tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42648133283222630352024-03-13T06:08:25.037-07:00The Stylish SopranoMusic. Style. Beauty.Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-50151882104738026022015-10-21T07:09:00.001-07:002015-10-21T07:09:36.085-07:00Beauty Steal Alert! Kate Somerville Exfolikate!Just wanted to drop in (during the month when I was supposed to be posting every day, grrr...FAIL!) to let you guys know that Anthropologie is offering Kate Somerville's <a href="http://www.sephora.com/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment-mini-P392225?skuId=1284629" target="_blank">ExfoliKate</a> scrub on sale (the mini size) for $12.95 (Normally $22)!!!!! Not online anymore, but still in stores...GO GET YOU SOME!! Run to the sale room at Anthro!<br />
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<br />Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-43711373157295536642015-10-01T15:32:00.001-07:002015-10-01T15:32:45.154-07:00BLOGtober!Happy October, beauty lovers! Just poppin' in to say that I'll be posting every day in October for Blog-tober! It's 31 days of beauty!Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-76083844233245628402015-06-29T11:36:00.000-07:002015-07-01T07:23:24.171-07:00Paris Beauty Haul!<div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have just returned from my 16 day honeymoon in Paris and I am going to be 100% honest with you when I say, I did NOT want to return home. I fell in love with the city and our neighborhood (Montmarte, we were living in our own personal Amelie movie!) and the lovely Parisian people. Everyone was kind to us, even when our French was terrible. But we tried and my French got better and better the more I practiced. I have pretty decent enunciation and the ability to accurately copy vocal sounds/placement, due to the fact that I sing classical music professionally, so sometimes, people thought that I did actually speak fluent French, until I started to look confused. Next time we go, my French will be much better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first order of business was to visit the Mothership of all Sephora Stores, the <span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22px;">Champs-Élysées</span> store. This is a HUGE store. Every beauty brand you could think of was in there...including Chanel and Mac for some reason. Half the store is dedicated to perfumes! It was crazy! The first thing I ran into was the By Terry display. By Terry is a luxury brand that I think you can buy at high-end department stores in the US, but not at Sephora. The By Terry Representative put the Hyaluronic Hydra Powder on my hand and I fell in love. The feeling of it was like...the softest baby's butt you've ever touched and it magically blurred out all of the imperfections on my skin. I walked around the store pretending to "think about it", but truthfully, she had already sold me that powder. I bought it and she gave me a few samples as well. It was about €44 which I think is a little cheaper than what you can get it for in the States, but this is still an expensive powder. </span><br />
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It is basically a finishing powder, similar to the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/light-reflecting-loose-setting-powder-P377756?skuId=1478239" target="_blank">Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder</a>. I've personally never used that, but I have used the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/hd-microfinish-powder-P210400?skuId=1510247" target="_blank">Makeup Forever</a> version of this product and the By Terry powder is superior in my opinion. It is a product I believe you will probably only have to purchase once a year at the most because you only need a teeny tiny amount on your brush and you get a ton of product in the jar. The powder will look very white when you put it on your face initially, but will adjust to your skin tone and make your face look flawless. It is WELL worth it. If you are in Paris and are looking to buy this product, pick it up while you are here and save yourself a few bucks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sephora has been sold out of the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/volupte-tint-in-oil-P391753?keyword=YVES%20SAINT%20LAURENT%20Volupt%C3%A9%20Tint-In-Oil%20P391753&skuId=1663913&_requestid=70042" target="_blank">YSL Tint-in-Oil</a> in a few shades for a while. I walked by <a href="http://www.marionnaud.fr/marionnaud/idees-cadeaux/nos-selections/tous-les-produits/volupte-tint-in-oil-huile-a-levres-nourrissante/p/BP_100596489?search=tint-in-oil" target="_blank">Marionnaud</a> (which is a French beauty product store, like Ulta) and I was able to purchase two of the colors (No 5 and No 8, which are Red and Pink respectively) for about the same price (maybe a dollar more) and I got a free YSL mascara and a BUTTLOAD of samples, including the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/mascara-volume-effet-faux-cils-babydoll-P378656?keyword=babydoll&skuId=1520220&_requestid=71885" target="_blank">YSL Babydoll Mascara</a> which I like very much! It is the first YSL Mascara I've tried and I'm very impressed. The mascara I got free with my purchase was the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/mascara-volume-effet-faux-cils-shocking-voluminous-mascara-for-a-false-lash-effect-P299013" target="_blank">Faux Cils Shocking</a>, which has mixed reviews on the Sephora website. I'll update after I've tried it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also had to purchase some Bioderma. I mean...come on! I was in Paris and there were pharmacies everywhere! Spoiler alert: This stuff is incredible and lives up to all the hype. I've tried the Sephora micellar water and it's okay, but Bioderma blows that stuff out of the water. It doesn't smell like anything and it takes EVERYTHING OFF. If you are in Paris...STOCK UP ON THIS. I bought a back up, but I'll be sad when it runs out.</span><br />
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I also purchased the Roger and Gallet Rose Shower Cream because I ran out of my shower gel while I was in Paris. I absolutely fell in LOVE with this stuff! You can't buy it in the US at a store, but you can get it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roger-Gallet-Gentle-Shower-Cream/dp/B00D0BSCLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1435600050&sr=1-1&keywords=roger+and+gallet" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for a plumped up price. I purchased a backup of this and I will cry when it's done. </span></div>
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I got two Bourjois <a href="http://www.beautyspin.com/bourjois/color-edition-24-h-cream-powder-eyeshadow/?gclid=CMG34Zu-tcYCFQguaQodDdQIqQ" target="_blank">cream-to-powder eyeshadows</a> from Monop' Beauty, which was down the street from our Paris apartment. They look pretty cool, but I haven't used them yet. But the colors are so pretty!</span></div>
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Lastly, I purchased the Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm in the pot. It smells amazing. Feels good. Is going to last forever. I've been using this at night and it's great. The texture is a little strange and it takes some getting used to, but it's VERY moisturizing if used as a nightly balm treatment. You can get it on Amazon for $19, but if you are in Paris, you should get it there for €9 or €10. Seriously. </span><br />
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I also purchased a backup of my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/beauty-elixir-P6025?keyword=CAUDALIE%20Beauty%20Elixir%20P6025&skuId=455774&_requestid=40518" target="_blank">Caudalié Beauty Elixir</a> because it was €8 or something. Compared to $18, this is a STEAL. Get in my bag! I'm still not sure what this does, but it's amazing.</span><br />
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I was super excited to score some beauty products while I was in France! I brought back a few home things and coffee as well! What are your favorite European beauty products?</span><br />
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-62180674397144258572015-05-22T13:39:00.001-07:002015-05-22T13:47:33.968-07:00Pink Flamingos - Beauty on the StageThe past two months have been very busy for me! I have been working very hard in staging rehearsals for two different operas that I am currently singing in. I am a hardworking chorus girl in a young opera company in Boston called Odyssey Opera. Last year, I was very excited to be in the chorus of their last fully staged production and this year I am so honored to be back and singing in two productions! The first, Vaughn Williams', Sir John in Love tells the story of Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor and it's hysterical.<br>
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In addition to Sir John, we are also performing Arthur Sullivan (without Gilbert!)'s very charming operetta; The Zoo. It's a pair of classic love stories with constant running commentary from the "British Public". Being that there are no actual animals in the show, the producers have decided that the chorus should be elaborately costumed as members of Victorian British society, but as caricatures of zoo animals. I happen to be cast as Miss Flamingo - she's very pink! And I am so happy to have the opportunity to wear some beautiful pink and fuchsia lip color to go with her gorgeous pink feathers. I have mixed Bite Beauty's Quince with Palomino. I think the effect is terrific! Bite Beauty is in the opera! She also gets a gorgeous pink flush from Nars Starscape blush - a limited edition neon pink from their Christopher Kane Collection. It looks scary in the pan but it's the perfect flush!!! Get it while you can! <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHC_QobpYBY/VV-V5KtVBxI/AAAAAAAACek/Wzx5PJcXSSU/s640/blogger-image--959895972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHC_QobpYBY/VV-V5KtVBxI/AAAAAAAACek/Wzx5PJcXSSU/s640/blogger-image--959895972.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_LGVGpkiWyc/VV-VPOSoYlI/AAAAAAAACeE/6xzGbg_bUuc/s640/blogger-image-1305909512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_LGVGpkiWyc/VV-VPOSoYlI/AAAAAAAACeE/6xzGbg_bUuc/s640/blogger-image-1305909512.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdsTc7tC_kQ/VV-VUba895I/AAAAAAAACec/sOt6CCYYUn8/s640/blogger-image--35899134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdsTc7tC_kQ/VV-VUba895I/AAAAAAAACec/sOt6CCYYUn8/s640/blogger-image--35899134.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rStxCqH1oA8/VV-VQz1Ah4I/AAAAAAAACeM/EsiqurAcrtU/s640/blogger-image--1429538581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rStxCqH1oA8/VV-VQz1Ah4I/AAAAAAAACeM/EsiqurAcrtU/s640/blogger-image--1429538581.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-18809360762828157322015-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:002015-02-23T05:00:03.458-08:00Product Review: Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The palette relative to the size of my hand. It's smaller than it looks online.</td></tr>
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That title is a mouthful, I'm not even going to lie. When I first really started to get into makeup, I was (and still am) really into shimmer. Shimmer and glitter was the THANG. Urban Decay's Naked Palettes were like WHOA. But every now and again, a girl needs a matte eyeshadow. Whether it's a transition shade or you're just feeling not so sparkly that day, every girl should have a choice of matte shadows to choose from. If you wanted to, you could buy singles...or you could buy an all matte palette. I was very thrilled when I saw Tarte was releasing a palette just full of matte neutral colors. I think it is limited edition, but I can't be sure. </div>
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Tarte was inspired by beauty bloggers/vloggers when it named the individual colors in the palette. If you are interested in who they are, you can read about it on <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tartelette" target="_blank">Tarte's Website</a>! It contains 12 beautiful matte neutral colors and is $44 available at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/tartelette-amazonian-clay-matte-eyeshadow-palette-P391759?skuId=1659424" target="_blank">Sephora</a> and Tarte.com. I wasn't sure I really wanted to check out this palette until I touched the shadows in the store. They are unbelievably creamy, buttery and soft. As soon as I touched it, it was in my basket and I was checking out. Ridiculous.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Tarte, for printing the names of the colors on the palette. Look at that reflection of me taking this pic. Amateur.</td></tr>
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So, I'm going to be completely honest with you here...I almost returned this. I <b>really</b> struggled with this palette. I had trouble making the colors show up on my skin and I had a really hard time blending them. It was a mess. I kept the box around for days...weeks. Then, one day...I just decided to start really trying to figure out what the issue was.<br>
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I've never really used matte eyeshadows. Not really.<br>
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There is a serious learning curve when it comes to all matte eyeshadow looks. It does not blend the same or apply the same as eyeshadows that are satin, shimmer or glittery finish. It just doesn't. Sure, maybe you use one here and there to work with your look, but if you've never tried to work with ONLY matte eyeshadows and make your look happen, you'll be in for a rude awakening. It's a different animal and it's a whole different set of skills. Once I got around the idea that I needed to work with these differently, I really enjoyed this palette.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatches over primer in order from left to right, top to bottom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatches over primer...different light</td></tr>
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So, I think this palette is worth the money. You get a little instruction book to use with it that tells you how to do two different looks. For the sake of this review, I did the "Daytime" look, which used Caregiver (light pink) on the lid to the brow bone, Natural Beauty (Mauve) on the inner crease, Best Friend (Mulberry) on the outer crease and Bombshell (Dark Plum) to line the lid with a wet liner brush. I actually don't have an angled liner brush (Which I think would have worked better, it's on my wishlist!) I have a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-core-tools-precision-liner-brush-no-202/-/A-14328316" target="_blank">Sonia Kashuk pencil brush</a>, which worked okay. I'm not a makeup artist, but I figured Tarte thought any old Beauty Blogger could do this look. I think the effect was pretty and natural. Especially since I love pinks and mauves. I have a hooded, almond shaped eye, so there isn't much real estate to really work with here, but I think I did an okay job for an amateur. If I can do one thing, it's follow directions.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarte's "Daytime" look from the Instructions. Did I do it right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the look. Kinda pretty, right?</td></tr>
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All of the colors watched beautifully and I had no issues with pigmentation. The only one that was a bit weak was Power Player (Taupe), but it's not terrible. I was <b>VERY</b> impressed by the Black (Fashionista). It's quite black and intense. I am going to enjoy using it as a liner or to do a smokey eye. The rest of the colors are quite pretty and this is a great palette for using on its own or as a go-to when you need a matte color in a look with shimmery colors too.<br>
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I've never had serious issues with Tarte Eyeshadows not being long wearing and the lasting power on these is good. I didn't find that there was any fallout with these shadows at all and they are not terribly powdery which is great. This is a nearly perfect matte palette. What do you think? Are you used to working with matte eyeshadows? Is it different than shimmer/satin/glitter finish eyeshadows?</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-4601148936414906152015-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:002015-02-21T06:15:44.592-08:00Product Review: Tarteist Clay Paint LinerHaving discovered the wonder of cream eyeliner this year, this product intrigued me. It was in a tube and came with a really nice looking brush. For those of you who don't know...gel or cream eyeliner typically comes in a glass pot that you use with a brush and you can apply it to your top eyelash line or anywhere really. Even your waterline, just be careful. There are some pretty good gel eyeliners at the drugstore, L'Oreal makes a lovely one as well as Milani and Maybelline. Benefit makes one in a pen form which is...not good. But I digress...<br />
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Tarte is one of my favorite high-end cosmetic brands. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know how I feel about the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes. The Tarteist Clay Paint Liner is a cream liner in a tube. It comes with a very nice angled eyeliner brush, which is a very nice bonus. The brush is quite nice and I think Tarte is terrific for giving the brush with the product. This claims to be a waterproof cream liner, that wears for 12 hours. Tarte is really pushing that 12 hour time period, aren't they? It retails for $24 available at both <a href="http://www.sephora.com/tarteist-clay-paint-liner-P392636?keyword=tarteist&skuId=1673748&_requestid=125274" target="_blank">Sephora</a> and the <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-tarteist-clay-paint-liner" target="_blank">Tarte Website</a>.<br />
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The tube delivery system is really different and innovative. I found this to be a very sanitary way to use the product, provided that you don't squeeze out a ton of product on the easel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarteist Clay Eyeliner and the included angled eyeliner brush</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Product with the cap off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeeze the tube and a little bit comes out and you can work on your little eyeliner easel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand swatches. It dries completely matte.</td></tr>
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The angled brush that comes with the liner is really nice! There were a lot of reviews on the Sephora website that stated the brush didn't allow for a lot of accuracy, but I actually found the tip to be very precise. I was able to get a thin line at both ends of my liner and was able to build up the line in the middle. </div>
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The product itself is quite liquidy for a cream liner. The liners that come in a pot are solid (but creamy, like peanut butter?) and this is most definitely a liquid. However, it is very creamy and is easy to pick up on the brush. It smoothed on to my lash line without tugging and very smoothly. Because it is so liquidy, it is not as opaque as a solid gel liner. If you let the liner dry a bit and go over it again, you will find it's very black and dries completely matte.</div>
