Best Beauty Purchases 2016

Morning! Some of my favorite posts to read at this time of the year is people’s favorite posts, best of, or recaps. I just love looking back and seeing all the good and positive from one year and heading into the new year with hope and happiness. Another favorite post of mine to share and to read from other’s are their favorite beauty products! When I initially went to write this post, I didn’t think I had too much to share, but then when I reviewed my Instagram and published posts- I had a lot! I was pretty successful in the beauty product department for 2016 and didn’t really have any stinkers, but today I’m sharing just my absolute favorites of the year with you!

Friday Faves- Beauty Products

Hello and happy Friday! I haven't done a Friday Faves in a short bit and I'm happy to bring it back with some of my recent beauty faves, some new and some tried and true. I don't usually have a theme for these posts, but today's just happened to be all beauty items. Do you guys like these posts? Do you prefer a theme? Let me know, I want to make sure I'm creating content you enjoy reading.

Product Review: Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

A few weeks ago, I posted about wanting a new eyeshadow palette and at the time I was checking out this and this one, but a makeup artist at Ulta suggested skipping them both in favor of the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette instead. I had heard about this palette and I didn’t consider it because I thought it would be a lot of bright colors, lots of glitter, and shades that I wouldn’t be able to get a lot of use from. I’ve been in love with Urban Decay Naked palettes (I have One, Two, Three, and the first Basics and they all get a lot of use), so I wandered over to check out the Gwen Stefani collaboration and I was floored, it was not what I expected at all! All of her collection was stunning, the palettes, lipsticks, all of it. The eyeshadow palette had beautiful, neutral colors with three jewel toned ones. The colors were gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

A big difference with this palette is that there are fifteen shadows 0.04 oz (the Nakeds have twelve 0.05 oz shadows), twelve of which are new and exclusive to the palette and three that are from their permanent line and renamed for the collaboration. In the set, there’s a nice range of matte, shimmer, and pearl finishes. The shape is also different, it’s a large rectangle instead being slim. I do prefer the slim Naked cases since their shape makes them easier to travel with, but the Gwen Stefani set comes with a giant mirror which I really love.

Since my Gwen Stefani palette arrived, I’ve been using it non-stop and I didn’t expect to be using it every single day. I haven’t even picked up another shadow since it came and I’m so in love with it! The colors are gorgeous and blend beautifully, I’ve created different eye looks that are very natural and perfect for work using the top two rows and the first pot in the last row. Punk (a reddish brown matte, last shade in the first row) and Baby (a metallic rose, first shade in the second row) are two of my favorite colors. Punk blends beautifully with the other colors into the crease and Baby is a gorgeous transition color. For some extra shine, I’ll use Pop (a pale coral with iridescent sparkle, first shade in the third row) in my inner lid and blend out to the middle, although I do get a bit of fallout from this shade. Admittedly, I have not used the bottom right four shadows, I just haven’t had a use for them yet. I think Danger (a deep metallic blue, middle of the bottom row) and Blackout (a black matte, last shade in the third row) would be gorgeous blended into the outer lid or as a bottom liner.

Overall, I’m very happy with this collaboration, it really is gorgeous and I love the mix of shades and finishes. I think if you’re on the fence about the shadows, I would suggest going in and testing them out. I thought a lot about this palette and checked it out in person twice before purchasing. I wanted to be sure it offered something different than what I already owned and would be a versatile product to add to my collection. The quality is exactly what you expect from Urban Decay- long lasting, pigmented, and buttery. The colors really outshine my initial expectations of a Gwen Stefani collaboration. I think it offers colors and combinations you don’t get from the Naked collections and provides more than a generic nude, smoky, or bronzed palette. The colors really are so beautiful and make your eyes pop, and I know I sound like a broken record saying that, but the more I play with the palette, the more I love it!

