NYC Haul: Generation Beauty + Nars + Birchbox

I think the title here says it all right? I was in NYC last month for Generation Beauty and got a bunch of stuff while I was there. You already saw the amazing swag bag they sent us home with. Well, that wasn't all!!! Can you believe it?

And being the beauty loving fiend that I am, I had to buy a few extra things while visiting NYC. I mean, c'mon! It's NYC! You kind of have to eat and shop while you're there.

Come see all the fun stuff I got, it'll blow your mind.

Product list: 

Ofra liquid lipstick Kathleen Lights Miami Fever (limited edition)
Ofra lipgloss stick
Julie G nail polish Sour Apple
Julie G nail polish Beach Bonfire
Jesse's Girl eyeshadow primer
Jesse's Girl mineralized baked powder eyeshadow (Rosemary Frost)
Laura Geller Love Me Dew lip crayon
Bliss On The Line Liquid Eyeliner (Carbonated)
Derma e Purifying Toner Mist
Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Banilla Co Clean It Zero solid cleansing oil
Skinn Caviar Lip Cream (Ruby)
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Mally Starlight Evercolor Waterproof Liner 
Temptu Air Skin Perfection Kit
Skin Inc Licorice Root Serum
Skin Inc Get Perfect Kit (similar)
Nars Audacious Lipstick (Viviene, Anna, Vanessa)
Nars Satin Lip Pencil (Jardin de Plants)
Harvey Prince Hello exfoliating body wash
Harvey Prince Hello fragrance 
Chosunga 22 flavored lipstick (Chai Tea)
Supergoop Antiaging City Serum SPF 30
Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle leave-in conditioner
Dr. Jart Water Fuse sheet mask
Biorepublic aloe rescue mask
Real Chemistry Environmental Rescue Mask
Karuna exfoliating face mask

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GRWM: My New Year's Day Makeup

This post contains press samples and items I purchased myself

Ok, I'm declaring right now that I'm going to make a bigger effort when it comes to doing my makeup on camera. I tend to focus mostly on reviews because I know that there are a lot of people out there doing tutorials. But the thing is, I have all this makeup, I work at home (I live in my yoga pants), and I want a reason to use the stuff I purchase. I'm not a collector. I buy my makeup because I want to play with it.

Plus, I've learned a few great tips along the way while I've been running this blog and my Youtube channel (I can't thank The Makeup Show enough for a lot of the things I've learned). Many of the useful tips I've tried to share in posts, but sometimes, it just clicks when you see someone doing it, rather than just being told. And sometimes, I forget about a useful tip because I use it so often it's become second nature to me -- I forget it might be new to someone else. 

I like the idea of doing Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos because it let's you just see what I do on a regular basis and how I do it. I feel like it takes the pressure off of coming up with a whole new fresh and innovative look. And let's be honest, it's getting harder and harder to do that these days. I'm not a professional makeup artist. I'm a makeup enthusiast. I want an approach to doing makeup videos that's more personal. Kind of like when you get ready with your friends before going somewhere. It's less formal, but you still learn things here and there along the way. 

That being said, here's my first GRWM video of 2015. 

Note: I filmed this video on January 1, before the whole Revlon lawsuit story was released. I use a Revlon product in this video, but have decided that I will not be using or reviewing Revlon products on this blog or on my channel going forward. I find the allegations very offensive. I am even more disappointed with how the company has chosen to react and respond to this incident. I will revisit my decision over time, depending on how this all plays out. You may or may not agree with me, but I simply don't feel right endorsing the brand at this time. 

Video Music: "Saturday" and "The Bottom" by Josh Woodward (Creative Commons Attribution License)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Cara Cosmetics items featured in this video are press samples. The rest of the products I purchased myself. This is not a sponsored video. For more information regarding the difference between a press sample and a sponsored video please visit my disclosures page. 

Haul: Sephora + Bath & Body Works

Well, I couldn't resist doing a little shopping recently. And since sharing is caring, I'm telling you all about it.

What are some of your favorite candle scents from Bath & Body Works? I'm so obsessed with them. I know I'm not the only one. Dish!

