Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Mini-Review: Essie "Snap Happy"




This colour is true as ever to its name, in the snap of a finger, it makes me happy. Not sure if thats what they were going for, but the colour is fresh and new. I've mentioned Essie many times on the blog before and my review will continue to be the same. The colour is pigmented, the brush is easy to work with, the price is pretty good and the selection/range of polishes is out of this world. One of the reasons I continue to go back to them is that they have an incredible value of shades to choose from. Need a nude? They've got at least ten options. A sparkly glitter? Recently added but really brilliant colour choices for these ones as well. I own the most Essie probably because it is very accessible to me and relatively cheap. I don't feel guilty buying one or two when I stop by the drug store.

I found it fairly hard to get a decent exposure to this colour, because it is very bright and as you can tell, it's been particularly rainy and gross recently. I hope these pictures did it justice. I've had this painted on my nails since Sunday night and I've had no chips... Though, I am tempted to reapply with some of the others I've picked up recently.... Whoops!

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas Wishlist Part Three

christmas wishlist part three



First up in our last installment of this series is some Muji storage. You wouldn't believe how often bloggers and YouTubers talk about how they store their makeup... And alas, I've become inclined to jump on the Muji train. I have some tacky Target storage cases but after a few years of use, they're a tad worn out and need replacing. I am so so so obsessed with trying out the Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick collection. I've mentioned them in at least two blog posts, searched incessantly for them for the last three months and even had a dream about them (okay, thats a lie). But nonetheless, I need them in my life. I'm especially drawn to the red, as I don't have a good matte red lippie although I'd love to try them all. Next up is Bobbi Brown 'Nectar' blusher, which my mom currently has but she's tired of me stealing it. It's the most natural pink that goes so well with my skin tone. Every time I enter Sephora, I'm drawn to the Ojon haircare.... But can never manage to cough up the $50+ for both shampoo and conditioner.

I've really been in love with Lauren Conrad's style for the last few years and would love to read her book, Beauty, as well as any of Bobbi Brown's stunning books. Her transformations are so inspiring and I love to flick through them while I'm browsing the counter. I've heard so much about Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushers but have never been able to snatch them up.. They had a wonderful deal on them at Sephora but I wasn't fast enough and they're sold out now. Everyone sings praises of Benefit's High Beam. The colour, pigmentation and long wear time are so appealing to a full time student, part time employee. I stopped by the Sephora counter last weekend and did a little look around for a signature scent. One that popped out to me was Summer Rose by Stella McCartney. I've heard plenty about this one and I think it suits me perfectly... It's exactly how I want to smell.

Phew! We have made it to the end of my three part Christmas Wishlist... This was mostly just gift ideas for others, and tips for my lovely family members.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Most Used Brushes


Sigma F30
Sonja Kashuk Blusher
Real Techniques Buffing Brush
Sigma E55
Sigma E30
Sigma E40
Sigma F70
I'll be honest with you, I own way too many Sigma brushes and would not advise very many people to buy them... They're a bit poorly made but if you want a large collection, for little money, and the quality to not be too bad, these are your boys. I really have to rave about the Real Techniques brushes though. While they are all my favourites, this is my most used. I use it every day to buff in foundation. I find that I wash my face brushes about every 2-3 days and my eye brushes every 1-2 weeks. I'm a little more skeptical about the bacteria build up on face brushes than eye brushes. I received a gift set of the Sigma Basics about a year ago, last Christmas, as a gift. It is a great gift idea for beginner makeup explorers! I have gotten a ton of use out of all of my brushes.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream



With countless dyes over the last few weeks, I've finally fixed my hair colour.... And ruined my hair in the process. I expected this to happen and knew that with a few extra bits and bobs, I'd have close to my natural hair back. I picked this one up after my fourth dye job within three weeks. It was a toughy this time around, and I'm not exactly sure why. A bad toner here, a poor color job there and finally... gobs of money later an appropriately cool toned blonde for my locks. One of the first things the hair stylist recommended me was a leave-in conditioner to bring back protein and strength to my already course hair. Of course, she shoved out the one that cost the most but in fact, I think it works the best for it's price. One thing that my hair desperately needed after all of the dye was rest and recuperation. This works amazingly for dry, thin, damaged hair. It's designed for extra long hair (like mine). I apply it from shoulders down, aiming away from my roots and working some extra product into the ends where I have the most damage.

