An update from this slacking blogger! :)

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season thus far! I had an amazing time in Europe, though I admit I'm still trying to catch up on life since I got back, hence the absence of posts here. I hope to be updating soon with "real" posts, but for now, I have a question:

What did you get with your $15 or $20 Sephora gc?

Me, I picked up some Bare Escentuals foundation and mineral veil! Very exciting, right? ;)

Hiatus!

Hi everyone, I won't be posting for a good couple of weeks, because I am going to London and Paris for Thanksgiving (and then some)! I'm very excited, and hope to maybe pick up some fun things while I'm there to share with you when I return. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo

Review: Bare Escentuals Brilliant Gold Beauty Duo

I love Bare Escentuals' foundation, and was intrigued when I saw this limited edition Mineral Veil with a gold sheen to it. Keep reading to see what the fuss is about. :)

FOTD: MAC Reelers and Rockers Palette

Just a quick look that I did with MAC's Reelers and Rockers palette from the holiday collection, A Tartan Tale! Keep reading for more photos and a run-down of products.

Review: E.L.F. "Bamboo" Foundation Brush

E.L.F. has recently released a line of bamboo-handled brushes as part of their mineral line. At just $5 a piece and with good user reviews, I thought I'd try a couple of them out. Keep reading to see if it was $5 well-spent for the "foundation brush".

FOTD: MAC A Dashing Lassie Neutrals

Just a quick look I did with MAC's A Dashing Lassie palette from the holiday collection, A Tartan Tale! Keep reading for products and more pics!

Revlon 'Fire & Ice' Vintage Packaging

This is one of those times that just proves how much of a packaging whore I am! I ran across this fun limited-edition packaging of Revlon's 'Fire & Ice' lipstick at Target and had to have it! Turns out, it was actually a worthwhile purchase. Keep reading to see how cute this lipstick is!

Kat Von D "Adora" Eyeshadow Palette

When I first heard Kat Von D was coming out with a line of makeup, I scoffed a little, expecting it to be just another excuse for a celebrity to make a bit of cash on a generic makeup line. However, lately I've opened the KVD door and been exploring her products a little more, and truth be told, I'm pretty impressed. I loved the look of the "Adora" palette, so I snatched it up immediately. Keep reading for pics and my thoughts!

Benefit 'Some Beauty to Love' Kit

Value sets are the best! So, when I saw Benefit's 'Some Beauty to Love' kit at Sephora for only $29, there was no question I had to have it! Keep reading to see what's included!

Review: UD Book of Shadows III

Ok I have had this palette for well over a month now, and am just getting to reviewing it! But, if you are considering this palette, hopefully I will help you make your decision. Keep reading to see more!

Review: tokidoki "Adios" palette + Look

My awesome sister recently sent me this cute tokidoki "Adios" palette for my birthday, and I've been meaning to do a look/review for a while, so here goes!

E.L.F. Holiday: Liquid Liner Set

If you are a liquid liner fan, you might be excited to see E.L.F.'s Holiday set containing three of their liquid eyeliners in one little package. Keep reading to see if this is where you should put your hard-earned $3.

Review: Eyeko Nail Polishes

I have been dying to try Eyeko products for a while now, so you cannot believe my excitement when I received an email with a 30% off offer from eyeko.com! Because they are a London-based company, it is usually costly to order internationally. However, with 30%, it made it worthwhile to try some products that I've heard a lot about. Did they live up to my expectations? Keep reading!

PS- Receive a free gift with your Eyeko purchase when you use code E12252 at checkout :)

E.L.F. Holiday: The Beauty Encyclopedia "Smoky Edition" + Look

Perhaps, while perusing Target, you have noticed that E.L.F. has released their holiday collection? They have an array of holiday sets at your disposal, such as the above: a 16-shadow palette that includes a black liner and sponge brush for $5. Is it worth it? Keep reading!

(PLUS, I did a look with this palette!)

