Goals for 2012

I was watching a video from one of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus (click here to see the video) and Claire was talking about setting goals for 2012.  Now I'm not the type of person to make New Year's resolutions because I know I'll forget about them a week from now and I won't remember next January 1st what they ever were.  However, I really have been wanting to make some changes in my life (Stupid 30th birthday, getting closer all the time!) and change doesn't happen unless you make it happen.  So I'm taking this opportunity to set forth some clear goals for change, as well as goals for maintaining.


Goals for Change:
1. exercise for fifteen minutes, two times per week
    I know this might not sound like a lot, but I know that I do better if I set small goals that I know I can reach.  I can always do more than my goal, which will make me feel proud, but I know if I don't reach my goal, I will get discouraged and be more likely to give up.  Therefore, I am making small attainable goals.
2. complete a Project 10 Pan without cheating
    This might seem like an easy goal to some people, but for a makeup addict, not so easy.  Basically, I will not buy any new cosmetics, hair care, or skincare items until I've used up ten products in their entirety.  (Later this week, I will be writing a separate blog post on this, completely outlining what I plan to do and the rules I'm setting for myself.)
3. spend some quality time at least 30 minutes once a week with my husband
    Again, this seems small but as teachers, we both get up early and go to bed early and sometimes get caught up in the routine of life (cooking dinner, paying bills, grocery shopping, chores, etc) and neglect each other more than I would like to admit.  I know spending even just 30 minutes cuddling with Brian on the couch will boost my self-esteem and help us to stay connected.  A good marriage takes effort and I'm looking forward to spending time with Brian in the new year.
4. clean the litter box every day
    Sometimes there are days where I don't have a moment of free time until 8 or 9 and then I have to get ready and go to bed!  But that is no excuse to forget to clean the litter box for a day and I feel like a bad kitty mom when Brian and I completely forget to scoop the poop.  Odd how you can forget that but I would never forget to feed or water my sweeties!

Isabella: "Put me down and clean my poop!"

Life sure gets in the way of living, doesn't it?  These all seem so easy when written out but I know that my job takes a lot of my energy away and after a work day, I can just feel pooped and then all I want to do is sit on the couch and veg!  But I really think that these are goals that I can achieve and that already makes me feel better about myself than being a couch potato would.  But I still want more.  I also have some goals to maintain.


Goals to Maintain:  (Basically keep doing what I have been)
1. Continue to post videos on YouTube regularly
    Depending on my schedule, this is sometimes easier said than done, but generally I would like to maintain an average of at least one video per week.
2. Continue to write blog posts regularly
    For me, this is easier than YouTube because it just takes less time out of my day.  I try to post at least 4 or 5 times a week, but again, sometimes life gets in the way and my schedule gets busy.


Let's see how long I can handle all this goal setting.  Hopefully this will be the start to some positive changes in my life.  For now, I have to run.  There's a dirty litter box upstairs and three cute cats looking at me...

Nail Polish Rave: Irreplaceable

I must rave about this nail polish!  This is the shade Irreplaceable by Essence.  It is available at Ulta for $0.99 and what a value for what you get!  I took these pictures while I was in Pittsburgh so I didn't have access to great lighting.  The photos really don't do this polish justice, but that's true of most gorgeous nail colors.

I started out with a coat of my Nutra Nail Strengthener.  Then I followed with three coats of Irreplaceable.  I went with three to be sure to cover any bare spots, since I was painting in the not-so-great lighting at my parents' house.  I followed up with a coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Topcoat.  It was "dry" to the touch in 30 seconds, as advertised on the bottle, but the polish remained tacky for about ten to fifteen minutes afterwards.  But oh my did this polish wear well!  I painted my nails on Christmas Eve and didn't take the polish off until December 27th.  Even then, I had only minimal tip wear!  For a glittery polish, that is great!

Then there's the actual look of this polish.  It is sort of a dirty sandy light taupe color with TONS of gold shimmer throughout.  Sometimes, like in the photo below, the gold shimmer can even look silver with the right lighting.  Even my mom (who is not the least bit interested in makeup or nail polish) thought this polish was beautiful.  I got a lot of compliments from family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day about what a lovely shade this was.  And yet it is subtle enough to almost be a neutral.  Definitely adding this shade to my ever-growing (imaginary) list of favorite nail colors!

