March Favorites

March was a very tempting month... so many exciting launches were either released or announced to release, but I have resisted most so far. Look out for a beauty wishlist or new launches post coming soon!

Laura Mercier Face Illuminating Powder. I just got this a couple of weeks ago but it seems as if it's already out of stock! This gorgeous golden highlight is incredibly fine milled and I love the look of the embossing. It reminds me of the Bobbi Brown golden highlighter I got around Christmas, but I think I like this one even more.

Nars Dual Intensity Blush in Fervor. These have been a hot item since their launch date. They can be used wet or dry, individual or together, on eyes or cheeks... the possibilities are endless! The formula is very similar to the eyeshadows of the same name and I love this color combination for spring.

Make Up Forever Hydrating Primer. Normally I don't fall in love with the little samples I get as Sephora rewards, but this one changed my mind. It's super nourishing and always makes my skin feel so soft even after I apply foundation. I want to buy a full sized one, but there are so many different options I'm not sure which one to get!

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. Holy expensive item. I've heard great things about the brand but it's way too expensive for me to justify. I kindly got this as a birthday present from my friend a couple of months ago and have been loving it since (I forgot to include it in my Feb. favorites). It's soothing, toning, smells amazing, and I feel so luxurious when I use it.

Tom Ford Casablanca Lipstick. This was my first big makeup splurge last year, and I've recently been using it again. It's in my favorite rosy nude shade, lasts forever, and is incredibly hydrating (it better for the hefty price tag).

L-R: Laura Mercier, Nars Fervor Left and Right, Tom Ford

Books: Crash and Burn by Lisa Gardner, Hush Hush by Laura Lippman, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Before He Finds Her by Michael Kardos

Music: Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, Someone New by Hozier (obsessed with this song!), What Kind of Man by Florence and the Machine

Let me know what you loved in March!

An Introduction to Guerlain

Until a few months ago, all I knew about the Guerlain brand was they had those meteorite pearl thingies that everyone and their mother has a dupe for. That changed when I heard about their new spring collection, which brought the typical Meteorites glow to a few new products. In addition to those, I decided to try some bronzers, which seems to be their other claim to fame.

Terracotta Joli Teint Powder Duo in Natural Brunettes. This is an incredibly natural bronzer that adds a hint of flush to cheeks, and can be worn alone or with the complementary blush duo. I went for the darker shade because they aren't super pigmented, but that's the type of look I was going for. Each Guerlain product has an amazing sugary floral smell that might be a turn-off to some but I really like it.

Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in Brunette. I love this because it's light enough  that it can be used as an all-over blush to warm the face, or as a typical bronzer. All the colors swirl together for a light cocoa shimmer and pigment can be built up depending on your preference.

Meteorites Compact in Light 02. Like I said, I've never tried the original meteorites but this is a pressed version. Don't be scared of the colors--it all blends together for a sheer shimmery finish that I like to use as an all-over setting powder. The violet smell is amazing and the pearly glow always brightens my face.

Meteorites Baby Glow in Light 2. Now we're talking the liquid version of meteorites. Again, another glowy product but now in a BB cream type formula. It's relatively sheer and comes out as a pink tone, but it blends in seamlessly with my skin tone that "correct and revive" my complexion. 

Have you tried any products from Guerlain? Let me know!

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger

1. How many hours a week do you spend writing/editing posts? I try to get out at least 2 posts a week (Monday and Friday) because I simply don't have enough time! I miss the summer days when I had 5 posts a week, but coming up with ideas is super hard too.

2. Are you a spender or a saver? As you can see from the makeup I like, I am definitely more of a spender. I'm trying to cut back (seriously I swear) though.

3. When is it easiest for you to blog? Sometimes I feel creative in the morning, but Sunday afternoons are usually when I get most of my posts done.

4. What makes writing behind a computer comfortable for you? Once I get started, it's a lot easier for the ideas to flow. I've toyed with the idea of making YouTube videos but I can hardly find enough time to blog, let alone film/edit.

5. What’s your worst makeup/hair habit? I sometimes overestimate the amount of blush I put on because the lighting is so terrible in my room, then I go into the bathroom and I'm like woah that needs some serious blending.

6. One quote that you wish the world would live by? I really like the quote "Our scars have the power to remind us that the past is real" from Silence of the Lambs (my favorite movie). I wish people understood that everyone has their own stories and scars, whether literally or metaphorically, but they have got us to where we are. 

7. How long do you spend getting ready everyday? With a shower, it's usually about an hour but I can slap on some makeup and wet my hair and be ready in like 10 minutes.

8. Who is your favorite blogger? My all-time favorite is definitely Vivianna Does Makeup. 

9. Who is a blogger that you read who deserves more subscribers than they have? I think every beginning blog deserves more subscribers. Every time I find a new blog, I get excited and love visiting it.

