tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46649501552777519702024-03-13T13:14:14.071-07:00Watercolor KissesWatercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-17329904776965155012014-02-04T14:50:00.002-08:002014-02-04T14:50:49.656-08:00Pretty in Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's Spring approaching, but I've been obsessed with pale pinks as of late. I looked over on my nightstand the other day and thought "nice!". It's funny how you don't realize how much you're loving something until you've gathered and collected it all by chance. I have been using my lovely pink Chanel polish in Mica Rose (discontinued, but <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-le-vernis-nail-colour/2826973?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_D" target="_blank">Frisson</a> is similar). Just a pale sheer pink with pretty golden shimmer. A perfect girly everyday color. And the Mica <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-levres-scintillantes-glossimer/2826969?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_B" target="_blank">Chanel lip glossimer</a> is almost like it's twin morphed into a gloss. I love them both so much and they're just easy to throw on. You feel pretty without being overdone. And I've been using my <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/338573" target="_blank">Rodin lip balm</a> everyday. I have looked at Rodin products before, but they're definitely a pretty penny so I was really excited when I got this as part of a christmas gift. Quite the luxury lip balm I'd say and I love it. I think I honestly just enjoy the experience of it. If that makes sense. The gorgeous clear packaging with the simplistic "RODIN" written over it. Very modern and chic. Beautiful! And did I mention I have a new obsession with Diptyque candles? I've seen them so many times and have willfully avoided them knowing the price tag that comes with. I caved finally and got a Gardenia candle (which is amazing), but when I saw them release this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/diptyque-rosa-mundi-scented-candle-limited-edition/3666461?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_0_A" target="_blank">Rosa Mundi</a> limited edition scent for Spring, I wanted it! It's so pretty in a milk glass vessel with the botanical looking flowers on the front and a gorgeous floral spring scented candle. These burn so nicely too and last quite a long time. I haven't burned it much though because I want to savor it. So pretty. I have to say, I really love expensive packaging. I'm happy to save my dollars and splurge when I am able to slowly collect beautiful things. There's just a different experience you get when using them. I can't describe it, but pulling out a Chanel lipgloss is so satisfying. And every time I open the Rodin balm, I feel special. It's just a treat for me. My mom always used to say that I would always pick out the most expensive thing in the store. Unintentionally without even seeing a tag. I guess some things never change. If my wallet could only keep up! Do any of you have a few luxury items that you splurge on to treat yourself and make you feel uber fancy?<br />
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-58084502231749706082014-01-28T16:56:00.001-08:002014-01-29T09:27:58.007-08:00Alexa for Eyeko - Eye DO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, you all know who Alexa Chung is, right?! I hope you do because she's the epitome of cool. But if you're under a rock or you've been locked in a high security vault for the past few years, Alexa is a DJ, model, style icon, illustrator (which totally inspired the main image I drew for todays post) and all around person extraordinaire known for her effortlessly cool style - very laid back tomboy, but feminine and chic. I don't know how she does it, but she does it well. And she's of course known for her classic kitten flick eyeliner. Her makeup is always minimal, but she's never without that 1960's flick inspired by the classics. How can you go wrong?! So, recently, she teamed up with Eyeko to create a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/alexa-chung-eye-do-mascara-liquid-eyeliner-set-P384542" target="_blank">kit with her perfect liquid eyeliner and mascara</a>. This is the first time I ever tried anything from Eyeko and I'm impressed!<br />
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That's Alexa in Vogue above ….<br />
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First of all. The packaging is so super cute (promo image above). With doodles done by Alexa for the packaging. The kit comes in a tube with a limited edition poster created by Alexa herself, a waterproof black liquid eyeliner, a lash lengthening mascara and a guitar pic. Nice! I was most excited for the Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner. Alexa's liner is always so flattering and perfect. Not too harsh, just perfectly accentuating her eyes. I even studied the closeups of her eye on the poster to really get a handle on the exact shape. I noticed she swoops down and then back up for the flick instead of doing it overly exaggerated and straight across. And I have to say, this liner makes it easy to do just that. It's a super black black liner with a chubby felt tip pen that comes to a super duper fine point. The tip of the pen has a small amount of flexibility giving you enough allowance to maneuver it how you need. It's also the perfect amount of inky. The ink is in the pen so you never run our half way through applying liner. It's liquidy enough to glide nicely, but not too liquidy to be runny and messy. It stays in place all day long and I have to say, it's a definite A+. Not to mention that even though it's waterproof, it's not overly difficult to remove which I really appreciate.<br />
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Next up is the Eye Do Mascara. I kind of felt that this would not be my most favorite from the get go and unfortunately, I was right. Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad one, but it's not what I look for in a mascara. I love drier formula mascaras that build tons of volume into my lashes. For reference, my absolute favorites are YSL Babydoll, Tarte Lights Camera Lashes and Covergirl Lashblast. This one is lengthening and nicely separating. It definitely gives your lashes a flirty look which is nice, but not my personal favorite since it's not the most volumizing. Even with multiple coats, it won't build up much. So, great for length and separation, but not for volume. It does mention it is supposed to strengthen your lashes. I probably didn't use it enough to attest to that, but I will say that it felt nourishing on my lashes. Not harsh where it dried up or pulled on them so that's a plus.<br />
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Below are images of me with the liner and mascara. First image with liner only and second being with liner and mascara. I have to say, I really love the liner. The mascara is quite nice too, but I personally just love mascaras that look like I've got on false lashes. This one is more of a natural long and flirty lash.<br />
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The kit retails for $39 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/alexa-chung-eye-do-mascara-liquid-eyeliner-set-P384542" target="_blank">Sephora</a>. Have any of you given this kit a try? Or anything else you've tried from Eyeko that you found worthy of a mention?<br />
