Santa was VERY kind to me this year. In addition to getting me the Sephora In the Glow blush/bronzer/highlighter sample kit, he also left these goodies under the Christmas tree. A few months ago Sephora came out with a Cinderella Collection and the packaging was lovely and the products were drool-worthy but...I couldn't justify buying something so extravagant (by a college student's standards) for myself when Christmas was just around the corner.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Michael Kors Very Hollywood Perfume Review
I can't believe I first got this scent almost three years ago. It was my first Michael Kors product and it was also my first designer perfume. This is my second bottle now but I still love it. And it makes sense that this is the perfume I chose to feature in my first, semi-official perfume review! Although I suck at describing scents so I don't know why I'm doing this but here I go! [Too many exclamation points? I'm sorry. *bows head in shame*]
According to the Michael Kors website, Very Hollywood draws people in "with shimmering jewels of mandarin and iced bergamot. Scene-stealing gardenia follows suit with a decadent performance of award-worthy glamour." I can smell the mandarin a bit but it isn't too strong--honestly I didn't even notice it until I was writing this review. But it makes sense because I'm naturally drawn towards citrus smells.
According to the Michael Kors website, Very Hollywood draws people in "with shimmering jewels of mandarin and iced bergamot. Scene-stealing gardenia follows suit with a decadent performance of award-worthy glamour." I can smell the mandarin a bit but it isn't too strong--honestly I didn't even notice it until I was writing this review. But it makes sense because I'm naturally drawn towards citrus smells.
Here is an up close look at what the top looks like. I think the packaging is so cool with this perfume. The pink and gold coloring make it super girly and fun while the geometric bottle makes it seem modern at the same time. The bottle feels heavy and expensive.
I think this smell is a slightly more mature than many of the other perfumes I own. It isn't terribly sweet but the first thing I notice is that smells quite floral to me. It is a bit musky but I like that. It isn't too terribly in your face, it's more subtle than that which is partially why I think it is a more mature scent. It doesn't smell old lady--I'm nineteen and I don't think that I would wear anything that smelt old but it isn't sugary-sweet perfume that I was drawn to in my early teens. I've grown up a bit. I would recommend it--obviously this is my second bottle--but I know that perfume is a very personal choice. It says a lot about the person who wears it, so please go check this scent out at the perfume counter. I love it!
What is your favorite perfume? Tell me in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my latest movie and book reviews!
Friday, November 30, 2012
MAC "Myth" Lipstick Swatch + Review
"Myth" was the first lipstick I got through the Back to Mac program. I'd been eyeing "Myth" for ages. At the time I didn't own ANY nudes and I always thought that a nude lip was so sophisticated. I hate a bit of a love/hate relationship with nude lips--I went into great depth about that when I was reviewing Revlon "Nude Attitude". Click here to hear all about my struggles.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Kylie Jenner's Street Style
Kylie Jenner celebrating the Fourth of July wearing red heart shaped sunglasses, a simple white tank, vintage American flag shorts, and Steve Madden "Troopa" boots [left].
Kylie Jenner out at the movies wearing a printed heather grey top, a cheetah scarf, a Balenciaga zip wallet, black skinny jeans, and Steve Madden "Troopa" boots [right].
Kylie Jenner in Malibu wearing a grey tank, an oversized dark cardigan, light-wash motorcycle skinny jeans, and Steve Madden "Troopa" boots [left].
Kylie Jener at the Grove with Cody Simpson wearing a simple white tank, a printed scarf, a cropped black jacket, dark-wash skinny jeans, Balenciaga "City" bag, and Steve Madden "Salerno" boots [right].
What do you think of Kylie's style? Leave a comment! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Photos courtesy of starstyleinc.com
Sunday, November 25, 2012
OPI "French Quarter for Your Thoughts" Swatch + Review
two coats, natural light
I've been wearing a lot of dark colors lately and so when I went to paint my nails today I wanted something light but I didn't feel like painting a million coats so I didn't pick a light pink. Instead I saw "French Quarter for Your Thoughts" and thought it was such a lovely shade. I don't wear it as much as I should. It's a bit darker on the nails than it appears in the bottle but it still gives the nails a fresh and polished look. It's subtle but noticeable--if that makes any sense.