ULTA Beauty Sample Bag

This is a companion post that goes with my video on my Christmas Haul.  Here I will give you some extra information on what was in my ULTA Beauty Sample Bag.  If you haven't yet watched my Christmas Haul 2011 video, I have linked it below.

This was one of my favorite Christmas presents and according to Brian, it was free!  On Cyber Monday, he purchased something else for me from Ulta.com and had a choice of three different ULTA Beauty Sample Bags that came free with his purchase.  He chose this bag because it came with a Too Faced item that he thought I would like.  In this post, I will list exactly what came in the beauty sample bag, along with some extra information on the products.

 FRAGRANCES:

1. Pink Sugar Sensual– 0.04 fl oz (1.2 mL)  www.selectiva-spa.it

2. Aquolina Pink Sugar Eau de Toilette – 0.06 fl oz (1.8 mL) www.selectiva-spa.it See picture for the components of this fragrance.

3. John Varvatos Artisan Black Eau de Toilette – 0.05 fl oz (1.5 mL) This is a men’s fragrance.

4. Forbidden Euphoria by Calvin Klein Eau de Parfum spray – 0.04 fl oz (1.2mL).  Described on the package as: “Forbidden fruits, alluring orchid, tempting patchouli: A fruity floriental fragrance.”

5. Oh, Lola! By Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum – 0.04 fl oz (1.2 mL).  Described on the package as: “Flirtatious and playful, Oh, Lola! sparkles with sophistication.  A refreshing light fruity floral – vibrant and irresistible.”

6. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum spray – 0.05 fl oz (1.5 mL)

7. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Toilette – 0.06 fl oz (2 mL) This is a men’s fragrance.

 SKINCARE PRODUCTS:

1. Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 15 – 0.07 fl oz (2 mL) Package info: “This light non-greasy fluid helps control oiliness and provides anti-aging benefits.  Contains our patented NeoGlucosamine™ to help even skin tone, improve skin firmness and diminish fine lines.  Oil-free and non-comedogenic.  Contains broad-spectrum sunscreen protection.  Directions: Gently smooth over cleansed face and neck in the morning.”

2. Ahava Active DeadSea Minerals Time to Revitalize Extreme Day Cream – 0.06 fl oz (2 mL) Package Info: “EXTREME DAY CREAM reduces wrinkles and firms skin.  From the Earth’s utmost locations and endowed by Nature’s creativity, this Extreme Day Cream promotes skin firming and smoothes deep lines.  Apply daily.  *Approved for sensitive skin.”

3. pürminerals Colour Correcting Primer Complexion Pür-fection Neutral – 0.05 fl oz (1.5 mL) Package Info: “Even out skin tone and create a silky-smooth canvas for expert makeup application with this lightweight, neutral foundation primer.  Pür-fect Use: Smooth on clean, moisturized skin.  Allow to dry, then follow with 4-in-1 Mineral Makeup.”

4. boscia Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15– 0.33 fl oz (10 mL) Package Info: “An oil-free moisturizer that provides weightless hydration, minimizes the look of pores and provides broad spectrum SPF 15 protection.  To Use:  Apply small amount in AM to cleansed and toned face as last skincare step.”

5. H₂O sea-derived skincare aquafirm with marine microspheres micro-collagen moisturizer - .27 fl oz (8 mL) Package Info: “Micro-collagen moisturizer: This silky cream-gel fills the look of fine lines and promotes firmness with collagen-boosting moisture.  Directions:For best results, apply to face and neck after cleanser, toner, and Aquafirm Intensive Lift Serum.”

6. Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion – 1.0 fl oz (29 mL) Package Info: “With soothing oat essence.  Dimethicone skin protectant.  Relieves itchy, extra dry skin.  Moisturizes for 24 hours.  Fragrance free.  With natural shea butter.  Dermatologist recommended.  Clinically shown to relieve itchy, extra dry skin.  USE: Helps prevent and temporarily protects chafed, chapped, or cracked skin.  DIRECTIONS: Apply liberally as often as needed.”

HAIRCARE PRODUCTS:

1. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo – 0.34 fl oz (10 mL) Package Info: “Triple Nutrition Extra Nourishing Cream.  3 nutritive fruit oils: Olive, avocado, & shea.  For dry to over-dried or damaged hair.  Nourishes deeply and strengthens for soft, silky hair that’s full of life.”  See picture for more info.

2. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Conditioner - 0.34 fl oz (10 mL) Package Info: “Triple Nutrition.  3 nutritive fruit oils: Olive, avocado, & shea.  For dry to over-dried or damaged hair.  Fortifies & infuses with nutrients for silky hair, full of life.”  See picture for more info.

 MAKEUP PRODUCTS:

1. benefit Stay Don’t Stray 360° Stay Put Primer – 0.004 fl oz (0.13 mL) Package Info: “Stay-put primer for concealers and eyeshadows.”  See picture for more info on usage.

2.  Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk – 0.1 fl oz (2.9 mL) Package Info: “Volumizing Lip Gloss with Lip Injection Comfort Plump.  Stay kissable.  Infused with a burst of fresh mint.  Stay plumped.  Enriched with ‘Lip Injection Comfort Plump.’  Stay moisturized.  Natural Vitamin E & Rice Lipids.”

NOTD: Nude Shimmer

I have another manicure for you today!  That's probably all I'll have time to post about over the next few days, as Brian and I are still out of town for the holidays.  Luckily, my dear old mom and dad allow me to paint my nails at their house.  Last week I picked up a bottle of Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in Nude Shimmer at CVS on clearance for $1.37.  I've heard a few other people on blogs or YouTube talking about how this is a nice neutral shade.  On the nail, it comes off as a slightly frosty rose gold.  I like that it's not so frosty that you can see every brush stroke.  It's a nice shade but not really my style.  It looks rather like mannequin hands on me since I'm so fair skinned.  I think it would be nice for job interviews or something where I want to look put together but not loud.  (Again, sorry for the crummy pictures but that happens when you travel.)

In real life, this manicure doesn't look too bad but in photos, every flaw is magnified, including all the bubbles.  I started with a base coat of Nutra Nail Strengthener followed by two coats of polish.  I really should have gone with three to cover up the nail line but I was in a hurry.  Then I topcoated with another layer of Nutra Nail Strengthener but it would not dry!  After twenty minutes, I finally had to move and almost all of my nails smudged really badly.  I'll have to try this polish out again later with a coat of the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri topcoat I bought (I didn't bring a real topcoat with me to Pittsburgh, thinking I would live without it and then I remembered how impatient I am...).  Overall, this was just an okay shade for me.  I'll probably hold onto it for days when I want a more natural nail look but it's definitely not a favorite.

More color accurate than the first picture.

Christmas Tree Manicure

I'm blogging from my parent's house today, since they have wireless Internet.  I have a cute Christmas Tree manicure to share with you!  The pictures are a little blurry because there is about zero sunshine right now in Pittsburgh but that's okay.  You can still get the idea.

I started out by painting my nails white with Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in White On.  That was pretty much opaque in two coats.  (Sidenote: Has there every been a white nail polish that didn't go on looking crummy??  I can never get any of my whites to really look good.)


I then stamped on the little Christmas trees using Sinful Colors in Last Chance using Bundle Monster image plate BM205.  Next, I added some glitter "snow" underneath each tree using Wet N Wild Wild Shine in Hallucinate.  Finally, Brian helped me to decorate each tree.  He used a toothpick and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Lightening to dot on little "stars" atop each tree.  Then, using nail art pens in red and blue, he decorated the trees with little ornaments.  Finally I topped everything off with a full coat of Hallucinate to look like snow.  I loved how this looked but it started chipping off in giant chunks after less than twenty-four hours.  I should have skipped the first coat of glitter at the bottom, I think.  Oh well!  It was cute while it lasted!

New video! Randomness and Blabbering

This video is a sort of vloggish thing where I basically ramble and blabber a lot.  Watch if you dare!

Review: Sally Hansen No More Mistakes

Today I have a review for you of a Sally Hansen product.  This is the No More Mistakes Manicure Clean-Up Pen.  I purchased this product for $2.99 at Target.  It's basically a felt tip marker that has nail polish remover inside.  So if you are like me and paint half your finger with your uncoordinated nail painting skills, this is a great helper.  When I use it, I just rub the felt tip on any areas of my skin that I accidentally painted and the polish comes right off.  For me, this is much better than scrubbing the polish off with a brush (ouch!) or trying to use a Q-tip and acetone, which always ends in me getting fuzzies stuck to my nails.  I think this is a must-have product if you're a messy painter like I am.