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Once it sets (I left it alone for about 10 minutes), it is pretty much waterproof as it claims. I <i>was</i> able to smudge a bit of it off on my hand when I rubbed it. I am hardly ever doing this to my eye area so this didn't concern me. Did it wear 12 hours? Not sure...I wore it for about 9 hours and it was fine. At the end of the day, it was easy to remove with an oily eye makeup remover. But it doesn't come off easily with soap and water or facial cleanser. It's pretty waterproof...but you <i>can</i> smudge it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eyeliner applied on my top lid only</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of both eyes done! I'm also wearing Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Blushing Bride and LipSurgence Lip Tint in Moody!</td></tr>
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<b>The Verdict: </b>If you are a fan of gel or cream eyeliners...give this a try! It's a decent size for what it is and it comes with a really great brush that I'm happy to have in my collection.<br />
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<b>Pros: </b>Cool product delivery method, Comes with a brush, sanitary, matte, easy to apply, decent black pigmentation, waterproof, long-lasting<br />
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<b>Cons: </b>Liquid-like texture affects the opacity of the liner, not totally smudge proof<br />
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As I'm writing this review, this eyeliner is sold out on both Sephora's website and Tarte's website! Why do you think it's so popular? Do you want to try this? What is your favorite gel liner? Tell me in the comments!</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-25913353784302082572015-02-20T08:16:00.001-08:002015-02-20T08:16:55.612-08:00Boston Snow...how bad is it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you don't live in New England, you've probably been seeing some coverage in the news about how New England is having record-breaking amounts of snow this winter. Before the end of January, we were actually running a snow deficit. We looked winter in the eye and pointed our index fingers in its direction and laughed. Winter had been a cakewalk! Where was the snow? Sure it was kinda cold, but we were convinced we were going to get off scot-free.<br />
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And then blizzard Juno happened on January, 26. Okay, Winter, you showed us. We were asses to laugh at you. She dropped 2' of snow here in Boston and we were like...OKAY. That's cute, you can stop now.</div>
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On Groundhog Day, we got more. MUCH MORE. Every Sunday/Monday it seemed to blizzard with Mother Nature sprinkling annoying intermittent snow in between just to be a biotch. We went from Holiday Paradise from Frozen Hell in 23 Days. She dumped 58 or so MORE inches of snow on top of what was already there in three weeks. Plows drive by and just push snow to the side of the street and when you're pushing like 8' of snow to the side of the street, you basically replace a parking spot with snow so...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Parking. No, seriously.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That snow needs like a thousand parking tickets.</td></tr>
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Both sides of the streets now have snow, making the roads incredibly narrow and challenging for two lanes of traffic to exist on. You can only park on one side of the street in some places. My husband and I have taken to a game which is called: Snow Pile or Car? I believe some people have just given up. There's no place to park your chariot anyway once you get to where you're going. Boston is a challenging place to drive enough WITHOUT all the damn snow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a Car? Is it just a Snow Pile?</td></tr>
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Can't drive? No problem! Just take the ever-so-reliable MBTA, the world's oldest public transport system! Well, guess what? There was so much snow...it crippled the poor MBTA. I've been living here for 20 years and for the first time in my memory, the MBTA (Otherwise known as the "T") just put up both its hands and shut it completely down. No buses. No Trains. No Ferries. No commuter rail. NOTHING. There is too much snow on the tracks, stuff is frozen and the T is completely crippled. The T usually can return to regular service if it's disrupted within a few hours, but officials from the MBTA are saying it could be 30 days or more (provided there isn't any more snow). Your commute which might have taken 30 minutes might take hours now. People are just walking instead to get to where they're going.</div>
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And lastly...as you may have heard...Bostonians are going crazy and jumping out of windows into snow piles. It seems we are hoarding all the snow in the Nation. Someone better call A&E. </div>
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Terrifyingly enough, we are getting rain and 46 degree temps on Sunday which scares the crap out of me because it's going to FREEZE EVERYTHING. WHY?!?! It's all become very depressing. You don't want to leave your house because temps are somewhere between 4 and 24˚ F with wind chills often below 0˚. Sidewalks are seriously treacherous. Because of the massive piles of snow and ice in intersections on sidewalks, my new paranoia is falling into the street as I attempt to cross. I wouldn't bat an eye at walking a mile under normal circumstances, but walking even around the block right now is a daunting proposition. I cannot begin to describe the misery and aggravation Bostonians feel on a daily basis. It feels like the snow will never melt and when it does, there will be a host of new problems with flooding, leaking, rust and road damage. Winter is not even close to being over and everyone in New England is counting the days until Spring in this currently 2nd Snowiest Winter in history. How is Winter where you live?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep Calm and bake more cookies...</td></tr>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-55547402487438956702015-02-19T05:30:00.000-08:002015-02-19T07:38:25.162-08:00Product Review: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sephora always gets me with their little promotional emails, and when I saw there was a chance to try this new mascara before it was released, I jumped right on it. I am a mascara and blush junkie. I did like the They're Real mascara when it was first released (<a href="http://www.stylishsoprano.com/2011/07/mascara-review-benefits-theyre-real.html" target="_blank">Read my review on that mascara here</a>. I've found others that I've liked more since then, but it's still a nice mascara). I was excited to see how much I would enjoy <a href="http://www.sephora.com/roller-lash-P392516?keyword=BENEFIT%20COSMETICS%20Roller%20Lash%20P392516&skuId=1665082&_requestid=98050" target="_blank">Roller Lash</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/roller-lash-P392516?keyword=BENEFIT%20COSMETICS%20Roller%20Lash%20P392516&skuId=1665082&_requestid=98050" target="_blank">Roller Lash</a> will be officially for sale next Friday, the 27th of February (at 10:00AM Sharp!) and it will retail for $24. Frankly, this is <u>quite expensive</u> for a mascara, but considering the Better Than Sex mascara that Too Faced makes (which is my favorite right now) is $23, the price is consistent with the rest of Benefit's line. Right now, it is showing up on Sephora's website as VIB and VIB Rouge exclusive and I was able to add it to my shopping cart.</div>
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So...before I get into this review, you should know that this mascara claims to lift and curl lashes and they claim that the brush was inspired my old-school rollers. I haven't worn a roller in a long time, but I remember them...there's a bunch of rollers under this shower cap type hairdryer...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">circa 1985?</td></tr>
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So let me also preface this review by saying, <b>I have very naturally curly eyelashes.</b> It's just something you should know. I've never had to use an eyelash curler, except to <b>un</b>-curl my lashes in order to put on false lashes., which I hardly ever wear. So, I can't speak to whether this mascara keeps a curl or makes them curl. That is just something I cannot tell you about. Now that that's out of the way, I can get to the review. </div>
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One thing Benefit does exceptionally well is packaging. Every single product is adorably packaged and this mascara sample is no exception. The full-sized product looks different than the sample. You can see what it looks like here on the <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/roller-lash" target="_blank">Benefit Website</a>. Here is what the sample I got from Sephora looks like: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benefit packaging and marketing is pretty top notch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inner packaging gives you the down low on the price, availability and there's even a hashtag!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3QhYuRhaTs/VOURuDUBeNI/AAAAAAAACZY/RD5j3iDRC-M/s640/blogger-image--1615460017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3QhYuRhaTs/VOURuDUBeNI/AAAAAAAACZY/RD5j3iDRC-M/s640/blogger-image--1615460017.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sample size is a third of the full size, so a great little value</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tn5HiGtijWE/VOUWArFAVjI/AAAAAAAACZs/hWrHhtUtxUo/s640/blogger-image-1628881896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tn5HiGtijWE/VOUWArFAVjI/AAAAAAAACZs/hWrHhtUtxUo/s640/blogger-image-1628881896.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plastic wand is has very fine spikes and is slightly crescent-shaped</td></tr>
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My initial thoughts when I opened the product is that the mascara formula is very wet, which I find very appealing. I don't like drier formulas (like Dior mascaras) because I find that the product doesn't transfer to my lashes. That being said...it is slightly messy to apply if you have already curly lashes like I do. There will be a lot of mascara on the wand when you pull it out of the tube. To avoid making too much of a mess, apply your mascara looking down into a mirror instead of looking straight on. Here is what my lashes look like without any mascara at all. They are pretty pathetic. Excuse my undone brows! This was pre-brow dress!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_SwCBuIQA8w/VOUXS8a6NHI/AAAAAAAACac/NpXiH3_gUDE/s640/blogger-image--1885065983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_SwCBuIQA8w/VOUXS8a6NHI/AAAAAAAACac/NpXiH3_gUDE/s640/blogger-image--1885065983.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lashes with no mascara</td></tr>
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I applied one coat of the roller lash mascara. I was <b>very </b>pleased and pleasantly surprised with this one coat of product on my lashes! It made them look SO MUCH longer and blacker. It did lift them up as the product claimed and I thought the effect was very pretty with just one coat. I could have stopped there and been very happy. But for the sake of this review, I applied two more coats.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8rV5SPVWThQ/VOUXRsberBI/AAAAAAAACaU/xkOqakv9r_U/s640/blogger-image--1275592060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8rV5SPVWThQ/VOUXRsberBI/AAAAAAAACaU/xkOqakv9r_U/s640/blogger-image--1275592060.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The left eye has one coat of Roller Lash and the right eye has nothing</td></tr>
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Applying a second coat of mascara is where some problems started. It dries fairly quickly and by the time I got around to applying a second coat, it started to become a little clumpy. My lashes started to stick together and I didn't want to apply any more coats. That being said, from a normal distance, it still looked really pretty. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fr2TveXLFwk/VOUXQCpkc3I/AAAAAAAACaM/MX3plyQCY30/s640/blogger-image--1555863759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fr2TveXLFwk/VOUXQCpkc3I/AAAAAAAACaM/MX3plyQCY30/s640/blogger-image--1555863759.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two coats of Roller Lash on the left eye</td></tr>
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Three coats of product was VERY clumpy and was hard to apply. I went through with an eyelash comb to get rid of some of the really terrible clumps. It still doesn't look too spidery in the photo, but it was starting to get that way. I still really like the effect of this mascara. I think it has a nice lifting effect, but I think it helped to actually look my obnoxiously curly lashes act not so curly, which is probably not what Benefit would like to hear, but that's just what happened to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--TbSJT3olQA/VOUXOQlbF6I/AAAAAAAACaE/VvFTG3XYidY/s640/blogger-image--447481379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--TbSJT3olQA/VOUXOQlbF6I/AAAAAAAACaE/VvFTG3XYidY/s640/blogger-image--447481379.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three coats of Roller Lash on the left eye only</td></tr>
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Here is the result of three coats on both sets of eyelashes.</div>
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<b>The Verdict: </b>This is a really, really nice mascara! A great formula and a great brush. I am very impressed by the lengthening and separating and lifting effect of this mascara. I find the effect to be as if the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and L'Oreal Telescopic had a baby. Not bad at all. Probably a great mascara for layering and making mascara cocktails.<br />
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Removing this was not easy. I had to take a little bit more time with my <a href="http://www.neutrogena.com/product/oil-free+eye+makeup+remover.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover</a>, but it came off eventually. I believe soap and water alone will not remove this and you probably need an oily makeup remover to dissolve it.<br />
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<b>Pros: </b>Cute Packaging, Very black, lengthening, Separating, Lifting effect is amazing<br />
<b>Cons: </b>Gets clumpy when layered, messy - a lot of product will be on the wand, price point is high<br />
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<b>The Bottom Line: </b>If you have $24 burning a hole in your pocket, it's a great thing to pick up. It's a beautiful mascara. That being said, there are about 20 mascaras at the drugstore you can buy for less than $14 that will have nearly the same effect. Drugstore mascara is so good that high end mascaras have to REALLY perform to be worth the extra cost. This mascara performs well and I will probably pick up a full size after my sample is gone as a treat for myself, but is it a new Holy Grail? Probably not. But I do really like it and I want to give Benefit a high five.<br />
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What do you think? Do you think you will be trying this out? Have you tried any other Benefit mascaras? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-77554824952988085872015-02-18T11:22:00.000-08:002015-02-18T11:55:19.400-08:00The Stylish Awards: Best in Beauty 2014 - FACEGood morning, beauty product junkies! Boy, has it been a while since I've posted here. We have been having quite a bit of snow here in Boston. In case you have been under a rock for the past few weeks, we have had a record-breaking amount of snow here in Boston. It has been the snowiest February of all time and we are on pace to be the snowiest Winter in Boston's History! Thankfully, my car has been in a covered garage since the first storm, but I can't say the same about my poor husband's car which has been under a large amount of snow for a while. He's been doing a great job digging it out though! (And I have been cheering for him from inside our warm apartment)<br />
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It's time for the next installment of the Stylish Awards. This time, we are going to talk about face products today! Again, I will try to give an award to each a high end product and a more affordable product. Some categories don't have any at all, but I will be happy to give some recommendations. For example, I don't use liquid foundations. I just think they are gross, which I didn't because the bottles look really cool and it just seems like it would be so much fun to use a Beauty Blender or a beautiful foundation brush. But it's not right for my skin, so I won't be recommending any liquid foundations. However, I do have other face products that I absolutely LOVE.<br />
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<b>Best Primer (High End): <i>Benefit POREfessional ($10-$42, <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/the-porefessional" target="_blank">Benefit Website</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/the-porefessional-P264900?keyword=BENEFIT%20COSMETICS%20The%20POREfessional%20P264900&skuId=1665074&_requestid=21847" target="_blank">Sephora</a>)</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rrwAwWznm90/VOTfKsMJHrI/AAAAAAAACYI/xw-6WGx1lzA/s640/blogger-image-1702388001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rrwAwWznm90/VOTfKsMJHrI/AAAAAAAACYI/xw-6WGx1lzA/s640/blogger-image-1702388001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mini size of the POREfessional Primer</td></tr>
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I have gone back and forth with whether or not I like this primer. I have only ever received samples of this, but luckily, I believe I have received .6 oz of product samples and I don't use this all over my face. I have been using this, along with a few other primers. I tried the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/photo-finish-foundation-primer-P9889?icid2=Smashbox_Bestsellers_Carousel_P9889_image" target="_blank">Smashbox Photo Finish Primer</a>, which is not bad. I have also tried the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/ever-matte-poreless-priming-perfector-P378017?keyword=BECCA%20Ever-Matte%20Poreless%20Priming%20Perfector%E2%84%A2%20P378017&skuId=1495209&_requestid=79064" target="_blank">Becca Primer</a>, but I found it too intensely drying. It was great in summer when my skin acts a little more oily, but in the other seasons, it was too intense. I liked this primer at first, then I didn't like it so much. I recently decided to start trying it again and it's now my favorite high end primer. It's a beige colored, but it doesn't have enough color to make an impact on my deeper skin tone (Benefit claims it's "translucent"). If you pat it into the places where your pores are larger (I have large pores on my cheeks) it will fill them in nicely. I also like to use it on places I get shiny. It has a powdery finish on your skin. This is a great product, albeit a bit expensive as most Benefit products tend to be. If you can get your hands on the mini size, it will be last you a while and it's only $10 from Sephora.<br />
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**You should know** <i>This product contains both silicones and fragrance. This doesn't irritate my skin, but it is an irritant for some people. It doesn't have much of a fragrance, so I can't figure out why they would add this. For the record, most primers contain silicones and these are perfectly okay for most people to apply to the skin.</i><br />
