Sunset Eyes

Hi there. I recently bought the Shany Cosmetics Bold and Bright Collection Vivid Eyeshadow Palette. I had been looking for an affordable palette with a bunch of bright colors. I've tried Coastal Scents and BH Cosmetics a few years ago but saw this one and figured I'd give it ago. I'm glad I did, I really like it. So if you wanna see how I got this look go ahead and click below to read more :)

Red Cherry Lash Haul

Hi there! This is going to be a quick post. I got my order of Red Cherry Lashes in the mail yesterday and was so excited! I have always wanted to try them and I picked up 6 sets for 12.00 off eBay, love eBay!

Top L-R: #16, #43, #106

Bottom L-R: #110, #101, #118

 

These lashes are all great quality from what I've seen so far! They're all very long which is good because I wear glasses and you can really see them. They're 100% human hair which I so prefer to synthetic. #16 and #106 are similar, but the 106s are a bit more dense. #43s are beautiful, they're the only ones I've worn so far and they gave me amazing volume and length. I searched for some Red Cherry favorites before making my purchase and the 43s seemed to be a popular pair. #101s are super dramatic and super long. They may not work with my glasses but they are beautiful and I will more than likely use them with upcoming Halloween tutorials! The 110s are very unique and that's just what I was looking for! And finally the 118s, very long and very fluttery. Can't wait to try the rest of these out. Do you have a favorite pair of Red Cherry Lashes!? Leave me a comment if you do:) Thanks for reading!!

--Nicole

 

Posted with Blogsy

Drugstore Lippie Haul!

Hi all! Today I bring you a small haul of lip products. I go through phases of buying a lot of lip products at once and it seems to be that time again!

 

First we have two Maybelline Color Whispers. The first is in "Petal Rebel" (top pic) the bottom is in "Oh La Lilac" Petal Rebel is a cute bubblegum pink color. Oh La Lilac is just what the name says, a lilac color. These Color Whispers are Maybellines versions of the ever so popular colored lip balms. The formulation is a "gel" and they are very moisturizing. They are lightweight and provide just the right amount of color with about two swipes, they are build able. I get about an hour of wear before the color starts to fade which is normal of any balm. The packaging is so cute, packaging always gets me good. I love these and plan to purchase more!

Next is Revlons Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "Lilac Pastelle." Something just struck my fancy about lilac/lavender lips one day while browsing the store and seeing this gloss on clearance for 2.99. This gloss is nicely pigmented and doesn't make me look dead which I was slightly worried about. It's not too sticky and is very smooth! It comes with a doe foot applicator. I very much recommend this and the Oh La Lilac to anyone looking for a good drugstore lilac lip combo.

 

This next gloss is actually from the same line as the last one, but it is a new packaging. Revlons Super Lustrous gloss in "Super Natural." I was looking for a good "my lips but better" gloss and I came across this one and decided to give it a shot. It's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. My lips are pretty pigmented naturally so this just gives them a little something extra. Again, great formula as the last gloss, same doe foot applicator. I recommend this to anyone looking for a "super natural" gloss..haha.. Sorry the pic quality is pretty rough.

 

Finally we have Rimmels Stay Glossy gloss in "My Eternity." I had been curious about these glosses for awhile. They are all very pretty and most of them have a lot of shimmer in them. I decided to get this shade as I felt I'd get the most wear out of it. It's a beautiful darker nude color with light shimmer in it. The consistency of this gloss is a bit thinner than the previous two and is very smooth. The applicator is different that the last two. It is a sponge tip but its angled all the way down on both sides, i actually really like that. i do get a couple hours of wear out of it. It has a smell for about the first ten minutes of wearing it, not a bad smell, just a makeup smell. It doesn't bother me though. I defiantly plan on picking a few more of these glosses up!

 

That's it for my little haul! I purchased everything but the two color whispers which were gifts from my wonderful mommy. If you have any great drugstore product recommendations feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading!

--Nicole

 

Posted with Blogsy

Purple Smokey Eye

Hello again. Today's tutorial will show you how to create this dramatic but wearable purple smokey eye. I'm going to see one of my favorite bands play tomorrow and this is what I plan on wearing! Enjoy :)

Beauty Blogger Tag

So being a new blogger, I thought a great way for you girls to get to know me would be through this tag! I hope you enjoy learning all about me, and I tag all of you reading this to do it!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or naturally straight? Straight.

