a blush-happy fotd & some good "mews" ;)

FACE: MAC Face + Body foundation (regretting the decision to pull this out again, judging by the huge pimple I have on my jawline now!), MAC MSF Natural, Dior Aurora bronzer, MAC Instant Chic blush, MAC Light Flush MSF

EYES: MUFE Aqua Cream #13, Buxom Stay-There e/s in Mutt, the dark shade from the NARS Dogon e/s duo, Sephora Jumbo Liner in Beige, Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Liner in Emerald (too bad you can't see it because my eyes are hooded!), MAC Lingering brow pencil, Fairy Drops Scandal Queen mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash mascara

*I forgot to use my YSL Touche Eclat under my eyes this day - I can definitely tell the difference compared to days when I do wear it! That stuff works miracles, I tell ya.

LIPS: I first applied CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipstick in Fairytale, wiped it off (it leaves a nice stain behind), then applied Topshop Nevada lipstick on top

nails are Revlon Just Tinted polish in Dawn

While I'm here I also wanted to share some news with you all that I'm super excited about - in mid-June I'm going to be the proud mama of two very sweet kitties! I haven't had Sparky as of about 3 months ago (I looooved that doggy, but he belonged to my ex, and I just didn't feel right about sharing him anymore - it was hard to let go!). Anyways, I've really been missing the joy that having a pet brings, so when my co-worker told me about a litter of kittens her boyfriend found, I told her I was definitely interested! She's been taking care of them for the past two weeks, giving them medicine, eye drops, etc. I got a chance to visit them this past Sunday, and I fell so in love! I'm going to be taking two of them, an orange one and a black one. I think I'm going to name them Sammy (orange) and Oliver (black), but I'm not sure yet! 

Here are a few (crappy!) pics I took of them during my visit:

mine on the left, w/one of his cute brothers (they're all boys, by the way!)

my little guy is on the left! <3

I'm an all-around animal lover, and I can't wait for these babies to come home! In the meantime, I better stock up on Allegra and Alaway! ;)

Hope you're all having a great week!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

haul (sephora, lush, topshop, drugstore)

Some things I gave in to from the past few weeks...

bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor (in Free Will), Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow in Mutt, Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof liner in Rose Platine, Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner #11

I went to Sephora to make a return (YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in #3 Juicy Grapefruit - really disappointing!), but you know how that goes... They had loads of new products in stock, and after a loooong browse, I decided on three things. I'm happy to say I was really pleased with my little haul! The bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor is like a lipstick/lipgloss in one, and the shade Free Will is a really flattering pinky nude (not brown at ALL, which is what I feared!). I've been using the Buxom Stay-There eyeshadow in Mutt over a base of MUFE Aqua Cream in #13 (a metallic beige) - I really love this combo!

I wanted the MUFE Aqua Liner in #4 (the teal/turquoise), but it was out of stock. Upon swatching the other shades, I fell in love with #11, a really unique burgundy. I rarely stray from black liquid liner on the lid, but shockingly, I've used this almost every day since I got it. It's surprisingly versatile, and I'm not joking, it does NOT move, smudge, smear, or flake. I still want #4, but I'm thinking I need a black, too.  It's that good.

While I was at the mall, I popped into Nordstrom, wanting to swatch the Chanel Rose Platine liner. Well, of coooourse it was gorgeous, and I couldn't walk away without it. So here we are.

Buxom Mutt, bareMinerals Free Will, MUFE Aqua Liner #11, Chanel Rose Platine

Buxom Stay-There eyeshadow in Mutt (I love the texture - spongey?)

bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor in Free Will

 

MUFE Aqua Liner - such a precise point!

Lush Dark Angels cleanser, Ocean Salt (sample), Catastrophe Cosmetic face mask

I haven't bought anything from Lush in ages, but sometimes I like to go in the shop and scope out the face masks. I'd always wanted to try the Catastrophe Cosmetic mask (the blueberry one), but whenever I checked, it'd be out of stock! There happened to be one in stock that day, so I grabbed it, along with what is probably my favorite face cleanser/exfoliator ever, Dark Angels. I loooove this stuff (I've repurchased three times at least!). You only need a tiny amount, so this tub will last a good month or more (because I tend to use it daily...). It really helps keep my skin clear - I just have to be sure to rinse really well so there's no black residue left behind. And be warned, this is NOT to be used in the sink - way too messy!

