Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Made Her Think Horizons Necklace. Familiar, No?

So, I was a little compelled to share this with you all. It's no surprise by now that Forever 21 knocks off designs from designer brands and sells the product for a tiny fraction of the price. You can Google "Forever 21 Knockoffs" or check the following article for details (http://jezebel.com/5742029/forever-21s-bizarre-knockoff-empire)

I remember when I use to wear a knock off Chanel bag back in high school and Chanel logo earrings and thought they were the coolest thing around. Then the fakes began to multiply and multiply and I got to the point where I was embarrassed to wear them anymore. In some cases, it does cheapen the real thing. But, I'm not bankrolling over here either to be able to purchase really high end items. In fact, I've been eyeballing replica YSL Arty Rings and Alexander Wang Rocco Bags for the past few weeks with the full intention of purchasing them. 

What's your take on replica items? I'm curious to know!

Alexis linked me to an awesome NYC Designer site and something looked very familiar...

MADE HER THINK

Haha! I can't believe how similar they are - right down to the chain. Anyhow, Made Her Think is a totally awesome site which I kinda wish I didn't know about.. LOL I've got my eyes on a couple of things..

Love this ring. Too cute. The link is here.

Also, you can check out Alexis' latest post for her recent Made Her Think earring purchase! (click here)

Happy Shopping!

NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Bronze Ablaze!

Bronze Ablaze is one of those shades that's a little difficult to describe. It's a metallic brassy-bronze-brown with flecks of micro-shimmer that are only really visible in the sunlight. At certain angles the shade gives off a greenish-gold pearl. A shade that I find is definitely unique and looks a little more "high end" than it really is. It's only around for a limited time as it's a part of their Fall 2011 release.

If you're familiar with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish range (the Insta-Dri top coat is a favorite of mine!) the wand is very large and flat, as is the brush. It's a bit similar to the Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Polish wand, but a little larger. For those of you with very short nails, it may be troublesome painting your nails with such a large wand, but for those of you with long nails, it makes things much easier.


I can't tell you how excited I was with this polish. I deemed it my fall favorite and anticipated purchasing a back-up. It's just such a pretty shade and I mostly wear neutrals, khaki green and tan - so this pretty much matches with everything in my wardrobe. The wear time is pretty good - almost a full week. Now, the downside with this polish is the terrible formula. It's a little on the thick side, so it's fairly opaque with one coat. It does dry semi-quickly, but after the second coat, it didn't dry as quick. With any nail polish, I always wait around 3-4 minutes and apply my Seche Vite Top Coat and within 30 seconds they are dry to the touch. But not with this polish. Several minutes after I applied my Seche Vite, my nails felt almost sticky to the touch - causing a few faint fingerprints on a couple of nails. Also, I got a few nicks on my nails. If that wasn't bad enough  little bubbles started to appear. Fantastic! 

So my problem probably was that I applied too heavy of a second coat, but I find it hard to avoid because of the thick formula and huge brush. I will try to be patient with this polish because I really do love it. I don't think the photo does this shade justice.. you should check it out at your local drugstore. 

What's your favorite Fall nail polish? I know Summer isn't even over yet, but Fall is my favorite season and I already started wearing my vampy polishes a little early. 

I need this necklace now.

Photo Credit: Dulce Candy
Photo Credit: Dulce Candy
Dulce Candy was wearing this really cute gold rhinestone spike/cone necklace in a few of her past OOTD's and I've been dying to know where she got it from. I asked around for a while, and came up with nothing. Finally, she posted another OOTD today wearing the same necklace. Turns out that it's from Forever 21! I was totally surprised to hear that as I figured it was a designer brand.

Apparently it comes in silver, gold and a charcoal/pewter metal? and retails for $14.80. It isn't available online, but I've heard from a couple of sources that they spotted it recently at their local Forever 21 stores.

I'll be on the lookout for it and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll find it! :)

Have you noticed that I've been completely obsessed with spikes lately? I have no idea why.