Review: MAC A Tartan Tale Pigments

Finally, I'm onto the pigments! A Tartan Tale features three "blackened" shades. I generally love pigments (and collect them like crazy, despite not using them very often haha), so was very excited to see some new ones lined up in this collection. Keep reading to find out what I thought of these!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all of my followers! I hope it's been a great weekend for you (I love when Halloween is on Sunday because that means it's a weekend-long celebration)! Anyways, just wanted to share a couple of my halloween looks. What am I supposed to be? Keep reading to find out!!

Review: A Tartan Tale Eye Palettes + Swatches!

I have to say that A Tartan Tale is easily one of my favorite holiday collections to date. Over the past couple of years, I have skipped most of the items, due to the fact that they were all repeats of the year before. This is somewhat true with A Tartan Tale, but in my opinion, it seems like MAC stepped it up a notch this year. Keep reading to find out what items I got!

Haul Sneak Peek: A Tartan Tale

Just a quick look at some of the items I'll be reviewing for you shortly! From Tartan Tale, I got:
-Dashling Lassies Palette
-Reelers & Rockers Palette
-My Highland Honey blush
-The Family Crest pigment

Stay tuned :)

I'm back...with a vengeance!!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to apologize for the long hiatus! The last couple of months have been a little bit hectic, with me moving and such. But, I am back with lots of time on my hands, and promise to update shortly! I've bought all sorts of goodies recently, and look forward to share my thoughts and FOTDs with you! Anyways I'll be back with more SOON.

Abby

Review: Urban Decay 'Naked' Palette

Yes yes, I gave in to the hype of this palette and snagged one from ulta.com! Was it worth it? Keep reading to find out!

EOTD: 'Dare to Wear' Greens

I got Sassy Grass and Lime eyeshadows from the 'Dare to Wear' collection, but there was just one problem- I didn't know how to wear them! Not a clue. Well then I after some inspiration from this FOTD, I started playing around, and this is what I came up with.

Keep reading for more pics!

Review: E.L.F. Mineral Lipsticks + FOTD

As part of my E.L.F. haul, I picked up 3 "mineral" lipsticks. Not sure exactly why they're called mineral but they're cool anyways :0) Anyways, carry on to see the colors in action!

More 'Dare to Wear' Glosses for your viewing pleasure!!

I just couldn't resist these amazing glosses! I ended up getting two more: 'Dare to Dare' and 'Wind me Up'. These two apply just as well as the rest, and are just as gorgeous! 'Wind me Up' has the same glittery cast to it that 'So Bad' does- just very shimmery and frosty. 'Dare to Dare' is really cool! It looks like 'Pink Pearl' pigment with the pink/blue duochrome.

Anyways enough rambling, check out more pics under the cut! :)

E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadows

Ok so I hauled a little bit from E.L.F. (Eyes Lips Face) the other day, and coincidentally, they were also offering ten (yes, 10!!!) free mineral eye shadows with my purchase. I definitely don't "need" any more eye shadows in my life, but I'm all for free ones! But are they any good? Keep reading to find out!

Awesome Bargains

Just thought I'd pass along these current deals!

-Glamour Doll Eyes- Customer Appreciation sale - 50% off any orders of Eyeshadows, Eye-Lights and Twi-Shadows. Must buy a minimum of 8 before discount code works, but if you spend $30+, you get free shipping worldwide! Use code: lovegde
(expires Aug 12)

-Tarte Cosmetics- Friends & Family 40% sale- Includes a "free gift"- Use code: FFAUG
(expires Aug 9)

-Eyes Lips Face- Free Shipping with Orders of $10 or more! Ends tonight though, so hurry! Use code: TA2M

Review: MAC 'Dare to Wear'

Yay, my goodies came! And in good time too- it "only" took 5 days- hurray! :) Anyways I have thoughts and swatches ahead so keep reading!

