2017 Makeup No Buy Update: March Temptations

March was a so-so month in terms of my willpower. I slipped a few times when sale prices were too good to pass up. Overall, I did fairly well. I know April will be a challenge with a few more major sales and Easter bonuses set to kick off but I'm taking it one day at a time.



Jouer Long-Wear Lip Topper in Skinny Dip, $16

I've seen this cult-favorite product for ages on Pinterest and finally decided to try it out when I saw it on Forever 21's website. It's an interesting formula and satisfied my curiosity.


Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Highlighter in Heat Wave, $45

When this product originally launched a few years back, it was all the rage. I remember purchasing it and actually returning it (something I rarely, if ever, do with cosmetics). But the packaging this time around was too much to resist. I also snagged it during bonus time.


Guerlain Summer 2017 Terracotta Sun Trio Bronzer (Limited Edition), $56

I've been wanting to add a Guerlain bronzer to my collection for eons. I saw this new one advertised on Chic Profile. It looks like a wonderful blend for lighter complexions.


Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Honey Bare, $28

I am a huge fan of the original art stick and was curious to try this formula. The color wasn't exactly what I had hoped but I am interested in playing around with the full range of colors in person later this month.


Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, $24

I think I might order one of these for the upcoming Sephora VIB sale. It looks like an impressive sparkle formula that is perfect for adding a touch of pizzazz to an evening eye look.


Too Faced Highlighter in You Light Up My Life, $30

If it's a heart-shaped product and from Too Faced, I can't help myself. I adore the blushes that are in similar packaging and knew as soon as this product was released that one would make its way into my highlighter drawer. It's not the best formula in the world but that Polly Pocket style packaging makes me happy.




Items I 'shopped from my own stash' this month:

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $23

I've gone through more tubes of this than I can count. I'd rather not spend money on higher-end mascaras because of its limited shelf-life, but this mascara is worth every penny.


Viseart Eyeshadow Palette in 01 Neutral Matte, $80

If I could only keep one eyeshadow palette, this would be it. Throw in a few ColourPop singles to add shine to the lids and I would be satisfied. It's pricey so I try to get as much use out of it as I can. The superior quality is definitely noticeable.


theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, $24

I've been a major fan of highlighters since I started to wear makeup in the late 90s...long before it became the trend it is today. While I have grown to prefer a subtle highlight, this cult favorite packs a pretty good punch. I always receive compliments when I wear it. A flattering shade for those with fair-light complexions.


Maybelline Expert Wear Eyebrow Pencils (Medium Brown), $4

Despite having an array of high-end brow products, this drug store cheap thrill has been a staple in my collection for decades. It performs just as well as my luxury products. The Medium Brown shade is ideal for red or auburn hair. Only a few dollars and easy to find. You can't beat this classic.


Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation, $47

I hate the feeling of heavy makeup. I love cushions because they have the weight of tinted moisturizer but the coverage of a light foundation. This has been the best color match (010) and formula I have tried. I have gone through a couple compacts which speaks volumes. As much as I love makeup, I don't wear it every day. You simply do not get a lot of product from this...at all. And what little liquid you do get is heavily absorbed by the sponges. When you factor in the price per ounce, that makes this one of the most expensive foundations on the market. What a sin! If you're able to find this on sale, stock up (I got mine last summer for 50% off).


Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder (in Nude), $52

I've been wanting to try this in the Porcelain shade as a finishing powder but I have enough that I really love from brands like Hourglass, YSL and Guerlain. Instead, I have been enjoying the Nude shade to add warmth after foundation. I consider it a magical combination of ultra light bronzer, highlighter, contour, and finishing powder all in one radiant finish.














Now Playing: "Can't Sleep" by Above & Beyond

Recent Beauty Favorites, Winter/Spring 2016

 It has been quite a while since I shared some of my favorite beauty products. After working in cosmetic sales and artistry for the past few years, I have skillfully navigated the land of luxury makeup and skincare. Through trial and error, I have discovered what's worth the splurge and what can be better substituted at your local drugstore. Here are a few of the products that I have been recently loving:

