Cumulative HAUL :)

While I haven't been blogging lately, I have still been buying! Here's some pics and swatches of what I've picked up recently...

Read on for more pics and swatches!!!

NEW Illamasqua "Generation Q" Collection!!!

My favorite blushes, hands down, are from Illamasqua. The quality and pigmentation can't be beat.. not to mention they have the best matte shades ever! So, naturally, I have been wanting to try some of their eye shadows. :)  I'm not one for singles (I just don't end up using them!) so I was so excited to see these pics of new eye shadow palettes! 

Illamasqua "Generation Q" Collection

The upcoming collection comes out in October, but some products may be released early! I have my eye on this one...

Illamasqua eye shadow palette in "Empower"

These shades are right up my alley! *LOVE* Here's my other fav products from the collection...

Illamasqua eye shadow palette in "Complement"

This palette is beautiful too! However, the brown shade looks to be a cream, which I'm not so keen on.

Illamasqua Gleam in "Aurora"

I really don't need any new highlighters, but this "Gleam" in Aurora looks gorgeous! Ugh, if only I could actually use up the products I have :( 

So have you seen this collection yet?? Will you check it out?!

Xx-

Bethany

New! MAC Styleseeker Collection...

For some reason I had NO CLUE this MAC collection was coming out... am I the only one who was in the dark on this one?! Anyway, I thought I'd share the Styleseeker promo pics with you guys!

MAC Styleseeker Collection

I actually quite like the little duos that MAC comes out with. There are usually a couple with permanent shades, and a couple with limited edition shades. I'm thinking of getting the duo below...

MAC Marche aux Puces Eye Shadow x2... This duo comes with Chessa, a midtone golden orange (veluxe pearl) and Indie Spirit, a chestnut brown (matte). This would be a great duo for fall! I'm debating whether to wait for Temptalia's review, or just go for it and purchase... ?!

MAC Eye Shadow in Chessa

MAC Eye Shadow in Indie Spirit 

Are there any products in this collection that you are thinking of getting?? What other of MAC's million collections are you looking forward to?

Xx-

Bethany

MAC Lipstick HAUL.. By Request Collection and More!

As soon as I found out that MAC was releasing Candy Yum-Yum again with their By Request Collection, I knew I had to place an order and grab a backup =) Of course I HAD to pick up a few more things.. to make the shipping worth it ;)

INs and OUTs... to LIVE FOR...

I haven't done one of these posts in literally AGES and honestly I love them. Sandra just posted one and it inspired me to do one of my own!

INs:

- Fall clothing! I can't wait until I don't feel as though I have to swim through the hot air here, and all of the new fall clothing that has been coming out looks amazing!

- Searching for a new handbag.. this is almost an "OUT" as I haven't been finding much that I love at the moment :/ but here's a RZ bag that is a top contender! Not to mention it's on sale, which is always a plus!

Rachel Zoe "Zoe Mini" find it here

- Re-building my wardrobe.. I've been trying to spruce up my "look" to go a bit more sophisticated, blazers, pencil skirts, etc. It's definitely a work in progress!

- Watching Pretty Little Liars.. such great inspiration for me to finally quit being lazy and actually do my hair for once! I mean seriously? They have their hair curled and perfect every single second of this show.. *gag*..... ok ok I'm just jealous ;)

OUTs:

- Being stuck in the house.. this heat's a bitch.

Xx-

Bethany

Blog SALE Preview...

So, I've been doing a little... summer?... cleaning and finally went through my makeup. There are so many great products that I just don't use, and it's a shame! I'll be having a blog sale in a few days and just wanted to give you all a little preview!

Blog sale

Blog sale, CHANEL Poudre Universelle Libre

It will be U.S. and Paypal only. (sorry!) You can also expect some extra goodies along with any purchase =)

Xx-

Bethany

What's in my cart...Tophop, ZARA, Lastcall

Lately I've been a bit off makeup.. that's right I said it! Summer collections have underwhelmed me to say the least. My fingers are crossed that the fall collections will be more exciting -- Guerlain's looks promising!

In the meantime I have been OBSESSED with fashion blogs (Atlantic-Pacific, buy now, blog later, and Pink Peonies are a few current favs!) and just discovered Polyvore. I've gotten super inspired to mix up my wardrobe and transition into a slightly more sophisticated style of dress. More preppy with a trendy edge =) To do this I have decided to invest in some classic pieces as well as a few trendy pieces that I can mix into the clothes I already have.

These are some recent purchases I'm waiting for in the post...

Topshop...