Topshop lipsticks in Nevada, Ooh La La, and Coy - the rest were freebies! (hair pins, black felt liner - which is crap, some not-too-shabby face wipes, and a little bag)

I wasn't planning to buy from Topshop (their usual flat rate shipping is RIDICULOUS!), but they had a rare complimentary shipping promotion, so I took advantage and bought three lipsticks I'd had my eye on. They also had a promotion for a bag of freebies when you buy three cosmetic items - so it was definitely the right time to make a purchase! I really love the bullet lipsticks, but the pencil was a bit disappointing. It's very similar in color to NARS Bolero (which I expected, and as I looove Bolero, was part of why I wanted to try it), but it's much drier and less smooth than NARS Bolero. Oh well, at the least the other two are winners!

Topshop lipsticks in Ooh La La and Nevada

Topshop lipstick in Ooh La La

Topshop lipstick in Nevada

Topshop Coy (similar to NARS Bolero, but not nearly as smooth!)

NARS Bolero lip pencil vs. Topshop Coy - very similar shades!

CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipstick in Fairytale, Revlon Just Tinted nail polish in Dawn, Revlon Grow Luscious lash liner in Emerald

The nail polish purchase was out of sheer curiosity, but I'm so happy with it.  It's like a matte finish jelly, if that makes sense.  I used it with a top coat and it looked so pretty! Don't be fooled by the new lipstain of the same name - it looks like it'd be a pretty coral/orange, but it's actual a dark blood red/brown. Yuck!

Topshop Nevada, Ooh La La, Coy; Revlon Emerald, CG Fairytale

I tested the Revlon Emerald pencil on my upper lashline, and it wore surprisingly well without smudging.  It's also quite pigmented, and such a great shade (put it this way, I'm as much a sucker for this shade in eye products as I am for a nude lipstick).  

CG Fairytale (I didn't apply this very well! haha)

I practically never buy CoverGirl products - aside from their LashBlast mascara, I find most of their products to be below par, and besides, I think they are a brand that does animal testing (boo). However, this shade was hard to ignore after a while, as it looked like a dupe for two of my favorite red/corals, YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris and Chanel Rouge Allure in Genial. I also think red corals are pretty universally flattering, and require so much less bravery than a straight up in-your-face red. I've gotta say I like the "flavor" of this lippie, too.  It reminds me of candy necklaces, of all things.

  

top to bottom: CG Fairytale, YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris, Chanel Genial

Of all the items in this haul, I have just one regret - the Topshop Coy lipstick pencil. NARS Bolero is just better, in my opinion. But it's not a 100% regret, because having three items in my basket was what enabled me to get all the freebies... I think I'd just rather have purchased a different product from them instead.

What have you all bought lately? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, lovelies!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

some recent FOTDs + an OOTD

FACE: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Dior Aurora bronzer, Illamasqua Tremble, YSL Metallic Colorama

EYES: Dior Rosy Tan quint,  MAC Sand & Sun e/s, LORAC Front of the Line Pro liner, Sephora Jumbo liner in Beige, MAC Lingering brow pencil, FairyDrops Scandal Queen mascara

LIPS: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance, Chanel Rouge Extrait de Gloss in Genie

...wearing basically the same things as the last look, but with MAC Instant Chic blush, Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Free Will (this looked brown in swatches I'd seen, but in person - on me, at least - it's a pink nude - my fave!), Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Rose Platine, and Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara.

TOP & SKIRT: Gap

BELT, RING, SHOES (below): Target

BAG: Aldo

NECKLACE: H&M

(if you can see my chipping toenails, you'll know why I didn't wear sandals!)

I wasn't feeling well this day, so I wanted to do something simple and light - one of those "anti-foundation" days!