I'm not too keen on the packaging, I think it looks a bit cheap for the price... However, it does the job without any extras and I applaud them for that. One of the most expensive products I've ever bought, I have to say that I won't be repurchasing this one. At almost $50, it's a real spender and when I was rung up, I nearly choked on my complimentary green tea.

If you have colour-treated hair, how do you repair it?

Saturday, December 1, 2012

november favourites

november favourites



Green coat / Converse , $72 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Rimmel , $14 / Oribe hair care / Clarisonic beauty product, $190 / OPI Holiday 2012 Skyfall Collection You Only Live Twice

Just a little post to touch on what I've fallen head over heels with in the last month.. Many of these are returning to my favourites pile but alas, that's often the way it goes. I've got a post on the Bobbi Brown foundation here but basically it's fabulous coverage in a long lasting, not too heavy foundation. Another I've really learned to love over the last month (truly for the last four or five months I've been using it) is the Clarisonic. I did an initial one month trial judgment post here but was debating whether a follow up would be helpful. I'd love to try some new red lippies but for now I'm sticking with the classic Kate Moss red. Though, does anyone know when her matte collection is coming to the States? Am still ferociously looking for them like a coyote on crack but no such luck yet.. Another fave has been a nice white scarf. It's so easy to throw over any long sleeve shirt, keep warm with and pair with the green coat underneath. Neither of these are my exact ones but they are very similar. I got my white snood thing from American Eagle and my green coat from J. Crew. I love a long sleeve shirt plus white snood plus green coat plus jeans and converse. Relaxed, chic, super comfy and casual. A recently found fave is by Oribe. A more detailed post will be coming up very, very soon but I'll just tell you.... I'm really impressed and loving it. And last but not least, I've been rocking that classic red nail. This time with a bit of shimmer to get in the holiday festive mood. I know I'll have this on my nails for the next couple of weeks... If not for the rest of my life.

What have been your favourites this month? Happy December First... Where does the time go?!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Wishlist Part Two

christmas wishlist part two



Topshop / Oversized sweater, $22 / Tweed jacket, $59 / Disco pants, $38 / Burberry bag / Urban Outfitters leather band watch / American Apparel pom hat / Napoleon Perdis faux eyelash / Lancôme lip makeup

I decided to follow up the last (skincare) christmas wishlist with one designed primarily for clothes.. I did get a bit caught up in the makeup section, but not too bad. That's kind of the sentence that describes my life. Except usually it goes, "I did get a bit caught up in the makeup section. It was really bad." Despite the stigma behind the boring Topshop Geek tee's, I've really gotten to like the look and colour of them. No one I know even owns one, unlike all of you Londoners. I really need a hat to keep me warm for the cold months, and cover up my bad hair days so I resorted to an American Apparel beanie (currently reduced!)

Stumbled across these gorgeous fancy lashes that I'm dying to try out... After my little escapade with them a few days ago, I really want to find what suits me best and is easiest to apply. I adore the peplum's from Topshop and love how semi-casual these are. Dressed down or up, very cute all the same. I've never bothered to buy anything from missguided, but I really like this batwing jumper. I first saw the Urban Outfitters leather world map watch on tumblr quite a bit ago and I'm..... in love to say the least. The vintage feel, the idea that I have very little time to travel.. I need it in my life is what I'm saying.

