Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

I’m spending my Sunday editing some new purchase posts, only getting out of bed to work out, and giggling with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Hope your’s is just as Hashtag #lazysunday

Favorite Item

Mirrored Tray

My sister got me this tray for Christmas. I was looking for a mirrored tray for my perfumes and vanity decor and she went a step farther by having it monogrammed. Amazing. It looks super high brow and I’m not ashamed. The size is perfect for holding what I wanted to display…

You can shop a similar one here – Mirrored Dresser Top Trays

Favorite Look

Waves

I haven’t used my Sultra wand since this summer and I can’t seem to comprehend why I retired it for so long. I was getting a little tired of my hairstyle – I almost always curl it at the ends for fullness – so I decided to switch it up. So pleased. Beach waves never go out of style, especially when you don’t want to look too overdone. I already have a full of face of makeup so keeping the hair a little more casual is a nice balance. The wand looks intimidating at first but it’s become second nature to me. I usually wrap my hair around a couple times and then leave the ends so that I don’t end up looking like Curly Sue (Google her).

You can try it here – Sultra Waving Wand 

Favorite Beauty Product

Sephora Collection Flatter Yourself Contouring Brush Set

I ordered this brush set a couple weeks ago and was going to do a full review but haven’t had enough time to really get up close and personal. It was an exclusive and I’m a sucker for an exclusive – mainly because I get anxiety over the fact that there is a product out there that if not purchased, will be out of reach forever. These are the types of regrets I simply cannot live with. Anyway, the bristles are remarkably soft and high quality and the set of 3 is complimentary and nice for creating a basic contour (as well as buffing and blending liquid makeup). Not to mention, they come with blotting papers, a sleek little pouch and a contour guide. Overall, it contains a stippling brush, a buffing brush, and and angled blush brush. I’m getting used to using the stippling brush because I’ve never used one before, but the buffing and blush brushes I can work with like a freaking pro. Love.

You can shop it here – Sephora Collection Flatter Yourself Contouring Brush Set

Favorite Purchase

Wildfox Onesie

No you shut YOUR mouth. Yeah. I got a onesie with cat ears on the hood. What startingly amazing thing have you done recently?

Favorite Food

Teavana

I, along with most of the female population, have vowed to get back into my healthy eating habits for the new year. I’m not into resolutions but I figured now was as good a time as any to detox by body after I indulged the sh*t out of Christmas. I started feeling a little Chipmunk like after hoarding every treat placed in front of me. Ya feel me? So – in addition to upping my workouts and monitoring my food intake, I’ve started hitting up loose tea. In no way am I ridiculous enough to believe that this is a food replacement (refer to: Favorite Food) but I didn’t feel like tweaking the title.  I picked up a fancy little holiday set right before Christmas and am actually shocked at how much they satisfy my sweet tooth. The set embraces the scents and tastes of the holiday season, and you can’t beat pumpkin spice and peppermint in one setting. Specifically, it contains 4 holiday teas which consist of Pumpkin Spice Brûlée, White Chocolate Peppermint, Chococaramel Sea Salt, and Spiced Apple Cider. I haven’t tried them all but so far I love the white chocolate peppermint and chococaramel sea salt. Probably because they’re the most indulgent sounding. Pathetic.

I don’t believe that this set is still available but you can get a ton of similar ones here – www.teavana.com

