April Favorites!

Hey guys, I know I've been pretty absent lately on my blog but I'm going to be making some life update posts soon to fill you in on everything that's been going on!

On another note, it's crazy to think it's already May and we're almost half way through 2013. I thought New Years was yesterday?! But any who, on to what I've been wearing on my face throughout the April since I feel like I give the time flies speech every month ;)

DUPE: Urban Decay Naked Palette Eyeshadow in Sin

 The Urban Decay Naked Palette is one of my most coveted items, I use it every day without fault! Lately I've been cycling through my other eyeshadows to find a lot of them are similar to shades in the Naked Palette.

I'm going to start doing a lot more "DUPE" posts because nothing irritates me more than coming home with a new item only to find I pretty much have the exact same shade from another brand!

I used to think "dupe" meant a cheaper alternative to a higher priced item, but I don't know why it only just occurred to me that a dupe is really any product that looks or acts similar to another product no matter the price point.

So just recently I compared a shade in my collection to the eyeshadow Sin from the Naked Palette that are very similar in every way except cost!

A Little Bit of This and That Haul

Okay so about a week ago I went to the mall with a strict list of things I needed to get and came home with bags full of stuff that just happened to catch my attention while out and about...story of my life!

I just stopped by Bath & Body Works to grab some things I was running out of and then hit up the drugstore to look for the new Maybelline collection with the color tattoos (which if you saw my post a while ago I did eventually find it!) but instead ended up getting all of this!

August Favorites

August is always that one month that I cannot wait to end. I LOVE the start of September, its always represented the start of new things since its been when I've gone back to school for the past 12 years. But this year is a little bittersweet since I've decided not to attend University right away, so I kind of feel like I'm missing out while all my friends are posting their photos online with their new college buddies.

I'm trying to look at the bright side, I want to really further my blog and create new opportunities for myself in this time off from school! I've invested in my new Nikon D3100 and I hope you've been noticing how much better and clearer the photos have been, I'm obsessed with just snapping pictures all around my room! But enough rambling, on to the makeup I've loved throughout August!

I Got Naked...Again!

Last week I tweeted that I had made a naughty purchase at Sephora, and yes I've finally jumped on the Urban Decay Naked 2 bandwagon!

My Eyebrow Routine

I've been wearing makeup since I was about 12, and until recently I've never quite realized how important eyebrows are! They're the finishing touch, they just frame your face and make it look "complete" even if you're wearing very minimal makeup.

I Hit Pan!

 I'm not even going to try and blame this on my blog because I would still hoard makeup if I weren't writing Massachusetts Mask, but considering the crap ton amount of eyeshadows I own, this is quite the accomplishment!

Guest Post: Wendy's Top 5 MAC Neutral Eyeshadows for Fall!

Today's Lovely Guest:

 Hi, I'm Wendy from Fashionable Heart! Emily asked me to do a guest blog and I jumped at the chance. This is my first time doing a guest blog, so I'm pretty excited about it and hope it is worthy. I thought I would share my favorite neutral eyeshadows from MAC that are perfect for fall! 

Top row: Tempting, Romp, and Woodwinked. Bottom row: Satin Taupe and Sable. Satin Taupe is probably my favorite MAC eyeshadow of all time and I feel like it can work on just about anyone. It's so beautiful as an all-over eye color! These are all so easy to use as just lid colors or crease colors. And if you have blue eyes like me, you need to own Woodwinked because it really makes them stand out! Hope you guys enjoyed my guest post! :)

Smashbox Master Class Eyeshadow Quad in Hazel: Review, Photos, & Swatches

What it is:
A beautiful palette of four earth-toned eye shadows.

What it does:
Handpicked by Smashbox pros to play up brown beauties, these flattering shades can also work with any eye color to create everything from naturally pretty to high-glam smoky looks.

 Where to Buy: Sephora.com, $10.00

 Smashbox Master Class Eyeshadow Quad in Hazel ($10.00 for 0.273 oz.) is a limited edition online exclusive palette that consists of a matte baby pink,  a matte deep purple, a shimmery taupe, and a dark grey with multicolored shimmer.

Smashbox Master Class Eyeshadow Quad in Brown: Review, Photos, & Swatches

 What it is:
A beautiful palette of four earth-toned eye shadows.

What it does:
Handpicked by Smashbox pros to play up brown beauties, these flattering shades can also work with any eye color to create everything from naturally pretty to high-glam smoky looks.

 Where to Buy: Sephora.com, $10.00

 Smashbox Master Class Eyeshadow Quad in Brown ($10.00 for 0.273 oz.) is a limited edition online exclusive palette that consists of a matte skin tone, a matte navy, a shimmery deep bronze, and a shimmery wine shade.