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<b>Best Primer (Drugstore): <i><a href="http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/face/stay-matte-primer" target="_blank">Rimmel Stay Matte Primer</a> $5-$7 Drugstores</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Me5BQQTye0/U_5sFbTdKsI/AAAAAAAACF0/2Q6R2B79bX8/s1600/blogger-image-729230893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Me5BQQTye0/U_5sFbTdKsI/AAAAAAAACF0/2Q6R2B79bX8/s1600/blogger-image-729230893.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Disclaimer, I only really like this product in the summer or any other time where the humidity is higher. I tend to get a little more oily at those times and this is a great primer for making sure your T-Zone stays matte. I stumbled on to this at a Walgreens and I usually find that it's sold out at the Rimmel display. This is the only Rimmel product I've ever purchased. Brands that seem to me not terribly friendly to deeper skin tones (Benefit is the other brand I have a love/hate relationship with), I tend to avoid, but the term "Stay Matte" jumped out at me and it was inexpensive, so I gave it a try. I loved this stuff! I loved it more as a mattefier and not as a "primer" per say. This is a white cream, so if you are deeper skin toned, you should be careful with this. Mixing it with your moisturizer is a good idea. Otherwise, it's VERY EASY to put it on and discover ashy white patches on your face when you look into a mirror. I wouldn't use this product if you have dry skin, but combination skins and oily skins especially will love this.<br />
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<b>Best Powder Foundation (High End, no drugstore entry): <i>Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4FPdfyW7bs/VOTfSPXkK4I/AAAAAAAACYw/ynwnNbhPpI8/s640/blogger-image-905334736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4FPdfyW7bs/VOTfSPXkK4I/AAAAAAAACYw/ynwnNbhPpI8/s640/blogger-image-905334736.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smells like chocolate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6fDfCWlQ6hs/VOTfDBEXlBI/AAAAAAAACXg/sYVuPfLcJxE/s640/blogger-image--1811386625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6fDfCWlQ6hs/VOTfDBEXlBI/AAAAAAAACXg/sYVuPfLcJxE/s640/blogger-image--1811386625.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Tan</td></tr>
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For a while, I was just into wearing a sheer application of tinted finishing powder instead of foundation because I wanted to see my skin, but I just wanted to even out my skin tone a little. Although my skin looks pretty good, I just wanted the sheerest amount of coverage. I was already a fan of the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/the-chocolate-bar-eye-palette-P384402?keyword=TOO%20FACED%20The%20Chocolate%20Bar%20Eye%20Palette%20P384402&skuId=1578012&_requestid=78909" target="_blank">Too Faced Chocolate Bar</a> and all their related products. This powder foundation is beautiful. I chose the color Tan and there is one darker color. Medium Tan and Tan are very similar, but Tan seemed a better match. This is a very, very soft powder and it comes with a foundation sponge. As with all products that come with a sponge, I have never used this sponge. I'm actually not sure what to do with it.<br />
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Being a soft powder, it will kick up a very large amount of powder when you touch your brush to it. I have been using the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/classic-mineral-powder-brush-45-P379529?keyword=SEPHORA%20COLLECTION%20Classic%20Multitasker%20Powder%20Brush%20%2345%20P379529&skuId=1504356&_requestid=78758" target="_blank">Sephora Multitasker Mineral Powder Brush</a> to apply it and it works wonderfully. As long as you are very careful with your brush, you will enjoy this foundation. This is a light to medium coverage powder, so you will be able to see your skin through the powder. If you are looking for complete coverage, this is not the product for you. But if you have oily or combination skin and you would like light to medium coverage, this is a great product. It really does have a "rose petal" finish.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Best Blush (High End): <i>Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush $26, <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-Amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush" target="_blank">Tarte Website</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush-P278610?keyword=TARTE%20Amazonian%20Clay%2012-Hour%20Blush%20P278610&skuId=1306844&_requestid=37632" target="_blank">Sephora</a></i> </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PFSibQ1_ygw/VOTfJJqTYGI/AAAAAAAACYA/OXFCjmemHwM/s640/blogger-image--1396240561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PFSibQ1_ygw/VOTfJJqTYGI/AAAAAAAACYA/OXFCjmemHwM/s640/blogger-image--1396240561.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my Tarte Blush collection. Some Amazonian Clay Blushes with some Cheek Stains also!</td></tr>
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Ho boy...I love this stuff. I love blushes in general and just cannot get enough of them and this was a tough choice. There is something about rubbing pink powder on my face that makes me insanely happy and I've been guilty of leaving the house looking like a clown on a few occasions (GET A GOOD LIGHTED MIRROR). Both Nars blushes and Becca Blushes are really nice, but there is something about these blushes that is SPECTACULAR. I own 13 shades of this formula and they are all beautiful, long-lasting and very pigmented. If you have a nice powder brush you do NOT need to pick up a ton of product. Better to start with a little and build these babies up to your desired intensity. I don't know what makes "Amazonian Clay" so magical, but the formula on these is great.<br />
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If you are in the store checking these out, they do <u style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</u> swatch well. I don't know what the deal is, the formula is a little stiff in the pan and you cannot pick up a lot of color with your finger to try it out. If you need to try it in the store, grab some sort of applicator. I have been very surprised about how lame colors have swatched on my hand from this line and how intensely the color showed up on my cheeks with my blush brush. These are expensive at $26 a pop, but worth the splurge in my opinion. At holiday time, they have had a blush palette for around $40-$45 with five colors in it. This past year, the pans were ALMOST a full size each, so if you can't stomach paying for individual compacts, if you are patient enough to wait for holiday releases (October), you can get many for the price of 2 or something. These blushes are very friendly to brown or deeper skin tones (the peaches and oranges are especially flattering) and the fairest of skin tones will find that Exposed and Dollface are perfect. There's something for everyone in this line.<br />
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<b>Best Blush (Drugstore): <i>Milani Baked Blush & Rose Blush $7-$9 Drugstores, <a href="http://milanicosmetics.com/Blush/" target="_blank">Milani Website</a></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0LZKhBd4nw/VOTfGEvuW-I/AAAAAAAACXw/MA-bZ4GlYJ0/s640/blogger-image--1484272695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0LZKhBd4nw/VOTfGEvuW-I/AAAAAAAACXw/MA-bZ4GlYJ0/s640/blogger-image--1484272695.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino and Rose Blush in Romantic Rose</td></tr>
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When it comes to most drugstore makeup, I feel like the quality in general of products has been much improved as of late. Most products from the drugstore can compete with the quality of products from high end brands and with some products (such as mascara) can exceed it in performance and quality. For some reason, I have not found a drugstore blush that is as lovely to use as most of the high end products I own. There are certainly some decent blushes out there, but none have impressed me as much as the blushes from the Milani line. Milani is a great drugstore line that makes products that flatter a variety of skin tones, which I find very appealing. Products from this line perform VERY well consistently (not to say that there haven't been some misses) but the blushes are a standout. The baked blushes are lovely and most of them contain a shimmery powder mixed in, but a few are matte. The formula is very smooth and can rival any high end blush. As with all baked products, a light hand should be used upon initial application.<br />
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Last Spring they introduced a limited-edition matte blush in which the product was a rose embossed powder. This was such a popular product that they recently re-released it and it is now part of the permanent line in 3 colors. The formula is different as this is not a baked product, but it is GORGEOUS. A review is forthcoming! Who wouldn't want this on their vanity?<br />
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<b>Best Under Eye Concealer (Drugstore): <i><a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Concealer/instant-age-rewind-eraser-dark-circles-concealer-treatment.aspx" target="_blank">Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer $10 drugstores</a></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fjmAKxjzjyc/VOTfHgDZWqI/AAAAAAAACX4/hDEkMFt7_w4/s640/blogger-image--882135895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fjmAKxjzjyc/VOTfHgDZWqI/AAAAAAAACX4/hDEkMFt7_w4/s640/blogger-image--882135895.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the gross applicator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creamy texture, applied to my hand which is darker than my face.</td></tr>
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I'm tired. Let's face it. I'm not getting enough sleep and I'm fricking tired. I always seem to have dark circles under my eyes and I've recently taken to putting a small amount of effort in to look less tired. I picked this up from the drugstore in the shade Medium and this stuff is GREAT. I do have to say that the applicator is GROSS. I reluctantly use the applicator because I'm lazy, but you can't really clean it and it's just kind of gross. I also have heard rumblings that the mechanism is a little flawed, but the product inside is great. Sponge it on (gross), blend it out a little, set it with some powder...Boom, you don't look tired. Nothin' more to say.<br />
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<b>Best Under Eye Concealer (High End): <i><a href="http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=13505&idcategory=49" target="_blank">Tarina Taratino Eye Dream Hyperlight $22 </a></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wXsCqA7CGNw/VOTfNjuwTAI/AAAAAAAACYY/oS_p2vC0NGg/s640/blogger-image-1022297818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wXsCqA7CGNw/VOTfNjuwTAI/AAAAAAAACYY/oS_p2vC0NGg/s640/blogger-image-1022297818.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumb, but it should be noted that this brand has exquisite, luxurious packaging</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The product on my hand. It's a brightening, salmony pink color</td></tr>
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Okay, so this isn't a concealer...it's a brightener. It's a pinky-colored cream in a pen. I received this in a beauty box, which is why I know about it. Otherwise, I would never have tried this product. You know what? It's pretty good! Even on my deeper skin tone, this kind of balances out the dark circles under my eyes and makes me look more awake. You can use this product all over your face as a highlighter as well, but I love this for canceling out dark under eye circles. This brand is not sold at Sephora anymore but I've seen it on <a href="https://www.hautelook.com/events/all" target="_blank">Hautelook</a> a few times, so if you are patient...wait until it's on flash sale again and snag one for half price.<br />
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<b>Best Highlighter/Luminizer (High End Only...Sorry!): Tie <i>Josie Maran <a href="http://www.sephora.com/argan-illuminizer-P281607" target="_blank">Argan Illuminizer</a> ($28) & <a href="http://www.sephora.com/watt-s-up-P295206?skuId=1357250" target="_blank">Benefit Watt's Up</a> ($30)</i></b><br />
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Here's the deal with Luminizers or Highlighters. I love them, they are fun and they can add a super lovely glow to your face as a finishing touch. Like a JLo effect. However, I find that when I use these products, I use the smallest, tiniest, most minuscule amount of product. I use much less of this per application than I do ANYTHING. I don't want to look like a disco ball. Just a little on the tops of my cheeks, below my brow and on the cupid's bow above my lips is enough for me. I take serious issue with how much product is included with the full-sizes of these products. Cream products have some of the shortest shelf lives of the cosmetic world (only second to mascara and liquid/gel eyeliners) , so there's no way...unless you were insane with it, that you could use up the entirety of this product before it goes bad. The product waste is insane. That being said...my favorite highlighters are both cream products. Both versions of this product that I own are sample sizes, which I could realistically use up (maybe not the Josie Maran one).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UUT6JWGh2EM/VOTfEgCyWdI/AAAAAAAACXo/6BfiuwM5XPI/s640/blogger-image-969636467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UUT6JWGh2EM/VOTfEgCyWdI/AAAAAAAACXo/6BfiuwM5XPI/s640/blogger-image-969636467.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A miniature size of the Argan Illuminizer which is a very generous 0.5oz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANBhluje7q8/VOTe9H8CR1I/AAAAAAAACXI/98164_89tbU/s640/blogger-image-319449964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ANBhluje7q8/VOTe9H8CR1I/AAAAAAAACXI/98164_89tbU/s640/blogger-image-319449964.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely glow</td></tr>
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I couldn't make a choice between both of these products because they are both quite lovely. The Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer I received in a giftset with some other Josie Maran color collection items. It comes in a bottle with a pump, which is very sanitary. One entire pump of this product is TOO MUCH. I usually pump a small amount on to the back of my hand and blend it into the tops of my cheeks with my finger or a small stippling brush. The product has a bronze/champagne color. It is not glittery, it simply has a beautiful glow to it. It's subtle and gorgeous. I don't know why more beauty bloggers/vloggers don't talk about this product more. The full size is huge. It's not going to make you look greasy or shiny, it just gives an ethereal effect to your face and it rocks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iOmsWhjUu14/VOTfMLSVlJI/AAAAAAAACYQ/FayWz0p34cg/s640/blogger-image--1973648072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iOmsWhjUu14/VOTfMLSVlJI/AAAAAAAACYQ/FayWz0p34cg/s640/blogger-image--1973648072.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100pt Perk Sample size from Sephora</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1n-W9KLwELA/VOTfQsh2bhI/AAAAAAAACYo/SuD7mEwPWyo/s640/blogger-image--1445379161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1n-W9KLwELA/VOTfQsh2bhI/AAAAAAAACYo/SuD7mEwPWyo/s640/blogger-image--1445379161.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit lighter than the Josie Maran product, but just as subtle.</td></tr>
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For a company that I have mixed feelings about, Benefit has hit it out of the park with a few products here. Watt's Up is a beautiful, cream stick highlighter. It's a champagne color and is flattering to almost every skin tone. It blends very beautifully and is not over the top shimmery and glittery. Just that JLo Glow that I was going for. It looks beautiful on the skin and is a lovely consistency. You can apply the product directly to your face or use a stippling brush. I got a sample size as a 100pt perk from Sephora as a Beauty Insider but I doubt I would purchase the full size ever. It's just too much product to make a commitment to in my opinion as I like variety, but it is too nice not to mention.<br />
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So there are my top picks from 2014 for the face! What do you think? Have you tried or loved any of these products? It's almost the end of February, so these reviews are a little late, but better late than never, right!?Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-18449761887182332822015-01-03T13:21:00.002-08:002015-01-03T13:21:24.860-08:00The Stylish Awards: Best in Beauty 2014 - EYESHappy New Year, dear readers! Okay...so obviously, I failed at Blogmas. Maybe next year? *shrug*<br />
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Now that that's out of the way, I can get to the point! I present to you the first of a series of posts dedicated to the best beauty products I've used last year. I'll be dedicating posts to makeup, hair products, skin care and beauty "helpers". I'm excited to be starting with eye makeup and I'll be giving two awards per product. One award for a drugstore product and one for a higher end product. These are products that I have actually tried in 2014, so these may not be the best out there, but they are the best I've discovered. There are also no limited-edition products here because...hey, that's not fair. So, here we go!<br />
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<b>Best Eyeshadow Palette (High End): <i><a href="https://www.toofaced.com/p/eye-shadow-palettes/chocolate-bar-eye-shadow-collection/" target="_blank">Too Faced Chocolate Bar</a> $49</i></b></div>
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Swatches on my arm from the top left to bottom right - no primer!</div>
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This palette is my favorite palette that I have purchased all year and I purchased a lot of palettes last year. I have a thing about eyeshadow palettes and I just can't resist them. I like to rotate which ones I use throughout the year so that I give love to my entire collection, but this one has been my hands down favorite. Not only does it smell like chocolate (it is made with cocoa powder), the color payoff is amazing, the shadows are buttery soft and the neutral color selection is a knockout. It comes in an adorable metal tin with a magnetic closure (they actually redesigned this packaging to be less bulky, but I have the bulkier original packaging). It looks like a chocolate bar (A+ for cuteness) and as soon as you open it, you get a whiff of beautiful chocolate scent. It's not overpowering, it's just enough to make you go; "Yum!". The scent does not stay on your skin once you apply the product (unlike the cocoa powder foundation, but we'll get to that in a little while), but the palette does smell like one of those packets of hot chocolate. Every color you need in the world is here, but I have my favorites of course. However, there is not a single color here I haven't tried and they are all beautiful. The only downside is that there is no black color here, which is important if you want to create a smokey eye look, but I hardly ever do that, so it's not a deal breaker for me. If you buy ANY high end eyeshadow palette, I would recommend this one over the Urban Decay Nakeds (although I like them, they are just GLITTER CITY). It smells good, you get a huge mirror, color payoff is bomb...seriously, get off your butt and order this palette right now! There is a newer version of this palette that exists, but I have not gotten a chance to try it yet and word on the street is that it's not as good.<br />
