Gold Fringe Earrings

Today's post is going to stray away from the beauty genre and lean towards more fashion because I recently found a pair of earrings that I cannot wear enough. I bought them at Express. They are long, gold, fringe earrings that are so versatile. I absolutely love them. They are super light-weight and add a great deal of "chic" to an outfit. I am totally digging the gold jewelry lately. I think with summer winding down, and fall approaching, i love the way gold looks. And I love the way gold blends in with my hair, so even though this earrings are long, they aren't overwhelming.

Express, $28.90

Would you wear them?

MAC Eyeshadow: Jest

Jest is an ultra-light, shimmery pale pink color. It reminds me a lot of the Urban Decay eyeshadow in Sin. I recently discovered this shadow when I was in my MAC store trying to find a similar shade to put in my palette and take on my trip. As I was swatching all the different eyeshadows, I came across Jest. The reflective aspect of this shadow is what caught my attention. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Jest has a frost finish so it is highly pigmented on the lid. It gave me the perfect pink, bright color I was wanting. It was ironic when I asked the sales associate for Jest in the pan, as she was ringing me up, she said, "Oh! Is this what you are wearing on your lids right now!?" I had to regretfully inform her that it was Urban Decay Sin, but that clearly I found the exact color I was looking for. 

MAC, Nordstroms, $15.00

NARS Lhasa

Today I write to you with one of my favorite eyeshadows. NARS Lhasa. This single eyeshadow was released with the Spring 2012 collection. When I first saw this eyeshadow online I knew I had to have it. Once I purchased this shadow, I was not let down. It is the most beautiful, gray, purple color that is perfect for all over the lid or just to define the crease. it definitely is universal and can be worn a variety of ways. 

One thing about this eyeshadow that I particularly like, is that it is build able. You can re-apply this shadow to the intensity that you desire. It also has slight shimmer to it so that it doesn't fall flat on your eye. I would best describe this shadow as more of a satin finish than a frost or matte. 

Swatch: Artificial lighting, no primer

What is your favorite NARS eyeshadow?

MAC Eyeshadow: Modelette

I typically do not like writing about products that have been discontinued, but I am absolutely in love with this eyeshadow and I think it deserves an entire post dedicated to it. This infamous eyeshadow is Modelette.

Modelette is the perfect mid-tone brown that is great for the crease and for blending darker colors. I find myself using this shadow almost every day. I use it as a crease color with a light, shimmery color all over the lid. My other favorite way to wear this color, is as a transition color. When I decide to wear a darker color throughout the crease, Modelette is great to put to warm up the eye and not make such a harsh line from the crease to the brow bone.

What is your favorite crease shade?

Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush: Flushed

I write to you today with a new favorite product of mine: cream blush. Now typically, I don't like cream blushes because I have super oily skin, but I love this cream blush from Revlon. Flushed was released in the early summer collection. They had three cream blushes in the collection and I, of course, picked the bright fuscia color.

Flushed is a bright, almost fuscia, pink color. The product comes in pot form with a twist off cap. The cream blush itself is extremely light and airy feeling. It is not heavy at all, which makes it perfect for oily cheeks, like mine! I find it works best with a synthetic stippling brush. You can use your fingers, but I find that the product can sometimes become splotchy that way. 

Overall, this blush is great for summer. I love just popping a little bit on the apples of my cheeks. It really awakens the face and makes you look youthful, which who wouldn't like that?

Have you tried any of the Revlon cream blushes?

L'Oreal Sublime Glow Tan Towelettes

I recently discovered these L'Oreal Sublime Glow tan towelettes. I am not one for laying outside. I really try to make an effort to take care of my skin, but with that comes being fair. I don't mind being fair skinned, but sometimes you just want a glow to your skin. I have used countless self-tanners and while the gradual tanning lotions, and self-tanners are great, sometimes I just want something simple to use. That's where these towelettes come in handy.

The towelettes come in this box and they give you about 5-6 towels per box. One towelette can pretty much cover both arms and upper body. The legs are more tricky. I find that I need one towelette per leg. 

These towelettes give a nice color that is ultimately streak-free. I would recommend applying these two nights before you need it, just incase you are not happy with the color and so that you can get rid of any harsh lines with an exfoliator if need be. These towelettes do not have a strong smell and not sticky at all. The best part is that the color does not transfer onto clothes or your sheets, which I find most self-tanners do. Lastly, the lasting power of these towelettes is very generous. I find that I can go several days, almost a week, before re-application.

Have you tried these? What is your favorite brand of self-tanners?

Nail of the Day: Zoya Shelby

On Wednesday's we wear PINK!

Today's post is going to be short and sweet, and most importantly, PINK! I am absolutely in love with this new summer shade from Zoya. Shelby is a bright, cool-toned pink that just glows on the nails. Shelby gives a sophisticated, yet girly pop of color! It is definitely in the "barbie" range of pinks.

This color is shown in natural light, two coats and a topcoat. I absolutely adore this color! What is your favorite shade of pink?

