The Year In Review

Thank you for taking the time to visit and support this blog! I appreciate your comments.

Here is a list of my HOLY GRAIL Products for 2012

















Favorite Makeup Brushes
I have more e.l.f. Studio brushes than any other brand.
I do have some MAC Special Edition brushes and a 217 from their permanent line.
I plan to invest in Sonia Kashuk in 2013.

Skin Care Products
I got a deluxe sample of MURAD Resurgence Sheer Luster Day Lotion with SPF 15 from Sephora.
This had to be the best moisturizer I used in 2012. I do plan to purchase the full size of this item!
I got so many compliments on my skin when I used this product! I LOVE IT!
I neglected my Clairisonic Mia in 2012. I did however continue to use my microfiber washcloths.
I did not use my African Black Soap as much as last year. My most reached for cleanser was Philosphy's Purity Made Simple. My favorite Makeup Removing Cloths were from Neutrogena.

Face Primer
Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer - Affordable, Easily Accessible
Milk of Magnesia for my oily nose.

Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer - Although this is expensive, it gives me all day staying power, makes colors pop and does not crease, despite my super oily lids!

Favorite Corrective Concealer
LORAC Cover Up C7. This was the solution to my dark undereye circles. It is a bit pricey but I DO plan to repurchase this!

Favorite Foundation
My favorite foundation for 2012 is Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. I wear the shade Intensity 3. Although I despise the packaging and it is rather pricey for the small amount of product,
it is the BEST match for my complexion. It has wonderful staying power. I cannot say enough good things about this product!

Favorite Eyeshadow
I wore more neutral eyeshadow looks during 2012. This was partially because I started a new job. Neutral eyeshadow is the quickest go to look for me. I also focused on building my staple neutral single eyeshadows from MAC this year. New editions to the family include FOLIE, BROWN SCRIPT, and SADDLE.
I tried to use my Wet N Wild Vanity Palette as sparingly as possible as I only have the one and it is no longer available for purchase. I added Urban Decay's NAKED 2 Palette and LORAC Pro Palette to my collection.

Favorite Eyeshadow Highlight
My most reached for eyeshadow highlights this year were Urban Decay's FOXY and L'Oreal HiP Loose Pigment in Restless.

Favorite Brow Products
I was disappointed that Maybelline decided to discontinue the Define A Brow Pencil in DARKEST BROWN. Two of my friends who live out of my state were able to snag several of these from Dollar Tree.
When we find a HOLY GRAIL product, we hate change. I hope that Maybelline reconsiders their decision.
I used MAC Studio Finish Concealers for my Brow Highlights.


Favorite Mascara
Maybelline the COLOSSAL. They had better not ever discontinue this formula.

Favorite Lipstick Finish -  Matte
I have been obsessed with matte lipsticks. My favorite brands have been
Revlon - Great pigmentation, matte, but not drying at all.
Wet N Wild Megalast - Markwins finally heard our complaints about the lack of name labelling on their lipsticks. The new Megalast Lipsticks have the name on the bottom.
Aside from Wet N Wild Megalast lipsticks, MAC got most of my money for 2012. Their having released so many limited edition lipsticks almost had me in the poor house.

Favorite Blush - NARS and La Femme top my list for the most pigmented and reached for blushes of 2012. Although I have enough blush PERIOD, I do want to purchase a couple of La Femme blushes in 2013.

Favorite Nail Products
I upgraded my organization from shoe boxes to acrylic wall organizers. This was a huge help as I can now see all of my colors at a glance instead of rifling through boxes and neglecting colors. Despite my having painted my nails less in 2012 than in 2011. I attribute the decreased manicures to not making the time to do them. Working at my job has cut in to my beauty time. I seemed to gravitate more towards Sinful Colors than any other brand this past year. I did step up my game and invest in a few China Glaze Wish List colors. My favorite finish is cream. My Favorite top coat is Seche Vite. My favorite Nail Polish Blog is
nailsbeautiqued. The Lovely Blog Author says that "Nail Polish is something every lady should have time for." During 2013 I plan to branch out into other brands such as American Apparel, essie and OPI.

Favorite Makeup Organizers.
Hands down, MUJI gets my vote for the #1 organizer of makeup products for 2012. I was OBSESSED with acquiring these acrylic drawers! I love them because I was able to customize my organization.
I have been eyeing the ediva Princess. Stay tuned for future updates.

