Monday, April 26, 2010

face of the day: diorskin airflash, purple eyes, & instant chic blush


I woke up today really wanting to wear purple eyeshadow.  I know purples are supposed to be great for brown eyes, but I think it's really easy to look "Jersey Shore" if you go overboard, so it's not a color I use that much -- even though I have quite a few in my collection! I also have a hard time coordinating my lips to purple eyes.  With all doubts aside, I liked how this turned out!


Face: Diorskin Airflash foundation (sprayed face, then blended w/the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge), YSL Touche Eclat (under eyes), YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun, MAC MSF Natural (t-zone)

Eyes: UDPP (Urban Decay Primer Potion) in Eden, MAC Beautiful Iris e/s (all over lid and on lashline), Urban Decay Alice palette: Curiouser (all over lid), Underland (crease, outer V), White Rabbit (brow highlight), MUFE #9 e/s (over Underland), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), Smashbox Heartbreaker liner, ALMAY Intense I-Color in Purple Amethyst (on lashline, waterline -- this liner is oooold!!), Lancome Hypnose Drama + Givenchy Phenomen'eyes mascaras

Cheeks: MAC Instant Chic blush, MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder (highlight)

Lips: MAC In Synch lip liner + NYX India lipstick


Since I've used it the past two days, I thought I'd show you what the MAC In Synch lip liner looks like on its own (I don't line the edges, but instead color my lips in completely so that the liner is a base):



Thoughts on Diorskin Airflash:  I really liked this!  I had to spray it probably five times on my face, which I didn't like since I'm not sure how many uses I'll get out of a can (I tried spraying it on the sponge first, but didn't like the effect), but I love how it had the effect of a liquid foundation while feeling LIGHT AS AIR on my skin.  Seriously, my skin just felt smooth and soft, but like I didn't even have foundation on!  The coverage is light (which I usually don't like!), but with this I don't mind because my skin managed to look great with it on anyways!  I'd definitely recommend this for ladies who've been dying to try the Temptu Airbrush system but don't want to drop $$$$$ for it.  I mean, Diorskin Airflash isn't cheap by any means, but $$$ is a lot better than $$$$$, right? ;)

I'll be sure to let you know if I change my mind, but I think I've found a great summer foundation!

I'm also in LOVE with the MAC Instant Chic blush from the Pret-a-Papier collection.  I've heard a lot of olive and dark-skinned ladies say the color is too light, but it works great on my fair skin, and I'm sure other fair-skinned ladies would love it too.

Lord, I'm on a blogging roll today, huh?? haha

See you soon!
xoxo
Jess


recent haulage (sephora, target, mac, chanel, dior, books, auction sites) & my sock monster!

Just a warning up front: this is NOT just a haul from yesterday!  Most of this is stuff from the past few weeks that either came in the mail or that I've just neglected to post about until now. :)

I had to return a couple of things to the mall today -- in case you didn't know, I'm not just a shopaholic but a returnaholic! It's like getting to recycle your shopping! haha -- and I walked out with these three lovelies!

Diorskin Airflash foundation (shade 200), 
MAC Instant Chic blush from the Pret-a-Papier collection, 
Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in 187 Genial

The Dior Airflash foundation is in an aerosol can and is supposed to deliver an airbrushed finish that feels lightweight and lasts all day, even in hot climates.  I tend to be a liquid foundation girl, but in Florida summers, that can be a challenge, so I'm excited to try this! And of course MAC released a new collection, Pret-a-Papier, this past week, so I wanted to check that out.  I'm very impressed with myself that I only walked out with one thing!  The Chanel lipstick, Genial, reminds me of the YSL Rouge Volupte in #27 Rose Paris, but with more staying power.  I love the new packaging (so sleek!) and scent (very light, less old-lady!). 

By the way, the ladies at the Chanel counter were SHOCKED that my nail polish was China Glaze's For Audrey and not the new Chanel Nouvelle Vague polish.  So for anyone tempted to drop $23 for Chanel's Nouvelle Vague, I highly recommend checking out China Glaze's For Audrey instead.  I got mine for about $5 on eBay!