Topshop HAUL

What I've been up to... Wedding Pics!!

I have been a terrible blogger the last couple months, I know. But a lot has been happening! For the last month I have been in Michigan preparing for and having my wedding =) I don't have all of the pictures back but I wanted to share some of that day with my blogger famliy <3

Me with the girls before the wedding.

WARNING: Tons of pics! haha

Quick MUFE HAUL and Review!!

This haul is long LONG overdue! I have been using the foundation and primer for a month already (talk about being a terrible blogger!) but now I can give you a good review on how I like them :) Here we go...

MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet + Mattifying Foundation in #35 "Vanilla"... I really liked this foundation when I first started using it. It goes on smoothly, covers all of my pigmentation problems, and leaves a nice natural finish. However, the longevity of wear is not the best. It's not one of those foundations that just starts wearing off either, it actually separates on my face! The hotter I am during the day (and when I sweat), the faster this happens. Depending on what I'm doing the foundation will last around 8 hours on my normal/combo skin before it starts turning a bit wonky. Though this is clearly not my ideal foundation I will continue using it until it's gone, either mixed with something else or for short periods of time.

left to right: MUFE Mat Velvet + in #35 "Vanilla", Full Cover Concealer in #3 "Light Beige", Diamond Shadow in #303 "Diamond Pink", Aqua Cream in #4 "Snow"

MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #3 "Light Beige"... Love this concealer. L. O. V. E. Seriously. I have some pretty hardcore dark circles, and this not only covers them but stays on all day! I have shade #3 Light Beige, and it's pretty darn light. I'm thinking I need to get the next shade darker for the summer.. I'd say NW20 and up definitely need a darker shade than this one! However, if you are into that "Kardashian" look then this may be the shade for you! ;) Anyway, this is an amazing concealer. It's waterproof and will definitely be what I wear this month for my wedding!!

MUFE Diamond Shadow in #303 "Diamond Pink"... I have been wanting a pink inner-eye highlight and this is most definitely it. You can see in the swatch that it has a beautiful sheen and sparkle, but doesn't have any fallout.

MUFE Aqua Cream in #4 "Snow"... I'm a huge fan of MUFE Aqua Creams. They stay on alllllll day until you take it off with makeup remover. I usually have a problem with my inner highlight wearing off, but with this as a base I don't have to worry about that!


So what have you guys been loving lately? It's been forever since I have read posts!!

Xx-

Bethany

Current Favorite - Lippies!

On to the next favorite post, lippies!! I picked out my current favorites and most used... and they are all pinks :) Don't judge me! haha

Laura Mercier Creme Lipstick in "Evening Pink", Lancome Lipstick in "Rose Candy", YSL Glossy Stain in #15 "Rose Vinyl", MAC Amplified Lipstick in "Chatterbox", Dior Addict Lipstick in 465 "Singuliere", CHANEL Glossimer in #161 "Bagatelle"

Read on for swatches and mini reviews!

Current Favorite - FOUNDATIONS...

Lately I haven't been blogging much... I've just gotten a bit bored of it all. So to mix things up a bit I have decided to do some "Current Favorite" posts on different categories of cosmetics. I purchase quite a bit of makeup and hardly ever talk about them after I've shown them in my hauls, so now these posts will be a chance for me to show you guys what I have really  been liking from my purchases! Hope you enjoy =)

So I have been trying out quite a few new foundations the past few months in preparation for my upcoming wedding, and I thought I'd share a quick overview on my thoughts of them, as well as swatches! I've selected 4 that are my current favorites at the moment...

left to right: Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, YSL Teint Resist Foundation, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, VICHY Dermablend Corrective Foundation.

MY SKIN: My skin is normal/combination, leaning towards the dry side lately. I have pigmentation problems, as well as the occasional breakout. Usually I like full coverage foundations, but when my skin is "good" I will use medium coverage buildable foundations.


Read more for my mini-reviews and swatches!

NORDSTROM Haul! NEW Dior, YSL, Laura Mercier...

So I did a bit of a Nordstrom haul last week after I saw the new Dior bronzers that came out with their summer collection =)
On to the goods!

Picture heavy!

'Long Over-due MAC Haulage'...

