Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello there all you beautiful people :) It's gotten to the point where my apologies for not posting often enough just seem silly...so I'll just promise to post when I can! 2011 has gotten off to a great start and I have been indulging in some great makeup/skincare purchases!! My sister once told me that drugstore makeup is like a gateway drug...it starts you off with a less expensive and innocuous seeming product which leads the way to more expensive and frequent purchases - she's a wise one :P Honestly though, nothing lifts my spirits like a MAC or Sephora haul...well, maybe shopping for shoes and bags...anyways, you get my point!


Lately I have been trying out a bunch of things, some old favorites and some completely new types of things. I'll use this post to give a brief overview of my beauty going-ons for the year to date. On a side note - some people go through phases, they are into one thing, lose interest, then move on to another obsession. I, on the other hand, keep adding to my list of obsessions. It started out with lip products, then I tacked on blushes, and now I have started adding perfumes to that list. Heaven help my bank account, I don't know how much more abuse it can take!! :P


Drugstore:
- I am a huge fan of the Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss line and recently added a fifth gloss, Firecracker, to my collection (Nude Lustre, Pearl Plum, Pink Pop, Coral Reef). At first glance, it is a pretty orange-toned red gloss that goes on a bit more sheer than the other glosses I own in that collection. They are all either a little more thick and pigmented or milky. But, since I don't currently posses the confidence to rock a bold red lip, I am pretty pleased with it!
- I am obsessed with the movie Aisha and Sonam Kapoor's make-up throughout. She used L'Oreal products, and that inspired me to go check out the L'Oreal 6 Hr Infallible Lipgloss. I love her nude lip look and picked up Suede, a frosty, shimmery nude color. Very cute! Finally a neutral lip color that I can pull off :)
- CoverGirl Lash Exact Waterproof formula in Very Black is my current go to mascara! I loved the regular formula and this is even better. The wand is slighly curved to allow for better control and it just gives me that lovely bright-eyed look I love! My lashes appear longer and fuller, but not in a fake, over the top way.
- Finally picked up a few e.l.f. products, they were available at the Strawberry location near Grand Central and I was super excited! I got the e.l.f. makeup remover wipes and eye lash curler. Haven't really tried them out yet, but am looking forward to it!
- Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Blushing Berry, such a pretty rosey pink! Gives just the perfect hint of color to my cheeks for daily use.


High end:
- After having heard so so much about the Korres Lip Butters, I had to try one out for myself. I picked it up in the shade Wild Rose and it is the perfect berry shade. I layer it on top of Bath and Body Works' C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve and the combo leaves my lips soft, berry tinted, and rose-scented, love it!!
- In addition to getting my free gift of Gucci Flora (part of my Sephora perfume sampler), I decided to also pick up Vera Wang Princess. I find Flora to be a great nighttime or date fragrance, whereas I love spritzing Princess on a daily basis! I am currently on the hunt for my next perfume buy, I think it will be VS Very Sexy Now.
- I went a little MAC crazy recently, it is really too easy for me to get carried away in that store. I never have shoppers remorse though, the euphoria just lasts and lasts :) I got two MAC Kissable Lip Colors, Super and Temper Tantra, and highly recommend them for their texture and feel, super smooth like a gloss and very pigmented like a lipstick, really the best of both worlds. My only wish is that they weren't limited edition and that they had more shades! I also got a MAC Plushglass in Ample Pink. It is a great neutral pink shade and it feels great on the lips. I got the MAC Studio Sculpt concealer to address my severe lack of sleep issues - all self imposed of course :P I also was recommended to try the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream...lets see how that works! In continuing with my blush craze, I picked up MAC Sheertone Blush in Peaches and MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul, both on the peachy, neutral side and they really give a super natural glow to my face. I did pick up one item from the Wonder Woman collection, the Utility Belt Face Brush Collection that comes with a mini foundation brush, blush/powder brush, and concealer brush. The gold bag and belt are cute too :) Super excited to have MAC brushes at a fraction of the cost!!


