Nekkid Lips

It's a girly kind of Sunday for me.  After spending far too long feeling sick and miserable after my trip to California I finally felt like myself again yesterday and mustered up the energy to do my hair, put on some makeup, put on a pretty outfit, and basically feel pretty again.

I've been meaning to talk about a couple of things makeup and beauty so here it goes...

Last year I talked about the infamous cat eye and my obsession with this eyeliner. Well, a few weeks back my awesome Stila eyeliner finally winged its last eye because it was time for a new one.  As much as I was tempted to splurge the $20 for a new one (btw: a year is not bad for an eyeliner that is worn 2-3 times a week),  I had seen two or three commercials for the L'Oreal Infallible Super Slim eyeliner.  I caved and decided to try the $8 steal at my local drugstore.  So far, so good. No, it is NOT Stila, and after a year of using the same eyeliner I was very used to it.  The L'Oreal is a GREAT alternative if you cannot justify spending $20 on eyeliner.  It is easy to use, long-lasting, has great precision and the same tip as the Stila, making it easy to create a fine or a thicker line as desired.  My ONLY complaint, if I absolutely had to have one is that I do like the pigment in the Stila more, it is just a wee bit richer.  The L'Oreal is very black and awesome, but I do notice a slight difference in richness.  Other than that, you cannot go wrong with the $8 steal! 

Next on the agenda: lipstick.  I have never been a fan of lipstick, lip stains, lip gloss, or any colored lip product other than good ol' fashioned chapstick.  This is not to say because I am afraid of a little color, in fact I love color and love to try new things.  The problem is my lips.  Well, according to my mother at least.  My lips are already so naturally rouge that many lip colors don't even really stand out unless it's a bright fuchsia or candy apple red.  My mother, who is a lipstick connoisseur is always wanting to try new colors on me at department stores and constantly becomes frustrated because every color looks the same on me...or is not visible.  As a result, I have stayed far away from lipsticks and choose not to even bother. 

I am a fan of nude lips, because my lips are already so naturally bright, I like the idea of toning down my lips when playing up my eyes.  Last week I made the executive decision to give lipstick a try.  It all started with my friend's Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm.  I tried it, and fell in love.  It is perfect! Moisturizing, dewy, and the perfect nude. I went on the search for it today and also found Revlon's Lustrous Ultra Shine Lipstick in Pink Cognito which I just adored. 

$7.49 at Target in Charm

Charm on the lips, excuse any chapping...

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito $5.99 at Target

Pink Cognito! 

Me, I'm just prepping for that tropical vacation of mine.  I'll fill you in on where I'm going as it nears.

Are you a lipstick wearer? What's your favorite shade? Any tips out there?

Off to continue this night of beauty by painting my toes the ultimate nude shade: OPI's Bubble Bath.

The Ultimate Snail Mail

Well, California was amazing (as expected) and never disappointing.  I am literally having withdrawals, my body refused to go back to normal the minute I stepped off that plane.  I have had low energy, a semi-stuffy nose/head, fatigue, loss of apetite, and come and go nausea.

I finally felt well enough to bathe, drink a gatorade, and eat most of my kids meal from Blimpie today.  Oh, and obviously well enough to research these infamous boxes that you can subscribe to monthly or annually.  

I am intrigued...I love snail mail and I love receiving products, especially full-size or partially full-sized products.

The dilemma...Birchbox or Popsugar?

Can I have both?! Here's the thing, my birthday is at the end of the month and ideally I would treat myself to both for at least two months each.    

Birchbox

• $10/month, free shipping
• 4-5 sample sized (sometimes you get full) high-end beauty samples
• All items are customized for you based on your beauty profile
• Review products and earn points towards your account
• You can purchase full-sized items on their website 

Popsugar MUST HAVE

• $35/month, free shipping
• Save more if you subscribe for 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc.
• You receive over $100 worth in full-sized products
• Must haves in beauty, fitness, home, fashion, and food

Thoughts? Do you subscribe to either of these services? 

I know, I know, as my friend Liz would say, "First world problems."

First World Problems

I have now had the Clarisonic Mia2 Brush for approximately three months and it is probably my favorite beauty item.  My mom was sweet enough to buy me one last year with some ultra mega discounts she got.  The Clarisonic is quite a splurge for the average shopper, running anywhere from $119 to $200, but let me tell you that it is worth it.  Clarisonic has amazing customer service too! With a Limited 1-3 year warranty and a 90-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee, how can you not try it?