This little haul is LONG over-due! Having a MACPro card means I can get products a week or so before they actually launch, so I have had these a couple weeks.. oops! =)

MAC Haul

God knows a few of these products have been done to death, so I'll just show my swatches and not bore you with tons of pics of the products themselves...

left to right: MAC MSF in "Superb" and "Whisper of Gilt", Viva Glam lipstick in "Nicki"

left to right: MAC MSF in "Superb"blended out and "Whisper of Gilt", Viva Glam lipstick in "Nicki" 

The two MSFs are showing up very true to life, but the Nicki lipstick isn't showing quite as bright as it is in person. Needless to say I LOVE the MSFs, and I'm sure Nicki is going to be a summer staple for me :)


Okay, next up I purchased MAC Chromographic pencil in Pure White and an eye shadow in Brown Script.

MAC eye shadow in "Brown Script" and MAC Chromographic pencil in "Pure White"

left to right: MAC Chromographic pencil in "NC15/NW20" and "Pure White", ES in "Brown Script" and "Espresso"

MAC Chromographic pencil in "Pure White"... I normally use my NC15/NW20 pencil for my bottom waterline to cancel out the red, and I really do like it. It's not too stark but really opens up my eyes. However, I didn't have any sort of white eye liner! I've worn Pure White on my waterline already and like it, it's just a different look. I also really needed this to define my winged liner!! I love applying it subtly underneath my wing to make it more of a statement.

MAC eye shadow in "Brown Script"... I'm in love with reddish browns, in case you didn't know =) But most  of the ones I own are darker, so I purchased Brown Script for a softer look with the same tones. I pictured it above next to Espresso just to give you an idea of the amount of warmth in the shade!

The MSFs are sold out on the MAC website, but you can still purchase Whisper of Guilt from Nordstrom's here!

So did you get the MSFs? What do you think of them??

Xx-

Bethany

Better late than never!!! =)

Alright, so I finally got a phone that I can actually do things on... and seeing WitchHazel's post about her twitter and etc made me finally get a move on. Sooooooo................................

TWITTER @Obsessions2Liv4

&

INSTAGRAM @Obsessions2Liv4

I welcome myself to the year 2012 =) Join me!!

Xx-

Bethany

TODAY: 50% off Illamasqua Blushers!!!!

Wanted to give you guys a heads-up, 5 shades of Illamasqua blushers are 50% off today on Illamasqua.com!!!! The shades include: Lover, Tremble, Katie, Hussy, and Nymph. (click here to see my post with swatches of a few of the shades) There is also free shipping for any international orders over $75.



I for one, am excited beyond belief!! I'm picking up the two shades I don't have yet, along with 2 additional shades that aren't on sale so that I can get free shipping ;)

Yay! Will you be trying out any of the blush shades?

Xx-

Bethany

APRIL Wish List: Shoes & Bags!

Lately I've found myself browsing less for makeup and more for accessories, particularly handbags and shoes! Here are a few of the things I have been lusting over lately...

Sperry Angelfish Slip On Boat Shoes

I can't help it, I think boat shoes are cute! I've basically fallen in love with these.. they must be mine! You can check them out here.

Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull MM

I haven't purchased a handbag since my last summer and I've gotten an itch for a new one! Although I would just die for a Celine Luggage bag, something like this LV tote is more affordable for me... and is still right out of my price range :)

J Crew Tillary tote

So this is my Celine-inspired substitute. This handbag is from J Crew (found here) and is leather, so I'm thinking the quality would be nice!

TOMS Ash University Rope Sole Classics

I've never been a huge fan of TOMS, but I saw these in the store a while back and I still think about them.. You can check them out here!

Xx-

Bethany

New Limited-Edition CHANEL Eye Palette!!

Am I the only one who had no idea this was coming out?!

CHANEL Limited-Edition Ombres Matelassees

I'm intrigued!

Xx-

Bethany

'NOTD: OPI Combo'...

It feels like spring has officially arrived, and some days it feels more like summer! So I needed a bright nail look to go with the weather =) I decided to go with a nail combo instead of my typical "glitter nail".. and as always, the photos don't nearly do it justice!

NOTD: OPI "Charged Up Cherry" & "Strawberry Margarita"

Shown above is Strawberry Margarita, and I've applied it on my middle and ring finger....

NOTD: OPI "Charged Up Cherry" & "Strawberry Margarita" 

And Charged Up Cherry on my thumb, pointer, and pinky fingers! Of course you can't see how bright it really is in person, but I just love the subtle difference in shade.


So, what are you wearing on your nails???

Xx-

Bethany

BEST Purchase EVER!!!

I don't know about you, but if I can't see my makeup, I don't use it. This especially applies to my NARS eye shadows. A while back I de-potted them and put them in an empty MAC palette I had.... That didn't work. I STILL couldn't see the shadows and always forgot about them!!! So I finally paid the $20 and bought a Z Palette =)    BEST. PURCHASE. EVER.