FACE: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB, Dior Aurora, YSL Metallic Colorama

EYES: UDPP in Sin, Bare Escentuals Buxom Stay There e/s in Mutt, MUFE Aqua Liner in #11, Chanel Rose Platine liner, Sephora Jumbo liner in Beige (inner corners), MAC Lingering brow pencil, FairyDrops Scandal Queen mascara

LIPS: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero

Thanks for reading! I'll see you all soon! :)

xoxo,

<3 Jess

things i'm loving right now

1. MOR Marshmallow perfume oil rollerball. I got this from Zappos ($20 inc. free overnight shipping) ages ago and I don't rave about it enough! I don't really know how to describe this scent, but I'll attempt it! It's sweet and musky and reminds me of rose marshmallows. It's tiny, perfect to throw in my purse for touch-ups. Honestly, though, this stuff lasts and lasts, so touch-ups aren't really necessary. I love, love, love this stuff - one of my favorite scents.  I want more from this range! Have any of you tried MOR products? What did you think? Oh, and I'm wearing Essie Turquoise & Caicos w/OPI Silver Shatter on my nails, if you're wondering. ;)

2. Cookbooks. Okay, let me make a confession: I pretty much never cook.  But looking at cookbooks really makes me want to start! This one by Sophie Dahl is one of my faves.  I also want to pick up Sheryl Crow's If It Makes You Healthy (corny title alert!!) - the recipes in it look amazing! If you like cookbooks, what's your favorite? Or if you have a favorite recipe, I'd love for you to share!

3. My Milk Toof. This is a page from the book, which I just absolutely love.  If you like things that are adorable and funny, I highly recommend this book! The blog is wonderful, too, of course!

4. Pom and Petals Green Tea I first heard about this pomegranate and rose green tea, by Zhena's Gypsy Teas, on Elise's blog Blush is the New Black. She raved about it and I thought it looked amazing, so when I saw it on the shelf at a local organic food store, I couldn't resist. I'm so glad I didn't! Elise was right - it's delicious! One of my favorite teas ever, I think. Just yum.

5. FairyDrops Scandal Queen mascara.  I've rediscovered this gem I purchased a few months ago and have fallen in love. It's definitely one of the best mascaras I've tried. It's loaded with fibers and really builds up lashes quickly and doesn't smudge or flake.  My only gripe is that it could be just a weeee bit blacker.  I like my mascaras as black as they come!!

6. Face masks! The one I'm sporting above (it matches my towel! So chic! haha) is the Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask from Lush, which I picked up yesterday.  I was so psyched because it's NEVER in stock when I look for it! My favorite mask of all time is Formula 10.0.6's Deep Down Detox mask, which I use in a kind of unconventional way - as an overnight spot treatment! It works better than any other I've tried at drying up and shrinking pimples, and it smells AMAZING, like an orange cremesicle (creamsicle?). Overall I consider masks an unnecessary, but really fun beauty product. What's your favorite?  

7. Elizabeth Olsen at Cannes. I saw this post on Olsens Anonymous last night (yes, I LOVE them - I have almost all of their movies, and even their short-lived show So Little Time! Ain't no shame...) and just wow. I love absolutely everything about this look: her makeup, her hair, the dress (top and skirt?), sandals, nails... it's all just perfect! Very simple and effortless, but totally stunning.  Seeing this was actually the push that got me to finally do this post, which I've wanted to do for ages! So really it should be number one, but the pics I saved were in a different folder and I forgot to upload them, and was too lazy to reorganize the rest of the list! However, here are two more pics of her gorgeousness to make up for it!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed making it! What are you loving right now? Do tell!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

*Photos of Elizabeth Olsen were saved from Olsens Anonymous (originally from justjared) and reuploaded by me. All other photos were taken by me! Stealing other people's photos is bad. #endPSA

FOTD: a "no-makeup" makeup look

Some days I just want to get my butt out the door and don't really feel like going through the whole process of putting on what I like to jokingly call "my second face." And sometimes on really hot days, it just feels pointless to go to all that work just to see your face slowly melting off as the day progresses (yuck!). So this is my "no-makeup" face for days when I'm lazy, in a hurry, or sweltering. 

FACE: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm, Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Summer Powder in Aurora (in future posts I'm just calling this Dior Aurora, 'cause the full name is a MOUTHFUL!), YSL Metallic Colorama face highlighter

EYES: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin, Sephora Jumbo Liner Pencil in Beige (inner corners), MAC Lingering brow pencil, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash mascara

LIPS: Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine

I really love how the Dior Aurora bronzer makes my skin looks sun-kissed in a really natural way.  It doesn't go orange on me AT ALL. It's definitely going to be a staple for me, I can tell already!

The Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm gives natural light coverage with SPF 25. I can't tell you yet if I prefer to Origins Vitazing, but I definitely like it. The SPF content does make it look kind of shimmery when you apply it, but I didn't feel like it washed me out. I took these pictures right after I did my makeup, but I will tell you my face was pretty shiny after a while - I kept grabbing for powder to touch up! I have combination skin, but if yours is oily I might steer clear! My skin is also sensitive, but this didn't irritate it.

I'm also REALLY loving the Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine.  I just kind of grabbed it on a whim in the Sephora checkout line, but I'm so impressed with it! It tastes really yummy and goes on so smoothly with just the right amount of tint. It's also really compact in size - perfect to throw in my handbag. I'm definitely going to swatch the other shades on my next Sephora trip.

Hope you're all having a fab week. Talk to you soon!

As always, thanks for reading!

<3 Jess

it's that time again....

Hey ladies! My funds are crying big fat broke tears after the shopping I've done this past month. Why oh why do all the most gorgeous things have to be released at once? I also just love, love, love spring and love to break out my maxi dresses, sandals, and work lighter makeup, brighter lips, and messy hair. I'm really loving all the new gloss balm-type products that have come out lately, too! I feel like all I've been wearing lately are my Chanel Rouge Coco Shines, YSL Volupte Sheer Candy, and 17 Mirrorshine in Beehive! Really want to try the new Dior Addict line, too... but for now, I'm staying away, for my and my wallet's safety!!

Anyways, on with the haul!

Soleil Tan de Chanel in Bronze Rose, Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow powder in Aurora

Dior Aurora - so insanely pretty!

When I saw the blogger frenzy over the Dior Aurora powder, I knew I had to have it - a bronzer suitable for fair skintones that doesn't run orange? I'm in!

But why, why, did Chanel have to come out with their stunning Bronze Rose Soleil Tan powder just days later? It's also a great buy for fair-skinned girls, and like Dior's Aurora, is a multi-purpose product - it's basically a bronzer, blush, and setting powder in one.  Even though these were NOT bargain buys by any means, sometimes you do get what you pay for, and these were definitely worth it for me. I've been using them both nonstop since their arrival. I can't sing their praises enough!

Sephora Jumbo Liner pencil in 05 Beige, Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen (black), Sephora by OPI Once a Cheetah Always a Cheetah nail polish, Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm (BB cream)

The Sephora Jumbo liner in Beige is a total dupe for Urban Decay's 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Sin, but leaning more beige (duh) than pink. I've really been loving it as a liner on the lower lashline and in the inner corners.

My MAC Superslick liner has been on my nerves lately, and I've been wanting to repurchase my old beloved Smashbox liner pen, but every time I'd go to Ulta or Sephora, they'd be sold out! Needless to say, when I finally saw one on the shelf, I snatched it up!

The Once a Cheetah polish was an impulse buy - it was so stunning on the display! I was a little disappointed in how sheer and unevenly it applied, though.  Really pretty, but maybe this one's a better-on-the-toes polish.

I've been wanting to try a BB cream for AGES, and when I heard Sephora was going to be carrying two of them by Dr. Jart+, I wanted to go check them out.  I preferred the Water Fuse+, as it has pretty decent coverage and a dewy finish. I plan to use this on it's-too-hot-for-makeup days this summer!

Sephora by OPI ...Always a Cheetah nail polish (it matched a car! haha)

got2b POWDER'ful Volumizing Styling Powder, Macadamia Healing Oil Spray, Urban Decay Melt Down Makeup Remover

I wanted to try got2B's new powder-to-paste styling product, as I really love Aveda's Pure Abundance Hair Potion but I never repurchased because it's super pricey ($24 compared to got2B's $6). I still think Aveda's version is better at creating lasting volume, though. Oh well!

The Macadamia Healing Oil spray is similar to Moroccanoil in that it's supposed to make hair smooth and shiny.  I also think it smells amazing! It has better ingredients (and a better applicator, no greasy hands!) than Moroccanoil, but I still prefer the latter's results (and scent!). I wish I could find a suitable replacement - I hate the silicones in Moroccanoil - they irritate my skin! I can't complain about the Macadamia spray, though, especially since I got it for 50% off at CVS - steal!