Haulin' It!

 

I recently finished up a few makeup items (an empties post coming soon!) so I treated myself to a little online Sephora order after lusting over some items, and got around to using a gift card Apothica they so kindly sent me!

July Favorites!

Is it weird that I'm glad summer is winding down and coming to an end? My birthday is in July, so of course its my favorite month, but I think I'm just ready for boots, scarves, and all the gorgeous jewel toned colors that come with fall! But until then (we still have a way to go before the seasons change), here are the things I've been enjoying in July:

COVERGIRL Cafe au Lait Eye Enhancer Trio: Review, Photos, & Swatches

These collections of great shades are handpicked by our makeup pros. Designed for a classic look, these shadows blend effortlessly to bring your eyes out beautifully, without overshadowing.

• Matte, pearl, and sparkle shades
• Handpicked by our makeup pros for a classic look
• Blends easily without overshadowing

1. Dust the most neutral shadow in your 3-Kit palette from your lash line to brow line.
2. Blend the second-darkest shade along the crease of your eyes.
3. Run the darkest shade along your upper and lower lash lines.
4. Finish the look with two coats of mascara.

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, $4.69

COVERGIRL Cafe au Lait Eye Enhancer Trio ($4-6 depending on the drugstore for .17oz) is your average set of neutral shadows for an everyday look. You get a taupe shade that has silver shimmer, a flesh toned shade with the same silver shimmer running through it, and a frosty white.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells

Color Icon™ Eyeshadow Trio

Coordinating trio shades takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect eye look. The "how to" palettes are created to highlight, define, and accentuate specific eye colors to create unique looks.

Pros:

-The packaging is very travel friendly in regards to size (not so much in terms of the flimsy plastic case), its very compact and comes with all the colors you need to do your eyes (lid, crease, highlight)
-I love how Wet n Wild gives you a smaller pan for the crease color because you're obviously going to be using less of the darker colors so it really shows they put some thought into putting these trios together
-I got mine when a 40% off Wet n Wild sale was going on (so it was only a little over a $1.50), but even at full price ($2.99) these trios are an absolute steal!
-"Walking on Eggshells" is one of the trios with gorgeous neutral colors that will work for any eye color
-The shadows are buttery smooth, they apply like a dream!
-Because they're so soft, the colors blend really well
-I like that Wet n Wild has the uses for each shadow labeled on the shadows themselves and then gives a little diagram on the back of the trio, it can really help out someone who is less experienced with eyeshadows
-The colors in this trio actually work well together, I've seen some of the other ones that don't have the best combination of shadows
-I've never experienced any fallout when using the "Waling on Eggshells" trio

Cons:

-Instead of just one crappy little applicator you get two!

-I wish Wet n Wild has included a matte shade in this trio, the shimmer can be a little overwhelming at times
-I really hate the signature Wet n Wild plastic packaging, I wouldn't mind paying an extra couple of dollars for something that's not a flimsy plastic lid. It scratches like no other and feels like it would break if I dropped it
-The staying power is not that good, the colors really begin to fade after 3 hours even with a good primer and I sometimes get creasing
-People go nuts over the Wet n Wild trios, so certain ones can be hard to find (I had to look at 3 different drugstores to find "Walking on Eggshells")
-I'm not a fan of all the weird names of the trios, I kinda wish they would come up with simpler, more straight forward names!
-The little preview pictures on the Wet n Wild site are misleading, the trios look completely different so be careful ordering any of them online

Overall:

Everybody, and I mean absolutely everybody, should drive on down to their local drugstore and grab this! I don't care if you've been doing makeup for years or you just started last week, this Wet n Wild trio in "Walking on Eggshells" is so neutral and such great quality that you need to own it. Whether I just want to use one shade or I'm in a hurry and need the whole thing for a quick eye look, I'm constantly reaching for these shadows! At the dirt cheap price of $2.99 (or $1.79 if you can catch Wet n Wild on a 40% off sale), you have no excuse to not add this to your collection!

Apothica Goodies

 

Ahh, there's nothing like that feeling of getting a nice new package in the mail!

A while ago Apothica sent me a giftcard to their website, so I decided to pick out some products I wouldn't normally go for.

Stila

Holiday '11 Daydream Eyeshadow Palette

$14.00

I've never really been drawn to trying Stila's powder eyeshadows, I have a Smudge Pot in Kitten from them (which I LOVE) but eh, this palette was on sale and I thought what the heck, $14.00 for 22 eyeshadows that are mostly wearable is a bargain! I swatched some of these and the pigmentation is pretty lacking, but this palette is just so freaking gorgeous looking I can't help but love it. I figure it'll be good for those natural days. The only thing I really don't like about this Stila Palette is its size, its HUGE, and will never fit in my makeup drawers!