Favorite Beauty Trend
Despite my desire to not give more of a spotlight than necessary to the Kardashian family, I will have to say that my favorite beauty trend of 2012 is the Kim Kardashian Highlight. It adds a youthful lift and light to the face.This is credited to her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic.

Favorite Hair
I would love to be able to say that my favorite hair for 2012 was MY OWN. *laughing*
However, I focused on the convenience of human hair wigs for protective styling until I am comfortable with the length of my natural hair. I was OBSESSED with short wigs during 2012. No hassle, no tangles, no glue, no tape are the reasons for this choice. My favorite wig for 2012 has to be Sensationnel FAB FRINGE.
I am on the fence about buying the same wig with highlights (Autumn). However I am dedicated to NOT purchasing more wigs for 2013. I do want to loc my hair. I have been toying with the idea of Sister Locks for about 2 years now. The cost is somewhat prohibitive. However I am still weighing my options.

Favorite Lip Gloss - Milani 3D Lipglass. This is the best dupe ever for MAC Dazzleglass.

Favorite Eyeliner - Revlon ColorStay is my liner pencil of choice. The black seems darker than
Urban Decay ZERO and is more affordable. It stays put! Wet N Wild H20 Liquid Liner was my most reached for liner as well.

Favorite Body Lotion - Korres Body Butters

Favorite Fashion Trends
Skinny Leg Pants. Prior to this year, I did not own very many pairs of pants. I love the look and feel of dresses and skirts. At my new job, I incorporated pants into my wardrobe. I found skinny legs to be my favorite cut.
Animal print will continue to be one of my favorite fashion trends.


Did you share some of my favorites for 2012?
If you are so inclined, please do share in the comments.

Wearing False Lashes!

Many women have hooded eyelids. Sometimes age is a factor. I attribute mine to my Native American heritage. As I have hooded eyelids, wearing false lashes can be pretty tricky for me.
I have learned that shorter lashes look more natural on me.
It seems as if really long ones make me look kind of drag-queenish or like I am trying way too hard.
That is not the look I am trying to achieve. I like strip lashes with the invisible band. I have also applied individual lashes in the past.


I have been on the hunt for Ardell Demi - Whispies FOREVER!
It seems as if they are always sold out at my local drugstores.
I saw a youtuber substitute the Salon Perfect Demi Whispies for the Ardells.
I knew that on my next trip to Walmart I was going to purchase these if they were in stock.

Photo Credit: salonperfect.com

I picked up another pair of 116 lashes.

Photo Credit: salonperfect.com

These retail exclusively at Walmart for $2.98.
To find out more about these lashes, please visit  salonperfect.com.















Please enjoy this video from Muffinismylovers2012 as she demonstrates how she applies Ardell individual false lashes. This was one of the most impressive lash videos I have ever seen.


I am so excited about finding these lashes!

Do you ever wear false lashes?
Have you ever tried Salon Perfect brand?

Three e.l.f. Studio Brushes You NEED Now! - REVIEW

More often than not when there are items out of stock on the e.l.f. website, it means they are really good products. Fortunately, elf will notify you when the products are back in stock via email if you request it.
Such was the case when my curiosity was piqued about three new Studio brushes.
They retail for $3 each. This is a very affordable price point.

The shining star of the group has to be the
Flawless Concealer Brush.

Photo Credit: eyelipsface.com

The website states, "Create an airbrush effect with the Flawless Concealer Brush using any liquid or powder concealer. The unique rounded shape allows you to contour and cover areas easily. Create buildable coverage from light to heavy for a customizable look that is smooth and flawless."

Prior to purchasing this item, I had been using my MAC 224 brush to apply my concealer. The problem was, that brush is made from natural bristles. This means that it is pourous and absorbs more product. It also sheds like CRAZY.
Such is NOT the case with the elf brush. The head is larger. It is synthetic. I have not experienced any shedding. I picked up two of these babies.


Next up is the Angled Blush Brush.

Photo Credit: eyeslipsface.com

The website says, "The slanted shape of the Angled Blush Brush offers precision application for a sculpted look. The soft dense bristles contours facial features easily. Use with cream, liquid or powder blush, bronzers or highlighters for a professional result."

Prior to purchasing this, I had been using the elf Blushing, Blending and Bronzing Brush from their $1 line. It got the job done, but I had to work harder because it's bristles are not densely packed. I used that brush because my MAC 168SE is made from natural bristles. The MAC brush tends to pick up too much product. It also stains easily. The elf Studio brush is DENSE.
This is a bonus for me, because I do not have to continue to go back into the product again and again. I pack the brush & easily blend my contour lines. I still use the $1 brush only to apply and blend Bronzer for a gradient effect. I would love to buy 2 more of the studio brush!

