Sephora Wishlist #1

So I'm back, even though I'm still pretty much on bed rest, I feel good enough to try and start writing again.  I wanted to start off with something a little simpler and not so picture heavy since I can't get to my products right now.  This means there will be a lot of lifestyle and about me posts, if that's okay.
I absolutely adore Sephora, especially when the people are nice and the area is clean (trust me, that didn't used to be true of certain places).  These are my high end, really spendy, wish items. I would love to know what some of yours are!
1. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet: I have never owned this perfume but everytime I go to Sephora I get a little sample just so I can have some on hand because it is one of my favorite scents. The price tag on this little guy is $78 for 1.7oz.  I haven't yet, but I definitely think it will be worth the splurge, possibly very very soon for a very special event.
2. Bite Amuse Bouche lipstick in Meringue which is a nice peachy nude.  I've tested the consistency and the wear time on my hand in stores and it is just so creamy and wears longer than you would think it would given the consistency.  This lipstick runs $26 per bullet but they will last you a good while when taken care of properly.  You can find it here at the Sephora website or at the store.
3. Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12 hr lipstick in Foxy. I purely want to try this because I have never tried anything but Tarte's blushes.  This color looked like an amazing color for me and it's currently on sale for $14 but the regular price is $26 and you can find it here.
4. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm: I used to use the Body Shop cleansing balm but I have run out and would like to try something different so I was ecstatic when I found this.  Initially I was looking for the Emma Hardie cleansing balm that so many blogger rave about but, alas, my search was fruitless.  This costs $29 and can be found here on the website or in most stores.  This is another one that may be purchased in the not so distant future.
5.  Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette.  I really wanted the romantic eyes palette but that has sadly been discontinued but this is pretty close in comparison in my eyes.  There are light and dark colors so you can go from day time to sultry in just a few swipes.  It's a great all around eye palette.  It costs $36 and can be found here.
6. Becca Shimmering Pressed Skin Perfector in Opal: Yes, I know this has a cult following but I really do want it because I like it and not just to have it.  If it's anything in consistency and  make like Champagne Pop I will be a happy girl.  The Shimmering pressed skin perfectors cost $38 and you can find them at the Sephora website, in store, or at Ulta.
7. Glam Glow mud mask.  Need anything more be said? This puppy will cost you $69 and the only place that I know for sure that carries it is Sephora.
8. The original Chocolate Bar palette: Ever since I discovered Too Faced, I have wanted the Chocolate Bar Palette.  This would be a great staple piece in my palette collection.  This palette costs $49 and can be found here at the Sephora website or in store at Sephora and Ulta.
9. Urban Decay Naked Illuminating Shimmering Powder for Face and Body in Luminous.  I am a highlighter fiend, I absolutely adore every highlighter that I can get my hands on. I don't mind glitter in my highlight and there is a lot of glitter in this highlighter.  I like that it's not only for the face but it's for the body too.  This product runs $32 and you can get it here on the Sephora website or in the store or at Ulta.
10. My final product is the Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose perfume, which is new to the line.  I have yet to smell it but I love the Nirvana scents and I love roses, so where could I go wrong? I could get the rollerball for $25 but I really want the actual spray perfume.  I would get the 1.7oz spray perfume for $85, again, another big splurge item that will totally be worth it.  If you're curious about their new perfume, be sure to check it out here or in the Sephora store.

June Jubilee Day 19: My Top 5 Single Eyeshadows!

Hey there Stars! I'm doing a little mini series inside of my Jubilee series and carrying into July (of which I will be taking a month's break from a monthly series).  The posts will be my Top 5's of different things like lipgloss, lipstick, brushes and, today, single shadows! Let me know if you like this series or if you think it's been over done.  I won't stop doing it because I like it but I do take all of your comments into consideration :D

Makeup MAYhem Day 24: Top 5 Makeup Palettes

Makeup Palettes, the best way to try many colors at once and get more bang for your buck.  Some are as cheap as $2 and some cost upwards of $70 but they're all there for one reason, to give you options for your best looks.  There are foundation palettes, concealer palettes, contour palettes, blush palettes, lip palettes, and eyeshadow palettes- the opportunities are endless!  So here are my top five eyeshadow palettes, I hope you enjoy! These are in order of most favorite to least most favorite, but I really love them all or they wouldn't be here.

First up is my beloved Naked 3 palette:

Learn how to Get Your Makeup to Stay Put During a Long Day

Hello Stars! Today, I'm going to teach you about (and hope you learn) what to use when your makeup keeps slipping off your face during a hot or busy day.  Now you may be wondering why I am showing the setting spray by E.L.F. and Suave hairspray instead of just using Urban Decay's setting spray and the Kat Von D setting spray.  I am doing this because both of these are very affordable and you can get them for under ten dollars- that's for both of them together! Suave is usually $2.79 at Target and the E.L.F. spray is $3.  The E.L.F. one works great for everyday during the day, going to be sitting in an office, or something like that.  It is neither matte nor dewy, which is perfect for those who just want their makeup set and not the added 'bonus' of the matte or dewy thing.  So, I would use E.L.F. on a day to day basis. Now, as for the hairspray, that's saved for special occasions because, while it doesn't break you out (at least it doesn't for me), it is very sticky at first and it is hairspray BUT if you use this, your makeup is not going anywhere.  I use this especially when I am a makeup artist on a musical or play because those actors will sweat their makeup off in seconds, I am one so I know, but this holds it all in place nicely.  If you don't feel safe using an aeresol spray, look for hairspray in the non aeresol version.  It is harder to find, but it is possible if you look at Sally's beauty supply or Tiffany's beauty supply.  Thanks for reading, guys, and have a great holiday!

Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be You. XOXO

The Palette Roundup!

Hello my bright shiny Stars! I'm getting back to the regular posting whether it's a blog post or a video review or collection. This is my palette collection and, disclaimer time, in no way am I trying to brag or be like 'oooh look at all my palettes'. No. I bought all of these palettes with my own money except for one, which was my first palette. Disclaimer over.  I made this video to show that you don't have to be palette loyal to one brand nor do you have to have every single palette, I know I have a lot but I don't own every palette out there.  I hope you guys enjoy this video and don't forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and to subscribe for more videos! XOXO

NYX Dream Catcher/ Dusk til Dawn Palette Review!

The other day during my Ulta trip and haul, I picked up this cute palette put out by NYX.  It is called the Dream Catcher Palette/ Dusk til Dawn. The colors  remind me immensely of the Naked 2 palette colors, bronzes, a few taupes, and a matte black. The eyeshadows themselves have very little fallout and don't easily crease without primer, so I can't even imagine what it would be like with a primer.

FOTD: A Time to Celebrate

Today was a special occasion because my best guy friend got accepted to a four year college, so my parents and I took him out to dinner to celebrate the great news of his graduation from a JC and the acceptance into a four year college.  Since this was such a big moment in his life, I did my makeup all nice and proper and that is what I wish to share with you today.

Palette's Galore!

I have always talked about the palette's I use, but I've never showed you just how many palettes I own.  Now, I'm sure this is nothing compared to bigger bloggers who have a whole ton of palettes but I'm getting there.

Urban Decay Moondust: REVIEW!

I talked briefly about this product in yesterday's post and figured I would do a full review of Urban Decay's Moondust eyeshadow in Glitter Rock which is a pinky purple glitter eyeshadow. You can purchase them on the Urban Decay Website, at Ulta, or Sephora for $20.  Like most eyeshadows, this can be used wet or dry but personally I prefer to use them dry.

And then there was one (or four)

I'm a palette kind of person when it comes to eyeshadows but when it comes to certain colors I just feel the need to own them on their own. The other thing is that they are all different brands too, drugstore to high end. Here are my individual thoughts on the four individual shadows I own :)

Transformed

 How do I go from bare face me to glammed up me? Let me tell and show you how in a few simple steps!

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette Swatches and Review

Well, I finally feel like an official beauty blogger now- I own one of the Naked palettes, and possibly the most coveted one.  I felt so official buying the palette, I felt like I had earned my beauty blogger pin.

 All of the beautiful rose gold toned hues in their glory.

Ulta Haul plus some MAJOR finds at the Nordstrom Rack

Hello my lovelies!  How has your week been going so far? As it is very well known by now, my spending ban is over which made going into Ulta's that much better.  The main thing I was after was the ever popular Naked 3 palette  and I didn't see it and started to freak out but then one of the lovely workers informed me that the Naked palettes were being kept behind the counter, so I calmed down. I then went over to the Nordstrom Rack just across the way and instead of just finding clothes they had major products like Lorac, Stila, and Urban Decay.  I got an Essie nailpolish that would usually retail for at least $8 for $6.95 and my favorite find was Urban Decay's primer potion in Greed which is usually around $20 for $10.  To say I snatched that up fast would be an understatement.  If you want a better description of the products I got, keep on reading!

These are the things I received as a free gift or as a last second purchase (i.e. the brush and nail file)

FOTD: A Professional Affair

 Hello my lovely ladies! Today I'm going to describe the look I wore the other day to House Manage the show A Shayna Maidel.  You always have to look put together and professional, which means doing my makeup all nice and fancy.  You can't really see in the picture, but I was wearing a black and white polka dot dress with a mesh top and then a white sweater. Very 50's-60's. Now onto the makeup!

February wishlist and Spending Ban update

A Blusher of a Problem

In light of the, erm, heavy snowfall today, I took out all of my blushers to show you guys and created this very picture heavy post.  Whilst doing this, I realized I may never have to purchase a blusher for another ten years! Including these, I also have a palette that has four blushers in it and another Stila self adjusting cheek color in Coral which I forgot to photograph. So let's get started, shall we?