UPDATE: Thanks so much for those of you who alerted me that the necklace is now available online! How Ironic? lol Anyway, the link is HERE.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Blogger Crush: Swedish Bombshell Kenza






There are only a small handful of blogs I follow that are in a different language - one of them being the gorgeous Kenza. Seriously, can this girl get any hotter? Her blog is definitely one I check often (usually sobbing as I eat a gallon of ice cream.. LOL j/k) because of her beautiful photos and amazing sense of style. I'd love to raid her wardrobe.

"My name is Kenza Zouiten and I am a 20-year-old half Moroccan girl. I am self-employed, had a funny webshow Kenza & Tyra show which became the largest web TV program, but now continues as host of Channel 5 & Model Hunt! 

I also have my own shoe and clothing collections ( Wildflower by Kenza andJofama by Kenza sold in hundreds of stores throughout the Nordic countries) and I also have a jewelry collection called Guldfynd by Kenza sold at Guldfynd. 

Here in Sweden's largest blog with about 140,000 visitors each day I write about my everyday life, shoots, fashion, tvinspelningar, travel, shopping & lots of other fun things. " 

Check out her blog at http://kenzas.se/

What are some of your favorites?

Sigma Bare Palette Review, Photos and Swatches!

sigma bare palette

Sigma Bare Palette

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The Sigma Beauty BARE palette is a must for everyday use. Ideal to create classic neutral looks, BARE is perfect for accentuating your best features without too much color distraction. Highlight inner corners, emphasize your crease, brighten your brow bone and enhance your lash line. With BARE's color selection, you can easily create day and night looks seamlessly and as subtle or as bold as you wish. BARE is perfect for a natural yet improved you! Includes Sigma Beauty's best-selling E30 and E25 in a unique dual-ended brush. Contains matte and satin formulations. 

Sigma launched three palettes in late June; Flare, Dare and Bare. There was a lot of talk about these palettes in the blogging community as well as among youtube gurus as many blogger are affiliates of Sigma and get to test out some of their products for free. (If you have a website, blog or YT channel, you can become an affiliate. Click here for details)

Out of the three palettes, the one that struck my interest was Bare, because it contains all neutral shades that are suitable for daytime, work, etc. There are eight (8) shades in total with shimmery, matte and satin formulations. 

sigma bare palette

Shine is a pigmented black with silver flecks. It's very reminiscent of MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow.
Control is a matte black.
Snoop is a matte, dove grey with a slight purple undertone.
Hitch is a matte, neutral ash-brown. It looks warm in the pan, but once swatched/applied, it is very neutral with grey undertones.
Act is a satiny, neutral taupe with a purple/mauve undertone. Again, this shade appears warm in the pan, but is very neutral.
Command is a shimmery, deep golden.
Elope is a pigmented matte, cool beige. It reminds me a bit of MAC Orb Eyeshadow.
Approach is a pigmented satiny, warm/yellow beige. It reminds me a bit of MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Chanel Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush Review PLUS my eBay possible FAKE Joues Contraste!

chanel rose bronze blush review

Chanel Rose Bronze Blush

Chanel Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush ($43) is a medium-toned neutral pink with a mixture of golden and cool pink glimmer. Rose Bronze is a shade that has been on my wishlist for years. I believe it's one of Chanel's most popular shades in the Joues Contraste range as it's very easily a flattering shade on all skin tones.
"Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless colour. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more youthful look."
I'm not positive how many shades there are in the permanent range, but there are currently ten (10) listed on the Chanel website: Rose Ecrin, Espiegle, In Love, Fandango, Rose Bronze, Rose Petale, Mocha, Orchid Rose, Imprevu and Tempting Beige.

For those that don't like shimmer, you may want to steer clear of Rose Bronze, but it gives a rich, healthy sheen more than tacky glitter. I think even oily skin types can get away with wearing this blush without it looking too shiny.

Instantly the color warms up to my cheeks to a rosy pink that brightens up my complexion. When the light hits my cheeks, the cool pink sparkles glisten. It's simply beautiful.

