My last major clothing shopping spree was on Black Friday. I desperately need a closet makeover (don't we all?) I've picked up a shirt or two, but nothing big. My last fashion post was ages ago so I thought I'd share my recent finds. This is a collective haul (a few days before Christmas up to now.) Winter clothes everywhere are at least 50% in most stores, stores are cleaning out for their new Spring lines, so now is time to shop!
I can't believe swimsuits are already out. (Let alone that I picked one up and I'm blogging about it while there's snow on the ground, If I waited, they'd be sold out.) I've picked up quite a few solid tees and tanks too, but those are pretty boring to display. Here's the rest:
Body Central One Shoulder Tops
H&M Oversized Striped Sweater Dress
Forever 21 Cream Satin Top w/ Black Bows
Forever 21 Brown Sweater Top
Wet Seal Pop Jeans
These are amazingly comfortable, fit well, and not to mention they were only $12.50 each.
See you later, overpriced denim.
Target Black Bandeau Bikini Top w/ Gold Flower
H&M Leopard Romper
Are rompers supposed to be "in" again these spring/summer?
I will be wearing them, regardless!
H&M Black Tunic Vest
Urban Outfitters Racerback Striped Tanks
I love these flowy tanks in the Summer, air goes straight through them.
I splurged for some wish list items that I didn't receive from Santa and desperately wanted:
Coach Kristin Pleated Satchel in Blue Smoke
(15339, for reference.) This color was discontinued, making it almost impossible to find. But I got my hands on it. I wanted a business-like purse to carry notebooks and my netbook in for school, I think it will be perfect.
Steven Madden Candence Boots in Cognac
I own two pairs of black boots, which seems to be all I wear for casual days, I wanted some brown shoes to get out of a gothic phase. (Joke, I just wear black too much.) These were another almost impossible to find. A sales assistant said these were "hot tamales." I finally just ordered them through a department store and they showed up on my doorstep.
Congrats, Kate! Click the picture above to check out her blog.
Rules
This is open to followers/subscribers both old and new.
This open internationally. If there's an international winner, I will send it the cheapest way possible (unless you would like to pay for faster shipping -via PayPal) so it could take at least a month+ to get to you. :/
Any age can enter, but if you're still living with your parents, please get their permission to enter and possibly get a package on your doorstep!
The contest will end February 9, 2011 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)
Winner will be chosen in a month through random.org.
Winner will be chosen and contacted on February 10, 2011 via email. Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen.
Winner will be announced via Twitter and blog post once address has been received.
Prizes
LUSH Candy Cane Bubble Bar
"If it's sweets your craving, crumble this creamy bar into your tub and climb into its abundant, fluffy, vanilla-candy scented bubbles. It was a bit tricky putting the curl into the top of the Candy Cane, so we left ours straight, but it's just as satisfying as the real thing. If you love the smell of the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, you'll adore this one as they smell just the same." - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)
The Scent Genie
Black Aluminum - 4mL – Fragrance Atomizer - It can hold 50 sprays. (Review Post - Click Here)
LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3oz “Sparkly pink vanilla fun for shower and bath You won't be disappointed when you wing on over to LUSH for our popular and very pink, sparkly shower gel. Magically vanilla-sweet (as all fairies should be) and lovely on both hair and body, Snow Fairy gets little ones and girly girls into the shower and sugar plum fairies out of their heads.” - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)
MAC Club Eyeshadow has been on my wishlist for awhile now. Santa left it in my stocking! I've read reviews and saw tutorials, I knew it was a duo-chrome shade. But I had no clue there were so many shades to one eyeshadow. I always reach for Silver Ring, I wanted another silver to choose from.
In the pan, it looks like a silver-ish green. I just put it in my palette, I never swatched it or really tested out the color. This morning, I put it on with no base (only primer), it went on my lid as a light reddish-brown. I double checked to make sure I grabbed the right eyeshadow. I already had a little bit of Carbon eyeshadow on, I hate brown and black together but I was too lazy to take off my eyeshadow and start over.