Okay, so wow...after writing it all down, dang, I've had a busy month and a half of shopping, huh? Don't judge, don't judge...it happens to the best of us! Did a bit of shoe shopping recently (am a recent heels convert), will probably post on that in the upcoming future. Also, be on the lookout for more in-depth reviews on some of these recent purchases!!


xoxo <3

Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover Review

Have been using this product for the past month and I decided it was high time to let you all in on this gem :)


I'm a recent waterproof mascara convert...it's just so great (CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume)! I can wear it on humid, muggy, rainy days without a care...no flaking, no smudging!! I've even worn it in the shower...didn't move a bit! In the past, I shied away from waterproof formulas because I didn't want to deal with the nightly hassle of removing it. I turned to Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover when my trusted Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover just didn't cut it (I kept losing lashes while trying to get the mascara off, ick!) and I am one satisfied consumer :)


The packaging is very cute, the bottle has an aluminum (at least I think that's what it is) cap and holds 5 fl. oz. The product needs to be shaken before use because the formula separates. It has a light, pleasant, soapy scent. I use a cotton wool pad, apply a bit and put it on my eye. It melts off eye shadow and liner instantly, waterproof mascara requires a few swipes. Excessive rubbing or tugging at lashes to remove mascara is not necessary at all! Your skin will thank you for this :) It leaves behind an oily residue, but that's nothing a quick rinse with warm water won't take care of! This product is meant for all skin types, so the oily residue shouldn't be an issue for oily-skinned ladies. I have gotten the product in my eye (c'mon, it's me we're talking about) and I'm happy to report that it is very gentle and does not sting! 


My only gripe with this product is how small the packaging is! I wear some form of eye makeup pretty much everyday, so I wish that the bottle were available in a larger size at Target. Til then, I'll just need to stock up!


Highly recommend this product, it made me a waterproof mascara convert! 

September Favorites

Happy October everyone :) I feel like I say it every year, but can you believe how fast this year is going by? Looking forward to watching the leaves change color, wearing layers and boots, and planning my Halloween costume!


Ok, back to the topic at hand...here are the products I found myself reaching for over and over in September:


1) Aveeno Nourish+ Volume Shampoo
I'm so happy to have found this shampoo, it really makes my hair shiny and full of body. Been using it for the past two months and it has yet to let me down! Check out my first impression here.


2) Johnson and Johnson's Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
My skin has never felt better! It's soft and moisturized up until the moment I hit the shower, no more itchiness...what more can I ask for? Thanks to a nice deal on Amazon, I have really stocked up on this must-have! Check out my full review here.


3) Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum
This September was really strange...lots of super warm, humid days and then tons and tons of rain! Both types of weather wreak havoc on my hair. Now, while this isn't a miracle in a bottle, it really did help to tame my hair from extreme frizzy/poofiness...and for that, I have made it a daily staple. I apply a pea-sized amount to the ends while hair is both damp and dry. Check out my full review here.


4) MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer
I just reviewed this product, but I had to include it here as well. School and work kept me pretty busy in September and that unfortunately meant sleep had to take a minor hit. Thanks to this concealer, I looked fresh and alert! 


5) CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
This mascara is just awesome! It holds curl well, doesn't give me the spider eye look, and does indeed give me the volume I'm looking for. Now that I've started applying it sans my Jane clear mascara (I think the non-waterproof primer was a bad idea!), I have had no issues with application. Check out my review here.


6) MAC Capricious Lustre Finish Lipstick
This is a my lips but better (MLBB) lipstick for me! I just love the plummy, pink color. It's as moisturizing as a chapstick, which I can't really say about too many other lipsticks I own. Pictures to come soon :)


7) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef
Though the color of the tube seems a little shocking, this is a gorgeous milky coral gloss on! It isn't sticky at all and makes for a great spring/summer shade! I'm going to be sad to retire this guy for the fall and winter.


8) Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Twilight
A wearable fushia stain that gives me the 'just finished a berry popsicle' look that I was going for! It's long-wearing and works great for those days when you just don't have the time to reapply. Full review to come soon!


