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

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!

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

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

'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

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

'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!

'Upcoming Collection: Illamasqua Summer 2011'

Magenta Muse

Illamasqua Summer 2011 "Magenta Muse" Collection

"This fearless, eclectic blend of shades and textures will draw all attention to you on those heady summer nights, with an urbane gathering of cool, alternative hues in grey, mauve, magenta and teal."

So what do you think of this collection?? I must admit nothing is screaming my name, but I wanted to share it with you! The collection is out now, click here to check it out!

Xx-

Bethany

'Small Illamasqua, MUFE, Sephora HAUL'

I placed 2 different orders on Sephora.com recently, and the first one just arrived! I really couldn't be more thrilled with what I purchased =)

First up...


Illamasqua Powder Blusher in "Lover"

 Illamasqua Powder Blusher in "Lover"... I have been lusting over this blusher for months! The color is a very vibrant apricot. As with the other Illamasqua blushers I have tried, Lover is extremely pigmented! (I highly recommend using a duo fibre brush when using this product) Illamasqua just continues to impress me!



left to right: Illamasqua "Lover" blended out, "Lover" swatch

Next up...

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner #14... This is by far the most exciting product I have purchased recently =) I will insert a swatch now because I can't wait for you to see the color!!

How freakin gorgeous is that?!?! #14 is a black with mulitcolor sparkles, as you can see. The Aqua Liners are waterproof and DO NOT budge once they dry. Simply amazing! MUFE also has a pretty massive color range of these liners, but #14 stood out the most to me as being something special and a product that I will no doubt get tons of use out of. 

Photo from Temptalia.com. You can also find great swatches of all shades on her site!!

Lastly...

Sephora by OPI "Traffic-Stopper Copper"

Yep that's right, I broke my nailpolish ban. Oops =) But I made it 1 out of the 2 months!

Sephora by OPI in "Traffic-Stopper Copper"...  I love glitter polishes that have different size sparkles in them. Traffic-Stopper Copper has a clear base with fine and chunky bright copper glitter.

I have seen several people do manicures with glitter polish where the base is one color, then a different color glitter is added on top with it concentrated on the tip of the nail and fading up toward the cuticle. Do you know what I'm talking about?? I'm thinking of trying it out with this polish on top of maybe a light blue.... I'll post a NOTD with it, unless it is a total fail which is completely possible! haha

Have any of you tried the Aqua liners?? I'm in love!!!

Xx-

Bethany

'MAY Makeup Wishlist' to LIVE FOR...

Let me start out by saying, can you believe it's almost May already?!?! Ok, now on to the post  =)


It has been a while since my last makeup wishlist... so I figured it's about time for another!




Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' Eyeshadow in 02 "Lust Red"



Swatch from Temptalia.com

Giorgio Armani 'Eyes to Kill' High Voltage 24-Hour Eyeshadow in 02 "Lust Red"... I don't think this one even needs explaining. It's freaking gorgeous. =)



Estee Lauder "Crystal Pink"

Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in "Crystal Pink"... This is such a pretty pink lippie! I've been wanting to dabble in EL lipsticks and I think this will be my first! If you have never tried Estee Lauder lipsticks, like me, Sam and Nic (pixiwoo on youtube) have a great video that goes over all the different formulas and some of their favorites. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yns9-JZThs

iT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Powder

iT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Silk Micro-Powder... I heard about this product from Gina (ginabinawina99 on youtube) in a review she did. Check out the video, I guarantee you will be as sold as I am!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVyjelQwiaY




Illamasqua Powder Blusher "Lover"

 Illamasqua Powder Blusher in "Lover"... More of my Illamasqua obsession, of course! "Lover" is a gorgeous vibrant apricot color. I don't have any peach/apricot blushes in my collection yet so this one is a necessity!! Right?!.... Come on back me up here ;)



So what is on your makeup wishlist? Have you tried any of these products?? Comment below!

