spring cosmetics w/swatches (Lancome, YSL, MAC, Paul & Joe) + other buys

I had a December Favorites post planned - photos are taken, etc. - but I was just way too excited to do this post, so... sorry, Favorites, you'll just have to wait... even longer. Oops!

I think it's safe to say that this spring's makeup collections have been my most anticipated of all time.  I usually hate when the holidays are over, but this year I was almost too excited for spring releases to be bothered!

I was really grateful to receive several gift cards for Christmas, and they were used to purchase quite a few of these things. :)  Anyways, let's get on with it!

Um, best Lancome collection ever? I usually barely glance at Lancome collections, but this one is SO AMAZING! Down to the packaging, this collection just blows my mind. It reminds me of Laduree (the Parisian macaroon-makers!). The lipsticks are my favorite they've released as well. And I can't even bring myself to swatch the powder!

I really recommend checking out the collection in person. Everything's really lovely - it was so hard to restrain myself!

Lancome La Roseraie Illuminating Smooth Powder (can't bear to swatch this yet!) 

The lipsticks are must-haves, in my opinion, particularly these two shades.  I'm bummed to have missed out on MAC Flamingo from the Iris Apfel collection, but these two resemble it closely enough to ease my pain. ;) Unlike most Lancome lipsticks, these are unscented. They also contain no shimmer and go on sheer, but buildable. They feel very moisturizing on the lips.

Lancome Le French Touch in 316 Cotton Candy, Lancome L'Absolu Nu in 1141 Sweet Marmalade

Cotton Candy, Sweet Marmalade

Lancome Cotton Candy

Lancome Sweet Marmalade

YSL makes the best. lipsticks. ever. And their Spring collection releases are no exception. I love both of the shades I picked, and Shimmering Coral is probably my favorite Rouge Volupte Perle from YSL so far. I think this range has the best scent, too!

YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in 115 Shimmering Coral and 116 Milky Pink

Shimmering Coral, Milky Pink

YSL Shimmering Coral

YSL Milky Pink

I really restrained myself with MAC - two awesome collections were released, and all I picked up were two lipsticks. *pats self on back* And I'm really pleased with both of them!

MAC Sweet Sunrise, MAC A Perfect Day

Sweet Sunrise, A Perfect Day

MAC Sweet Sunrise

MAC A Perfect Day

The mini Paul & Joe order I placed on ASOS.com just arrived today, actually (it was ordered first!), which is why it's not with the other cosmetics in the top photo. ASOS doesn't ship cosmetics particularly well (loose with some tissue in a box) and it's not the fastest shipping, but at least it's free shipping, so it is what it is. And it's one of my favorite online shops to browse.

Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color in Kitty Cat (ASOS.com)

Paul & Joe lipstick in Sex Kitten (ASOS.com)

Yeah, not ready to swatch those either! >_<

Overall, I'm SO happy with my picks for Spring. I love everything! Of course, not sure I'll ever be able to touch the Lancome powder or Paul & Joe stuff, but I love looking at it! haha

If you're surprised there's no Dior here, that's because I was kind of disappointed in the collection after seeing it in person, and I realized the colors in the palettes aren't ones I'm likely to use often, so they're not worth the price to me.  I am, however, on the prowl for the 3 Couleurs Smoky in Smoky Garden (the green one!), though.

I'm also still looking forward to the second Kitty collection from Paul & Joe that comes out in February, and the YSL Glossy Stains that should be up on Sephora.com soon! Wouldn't it be nice to have a neverending supply of cash for cosmetics?? HA!

Onto everything else...

Wallflowers & room spray (Bath & Body Works)

I can't wait for the new Slatkin & Co. spring candles! They had a few of them available in-store today, and they smell sooo good! I heard they're re-releasing The Flower Shop, which is probably my favorite spring candle - yay!

• Fifi Lapin for Juicy Couture notecards & sketchbook
• Red Velvet Cupcake candle (Target)

I'm a longtime fan of Fifi Lapin. I have several prints around my apartment, as well as her book and two bags from her LeSportsac collection.  So yeah, knew I needed to check out the Juicy Couture shop when I heard they were releasing a capsule collection.  It also included two adorable scarves, but these were more in my budget!

The candle was just an impulse purchase - Target is GREAT for those! haha Seriously, though, sniff this bad boy if you get a chance and are a fan of sweet, baked-good type candles. This one is seriously yum. No idea what the burn/scent throw will be like, but we'll see.

Printed tea towel (Anthropologie)

I wanted something to replace my Christmas-themed hand towels in my kitchen, and I've always loved Anthropologie's tea towels.  This one just really stood out for me.  I really love that I had a gift card for Anthropologie, because this is one of those things that I really love, but never would have normally purchased for myself. :)

Vintage marmalade canister (Anthropologie)

I was looking for something to store my Clarisonic and toothbrush in (my new one doesn't fit in the holder I have now), and really fell in love with this.  Random, right? That's me!

In other news, I took Sammy to get up-to-date on his shots and to be neutered today (Mouse went 3 weeks ago).  He's been so sleepy, poor guy! 

I got the night off work tonight, and I was so glad, because after I dropped Sammy off early in the AM, I came back home and tried to go back to sleep, but Mouse was not having it.  Every 15 minutes, he'd knead me, cry in the windowsill beside my bed, and/or attack my feet and legs. You'd think he was missing his brother or something! So cute. >_< He was so happy when I brought Sammy home. <3

Okay, that's all the rambling for now!  Hope you're all having a great week.  I'm off to go watch some new Tabatha (formerly Tabatha's Salon Takeover, now Tabatha Takes Over). LOVE that woman! Then it's off to bed! My cousin/best friend and her baby are coming to stay with me for five days, and I have so much to do before they get here - ack!!