Review: MAC 'Dazzle' Lipsticks Part II

Ok so the day after I posted my Dazzle lipsticks, I received 2 more in the mail: Smash Hit and Sweet Bits (which I get those names mixed up sometimes- like Smash Bits and Sweet Hit haha- they're kind of similar!). Anyways, to check them out, continue reading!

FOTD: Style Warriors

Yes, I am going back in time by using eyeshadows from the Style Warriors collection, but it was such a gorgeous collection! Read more for additional photos and products used.

MAC Dare to Wear: What are you hauling?

As usual, it will probably take a week for my goodies to get here. But I did order:

-Going Bananas e/s
-Sassy Grass e/s
-Zingy e/s
-Ban This! l/g
-So Bad l/g

I also got Kinda Sexy l/s from the perm line.

What about you, are you hauling from this collection?

Review: MAC Dazzle Lipsticks + 'Boys Go Crazy' Dazzleglass

Hi everyone! In celebration of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, MAC has released 13 "Dazzle"-finish lipsticks. I liked the idea of sparkly, dazzly lips, so I picked up four of these: Win-Win, Liquid Lurex, Hellraiser and Glaringly Hip. Keep reading for pics and my thoughts!

Bonus: I have quickly reviewed 'Boys Go Crazy' d/g at the bottom of this post too! 

Review: Eyes-Lips-Face Eyebrow Kit

Eyes-Lips-Face (aka E.L.F.) has recently begun selling a variety of products at Target stores. I recently picked up a couple things, including this mini brow kit. I am always looking for ways to improve my brow application, and it looked pretty interesting, especially since it was only $3! But, is it even worth $3? Read on to find out!

Review: MAC 'In the Groove' Collection

My goodies finally arrived! I am so excited to have my hands on it all- although I was definitely surprised on my ultimate thoughts on certain products. Anyways, keep reading to see what I think!

Things I am excited about!

Hi guys! So, sadly my camera broke the other day-- my husband was using it and dropped it face down while the lens was out, so the lens is totally broken now :( My sister is going to let me use hers, but anyways, in the mean time I wanted to share some of the things I've recently purchased and am so excited to receive:

-MAC Blue Pigment
-MAC Nightlight Pigment
-MAC Win Win and Liquid Lurex Dazzle Lipsticks

...and from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I ordered:
-Vigoss Jeans
-Steve Madden boots
-Polka Dot Hosiery
-Fire Ruffled Dress

Anyways when it all arrives I will definitely love sharing it all with you.

What are some things you're excited about?

June Favorites!

I know that it is already halfway through July (where does the time go?!), but I wanted to share my fave products for June- all MAC, coincidentally!


1) 219 Pencil Brush- I have owned this brush for a few years now, and lately I've really liked using it for crease work. It allows you to create the most detailed placement of your crease. I then use the 226 to blend out the crease better.

2) Lazy Day Lipstick- This is a gorgeous pale pink- just what I've been looking for! Sadly, mine arrived already falling off the base, and since it is such a pretty color, I picked up a second one from Bloomingdales. It also is kind of soft and fragile but still usable.

3) Dressmaker, Dressmaker Lipstick- I love this coral from Pret-A-Papier. It was sold out pretty much everywhere, but I was able to locate it from Bloomingdales. I am so glad I picked it up, because it's one of the few wearable corals I've found lately.

4) Blitz-N-Glitz Fluidline- Because it has little gold flecks, it is much more wearable than Blacktrack. It is softer and great for a smokey eye. Loves it!

5) Hipness Blush- Just a really beautiful summer color! :)

What are your fave products lately?

Review: MAC 'Tawny One' Look-In-A-Box

Although the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale doesn't start for another day or so, I was able to get my hands on the Nordstrom exclusive, MAC's Look-in-a-box in 'Tawny One'. Read on for more deets!!

