'NOTD: OPI' to LIVE FOR...

Ok, so this has been my all-time favorite nail polish foooor......I don't know... freakin forever =)  AMAZING! I've talked about it a bit in previous posts, and decided I needed to wear it. It's OPI "My Private Jet". I'm telling you if you don't already have it get it!!

OPI "My Private Jet"

This is such a tough color to photograph! You really can't see the little shimmers in it that sort of reflect different colors.

Well I tried.. you will have to look at it in person to really see how pretty it is!!

What is your all-time favorite nail polish?! Share below!!!!

Xx-

Bethany

'LOTD: Lip of the Day!'... to LIVE FOR

Since I seem to be obsessed with lipsticks lately, I decided I would do LOTD's to show you how I wear them! It only seems right that I should start out with my all-time favorite lipstick =) MAC's "Girl About Town".

I do three steps:

1. Line and fill in my lips with MAC's "Fuschia" lipliner.
2. Apply "Girl About Town" all over.
3. Add MAC's "Vino" lipliner to the corners of my mouth, to create some depth.




MAC's "Girl About Town" lipstick
(I am aware my lips look a bit lop-sided! haha)

Wow if I am going to be doing these LOTDs regularly maybe I should start waxing my bottom lip! I have some fuzz going on!! :)


What do you think? Have you tried "Girl About Town"???

'OPI Fall 2011 Collection' to LIVE FOR...

The OPI Spring/Summer Texas Collection left much to be desired (in my opinion at least!). That may be why I am SO excited about the upcoming Fall 2011 Touring America Collection, but I choose to believe it's simply because of the amazing colors!!

My current two favorite OPI polishes are "My Private Jet" and "You Don't Know Jacques", so it is no surprise I am looking forward to all of the darker shades... ok I'll be honest... (minus the two gray/silver colors) I want the entire collection!!

I'm pumped =) 

Do you love it? Hate it?? Let me know below!

Xx-

Bethany

'WISHLIST: Makeup, Nail polish!' to LIVE FOR...

I feel like there are so many things that have just come out, or are about to come out that I am lusting over! So, time for another wishlist to share them all with you =)
(Most of the pics are from Temptalia.com. If you haven't checked out her blog, DO IT!)

#1

China Glaze "Papaya Punch" nail lacquer (pic from Temptalia.com)

#2


China Glaze "Senorita Bonita" (pic Temptalia.com)



(pic Temptalia.com)

 #3



Ok, these were in my last Makeup Wishlist, but they are finally coming out on April 6th!!! I can't wait! Chanel Rouge CoCo Shine Lipsticks =)



#4



MAC Quite Cute "Quite Cute" and "Candy Yum-Yum" (pic Temptalia.com)  I NEED this matte hot pink lippie! Seriously, it is necessary for my survival!!! I'm buying 2!



#5



Illamasqua Toxic Nature Collection Cream Pigments (pic from Temptalia.com) The first shade on the left "Hollow" and the fourth shade "Emerge" have definitely caught my eye! Great to use on their own or as a base for your eyeshadow!


 #6
 I also am very much looking forward to a certain OPI collection that I think deserves it's own post!!

So, are you excited for any upcoming or newly released collections?! Comment below!

Xx-

Bethany

'NARS eyeshadows: STORAGE, SWATCHES, REVIEW'

Whenever I go someplace that sells NARS, I always find myself drawn to the eye shadows..especially the duos! Under the bright lights of the makeup counter they just look so sparkly and gorgeous! I often end up swatching the same shadows over and over again at the store, and half the time I realize I already have them at home... So why don't I ever use them?!

When I put on my makeup I find that I usually only use the products that are right out in front of me. If a shadow is in it's own little container and tucked away in a drawer, I tend to forget about it. What a shame!
So (even though I love NARS's packaging) I decided to depot all of my NARS eye shadows and stick them into one of my empty MAC palettes. Problem solved =)

I also take the sticker from the back and tape it up onto the top of the palette. That way I don't forget the names of the duos when I go to repurchase, or recommend them!

I thought I would swatch and do a little review of the duos I currently own as well!