For comparison purposes:

photo credit: alllacqueredup.com

Alright, back to the haulage!

Target finds: Bambi cereal bowl, Sonia Kashuk blending sponge, 
Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub, Madonna Celebration CD

I loved last week's Madonna tribute episode of Glee, but instead of going for the Glee mini-album, I went for the real thing. :)

iOffer & eBay: The Babysitter's Club Complete Series on DVD,
YSL Rouge Volupte #13 Peach Passion ($13!)

I was so in love with the Babysitter's Club books and TV show when I was growing up, and was SO EXCITED to find the full series on iOffer.  I've been watching it obsessively for the past few days!


Sephora 15% off sale: Harajuku Lovers cosmetic bag (cutest. print. ever), 
Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties fragrance in Love, Evian Facial Mist

And lastly, some reading material (like I'm really lacking in that department!):

Amazon.com: Kelly Cutrone: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside; 
Sophie Dahl: Miss Dahl's Voluptous Delights;
Sarah Silverman: The Bedwetter

I love a good bio 
(especially a funny one, like Sarah) by a bad-ass lady (like Kelly).  And Sophie Dahl's book is a *gorgeous* coffee-table-ish cookbook slash biography.  I've always loved her as a model and writer (she's Roald Dahl's granddaughter!), and when I saw a feature on this in a magazine, I had to have it!




So that's that.  I hope you enjoyed!  And before I go, I wanted to show you that I'm not the only one in this apartment who likes to "collect" things!




Sparky with his collection of dirty socks and stockings -- his favorite toys!

See you soon!

xoxo
Jess





Sunday, April 25, 2010

face, outfit, & nails of the day (more to come tomorrow!)


Face: Nars Sheer Glow foundation, Evian facial mist (to set), YSL Touche Eclat (under eyes), MAC MSF Natural (in T-Zone), YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun (all over as bronzer)

Cheeks:  Givenchy Le Prisme Blush in In Vogue Orange, MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (highlight)

Eyes: same as the last post + Smashbox Heartbreaker liner, Urban Decay Alice palette: White Rabbit e/s (as highlight under brows), Lancome Hypnose Drama & Givenchy Phenom'eneyes mascaras (top coat) 

Lips: MAC In Synch lip liner (completely coloring in lips), Illamasqua Obey lipstick


And here's the outfit... (yes, I was at Target! Of course!)


Dress:  Forever21
Vest: Target
Boots: Sam Edelman
Necklace: Aldo
Ring (shown below): Target
Bag (not shown): Miu Miu (I love it so much because it goes with EVERYTHING!)


nails are For Audrey by China Glaze

Sorry so short, but I've had such a busy day and I am tiiiiired! Lots more to come tomorrow, so stay tuned! :)

Love you all!
xoxo
Jess

P.S.  Here's a pic of the Givenchy blush I've been using, erm...every day?... since I got it.  It's so perfect!! Lighting's a little off, but you get the idea!

Givenchy Le Prisme blush in In Vogue Orange



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

face of the day

I'm a creature of habit, so here I am again with a face of the day!  Please, if there's anything you'd like to see me post about, or a product you'd like me to review, etc., PLEASE let me know!  I'd love to hear your ideas!


Face: Revlon Mineral Mousse foundation, MAC MSF Natural, YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun, Givenchy Le Prisme blush in In Vogue Orange, MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (as highlight)

Eyes: MAC Free to Be e/s (lid to crease, under eye), Urban Decay Alice palette: Muchness (layered over Free to Be) and Mad Hatter (crease, outer V), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), Urban Decay 24/7 liner in 1999 (lashline/waterline only), YSL Faux Cils mascara

Lips: LORAC Babydoll l/s (as base) + MAC Ever Hip l/s



The above pic was taken by my *actual* camera -- weird how the colors look so different, even though it was taken in the same spot and in the same light!