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<b>Best Eyeshadow Palette (Drugstore): <i><a href="http://wnwbeauty.com/product.php?cid=15&pid=912&subid=25" target="_blank">Wet n' Wild Color Icon 8-Pan Palette in Comfort Zone</a> $3-$5</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8P27ojLEBSo/VKhYBuDdATI/AAAAAAAACVQ/KJZPtTqfQT8/s640/blogger-image--1262370927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8P27ojLEBSo/VKhYBuDdATI/AAAAAAAACVQ/KJZPtTqfQT8/s640/blogger-image--1262370927.jpg" /></a></i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arm swatches, no primer...can we talk about that duo-chrome blue/brown for one second? I mean...come on...</td></tr>
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I remember the days when cosmetics from Wet n' Wild were just cheap...and also terrible. Well, this company (as well as every other drugstore brand) has stepped up its game. This little 8-Pan palette is in-credible. They are long-lasting, the color payoff is super and the colors are beautiful and comparable to the Urban Decay neutral colors that are offered in the Naked Palettes (The dark color in this pan and Blackheart in the Naked 3 Palette are exactly the same color). This is a BEAUTIFUL palette and for around $5, you really can't go wrong here. There are a couple of other color selections offered in this 8-Pan Palette format, but I have not tried them. This palette comes with a couple of applicators, but I would go ahead and use your own brushes as I do with every product. Companies do not spend a lot of money giving you a nice brush to go with your product (with the exception of Urban Decay, who gave a decent brush in all their Naked Palettes. I still don't like the brush very much, but it's better than some others I've seen). I do want to say that products in EVERY line of cosmetics are hit or miss. I find generally that Wet n' Wild eyeshades are nice in general, but sometimes, the formulas in their "limited edition" palettes is not as good as the formulas from the permanent line. However, I reiterate that this is true with most cosmetic brands, both drugstore and higher end.<br />
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<b>Best Single Eyeshadows (High End): <i><a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/new-urban-decay-eyeshadows/328.html#start=8&cgid=1_502" target="_blank">Urban Decay</a> $18 ea</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B2Ax9oQgJrU/VKhYAEppGHI/AAAAAAAACVI/4-FaZoEcwcE/s640/blogger-image-1787290298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B2Ax9oQgJrU/VKhYAEppGHI/AAAAAAAACVI/4-FaZoEcwcE/s640/blogger-image-1787290298.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban Decay Single Eyeshadow in <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/new-urban-decay-eyeshadows/328.html" target="_blank">Sin</a></td></tr>
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In my opinion, if you want a single color and you're new to high end makeup, buy one of these or maybe even two. I know that some people love the Makeup Forever Shadows, but I can't speak to those. These are expensive, but they are fantastic. The texture is buttery and the color payoff is spectacular. The only thing I have to mention is that there are a lot of glittery shades offered (oooh, sparkly!) and there is a tremendous amount of <a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2014/01/an-amateurs-dictionary-of-makeup.html" target="_blank">fallout</a> that you may experience. Use a good primer (Urban Decay happens to make a fantastic one, but we'll get to that later!) and have a clean fluffy face brush on hand to brush away the particles.<br />
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<b>Best Single Eyeshadows (Drugstore): **A TIE!!!!** <i><a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/eyes/eyeshadow/infallible-24-hr-eye-shadow.aspx" target="_blank">L'Oreal Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadow</a> $5-$9 ea. & <a href="http://milanicosmetics.com/Bella-Eyes-Gel-Powder-Eyeshadow.html" target="_blank">Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow</a> $3-$5 ea.</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lt6dB_-Y_uE/VKhYPCYLANI/AAAAAAAACWQ/r3aZOsHt6Ds/s640/blogger-image--2009429397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lt6dB_-Y_uE/VKhYPCYLANI/AAAAAAAACWQ/r3aZOsHt6Ds/s640/blogger-image--2009429397.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bella Gold, Bella Bronze and Bella Emerald...</td></tr>
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I just could not decide between the two of these products because BOTH of them are amazing. So, I will give a little love to the both of them. First, I'll talk about the Milani eyeshadows, which are beautiful and very affordable. I find that they are between $3 and $5 at CVS. I'm not sure what the name "gel powder" implies since these are a fun shape in the pan (looks like they are baked?). Milani says the product starts as a gel but is transformed into a powder by a "special process". Sounds magical, doesn't it? Anyway, don't let that fool you, this product is, in fact, a powder. It's stiff when you put your finger or brush in it which is slightly disappointing because it looks as though it would be bouncy or something. However, this little eyeshadow is AMAZING. I find that it works best to use your finger to apply it (or a damp brush). Every color I've tried is beautiful and they are long-lasting. I wish I had every color.<br />
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L'Oreal makes beautiful products and this eyeshadow is no exception. It is actually a pressed pigment in a pot (meaning it's not a packed powder, but highly pigmented color particles that are pressed together but not adhered together, if you dropped it, it would fall apart...I've found this out the hard way). It comes in a cute little pot with a little press stopper that you are supposed to keep inside the product. I've also find that this product is best applied with a finger and the color payoff is PHENOMENAL. It is also extremely long wearing and great for single eyeshadow looks or for slapping on if you are in a hurry. My favorite shade has been Amber Rush. I just slap this on my eyelids and BOOM, I'm out the door. These are gorgeous, go get you some! Don't drop yours on the floor like I did. You'll be sad. They are a little expensive for a single drugstore eyeshadow (I think they are about $9 at CVS), but worth it.<br />
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<b>Best Liquid Eyeliner (High End): <i><a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Stila Stay All Day Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner</a> $20</i></b></div>
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It's no secret that I love liquid eyeliner, but I was always hesitant to try a pen form. I was pretty attached to a bottle and brush type applicator until I got one of these in a Sephora Giftset. It. is. amazing. The tip is precise, the liner is very black and it stays in place all day. I have this in three other colors and the product seems to last a long time. It's very easy to use.<br />
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<b>Best Liquid Eyeliner (Drugstore): <i><a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/eyes/eyeliner/liquid_eyeliner_" target="_blank">E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner</a> $1</i></b><br />
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This shiz is ONE DOLLAR. Brush and a bottle, so you need some practice if you're not good at it. I'm not saying it's amazing, but it's pretty good and it's ONE DOLLAR. It does smudge a bit if you touch it though.<br />
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<b>Best Pencil Eyeliner: JURY STILL OUT</b><br />
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I struggled a bit here throughout the year and I'm open to suggestions. I have used a few pencil eyeliners to <a href="http://www.beautylish.com/a/vmqmg/how-to-tightline-eyes" target="_blank">tightline</a> with (I don't normally wear liner in my waterline), but by the end of the day. it's halfway down my face. It infuriates me and I need a waterproof eyeliner to tightline that is going to stay in place. I might try to tightline with a gel liner and give up on pencils altogether.<br />
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<b>Best Gel Eyeliner (Drugstore): <i><a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/eyes/eyeliner-brow/infallible-lacquer-liner-24h.aspx" target="_blank"> L'Oreal Infalliable Lacquer Liner 24 HR</a> about $10</i></b><br />
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So, I have never used a higher end gel liner (aside from the Benefit They're Real Pushup Liner which...*sigh*, will appear in a later blog post) but I don't think I need to. This liner is awesome. It's super black, stays in place and glides on super smooth. I don't use the brush that came with it because I need to use an angled eyeliner brush otherwise, it's a hot mess. That being said, it does come with a nice brush that you can use if you are skilled or if you don't have curly lashes that get in the way, which is my issue. I'm new to gel eyeliner and I find that it is really nice if you need your eyeliner to be intensely black (or whatever color you prefer). The <a href="http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Eye-Liner/eye-studio-lasting-drama-gel-eyeliner.aspx" target="_blank">Maybelline Eyeliner</a> is nice too but I found this dried out quickly, even if stored upside down. That being said, I don't have a favorite high end gel liner because I didn't like the one that I tried this year.<br />
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<b>Best Mascara (Drugstore):<i> <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Mascara-Primer/Voluminous-Carbon-Black-Mascara.aspx?shade=Carbon-Black" target="_blank">L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara</a> $7-$8</i></b></div>
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The truth is, I happen to think a LOT of drugstore mascaras are EXCELLENT. I like them more than most high end mascaras and I find that both L'Oreal and Maybelline make excellent formulas. I happen to love a LOT of L'Oreal Mascaras, especially lately, the Miss Manga, which I <b>hated</b> at first. It's got a funny brush on it and it's bendy and weird...however, once you get past that, the mascara is actually very good. However, I have been using L'Oreal Voluminous since I was a teenager and it was one of my favorites (along with Lash Out which is sadly discontinued). I hadn't used it for a while and the Carbon Black version of the formula is amazing. Not only is it volumizing, I also find that it lengthens my lashes as well and doesn't make them hard or crispy. It allows my lashes to be soft, full and super, super black. This stuff is amazing and costs under ten dollars. Holy Grail. Again, though, I like a lot of L'Oreal formulas, but this one seems to be my most favorite.<br />
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<b>Best Mascara (High End): <i><a href="https://www.toofaced.com/p/mascaras/better-than-sex-mascara/" target="_blank">Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara</a> $23</i></b></div>
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This is the only high end mascara that has impressed me enough to re-puchase it. It is very similar to the L'Oreal Voluminous, but it is even more dramatic. I am not a natural lash girl. I want my lashes to be like BAM!!!!! This mascara is <b>very dramatic.</b> It's very, very black, volumizing and lengthening. I don't have issues with mascaras flaking or anything like that, but I also have to say that this mascara also doesn't leave your lashes crunchy either. It's the bomb and I'm on my second tube. This formula is a little wet upon opening, but dries to a nice consistency the longer you use it. I think talking about packaging is kind of stupid, but the packaging is cute (pink!) and feels very heavy and substantial. The name, though...it's doubtful any mascara is better than sex. If it is, you may need to work on some things in your life, just sayin'...<br />
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That does it for my favorite eye products of 2014! Are any of these your favorites too? Any recommendations I should consider trying? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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My next installment will be Best in Beauty for the face! Blushes, powders, primers...get excited!</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-62623680737082049652014-12-04T20:02:00.000-08:002014-12-06T07:52:56.794-08:00One Direction Makeup and Bad Clam PistachiosThis is going to be a totally random post. First off, I love pistachios. They are the perfect nut. Good flavor and they come in their own little shell. Maybe it's because I'm from Maryland and I am used to eating crabs and I like to unshell things. There is something about a pistachio that makes it so fun to eat and the fact that it is actually good for you (save how salty they usually are) makes them even better.<br>
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That being said, don't you hate it when this happens?<br>
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It's a bad clam. You know, the one clam that is already dead by the time it hits the pan and it doesn't open. There are always a few in the bag that are completely un-openable. What do you do with these? Do you smash them? It seems like you would end up smashing the whole thing then and you'd end up with a pile of shells mixed up with nut pieces parts. No one wants that.<br>
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Then there are the ones that opened too much and the nut fell out. Those are also super disappointing.<br>
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I digress...I went to Target this evening to grab some paper towels (and maybe grab a few makeup brushes) and I saw a few things that really baffled me. First off...One Direction Makeup Palettes. Just...what?<br>
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Last time I checked, One Direction was a bunch of Brit boys who were a pop band. Not makeup artists. They don't give a crap about makeup but they will put their names on anything I guess. It also appears they have a perfume...is this really necessary? Do you have daughters that buy this? Someone please enlighten me. I didn't smell it by the way...Am I just baffled because I'm in my thirties? Someone explain. If I am fourteen, do I want my favorite boy band to create a makeup palette for me? Not really. I haven't really looked into this. It's probably a top-seller or something.<br>
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I also found an <b>entire end cap </b>that had celebrity name and endorsed perfumes. Gross. Do they all have to be on the same end cap? I like some Taylor Swift. I have <i>1989 </i>on like repeat right now all day long, but perfume is where I draw the line. Maybe it smells good, but she's a singer. She has no experience making perfume she just slapped her name on it. So annoying. I hate this actually. Poor Coach, Juicy Couture and Cool Water were just stuck in there. I wish Target had just gone all out with the theme of celebrity perfumes only on that end cap. I would have had more respect for it.<br>
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Pumpkin Everything 2014™ is finally coming to a close...pumpkin items have reached clearance. Brace yourselves...Minter™ is Coming (I'm not complaining).<br>
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And finally, we have reached this point: Seasonal Kitty Litter exists. You're welcome.<br>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-15809144697566564542014-12-03T12:47:00.002-08:002014-12-03T12:47:18.535-08:00Singing at the Copley Square Tree lighting!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copley Square Trinity Church</td></tr>
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Just a quick post! Every now and again, I'm grateful that I am able to do some pretty cool fun stuff and get paid to do it. Last night, I sang Christmas Carols at the Copley Square Tree Lighting in Back Bay with <a href="http://www.copleysingers.org/" target="_blank">Copley Singers</a> and it was pretty fun and festive. This was the main event that made it okay for it to officially be the holiday season. Being outside at night in December meant I had to dress pretty warm, so I broke out my wool under layers so I could sport my <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/karelia_coat/thing?id=24943497" target="_blank">Karelia Coat</a> on top! If you have this coat from Anthropologie, you know that it's awesome, but it's NOT warm at all. (Also, for the record, there have been TWO products called Karelia Coat).</div>
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Here's a lame mirror photo of me at Nordstrom Rack, LOL.<br />
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While I was there, I spotted a bunch of <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/foreplay-palette/MUK200009089.html" target="_blank">Nars Foreplay Blush Palettes</a>! Thinking about picking one up!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copley Square with the Library and Old South Church in the Background</td></tr>
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I also picked up two of the new L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Pencils at Walgreens on my way home! I will post a few review when I try them!</div>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-64933933992506681372014-12-02T11:29:00.005-08:002014-12-02T11:29:37.969-08:00November Favorites 2014 & Blogmas Minus OneHello, readers! I have been away for a few weeks, but for good reason...my wedding was a little less than a week ago and we are still in crazy newlywed mode! Yesterday was the first day we REALLY returned to work (although I did go to a rehearsal the night after the wedding, so I didn't really take time off from work). So, I'll be doing a full series of posts on my wedding because we got married in an urban area for a really low cost. Considering the average wedding costs $25,000 (in the USA at the time of this post), we spent half as much money and had a GREAT time. Preview...my bridal bouquet was only $10. Here is a sneak preview and of course my first November favorite was...<br />
