Could it be....

... That I have found it.... found the ideal trio....found the perfect cheek combo? Ok, so I'm a bit dramatic about it, but for me.... someone whose "everday makeup" is different everday... it is amazing to find something I think to be perfect, I've tried every combo under the sun on my face!

Let me introduce you to the players...

meet "Dallas" from Benefit, "Park Ave Princess" from Tarte, and "Soft and Gentle MSF" from MAC!!

Here they are on my hand (because I ALWAYS wear makeup there)...

L-R (Park Ave Princess, Dallas, Soft and Gentle)

Unfortunately those swatches don't do enough justice.... The Tarte bronzer, is the perfect warm shade of brown, and I detect no orange on my face. It does have a slight shimmer, but it just creates a soft-focus glow. Dallas, is the perfect dusty plum shade.... sometimes it comes up more purple and sometimes a slight brown... it's natural but complexion warming. And Soft and Gentle is a cult highlighter.... gold perfection!

Here's the final test....



Currently Un-beautiful

Since this is a beauty blog, I will start with these facts... I just received a MAC package in the mail

Lady Bug Lipstick - Lustre Finish (a truly perfect red)

4 New Shadows to re-fill my "travel" MAC 4 pan palette

(Clockwise: Dazzlelight, Swish, Print, Texture) 

Anyway... though that package would have normally made my day... currently I am in hell. I don't normally post anything really personal here, it's pretty much JUST BEAUTY - but this is my blog (and I'm pretty sure no one really reads it anyway) so basically I can post what I want.

This has been the hardest week, and especially weekend of my life. And I don't mean hard in the way that you say when you get into a little argument with someone or worry that "Johnny" doesn't like you anymore. I mean life-alteringly hard. My mother is extremely ill. (haven't seen that written yet and I don't like how it looks) There have been health problems for a while, but the severity of things now, happened very suddenly. Serious is an understatement.

I must say... as a 27 year old, only child... whose mother is truly her best friend, I feel unhinged... and terrified. I feel nauseous constantly, anxious every minute. I am not dealing well... and I don't see how moving forward I will deal any better. I am so scared, and so sick, and so ill. I couldn't think of anything else to do but write about it... because writing has always been my form of release.

All I can tell you are the following things. If you love someone (even if they piss you off constantly!) just fucking tell them. If you're holding a grudge, just get over it. If someone has a request and you're simply too stubborn - suck it up!

And finally, if you're a praying person... please say a prayer for my mommy... it would mean the world to me.

Smokey in Seconds...

List of everything needed for a perfect smokey eye:

1.       Too Faced Shadow Insurance

2.       ELF quad in Drama

3.       Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette in Lust

4.       Almay Black Liquid Liner

5.       Tarte Eye Pencil in Black

6.       Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

7.       NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Dark Brown/Brown

8.       Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup in Tan

9.       Benefit Boxed Powder in Dallas

10.   MAC lipstick in Blankety

11.   ELF Lipgloss (liquid lip color?) in Pink Lemonade

Even though I don’t usually like to “blog” about things I just filmed about… a simplified smokey eye, seemed well worth it!

Just The Basics: All the things I NEEED in my makeup bag

Here's the thing...  what I carry around in my makeup bag, may seem a bit excessive, but as someone who frequently sleeps away from home spur of the moment, all the stuff I lug around has proven to be very useful!

So lets get into what's in this bad boy

Estee Lauder Blush in Mocha Rose

This is a total double use product... first of all it has a huge mirror inside the compact, and second - this is such a blendable, neutral blush I can apply it with my fingers and it still looks lovely.

Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

Considering the only other Too Faced Mascara I tried (lash injection) I absolutely HATED, this was a surprise! It is so black, so volumizing and it simply doesn't clump, even layered over last nights dry mascara ;)

Avon Cool Bliss Cream Shadow - Frothy Mocha

This is the most gorgeous, creamy brownish/taupe color... and you can just throw it on and you literally have a complete shadow look. It works on the lid and the crease.

Bare Minerals Big & Bright Eyeliner - Black

I've just used so many eyeliners in my day, and this is pretty much the best of the best. It is black as night and it stays put. Plus this is a mini so it doesn't take up so much room in my overstuffed bag.

Mac Eyeshadow - Digit

This picture does this shade no justice... this is the lightest and loveliest lilac I own (and I own several). There's zero shimmer but it just glows like crazy, as for a lid color... it lacks pigmentation, but I wear this in my inner corners almost daily. Regardless what colors I'm wearing, it's brightening and pretty.

Elf Studio Eyeshadow - Butter Cream

On the surface this is just a plain yellowish eyeshadow... but it's a lovely yellowish gold, perfect for the brow bones and especially on the cheekbones!