And I actually remembered to take a creepy eye pic!


This is definitely a look I'm gonna repeat a lot while the weather's warm!  Hope you enjoyed!

xoxo
Jess

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

another youtube tutorial-inspired fotd + ootd + a new h&m top

Wow, that's one beast of a title! It was another rainy day in Orlando, but fortunately there was about 30 minutes of decent sunlight to take a makeup pic today.  Yay!  I was inspired by another YouTube tutorial by michele1218.  I just think she looks so gorgeous and sun-kissed lately, and I have really been loving her tutorials -- which is saying a lot, because I'm usually not a huge fan of tutorials.  I'm more of a "haul" and "monthly favorites" gal (could ya tell??).  Click here to watch the video: Neutral Eye Series: Urban Decay - Bronzy, Fresh, & Glowing!


Face: NARS Sheer Glow foundation (used Evian facial mist to set), MAC MSF Natural (only in the T-Zone), YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun

Cheeks: Illamasqua Rude cream blush (as base), Givenchy Prisme blush in In Vogue Orange, MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder (as highlight)

Eyes: MAC Hey e/s (lid, inner corners, lower lashline), MAC Free to Be e/s (crease), Urban Decay Toasted e/s (outer V), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), MUFE Aqua Eyes gold liner (lashline/waterline), YSL Mascara Singulier

Lips: MAC Ever Hip lipstick, MAC Ember Glow lipglass

My lids are really hooded.  I should probably take FOTD pics with my eyes closed, too, so you can actually see the eye makeup... :P

I had to (begrudgingly, actually -- I was really not in the mood to shop, or even go out period!) go to the mall today to return a bottle of Chloe perfume to Sephora.  I thought I liked it when I tested it, but I was wrooooong!  I haven't hated a perfume this much since Lush's Vanillary!! I seriously had to take a shower to get the scent of me.  It caused an insta-migraine and made me nauseous, too.  I'm just not a fan of rose scents in a fragrance, I guess.  So sad, too, that the bottle is so lovely!

I also had to return a jacket to H&M (from my Garden Collection haul a few weeks back).  I just realized I probably won't wear it, and it wrinkled like crazy just from being in the bag. :/  They did have some new stuff from the Garden Collection on display, though, and I really loved this top: 


You know it's an off day for me when I exit the mall with one thing, and more money in my wallet than I had going in!

Here's the outfit of the day:


Top: Forever21
Vest: Gap
Shorts, Bracelet: Target
Necklace: used to be Mom's
Sandals: Boutique 9
Bag: Miu Miu

Tomorrow it's back to work for me.  So sad... Hope everyone has a great week!

xoxo
Jess

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sunday haul!

Yesterday was yucky and rainy and just... blech.  I woke up at 10:30 but went back to bed about an hour later because it was so dark and gross out that I didn't really feel awake.... and I woke up at 2 PM! At that point I decided I was going to face the rain and get out of the house!

Here's what I hauled:

Tone Almond Milk body wash (probably my drugstore favorite), Tresemme 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray (love the hair spray, wanted to try this), The Body Shop mini body butters: Strawberry and Cocoa Butter (on sale: 2 for $12, usually $8 each), Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail color in White On, Nicole by OPI polish in Peas and Q's, MAC eyeshadows: Hey and Free to Be, jewelry from Target (oversized stud earrings, wood bracelet, stretchy adjustable cocktail ring), Orbit Sweet Mint 3-pack ($2)

Usually I wouldn't include the gum in the haul, but I am ADDICTED to Orbit Sweet Mint.  It's seriously the best, longest lasting gum on earth.  It's a staple in my handbag. ;)

I also grabbed two quick "throw on" dresses for summer at Forever21 (Faith21), since it's been consistently in the 80s the past few weeks, and I know it's only gonna get hotter!




And this top is from Forever 21, too.  I love vintage-y florals!