I'm really looking forward to fall so I can bring out my darker lipsticks and give eye shadows a try! What products were your most popular for September? Share in the comments!

Mascaras! - A Combined Review

How can you not love the pink bristles?

Confession: I have very average eyelashes. They are not very long, not very voluminous, not very curly...in short, entirely forgettable! Now, I have two choices: a) do nothing or b) use one of the greatest inventions since the wheel, curling irons, $5 manicures, and hair claws...Mascara! 


Til date, I have tried 6 different types of drugstore mascaras (remember, I am new to the world of makeup). Here are my thoughts:


1) Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black - I bought this mascara because it was so highly reviewed in beauty and fashion magazines. Sadly, it didn't live up to the hype. This was my first mascara, so there is a chance of user error...but I wasn't too crazy about the formula. As much as I made sure to wiggle the synthetic bristle brush from roots to tip, I would get clumps galore and end up with scary spider lashes! 


2) CoverGirl LashExact in Very Black - I am on my 2nd tube of this and I just love it! The pink plastic-y bristles grab the product evenly to prevent clumping. This mascara really gives me a nice, jazzed up natural look, perfect for work or daytime. It separates my lashes really well and holds a curl, even though the formula isn't waterproof. It works even better when combined with #3 below.


3) Jane Fan Club Clear Curling Mascara in Crystal Clear - I am crazy about this product because it works really great as a mascara primer! When I apply this first, my other mascaras glide on smoothly and don't clump as much. Also, it makes removal really easy! It feels really nice on my lashes, sorta like a conditioner. This is a daily staple for me :)


4) CoverGirl Professional Super Thick Lash in Very Black - This was meant to be my nighttime, bold, sexy mascara and while it wasn't terrible, it required just a little too much work to remain in my collection. I think I am just not skilled with the synthetic bristle brush, because this, too, was a very clumpy mascara for me. Only after really wiping the brush down on the insides of the tube could I get the look I was going for. Too much effort for va va va voom lashes!


5) Maybelline Last Stiletto in Very Black - As I've told you before...I'm a sucker for packaging! A mascara tube in the shape of a stiletto heel, how cute is that? Well...that's where the 'good' ends with this product, for me anyways.  It has an overwhelmingly bad chemical smell that I cannot ignore. The brush is oddly shaped, it's retangular and awkward. The best I could manage were awkward stuck together lashes that stuck straight out. 


6) CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof in Black - This is my very first waterproof mascara! When I first bought it, I was amazed and how well it could hold curl and how it didn't flake or budge at all all day. I've been using this for the past two months, so it may just be that the formula is getting old, but it has been a little stickier and more clump prone lately. It does give me the dramatic look I was going for though, so I will most likely repurchase!


There you have it! The next tube I buy will most likely be CoverGirl LashExact Waterproof. I've decided to steer clear of Maybelline for the time being, though I am open to any recommendations you all may have! What is your go-to mascara?

Just what the doctor ordered: Target haul

Been feeling a little blue and in my book, there's only one fix for that, shopping!! Doesn't Tar-ghay just brighten up your mood? In the past, I focused more on their selection of shoes and clothes, but this time I decided to foray into the health and beauty aisles to have a little look-see...some may call this an addiction, I call it Retail Therapy!


Here is what I picked up:
1) Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Twilight
Have been dying to try this product since I saw Jessica Biel's ads :) My obsession with lip products combined with the fact that I have a major tendency to eat whatever I put on my lips made this product especially enticing to me! First impression: Non-drying, buildable, berry stain that lasts for 4+ hours! I like it!!


2) L'Oreal Hip Jelly Balm in Delectable
Another product I've been on the hunt for...Target really is a magical place :P Soo many Youtube vloggers have spoken highly of this product that I haaad to pick it up when I saw it! It being on clearance sale didn't hurt either ;) The second I opened it, I fell in looveeee!! Hip packaging (no pun intended), nice scent, and great color payoff! Delectable is a pretty raspberry shade. I've made quite a sizable dent in this recent purchase!