LEFT "Kuala Lumpur", RIGHT "Sugarland"

Kuala Lumpur... The first shadow is described as a "rose gold". Now, I wouldn't describe it as rose gold but a very pretty light pink that shimmers with a champagne gold. The consistency is amazing and reminds me of an Urban Decay shadow, very buttery and soft!...... The second shadow in this duo is described as a "boysenberry infused with gold" which is exactly what it is. However, the consistency of this shade is not nearly as nice as the other. There is much more fallout and it is just not as nice to blend. But still a great color!

Sugarland... The first shadow is a "glimmering apricot" and very pretty at that. However, the consistency on this one also isn't quite the best. Fallout is again an issue. It is best used just patted on the eye with a stiff brush....... The second shadow is SO GORGEOUS :) a " lavender pink with golden sheen" is totally right! Such a pretty color that really cannot be captured with a photo. Go check it out for yourself!



LEFT "Cordura", RIGHT "Rajasthan"

Cordura... The first shadow a "shimmering warm rich brown". It doesn't look super great in the swatch, and requires a bit of blending on the eye but is a very nice and wearable dark warm brown. It also has subtle specks of gold that aren't really picked up in the picture!........ And the second shadow is a "shimmering dark brown" VERY pretty and dramatic. This brown is also on the warm side, and once again the picture isn't doing it justice! It is chuck full of small gold sparkles.  Both of these shadows are beautiful colors and I definitely recommend this duo to anyone looking for an alternative to black eyeshadow!!
Rajasthan... This is my favorite duo. It was limited edition and is no longer available on NARS's website or Sephora's. But it may still be available on other websites, I'm just not sure where! The first shade is a high-sheen antiqued gold-y/bronze/ lt.brown color..good description right?! haha Very buttery and easy to work with. The second color is AMAZING. I would describe it as a peacock color =) It is a very dark blue/teal color with a duochrome that reflects a blue-purple-green. So so pretty in person!

Scorching Sun... No up close pic of this one but it has a "glazed apricot" shade and a "orange sheen" shade. Very pretty oranges if you are looking for some different colors to add into your collection. I like to wear these together for a bold eye or lightly add into a bronze/brown eye to add some depth.

Wicked... In the first pic where you see how I store my NARS eye shadows you can see this duo. I purchased it when Sephora two different NARS duos for $10. This duo has two green shades, and is now discontinued, for good reason! TERRIBLE terrible duo. 'Nuff said.

NARS has some amazing eye shadows. I've found the consistency a bit hit-or-miss, at $33 per duo I would suggest checking them out at the store before you purchase anything. The shades are gorgeous and really cannot be shown to their full splendor in pictures and swatches!!!

Do you ever forget about the makeup that you have?? What are your favorite NARS eye shadows? Share below!!

Xx-

Bethany

'NOTD' to LIVE FOR...

Another NOTD =) This is the polish I just purchased that was shown in my last post. It is Sephora by OPI in "Almost Famous". To be quite honest I'm not crazy about the color.. maybe if I had a darker skin tone? I don't know.



Sephora by OPI "Almost Famous"

What nail polish have you been wearing? Do you have any current favorites?? Let me know below!



Xx-

Bethany

'Tiny Sephora, YSL, NARS HAUL'

I don't know what I would do if I did not have Sephora in my life. That store is seriously chuck-full of amazing brands and products. AMAZING I tell you!! I picked up 3 things the last time I was there...



NARS eyeshadow duo in "Sugarland" ($33)

YSL Rouge Volupte #1 "Nude Beige" ($34)

YSL #1, Sugarland duo

I absolutely love this YSL lipstick. It feels much like the MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks, very creamy and glossy. However, I wouldn't describe it as a nude beige, as there is quite a bit of pink in it!
Sugarland is a great duo by NARS. I love how the purple/lavender color has an apricot sheen that matches the other shade in the duo. You can really see the sheen in the picture of the duo!
I haven't tried the nail polish yet. It is Sephora by OPI in "Already Famous" ($9.50). This one will probably be in my next NOTD, you will be able to get a better look at it then!

Do you have any of these products?? What do you think of them?!

Xx-

Bethany

'SMOKEY Inspiration' to LIVE FOR...