2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? I dye it myself, maybe once a year. I'm terrible with my color upkeep. I kinda just let it do its natural thing!

3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it? During the work week it's always in some bun/ponytail. But on the weekends or if I need to look presentable it always changes. I curl it a lot but also like to wear sock buns lately!

 

Hot Pink Smoke

Hi ladies! Today's post is a look that I think many people stray away from, but it really packs a punch! Pink eyeshadow! Lets face it, pink on the eyes can go wrong, fast. This tutorial is very easy and flattering, and I plan on wearing it more in the future. I did a look similar to this for my birthday earlier this month, but this one turned out much better. So without further ado...

So first were gonna start with a base, I used MACs paint pot in Painterly. Applied all over the lid, slightly into the crease and along the lower lash line.

Next I applied a white base on top, I used NYX jumbo eye pencil in "milk" for this. I know there are some white eyeshadow bases out there (NYX actually makes one) but I do not have one so this works perfectly fine. I only apply a little and blend it out with my fingers.

Following that I take my hot pink shadow, this one is from an NYC City Duets palette in "Island Sunset" if you don't have a pink eyeshadow, any hot pink blush would work just fine! Apply this onto the lid only, being careful not to go up too far into the crease. Side note about these NYC palettes, they're great! I have another one with 2 green shades and the pigmentation in both is amazing, can't beat it for only $2.00!

Next taking any matte black shadow and either a pencil brush or an angled shader brush (I used a combo of both) apply the black shadow on the outer corner of the eye and slightly into the crease. The key to this part is using small amounts of black shadow at a time and layering it. It's much easier to add shadow but you can't take it away once it's there! Switching between the pencil brush and angled shader also will help with the blending and getting into the smaller areas. Also apply a small amount of black along the lower lash line about halfway. I find using an angled liner brush is best for this!

Now take any skin tone eyeshadow you have (face powder works too) lightly blend out the black, keeping the concentration of the color in the crease. I did not take a picture of this next step, but taking another liner brush, lightly apply that same pink along the inner part of your lash line and blend with the black.

To finish up.. Apply your favorite black eyeliner to your waterline and tightline, liquid liner on top, highlight the brow bone & inner corner with a light shade and apply your favorite lashes! I feel long, whispy lashes look best for this look! The lashes I used are from the Kardashians "Khroma" brand, the other lashes from them are hit or miss to me but these "Glimmer Lashes" are awesome!

I hope you enjoy this look and if you recreate it please send me a picture! Thanks so much for reading!!

--Nicole.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Polish Post #2 Summer Pinks & Purples.

Today I bring you part 2 of yesterday's post about my favorite blue colors of summer; my pinks and purples. Honestly there is only one purple, but I felt it needed to be included in the title too. I'm really finicky about purple polishes. I have about ten and have yet to find a true purple polish that I like. Any of you ladies have recommendations? Let's get to it!

From left to right: China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, Essie Peach Daiquiri, Orly Fancy Fuchsia, Covergirl Lav-endure. 

First up on the pointer finger we have.. China Glaze "Flip Flop Fantasy." 

This polish is summer in a bottle, no joke. It is so neon that it was hard to get a good  picture of it in the bottle. It is a super fluorescent coral color, very flattering on tan skin! Like all neons, it dries to a matte finish. Opaque in two coats. This is an essential polish to pick up for the summer time! 

Next on the middle finger we have.. Essies "Peach Daiquiri." 

This is a great polish to have because it is so versatile. I find I really don't like the look  of red polish on my fingers or toes, and this is a pink color but is so deep it almost looks red! i bought this on a whim a kohls because I saw they carried Essie and lets be real, I can't  leave a store without a new polish.. Anyway, I'm glad I did! It is an excellent color and would  really look so fly on anyone! Opaque in one coat, but again I always use two! 

And on the ring finger....Orlys "Fancy Fuchsia."

This color rocks my socks! I swear I've had it for years and the consistency is still  awesome! It's a true Barbie pink, which you can never go wrong with! It dries matte, and is opaque in two coats. This is another polish I will wear if I want something I know will always look great. It's a classic in my collection. Every girl should own this polish. 