Jordana Lipgloss - Tangerine

Yes it is in fact an orange lipgloss, but lets discuss what's perfect about it: It was 50cents, it is an orange lipgloss with orange glitter in it, it isn't sticky at all, annnnd it smells like oranges. Even though the color is intimidating it works perfectly with the lipsticks I use on a regular basis.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Coral Shimmer

The name nails it on the head... this color is gorgeous and so damn moisturizing.

MAC Lipstick - Freckletone

I have pretty well admitted this is my favorite lipstick, so obviously it needs to be with me everywhere I go! If I want a peach this color works, if I want a nude it works too. Plus lustre finishes are just so creamy and smooth!

ELF Angled Eyeshadow Brush

This brush was only a dollar but it has certainly served me well. It is small enough for the inner corner... thin enough to highlight the brow bone... stiff enough to smudge eyeliner on the upper lash line and shadow under the lower lashes.... and soft enough for all over the lid, This is the perfect throw around brush!!!

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it... I stand by my claim that all these things are essentials (at least this week).

Inspiration...

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately... even though I love watching people wax poetic about cosmetics on youtube... there's just something exciting about the choice of words and photos people use to fill their blog. Call me old fashioned :)

Anyway... there are so many wonderful blogs out there in cyberspace... blogs that are just so inspirational, whether they are about life, or if they are focused on my particular vice (beauty & fashion). So I thought I would share a bit of what inspires me.... in the way of a lust list.

(come on, this is a beauty blog at the end of the day, perhaps later I'll share some personal inspiration)

Black Dior Studded Wedges

I won't lie to you and say that these shoes are in any way practical or appropriate for my life.... but oh just look at them. I'm a sucker for studded leather!

Soleil Tan De Chanel

I've wanted this product for so long I barely think it will live up to the hype I've created, Even so, it MUST be mine! I've had the pleasure of swatching it, and the texture/color is perfection.

Dolce and Gabbana Sequined "Miss Kristen" Tote

When I saw this online I gasped... literally, out loud, at my desk.... at work (get it). Everything about this screams me (except the $2000 price tag) The sequins... the soft brushed gold (loud yellow gold is NOT my color) Wow... Just wow.

Escada Taj Sunset

Rarely does a scent consume my thoughts.... but ever since Sephora sent me a sample, I cannot get my mind of this sweet, fresh, wonderful summer scent!

I could go on.... but I'll save it for another day in need of some inspiration!

Caps... Gowns... And some last minute makeup!

I can't swear this post is 100% beauty related… but I will definitely add some pictures of my makeup and accessories!

WHAT A WEEKEND. I work for an early childhood education center, and this past weekend was our Pre-K Graduation / Moving up ceremony…. All I can say is wow. This ceremony has been my "child" for weeks… months now,  And the day of the event  I nearly missed it - ANNNND very nearly looked like complete garbage for it. I worked on last minute details until 6:30am the night before - or morning of. And spent the whole actual day, running around, finalizing and trying to direct those around me. By the time all 200 or so guests started arriving, at 5:30…. I had to excuse myself so I could shower and slap on some makeup and a dress!!! All my dreams of looking "perfect" and straightening my hair into a lovely do, flew right out the window!

BUT overall the event was amazing and although I was almost an hour late in the end - it all went over well. Here's  a few shots of what I rushed to do with myself:

Here's a look at my makeup... I used pretty much all new stuff from Too Faced (see me "haul" it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhEajzLG3v8)

And here I was trying to show off how nice my new bronzer looked topped off with a glowy coral blush, but since the lighting SUCKED, it's just a look at my earring

Sorry if this is creeptastic, but here are the shoes I wore (had to do flats)

And here's an extremely awkward self portrait/view of the dress, lol

Finally, here are my nails... my nails that chipped terribly that evening! I wore "paradise pink" from Milani & I love it.

And last but not least.... here's a picture of my dog Sunday night.... very happy I was finally home :)

Out with the old....

Two posts in one day... this is history in the making :)

Although I have many other things I can be doing on my computer right now (work related things I've been majorly procrastinating to do all evening) - I just needed to share. I just performed a nail polish over-haul... threw away about 14 bottles that I literally just had for the sake of having them. They were old, they didn't look the same as when I bought them and I CERTAINLY never wore them. But as any cosmetic "collector" (and I consider myself someone who is a shopaholic much more than a collector) it's hard to throw away your beauty products!!!!

I was walking around the dollar store this evening and a cute little pink bucket of sorts caught my eye and I thought I neeeeeeeded to store my polishes in it. I also knew they wouldn't all fit, so that was my inspiration. Now that it's over - I must say it feels just fabulous!

p.s. I agree it's a bit random.... but I think Milani might just be my next favorite brand of polish! Gorgeous colors and formulation - and a gorgeous price tag to match!

Bargain Beauty: A Surprising Find

One of my favorite things to do is wander around my local dollar stores beauty department. Although I love the products found exclusively behind the pretty glass displays at the department store... nothing is quite as exhilarating as a good value :). The dollar store I frequent has a wonderful range of cosmetics... from loreal to ELF and everything in between. They carry discontinued items as well as overstock, and I can literally spend hours combing through.