Fall Beauty Inspirations

MAC Rebel // MAC Pure Zen

MAC Richly Revered // MAC Softly Lit

MAC Beauty Marked // MAC All That Glitters

MAC Purple Times Nine // MAC Amber Times Nine

MAC Stubborn // MAC Stay By Me

Every season calls for a shift in your makeup, a small change that can make a big impact. In the summer, I tend to wear less makeup and need a little more in the cooler months. One of my favorite colors to incorporate into my beauty routine each fall is a rich plum or wine. It's a beautiful color that's great for day or night and can be so easy to wear. A bold lip, some color in the crease of your eyelid, a darker blush, etc.

Neutral is always good to wear all day, any day, year round. Even with neutrals, I love trying new shades as the seasons change; rich golds, hints of pink, or soft camels. Nothing groundbreaking, but something new to wear. In today's post, I've included items that are all on my wish list (except All That Glitters, that's my Holy Grail eye shadow) and plan to check out this season. I've been wanting some new lip sticks and blushes this year I think I'm gonna save the palettes for my Christmas list!

Do you change your makeup with the seasons? What are you looking to try this season?

Recent Beauty Faves + Reviews

In the last few weeks I've bought and have been sent a few new products and after trying them out, I wanted to share! I'm such a beauty junkie and love checking out what other people are using and buying. I've been pretty lucky recently and haven't bought any duds so this post is nothing but goodies!
 

The first thing I want to share with you is a new subscription service for perfume- Scentbird. They have over 350+ scents to choose from, you log on and take a test on what types of things you lean towards and what perfumes you already like and then they suggest perfumes to try based off of your answers, or you can choose a scent on your own! The subscription is only $14.95 and they send you a month's worth of a sample (a larger size than standard perfume samples) so you can see how it really wears on you and if you like the scent before purchasing it. I also like that you get a new scent every month to try and you don't have to commit to one scent that you bought full size. For my first sample, I chose Issey Miyake d'Issey Floral and I absolutely love it! It's so fresh and not overpowering, I've worn it nearly every day. Now, I just need to select my next scent!

During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I snagged this Lorac palette for $15! It's no longer available, but here is a very similar Lorac set for $28. The first four shades are perfect for everyday wear and the last three shades are a bit dark for daytime, but make a fantastic smoky eye for the night. The colors are matte, but I've found if I wanted them to have some shimmer, using Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded gives it a shimmer base (see my review here). They last all day, but have a stronger pigment at the end of the day if I use a primer (either the color tattoo or my fave UD Primer Potion). I've never used Lorac brand before, but these shadows are really great quality and I'm so happy I snagged them at the sale. I'll definitely check out more from the brand.

So I'm totally late to the Covergirl Lash Blast cult, but I wanted to pick up a waterproof mascara for Emma's birth (check out my Iphone Pics of our hospital stay here) for the waterworks that totally happened when I got to meet my sweet babe for the first time. So, I've used it a few times before and after and I like the length it gives my lashes, but it doesn't give me a lot of fulness. I found that I have a better outcome when I use my L'Oreal Voluminous mascara as my first coat and top it with the Last Blast. I always use two mascaras for this very reason, but I really do like this CG one. I'm not sure if I'll buy it repeatedly, but it's definitely a contender in the top 5 of fave drug store mascaras (who am I kidding, I only use drug store ones!).

I was sent this Skindinavia Makeup Primer for consideration and wanted to share it with you guys. It's the first makeup primer spray that's silicone-free and works to reduce redness and pore size. I haven't used this every single day, but mostly for special occasions, when I'll be outside for the majority of the day, or when the weather is supposed to be extra hot or humid. One thing I love most about the spray is how it sprays- it's so even and really is a mist that covers your face. When I use it, I spray maybe 3-4 spritzes on my face and let it absorb in before applying my makeup. I think this is one of the best primer sprays I've used; it lasts all day, doesn't leave any residue, and there's no scent. I really love it!

Hello best gel top coat ever! I picked up this Essie Gel Setter a few weeks ago and have been really happy with it. Before, I was using Seche Vite, but it hasn't been working as well as it used to- it's gotten really thick so I bought a new bottle and it just seemed like the formula has changed and my mani lasted only a few days. With this Essie top coat, I love that I don't have to buy a different polish for it, I can use it on any of my Essie polishes (or really any polish for that matter), it dries super quick- less than ten minutes, and my mani lasted 4 days with getting only a very minor chip. It's not as shiny as I would like, but I'm so impressed with it! Definitely a must have for any polish lover!