Love you guys and thanks for reading!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

sick again, ramble, + a mini haul (anthropologie, lush, williams sonoma)

• Anne of Green Gables (Anthropologie exclusive edition, w/cute pinecone bookmark!)
• Voluspa Makassar Ebony & Peach candle ($9.95 on sale, originally $18)
• Lush Day of the Dead perfume (ordered this last month, arrived Tuesday)
• Williams & Sonoma Peppermint Hot Chocolate tin

So, as I'm sure I've said before, I *LOVE* the holidays and all the preparations for them as well.  However, this past month my immune system has been kicking my butt!! Tuesday afternoon I started feeling sick again, and nearly all of Wednesday I spent sleeping either on my bed or the couch. It's just a cold, but wow, is it a mean one! I called in to work today, but luckily my sinuses have started to clear up - I'm just sneezing and coughing a lot.  It's a good thing I didn't go to work - I'm grossing myself out!! haha When I got up today, I was walking around picking up tissues from all over my apartment - it reminded me of that scene in You've Got Mail.  

Since I've gotten some of my energy back, I've started my cleaning spree for when my parents come to visit in a few days (ack! a few days!!) -- this includes cleaning countertops, for those who freaked about the tissues! ;)  I'm doing laundry as we speak, and I've already dusted, cleaned the bathroom counters and mirrors, and changed the bedskirt on my bed (the one I had was torn up by a ceeeeertain 6-lb. someone, ahem...).  Um, can I just say, putting on a bedskirt is a PAIN in the ASS! I managed to knock over my bedside table in the process of putting the mattress back on the bed. Oy.

Earlier today I forced myself to take a shower, get dressed, and go to the store.  I wanted some nasal decongestant medicine, but I ended up getting a warm steam vaporizer, too (sorry, Nick, it's not the cute frog humidifier), and a couple more little gifts for friends.

I also ran into the mall (it's next to Target) specifically to grab a tin of Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Williams Sonoma.  I was tempted already, but watching Michele1218's Holiday Gift Ideas video pushed me over the edge. (Speaking of YouTube gurus - I'm dyyyying over here for a new TheCurrentCustom video - I know people either love or hate Lorraine, but I lovelovelove her. Love her Day in the Life videos on TheCurrentBoobies channel, but it's not the same... *sigh*) 

Since Anthropologie is right next to Williams Sonoma, and it's just so damn inviting, I stepped in there for a browse, too.  This is a never a good idea!! I got the Anne of Green Gables special edition, which I've been lemming for a while, and a yummy Voluspa candle on clearance. Not too much damage done. ;)

I wanted to include Lush's Day of the Dead perfume (terrible name for a perfume, in my opinion - "oh, what's that you're wearing?" "why, it's day of the dead!" "erm.. okay..."), because it just came in the mail the other day and it smells SO GOOD! Really fruity and clean.  Did anyone else pick up any of the limited edition Lush perfumes?  I'm really curious about Big and Snowcake!

Okay, lovelies, I'm gonna go sip some cough syrup and lay down until the laundry's done.  Hope you're all having a great (and healthy!!) December.  See you soon!!

<3 Jess

haul, part two: everything else!

Here it is, the rest of my recent mad hauling.  I've been buying gifts, too, so you better believe my wallet is just THRILLED with me right now!! :P

• Voluspa Crisp Champagne candle (Anthropologie)
• C.O. Bigelow Rice & Bamboo Gentle Dermabrasion (B&BW $10 of $30)
• Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream (B&BW $10 of $30; this a repurchase - the tiny bottle lasts ages!)
• Benefit So Hooked on Carmela edt (20% off Sephora F&F)
• Daisy by Marc Jacobs rollerball (20% off Sephora F&F)
• Silk Road Caravan by Stephen Nilsen fragrance pencil ($10 @ Anthropologie - this stuff is a DEAD-ON dupe of LUSH's Honey I Washed the Kids soap; if you like that, you'll like this!)
• Carmex Healing Lotion ($5.99 @ Walgreens)

Ulta (I never go there without coupons!):

• L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara (okay, not great - also learned that they test on animals after I bought this, which really disgusts me)
• Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat
• Zoya nail polish in Shawn
• Revlon Matte lipstick in Sky Pink (disappointing)
• Essie nail polish in Going Incognito
• Deep Down Detox Ultra Cleansing Mud Mask Orange + Bergamot (LOVE this!)

Essie Going Incognito on the nails - love it!

• Glee: The Christmas Album (I love Christmas music - this doesn't disappoint!)
• Origins Modern Friction gentle dermabrasion + A Perfect World moisturizer (this was on sale as a gift set @ Target for $20! They're full sizes, too. Total steal.  I don't usually trust salon products sold in a supermarket, but these were definitely legit and not off or anything!)
• Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style mini rollerball coffret (20% off Sephora F&F)
• Virgo necklace (Urban Outfitters)
• Tyler Candle Co. Mulled Cider candle (a gift from Mom!)

close-up of the necklace

And last of all, I can't forget my new favorite thing - this super cozy throw blanket from Target! I was feeling pretty yucky on my days off, and curling up in this baby definitely helped! That and some ThermaCare heat wraps and I was set. :)

You can tell I was feeling yucky because of the lack of makeup! Mascara only! :P

Before I go climb into bed, I just wanted to say a huuuuuuge THANK YOU!!!  I hit 100 followers this week and I'm so excited!  I just love being a part of this awesome blogging community. :)  I think I'm going to have a giveaway sometime in the next month. I already have something in mind... ;)

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading! Love you guys!!

xoxo,

<3 Jess