This color was part of the Touring America Collection that came out two summers ago but I'm almost 100% positive that it is part of the permanent collection. I will be the first one to admit that it isn't that impressive in the bottle. It looks like a boring grey color but I love a light grey look whenever I get tired of wearing bright/dark polishes. I just think it looks so effortlessly chic. This is easily my favorite light grey nail polish and I will recommend it to anyone. I think it would look gorgeous on most skin tones--especially if you have yellow undertones.
What do you think of this color? Tell me in the comments below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
FTC: This product was sent to me for review.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Julep "Natasha" Swatch + Review
two coats, natural light
After I fell in love with Julep "Sofia", I knew that I wanted to wear another Julep polish. I have sort of a love-hate relationship with Julep nail polishes. Some of their polishes are beautiful but at the same time some of them are rather lack-luster. Natasha is easily one of my favorites. It is a bright orange-red color. It reminds me of Nicole By OPI "Kourt is Red-y For a Pedi"--although KIRFAP is a very true red. I love both shades but right now I can't get enough of this color.
Here is a close up show. The formulation of this polish is perfection. It is thick--I probably could have gotten away with one coat but I added a second just be safe--and glides on easily. I wish all Julep polishes were this easy to work with. It doesn't dry very quickly so be sure to use a quick-drying top coat!
Do you like to wear orange-red nail polishes? Tell me below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Monday, November 19, 2012
100% Pure "Vanilla Sugar" Fruit Pigmented Eyeshadow Swatch + Review
A few months ago I wrote a review about the 100% Pure Pineapple Enzyme Facial Peel Mask and I really liked it. It was refreshing and relaxing to use. I was intrigued by their claim that they use "no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins." And like the makeup junkie that I am, I wanted to try a few of their eyeshadows. I picked "Vanilla Sugar" because I thought it would be a great highlight color like MAC "Naked Lunch".
The packaging is sleek and simple. It is a little hard to open but overall I think the pacckaging is very refreshing.
The formulation of the eyeshadow was NOT impressive. It was flaky and hard to work with. Normally I do my swatches on the back of my hand but I found it hard to get an even, opqaue swatch with this eyeshadow. And I didn't have much luck on my eye lids either. I think that it is impressive that this company wants to create natural products that are good for humans and animals but it isn't a very good quality product.
Even in the swatch above you can see how flaky the product is. I was not impressed. These eyeshadows retail for about $15--you can purchase them here at the 100% Pure online website--but I wouldn't recommend that you do so. There are a lot of products that are easier to work with and are signicicantly cheaper. I was not impressed and I think that this product was a waste of money. Which is kind of disappointing because I thought that the face masks and the blushes are great. If you are intrigued by this company too, I would recommend that you try one of those products first.
Have you ever tried anything from 100% Pure? Tell me about your experience in the comments below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Jouer "Birchbox Pink" Moisturizing Lip Gloss Swatch + Review
Summer may have already faded but that does NOT mean that I can't wear bright pink lips anymore! I got this product in my Brichbox quite a few months ago. If it looks miniature in the picture above that's because it is. This thing is smaller than my pinky finger! But it was a sample. I had been intrigued by the Jouer brand for some time before I actually received this in my box but I'd never bought anything because I didn't know where to see the products in person before purchasing and this stuff is pretty pricey. It'll cost you $20 to get a full size version of this. Yikes!
I know that it is VERY pricey but I really do like this product. It is moisturizing and it actually has a lot of pigmentation for a lip gloss. It is nice to wear over bright fuchsia lip sticks but it is also really pretty on its own. Lately I've been wearing it over a nude lipstick like Revlon "Nude Attitude" and I've been getting a few compliments. Really nice. But do I think it's worth the money? As a college student...I can't seem to justify spending that much money on a lip gloss. That's lunch for two days. Or that's four books. I've been trying to cut back on spending. So I will pass on this product. It is lovely if you have the money but at the time I just don't. Maybe when I win the Lotto. You can purchase the color here exclusively at Birchbox!
