yesterday's face

I really liked how Tuesday's look turned out, so yesterday I did basically the same thing, with just one alteration: no pigments!  Loose pigments can be messy and time-consuming, which is why, even though I love their effect, I rarely use them.  I used pressed eyeshadow instead -- much easier!

Face: Revlon Mineral Mousse Foundation (030), MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NW20), MAC MSF Natural (Medium), Make Up For Ever HD Blush in #14 Star Struck, MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder

Eyes: Urban Decay Alice Palette:  Drink Me, Eat Me; Wonderland; Midnight Tea Party; MAC Rich Ground fluidline; Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes (gold/bronze shade); Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners); Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips:  NYX Black Label lipstick in India; MAC Perennial High Style lipglass

The necklace is from Aldo (purchased about two years ago), and the dress is Target (last year).

Have a great day, lovelies! Thanks for reading -- I'll see you again soon! :)

march faves & the face/outfit of the day

This is my first monthly favorites post, so forgive me for going overboard!  I always love to share great finds, beauty and otherwise.  I love to hear about others' as well!  What are some of your current favorites?  Let me know in the comments! :)

please click to see the full size!

I was feeling pretty ick-tastic this morning, and I took a sick day from work.  However, I had to run out to go to the bank, get some knee-highs (for work - I go through them like whoa!), and get a new doggy bed for Sparky (his old one is gross!!).  I also colored my hair this morning with my lover, L'Oreal Superior Preference.  This time I used the shade 10WB.

One of my tricks for at-home hair color is to use similar, but different shades each time (in the same family).  I think it brings some dimension to the color, and makes it look more natural.

So, on to the face of the day...

Face: Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Foundation (in 030; I got this yesterday and I'm in LOVE!!), MAC Studio Finish concealer (NW20), MAC MSF Natural (Medium), MUFE HD blush in #14 Star Struck, MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder

Eyes: Drink Me, Eat Me e/s from the Urban Decay Alice palette (lid and under eyes); MAC pigments: Sunnydaze (crease, outer V), Naked (highlight under brow), Chocolate Brown (along waterline); MAC Rich Ground fluidline; MUFE Aqua Eyes (gold shade; used on waterline); Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner rims); Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips: NYX Black Label lipstick in India (added MAC Perennial High Style lipglass later)

better view of the eyes

nails are Essie Van D'Go (one of my March faves)

I used the Victoria's Secret Heavenly Flowers fragrance mist today, too.  It's so pretty and light -- really nice for spring/summer!

Here's a pic of the outfit, too (it hit 90 degrees today!!). I went to Target for a dog bed, but I walked out with a new Liberty dress, too... I think Target + Liberty is probably my favorite collaboration ever (I loved Erin Fetherston for Target and Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper for MAC Viva Glam, too!).

Dress, Necklace: Target (from two years ago - I originally got this to wear in Morocco!)

Bronze Flip-Flops (that you can't see!): Old Navy

Bag (on the floor): Topshop

...this is the Liberty dress.  Prrrretty. <3

Off to watch some fabulous Tuesday night television (American Idol, 90210, The Good Wife, Law & Order: Criminal Intent...).  See you soon!

Just another manic monday...

Hello girls & boys! It was another gorgeous, sunny Monday in Orlando, and I embraced it... by running errands all day, what else?? ;) I'll cut right to the chase... here's the face of the day (ha, that sounds so narcissistic!)...

Face: Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous, MAC Studio Finish concealer (NW20), MAC MSF Natural (Medium), MAC Strada (as bronzer), MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder (as blush)

Eyes: MAC Bough Grey e/s (all over lid and under eyes), MAC Black Tied e/s (crease, outer V), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner rims), Smashbox Heartbreaker liner pen, MUFE Aqua Eyes in 18L (waterline), Lancome Hypnose Drama + Givenchy Phenomen'eyes mascaras

Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #1 Nude Beige (switched to #30 Faubourg Peach later on -- love it!)

I got some sun yesterday -- my shoulders, back, and forehead are a bit burned. :P  

I sunscreened like a banshee, too! Argh!

better view of the lashes -- crazy what a good mascara can do!!

