probably say Naked (the original palette), although...admittedly lately I reach for Naked 2 more often.


Here are some pics:



















Naked:
Colors Left to Right: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal. 

Naked 2:
Colors Left to Right: Foxy, Half Baked (also in Naked), Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, and Blackout.
I will try and update this post later with some eye "looks" I've created with these palettes. 





Thursday, May 9, 2013

Nars 2013 Summer Collection Released

Nars 2013 Summer Collection has been released, and Nordstrom currently has an "exclusive" online offer, where if you purchase $125 worth of products, you get deluxe samples of the Or***m Illuminator and and New Lover Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in a signature velvet sack.  That price tag, for the free samples, is a bit steep in my opinion.  I don't think I've ever spent that much at one time on Nars, but then again I only own a couple blushes.  There are some products that I'm interested in though (blushes and multiple sticks), so I'm going to keep this in the back of my mind.  In case anyone wants to get an old gal a mother's day present, lol!! :)  From the pics online, the items that look most interesting (to me) are the velvet matte lip pencil in tender night ($25) and the lipstick in tolede ($26).  Maybe even the multiple stick (puerto vallerta), but I'd have to see it in person to swatch.  Those multiple sticks are an investment at $39.  Looks like you can order these items now (from Nordstom), but they won't ship until 5-16.

UPDATED: Makeup Of The Day (MOTD)

Makeup of the day today.  Pretty neutral, had meetings and definitely wanted to keep it office appropriate. (Although I don't wear makeup everyday, most days lip gloss is enough :) ).

Lips: The Balm's Mai Billsbepaid Cheeks: Nars Or***m



Eyes: Covergirl mascara, Naked 2 Palette, Rimmel Eyebrown Pencil in Dark Brown

Face: MAC studio fix concealer, Lancome foundation and powder

 


Those pics kind of suck so I updated with this one, so you guys can get a better look:

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

I love love love free samples!! ❤❤

Seriously love!! I like ordering products I could pick up in the store online (via Sephora) because they always have free samples and some good ones. Lots of times I will also need a product but wait sometimes for 'free gift w/purchase' time.   It's a great way to get samples of products you wouldn't normally buy in the store. And lots of times samples are hit or miss, so you'll wind up liking some and tossing others. 

The samples I have below are:

Tarte's Amazonian Clay double detox face back, bareMinerals purely moisturizing cream, Dior's lash Maximizer, Stila's convertible color in Peony, and TimeBalm's Apricot Skin Renewal Cream.

HITS:
  •  Tarte's clay mask was great! It was not drying and didn't get so hard that I thought my face would crack.  I noticed afterwards my skin wasn't 'dried out' like some masks tend to do, and my pores looked smaller.  Overall, my skin looked refreshed, I'd def buy this again.
  • Dior's lash maximer: BOMB! This was great for me, it really did lengthen and separate my lashes, which made application of my mascara much easier! Not sure the price, but I would repurchase for sure.


MISS:
  • TimeBalm's Apricot Skin Renewal Cream--for me, this cream was very, very heavy and thick.  It applied like "goop" compared to most moisturizers, and it wasn't for me.  I also didn't notice any significant moisturizing feeling...it only seemed to clog my pores.  Not for me. 
  • bareMinerals moisturizing cream: for me, this cream felt like any other cream, which doesn't make me want to purchase it.  I feel like it got the job done, but I didn't notice any difference from a drug store cream (some of which are actually better in my opinion) and still had dry patches peeking through.  This just wasn't working for my skin.
Lastly, as for Stila's convertible color in Peony, I'm on the fence.  I think the color is soft, pretty, and buildable.  It can def work for day to night makeup, and it has the perk of being a cheek or lip cream.  Not sure if I would repurchase this only because I'm not a super fan of cream cheek color.  I prefer powder because for me, a novice, it is easier to work with and if you make a mistake during application, its easier to fix without ruining your makeup.  But again, the color is super pretty.


In a conference call...

...and it's almost 7. I get off at 5. Ugh i need to be self-employed. And all I want to do is bang my head against the wall. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Russian Red vs. Ruby Woo vs. Riri Woo

So i've tried all three lipsticks back to back and here are my thoughts.  Russian Red is still my absolute favorite.  I know it does not flatter all skin types as well as Riri Woo or Ruby Woo, but it looks great on me and is truly a deep, blood red.  Although Russian Red is also a matte lipstick, is still has a slight sheen when it dries.  I like Riri Woo better than Ruby Woo because it is slightly darker and applies with more ease than Ruby Woo, which tends to pull across the lip (because it is a drying matte lipstick). Also, Riri Woo applies more evenly than Ruby Woo, so after one swipe you have opague pigmentation. Riri Woo also seems less drying than Ruby Woo, but has the same staying power!  However, if you already have Ruby Woo, you may just pass on Riri Woo because they are very very close.  Not exactly the same, but very similar.

If you plan on wearing any of these reds, a lip scrub is in order! I used my Fresh Sugar Lip Scrub prior to trying on these lippies and followed up with a little Vaseline to moisturize. 

Color swatches (Don't judge me if my lips are colored outside the line.  I used the camera on my iPhone as a mirror lol):

Left to Right: Russian Red, Ruby Woo, RiRi Woo




Finally, here's a pic of me last week wearing Russian Red (didn't feel the need to reswatch, my lips are not having it tonight). 

My RiRi Woo Arrived Today

Today in the mail I received my signature MAC black box which contained my limited edition RiRi Woo lipstick.  For those of you who don't know what RiRi Woo is, see this previous post.  There are some pics below, and as soon as I get home and put baby girl to bed, I will post some lip swatches and compare it to Russian Red, my all time favorite MAC red lippie (which I prefer over Ruby Woo, personally).