March 2012 Favorites

I *almost* wasn't going to do a favorites post this month.  So many of my looks have been uncreative, the products I've reached for have been repetetive... but there are a few things I've been peppering my rotation with that I'm loving and may affect my buys in the future:

Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer - $57 for the full-size
With the record high temperatures this month, my well-loved Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer just wasn't going the distance.  This primer is also not infallible, but it does eek out a couple more hours from my base makeup than the Hourglass does.  It smooths on with ease, and though it is silicone-y like MUFE and Smashbox Primers, it feels loads lighter.  I only have the sample size (I got sent when I bought Lust Red and Khaki Pulse Eyes to Kill Intense shadows) and it's been lasting as well as can be expected, used here and there.  The next primer I buy will definitely be this one!

no mascara

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara - $8
After reading this glowing review by the Muse (who never muses me wrong, lol), I bought this back in January but didn't crack into it until this month. This mascara is wonderful for length and volume alike (though it does clump a lil bit).  It is also great for layering with any other mascara on the planet.  I think this over Covergirl Lashblast Volume could be my HG, but of course I have heaps of other mascaras still to test (thank you, Sephora Lash Stash) so I hope I will remember how well that combo works when the dust settles :-P

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural Medium Plus - $29
Unfortunately I finally got around to trying this out after they bumped the price up by $2, but I can definitely see why this pressed mineral powder is so popular. It gives a beautiful finish to skin, just like loose mineral foundations do, but without the mess.  It doesn't control my greasies whatsoever, but I have read enough reviews to expect that.  It's not perfect, but I like it!

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Ravishing - $14.50
A permanent shade in the moisturizing Cremesheen range, this is a gorgeous color that reminds me of LE Ever Hip in its corally-ness, though it's not neon at all and much more subdued. I've seen this described as a peach but I think it's more of a melon shade.  Either way, perfect for warm Spring days!

Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek in Peach Macaron - ???
I can't remember what I paid for this adorable little blusher in its tin reminiscent of a French Macaron, but I got it last year off iMomoko.com.  I don't believe it is available from there anymore, sadly, but this is a total packaging win.  It's just so cute, I could coo at it (but I will restrain myself).  The product itself is an easy-to-wear sheer peach that is great for everyday. I wouldn't go for it if I were much darker, though, because I'm sure it'd look chalky.  Still, it's one I can reach for and pop on really quickly, no-brainer style, without fearing clowncheeks.  And did I mention it's ADORABLE?

Dior Amber Diamond - $44
Finally, FINALLY I was able to get this last Fall.  I can't even remember if I got the Friends & Family discount at Sephora or not (I think so, though).  My beauty-blogging mind has gone so twisted that the $44 price tag that originally put me off from trying the widely HG-lauded highlighter doesn't really seem that bad now... I wouldn't hesitate to spend that now >_< What a nasty addiction we have, girls!
That said, I finally brought myself to touch it and, again, I can see why this is such a cult product (like the MSFN).  The highlight is subtle, natural, glowy... like a daytime version of my favorite cream highlighter (Twilight Beauty Mortal Glow Blushing Creme in Swoon).  I prefer this to also-popular Mary Lou Manizer from theBalm, too.

MAC Ravishing, Majolica Majorca Peach Macaron, Dior Amber Diamond

Vampire Academy Series
I don't even know where to start. FAVORITE.VAMPIRE.SERIES.EVER.
Read it. Just do it.
Happy Spring, Loves!
<3
Sarah S.

More MAC FOTD

Hey guys.  Sorry I haven't been better about keeping up with the blogging world.  I've got all the usual excuses but basically I've just been busy.  I still love your blogs and read/comment as often as I can.  I'm still mad about makeup, too, of course!

A moment of stress led me to the MAC counter at Macy's yesterday, and I walked away with Force of Love Lipglass (from the Chenman collection) as well as Mythology eyeshadow and Star Violet eyeshadow.  After I returned to the office I googled those two eyeshadows together and up popped an old EOTD from a fave blogger of mine, Amanda B. of Beauties in Bloom.  So good to have that confirmation of my good taste right after a purchase, haha ;-)

Today I did a look with my new Harry Potter baseball tee from my recent Orlando trip.  I just love warm colors like these :-D A nicely made-up eye helps balance the tomboy look of my tee.