The texture is super smooth and finely milled, and it blends like a dream. I don't find the brush included very useful, but they never really are anyway.

It has the scent of roses, which some may not may not care for, but I love the scent and feel like I'm using such a luxurious product when I catch a whiff of the powder.

The only downside is that the color fades significantly after four hours, and I have to re-apply mid-day. A total bummer, but I don't mind because I'm so in love with the color.

chanel rose bronze blush

READ MORE FOR MY LESS THAN PLEASANT EBAY EXPERIENCE...

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Where do you look for style inspiration?


Have any of you heard of Wendy from wendyslookbook on YouTube? I haven't heard of her prior to today, and I fell in love with her channel! I thought this "25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes" video is awesome! She has such a likable personality and is so pretty with an amazing sense of style.

I'm mainly subscribed to channels that talk about makeup, and I really don't know of many "fashion/style" channels. I'd love to hear about some of your favorites where you like to gather inspiration from! Let me know in the comments! :)

Hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Nordstrom: Window Shopping Trendy Accessories

In my free time I like to browse various sites for the latest trends. I usually try to browse more affordable sites (Forever 21, H&M, Aldo, Etc) because if I see something I really like, it will drive me crazy that I can't afford it haha!! Bad, I know.

I just created a Wishlist on the Nordstrom site as a fun way to keep track of the items that caught my eye. It gives me a little inspiration and ideas of what styles, etc to look out for when I'm out shopping.

Here are all of the items I added! (PIC HEAVY)


Michael Kors Double Wrap Bracelet (Sand Python) $95.00
Cara Couture Short Crystal Statement Necklace (Silver/Black Diamond) $168.00

See anything you like?

Monday, August 22, 2011

Hiatus - Taking a Break.

Hey Everyone!

You may of noticed that this month I've been posting much less often in comparison to the previous months. Also, if you follow me on Twitter, I have mentioned that there will be a hiatus on my blog soon.

There's a lot going on right now in my life (no worries, nothing tragic) that I won't have as much time as I did prior to post daily, but I will try to post when I can. I'm hoping to at least post a couple times a week.

During this time, I hope you will bear with me as I may not be able to get to questions/requests as quickly. 

Thank you so much everyone for understanding, and I'll talk to you all soon!

-Natalie

A few new rings from F21!

It's really no secret by now that I love stalking the Forever 21 website for the new arrivals. Forever 21 is probably my favorite place for inexpensive accessories. I've been recently wanting to expand my ring collection, so I've been really keeping my eyes out for cute rings. 

Here are the few I ordered..

Stretchy Knuckle Ring $3.80 (no longer available on website)

It's not always the easiest thing to place an order online if you haven't seen the item in person. If I was shopping in-store, I probably wouldn't have purchased the "Sparkling Love Ring" or "Stretchy Knuckle Ring". The "Love" ring has already tarnished (haven't even worn it yet) and has a greenish tinge to it. I'm 100% sure my finger will turn green if I wear it once. It also looks a little cheap. The reason I purchased the knuckle ring was because I don't own a gold one, and it was a good price. Although I do like it, it looks extremely cheap and is on the road of tarnishing.

The two rings I'm the happiest with are the "Skeleton Key Ring" and the "Pyramid Stud Ring". I think the pyramid ring is so cute and so simple and great for every day.

READ MORE FOR A FEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

NOTD: MAC Earthly Harmony Nail Lacquer - Love this Taupe!

mac earthly harmony
Two (2) Coats of MAC Earthly Harmony and One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat

MAC Earthly Harmony Nail Lacquer

MAC Earthly Harmony was launched with MAC's 2010 Fall "Nail Trend Collection". I just got this awesome polish earlier this week through a swap, and I think it's probably going to become one of my favorite nail polishes that I'll wear frequently. Too bad it's a LE shade that I doubt will be re-promoted. But, who knows.