Xx-

Bethany

'NOTD: Illamasqua (Fail)'

It is my day off work today, and I'm feeling rather lazy. But I thought I'd throw up an easy post and show you one of my new favorite nail varnishes! =)
 I have been searching for a sort of mint green/blue and a lighter purple color since last summer. However, I need a polish that has enough vibrancy to it that it doesn't wash me out. Pastel color polishes look amazing on other people, just not me! I found this mid-tone intense purple aaaand I freakin' love it!!

Illamasqua "Jo'mina"

For some unfortunate reason this color is looking totally different in pictures than in real life. :(  FAIL! The shade is a much warmer, red-toned bright purple. How annoying, right?!



A little bit better...



The picture from Sephora.com

 I'd say the last picture, from Sephora.com, is pretty darn accurate.. and against my NOTD photo, totally different!! This is definitely a FAIL NOTD, but I just love it in person!



What do you have on your nails today??

Xx-

Bethany

'Illamasqua and MUFE Hauling'

Once again, more of my Illamasqua obsession as well as a MUFE Aqua Cream. Let's just dive in!!

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in "Lies" ($24 at Sephora)

Cream Blusher in "Lies"... This is a product often used by Tanya Burr in makeup tutorials on her youtube channel, pixi2woo. I have found her recommendations to be quite good, so I wanted to give it a try!
I like the consistency and formulation of this cream blusher. When swatching it, it feels quite slick. In comparison to a MAC creme blush (which feels thicker and more tacky) the Illamasqua cream blusher is very easy to apply to the face and blend out. However, I'm not sure if this has an effect on the lasting-power!
The color of "Lies" when swatched is much lighter than it looks in the pan. It has a very high sheen on the silvery side, so I wouldn't recommend it if you have very oily skin. It acts more as a highlighting blush. I think the color is a bit too pink to use on the cheek bones up to the temple, but it is gorgeous when blended away from the apple of your cheek! With this you really don't need a highlighter.
*I have noticed that "Lies" is no longer available on the Sephora website, so you may have to go directly to the Illamasqua site if you want to purchase it.


left to right: MUFE Aqua Cream in #14, Illamasqua Pure Pigment in "Furore", Illamasqua Cream Blusher in "Lies"



Illamasqua Pure Pigment in "Furore"... This pigment was a bit of an impluse purchase.. I initially thought I was going to get "Ore" pigment, which I've heard great things about, but at the last minute decided to get a lighter more summery shade. On the website this pigment is described as a peach champagne shimmer. Obviously photos of the colors online are never quite accurate, but because of how pink the photo looked I was expecting much more peach in the pigment.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #14... Wayne Goss does a lot of reviews over MUFE products on his youtube channel gossmakeupartist.. I'm sort of obsessed with his videos!! With summer coming up I thought it was the perfect time to purchase an Aqua Cream and see how it stands up to the heat, literally! I can't wait to use this as a base for my dark shadows, and alone for a wash of color. #14 is a gorgeous dark brown with a very red undertone. LOVE IT!



bottom to top: MUFE Aqua Cream #14, Illamasqua Pure Pigment in "Furore", Illamasqua Cream Blusher in "Lies"


Have you tried any of these products??

Xx-

Bethany

'Illamasqua Lipgloss Haul' to LIVE FOR...

So, as most of you know from previous posts I have recently gotten into Illamasqua. I finally ordered a few things to sample the products they have to offer.
First up, lipglosses! Illamasqua has two different formulas, sheer lipgloss and intense lipgloss. I decided to get one of each to test them out!

left to right: Intense lipgloss in "Follow", Sheer lipgloss in "Divine"

First let me just say I love the packaging! I would much rather use a squeeze-tube like this than to use a brush or other applicator that goes from your lips back into the product, contaminating it. Of course germs and bacteria are going to get into the gloss if you are using it directly from the tube/brush to your lips, but I just feel like a squeeze-tube is more sanitary!

left to right: Sheer lipgloss in "Divine", Intense lipgloss in "Follow"

Sheer lipgloss in "Divine"... This is a bit of a thicker gloss. It's not super creamy but not super sticky either. I really like the color this gives my lips.. it is sheer but definitely has some pigmentation going on. I have worn this quite a few times, and I would say I get about 3 hours of wear out of it.  (One day I mixed this gloss with Follow and I loved it!)