Face: (I have been breaking out since I stopped using Effaclar Duo... could be that or hormones)  Origins Vitazing, Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer, L'Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation in 518 Natural Buff, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer in Light Medium (it's a little too light. If you're NC25 or slightly darker, you probably ought to go for this concealer in Medium), MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus, Milani Luminoso Blush, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer in 01 to contour cheekbones.

Lips: MAC Plushglass in Bubble Tea topped with MAC Lipglass in Tra La La (both LE, sorry!)

 Eyes: Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer, MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque, MAC Mythology on lids, Star Violet in outer crease, and All That Glitters on inner crease and inner corner. Lorac Multidimensional Eye Shadow in 3D-Luxe to highlight browbone.  Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner pencil in Lucky on waterline and lower lashline, Urban Decay 24/7 liquid eyeliner in Perversion on upper lashline.  Clinique bottom lash mascara, Revlon Photoready Mascara under Maybelline Illegal Lengths mascara on upper lashes (that layering combo worked out pretty well!).

Hope you guys are having a wonderful Saturday <3

Back-2-MAC EOTD: Amber Lights, Trax, and Vex

Last night I cashed in 18 old MAC containers for three new eyeshadows at my local MAC boutique.  I wanted Cranberry but it was sold out, so I got Amber Lights instead. It is a gorgeous metallic <3
The other two, Trax and Vex, have been on my list for a while.
Here's a little look I threw on this morning over Rubenesque Paint Pot.  I don't know why but it looks kind of 80's to me.

Amber Lights all over lid, Trax in the crease, Vex as highlight and inner corner.  Makes me want to sing Purple Rain.



February 2012 $200 Makeup Budget

A February no-buy proved to be too difficult a challenge for me, so I decided instead to set a budget for the month and attempt to stick to it.  Now, $200 is a LOT of money for just makeup and I realize that, but this is one of my only hobbies and I typically spend a larger chunk of my income than $200 on makeup/beauty and the $200 includes shipping and sales tax.  FYI I used all the images I could easily get from Polyvore so some of the colors aren't what I actually purchased.  I also forgot to include a lip gloss and two gel eyeliners by Essence.
The cost breakdown:
1) Real Techniques Webstore $50 (two stippling brushes, a brow/lash brush/comb, eye shadow shader brush, eye brush set)
2) MAC $59 (Call Me Bubbles eye quad, Melba blush pro pan)
3) Milani (CVS) $6 (two clearance lipsticks - Red Delicious and Minky Pinky - and Leaf Green Runway eye shadow)
4) Physicians Formula (Rite Aid) $25 (Happy Booster blush in Warm, PH blush in Natural, and Youthful Wear Matte Translucent powder)
5) Wet n Wild (CVS) $2 (eyeshadow singles in Trashed and Golddigger)
6) e.l.f. $20 (two flat-top powder brushes, two stippling brushes, two makeup removing wipe packs)
7) L'oreal True Match Foundation $3 (Rite Aid)
8) Ulta $25 (2 Essence gel eyeliners and a lip gloss, plus the Real Techniques Core Collection)
9) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Translucent $4 (Meijer)
10) Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara $6 (CVS)

Have you ever tracked your incoming makeup to try to cut back on accumulation?

Call Me Bubbles

The only thing I got from Shop MAC, Cook MAC was the eye shadow quad in "Call Me Bubbles."  And... you'll be shocked to know that this is MY FIRST MAC QUAD!
So far I'm really happy with it!  The matte coral shadow ("Full of Flavour") makes a really pretty blush:

I've got on NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk underneath the shadows, just FYI

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti kind of worn off into a stain, Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eye Liner in Perversion
Sorry the photos are kind of blurry, but the colors are true :)

It really makes my green eyes pop, and I imagine it'd do even better with blue eyes!
What did you pick up from Shop MAC, Cook MAC?

DUPE SMACKDOWN #6: IS PHYSICIANS FORMULA HAPPY BOOSTER LIPSTICK IN I heart NUDE EVER HIP?

