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.