Front of packaging

The packaging claims that the product will, "instantly erase smudges & smears".  It also comes with two replacement tips.  It also claims "Precision tip pen instantly removes nail color mistakes in a single stroke."

Back of packaging

As far as smudging on the nail, I don't think this would work at all on the actual nail, but it does an amazing job of cleaning polish off of skin, even in tight spaces around the cuticle.  I really feel like this product works great and I will definitely be repurchasing this!  To illustrate how it works, I have a photo of the hand I painted and used the manicure pen to clean up, as well as the hand I painted and did not clean up.

My nails before clean up pen

My nails after clean up pen

FOTD: Taupe

I'm still using my NYX Nude on Nude palette.  There are just so many different looks that you can create with twenty different shadows and there are still shadows I haven't tried yet.  Can you tell I'm liking this palette?


For today, I went with taupe lids and a shimmery blush.

FACE:

- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Translucent Light

- Maybelline FIT me Bronzer in Sunlight

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- e.l.f. Studio Blush in Berry Merry

- Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Honeymoon (highlight)

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: top row, 7^th from left

                - crease/lower lashes: bottom row, 5^th from left

                - brow highlight: top row, 2^nd from left

                - inner corner highlight: bottom row, 7^th from left

- Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner in Hot Chocolate (waterline)

- Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Espresso (top lashes)

- Covergirl Lashblast Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

 LIPS:

- Wet N Wild Mega Slicks Lip Color Pencil in 673: Plum Pudding

- Sally Girl Mini Lip Gloss Wand in Clear

FOTD: Natural Shimmer

Another look with the NYX Nude on Nude Palette!  This is one of my favorite looks for the weekend.  Basically, a really shimmery light shade on the lid and the rest of the makeup remains very natural.  Still pretty but not overly dramatic so it looks effortless.  Here's what I'm wearing.

FACE:

- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Translucent Light

- Maybelline FIT me Bronzer in Sunlight

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural

- Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Honeymoon (highlight)

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: bottom row, 7^th from left

                - crease/lower lashes: top row, 8^th from left

                - brow highlight: bottom row, 2^nd from left

- Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner in Almost Famous (waterline)

- Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Espresso (top lashes)

- Maybelline Colosol Volum Express Washable in Glam Black

 LIPS:

- Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss in Crushed Candy

How Cool Are These?

I only have a few minutes to blog today so this will be fairly quick.  I spent my entire evening in my guest bedroom today, where my arts and crafts supplies are stored.  I made lots of Christmas presents like hats, gloves, and scarves for my family and also had to hem some pants I bought but I finally finished it all!

But today's post is not about sewing.  I just wanted to share this cool product that I found online today.  These are Q-tips from Almay that are prefilled with their eye makeup remover.  Smudged mascara on your lid?  Just wipe it away!  Check out their website for more details.  These look really cool!  I've never seen them in stores before but I will definitely be looking when I'm out this week because I think these would make a great item to travel with instead of lugging your whole bottle of makeup remover on vacation.  Has anyone else tried these before?

Image is from Almay.com.  I do not own the copyrights to this photo.

FOTD: Bronze (Using NYX Nude on Nude)

This is another look created with my NYX Nude on Nude palette.  The look focuses on bronze shadow.  I'm really liking all of the different looks this one palette offers!

FACE:

- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Translucent Light

- Maybelline FIT me Bronzer in Sunlight

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion

- Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Honeymoon (highlight)

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: bottom row, 8^th from left

                - crease/lower lashes: bottom row, 9^th from left

                - brow highlight: top row, 4^th from left

- Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner in Almost Famous (waterline)

- Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Espresso (top lashes)

- Maybelline Colosol Volum Express Washable in Glam Black

LIPS:

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette, lip colors: 2^nd from left

- N.Y.C. Liquid Lip Shine in Sungold Pink (discontinued)

New video! Christmas Road Trip Packing: Outfits

This video was many hours in the making!  Several hours worth of changing clothes and filming outfits, recording audio, importing video and audio, editing the video, publishing, uploading, processing... WHEW!  But it is finally here!  This video is about the outfits I'm packing for my Christmas road trip to Pittsburgh.  I leave exactly one week from today!  So excited!  Are you going any place special for the holidays?