Finally, the Small Stipple Brush is a welcome addition to my tool arsenal.

Photo Credit: eyeslipsface.com

The website says
"Use the Small Stipple Brush to create soft layers by adding texture for a natural airbrushed result. The two layers of bristles create ultimate control from sheer to heavy coverage for small and hard to reach places. Ideal with liquid, cream or powder products, foundation, concealer, and cream blush."
I purchased this to apply my highlight. It is perfect for this task! It grabs a tiny bit of product and helps to blend it with an airbrushed finish

I would love a couple more of each of the brushes.


Do you own any of these brushes?
Do you think you need to buy them?

Funky Leopard Pumps

I love animal print. I'm not one of those ladies who would wear a ton of it all at once. I would add just one item of animal print with an outfit to give it some flavor.

I tried on these shoes today.
Ashby Calf Hair High Heel.
The heel is not too high at 3 1/2".
Features:
•Breathable leather sockliner

•Cushion-comfort footbed

•Non-slip suede heel counter

•Refined leather outsole

They are very well crafted. However they do not come in wide. I would prefer a wider shoe. The only way I can see myself wearing these is if I cut off my baby toe. That's not going to happen. What do you think of these shoes.

I'm on the hunt for a comparable replacement that comes in a wide width.

These can be purchased at http://www.landsend.com for $120.00.
They come in sizes 6.5 to 10. They can currently be purchased in Lands' End shops in Sears.
They are 25% off until Tuesday 8/28/12.

Sorry Albatross We Need a Break - Face Of The Day (FOTD)

Albatross was my favorite facial highlighter! That is until I found my new love, the gold in the NARS Foreplay Palette. My poor Albatross has been archived for a while.
Check out this Face Of The Day

Blackberry Pic - Indirect Sunlight

FACE

Prime - Black Radiance Anti - Shine
Foundation - MUFE HD #177
Highlight - Gold from the NARS Foreplay Palette
Contour - e.l.f. Clarifying Pressed Powder SPICE
Set - MAC Transparent Loose Powder













BROWS

Above Concealer - MAC Studio Finish - NC50
Fill - Maybelline Define A Brow - BROWNEST BROWN
Below Concealer - MAC Studio Finish - NC45

EYES

Under Eye Concealer - Lorac Cover Up C7 & MAC Select Moisture Cover NC45 set with MAC Powder WARM LIGHT
Prime -NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Primer
Base - MAC Paint Pot SOFT OCHRE
Mobile Lid - Light brown from Wet n Wild Vanity Palette (MAC Texture dupe),
Crease - L'Oreal Matte SUEDE BROWN
Deepen Outer V - Dark Brown from Wet n Wild Vanity Palette
Transition - MAC Saddle
Inner Tear Duct & Highlight - L'Oreal HIP Loose Eyeshadow Pigment RESTLESS (applied w/ wet brush)
Under Lashline - Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow - TENACIOUS TEAL set with L'Oreal HiP Duo FLASHY (teal side only)
Tightline & Waterline - Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil ZERO
Top lashline - Winged liner with Wet n Wild H20 Liquid Liner BLACK
Mascara - Maybelline the Colossal GLAM BLACK
Set with Urban Decay ALL NIGHTER Spray

Blackberry Pic - Indirect Sunlight

CHEEKS

Base - L'Oreal HiP Blendable Blushing Cream TICKLED (Copper)
Powder - NARS TAJ MAHAL

LIPS

Line - NK BROWN
Fill - NARS HONOLULU HONEY
Gloss - Milani 3D DESIGNER LABEL

What is your favorite facial highlighting powder?

Maybelline 2012 Fall Scene On The Runway - Ltd Edition 24 hr Edition Color Tattoo Eyeshadows

In the mid-Atlantic region of the
United States, we look forward to crisp Autumn days in September.
It will soon smell like back to school and football season. I'm ready to curl up with a good book and some warm apple cider.
Autumn also brings with it the beautiful change in the colors of the leaves on the trees. Many of us leave the bright bold colors of summer behind and opt for more subtle hues.

Maybelline has once again released some fantastic eyeshadows to assist us in being chic and fashionable this fall.