I picked up my first pair of Disco Pants back in the summer and needless to say, I think I need another pair. I love the feel, the slim fit and the compliments I receive almost every time I wear them! The tweed jacket feels semi-casual and could be easily dressed up or down. I need another jacket, just couldn't find one that I like. I need one that's more heavy duty and very versatile. Last but most certainly not least comes the Burberry bag, which is a bit out of price range, but I adore nonetheless.

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Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

I haven't had lots of experiences with Aveda but the salon I go to carries their products and uses them every time I'm in. I've recently come to the realization that while my hair is quite easy to work with (i.e. air/towel dry and go!) it is quite damaged and dry, and especially after not having it cut for a while, it feels extra damaged. In enters a new product my mom accidentally bought for herself and gave to me. I like this product a lot because it doesn't feel too heavy or weighing and makes me hair extra soft. For days afterwards, I'll be begging the person next to me to feel my hair. Yes, I become that annoying girl. "Touch my hair! No, seriously. Touch it!! Please!"

It is a heat protectant and detangler as well, which is very important to me. I try to use the least amount of heat as possible on my hair. Organic quinoa protein works to strengthen and penetrate hair follicles. Wheat protein aids in protecting against heat while soy derived oil works to help detangle. It contains certain organic oils as well to create a pleasant aroma, which always reminds me of going to the salon (my favourite smell!!)

I don't use this every day in my hair, as I don't always blow dry it. On the days that I do want nice straight hair, I'll plop a quarter sized amount in my palm, along with the Aveda Smooth Infusion, and run through evenly from roots to ends. I don't have a problem with greasiness, but if you do, you might want to avoid your roots! Then I brush my hair through and blow dry as per usual with the help of a comb nozzle that attaches to the end. Usually I don't have to do much after this step, but if I want it to be extra sleek, I'll attack with a flat iron (though I try not too use too much heat)! The product itself is $26 which is pricey. I received this as a gift but I would definitely repurchase when I run out.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Emerald City



I'm from Seattle, the Emerald City, and thought it was only appropriate to title my post as such. This is a nail varnish from Savina called Emerald. It's a brilliant forest green with a hint of shimmer running throughout. To me, the color very much so shouts holiday's and thus, why I'm featuring it right now! In the picture above, I applied it in two coats with one clear base coat underneath. I think my sister picked this one up a few years ago from Nordstrom Rack. It is priced at $7.25 which I think is reasonable. It does remind me of OPI nail polishes, formula wise. For the type of high shimmer, almost metallic nail varnish, you do get a bit of streakiness but it's not too noticeable. I would advise not to wear this one with any red, lips/dress/accent nail, as it creates too much of a holiday feel. Stick to a LBD and a smokey eye.


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Pleather Please







Blazer: Nordstrom
Shirt: Nordstrom
Skirt: eBay
Tights: Nordstrom
Heels: Michael Kors
Jacket: H&M (A/W '11)

What a lame name, I am very much so aware. Decided I'd pop this up, a standard outfit of the day. I got this really cheap pleather skirt on eBay and am still honestly, not sure what to wear with it. As you can tell, I changed coats twice ( I really don't know what to wear with it). I think it's darling for a night out or a day shopping, but too short for school or work so thats a bummer. I really like tights with it but you could also pair it with some knee highs. I'm still aptly obsessed with the Michael Kors heels. I pair them with everything and anything. Jeans, (short/long) skirts, shorts, etc. Literally so obsessed.

I've been trying out some hair care products, look for a post on that soon. I've made a new twitter. Feel free to follow it (@theblondeblair). Otherwise, have a lovely week.

xx

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Instagrammed #10.



01. Shiny Burberry watch- ooooh.
02. Still obsessed with these falsies..
03. Morning after Thanksgiving sleep in..
04. First snowboard sesh of the season!!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Face #3.