Earthly Harmony is a neutral taupe-gray with incredibly subtle copper shimmer. I read through a bunch of reviews before I picked up this shade, and many of the reviewers were a little disappointed that the shade in the bottle differs from when it's actually on your nails. As you can see in the above photo, in the bottle the color appears lighter, with an almost greenish/yellow tone and a pretty copper shimmer. Very unique. But, once applied to the nails, the color is a little deeper with no shimmer. Even in bright sunlight, the shimmer is barely noticeable. Bummer.

I love the formula of this shade. I'm not too familiar with MAC polishes, as this is only my second one (my first being "Hangin' Loose") so I'm not sure if the creme finish polishes really differ from shade to shade, but I think the consistency is very ideal. It's not too thick or thin, spreads evenly and is opaque with two coats. I really don't mind having to paint three coats, but it's always a huge plus when a polish only needs two. 

The price is way expensive ($15 for 10ml/0.34 oz) so it's always nice to get the chance to try a MAC nail polish through swaps, blog sales or your local Cosmetic Company Outlet (CCO).

What's your favorite taupe polish? I love OPI Over the Taupe as well.

Friday, August 19, 2011

JewelMint: A Run-down, First Impressions & My First Jewel Mint Piece - The Here to Eternity Set!



 There are several companies and products that have flourished because of the chatter on beauty blogs all over the world. For one, Sigma Brushes. If I didn't have a beauty blog, I'd most likely have no idea what Sigma was. Look how popular it is now. When you're a blogger, you get introduced into so many brands and products that you may not have heard of, been interested prior, or even need. But with the endless blog entries and YouTube videos with crisp images of visually pleasing products and trends - you'll get sucked in sooner or later.

Personally, a guilty pleasure of mine is reading or watching hauls. I'm not sure why, but it's exciting to see photos of products I don't have or products that are pretty. It's fun to see what people buy and it gives me ideas (as well as a never ending wish list) of things to purchase one day. It's all up to you whether to restrain yourself from buying things on impulse. Could this possibly be the beauty blogging era of makeup hoarders? I think it would make a nice TV series. Shoot, I'd tune in to see someones ridiculous collection of eyeshadow and blush. :) I'm getting a little off topic now, but It's like going in Mrs. Field's just to browse. Who does that!? (Okay, I'm guilty of doing it when I'm on a diet to somehow to visually "feed" my mind without actually eating it, but that's besides the point) Anyways. I'm sure most of you by now have heard of Jewel Mint.

I don't really remember how long ago it was when I first heard of Jewel Mint, but I know I first heard of it through a YouTube video of someone showing the pieces they purchased from that particular month. I wasn't really interested at the time, but since then, Jewel Mint has become so much more popular. One of my absolute favorite Youtuber's hollyannaeree has done several videos regarding Jewel Mint, and I have to admit, seeing the awesome things she got, made me want to subscribe.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL INFO + MY REVIEW!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Obsession: Rose Gold Watches! Get one for less! I paid $20!

8) Fossil Rose Gold Chronograph Bracelet Watch $135

Have you jumped on the Rose Gold train yet? This past Spring, Rose Gold became a new obsession in the fashion world. From handbags to shoes and accessories, it's been the total rage. With the abundance of this pale copper colored metal, many watches have been launched in this girly hue. Just about every watch brand has a few Rose Gold options, but you can find the biggest selection of styles from Michael Kors. The average retail for a Michael Kors watch is $250. Some styles are a little more expensive, and a select few may be a pinch less. Out of all of the department store brands, the least expensive one I've come across is from Fossil. Number 8 in the above photo is a very cute option for half the price of a Kors at $135.

Now, if that's a lot to invest in for you right now, you have other options. When I'm low on funds, eBay is my best friend.

If you search eBay, sorting the search results by the lowest price first, you'll see a lot of results for Rose Gold Watches from Hong Kong. I have ordered jewelry in the past from Hong Kong, but I dread the lengthy shipping time, especially with something I'm really looking forward to receiving. Yes, I'm very impatient.

READ MORE TO CONTINUE READING & FOR PHOTOS OF THE WATCH I PURCHASED!

