Recently Purchased

Stone Houses: Traditional Homes of Pennsylvania's Bucks County and Brandywine Valley by Margaret Bye Richie
I've wanted this book for years. Having grown up and lived in a stone house for most of my life, I admire so much about this style of architecture. I also happen to have a small obsession with older houses in general. This is a hard book to find as it is out of print. There are even used copies on Amazon going for $2,000 and several others listed for hundreds. When I saw one for sale for a fair price with proceeds going to a local library in Mt. Lebanon, I jumped at the chance to finally add this to my collection.

Steelers vs. Dolphins Game Ticket
Our away trip this year will be to Miami. I'm admittedly not as excited as I usually get because I have been to Florida so many times but I've never been to this stadium. We didn't have many options this year as just about every opponent was located within a reasonable driving distance from Pittsburgh. Miami was the most exotic of our choices. At this point, I would happily go anywhere! I am looking forward to cocktails on the beach and late night dance parties. Our goal is to eventually make it to every NFL stadium in the league. As a group, I think we're about halfway there.

Stainless Steel Cold Cup Tumbler
I picked this up at the local Nordstrom Rack grand opening party. I have a similar bronze one from Starbucks that I constantly use so it's been a nice addition to have another version. It's listed as rose gold but it reminds me of copper. Love.

Kate Spade Stud Earrings Set
I also picked these up on sale at Nordstrom Rack. As much as I love to admire jewelry, I don't wear a lot of it. Stud earrings is usually where it begins and ends with me. I have amassed quite the collection. I lost count of how many Kate Spade pairs I own but I didn't have any black ones-- at least I don't think I did! Any girl from Pittsburgh could definitely get use out of these beauties. The stripes would especially look cute with Pirates gear. Completely justified.

Chanel Fall 2016 Eyeshadow Quad 268 Candeur et Experience
I have to give myself a slap on the wrist for this purchase. I am desperately trying to edit down my massive collection and stop buying more makeup but as a Chanel collector, this was too hard to resist. It is Chanel's first ever all matte palette and also the debut release from Lucia Pica. And those colors? It has my name written all over it. I was well-behaved and held off on getting another product (Illusion d'Ombre 128 Rouge Brûlé) from the collection but it has since sold out-- so disappointed. Lately, I haven't been wearing makeup much but am excited to play around with this when the time comes.

Tommy Hilfiger Baseball Cap
I'm a Tommy girl. It was the first perfume I remember wearing as a young girl (and I still think it smells good). Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with my childhood. While the resurgence of 90s fashion has been somewhat eyeroll-inducing (these kids weren't even alive to know how good that decade was!), I can get behind anything TH. I initially came across this hat on ebay but when I went to purchase, it was sold. When I found the exact style and color at an outlet store in New York (the only one there was), I immediately took it home with me. This hat was simply meant to be in my closet. I'm a hat lover and also take well to this shade of green. Kismet.










Now Playing: "Unless You Speak From Your Heart" by Porcelain Raft

The Cosmo Awards: Best of Beauty 2014!

I really wanted to get this post up before the start of the new year but better late than never! As I work in cosmetic sales and represent various high-end brands, I'm fortunate enough to try just about every product you can think of. As a makeup collector, my love for cosmetics seems to grow deeper each year. While one of my major new year resolutions is to "shop my own stash" as much as possible and to purchase only when necessary, I still have to share my 2014 faves! Without further ado, here are the beauty products that I enjoyed the most this year!


MAKEUP

Eyeshadow Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion
Eyeshadow: MAC/Gucci
Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette/LORAC Mega Pro

Eyebrow Pencil: Clarins (Shade 02)
Eyebrow Powder: Billion Dollar Brows
Eyebrow Gel: Benefit Gimme Brow/Anastasia Beverly Hills (Tinted)/Billion Dollar Brows (Clear)
Eyebrow Product: Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade

Eyeliner Pencil: Urban Decay 24/7
Eyeliner Liquid: Lancome 24H

Mascara: L'Oreal Miss Manga/L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes/Tarte Lights Camera Flashes

Concealer Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
Foundation: Urban Decay Naked/Dior Star
BB Cream: Dior Diorskin Nude
Face Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer

Blush: Charlotte Tilbury/MAC
Bronzer: NARS Laguna/Benefit Hoola
Highlighter: Chanel Holiday/Becca Moonstone/Hourglass Ambient/Bobbi Brown Holiday Shimmer Brick Copper Diamond