The review part of this blog post is done but I wanted to give you guys a look at how TINY this lip gloss is. Here it is standing next to one of my MAC Dazzleglass Cremes. It looks itty bitty and kind of comical.
What do you think of bright lips in the fall? Let your opinion be known in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Jennifer Aniston's Street Style
Jennfer Aniston on a movie set wearing a frayed Rag and Bon scarf, a black fitted Theory trench coat, a brown pencil skirt, oversized Paul Smith sunglasses, rust colored tights, and Salvatore Ferragamo seude boots [left].
Jennifer Aniston on the set of one of her movies wearing a Haute Hippie cardigan, simple black tee, wide brown belt, dark-wash denim jeans, and sneakers [right].
Jennifer Aniston out in Tribeca wearing dark sunglasses, light-weight blue scarf, black Balenciaga leather jacket, dark grey skinny jeans, and thigh-high leather boots [left].
Jennifer Aniston out in NewYork City wearing a light-weight medium grey tank, dlicate silver jewelry, a Tom Ford handbag, black leggings, Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, and seude boots [right].
What do you think of Jennifer's street style? Leave a comment! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Photos courtesy of starstyleinc.com
Friday, November 9, 2012
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield's Street Style
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield strolling in New York City. Emma is wearing dark Tom Ford sunglasses, a heather grey pea coat, an over sized lavender sweater, dark-wash skinny jeans, and black Lanvin flats. Andrew is wearing a navy zip-up hoodie, a dark pea coat, sea foam pants, and dark oxfords [left].
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield out and about in New York City. Emma is wearing Tom Ford sunglasses, a bright red plaid shirt, a light grey sweater, dark-wash skinny jeans, and Lanvin ballet flats. Andrew is wearing a simple white top, a dark grey zip-up hoodie, light-wash jeans, and navy Converse [right].
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield out and about in New York City. Emma is wearing a light grey beanies, a cable knit sweater, dark skinny jeans, and sleek leather riding boots. Andrew is wearing a simple white top, a navy backpack, a dark grey hoodie, black jeans, and sea foam green Vans [left].
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield holding hands in New York City. Emma is wearing a bright red scarf, a camel-colored coat, black tights, a black leather handbag, and brown leather riding boots. Andrew is wearing a Varsity Letterman's jacket, a denim button up top, tailored maroon pants, and brown shoes [right].
What do you think of Emma and Andrew's style? Leave a comment below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Photos courtesy of starstyleinc.com
Friday, November 2, 2012
YSL Rouge Volupte #2 "Sensual Silk" Lipstick Swatch + Review
I semi-recently posted a glowing review of the YSL Rouge Volupte in #12 "Forbidden Burgundy". I love that product. It is easily one of my favorite lip products of all time. I got these two lipsticks at the same time and I wasn't quite as impressed with this one. I wish I liked it more but I don't think this is worth the money and I'll tell you why.
It is a very pretty pinky nude color and I know that you probably won't believe it, looking at this swatch, but it is almost the exact same color as my skin. When I wear it full on I can look a bit dead. I like to wear a pink lip gloss on top of it to make it look a bit less zombie. Or I dab it one with my fingers and get a nice pinky nude flush of color. I picked this shade for the exact opposite reason that I picked #12 "Forbidden Burgundy". I wanted a color that I could wear everyday and now looking at it I wish I had chosen a different color. It is beautiful...but I don't think it is a color that is worth the $34 price tag.