Convertible Color in Gladiola
$24.80

I swear I don't know what's wrong with me lately, I just cannot stop buying orange things! Something about that color has been calling my name over and over again. Everyone really raves about these Convertible Colors, they're supposed to be good for your cheeks and lips. I don't actually own any other cream blushes (which is what I intend on using this for) because I worry about them on my oily skin, but I'll let you know how this works out for me. I did swatch this, and its really not as intense as it looks, you can really sheer it out to your desired color!

theBalm

Bahama Mama
$19.00

Now just so you know, I'm totally the girl who's anti-bronzer, I've never bought one before this as I just really don't care if I look tan. But recently I've been wanting to add some shape to my face and try contouring, so on a whim, I thought I'd try this out even though I've heard amazing things about the $2.99 N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny! I've tried this out on my face, and I don't really like how it looks? It turned out kinda muddy, but it was my first attempt at contouring so maybe it just needs some practice! On a side note, I thought this bronzer was going to be much bigger, does anyone else get that size disappointment when they get stuff in the mail?!

Shady Lady Shadow in Luscious Lani
$8.00 (its actually not on sale anymore, sorry! $16.00)


Not that I actually needed anymore shadows after the huge Stila palette, but these were on sale so of course I wanted to try them! This color is a shimmery, almost pink color? Depending on your undertones it could lean more pink or more peach. I like this, it was pretty buttery when swatched and would work well as a highlight or a lid color, so it'll get some use!

Shady Lady Shadow in Shameless Shana

$8.00 (its actually not on sale anymore, sorry! so $16.00)


Again, it was a sale, I had to! This shade is much darker than Luscious Lani, its like a nice bronze. I figure this will make a good crease color, or even a liner. It had a nice texture when I swatched it, nothing too special in terms of color or formula, just kind of another eyeshadow!

January Favorites

Wet 'n' Wild "Comfort Zone" Eyeshadow Palette

This palette is actually my moms that I've swiped from her makeup drawers (everything is so much more appealing when its not yours)! I've been really loving wearing the first golden butter shade on the inner third of my lid and the shade below that on the outer two thirds with a bit of the dark shimmery brown below that in the crease.

Wet 'n' Wild "I ♥ Matte" Eyeshadow Palette

To be honest, the only reason I wanted this palette was because of the matte white shade! But I've actually been showing the neutral side A TON of love. When my eye looks are supper shimmery I'll mix the white with the cream color below it for a highlight, I often use the peachy-brown color in my crease, and the dark brown/black are often my choice for eyeliner smudged along my upper lashline! I don't think I'll ever get much use out of the colored side, but hey for the matte neutrals, it's completely worth it!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in "Tutti Frutti"

As you probably know, absolutely everyone in the beauty community has been going gaga over these puppies. I wasn't intending on buying any since I don't typically wear lip products other than lip balm, but I saw this on sale at Kmart towards the beginning of the month so I thought what the heck. Of course I went for the bright orange shade (I'm not sure what this new obsession is with the color orange...) and I'm so in love with it! Its not totally as moisturizing as everyone has been saying, but better than a lipstick and I don't need a mirror to apply it, so it actually gets some use when I pop it in my school bag. Its going to be the perfect color come spring!

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara in "Very Black'

This is probably pretty gross, but I've had this mascara for probably about a year (I never end up throwing anything makeup related out)! I just cracked it back open and have fallen back in love with it! I've been having so many mascara related issues lately (meaning I can't freaking find one that I like...) and instead of buying loads more I thought I'd just shop my stash. I used to hate this mascara, but I've been craving those really volumized looking lashes lately and the COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume certainly gives me that. The only thing I don't like is the size of the brush, I often end of getting the mascara all over my eyeshadow, and how the formula doesn't hold a curl very well. I really want to try the new Lash Blast 24 Hour, let me know if its any good!

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in "NW 20"

My skin has been wonky this month, breaking out left and right, so I needed to break out my heavy duty concealers. I stopped using this for a really long time because I found it looked pretty cakey, but I'll sacrifice looking natural if I can get rid of a huge blemish on my face! I've been having problems with getting new hyperpigmentation on my cheeks which has me in a bit of a tizzy, I never ever break out of my cheeks let alone had discoloration there. But now I've just got to deal with what's on my face and use the MAC Studio Finish Concealer to try and cover it!