Powder: MAC Studio Fix/Gucci/Chanel Les Beiges/Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Reserve Your Cabana
Translucent Setting Powder: Tarte/Makeup Forever
Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter/Chill

Prep Spray: Evian
Contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit/NARS Laguna

Lip Balm: Burt's Bees/Chanel Hydra Beauty Balm/Maybelline Baby Lips
Lip Exfoliator: Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Lip Liner: Urban Decay/Milani/MAC
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury/Gucci/MAC/Chanel
Lip Gloss: Revlon HD/L'Oreal Colour Riche/Maybelline Elixir/Clarins Instant Light
Lip Product: Liquid Lipstick- Shiseido, Various Brands/YSL Volupte Sheer Candy

Eye Brush: MAC 217
Face Brush: Crown Brush Fan/it Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush/Real Techniques Blush Brush
Tool: Beauty Blender Sponge/Stainless Steel Mixing Tray


SKINCARE

Makeup Remover: Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Cleanser: Clarins Water Comfort One Step Peach Cleanser/Bioderma/Dove Beauty Soap
Toner: See Softener
Softener: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resit Enriched Softener
Serum: Shiseido Future Solution
Moisturizer (Day): Clarins Hydraquench Gel
Moisturizer (Night): Shiseido Future Solution
Eye Serum: Clarins Extra Firming
Eye Cream: Clarins Super Restorative Eye Cream/Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream/Shiseido Future Solution
Neck: Clarins Extra Firming Neck Cream
Exfoliator: Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Shower Gel: Philosophy/Victoria's Secret/Bath & Body Works
Bubble Bath: Philosophy
Body Lotion: Clarins Moisture Rich/Clarins Extra Firming
Body Oil: Clarins Tonic Oil
Mask: Sheet Masks (Epielle/Shiseido)

HAIR

Shampoo: Pantene Moisture Renewal
Conditioner: Pantene Moisture Renewal/Macadamia Deep Repair Mask/Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
Hair Oil: Orofluido


NAILS

Nail Polish: OPI
Base Coat: Butter London
Top Coat: Dior Gel Top Coat
Remover: Chanel/Anything!


OTHER

Fragrance: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black/YSL Manifesto/Gucci Guilty
Deodorant: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Toothpaste: Crest 3D White
Candle: Diptyque Feu de Bois
Tweezers: Tweezerman/Billion Dollar Brows
Etc: Shiseido Cotton (for makeup removing, cleansing, softener, nail polish removal...)














Now Playing: "Lights and Camera" by Yuna
*Perfect song for such a vain post ;)

Nail Me

For many reasons, Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. One of the many things I love most about this time of year is the color palette for fashion and yes, nail polish! Here are some of the shades I'm enjoying the most right now!

Top Row:

Deborah Lippmann Laughin' To the Bank: This is a gorgeous, deep, emerald from DL's Jewel Heist Collection (fantastic!). Green is actually my choice color for the season. My top selection is a true kelly green in Revlon's Posh (not pictured) but all shades from hunter to olive to army to jade are beautiful. Greens look especially lovely against a black ensemble or accessories.

OPI Peace & Love & OPI: This was the only bottle I picked up from the recent San Francisco collection. Not only does it have an adorable name but it's a unique duochrome that shifts from gunmetal to teal to purple. 

Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Tweedy: This is the polish that I'm actually wearing right now. Its name perfectly captures the look and feel of the texture. It's like wearing a fuzzy coat or sweater on your nails. I paired mine over a glossy black (Essie Licorice) but I'll pull this one out again over orange near Halloween and perhaps over a grey or nude to give another type of look. 

OPI Ski Teal We Drop: Here we have an oldie but a goody. This is one of my go-to polishes for Fall and Winter. I love the way the teal looks against my fair skin. It pairs well with a lot of the things I wear during this time of year. If you can't find this particular polish, I recommend Zoya Cynthia.

Deborah Lippmann Glitter and be Gay: I mentioned my excitement at acquiring this glitter polish on my last Nail Me post. It's another beauty from the Jewel Heist collection and I look forward to wearing it again soon.