And finally we have..Covergirls "Lav-Endure"

First of all I love the name of this polish! So cute! I feel you can never go wrong with a lavender polish. I own a few and I find this one to be the most flattering. It is super light Almost a "nude lavender" if you will. This one has great formulation and is opaque in two coats. If you're looking for a great lavender color, I suggest this one. It's super affordable too!

That does it for my Summer polish posts! I was thinking of doing a nude/neutrals post but i don't think it would be exciting. Maybe in the future! As always thanks so much for reading!!

--Nicole. 

Polish Post #1 The Blues of Summer

Hello again! Today I wanted to share a dark dramatic purple look I did, but of course my Internet is moving at turtle speed so that's a no go. Anywho I decided I would do a post of my favorite blue nail polishes for summertime. I'm not particularly a fan of only wearing certain colors for certain seasons, these are more of the ones I always reached for this past summer. 

Pleaseeee excuse my gross cuticles..!!! My job dries my hands out like a s.o.b. I've recently bought a new cuticle cream that was working great but I seem to have misplaced it..

Starting at the pointer finger we have Essie's "Butler Please."

This is the perfect blue color. It really stands out on your nails. It dries to a matte finish so a topcoat is needed, unless you like that look.  It takes 2 coats to make it opaque. I would consider this one of my all time favorite nail polishes! 

Middle finger we have Revlons "Coastal Surf." 

Beautiful color! I always get so many compliments when I wear this polish. It's a bright blue/turquoise color.  It truly does remind me of the ocean. Great color for the summertime as it looks awesome with a tan and on your toesies. The formulation of this polish is fab. One coat and it is opaque but I always do two coats for any polish. 

Ring finger we have Essie's "Where's My Chauffeur." 

When this polish came out in Winter 2012 I knew I had to have it. It is from the same collection as "Butler Please." I didn't have any other color like it really and I'm glad i picked it up. It is a sea foam green/teal color. Opaque in two coats. Not as bright and in your face as the previous colors but superb none the less. This is one of the polishes I reach for when I'm not sure what color I want because I know it will always please me.  

And finally on the pinky..Essie's "Mint Candy Apple." 

If you read my last post you know I quite fancy this color. It's safe to say its my favorite polish of all time. You can't go wrong with this color. It's a gorgeous mint shade. I own a few other mint polishes and this one trumps them all. Opaque in two coats. I went for months not purchasing this posh because I had many similar shades but I took the plunge and got it and boy am I glad I did. If you don't own it, please go buy it! You won't regret it :) I plan on buying a backup soon! 

Well that does it for my favorite blue polishes for summer. I'll be back tomorrow with my favorite pinks/purples. Nail polish is my serious addiction. I own more than I could ever use in ten lifetimes, and I always buy more. So expect a lot more polish posts from me! Thanks for reading!

--Nicole 💜💜

Mint Candy Apple Eye

Hi there! Today I wanted to show you an eye look I did recently. My favorite nail polish of all time is Essie's "Mint Candy Apple," So I decided to name this look after it! I bought this great Fergie palette solely for the awesome mint shadow it had in it. I knew I had to come up with a way of wearing it that wasn't going to make me look like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show. So here it is! 

So I started with MAC paint pot in painterly to give me an even canvas to work with. Applied to the whole lid and under the bottom lash line. 

I then blended a mix of "naked" and "buck" from urban decay into my crease using a blending brush.

As you can see these are pretty much my most loved shades in this palette!

Then taking a flat synthetic shader brush, I picked up some of this mint color from the Fergie "photo op" palette and wetted it using urban decays all nighter setting spray. I tried doing it without wetting it first and it makes all the difference in the world to do it. Water would work just fine too. Anyway, pat this shade all over only your lid and also all along the lower lash line. 

Then taking a clean small pencil brush, lightly blend the crease colors and the mint color together, being careful not to get too much brown on the lid. You can go back and add more mint if you need to. At this point I also added a matte white highlight to my browbone.

Now line your bottom waterline and tightline, I used the 24/7 pencil in perversion because it is life changing. Then using this L'Oreal lineur intense liquid liner apply a slightly thick line to the upper lash line and wing it out. Or not, whatever you prefer!

Finally I applied a coat or mascara on top and bottom, and added some ardell 105 lashes and voila! 

This wasn't much of a tutorial picture wise, but I will improve on that next time. 

Thanks so much for reading! 

--Nicole💜💜

All Time Favorites!

