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!

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!

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!

Ins & Outs...

I always enjoy reading these so I thought I'd put mine in the ring!

INS

Sunshine and warm spring weather

Iced coffee

New clothes

Wedges

Matte lipsticks

Diet Dr. Pepper

Crown Brushes! (review post to come!!!!)

Colorful Eye shadow

Tons of blush

Layering lots of random, chunky, mismatched bracelets

Sparkly coral lip-gloss

OUTS

Winter

Sugary soft drinks

Heavy contouring

Neutral Smokey eyes

Deep plum lipstick

Being at work 24/7

My boring/worn out wardrobe

Black pumps

Red nail polish

Pale winter skin