And the outfit of the day (no face of the day -- the weather was so bad, I couldn't get decent lighting for a face shot!):


my right hand looks so weird in this pic! haha

Top: Dorothy Perkins
Shorts, Necklace: Target
Sandals: Boutique 9 (these were a mistake to wear in the rain!!)
Earrings (not shown): white thumbtack studs from H&M
Bag (not shown): Miu Miu
Umbrella (not shown): leopard print from J.Crew

And here's swatches of my recent nail polish buys (sorry again for the crap lighting!):

Sally Hansen White On, Nicole by OPI Peas and Q's, Revlon Tropical Temptation


Hope everyone had a nice weekend! See you soon!

xoxo
Jess

Saturday, April 17, 2010

another face of the day + mom's birthday present from dad (so cute!)

Ugh, I have a rotten cold right now, and it is NOT FUN!! *sniff, sniff* -- literally!


Yes, it's another face of the day post, just because they're simple enough to do on workdays! ;)  I guess you could call this a label whore face of the day, because I used a lot of high-end brands today.  Ack!



Face: NARS Sheer Glow foundation (Mont Blanc - a perfect match!), MAC MSF Natural, YSL Touche Eclat (under eyes) YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun, Givenchy Le Prisme Blush 25 In Vogue Orange (like MAC's Ripe Peach but 10x better, in my opinion!) 


Eyes: MAC Shroom e/s (all over lid), Shu Uemura ME 450 e/s (a metallic olive green; in crease, outer V), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), L'Oreal Hip Cream Liner in Teal (upper lashline), MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L (lower lashline/waterline), MAC Star Violet e/s (lower lashline), YSL Mascara Singulier


Lips:  YSL Rouge Pur lipstick in 148 Tea Rose


later, with MAC Creme d'Nude lipstick

I also used Evian Facial Mist for the first time today, to set my foundation.  It feels so refreshing and really let the foundation sink into my skin nicely.  I highly recommend it!

And before I go, I wanted to share a photo Dad sent me the other day.  He surprised Mom with a super-sweet early birthday present (it was also the 40th anniversary of their first date!) -- a pink, cherry-embellished bag by Juicy Couture!  Nice work, Dadd-o!! ;)

Her actual birthday is April 23rd -- happy early birthday, Mama! 

Don't you just love moms and dads sometimes?? haha  I mean, I love mine alll the time, of course (yes, Mom, I know you read my blog...), but sometimes they are just extra cute. ;)

Bye lovelies!
xoxo Jess

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

face of the day

Pardon the work uniform!! >_<


Face: Revlon Mineral Mousse Foundation, MAC MSF Natural, YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun

Eyes: Urban Decay Alice palette (Muchness on lid/under eyes; Chessur in crease/outer V; White Rabbit in inner rims), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner rims), MAC Rich Ground fluidline (top), Sephora Liner Electro pencil in Electro Choc (waterline), YSL Mascara Singulier

Lips: MAC Victorian lipstick

Monday, April 12, 2010

this past week's haulage :)

Here's this past week's haul.  I love to read about and see pics of stuff people buy -- I'm just vapid that way, I guess!  Have you gotten anything fun for yourself (or someone else?) lately?  Tell me about it! :)

Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Rejuvenating Facial Serum and Night in Shining Armour Cream, lips stud earrings from Forever21 (also picked up a grey bow headband, shown in last post), YSL Poudre Soleil in Light Sun, YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris, Revlon Tropical Temptation nail polish

I got the Soap & Glory stuff from Target last Tuesday when I went to pick up Sparky's new doggy bed. I've been wanting to try them for a loooong time.  So far, I am really loving them.  I can already see and feel a difference in my skin.  I highly recommend them!

The YSL stuffs I got from Sephora on Sunday with the *fabulous* 15% off Beauty Insiders sale that's going on right now (through April 19th).  Now's the perfect time to pick up those things you've wanted for a long time, but have held off on because of the price.  That 15% can go a long way, especially with high-end brands!

