NOTD ft. cheap nailpolishes! forever 21 and color club polishes :) picture heavy

hi girls! im so sorry i've been MIA for the past week, i've had way too many essays and tests and such :( i promise i will be a dedicated blogger from now on!<3

As someone who used to only wear burgundy and red nail polishes, with the addition of french manicures, I have branched out in the past year or so, but especially in the past four months or so. Pastels and brights now litter my once small nail polish stash. One brand I have adored lately is Color Club. They have a huge array of colors and last very well on the nail. While they look very expensive, they are only $3 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond :)

Here, I'm wearing Color Club Electro Candy, part of the Electro Candy collection which contained a bunch of other neons that I will review if you girls are interesting. It is a gorgeous hot pink that has a light turquoise-sea foam shimmer that runs through it. It is so neon it literally GLOWS! beautiful, i love it.

the turquoise shimmer is much more noticable in real life.

you can really see the shimmer here:


A few days ago, I was at Forever 21 and was browsing through the nailpolishes. I came upon a ton of absolutely gorgeous one and remembering Natty's recent NOTD posts, I remembered how much she raved about them so I decided to pick up two (although I wanted to get a bunch more!). I chose 'light orange' which is a gorgeous peach (future post on that) and 'dark purple', a BEAUTIFUL dark purple that has blue, purple and yellow flashes and glimmers through it. The finish is amazing...like literally purple foil if that makes sense, it is so incredible. It wears beautifully and is SO shiny without a topcoat (as you'll see in the picture...I did not have a chance to put on a top coat before I took these photos). For only $2.50 a piece, I will definitely pick up more of these.
with flash:




without flash:




and for those asking about my rings, here are the ones I wore today :)


I had more on my other hand, but totally forgot to take a picture!




What are your favorite nail polish brands? What colors have you guys liked lately? Have any of you tried out F21 nail polishes or Color Club?

NYX products to achieve: Perfect Baby Milky Pink Lips :)

For awhile, I've been on the quest to find the products that would help me achieve a baby pinky nude, with no shimmer but more of a subtle milky look to it. MAC Angel, NARS Turkish Delight, MAC Underage and a variety of other similar toned lip colors; each were close, but not quite right.

This week, at Ulta, I stumbled upon two NYX lip colors: NYX lipstick in Strawberry Milk and a new NYX product:  Soft Matte Lip Cream. I got the shade Tokyo, a slightly more subtle version color-wise of the lipstick, but virtually the same shade.

Here is a picture I quickly snapped before my camera died of me...this is an accurate representation of the color my lips with no product on them.



Strawberry Milk, part of the NYX round label lipstick line, is a cool toned baby pink creamy and unbelievably opaque lipstick. The texture is incredibly smooth and moisturizing. 95% of lipsticks I wore show the cracks on my lips, regardless of whether or not I exfoliate them first and rid them of the dead skin.  Without exfoliating and just applying this from the tube, I get a gorgeous creamy consistency that completely covers my lips, yet doesn't show any cracks or dead skin. Straight from the tube, it is VERY opaque so I like to apply it with a lip brush or use my finger to smooth out the color over my lips which lifts some of the colors. This retails for around $3.













Tokyo is supposed to be a lipstick-gloss hybrid. The baby pink gloss comes in a tube with a black rubberized cap, boasting a design very similar to the NARS lipglosses. The color is a more toned down version of Strawberry milk and has an incredibly creamy texture. The color is very opaque and gives a creamy finish to the lips. Wears incredibly well, retails for around $4.






Have you girls tried NYX lip colors? And what are your favorite baby pinks in general?

Hot Trend for Spring: Bright blushes (Review and swatches)

Hello my loves! Hope you're all doing well today :)


As seen on many runways, fashion shows depicted future spring makeup trends included bright lips and bright blush. Blush is something I have never really been into for a number of reasons. Ok...that's a lie. I have WANTED blush to work for me and have lusted over it for ages. I would tend to overblend it into my bronzer leaving my face orange. it was not a good look; i ended up wearing just bronzer and highlighter for a long time which is a look I still love and do often. After much trial and error, practicing, and CC I realized that although I still love the just bronzer look, I adore/need the pop of color that blush brings to my face. In an upcoming post, I will show a few blushes I have come to fall in love with, but the one that everyone needs to try and get a hold of is Pout's Apricot Totty.








The color is a gorgeous bright vivid peach coral with a hint of pink, but definitely on the coral side (vs. pink-coral). It brightens up my face and makes me look healthy, tan, etc. It is such a gorgeous and complex color that I apply with a blush brush (I just use one from Lancome, but it's an ordinary blush brush, not duo fibre stippling blush). It is quite fragile and as you can see, I dropped mine and repressed it (and did an absolutely horrendous job at it LOL) :( I've had this blush for about a year and a half (!) and just started using it now. It lasts all day,as well! :) Although I do not use a skunk (duo-fibre) brush to apply it, I still use a quite light hand with my blush brush and build up the color using that as I can always add more.