Product Lust: The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

The NARSissist eyeshadow palette

Oh my god, you guys -- how gorgeous is the new limited edition Nars NARSissist palette? For those of you (like me) who just can't resist a good neutral palette, here's one I think is worth a splurge ($79). How so? For starters, it's Nars and their shadows are usually pretty amazing. But let's talk about the fact that you get 15 gorgeous neutral shades you're bound to use up. It also appears to have a nice mix of textures and the most popular matte shades (at least the ones I tend to look for-- to blend and use in my crease). 

Shades include:

- All About Eve I: a flesh-toned neutral.
- Madrague II: a matte caramel.
- Fez: a velvety cocoa.
- Bali: a neutral.
- Coconut Grove: a deep brown infused with reflections.
- Madrague I: a matte cream.
- Nepal: a soft, sheer rose.
- Ashes to Ashes: a shimmery violet-based brown.
- Brousse II: a black violet.
- Mekon: an espresso infused with gold.
- Bellissima I: a shimmering beige with subtle glitter.
- Lhasa: a lavender grey.
- Bad Behavior: a deep pewter.
- Dogon II: a charcoal black.
- Pandora II: a matte black.

I've been trying to get my hands on this baby for weeks. It sold out on the Nars site so quickly I missed out. But guess what, it'll be available at retailers starting tomorrow. If you don't want to wait 'till then, do what I just did and order it online at Sephora or Nordstrom. They both made it available online a few days before it's official in-store release. Once it's gone, it's gone so you may want to hurry. 

I can't wait to get my grubby little hands on this one. The swatches that Christine over at Temptalia shared look absolutely beautiful. I just ordered it today (thanks to some holiday gift card that helped temper the price) and I'm already mentally rushing the shipment process. I might tackle the mail man on the day it's set to arrive. 

Anyone else excited over this release? 

Beauty Haul: The Makeup Show Orlando Part 1

*This post includes press sample products*

So you guys know I recently attended The Makeup Show Orlando. I've posted pre-show announcements. I tweeted. I instagramed. I've even shared a few of the things I learned (don't worry there's more to come on that front). But I haven't shown you yet, and what I'm sure you're waiting to see is what I got while I was there.

Well, the wait it over. This post I'll show you some of the goodies I brought home from the show. But since I went a little crazy (I was at a makeup trade show on payday weekend, what did you expect?), I'm splitting this haul up into a few posts. Product reviews and swatches will follow in posts to come. For now, you get a a sneak peek of all the products I'll be testing and talking about.

Blogger Preview

As a blogger attending the show, the first thing I got to do was attend the blogger preview, where James Vincent, director of artistry for The Makeup Show, showed us some of his favorite items that would be available from the various vendors. He also gave us a goodie bag that included a few of those items in it for us to test out for ourselves. 

Before I share those photos with you, I need so say this: James is a amazing. His personality is magnetic. His passion and enthusiasm for his work is infectious.  And his extensive knowledge is evident when he speaks. During the small amount of time I got to spend listening to him throughout the show, it was clear that he is an incredible educator -- the kind of person that truly captivates his audience when he speaks. 

 Clearly, I'm quite the fan girl.

Now, let's check out the great product recommendations James had for us.

Nars eye paints in Snake Eyes

Stila Stay All Day Prime & Anti-Shine Balm

Temptu Pro S/B Concealer Wheel

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Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow blush in Pravella

Ells Faas Mascara

Mehron Intense Pro Pressed Powder Pigments

Crown Brush zebra tweezers, powder puffs, black kohl eyeliner pencil

Kett Fixx Creme Blush for lips and cheeks in Daiquiri

Senna Cosmetics Brow Fix X in Golden Brown

Xtreme Lashes Glide Liner long lasting eye pencil in Black Pearl

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Mein Herr

Cara Cosmetics eye glimmers in Dakota Glimmer

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

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Graftobian Magic Set Mixing and Lining Liquid

Prana SpaCeuticals Organic Hand Sanitizer

Make Up For Ever 202 Brush

T3 Hair Elastics

Cosmetic spatula from Nigel's Beauty Emporium

Stay tuned for my Makeup Show Haul Part 2 where I'll show some of the products I purchased while at the event.

