Saturday, September 29, 2012

September favorites


Hello there, blog world! Don't give me that look - I know it's been a while since I last blogged. School has been consuming my life. Long story short for those who don't know: graduated with my bachelor's in nursing in May, two weeks later started taking premed prereqs during the summer semester, 2 months later passed the NCLEX and became a registered nurse, 1 week later started fall semester, and 1 month later, here we are. And of course, instead of studying for a test I have on Wednesday, I'm writing a blog post. Story of my life!

Fall is officially here, but Mother Nature doesn't really feel like giving DC autumn weather just yet. This week it was an average of 80 degrees - what is this? Florida? (although I am admittedly jealous of the 24/7 beach weather in FL, don't get me wrong cc: Brikasia). So it doesn't feel right to start wearing vampy lipstick when it still feels like summer, hence the coral shade of nail polish pictured above. Let's begin shall we?

1. Smashbox hyperlash mascara - This is described as an all-in-one mascara, and it is the truth! The brush is very unique in that it has short bristles on one side and longer bristles on the other. The short bristles are great for giving volume at the root of your lashes and putting mascara on the lower lashes. The long bristles are in charge of lengthening and defining. It's a great product, I really recommend it!

2. Maybelline Color Show nail polish in coral crush - I'm a big fan of this nail polish line by Maybelline. The colors are gorgeous. The formula is great, easy to work with, and not streaky. The applicator is a bit flimsy. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really like it. It's not that it doesn't get the job done, but it could be better. Nonetheless, I think everyone should have this color. 

3. Inglot AMC concealer in 60 - I don't talk about this concealer enough. If you have redness, buy this and you'll thank me later. I've used this so many times on clients and have barely made a dent in it. For only $10, this is a steal! It's creamy and super blendable. I build up the coverage using a damp sponge, blend it using a large blending brush, and apply foundation on top. Automatically eliminates any redness around the nose, cheeks,  or mouth. A holy grail product in my opinion.

4. Physician's formula creamliners - I bought this on a whim. I had run out of black liner, and this caught my eye at CVS. For everyday use, this is a great drugstore cream liner! Right now, I've only used the black. It's very long lasting, especially if you put a primer on your lids before applying it. It's not at black as others I've tried, but it's still very good.

5. Inglot AMC shine eyeshadow in #31 - This has been one of my favorite shadows all month. It's so versatile. It reminds me of MAC's Patina. It's a shimmery medium tan that can be used in both a dramatic smokey eye or a neutral daytime look. 

What have been your stand out products for the month of September?

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Birthday Beauty Wishlist

Since it's my birthday next month, I decided I would treat myself to some beauty products I've been eyeing lately. Being a list lover, it only seems right to create a wishlist of the items I want to purchase. The first item I'm still debating over in my head, but I'm putting it on the list because I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.


I mean. It's beautiful. Neutral smokey eye colors  = the definition of me. The thing stopping me from buying it is that I told myself no more shadows - I have enough. But these are so pretty and that bottom row of colors is calling my name.  

I've never tried any YSL face products so I thought I'd give this foundation a try. It might be total hype but it seems to have all the things I look for in foundation = buildable coverage and lightweight formula. I may get only a sample first since this is a hefty $55. 


I've been looking for a higher end highlight that fits many skintones to use specifically in my kit. After seeing swatches of NARS albatross, I'm convinced I need this product in my life. At first, I never would've given this product a chance since it looks WHITE in the pan! But as I searched more blogs, I found that this highlight is  stunning! It gives off such a beautiful golden glow. It's not glittery so you won't end up looking like a discoball. 

photo credit

If I think of anything else (and who am I kidding - of course I will), I'll be sure to update this list :)



Sunday, July 15, 2012

Favorite look of the month ft. MAC



After using the UD naked palette for so long, I decided it was time to give some love to the MAC palette. I've been wearing this look often this month mainly because of how simple it is. The Bare Escentuals lip products are now my staple nude pink lips! Below are the products used.

FACE
  • Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
  • Kett fixx creme foundation
  • Tarte undereye defense corrector (sadly now discontinued)
  • Kett sett powder
  • MAC dainty blush
EYES
  • Smashbox lid primer
  • MAC brown down on the lid
  • MAC patina in the crease
  • MAC smut (a little bit in the outer corner)
  • MAC ricepaper as highlight
  • ELF studio cream eyeliner
  • MAC teddy eye kohl
  • Buxom lash mascara 
LIPS
  • Buxom big and healthy lipstick in Sydney
  • Buxom big and healthy lip polish in april
MAC ricepaper and patinaMAC browndown and smut