Monday, August 15, 2011

51 Fabulous Bloggers!


I'm sure we all have a favorite blog that we check frequently for updates, and when you see a new post, it's the greatest feeling. Kind of the feeling you get when you've been going back and forth with bids on an exclusive, limited edition item (maybe a Chanel Lumieres Byzantines de Chanel Palette Highlighters) you really want on eBay and in the last mili-second, you won it. Or you received an awesome package in the mail you weren't expecting. Aaaaaaaah. Total nirvana.

I'm subscribed to hundreds of blogs. So many that sometimes my favorites will get buried in the abyss of new posts. That's of course what my Blogroll is for. A list of some of my favorite blogs so when I find that I have nothing to do, I can always refer to my Blogroll and click through the links so I won't miss a thing. (You can view my Blogroll HERE)

There are also several other blogs I adore that aren't listed. I went through my ginormous list, and compiled a mini-ginormous list of blogs that I think are awesome. Please don't be offended if your blog isn't listed. There was no way to name every single one, and I know for sure I did miss a bunch. (Although by the size of my list, it does look like I listed every single one.. lol)

http://xmiss-amirax.blogspot.com
http://mspurplemakeup.blogspot.com
http://filthygorgeousmakeup.blogspot.com
http://obsessedmakeupaddict.blogspot.com
http://onlyxlindah.blogspot.com
http://prettymuchmakeup.com
http://productrater.blogspot.com
http://rockmebeautiful.blogspot.com
http://rocaille-writes.blogspot.com
http://jo-shopaholic.blogspot.com
http://sophieismadeup.com
http://stylesuzi.com
http://thebeautybite.blogspot.com
http://andeelayne.blogspot.com
http://veronabrit.blogspot.com
http://vivalamakeuptv.com
http://viviannadoesmakeup.com
http://thebeautysanctum.blogspot.com
http://thoughtsoftao.com

I hope you have an awesome time checking out some of these blogs and hopefully you'll subscribe to them all!

Have any favorites from this list? If you love a blog and it isn't listed, please share in the comments!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Rockstar Pink!


Rockstar Pink is a pretty cool glitter polish that consists of two different size glitters. I wouldn't really consider it to be "chunky" glitter, but it's a mix of small and extra fine glitters. There are magenta, red, blue and very fine gold (they almost look green - some say they are silver, but they look gold to me) glitter, with the majority being magenta. Wow, I've managed to say glitter 5 times in two sentences. Haha!

Anyway, many times glitter nail polishes disappoint because they never seem to look the same way on the nail as they do in the bottle. Although Rockstar Pink is fairly sheer, I find it to be more opaque than other glitters I've tried in the past. You pretty much get full coverage with three coats, but I decided on four. When sealed with a top coat, this polish is a real stunner.

I tried it over pink, black and solo. I think it looks pretty cool all three ways. A couple of pedicures ago, I did the pink version and I loved it. It looked very "barbie-esque".

If you love glitter polish and don't mind the extra hassle of removing it, this is a great buy for a couple of dollars at your local drugstore.


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Review: NuMe Couture Flat Iron!


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The Couture is a 1 1/3 inch iron with tourmaline-infused plates and variable temperature control which will help tame the unruliest and thickest hair. Simply smooth away unmanageable frizz from those troublesome tresses and add shine to any style – sleek straight, big and bouncy waves or perfect curls. Best for thick or curly hair.

The NuMe Couture Professional Styling Iron is all you will ever need in bringing salon results home. Advanced technology and smart features include a dynamic alignment system that ensures perfect contact between your hair and our 100% tourmaline ceramic plates. The ceramic ion technology generates gentle far infrared heat and by infusing plates with crushed tourmaline crystals, 600% more negative ions help create the perfect frizz free hair without any heat damage for quicker, superior results. It's a proven technology that leaves your locks bouncing with health.

READ MORE FOR MY REVIEW! 

Friday, August 12, 2011

Small Forever 21 Accessory Haul!