Don't forget to comment to let me know which products you'd like to see me review and swatch first.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sale Alert: Nars Duo Shadows

Photo: Sephora.com

If anyone missed the last Nars weekly special at Sephora, or you caught it and want more, then here's your shot at Nars shadows at super-low prices. Two Nars duos are on sale this week at Sephora (online) for only $10. Don't wipe your eyes, you read that right. Check out the screen capture above, it's legit.

Get your hands on your own here. Quantities are limited.

Happy shopping!

Did you get any or are you planning to? Which color combo is most appealing to you?

Swatches: Nars California & Night Sun

I got my new Nars eyeshadows in the mail this week from Sephora. You know, the ones I told you about that they had on sale for $8. Well, I hope you were able to get in on the deal. The colors are quite pretty! Since I just got them, I wanted to go ahead and share some swatches with you.

Night sun is a yellowish gold, and it would look lovely with some brown and black shadows for a pretty golden smokey eye.

California is a lovely copper color. It would look great as an eyeliner, or paired with a pretty bronze or brown shadow. Applied with a light touch, and a fluffy brush, this could also be a great wash of color on your lid. It's highly pigmented, so be sure to layer it on if you want to keep the color light.

Both shadows have great color pay off. Check out the swatch below (applied over eyeshadow primer).

What do you think of these colors? Were you able to get in on the $8 deal?

Here's a picture of me wearing a very light wash of California on my lids (don't worry, I took the photo at at red light).

Huge News: Nars Eyeshadow Special at Sephora

For all of you makeup fanatics out there, I've got some gigantic news (special thanks to G at Nouveau Cheap for sharing the scoop): Sephora has two Nars eyeshadows on sale for $8 (regular price $23) in their weekly specials (week of 9/19/11). The deal is only available online. If you know makeup, you know this is huge! Nars makes amazing products, but their are not exactly easy on the wallet. To be able to snag these at more than 50 percent off is ah-ma-zing. Get these while you can, I'm sure once they are gone, the deal is over.

It was during one of these weekly specials that I first discovered Benefit's creaseless cream shadows (I got two of them for $10 - they are regularly $19 each). It's a great way to check out brands you haven't tried before, or even to get your hands on things from your favorite brands.

The two eyeshadow colors in the weekly special for Nars are California (copper) and Night Sun (gold). Great colors for fall and winter! Check them out here

For extra savings, join Ebates.com and use their Sephora link to get an extra 4 percent back on your purchase.

Happy shopping!

Blush Love: Benefit Coralista

Benefit Coralista

I am jumping on the Benefit boxed blush bandwagon. I have read and seen wonderful reviews for Benefit's blushes. My problem always was that I had a hard time swallowing the $28 price tag. I know, I know. You do get a lot of product in the box. The blushes are pigmented, silky, and blend beautifully. I knew all of these legitimate reasons for the pricing, but I just hadn't bitten the bullet. But recently, I got the opportunity to test it out without spending a penny. Well, theoretically anyway. I'd reached my 500 point level at Sephora (after more than one year) and the beauty product up for redemption was a box of Coralista and a travel-sized Badgal mascara. Amazing, right?!  Here was my chance. I could finally get the blush I'd been lustfully gazing at for an eternity (and continuously talking myself out of buying) without shelling out any additional cash for it. I was so excited. I was even more ecstatic when the blush lived up to its expectations. It's a beautiful coral-peach-pink with a gold undertone. It's not really shimmery, but instead glowy. When I use it, I sometimes wonder if its similar to Nars Orgasm. I don't know, since I don't really have it. Has anyone compared these side by side? Is Orgasm peachy or more pink?

Coralista swatch

With that question nagging at me, I decided to pull out my Nars Deep Throat (one of my favorite bargain finds from TJ Maxx, which I bought in a duo gift set with Striptease lip gloss). The similarities are pretty astonishing. The main difference is that Deep Throat is a bit darker and pinker, while Coralista is peachy and lighter. Also, Deep Throat has golden shimmer in it as opposed to an golden undertone. When you look at them side by side they look almost identical, save for Deep Throat's fine golden shimmer-glitter. When you apply Coralista you definitely see the golden undertone, which picks up light and gives you a beautiful glow, but there are no fine flecks of glitter in the powder. Otherwise, they are pretty close.