FOTD: Short and Sweet

For my makeup the other day, I wanted something sweet but with a sweet edge.  I used my Urban Decay Glinda palette to create a pink/purple smokey eye for the day time.  My base, as always, was the Revlon Photo Ready liquid foundation in Ivory.  I then used Urban Decay's blush in "Quckie", which I've had forever and I've just rediscovered my love for it.  It was actually my first high end makeup purchase, I was so proud when I bought it- I was 15 and I felt so grown up.  Here is the look:

 For my eye, I only used colors from the Glinda palette.  The base color for all over my lid was Illusion, which is a light beige gold with a soft shimmer. I then took Magic, which is a duochrome pink/purple color, and used it on the middle of my eye to the outer corner of my lid, blending towards the crease.  I then took Tornado, a purple shimmer color, and blended it on the outward corner of my eye and created a bit of a winged effect.  I lined my lower lash line with my NYX Kohl black liner, and for my mascara I used the three in one mascara by Flower by Drew Barrymore.  This is a great product and I suggest stopping by Walmart, if you have them, and picking up a few of their products.

 For my lips, I used Revlon's new Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Vivacious, which is number 120.  Unlike the Kissable Balm Stains, these have a glossier finish.  This isn't a stain, so it doesn't last forever, but it did last through eating and drinking and general wear and tear for about 5 hours before I really had to reapply it.  I am really in love with Revlon's new Lacquer and Matte balms that they've come out with.  Then again, I just love the chubby stick packaging.

What do you think of this look? Would it be something you would wear on a daily basis or on a date? XOXO

Urban Decay Glinda Palette: Review

When the movie The Great and Powerful Oz was released, Urban Decay jumped right on the bandwagon and created two GORGEOUS palettes based off of the two female characters- Theodora and Glinda.  The Theodora palette was darker and more mysterious, while the Glinda palette is lighter and more magical.  I immediately knew I needed to get my hands on the Glinda palette and after going to store after store, I finally bought it from the Ulta online store.  I had a lot of points racked up and a coupon, so it wound up being less than twenty dollars.  It came with a pretty lippy, which I'll review when I have it with me, a mini of their eggplant colored 24/7 eye liner, and eight beautiful eye shadows.  One reason I love Urban Decay is because of the formula's they use in their products.  Everything I have bought from them has been creamy and easy to apply, including the eye shadow.  With these I had almost no fallout except with the total glitter color 'OZ' which is a half dish of gold, half dish of silver but the consistency is still very creamy and easy to apply.  Maybe creamy isn't the right word, soft might be better... anyway.  As you'll see in the pictures below they are highly pigmented, and the swatches I did without primer to show how pigmented they are.  They are all shimmer colors, either with glitter or iridescent shimmer.  I've rambled long enough, here is the Glinda palette:

 Top from left to right: Tornado, Aura (dual color), and Magic
Bottom from left to right: Illusion, Oz (dual color), and South

  From left to right on my arm is: Tornado, Auro (yellow, left, blue, right), Magic, Illusion, Oz (gold, left, silver, right) and South.

As you can see, the colors are really soft and shimmery (I love that word, SHIMMER) but pack the color that they show in the pan especially if I were to have put primer on my arm before swatching the colors on my arm.  My only complaint, and it's not actually a complaint more of a 'hmm, this could be better but I still love it', is that the color Oz does have some fallout when it's being applied because it is the most glitter packed of the bunch.  Coincidentally, because they are the most glitter packed they are also my favorite color in the palette only to be rivaled by Magic which is really pretty because it's iridescent. 

All in all, being my first palette purchase from Urban Decay, I was not disappointed at all.  I use this palette to travel because it came in a very pretty and handy tin, and the colors can be transitioned easily from day to night.  5 gold stars on my rating scale all the way.  Did you try either of these palettes? XOXO

Allergy Eyes

With winter coming to a close and spring just around the corner, it means that all of us suffering from seasonal and environmental allergies are in for a bumpy ride.  Along with the sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, and blotchy skin comes bright red eyes.  After working with color and what compliments what for a while now, just for fun though, I have learned what eyeliner colors are best to wear when your eyes are red.

 (Sorry for the sad state of my face, btw)

Usually I don't wear much, if any, makeup during the day- problems of going to an all women's college... hmmm, maybe I'll do a post about that.  Anyway, my eyes were really bright red this morning because of how windy it was and the fact that we're expecting rain which makes me sneeze non-stop.  I start out with putting my contacts in and then following that with two drops in each eye of Visine Advanced Redness Relief eye drops.  This helps to make my eyes less itchy so I don't rub at them during the day and take the makeup off.  I then used the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl eyeliner in 005 Nude which I just picked up after hearing so many bloggers rave about it- look for a full review soon! I lined my bottom water line with this.  Lining your water line takes lots of practice so your lower lash line will work too.  I then took my Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil (Kohl) in the color Radium and lined my upper lash line with it.  It's a mid toned blue with a slight hint of shimmer to it.  I love Urban Decay eyeliners, they are seriously my hands down favorite eyeliners I have ever owned.  the combination of these colors helps to counteract the redness in my eyes throughout the day and when the redness does die down, it looks nice but isn't too 'in your face' with the blue.
What do you do during allergy season to help you not look so 'allergy like'? XOXO