Swatches on my NC25-30 skin:

What are some of your guys favorite bright blushes?

REVIEW: New Clearasil Ultra Acne+Marks Wash and Mask vs. Clearasil Ultra Face Wash

Hi hunnies! I have a ton of great posts coming up, but thought I would start with this review.




I was running low on my Clearasil Ultra Face Wash last week, so I ran to Target. Me, being in a rush as always, didn't realize I grabbed the wrong one until I got home! Instead of the usual face wash, I grabbed the Acne+Marks Wash and Mask. I was very intrigued as I love multi tasking products and am OBSESSED with the original face wash so I thought I'd try it out :)
*Review for that one here*


I searched for reviews on this new product, but could only find one on makeupalley and only a couple on other blogs so I thought I'd let you girls know my thoughts on this. This is supposed to be use once a night as a wash (you could use 2x/day as well, but I found that too drying) and twice a week as a mask. To "active" it in mask form, you're supposed to leave it on for one minute longer. That's it. I was a bit skeptical because I already leave my face wash on for about 30 seconds, but decided to leave this on for about two or three minutes.


WARNING: The face wash will not dry like a normal mask-it will feel slightly tacky. I thought it would be kind of hard or even dried up and crumbly in some areas, but that was not the case.


After using this for the past week (and using it as a mask every other day), I can gladly say this has replaced my usual HG Clearasil Ultra Face Wash. After comparing the two though, I found they are the exact same product! Same ingredients, word for word, and in the exact same order. I am not sure if this one will replace the other because they are the same thing.


Leaving it on as a mask has made it even more HG worthy than normal...I have some acne scarring on my cheeks but this seems to have made them fade almost 80% in the last WEEK! I love this product and would definitely reccomend. If you have the other face wash, don't bother picking this up, just use your current one as a mask; but if youre running low on the other or haven't tried either, I would definitely reccomend this.



What skin care have you guys loved lately?

makeup products to achieve a flawless face :) PART 3 HIGHLIGHTS! tips and tricks:)

Hi beautifuls! This is part 3 out of the total of 3 posts in regards to what i wear to get an absolutely flawless face. Like I stated before, this is NOT the makeup routine I wear every day as this is a lot of makeup (although it doesnt feel like it!). Instead, I reserve this makeup routine for night out or when I want my skin and face makeup to look its best. Hope you like it :)


I split this post into three parts: Base (Primer, Foundation and Powder), Color (Contour, Bronzer and Blush) and Glow (Highlight).


Everything all together:



Highlighters:




I've included two different highlights because i use them for two different looks. I use the MAC MSF when I want a super noticeable glow. I only apply it to my cheekbones as it can give off a slightly pink cast and it is very glowy. It is finely milled so it doesn't come off as glittery, chunky, oily or anything else. It also doesn't look gaudy, but it is more of a statement or nighttime look than the Sin eyeshadow. I use sin as a more subtle look and apply this to all of my highest points (i.e. my cheekbones, my brow bone, my cupid bow, above my eyebrow bone...I will do a tutorial soon showing the placement). This gives a very subtle glow, but if applied more heavily on the brush,it can look more dramatic.


Highlighter: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Light Flush







I bought this highlighter, which is light pink with bronze and raspberry veining, about three years ago when it came out with the N collection in 2008. This is a limited edition product, but I found a dupe for it so look forward to that in upcoming posts! Applied subtly, this is a beautiful strong glowy highlight. It gives off a pink-ish highlight. With that being said, it does work on cooler skintones as well, but I always wear this highlight with a wam colored or no blush (as opposed to a cooler shade of blush). Applied with a different brush which would provide heavier application, Light Flush turns becomes more pigmented and a sort of light-pink bronzey color that I use as a blush. I like using this mostly for more dramatic looks because the sheen, shimmer, and color make it a bit more statement-making than another highlighter.


Highlighter #2: Urban Decay Sin



(2nd shade)



(2nd shade)


I never had any interest in Sin before I picked it up in the Naked Palette. Even then, it looked pretty but just seemed like another average highlighter. Boy, how wrong I was! After seeing Natty use this color as a highlight, I had to try it out for myself and it was love. Sin is described as a shimmery golden peach toned color, but I find this color to be much more multidimensional. It sometimes gives off peachy tones, sometimes pinky, sometimes champagne, etc etc. I find this color morphs to whatever color I pair it with. It gives off a beautiful glimmer that truly looks like your skin is radiant, healthy, and awake. Regardless of the fact that this isn't a bright blush which would offer a pop of color, I still feel like it really brightens my face up.