I'm sure you could find a color like this at MAC or ever at the drugstore. There is nothing terribly unique about the color. But the formulation and the packaging make this product SO luxurious. Normally I'm not a big fan of scented lipsticks but I LOVE the scent of this lipstick. It's soft and sweet. I'm sorry, I'm not good at describing scents. And it is so soft--maybe even softer than "Forbidden Burgundy". It goes on so smooth on the lips. Gosh, it is heaven. The packaging is heavy and I think that the YSL packaging is the best packaging out of any brand. It is just fabulous. I'm not trying to say that it isn't a fantastic product--because it is--but I think that it all depends on what you want from a high-end lipstick. I wanted something that I couldn't find at the drugstore but if you want a lipstick that you could wear everyday, this is a fantastic choice. Give it a look. P.S. Happy Halloween!
Have you ever tried a YSL product? Tell me about your experience in the comments below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog! You can pick up this product here!
I'm sure you could find a color like this at MAC or ever at the drugstore. There is nothing terribly unique about the color. But the formulation and the packaging make this product SO luxurious. Normally I'm not a big fan of scented lipsticks but I LOVE the scent of this lipstick. It's soft and sweet. I'm sorry, I'm not good at describing scents. And it is so soft--maybe even softer than "Forbidden Burgundy". It goes on so smooth on the lips. Gosh, it is heaven. The packaging is heavy and I think that the YSL packaging is the best packaging out of any brand. It is just fabulous. I'm not trying to say that it isn't a fantastic product--because it is--but I think that it all depends on what you want from a high-end lipstick. I wanted something that I couldn't find at the drugstore but if you want a lipstick that you could wear everyday, this is a fantastic choice. Give it a look. P.S. Happy Halloween!
Have you ever tried a YSL product? Tell me about your experience in the comments below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog! You can pick up this product here!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Julep "Sofia" Swatch + Review
I got this once in my Julep Maven boxes--I can't remember which--but I remembering being SO disappointed with this color when I first got it. I didn't think the color was very pretty and the super bold glitter wasn't my thing either. To top it all off, when I applied the polish it has the oddest finish. It isn't glossy at all. It has a more satin finish to it. It's weird and I don't like it. Once you put a top coat on it isn't a problem but I was just not impressed.
A few weeks ago I was feeling adventurous so I put this on my nails. Maybe I was being too judgmental. Maybe it was a really pretty color and I was just remembering it wrong. No. I had the same reaction as I did the first time. I didn't like it. And I was going downstairs to pick out another polish to wear because I'd decided to change my nails but then the coolest thing happened. It glowed in the dark. I don't know if it's supposed to do that but it literally glowed in the dark. I called my sister down and she was there to witness it. And as lame and as stupid as it sounds, the fact that it glows in the dark completely changed my mind.
I'm so fickle. I immediately fell in love. I decided not to change my nails because I wanted to show it to everyone else in my family. And the more I wore it the more I didn't hate it. The color was beginning to grow on me and the glitter wasn't as obnoxious as I'd once thought. I decided to wear it again today to celebrate Halloween and I suggest that you wear it as well. It is just so cool. I can't get enough. I guess it goes to show you that you shouldn't judge a nail polish until you check to see if it glows in the dark. Or something like that. Happy Halloween! Be safe!
How are you celebrating Halloween? Do you celebrate Halloween? Tell me in the comments below! Chat with me on twitter! Click here to hear about the time I got to meet Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Emma Stone's Street Style
Emma Stone at LAX wearing dark sunglasses, a light-wash cropped denim top, a Rag and Bone Norfolk cardigan, J Brand skinny jeans, an Alexander Wang Coco Duffel Bag, a two-toned leather backpack, and Rag and Bone Leighton Nubuck boots [left].
Emma Stone walking her dog in New York City wearing Tom Ford sunglasses, a pale pink Aritzia Wilfred camisole, a Rag and Bone Norfolk cardigan, 7 For All Mankinddark-wash flared jeans, and Joie seude boots [right].
Emma Stone in New York City wearing a menswear inspired cardign, a pale pink sweater, dark-wash skinny jeans,and Lanvin oxfords [left].
Emma Stone out and about in New York City wearing anoversized black sweater, dark floal shorts, an Alexander Wang Coco duffell bag, and greenish oxfords [right].