I had loads of to-do's today: bank, UPS, Goodwill, new doggy bed for Sparky, get a Clarisonic Mia from Ulta (w/20% off coupon! yay!).... but I forgot UPS, couldn't find a doggy bed, and Ulta was sold out of the Mia.  Grr....  Oh well, I still had some success in the shopping department.  And I came home to some fun mail, too (including an Easter card from Mama -- thank you!, a scarf & lipstick from eBay, and Glamour).  Oh, and I swung by McDonald's (aside from Subway, the only fast food I really like!) to get a chicken snack wrap.... and FYI, chocolate. banana.  shake.  I'm in heaven.  It's like Ben & Jerry's ice cream in a milkshake. Oh hell yes, Mickey D's, I am lovin' it.

Today's haulage....

***bow + polka dots scarf from Zara; Alexander McQueen-style skull scarf (eBay); Yes to Carrots cucumber facial towelettes; Dorothy & The Comforter bubble bars, Lemony Flutter cuticle butter (Lush); Heavenly Flowers fragrance mist (Victoria's Secret); Revlon Mineral Mousse foundation (shade 030); NYX Black Label lipstick in India (eBay); latest issue of Glamour magazine (I've got a subbie to this); Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties sampler promo card (from the Macy's counter)***

Oh, and isn't this tee from Zara adorable??? (didn't buy, too small!)

They had three different designs with the same image, but the makeup and pink bow on this one were too fab. 

Before I go, here are some other things I'm craving at the moment:

Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System (pink)

Chloe eau de parfum (1oz)

Harajuku Lovers Sunshine Cuties: Love 

Escada Collector's Edition Coffret

I'm clearly having a perfume moment -- transitioning from winter to spring!

wearing the NYX India lipstick + MAC Ripe Peach blush 

(was just torturing myself at the Macy's MAC counter -- it's sold out everywhere!)

My next post is going to be about my March favorites.  See ya then!

xoxo, Jess

Happy Easter! (Okay, so I'm three hours late...)

a (3-D!) Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland themed chocolate egg 

at Citricos in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort (where I work!)

Hi lovely peoples! I had such a great day this Easter Sunday -- I hope you all did, too!  I didn't have high hopes, since I don't have family nearby, and most of my usual Sunday spots would be closed.  But the day just couldn't have been better! It was sooooo gorgeous outside -- mid-eighties, bright and sunny, with a cool breeze.  I spent two hours (!!) and lots of sunscreen at the pool.  Poolside is my favorite reading spot (when it's warm, that is!) -- I finished my beloved: The Help. I highly recommend it to *everyone.* It's such a brilliant, beautiful book (alliteration much??).  One of my favorites for sure.

After the pool, I gave Sparky a bath.  I was so pumped after that (I finished my book! I mediated the doggy-vs.-blow dryer battle unscathed!) that I took a shower, threw on my Liberty for Target dress and some appropriately-pastel "slap" as the lovely Brit beauty-bloggers call it (makeup, that is!)....

my Easter dress -- Liberty for Target!

....and set out to do the unthinkable:  trek to Downtown Disney on a HOLIDAY!  For those who may be wondering, "huh?," this task is unthinkable because traffic (both vehicular and human) in Orlando on basically any holiday is horrific, and especially the thought of visiting anything Disney-related on such a day... well, it's not something that would usually cross my mind!

But since it was one of the few places I knew would be open, and I hadn't scoped out the shops at Downtown Disney Marketplace in probably over a year, I thought, why not?  And it didn't hurt that it's outdoors!

Before I get to the haulin', this was my face of the day:

Face: Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous, MAC Studio Finish concealer (NW20), MAC MSF Natural (Medium), MAC Dainty mineralized blush, MAC Shell Pearl

Eyes: Curiouser (glittery lilac) & Alice (turquoise) from the Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette (I've used this palette so much - it's awesome!), Stila Topaz eye kajal in inner corners, Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Flipside (also in the palette), Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #30 Faubourg Peach

Now for the haul.  Of course, I wasn't planning on getting anything.... but you know me -- I'm queen of the impulse purchase! >_<  I also get a 35% off cast member discount at Disney stores, so trust, this lot was a bargain!

