Thursday, April 19, 2012

Lust List Vol. 001

What's a lust list? It's basically a list (or collage) of material items you're "lusting" after or wish you had! Some people like to create these little collages as a way to organize items they admire, or to use it as kind of like a shopping list for items they'd like to purchase at some point. I think they are fun to read, and fun to create!

Well, I've got my eyes on so many things right now I knew I had to put a list together.

So, here goes my jumbled list of things that have running through my mind lately.

Zara Studded Evening Bag Box - I'm phasing out of my spike obsession, but I love edgy pieces and I think this clutch is adorable. I know I probably wouldn't get much use out of it though, so I may opt for the matching studded ankle strap sandals - something I could wear more often.
Zara Die-cast Pleated Shopper - I don't know why but I've been thinking about this bag for weeks. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. I know it's way too big to be practical and the handles are too small to wear it comfortably, but something keeps telling me that I need it in my life. 
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer - Apparently this cream foundation is pigmented enough to work as a concealer, while somehow looking completely natural. Reviews state that you only need a tiny amount for the whole face and a little jar will last for ages. I'm seconds away from placing an order. What doesn't sound good about this stuff!?
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Tumulte - I'm a sucker for Chanel blushes as well as anything pink, so naturally this newly released Joues Contraste ended up on my list. I have yet to see it in person, but I can tell from various blog posts that it's gorgeous!
Giorgio Armani Master Corrector - I think this product has been on my invisible lust list for the past couple of years but neglected ever purchasing it. Well, still neglecting it, but I'm trying to remind myself that I have to try it one of these day. I haven't read any reviews that weren't positive about this magic little tube for the under-eyes.
Guerlain Terracotta Blush in Sunny Pink - I freaked out when I first saw swatches for this Guerlain Summer Collection blush. Get a look at this swatch and tell me it won't look amazing on the cheeks. The only thing that's kept me from purchasing it, is that it may be reminiscent of Nars Orgasm - I don't need another one in my collection. Any insight for those that own it?
(Image Source: naturalchicmakeup)
Guerlain By Emilio Pucci Météorites Perles D’azur Illuminating Powder - I'm a huge fan of Guerlain Meteorites. They are such a luxurious product, and are fun to apply! I use them as a setting powder, and they erase any oily shine from my face, and leave a beautiful glow behind. My face is always glowing when I use these pearls. Do I really need another one? Probably not, but this one is so pretty that I think I may splurge.
Sigma Tapered Highlighting Brush - I've had it in my head that I need a domed brush in my collection. I'm not really sure if I do, but Sigma probably has the most affordable one, so I'll probably end up ordering it in the near future. Anyone have this brush? Do you like it?
Diorskin Nude Tan Nude Glow Sun Powder - Ahh, last but not least, the Dior bronzers from the Dior Summer 2012 Collection. I have yet to see reviews for any, but they look super pretty with the sleek silver packaging, and they come with a mini kabuki. How cute!

What's on your list?

P.S. What do you think of the newly designed Sephora site? I'm not too crazy about it. I liked the previous design better. It was easier for me to navigate
How do you like the new Sephora site?
I love it!
I'm indifferent.
I liked the old site better.


Hope you all have a wonderful night! Tomorrow is Friday - yay!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick Review!

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick

What do you guys think of Sonia Kashuk makeup? To be honest, I've never really tried any of their color cosmetics. When I shop at the drugstore for makeup, I'm usually looking for a really good sale, one where I can typically attach a manufacturer coupon with, to knock off a couple of extra dollars. Then, if it's something that didn't really work out for me, it wasn't a huge blow to my wallet.

Needless to say, Sonia Kashuk cosmetics are a little expensive and they rarely ever go on sale (maybe 10% off once in a while?) So, I figure for a few more dollars I can invest in some MAC. 

Well, Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette has caused quite the stir in the beauty blogging world. It's a little palette containing two concealers, a neutralizer and setting powder. The concealers look a little dark for my current "light" skintone, so I usually pass it up on my grocery trips to Target. But recently, I got a hold of Sonia's stick concealer in a makeup swap and it's a great match. 

"Buildable medium to high coverage concealer that perfectly hides skin imperfections with an absolute natural, non-powdery finish." - http://soniakashuk.com

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick is available in three shades: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk. I have the shade Dawn, which is a lovely light, golden beige. It matches my NC15-20 skintone very well.

(From left to right: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk.)
READ MORE! (before & after photos included)

Camera Update.


Good Afternoon, Beauties!

Some of you may know I was in a camera dilemma at the beginning of the month. My Canon Powershot SD3500 IS broke spontaneously, and with products piling up, I had to buy a replacement camera fast. I ended up getting the Nikon Coolpix P500, which I was really excited about and then quickly had my doubts about it after testing it out for a few days. When I photographed makeup, the colors weren't 100% accurate. I know many cameras won't be exactly accurate, but considering the purpose of this camera is to photograph makeup, I don't want to post photos that are misleading. I have to really give props to my old Canon for being very true-to-life in photos. I planned to return the Nikon, but with a busy schedule, I had no other choice but to use it for the mean-time (I have 90 days to return it if I'm not satisfied).

I've been using the Nikon for all of my recent posts, starting from the 9th of April. After messing around with the settings for several days, I figured out the setting that works best and is the most accurate. I can get pretty good photos in the daylight, but at night, it becomes difficult to get accurate coloring. I didn't have that problem with my previous camera and a few daylight bulbs - for whatever reason, the same set-up doesn't work as well with my Nikon.

But, after using it for a couple of weeks, I've grown to really like it. I can't really say yet if I'd recommend it for photographing makeup, but it really is a fabulous camera otherwise and takes very good photos for a point-and-shoot. It's probably the next best thing before purchasing a dslr.

I don't think at this point I'll be returning it unless I happen to come across something else that is much better at a similar price (I paid $299.99 on clearance at Target). I will let you know if my opinion has changed at all. And of course, if you have any questions about the camera, you can leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Lastly, my blog is featured on the front page of Hellocotton today as "top in beauty"! If you haven't heard of Hellocotton, I urge you to check it out. It's an awesome blog directory with blogs in every category in a very easy to navigate format. Join or Connect with Facebook and Like, Comment and Share your newly discovered favorite blogs!


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Step by Step Golden Bronze Eyeshadow Tutorial.

gold eyeshadow tutorial

I haven't done a tutorial in a while, so I thought I'd share with you one of my go-to looks when going out. It may seem like a lot of steps, but it's actually very simple, and it takes me all about five minutes to do. You can step it up a notch for night-time wear by adding false lashes and/or liner on the waterline, or you can tone it down for day-time wear by subtracting the outer-v color and liner.

Products Used:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer (used in step 1)
MAC Brule Eyeshadow (used in step 5)
MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow (used in step 2 and 4)
MAC Soba Eyeshadow (used in step 3)
MAC Tempting Eyeshadow (used in step 6)
MAC Brun Eyeshadow (used in step 7 and 8)
Loreal Endless Pearl Infallible Eyeshadow (used in step 10)
MAC Dipdown Fluidline Eyeliner (used in step 9)
Clarins Extra Definition Mascara (used in step 11)

Brushes Used:
Coastal Scents Small Eyeliner Brush
Sigma Small Angle Brush
Sigma Pencil Brush
Sigma Large Shader Brush
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush


CONTINUE READING!