After getting a well and truly needed week of rest, back to work we (grudgingly) go. I had a really lovely week full of family, friends, shopping, snowboarding and a football game. I've had my hair dyed again, so alas comes to time where I attempt to regain full volume and shine (hint: hopefully I'll be finding some new saving products soon). With the opening of the mountain last Wednesday, some friends and I headed up for a relaxing and grueling few days. Let me tell you, I am sore in every last muscle. One of the products I've gotten into recently go a bit hand in hand, but the first is the Too Faced Smokey Eye Palette. I received this a few birthdays ago and pulled it out recently for some new inspiration. A post will most likely be up on that in the upcoming weeks. It is a wonderful palette filled to the brim with beautifully deep colours. Back in the days of color tattoo eye shadows, I picked up Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 35 Tough as Toupe. One of the things I've found this the most useful for is packing on deeper colours and playing around with slightly smokey eyes. I've also rediscovered the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm. This is one of those colours that works really well with a natural eye and a pink blusher. More suitable for the spring and summer months, I've enjoyed using this now as a change of pace. The last but certainly not least product is the Nars Orgasm Multiple. I've loved using this as a creamy blusher for these colder months and I find it holds rather well.

In other loves this week, I am still head over heels for James Arthur. He'll be a winner, I bet it.

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Christmas Wishlist Part One

Skincare Wants



Origins face moisturizer, $53 / Origins skincare, $32 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics , $99 / Face mask, $25 / Origins skincare, $32 / REN face mask / Manuka beauty product, $34 / Origins beauty product, $53 / Caudalie beauty product, $51

I've tried to hold off on my Christmas themed posts until now but I hope my timing is alright. This is my very personal wishlist, as I've mostly made it so my sister and mom can come on here and maybe get some ideas... Stocky stuffers anyone?! Anyways, I'll give a bit of a low down on each product.
I have quite dry/dehydrated skin, so most of these products cater to that. They're also a bit on the higher end scale; i.e. things that I can't necessarily afford to pop on all the time. Along with dry/dehydrated skin, I also have quite acne prone skin, so to fight that, I use products which dry my skin. A vicious cycle, I know.. I'm working on it, thus these are desirable to me this Christmas season!
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque- Soothing Rehydrating Mask 50 ml- $13.60
Dermatology based brand, La Roche-Posay focuses heavily on the science behind skincare. Their website is full of informative articles on identifying skin types, and including how their products suit your specific skin type. The aqua based gel properties are used to replenish and encourage hydration deep below the skin.
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask- $55
This treatment essentially removes the top layer of skin and resurfaces a new layer, without causing irritation. It uses its four-fruit-acid-complex to and papain enzyme to exfoliate and create glowing, healthy skin. Formulated without any of the icky stuff (parabens, sulfates, etc), the all natural mask is refreshing and renewing.
Origins Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Moisturizer- $38.50
Used to help repair dry, dehydrated skin, it also encourages the continuous improvement of hydration in your skin. It is clinically proven to instantly boost skin's moisture and keep it hydrated all day. The Rose of Jericho, Lychee extract and Watermelon extract work together to hold essential hydration, trigger the production of Caspase-14 to improve moisture production and trigger the production of Filaggrin (the substrate Caspase needs in skin) so that the skin loses the feeling of dehydration or thirst.
Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask to Quench Skin's Thirst- $23
In the freezing winter months, a mask like this one can really improve hydration in skin. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes or fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or Triclosan, it sticks to the name Origins lives up to... All natural products that work to solve your skin's problems. In this mask however, algae serves as the main hydrating substance which works to help boost collagen production, and allow the body to rid toxins more easily.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir- $18-48
I'm not really sure why I'm that attracted to this product... Maybe because for a long while it was only available in France, then only available throughout Europe and finally in the States. I've heard countless YTr's say that they don't think it actually does anything for their skin except make them feel a bit more glamorous and maybe help breakouts. I just really would like to try the smaller bottle and see what all the hype is about!
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask- $23
Very similar to the 10 Minute Mask up above, this one serves as an overnight mask to really replenish. Many have said that in the night your whole face just soaks it up, and it's all gone when you wake up. I have to wonder, how much of it goes onto your pillow and thats why there is no more when you awake? Anywho, it uses Apricot Kernel Oil and Avocado this time as well as Japanese Seaweed to prevent future dehydration.
Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream- $39.50
A night cream designed to enhance natural minerals in skin so that dullness, irritation and redness is put to rest- while you rest. Fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers, this night cream releases minerals, moisture and vitamins (C, E, and H). Orange aroma is used to lull you to sleep while skin sloughs away dry, dead layers.
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Treatment Mask- $39
Another mask designed to enhance moisture.. Surprising, huh?! Aura Manuka is used by New Zealand Maori people to powerfully draw moisture to skin. Vanilla pod and mandarin linger to bring peace to the soul.... So that both your skin and soul are treated while using it. Sounds like a real homemade facial, don't it?
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream- $52
A light moisturizing cream designed to leave your face refreshed and ready for seamless makeup application. Algae is again used to extract moisture while caffeine provides soothing properties. This formula instantly hydrates while steadily releasing moisture and nutrients throughout the day.