And remember, if you like the makeup I'm wearing in this video, you can check out all of the products I used on this blog post.

Manicure Monday: Shine of the Times

This is going to be a quick one because it's getting late and to be honest: the pictures speak for the polish.  I started with two coats of Avon Nail Wear Pro in Vintage Blue.  Great application and dry time but I did notice a chip in my thumb nail on my left hand within less than 24 hours.  I don't know what that's about because all the rest of my nails only have very minimal tip wear.  After that was dry, I added one thick coat of Essie Shine of the Times and Seche Vite Top Coat.  Gooooooorgeous!!  I love the way the flakies in Shine of the Times just sparkles and looks different in various lights and angles.  I tried to capture the loveliness of this polish but the photos do it no justice.  You'd have to try this one for yourself to truly appreciate the pretty.

Don't mind my messy cuticles.  I was just too lazy to clean them up last night before I took these pictures.

Soooo pretties!

FOTD: Rainy Day

Today was a rainy, chilly day in Florida so I was feeling some gray shadow.  I am surprised at how these cool toned shadows still look okay on me.  I'm digging that matte gray right now!  Here's what I'm wearing.

FACE:

- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream

- Maybelline FIT me Bronzer in Sunlight

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum

- CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in True Plum

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: bottom, right corner

                - crease: bottom, 4^th from left

- lower lashes: top, 9^thfrom left

                - top lashes (smudged out liner): top, right corner

                - brow highlight: top, left corner

- Hard Candy Concealer Pencil in Light (waterline)

- Jordana INCOLOR Fabuliner in Black (top lashes)

- Maybelline Colosol Volum Express Waterproof in Classic Black

 LIPS:

- e.l.f. Hypershine Lipgloss in Fairy

I Saved $52.10!!

I heard from a few YouTubers, as well as Nouveau Cheap, that both my favorite blemish concealer and powder were on clearance at CVS.  I was eager to check out the Beauty Clearance Sale at my local store before everything was sold off so I stopped after work today and hit the jack pot!

I picked up four, YES FOUR of my favorite powder foundation.  I bought the store out.  This is the Physician's Formula SPF 50 Powder Foundation in the shade Translucent Light.  They normally run around $15.00 and were on clearance for 75% off!  I basically got four for about the same price I would pay for one.  SCORE!  I grabbed these up quickly because this shade wasn't marked with the clearance sticker so it was the only one still full but I checked the price scanner and they were (I think) $3.75!  I also stocked up on a new Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer in Ivory because mine is getting low and I was a bit worried they may be discontinuing this product.  This one was only 50% off and I don't go through concealer that fast so I only picked up one.

And here you can see on my receipt that I saved $52.10!!!  I think that's awesome and if I happen to be near any other CVS stores soon, I'll definitely be checking for more of my Holy Grail powder because at under $4, I don't feel bad stocking up for enough to last a long time.  It is great stuff, after all.

Christmas Road Trip: Packing Makeup FOTD

I'm currently working on a series of videos about Christmas Road Trips.  I know a lot of people in my area travel back to their hometown for Christmas and many of them drive.  When you drive, you have a lot more freedom to pack heavily than if you were flying, since there are no restrictions on the weight or amount of bags you can take.  Whatever you can fit in the car goes!  This first video focuses on the makeup I'm packing to go back to Pittsburgh for Christmas.  If you're wondering about what makeup I'm wearing in the video, just read below.

FACE:
- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation SPF 50 in Translucent Light

- Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Hula Hula

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- N.Y.C. Blushable Crème Stick in Berry New Yorker

- e.l.f. Studio Blush in Blushing Rose

- Too Faced Candlelight (highlight cheek bones)

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: bottom row, sixth from left

                - crease/lower lashes: top, ninth from left

                - top lashes: top, tenth from left

                - brow highlight: bottom, first from left

                - inner corner highlight: bottom, tenth from left

- Revlon Colorstay Automatic Liner Pencil in Black (tightline, waterline, top lashes)

- Maybelline Colosol Volum Express Washable in Glam Black

 LIPS:

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette Lip Color (seventh from the left)

- e.l.f. Hypershine Lipgloss in Fairy

Friday's FOTD: Nude on Nude Palette

Well, here it is: My first Face of the Day (from Friday) with my new NYX Nude on Nude eyeshadow and lipgloss palette!  I’m very pleased with it so far!  I wasn't home at all yesterday (work, then date night and Christmas shopping with Brian) so I'm posting it today.  Enjoy!