The smokey eye is a look that is NEVER going away. It will always be "in" in one form or another! Although I will always love my cat-eye black eyeliner ;) I have recently found myself drawn more to a messy smokey eye. Here are some pictures that have inspired me lately...

Love a smokey eye paired with a bright lip!

Ooh Cameron.. It's like she just woke up with her smoked out eyes and perfectly tosseled hair :)

A gorgeous super dramatic smokey eye paired with a nude lip. Always a classic.



Have you been loving any different makeup looks lately?? Do you have a favorite eye look? Comment below!

Xx-

Bethany

'MAC Haul' to LIVE FOR...

I don't know about you, but I always have a running list of things I want from MAC (among other stores!). Attending the MAC Master Class was the perfect excuse to finally purchase some of the products I have had my eye on for a while, as well as a few others!

Top to Bottom: Clear Lipglass, Matte, Clear Brow Set, 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush

So this group of products are not all that exciting...

Clear Lipglass... This product is great because it can go on top of anything. It doesn't matter if you are wearing red lipstick, pink lipgloss, or glitter on your lips! Clear lipglass will add a beautiful super high shine!
MAC's Matte... I don't care if you are a man or a woman.. nobody likes looking shiny in photographs! Apply this matte-ifying cream on the T-zone or a balding head to get rid of shine.  :)
Clear Brow Set... I was in desperate need of a replacement brow gel. It is one of those things that without, my whole face feels unfinished. No more "crazy brows" for me!
188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush... I purchased this brush to use for my face highlight powder. Duo fibre brushes don't pick up as much product as a normal fluffy brush. They are great for things like extremely pigmented blushes or highlight powders where less is more! (This is just my opinon! You can use this brush for whatever you want. For example, MAC Senior Artist Jane McKay likes to use this brush to blend out foundation.)



Golden Bronze Loose Powder, Sheen Supreme in "Bare Again", Lustre eyeshadow in "Aquadisiac" 

Golden Bronze... Ok this loose powder is seriously soooooo gorgeous. For medium to dark skin tones this is an amazing highlight powder. For light skin tones, mixing this with a lighter highlight can really warm up the color and give you that sun-kissed look. I love!!!
Sheen Supreme Lipstick "Bare Again" ... I love the formula of these lipsticks. They are like cremesheens, but even more creamy and glossy! I first saw this shade on "Miss Natty's Beauty Diary" and knew I had to have it!
Aquadisiac e/s... This eyeshadow is going to look amazing in the summer for a pop of color with golden bronze looks.


Bare Again Lipstick, Aquadisiac e/s, Golden Bronze Loose Powder



Left to right: Silver Dusk Loose Powder, Silver Dusk & Golden Bronze mixed, Golden Bronze Loose Powder.

So these were all the goodies I got from MAC!!

Have you been eyeing anything at MAC?? Share below!!

Xx-

Bethany

'Lancome HAUL' to LIVE FOR...

Lancome is having an AMAZING deal this month. If you buy $35+ worth of products online you get 5 free lipsticks. Yes, you read correctly, 5 free full-sized lippies!! (Not to mention the 2 sample products they always add with every order.) All you have to do is use the code MARCHBDAY at the checkout and they are added to your cart automatically.
Now, I didn't particularly want or need anything from Lancome, but I wanted the 5 free lipsticks so I browsed around on the website until I found something I wanted to try. Does that make me crazy? To buy something I didn't need just to get the free stuff? I blame it on my makeup addiction =) Here's what I got...

Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté in "2 Sand" ($45) ... It is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30. I love wearing tinted moisturizers in the summer if I am just going out on a boat or just to the beach. And as much as I know I should wear SPF when I'm in the sun, I normally don't. So having SPF 30 in this is great for me!
Really I think $45 for a tinted moisturizer is a bit excessive..buuuut here are the freebies I received that helped me justify my spending!


Lipsticks from left to right: "Natural Beauty" Cream, "B-List" Cream, "Pink Attitude" Shimmer, "IT Girl" Sheen, "The New Pink" Sheen.