(click the image to enlarge if you'd like!)

From the Once Upon a Toy shop, I got two Vinylmation Cutesters blindbox figures (Good Fairies, Nesting Doll).  Of course, the one I reeeally wanted was the Cupcake, so I swiped it off eBay when I got home! I think they're all cute, though! I love blindboxes. :)  From Tren-D, a new shop (which I deem awesome) that caters to teens & twentysomethings with cute clothes/jewelry/accessories, I got the Paul & Joe Alice set -- I was SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS THERE! This find alone made the whole trip worth it for me. I also got the OPI Mad as a Hatter nail polish for mama's b-day (no surprise there, I already spoiled it for her! haha) -- not pictured because it's already with her other b-day stuff. :)  

From the World of Disney store (the largest gift shop in Disney World), I got an AWESOME brownie, a tin of Alice in Wonderland English Breakfast Tea, and a box of brownies (I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but holy wow, these looked delicious!  I also got a little Precious Moments pin (a girl looking at Cinderella's castle).  I'm a sucker for the cute, what can I say.

And lastly, from Basin White, a Lush-esque shop, I picked up a few soaps (Tahitian Vanilla, Hot Fudge Sundae, Flower Shop, Patchouli, Root Beer - which smells oddly reminiscent of Lush's I Love Juicy shampoo, and Dr. Pepper) and a bath bomb (Strawberry Lemonade).  I can't wait to use these! I think I'm stocked for hand soaps through menopause! haha

I loved the window display at Tren-D, especially the Alice tee by Disney Couture on the mannequin! The only had a medium and small in stock, though.  Oh well!

I had "supper" at Starbucks/Barnes & Noble (grilled chicken flatbread, kettle chips, and apple juice -- yummy!) and flipped through some magazines.  I saw a few books that caught my eye, like Mathilda Savitch, but walked out empty-handed.

And then tonight I cozied up to some Law & Order: UK (so far, so good!) and painted my nails (Essie Van D'Go on the fingernails, OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender on the toes -- loooove Van D'Go, but not the OPI one - it just looks blah!).  Like I said, a perfect day!

Thanks for sticking around through this meaty post.  Be back soon!

h&m garden collection, torrid, target haul

Hello ladies & gents. It's been a rough day in my little home -- I've got a bad air conditioning leak, and it's a nightmare!  I was being a Debbie Downer and not feeling like posting, but I thought it might actually cheer me up, so here I am. :)

As promised, here's a round-up of yesterday's haulage!

top from h&m ($5!) -- this one wasn't from the garden collection

tunic/dress from h&m's garden collection 

(taken in a torrid fitting room -- i tried on a nude color in the store, 

but decided on the blue last minute!)

jacket is from the h&m garden collection, high-waisted ruffle skirt from torrid 

(the lighting in torrid's fitting rooms is really awful! i look preggers :P)

Tried on but didn't get (from H&M)....

Really loved both of these but just couldn't squeeze 'em into my budget.  Oh well!

I also got these from Torrid... took this photo from their website -- not really into putting actual photos of my undergarments (even brand new, unworn ones!) on the internet!

And finally, from my beloved Target:

Law & Order: UK!!  The packaging said it was a Target exclusive, and it was the only copy left.  DEFINITELY an impulse buy, but I'm really excited about it!  I didn't even know there *was* a UK version of Law & Order.  Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream is my absolute favorite.  I haven't been buying ice cream lately (trying to cut down the junk!), but I had a weak moment... and it's been brilliant. :)  Also snatched up the Sex and the City movie on DVD, which I've pretty much wanted to own since it was released.  Can't wait to watch this in bed, a la Chelsea Handler!

Target wasn't kidding about the L&O DVD being an exclusive -- check out Amazon's best price! Yikes! It was $29.99 at Target.

See you lovelies soon!

face & outfit of the day (haul post tomorrow!)

I had to return the #13 MUFE HD blush today, and I also wanted to check out the H&M Garden Collection, which debuted earlier this week.  I'll be posting more on that tomorrow (warning: I took tons of photos!).  For now, here's my look for the day.  Good thing I took the first photo right when I got in the car -- it poured later!