Korres Lip Butter: Quince

Today's post is about one my all time favorite lip products. The Korres lip butters. My first experience with the Korres products was with Jasmine Lip Butter. I used Jasmine every morning and night. It moisturized my lips, without leaving them feeling dry or chapped hours after application. It left my lips moisturized. After finishing up Jasmine, I decided to repurchase this product, but in a different color. Quince. 

I would describe Quince as a juicy, berry color. It it sheer, but gives the perfect wash of color across your lips without having to sacrifice moisture. This product is fantastic for summer. It is easy to use, you don't need a mirror to apply this product, and it pulls your whole face together with ease and effortlessness. 

One of my favorite things about this product is that it is NOT sticky at all! It is smooth and buttery. The smell can be overpowering. It reminds me of roses or something floral. It is definitely a unique smell that lingers on the lips for a few minutes after application, but then disappears. 

Have you tried any of the Korres Lip Butters? If so, which ones?

- A

Mae Movement Bracelets

I stumbled across these bracelets at a local retailer where I live. The sparkly beads and the different variations of colors and patterns caught my attention. Little did I know, these bracelets are a hot commodity and have been spreading like wild fire! I can totally see why. These bracelets are made by women in Nepal and all the proceeds go towards ending sex slavery.

Each bracelet is comprised of approximately 1,000 beads and the bracelets themselves do not stretch, they simply roll onto the wrist, therefore they are one size fits all. These bracelets are absolutely beautiful and I personally love wearing them either three at a time, one by itself, or two together. I love pairing two patterns together or a pattern with a solid. I could rave about these bracelets non-stop. I love them so much and I think they are so unique and the perfect mother-daughter gift.

You can buy these on the website maemovemenet.com or if you are lucky enough to have a retailer that sells them near you to go check them out.

-A

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Pencils

So when I first saw the ad for these Revlon jumbo lip pencils online I about freaked out. I love the concept of jumbo lip pencils. Tarte and Clinique both make a higher end alternative and I was so happy when I found out that Revlon was coming out with a cheaper alternative. When I went into CVS one day I unexpectedly ran into the display that held these lip pencils. They were around $9, but they were on a BOGO 50% sale. I then had a $3 off a $10 beauty purchase from my CVS Extra Care program so I ended up paying around $13 for both.

Once I purchased them I immediately wanted to try them out. I was extremely disappointed when there was no color payoff. I thought maybe I got a faulty one, so I swatched it on my hand and the color showed up, shiny and glossy. So I reapplied it, and again nothing came off until I rubbed it consistently over my lips. These pencils claim to be moisturizing, smooth, and glossy. I found they were everything but that. I was so disappointed in this product. They dried my lips out, and took way too much effort to apply, and they didn't last that long. The only thing about these that I liked was the retractable pencil, and the minty feeling it leaves on your lips.

 

I will not be buying any more of these and I will probably end up giving these away to someone else to see if they like them better.

Have any of you tried these? Did you like them?

-A

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

For so long I had resisted the urge and the hype of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. I didn't see the point of paying $22 for a chapstick that would be gone in a few months. I thought what could be so great about this product? What sets it apart from the other millions lip treatments out there?

Then, my birthday rolled around and Sephora's birthday gift for Beauty Insiders was a Fresh sugar lip treatment duo in the mini size. I was so excited that I finally got to try this product out without shelling out the $22. I opened the tube and went to apply it and the smell caught my attention first. It was a sweet, lemony, sugary smell. It smelled so fresh, ironically. Then I applied the balm, it was so smooth and it effortlessly glided across my lips. I could not get enough. After wearing the lip treatment for a few hours, it did not make my lips chapped as most lip balms do. I was impressed. I started using this lip treatment as a primer to apply before I put lipstick or lip gloss on. I will apply a thin layer of this lip treatment then apply my lipstick or lipgloss and I notice how much longer my lipstick will wear and how my lips do not get chapped at all. I could not believe how much I loved this product. When I ran out of the mini size, I was at a huge crossroads. Do I actually spend the $22 for what is essentially a chapstick?

I waged the pros and the cons in my head and I found significantly more pros and I found myself in Sephora paying $22 for the full size lip treatment. It was the best decision I made. I never regretted purchasing this product for one second. Currently, I have about 1/4 of the product left and I am again at the dilemma of deciding between repurchasing this treatment or trying to find something better? I am leaning towards repurchasing since I cannot imagine not having this in my handbag.

Have you tried any of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments? Which ones and what did you like about it?

-A

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Today I am writing to you all about my favorite hand cream. I stumbled upon this hand cream back in December, and I wanted to make sure I truly liked it before I wrote a blog post about it. I bought this on a whim at Nordstrom during the height of the winter months. My skin is not dry, but my hands can start to feel tight and slightly dried out with the wind and colder air. The combination of washing my hands periodically throughout the day and the cold winter air, they were destined to get dry. Since I was in desperation, I decided to purchase the 1oz tube for $10. 