You may see a display such as the one pictured on the left in your local Rite Aid. It is my understanding that Rite Aid is exclusively carrying these items. They are also limited edition. These retail for $6.69. I was able to procure mine during a Buy1Get1 50% off special. Unfortunately, when I got to the register, they both rang up full price. The manager honored the advertisement and gave me the proper price.
The display also features a brush. I did not buy it.

100 Barely Beige

Many are saying that this Barely Beige is a dupe for MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I do not own this, so I cannot say for sure that this is true.

200 Mossy Green

Many are also saying that Mossy Green is a dupe for MAC Paintpot in Moss Scape.
The MAC Paintpot can be applied with a finger.
I found the Maybelline eyeshadows worked best for me when used with a synthetic brush.
I do not use them for their inteded purpose as stand alone eyeshadows, but instead as eyeshadow bases. They intensify the colors of eyeshadows I pack on top.
The MAC Paintpot seems to have a drier texture.
The Maybelline is creamier. I prefer the texture of the Maybelline.

It appears that the MAC Moss Scape has more gold in it than the Moss Green Does.

What do you think?

300 Gold Shimmer

Rich Gold is a warmer Bronze.

400 Rich Mahogany





Do you have any plans on purchasing any of these beauties?
Which colors appear to stand out to you?

Lips Of The Day (LOTD) MAC Russian Red and Cult Of Cherry Lip Glass

Just a quick LOTD.
I was eager to try this combo.
Line - NK BROWN
Fill - MAC RUSSIAN RED (matte)
Gloss - MAC CULT OF CHERRY

A review an seperate swatch of CULT OF CHERRY is coming soon.

I love a bold red lip. 

How about you?
Are you ready for fall?

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows (New Ltd Edition Colors Added)

Just a quick update.
Swatches soon.

New Colors, 2 different Displays available at 2 different locations.

Bright Colors available at Target Only!










TARGET Item #'s :
100 Blue on By - 052070607

200 Ready, Set, Green - 052070610

300 Fuchsia Fever - 052071013

400 Test my Teal - 052071015

Thanks to kokofemme (click for video review) of YouTube for sharing the codes so we can call ahead to see if these items are in stock. Some makeup fiends have been fortunate enough to have been able to have these reserved for them by Target employees.

Rite Aid features the new Neutrals in a Limited Edition Fall Display

This week (8/12-8/18/2012) Rite Aid is featuring Maybelline Face & Eye Cosmetics Buy 1 Get 1 50% off.
When you get to the register, have the circular ready. These rang up both at full price. The manager gave me an adjustment to get the 2nd for half price to honor the advertised price. Others have experienced this problem at checkout as well.

The 4 new colors available are
300 Gold Shimmer
200 Ready Set Green
200 Mossy Green
100 Barely Beige (Many are saying this is a dupe for MAC Paintpot in Painterly)



Do you have any plans on purchasing any of these newer eyeshadows?

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NARS claims "A lightweight primer that creates a seamless canvas that keeps cream and powder eye color looking brilliant, fresh, and just-applied all day.







This smudge-proof eye shadow base uses a unique polymer and mineral powder blend to get a firm grip on color for long-lasting, gorgeous wear. Fortified with a special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract, it dries on contact and keeps the delicate eye lid smooth and ready for eye shadow application.

This fragrance-free product is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested."

I agree with their claims!


This is my new holy grail eyeshadow base.
My eyelids are super oily!
This is the only product that I can use that actually keeps the oil at bay, lets eyeshadow adhere and makes colors pop. I have gotten 10 hours of wear without creasing using this product! It is a bit pricey at $24 for just .26oz. I bought mine from the NARS website, however, it is available on Sephora's website as well as drugstore.com. Although the product is white coming out of the tube, it goes on clear. Very little product is needed to achieve favorable results.

It has a doe foot applicator. The packaging is not ideal. Urban Decay listened to it's consumers by making their primer available in a tube. Aside from the high price, I would say this is the only drawback to this product. A little goes a long way and I have not finished the product.


I found it to be compatible with both drugstore and high end eyeshadows. I have used it as a primary base as well as alone just to keep the oil from greasing up my lids while wearing just eyeliner. Yes, I would definitely purchase this product again and highly recommend it to others.

Have you ever tried this product?
What is your Holy Grail eyeshadow base?

