The Year In Review

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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?