Once I opened the tube and applied it to my hands, the first thing I noticed was how thick the cream was. I only needed a pea size amount that would sufficiently moisturize my hands. The second thing I noticed was after I rubbed in the cream, there was no trace of stickiness, slipperiness, or greasiness. One of my biggest pet peeves about hand cream is not being able to open doors or touch anything with the fear of getting hand cream all over the place. The L'Occitane hand cream absorbed so quickly, I was really impressed. It left my hands feeling soft and supple for hours after application. 

If you haven't tried this hand cream out, I highly recommend it. 

What are some of your go-to hand creams? What do you like or dislike about hand cream in general?

-A

NARS Ophelia Lipgloss

The blog post I have for you today is a newfound favorite of mine, NARS Ophelia lipgloss. When I first heard about the NARS lip glosses, all I heard was how bad they smelled, like plastic. I decided to try them out for myself since the shades were neutral and offered my kind of colors, neutral pinks. I decided to try Ophelia and I immediately fell in love. The lipgloss was not sticky at all, it was lightweight, thin, and didn't have a fragrance that I could recall.

I found myself wearing this lipgloss every day, and I would re-apply it throughout the day because I loved the way it made my lips feel. As time went on I started to notice the "stale" plastic smell that I heard people talk about. The smell wasn't unbearable, but it definitely did smell like stale plastic. Once I noticed the smell, I kept using the lipgloss and once it was applied, I could not smell it on my lips. The lipgloss had too many things I liked about it to let the smell in the tube affect my use of this product.

To date, this still remains one of my favorite lip glosses. I have Ophelia and Angelika, and I think its the color of Ophelia that does it for me; it is sheer, neutral and it goes with everything. It is perfect for the office and it doesn't dry my lips out. Angelika, is the bright pop of pink that brightens your whole face up. It is the kind of color to wear during the summer with a natural eye look. It is very opaque and I find that you get the desired color in one application.

Since I am almost out of Ophelia, I thought i would go ahead and try Chihuahua. It is the perfect color for everyday. It is definitely a "my lips, but better" color that I feel any skin tone could pull off.

Have any of you tried the NARS lip glosses? What did you like or dislike about them?

-A

Nail of the Day: Zoya Ali

Today's Nail of the Day is featuring an all-time summer staple of mine: Zoya Ali. This nail polish is a bright, cool toned pink that leans towards the neon side. It is bright without looking childish, so it is still wearable for the office.

Zoya Ali, two coats, top coat, no flash, indoors. 

This is a very hard color to photograph. Since it leans on the neon side, the camera can't pick up the brightness without it looking reflective. This polish is easy to apply, and is perfectly opaque in one coat. But, in order to capture the color in the bottle, two coats is what is pictured. 

Zoya Ali, two coats, top coat, no flash, natural light.

As you can see here, the neon qualities are coming out in this photo in natural light. This polish is so versatile, and my personal favorite type of pink. 

Overall, I love this shade for summer. It gives the right amount of pop without being overwhelming. 

-A

May Wish List

Happy May!


I hope you all have been enjoying the transition from Spring to Summer. It is definitely heating up where I live! I wanted to start this month of with some items that I have my eye on for the upcoming month!


1. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush: Exposed

This is kind of a boring product to start with as it would be a repurchase for me. I absolutely love everything about this blush. The color, how it wears, and the shade selection. This color is the perfect nude, peachy-pink color that is flattering no matter your skin tone. I am definitely going to be trying out some other colors in this line. I own Tipsy, I think the next one will be Dollface. You can purchase this item at Sephora for $25.

2. NARS Single Eyeshadow: Ashes-To-Ashes

I have been lusting over this eyeshadow for quite some time now, and I think I am going to crack and purchase it finally. This color is the prettiest taupe, brown color that is perfect for sweeping across the lid or using in the crease. I trust NARS eyeshadows for the smooth and buttery texture and amazing color payoff! They are definitely worth the $24 price tag that comes with this 2.2 gram single eyeshadow!

3. YSL Rouge Volupte: Lingerie Pink

I want this lipstick based on the sole fact of everyones infatuation with these lipsticks. Is that so wrong? Every time I find myself wandering throughout Sephora, I always swatch this lipstick, but I cannot justify spending $34 on a single lipstick! One of these days I will crack and hopefully not start a new addiction to a hefty price tagged lipstick!

4. Revlon Kissable Lip Stains

Now these are brand, spanking new from Revlon! They mimic the Tarte and Clinique Chubby Sticks. But, these are drug store and for the $6.79 price, I am completely willing to try these out! So far, I have seen them at Bed Bath & Beyond, but I have not purchased any (yet). 

Let me know what some of the items you have been lusting over are!

-A

This blog is going to comprise of all of my favorite things. Makeup, fashion, nail polish, skincare, anything and everything that I enjoy. I look forward to posting monthly favorites, monthly regrets, and current wish lists. Also, keep an eye out for product reviews as that is the thing I love most about beauty blogs.