Mini Haul: Mac, Bobbi Brown & Shoes!!!

Mac's Venomous Villains collection came out today - as if you didn't know. I'm not a fan of the packaging so I have no intentions on going nuts on this collection. I did, however, fall in love with a few products. Some unique, some not so much but all 100% awesome. Whilst there, I decided to pick up of few other things. I present to you a tiny haul with some added comparisons:

All the black in this photo makes my haul seem kind of sad. Let me include some stock photos to give you a better idea of my un-sad shoes purchases

Chinese Laundry - Sweet Caroline
on sale for $19.99

Nine West - Maeble
(This zipper zips down to create a wide/flared opening - adorable!)

moving on....

my Mac purchases: 

Mineralize eyeshadow duo in She Who Dares (Maleficent). A sparky navy paired with sparkly hunter green. Pigmented enough to wear dry but will make a killer evening look applied wet.

The first thing I noticed was how much larger it was than other mineralized shadows I've bought in the past. It's the usual .07 oz yet its actual width is larger than even a cream color base. It's also slightly pricer than usual ($21.00 vs $19.50) all this this for a tacky image? Whatever, it's unlike anything I already have and I absolutely love mineralized products so I guess it's worth it to me. (Rationalize purchase: CHECK!)

LipGelee in Resort Life (Dr. Facilier) I am IN LOVE with this!! A sparkly taupey/apricot color with tons a refined gold and pink glitter. It may sound juvenile (and thanks to the terrible packaging, may even look so) but this will look so stunning on any skin tone. I prefer the consistency then that of that of a lipglass, it's still sticky but has better longevity on. I'm contemplating purchasing a back up as we speak... 

Over Hue Lipstick

Grease Paint Stick in French Quarter

I LOVE me some grease paint sticks. My general eyeshadow routine will almost always include a dark base. When I saw French Quarter, however, I was afraid it might be too similar to my all time favorite GPstick in Dirty. But as you can see below, it's quite different and extremely essential! :)

above: Grease paint stick in Dirty
below: Grease paint stick in French Quarter

French Quarter is much darker, contains more brown and has hints of multi-color glitter. So gorge! Grease paint sticks never get much love but I cannot recommend this enough.

Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Black Charcoal (metallic) vs. MAC Gazette Gray (Limited Edition)

The newest from Bobbi Brown is the Black Velvet Collection. Each shadow comes in 2 finishes, metallic and matte. Black Charcoal is a deep ashy charcoal color with lots of silver glitter. Absolutely love at first sight! Suddenly I was reminded of my other favorite grey, MAC's gazette grey form the Pret a Papier collection. I went home and immediately compared. Once again, I was pleased by their differences: 

above: BB Black Charcoal
below: MAC Gazette Grey

Black Charcoal is quite dark whereas Gazette Grey has a much cooler tone and subtle gold flecks. When paired with French Quarter Grease Paint stick you are in for the most gorgeous sultry smokey eye!

Pretty successful Thursday if I may say so myself. What are your thoughts?

Faux fur and animal prints - oh my!

Fall fashion is in full effect (despite the record breaking heat upon us here in southern california) but I for one, am very excited! So Cal is not exactly the best place to cultivate my obsession with scarves, boots and outerwear but I do my best to compromise.

Faux fur can be expected every year but this year in particular, I am intrigued. Now, I've already proclaimed my love for my faux fur Rachel Zoe vest but I'm ready for more.Topping my list of must haves include shearling and (dare I say it) animal print. 

Shearling. Seen on the runway from Burberry to Michael Kors but I must admit, what finally got me was the simple H&M commercial featuring model Elisa Sednaoui in a "leather" motorcycle jacket with Sherling collar for only $39! I immediately rushed to purchase this item only to find it sold out (cut to me desperately trying to justify buying the only jacket left that was 2 sizes too big) Despite my fail, a perfect Shearling moment will come soon - mark my words!