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<b>My Wedding Gown: <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/shop-sale/zinnia-gown" target="_blank">Zinnia Gown</a> - <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/" target="_blank">BHLDN</a> ($1800 retail, no longer available)</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first dance!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Okay, so seriously: I am OBSESSED with Anthropologie. We all know that as this used to be an Anthropologie focused blog so </span><b style="text-align: left;">OF COURSE, </b><span style="text-align: left;">I would be a BHLDN bride. For those of you who don't know, BHLDN (pronounced "beholden") is Urban Outfitter's bridal brand which launched in 2011...otherwise known as Anthropologie Wedding Style. I was of course...obsessed with it when it launched. This dress is from the original collection that launched so it's not available anymore, but I was able to snag one on eBay of all places. It was in perfect condition and had only been worn for 2 hours. I am </span><b style="text-align: left;">OBSESSED </b><span style="text-align: left;">with this dress. It was so fun to wear and non-traditional as it had the fun pops of coral and smoke. The buttons in the back are pretty intense and it took 4 hands to button them, but I was in LOVE with this dress. It's not for a very shy bride, that's for sure. BHLDN still sells beautiful dresses, but I have not been as impressed with subsequent collections after the launch. It seems as though the whimsy has dissipated a bit from the line. However, it's still a really great place to shop for your wedding as most of the things are really lovely. But this dress though...</span></div>
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<b>Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow & Argan Illuminizer: (From the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/winter-dreams-argan-color-collection-P389805?keyword=JOSIE%20MARAN%20Winter%20Dreams%20Argan%20Color%20Collection%20P389805&skuId=1629997&_requestid=44817" target="_blank">Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection Giftset</a> $34, Exclusively at Sephora, Limited Edition)</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Water Eyeshadow in Rio De Rose Gold, Argan Illuminzer</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I honestly only got this set for the Coconut Water Eyeshadow in </span><a href="http://www.sephora.com/coconut-watercolor-eyeshadow-P386656" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Rio de Rose Gold</a><span style="text-align: left;"> because it's so lovely. That product is GREAT. I have a review of my thoughts on the Josie Maran collection forthcoming which concentrates on this set, but the Illuminizer is </span><b style="text-align: left;">to die for. </b><span style="text-align: left;">For those of you who may be a little scared of glittery powders for your face, this illuminizer is the perfect little bit of glow. You can apply it with your fingers or a small stippling brush and it just gives you a little bit of subtle glow without looking glittery or too shimmery. It's just beautiful and I have been LOVING this.</span></div>
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<b>Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes ($10-$42, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=tarte%20amazonian%20clay%20blush" target="_blank">Sephora</a>, <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3330153&_requestid=138164" target="_blank">Ulta</a>, <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/search.php?search=amazonian+clay+blush&submit=" target="_blank">Tarte Website</a>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WELVE-FQiQ/VH3eNeglX7I/AAAAAAAACQ4/tbUDGAIdUsU/s1600/blogger-image--993929169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7WELVE-FQiQ/VH3eNeglX7I/AAAAAAAACQ4/tbUDGAIdUsU/s1600/blogger-image--993929169.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pxkGoORaJA/VH3eaGzUL4I/AAAAAAAACRw/RB8_1LGQ-q0/s1600/blogger-image--897654743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pxkGoORaJA/VH3eaGzUL4I/AAAAAAAACRw/RB8_1LGQ-q0/s1600/blogger-image--897654743.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Let me make this perfectly clear: I have NEVER purchased a full-sized Tarte Amazonian Clay blush on its own. It's $26 and you freaking get ONE. <b>HOWEVER, </b>I'm totally obsessed with this. I have 8 limited edition colors (you can see 6 here, I have another really cool palette with two more in there) and I can let you know with full confidence, these blushes are worth the hype. They are the bomb.com: Super pigmented, go on smooth, and last FOREVER. When Sephora had its Black Friday $10 little Tarte Set which came with one of these little blushes (in "Magic"), I jumped on it. I thought for 2 seconds about giving it away as a gift, but decided to keep it. The palette on the left is the Pin Up Girl Palette which was exclusive to Sephora, but is sadly sold out forever I think. I was so happy to get my hands on one of these and I am very happy with 4 out of the 5 shades in here and it was a STEAL at $42 considering you get so much product in here. I'm not sure what's going on with that super light beige shade on the left there (Breathless), but it's useless for anything but layering since it doesn't show up on my complexion. I have unexpectedly been just ridiculously obsessed with that cool-toned pink color in the center there (Whimsy). I love the look of the flush of baby pink on my cheeks and I have been basically assaulting this pan with my brush. I'm afraid I will use this color up (not a bad thing). However, all the colors are lovely. This formula is amazing. I can't bring myself to buy a full-sized one yet, but if you can get them in a set, you'll find that Tarte will give you a great deal on a blush in a set as opposed to a single, stand-alone product. If you are a blush lover and you don't have a few of these in your collection, you need a few.<br />
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<b>Stila Stay-All-Day Liquid Eyeliner: ($20 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner-P253818?keyword=STILA%20Stay%20All%20Day%C2%AE%20Waterproof%20Liquid%20Eye%20Liner%20P253818&skuId=1221084&_requestid=53268" target="_blank">Sephora</a>, <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1840049" target="_blank">Ulta</a>, <a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Stila Website</a>)</b><br />
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This is the bomb. I like to use liquid eyeliners and for a while, I had been a purest and didn't want to use anything but a bush applicator. But I got one of these in a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/superstars-P388551?keyword=SEPHORA%20FAVORITES%20Superstars%20P388551&skuId=1647197&_requestid=54236" target="_blank">Sephora Giftset</a> and I figured I would try it. It was awesome. It applies like a dream, is super black and is pretty much waterproof. It's the eyeliner I have been reaching for the most and I grabbed a gift set with a full-sized black and mini green, blue and brown liners too at Nordstrom Rack this weekend (the husband and I were Black Friday binging). Not much to say except that these are a great product. </div>
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<b>Bite Lip Products: ($12-$28, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/bite-beauty?icid2=BiteBeauty_LP_Link" target="_blank">Exclusively Sephora</a>) </b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My complimentary VIB Rouge Lipstick Mini, Palomino Mini, High Pigment Lip Pencil Mini in </td></tr>
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Maybe I'm the last one to discover how wonderful these lip products are, but I love this line of lipsticks and lip pencils, etc. I had to be <b>given </b>a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/vib-rouge-creme-lipstick-P381813?icid2=bihq_rougeexclusives_062514_skugrid_P381813_image" target="_blank">lipstick</a> (when I became <a href="http://www.sephora.com/vib-rouge?mediaId=19200035" target="_blank">VIB Rouge at Sephora</a>) to try one of these. It. Is. Amazing. No lipstick out there is as creamy, as pigmented and feels as good on my lips than these products. Don't kiss your man (or lady) though...(s)he'll be wearing it too. I don't care though, this lipstick FEELS AWESOME on your face.<br />
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<b>GLAMGLOW Supermud™ Clearing Treatment: ($69...omg, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/super-mud-clearing-treatment-P376409?keyword=GLAMGLOW%20SUPERMUD%E2%84%A2%20CLEARING%20TREATMENT%20%20P376409&skuId=1473735&_requestid=60764" target="_blank">Sephora</a>, <a href="http://www.glamglowmud.com/" target="_blank">GLAMGLOW Website</a>) </b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKx-F7BKGL8/VH3eO2PV6eI/AAAAAAAACRA/Pc9Zx6PtuhU/s1600/blogger-image-528622783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKx-F7BKGL8/VH3eO2PV6eI/AAAAAAAACRA/Pc9Zx6PtuhU/s1600/blogger-image-528622783.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, this is a $69 face mask. SIXTY-NINE DOLLARS. I kind of hate myself a little for even recommending it here on this blog but let's be real...whatever is in this is a freaking miracle worker. I got a sample of this from Sephora (as well as the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/youthmud-tinglexfoliate-treatment-P375741?skuId=1463801" target="_blank">Youthmud</a> one which I was not impressed with) and I was HOOKED. I don't know if there's magic or voodoo or whatever in this, but it's pretty much worth the stupidly absurd price. It pretty much destroys blackheads and has a bizarre pore shrinking effect, which seems to last for a couple of days after using it. My blackheads pretty much wave a white flag after a few times using this. I can't get over the effectiveness of this. That being said...$69 daaaayyyuuummmm...I couldn't bring myself to pay the full price, even during the Sephora VIB sale. I ordered this directly from <a href="http://www.glamglowmud.com/" target="_blank">GLAMGLOW</a> and I used a 30% off discount code (which is no longer valid) so I only paid $48 dollars for it and I got some free samples (I say ONLY $48, but that's still insane). The customer service experience with GLAMGLOW was also stellar. A great company. A great product. The price point is pretty crazy, but the product performs and so they pretty much have you by the lashes there. Plus, the packaging says, "Hello Sexy".</div>
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So those are all my November obsessions! Do you see any of your favorites here? Let me know! I also have decided to do Blogmas...which means I blog every day in December starting today! I missed yesterday, so I guess one of these days, I'll have to do two posts! *gasp* Are you excited?!</div>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-6600494338461296452014-11-12T05:19:00.000-08:002014-11-12T05:19:08.016-08:00(Late) October Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay...I know it's almost halfway through November, but I just moved house and my wedding is in less than two weeks! But I wanted to post these anyway, because I have been obsessed with a few really awesome things last month (and I'm still obsessed).</div>
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<b>Fresh Soy Cleanser: $15-$38 from <a href="http://www.sephora.com/soy-face-cleanser-P7880?keyword=FRESH%20Soy%20Face%20Cleanser%20P7880&skuId=487694&_requestid=25623">Sephora</a> or <a href="http://www.fresh.com/US/cleanser/soy-face-cleanser/H00000002.html#start=1&cgid=cleanser">Fresh Wesbite/Stores.</a> </b><br />
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Fresh is one of my favorite brands that I have a love/hate relationship with. The first Fresh Store is on Newbury Street here in Boston which is basically the "Rodeo Drive" of Boston.<br />
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I used to love to browse there when I was in college and couldn't afford to actually shop there. They had all of these beautiful smelling body products in beautiful bottles. Everything in the store was just so gorgeous. They had this AMAZING line of products called Milk, which they sadly discontinued. They also had an amazing line of niche fragrances called Index, which they also discontinued (I believe a few original ones remain, but not my favorite which was Ylang Ylang Hibiscus). They also ventured into a cosmetic line, which is now also gone, save from all the Sugar Lip Products. I still have ONE unopened Supernova Mascara. It frustrates me that they have discontinued all of the product lines I loved, but I guess there's nothing I can do. The Sugar Line seems to do really well and their skincare tends seems to be where they have put their main focus. I digress...<br />
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I LOVE the Soy Face Cleanser. It doesn't lather much and it will NOT take off your eye makeup very well, but it's great for cleansing your face gently. It leaves my skin feeling clean...not tight, not stripped, just clean. It smells amazing and I love it. It's incredibly expensive, but oh well.</div>
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<b>Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster & Restoration Serum: $48 at <a href="http://palmettoderma.com/products/collagen-booster-restoration-serum">Palmetto Derma's Website</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FSdutlgnRiM/VGLKXOvy2EI/AAAAAAAACQU/cUBS5SxgePc/s640/blogger-image--905911060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FSdutlgnRiM/VGLKXOvy2EI/AAAAAAAACQU/cUBS5SxgePc/s400/blogger-image--905911060.jpg" width="300" /></a></b></div>
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I got this in my Boxycharm in October and I love this. If I had not received this, I would have never tried this and this has made a HUGE difference for my skin. I have been using it pretty faithfully morning and evening before my moisturizer (just one pump). I feel like my skin is brighter, smoother and I haven't gotten a super bad breakout in a while. It could be that I'm being ore sanitary in my makeup application or this, but I can't stop, won't stop. This product is pretty expensive, but there is a discount code that you can use until the end of 2014 to get 20% off: <span style="color: #660000;">BCPD2</span>. I say, give it a try! It doesn't have a scent and it just feels like a water on your face and dries pretty quickly. I think this bottle will last me a long time considering I only use one pump per application. </div>
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<b>L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara $6-$10 at Drugstores</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-juLRVgDf46M/VGLKUDdaQqI/AAAAAAAACQE/PRndv_9jG1E/s640/blogger-image-617822025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-juLRVgDf46M/VGLKUDdaQqI/AAAAAAAACQE/PRndv_9jG1E/s400/blogger-image-617822025.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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I've been using L'Oreal brand mascaras for a while, probably since high school. Their mascara formulas...they have that DOWN. Lash Out Mascara was my favorite forever (I think it's discontinued?) but I recently re-discovered this one. This is a GREAT mascara. It's super black, super volumizing and I also got an unexpected lengthening from this as well. It competes with the Better Than Sex Mascara that I love. It's just awesome and it's inexpensive. I actually love some other L'Oreal mascaras too, but right now, I'm reaching for this one every day. </div>
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<b>Too Faced Everything Nice Palette: $56 <a href="http://www.sephora.com/everything-nice-set-P389230?keyword=everything%20nice&skuId=1640390&_requestid=30708">Sephora Exclusive</a></b><br />
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*sigh*, I think this is sold out again. I'm not sure if Sephora will re-stock this (I'm guessing so, since it's still on the website), but it's AWESOME! The main reason I love this is that the eyeshadow colors are AMAZING. I love my Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette and I also LOVE this palette. I swatches "Girly" in the store and I knew this color alone had to be mine. All of the shadows are soft and buttery and well pigmented. The colors I didn't expect to love so much (especially Totally Fetch, the pink), I ADORE. The blushes and the highlighter (and the brushes)...meh. Oh...and it also comes with a cute pink glittery makeup bag and a travel-sized Better Than Sex Mascara. Win all over the place. If you can find this at your local Sephora store...GET IT...but mainly for the eyeshadows. The face products are nothing special and the brushes...meh.</div>
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<b>Milani Bella Eyes Eyeshadow: $3-4 at Drugstores</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c1EJnMKPYg8/VGLKSnPPYXI/AAAAAAAACP8/mrL5FLM1GgY/s640/blogger-image-1684210055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c1EJnMKPYg8/VGLKSnPPYXI/AAAAAAAACP8/mrL5FLM1GgY/s400/blogger-image-1684210055.jpg" width="300" /></a></b></div>
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These are awesome and they are only about $4. They have an interesting shape and look like they should yield when you touch them, but they don't. They just feel like a normal powder eyeshadow. They are so pretty and so good! You should use your finger to apply them, but I have been wearing a combination of Bella Gold and Bella Bronze and it's been working for me.<br />
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<b>*My New Firmoo.com glasses $35-$40 from <a href="http://firmoo.com/">Firmoo Website</a> (Promotional Sample)</b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8U9LKaFeLY/VFVNcSKG0cI/AAAAAAAACNQ/BaLpIpn7Hj8/s1600/blogger-image-721884453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8U9LKaFeLY/VFVNcSKG0cI/AAAAAAAACNQ/BaLpIpn7Hj8/s320/blogger-image-721884453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty obsessed with these frames. I have 9 pairs of glasses but I pretty much always wear these now. I get compliments every time I wear them and they are mother-fricking cool. I'm not being paid to say this, or anything...I just genuinely love these even though they were sent to me by Firmoo. If you want your own pair, I still have a coupon code that goes until 11/25! It's good for $15 off regular frames. <span style="background-color: #d4ffbd; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">STYLISHSOPRANOBLOGS4</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So that's it for my October favorites! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">*</span><i><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">All items were purchased with my own money with the exception of items marked with an (*)asterisk and marked "promotional sample". All opinions are my own. </span></i></b></span></span></div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-34244636995725787642014-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-14T11:59:59.931-08:00Ten Beauty Truths I've Learned the Hard Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In the past 9 months, my makeup collection has gone from rather modest to this:</span></div>
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I'm equal amounts proud and ashamed. I have spent a lot of my hard earned money on face paint, but I have enjoyed every second spent making up at this vanity. There's nothing I love more than getting ready here and playing with all of the treasures and things I have collected. I really do use everything in this space. In my adventures becoming a "Beauty Girl"...here are some things I have learned about taking care of your face and making yourself up.<br />
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<b>1. Your Tools are Everything: </b>The right brushes and applicators can make a heck of a difference in applying your makeup. You don't need expensive brushes (you can buy some really cool ones at the drugstore and at Target. Hello? Some are crap, but a few are really great) and you don't need a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=beauty%20blender&node=1050102">Beauty Blender</a> (if you want to buy one, more power to you, but it's a $20 sponge.) Even your finger can be the right tool in a given situation. Your tools can make a difference between a great makeup application and one that looks not your best. And while we're at it...<br />