My Coralista boxed blush has 0.42 oz of product ($28), versus Deep Throat, which as 0.16 oz of product ($27). That put things in perspective for me. While I had not paid $27 for my Nars blush, I paid $25 for the blush and lip gloss, I could get a blush that is of the same great quality and get more than twice as much product by going with a Benefit boxed blush.

I absolutely adore the peachy, coral, golden hue for the spring and summer months. I'd actually wear it all year long, but it seems so perfect for this time of year, when the season brings beautiful color back into our lives. It gives you such a soft and pretty flush. But a word to the wise, you can apply too much, so build it up lightly so you don't end up looking over done. When I do finally have to replace this (which I suspect will take a long time to do since there is so much in there), I'll be much less timid about the price since I know how much I love it.

The only thing I don't really like is that the bulky box doesn't lend itself to travel, so you can't easily slip it into a small makeup bag. But if that's the worse thing I have to say,  I can't really complain.

Another NARS eye makeup look

Went out to watch a comedy show this weekend and took it as an opportunity to play around with my NARS palette, again. I simply love this palette. I can't help myself. There are so many color combinations I can put together. The colors are so much fun!

Here's what I did:

• UD Primer Potion
• NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil - Milk (bottom lid to crease and under brow bone)
• NARS Himalayas eyeshadow (inner half of eyelid and tear duct area - not actually in tear duct but around it)
• NARS Night Flight eyeshadow (outer corner and crease: blend blend blend)
• Reapply Himalayas to get it brighter and use it to blend out harsh edges in Night Flight
• Continue to add Night Flight as needed until you get the color depth that you want and continue blending
• NYX Shadow in White under brow bone and pulled down into inner corner of lid (also use to blend Nigh Flight in crease and around outer V)
• Use pencil brush to line bottom lash line with HImalayas (inner half of lash line to and around tear duct), and outer half with Night Flight (when you get to outer corner pull color up and into outer V and crease to give the look continuity and make it a little cat-eye-ish)
• Line water line with black liner (I used Sephora Waterproof Flashy Liner in black)
• Add your choice of mascara, I used L'Oreal Double Extend in Blackest Black

Face:

• Smashbox Primer - Original formula
• Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder and highlight compact
• Maybelline Dream Mousse blush - Rose Petal

As always, you don't have to use the same colors and brands as I use. If you have similar colors, you can put something together that will look just like this. NYX has great color payoff, is inexpensive, and has a good color selection, if you can't get your hands on the NARS colors.

If you use similar colors to put together a similar look, please share! I'd love to see pictures!

NARS eye makeup look

A close up look:

This is the makeup I did for a fancy dinner out with my boyfriend and his family. I had a lot of fun doing it. I love love love my NARS eyeshadow palette. There are so many fun looks to get from it. I'll take more pictures of the different looks I come up with. Here is what I used:

UD Primer Potion (all over eyelid)
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk (inner half of eyelid to just above the crease)
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Black Bean (outer half of eyelid just above crease)
Ondine eyeshadow (inner half of lid to slightly above crease) - reapply as needed after applying night flight
Night Flight eyeshadow (outer half of lid and crease)
Himalayas eyeshadow inner corner and under brow - blend with Night Flight to soften line (I pulled some of the Himalayas under the outer V of the Night Flight to blend it out.
Dabbed NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk in inner corner/tearduct area to brighten the eye
NYX Eyeshadow in White over the inner corner where I dabbed the Jumbo Pencil, and then also pulled the color up to brow bone (over Himalayas)
Odine under lashline about halfway across
Night Flight under lashline in outer half and up into crease for continuity
Lined water line (upper and lower) with MAC Feline kohl eyeliner as well as along lashline on eyelid
L'Oreal Double Extend mascara in Blackest Black

Face:
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation #120
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish powder
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish highlighter
NARS blush in Deep Throat
NYX Lip Liner in Nude
Lancome Lipstick (a nude shade I can't remember the name right now)

What do you think? Any color combinations from the palette you'd like to see?

NARS Christmas Goodies

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