Revlon Nail Enamel in "Carbonite"

As we're getting closer to spring, I've been trying to keep my wardrobe toned down a bit because I've been craving bright neon colors even though its still winter. But I've found it easier to satisfy my cravings if I keep most of my outfit in black and grey with one pop of color. So in keeping with this theme, I've been loving Revlon's Carbonite (I actually think this is discontinued, but I got mine at a Big Lots). It's a great neutral color but the gorgeous silver shimmer keeps it from being boring!

My Christmas Beauty Gifts!

September Favorites!

 Stila Smudge Pot in "Kitten"

For some reason I've been REALLY into cream shadows this month (it must be the MAC Posh Paradise collection with the 8 new Paint Pots, I need to get me some of those)! "Kitten" is a super neutral champagne color that is quite shimmery so it completely brightens up the eye area. I've been sweeping this across my lid pretty much every day  in September (or some days using it as a base for the Wet n Wild trio colors since their lasting power isn't strong) with the brown shade in the Wet n Wild "Walking On Eggshells" Trio in the crease. I never get any creasing with this Stila Smudge Pot when I put my Too Faced Shadow Insurance underneath, so its a complete winner in my books!

e.l.f. Studio Blush in "Peachy Keen"

I've been in quite the blush-rut this month, nothing has been striking me fancy lately (which is such a shocker since my blush collection is massive...) so I've been sticking to some lighter, shimmery colors. "Peachy Keen" barely shows up on my skin, but it does give the most gorgeous glow that looks like almost nothing is there! The staying power is not so great, but I will definitely compromise on that for the lovely sheen I get from this color!

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in "180 Sand Beige"

This is the first liquid foundation I've tried in a long, long time since I'm usually too afraid I'll get oily throughout the day, but this is a new holy grail item! I'm absolutely in love with how much coverage you can get from this Revlon ColorStay foundation, it covers everything you can imagine but can also be sheered out for those days you don't need full-coverage. As long as I set this with a powder I'm good to go for about 2 hours without the need to blot (that is massively long for me)! This will surely be a favorite for months to come.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in "Walking on Eggshells"

My absolute favorite shade from this trio is the brown, its a dream to blend and is so incredibly pigmented! I've been throwing it in my crease this entire month, while also sometimes using the shimmery white and pink-champagne color on occasions when I want to mix it up. As long as I use a base and primer with these shadows I'm good to go all day. For only $2.99 you really can't go wrong!

TOCCA Eau de Parfum "Stella"

I got this as a sample with an order I made online and it has completely replaced all my Bath & Body Works goodies! Its definitely more of a "mature" smell, nothing fruity, more floral-y and musk-y. I would love to purchase the full-size of this perfume, but everywhere I look its super expensive. If you know of anywhere I can get it for a decent price, let me know!

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tin

Just like my recent cream eyeshadow kick, I've been loving lip tins! The Burt's Bees one is great because it has peppermint oil in it which gives your lips that tingly effect that I love! And of course, just like every other Burt's Bees lip product, its incredibly moisturizing which is what I need now that the weather is starting to get colder!

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag!

Face:

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in "180 Sand Beige"

CARGO OneBase Concealer + Foundation In One

MAC Studio Fix Powder in "N5" 

MAC Blot Powder Pressed in "Medium"

Cheeks:

e.l.f. Studio Blush in "Peachy Keen"

e.l.f. Studio Blush in"Candid Coral"

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in "Blushing Peach"

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Blush in "Rosy Glow"

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Concealer Pink Highlighter 

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

 MAC Paint Pot in "Indianwood"

 Stila Smudge Pot in "Kitten"

 COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers Trio in "Cafe Au Lait"

 Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in "Walking On Eggshells"

Rimmel Special Eyes Precision Eye Liner Pencil in "Black Magic"

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in "Soft Black"

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express in "Blackest Black"

Hi lovelies!

I just got back from spending some time visiting my dad, so I thought I'd share the makeup bag I brought with me! I kept it pretty minimal since I wasn't gone for long, and as you can see I completely skipped on all lip products (other than lip balm of course)!

So let me know what you guys keep in your travel makeup bags :)

Mish Mosh Haul

Dial All Day Freshness Antibacterial Body Wash With Moisturizers in "Spring Water"

 

Nivea Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash Diamond Powder & White Calla Blossom Scent 

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Silk Protein and Collagen Healthy Volume Prep for All Day Body Shampoo

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Silk Protein and Collagen Healthy Volume Prep for All Day Body Conditioner

got2b Guardian Angel Glass Finish Flat Iron Balm

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in "Grey Area"

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in "Fuchsia Power"

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows in "Dynamite Drama"

 

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 3-Kit Shadows in "Sea Glass"

 

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in "Brown Smolder"

 

EOS Tangerine Medicated Lip Balm

MAC Pressed Blot Powder in "Medium"