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<b>2. Wash Your Brushes (and your hands...and ALL your tools!): </b>Listen to me and listen good. If you're new to makeup and haven't used it very much...TRUST ME ON THIS ONE: Wash and sanitize all your makeup tools. I keep a spray bottle of alcohol at my vanity to sanitize things like my eyelash comb, etc. Every time you touch your brush to your product and then touch your brush to your face, you're depositing a little bit of oil, dirt and dead skin cells from your face, moisturizer and what else was on your face onto your brush...your innocent clean brush. Don't want to clean your brushes after each use? Fine; You're opening up your poor facial epidermis to clogged pores, acne, blackheads, whiteheads...you name it.<br />
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<b>TRUST ME. </b>Buy a spray-on brush cleaner and wash them at your vanity or your makeup area daily AND give them a deep clean maybe every two weeks? Every week ideally. Don't listen to me and make your skin breakout. You don't need anything fancy to wash them with...some baby shampoo will do just fine. No, it's not fun to deep clean them. Sorry. But it needs to be done if you want your face to be beautiful.<br />
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Don't know how to do it? Read how here:<br />
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<li>http://www.xojane.com/beauty/makeup-brush-washing-tips</li>
<li>http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2013/06/beauty-school-how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-tips-tricks-ilana-saul-june-2013/</li>
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By the way, this applies to your fingers and any other non-brush tools that touch your face too. Always touch your face only with clean fingers.<br />
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<b>3. Wash Your Makeup Off Your Face Every Night...ALWAYS</b><br />
Need to go to bed? Tired? Wash your face. Drunk? Wash your face. Not doing this has the same consequence as applying your makeup with dirty brushes. This is a way of being...<br />
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<b>4. Be Kind To Your Skin</b><br />
Because I have oily skin, I have been treating it like it needed to be punished. I have been using pretty harsh cleaners to try and strip the oil and completely dry my face out before applying my oil-free moisturizer. I have also been scrubbing the living daylights out of my face. Everyone loves a good exfoliation, but if you treat your skin as if it's "sensitive" skin...it will like you much better. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip your skin and make it feel tight and make sure it gets adequately moisturized. I used to think that "tight, squeaky clean feeling" meant that my oily skin was really clean, but I really just didn't hear my little skin cells screaming. Be kind to your face. It's the only face you have...treat it well.<br />
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<b>5. Products Expire</b><br />
Admittedly, powder products last the longest, but all of your products that you use on your face have a shelf-life. Mascaras last the least amount of time. If it smells, throw it in the trash, no matter how much you paid for it. Also...in case you didn't know...a lot of beauty products come with a little "Best Used after Opening" symbol on the packaging that looks like this:<br />
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The M stands for months. It's a guideline of course...if you take care of your products (especially your eyeshadows and blushes) you can probably safely use them for longer. But be careful with products that you are putting on your eyes...mascara and eyeliner are particularly hairy. Replace these often.<br />
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<b>6. Apply <u>All</u> Your Powders With A Brush</b><br />
You know that little sponge all your pressed powders come with? That little round one or square one that comes in the compact? Go get it right now and throw it in the trash. You heard me: THROW IT IN THE TRASH. Applying your pressed powder or whatever with that thing can make your powder look cakey but more than anything...<b>it's gross. </b>It's the same as using an unwashed brush...plus, the oils on your face contaminate the sponge, you put the sponge back on top of your powder and then your powder gets oil and grossness in it. I've had several pressed powders that have had their lifespans shortened by oily sponges. Let's take a moment to weep over the money I lost buying new pressed powders.<br />
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<b>7. Making Up Takes Practice</b><br />
Liquid Eyeliner? You need to practice that. Gel Eyeliner? You need to practice that too. Perfect blush? Take your brush and give it a go! Know this...you are not going to be good at everything right away. I am still struggling with eyeshadow and blending and all that, but I'm a hell of a lot better than I was 6 months ago. Put on your eyeliner and looks like crap? Grab some remover, take it off and try again. That's the great part about makeup. You messed up? You ALWAYS get a do over. When to practice? Before bed! You're going to wash it off anyway...right? RIGHT? (Do you need to read number 3 again?!)<br />
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<b>8. Serum Is Actually Worth Using</b><br />
I have been in a box all my life...wash your face, put on moisturizer. Done. All the sudden, these serums started getting popular and I am like, "Why do I need to add another step to my skincare routine? When I'm ready for bed, I can barely get it together to wash my face."<br />
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Stop: About a month ago, I started using a <a href="http://palmettoderma.com/products/collagen-booster-restoration-serum" target="_blank">Vitamin C serum</a> and my skin has been in a good mood ever since. Coincidence? I think not. My skin looks brighter, smoother and is less prone to breakouts. Can't stop, won't stop. Yes, it's a pain in the ass to put on the serum after I cleanse and before my moisturizer, but it's worth it. It's not a dumb fad, it's not a craze, it's legitimately beneficial for your skin to apply topical Vitamin C and other things like hyaluronic acid in the form of a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/face-serum" target="_blank">serum</a>. Consider one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current favorite serum! Thank you <a href="http://www.boxycharm.com/">Boxycharm</a>! </td></tr>
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<b>9. Good Quality Makeup is Everywhere</b><br />
If you haven't shopped for cosmetics at the drugstore since the '90s, you will be shocked. Drugstore brands have stepped up their game. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look pretty. Some of my favorite products are from the drugstore. Although the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/better-than-sex-mascara-P381000?keyword=TOO%20FACED%20Better%20Than%20Sex%20Mascara%20P381000&skuId=1533439&_requestid=17585" target="_blank">Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara</a> is pretty much my favorite, I happen to think <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/eyes.aspx">L'Oreal mascaras</a> are to die for and can compete with high-end brands any day. <a href="http://wnwbeauty.com/" target="_blank">Wet N' Wild</a> and <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.com/">E.L.F.</a> also make fabulous affordable products that you can buy at the drugstore. Not saying you shouldn't buy <a href="http://www.sephora.com/urban-decay">Urban Decay</a> or <a href="http://www.sephora.com/dior">Dior</a>...just saying you don't have to spend a million dollars to look like a million dollars. Product quality varies in EVERY BRAND from color-to-color/product-to-product. Just read some reviews and try things out. You may like a $2 lipstick more than a $30 one...or vice versa. Don't be a snob and don't be closed minded. After all...life is funny. L'Oreal owns the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/yves-saint-laurent">YSL Cosmetics</a> line...hmmm...<br />
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<b>10. A Primer is Actually Worthwhile</b><br />
Just as you may put a primer on a wall before you paint it, a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/makeup-primer-face-primer" target="_blank">primer</a> is a worthwhile step if you want your makeup to last or to get the biggest color payoff from eyeshadow. <a href="http://www.sephora.com/makeup-primer-face-primer" target="_blank">The primers you can put under your foundation</a> or wear alone can smooth your skin's texture and place a barrier between your skin and your foundation. <a href="http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-primer-eye-primer" target="_blank">Eyeshadow primers (or a base)</a> allow colors to appear more vibrantly and last longer. It's worth it.<br />
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So there you have it! Those are the 10 hard lessons I've learned the hard way this year. Do you have any more you can think of? Do you agree or disagree? Let me know!</div>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-10713786484450128382014-11-07T07:59:00.001-08:002014-11-07T07:59:12.473-08:00Big Problems During the Sephora VIB Sale!Admittedly, I only started really shopping at Sephora this year. I've had a Beauty Insider Account (which, for those who don't know, is a point-based loyalty problem) for a while, but I just hadn't really been shopping there until this year when I threw away a bunch of old makeup and started buying high-quality replacements. There are three levels of membership, based on how much money you spend at the store over the calendar year. The next level is VIB and then VIB Rouge. I went a little crazy and reached VIB Rouge about a month ago. It's exciting when you reach that level because they give you a Bite Lipstick. If you've never tried a Bite Lipstick, then you don't know what you're missing. It's extremely smooth and long wearing...but I digress.<br />
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It's my impression that once a year, Sephora extends a 20% off discount to VIB and VIB Rouge customers. I was very thrilled to get the notification in my email about the sale and the event (which, because of a rehearsal, I was unable to attend), which was supposed to begin yesterday the 6th and end the 10th. Being the beauty junkie that I am, I filled my cart up with goodies that I would only really want to buy if I got a discount on it. I think, in total, I had 8 things in my cart. Sadly, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette sold out the day before the sale. SAD! I deleted it from my cart and decided I would try and find it in a store. All I wanted to do was click the checkout button when the sale started and I was going to be good to go. Even though I live near several Sephora stores, I like to shop online because of the mobile offers and/or Ebates. com. I logged on to the Sephora App on my phone, and then this happened:<br />
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High Traffic? Wow...amazing. Everyone else must be excited about the VIB sale too! I waited several hours to log back in and got the same message. So, the website and app were officially CRASHED. The website and app were crashed during the most anticipated sale of the year.<br />
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When I first learned of this, I thought I would wait it out because I love to shop online, but then it was down for HOURS. By 10am yesterday, I decided that I would just drop by the Boston Sephora store before a rehearsal and try to remember all the items that were in my cart. I honestly was having a hard time, but I managed to snag nearly everything that was in my virtual cart, save one item. I even snagged a Tarte Pinup Girl Amazonian Clay Blush Palette, which was completely sold out online. You can't even view the product on the website anymore.<br />
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The sales associates didn't seem to really notice that the website was down when I talked with them about it, but all of them were nice and helpful. I was very thrilled to receive my first 500 point bonus which was a little Urban Decay eye set with four beautiful little eyeshadows and a 24/7 black eyeliner and a super lame sample of primer potion. I'm a little pissed they adhered the sample to the stupid box, but I guess it's nothing a pair of scissors can't cure. I haven't tried this yet, but the colors look pretty neutral.<br />
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The bottom line, is that it's now (as I'm writing this) November 7th at 10am and the site is still down for most customers. Even worse, there is some bug in the system (I am guessing this because I can't imagine a major company would do this on purpose) that is locking the accounts of some customers who use an email address from some Chinese servers, such as qq.com and 126.com. The accounts are not only being locked, but the system is giving those customers the reason for locking as some sort of "Violation of Policy" such as reselling, etc. From what I am reading on the Sephora Facebook Page, store associates have not been very helpful regarding this error and neither has the "Beauty Concierge" via the phone. Sephora PR has been less than responsive regarding this whole blunder, with one Twitter post 20 hours ago apologizing for their website being down. They have been replying to tweets in response to the craziness, but there has been no mention of the Chinese email blunder or any mention of how they are going to attempt to make disappointed customers happy.<br />
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I feel for them, because there is a major dropping of the ball here from their IT Department and their PR department. A major retailer's website being dysfunctional for over 24 hours during its major promotion is pretty unacceptable. It hurts me a little to say that because I do love Sephora, but I am shocked that the way this situation is being handled. What do you think? Have you tried to unsuccessfully place an order? Have you gone to the store instead? What are your experiences with the "Beauty Concierge"?</div>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-40349649971202332642014-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:002014-11-01T14:58:33.104-07:00Product Review: Firmoo Eyeglasses<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good afternoon, fellow lovers of pretty things! I am back from a bit of a break. Over the past three weeks, I have been moving all of my things into my new apartment that I now share with my husband-to-be. With our wedding fast approaching, it is now nice that we live in the same place! No more schlepping my stuff over to his place and vice versa. We now share one, wonderfully cozy living space...with my cat. That said, I HATE moving. This is the 3rd time I've moved in 15 months, so you can imagine how good I've become at it. I still hate it. I get rid of more and more stuff every time I move so it's been good for purging stuff...except clothes. I have just as many pretty clothes as ever. Thank goodness, right? I also now have a GORGEOUS walk-in closet for the first time ever. Installed it myself...This is the "before my clothes got there" picture.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I need that much long hanging space. THE DRESSES.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, now that I'm all settled, I can get back to posting! The wonderful folks at Firmoo.com contacted me and inquired if I would be interested in reviewing a pair of glasses for them here. I have ALWAYS loved eyeglasses since I was a teen. Both of my parents wear glasses and I always had crushes on boys who wore glasses. It was just a thing. Nerdy and blind? I'm going to prom with you and laughing at all your bad jokes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't become nearsighted until I was in college. I had a little trouble seeing street signs and reading the board in class, so I went out, got my first eye exam and my first pair of glasses. They were Ann Klein. They were adorable cat eye frames and they cost over $200. Seriously? I held on to those puppies for years, until one of the ear pieces kind of broke. I still have them, although I should throw them away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend of mine recommended an online site where you could go and buy glasses...they were super cheap. Maybe a little too cheap. For $75, I got 5 pairs, which is a lot. They were cute, but kind of cheap feeling and a lot of them didn't fit right. I keep them around because I can see when they are on my face and some of them are fun colors. So, when Firmoo contacted me, I was delighted. I had been thinking about a new pair anyway, so I picked out a pair that I thought would be flattering and I went for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The website is super cute and the selection of frames is huge. Prices are GREAT. Considering the website I shopped for glasses at before had SUPER CHEAP prices (like between $5 and $40), these prices were in a range where you KNEW you were going to be getting something higher quality at least. Picking out a pair was hard (so many choices!), but the checkout process was easy and fast. They arrived quickly in a padded envelope and look at the SUPER CUTE case!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a GREAT quality plastic case with a GREAT soft interior to protect the frames. It also came with a lens cleansing cloth and a double-sided screwdriver to make repairs to the frames if need be. This was already MILES ahead of the previous online glasses retailer I had shopped from. Then I put them on my face. My fiancé was there with me as I was trying them on (this was moving day!) and the first thing he said is; "Is there glass in the frames?". Little did he know, I had poked the frames to find out the same thing a few seconds before; They were THAT clear. I had a few more people ask me that going forward. Lastly, they are ADORABLE and fit great. They are very comfortable to wear and I was thrilled to have them. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ultimate test...driving. Reading signs? Check. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weeks that followed, I got MANY, MANY compliments from people who had seen my old pairs of glasses. It was official: They were a hit and I was in love with them. They were my go-to pair and my eyelashes didn't hit the lenses, which was a win in my book. These retailed on the site for $36, which in my opinion is a great price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The verdict?</b> You wear glasses? GET THEM HERE. I want to spread the love so the wonderful folks at Firmoo.com are going to let you guys get a nice little promotional discount on some glasses of your own! Simply visit <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.firmoo.com/classic-series.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.firmoo.<wbr></wbr>com/classic-series.html</a>, </span>shop and enter the voucher code: <span style="background-color: #d4ffbd; color: #333333;">STYLISHSOPRANOBLOGS4</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d4ffbd; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is good for $15 savings on regular priced frames (excludes shipping & products already on sale). The code can be used up to 5 times!!! Get them! You can use this discount code until November 25th. After that, you're on your own!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Thanks for reading this review! Do you like these glasses? What do you think of them?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">FTC Disclosure:</span><span style="color: #333333;"> I received the product</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"> in exchange for a blog review, although all opinions and thoughts stated in this review are my own, honest opinion. </span></span></div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-23092934309399832312014-09-30T14:13:00.001-07:002014-09-30T14:13:32.598-07:00September Favorites!Is the title of this post right? Is it the end of September? I can't believe it!Autumn is officially here! My wedding is a mere two months away! (insert scream here) Anyway...here are the things I have been loving during the month of September.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/benetint-P1272?skuId=108779" target="_blank">Benefit Benetint</a>:</b> Liquid Cheek and Lip Tint $30 specialty cosmetic retailers<br />
