Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon's - Holy Grail Pencil Eyeliner

I have never been a huge fan of eyeliner pencils. I think that they can be hard to apply, and smudge easily. And to be honest, for some reason, I have never liked how they can make my eye shape look (love me a cat eye). However, liquid liners are not always the most practical. Especially when you are in a rush, or need something that is really gonna last all day.

I was browsing Sephora a while ago, right around the time the Marc Jacob's makeup line was released, and stumbled upon the display. Naturally, I had to swatch everything I could get my hands on. I was immediately impressed by the way that the Highliner Gel Eye Crayons swatched, and applied. I ended up purchasing Jazz(Berry), and it became one of my holy grail products immediately. So much so, that I have purchased 2 other shades, and plan to get many more.

Top to Bottom -- Ro(Cocoa), Jazz(Berry), Wave(Length)





Buy or BYE! -- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I feel like I am always on the hunt for a perfect liquid eyeliner. I wear a baby wing pretty much everyday, so it is important for me to find one that stays on, doesn't smudge, and is highly pigmented. My holy grail is the Physician's Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Eyeliner + Serum in Black. For me, it is the easiest thing in the world to apply, stays on all day, and is intensely black. So I use it to compare all other eyeliners.



Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette - Quick Review

I jumped on the Hourglass bandwagon as soon as they first released their Ambient Lighting Powders. I purchased Dim Light, because I thought it would work the best for me as a all over setting powder. I was a little ticked when they released the Palette a little while later, because Radiant Light was my runner up. Weeeeell, it seems that I accidentally purchased the Ambient Lighting Palette on my last Sephora trip.



Too Faced Lip Injection Color Bomb in Candy Burst - Quick Review

I bought this product a couple weeks ago when I was at my local Sephora. I was looking for something that was quick and easy to put on, and that was moisturizing. This product is marketed as a "moisture plumping lip tint" so I thought I would give it a try.

Makeup of the Day - Easy Summer Look



Face:

Estee Lauder Double Wear in 3W1 Tawny
Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé in Lychee/Opal

Eyes:

Mac Pigment in Melon
Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Lips:

Dose of Colors Lipstick in Soft Touch

Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé in Lychee/Opal - Quick Review

I am starting to become a huge fan of Becca products! I never really checked them out before the last couple of months, but maybe that's a good thing. Because they are amazing. And expensive as s&%*. But amazing. I always check out their display when I hit Sephora, just to torture myself, and drool a little. However, when I saw the Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflés the last time I was there, I had to cave in and purchase one.

 

The pitch for this product is that they mix a Beach Tint shade, with a Shimmering Skin Perfector shade into a "soufflé" texture. It is a cream, and is said to be water resistant. I haven't tested it in water yet, but I did notice that it lasted a really long time on my skin. About 9 hours before fading a little.

Glamglow Powermud Dual Cleanse Treatment - Quick Review

I bought this on a whim at my last visit to Sephora. It says that it is supposed to remove the buildup of oil, makeup, and bacteria that gunks up your face throughout the week, and I was intrigued. Also, it smells AMAZING!!! As I mentioned in my June Lusts post, my skin has been out of control lately, so I thought this might be a good way to help clear it up.

It has a very thin formula, and applies to the skin very smoothly. It's nice because you don't need a ton of product. It dries to a clay finish, like most face masks. It tingles a bit for the first couple of minutes, but that doesn't bother me. It also definitely tightens up the skin. When you go to rinse it off, the mask turns to an oily finish, which you are supposed to massage into your skin. It is lightly exfoliating when you rub it in, and it really helps cut down the initial "dryness" that you sometimes get with a face mask.

 

I did this before I went to bed, and when I woke up the next morning, my skin looked really great! It was smooth, and has a nice glow to it. Overall, I really recommend this product. It is a bit expensive ($69.00 at Sephora), but I think if you are looking for a solution to help clarify your skin, then this is worth it. Also, I can see this lasting a really long time due to the little amount you need to apply, and the starting consistency. I will definitely repurchase when I run out!

