Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 2011 Favorites!

This month I started a new job and watched the wedding of the century. Along the way, I've had a few beauty favorites. Enjoy!

Xhilaration Saniya Point Toe Flats from Target

I actually got these last year at Goodwill for a buck or two (brand new via Target- they had tons of pairs)! My particular Goodwill always scores Target shipments. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, McKnight Road's GW is the best place to shop. While leopard print is synonymous with fall, I have been really enjoying wearing these to work. I have very distorted feet and have a difficult time finding shoes (especially flats) that are comfortable. These are so easy to wear, soft and go great with so many outfits! I love wearing them around the office with anything from slacks, dresses, jeans or leggings (we have a very casual environment).



Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose

I got this lip balm in one of my birchboxes. I love the smell, packaging and the way it makes my lips feel. When I run out, I think I'm going to purchase a new one from Whole Foods or one of the other places that carries it in Pittsburgh. My lips are constantly dry, so I keep this handy at all times.



Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lipgloss in Clear as Crystal


At the beginning of the year, I ordered a few of these glosses when Urban Outfitters was having a big sale. I got them for about 60% off which is great for luxury cosmetics. While the colors aren't that great, the products do what it is intended- supress your appetite! I don't have a traditional lunch hour at my job and I'm trying to diet, so I love having this on my desk. I'm always reapplying it. I've noticed that it does make me less likely to indulge in food. It contains hoodia which is a natural remedy. The smell alone decreases my appetite. As for the lip plumping, I do notice a slight tingle that I've gotten used to but I don't think it's the best. If you can score this on sale (QVC is a good place to try), I recommend Clear as Crystal!



MAC Sakura Blush from the Quite Cute collection

I love everything about this blush! The packaging is definitely what sold me. I was initially just going to pick up the shade Miss Behave (peach/mint green) but I'm glad I got both. I was afraid the Sakura would be too similar to my Physicans Formula happy booster blush in Rose but they are definitely different. Sakura has nice lavender and pink hues and is perfect for spring!



Mischievous Mint by MAC (Quite Cute Collection)

Another item from the Quite Cute collection that I really loved this month was Mischievous Mint nail polish. I'm wearing it now. It's divine for spring and puts me in such a happy mood. I thought that I would be disappointed since it reminded me of the much more affordable Minted by Revlon, but I'm happy with its creme finish.



Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey

My favorite fashion moment of the month (and very well for a lifetime) was easily Kate Middleton's wedding dress. The Alexander McQueen (designed by Sarah Burton) ensemble was imbeccable! Kate did her own makeup and her manicurist used a combination of Bourjois no. 28 Rose Lounge and Essie's Allure.


1960s Vintage Inspired Gold Tone Pen Nacklace by 1928


Last October, when I was considering being Joan from Mad Men, I ordered this pen necklace to replicate her traditional costume piece. I scored it for only $5 and thought it would be nice to have for everyday wear because it is my style- vintage, gold, unique and useable. I'm always jotting things down, so I loved the idea of a necklace that also doubles as a pen. The ink is a blue-purple hue and I enjoy wearing it to work.


Too Faced Shadow Insurance


I've used this product for a couple years but I realized that I like it better than Urban Decay Primer Potion. It's a bit on the costly side of the cosmetics spectrum but it's worth it. My favorite eyeshadow this month was actually the bhcosmetics 88 cool shimmer palette. Without my trusty Shadow Insurance, the colors would not last as long or appear as vibrant! If you don't already use a primer and are sick of experiencing fading or creasing, I can't recommend this product highly enough!


bhcosmetics 88 Cool Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette


I picked this palette up online during a spring sale. I have a Coastal Scents 88 palette that I enjoy and heard the brands were similar. The color range is great. With a nice base/primer, you can create endless looks. There is one particular eyeshadow that I LOVE in this palette (second to last row across, second shadow down- it's a beautiful gold/nude/pale green shade that I can't even describe). I wish I had it in full size! Definitely look into this if you're in the market for expanding your range of colors.


Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray

I know exactly what you're thinking. You bought water in a spray can? I actually horded four packs home from a thrift store that someone had donated. I had never heard of such a thing but I'm glad I discovered it and in such a cost effective way (I paid $6 per 3 pack). I spray this on in the morning to wake me up and as a prep for moisturizer and makeup. Not only does it feel great but it makes my skin soft. I will definitely be splurging on more when I run out!


Maybelline Falsies Mascara

My mom mentioned that she need a good mascara, so I bought her this for her birthday. I had heard great reviews and secrelty wanted to try it out (my Mom will wear just about anything). I love this stuff! It is great for lengthening lashes and the packaging is so cute!


Tresor in Love by Lancome

Speaking of my Mother's birthday, my Dad and I bought her Tresor in Love. She loves Tresor but hasn't worn it in a few years so I thought this would be nice. I wanted to get this for Christmas, so I was happy to finally get it for someone who lives at my house ;) Unfortunately, my boss is highly allergic to perfume so I can't wear any to the office :( But for evenings and weekends, I will definitely be borrowing some of this. I prefer this after it has worn off a bit- initially it's a bit alcohol-y but develops nicely. Notes are: nectarine, wood, cedar wood, a rose with a luminous jasmine character, bergamot, tart pear, peach, violet and Turkish rose.


Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover

I got this as a gift with purchase (all of it was acutally a gift) and I love it. This makeup removed takes off everything with a quick swipe. It does leave a bit of a greasy residue but I cleanse and moisturize after and all is well. The packaging is nice. My only complaint is the price but it's worth it!


Lemonade Gatorade

Because I gave up most forms of pop (soda) for Lent, Gatorade was always fully stocked in my frige this month. Lemonade is easily my favorite! It is so refreshing and goes great with all of my favorite snacks.





Since April was so full of tornados, I can't help but share my favorite YouTube video of the month. While it was technically filmed in March and I first viewed it on the day it was posted, it certainly got a lot of views this month! Tornado Boy is from the Pittsburgh area and this video is priceless.




My favorite song in April was played at the Royal Wedding- Jerusalem! "And did those feet in ancient time" is a short poem by William Blake from the preface to his epic Milton: a Poem (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn "Jerusalem", with music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.



Now Playing: Up From Below album by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Now Drinking: The rest of my Andre champagne from the Royal Wedding (it tastes like college... expect a blog post to explain!)

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!