637 words later... Phew. That was a lot to take in, wasn't it? The basic gist is that most of these products aid in moisture. What's on your wishlist? Have you tried any of these products before?

xx

P.S. 33 sleeps until Christmas... :)

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

OPI You Only Live Twice


OPI has got to be one of my absolute, hands down favorite nail polish brands. The quality of their formula, brush width, and wear time is impeccable. I have yet to find something that lasts as stunningly as an OPI mani does. I went to get my hair done the other day and at the front counter were some cute bits and bobs - including a huge rack of OPI's Skyfall collection. I wasn't too blown away by many of the other colors, but was mesmerized by this perfect holiday shimmery red. It's described as a magenta, and upon first appliance, it is a true magenta. Though, with a second coat, it turns out more red-magenta with red shimmers running throughout it. It is absolutely gorgeous on and would probably look just as good on a pedi. I think its my go to color for the holidays, paired with a black dress and a red lip.

What do you think of OPI's Skyfall collection?

xx


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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Chanel Harmonie du Soir Palette




I bought this for my mom's birthday as she kept pointing it out to me when we went shopping together and she kindly let me review it for my blog! The four shades are described as "bronze gold, taupe, violet plum, and pink." This palette, part of their Holiday collection, is incredibly useful for the holiday season and especially useful for women with warmer skin tones. All four shades have incredible color pay off and pigmentation that is out of this world. I have never tried a Chanel palette where all four (or however many) shades are equally pigmented. I find that for $65, I could never buy this for myself. I always seem to relate palettes to each other, so for example the Naked palette is $50 and you get 12 shades and .4 oz (15.6 g) of product versus 4 shades and .14 oz. Of course, you also get the stigma and glamourous feeling of wearing/using a Chanel product.

P.S. I have a new twitter. Feel free to follow! @theblondeblair
x

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Instagrammed #9.



01. Grilled cheese + Tomato soup + chocolate milk (all homemade)... A camp classic :)
02. All good things on Wednesday nights. Reunited :)
03. I don't know how to dress myself for the weather. Sneak peek for upcoming post.
04. Love how duck footed I'm standing here- what the?! Camp clothes documented!
05. Testing out some falsies today featuring new scarf. Gosh, I love 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Face #2.

I'm here in my pajamas (still), glasses on, and bowl of cereal beside me. What a cliched blogger image! All I need is a cuppa tea and I'm set. Today became a bit of a lazy day (like always) and also a test runner. I wanted a lighter coverage than school-work foundation, so I went for the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. Maybe I'm inherently drawn to lighter coverage bases on days off, but I'd say that I mostly enjoy this one because it feels comfortable on my skin and covers enough so that if someone decided to pop by, they wouldn't be horrified for life. I also again went for a bit of concealer with the Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer in Ivory. I've recently taken to setting my eyebrows in the morning. I still need to find a colour that matches my brows but for now, the Covergirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara will do. Just run that through once or twice and I feel much better. It also doesn't feel too heavy or weighing, which I was a bit worried about!