Makeup of the Day - Natural Look

Face:

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Medium
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium/Deep
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Apricot - used darker colors as blush shade

Eyes:

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Ro(Cocoa) - lined upper lashline
Lancôme Hypnose Drama Mascara
Anastasia Brow Powder in Medium Brown
Anastasia Brow Gel in Granite
Milani Brow Fix Kit in Light - Highlight shade used on inner corners and under browbone

Lips:

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait

June's Lust List

I am not the best at impulse control...which is something I REALLY am trying to work on. Because my bank account hates me. Here are the products that I've had my eye on for the month of June, but did not purchase:

Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Tiny Pink   $35.00

 

 

How adorable is the name for this lipgloss/lipstick hybrid? And the packaging is so beautiful. I've been seeing a ton of reviews on this product, but have yet to check it out in person. Maybe next paycheck....

It Cosmetics Haul

Yesterday I stopped by Ulta, because I got it in my head that I needed to check out some It Cosmetics products. "Check out"....ha. I stared at the display for like 2 minutes, and then started grabbing. Here is what I got, and some initial impressions...(I'm wearing all the products today)

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse in Dark - Quick Review

I am the first to admit:  I used to be a tanning addict. I went to the tanning bed pretty much every day during college, despite knowing how horrible they are for your health, and skin. I didn't care. I don't like being pale, which I know is superficial, but I feel as if I look a little dead without a little color. After a serious scare with a family member and skin cancer, I decided to drop the tanning all together and start being a responsible skin owner.

I purchased my first bottle of St. Tropez Self Tan Mousse (regular version) last year. I was really scared to use it at first, because I thought I was going to make a mess of myself. Surprisingly it was very easy to apply, and the color looked really natural. That bottle literally lasted me 9 months. Granted, I didn't use it every day, but still. That's pretty good.

When I ran out, I decided to try the dark formula. The regular was good, but I wanted a little more color for summer. And I am SO glad I went with the dark formula.

Don't be scared by the word "dark", because in reality, it is really not that dark. It gives a nice brown tan, and it looks very natural. With the normal version, I never applied it to my face, because there wasn't too much of a difference between my face and my body, so I could just use bronzer. However, with this one I do apply it to my face. Otherwise, if my makeup ever failed me, I would look absolutely ridiculous. It doesn't make me break out, and my skin doesn't have any weird reaction to it, so I don't mind doing it.

I apply this using the tanning mitt, after I shower and exfoliate, right before I go to bed. I apply with long sweeping strokes, then buff the color in where necessary. 2 pumps per arm, 3 per leg, 2 for chest, and use the excess for my face (making sure not to get it into my eyebrows). I make sure to apply sparingly to my hands, knees, ankles, and elbows, but if you accidentally apply too much to those areas, just apply some regular lotion and buff with a clean towel. At least, that's what I find works for me. I get dressed in loose, dark clothing after the tanner has dried, and then go to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I shower and use a loofah to get rid of the guide color. I'm left with a really pretty tan, that isn't too Jersey Shore, in your face.

Overall, I am really really pleased with this product and will DEFINITELY repurchase!

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer - Quick Review

My hair is one of my biggest battles in life. I kid you not when I say that half of my hair is straight and half is curly. Tight curls too. And I got a lot of it. The top half of it dries pretty pin straight, while the bottom half gets a Shirley Temple thing going when I let it air dry. It's not pretty. My hair is shoulder length, in an asymmetrical bob, so letting it air dry doesn't really work for me style wise, as it looks like I got electrocuted, and then got in a fight with a flat iron. So I am always on the hunt for something that will hold my style, and help to make my hair more sleek and manageable.

When I straighten my hair, the bottom half always gets wavy about halfway through the day. No matter what I do to it. I decided to try this product, in hopes that it would prolong my straight style.

First off, this smells AMAZING! And there is a crap ton of product in this bottle. 8.5oz to be exact. It has a spray nozzle for easy application, and it mists really evenly on your hair.