Natural Beauty, B-List, Pink Attitude, "IT" Girl, The New Pink

Yay how pretty!! I also received a sample size mascara and another "IT Girl" lipstick as my two free samples with my order.
Sheesh.. I still have a couple hauls coming up, next will probably be a MAC haul from the class I went to. But I wanted to let you see these first so you could have the chance to jump on this opportunity too before it ends 3/31 if you are interested!

Have you been hauling anything recently??

Xx-

Bethany

MAC Master Class!!

Earlier this week I attended a MAC Master Class focused on bridal makeup. The presenter was Jane McKay, a Senior Artist from Toronto, Ontario. She talked about everything from how to cultivate a clientele, to when she did Snooki's makeup for a recent event! Jane also showed how to do two different bridal makeup looks on a couple of the girls who worked at the MAC store.


Some of the products Jane used in her tutorials.

What I really liked about the class was all the information we learned about different MAC products. Jane talked about some key products she likes to keep in her kit, and who they are best suited for. For example MAC Strobe Cream: great for mature skin and dull winter skin, NOT good for dark skin tones or oily skin.


Jane McKay explaining why she used a certain foundation shade on the model.

It was great getting some tips on products that beautifully compliment dark skin tones. I have never gotten to experiment with makeup on anyone with darker skin, so it was especially nice to see what Jane recommended!

The two beautiful MAC girls who modeled for us!

A few products Jane used:

Model on the left: Strobe Cream, Studio Sculpt Foundation, Greensmoke e/s on the lid, Mulch e/s to blend into the crease, Espresso e/s to fill in the brows, Silver Dusk Loose Powder as a brow and cheek highlight, and Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink.
Model on the right: Studio Sculpt Foundation, Amberlights e/s on the inner half of the lid, Espresso e/s on the outer part of the lid and into the crease, "Eye Brows" Pencil on Spiked, Golden Bronze Loose Powder as a cheek highlight, and Tinted Lip Conditioner in Soothing Beige.


Just a picture of people milling about after the presentation.

All-in-all I had a really great time at the class! And I came away with some awesome goodies too ;)

HAUL to come!!



Xx-

Bethany





'Estee Lauder HAUL' to LIVE FOR...

So, yesterday I visited my Estee Lauder counter to purchase their Double Wear lipliner and to check out some of their other products as well. Let me tell you, I am SUPER impressed!

First up, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in "07 RED" ($19) ... I LOVE red lips, but I am always a bit paranoid of it rubbing off and me not realizing it! The answer? A super long-lasting lip liner to apply under your lipstick, duh! ;) I wanted to try the Double Wear liner because it was recommended by Pixiwoo in one of their youtube videos, and I LOVE THEM! I have high hopes for this one!!

Double Wear Lip Pencil "07 RED", ShadowStick Duo "02 Pink Teal"

ShadowStick Duo in "02 Pink Teal" ($20) ... This shadowstick is part of the Estee Lauder Summer 2011 Bronze Goddess Collection. I swatched this and I am telling you once it sets it does NOT move! These two colors are going to be so great to wear this summer!



Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush-on Illuminator in " 01 Light" ($24.50) ... I am always on the search for a product to cover the dark circles under my eyes. They just won't go away! Swatches are below.

Now for the crazy part.. the free gifts with purchase! Here are some pictures.

Pure Color Lipstick in"Rubellite", Lip Conditioner SPF 15, High Gloss in "Berry"

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in "Black"... Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex... Take It Away Total Makeup Remover... Pure Color Lipstick in "Rose Tea"... DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15... Pure Color EyeShadow "Cool" Quad

And swatches!



Pure Color Lipstick "Rubellite"... High Gloss "Berry"... Pure Color  Lipstick "Rose Tea"

   

Pure Color EyeShadow in "Sugar Cube, Lilac Whimsy, Smoky Ember and Wild Truffle"

(Terrible swatches of the above quad.)



Can you believe these free gifts?! It really feels like a million times more than what I purchased... I mean seriously! I may do a few reviews if I start really liking any of the products, or if I really hate them I suppose =)

Ok enough of me going on and on. Have you tried any of these products?? Let me know what you think!

Xx-

Bethany

'INs & OUTs' to LIVE FOR...