Burberry

Alice+Olivia

Hunter

Michael Kors

Animal print: for years I've associated animal prints with tacky women who smoke cigarettes and gamble too much - Pegg Bundy, if you will. But I cannot help but be tempted by the lovely neutral-ness of the leopard pattern. A simple way to to add some bold interest and edge to a simple look. I'm going to start small. Something like a scarf or handbag paired with a simple tunic and black leggings. Here are some added ideas to chew on.

 

 


Please let me know what you think of these trends. Yay? Nay?

Product rave: Maybelline Define-A-Lash (The ultimate base coat!)

Do you have stick straight lashes? Is it difficult to hold their curl? Is it difficult to get both volume and length? If you answered "no" to these questions then I'm completely jealous of you and ask that you stop reading this right now - but please do continue to read my other posts :) If you answered "yes" however, then allow me to introduce you to your new best friend:

Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara has served as my must have base coat for several years now. If you've never worn a base coat on your lashes then let me tell you, you've been missing out! A base coat works a primer for your lashes, allowing them to reach their full potential through whatever mascara you may layer on top. 

My lashes are super straight and do not hold curl for very long. To achieve an alert and sexy wink, I simply apply this 3 step process. 

1. Curl. I use my Shu Uemura eyelash curler (also another must have for those with stick straight lashes)

2. Apply 1 coat of my define-a-lash to both top and bottom lashes

3. wait about 20 seconds and then apply as many coats of your favorite mascara (my top 3 include MUF Smokey Lash (love, love, love!) , Loreal Telescopic and Loreal Voluminous)

Why it works: Most mascaras are too wet and therefore weigh down naturally straight lashes, even after curling. Define-a-lash is a lightweight formula that seems as though your not applying anything at all to them but trust me, you definitely are. The wand is rubber and shaped to ensure every lash is coated evenly. Your curl will be held in place so well its as if you applied hairspray to them (without all the painful aerosol side effects). Once applied, your lashes will have enough strength to react to any mascara there after. 

I definitely recommend trying this mascara. It usually runs between $6-7 at any drugstore, target, grocery store etc. and since your using so little, it lasts forever (or at least the recommended 2 months that you should keep your mascara). If you struggle with straight lashes and maintaining curl please give this a shot, if you're not happy with it -- well, I cant refund your money but I really think you will be happy so don't worry about it :) 

Questions, comments, concerns?...

Lovely foundations for sensitive skin

My skin is very much like a child. It's temperamental, sensitive and needs to be constantly taken care of. And just like a child, when it leaves the house, you want to make sure he/she is presentable to the public. Okay, enough with the metaphor - lets talk foundation. I have a small but important list of qualifications for mine:

1. It can't break me out. My skin is extremely reactive to anything I put on it. It's normal/dry and extremely acne prone. I'm afraid of what my skin might do with new products and I don't have the time or money for experimentation. Therefore I don't "try out" many foundations and I only use 2 specific brands - but more on that later.

2. The finish needs to look natural. I for one, cannot pull of the heavy makeup mask look. It seems the more I put on, the worse I look. My foundation needs to leave behind a satin finish, impart at least medium coverage and look as natural as possible.

 I've tried many duds over the years, hopped onto some bandwagons that led to disappointing results (I'm talking to you, NARS sheer glow) and put my faith in products that I probably shouldn't have. Clinique, Lancome and MAC have all experienced the bitter taste of defeat when challenged by my skin. But there is hope. I have found pleasant results this year finding not one but two great foundation brands:


Makeup Forever HD & Face and Body

HD is my absolute favorite when it comes to looking flawless in photographs or on camera. It meets all of the qualifications listed above plus feels like nothing on my skin. Its liquidy in consistently and pretty easy to apply given the right tools. Personally, I prefer the Sephora Professional Line brush in the #55 airbrush (silver handle). A sponge will work well to but it wastes too much product for my liking, after all its $40. For reference I wear #125 and am NC20 in MAC. The scent is mild and non offensive. There is a huge array of color choices at Sephora so as a tip, I suggest looking at the website and writing down the possibilities based on their color descriptions beforehand. Downside - cause there's always a downside - is that it does require a good finishing powder and a mid day touch up. This was the first foundation that actually made my dry skin look shiny by mid day. It was weird but I'm over it because the good far outweighed the bad. But I don't know, however, if I would recommend this to someone with very oily skin. Perhaps makeup forever's Mat Velvet +.....