I did more homework on the eyeshadow and it depends all on what color base you use. The picture below proves that. Most people prefer a green base, I do too.
After about 5 hours of wear, the red-brown shade turned to more of a gray color (closer to the pan shade.)
Overall, I don't love it, I don't hate it. If you like a versatile color and using different bases to achieve a look, then this is for you. For neutral lovers and everyday wear, it isn't one of those colors you can just throw on and expect it to look just like it does in the pan.
FOTD: Eyeshadow - MAC Club, Carbon, & Shroom. Eyeliner - Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes #10. Mascara - Eyeko Mascara. Bronzer - NARS Casino. Lipstick - MAC Thrills.
I went to the last year sale mid-afternoon, most everything was gone, I purchased a few things just to buy them. This year, they opened at 7:00 am, I was there at 7:30 am (It was kind of nice shopping early, not crowded, at all, and I parked right by the door.) I made my mental shopping list the night before; I got everything I wanted!
The sale was buy one get one free on holiday gifts, holiday items, gifts and soap made before November 1, 2010 (they were randomly "mark"ed throughout the store, which was kind of weird, they could've grouped the sale items together. My stash was running low, plus I didn't purchase any holiday items before Christmas (with the exception of three Christmas Eve bubble bars) so I stocked up...
$220.70 worth of products for a little over a $100, the SA was nice and paired items of equal value, (ie I paid $6 and got the $6 item free, instead of paying $6 x5 and getting all the $4 items free) like most stores do.
I got the Stardust, Happy Christmas, Christmas Candy Box, and Viva LUSH Vegas Gift sets and then a lot holiday bubble bars and a few bath bombs.
My little sister loved opening more presents the day after Christmas.
Here are all of the products:
Bubble Bars
Bearded Lady
Candy Cane x2
Christmas Eve x5
Gingerbread House
The Comforter
Bath Bombs
Avobath
Butterball
Cinders
Dragon's Egg
Sex Bomb
So White
The Boog
Twilight
Soap
Angel's Delight
Honey I Washed the Kids
Mandarian's Tea Party
Rock Star
Sexy Peel x2
Body
Play Your Cards Right Massage Bar
Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Scrub
Shower
Iced Wine Shower Jelly
Joy of Jelly Shower Jelly
Snow Fairy Shower Gel x2
What a massive amount of products! I had to purchase a few mini tubs for storage. hah. I was mainly after the Christmas Eve Bubble Bars (obviously.. I purchased a total of 8 this holiday season!) There was only one remaining this morning. There was only one other woman there - she purchased about 20 Lil Pud Bath Bombs - am I missing out? - Overall, extremely successful LUSH trip, and I managed to get everything on my "want" list.
I will probably be having a blog giveaway soon with a few of these LUSH items so they can be used sooner, than later. I also sell (eBay) and swap (MakeupAlley) samples if any of you are interested in trying any of these items out before purchasing the full size - especially to those of you who have to order online.
Sally's Beauty Supply & MAC
...from one extreme to the other, I'm not sure why I pictured these together. hah.
Poshe Top Coat - In a previous post and on MakeupAlley I was ranting about how glitter polish never stays on. A few people recommended this, so I thought I'd give it a try. You can apply it on wet nails, which is definitely a plus. (Review to come if anyone says they're interested!)
MAC Cham-Pale Collection 2010
The collection was released yesterday. (Originally, I was after the three things... I was considering getting Soiree Nail Lacquer, but decided to pass, spending more than $10 on nail polish just doesn't seem right.) I didn't get anything from the Tartan Tale Collection, so I figured picking up two was okay! hah.
Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot - It's not as pigmented as Paint Pots from the permanent collection (this is now my 7th one.. problem.) It is buildable and extra shimmery. A lot of reviews said they thought this would be the star of the collection. It's pretty enough to be worn alone. *below
Feline Eye Kohl Pencil - My Fluidline is drying up so I thought I'd try out a pencil (I usually stick to Technakohl.) Technakohl is thicker and blacker, but the Pencil seems to have better staying power.
