NARS Haul: Face

(Left) Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30 

(Right) Oil Free Pro Prime Pore Refining Primer

Tinted Moisturizer

I am an absolute tinted moisturizer lover. I've tried a few foundations but I always come back to my tinted moisturizer (which before I started wearing this one everyday was my Bobbi Brown Oil Free T.M.) Tinted moisturizers only appeal to me if they give a significant amount of coverage. Bobbi's gives almost full coverage and still feels light. NARS' gives just a little less coverage. It is able to cover any redness that I may have but really doesn't cover spots. It feels almost like an oil when applied, very slick (I apply with fingers). However, not to be alarmed, it sets very lightly and comfortably on the skin. The finish is very dewy even with powder. I enjoy this tinted moisturizer for summer because it gives a serious glow and doesn't feel heavy. 

The packaging does explain this product as a sunscreen. It reads that it can be applied as a sunscreen for protection from sun burn. However, it was marketed to me as more of a cosmetic product that you would use as skin base. Either way that you want to use it is fine. A tinted sunscreen is even more appealing !

Primer

I do not have much to say about this product. It's a liquid-y primer that is to be applied before putting any base on the face. I can say that I used it under my makeup for prom this year and my makeup stayed on almost perfectly all night. However, I do not think this product is anything special. I just was not wow'd by it. I personally prefer silicone primers that work to smooth the face before makeup application and keep the makeup on for long periods of time. 

Hope you enjoyed and have a lovely day. 

Glitter Ombre Nails

Essie "Set in Stone" & Deborah Lippmann "Across the Universe"

1. Prep nails with a base coat.

2. Thickly layer your first glitter color (in this case "Set in Stones") at the base of your nail and about half way up.

3. Thickly layer your second glitter color across the tip and down to meet the first color.

4. Blend the top color slightly down into the first color to create a faded effect.

5. Complete with a glossy top coat.

Feel free to use any colors you want.

Have fun and have a lovely day!

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer

Little story before I get into the product:

I went to the Clinique counter yesterday because I ran out of my little pot of Moisture Surge. Clinique has this cool new technology now (since my last visit at least). You click away at a mini survey on their iPad and find out what products they recommend for your skin type. I let the survey know that my main concern is acne prone skin and acne scarring. 

It recommends an entire plan from makeup, to skin care (the 3step for your skin type), and special helpers (like this moisturizer and its serum sister). 

I'll stop blabbing on about my experience and tell you about the product now. 

According to the woman that I spoke to at the counter, the Even Better Moisturizer will fade acne scarring by about 50% over a month's time. It should be used morning and night after washing your face to get such results. 

I have only been using it for a day, but I will tell you that I enjoy it just as much as my Moisture Surge. Why? Because it has a light application even though it looks like a thick cream. Great for using under my makeup. It is just as moisturizing AND I'm getting added benefits! It also has an SPF of 20–perfect if you have acne problems. Sun exposure can darken any spots that may be causing you some angst. 

So, check out your local Clinique counter and play around with their new gadgets. I promise you that it will be enlightening. 

Don't forget that the people who work at the counter are there to help! Ask them questions and find out what's best for you! 

Hope this was helpful. Have a lovely day!

Tiny Accessory Haul

Rose gold sunnies and a red Hamsa beaded bracelet with gold accent beads! 

I'm in total LOVE!

I have a lot of makeup (mostly Nars) to haul and review for you so stay tuned for that!

Hope you enjoy and have a lovely day!

Nail of the Moment

Ski Teal We Drop (OPI) topped with Across the Universe (Deborah Lippmann)

SUMMER IPHONE CASE ROUNDUP!

Designer Summer iPhone Case Roundup! 