What do you think of Emma's style? Leave a comment! Chat wit me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Friday, October 26, 2012
MAC "Well Dressed" Blush Swatch + Review
"Well Dressed" is a MAC icon. Almost every MAC starter kit ever contains this blush or its very similar cousin, "Dame". And I understand why. It is a cool-toned pink blush that is sheer but at the same time pigmented. It is easy to blend. What more can a girl ask for? When I first got into makeup I was totally unoriginal. "Well Dressed" was the first MAC blush that I ever bought and I loved it. To this day this is my sister's everyday blush. It is just so easy to wear.
As you can see, it is a very soft color. I sweep it on my cheeks and it gives a beautiful flush of color. I'm kind of a blush junkie and I can never stay committed to one blush for too long. It is perfect for little girls who are just getting into makeup. Even the name screams girly and dainty and cute. But it is also for women who want easy, no-fuss makeup.
What was your first blush? Tell me in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
What was your first blush? Tell me in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
YSL Rouge Volupte #12 "Forbidden Burgundy" Swatch + Review
Ah! Yves Saint Laurent. This is easily the most expensive lipstick I own. Heck. It's the most expensive makeup product I own. Period. Coming in at $34 it is quite a chunk of change. So when I decided that I wanted to get one of the YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks that everyone and their uncle was raving about I thought that if I was going to spend that much money I was going to make it count. I looked for the boldest shade in the range and snatched it up. P.S. It's appearing slightly more purple in this picture than in person. The swatch below is a more accurate idea of what the shade actually looks like.
Say hello to this beautiful deep plummy red. This swatch is what the product looks like at only 3/4 opacity. In one swoop you get this deep, opaque color to the lips that is VERY editorial but not exactly perfect for everyday life. One the of the best things about this product is its ability to build. I dab it onto my lips and then use my finger to spread it out, giving myself the most soft and delicate wash of color. Almost like I've been eating berries.
It is also the softest lipstick I have ever used. It glides on without any tugging. It is true luxury. The packaging feels heavy and expensive. There is a tiny mirror at one end of the lipstick, it is so small but considering this product is so bold I wouldn't dream about putting it on without a mirror. Gosh. It is heaven in a lipstick. The only problem is about a month or so ago the lipstick stopped twirling down. I don't know if this is a fluke because I got another YSL Rouge Volupte around the same time and haven't experienced any problem with that. I roll it up when I apply it but it won't go back down. I have to use my finger to push it back down. Considering how expensive this lipstick is, I'm very disappointed. Is there any way to fix it? Please leave any suggestions in the comments below.
Buy the product! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
It is also the softest lipstick I have ever used. It glides on without any tugging. It is true luxury. The packaging feels heavy and expensive. There is a tiny mirror at one end of the lipstick, it is so small but considering this product is so bold I wouldn't dream about putting it on without a mirror. Gosh. It is heaven in a lipstick. The only problem is about a month or so ago the lipstick stopped twirling down. I don't know if this is a fluke because I got another YSL Rouge Volupte around the same time and haven't experienced any problem with that. I roll it up when I apply it but it won't go back down. I have to use my finger to push it back down. Considering how expensive this lipstick is, I'm very disappointed. Is there any way to fix it? Please leave any suggestions in the comments below.
Buy the product! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Jennifer Aniston's Street Style
Jennifer Aniston leaving her house in New York City wearing Tom Ford sunglasses, simple gold hoops, chunky knitted scarf, simple black tank, large oversized black cardigan, black Tom Ford handbag, gold Rolex watch, wide brown belt, straigh leg green pants, and black booties [left].
Jennifer Aniston out and about in New York City wearing delicate gold necklace, Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, simple white tank, black Tom Ford handbag, wide brown belt, light-wash jeans, and grey suede booties [right].
Jennifer Aniston at LAX wearing dark Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, a light grey scarf, camel-colored coat, medium-wash stright leg jeans, and brown boots [left].
Jennifer Aniston on the set of a movie wearing a crisp white button-up top, a fitted Theory jacket, wide brownbelt, medium-wash skinny jeans, a delicate silver ring , and Salvatore Ferragamo brown boots [right].