For some holiday inspired goodness, I've started looking for unique colors to add to eye looks. Pulled out an old favourite of mine, the Too Faced 'Midnight Mist' eyeshadow to test run for the day in a new look. I also used a bit of Bobbi Brown 'Iced Mauve' on the lids. The perfect shimmery buildable eyeshadow. I'm telling ya, sooner or later I'm going to be begging for adoption by the brilliant Bobbi. Who am I kidding? I already tweet her all the time! Finally, I've recently grown to love highlighters and am testing out a new one. The Anastasia Matte Highlighter in Camille has been going under my brow and in the inner tear duct area. While I really enjoy this highlighter, I received it as a thank you gift from the- wait for it- bitchiest bitch in the world. Let me just say, I am not getting my brows done there again.

After reading Vivianna's post, I've been running around every drugstore within 20 miles of me looking for the dog garn Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick (110). I'll have you know that I've been on the search for these bad boys ever since their release in the UK.... And I still have yet to find them!! Help me! Also, let me know if you like these or have any suggestions for blog posts. Have a good week :)

x

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Friday, November 16, 2012

Tag // Liebster Award

I've been tagged by Joedi from xjoedix :)
Rules:
11 Random Facts About Yourself
Answer 11 Questions From Tagger
Create 11 New Questions For Taggees (not sure thats a real word..)
Tag 11 blogs with under 200 followers, no tag backs

11 Random Facts:
  • I work at a summer camp every year!
  • My nails are almost always red, all year round
  • I went to Thailand when I was 10
  • I've been to Italy, Greece and France
  • The only eyeshadow I've ever hit pan on is Bootycall by Urban Decay
  • I am an avid snowboarder and go every weekend during the season
  • My first ever concert was Gwen Stefani...
  • My favorite sweets are Hot Tamales!
  • I just saw the Perks of Being a Wallflower
  • One of my favorite movies is Drop Dead Fred
  • I used to bite my nails and cuticles (no longer, thank God!)
11 Questions By Joedi:
 1) What is your most daring lipstick you own? I would say Covergirl's Spellbound is the most daring! I rarely wear it because it is so bold!
2) Were you into beauty when you were at school? As I'm still in school, yes I am into beauty!
3) Who is your favourite comedian? Louis C.K. and Chelsea Handler are the first ones I thought of. I saw Chelsea Handler live for the first time when I was 14.
4) Do you prefer a smokey eye or bold lip? Probably a bold lip. I find that a red lip really makes my eyes pop, which I love. Most of the time however, my makeup is very natural.
5) Whats the scariest thing you've ever done? Climbed 50 feet up a challenge called the Giant's Ladder where all you could stand on were logs! So scary!! 
6) What is your number one hair care product? Detangler! I must use detangler every day or my hair would be unbrushable... 
7) What is your favourite thing about autumn? Fashion/beauty! New clothes, new makeup and new skincare gets me so excited.
8) If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? London and Dublin. I'm dying to go to both!
9) What is your favourtie musical? Wicked, I'd say... I haven't seen very many.
10) Are you a big kid at Christmas? No! Once the holidays come around, I become a total little kid.
11) Would you rather give up your fashion or make up? This is honestly one of the toughest decisions but I'd say my makeup.. No, fashion.. Wait! Agh, I can't decide. Neither please. I'd probably trade a toe rather than fashion or make up!!