One of my most recent purchases, which looked quite uninteresting was a double sided eyeliner (truthfully I bought it because it came with a jumbo sharpener!!!) It's LA Colors brand, which I've never tried.... but the pigmentation of this pencil rivals my favorite Tarte pencil. It's creamy... the color is rich.... and it stays put on the waterline.... this is a stand out product!

The Black Side:

The Brown Side:

Both Smudged Out:

I don't believe this exact product is still available, but if it's any representation of how LA Colors is as a brand... run don't walk!

Battle of the nudes...

So I… Just like everyone else LOVE a nude Lip - it's a sexy look, it can be a sophisticated look, and it is definitely a classic look. It's every bit as "effortless" looking as a bare lip, BUT BETTER! That being said, I do believe there is a nude for everyone, you just have to find it… here are a few favorites from my collection.

(From Left to right: 1.Maybelline - Toasted Almond, 2.NYC - Cafe, 3.Revlon - Just Enough Buff, 4.NYX - Circe, 5.MAC - Freckletone)

And then the real test.... how do they look on the lips?

1. Toasted Almond

Super sheer and wearable, but just a bit frosty

2. Cafe

A nice "coffee infused" nude color

3. Just Enough Buff

One of my absolute favorites! Similar to my beloved "peachstock" that MAC cruelly took away

4. Circe

This is exactly what people mean when they talk about "concealer" lips.... it's not exactly wearable, but it's super opaque and creamy, and with the right application and/or gloss it works!

5. Freckletone

HOLY GRAIL MATERIAL... If you like nude, but not nuuuuuuude nuuuuuuude this is for you! It's super peachy and glossy so it's very easy to wear. This is one of my favorite lipsticks to date.

Now I must give honorable mention to all the pink based nudes out there, but that's another post all together :)

So many bracelets.... So little time!

Long time no posting! It's been a crazy few weeks, and I will leave it like that!!!

I used to do "makeup of the week" videos on my youtube channel, which I liked - but were frankly quite annoying to edit! So I figured I would start a series something like that on my blog. BUT since all I ever really blog about is makeup, I figured I would change it up a bit... I dress fairly simple... I do like color and the occasional unique / funky item - but where I really go crazy is accessories, and my accessory of choice is a bracelet - hands down! So without further ado... here are my "Bracelets of the week" :)

TUESDAY

This is a combination of 5 bracelets and one pearl necklace tripled.... I like this colorful combination!

It screams summer to me!

WEDNESDAY

That black/silver bracelet is an all time favorite because it looks like a stack of bracelets in one... I paired it with a simple silver Tiffany bracelet and a big silver cigar ring on the other hand....

THURSDAY

I love LOVE this  combination its a pink stoned stretch bracelet a medium width silver bangle and a big braided cuff with wood, silver and magenta beads (nice with a tan!) I got that cuff for 2 bucks at target by the way :)

FRIDAY

Monochromatic with a pop of color! Again my favorite black/silver "string bracelet" a set of 3 NOISY gunmetal bangles and a turquoise stretch bracelet.

Let's see what next week looks like.... I'm expecting a package ;)

An oldie but goodie...

Long time no blog . Okay, so this is going to be my very first "blog tutorial" I think the concept is a bit odd… but this look is so simple and turns out so pretty and eye-brightening… it's worth a shot.

So the look is based around one my very favorite eyeshadow palettes, it's from Prestige and it's called "Earthling" Take a look…. (perfection, except the rectangle shadow shape)

1. I start by putting this slightly pink toned champagne color all over the lid…. This color is pretty much an exact dupe for Stila's "Kitten".

2. Next I blend this sparkly gold - I mean GOLD shade into and above my crease.

3.This rich matte chocolate brown is perfect for the crease… I also smudge a bit under the lower lash line. I love that these colors are so blendable, because I love a smokey eye!

4. When I top this whole thing off with this GORGEOUS white-gold shade under the brow, the look pops. No joke…. This is my favorite highlight shade ever!

5. Now I apply some liquid liner on the top (of course)… a little black into the waterline (totally optional)…. And a couple coats of mascara (Maybelline - the falsies all the way)…. And this is how it turns out.



Blue on the eyes.... Tacky?

I was never one for blue cosmetics… even blue nail polish only recently crept into my collection. But this morning (after a long and quite relaxing - makeup free weekend) I woke up uninspired about what to do with my face! Golds… purples… silver - I do it ALLLLL the time, even green is overdone for me. So I dug around in my "eye drawer" and found some pretty blues.

I really love the way it came out, and even though there's a bit of my "signature smokiness" it still feels springy and fresh. Like crisp denim shorts :)

Sometimes a step outside the box is exactly what your Monday needs!