Haul Time!

Well folks, I may have spent half of my food budget for the month, but it's all worth it in the name of makeup... right? ;-) Anyhow, I recently purchased various items from my favorite makeup website, Cherry Culture, and the most amazing store in the world, Naime's.

First, Cherry Culture. This site does contain a large amount of cheap products (both in price and quality), but I have found the gem amongst the rocks, NYX. This brand may not be MAC or Benefit, but it certainly is no drugstore makeup. Many of their products are unique and fun. My favorites are their Jumbo Eyepencils; they provide a great base to create a highly pigmented look or for loose powders. Their prices are also amazing, and even better on this website. I could go into more detail about NYX specifically, but let's get onto the haul.

LIPS:



left to right: jordana 37 cabaret, jordana 32 plum, jordana43 pink chic, NYX 817 hot red,
NYX 816 fuschia, amuse disco pink, amuse sweet rose, la colors fiery red, NYX 604 jupiter, NYX 501 iris

I'm excited to try out each of these liners. They all appear to be very well pigmented. The NYX liners are by far the smoothest, bu the LA Color one comes very close. The other ones need to be warmed up prior to being applied. I was hoping the two lipsticks would be matte. Instead they are very shimmery. This is fine, however, instead of using them as overall lip colors, a shimmery lipstick like this is great for highlighting the center of your lip for a more full, pouty look.

EYES:



*The two glitters were placed above NYX Jumbo Eyepencil Pots and Pans
NYX jumbo eye pencil 624 rocky mountain green, NYX jumbo eye pencil 603 pots and pans,
NYX white glitter, NYX red glitter, amuse navy blue, amuse silver

I am slightly disappointed that the Jumbo Eyepencil and pencil liner are pretty close to the same silver. However, they apply very differently, and therefore will be used in different situations. I'm really excited to use the white glitter on the inner corner of my eye. It should serve as a fun highlight for more outgoing, glamorous looks.


Now for the special guest of the evening...

Naime's!!

I was expecting a medium sized, single level, single room of makeup. Instead, we walked up to these double glass doors, marble floor entry way, with gold accents. Heaven. Instead of one floor, there were two. Instead of one room, there were three areas. As we walked up the stairs, it was almost as if the entire room glowed with happiness. There were counters upon counters, and shelves upon shelves of makeup. I went straight to the MAC counter, then made multiple laps around the store. Definitely a day to remember.


kryolan concealor wheel

From the two times I have used this concealer, I am very impressed. A very little bit, goes a very long way and is very light on my skin. The first time I tried it out, I applied way too much and it got very cakey looking, and fell into my creases. However, with a very thin layer, this concealer has a very smooth, full coverage.


Left to Right: eyedews, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Model in a Bottle Matte

Kandee Johnson suggested the eyedews for brides at her Glaminar. I picked these up at the register. I figure if I'm going to use them on a bride, I have to try it out on myself first, right? There are two pairs in each package.

Hollywood Fashion Tape is one of my favorite tricks of the trade. It is a special double sided tape that adheres to the skin (even when you're really sweaty). This works amazingly for slipping straps or to keep excessive cleavage from falling out.

I have used the original Model in a Bottle, which works well, but my skin seems shiny half way through the day (which may or may not be from Model in a Bottle). So, I thought that maybe the matte finish would do the job, and from what I can tell, IT DID!




lorac baked matte satin blush flaunt

So, I know this blush is not everyday wearable, but it is FABULOUS and kind of reminds me of Lady Ga-Ga. It is very buildable, as I have tried to show you in the above swatch. Today I used it as a cheek highlight as well as on my lips. This is a VERY versitile blush. I'm in love.


left to right: TOP - plumage, satin taupe, wood-winked, vex
MIDDLE - star violet, cranberry, cork, rice paper, carbon
BOTTOM - makeup forever #92


*Shadows swatched on Soft Ocher MAC paint pot.
Left to Right: TOP - star violet, cranberry, cork, rice paper, carbon
BOTTOM - plumage, satin taupe, wood-winked, vex, makeup forever #92

Now for the eyeshadows. All MAC, except for the bottom right one (Makeup Forever #92), which I actually ordered from Sephora, but thought you'd all enjoy a swatch.

