Guerlain 4 Quad Eyeshadow Palette: Les Aqua

 I always get excited when I see high-end brands doing more bolder or bright colors, so when I saw this palette from Guerlain was more in the bold range but ALSO had shimmer, I knew I had to give it a try!


This was my first eyeshadow purchase from Guerlain, though I have previously tried their foundations, lipsticks, and lipglosses.


The palette is pictured below, and please note they do not name the individual shades within the palette (this seems to strange to me because I am so used to every color in palette having a name, LOL!)


My thoughts on this palette:
I really like it - it applies very smoothly and the colors are very soft!  The colors are so easy to work with and extremely blendable (these characteristics really come in hands when you've made a mistake during application)!!


My least favorite and the color that is the most difficult to work with is the silver shade (it's more chalky than the others and there's just something about the shade that rubs me the wrong way!).  my favorite is the light green shade - it has tiny gold micro-shimmer flecks in it and it just makes me go "oooooooh, aaahhhhhh!"


That being said, this palette is rather costly when compared to other brands, and it's certainly possible to find colors that are similar to these while spending less money.  I do really like how the palette feel physically - it's comfortably heavy which adds to the luxury factor and the mirror is a decent size for being part of a compact!


Also important to note is how loooooooooong these shadows stay on once applied!  I did use Too Faced Eyeshadow Insurance as a primer, but even after taking a shower there was still enough color left that if I had really wanted to, I could have cleaned up the residual mascara on the skin under my lower lashes, applied mascara and foundation and gone out on the town!


Where To Buy:
Guerlain Counters


Cost:
$59

  

Here is how I used the colors:

1.  After applying Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance as my primer I applied the light green color in my crease using back and forth (windshield wiper motions!) going from the outer corner to inner corner.  I did a few layers to help intensify this color since it's a lighter color.  I first used the Urban Decay 24/7 shadow brush, but that was too stiff and I switched to using the MAC 224 brush.
2.  Next I applied the dark blue shade all over my lid until it just met the previously applied light green color (barely brought it up to the crease).  I did this using a flat stiff brush, then added another layer using the MAC 224 brush (wipe it off first!).  Using the dark blue that was already on my lid, I carefully brought that color up to blend into the light green color so there was not a stark line contrasting these colors.
3.  After I was satisfied with the green and blue being blended together I used the MAC 217 brush and applied the dark green color to the outer corner.  I used small strokes working from the outer corner and bringing it slightly inward, then I put more of that color on the brush and lightly pressed it into the same areas to intensify the color.
4.  Lastly I used a small dome brush and applied the silver color under my eyebrows and lightly blended it down into the light green color (I wasn't super pumped to use this color, I generally don't like using silvers where the highlight color goes, but I wanted to use only the Guerlain shadows in this post so just went for it!).
5.  With so much dark color on my lids I also added some drama to the bottom part of my eyes and applied MAC Technakohl liner in Smooth Blue on the lower lash line.  If I were going out I would also apply black liner in the upper lash line and tight line the upper lash line with the same black color as well, buuuuut since a shower was in my very near future I skipped adding any black liner!!
6.  I am wearing the Dior New Show Mascara, but I had applied that in the morning - over 10 hours earlier!
7.  To continue with the Guerlain trend for this post, I wore Guerlain Rouge Automatique in #165 on my lips!
8.  On my cheeks I am wearing Urban Decay powder blush in Score.

MAC Viva Glam 2012: Nicki Minaj Lipstick

                                               (photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, 2012, promotional image)




For MAC's 2012 Viva Glam campaign Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin will be the featured representatives.  Nicki is featuring a lipstick exclusive to the Viva Glam collection, while Ricky is featuring the MAC lip conditioner.


The Viva Glam Nicki lipstick is described by MAC as a  "bright yellow pink" and has a satin finish.


To me the color is a more florescent version of a hot bubblegum pink.  It's AWESOME and NOT the same as the MAC Nicki Minaj Pink Friday lipstick that was previously released.

MAC lipsticks with the satin finish are VERY drying on my lips and usually leave my lips looking like a peeling, scaly mess even when I use a lip primer, so I searched for the PERFECT gloss that would match this shade.  Here is the look combined with a gloss:

Here is a direct comparison, directly below this caption is the lipstick only, and the second photo down is with the gloss added:

 Overall, I really love this lipstick, it's a fun color and unique, and you HAVE to love that 100% of the profits from the Viva Glam Nicki lipstick and the lip conditioner go to the MAC AIDS fund for those affected by HIV/AIDS.  It doesn't get much better than that, folks!


WARNING:  This color is so bright and electric that I strongly advise to wear a "full face" of make up when wearing this lipstick!  I have tried wearing it with minimal make up, or even just basic foundation and mascara and have found that I personally felt a little bit silly and adolescent and felt much better and more confident when I wore it will full face make up and something more defined on the eyes.  That's just my take however, and I am sure plenty of people will feel great rocking this alone!  ;)


MAC Viva Glam Lipstick:  $14.50
MAC Viva Glam Lip Conditoner:   $15.00


These will be sold at MAC counters, MAC Pro stores, and maccosemtics.com until February of 2013 when we meet the next Viva Glam representatives!!!