Face and Body was a LIFESAVER this summer. If you live in an area with high heat and/or humidity you NEED this foundation. The air conditioner at my work had broke leaving me trapped in a hot box of 80+ degrees for 8 hrs a day/5 days a week. I was hot, sweaty, grumpy (basically all of the seven dwarfs in one) but it never once showed on my face! In fact by the end of the day my makeup was perfectly in tact and the humidity had left behind a lovely dew on my complexion. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!!

***next up***

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation & Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

Silk Creme is a slightly thick formula that is best applied with either a sponge, a flat top kabuki, or fingers. I like this especially in the winter time because it imparts some much needed moisture. Do not be fooled or feel taken advantage of by it's tiny tube. Believe me when I say that a little goes a long way with this little guy. A pea sized amount will give you natural, full coverage all day long.

Now although my skin is dry, I still prefer the Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer formula. You see, I'm weird and feel as though I still have to wear my regular moisturizer first (Purpose) so as to avoid a giant moisture-fest on my face, I opted for the oil free - which I adore! This is not necessarily considered makeup but the coverage far exceeds that of any light-coverage foundation. It's best used on weekends or lazy days or even everyday if your super confident about you skin. Regardless, I feel it is an absolute must have in any girl's collection - actually it probably wouldn't hurt in any guys collection either, I'm just saying..... 

A trend I can dig: Ombre/Two-toned Hair

I remember when showing roots was considered a major faux pas. These days, however, “ombre hair color” has allowed for laziness to be chic making this my favorite hair trend of the moment. I love this look because it allows me to embrace my indecisiveness between chocolate/caramel/ash blonde tones. It can also be rather cost effective and low maintenance. I love adding some lightness here and there to my dark brunette hair but adding highlights can become bothersome when I have to continuously retouch and eventually I end up with a lighter tone all together (Eff that). But with this look, all I really have to do is lighten my ends and allow the top of my hair to grow out au natural or just let my current color grow out - sold!

from thatjusthappened00.blogspot.com

Now this style can definitely get out of control. Tips that I think make the look more effortlessly chic are as follows:

No heavy contrasting colors (i.e. black roots with white tips!) You don’t want to look too harsh so unless you are Gaga please stick to gradating similar subtle tones. This works well on both natural blonds and brunettes because it looks as though your hair has just been  slightly roughed up by the sun - in a good way.

elysiumsalon.net

yusrablog.com

Add some texture.  Getting the perfect gradation can be tricky, especially if the stylist coloring your hair doesn’t quite see your vision. Stick straight hair tends to give your look away, showing off just how obvious and intentional you meant for your color to be. So I say curl it, braid it, tease it. Adding texture blurs the lines and add some oomph to your already awesome do. And although bold colors on Drew Barrymore may not come off as totally natural, at least her wavy tresses make her look freakin’ cool.  

mirror.co.uk

I’m definitely loving this look. What do you think?

These are a few of my favorite things (right now)

I've made a few purchases lately that, I must admit, I'm pretty proud of. All of the items are very on trend for Fall but could easily wear year round. They blend right in with my current "sophisticated bohemian" wardrobe (which is pretty easy considering I only wear neutral colors) and most importantly, they didn't break the bank. Allow me to share won't you:

My Rachel Zoe for QVC vest

Making my first QVC purchase wasn't easy. In all honestly I even felt a little embarrassed. But I had to - it's Rachel Zoe! I've love her 70's inspired style and commitment to stick to it regardless of the trends. I watched her entire Fall line debut that aired during fashion week and felt compelled to purchase this bad boy. I was a bit hesitant of it quality but as soon as it arrived I had absolutely no regrets! I love my long, boyfriend style, faux fur vest. The color is lynx and it "goes with everything!" I tend to style this with a black, long sleeved, off the shoulder type of raglan (American Apparel), dark skinny jeans and knee high boots. Add some big glasses and consider yourself Zoe-ified. **On a side note, I am completely impressed with QVC's overall site. It's pretty simple to navigate through, it's checkout system is super easy and the shipping only took about 4 business days. If the RZ bug bites again, which I'm sure it will,  I have no shame or hesitation in making my second purchase.