The Urban Decay Melt Down Makeup Remover was definitely an impulse buy - I went to Ulta for a box of hair color and saw a display of new Urban Decay products, and here we are! It's too pricey, in my opinion, but I LOVE that it's a light cream consistency as opposed to an oil, balm, or liquid. It also smells really nice. I think makeup remover wipes are still the way to go for quick and thorough makeup removal, but this is still a fun product to try.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation (B10)

I love, love, LOVE Chanel's new Rouge Coco Shine range.  I love Evasion so much and, dare I say, I think I love Chance even more.  It's the most beautiful creamy pale pink that looks great alone or with a gloss on top (a coral-y shade is my choice - Chanel's Rouge Extrait de Gloss in Genie is perfect!). It doesn't settle into lines or gunk up between your lips with time/wear, and the packaging is perfect for me to slip in my pocket at work.

And while I raved about Clinique's Moisture Surge TM, I thought it might be the culprit behind a recent breakout, so I jumped at the opportunity to try something new, and I'm SO GLAD I did.  I really think Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua could be my new HG foundation.  It is just awesome! It looks so natural, while still giving great coverage for my redness and blemishes. It has SPF and a light scent, but no breakouts in sight! You definitely need to shake this one up before using, and I prefer to apply it with a brush for more coverage.  I love the compact packaging and squeeze bottle, too.  This is my first ever go at a Chanel foundation, and it was definitely a smart move! It also does not make me super oily mid-day or vanish around my t-zone, which was my fear, as I know that happened with my friend Tiffany (WillWorkforMakeup). I recommend getting a sample before committing to any foundation, and this is no different.  What works for one person may not work for you, and vice versa!

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance

Chance w/Chanel Genial Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss on top - my current fave combo

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (B10), Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm (no shade)

Despite what it looks like from the photo (they're not fully blended), these both are great matches for my skin tone.  The BB cream is more of a tinted moisturizer, but I find it has more coverage than Origins Vitazing (my go-to TM).

Calypso St. Barth for Target tea/votive glasses

Calypso St. Barth for Target tea/votive glasses

...just so you can see how they're displayed in my home...

Miss Trish of Capri for Target sandals (Jaguar decals - love!)

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in 02 Papaya

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in 02 Dewy Papaya

Sephora Too Faced VIB beauty gift (includes eyeshadow palette and Shadow Insurance primer), NARS Dogon eyeshadow duo, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero, LORAC Front of the Line PRO liquid liner pen, Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine, OPI Silver Shatter nail polish, Illamasqua Tremble blush

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine, YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in Papaya, NARS Bolero lip pencil, NARS Dogon eyeshadow duo, Illamasqua Tremble blush (pardon my scar!)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine

I wanted to compare the Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine to my Clarins Lip Perfector (shade 03) because I found them to be similar in appearance (on the lips, that is), texture, and flavor/scent. The Clarins is a bit lighter in color and the Korres is a bit thicker, but I still think they could be dupes!

for comparison's sake, Clarins Natural Lip Perfector 03

Clarins Lip Perfector 03, Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine

Eshu Skin Assist face scrub, B&BW Vanilla Pistachio antibacterial hand soap, Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Brightening facial towelettes

The Eshu Skin Assist face scrub is actually a men's skincare product, but I got a sample from Sephora and was IN LOVE - the sample didn't specify it was for men! I'm just going to use it very sparingly, as men's face scrubs tend to be harsher than those targeted at women.  Its main ingredient is walnut shells, and it has a really nice eucalyptus/mint/menthol scent (menthol is far down on the ingredients list, and so far my skin has not been irritated by it).

The Vanilla Pistachio soap smells AMAZING - reminds me of pistachio macarons, yum! The best part is it was on sale for $2.50 - I wish I'd bought two!

I was buying the OPI Silver Shatter at Ulta and wanted to get my purchase past $10 - I had a $5 off $10 coupon - and I've since been liking the Yes to Blueberries serum quite a bit, I decided to try the facial towelettes. First off I will say the scents of the two products are completely different. Both smell great, but the serum is kind of a nutmeg/vanilla scent, while the towelettes are very fruity.  I like them so far, but the Neutrogena's makeup remover wipes are still the best, in my opinion.

Just for fun, what I've been reading this past month :)

I love a good book! I'm almost done with The Peach Keeper, about a third of the way into The Adults, and I just got Summer and the City and can't wait to dive in. Gotta finish The Peach Keeper first, though!

*sigh* Can it just stay spring through September? I hate Florida summers - too darn hot! :P

Anyways, I hope you've all been having a great May! I'm sure I'll see you lovelies soon. :)

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

<3 Jess