• Lancome My Parisian Pastels Shimmer Cube: An adorably packaged product with a unique design. Can be used as highlighter, blush, eyeshadow or finishing powder.
• OPI Hello Kitty and New Orleans Collections: My favorite brand of polish delivers once again with a wide range of beautiful colors including Kitty White (a shimmering white with a silvery finish), Charmmy & Sugar (a standout shade of metallic pale pink with sparkles), She's A Bad Muffuletta! (a strawberry red with pink undertones), Rich Girls & Po-Boys (a beautiful, boyish shade of blue that's somehow still very feminine).
• Clarins Lip Oil (01 Honey), Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, & Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (07 Toffee Pink Shimmer): I've been fixated with keeping my lips hydrated with oil, balm and a moisturizing product. The newest shade from the Instant Light collection is my favorite out of all of them- the most beautifully natural shade of pink.
• YSL Gypsy Opale Face Palette: The dynamite packaging is what sold me but the product itself keeps me reaching for more. A wonderful color correcting finishing powder. 
• Shiseido Future Solution Night Cream: A steep price tag but worth every penny. The Future Solution range of skincare products has been my guilty pleasure for several years. It truly keeps fine lines in-check and hydrates beyond belief.
• Bioderma Cleansing Water: Many brands are attempting to knock off this cult-favorite product (Simple, Garnier, etc...) that was once only available for purchase in Europe but thanks to sites like Beautylish, Bioderma is accessible to the masses and at a fantastic price. Nothing beats the original! Perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Takes makeup off and leaves the skin clean. 
• ColourPop Eyeshadows: This brand has been one of my favorite discoveries. I adore everything about their range- affordable, cutting edge, on-trend, fun and good quality. I love all of their products but every girl needs to own at least one of their eyeshadows.
• Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (Ivory): I don't like to wear heavy foundation and prefer light coverage on my face. This BB/tinted moisturizer hybrid is phenomenal at delivering just enough hydration and coverage to even out my complexion without masking my natural skin beneath. 
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer (Fair): I have tried plenty of high-end concealers but this drugstore find is still my favorite. I recently turned 30 but am just now starting to need coverage under the eyes. This concealer has been a go-to. 
• Etude House Sheet Masks: A few times a year (when the Korean beauty site offers sales and free shipping), I place an order for my favorite Asian cosmetic items. These sheet masks are affordable and a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. 
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Eyeliner (Gold): My eyeliner collection is obscene. There are a lot of terrific pencil liners on the market but this formula and color from Estee Lauder has been my favorite.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water: I thought this was a gimmick when I first purchased it. "Diamond water? Riiight." It turns out that this primer is everything. If you have dry skin that rejects foundation, this formula will agree with anything you place on top of it. It helps with the application of your makeup but more importantly, it truly prolongs its wear-time. If they ever discontinue this baby, I will be buying a lifetime supply.
• Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream: This is terrific for day or night and a must-have before prepping for concealer. 
• Lancome Miracle Cushion Compact Foundation (Alternate: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation): My love for Asian-inspired skincare and beauty products has found its way into my foundation routine. When I need a bit more coverage than a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, I reach for these. They're still light-medium coverage and very comfortable on the skin. The downside? You don't get a lot of product for what you pay but the finish is gorgeous. 
• Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced is one of my favorite brands- so feminine, fun and flirty. I have so many of their products and love of all of them. If Peggy Bundy ever designed an eyeshadow palette, it might look like this. 
• Clinique Cheek Pop Blush (Nude Pop): I'm not much of a Clinique girl but this blush's cutesy floral and acrylic packaging lured me in. The formula and shade is also incredible. 
• Chanel Nail Polish (683 Sunrise Trip): From the Spring 2016 LA Sunrise Collection, this shade looks nearly black in the bottle but on the nail, it's an original shade of royal purple with navy undertones. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect, bright, neutral-yet-wearable, neon purple (that's not asking too much is it?) but this shade will be fine until that polish is discovered invented.

March 2015 Playlist

http://open.spotify.com/user/1265165104/playlist/1cFN9yHzdWMlpuOX2L9HmA

Pinterest Monthly: February 2014

I love this idea of using vintage/antique door knobs as decorative wine stoppers.

I also think repurposing an antique tea set for holding vanity items is genius.

This is my type of room. Into everything pictured.

I've been loving kimonos and hats (not necessarily together but it definitely works). I picked up this beautiful lace style from Forever 21 but am still on the search for the perfect hat.

Obsessed with this blouse from Nasty Gal. Unfortunately, it's currently sold out but I'm checking the site like a hawk to snag it when it comes back in stock. 

Hopeless romantic.

Style inspiration for the streets.

I basically collect cosmetic pouches and other small leather goods. I really want this one! Need to track it down.

Dreaming of the sky. #LIKEaG6

Going to attempt this look when I paint my nails tonight. Stunning neutral gradient with a bit of a glitz.

 Apparently, this is a penthouse suite in Monaco. I need this in my life. The things one could do...

My current iPhone wallpaper. What can I say? I love lipstick. 

This looks incredible. Pittsburgh needs to put a Ferris Wheel observational thingy and/or Swings on Mount Washington. That would be a smart move for tourism and so much fun!

Since the Oscars are on this weekend, I thought I'd share this throwback shot. I loved this dress on Michelle Williams (as well as the hair and makeup!). She and Heath Ledger were such a sweet couple.

 True.

Now Playing: "Simplethings" by Miguel
*I really love Miguel but I wish the lyrics were 'drink with me, baby.'

Music Monday: White Flight

"Sapa"


"Princess Pentagon"


"Panther"


"Solarsphere"



I first heard the song "Sapa" in the new commercial for the 2014 Lexus IS. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that it also appears in the Mara Hoffman video posted above. I'm not sure if this is the full length version of the song but it was all that I was able to find.

White Flight is the solo project of Justin Roelofs. A musician from Lawrence, Kansas, he is known for his work in the band, The Anniversary. White Flight music can be purchased here.

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Happy Friday!

It's a beautiful day here on the North Side of Pittsburgh. I hope you're enjoying yourself, wherever you are in the world. Live every day like it's the weekend. :)















Now Playing: "Magic Light" by Wampire
*Allllll night.

May Queen

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now. It's just a spring clean for the May Queen...

Now Playing: Led Zep

People Watching: Spring Street Style

Now Playing: "Pink Matter" by Frank Ocean

A Touch of Spring

Now Playing: "I Found a Way" by First Aid Kit