Bottom Row:

Chanel Alchimie: I was really happy to get this from the new fall collection. The color is perfect for this time of year and complements my hair and eye color nicely. It's unique enough to justify the price (as is my rule when purchasing anything from my favorite luxury brand). I'm excited to wear this one soon!

Essie Power Clutch: I received this in one of my beauty boxes and I've been very happy with my score. It's a deep grey that works tremendously against the fall backdrop in Pittsburgh. 

Revlon Elusive: I stumbled upon this limited edition fall polish when I was at Target last month shopping for the Phillip Lim collection. I haven't had the chance to wear it yet but from what I've read, it definitely requires a good top coat. I thought it was a magical little beauty. 

Essie Luxedo: Any of the vampy, berry, wine colors are the quintessential fall polish. This particular shade from Essie adds something a bit extra to the standard oxblood/merlot look. I don't own this one but I'd certainly jump at the chance to add it to my collection. It reminds me a bit of OPI Lincoln Park After Dark.

China Glaze Bat My Eyes: This little gem is from the new Monster's Ball collection for Halloween.  I plan to pick this one up along with Bump In the Night. 

Other Seasonal Selections:

China Glaze Harvest Moon

OPI Zom-body to Love
OPI Warm & Fozzie
OPI My Private Jet
OPI What Wizardry Is This?
OPI Number One Nemesis
Sephora by OPI Come to Papa-Razzi!
Wet 'n Wild Fergie Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night
Chanel Peridot
L'oreal Gorgeous Gold
L'oreal The Muse's Inspiration
Barielle Elle's Spell
Hard Candy Sweet P











Now Playing: "Royals" by Lorde
*I just heard this song for the first time on Jimmy Fallon. This is what happens when you don't regularly listen to Top 40 radio. It's nice to hear a good song getting some buzz.

Nail Me

Even though Summer is winding down, I thought I'd share my Summer nail polish picks that I neglected to post earlier. As you can see from my collage, I've really been enjoying blues, teals and metal based polishes this season.

Top Row:

Essie Bikini So Teeny: This beautiful periwinkle shade with slight silver shimmer is a stunner. A must-have for any collection.

Chanel Bel Argus: A gorgeous metallic blue that could work year-round. I love this!

Pop Jade Metal: I'm actually wearing this one right now. I picked it up on HauteLook and I'm glad I did. It's a very unique mint green metal.

Essie Turquoise and Caicos: This is a classic that always provides many compliments. This is a favorite among many nail polish addicts and it's easy to see why. The jelly-like formula is also a dream. One of my best.

OPI My Vampire Is Buff: This is actually a repeat from my Spring picks. I didn't mean to choose the same color but this is just a generalization. I'm loving all whites and creams. They also play really well with glitters.

Bottom Row:

Orly Orange Punch: I don't actually own this shade but I picked it because it represents something every girl should have- a neon orange! I have quite a lot of oranges (Julep makes great ones, OPI A Roll in the Hague, Essie Capri, Color Club Lava Lamp to name just a few).

Chanel Azure: I was really excited to get this one. It's another gorgeous metallic. It's an original blue/green shade that reminds me of a tropical island. Love!

Urban Decay Addiction: This might be my favorite packaging/bottle out of all of my polishes. The chrome skull at the top is very Alexander McQueen. The color and even the name is right up my alley. This is a limited edition item so be sure to snag it while you can.

Orly Preamp: This is a happy polish for me. I just smile when I look at it. The pinkish lavender hue with gold shimmer is uncommon yet attractive. I don't think I own anything else that's similar in my collection.

OPI When Monkeys Fly: I've been loving gold glitters with holographic particles. Deborah Lippmann Glitter and Be Gay is one that I'm anxious to get this week. This goes nicely over whites and other golds. It will carry over beautifully into the fall and holiday season.

Now Playing: "The First Cut Is The Deepest" by P.P. Arnold
*The original!

Chanel Haute Couture Show Fall/Winter 2013/2014

Millions of dollars spent on design, fabrics, models and more but Chanel couldn't choose a place with suitable air conditioning for its guests?

True story: I live in a beautiful, stately, old house that also happens to lack proper cooling accommodations. When I spritz myself with a dollar store water bottle or fan my body with the latest issue of Vogue, I won't pity my surroundings. I'm simply a slave to fashion. It's haute couture to sweat! It's Chanel!