My friend recently had a defective Clarisonic brush that stopped turning on/off out of nowhere, she called Clarisonic, they shipped one to her the very next day with two new brush heads and a label for her to ship her old one right back.  AMAZING customer service or what?

According to Clarisonic, their cleansing benefits include:

• Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoothe
• Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
• Gentle enough to use twice a day
• Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Minimizes the appearance of visible pores

Source

It only takes one minute to wash your face.  You use it for 20 seconds on forehead, 20 seconds on chin/nose, and 10 seconds on each cheek.  Voila!

I have the Mia2 (Retail $149) in this soft pink color, but it comes in all sorts of fun colors

Difference between the Mia and the Mia2, a nice travel case and a timer! Mia2 is the way to go. Check out the Clarisonic website for more info.

My last beauty rant involves something a little bit on the citrus side.  I have a bit of an obsession with The Body Shop's Satsuma line.  I started using their Satsuma Body Butter last spring and fell in love.  The smell is so natural, none of that artificial smelling yucky stuff.  The Body Shop is all about natural ingredients, against animal testing, vegetarian, fair trade, and protecting the planet.  My second favorite product from the Satsuma line is the body wash.  I love to shower, there is nothing like a good shower to rejuvenate you, but let me tell you that the Satsuma body wash gives a new meaning to the shower experience.  You can smell the lovely citrus even after you shower, and you will give shower envy to whomever showers after you.  It basically rocks my world and you should go check it out after you finish reading this.

Do you have a body wash you feel this way about? Give a testimonial about your Clarisonic! Share below!

With a BANG

Oh how glorious it is to be home.  First thing on my mind as soon as I landed: a haircut.  Nothing drastic, but definitely overdue for a change.  I have been trying to grow out my hair because I had it short for so long the last two years of college.  I miss my long hair.  I added some layers and some bangs to make a difference.

End result...

Long layers & some bangs

We like? I definitely LOVE.  My hair looks a bit shorter than it actually is in this photograph.  My long layers are perfect and I think my bangs add the perfect change that I needed for the end of 2012.  Best part about being home for the holidays?  Getting to wear real people clothes and not work clothes that make me feel like a teacher.  Saturday's outfit:

Fashion Saturday: Royal Blue Blouse - Marshall's
Skinny black pants - Forever 21
Gold leopard print tuxedo flats - Target

 Also, look at this amazing looking fruit I've had since I've been home.  Tonight, I'm looking forward to a spin class at my local gym.  CAN.  NOT.  WAIT.

Beautiful grapefruit

Fresh Pomegranate! 

 Tomorrow I get to see one of my best friends from high school.  YAY.
Anyone in the RGV for Thanksgiving?

Cat Eye Tuesday

I am all about the cat eye lately, and no I do not speak of a meowing feline.  I am referring to something a little more like this...

Lauren Conrad always wears an excellent cat eye

The best way to get a cat eye is to use either liquid eyeliner or a combination of liquid and pencil.  Here's the problem with that, most girls feel uncomfortable using liquid eyeliner.  If you don't have a steady hand or are simply inexperienced, liquid eyeliner can be scary territory.  Your eyeliner can go awry and you may cry, which will only make it look worse, which will make you half an hour late because you'll end up re-doing all of your makeup.

Don't feel bad.  I was once one of these girls who was new to the liquid eyeliner world.  As someone with large eyes I never found much of a need for eyeliner.  I usually use some mascara and call it a day.  Eyeliner is something I save for special occasions to make my already big eyes, well...bigger.  

The cat eye is a trend that I immediately fell in love with and decided to start wearing a couple of times a week.  I have mostly worn it during the daytime believe it or not.  You can definitely keep it subtle for the daytime and play it up for nighttime.  I keep a thin and clean line for daytime (with no liner on the bottom), and suggest a thicker line for the evening (with optional liner on the bottom).  When I want to play it down I only line about 1/2 of my lid, but then again I have big eyes so this may not work for you if you are not in the club.  

The eternal question: How did I get "good" with liquid eyeliner? I didn't! I purchased the best eyeliner ever.  It's a little pricey, but I have a good feeling that it will go a long way.  May I introduce the Stila stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner $20 @ Sephora 

A liquid eyeliner with a marker-like tip allows you to make a precise thin line by using the tip or a a thicker  line by angling it.

This eyeliner is a true GEM my friends.  So far, it is worth every penny.  I am excited to wear it thicker for nighttime.  Below is a picture of how it looks, sorry I didn't take a close up, but you get the idea of the subtle look for an evening out.  If I wanted to make it more dramatic I would line on the bottom either all the way or just half (like LC up at the top).  