Hello everyone! For my first post I thought I'd share some of my holy grail products. I reach for these items every time I wear makeup. I am also including a small review on each product. I hope you enjoy this post and hopefully you will try some of these fabulous products out!! 

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly.

I use this as a base for any eye makeup look I am doing. It is a flesh tone base that pulls a little more on the pink side (unlike soft ochre which is more yellow) I have very oily eyelids and I find this is the best product to use to prevent creasing. A little goes a long way with this product, I've had it well over a year and it is still going strong. I have tried urban decays primer potions and found that to be a little too "slippery" for me. This is a more dry texture. It also does an excellent job of erasing any veins or discoloration on my eyelids. 

Excuse my chipping polish, ew. 

Urban Decay Naked and Naked2 palette.

I LOVE both of these. There's a shade for every neutral eye look you could ever want to create. The original Naked has more warm tone colors, while naked 2 has more cool tones. Both are beautiful. Pigmentation is amazing, super soft and blendable colors. If you don't own one or both of these, please run to the nearest ulta or sephora! The both now come with a dual ended synthetic haired brush which is fantastic. One end is a shader and the other a blending. 

I realize I did not take any pictures of the shadows themselves, but most of you know what they look like and I plan to do full blog post of both the palettes soon!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Perversion.

I previously used the color zero forever but recently picked this baby up and I will never use anything else. This is the blackest matte black. Super creamy and blendable but doesn't smudge once it is set. It really does "glide on!" Just amazing. Do yourself a favor and get this. It's pricey, but worth it. 

Benefits "They're Real!" Mascara.

Honestly I just got this product a few days ago but I don't know how I went so long without buying it. Benefits "they're real!" Mascara. LOVE this. My lashes are thin and mediocre. I've tried so many mascaras and had ok results, some better than others, but this my friends is great. I picked it up on recommendation of one of my girls (Kyla if you're reading this thank you and love you!) 

Sephoras Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover.

I can't even with this stuff, it's amazing. I got a sample of it a few years back and fell in love. I have sensitive eyes and a lot of other removers bug the hell out of me but not this stuff. I've used it to remove heavy eye makeup, multiple times a day and it always gets every little speck off and actually leaves the skin around my eyes feeling very nourished. Apparently it has a lash nourishing formula in it too, so bonus! I will forever repurchase. 

And that rounds out the eye category, let's move onto the face...

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in Brightening.

This is a great under eye brightener, I've used the regular flesh tones ones and didn't like them as much as they are quite sheer, but this one isn't meant for coverage as much as just brightening the area up!  It is a pinky color and If I'm feeling it ill throw a flesh toned concealer on top of it just to give it some extra coverage, but it works great just on its own too! 

Bare Minerals Foundation.

I'm not a huge fan of liquid foundations, I have very oily acne prone skin. I've been a fan of this stuff for years. It evens my complexion out without making me look too powdery or cakey. I buff it into my skin using a flat top kabuki brush and it looks great and feels light on my skin! I also have the bare minerals ready foundation, but I do not like it as much as the original mineral foundation. As you can see it is well loved.. 

Benefits Hoola Bronzer.

This is by far my favorite Bronzer I've ever tried. I use to be an avid NYC sunny Bronzer user, but once I tried this I realized "sunny" was making me look way orange..and that's not the look I'm usually going for! This Bronzer is amazing to contour with and looks very natural. The packaging is cute which always gets me good. I even like to use the brush it came with. Again, it's expensive but worth it in my opinion. A little goes a long way, I've had mine over a year and still have yet to hit pan! 

Tweezerman tweezers.

The last thing I want to talk about is a tool, these are hands down the best tweezers ever. I recently lost my old pair and decided I didn't want to shell out the $14 for new ones, but realized nothing compares. These little babies can grab the smallest hairs! I usually pluck any stray hairs before I do my brows and these always keep mine looking sharp. You can send them back to tweezers an and they will sharpen them for free if they ever get dull...I had my last pair for about 2 years and they never got dull on me. Totally worth it!

And that's it for my holy grail items! I realized i should have swatched the products and will keep that in mind for my future posts. Obviously I have more products that I love and use daily but these are hands down the best of the best in my opinion. I plan on doing a post about my recent favorites which will include more products like blushes, lip products and more so stay tunes and thanks so much for reading!!

-Nicole 💜