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.

March 2012 $200 Makeup Budget and a Giveaway!

Hi guys! I thought you might like to know how the beauty budget is going.  In March, I managed to spend only $2 over my $200 budget, but I also decided that $200 is a really generous amount and I'm aiming for only $150 in April.

All images from Polyvore/property of their respective owners.

Here's the breakdown of what I bought:
MACY'S
1)MAC Eyeshadows in Mythology and Star Violet
2)MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder in Medium Plus
3)MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Full Speed
4)MAC Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick
5)MAC for Chenman Lip Glass in Force of Love
6)Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in Black
$100 Gift Card - Only paid $19

BEAUTY.COM
7)Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head for Delicate Skin (pack of two)
8)It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer, Natural Medium
9)Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, Natural Mint
10)Z-Palette Customizable Makeup Palette, small leopard
11)Beauty.com Erin Fetherston Spring 2012 Train Case (GWP)
$10 off coupon - Paid $75 (I had to spend $100 pre-coupon to get the GWP, but not all of it was items I count towards the beauty budget)

AMAZON.COM
12)Bioderma Crealine H20 Ultra-mild Non-rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser 1000mL (500mL pack of two)
Paid $63

L'OCCITANE BOUTIQUE
13)L'Occitane Original Shea Hand Cream (Full-size and Travel-size)
Free travel-size with purchase of full-size coupon - Paid $30

CVS
14)Revlon Beyond Natural Lashes in Flirty and Defining
Paid $15
=$202

Wish me luck on trimming the budget to $150!

Oh, and I almost forgot about the giveaway! :-P D'oh!  Open to U.S. shipping addresses only (sorry), leave your e-mail address in the comments for a chance to win 7 sets of Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips! The patterns will be randomly selected by me and there are two (2) prizes available for two winners.  This contest closes Saturday, March 31st at midnight and the winners will be randomly selected using random.org.  I will contact the winners by e-mail and blog post, and winners must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected.

Have a great week, lovelies!

Not Going Anywhere

 

Crazy Colors +

Adorable Packaging +

Cute Color Names = Playtime!

Warning - Extreme look ahead.  I put this lip look on knowing I wasn't going to leave the house.  Not that I wouldn't in blue lipstick (though I admit I haven't ever), but I didn't do the rest of my makeup to compliment it; I was merely mixing and experimenting on my lips.  I'd love to hear from anybody with the confidence to rock the blue lips in public!  Please comment <3

I finally got a little time to play with makeup tonight! After applying false eyelashes for the first time since don'tknowwhen, I flipped through the latest issue of Nylon (a magazine which I actually kind of find hipster/pretentious - I got the subscription as a GWP at some point) and once again felt really inspired by the edgy makeup looks within.  Remember my Twiggy look? One of my favorites ever :D

This time, the look came from the runway (a designer I've never heard of - Mary Katrantzou Spring '12) and as I flipped to page 080 I found myself saying to my husband, "This girl makes a teal lip look fierce!" as I held up the magazine.  The look was apparently achieved with a trio of MAC pigments blended together (Chartreuse, Hi-Def Cyan, and Teal, if you're wondering).  I'm not really a fan of makeup in pigment form, and anyway I don't want to invest any further in weird lip colors when I've already got a few...

Bottoms Up: Lime Crime Loop de-Loop Carousel Gloss, Mint To Be Opaque Lipstick, and the two blended together

Speaking of which, I'm sure you can imagine my Lime Crime Mint To Be and Carousel Gloss in Loop de-Loop don't get much wear. But I got them to play, anyhow, and play I did.  I think for cheaper if you'd like to play with the latest (see: Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism lipstick in Apocalips) teal lips trend, the look can be achieved by a nice coat of Mint To Be judiciously blended with a bit of Carousel Gloss in Loop de-Loop. Do you agree? 

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.



URBAN DECAY FRIENDS AND FAMILY 20% OFF!

Hey guys, I just had to share this code with you for 20% off at urbandecay.com! It's good March 6-10th only, works on sale items, and only the Naked 2 palette is excluded.
Get some!

Code: FFSPRING12

My recommendations: 24/7 eyeliner pencils, 24/7 waterproof liquid liners, eyeshadow primer potions, any eye shadows/eye shadow palettes

I'd totally be hauling if it weren't for my $200 budget (which I've already blown for March... d'oh!)
And just because I don't like a post with no pictures, here's Hogsmeade at night (taken with my DroidX; explains the low-quality... sorry!)

February 2012 Favorites

I'm afraid I'm going to have to make this short and sweet, or in the case of one of my favorites, Spicy & Sweet.
(ha. ha.)

Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D and 4D $22 each (so much Zazzz! Sticky kiss-repellant, but so pretty <3) on my lips here, here, here, and here.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural $11 (a go-to when I don't want to deal with more-pigmented peachy blushers. Lovely scent and obviously adorable!)

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy & Sweet $6 (surprisingly natural flush)

Benefit Hervana $28 (I have to pick up TONS of product to get this to show, but it gives a fittingly angelic flush to cheeks when it finally does... and of course it smells heavenly, too!)

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment $13.50 for 1oz. size (not pictured) (controlled my frizzies, no smell really, didn't flake like other stylers, didn't make me break out, and I managed to finish up the 1oz. size!)

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer $17 (non-silicone feel for the most part, and makes my L'oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation hang around until the work bell rings)

Adventure Time (with Finn and Jake)
I couldn't get enough this month. It might have left me poo-brained, but I watched it non-stop!

Not my property - got this screen cap off Wikipedia