Clogs!!!!

 There tends to be two type of people: those who love clogs and those who hate them. I for one LOVE THEM!! As a self proclaimed "shortie" (I'm 5'0) I'm fan of all things heeled. Clogs are right up my alley because not only do they provide me with a much need extra 2 1/2 - 3 inches but I can also walk comfortably in them for long periods of time. They also look amazing with denim cut off's on hotter days and rolled up boyfriends or straight legs on cooler days. I mean really, what else can I ask for! I got these particular pair named Bohley at Aldo for about $80. Pretty much everyone is making some type of clog these days and I promise, as long as you're not wearing a beer maid costume, they really can look cute and modern. 

Target's line of wannabe Lucky Brand jewelry.

 I'm not a fan of Target jewelry but these pieces literally stopped me dead in my tracks. I'm not quite sure of the brand but I do remember that they are usually featured by the jewelry departments cash wrap. They have such a Lucky Brand vibe going on and are actually very good quality. You go Target!

Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Superstar

Probably my most expensive purchase (considering what it was). Deborah Lippmann makes "designer" polishes that are not always easily accessible and can purchased for around $18. Superstar has a dark chocolate base with TONS of sparky refined bronze glitter. I put it on and was at a loss for words. Next on my list are Birthday, which is a clear base with tons of multi-color glitter and Waking up In Vegas, which is famously featured on Lady Gaga's nails on the September issue of Vanity Fair. I randomly found this polish at a beauty supply store in Larchmont Village in Los Angeles but it can also be purchased at select Nordstrom's, Sak's etc. Google it.

What have been some of your favorite purchases lately?   

You're hot then you're cold...

Ah September, it's a time for season premieres, heavily scented pumpkin spice candles and amazing deals on pens, pencils and stationary after the back to school rush (my favorite!) But it's also a time of weird ass confused weather. How on earth should one look stylish when it seems as though the the weather is not a girl, not yet an Autumn? Nevertheless, here are some tips for that tricky transitional period otherwise known as "the end of summer"

1. Welcome back long sleeves, cardigans and light jackets: Coats and puffer vests are now invading the racks but the truth of the matter is, it's not that cold! My go to look of the moment: denim crops, flawy blouses and a long lightweight cotton vest followed by cute flats and a long chunky necklace to accessorize.

My current favorite: this comfortably chic blouse from Anthropologie. It coordinates well with the other neutrals in my wardrobe, making it a "goes with everything" kind of piece. Not to mention how adorable are the little top hats and umbrellas!

2. Natural makeup: For me, Summer is all about bronzy/shimmery skin, whereas matte skin,  bold lips and smokey eyes embrace the coldness of Winter. But for now, I feel most comfortable in a lightweight foundation (I'm easing out of my tinted moisturizer phase), neutral eyes and a nice nude lip with some gloss. I've been absolutely obsessed with Urban Decays Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Wallflower lately! It's the perfect color for a neutral glossy pout, think Mac's Blankety in a gloss. It's not sticky and tastes of peppermint.

     3. Shampoo shopping. Maybe it's just me but I'm noticing my hair getting crapier in the last few weeks. There's been no change to my routine - but maybe that's the problem. With the weather drastically changing, my locks are in a total dry, frizzy panic. Tomorrow I will embark on a much needed Target trip and I plan to pick up these babies.

Loreal's newest line of sulfate free, uber-moisturizing haircare products. I've tried the overnight hair repair and it seemed to strengthen but not so much inject much moisture. I'll test these out for a few weeks and report back.

How about you? Any good transitional tips? Favorite makeup/hair products? What shows are you most excited about coming back? I'm pretty stoked for Parenthood, Dexter Sunday and SNL next week!