The nail polish I actually got for free.  :D  Walgreens sometimes sends pharmacy incentives (I always rotate between Walgreens and Target for this reason!), and I got a $25 gift certificate, just for getting my $4 generic prescription filled there! Score! (The rest of what I got was groceries and two magazines -- nothing exciting!)

necklace from Aldo Accessories

I loooove this necklace!  I love that it's mixed metals, that it's BOWS, and that it's chunky and gaudy and basically the perfect length.  They had *so much* cute jewelry, and some really cute bags, too.  Forget the shoes, I'm all about Aldo's accessories line!

top from H&M ($9.95 - total steal!)

H&M can be really hit or miss for me, but I'm really loving bright florals right now (he-llo, Liberty for Target...) AND ruched sleeves, so this top is perfect! I think Holly (Yummy Mummy's Beauty Blog) wore this in her March Favorites video (click the link to watch the video).

the cuuuutest umbrella from H&M, cupcake Vinylmation figure (eBay)

Nick, you will be pleased to know I walked out of the mall Sunday afternoon with the umbrella opened like a parasol, all Nicole Kidman-esque. :)

That's all for now, lovelies.  See you soon!

xoxo
Jess

how to train your dragon + fotd...

So.... just got home from seeing How to Train Your Dragon in 3D.


It was amazing.  I laughed, I cried, and I squealed and clapped along with the rest of the crowd when it ended.  I hate spoilers, so all I can do is tell you to go see it, especially if you're an animal lover.  You'll love it (and if you don't, you can rag on me afterwards!).  Check out the reviews at rottentomatoes.com and you'll see I'm not alone in my dragon-size (lol) love for this movie.

Here's my face after the movie:

cryin' fool!

Moving on... my makeup look today was inspired by Michelle's YouTube tutorial -- click the link to watch!


I changed the necklace to the one in my haul (scroll up to the next post) before I left!

Face: Revlon Mineral Mousse foundation (I love this so much -- don't even need powder, and it stays matte all day!), YSL Poudre de Soleil in Light Sun

Eyes: Urban Decay Alice palette (White Rabbit in inner corners, Chessur on lid/crease, Wonderland on crease/outer V, Jabberwocky to darken crease/outer V), MUFE Aqua Eyes gold/bronze shade (always forget the number! used on top and in waterline), Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips:  YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris


This is what I wore first before I changed (this happens often - I'm very indecisive!!).  I'm sticking this in for two reasons. 1) I wanted to share the love for MAC Petals &Peacocks lipstick, and 2) I got this headband yesterday at Forever21, but I forgot to include it in my haul pics. :\

Okay, so, I decided this post is gonna be insane if I put the haul stuff in here, too, so I'm gonna do it in a second post.  Stay tuned!

xoxo 
Jess



yesterday's outfit & face of the day

I'm gonna be heading out soon to watch How to Train Your Dragon in 3D. It looks so good (it's scored a 98% on RottenTomatoes.com so far!) -- I just hope it doesn't make me cry!!

So stay tuned for a post later tonight about my face of the day for today and of course the Sunday haulage.  For now, here's a quick look at what I wore yesterday. Enjoy! :)


Top: Old Navy
Shorts: Target
Boots: Sam Edelman
Bag: Miu Miu
Necklace: Aldo

Sorry the face of the day pic is so crappy -- I didn't get a chance to take one before I went out, so this was taken around 8PM with the patio light on... shiny forehead alert!