IN:

RINGS - It doesn't matter where I shop, I am always on the search for unique statement rings.. especially rings that I can wear on my index finger :)

SAMPLES - I am constantly getting samples from stores/brands like Sephora, Dior, Bobbi Brown, etc, and I never seem to use them! I am making it my goal to start using my samples and jot down pros/cons of each. Then I will write a post and share with you the outcomes!!

SHEER LIPSTICK - I have been using some of my more glossy sheer lipsticks, and loving it! Lippies like MAC lustres, Dior Addict High Shine lipsticks and Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. These formulas are great just to pop on as you run out the door..super moisturizing and you don't need a mirror to apply them!



OUT:

BEING PALE -  I have been trying as hard as I can to embrace and work with my pale winter skin.. but I give up!! I broke down and started tanning. I KNOW it's terrible for me, it's my guilty pleasure! However, I just need to get a base tan then I can start using my St. Tropez. =)

CLUTTER - I moved into my apartment a couple months ago and still have a few boxes laying around. I think it's time to do some spring cleaning!

WINTER FEET - It is easy to neglect your feet when you are always wearing socks. No more dull dry feet for me.. I see a pretty pedicure in my near future!!

Xx-

Bethany

TAG: How much is my face worth?

Wow, so this is a crazy tag to think about! I just saw this on Karrisx's blog...   If my bf found out how much my face was worth he would send me to a mental institution!! lol

The breakdown:

Free sample, face primer =)

Vichy Dermablend Foundation $28

Revlon Colorstay Foundation $10

MAC Studio Sculpt concealer $16.50

MAC Painterly paint pot $16.50

MAC e/s Vanilla, Wedge, Tempting, Filament $11.00 each = $44.00

MAC Taupe brow pencil $15

MAC Clear brow set $15

MAC Blunt (contour), Gingerly blush $16.50, &16.50

MUFE HD Microfinish powder $30

MAC Pearl cream colour base $16.50

Dior Amber Diamond highlight powder $45

MUFE Smokey Lash mascara $22

MAC Lustering lipstick $14.5

=

$306.. However I do get a discount on some products so more like $254.

I don't even want to think about if the cost of my brushes were added into it! haha

So, what is your face worth?? I TAG everyone!

Xx-

Bethany

'TRENDS: Wedges/Summer Heels' to LIVE FOR...

With spring and summer slowly approaching I have started scoping out possible additions for my shoe collection =) The past few years I have been obsessed with platforms (heels I mean, when talking about shoes 99% of the time I'm talking heels lol) and over last fall and winter it turned into WEDGE platforms.

Aldo 'Luzier' $120

I fell in love with a pair of Acne booties last year, but at around $800 they were out of the question. I was pumped when I found this pair at Aldo that resembled the Acne booties and were actually in my price range! They are totally killer and I get compliments every time I wear them :)

Now on to finding some summer wedges and platforms..

Aldo 'Evroange' $100



Aldo 'Edvalson' $90

I'm about 99.9% sure I am getting Aldo's 'Evroange' wedges. I LOVE the pattern on the platform heel.. it's very Aztec/Native American-esque which is a trend that I have been getting into lately.
The next pair 'Edvalson' are also a great pair of wedges. I like the idea of getting a nude pair for the spring/summer.. they can go with almost everything. I'm wanting a pair that are slightly darker than this one, a color that will sort of blend with my tan and almost disappear when I wear them. May sound weird, but it will make your legs look amazing and long as hell!

I am also lusting over one pair of heeled sandles in particular. The Jessica Simpson 'Dany' platforms.


Jessica Simpson 'Dany' in Grey orig $120

 I have found these at numerous websites for anywhere from $80-$120. They come in black, grey, tan..and perforated brown and frost (cream colored, pictured below).

JS 'Dany' in Frost

 About a month ago there was a sale on hautelook.com and they had the 'Dany' for like $45!!! I'm pretty bummed I wasn't quick enough to get them in my size :'(  Not sure how often I would wear these, but I desperately want them in grey.... I mean, I could wear them around the house..right? haha


What shoes are you lusting over?? Would you rock super high platform wedges? Comment below!!

Xx-

Bethany