P.S. - I will be doing a separate post on the lipgloss worn here and the overall look in these photos!!

Functional or Not???

 Backstage Eyeliners-To-Wear Multi-Wear Adhesive Eyeliner Patches

 I received an email from Sephora about this new Dior product and was INSTANTLY intrigued!  My first thought was "oh my gosh, MUST, MUST have!"  First of all, there are SPARKLY CRYSTALS on them and secondly, I practice and practice my winged eyeliner but still have yet to reach perfection.... Then my brain (or wallet) got the best of me and I wondered just how functional these were.  

 It says that they are re-useable, so that is a plus.  My concern is more so with the application and wear process.  I just see this application going terribly, terribly wrong!

 

Dior Describes Them As:
A set of innovative eyeliner "patches" that are ready to wear in minutes.  Designed by Dior makeup artists, the results of these velvet eyeliner appliqués are spectacular. Like a sticker or transfer tattoo, the designs range from the simplest matte-black to the most lavish, lacquered finish bedecked with sparkling Swarovski crystals.

This set contains:
- 4 pairs of eyeliner patches: 2 black ones, 1 all pasted with anthracite grey crystals, 1 black with white crystals
- small glue

What else you need to know:
These adjustable, multipurpose patches are comfortable and easy to apply. Expertly designed and adaptable to every eye shape, they can be applied to the eyelids and to the base of the lashes. Included in a sleek Dior sleeve is a sheet of eyeliners to be applied onto the eyelid.

Price:  $59

Has anyone used these yet?  What are your thoughts on them - worth the price?  Easy to apply?  Look good?  Let me know!

Dior Show 360 Mascara: Photos & Review

A few weeks ago I gave in and purchased the Dior Show 360 Mascara.  I had been considering trying it for awhile, but had to convince myself to swallow the $36 price tag.

I have been using it almost daily since I bought it, and it does work nicely.  I notice it helps to lengthen my lashes, and thickens them a little bit.  The main feature of this mascara is the 360 aspect--the brush rotates when you turn it on!  It can rotate in two different directions, depending on which direction you choose.

Dior Describes it As:  A professional mascara mimics a makeup artist's application technique for a perfect 360-degree lash-styling effect. Featuring a patented double-helix brush with extra-smooth fibers and a sculptable wax formula, this mascara features a spinning brush that rotates in both directions to adapt to every need, whether you're left- or right-handed or you want to pump up upper or lower lashes.  Dior claims that it is a volume-boosting, lengthening, and curling mascara with a spinning wand.

My Thoughts on the Application:  It takes a couple applications to get used to the rotating brush.  I don't mean that in a bad way, and it's not difficult to work with, but it is something you aren't used to happening when you apply your mascara!  I also notice you have to be much more careful when applying this mascara (when it's rotating) as it was much easier to unintentionally get mascara on your eyelids (which is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves!).  After a few times it became much easier to avoid this, but even with practice, I did have to pay much closer attention and take more time applying this mascara than I would any other mascara I have used.  The instructions say that you can use one direction of spinning for the top lashes, and the opposite direction for the lower lashes, but I didn't find it necessary to use the spinning feature on the lower lashes, mine define just fine with normal application methods.  :)


My Thoughts on the Formula:  I was somewhat impressed with formula of the mascara, it did seem to make my lashes look longer and slightly thicker than they would with other mascaras I have used-- my lashes just seemed to stand out a little bit more than they normally would (and I love my lashes to stand out, so that's a compliment!).  I think the rotating brush helps with the lengthening, as it's probably not just the formula that does that.  I didn't notice anything significantly different about the volume of my lashes, and would say it maybe only increased my lash's curl a tiny bit.  I usually applied 2 coats of this, sometimes 3.

My Thoughts on the Look of Lashes:  While did do like how my lashes look afterwards and can see they appeared a little longer and thicker than with other mascaras, I must say, for $36, I was hoping for a much more dramatic look than what I saw.  I usually use MAC's Opulash in black, and can achieve a very similar look, maybe just a smidge less longer and thicker looking.


Final Verdict:  With Opulash being less half the price of Dior Show 360, I will probably just stick to using Opulash normally, and may pick up 360 again if it's on sale or something.  If you have the extra money to spend on a mascara or have very short and/or thin lashes, this may be worth your while.  My lashes are of a decent length and thickness on their own.  Just FYI-When I use any mascaras, including this one, I do not use a lash primer or lash curler, I strictly put on a few coats of mascara.

Photos Wearing L'Oreal:

Photos Wearing Dior Show 360:

The ridge is the toggle switch, where you can activate the spinning action, and depending on which way you toggle, what direction the brush will spin:

Photos of the brush and wand:

Green and Gold Look!