I am in love with every single color here. At the beginning of December I had gotten the Tarte Jewelery Box palette, and was obsessed with it. I haven't even touched it since getting these colors. I should though; it's a great palette.



That is all for now. Stay beautiful!

Look of the Day: 1/2/11

Happy new year everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I went to LA to celebrate the New Year with two of my best friends. I couldn't have asked for a more fun filled week.

So, here's what I did today. A light smokey eye paired with bright pink lips. How can you go wrong!? I've also noticed my face getting more and more pale. The cure? COUNTOUR! Not only does it slim your face, but it bring life and light to it as well. It's as if it's summer all year long, on your face!

Have a happy and beautiful year! Here's to 2011!

Look of the Day: 12/27/10

Here's another very simple look, I didn't even contour! Today I applied a messy line of black eyeliner on the outer 2/3 of my eyes, smudged it with my finger, then added a bronze liner on top. I used NYX Jumbo Eyepencil in Milk in my inner corner and below my brow as a highlight, and of course added as much mascara as humanly possible. The look finishes with a light dust of blush below the temples to the highest part of my cheek bone. By keeping blush on the higher parts of your face, it's like a mini face lift by drawing your eyes up the face instead of down.

Look of the Day: 12/26/10

Sometimes, you just gotta go simple. I did a really basic face with light contour and a light, rosey cheek. For my eyes I applied a skin tone matte cream to my lid and a highlight to the inner corner and under my brow. To make this look pop, I added as much mascara as my lashes could hold. You could easily apply false lashes to make this an elegant evening look. Ending with a glossy lip and you've got the perfect every day look.

I really should have filled in my brows, but all my brushes were still damps from being cleaned.

Look of the Day: 12/25/10 +BONUS

Starting this look, I had noooo idea it was going to come out anything like this! At first I was going to do a brighter look with very little, if any, dark colors. Obviously, that not what happened. I love what I did though. Instead of using black in the crease, as most smokey looks do, I used a dark blue and applied a layer of an iridescent goldy-teal to bring all the colors together. Beneath the eye, I used this same blue with a green and applied it with a pencil brush over NYX Jumbo Eyepencil in Milk. I also applied a pair of false lashes for shits and giggles.

It's always important to fill your brows, but especially with a more dramatic look like this one. It helps complete the look overall. It you scroll down to the bonus look below you'll see my natural brows and lashes without product. Make sure when you do fill your brows you use a color slightly lighter than your hair. I also suggest that you use a brown or brown-black mascara if you're more fair skinned and/or have lighter eyes. The darker you go, the smaller your eyes can look, especially with light skin. The goal it to make your brows and lashes look natural.





*BONUS*



If you're looking for a more daring look for parties, clubs, or bars this is for you! I first used tape to create a sharp outer angle, then created a diagonal line along the tape to the center of my uper lash line using NYX Jumbo Eyepencil in Black. After blending out the jumbo pencil, keeping the color concentrated to the outer lid, I used a dark gray and silver color to finish the look. The gem is optional, but highly suggested!

Another Survey

Ok guys, I'm asking for your help again. Here is another survey with a different option. If you choose other I'd love any and all suggestions!

THANKS

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Look of the Day: 12/24/10

I love, love, love this look. I feel super sassy, but not over done. I used a Makeup Forever shimmery bronze cream shadow and muted it with various matte browns from the Tarte Jewelery Box palette. I wanted to add a punch of color to my face, so I did a pink lip and finished out the look with contouring and a rosey cheek.

This look is absolutely gorgeous for most any occasion. Add some lashes and you've got a perfect vampy look for the evening. Or keep it more subtle for day time or family events with a more nude lip and softer contour. The great thing about a neutral eye, is it's diversity. This look can be paired with a variety of outfits. Today I wore tan mary janes, slightly rolled up straight leg jeans, two layered white tanks, a maroon and gray striped large sweater, and a large white bedazzled watch. However, I could easily change my outfit, without redoing my makeup, and be ready for a night out on the town!

That is all for now. Stay beautiful and have a merry, merry Christmas.