I applied this to my damp hair before I went to bed. I woke up the next morning and my hair was SOOOOOOFT! Like really soft. Normally when I go to bed with damp hair, I wake up and it is kinda dull, and crazy. However, when I used this product, it was shiny, and really smooth. I straightened my hair, and it looked really nice. I can definitely say I noticed that my hair didn't get as wavy throughout the day.

I am REALLY impressed with this product. It is pretty expensive ($26.00), but I know for sure that I will get my moneys worth out of it.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: Wear and Share

So I've been on a hunt for a new foundation. And here's why:

1) It's summer...and I self tan.....and my face is significantly paler than my body. So I need a new color match.
2) I've noticed that my normal foundations are wearing off throughout the day. Mind you, I have a desk job. But then again, I am guilty of touching my face a lot. Bad habit, I know.
3) When my foundation wears off, I am left with a face that looks like I just saw a ghost....and a decently tan body. Not a good look.
4) I am a hoarder, and why wouldn't I need a new foundation?

Here's what I like in a foundation:  matches my body, doesn't have a smell, natural-dewy finish, STAYS IN PLACE, doesn't make me oily, and blends nicely

SOOO after doing some research, I decided to try out Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. My color is 3W1 Tawny, and it matches my face to my body perfectly. I figured, what better way to test the staying power of a foundation, then to wear it to a wedding?! WEDDINGS WOOOO!!! Here's how it performed:

Bite Beauty - Deconstructed Rose Lipstick in Centifolia: Quick Review

So somehow on my way home from work today, I ended up at Sephora. Weird right? I am a huge fan of Bite Beauty products, so I always check out their display when I'm there. So I'm glancing over the usual suspects, when suddenly, this beautiful packaging catches my eye.

Dupes: High-end vs. Low-end Smackdown

SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY!!!! The less expensive products below are almost exact dupes for their high end counterparts. They are so similar, that the extra $10, $20, $30+ dollars that you would spend, can happily sit in your pocket.

Here we go....

Round 1:

Mac Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Superb (limited edition)   $30.00

vs.

Sleek Glo Face & Body Highlighter in Glow   $9.99

L: MAC   R: Sleek

Winner:   Sleek! The texture and shine of this product is amazing....and with that extra $20, you can go and pick out some other amazing products from their website. I recommend the i-Divine eyeshadow palettes, or their blush.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Apricot - Quick Review

I am a Youtube addict, and I also blame Youtube for my makeup addiction. It is a vicious cycle...
Anywho, I was watching a monthly favorites video, and it featured Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick in Apricot. I can't say that I use highlighters a ton, but for some reason I own quite a few. For me, they're more of a special occasion item. The ones I have are great, but something about this one screamed "YOU NEED ME YESTERDAY!!!"

Dose of Colors - Lipstick and Lipgloss Review

Typically, I am not one to fall for the "Instagram Beauty Lines." You know the ones I'm talking about....the ones that random people come out with, and advertise through endorsements on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter, etc. However, when I saw some of my favorite beauty gurus backing Dose of Colors lip products, I knew I had to check them out. Plus, I loved the packaging (which is a rarity for these pop up brands, as most of them look cheap), and the colors looked unique.

The first round I ordered, consisted of Sorbet, Soft Touch, and Cotton Candy. Sorbet and Soft Touch are their 2 newest lipstick shades. These colors are right up my alley, with Sorbet being a beautiful light coral shade, and Soft Touch being a pretty light pinky nude. I was not disappointed when I received them in the mail! (and might I mention...they took less than a week to arrive)

I loved the products so much, that I placed a second order and went for some more daring colors: Love Potion (lipstick), Attitude (lipgloss) and Sunshine Kisses (lipgloss). It came yesterday!!!