Hey Gals! Just a quick little comparison between my beloved MAC Ever Hip lipstick and my new Physicians Formula Happy Booster lipstick in I <3 Nude:

Left side of photo, MAC Ever Hip; Right side of photo, Physicians Formula Happy Booster in I <3 Nude

Fragrance/Taste: MAC lipsticks have a vanilla scent that I find delectable. I was a little afraid of trying the Physicians Formula Happy Booster lipsticks because they are supposed to have a violet scent and I usually despise any lip products with floral scents.  However, I find the scent to be surprisingly nice and not too soapy!  It's kind of like the Milani lipsticks in that it is floral but sweet.  While I could almost nom my Ever Hip, I don't mind I <3 Nude's scent at all and don't think either lipstick has a taste.

Texture/Color: Ever Hip is a Cremesheen formula and thus it is rather glossy.  Both lipsticks apply a bit patchy but can be easily built up and blended to full opacity.  Both can sheer down nicely, too.  I <3 Nude is more of a creamy lipstick finish without much gloss to it, but it certainly isn't matte.  It seemed to photograph slightly darker than Ever Hip and I think that's because it's not as glossy/light reflective.

Left, Physicans Formula I <3 Nude; Right, MAC Ever Hip

I visited the MAC counter yesterday and the lovely SA Janelle's jaw dropped and she exclaimed, "That lipstick looks incredible on you!" I asked her if she thought it looked like Ever Hip and she said yes, and that she has four backups, LOL.

Longevity: Both of these lipsticks pull over four hours of wear on me, which is excellent!

I don't really want to declare a "winner" because Ever Hip was limited edition (and I would buy a backup if I could) and the Physicians Formula is brand-new and permanent (I think).  With Ever Hip not being released this Spring (and quickly selling out when it is released), I think you ought to consider spending the $8.79 to get the Physicians Formula Happy Booster lipstick in I <3 Nude as a lovely stand-in (the closest I've found).

What do you guys think - Dupe or not?

October 2011 Favorites

October always seems to blow by, doesn't it? What with prepping for Halloween and the changing weather, it's such a dynamic month.  I, for one, was so busy I rarely had time for my trademark colorful eyeshadows and found myself primarily sporting statement lips!
Without further ado:

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder 001 Transparent $4
I never would have purchased this powder without hearing about it first from Hayley of Hayley is TCB.  She's such a makeup prodigy!  I trust products she recommends because I think she's quite the artist.  I haven't been disappointed in this matte setting powder at all.  It is an incredible bargain, doesn't make me break out or cause skin irritations, and doesn't make my skin appear paler.  It really controls oil, as well, for hours! My only complaint would be the packaging, but at $4 I'm not complaining!

Boo! Haunted powder!

Milani Lip Flash Pencils are $6.99 each, have great pigmentation and lasting power, and are nice and glittery for Halloween looks (or festive holiday looks in the coming months).  They sharpen really easily and are mostly smooth, though a bit sticky (I think that's why they last) and slightly gritty.  I bought these to be dupes of those Sephora-exclusive Urban Decay lip color pencils, but I don't own those so I can't compare.

03 Flash Light - the driest of the pencils

04 Photo Flash - really soft and moisturizing

05 Hot Flash - almost-dupe of Hourglass Siren gloss

Hot Flash topped with LE Milani Hot Flash gloss - even closer to Hourglass Siren

06 Flashy

07 In a Flash - this one is really sheer. Used in a FOTD here

08 Star Flash - difficult to cover my pigmented lips

Bath and Body Works Liplicious Lip Gloss $4 (Crazy for Candy Corn/Cookies & Scream) These are both yummy and glossy, but also sticky and I keep licking them off.  If you can avoid eating them, they last pretty long because of the stickiness.  I liked to wear them alone to feel festive or over the Milani Lip Flash pencils for extra gloss and moisture.  I blame the Muse for featuring Bath and Body Works products so often -- you can only witness so much cuteness before you give in!