10. One thing your excited about in the upcoming year? Over the summer, I'm moving into my own place downtown for the upcoming school year. I'm excited to really have my own space and live with my friends.

11. Your most awkward blogging moment? Looking back on my beginning posts, there are definitely some things I would change but I can't say I've had any super awkward moments.

12. How long does it take you to prep for a post? Usually I come up with ideas a day or two in advance. Occasionally, I purchase products with a post in mind.

13. Are you wearing pants(jeans/skirt) right now or are you actually wearing pajama bottoms? Hahahaha jeans. Leggings all day every day.

14. What are you most proud of in your life? Hmmm it's hard to pinpoint one thing. I haven't graduated college yet, but I'm proud that I've made it this far and have developed a passion. I've had a dream for a while that I'm sticking to and I can't wait to fulfill that. 

Face of the Day #4

Maybe it's just me but this is always one of my favorite posts to read on other blogs. You might not get as in-depth a review you would like, but with certain bloggers I love (I'm looking at you VivianaDoesMakeup and EssieButton) I assume any product they're wearing I would love to. For this look, I went with an easy no-fuss look that randomly featured a lot of my higher end products.

Bobbi Brown Skin Smoothing Pore Perfector

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Sand

Tarte CC Undereye Corrector in Light/Medium

Estee Lauder BB Highlighter in Soft Pink

Too Faced Candlelight Primer

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Palette

Marc Jacobs Waterproof Eyeliner

Chanel Waterproof Eyeliner in Noir

Lancome Super Enhancing Mascara Base

Clinique High Impact Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash

Charlotte Tilbury Skin Perfecting Powder in Light

Guerlain Sheer Bronzing Powder in Sun Brunettes

Burberry Natural Blush in Earthy

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Moon Beach

Bite Butter Cream Lipstick in Praline

Guerlain Meteorites Compact in Light (not pictured)

What products have you been using lately?

MAC Cinderella Eyeshadow Palette

As you read this, the Cinderella collection has most likely sold out everywhere (I think it did on the day it launched). I was dumb and missed getting the palette in stores because I didn't think I needed/wanted it. After seeing many other reviews on it, I decided I didn't want to miss out and bought it on eBay. Fortunately, it was only slightly more expensive than the in-store price and still worth it in my opinion. Other than that, nothing in the collection really seemed worth it to me.

First of all, the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. Each shadow is a decent size and the blue lavender shade evokes major princess feels. Some shades are re-promotes and a few are unique to the palettes. I don't normally use MAC shadows so didn't already own any of them. Starting from the top left, Vapour is a velvet finish that's the least pigmented and is a peachy pink. Phloof! is a frosty off-white shade and Omega is probably my least favorite, although the matte brown shade can be used as a great crease shade. Quarry is a purpley brown shade and then we get to my two favorite shades on the bottom. Satin Taupe is exactly what the name describes, and Stroke of Midnight is a gorgeous plummy black shade that's exclusive to the palette. This is the real show-stopper and can add drama and depth to an otherwise neutral look.

L-R: Vapour, Phloof!, Omega, Quarry, Satin Taupe, Stroke of Midnight

Did you manage to snag anything from the Cinderella collection? What were your thoughts?

No Makeup Makeup Essentials

Call me crazy, but I love Friday the 13th. 13 is my lucky number, Friday's are my favorite days, and weird stuff (good or bad) tends to happen on them. Plus, it's the second one in a row this year. For everyone who wants to take a day off of their normal makeup routine, or maybe wants to start off slow adding something, there are a few things you can add to achieve a "no makeup" makeup look. By no means am I advocating that you need to wear makeup to feel beautiful, but I find it fun and it always cheers me up to have something on my face--no matter how lazy I feel. Here are a few products you can use if you want to still seem like you're wearing something without caking it on.

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Cheat. If you want to look more awake, use nude eyeliner (NOT WHITE) on your waterline. I personally prefer darker colors to add depth to my eyes, but if you're someone who tends to shy away from eyeliners, using a nude color can add a little more definition and make your eyes look bigger.

Charlotte Tilbury First Love Blush. These are easily my favorite blushes. This one is definitely with the most natural, adding a subtle glow whether you do the actual swish and pop method or swirl both colors together. There's a hint of shimmer but no visible chunks of glitter. Other colors work just as well depending on the look you're going for.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in Rose Infinite. My-Lips-But-Better colors are having a serious moment in my lipstick wardrobe. With a not too sheer formula that still lets color shine through, this dark rosy nude adds a little something extra to my lips without it being obvious.

Diorskin Nude BB Cream. What would a No Makeup Makeup post be without a BB cream? Lighter than a foundation, this one still offers a decent amount of coverage while adding a subtle glow to skin. Imperfections can shine through, so use a concealer if you're concerned.