Favorite Pastime

Voraciously Reading

I’ve been trying to catch up on all the books sitting in my iBookshelf. I download them like they’re going to vanish within seconds – big up to purchase anxiety, yet again. Although I love reading on my iPad, there are some books I feel are worth buying in physical form. Coffee table books and books having to do with style and fashion are a must have tangible good. They look pretty and class up the joint, plus you can mark off and go back to them without having to scroll through hundreds of pages. I’d been wanting to read Sophia Amoroso’s #girlboss for months now. I’ve been a loyal Nasty Gal investor (read – shopper) and am always open to a little inspiration and advice, especially from such a powerhouse. I’m halfway in and am marking off pages worthy of anecdotes that need to be drilled into my head. Her uhf*ckwithable attitude is infectious, I’ll make sure to do a book report review when I’m done. I also purchased The Glitter Plan, which is Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor’s rise to infamy with Juicy Couture. Since Juicy is now fading into the outlet abyss and they’ve recently launched their new, more high endline – Pam & Gela, I was interested in reading their memoir. Yes Please is another can’t miss read. I am crushing hard on Amy Poehler. She is genuinely funny and offers up some really deep musings that you have to read a couple times to ensure she isn’t just f*cking with you. Idol status. Those are the 3 books I’ve started reading so far. I’ve also just purchased Serena by Ron Rash , Dead Stars by Bruce Wagner, and Paper Towns by John Green. There isn’t enough time in the day…

Here’s a list of book adaptations hitting the big screen this year (and as everyone knows – the book is always better than the movie).  21 Books to Read Before They Hit The Big Screen in 2015

Favorite Outfit

Ripped Denim

Excuse the shitty photo quality. I was just getting home from work and realized I didn’t take advantage of the cloudless day for a superior outfit pic. These black skinnies are from Zara (I believe I purchased them back in October). They’re not as skinny in the shin area, and I find that a lot of denim fails me in this area because I have smaller shins. Other than J Brand which fit like second skin, a lot of denim I’ve tried and even purchased falls short here. Anyway, the wash and the strategic shreds are great. I actually DIY expanded the knee rips (with my own two hands and all) so that they’re a little more edgy and not as clean looking. Paired them with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell lace up flats (mimicked off Aquazurra) and had a bit of Kurt Cobain meets Olivia Palermo.

Happy Weekend

xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Lorac The Royal Eyeshadow Collection

This post was supposed to be published back in early November and it’s not that I wasn’t mind blown enough to review – it was more having to do with sheer laziness and a sole focus on everything Christmas.

I was recently in LA, and while at Fashion Island in Newport I knew I had to drop in to Ulta. First visit. Gross right? Anyway, it met my expectations and then some. I knew it wasn’t going to be wrapped up among luxurious and iconic black and white accents and that it was simplistic, to the point and meant to come off as a drugstore on steroids so honestly, I wasn’t surprised at my surroundings. I was more blown away by the variety of brands, especially ones not carried at Sephora. So pleased. I burned Weitzman straight to Lorac and yeah….it was like eyes settling on a 5 course feast.

After much deliberation (and disappointment that the Lorac Pro palettes were sold out) I came across this set…

 

If I can correctly recall, I grabbed like, 4 in case someone was lurking in nearby aisles waiting to pounce in case I dropped it or changed my mind for some obscene reason.

I’m still floored with the amazing deal for 4 different palettes. Here’s what it contains:

Each palette contains 4 color coordinated, complimentary shades. The color schemes are put together perfectly so that you get a base shade, a highlighter, a crease color, and an accent. Seriously. They’re foolproof.

I’ve tried to capture the colours as best as possible for you…they’re too good to not get a proper look at…

I love how each palette has a theme and lives up to its namesake.

Packaging: Love. So royal. The suede finish can collect dust if you store them out in the open, as well as pick up color transfer but it doesn’t affect the product inside, obviously. The encasement is coextensive with what’s on the inside so it takes a bit of guesswork out of your routine, especially when you’re a makeup hoarder like myself.

Formula: I really like the application. Goes on like a regular ol shadow of course, but I’ve noticed that the fallout is almost minute. The consistency is nice and smooth, less pixie dust and more substance.

Shades: The colours are vibrant and true to what you see in the pan – which is something I can get into because I hate when you purchase a product, whether it’s a lipstick or eyeshadow, and it ends up looking nothing like what you expected…

Price: I believe I paid a measly $38 for this smorgasbord. I honestly think they could have charged more. I feel like a thief in the night, with a really pristine smokey eye. 

Verdict: How have you not gone and purchased this already?