Review: Bare Escentuals 'Flawless Radiance'

So, BE recently held a 20% off sale, which prompted me to stock up on a couple of my favorite BE products. In addition, I picked up 'Flawless Radiance', a highlighter-type product, described to give you a "gentle luminosity and the appearance of a naturally flawless complexion". Well hey, I'd love to have flawless skin- real or not!- so I thought why not?

What's the verdict? Keep reading to find out!

Stereo Rose- What is your story?

Hi guys! Sorry I've been so M.I.A. lately- work has kept me kinda busy lately, but I definitely wanted to share my thoughts on Stereo Rose, since it seems to be such a hot topic lately, right? So, if you can stomach a bit more on Stereo Rose, keep reading! 

MAC In the Groove: What are you hauling?

Well things are kinda hectic here right now, so I haven't had much time to update! But I did manage to pre-order for MAC's In the Groove collection, which is being released on July 8. This looks like such a beautiful collection- I'm really excited for it! I pre-ordered:

-Stereo Rose MSF
-Hang Loose MB
-Jazzed l/s
-Go for it l/s
-Chillin' c/g

I have had my eyes on several of the mineral eyeshadows, but when it comes down to it, I am swamped with eyeshadows, and I hate to buy things that I will probably end up selling off later anyways. I love that satin texture though!

The lipsticks seem so pretty from all the pictures I've seen- they just look rich and vibrant- can I have them all? :D I am drooling over how Go for it l/s with Chillin' c/g on top will be! Totally funky!

And although I try to avoid most mineral blushes (just b/c I have too many!), I couldn't skip the lavender/pink Hang Loose.

Finally of course is Stereo Rose. I will be limiting myself to one (some people are getting 3 or 4- crazy!), since I am honestly just buying it for the hype. I imagine it will be beautiful like in the pictures, but I have not used an MSF up yet, and I've got some from 5 years ago.

Anyways, what about you- what are you eyeing from In the Groove?

FOTD: So Fresh and So Clean!

The other day, it was super hot here, and after exercising, I just didn't feel like putting on a full-face of makeup. I was pretty happy to see how my skin looked though!

Face:
-Bare Minerals 'Fairly Medium'
-BE Mineral Veil
-MAC 'Beach Bronze' Cream Bronzer
-Illamasqua Cream Blush in 'Lies'
-Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Eyes:
-MAC e/s in 'Texture'
-Maybelline Define-A-Brow
-MAC Opulash Mascara

Lips:
-MAC 'Fleshpot' Lipstick









PS- Excuse all the crap in the background- my makeup area is in my loft which is also my storage area! :P

Review: Clean & Clear 'Finishes' Moisturizer

I learned about 'Finishes' Pore Perfecting moisturizer from...television! That's right, I saw the commercial three times :) But really, the commercial touts this product as a moisturizer that uses light to perfect your skin, and that sounded good to me, so I decided to try it! The results? Keep reading! Warning: You are about to see my BARE face, so be prepared! :)

LOTD: MAC So Chaud Lipstick

Ok I don't know if this really counts as an FOTD, because the eyes are the same as the Stowaway Quad FOTD I did earlier, but I wanted to quickly highlight MAC So Chaud lipstick. It is a gorgeous orange-red matte, just so pretty! I honestly don't know how popular it is as I never hear anyone talking about it, and since I love wearing bright colors every now and again, I figured I might as well share it with you all!

What do you think of So Chaud?

FOTD: MAC Stowaway Quad

I had a couple requests for a FOTD of my use of the Stowaway Quad (which I recently raved about on this blog), so here you go! I get frustrated that I can't get very vivid photos of the colors with this camera, but hey, I tried! Keep reading for more :)

Review: Flirt! 40-Piece Eyeshadow Set

I know this is sort of an irrelevant product right now, as Christmas is still a few months away, but reader l0verada requested a review of this, and it just so happens that I conveniently had photos of this, so why not! Plus it will get us excited for the holidays! Keep reading to see more :)

QOTD: What is your favorite MAC packaging ever?