FOTD: (sorry, poor quality webcam pic) Eyes: MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, MAC Feline Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara. Blush: NARS Oasis. Lips: MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick
I decided to skip out on the Bath & Body Work Semi-Annual Sale 2010 (I wasn't impressed with anything online) and on-sale Christmas decorations to save up for clothes (and probably more makeup) for an out-of-town shopping trip in a week!
Merry Christmas Eve! "Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."
I know favorites posts are usually due at the end of the month/first of the following month. But I was afraid I would list all my new Christmas items as my favorites just because they were new and in the spotlight. So to be fair, I'm doing this a little early...
Bath & Body Works - Aromatherapy Sleep - Lavender & Chamomile - I mentioned the pillow mist awhile back, I purchased the lotion and a candle this month. I'm becoming obsessed with the line. I know the two scents are relaxing, but I need to do some research and see if this product really works. Maybe it's all mental, either way, I'm sleeping like a baby, and plan to purchase the rest of the line. (*Fingers crossed* for the Semi-Annual sale having some deals!)
LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - (not pictured, all crumbled up in Tupperware, already.) Another relaxing scent, it's pretty girly though (Jasmine) that gives mountains of bubbles. I wish this was a permanent scent (or just more products!); I only purchased 3, I should probably go get some more to last me the rest of the year.
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot - With my tan, I was loving Indianwood, (I'm getting paler by the minute...no, for the first time in six years I am not tanning. So it's an excuse to buy lighter shades of makeup.) this is such a pretty color to wear under any eyeshadow or alone.
MAC Bisque Eyeshadow - Another pale shade, I wanted a matte color because I'm tired of a shimmer overload, I've been wearing this every day. (see previous FOTD the post here.)
iPhone Case - I ditched my Otterbox for a clear case that cracked a million times; I randomly came across this one on eBay for dirt cheap, it looks pretty sleek, it's a keeper.
For the holidays, I've been loving glitter polishes. My only complaint is staying power is awful! No matter what base coat, top coat, or normal polish that is combined with these next two polishes didn't help. At least two nails would peel off the following day. Most people can't get glitter polish off; I can't get it to stay on! Any suggestions?
OPI Bring on the Bling - I'd say this was the star of the collection, it was always sold out at my Ulta so I ended up swapping for it on Makeupalley. There are plenty of reviews and raves on this already!
Nicole by OPI Spark my Mistletoe - I was disappointed by one thing about the burlesque collection.... there wasn't a red glitter! Luckily, I bumped into this instead. Over Sephora by OPI Sample Sale, I feel extra Christmas-y!
Here are my favorites for 2010! I encourage you to copy and paste this list and share your yearly favorites, too! Kind of a tag post, I guess?
The items marked with - mean it is a type of product that I do not use, not that I could not pick a favorite. Some I had to pick two products because I went back and forth between the two of them all year. Warning, my list is pretty MAC heavy.
These are all products I use at least weekly (some daily.) I have repurchased most of these or I will in the future. I have recommended them to friends and family, and I recommend them to you.
Body
Bath Product: LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar & LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
Body Exfoliator: -
Body Lotion: Olay Quench
Cuticle Cream: -
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: Shea it isn't So
Hand Cream: -
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Softsoap Nutriserums
Soap: Dial
Teeth Whitening - Crest 3D White Advanced Seal
Blush: NARS Deep Throat & Clinique Fig
Bronzer: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish
Brush: MAC 239
Concealer: MAC Select Cover Up
Eyebrows: MAC Espresso & Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black & MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Eyeshadow: MAC All that Glitters & MAC Bronze
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion/MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
Foundation: -
Highlight: NYX Pearl Mania in Nude Pearl & Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator Loose Powder
Lipgloss: MAC Love Nectar Lustreglass
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam V
Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic & Clinique High Definition
Nail polish: OPI Black Onyx & Sephora by OPI Sample Sale
Powder: -
Tool: -
Top Coat Polish: Barry M 3 in 1
"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."
Monthly favorite posts and videos are my favorites to read/watch! Happy 25 Days of Christmas! I will hopefully get a wishlist and decorations posted soon. On to the favorites for November...