LIPSTICKS

L-R: Soft Touch, Sorbet, Love Potion

Top 5 Summer Products

I was one of the many complaining about the Polar Vortex that took over Chicago this winter and gave us the nickname "Chiberia." It made my commute a terror, and with threats of frostbite after being exposed to the cold for more than a minute, I was holed up in my apartment all season long. Now, I write this sitting, and sweating on my couch. I am being stubborn and refusing to use my AC until I can no longer sleep due to the heat.

Hot weather brings new challenges to makeup application. Where I am typically very dry in the winter, summer hits and I can get oily pretty quickly. I love the dewy look for summer (where I want to be dewy of course), and my makeup choices tends to reflect that. Here are 5 of my favorite summer beauty products that help me achieve that glowy look!

| MAC | EYESHADOW | COLLECTION |

I remember when my mom let me get my first MAC eyeshadow. I had to be about 11 years old, and I picked the most age appropriate color.....frosty turquoise. And I wore the s*&% out of that eyeshadow, until it "accidentally" went missing....pretty sure my mom hid it from me. I'm not bitter, I swear.

Anywho, fast forward to my junior year of college, when I picked out my first 4 pan palette from MAC.  I can't be sure exactly what colors were in that quad...but it was all neutrals. Go me!  I have a pretty decent variety of shades, and finishes. My personal favorites are the satins. I'm going to swatch each shade with, and without a primer, so you can get a better idea of pigmentation. (using MAC's paint pot in Painterly as my primer)

BTW! I keep my depotted MAC shadows in a Z-palette that my lovely sister got me for my birthday. I think it was a limited edition version. It's the medium size, with a frosted blue leathery trim. Love me some frosted blues :)

You can purchase MAC eyeshadows online at maccosmetics.com, MAC stores, or at select department stores. They run $15.00 if you buy it in the little pot, and $10.00 if you buy them online in pan form. I believe you can also buy the pans at MAC Pro stores, but I know you can't get the pans at counters or normal stores.

Top Row (L-R): Blanc Type, Phloof!, All That Glitters, Sable, Amber Lights
Middle Row (L-R): Patina, Satin Taupe, Handwritten, Sketch, Saddle
Bottom Row (L-R): Coppering, Club, Trax, Humid

Too Faced Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick Review/Swatches

So I figured I would start out this blog reviewing newer items that I have purchased. When the Too Faced Melted Liquified Longwear Lipsticks (what a mouthful) were first released at Sephora, I was immediately drawn to them. I am a lip product junkie, and the colors caught my eye. Plus, I love trying new lip things. I will review each color, and then give my overall impressions at the end. I own Melted Nude, Melted Peony, Melted Violet, Melted Marshmallow and Melted Fig. Here's a look at all the colors swatched on my arm:

L - R: Melted Fig, Melted Violet, Melted Marshmallow, Melted Peony, Melted Nude

New Journey

As a recent college graduate, I moved to the big city of Chicago like I had always envisioned myself doing. New apartment, new career, new friends. I left my family and friends behind, and immersed myself in city living. Unfortunately, my career that I thought was going to be a perfect fit, was not even CLOSE to what I imagined. (coughchurnandburncough) Needless to say, after 3 months of misery and stress, I'm exploring other avenues. Beauty blogging is something that I've always wanted to try my hand at, and as a self proclaimed beauty hoarder, I figured why not share some of my hoarding with others. I can truly say that makeup is my passion, and I enjoy creating new looks on both myself and others, and trying out the latest and greatest in the beauty world.

I have been collecting makeup for about 5 years now, and my collection has definitely....expanded....over those years (to say the least). Along with makeup, I collect nail polish, hair products, clothes, shoes....excessively. Makeup and nail polish are my true loves however, and my first places to blow a paycheck will always and forever be Sephora and Ulta.

I have been wanting to take the step towards becoming a beauty blogger forever, and right now, as I sit on my couch watching Real Housewives of New Jersey, I made the decision that I am gonna do it. This is my first blog, and I'm both excited and anxious as to where this journey will take me. I do know one thing however, and that is that I am SO ready to share my opinions and trials and tribulations of all things beauty.