MAC is notorious for their fun and festive special collection packaging. In the past 7 years, I have items in turquoise, white, orange, gold, pink, red, purple, and avocado green packaging- and so forth!! The list is endless. What is your favorite special packaging of all time? What is my favorite special packaging ever? Keep reading to find out!

Review: Victoria's Secret Soothing Lip Balm

I truly did not expect to ever find a beauty product from Victoria's Secret that I would swear by- sure, I love their bras, but I guess I don't usually consider VS to be the leaders in lip care. But, when nothing else seemed to tame my chapped lips, I came across VS' Soothing Lip Balm. Keep reading to see why I love them so much!

A Surprise in the Mail!

I kinda had a fun surprise show up in the mail today. Definitely not expected :) While I do shop online a bit, I have never purchased anything from walgreens.com, so imagine my surprise when I got a small little box addressed to me, from Walgreen's.

I opened it up, only to find this Revlon 'Porcelain Pink' lipstick inside:

No note, no information about where it came from, just a lipstick (and a coupon for Chapstick). 

It is a fun, pearly pink- this color is right down my aisle!

What do you think of my surprise?

Speaking of free lipsticks, I recently got a call from a friend who found a MAC lipstick on the ground and was wondering if I wanted it. I asked what color it was, and he said Pink Plaid- which amazingly I didn't have, but I am so excited because I've wanted to try it out for a while! It is almost brand new. I haven't figured out how to sanitize it yet, but I figure a little rubbing alcohol should do the trick. 

Thoughts? 

Review: Flirt! Cosmetics

If you haven't heard of Flirt!, allow me the pleasure of introducing you to one of  Estee Lauder's most recent acquisitions. Flirt!, available at Kohl's (and kohls.com) is a makeup line targeted to young adults. It has a similar style of MAC, and some products I would argue, certainly rival MAC in terms of color and quality. However, Flirt! is able to hold its own by offering some unique (and awesome!) products that MAC does not. Wanna know Flirt's best-kept secrets? Keep reading to find out!

Makeup 101: Foundation

The name "foundation" often makes us think that foundation is just that- a foundation to your makeup routine. While this is not exactly true (remember, good skincare is the real foundation!), it is usually the thing that makes or breaks your overall makeup. That's why the right foundation is most important- because in my opinion, there is no one "right" foundation for everyone. Here is a guide to some of MY favorite foundations.

Depotting: Yes or No?

Do you depot your eyeshadows? Why or why not? This has been a debate for a lot of collectors- whether they should depot all their lovely eyeshadows and put them in to one place (and exchange them via B2M!), or if they should keep them in individual pots. To see what I did, keep reading!

NOTD: MAC 'In the Buff'

Ok so I promised I would do a NOTD of 'In the Buff', so here it is! I love this nail polish! It is such an unusual color, akin, as I've said, to an aging avocado (and yes baby poo hehe). But I've also seen a similar color on people's dining room walls, and it usually looks good, haha. I like that it can look green sometimes, or taupe in other lights.

What do you think of 'In the Buff'?

QOTD: Have you ever had an unexpected love w/ a product?

Have you ever seen a product that looked fug at first sight, only for it to become one of your favorite products ever? I think I am always attracted the least-favorite products of a collection anyways, but I will say there is one product that I almost did not buy, but thanks to an open mind, it has become one of my favorite products! What is it? Keep reading to find out!

To Back-Up or not to Back-Up?- That is the Question!

When it comes to backing up makeup products, it seems most of us are either avid backer-uppers, or adamantly refuse to do so. Then, there are people like me, who will backup occasionally, and selectively.

So, what are my back-ups? Keep reading to find out!

Review: MAC 'To the Beach' Collection

Yes, I know, I am like a month late in sharing my haul with you, but since I find myself living in the middle-of-nowhere, Alaska, this is pretty much the reality of my life! :P And, I found myself enjoying this collection a lot more than I originally expected! Keep reading to find out what I got, and what I think about everything!