Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Milani Baked Blush: Luminoso



When I first purchased this Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, I was new to makeup. I had yet to own a single high end blush. I was so excited to finally have something that I could call exceptional -- for such a great price.

Since then I've welcomed Top Shop, the Balm, and Tarte to my blush family...but this one still remains one of my favorite.

The texture is velvety, the color can be vibrant or subtle depending on how heavily you apply it.  But most importantly, it gives me a believable flush - and most of the time, that's all I want out of makeup.

Just a little oomph to something nature already gave me. 


Monday, January 7, 2013

pink glitter ombre nails...with a bow!


No ramblings today; just a photo that I pulled from a vault.

Base: OPI You Callin Me a Lyre?
Top: Various pink chunky glitter polish (China Glaze Bad Kitty & Sinful Pinky Glitter are both great).

I bought the bow on my ring finger from this etsy shop.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2012 favorite roundup: makeup



In love, in hobbies, in purchases, I am by nature a fickle person. 

I want this.
No, I want that.
....do I want either?
and what's that other one? 

A cyclical mess of indecision that traps me at virtually every choice needing to be made. 

I'm easily enamored by new options, so when something becomes rooted in my routine -- surviving any and all newcomers -- I know it's something special. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
Lancome Virtuose Doll Eye Mascara [more here]
L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows 
Rimmel by Kate Moss Lipstick in 08
Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover
Tarte Cheek Stain in Perfect Rose
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm
Essie A Crewed Interest

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso


L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows 


Tarte Amazonian Clay Infused Cheek Stain in Perfect Rose



Rimmel by Kate Moss Lipstick in 08


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Maybelline Color Whisper: Mocha Muse


What I love the most about these Maybelline Color Whispers is the packaging. It's sleek and light; much skinnier than your average lipstick. I adore the translucent caps that are tinted to match the color of the product, and I love how polished it looks with the foil cursive.




The product itself is not a game-changer. It deposits a hint of color with a glossy finish.  It's less moisturizing than the Revlon Lip Butters but goes on slightly smoother than most Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks. 

It's "color suspended in gel" with  no "heavy waxes or oils" -- personally, I like a dash more of those waxes and oils. It makes my lip feel nourished in dry, cold, winter weather.  



I would say that it applies true to color, though obviously not opaque. I can only speak for Mocha Muse; the deeper hues may have more opacity than this light one I purchased. 

Personally, I'm not sure that I love this particular Color Whisper. I have pretty pigmented lips, so although the swatch on my wrist shows a very pretty, delicate touch of color, it doesn't really show on my lips.  

On a day that I want to wear a hint of lip color, I'll most likely reach for a Revlon Lip Butter, a Clinique Chubby Stick, or a Fresh Sugar Balm in Honey. They're all just a little bit more moisturizing, a wee bit smoother.  

The biggest question is why, in the midst of my self-applied "month of strict saving" rule, I managed to purchase not one but several non-necessities.

My will buckles much too often.