Intense lipgloss in "Follow"... This lipgloss is freaking amazing =) I am SUPER impressed and have already ordered another shade, that's how much I love this it! This is also a bit of a thicker gloss. It feels like a lipgloss but the pigmentation is like an opaque lipstick. This can also be sheered out if you just pat it onto the lips. Again, I get about 3 hours of wear out of this gloss.

The intense lipgloss is amazing all by itself, and the sheer gloss looks great alone or over a lipstick. However, if you are someone who likes a gloss that is really creamy and slippery, these may not be the glosses for you.

I highly recommend these!! Both formulations get an A in my book =)


Have you tried Illamasqua lipglosses? Do you like the sheer gloss, or the intense??

Xx-

Bethany

'INs & OUTs' to LIVE FOR...

IN:

Jessie J - Her new cd comes out April 12th and I'm soooo excited!! If you don't know who she is check her out on youtube.com, Jessica Cornish =)

House of Harlow 1960 - I'm lusting over pretty much every piece of jewelery in this collection... no joke!

House of Harlow Resin Hexagon Ring $55 @ revolveclothing.com

Illamasqua - You guys already know I'm LOVING this brand. Haul soon to come!!

LV Damier Azur Canvas Speedy 30 - Ok, I know this isn't a new bag, and about a million people have it.. but I just love it! I can't help myself!

Free People - I don't have anything from this brand, but I like lots of the clothes I see online.. I need to find a store near me that sells Free People!



OUT:

Not doing my hair. Because of work I always tie it up, and of course it get kinks (and I'm lazy) so I just never wear it down anymore. It's getting old!!



What are your INs & OUTs?? Share below!

Xx-

Bethany

New Obsession!!

Ok, so I am SUPER impressed with the new Illamasqua blush I recently picked up. I have literally been wearing it every single day! The pigmentation is crazy amazing. Believe it or not, "Chased" blush is my first and only Illamasqua product I have ever tried! I have started a list of other things I want to try, and I need your recommendations too!

What are your favorite must-have Illamasqua products?? Do you love a certain lipgloss... pigment... nail polish?? What have you tried out from Illamasqua?

Xx-

Bethany

'Online Sephora shopping' AGAIN!! uhoh =)

Hi my name is Bethany, and I'm an addict. It's becoming a problem......well...... maybe just a problem for my wallet =)

I just received a little package in the mail from Sephora. Here's what I picked up!

My "local" Sephora is about 2 hours away, so I order from their online store quite a lot. On orders of $50+ you get free shipping so of course I had to make my purchase over $50! But the main reason I wanted to place an order was for.....

MUFE Aqua Lip in 16C... This is such a bright vivid fuschia pink color! I have a few of the MUFE Aqua Eye Liner pencils and like them a lot, so I decided to try a Aqua Lip pencil to see how long the wear is. I find that my Estee Lauder Dbl Wear Lip Pencil lasts for quite a bit longer. But MUFE has such a great color range that I will definitely be purchasing more colors! =)

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in "Chased"... It is described as a "lilac pink". I don't really find that I see much lilac in the coloring. In the swatch below the lilac stands out more, but in person both of the swatches (the lip liner as well as the blush) are quite a bit brighter and more pink. This blush is SO pigmented! I really think it would suit most skin tones, cool or warm, light to dark. I really think this shade would be amazing on dark skin tones! However, I haven't actually tried it on dark skin, but I recommend to go try it!



Left to right: MUFE Aqua Lip in 16C, Illamasqua Powder Blusher in "Chased" swatched then blended out

 I also purchased a mitt to apply my St. Tropez Self-Tanner, and the St. Tropez Tan Remover. I have yet to try either of these.



Have you used any of these products? I'm especially interested to hear if you have tried the St. Tropez Tan Remover!

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