What do you think of Jennifer's style? Chat with me on twiter! Check out my seond blog!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Nicole By OPI "Hard-Kourt Fashionista" Swatch + Review
two coats, natrual light
I finally got around to painting my nails a truly "fall" color. "Hard-Kourt Fashionista" is a deep plummy brown. It is a color that is VERY similar to the oh-so-popular OPI "Lincoln Park". I actually own that color and when swatched next to each other they're very similar--"Lincoln Park" is darker and has a more purple undertone. This is a great dupe if you aren't willing to spend the money on OPI.
On the nails the polish is MUCH darker than it appears in the bottle. The product went on smooth and easy. I was impressed with the opacity of this color. I probably could have gotten away with one coat but I added another just to be safe. I didn't use a top coat because it dried super quickly and with a shiny finish. What I didn't find impressive was how easy this stuff chipped. I kind you not, this stuff chipped in less than twenty-four hours. And by the second day I had to repaint. I've tried quite a few Nicole by OPI polishes in the past and I've never had this problem with them before--but then I always used a top coat. I won't make that mistake again. If you buy this polish don't forget a top coat--or else you will be as disappointed as I was.
Have you ever tried a Nicole by OPI nail polish? Tell me about your experience! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
FTC: This product was provided for review.
Friday, October 5, 2012
MAC "Naked Lunch" Eyeshadow Swatch + Review
Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce to you my favorite highlighter of all time. This baby might not have been my first MAC eyeshadow--that honor goes to MAC "Soft Brown"--but it is probably the one that I use the most. It is the perfect champagne-y, nude that I wear on my brow bone and on the inner corner of my eye. I was hoping that CoverGirl "Champagne" eyeshadow would be a much more affordable version of this but oddly enough "Naked Lunch" is the more champagne, golden color while "Champagne" can often look like a frosty white. Side note: please excuse the small water droplets in the picture above. It was starting to rain as I took this picture.
This swatch is a lot heavier than I would wear it on my eyes. It is easy to blend and it is the perfect neutral color. It does have a subtle shimmer to it but it is hardly noticeable on the eye--or even in the pan for that manner. I always have this color in my makeup bag. It is great for traveling and not only can it be used for highlighting but it also makes a great all over the lid color when you are looking for something that is natural and easy. I have nothing bad to say about this product. It is perfection.
What is your favorite MAC eyeshadow? Also, tomorrow is my sister's birthday so please leave a comment below wishing her the best 18th birthday possible! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my thoughts on movies and books!
This swatch is a lot heavier than I would wear it on my eyes. It is easy to blend and it is the perfect neutral color. It does have a subtle shimmer to it but it is hardly noticeable on the eye--or even in the pan for that manner. I always have this color in my makeup bag. It is great for traveling and not only can it be used for highlighting but it also makes a great all over the lid color when you are looking for something that is natural and easy. I have nothing bad to say about this product. It is perfection.
What is your favorite MAC eyeshadow? Also, tomorrow is my sister's birthday so please leave a comment below wishing her the best 18th birthday possible! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my thoughts on movies and books!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Selena Gomez's Street Style
Selena Gomez in Malibu wearing dark sunglasses, large silver hoop earrins,Wildfox Couture neon green crop to, Paige white denim shorts, and a grey Line Tristan wrap cardigan [left].
Selena Gomez at LAX wearing dark sunglasses, a delicate gold necklace, an asymetrical cream sweate over an asymetrical striped tank, American Eagle distressed jeggings, and studded black boots [right].
Selena Gomez out shopping in Los Angeles wearing a sheer cream blouse with shoulder cut-outs, light-wash distressed skinny jeans, a delicate pendant necklace, cream ballet flats, dark sunglasses, and a Louis Vuitton handbag [left].
Selena Gomez out and about in Malibu wearing Heritage 1981 acid wash denim jacket, a sunny yellow Topshop dress, and nude Urban Outfitters sandals [right].
What do you think of Selena's style? Leave a comment below! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my second blog!
Photos courtesy of starstyleinc.com