What have you bought recently? Any goodies? Do you use any of these items? How do you like them?

FTC: All opinions are my own, based on my experience with the products. All products bought on my own, unless specified above.

Recent Beauty Items

I’ve recently got a bunch of beauty items and wanted to review them on the blog. Some are new to me and others are just re-purchases. I love to see what products other people continually re-purchase and I don’t think I post about it enough and honestly don’t remember the last time I posted about a re-purchase of a beauty product so I figured I could include it today. If people are buying beauty products over and over again, they gotta be must-haves for them right? I like to see what works for people on a regular basis, their everyday products, etc. I’ve bought a ton of make-up over the years that I initially loved, but never used it up completely or bought it again. Was it a bad product? Not necessarily, but not good enough to keep on hand. Today’s products include items I’ve used for years and have posted about them before, but like years ago.

MAC Eyeshadow Satin Taupe
This was the first MAC shadow I ever purchased and I used it all through college, but when I ran out I didn’t buy it again because I had so many other colors that were similar I haven’t used this shade in years. My SIL uses it regularly and when I was with her one day I used her make-up and fell in love with the color all over again. I’m so glad I tried it again because it’s a really beautiful shade.

MAC Eyeshadow All That Glitters
The first time I used this shadow was for my Bridal Shower back in 2011 when I had my make-up done and have been using it ever since. It’s a great neutral, a soft shimmer pink/beige that’s great to layer and I wear it almost daily.

MAC Eyshadow Naked Lunch
This is another great find I found when using my SIL’s make-up. She uses it daily and has for years, and I just had to have it for myself after using it. It’s very similar to All That Glitters, a soft shimmery pink color. It’s a little lighter shade though.

MAC Mineral Blush Warm Soul
This was a re-purchase for me (see my review here), this is my every day blush and I put it on my Secret Santa list with like three stars because I was out of it for so long and nearly scraping my blush brush to get some in the mornings. Don’t you hate when you run low on a favorite item and you’re scraping the sides of the jar to get more use out of it while you’re waiting to get a new one? You can see my initial review of this blush here, and it’s a total holy grail blush for me. I use it consistently and sometimes even use it as eyeshadow! It’s a beautiful color and so versatile, it really works for any skin tone and hair color.

Urban Decay Naked Palette 3
When I heard that Urban Decay was coming out with another palette, I freaked out. The first two palettes get a lot of use and I couldn’t wait to see what the third would hold (see my review of 1 here and 2 here). The third palette is lots of rose-hued shades and I wasn’t sure if I wanted it right away because I don’t wear a lot of those shades, but I put it on my Christmas list for my Secret Santa. That’s what those lists are there for right? For items you want, but maybe won’t buy yourself? Well, Santa came through and completed my UD Palette collection and I have been wearing the colors almost every day. They are really soft and pretty, I don’t think that the palette is as versatile as the first two versions so I wouldn’t consider this one a must-have or a holy grail product, but I would definitely check it out. I’m very happy with mine, but I don’t think I’ll get as much mileage out of this one as I do the first two.

Revlon Fuschia Shock
We all know my love of Revlon lip products right now, they are just the best and at such a great price point. I’ve been wanting a bright pink for a while and Ulta had all Revlon products buy 1 get one 50% off so when I went in I snatched up this pretty shade with a red one. I’ve only worn it a few times so far, but really love the bright color. It’s fun, has a warm tone, and lasts throughout the day.

Revlon Really Red
Red is such a fun color to wear and there’s so many shades and tones of red, it’s easy to fall in love with several of them. For the holidays, I wanted a bright, true red shade and after some inspiration from Julie at Gal Meets Glam, I went with Really Red. It was the perfect shade for Christmas and I’ve worn it several times since then.