11 Questions For Taggees!
1. Where is the farthest you've been from home?
2. What is the last song you listened to?
3. Usual Starbucks drink?
4. Last bit of makeup you put on this morning?
5. Do you like egg nog?
6. Favorite Christmas album to listen to?
7. Spiders or sharks?
8. Favorite autumn skincare item?
9. First place you traveled to on your own? 
10. Favorite Youtuber?
11. Most recently discovered blogger?

Bloggers I tag:

There you have it! Let me know if you've done this and I tag everyone who wants to do it :)



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer


I've been looking for a new under eye concealer ever since my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer started running low. For ten bucks, it did the job and rarely looked caked on or heavy. However, since the seasons changed and my skin became more dehydrated, it was more noticeable than before. I had heard tons about this product and decided to give it a swing. I really like how blendable and creamy it is. While my under eyes aren't too dark, on days when they need a bit of extra coverage, I'd use this. I use Porcelain in this one, and find it matches my skintone near perfectly. I haven't used the powder yet, as I don't know if I need it quite yet or if it will hold on it's own. At $33, this concealer is much pricier than a drug store option. However, that is to be expected from a brand like Bobbi Brown and I've heard this lasts for ages.

I am however still looking for a brush to apply with, since I find that none of mine work extra well. I'm thinking about investing in some extra Real Techniques brushes, any ideas which ones?
x

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Instagrammed #8.

#01. New gloves/mittens from Target!!! SO Happy!
#02. Just celebrating Obama's win with some Miley!!
#03. My sister's boyfriend's kitten sweater.
#04. Beautiful jewels in J. Crew.
#05. New phone case.. How mysterious looking.
#06. View from my room in my new house!!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sunday Makeup



Sometimes, Sunday is the day where you pull out old products and try something you haven't worked with in a while. Mostly, Sunday's are reserved for facials, baths, and putting off coursework. Of course, today is one of those. I was rummaging through my mom's makeup drawer and came across a palette I hadn't seen in a while. I'm currently sporting Bobbi Brown's Chocolate and Gold Eye Paint Palette. I applied this with a dry brush, but now that I am doing some research, I see that it might work better with a wet application. Makes sense because I was highly unimpressed with the quality of the pigmentation. Lots of glitter, very little color is never ideal. I also popped on a bit of the Diorshow Iconic Mascara which I was never impressed with. Maybe it's just the look I'm going for, but I find that it doesn't do much for my lashes. The formula is a bit too wet for my taste as well. I wanted to go for a lighter foundation today, so I stuck to Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. It covers blemishes surprisingly well and matches my skin to a T. I did a full review on it a few months ago, feel free to check that out. For concealer, I used a bit of my new Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain. Look for a post on that in the next week! On my cheeks, I stuck to Nars Orgasm and MAC's Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish. I love the healthy glow these two work on my cheeks. On my lips, I wanted some sort of color but I didn't want to use lipstick so I reached for Revlon 'Darling' Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain as a base and followed with the Revlon Strawberry Shortcake Lip Butter. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I'm wearing today. Have a good week!
x

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation


Sigh, when will a world exist where long names don't?!

This is one of the nicest foundations I have used in quite a while, I'll be honest. The coverage is lush. The wear is definitely long-lasting (read: all day.) It feels smooth when applying and afterwards as well. I'm in Porcelain 1 which isn't surprising, seeing as I'm white as a ghost but the shade fits me perfectly. I always casted Bobbi Brown foundations off as catering to yellow skintones due to my mother always using them (she has yellow undertones) and didn't think that I could find a right match for me. It blends so smoothly and doesn't hold around dry patches (healing blemishes, etc) which is usually what throws a foundation off for me. The price tag is another story. At nearly $50, it's very pricey compare to my recent past drugstore BB Cream purchases. However, I do think this is worth every penny. Going into the colder months, I needed a foundation that wouldn't hold to my dehydrated skin, make me look caked on, or evaporate after a few hours. I think I've found exactly my savior for the next few months.

Do you stick to drugstore brands for foundation? What are some of your must-try high end foundations?

xx

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