Face: Revlon Mineral Mousse foundation, Benefit Hoola bronzer, MUFE HD blush #14, MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder

Eyes:  Nars Lola Lola e/s (lid, under eyes), MAC Glamour Check e/s (crease, outer V), MUFE Star Powder in 955 (dusted all over lid), Stila Golden Noir smudge pot (top; I've basically come to terms with HATING this -- so much fallout from the glitter.. I was wiping black specks from under my eyes all day!), MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L (waterline), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris

Be back soon!! :)

Friday, April 9, 2010

face of the day






Face:  Revlon Mineral Mousse Foundation (030), Benefit Hoola bronzer, Shu Uemura blush in M Peach 44

Eyes: MAC Painterly paint pot (I use this pretty much every day, but I usually forget to list it!), Nars Lola Lola e/s (lid, under eyes), MAC Swiss Chocolate e/s (crease, outer V), Sephora Liner Electro pencil in Electro Choc (waterline only), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips: YSL Rouge Pur in 148 Tea Rose


And a quick hello from Sparky (mid-snuggle)...



Hope you all are having a great day!

xoxo

march faves -- breakin' it down!

So, I kindasortatotally hated what a clusterfart my march favorites were.  I just had sooo many, especially since it was my first faves post.

Here's a breakdown -- I hope this helps!

HAIR PRODUCTS



Tresemme 24 Hour Body hair spray (gives hair hold & body far superior to the often-raved-about Elnett)
Lush Big shampoo (so fun to use, and the sea-salt scent is delish -- makes my hair tangly, but it's worth it for the volume I get after I blow-dry!)
Veganese conditioner (not the greatest conditioner ever, but the lemon-lime scent is AWESOME and works so well with Big, I just can't give it up)



BATH/BODY PRODUCTS



Lush Honey I Washed the Kids soap (smells amaaaazing, really nice texture/consistency)
Kings & Queens Queen Elizabeth Sugar shower gel (ditto for this fruity scent)
Lush Lemony Flutter cuticle butter (smells like lemon Pez and works wonders on beat-up hands)
Lush Dorothy bubble bar (cute, with a really relaxing scent -- and turns the bath a pretty blue hue)
Lush Dream Cream (like a miracle cream for dry skin)
Soap & Glory Blueberry Thrill big butter (I love the texture and scent of this)



FACE PRODUCTS



Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous "foundation faker" (nice light texture, gives a dewy glow)
MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (works beautifully as both a blush or highlight on cheeks)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (the perfect face powder)
MAC Dainty mineralize blush
Illamasqua cream blush in Rude 
Make Up For Ever HD blush in #14 Star Struck (the perfect peach)
MAC Studio Finish concealer (the best spot concealer I've tried)




EYE PRODUCTS




MAC Bough Grey eyeshadow
Urban Decay Alice Book of Shadows
Nars Lola Lola eyeshadow
MAC Black Tied eyeshadow (my go-to for a smoky eye crease/outer V)
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner in 18L (my favorite waterline shade; a subtle burgundy that draws attention to the eye more than a matchy-matchy shade!)
Smashbox Heartbreaker Liquid Liner Pen (this is the best liquid liner I've ever used.  It doesn't budge OR smudge.  Too bad it was limited edition! Ugh!!)
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara (hands down the best mascara I've ever tried -- and I've tried a LOT! dramatic lashes, no smudging or flaking, nice subtle tuberose scent)


LIP PRODUCTS



YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick #30 Faubourg Peach (the perfect coral, part one)
MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick
MAC Perennial High Style lipglass (looks great over pinks, nudes, and corals)
Lancome Chris & Tell lipstick (the perfect coral, part two)
Tarina Tarantino Showroom conditioning lip sheen (my favorite work-appropriate pink)
NYX Black Label lipstick in India (perfect nude pink, like YSL Rouge Pur 148 Tea Rose or MAC Hue, but better!)


NAIL PRODUCTS


OPI Mad as a Hatter (the best glitter polish ever!)
China Glaze Something Sweet (this season's equivalent to OPI's Mod About You -- one of my all-time faves)
Essie Van D'Go (the perfect peachy-pink -- essentially my favorite lipstick shade in a nail polish!)
Illamasqua Milf (forget Chanel's Jade, this green is amazing)


No details on the rest, 'cause I think they're pretty self-explanatory!  Okay, lovelies, it's off to bed for me.  Thanks for reading!

xoxo Jess