NARS - FOREPLAY Blush Palette - REVIEW

Blackberry pic
Full Sunlight

I love NARS Blush! I simply had to purchase this Foreplay palette from my local Sephora.
It retails for $49. Essentially, it is a deconstructed ORGASM palette. ORGASM is their most popular shade of blush. I must say I was at first a bit reluctant to purchase it, as many brown girls have said that it just does not show up on their skin. The idea of a deconstructed palette works for me because I can add more pink or peach to make it pop for my deep skin tone.



Blackberry pic - Swatches

The largest color in the palette is ORGASM, a soft peachy pink with fine gold shimmer.
On my skin, the color is a bit washed out.
I added more peach to amp it up.

There are both a soft blue based pink as well as a peach blush in this palette. Both are matte.
The three blushes in this palette are not available for purchase singularly. However, I suspect that there are other blushes in the NARS line that closely resemble them.

The real appeal for me in this palette is the gold color. While NARS ALBATROSS is my all time favorite highlight, I wanted to try this warmer yellow gold.
Just as I suspected, it is as finely milled as is ALABATROSS.

Blackberry pic

This palette is limited edition. If you are a fan of NARS BLUSH or a beginner who would like to try it, I highly recommend it. I think it would be terrific for travel because of it's compact size.

Have you any plans on purchasing this item?

Nails Of The Day (NOTD) - Sinful Colors - ISLAND CORAL

I was delighted when I saw this shade at my local Walgreens.
I have been scouring the shelves for months for a color called Scandal.
This was as close as I could get.

This is a beautiful feminine pinky, peachy coral cream.
Base - China Glaze Strong Adhesion
Color - Sinful Colors ISLAND CORAL
Top - Seche Vite

This manicure is about a week old.














Full Sunlight No Flash



This definitely reads more peach than pink without the flash in full sun. I am enjoying this color. Summer is almost over.



I cannot get enough of Sinful Colors nail polish.
Do you own this color?
Do you like corals?

Nails Of The Day (NOTD) - China Glaze - FOUR LEAF CLOVER

This is a vibrant Kelly Green Cream,
athough this is reading more teal in the photographs.
I tried to correct this by shooting in my Olympus 720SW's "Cuisine mode" and adjusting the White Balance.

I have a weakeness for greens.

There was a time in my life when I would have never touched a green or blue nail polish.
One needs to have confidence to rock such bold colors.
It seems as if these are the main colors for which I have been reaching as of late. Although I wore this today with my Enamel Green t-shirt and staple leopard print scarf, I prefer not to be so matchy matchy with my outfits.
I like for the nail polish to compliment the outfit instead.










This was a dream to apply.

I was impatient about allowing each coat to dry before adding the next one.
It was opaque with just two coats.
I am just used to applying three.
It was hastily applied before running errands today.

Base: China Glaze Strong Adhesion

Color: China Glaze FOUR LEAF CLOVER
Top Coat: Seche Vite








Blackberry Pic

 Do you wear green nail polish?

Nails Of The Day (NOTD) - Sinful Colors - CINDERELLA

I picked up this beautiful nail polish over a month ago. I need to buy a backup as I have two teen aged daughters who also agree that it's gorgeous!

I got tons of compliments the first time I wore this.
A lady asked me what color it was.
When I told her, she asked me if it made me
"feel like Cinderella."
My reply was, "No, not really."
*laughing* I just thought it was pretty.

This is the second time that I've worn it.
Duo Chromes are mesmerizing!
I see gold, pink and purple reflects.
They are tiny.

Base: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
Color: Cinderella x3
Top Coat: Seche Vite
This was difficult to apply.
It was streaky and felt like a flaky nail polish.
I do feel it is certainly worth the effort to get the true color as shown in the bottle.

Do you like this?
Do you own it?
With what other colors would you pair it?

Nails Of The Day (NOTD) - Sinful Colors - CLEMENTINE

Indirect Sunlight with Flash

Clementine is a beautiful vibrant shade of orange.
I have been on the hunt for such a color for my pedicures.

Base: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
Color: Sinful Colors CLEMENTINE x3
Top Coat: Seche Vite





















Indirect Sunlight without Flash



Full Sunlight

Do you like Orange nail polish?

Nails Of The Day - (NOTD) Sinful Colors FIREFLY



Indoors with Flash

 This manicure is more than a week old.
I was about to change it when I realized I hadn't documented the swatches for the blog.
This is a creamy jelly. Application was somewhat difficult  because of streaking.

Base: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
Polish: FIREFLY x3
Top Coat: Seche Vite














Indirect Sunlight No Flash






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
It has tiny yellow gold flecks.

Can you see them?