Music Monday: The Performers

"Superstar"


"The Opening Night"


"City Girl"

The Performers are from Edinburgh, Scotland (by way of Marseille, France). I came across their song "Superstar" in a video for Chanel's Summer 2013 makeup collection. It wasn't easy to find much information on the group (or even a photograph). Their latest work Ocean Garage is out now.

Source Info:

Dave Gahisho is the French producer backing this immensely psychedelic and dreamy enterprise, otherwise there really aren't too many noteworthy details on The Performers at this moment. Which come to think about is quite odd, considering there have been two full-lengths released to date. The self-titled track to The Performers upcoming EP, Superstar, was taken from the second full-length album, Summer and a Reservoir (released on Pastel Records / Art Union Group). "Superstar" features both Kid Francescoli and Johnny Hawaii. Together they adequately render tripped-out melodies that collide in zeal with meek guitar strumming, conjuring an astral fantasy of total unison. (Aurora Vibes, February 2011)

Official
Facebook

Seasonal Selections

• A bright sweater. Love the way the color pops against light jeans.
• Relaxed fit denim. Casual and comfy.
• A good highlighter. Chanel Illuminating Powder is subtle enough for daytime.
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume. A contemporary classic. The best scent for spring.
• Bold, bright lips. Pink, orange, purple... whatever works for you.
• OPI My Vampire Is Buff. Great off-white shade that goes with anything.
• Pastel wallets and accessories. Loving this lavender.
• Geometric Glasses. Getting psychedelic with the sunnies.
• Rain booties. These Loeffler Randall ones are my fav. April Showers...
• Foldover leggings/skirted fit. Perfect for outdoor workouts at the park.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is someting infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

-Rachel Carson 1907-1964

Now Playing: "Cut It Out" by Kitten

Nail Me

Top Row:

Chanel Fracas: I got this bright pink shade for my birthday and have already worn it and receieved compliments. I used the Chanel top coat and it unfortunately peeled horribly after just one day (the worst peeling I've ever experienced from a high-end polish). I'll have to do some research and report back if it was the top coat, the polish itself or something I came in contact with. But if you're looking for a bright pink, this is great for a night out. When the skies are grey it's nice to see a pop of color on yourself.

Zoya Neely: This is a gorgeous shade from Zoya's new spring collection. I haven't seen it in person yet but from the swatches I've viewed online, it has my name on it. It's described as a soft, pale mint.

Essie Looking For Love: This one goes back to Spring '08 if I'm not mistaken. It's easily dupable. I'm just feeling the pastel lavenders and this is one of the few that Polyvore had available. I don't own this particular color but I do have a few similar ones. I'd go with OPI Rumple's Wiggin' (below), Essie Lilacism or American Apparel L'Esprit first.

Deborah Lippmann Sugar Daddy: I love anything with a metallic, chrome or iridescent spark for spring. This is a nice one. Again, this one isn't in my personal collection but it looks eye-catching.

Chanel Frenzy: I receieved this one as a birthday gift as well. It's a bit darker on than in the bottle which makes it less unique but it's still a very wearable color for transitioning from winter to spring.

Bottom Row:

Orly Peaceful Opposition: This is the polish I want to add to my collection the most! It's a very original shade with a milky white base and thick, silver glitter. I could create a similar effect with separates that I already own but Orly put this together flawlessly. I've been really impressed with Orly lately. The entire Spring 2013 Hope & Freedom collection is fantastic.

Julep Rebel: I receieved this in my monthly Julep Maven box. It was inspired by one of my favorite comedic actresses, Rebel Wilson. It's a gorgeous silver, holographic. I've been obsessed with this look for nail polishes and accessories. The entire Color Club 2013 Spring collection is also something to check out.

Butter London Trustafarian: This is one that I don't have in my collection but I do own something very similar in A England Princess Sabra. It's a very unique sage green holographic.

OPI My Vampire Is Buff: OPI has the best polish names in the business and who can resist this one? It's a lovely off-white creme and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Orly Coachella Dweller: If only this one were called Bonnaroo Dweller or even Lollapalooza Dweller. I'm an east coast girl and have yet to make it to Coachella. I hear it's a totally different vibe at that festival. Those things aside, this is a beautiful pastel green. It reminds me of a more colorful version of Butter London Bossy Boots which is on the light pistachio end of the spectrum but one of my favorites.