Revlon Black Cherry
I’ve posted previously about wanting a dark shade to wear this winter and I was on a hunt all over for this Black Cherry shade, it was sold out at every Target, Ulta, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid I went to, I nearly gave up hope! Then I got the sweetest email ever from Sam who found the lipstick for me and wanted to mail it. I was absolutely floored by her generosity, people are so good and kind and her email and gesture meant to much to me. I was humbled and felt all warm and fuzzy that someone who reads this blog would reach out to me. I love getting emails from readers about fashion, beauty, parenthood, etc and I love that this has given me a platform to create so many friendships. Thank you again Sam!

So I wore this color to work, and I was kind of hesitant because it’s such a dark shade, I didn’t know if I could wear it during the day, but I figured you only live once, so why not? Wowza, I have never received so many compliments on a lipstick in my life. Now, I have no qualms about wearing it anytime I feel like it. It’s such a gorgeous, deep red, it’s like a nice merlot color. I absolutely love this lipstick and am so happy to add it to my collection. Don’t be afraid to try new shades! I’m so glad I have ventured out of my nude lip rut. Up until 2 years ago, I never wore anything but nude/soft pinks and recently I’ve been wearing brighter colors on a regular basis.

NYX Lip Liner Auburn
When I wore Black Cherry for the first time, I didn't have a liner to wear with it so I improvised and used a brown eyeliner and blended like crazy to keep from looking like a chola. I bought this color to go with the shade and it's a great match.

NYX Lip Liner Hot Red
With all the red shades of lipstick I have, for some reason I didn't own a red liner! I think liner is a must when wearing red because it can get so messy. This is a great match to my Really Red and some other red shades I have as well. Win!

Essie Wicked
I’m pretty sure this is a holy grail for a dark shade for every girl. I had a mini- version of it (I think) from some multi-pack I bought and I couldn’t find it so I bought the full size and haven’t taken it off. I like the dark vampy color (especially paired with the Revlon Black Cherry lipstick), it’s a deep maroon that’s almost black and I just love the shade. If you’re looking for a new dark I would definitely recommend this color. Another favorite is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark.

Sally Hansen Rapid Red
Again, with the red, I know. I’ve been looking for a bright red polish and was stuck because there are so many shades to choose from. I’ve always been happy with Sally Hansen polishes, they’re true to color, dry quickly, are part of the 3 free (?) of chemicals, and are a great price point. I finally decided on ___ and have been happy with the bright shade. It’s a true red, but a little lighter, without losing its redness. Does that make sense? You know how reds can be pink/red, orange/red, blue/red, or coral/red? I wanted red/red and think I found the shade I was looking for. I was afraid of finding the perfect shade only to have it not be true to the bottle or need several layers to gain the desired shade. This color is the perfect berry red, great to wear year round and I’ve had it on and off my fingers since I bought it. Finding time to do my nails since having Ellie has been tough! How do you mamas do it? She is not a sleeper and any extra time I get to myself, doing my nails falls short on my priority list.

What beauty items have you recently bought? Anything I need to have? What are some of your products that you keep re-buying continually?

Product Review: NYX Eyeshadow Palette

Since the first time I used NYX products, I fell in love. They're such great quality and really affordable. They also have such a range of products from lip liners, primers, foundation, gloss, and shadow and within each product line they have a variety of colors and shades. Their Matte Body Bronzer is my favorite and I'm on my 3rd one. A while ago on an Ulta trip, I picked up their Love in Rio Palette in Bikini Bottoms. I had heard about the Love in Rio Palettes from Maskcara- have you checked out her site? She's amazing, absolutely amazing- and I put it on my IPhone notes and checked them out on my trip. There's 22 sets available, and I chose the Bikini Bottom because of the natural colors and thought it would be a good every day set.

NYX Eyeshadow Palette Bikini Bottoms

The colors really stood out to me, the light color is perfect as a highlighter and reminds me of MAC's Phloof, the middle shade would be good alone and combined, and the right shade is perfect for adding more definition in the crease or used along the lash line. 

So I busted this out for work (this was obviously a while ago that I started using it) and have pretty much used it almost every single day since. I even bought a replacement for it when out shopping with my family while my Dad and Grandpa were in town- that's how much I've used it. How many products do you use so often that you have to replace it in a 6 month time frame? Only your every day ones. Now let's get to the low down on my review.

