Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Whimsical Wish List

I'm constantly falling in love with new products. I need them. I must have them. Obviously, I can't live without them! Well, I think I'll survive, but I'll be much happier once they are in my collection. Here is my first wish list:

1. So this brand seems to be my little secret. I've never seen it spotlighted, never seen it sold out. But I will share it with you. If you want some of the most highly pigmented, rock star eyeshadows, look no further than Kat Von D. I already own the limited edition True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Memento Mori, and I'm absolutely obsessed. The colors are unusual and phenomenal, and each blends well with one another in a unique way. Seven of the shades are silky shadows, and one is a gel/cream shadow/liner. The next palette to add to my colorful collection will be the True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Metal Orchestra. I've totally been into the whole 80's rocker revival, and this palette will help you with that smoky eye superstar look. My favorite part is the silver colored cream shadow. It's like dipping your finger into molten silver! This palette is also limited edition, so don't buy them all up before I get one!


2. Summer's coming up, and I want to stock up on more natural looking, less cakey makeup. I've been on the prowl for a good cheek stain, and I think I've found my pick. Tarte's Cheek Stain in Blissful is a peachy glow, perfect for summertime.  It's free of oil, parabens, and alcohol, so your skin will be very happy. It comes in a short, fat stick that's perfect for swiping on and dabbing in.  I can't think of a better word to describe this product than "juicy." How can a product be any more summery than that?
 
3. Although I haven't delved into the DC club scene yet, I want to be ready when I do. When I think of dressing up, I think glamorous. Tarina Tarantino's new makeup line, (which I'm in love with), will help me feel glittery. I must have Tarantino's Sparklicity Shimmer Dust. I can't decide what I like about it more; The super classy bottle and the way it poofs the shimmery sparkle, or the way the tiny sparkles shimmer without looking like cheap chunky disco glitter.  Must have!

4. I've been on a real tint kick lately. In the spirit of lighter makeup for warmer weather, I've been in the search for a moisturizing lip balm with a little splash of color. Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 by Fresh has met all of my criteria. Ok, so some of you ladies might like to bake out in the sun, and I get that. But your lips don't need to shrivel up in the UV rays. With ultra hydrating ingredients and SPF 15, you will protect your lips and make them look plump and rosy at the same time.  I can see this traveling with me to Vegas in July.

5. And last, but of course not least, is the Perfetto Eyeliner by an adorable newbie to cosmetics, Tokidoki. Being in love with Japanese culture and all things "kawaii", this brand just tickles me with their precious packaging and lovable characters. Now, this is no ordinary eyeliner. It's waterproof, and it comes in this awesome ink pen-like container similar to what cartoonists use. Don't let the name fool you, this gem can be used for much more than lining your pretty lil' eyeballs. Feel free to think of your skin as a blank canvas. Sketch designs, or create your very own temporary tattoos! There are as many options as you have ideas. Collect them all! I certainly will. Besides, one look at those cute characters, and you just wont be able to say no.


Well, now you've had a taste of my cosmetic wants and desires! Have fun shopping and creating your own special wish lists. It always feels so special when you want something for a while, and you finally get it! It's a much different satisfaction than just buying things on a whim. Bye bye!


♥Emily

Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Miracle Potion

I have found the single most valuable cosmetic to have on hand. Whether you are traveling, going clubbing, or are just heading to school or work, this is your sure-fire way to have your skin look awake, youthful, healthy, and vibrant. The best part about this cosmetic? It takes seconds to apply, and the container lasts forever. So I'm sure by now you're asking, "What is this miracle potion you speak of?"

I will tell you. Or even better, I will show you.


It's Amazing....


It's awe-inspiring...

It's magical...


It'll be your best friend...
 

It's tasty!

Well, maybe not so much.

This miracle potion by Benefit is called... High Beam!


High beam is a luminous highlighter product. It works well with all skin types. It's flattering on all skin tones. It's age appropriate for all. Best of all, people will stare at you wondering why you look so amazing!


So. You may be asking, "How do I apply this wonderful concoction?" or "WHERE do I apply this magnificent cosmetic nectar?" Well, hush so I can tell you!

Highlighters are meant to bring out the parts of your face which would be exposed to and ideally reflect the most light. This includes the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, the chin, and most importantly, the cheek bones.

Not sure where your cheek bones are? Try sucking your cheeks in and make a fishy-face.

 High Beam comes with an awesome brush applicator. It's very similar to a bottle of nail polish.
 I recommend applying this at the end of your makeup ritual. Once you've smeared it on your skin with the brush, use a blotting technique with your fingers or a makeup sponge to blend it in. You don't want to rub it into your skin too much, just enough so that it looks smooth.

Before...

After!
Look at the energy! See how luminous? My face looks fresher and more awake! There's a beautiful glow! This will be even more apparent in real life. Now, here's something to keep in mind. There are no rules that say you need to apply this to all of your highlighted areas. Usually, I stick with the cheek and brow bones. Sometimes I just do the cheek. For a more dramatic look go for the gusto and highlight them all!

This sensational face-treat can be purchased at Sephora. For 24 bucks you can get this generous .45 container of pure heaven. It will last you pretty much forever.  Besides, there's no price-tag for a miracle, right?


Emily

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Controversy: Drugstore vs. Department Store?

Let's get right to it. All of us have thought it more than once. "Do I have to spend 20+ bucks to get quality cosmetics?" This is a thought that I find rolling around in my brain frequently.
Currently, my vanity is cluttered with a smattering of products from Sephora to CVS. I've dropped over $200 for two or three "high-end" products, while at times I can get a whole shopping basket for $45.
I'm often confused by company's claims of "highly pigmented," "no-smudge," or "HD coverage."  While I've found some more spendy products that I consider invaluable, I've also found some drugstore products that really hold their own.
So far, I believe that the most important piece of advice I can give you, is to not get stuck in one way of thinking. If you are of the mindset that you wont spend more than $10 a pop, you will surely miss out on some life-changing products. Some will not only make your life simpler, but will also enhance and compliment your less expensive favorites. I would also warn the consumer who avoids Walgreens like the plague. You may be overspending on products that you could find for a fraction of the price, and the same quality. I remember a beautiful shade of dark burgundy lipstick by Wet & Wild that I wore down to a nub. I received an endless number of compliments on it, and only dropped one hundred pennies.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is open your mind! Explore! Yes, often magazines have good advice, but often they don't! Use your own sleuthing skills and experiment with new products, colors, and brands. You will discover new favorites, and have fun in the process. Beauty and skincare should never be monotonous. It should be exciting, thought-inspiring, and an adventure!
So the next time you're in need of a new foundation, or you loved that lilac shade of eyeshadow you saw on the girl in line at Starbucks, go to that store you've always avoided. Maybe you'll find the shade you can't live without, and it happens to be $20. Or maybe, you'll find an inexpensive foundation that blends and goes on just as smoothly as that one you've been dropping fifty-five bucks on at that fancy-shmancy department store.

♥Emily

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