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!!!

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

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

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

'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)

'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!

'Shop MAC & Permanent Products HAUL'...

Ok so I realize this collection is/will be done to death buuuut I wanted to share what I picked up, because I'm excited about it! Here we go...

Shop MAC Collection

Click to see what I got with swatches!! (picture heavy)

NOTD: Poke =)

This polish has been sitting on my nail polish rack for ages, I have no clue why I haven't used it yet! It's amazing and bold and makes me smile =)

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Poke"

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Poke"... I love this purple! Almost opaque in 1 coat, I added a second just to be safe. In pictures it is looking a bit more cool-toned, but this is definitely a red based purple and has a beautiful sheen. Illamasqua's polishes continue to impress me!

And for my glitter nail...

OPI nail lacquer Designer Series in "DS Temptation"

OPI nail lacquer in "DS Temptation"... I'm not sure why this kept photographing so blue. This polish looks much much more purple in person, both in the bottle and on the nail. It's a gorgeous glitter polish with base of purple glitter and holographic pieces that go from blue to green to almost yellow.

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Poke", OPI nail lacquer in "DS Temptation", OPI RapiDry Top Coat

OPI RapiDry Top Coat... My favorite top coat =)



Have you tried Illamasqua polishes?? I think I'm definitely picking up the hot pink color they have (the name escapes me) for this summer!

Xx-

Bethany

'NEW! Edward Bess & LORAC'...

In case you have been hiding under a rock and haven't heard, Sephora is now selling Edward Bess. I hadn't heard much about the brand until a few weeks ago when I did some research on the brand. Needless to say I was intrigued by this new brand and had to try something!

And so, my very small Sephora order...

Edward Bess Illuminator, LORAC blush, Laura Mercier foundation primer

Read on for swatches and my mini review!

CHANEL Rouge Allure in "Enivree"...

It's crazy how reading blogs influences my makeup purchases.. hence and point, this Chanel lippie in Enivree =)

CHANEL Rouge Allure lipstick in 197 "Enivree"

I can't quite remember who's blog it was, but I saw this lipstick swatched and immediately ordered it off of CHANEL's website. This is my perfect everyday lipstick!

CHANEL Rouge Allure lipstick in 197 "Enivree"

(Can you tell that I have been meaning to do this post for a while now..Christmas tree in the background! haha)
I love that it's a pink I don't have to "pat" onto my lips in order to not have super pink over-done look. I also love that the shimmer/very small glitter in the lipstick is pink, not your typical gold!

CHANEL Rouge Allure lipstick in 197 "Enivree"

CHANEL Rouge Allure lipstick in 197 "Enivree"

So what do you think? Have you tried any other Rouge Allure shades? Any recommendations?!

Xx-

Bethany

HAUL - Giorgio Armani, Lancome, YSL, etc!

So at the same time that I ordered my Estee Lauder Powder Gelee, I also picked up a few more things that have been on my wishlist...

Haul 1-5

Keep reading to see swatches of the goodies!!

Estee Lauder Illuminating Powder Gelee

Let's get to it... Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in Topaz Chameleon!!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in "Topaz Chameleon "

Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in "Topaz Chameleon "

I'm still bummed that I missed out on the last highlighter in this formula that Estee Lauder released. So, when I saw this product was coming out I went straight to EsteeLauder.com and ordered mine :) When I purchased it I thought I was just pre-ordering it, but the very next day I received an email saying my order had shipped! Score!
This product is so gorgeous and highly pigmented. I think it's going to be an absolutely amazing highlighter/addition to my blush, during the summer especially!

swatch: Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in "Topaz Chameleon" 

At the moment I'm pretty darn pale, but I have tried this already (I couldn't help myself!) on my cheek bones :) Even with a light complexion you can use this product, but with a very light hand!
I just love the feel and look of this illuminator!


Have you guys been able to check this out yet?! Will you purchase?

Xx-

Bethany

Sephora: Friends & Family HAUL!

So it's been a while (to say the least) since my last post. I only have the typical excuse, work and school has been keeping me busy! But here I finally am to show you some goodies that I picked up during the Sephora Friends & Family sale a few weeks back. Enjoy!!!

Keep reading for pictures, swatches, and my thoughts!!

MAC Make Me Over & Permanent Products HAUL!

Initially I was thinking of purchasing 3 products from MAC's Make Me Over Collection, but only ended up with one aaaaand a bunch of other products from their permanent line.

MAC Haul

Keep reading for more pictures and swatches!

I just can't get enough! Sephora goodies =)

Though I may not have been blogging the last couple weeks, I have STILL been shopping (of course!).

Sephora Goodies

Believe it or not, this order was inspired by Christina Aguilera's amazing cheek highlight in the movie Burlesque... (This isn't a great picture of it, but if you have seen the movie you know what I mean!)

Christina Aguilera in "Burlesque"

Keep reading to find out more!!

Let's talk brushes: That Sigma thing...

Yes, Sigma is ALL OVER blogger and youtube, and I for one did not buy into the hype. To be quite honest I think it was all the hype surrounding Sigma that turned me off the brand. I'm perfectly happy with my MAC brushes and I'm perfectly happy with the price of them.

Well, unfortunately MAC does not make a flat top kabuki brush for applying foundation. Wtf? MAC needs to get on that! Way back in the day they made one, which I have (the 180 I think??), but I was in desperate need of another!

So I sucked it up and ordered the darn Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80 from Sigma. ;) Of course I picked up a couple other brushes too just to make paying shipping worth it.

bottom to top: Sigma Tapered Blending E35, Eye Liner E05, Small Tapered Blending E45, Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80

Keep reading for the break-down, review, and more photos!

'A little Sephora Haulage'...

Moving day is finally here! As I mentioned before, the boyfriend and I are moving states, AGAIN. As a result I will be without internet for a while :( So I leave you now with some Sephora goodies!

I decided it was about time to make a little dent in my Sephora Wish List =) Not to mention I have been out of my HG cuticle cream for quite a while now, so it was needed!

Sephora Haul

Read on for the breakdown!

'OPI Haul!!'

When I visited home a few weeks ago I sort of went crazy with OPI. It isn't available where I live now (or where I'm moving to) so I felt like I needed to stock up! Makes total sense, right? ;) The boyfriend would be completely horrified if he saw this.. good thing he's not into beauty blogs!!

OPI Haul

Read on for close-ups and swatches!

Let's talk brushes: Real Techniques...

Have you ever taken a step back, looked at your makeup collection, and realized you were in a makeup rut?? Well that's how I am with brushes!! I realized LITERALLY every brush I own is by MAC. I swear I didn't do it on purpose! haha  MAC has quality brushes, is easily accessible to me, and is right at my price point (with my discount!)... So it just happened!

When Samantha Chapman (of Pixiwoo) designed a brush line I knew things were about to change with my brush collection =) Coming from one of the Chapman sisters meant I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed!!

Here are the 2 I have picked up so far...

Real Techniques: Shading brush, Foundation brush

Read on for more photos and my thoughts on them!