ELF Studio Brush Set - I found a half off code, so 11 brushes and a case for only $15. Not to mention, they're pretty! (I got the limited edition glitter ones.) I purchased a few of these individually already, a few broke, others I wanted two in because I'm tired of cleaning them constantly. They're good, not the best quality, but who can spend a ridiculous amount of money to purchase all the MAC brushes you need?
ELF Complexion Perfection - I hate wearing foundation and powder. In the winter, I'm faced with a lot of redness, this tones it down greatly. It's great for spot treatment or just dusting it all over your face.
ELF Shimmer Pencil Eyeliner in Gunmetal - Originally, it was a little darker than I wanted it to be, but I found myself wearing this and MAC silver ring to school, often this month. It is a pretty dark gray silver with flecks of silver glitter.
Gigi's Brazilian Shave Gel - No bumps or redness left behind, doesn't dry my skin out either... which always happens with shaving creams and gels.
MAC Satin Taupe Eyeshadow - this has been on my wishlist forever, I finally purchased it. I used to wear bronze every day, but now since I'm a little paler, I have been reaching for this instead.
OPI The Show Must Go On - I want all of the burlesque colors! hah. I couldn't decide which one(s) I wanted most, so I just purchased the mini set, and this was my favorite out of the four.
Say good-bye to broken glass, over-priced rollerballs, and perfume minis, as well as perfume bottles taking up so much space when you travel.
The product is genius. Best of all, it is so compact yet durable. Not to mention it is user-friendly, glass free, environment friendly, and aircraft approved.
How to Use:
...easy enough!
I have been keeping this in my purse for mornings when I forget to put on perfume or for afternoon touch-ups. I will definitely be taking only this with me when I start traveling again.
It has its advantages of rollerballs, you can spray anywhere, and the scent seems a little stronger, too. The main thing is its size, it is about 1/4 smaller than my roller ball. Plus, It has a light mist (rather than a hard, concentrated spray. like most travel bottles.)
Again, it has a compact size. It can easily fit in a small makeup/travel bag, or a small evening clutch. Think the size of a compact tampon or lipstick.
The Scent Genie comes in many different varieties:
-4mL All Aluminum, Rounded (50 Sprays) $11 (Only $9.35 with promotion code below!) - Pink, Black, Gold, and Silver (Red is currently out of stock.)
-5mL Clear Plastic Body and Aluminum Cap, Rounded (65 Sprays) $7 - Blue and Black
-5mL Clear Plastic Body and Aluminum Cap, Lip Gloss Shape (65 Sprays) $7 - Pink
Unfortunately, the Scent Genie will not hit stores until 2011. The would definitely make great gifts or stocking stuffers, you can purchase it online (click here) PROMOTION COUPON CODE: Enter Code KM111510 at Checkout and receive 15% off! (At the moment, the code only seems to available on the single aluminum option.)
UPDATE: JANUARY 22, 2011
I realize a lot of traffic comes to this post searching for reviews, promotional codes, and where to buy. The code above is no longer working, I contacted the company a few days ago and no reply. You can purchase the clear/plastic one online. There's a pink aluminum one now at Sephora. I have seen a similar product (different brand) at most drugstores. You can also enter my current giveaway (sidebar) to win a Black aluminum Scent Genie among other prizes (ends February 9.)
For anyone on-the-go/travelers or just perfume lovers, this is a must have!
Disclaimer: The Scent Genies were sent to me for free; all opinions are my own and completely honest.
UPDATES: Room Makeover
Out of boredom, birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, and realizing I will not be moving out until next fall, I decided it was time for a room makeover. I have had the same bedroom theme and decor for almost six years.. (middle school, 7th grade.) A change has been long overdue. I went from a cluttered and busy yellow and pink theme to a clean and relaxing red and black one. I spent a little over a hundred dollars total (my walls and furniture are white so they can go with anything.) A new bedding set and curtains were the "big money" items. A few things just needed to be covered with fabric or black spray paint. Then, I ran to local dollar stores and raided my craft box. I failed to take before and after pictures. Here is a stock photo of the new bedding...