After it came in the mail I immediately bought 2 more. Check it!

Z Palette

Upcoming Collection: Illamasqua "Human Fundamentalism"

I'm super excited about the new Illamasqua Spring/Summer 2012 collection! "Human Fundamentalism" is available now for pre-order here, and features two eye shadow palettes!! Here's a peek at the collection...

Illamasqua Spring/Summer 2012 Human Fundamentalism Collection 

Illamasqua Spring/Summer 2012 Human Fundamentalism Collection  "Neutral" Palette

'HAUL China Glaze: Hunger Games'...

Okay, so I know the web is full of swatches of these polishes... but on the off-chance that you haven't checked them out yet, here are the shades I purchased!!!!

China Glaze Hunger Games Collection: "Smoke and Ashes", "Riveting", "Electrify", "Fast Track", "Luxe and Lush"

Read more for close up pictures!!

China Glaze "Hunger Games" - Sally's has it!!!!

Just a quick little blurb here.. I went to Sally's Beauty Supply earlier this week, and they had the Hunger Games nail polishes out!!! The girl working said they had gotten them last week! I thought they weren't coming out until March 26th so I was pretty pumped =)

Long story short, check your Sally's for the collection! They also have them on their website. So if you were like me and didn't realize the polishes would be out so soon, now you know!

I'll talk pictures of the colors I picked up tomorrow :)

Xx-

Bethany

'HAUL: Dior Addict EXTREME Lipsticks and NARS'...

I'm pretty much obsessed with my Dior Addict lippies, so when I saw the new EXTREME lipsticks on Sephora.com I immediately searched the internet for swatches =) Unfortunately back when I ordered there weren't too many swatches to come by, so I just picked two and went for it! Here's what I picked up...

Dior Addict EXTREME Lipsticks

Keep reading for colors, swatches, and some NARS! (a bit picture heavy)

'Illamasqua Blush Swatches'...

Illamasqua blushers are my all-time favorite! Every single blush I have purchased from Illamasqua is insanely pigmented and lasts for ages on the skin. I have purchased several and thought it'd be nice to show you swatches side-by-side so you can see the comparisons =)

Illamasqua Blushers

*all are matte unless specified
Top row (left to right): Tweak, Chased, Nymph
Bottom row (left to right): Ambition (shimmer), Lover, Lies (cream)

Illamasqua Blush Swatches

I LOVE each and every shade I own! Often, I will even base the rest of my makeup around the color blush I want to use that day :) You only need the smallest amount, so I can see these lasting me forever! A duo-fiber brush works perfectly for applying them lightly.

Illamasqua Blush Swatches

So have you tried Illamasqua blushers?! What shade is your fav?


P.S. I am currently testing out the Skin Base foundation in #07... I'll do swatches and a review once I get a chance to really use it and form a good opinion =)

Xx-

Bethany

'HAUL: CHANEL Spring Stuff!'...

Am I the only person in the world who doesn't own a CHANEL quad? Sometimes it sure feels like it, so I decided to change that ;) I'm working on getting some swatches of the quad, but for now I thought I would show you the other bits I purchased!

CHANEL HAUL

This first product I have been thinking about getting for ages.. it was reading Sandra's blog post on it that made me finally take the plunge and shell out for it!

*2012 Grammy Awards Fashion*

Normally I don't do fashion posts, but I just can't help myself!! I literally just finished watching the pre-Grammy show on tv and all I can say is WOW! Some of the women looked freaking amazing. Seriously. Here's three of my favorites =)

Jessie J @ 2012 Grammy Awards

Jessie J looked so good!!! If you get a chance you really need to see video of this gorgeous gown.. it was like she was wearing a million mirrors that just reflected the light in a million different directions! And I don't know anyone who pulls off fringe like Jessie J.

Katy Perry @ 2012 Grammy Awards

I  don't know what it is about this dress but I just think Katy Perry looked like the epitome of sophisticated retro sexy. Uhhh holy crap I just love it =)

Rihanna @ 2012 Grammy Awards 

Rihanna took my breath away when I saw her being interviewed. These pictures do not do her or her dress any justice!!! In the pic below you can see how gorgeous and luminous her skin was...

Rihanna @ 2012 Grammy Awards

She even helped design this Giorgio Armani dress. It fits her like a glove!

Rihanna @ 2012 Grammy Awards

Do you ever check out what celebrities wear to award shows?? Any favorite celeb styles?

Xx-

Bethany