Swap Haul! Nars, MAC and Bobbi Brown.

Hey Everyone,

If you didn't know by now, I'm a complete swap-a-holic. I love swapping and browsing blog sales for great deals and hard to find items. It's a great way to try new products when you're on a budget. If you don't know what swapping is, click here to view Makeupalley's Swap FAQ page.

(Sorry, MAC Hottest Pink Glitter Vial is hiding behind the Nars Multiple)

NARS South Beach Multiple (Mini)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow in Stone

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick

MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow

MAC Hangin' Loose Nail Lacquer

MAC Hottest Pink Glitter Vial

MAC Jardin Aires Pigment Vial

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS! 

Rocky's Hair Cut!

I took Rocky to the groomers yesterday! It was very well needed because his fur was getting pretty long, and it has been the hottest summer I can remember in Chicago. The only time I ever saw the temperature reach 104 was in Vegas, and I thought that was crazy. Lately, ever time I get in the car, it says the temp is minimum 101 to 105. 

I tried my hardest to get a good picture of him, but he was more into his little hedgehog toy I bought him than the camera. Did you know they have an awesome selection of pet things at Marshalls/TJ Maxx!? It depends on the location, but I've found so many cute things there for Rocky. Definitely check it out! He seems to be liking his Rockstar place-mat, but he keeps digging into it, which drives me nuts because I don't want him ruining it. haha!

Hope you're all enjoying your Friday afternoon!

NOTD: Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in the shade Cloud!

Two (2) Coats of Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in Cloud and One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat

Revlon Cloud is a pastel lavender blue. It does differ on certain skintones, but on my hands the color appears a little more lavender than it does blue (although you can't tell much from the photos). I was looking for more of a powder blue, but I think this polish is very pretty regardless. It really brighten up my hands.

I like Revlon's Top Speed Nail Polishes for a few reasons. They have a good selection of trendy colors, the lasting power is pretty good - I don't find it that it chips as easy as other low end drugstore polishes, they have a shiny finish and they are inexpensive (typically $3.99). Although I'm not a huge fan of the soft, plastic-like feel they have. I can get over it though.

The particular formula of this one isn't bad, but it isn't the greatest. Based on some reviews, some thought the formula was too thick. I really didn't find it to be thick. It's pretty sheer (and streaky) with one coat, and evens out pretty well by the second coat. I did find that on a couple of my nails, it looks like I have ridges (you can notice it on my ring finger in the photos), which would of probably been evened out by a third coat.

I do think this color is pretty awesome and flattering on most skin tones. I really don't think the pictures do the shade justice. It's prettier in person.

Speaking of blues, have any favorite blues you can recommend? 

My go-to products when I'm on the run!

I don't know about you, but speaking for myself, I don't manage my time very well. Yeah, I'll admit it. Dinner plans for 6 PM? No problem. Then at 5 PM I'm staggering around my house looking for misplaced items and fumbling through my makeup drawers. Sadly, there comes those days where I think I'm I've got all of the time in the world to get ready and then my best friend will call me and say she's on the way to my house and be there in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, I'm watching Pixiwoo on YouTube in my pj's. Hanging up the phone on them before I could even say goodbye, I automatically run to my go-to products that never fail when I'm racing against the clock.

When it comes to picking your go-to products, they have to be products that won't let you down - zero room for error. Also, products that don't require lots of work. A.K.A "low maintenance products". Everyone moves at their own pace and we're not all at the same level of expertise in application of makeup, so don't feel intimidated by my gi-normous list of products. I've been wearing makeup for enough years to be able to use all of the products shown above in the matter of 10 minutes (I can actually probably do it in less).. That leaves me 5 minutes to comb through my hair, spray a little hair spray and get dressed! 

I did want to show an item from each category though. Depending on where I'm going and the amount of time I have, I may skip some things. Perhaps I'll skip the blush and only wear bronzer, or vise-versa. Maybe I'll only wear mascara on my eyes and skip the shadow. 

READ MORE FOR THE LIST OF PRODUCTS!