FACE OF THE DAY

Face: Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous, MAC Studio Finish concealer, MAC MSF Natural (medium), MAC Dainty mineralized blush, MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder

Eyes: peach, light brown, and dark brown matte eyeshadows from the Tarte Treasure Chest (Holiday '09), Smashbox Heartbreaker liner pen, MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L (under eyes), Stila Topaz eye kajal (inner corners), Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara


Lips: MAC In Synch lip liner (Too Fabulous collection), MAC Hue lipstick (permanent), MAC Perennial High Style lipglass (Give Me Liberty of London)


OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Dress:  Dorothy Perkins
Tank:  Gap
Leggings (stir-ups!):  NY&Co.
Boots:  Sam Edelman (the same ones Lorraine - TheCurrentCustom/TheCurrentBoobies - has! Love her!)
Watch:  Betsey Johnson
Bag:  "Marc Jacobs" (a gorgeous fake!)
Headband:  can't remember the brand... : / from Nordstrom

*Bonus!*  

My book of the moment:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I'm halfway in, but I can already tell you this one will be one of my favorites when I'm through. You can click the link below to head to Amazon.com for more info!














Thanks for reading! I'll be back soon!

xoxo Jess

beautiful monday!

Let me start this by saying that any person who loves dogs really should watch a wonderful movie called Hachi: A Dog's Tale.  

Seriously, I haven't cried so much during a movie since the King Kong remake (and let's not discuss that further, okay?).

Yesterday, like I said, I went shopping for Mom's birthday, but I also got a few things for myself... because I'm selfish. haha

From Lush, I repurchased Big shampoo, Veganese conditioner, and Honey I Washed the Kids soap (my favorite Lush soap).  Big and Veganese frustrate me, because with both, I LOVE the smell (and the texture for Big!), but not really the effects.  They're definitely fun to use, though, and they make my hair smell SO good!  I also got I Love Juicy shampoo (smells like grape candy -- oddly very similar to the NYX lipgloss I got from Ulta the same day) and Dream Cream for my horribly itchy arms and legs (seriously having a problem with dry skin right now -- not fun!).  So far, so good!  It has a lovely lavender and chamomile scent that's very light and doesn't overpower whatever fragrance you're wearing.  There's also something to be said about body creams that come in a tub container.  They feel so... well, *lush.* ;)

I actually snatched up New Moon at Walmart at midnight Friday night with my friend Jordyn, but of course I had to include that in this shot, too. ;)

The box of haircolor and NYX sheer lipgloss (in Vintage) I picked up at Ulta.  I had a $5 coupon, so the total was just $10 -- steal!

The rest is from Sephora. I had a 10% off VIB (Very Important Beautyinsider) coupon, so I picked up more than I'd planned! >_< I got two of the new MUFE HD blushes (#13 and #14 -- I'm going to return #13, though; it looked like Illamasqua's Katie blush when I swatched it, but on my skin it's just too light), a Sephora by OPI nail polish in Ocean Love Potion (a dark teal -- I've wanted this one for over a year!), Benefit's Some Kind-a Gorgeous "foundation faker" (I'd wanted to try Nars Sheer Glow, MUFE Mat Velvet +, or repurchase MUFE's HD foundation... but somehow I chose this instead -- it's the packaging, I tell ya!), and Nars Lola Lola eyeshadow.

Here's my Face of the Day, featuring some of yesterday's finds:

Face: Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous "foundation faker," MAC Studio Finish Concealer, MAC MSF Natural (Medium), Make Up For Ever HD blush #14 Star Struck (pale peach), MAC Shell Pearl beauty powder (as highlight)

Eyes: Nars Lola Lola e/s (lid, under eye -- you can hardly see it in the pic 'cause my lids are so hooded!), MAC Black Tied e/s (crease, outer V), Smashbox Heartbreaker liquid liner pen, MUFE Aqua Eyes in 18L under eye, Stila Topaz eye kajal in inner corners, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara 

Lips: Wet 'n' Wild Mega Last Matte Lipstick (tongue-twister!) in 901B, MAC English Accents lipglass

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Dress: Banana Republic (got on clearance two or three years ago!)
Belt, Necklace: Target