PROS:

- Blends easily

- Shades are natural

- Perfect for day or night use

- Lasts all day with Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Soft, silky texture

CONS:
- The shadows are very powdery and you'll find the shadows all over the container
- Due to the texture, there's fall out when applying so I do this first before my foundation and powder
- Without using them with primer, the shadow will last you through work, but not work and happy hour

Obviously I really like these shadows or I wouldn't have bought a replacement when my first one ran out. They're so easy to use and look great with everything. Plus, it's nice to have them in a small palette and not three loose individual shadows or a large palette. So far I've liked every NYX product I've tried which is nice. I hate trying a new product and being unhappy with it.

Do you use NYX products? What are your favorites? Do you wear eyeshadow daily? What are your favorite colors?

My Beauty Wishlist

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain- Pink Perseverance

NYX Lip Liner- Nude Beige / NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss- Sugar Pie

Fresh Sugar- Sugar Petal Tinted / Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20- Healthy Blush 

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter- Raspberry Pie / L'Oreal Colour Riche LeGloss Lip Gloss- Baby Blossom

Essie 2013 Spring Collection in Bond with Whomever, Madison Ave-hue, and Go Ginza
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure- Café Au Lait / Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I use my Notes App on my IPhone to keep track of makeup I want to check out as I come across it on blogs, Pinterest, InstaGram, at the store, in magazines etc. See my list for yourself:

Then whenever I get the chance to check them out in real life, I can remember the brand and color. This list is seriously just a partial list. I had a longer list on my old phone before the switch to the cool kid club. Not everything on the list works out once I see it in person, or is too similar to something I already own, but I like trying new products and colors and this has been a great way in helping me to remember what I want. Surely, I'm not the only who does this??

Have you tried any of these products? Are they worth purchasing? Let me know!

PS Yes, I realize I need another polish or lip product (or eyeshadow for that matter) like I need a hole in the head. 

Product Review: Urban Decay Naked Palette 2

 

Here's a side by side swap of the UDNP1 (top) vs the UDNP2 (bottom) 

via Makeup and Beauty Blog's below and check out her post with her review.

Here's the things to note from the video:

-Quality is just as great as the first the one. Obviously, they're the same brand.

-Very neutral colors, great for any skin tone and eye color.

-Case is superior to the UDNP1.

-Perfect for those starting out in make-up or prefer more natural colors. There are still some dark shades (that black is pretty heavy), but has more daytime and lighters shades than UDNP1.

-If I had to pick just one of the palettes, I'd choose the first one, only because I prefer more of a smoky eye, but I'm also more familiar with it since I've had it for so long. 

-I use both palettes frequently, the UDNP2 mostly for work and day activities and the UDNP1 for nights/weekends.

-My MAC shadows, besides my holy grail shades, have completely been ignored and have pretty much become obsolete since buying these palettes. They're THAT good.

-Definitely worth the funds!! Every makeup lover should own them.

Do you have the palettes? How do you like them? Which do you prefer?

Do you guys prefer written or vlog reviews? Or is a post like this that has both preferable?

Product Review: Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette

Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette - In The Nude

I bought this palette a few months ago during the Sephora Friends and Family, see my other goodies here. All of these colors are so gorgeous, I really love all the shimmer too. The shadows are baked, so you can use them wet or dry, but I have yet to try them wet.

Here's some swaps, first pic is the top row and the second pic is the bottom row.

(no flash)

The colors aren't very pigmented, so you can build to your color. This palette would be fantastic for people who are eyeshadow novices, or don't like dramatic shadows. This is also perfect for any eye color and skin tone.

I don't use it as often as my Urban Decay Naked Palette (see my review here), but this palette gets a lot of mileage. The colors last my work shift, but need some touching up if I'm going out. They work best with a primer to keep it from fading and creasing during the day.

Overall, I really like this palette, it's perfect for an easy light wash of color and for a smoky look. If I had to choose between this and the UD Naked, I'd definitely choose the Naked because the colors are more pigmented and offer a wider variety. It's an awesome price point though at $28.