You can find it here:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11331073#

xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Eye Stick

I haven’t done a review for a while and it’s definitely not because I haven’t been making purchases – it’s more because Prison Break has been mind*cking me. There’s very little else I can do.

But, because I am so obsessed with this particular product I had to put my rave out there. My hands are shaking from the Netflix withdrawal but I shall persevere.

I purchased my first one shortly after they were introduced back in late September. Shortly after I lusted for the other shades and have finally picked up another. 2 down 7 more to go.

Behold.

 

The most amazing eyeshadow in a stick I have ever used. I’m not just saying that because I’m a full on Magpie when it comes to high end makeup. They are perfection. In addition to Honey Bunny (which was sold out at some of the Sephoras I went in to), I also added Leila.

Honey Bunny is a champagne shade and Leila is a reddish coppery pink. Both packed with just the right amount of shimmer so that you can take it from day to night.

Packaging: Sublime. Duh it’s Marc Jacobs so you can expect no less. I love the sleek packaging on the whole line. These sticks and the new lipsticks are packaged similarly. Twist at the bottom and pop off caps. Also look very glam on your makeup table.

Wearability: Oh yeah. I dare you to go into Sephora, try a swatch on your hand and then proceed to wipe if off with tissue. Next to impossible. It took me a tissue and a makeup removing wipe to get it off my hand. The whole process was both frustrating and pleasing. I can assure you that this stuff lasts all day. Both my sister and I wore them during a 10 hour day at Disneyland and not a fade, not a smudge, not a crease. The longevity is mind boggling.

Pigmentation: These aren’t matte shades – they’re shimmery and packed with color. You’d think that a shimmer doesn’t have a lot of color most of the time but these sticks are honestly so bright and vivid. Honey Bunny reminds me of Stila’s Kitten but with more intensity and Leila is unlike any I’ve ever come across. They are absolutely prismatic.

Ease of use: The tubes make them so easy to tote for touchups and for morning routines when you’re half asleep and end up using a blush brush to apply your eyeshadow. No brush needed, 2 swipes and you’re done.

Formula: This is one of the most fascinating characteristics. The formula is unalike any other. It’s smooth, build able and can be easily layered and blended. Oh and not to mention – it’s straight up infused with Alpine snow from the Swiss Alps for hydration and soothing. What. When your eyeshadow makes you feel like you’ve just skiied the Swiss Alps you know it’s legit. Think it’s a load of bs? Wrong. The application is cool to the touch and almost feels like an icy liquid. You heard it here. Marc doesn’t mess around.

Verdict: Must have. The 9 different jewel toned shades will change your life, and your makeup routine. They’re approx. $35 a pop but it’s a small price to pay for getting a taste of a Swiss luxury ski vacation.

PS – They make great stocking stuffers for the demanding diva. My sister has asked for like, 6.

xo

 

 

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

Hope your weekend was graced by the sun and long lazy sleep ins…

Here are my to die for’s from this week.

xo

FAVORITE PURCHASE

I finally received my new iPhone case I ordered from Etsy. It’s the same as the one pictured below but in Noir. Next purchase – the real deal.

FAVORITE PHOTO(S)

Two words. Bodhi Rose. Awestruck. I am so proud that Wildfox chose to photograph and feature a Wihelmina Curve model in their most recent denim editorial shoot. The shoot is to prove just how tailored Wildfox and Wildfox denim is to each and every individual body type. She is flawless. So much applause for Kim Gordon. What a gem.

FAVORITE SCENT

I adore Jo Malone fragrances. Although English Pear & Freesia is my all time favorite, Red Roses is a very close second. I know the smell of rose doesn’t evoke the same senses for everyone but I absolutely love it. So timeless. Definitely time to make the purchase. Candle too.