3) CoverGirl Last Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara in Black
I have already found my HG everyday mascara combination: clear Jane Curling Mascara + black CoverGirl Lash Exact. It gives my not so naturally impressive lashes a nice touch. That's all and good for work and casual events, but sometimes I want a little bit of drama! Also, I thought it was about time for me to try a waterproof formula. I really like mascara brushes with plastic bristles, give me a more smooth application. Here's hoping that this mascara gives me the diva glam lashes I'm looking for!!


4) Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Eyelash Curler
MUA reviewers have compared this to the famed Shu Uemura. I like that at $9.99, it doesn't break the bank! 


5) Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Super Smoothing Anti-Frizz Hair Serum
I like to consider myself somewhat of a drugstore anti-frizz product connoisseur. Now that Garnier Fructis has stopped making my favorite Sleek & Shine Leave-in Weightless Anti-Frizz Serum (why!?!), I thought it was time to start looking into other options. So far, it smells amazing! Hope it works as well as it smells :)


6) EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set                   
My first official set of brushes, yay! This truly was a deal that I could not pass up, 5 brushes + a handy carrying case/brush roll all for $9.99, who'd have thought? And, this is eco-friendly and cruelty-free to boot. 


Ah, the joys of shopping! Now that I know all about the amazing-ness that is Target's Health and Beauty section, I will definitely be back :)


Let me know your thoughts on my haul and be on the look out for some product reviews in the future!                                                                                                                                                                     

Would you rather...

I can't resist fun quizzes...really, I can't! I saw this tag on Andrea's channel and on Ashwini's blog and decided to give it a go. I mean, what better way for my readers to get to know me better, right? Also, I tag Tanveer, what would you rather do??

1) Would you rather go out with messy hair and nice make-up or Nice hair and no make-up? I am actually a fan of messy hair...messy buns, messy ponytails...so I'd have to go with that option...if that is what they mean by messy. If messy means dirty, then no make-up for sure!

2) Would you rather shave your eyebrows or have your eyelashes fall out? 

One of my makeup pet peeves is very obviously drawn in eyebrows! Eyebrows are far too important a part of your face to leave to unnatural means. I would much rather wear false eyelashes than be without eyebrows!
 
3) Would you rather be forced to shop at only MAC or Sephora for the rest of your life? As sad as this is to admit, I am a MAC virgin, I truly am a newbie! I do, however, loove visiting Sephora, even if it is just to "window shop", so I wouldn't mind that being my only option for the rest of my life! This answer may change after I visit a MAC counter...

4) Would you rather wear lipgloss/lipliner look or 80's perm? Very recently I have come to terms with my big hair...so 80's style perm for sure! Really dislike the lipgloss/lipliner look, it was unfortunately the go-to look of too many of my highschool classmates...shudder!

5) Would you rather leave the house with an obvious foundation line or overdone blush? Hm...I currently do not incorporate either blush or foundation into my daily routine, but if I were to start...I'd have to say overdone blush. I don't want to look like I'm wearing a mask...I'd rather look sunburned or embarrassed all day!


6) Would you rather wear MC Hammer pants or biker shorts in public? 
Ha, funny question!! Biker shorts can be considered athletic and cute, but MC Hammer pants...well I'd save those for Halloween only!

7) Would you rather have a bad orange-y spray tan or really weird tan lines that can't be covered? Almost every summer I end up with really weird tan lines...sandal tan, shirt tan, etc. It's the trade-off to enjoying sunshine and I'm okay with that. Orange-y spray tan...well that's just unnatural and not flattering on anyone!
 
8) Would you rather have a bad haircut or bad hair color? 

Both sound pretty bad, but I'd have to go with bad hair color. I've had some awful haircuts in the past and having slow-growing hair does not help matters much!!

9) Would you rather have youtube or twitter taken away forever? 
I just got a twitter account today, not too attached to it. Youtube, on the other hand, it's a necessity...take twitter!!