I know St. Patty's has come and gone, but I wasn't able to post this at the time.  I think it's still a fun look to, and can inspire similar looks with different color combinations!

As you can see from the photos, I didn't do this look expecting to feature it here, so they were taken on my computer and are not the best quality.


Here is what I used:

Eyes:
-Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Graffiti in the crease
-Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Half Baked all over the lid
-MAC Glitter in Reflects Gold all over the lid covering the gold shadow.  Before applying the glitter, I did a thin layer of  MAC's Mixing Medium all over the lid (over the gold shadow), I let it set, becoming a little more tacky, then used a flat, stiff brush to apply the glitter all over the lid and mixing medium.
-MAC Mineral  Eye shadow Duo in She Who Dares (using the green portion of the duo) in the outer crease
-LA Splash glitter in Dragons Lair along lower lash line.  Before applying, I first used a small eye liner brush and applied MAC's Mixing Medium to the lower lash line where I wanted the glitter to appear.  I let that set for about 30 seconds, allowing it to become more tacky, then took another small, fine pointed eye liner brush and applied the glitter.
-MAC #2 Lashes


Lips:
MAC Lipstick in
MAC lipglass in
MAC lipliner in
MAC prep + prime Lip

Face:  Dior Skin AirFlash in Light Beige (200), first applied to MAC 187 brush, then applied all over face and lightly on the neck.  On the cheeks I used NARS Blush in Orgasm

Super Quick Look: Never Say Never

Yes, yes, I am only a tiny bit embarrassed to say I went and saw Justin Bieber's movie, Never Say Never in theatres (and in 3-D!!!!).


Moving on,  I had been at work all day so wasn't up for doing much fun make up stuff, but still wanted to do a little something for this festive occasion.  In honor of the Bieb's favorite color, I did purple winged eye liner and then added a bright pink lip to add more flare!  


It's nothing super special, but still kinda cute!


I Used:




Eyes:
-MAC pigment in Helium all over the lid, up the brow.
-Urban Decay 25/7 Liner in Random all over the upper and lower waterline.  I actually used a very small, fine pointed eyeliner brush and used one hand the spin the pencil very quickly, while holding the liner brush against the point of the pencil, to gather color from the pencil to use to create the wing.  I had never tried that before, but I knew that just using a very sharp pencil would not be enough precision for me to create the wings.  It worked pretty well!  UD's 24/7 liners are always very pigmented and a softer texture, making it easy to transfer the color onto the brush and then apply.
-MAC Opulash Mascara in black


Lips:
MAC lipstick in Pink Burst
MAC Lip glass in Hot House (from their Venomous Villains Collection)

Getting my Body Glam: Nutrisystem

Well guys, I've always had weight issues--ever since I was around 17 my weight started fluctuating.  I danced for many years, and when I stopped that, I didn't change my eating habits, and I gained quite a bit of weight.  I would gain weight, do a diet, be fine for awhile, then gain weight back, and so on.  And here I am, 27 years old, and still watching my weight go up and down on the scale!

As of right now I am back to my "heaviest  point", I was also this size about six years ago, but managed to lose the weight and keep it off for a few years before slowly gaining more weight over the past few years.

This post isn't so much about my eating or work out habits and my insight into my weight issues, but it's more of a tool to help keep me accountable AND to share my experience about Nutrisystem with you guys in case anyone else has been curious about the program, food, etc.

I did Nutrisystem in April 2010 before my wedding and lost 10 lbs in about a month's span, not bad. I found the food to be pretty good, overall, and REALLY love that all of the food is prepackaged and designated to eat when, what.  I am pretty busy between school and work, so don't have time to count nutrition facts and track things, etc.  It's a huge help just being able to pick out what sounds good, and throwing my whole day's food into my bag.

I am on my second day, and so far so good!  Here is my menu so far:

Day 1:
Breakfast: chocolate muffin: I like the chocolate muffins!  Granted, they don't have the delightful chocolate chocolate chunks most 'normal' chocolate muffins do, but this is DIET food people!!
Lunch:  red beans and sausage:  This was my first time eating this dish, and I actually was surprised with the amount of flavor and spice.  I liked it a lot.  However,  it was a very small amount that came in the package!  (This is true for about all of their items-the portions are small, obviously for a reason....)
Dessert (which I ate as an afternoon snack):  Pound Cake. Pretty good, not bad, but not super sweet like typical pound cake.
Dinner: Buffalo chicken wrap: the taste is not bad, but the presentation is not promising, it mainly looks sort of a buffalo sauce colored goop, not like the photo on the box.  But again, it doesn't taste bad.  It is messy to eat though, so eating it at work or on the go is not the best idea (which is what I did, ha!).

I will keep checking in and post updates about how it's going and anything noteworthy about the food and the program, but at least wanted to put this out there for now!