Trio of staples

These three new items have graciously made their way into my life and surprised me.

After having a mini sample of the Kat Von D Tattoo eyeliner I was sold! The mini that I had previously owned (and used the heck out of) didn't last for a very ling time and I feel like after a couple week of using the full size version its dong the same. The product still comes out and glides on perfectly but I feel like the tip of it needs to be tested a couple times (on my hand) before I attempt the flick. I don't know if that's just how this product runs out or if I need to shake it more before I use it. Still, overall this product is a keeper!

I have never been a big fan of the Maybelline mascaras because they don't cost a lot and I think most of them have plastic wands. I bought the Rocket Volum' on a whim just to see how it would work out. Aside from the fact that there is like 20 different mascaras they have on the shelf this one works pretty well. It could be a potential re purchase. It holds a curl pretty nicely & it make my lashes thicker for sure. It's definitely not a disappointment like I thought it was going to be.

I was gifted this NARS mini matte lip crayon (not sure of what the color is) but it applies so nicely and thought its a matte finish it doesn't dry like a stain.It's easy to use and is going to come in handy for Spring!

The bags under my eyes aren't Prada no more.

Lets be honest, we've all probably had that moment when we realize that our drugstore favorites just don't work like the real deal stuff does. I have officially retired my Hard Candy concealers for this shiny new glory.

I love NARS, I think I can say it's my favorite makeup brand & I held off buying this even though all the blogger & vlogger reviews were great because I just couldn't justify the price. Which kinda doesn't make sense because I have no problem buying a NARS blush...The point is, I finally gave in and purchased the Creamy Radiant Concealer in the color Ginger/Medium 2.

I've only used this a couple time but I can already tell you that I love it. It doesn't crease and it doesn't look heavy on the skin. I think the translucent powder from NARS would pair nicely with this. Maybe that will be my next splurge after I finish my Bare Minerals translucent powder.

Virtual Domination, seriously

Since the holidays have rolled around I took it upon myself to grab a treat before it was too late.

I'm obsessed with Nars blushes, I own 3 already and I just finished my Laguna bronzer. The reason I invested in this palette was because not only does it come with Laguna, but the other four blush shades (3 blush, 1 highlight) I don't own! Most of the palettes Nars has come out with I feel like I already own a shade so there isn't any use in buying it in another palette (like Desire I feel is always in a blush palette but I own the individual version) or it comes with Orgasm. I don't like the color of Orgasm or Super orgasm, I think its way WAY too shimmery, but maybe I just feel like that because I’m a matte finish type of gal.

This palette is amazing, you're getting your complete money's worth because all the pans are basically the same size if they would be sold separately. Because I enjoy a matte finish I don't use Miss Liberty to highlight, I use it as an eye-shadow. It works amazing, there is no fall-out and it just looks great on the eyelids. I've even gotten a few compliments on it.

So happy I got my hands on this, such a great investment!

Have you looked at this palette or tried any Nars cheek products lately?

Just a pinch

Messy drawer is never a bore

Since 4 or 5 years ago my NARS blush obsession began. I usually don\t accumulate more then 2 of anything (bronzers, eyeliners, concealers, mascara..) I just like to finish a product before I invest in a new one. With these blushes, that was not the case. Dolce Vita was the first one I owned, i'm actually so surprised I have not hit pan on it yet because it's my most used and such a great everyday color. Liberte is a very orangey color, great for when I want a subtle blush color or when I want my bronzer too look more amplified. Desire is a very bold color in the pan and you can definitely build it up but it's great for night out or a really simple daytime look with that pinched cheek sort of effect. 

I am aware that these are not the cheapest of blushes but they are completely worth the money and I haven't been disappointed. It's an investment that's worth all your while!

Have you tried NARS blushes? Do you like them?

Random Favorites #1

1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
I was going to Sephora to buy this cream full size then I realized that this was an 100 point perk so I basically got this sample size but didn't end up buying the full size. I do think that I'll eventually buy the full size because this is so moisturizing and makes my skin feel so quenched!