10) Would you rather give up using makeup brushes or mascara?  
I currently do not use makeup brushes, so giving them up isn't really an issue for me.  I love love love mascara and couldn't imagine giving that up! Who knew such a small touch could make such a huge difference :)

40 Beauty Questions

Happy July Readers!! Summer is zipping by so quickly...sigh!


Found this fun tag today on From Me With Love's blog. Thought I'd give it a stab, here goes:

SKINCARE
1) How many times do you wash your face daily? I rinse my face about twice daily, but when it comes to washing with a cleanser, probably only 2-3 times a week.
2) What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo) Combo. I tend to get oily around my t-zone, more so in the summer (ugh!)
3) What is your current facial wash? Original Noxema, love the smell of eucalyptus! I've been using this since I was a kid!
4) Do you exfoliate? Yep, about once weekly
5) What brand do you use? Face: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub, Body: CVS Mild Exfoliating Body Wash & Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub, Lips: Michelle Phan's Lip Scrub
6) What moisturizer do you use? Face: Oil Of Olay Complete, Body: Aveeno Daily Moisturizer
7) Do you have freckles? Nope
8) Do you use eye cream? Yes, ROC...looking for a new one though
9) Do you or did you have acne prone skin? not really...I have a blemish once in a way though
10) Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? no

MAKE-UP
11) What foundation do you use? None right now...too lazy for that :P
12) How about concealer? Just started using Maybelline Dream Mousse (Beige Medium), liking it a lot! Also like Maybelline Coverstick (Deep Beige)
13) Do you know your undertone color? yep, warm-yellow, thanks to the nice lady at Sephora
14) What do you think of fake eyelashes? fun, but not something I'd use very often
15) Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months? yes, bummer! I never finish by then!
16) What brand of mascara do you use? CG Lash Exact, love it!! 
17) Sephora or MAC? Never been to MAC counter yet...so Sephora by default (though I do love it!)
18) Do you have a MAC Pro-card? nope
19) What makeup tools do you use in make up application? Mostly my fingers, qtip, Essence of Beauty Comb/Eyebrow & Eye Liner, smudgers on the backs of eyeliners :P
20) Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? no, not big on shadows yet
21) For the face? no
22) What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)? Maybelline Chai Latte quad, so pretty :)
23) Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? Prefer pencil, loving Prestige Total Intensity Liner in Bold Brown and Powerful Purple & Soft Blend Kohl Liner in Lagoon.
24) How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? ouch, never!
25) What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? I like the way they look, prefer neutrals myself
26) Do you use mineral makeup? no..have a mineral eye pencil...don't care for it, very dry!
27) What is your favorite lipstick? Revlon ColorBurst in Soft Rose/Super Lustrous in Rum Raisin, love them both!!
28) How about lipgloss? Burt's Bee's Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss in Zesty Red
29) What is your favorite blush to use? don't use any at the moment
30) Do you buy your makeup on ebay? nope, mostly drugstore
31) Do you like drugstore makeup? yes! affordable and easily accessible, what's not to like?
32) Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets) not yet
33) Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? yes! but where?? I love the YT school of beauty for now :)
34) Are you clumsy in putting on makeup? of course, sometimes...but I'm getting better :)
35) Name a makeup crime that you hate? Dark lip liner and light lips...ew!
36) Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? I like more natural makeup on myself
37) Which celebrity always has great make up? Blake Lively, Angelina Jolie, Aishwariya Rai, Rani Mukherjee
38) If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use? Lip balm or gloss
40) Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on? Yep, when I'm in a rush or feeling lazy, I often do!
41) Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? Sometimes...depends on how much sleep I got!
42) In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line? Don't know too many lines as yet, but I'd say Maybelline for now, had the best success with a variety of their products
43) What do you think of Makeup?? It's fun and addicting! :)


Hmm..that was a little over 40 :P Now, I tag anyone who would like to do these fun questions! You can post them on your blog or in the comments if you don't have one!