NYC Bronzing Powder in Sunny $2.99 for when I don't go after Too Faced Chocolate Soleil in my Sweet Dreams Palette.  It's in my bathroom, handy for quick contouring when I'm running late (every day...), and a great bargain Stephanie C. from In Her Makeup Bag found.  Thanks, Steph!

MAC Painterly Paint Pot $17.50; best under cooler eyeshadows.  I use Soft Ochre for warmer shades, but this month I was reaching for more plum-toned neutrals when I had time to do eye makeup.

The blushes from Stila Travel Girl palettes, $14 per palette.  I have several so they're running the gamut of shades I've been reaching for to complement my bold lips.

Left to Right: Love and Empower palette hope & joy; Stila Loves Roxy palette gold coast & swim; Find Your Magic palette love & shimmer. Original review here

Ballet Flats (too cold for sandals, too warm for boots!), though it's starting to get too cold around here to skip out on fuzzy socks! For most of this month, though, I've been rotating the ballet flats collection.  It's just a coincidence that all these are a bargain, too!  I have to mostly stick to fabric shoes because I don't wear real leather.

Ballet Flats from Target and Kohl's

Do you go for comfy shoes and easy bold lips when you've got a busy month?

One left...

My first MSF!  I was at the MAC counter last night turning in empty lipstick tubes for Back-2-MAC (the new lipstick choice? Vegas Volt!).  I noticed a Lightscapade tester tucked behind a display and asked, on a whim, "Hey, would you happen to have any of these left?"  To my utter SHOCK the SA said, "Yes, we have one left."  I had to buy it, of course!
The other MAC counter I bought my Ice Parade set at was sold out the day Lightscapade came out, and when I was there placing my pre-order for the Festive Frost Kit three Japanese girls came up and asked a SA whether they had any Lightscapade left.  The SA who was placing my order and the other SA were commenting that they had people coming by to ask about it daily.
So, I never expected to find it anywhere :) Score, right? *happy dance*

MAC Holiday 2011 Nordstrom Exclusive Fabulously Festive Frost Face Kit: Photos & Swatches

I'm so psyched because I just picked up my pre-ordered Nordstrom-exclusive Fabulously Festive Face Kit from MAC's Ice Parade Collection for Holiday 2011!  I swatched it all and took photos in case you're curious (mostly because I couldn't find any photos online anywhere myself!).  I also picked up Dazzleglass in Pleasure Principle, which is just sooo pretty!

I picked up this massive Vegan cookie at the Nordstrom Cafe while I was at it:

MAC Nordstrom Exclusive Festive Frost Face Kit:

The snowglobe on the palette is so cute!  The brushes are all right.  Not as good as full-size MAC brushes, but not as horrible as some reviewers make them out to be!

Left to right: Eyeshadows in Once Upon a Time (Veluxe Pearl), Below Zero (Frost), Embark (Matte), and Expensive Pink (Veluxe Pearl), Matte blush in Buff, Amplified Lipstick in Imagine This (it's so creamy!), and Lipglass in Tra-la-la

Swatches WITHOUT primer for a change!  Once Upon a Time is sheer but a good highlight color; Below Zero is the least pigmented but not too difficult to build up; Embark is very pigmented but similar in color to Below Zero; Expensive Pink is smooth, pigmented, gorgeous, and duochrome!

 Clearly these shades are well-coordinated. Embark would make a great liner shade while you could easily blend Below Zero in the crease without too much fear of overdoing it.  Even if you use the highly-pigmented Embark in the crease, I think it would be easy to blend out with Once Upon a Time!  I chose this kit because a) It was the only Fabulously Festive Face Kit Nordstrom had (correct me if I'm wrong, but the Warm and Cool sets might be a maccosmetics.com exclusive) and b) these colors really suit warm brunettes/redheads!

Tra-la-la Lipglass

Imagine This (Amplified) lipstick: it looks a lot better when you can see more of my face.

Wearing Imagine This lipstick.  I didn't really want to do a full face-shot because I'm not wearing this kit on my eyes or cheeks

These colors really say "Thanksgiving," so I'm excited I have my cozy Tofurkey Day makeup all figured out!  Did you get anything from MAC Glitter & Ice or Ice Parade collections today?