MAC Burgundy Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette. Eyeshadow isn't necessary for days when you want minimal makeup, but I had to give a special shoutout to this new palette. You get a great variety of MAC colors for a great value, and the colors aren't so nude where they're blah. It's something a bit different to add to my collection, and the burgundy colors can pop when you keep everything else natural. 

The Question: How Do You Organize Your Makeup?

I'm reaching the point in my collection where my storage units really aren't working for me right now. I use a variety of keeping stuff in makeup bags (not the best for visibility but easy to hold stuff), clear small drawers, and bigger drawers. So I have a question for you: What do you find are the best ways to organize your makeup? Either share a pic, a crafty idea, or link to a good storage item! The best ideas will be added to this post.

(Not my actual collection but I wish)

Also, it's been a while since I've posted about a book I really enjoyed. Over the weekend, I read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Normally I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, but the story completely captivated me. Two sisters growing up in France experience WWII and the invasion of Germans, dealing with it in different ways and still making a difference. With such vivid descriptions and plot points, it was easy to visualize and become engrossed.

Smoky Eye Essentials

I used to be terrified to create a smoky eye. I would always do way too much and it would just look like I had a black eye. The trick is just to find the right products. Normally a smoky eye is appropriate for going out or night, but you can also rock it during the day with a neutral lip. I apologize for the lack of actual product pictures, as my stash is at school, but here are my four essentials to creating the perfect smoky eye.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock Chick Palette. This is probably the ultimate product that made a smoky eye so easy. The quad takes the guess work out of which shades work, and they can be built up or toned down depending on your mood. The bottom left shimmer is absolutely gorgeous and it's not too too gray where your eyes don't pop.

MAC 217 Brush. If you only buy one eyeshadow product, buy this one. It's pretty much the only one I use--it blends really well and also helps you apply products perfectly to the crease. It's so so soft and the hairs never fall out.
Charlotte Tilbury Bedroom Black Eyeliner. Another staple not just to my smoky eye look, but also an everyday makeup look. It's basically like a liquid liner in pencil form (it's THAT good) and I like to use it to line my waterline. You can also use it on the upper lid to add more drama and it smudges so perfectly that for once, pictures don't lie and it really does look like above.
Marc Jacobs Waterproof Eyeliner. If you read my blog, you know that this is my favorite liquid eyeliner. It doesn't budge and is great for adding a cat-eye. It's super super black and the tip is easy to create lines.

Let me know if you would like to see a more in-depth tutorial of my smoky eye look!

On another note, I've spent my break re-watching Arrested Development all the way through. I often watch random episodes when I'm bored, but haven't watched the whole thing all the way through in a while. It's probably one of the funniest shows ever made and I find new jokes every time.

New Additions to the Stash

I'm home from break, which can only mean one thing--time to hit up an actual Sephora. I've had most of these items on my wish list for a little bit and was super excited to pick them up. I've only used them once or twice so far, so I can't give full reviews yet but am so far not disappointed with anything.

Dior Cheek & Lip Glow. This was one of those ehhh do-I-really-need-it? products. Two in one things usually only work for one aspect on me, but this one is surprisingly versatile. It's a light liquid gel texture that gives lips a long lasting stain or adds a hint of natural color to cheeks.

Dior Nude Shimmer Powder in Amber. I don't have my hands one of the illusive Amber Diamonds, so I figured it would be my next best bet. It's too shimmery to use as a contour, but I like it as a bronzer or a way to add some sun kissed color into my cheeks. A light hand is best, as the shimmer can be overwhelming, and the brush it comes with is actually decent quality.

Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Eye Stick in On the Verge. There have already been a few posts dedicated to my love of these, and I wanted to add a purple to the stash.

Marc Jacobs Lip Creme in Infamous. All of the lipsticks were revamped, and this soft peony caught my eye. I already love a few of the nude ones and this one was great too. It's creamy and doesn't settle into lip lines, what more could ya want?

Dior Star Concealer in Beige. I've already been loving the Dior Star foundation (notice a trend of me loving products and buying their counterparts?) so figured I would love this too. There's nothing too special about it, and I've only used it once, but it did provide good coverage while illuminating.

Milani Fierce Foil Lipsticks. These are brand new and seemed like an even sparklier version of the Milani lip glosses that are already awesome. Wearing them on their own is a bit too "I just bought this at Claire's and I'm 10", so use a light hand and layer wisely.

Milani Lip Liner in Nude. Another nude lipliner is the last thing I need, but it was buy 2 get one free, so I didn't think I could go wrong with this.

L-R: Milani Lip Liner (not sure why it looks brown), Fierce Foil Lip Glosses (next 2), Dior Lip and Cheek Glow, Marc Jacobs Infamous, Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop, Dior Concealer, Dior Amber Powder