My beautiful friend Gladys (on the left) and I 

Happy lining!


Any of y'all fans of the cat eye? Are you an avid liquid eyeliner user?  How did you perfect your use of liquid liner? 

Take a peek

I am all about natural beauty and keeping your makeup routine quick with a "less is more" motto.  But, have you ever read those magazines where they show you what certain celebrities carry in their makeup bag?  I always wonder if what they say they carry is true, but regardless of whether it is or not I sure do enjoy seeing those beauty products and what they have to "say" about them.  If I can find one new product to add to my stash I get really excited.  Who doesn't want a new mascara to try or a new shade of blush?! Tonight I am going to share what's in my makeup bag. While I may not be famous I do promise to share some beauty insight and I promise all that you see really is what I carry in my bag.

My makeup routine usually takes me about 5 minutes or less.  If I am dressing up for an evening out or attending a party of some sort it takes me longer to do the eyes.  Even if I keep makeup simple on most days, and even if I like to go naked (just my face) somedays I still love to splurge on good makeup.  I have found that the expensive items I purchase go a loooong way.

Let's begin shall we...

Makeup Bag: Vera Bradley Large in Java Blue $15

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm $45 Department Stores

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - this stuff is incredible.  I know $45 is a lot of money.  I don't buy this myself.  My mom is a huge fan of Clarins products and she has been buying their face products for years.  She therefore gets great deals, gifts, specials, etc.  I inherited this little baby from her.   You slather this on the morning after a rough night (didn't get much sleep for example) and it immediately makes your skin GLOW.  It does not count as a moisturizer and you're not really supposed to rub it in either.  It has definitely saved me when I haven't exactly gotten my beauty rest.  

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42 Department Stores or Sephora

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is not my primary source of coverage.  This tube has lasted me about a year, but I do use it sparingly.  It leaves your skin with a dewy finish and has great coverage for simply being a tinted moisturizer.  This is what I use when I want a little more coverage for a party, date, or fancy evening.  Another tinted moisturizer I love is this one from Clinique.  

From top to bottom: Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush $20
Mary Kay Cheek Brush $10
Bare Escentuals Flawless Face Brush $28
Bare Escentuals Angled Face Brush (Price Unavailable)
Laura Mercier Mini Fan Feather Brush Approximately $30
Bare Escentuals Mini Kabuki Brush (Price Unavailable)

Important thing to note: I did not pay full price for ANY of these brushes.  Now, I love my makeup brushes.  They are my babies.  I take care of them, I wash them, and they are well worth their expensive prices. All of my Bare Escentuals brushes I got in special kits or free samples.  I got my Laura Mercier brush as a free sample and I got my Mary Kay brush in a cheap set.  If you are familiar with the Bare Minerals makeup process you should know how all of those brushes work.  I essentially use those for my mineral makeup and concealer.  My Mary Kay brush is specifically for my blush and it has a nice angle for the cheekbones.  My Laura Mercier and mini kabuki brushes I use for translucent powder when I want to give my face a final glow.  They are light, and feathery!  If you don't own makeup brushes or don't know what's a good way to start I would say some essentials are 1) a good foundation or powder brush (depending on which you use), 2) a good concealer brush, and 3) a blush brush.  Real hair brushes are the way to go, especially with any mineral makeup.  

Covergirl Lash Blast Length mascara in brown $8; Tarte Eyelash Curler $16;
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black $4

Mascara is probably the item I use the most, and it is also my favorite.  I usually have at least two mascaras in my bag with one of them being the Great Lash.  I like to alternate my second mascara and I usually like to keep it cheap and under $10.  I'm not impressed with Covergirl Lash Blast, the brush is nice and good for separating the lashes, but it doesn't make my eyelashes look any longer than they already are.  Maybelline Great Lash is a classic, and my lashes always feel full and voluminous afterward.  I am also a fan of a good curler, I don't mind splurging on a curler because they last me so long.  I've had this Tarte one for at least two years (note the breakage on the right handle).  My favorite is the Shu Uemora but sadly Sephora stopped carrying it.  Other pricey mascaras I love (but rarely buy) are Diorshow, Benefit BADgal Lashes, and Clinique High Impact mascaras.   

The Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter $18 

The Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter is my favorite thing in the whole world right now.  I got lather this one all day long and not get sick of it.  The smell is so fresh and clean, the citrus wakes you up and people can smell me from a mile away.  I lather this stuff on right after I shower and it is really moisturizing.  I just bought a new one today since I am almost out of this one.  The new scent I got is the coconut because it is for Normal/Dry skin.  I cannot get enough of this butt-ah and I promise you won't either, go get yourself some.  The tiny purse size butters run for $5 or you can get a sampler of 6 for $30.  You won't regret it! 