FACE:

- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Almay Truly Lasting Color Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation SPF 50 in Translucent Light

- Maybelline FIT me! Bronzer in Sunlight

- N.Y.C. Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (contour)

- N.Y.C. Blushable Crème Stick in Big Apple Blush

- Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy and Sweet

- Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Honeymoon

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette

                - lid: top row of shadows, seventh from the left

                - crease/lower lashes: bottom row, fifth from left

                - brow highlight: top row, first from left

                - inner corner highlight: bottom, seventh from left

- Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil in Almost Famous (waterline)

- Jordana INCOLOR Fabuliner Liquid Eyeliner in Brown

- Covergirl Lashblast Waterproof Mascara in Very Black (applied with a disposable mascara spoolie)

LIPS:

- NYX Nude on Nude Palette Lip Color (fourth from the left)

- NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Crystal Soda

My NYX Nude on Nude Palette is Here!!!!!

EEEEEEK!!!  My NYX Nude on Nude Palette is here and I am squealing with delight!  I am so excited to finally have my hands on what I would consider a drugstore alternative to the Urban Decay Naked Palette.  It just came in the mail today, so I haven't had a chance to use it or anything, but I did swatch all of the shades with my fingers and was instantly impressed by the quality and pigmentation of each shadow.  It seems that there isn't a single one that is hard or not pigmented.  Of course, this is not a review, but rather a first impression.  I can't wait to use it tomorrow though!  Don't be surprised if I post a FOTD tomorrow or Saturday with this palette.

When you open the lid of the palette, you are presented with twenty eyeshadows in neutral tones.  They vary in textures and I am pleased with the amount of great matte shades you get in this palette.

Next, if you pull from the bottom, a drawer with ten lipglosses slides out as well.  I tried out the light pink shimmery shade on the far left and was impressed with the texture.  The shimmer was not the least bit chunky, as I thought it would be.  The gloss was also not as thick or slimy as I thought it would be.  I don't know how much use I'll get out of the glosses, simply because it's not practical to haul around a full palette for touch ups but they will definitely be something I will at least play with.  Although I really bought this palette for the shadows, not the glosses.

In this palette, you also get a double ended sponge tip applicator and a double ended lip brush.  Neither one seems all that great to me and I probably won't really use them either.  I tend to stick to my inexpensive mishmash of brushes that I love for eyeshadow application.  And honestly, I prefer to just use my finger in pan glosses.

So that is my first impression of the NYX Nude on Nude Palette!  I can't wait to try out some looks with this and I'm really hoping that when I leave for Pittsburgh this month, that this will be the only shadows I need to take.  (That is the whole reason I bought this palette!)


I paid $24.00 on amazon.com for my palette.  I have also seen it for cheaper but I went through amazon because I got free shipping when I ordered the other item I needed.


What do you think of the palette?  Does anyone have this one?

FOTD: Fighting Monday Blues

Monday hit me like a ton of bricks this morning so to fight the Monday blues and the sleep deprivation, I decided to brighten up my skintone with a bright copper top and coordinating makeup.  Here's the makeup I'm wearing.

FACE:
- Hard Candy Sheer Envy Face Primer

- Covergirl Clean Oil-Control Liquid Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Ivory (mixed together)

- Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Ivory (blemishes)

- e.l.f. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (prime undereye)

- Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach

- Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light (undereye)

- Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation SPF 50 in Translucent Light

- ULTA Mineral Bronzer (apples of cheeks)

- Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown

 EYES:

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance

- Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Single in Penny (lid)

- e.l.f. Eyeshadow Single in Saddle (crease)

- NYX Eyeshadow Single in Sahara (highlight)

- Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil in Almost Famous (waterline)

- N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Mink (top lashes)

- Maybelline Colossal Volum Express in Washable Glam Black

LIPS:

- Wet N Wild Mega Slicks Lip Color Pencil in 675A Peach Fuzz

- N.Y.C. Liquid Lipshine in Nude York City