2. NARS Blush in Desire
I've had this blush for a year now and its the absolute best color for summer! It does look a bit scary because it is such a bright pink but it gives a lovely flush to my cheeks and I think it would look exceptional on olivey skin tones.

3.No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer
My friend gave this to me after she felt like this did nothing for her, so trying this out I didn't expect anything. After using it for about 3 weeks I actually really like it. I saw it in the drugstore for 20 dollars - do I think it's worth 20 dollars? No, but would I be tempted to purchase it? Yes. It's like a brightener but with more coverage. It's not a product that I would gravitate towards but I do like it a lot.

4. FriXion ball point clicker 
This erasable pen is amazing. A little pricey for a pen but oh my goodness its so amazing. I'm someone who loves stationary and when I find a good pen, it's like one of the best feelings. This pen is amazing.

5. American Apparel Neon Nail Lacquer in Neon Violet
I think AA nail polish is amazing. It is really opaque and they are a total bang for your buck. I think this gives you product then an OPI polish and they are a couple dollars cheaper too! And the always have deals going on (bogo and such). This polish dries semi matte and I just love the color! It screams summer.

6. NYLON Magazine
I have always had a love for Nylon's and I've debated several times whether I should renew my subscription or not, and I always do! It's just a great magazine that's more culture and society based compared to FASHION or Seventeen. Know what I mean? Give it a go if you've never read one. The interviews are amazing!

What have been some of your random favorites?

Fresh Faced n' Fancy

I'm always interested in how other peoples chill time makeup and skin care look like. My skin has always been good (knock on wood) so I don't have to use much on my skin. A little dryness here a little oiliness there, but all in all my normal skin does not need much. 

I thought I would share the products that I use skin & makeup to achieve my chill time, fresh and fancy look.

1. La Rouche-Posay ISO-UREA Fluide

This stuff rocks. I love gel based moisturizers and this is amazing, it is so hydrating and it makes my skin feel quenched and firm. Love it, though I own several of these mini samples (courtesy of my sister's friend who sometimes hooks us up) I don't actually know what they're supposed to do because there is so description on the back...But it works like a dream!

2. Arbonne RE9 Advanced Corrective Eye Cream

I don't use eye creams on a regular basis, but when I do I prefer the ones that start off thick then go on almost a watery constancy. I feel like my skin really drinks up the product...am I making any sense here? 

3. Blistex Lip Balm 

I usually lean towards using this balm when I'm sick because I feel like the strong mint-esque smell will heal my dry cracked lips. And I do believe it works, I barely use much of it at a time because it is a very thick and heavy balm, bees-wax like (looks like it too) but it really does help my lips to make them look and feel new again.

4. True Blue Mini Super Softening Hand Lotion

This little guy has a lot to say for itself. It smells like a tropical paradise and reminds me of that good ol' Bath & Body Works smell. Since it's mini it fits perfectly in my makeup bag and its super easy to find when I carry it in my purse. The only downfall to this lotion is that if you take a little too much it can be a tad greasy, but I usually just rub the excess off on my arms.

1. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

Favorite drugstore Mascara hands down! 1st coat gives length, 2nd coat adds volume and even more length and a 3rd coat would add even more volume. It says telescopic but it really is the real deal guys. I buy the Carbon Black version, not sure what the difference is between this and the original, and the Shocking version isn't that shocking to me. So buy this mascara, it might change your life by making your eyes look more awake.

2. Laguna Bronzer by NARS

Bronzers are a funny thing for me. I feel like my skin tone is difficult to find a good bronzer for. They are either too dark or too light. Laguna for example is a shade too light for my skin (in my opinion) but I do think that it does give my face more dimension and makes me look more youthful.

3. Gingerly Blush by MAC

This Sheer-tone Blush color is a apricot-y/red-ish-orange blush that looks similar to a bronzer color but is just orange enough to be a blush. I usually apply this to the apples of my cheek's and then take the remaining powder on my brush and sweep it onto my eyelids when I'm not in the mood to wear eye shadow.