Maybe I'm late to the party on this, but I know a lot of people love Benetint. I got this in a gift set, so it's not a full size. I was kind of ignoring it for a while and the intention was actually to use it as a lip stain. The color didn't take that well on my lips, so I put it away for a while. Then I picked it up one day and used it on my cheeks. What a great little cheek stain this is! I didn't know if this would show up on my deep complexion, but it does and you can really build up the color. It gives you a subtle "glowing from within" look and as a bonus, it smells like roses. I think it's a little expensive, but you can often grab it in a lot of Benefit gift sets.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked2-P302916?skuId=1393636" target="_blank">Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette (Urban Decay)</a>:</b> $54 Specialty Cosmetic Retailers<br />
Maybe this post should be titled, September favorites that everyone else discovered 2 years ago. I bought a Naked 3 palette in April and I have been loving it. I didn't think I would get much use out of the Naked 2, but I have been LOVING this palette. I am finding it a bit more versatile than my Naked 3 for every day looks. This palette makes me feel like I know what I'm doing.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ateliercologne.com/colognes-absolues/orange-sanguine-cologne-absolue.html" target="_blank">Atelier Cologne, Orange Sanguine</a>: </b>Travel Spray $25 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/orange-sanguine-cologne-absolue-travel-spray-P379039?keyword=ATELIER%20COLOGNE%20Orange%20Sanguine%20Cologne%20Absolue%20Travel%20Spray%20P379039&skuId=1499235&_requestid=72537" target="_blank">Sephora</a><br />
This is now the SECOND time this has happened! I got sent this as a sample with my Sephora order in a "Niche Perfumes" sample set. I passed by it at first in favor of the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/amazon-lily-P381794?skuId=1558063" target="_blank">Nest Amazon Lily</a>. However, I went back to sniff it a few times. I do mess around in my perfume sample collection because it's out. Here is how I store my samples. They are next to my full size perfumes and because they are in this little acrylic drawer unit, I often go through them and play around with them.<br />
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This scent caught my attention because it smelled pretty heavily of blood orange. I didn't know I could like it so much, but the more I smelled it, the more I loved it. It also smelled really good with my body chemistry and I used almost the entire sample. So, one day after I did a voiceover gig, I stopped by the mall and picked up a travel size. It's kind of a summery scent, but I plan to wear this well into fall. If you are in a Sephora or live near an Atelier Cologne shop, definitely check them out! This scent is so special and totally unisex.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/grease-relief-cleansing-cloths-oil-free-pore-refining-P385343?keyword=OLE%20HENRIKSEN%20Grease%20Relief%E2%84%A2%20Cleansing%20Cloths%3A%20Oil-Free%20Pore%20Refining%20P385343&skuId=1597160&_requestid=74483" target="_blank">Ole Hendricksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths</a>: </b>$15 for 30 cloths at Sephora<br />
I did NOT want to fall in love with these, but alas...they are amazing. My face is an oily mess and these cloths have a textured side and a smooth side. It won't remove your eye makeup, but it will clean up everything else (or at least, on my face since I don't wear foundation) and it makes your skin feel amazing. It's exfoliating, refreshing and smells like eucalyptus. I hate that I love these because they are so damn expensive. And that's an empty package you see there. SADNESS.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Cupcake/06095,en_US,pd.html" target="_blank">Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask</a>:</b> $7 Lush Store Locations<br />
If you don't live near a Lush, then I'm sorry. They won't ship fresh face masks because they have to be refrigerated and have a short shelf life. This mask is for oily skin and its made with cocoa and mint. CHOCOLATE MINT ON YOUR FACE. Do I have to say anything more? this stuff makes my face feel amazing and it's only $7. Looks like brownie batter, smells like brownie batter with a mint overtone. This makes my skin feel amazing after I've used it and takes care of blemishes. Winning.<br />
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<b>Coffee Mate Extra Sweet and Creamy: </b>About $4 grocery stores<br />
Okay, I feel like I'm a terrible person for having this as one of my favorites, but it's a guilty pleasure. If you live in New England or have ever been to New England...you know about the wonder of Dunkin' Donuts. I like to grab my coffee from there and have it taste like dessert, extra sweet and light with cream. Well, this stuff makes my coffee taste like I went to Dunkin' but at home. It's super sweet and super creamy just like it says. It's probably terrible for you and I probably shouldn't be ingesting so much sugar early in the morning, but I drink about one cup a day. Cut me some slack.<br />
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Lastly, I have been LOVING a dress *that was sent to be to try by the lovely folks at eShatki.com...my review is forthcoming!<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>This post is not sponsore. All products in this post were purchased with my own money, except where indicated with an asterisk(*)</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-60716800889064353182014-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:002014-09-22T12:43:17.867-07:00Product Review: Stila Eyes Are The Windows Palette (Spirit)Confession Time: I love eyeshadow. Shocker. I know. I have a weakness when it comes to them because it's the only place on your face you can completely be a nut. Usually, we wear colors on our face that enhance a color that could actually happen: Your lips could be a pretty pink, when you are flushed, your cheeks will fill with color, you enhance the black in your eyelashes with mascara, and your natural brow color with brow gels and pencils and powders...<br />
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But could your eyelids be green? Maybe if you had some strange disorder, but most likely, no. You can be completely unrealistic when it comes to your eyelids and color and that's why it's fun. I happened upon the <a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/home.do" target="_blank">Stila</a> <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=STILA%20Eyes%20Are%20the%20Window%E2%84%A2%20Shadow%20Palettes%20P388525&skuId=1631860&productId=P388525&_requestid=120841" target="_blank">Eyes Are The Windows Palettes in the store at Sephora</a> and I just had to go and play with them. I fell in love and left the store.<br />
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This is my policy.<br />
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If I see something I like, I leave it there and wait to see if I want it the next day. Well, the next day...<br />
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Even though it was a ridiculous $49, I went back for the Spirit Palette. The colors were too pretty when I swatched them on my hand and Stila's best-selling shade <a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/eye-shadow-pans-in-compact-kitten.do" target="_blank">Kitten</a> was in there. I could not resist. These palettes were created as a celebration of Stila Cosmetics' 20th Anniversary which is super cool! The other palettes are Mind, Soul and Body. Spirit had the colors I was most attracted to. The packaging is beautiful. It's rose gold (so is the band on my engagement ring, so I am partial) and very shiny. It's not super heavy, but it's a lovely quality packaging and the palette opens and closes with a magnetic closure. When you open it...it's breathtaking. And it comes with a ginormous mirror. </div>
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Here are the swatches on my arm...this is where it starts to get disappointing...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7xuyBrzZLkE/VA5T81iOD0I/AAAAAAAACK4/r_qxu7Mvbms/s640/blogger-image--1725807905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brush Swatches: No primer" border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7xuyBrzZLkE/VA5T81iOD0I/AAAAAAAACK4/r_qxu7Mvbms/s640/blogger-image--1725807905.jpg" title="Brush Swatches: No primer" /></a></td></tr>
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As you can see, the pigmentation is not that great even though the darker colors are nicely pigmented. The colors are densely packed and a slightly powdery texture, not a buttery texture that you get with some other brands. When I had my brush in the palette, I had to really get in there and powder got all over the pan. However, even though the colors are pretty sheer, they are buildable and you can apply more product to get a more intense color. They blend very well and they are fun to play with, but you have to really get in there with your brush and grab product.<br />
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The Verdict? Is this worth $49? Not really? The packaging is gorgeous, but you will get your fingerprints all over it. If you're looking for a super high quality palette, both Urban Decay and Too Faced make beautiful shadow palettes. If you have $49 to spend and you want to try it, go ahead! It's a gorgeous palette and perhaps it would make a great first palette for a beginner, as it's impossible to be heavy-handed with the colors here.<br />
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I'll personally be keeping it, as I enjoy it, but it's not worth the $49 pricepoint in my opinion. But, there's no doubt that it's beautiful and I finally have a Kitten Shadow! Anyone else tried any of these new Stila palettes?</div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-73691617374763437022014-08-27T16:45:00.002-07:002014-08-27T16:45:36.829-07:00August 2014 Favorites!So! August is over!?! How did that happen? It was unseasonably cool in Boston this month, so it didn't really feel like August, but I saved some money on cooling bills so, I'll take it! Anyway, here are the things I've been absolutely loving all month long.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.toofaced.com/p/mascaras/twice-the-sex/" target="_blank">Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara</a>: </b>$23 Cosmetics Specialty Retail. The name of this mascara is just...*sigh*. It's <u><b>not</b></u> better than sex, but it's my new favorite, FAVORITE mascara. If they are going to say this is better than sex, it should come with a winning powerball ticket. I digress...<br />
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It is the blackest, most dramatic formula I've ever used. I have already ordered a replacement from Sephora. My new holy grail mascara for my nothing lashes (sorry lashes, but you are wispy).<br />
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<i>Tip: Looks like if you buy this <a href="https://www.toofaced.com/p/mascaras/twice-the-sex/" target="_blank">directly from Too Faced</a>, they will include a travel size for free right now. Bonus Jonas.</i><br />
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<b><u>Gel Eyeliner (in general)</u>:</b> Price Varies, Drugstore and Cosmetic Specialty. I discovered my love for this backwards, I guess. I am a fan of some eyeliner, let me tell you. I love eyeliner! It makes your eyes look bigger, more dramatic and it comes in fun colors, although I only ever use black. I got a navy one in a beauty box, but I've only used it twice maybe (although it's beautiful and soft). When I first started wearing makeup, I only knew of pencil liner. Then I discovered the joys of liquid liner. Loved it. Earlier this year (yes, I'm behind the curve), I discovered gel eyeliner. I honestly had never even heard of this until a few months ago. A pot and a brush?! NO. WAY. NOT GONNA TRY <b>THAT.</b><br />
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Then I got an email from Sephora saying that <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Benefit</a> was coming out with <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real-push-up-liner" target="_blank">a new gel eyeliner in a pen form</a>. I purchased it before its release as a VIB benefit (Benefit as a benefit!??!) and I loved the formula, even though I found the application a bit challenging (full review forthcoming). I used it for about a month and liked it, but I found that it was difficult to use it and I had to get in to a <i>mood </i>to use it, like I had to get psyched up to apply it. Not good. Then, one day, I purchased a pot and brush "old school" type gel eyeliner from the drugstore. HOLY MOLY! Where has this been all my life!?!? It doesn't sound like a brush and a pot is an easy application regarding eyeliner, but I found this delivery system very simple. I got the most control from the brush and ultimately, I found it much easier than the pen form. Sorry, Benefit. I love you, but...<br />
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<a href="http://www.nestfragrances.com/shop/shop-by-collection/eau-de-parfum/amazon-lily" target="_blank"><u><b>Nest Amazon Lily Perfume</b></u></a>: $25 Roller Ball Specialty Cosmetics Retail. OMG. I got a sample of this with a Sephora order. I tried all the other perfume samples and when I sprayed this one, I thought: "Hm...weird. Smells kinda weird." However, I liked it. I tried it again and again and the more I tried it, the more I liked it. Then, I became obsessed and I had to order a larger size. It has a floral, yet citrusy and spicy fragrance. It's totally weird, but it hooked me like caffeine.<br />
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Well played, Sephora. Well played.<br />
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<u><b><a href="http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/face/stay-matte-primer" target="_blank">Rimmel Stay Matte Primer</a>:</b></u> $6-7 Drugstore Retail. I have issues with Rimmel products. Every YouTuber talks so much hype about this brand's Stay Matte Powder, but, they don't really make darker shades. Are they translucent?<br />
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I did come across this product at the drugstore and I gave it a try. I had been trying the Benefit Porefessional which was <i>okay. </i>It didn't keep me matte no matter how much I prayed on it. This stuff is a white cream, which looks like a moisturizer. You can put it on under makeup or wear it alone. It is supposed to blur your pores and keep your face from getting shiny. I wear this in the T zones and I hate to admit that it <b>works really well.</b> This stuff is the bomb dot com if you have oily T-zones. It kept me matte and looking nice most of the day. If you have darker skin, you DO have to be careful not to get this stuff in the drier areas of your face or you will look like a mime. Bottom line, for $7, this is a steal. Anyway, Rimmel...you get one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Womens-Evera-Shift-Sandal/dp/B008JEK9RS" target="_blank"><u><b>Merrel Evera Shift Sandals</b></u></a>: I seriously lucked out with these. I have a black and a tan pair. I happened to come by them at Marshall's and I paid so little for them that I feel like I stole them. They are so cute...so comfortable. I love the little heel. These are the sandals of the summer. Period. So much shoe love for these.<br />
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<a href="http://www.garnierusa.com/products/haircare/sleek-and-shine/Treatment/Sleek-and-Shine-Moroccan-Sleek-Oil-Treatment.aspx" target="_blank"><u><b>Garnier Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment</b></u></a>: $5.99 Drugstore Retail. A late entry, but I'm totally obsessed! Being a curly girl, I love me some hair oil. I had been using <a href="http://shop.alternahaircare.com/bamboo/smooth/kendi-pure-treatment-oil/" target="_blank">Kendi Oil</a> but I mistakenly left it at home when I went on vacation. Kendi Oil smells amazing and works wonderfully, but my hair soaks up and eats product like<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4QV4o_Qq2c" target="_blank"> The Greedy from the Raggedy Ann & Andy Movie</a> (I am dating myself). Kendi Oil is $25 a pop. I went out to get some hair oil while I was in Hilton Head because I was going to be shampooing from the chlorine in the pool and salt in the ocean. This stuff is amazing! I applied it to my damp hair after I conditioned and shampooed and it made my curls soft and shiny and lessened the frizz (you can't be 100% frizz free if you're a curly girl. Let's just be honest). I like Kendi Oil, but I can be more generous with the Garnier since the price point is much lower and it works a little better too! Once again, a win for Garnier. I have used (and liked) their products in the past, so I'm anxious to try more products from their Sleek & Shine line. Recommendations anyone?<br />
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<b>Special Meal Salad</b>: Inspired by a salad I saw in <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/quick-meal-ideas-00100000116465/page6.html#7" target="_blank">Real Simple</a>. It's farro underneath salad greens, snap peas, sauteed mushrooms (instead of chicken), fat-free feta, avocado and a lemon vinaigrette dressing. Grind a crap ton of fresh pepper on it. BAM. Lunch or dinner. Guilt-free, tasty as heck, easy, addictive. This was winning for me all month. Fiance is obsessed too. <br />
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That's what I've been loving as we slide into September. It's going to be autumn soon and that means I get to pick up and move in with my handsome fiance! Moving sucks but I can't wait to move in with the love of my life! Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-14811857758599103032014-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:002014-08-25T08:10:22.632-07:00Vacation Luxuries for your inner Princess<div>
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Sometimes, there are crazy things you by from Sephora and you don't know why you spent that much on a single product. It doesn't make sense, it's probably not worth it and you probably didn't need it. But when I am on vacation, I like to have crazy, unreasonably-priced luxuries to make me feel like I'm royalty at my home away from home. Here are some of the crazy things I've brought with me on my beach vacation.<br />