Now Playing: "Everything Is Embarrassing" by Sky Ferreira

Chic & Thrifty: Chanel Spring 2012 Nail Polish for Less!

TOP ROW: Chanel Spring 2012 Collection. April, May, June ($25).

BOTTOM ROW: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Wonder, Sinful Colors Pink Forever, Revlon Peach Nectar (< $5).

It has been so long since I posted a Chic & Thrifty blog that I forgot what I called the series. I was inspired to share some affordable alternatives to Chanel's Spring nail polish collection. I found these options within my own stash. I think it's important to know what you have before investing in something that is practically identical. These colors aren't exactly "dupes" (albeit April looks close enough to me) but they are amazing alternatives. I love Chanel just as much if not more than the next girl but I can attest that its formula is not superior to the products I have mentioned. Chanel polishes are $25 USD whereas my alternatives were all under $5. I picked up both the Sally Hansen and Revlon polishes at Big Lots for a buck or two. At the drug store they would run around $4-5. Sinful Colors can also be found at the drug store for $1.99. It's a great option if you're looking to have a large collection and various options without having to spend a lot of money. I really encourage every girl to know what she has and to research the market before investing in something that could be duped for less. There are plenty of resources online and great websites to familiarize yourself with. Two of my favorite nail polish sites that include a wide variety of information on collection releases, swatches and more:

All Laquered Up

The Polish Aholic



Now Playing: "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5

Chanel Pre-Fall 2012

Currently Loving!

Candles.
I never used to be much of a candle person because my parents hammered the idea into my head that if I used one, something catastrophic would surely happen. I've gotten over my fear of the flame with an electronic little device known as a stick lighter. Truthfully, I've never actually used matches or a standard lighter in my life. Thank you to the inventer of the stick lighter for making my dream of candlelight a reality! I just love the atmosphere and warmth that a candle provides (the scents are an added bonus). I'm a sucker for good lighting and who doesn't look their best next to the glow of a beautiful candle?

Glasses.
I'm legally blind without corrective lenses. I always have on my contacts (I have the kind that's designed to sleep in for a month at a time). But for the past few days, I've given my eyes a rest and worn my glasses. Peripheral vision isn't always great but I feel better and look a bit smarter. Since I only wear my glasses a handful of days out of the year, I've had the same pair since the fall of '08 (Prada VPR 521. I purchased them at Lens Crafters). I really love the model that I picked out and always get compliments.

Perfume Samples.
This one is nothing new. I love fragrances and I also LOVE things that are miniature. I have a stash of perfume samples that I keep on my vanity tray inside an adorable little box. I have enough samples to add up to a full sized bottle but I just adore the little ones. They are perfect to put in your purse for touch ups or to travel with. While I love the notion of a signature fragrance, having a wide variety of samples to try out is also pretty great.

Online Shopping.
This is becoming a bit of a habit but there's so many great companies (HauteLook, Gilt, Beyond the Rack, Amazon, ebay, Etsie, Shopbop, ASOS, Zara, the list goes on and on). I love retail therapy and have a good eye for things I like and will work for me. I appreciate not having to hunt for things for hours, deal with snooty sales people or wait in long lines. It's also nice to have brands at my fingertips that aren't even sold in my area. Online shopping is kind of a dream come true for me.

YouTube Beauty Videos.
This is nothing new but lately I have been watching tons of videos. I have a good camera. One of these days, I'm going to start making videos for my own channel. I have learned so much from the beauty community and love "getting to know" people from all over the world. I'm just fascinated by so much of it all.

Organization.
Watching so many YouTube videos on how people store their makeup collections and organize their closets has totally inspired me! 2012 will be my year of having everything neat and orderly. I'm obsessed with bamboo drawer organizers and have my eye on an adorable lipstick holder from The Container Store (another company that isn't even in my area but I learned about online).

Christmas!
Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year and my favorite holiday but this year, I'm extra excited for it. As you may have noticed, I already decorated my blog to get into the Christmas spirit. Normally, I would wait until after Thanksgiving but I'm just really giddy this year. I can't wait to throw up my favorite Christmas music for my December playlist! I'll also share my favorite movies and holiday memories. I've already bought a few gifts as well. Ho, ho, ho!

FIJI Water.
I've always loved water and drink plenty each day but Fiji water is by far the best I've ever had. I started drinking it in the spring and don't see myself switching brands any time soon. It's a bit of a splurge but it's worth it to me!