    All of the items I purchased are still available on the Forever 21 website. Each item listed above is linked to the product page.

    I'm loving everything I purchased, and my only regret is purchasing the leaf necklace. I only own a few necklaces, and I'm really liking the layering trend, so I thought it would look cute layered with some other simple gold necklaces. I usually avoid buying necklaces from Forever 21, especially if they are gold because after 1-2 uses they change color and I won't wear them after that. I took a chance and didn't even wear the necklace yet, and the gold already changed. It was bright yellow gold when I purchased it and now it's a dull silver-gold. Oh well. You can't win them all, right?

    My favorite things are the knuckle ring, which is surprisingly comfortable. It has a hinge, so both ends move slightly when you bend your finger for a more comfortable fit. I've been wearing it almost every day since I got it.

    This is my other favorite purchase. Another item I've been wearing every day. I usually pair it with the arrowhead earrings. Really cute and edgy. I love that it's a loose fit, so even if I'm wearing long sleeves, the spikes peek through.

    Yay, it's already the weekend! Have any plans?

    Thursday, August 11, 2011

    Chanel Santal and Ming Rouge Allure Laque Review, Photos and Swatches!

    chanel ming and santal

    Chanel Santal and Ming Rouge Allure Laque

    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Discover the pure indulgence of liquid lip lacquer, a colour innovation that could only come from CHANEL. Intensely rich colour and shine last for hours -- and the temptingly creamy formula conditions as it hydrates lips. All this, with full coverage, in eight stunning shades.

    Like mentioned, there are only eight shades available: Coromandel, Imperial, Dynastie, Dragon, Ming, Santal, Phoenix and Mandarin. The two most wearable shades are Santal and Ming, which is why I chose both!

    **NOTE** I purchased product TESTERS. So the packaging will differ when purchased at a counter. Click HERE to view more details on the Chanel website.


    READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SWATCHES!

    Wednesday, August 10, 2011

    Lancome Sienna Sultry Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette Review!

    Lancome Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette

    An all-in-one five-shadow palette for brightening the eyes.

    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: These alluring palettes feature silky, lustrous, long-wearing powders that transparently wrap the skin resulting in a seamless layering of pure color and a radiant finish. Build with absolute precision and apply the shades in five simple steps (all over, lid, crease, highlighter, and liner) to design your customized eye look. Contour, sculpt, and lift with soft day colors or intensify your look with dramatic evening hues for smoky effects. 

    There are 12 palettes available. To view them all, click HERE to be re-directed to the Sephora product page.

    Sienna Sultry contains a matte soft pink-beige, bubble-gum pink shimmer, matte soft brown, golden copper shimmer and a deep brown shimmer. All shades are suppose to go together to create a certain look. Lancome gives you a little guide for the color placement of each shade. In this particular palette the colors do go well together. I have to say though, I was really disappointed with this palette.


    READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, SWATCHES AND REVIEW!

    Monday, August 8, 2011

    What I'm wearing/using lately.

    I switch up the products I use just about every day otherwise I'd never get through any of my products. Typically when I find myself using the same products over and over for longer than a week, I always find it worthy of a blog post.

    * I apologize that this post is a little photo heavy, but the lighting was fantastic today, so I took advantage of it by snapping lots of photos.



    Sunday, August 7, 2011

    NOTD: OPI Coney Island Cotton Candy with Glitter Tips!

    Three (3) Coats of OPI Coney Island Cotton Candy with Love & Beauty Silver Glitter on the tips and One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat.

    Coney Island Cotton Candy is a very sheer, milky flesh-tone nude with a peach undertone. Prior to receiving this polish in a swap last year, I looked up numerous swatches and reviews for this shade, and saw so many differences. I suppose it depends on the actual color of you nail how this polish may appear, because many stated there is a pink tone to it. On my nails though, there is absolutely no trace of pink.