Also, here are my DIY items I am most proud of... they all came from a dollar store yet they do not look like it with some ribbon and jewels. Storage Bins and Makeup Holders. TIP: Use rice instead of bead-filler in your makeup holder.
Embracing Paleness
I have been "fake baking" for the past six years, usually every October-March (sometimes longer.) I have to decided to give my skin a rest. Seeing a pale reflection and pictures is taking some getting used to!
FOTD: using a few of this month's favorites*: MAC Eyeshadow Honesty & Bronze, MAC Technakohl Graphblack Eyeliner, L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara*, NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Nude Pigment*, Clinique Blush in Big, Wet'n'Wild Lipstick in Smokin' Hot Pink*.
Watching a New Show
Everyone always raved about One Tree Hill (season 8 is now airing) but I did not want to dive into it without watching them. I watched the first few episodes (season 1) one Saturday morning on Soap Net about a month ago and decided it was worth a watch. Luckily, I got to borrow them from someone local. I am only on season 4 now, it is a good show, but I am not hooked. (Gossip Girl Season 1: i stayed up for 48 hours and watched the entire box.) I am sure One Tree Hill will get better with time. I like it, but has not made my top 4 TV shows (yet?)
October Favorites
"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."
I recently realized I sold all of my larger purses on eBay, leaving me only with hipsters/cross-body bags. For school, I like larger bags, so I splurged a bit and got my second Coach Purse. (Coach OP Art Chainlink Maggie #14420) I love it! It is pretty bag and has tons of compartments, so I can easily find anything I need.
Because of the room makeover and new purse, I stayed away from shopping for beauty products. Most of these are rediscovered items.
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Pillow Mist in Lavender and Camille - I had problems sleeping, my mind just would not shut off at night. I was taking some over-the-counter "natural" sleep enhancements, not a good idea, led to breakouts and vivid dreams. I was looking for a healthier option and found this. I can not decide if it is a mental thing or it really does work, either way, I sleep like a baby now and want to check out the other items from this line.
Moroccan Oil Hair Oil - This has been on my want list for some odd number of months. There are plenty of positive reviews out there, I agree with them. It is a bit pricey, yes. (The bigger bottle is a better deal.) I have a head full of long, thick, hair and only need less than a dime size. I have used it every 3-5 days this month and have only used 1/8 of it. Immediately after applying (to dry hair) I can tell a difference.. more shine, less frizz. It smells good, too.
OPI Black Onyx - Just a creamy, somewhat shiny, black. I don't know if I was in the Halloween, rock chick mode, or what, but I kept reapplying this all month.
Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Concealer - I received a sample of this forever ago. I was looking for a good corrector concealer palette, then settled for this instead. I hate concealer and foundation all together and usually, I do not wear it unless I have to. It is getting colder, that means redness around my nose, it kind of gets chapped I guess. (I am not sure, I will have to do some research on it!) Anyway, instead of layering on the concealer, using a corrector is a really good idea.
Wet 'n' Wild Smokin' Hot Pink (905DP) Lipstick - I am loving the Fuschia lip trend. (Not that I can pull it off.) I picked this up for .99 cents, not the greatest formula... it definitely needs a primer before. It is a really pretty color.
LUSH Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - it's back!! I purchased it as soon as it was at my counter and have been letting it smell up my room. This is definitely my favorite Christmas product, maybe even it all time (it ties with sex bomb!) The scent is really girly: jasmine and ying-yang.,, quite floral-y and perfumey. It is a relaxing scent as well. (Which is the point of the bubble bar.. to make little kids fall asleep on Christmas Eve.) Here is a demo... (starting at 1:15) However, I would suggest crumbling half of it under running water instead.
L'Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara - I have always been into high-end mascaras, for whatever reason I picked this one up awhile back, rediscovered it and it is all ever grab anymore. (2 coats)
NYX Ultra Pearl Mania - Nude Pigment (001) - (Repotted in the picture, the original jar is way too tiny.) A perfect highlight (under brow on cheeks) now that I am a bit paler...