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<a href="http://us.caudalie.com/beauty-elixir-full-size.html" target="_blank"><b>Caudalie Beauty Elixir</b></a>: My friend Sara turned me on to this stuff and I'm not even sure what this does. On the Caudalie Website, it says it gives you a glow, minimizes your pores and sets your makeup. I'm not sure I believe all of that nonsense, but you know what it DOES do? It smells amazing and it feels amazing on your face when you spray it. It's got a rosemary, floral sort of smell and a slight tingle when you spray it on your face (eyes closed of course). This stuff is $49 for the full-size and I'm not even sure what it is. But you can buy a small little tiny size at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/beauty-elixir-P6025?skuId=455774&icid2=caudalie_lp_bestsellers_carousel_P6025_image" target="_blank">Sephora</a> for $18, which is just as stupid, but less of a sting on the wallet and was a perfect size for my purse. It's steamy and humid at the beach here and this has been so amazing in the middle of the day when my face is kind of feeling gross and hot. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you're vacationing somewhere hot, pick it up and treat yourself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/grease-relief-cleansing-cloths-oil-free-pore-refining-P385343?skuId=1597160" target="_blank"><b>Ole Hendriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths</b></a>: I am super into cleansing cloths. Maybe because I'm lazy. My current favorite are the <a href="http://www.yestocarrots.com/product/yes-to-cucumbers-facial-towelettes?product_id=1023" target="_blank">Yes to Cucumbers</a> wipes for sensitive skin. I don't have sensitive skin necessarily, but for some reason, I love these wipes. They smell faintly of cucumber and they get your makeup off mostly. I had heard a lot of buzz in the beauty community about these (Ole Hendriksen) brand of cleansing wipes. I couldn't imagine that a stupid face wipe could be so amazing. I saw the little 10-count sample at the checkout at Sephora for $8. So it's $0.80 for each of these stupid face wipes, which is INSANE. But...<br />
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<b>They are amazing. </b>They feel amazing on your skin, they smell fantastic and they have a cool side with bumps on it that exfoliates your skin. I have oily skin and I enjoy anything that reduces the amount of grease and crap on my face and the fact that these wipes have AHA's in them is a huge plus for me. They leave my skin feeling clean, refreshed and smelling fantastic. The 30-count is a $15 which is a little more reasonable at $0.50 a wipe. I think I will definitely be going back for the big size, but maybe I can't buy them all the time. I don't use these to remove eye makeup (I use <a href="http://www.sephora.com/take-the-day-off-makeup-remover-for-lids-lashes-lips-P122735?skuId=48074" target="_blank">Clinique Take the Day Off Remover</a>), it just takes off my blush and face powder and primer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=SUPERGOOP!%20Sun-Defying%20Sunscreen%20Oil%20Broad%20Spectrum%20SPF%2050%20P386196&skuId=1604123&productId=P386196&_requestid=69717" target="_blank"><b>SUPERGOOP! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil</b></a>: Sunscreen Oil, eh? Sure. I was attracted to this product initially because as a darker-skinned person, I didn't enjoy the blue-ish white cast that creamy sunscreens leave on my skin. Maybe I'm vain, but I think it looks really terrible. This product seemed like a good alternative because it was an oil. I initially didn't think an oil could really protect you from the sun because I believed that white-cast was coming from whatever chemical was keeping you from getting sunburned, but I took a chance on it anyway. It's $10 for a 1-ounce spray of this. That CRAZY. But I was going on vacation and this was a chance to be luxurious and treat myself like a princess. Well, I really love this product. It's waterproof up to 80 minutes and it feels really good going on your skin. Not greasy, but silky. I was out playing golf on a hot, sunny day and I did not get burned.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=FRESH%20Sugar%20Lip%20Treatment%20SPF%2015%20P57002&skuId=1596162&productId=P57002&_requestid=80099" target="_blank">Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15</a>: </b>This is the most ridiculously expensive lip balm ever. It's $22.50 for a full-size, which is nuts because you only get 0.15oz worth of product. However, this is the best lip balm I've ever used. It goes on remarkably smooth and is incredibly moisturizing and the colors are usually very pretty. I have this balm in at least 5 colors but my favorite is the newest shade, Tulip. It's a pretty, bright pink and it's the perfect MYBB (my lips but better) color. Big ups to Fresh for compelling me to buy an insanely over-priced product in almost every color that they offer.<br />
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So, that's it for my ridiculously over-priced vacation luxuries! Are there expensive guilty pleasures that you enjoy? </div>
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Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-42158706167189071072014-08-11T12:15:00.000-07:002014-08-11T12:31:48.754-07:00August Boxycharm Review!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For those of you who don't know, <a href="https://www.boxycharm.com/" target="_blank">Boxycharm</a> is a beauty subscription service similar to Birchbox and Ipsy Bag. Once a month for $21, they send you (free shipping!) 4-5 full-sized beauty products. It's a mix of high-end and drugstore, but this is my 4th box and I've only gotten one drugstore item (it was a mascara, which is great.) Boxycharm is my one and only beauty box subscription right now. What initially attracted me to the service is that they are sending full-sized items every time instead of samples. Not that I hate samples, I just think Boxycharm is the best bang for your buck right now. I have been waiting for it with great anticipation this week and now I'll let you know what's in my box! Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored by Boxycharm and I do pay for this box and chose to review it on my own for the benefit of my readers only! </span></div>
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Here is the box in upon opening. It's the Beach Babe Box! This is very exciting because in exactly seven days, I will be on the beach! YES. ALL of the products in this box are full-sized.<br />
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The first thing I noticed was a <a href="http://www.tarinatarantino.com/" target="_blank">Tarina Tarantino</a> lip color in <a href="http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=13473&idcategory=49" target="_blank">Floriculture</a> which was a really pretty berry color. I was very thrilled to see this in this month's box because in my June box, I also received a product from this line (which was a highlighter). I loved the highlighter, so I was very excited about this lipstick. The packaging is exquisite. It feels very heavy, high quality and has these adorable little crystals on the side. The color is absolutely gorgeous and it felt really soft on my lips and the color was perfect for me. It was a cute berry shade that goes perfect with my complexion and is exactly the shade of lipcolor I usually like to buy.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Verdict: AWESOME. I am not a lipstick girl, but I will be using this! (Retail price: $22)</span></div>
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Next, I saw this <a href="http://enterpronoun.com/" target="_blank">Enter Pronoun</a> <a href="http://enterpronoun.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/ipsum-ridiculus-porta" target="_blank">Blowtorch Bronzer</a>. Enter Pronoun? What the heck? Well, turns out this is a unisex makeup line. Ok, cool. I also noticed that they don't really have a lot going on in terms of amount of products on their website. It looks like right now they are offering some concealers, this bronzer and an eyeliner. It looks like they are a startup or maybe just being cool by only selling 3 products? Who knows. But this bronzer retails for $35. Imagine me doing a Z-snapping motion after I say THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS. That is like a YSL or Chanel pricepoint, baby!<br />
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That being said, the packaging is STUNNING. It's as beautiful as the Tarina Taratino product is and the bronzer seems nice. That being said...I'm not really a user of bronzer. Honestly, I have never even considered using it, especially since I don't see that many women of color reaching for it. But, I'm sure it's great and I'm going to hold on to it and give it a shot.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Verdict: STAY TUNED. I might use this, I might give it to a friend. Who knows. (Retail price: Once again with feeling...$35)</span></div>
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Next was this <a href="http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/lips/lip-stain/cheek-lips" target="_blank">ModelCo Cheek and Lip Tint in Rosy Red</a>. I've never tried a ModelCo product before. Is it just for models? Is it made by models? In general, I'm a little suspicious of products that are supposed to be for my lips AND cheeks. My first impression is that when I swatched it on my hand, it wasn't just a tint, it was a STAIN. It had a pretty good staining quality and I couldn't wait to try it on my lips. When you rub it it has a strange brick red color and it felt VERY sticky on my lips. When it dried, it felt okay, but in the 10 minutes that it was wet, it was sticky, sticky, sticky! I didn't try it on my cheeks since I was already wearing Tarte cheek stain. <br />
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Verdict: NEUTRAL. It's okay. It's a VERY SUBTLE color payoff (which is what it's marketed to be) for a no-makeup, makeup look. I'll use it and see how it goes. (Retail price $22)<br />
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Then there was the <a href="http://ofracosmetics.com/silklipliner.aspx" target="_blank">Ofra Cosmetics Lip liner in Silk.</a> I watched a few YouTubers open their boxes and I appear to be one of the unfortunate ones who got a lip liner instead of a black eyeliner from this company. I got a stupid lip liner in July's box too. This was extremely disappointing.</div>
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Verdict: MEH. Who wears lip liner? I'll probably never use this. If anyone wants this, I'd be HAPPY to send it to you. Disclaimer: I <b>did </b>swatch it on my hand once. (Retail price: $13)<br />
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Lastly, I got this <a href="http://morphebrushes.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=1170" target="_blank">powder brush from Morphe Brushes</a>. Here it is...<br />
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VERDICT: AWESOME. This brush rules! It's as soft as a bunny, feels really high quality and is a nice large size. I'll be using this to try my new bronzer or whatever. I would buy more brushes from this line. (Retail price: $19.99)<br />
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Overall, I was extremely pleased with this box! I was rather disappointed by my July box (which also came late), but this box is far more impressive and an extra bonus for including a Tarina Tarantino product! I can't wait until September's box! If you want to subscribe to Boxycharm, <a href="https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/5097/" target="_blank">please use this link</a>! This is my referral link and if you sign up, I get boxy "charms" which are points to buy full-sized products. </div>
Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-27305932322744588192014-08-11T11:55:00.001-07:002014-08-11T11:55:43.153-07:00UpdateOh hey, blog, HEEEEYYYY! I have been away for a while and BOY have I been busy! In the few months that I've been away from my blog, I've...<br />
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<ul>
<li>Become a reasonably successful entrepreneur</li>
<li>Made my Boston Jordan Hall soloist debut! (W00t!)</li>
<li>Gotten my first solo reviews in Boston Music Publications</li>
<li>Explored Voice Acting</li>
<li>Been on AM Radio heard in 38 States! (OMG!)</li>
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and finally...<br />
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<li>gotten engaged to the man of my dreams!</li>
</ul>
So, when you ask yourself..."Where has Kay been?", you can now answer that question with confidence! I have missed my blog, but I have done SO MUCH! I just wanted to give a quick update as to where I've been! I'll be moving again in a couple of months so the mayhem continues!Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-56840882437624236312014-03-13T07:49:00.000-07:002014-08-25T07:19:48.679-07:00Why I Love YouTube Beauty Gurus<div>
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I'm not a makeup freak by any means. As a matter of fact, this is the entirety of my makeup collection. My dress collection is much more embarrassing (or awesome!).<br />
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I know I'm late to the party on this. However, over the past 6 weeks or so, after having stumbled upon <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGwPbAQdGA3_88WBuGtg9tw" target="_blank">Grav3yard</a> girl's YouTube channel during a Dereck and Kay Show broadcast, I have been obsessively watching YouTube "Beauty Gurus" talk about makeup, hair products, beauty products, etc. I wasn't sure why I became so fascinated with the entire phenomenon. All I knew, is that I could watch them all day and I knew I wasn't the only one. Grav3yard girl has over TWO MILLION subscribers alone. TWO MILLION. This blog at current has 91 followers, which is a drop in the internet bucket. Why had I become so fascinated with these girls when I didn't even care that much about makeup? Here's what I figured out:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>I don't have any sisters</b>: Growing up a military brat, I got shuffled around the world and by the time I got to high school, I was much more concerned with "being serious" than I was about makeup. Most of my makeup experience had to do with Stage Makeup and that was boring (and gross). I didn't care about it in college, and I didn't care about it in graduate school and I cared even LESS about it in my entire 20s and early 30s. I have one really girly, stylish friend and I only get to go to Sephora with her about twice a year. When I do, we spend an hour or more in there and it's very satisfying. Watching these videos is like having a really stylish, girly friend any time you want.</li>
<li><b>Someone else gets to spend money</b> (or get it for free in some cases). It's no secret that some of these girls make their living off of YouTube Videos which fascinates me. High-end cosmetic products are INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE. In 2011, I impulsively bought a super-overpriced <a href="http://www.sephora.com/ombres-5-lumieres-5-colour-harmony-for-eyes-3-tawny-P218407?skuId=1120484" target="_blank">YSL Eyeshadow Palette</a> that I honestly wish I had returned. The colors don't work with my skintone and the eye shadows kind of suck. Now, if I'm thinking about buying something, I just look it up on YouTube, watch some reviews and try it in the store before I buy. No regrets. That being said, a lot of these YouTube Beauty Gurus get sent products for promotional purposes, but that doesn't bother me. It's Retail Therapy without the spending money part.</li>
<li><b>The-Behind-The-Scenes Catiness & Scandals:</b> Admit it...you like a good internet scandal. YOU DO. Back in the day when the Anthropologie Blog Community <a href="http://jezebel.com/5840690/alleged-scam-rocks-devoted-anthropologie-community" target="_blank">Anthroholic Scandal</a> happened, I could NOT stop reading message boards and posts. When girls are involved in something, you can almost guarantee that there will be some kind of drama and there is no shortage of interesting controversy revolving around these YouTube Channels. I think most of it comes from a mean, jealous place, so I won't place any links here, but it does make for an interesting contrast. I have great admiration for anyone who has found a way to monetize their hobby. I'd say, "You Go, Girl!" but that's so 90s...</li>
<li><b>It's Light and Fluffy</b>: I spend the majority of the day worried about stuff. I'm a worrier and most of the time, I'm worried about pretty serious stuff. Almost the entirety of 2014, I have been quite worried about my kitty cat, who has had some serious health problems. Watching someone talk about mascara for 10 minutes will make me forget about worrying for a little bit and maybe even cheer me up. </li>
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I don't know how long this phenomenon will continue to be popular on YouTube, but I'm loving it. I think I'm also fascinated by the "Anyone-Can-Be-A-Star" thing. It also does, unfortunately also make me want to buy stuff, which is BAD. I'd be interested to talk to a few of these girls about their experience! In the meantime, I'm entertained. Anyone else watch these videos in their spare time too?Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264813328322263035.post-52925670100375699372014-02-20T13:34:00.001-08:002014-03-10T08:16:58.469-07:00OOTD: Sweet Life & Getting LuckyIt's a few days before the big Cantata Singers concert and I'm having fun choosing outfits for rehearsals. It's been so long since I posted an outfit and I did not have any decent light to work with so I apologize for the quality of this photo.<br />
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Paddington was totally photobombing as well! The cardi is from Express, but it's ancient. I got the skirt from a second hand store, but it's from Anthropolgie and it's from Corey Lynn Calter (<a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=820104" target="_blank">Sweet Life Skirt</a>). It still had the tags on it when I picked it up and I got it for a steal. It's one of my favorite skirts as it's so cute with the pink and gray stripes. It's really well made and looks adorable on. For some reason, I have INSANELY good luck at consignment stores. Everything I find that I love was like a highly coveted piece or something, it's in my size and either still has the tags on or looks like it's only been worn once. I don't know why I am so lucky in this way. I don't have ANY other luck in life it seems, but I can find something awesome in a consignment shop any day of the week.<br />
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I recently started buying a scratch ticket every now and again and this weirds me as well as intrigues me. I'm not even sure (and this is embarrassing) what to do with ones that win. I won about $5 (which is actually not a win because I spent more than that for the tickets), but the tickets are just sitting around. I'm just not lucky with that stuff. I went to Las Vegas in September and I was like the most unlucky person ever. I won a little bit of money at the stupid Sex and the City machine (like $75), but only because I was obsessed with watching the stupid show clips when I would hit the bonus. They know how to get you. Yet, I still like to try my luck...why do I continue to do this when I know my luck is bad? Or is it just a mindset? If I believe in my luck, do I become lucky? Maybe I should just stick to keeping people organized...
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5534513/?claim=tvb568cyyfq">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05412515574422393938noreply@blogger.com0