That's it for my flawless face series :) Hope you girls enjoyed! Please let me know your star products that are key for you achieving a flawless face.


xxx

makeup products to achieve a flawless face :) PART 2

Hi hunnnies! This is part 2 out of the total of 3 posts in regards to what i wear to get an absolutely flawless face. Like I stated before, this is NOT the makeup routine I wear every day as this is a lot of makeup (although it doesnt feel like it!). Instead, I reserve this makeup routine for night out or when I want my skin and face makeup to look its best. Hope you like it :)

I split this post into three parts: Base (Primer, Foundation and Powder), Color (Contour, Bronzer and Blush) and Glow (Highlight).

Everything all together:


Contour/Bronzer/Blush:


Bronzer: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer Face Color in Sunny



I am in love with this bronzer. I got this for about $3 at Target around 2 years ago and have gone through maybe four or five. Before I used this bronzer, I used a Sephora one which ran around $15 or so. That one gave me such beautiful color but I would run out of it every few months and it would get quite pricey. After hearing so many raves about the NYC one, I ran out and got it and have loved it ever since. It is an exact dupe of the Sephora one, minus the price and the packaging. The NYC packaging is quite floppy but I care more about the product than the actual packaging. This bronzer gives such healthy color to my skin and can definitely be built up (I can use this bronzer in the summer vs. in the winter). It never looks orange either, just gives off a gorgeous brown color :)


Contour: ELF Blush/Bronzer Duo in Blushed/Bronze



I first picked this up to use as a blush and bronzer duo, which is exactly what it's marketed as. I am NC30 so not pale, but for some reason, the bronze side of this is much too dark for me as a bronzer. Instead, I use it to contour which I absolutely love it for. The color looks quite sparkly and shimmery in the pan, but with a few taps on the side of the compact, the shimmer falls off and you are just left with a gorgeous rich bronze color. I use this to contour and find it does an absolutely perfect job. It was $3 at Target and is said to be a dupe of NARS Laguna/Orgasm duo in terms of packaging, as well as coloring. The packaging is dead on, as are the colors :) I love this, although don't use the blush that often for some reason! Would definitely definitely recommend this, I love ELF products!


Blush: Sephora blush me! in peche tendre n4

Gorgeous blush!! I am not great at applying blush for some reason. I always feel as if I blend it too much and it then just looks muddy :( Because of this, I stayed away from blush for about a year and a half and neglected all of the ones in my stash and stayed clear from purchasing any new ones. I went to Sephora around two months ago and fell in love with this blush! It is an absolutely gorgeous baby peach-pink color and retailed for $9. The quality is unbelievable and it applies beautifully. I am going to do an in-depth post on this blush as it really is stunning. It also lasts forever on the skin :) I have used this almost every day for the past two months and have not made even the smallest dent. Sephora has a bunch of absolutely gorgeous blushes so I will definitely need to check out the other colors.

What do you guys like to use to achieve a flawless face?

makeup products to achieve a flawless face :) PART 1

Hi girls! Hope you're all doing well :) This is NOT the makeup routine I wear every day as this is a lot of makeup (although it doesnt feel like it!). Instead, I reserve this makeup routine for night out or when I want my skin and face makeup to look its best. Hope you like it :)

I split this post into three parts: Base (Primer, Foundation and Powder), Color (Contour, Bronzer and Blush) and Glow (Highlight).

Everything all together:

Primer/Foundation/Powder:

• Primer: Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

I was shocked when I first heard that people were using THIS as a primer. A few years ago, when I first started getting into makeup, I was interested in getting a face primer but couldn't bother spending $28 or so. After hearing on makeupalley how this one was a dupe for the Smashbox as they both have the same active ingredient (Dimethicone...a well known silicone). I have used this every time I do my face makeup even on a daily basis. I love it and an amazing dupe for the Smashbox Photo Finish primer :) Only about $7. After I moisturize my face and let it dry, I apply a pea size amount and apply it all over my face. I then let that sit and continue on to the rest of my routine. It helps my makeup last much longer (which used to be a big issue for me) and leaves my skin very smooth so my foundation applies perfectly.

• Foundation: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

This is marketed as a tinted moisturizer, but it is definitely buildable. It was about $10 at Target. I love this tinted moisturizer because it covers redness in a light layer and for other skin problems, with a dab of concealer and another layer (or two), skin looks absolutely flawless. Be warned- this doesn't look good applied with fingers (which is how I usually apply my foundations), I need to use a brush. I use my Sonia Kashuk Highlighting Brush, which is similar to the MAC 187. This finish is satin and quite glowy, but can easily be powdered down to a satin matte finish.

• Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium

I am absolutely obsessed with this and definitely deserves its own post within the next few weeks. This gives off just the most glowy perfect super model finish. It isn't too glowy and definitely doesn't make one look greasy, but it imparts a glow in all the right places. With a more dense brush (i.e. a kabuki) it gives off enough coverage to work as a foundation. I am in love with this, definitely HG. I am NC25 and wear Medium, but during summer, I will switch to Medium Plus.

What do you guys like to use to achieve a flawless face?