Hi, all! Since June has arrived, everyone can begin counting down to the first day of summer! I'm sure many of you are ready for some fun in the sun at some point. With the new season approaching what better way to celebrate than to outfit your most favorite accessory, your precious iPhone, with a brand new case that reflects the fun and care-free feelings that summer always brings! Even during those drab days when you're sitting behind your desk you'll be reminded of a sunny destination every time you look down at your phone. I've compiled what I think are the best cases this summer from two designers that are fairly well known: Tory Burch and Kate Spade. I think they both captured the essence of summer very well with these cases and they will do a great job livening up your phone!

Tory's silicone cases (pictured on the left) really give great pops of bright colors, just like a nice bowl of ice cold sorbet on a hot day! The sea horse hardshell case (also pictured left) takes you right to the ocean with a cute sea critter displayed on it. The last hardshell case pictured is a beautiful palette of many different bright colors.

Kate Spade is known for its fun and whimsical designs. All of the cases displayed are hardshell which means maximum protection for your iPhone! The cockatoo design found on the top right case utilizes a bright orange color to really make it pop. My personal favorite is the case on which two women sunbathing are displayed. To me this evokes a care-free feeling and makes tanning on the pavement on a hot day extremely appealing (hey, that rhymes!). The wicker basket pattern screams summer picnic in the park, and the sleek black case on the bottom right displays a drink in a pineapple, transporting you to a beach on a tropical island of your choosing!

I hope at least one of these fun cases piqued your interest and can become one of your essential summer staples!

Aqua Eyes

Something fun to add to your makeup routine this summer when you're feeling a little blah is this trend. Add a bit of a blue or aqua under your lash line to brighten the eye. Blue on or near the waterline opens and whitens the eye making you look awake and ready to have some fun. If you're feeling funky try the NYX Glitter Palette in "Ocean Breeze" for some sparkle!

Hope you enjoy and have a lovely day!

Make Up For Ever bright makeup, $23
NARS Cosmetics eyeliner, $23
Urban Decay waterproof pencil eyeliner, $19
NARS Cosmetics eyeliner, $23
Nyx Glitter Pallet Ocean Breeze, $3.99
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Electric Blue, $4.49

Sparkle & Shine

Looking for some simple products to use this summer? Well I have found one for you. It is the Make Up Forever Aqua Cream. Any of the 26 shades would be perfect for the warm months, but I found a particular shade that I love: "Warm Beige" (13). For fair skin tones like mine, this is perfect for a quick wash of color and a hint of shimmer over the eye. Try "Satin Brown" (14) and "Taupe" (15) if you have a darker skin tone. Although I was personally on the hunt for a natural shade do not be afraid to experiment with the more crazy colors like "Orange" (10) or "Acid Green" (23)! 


I also love the "Warm Beige" shade because I can use it as a highlighter on my cheeks! Multi-use products like this are great for the summer months when you just want to run out of the house. However, it must be noted that not all the Aqua Creams can be used on eyes and face. Anything with a red, pink, or orange tone should not be used on the eye area due to a different formulation that may cause irritation! (Shades 5,6,7,8,9,10 can be used on the lips and cheeks safely according to Sephora.com)  


Play around with the shades to find the perfect one for you and don't forget to let us know how you like it!

Hope you enjoy and have a lovely day!

Subtle Definition

Want to wear eyeliner, but not feeling the intensity of a dark black? Solution: brown eyeliner! It's an easy way to accomplish the same look but by taking it down a notch (Emeril would be disappointed, but hey, he's a foodie not a makeup junkie!). My favorite gel eyeliner is the Buxom Lashliner in "Leatherette." However, I have an event coming up in which I want a more natural look so I thought I'd go for the brown. Let me tell you: MAGIC! 


The shade is called "Suede." It's a rich, deep brown that offers the same creaminess and workability as "Leatherette" but with a little less WAPOW! Great to wear to work/school or on a day when you want a "no makeup" makeup look. Work a bit into the lash line for subtle definition or go all the way with a wing. However you like to wear your liner, don't forget about the options you have by simply switching up the colors! 

Hope you enjoy and have a lovely day!