    This polish is very sheer. It's basically clear with the first coat and a sheer, milky beige with the second coat. It looks it's best with three coats, but the color still isn't completely opaque. Because my tips were still visible with the third coat, I decided to add some glitter to my tips to distract from my self tanner stains. I used Love & Beauty's (Forever 21) Silver Glitter Nail Polish.

    The formula is very thin and runny. Once the applicator hits my nail, a small pool of polish extends across my nail in an even layer. I find that it's very easy to work with, but requires patience between coats. Once dried, it has a "jelly" polish consistency. So, to avoid any indents, a good top coat is necessary.


    Wednesday, August 3, 2011

    I'll be back soon!

    Hey Everyone!

    I just wanted to post a quick message to let you all know that I'm going to be on break this week, therefore I won't have any blog updates until either later this week or at the beginning of next week.

    If you have any requests, please post in my comments!

    I'll talk to you all soon!

    XOXO
    Natty

    Tuesday, August 2, 2011

    MAC Blushbaby Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

    mac blushbaby blush

    MAC Blushbaby Blush 

    MAC Blushbaby Blush ($20) is described as a beige-pink powder blush in the MAC Sheertone family. I purchased Blushbaby after looking for a neutral blush that I can wear every day, and was recommended to try Blushbaby. Blushbaby is the second most reviewed MAC blush on Makeupalley, and it's one of MAC's top sellers.

    Blushbaby is a no-fuss shade that pairs well with just about anything. And as much as I wanted to love Blushbaby, because so many seem to favor it - but the first handful of times wearing it, I wasn't impressed. I typically apply my blush right after my foundation, and I think because Blushbaby is super-finely milled and matte, it wasn't applying evenly, thus looking dull and muddy on my face. Now when I wear Blushbaby, I always make sure to apply a setting powder to my cheeks before application and apply the blush with a fluffy powder brush for a natural wash of color. I buff the color in a bit, and the results are so much better.

    On my NC30 cheeks, it gives off a natural rosy-pink nude hue. Liked I hoped, It's a really great ever-day shade that gives my cheeks the right amount of color.

    For those with naturally rosy cheeks, I can see this blush to possibly enhance ruddiness. Those with strong yellow undertones, it can pull slightly orange. It can also look "dirty" if too much is applied, and because it's sheer, you may feel the need to pack on the color. But be careful, and apply a little at a time because it builds quickly.

    mac blushbaby blush review

    mac blushbaby blush review

    Monday, August 1, 2011

    Nars Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Review, Photos and Swatches!

    nars bolero

    Nars Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

    Nars Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24) is a vivid coral pink (described on Sephora as pink cantaloupe) lipstick pencil with a matte finish.

    Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils combine the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-sized crayon design. These pigment-rich sticks provide a matte, creamy finish enriched with emollients, vitamin E, and silicone.

    After seeing Bolero featured on Temptalia, I knew it would be a shade I was going to love. Although, it did look super dry on her lips.

    I'm not sure if the formula differs shade to shade, but Boleo is pretty drying, as are most matte finish lipsticks. To keep my lips from drying out, I'll apply a layer of lip balm on my lips prior to application of the lip pencil and it keeps my lips from drying out and the lip pencil from looking uneven.

    My favorite way of wearing Bolero, is with a warm lip liner (such as MAC Stripdown, Hover, Spice, etc) and clear gloss on top. It also looks great when mixed with a baby pink lipstick/gloss.


    The color seemed all too familiar, and when I swatched it next to some of my other favorties.. well, I realized why I liked it so much in the first place. Haha! It resembles Illamasqua Obey the most, just with a touch more pink. It's a color that I find very flattering on my skintone, as it really brightens up my face.

    nars bolero swatches comparisons
    Swatches from left to right: YSL #26 Tender Peach Rouge Volupte Lipstick, MAC Everhip Lipstick, Illamasqua Obey Lipstick and Nars Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.

    If the pencil wasn't so drying, it would probably be one of my favorite lip products. But, because I have to prime my lips, it is a little inconvenient when applied on the go, or for touch-ups. Still, I really like it and I'm happy with it!

    Have you tried any of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils? What did you think?