4. Verve Lipstick by MAC

My newest edition to my lipstick collection and it does not disappoint one bit! It's difficult for me to fall in love with nude lipsticks because I truly feel like I can't find one that looks nice on me. So I opted for a brown. Verve is a matte finish (my favorite kind) and is just a shade or so deeper then my natural lip color. It just kinda smooths things over in the lip department making my fresh face look complete.

Are there any products you use to feel fresh faced?

OJ!

I've seriously had some mad love for my Nars eyeshadow duo in Mediterranean. I have been obsessed with orange juice ever since Spring started, and I obviously had to incorporate the color into my makeup. I placed the orange color on my lid then took a medium warm brown and blended that in the crease. Added a little brown liner and smudged that out and topped off the look by taking the So Chaud by MAC lipstick and dabbed that on  my lips for just a Hint of Orange.

I don't think I've every really liked the color orange but its seriously flattering for a summer time look. Let me know what you think!

What colors are you gravitating towards in your Summer time makeup?

Nars Desire Blush

"A little bit of Desire goes a long way", that's what the sales lady said to me when I purchased this blush. But she was completely right! This color is a bright Barbie doll - Bubblegum pink but when applied it's a gorgeous flush and looks like you've just blushed....Did that even make sense? If you are looking to expand you blush collections or trying to venture on from typical blush colors I would highly recommend this color! It's more on the pricey side but NARS blushes last forever and I have fallen in-love with the amazing color pay off these blushes give! 

I also highly recommend the color Dolce Vita for an everyday blush color :)

Which high-end brand of blushes do you enjoy??

NARS lovin'

I attended a NARS Masterclass this past Wednesday night. The cost of it was 75$ and that 75$ was redeemable in products! This class was taught by NARS National Trainer Andre Herbert. He was hilarious and taught us a lot about the amazing NARS skincare line. He also taught us selective highlighting and contouring and Francois Nars' signature smokey eye look.

I apologize for not taking pictures at the actual class. It was quite crowded and there was no proper time to pull out my camera! 

Bellow are the two products I had bought and also they gave us a couple samples. One is a sanitizer spray to use on products before applying them to other people and wipes of the same brand; "Beauty So Clean" and the other sample was of the Nars Makeup Removing water.

Top swatch, blush in Liberte

Middle, samples I received

Bottom swatch, eye shadow duo in Mediteranee

I already own a NARS blush in the color Dolce Vita, which is my holy grail blush; but for the up coming Spring and Summer seasons I wanted a more orange-y reddish blush. It was between Liberte and Taos (A much more vibrant red -orange). I decided to go with Liberte because it was a bit more subtle and seemed like it could also be worn in Autumn as well.

All NARS products that I have tried are extremely pigmented and wear for a long time on the skin. The eye shadow duo that I already own is called Kalua Lumpur (I believe that's how you spell it. Its a rose gold and purple shadow duo). Again, I was thinking about colors that would look great for Spring and Summer time and that took minimal effort to apply. This duo, in Mediteranee is AMAZING. They are so opaque and just gorgeous! I've been wearing this ever since Wednesday when I purchased it and I know it'll be a Spring/Summer favorite.

Have you purchased any NARS products recently? What are your favorites!?

Everyday Makeup

Makeup is something I wear to make myself feel more comfortable. I'm not totally insecure with out it. I would just rather wear it to look more put together and awake! I also love to dress up, so anytime I have a chance to go a little bananas with my makeup I do! 

The products below are my everyday makeup products. Most of these are also my all time favorite products to I thought I would give a list of these products bellow.This is the order I use them in as well, just if you were wondering :)  

Clinque Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion

Mac Matchmaster Foundation

Fresh Sugar Lips Balm in Rose

Remmel Hide the Blemish Concealer (I couldn't find the picture)

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

NARS Blush in Dolce Vita

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Annabelle Liquid Felt Tip Eyeliner

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

NYC brow powder (couldn't find a picture)

Mac Matte Lipstick in Chilli