Laura Mercier's Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder $34

Laura Mercier Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder is a great finishing translucent powder.  I got this mini version as a free sample! I have had it for about 6 months and still haven't run out.  A little goes a long way.  I'm not sure if I would actually purchase this for myself after I finish my sample, but I can definitely see why people like it.  

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $6 

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment This stuff is fabulous! It contains Salicylic Acid which dries out acne pimples and kills bacteria.  It doesn't over dry your skin and you can feel the burn immediately after applying.  

Clockwise from top: Bare Minerals READY Veil $22
Bare Minerals Original foundation $27
Bare Minerals All Over Face Color $19

Bare Escentuals Makeup I've been using this stuff for about 5 years now and it's what I stick to.  It can be as light as you want it to be or apply a little more for heavier coverage.  I hate to use the word heavy though because this stuff never feels that way.  It is creamy and light on your skin.  Also has great SPF! I also have the concealer, but you can always use your concealer brush in the original foundation an it will work just the same! Flawless natural looking makeup. It also goes a long way because I usually buy about two foundations a year.  I recommend getting yourself a starter kit if you are new to Bare Escentuals because it is way cheaper and you get brushes in the set! 

NARS Orgasm Blush $28

NARS Orgasm Blush an ode to the best blush in the entire world! The name of this shade is orgasm and it is their most popular because it looks great on basically any skin tone.  It is a peachy-gold shimmery shade that's perfect to wear alone or with foundation.  Since I discovered this color five years ago I have not gone back to any other blush.  This blush will usually last me anywhere from a year to a year and half, more if you baby it ;).  If anyone has found a similar shade in blush please let me know because I'd love to compare.  

Mary Kay Concealer in Beige1 $10
Bare Minerals Multi-Tasking Concealer in Summer Bisque $18

Concealer is an essential in my make up bag, even though I don't use it the creamy kind regularly.  My Mary Kay concealer is AWESOME, it has incredible coverage and is the perfect concealer to treat blemishes, dark circles, red spots, sun damage, etc.  I save it for emergencies and for special occasions.  The Mary Kay concealer was also in the O Magazine hall of fame!  The Bare Minerals concealer is also great and better for every day, but I wouldn't buy it regularly.  I received this one in a starter kit and even though it's awesome it is unnecessary for my minimal concealer needs.  

Carmex $3
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Mini Perfume (Price unavailable)
Tweezerman Mini Tweezers $13
Oral-B Satin Floss $4

Miscellaneous Items like Carmex are ideals for girls like me who never wear lipstick or even lipgloss.  I do however like to make sure my lips are moisturized and kissable! My current fragrance is Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh which is perfect for summertime with it's sweet and soft floral scent.  I love to floss and even though I don't need to tweeze my eyebrows much I keep them on hand because you never know.  

Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Aspen Summit $12
MAC Eyeshadow in Creme Brulee $15
Mary Kay Eyeshadow Brush $10
Almay Intense i-Color for Hazel $6
Sharpener $.50
Estee Lauder 'Pure Color' Eyeliner $20

Eye Stuff As you can see, I don't really buy many eyeshadows or eyeliners.  This is because I have BIG eyes and if I play them up too much I look really made up.  I save these dramatic looks or the use of eyeliner for the weekends or date nights.  I do love a good cat eye these days.  Most people can't believe I only use one eyeliner or that I've had the same eyeliner for at least two years now.  Look how tiny it is?  This eyeliner is perfect, it's creamy, it's rich, it doesn't smudge easily.  It was also a free gift because my mom buys lots of Estee Lauder lipsticks and eyeshadows.  My eyeshadows are neutral, the Aspen Summit color I use as a highlighter along the inner lids and below the brow.  My Creme Brulee is an all over color and my Almay Trio is for smoking up my eyes.  Done. 

Tokidoki Arte Palette in Lion Pappa $10 

Recent Purchase happened today because I decided I needed more eyeshadows.  I fell in love with this neutral palette by Tokidoki.  It also comes with a blush in a golden peach color.  The blush isn't NARS Orgasm, but it looks promising.  I'm excited to wear these colors on Saturday night for my cousin's wedding.

Phew, that was a lot of beauty in one sitting.  I hope you enjoyed looking through my makeup bag.  Let me know if you have any questions regarding any products.  

What's your favorite item in your makeup bag?