Have you tried baked eyeshadow before? What about this palette?

Vlog: What's In My Makeup Bag?

What's in my make-up bag? Well, enough for any drag queen. I think I'll probably have to slim it down, but I'm not sure what I'd take out at this point. It may not be a shock to some of you, if you remember this post. YIKES. Check it out!

Sorry for the poor lighting, I don't have anywhere to video during the week with natural light.

Wow. Wow. Wow. That's a lot of products! I know right? Well, I don't use these every day, but keep them close because I do use them often. Plus, it all fits in my make-up bag.....

Here's a list of everything, I talked about in the video, the highlighted are linked to a review on the product. If you'd like a review of a product mentioned, let me know!

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120

MAC Studio Fix in C4

Sephora Bronzer in Bora Bora

Maybelline Concealer in 10

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener

ELF Blush in Blushing Rose (I left this out in error, it was lost behind my laptop he he he)

MAC Blush in Nuance and Pink Swoon

VS Luminous Blush Duo in Pleasure and Surrender

VS Brilliant Shimmer in Star

Maybelline Line Stiletto in Blackest Black and Brownish Black

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara in Black

Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black

Ulta Automatic Eye Liner in Black/Brown and Chocolate

L'Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil in Black

Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Dark Blonde

Maybelline Great Lash in Clear

MAC Eyeshadows in Phloof, Soba, Woodwinked, Romp, All That Glitters, Print and Typographic

Maybelline Eyelash Curler (I need a new one, any suggestions?)

There's always a few items that float in and out of my makeup bag, but these are my goodies.Since we're saving for a home, I have had to swap out some higher end products for some more friendly priced ones - Hello Maybelline and ELF. There's a few items that float around my makeup drawer that I use a lot too and are easily available.

How do you store your makeup? Do you have them individually in a drawer? Displayed on a countertop? Or do you keep them in a bag like myself?

I like the bag, because then everything is all together and ready to run with me at any time. That way I'm not afraid of leaving something valuable at home.

What's in your makeup bag? Do we use any of the same products? What's your holy grail items?

Vlog: How- To Bronzed Eyes

I've seen bronzed eyes all over in magazines for fall trends. It's a look that is gorgeous on everyone, every skin tone, hair and eye color.  In the video, I used the UD Naked Palette, but also recommend the Maybelline 05 Gold for Me palette as well. If you want a more bronzed look, use the goldest color for your entire lid (I used it in the inner corner out to the middle). The look I created is a softer bronze color, which I think is easier to wear and can go from day to night.

Here's a close-up of the look:

Here's the look with some MAC Glitter layered on top:

Here's a rundown of the shadows used:

The Maybelline Palette 05 Give Me Gold will give you a look similar to the pic below. Also, this is how it would look to use a light gold on your entire lid instead of the inner corner to middle:

There you have it gals! I hope this is useful, and as always, if you have any questions, leave me a comment or send me an email!

Recent Purchases: Sephora F/F

I recently won a $50 giftcard from Everything According to Erin (thanks again love!!) and was able to to use it towards Sephora's Friends and Family discount they have going right now. The funny thing is, is that I bought the products just a few days before the sale started so after talking to their customer service I returned the products and re-bought all of them. LOL. When I went into the store the staff said I was like the 5th person to return products just that day. I did the math to see if it would be worth the trouble and it totally was because I was able to pick up an extra item for less than the original price!

Here's what I bought and reviews will be coming soon!!

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red (color not shown in pic)

I've seriously been obsessed with red lips, but it's so high maintenance to wear them. I thought that going with a lip stain may be a better and easier route. The Always Red is a true red shade with a blue undertone, I'm hoping it will be gorgeous on.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in 20 Shiny Perfect Nude (color not shown in pic)

I know I don't need ANYMORE lipglosses, but I've been trying to find a gloss that's tinted and slippery that lasts a few hours. I'm hoping this gem will do just that. The color I bought is a really sheer pink without any shimmer.

Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me Top Coat 

I never bought this before because I have two polishes that are really similar, Milani, and e.l.f. Golden Goddess but this polish is just so much superior because it has both large and small glitter specks and it's in a clear coat. Milani only has large glitter specks, and the e.l.f. is perfect glitter, but in a tinted yellow base which can discolor my polish. So with the combo of the giftcard and the sale, I went for it.  I just can't justify spending $10 on a polish when I have so many and have never once used an entire bottle of anything before. I think this might be my favorite purchase because I've been using gold glitter on almost all of my manis.

Sephora Collection Moonshadow Baked Palette - In The Nude

Duh, I love eyeshadow. These shades are gorgeous and have super crazy shimmer to them that reminds me of JLo on American Idol. 

I browsed the store and online forever before deciding and I can't believe I went with all Sephora brand products instead of splurging for something I wouldn't typically buy for myself, but I seriously love their brand. I've used their shadows, bronzers, and blushes and have re-purchased all of them. You can see my Sephora brand purchases and reviews all here. So I thought why not get what I want right?

Have you used anything of these products before? Have you tried the Sephora brand?

Have you bought anything from the sale yet? Get your f/f code here the sale goes through November 2.

My First Vlog! How To Do A Smoky Shadow

Wowowowow guys! I'm so so excited to post this, lots of you have asked for it before and I did do a picture tutorial here, but a vlog is so much better. I love watching other vlogs and seeing how they applied their makeup and brushes used.

So, I did do my face makeup first because like I say in the video, I didn't want to be a zombie and scare you folks! Usually, I always do my shadow first so if I have to clean up under my eyes from fall out it's easy to do.

Here's the look I'm re-creating, it's the one I wore for the Vegas Bachelorette Party in the UD Naked Palette Review. 

Sorry for some of the mumbling, at those parts I'm just saying how awkward/weird it is to do your makeup into your computer because your image is mirrored.

Ok, so here it is! Awesome opening pic right?

1st Smoky Shadow from Kristen LLP on Vimeo.

For the shadows I used UD Palete Sidecar, Smog, Hustle.You could also use MAC Romp and Woodwinked. MAC Typographic- for a darker look use MAC Carbon. Victoria Secret All-Over Powder in Star, this also looks great on your cheeks over your blush. Victoria Secret Beauty Rush in Gold Rush is also great.

Again, this look is great for any eye shape. You want the darkest color at your lash line and go lighter as you get into your crease. If you have small eye lids, I would probably just use 2-3 colors, the middle all over your lid, the medium on your lash line to mid-lid and the darkest on your lash line. 

Here's a guide for the shadows and the placement as well.

So what do you think? Are you going to try it? Any suggestions for my next vlog or tips in making a better one?

Product Review: Urban Decay Naked Palette

 

Urban Decay Naked Palette $48

I was so excited to pick up the Urban Decay Naked Palette (from this Recent Purchases post) I've wanted it for the longest time and finally picked it up with a 20% off coupon for my entire purchase at Ulta. I'd been saving it for something special and used it for the first time in Vegas for a Bachelorette Party. There's 12 shadows, the cruelty-free Good Karma brush, and a travel bottle of Urban Decay Primer Potion (a true gem, see my review here).

I'm so happy with this purchase. It's full of gorgeous colors, blends easily, and lasts forever. My only complaint, is that the black isn't that dark and I have to use MAC's Carbon for a darker smokey eye. It's seriously one of the best palettes I've ever seen/used with a huge variety of textures from glitter to shimmer to matte. The BEST part of this palette is that each shadow 0.05oz!! Hello!!! That's the same weight as just one MAC shadow for $15. Why I ever waited to buy this I don't know, it's a total steal! 

Here's my recent smoky eye using MAC's Carbon in the lash line:

Here's some daytime looks using only the palette:

It's seriously my best beauty purchase to date. The colors are all so versatile! I mean, just look at the pictures, I have smokey eye, a soft pink/taupe shimmer, and a bronze look all from ONE palette. It's the bomb.com I tell you.

My make-up artist used this on both my engagement photos and wedding day and I loved both looks.

Do you have the Naked Palette? Have you used UD shadows before?