FAVORITE MUST HAVE ITEM

The Sigerson Morrison Vaschal gladiator is to die. I’ve been eyeing this sandal for the past couple of months – after seeing it on style must Maja Wyh. Duh. It’s the perfect addition to skinnies, cutoffs and mini skirts all around town.  You can’t go wrong. $450 and it comes in a Camel shade too. http://www.sigersonmorrison.com

FAVORITE LOOK

Speaking of the inability to make mistakes, look who we have here – Maja. God. I’ve never really thought of stabbing someone in order to raid their wardrobe but if the plan were to be carried out in a fugue state – Maja would need to sleep with one eye open. Her style is perfection. So effortless and always chic. C’mon. A simple white sweatshirt with gauzy pants and chunky gold? She can’t say I didn’t warn her.

O

FAVORITE PRODUCT

If you aren’t already privvy to my favorite bath/skincare line you should really pay f*cking attention to the words you read. I’m only slightly kidding. Philosophy boasts some of the most simple, straightforward, no bullshit skincare products. This Microdelivery exfoliating wash is part of that line up. It’s amazing for dry skin and is really prepares your face for makeup application. I don’t use a primer so exfoliating and moisturizing are bigger parts of my nightly routine. As with all Philosophy products, a little goes a long way. I use a dime sized amount every other day and my skin is noticeably smoother. Sh*t you not. I don’t f*ck around when it comes to Philosophy.

 

Purchased and Reviewed: Sunday at Sephora

So crafty right? I actually planned to go in for a new concealer and left with 3 products I had no intention of purchasing – until I laid eyes, hands, and lips on them obviously.

Sephora has a 15% event for Beauty Insiders right now and I know it’s not much considering you’ll probably spend more than you save (duh) but hey, a savings event is a savings event.

Anyway, check out the goods…

Kat Von D Tattoo Eraser

So this is made specifically for concealing tattoos (of which I have my fair share but would never hide because why the f*ck would I get them in the first place, I am completely proud and happy with my decisions and have absolutely no qualms about them clashing with my wardrobe, my daily activities or my career opportunities, holy rant). It comes in one light pink shade which counteracts the dark blue and black ink of tattoos, and not coincidentally the harsh circles /darker blemishes that may grace your face. I can’t stress how amazing it is for dark circles. The pink really minimizes dark spots, so really this is a insanely industrial strength concealer. Monday mornings have been brought to their knees.

Benefit Rockateur 

The most amazing rosegold colored blush I’ve ever worn. Super glow-y, the perfect balance of coral, pink and gold, and with just the right amount of sparkle. This blush rivals NARS’s Orgasm and Super Orgasm (of which I have the latter). So pretty, and definitely dramatic yet wearable during the day. I like the mini brush all Benefit blushes come with as well, it’s a really nice rounded applicator, and has super soft bristles. Definite plus. I am in love with this shade.

NARS Matte Multiple 

Just debuted, this multipurpose stick is the more dramatic, and slightly more bold sister to the Multiple. I love anything and everything matte because I feel the colors are more intense, longer lasting, and more pigmented. I’m right. This stick is to die for. Well, not to die for, but I wouldn’t mind spilling some blood over it. Either way, I was not ready for this. The NARS specialist practically had me sitting in her lap while she showed me the different uses and shades. I purchased Anguilla (a really nice “ginger pink” – shown here). So vibrant, and so eye catching. All the shades are really different and the fact that you can use them on both lips and cheeks makes it that much better. I tried it on my lips and that was enough to throw it in the bag. I actually can’t wait to see what it looks like on my cheeks, especially since it’s matte. Oh, and you can use it both wet or dry. Whaaaaat. I can’t handle it. I can’t. My only apprehension came to the application for lips since it is a bigger stick. Fear not – nothing a pinkie finger or lip brush can’t control. Trust me – when I want something bad enough, I’ll come up with a way to settle any and all objections.

Oh, and that 4th product shown is the St. Tropez Facial Bronzing lotion I used 100 points for. I’m on the hunt for a nice bronzer, both facial and body for when the weather decides to get warmer. I’ll need a nice even canvas for the 4 mini skirts I just purchased in the last couple weeks. As for this little mini, I like that it’s made specifically for the face and doesn’t clog pores. Nice. Looks like I won’t have to rub tanning lotion into my cheekbones this summer. Oh yeahh.

xo