CHANEL.
I'll be sharing a haul blog post in the coming days. I've always loved Chanel but I recently made a few purchases that I can't wait to share with you. I have a vintage bag that I bought with one of my first paychecks after graduating college but I dream of someday (hopefully sooner rather than later) purchasing a brand new purse. I'd love to have a black, jumbo 2.55 bag with gold hardware. I used to always think I'd get lambskin because it's so supple but caviar leather is much more practical for daily wear. But the price is far out of my reach. As a handbag aficionado, it's a motivator.

Charity.
I recently became a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I'm really happy with my decision. I also just cleaned out my makeup collection and gave a ton of products to my mom and to the nursing home she works at. It feels great to get rid of things I no longer have a need for and it feels even better to know it's going to someone who will appreciate it. I'm also getting together clothes to donate to either Goodwill (one of my own favorite places to shop) or a women's shelter.














Now Playing: "Let Me Take You Out" by Class Actress

What's In My Purse? Travel Edition

One of my favorite videos to watch on YouTube are What's In My Bag/What's In My Purse! Since I'm going to be leaving for vacation very soon,  I thought I'd share what I have in my purse for the plane ride to Las Vegas. I'm an over-packer by nature. I'll be in the desert for about a week, staying in Vegas until Saturday morning, then flying to Arizona for the Steeler game and Sedona on Monday. My suitcase and carry-on will surely be packed to capacity. I purposefully brought a medium sized purse so I wouldn't over-pack even more unnecessary things. But without further adieu, here's what I currently have in my purse!

CONTENTS:

Paul & Joe Sister leather bag that I got on sale on Gilt for around $70! I also have this bag in black. I highly recommend it!

Terrible Towel! Gotta represent when you travel. Black & Yellow, baby!

Minteas that I got in this month's Birchbox

Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitzer that I got in a previous Birchbox

October issue of Harper's Bazaar for reading material. I'm so behind on all of my magazine subscriptions!

Gummi Worms for a snack.

Hello Kitty notepad- I'm always writing thoughts, ideas or songs down. I'm also a list maker.

Signo Uni-ball Pen (207)- I'm really picky about pens. This is one of my favorite kinds.

Wallet- I got this at Forever 21. I also have it in blush/beige-ish pink. It's my favorite!

BlackBerry Storm (beyond ready for a new phone!)

Sunglasses
*Inside my Chanel pouch is two more pairs of sunglasses and my eyeglasses just in case I need them (I wear contacts)

MAC Holiday Pouch- I put my Gucci Guilty perfume in here so it would be safe from getting broken. I packed travel sized perfumes in my suitcase but I wanted to have this for evenings.

YSL Cosmetic Bag
-Chanel Lipstick in 31 Waikiki (My favorite)
-MAC Lipstick in Speed Dial (Cremesheen)
-NARS Turkish Delight Lipgloss
-Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in 010 Hot Pink Rose
-EOS Lip Sphere Balm in Lemon Drop
-Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose (love this stuff!)
-Crest Toothpaste (I dab a tiny bit on my tongue if I run out of gum/mints)
-Compact Mirror
-MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3
-Brush











Now Playing: "In For the Kill" by La Roux

Nail Polish of the Moment: Perplex by Revlon

Side by side comparison between Revlon's Perplex and Chanel's Paradoxal

I scored Revlon's Perplex (a beautiful purple, grey hue with a slight amethyst microshimmer) at Big Lots for a dollar! It retails for around $4.99 at drugstores. It was created to mimic Chanel's much more expensive Paradoxal- $25 at department stores. While I don't love Revlon's brush and the formula can be a little bit tricky to work with, I think this was a fabulous find! I am going to try and snatch a few back-ups because Perplex is in high demand. How it ended up at Big Lots for a dollar is beyond me.

Photo curtesy Google Images via another blog. Astounding!

Because it's still February, I thought the timing for me finding this polish was perfect. It's still winter and this shade is similiar to my birthstone (Amethyst for February). I wore it to my friend's bridal shower and I couldn't stop admiring my manicure. I highly recommend this one!

Two coats of Revlon's Perplex with OPI Top Coat


Now Playing: "Penny for your Thoughts" by Bruce Clark & the Q's (One of my Mom's favorite songs of all time)