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-76695661528332161472014-01-24T12:00:00.002-08:002014-01-24T12:00:43.768-08:00Dior Spring Nails - Blossom 132<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey Everyone. First and foremost - HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Gotta love a Friday. I thought I'd leave you all with a pretty Spring color this week - the Dior Blossom nail polish. They have six colors total in their spring line, but when I saw Blossom, I knew I wanted it. I love a good peachy color for the Spring time. I do enjoy Dior polishes as they have that same wide brush that's flat and cut rounded at the top like the YSL polishes. It makes it really easy to paint your nails as it fits perfectly into your nail beds and fans out nicely to coat your entire nail in one to two strokes. I think the color is really pretty and quite universally flattering. It's very fresh. A peach color with golden shimmer running through it. It is more of a sheer nail color. With two coats you can still slightly see through it which I don't mind at all because it does look like the color in the bottle meaning it's intended to be that way. If you're looking for something opaque, you'd have to do three coats to get that with this one so I wouldn't recommend this if that's what you're expecting. I, however, was very happy with it as it feels like a very light and happy color. Quite pleased! </div>
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Click through for promo pics of all the new colors and a nail swatch of Blossom.</div>
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Hope you all are doing wonderful!</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-58481960833473337362014-01-23T09:17:00.000-08:002014-01-28T16:57:41.110-08:00Beauty - A Love/Hate Relationship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm short, my eyes don't match (did I ever mention I have a lazy eye?) and don't even get me started on my brows! Uneven as can be. Not twins or sisters. They're more like second cousins twice removed. My front teeth are huge (they look like chiclets) and my nose is crooked. My forehead is big and my skin isn't perfect. But this is who I am. It all comes together in some generally decent way - I think. I'm good with how I look. Not in a conceited way, but in the sense that I feel good about myself. Confident in who I am and how I've been put together. Our features shape who we are. My moms lips, my dads hair - it all tells a story. So, when I put on my makeup in the morning, I'm not looking to mask who I am. I like who I see and I'm not looking to change it. I have come to love makeup because I look at it as two things. (1) To enhance and shape the features I have and (2) as a form of art - a way of transforming one thing into something else that's not more beautiful, but different in a fun and interesting way. I used to love going all out with makeup on one side of my face and seeing how it can alter features so dramatically just with color and shading. It honestly just blows my mind sometimes and I love playing with shapes and color. It's a form of expression. Unfortunately, this all gets lost sometimes. Why is she wearing so much blush? Her eyelashes are tiny. I can't believe she went out looking like that. Therefore pushing us to feel as though we can't leave the house without checking the mirror a hundred times or like we're not acceptable to the world without a false pair of lashes. But, even worse than that is that we do it to ourselves. Obsessing over every detail and comparing ourselves to others. Ugh, her skin is flawless. I wish I had her hair. Pushing us to want and do things to ourselves to morph into things we are not. So today, I wanted to talk about my love/hate relationship with beauty. The things that nag me and the things that make me fall in love.<br />
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I hate that makeup and the beauty industry creates a false illusion of what women really look like. Zero pores, big lips, huge eyes, thin noses, chiseled cheeks, etc etc etc. We're human. We're normal. We're different. We are not Barbie dolls or Disney princesses. We have normal sized eyes and crooked noses. It's OK. And if anyone tells you otherwise, they're not worth your time. </div>
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I hate the feeling of thinking you have to do something a certain way . You don't have to contour the crap out of your face. You don't have to wear black eyeliner. If you want to - cool, but don't feel forced into doing your makeup a certain way because that's how you see all the other girls (or boys) doing it. Beauty is an extension of who you are and how you want to show yourself to the world - not how you want to replicate it.</div>
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I hate that it makes us obsessive about plastering over all our pores and so on and so on. Stop obsessing! No one is inspecting you.</div>
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This I hate! - Ever hear one of the theories of the history of beauty? That it started out with emulating what women look like at their sexual peak (cough cough). Blusher emulating the flush you get in your cheeks, etc etc. This makes me want to chuck it all out the window. How dare men! lol. Do what you do for you and no one else. </div>
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I hate when we're nervous to take our makeup off. Never be afraid to take it off.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>LOVE!</b></span></div>
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I love that makeup can really enhance the features you do have. Emphasize something that might otherwise go unnoticed. Like a belt emphasizes a tiny waist, a little liner can bring out your eyes.</div>
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I love that it keeps us creative. As we get older, we put away the crayons and finger paints. Makeup keeps a lot of us in touch with our inner artist. You can try new things and literally paint away using your face as a canvas. Explore and have fun. It's really the same as what you learned in art class. Color theory - what compliments and what contrasts. Light and dark - shading.</div>
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I love that it gives us confidence. Sometimes you've got something you wish was not as it was and it becomes distracting to the features you want to show off. It happens. An unexpected spot, a funny gap in your eyebrow, anything. Makeup can be like spanx. A little cheat that no one has to know about.</div>
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<i>I personally like to go pretty simple everyday because I like to look like me, but on a day out or a morning that I have some time on my hands, I love to sit for an hour doing my makeup all out and having fun with it. I think makeup and beauty should be fun. Not stressful and disguising. Don't wear a lot or wear a lot. It's up to you, but do it for the right reasons. To have fun. To give yourself a boost. To experiment or be creative. Don't get hung up on the imperfections you have. No one is perfect so don't worry about trying to be. You are just fine just the way you are. Cheesy as it may sound - it's the truth.</i><br />
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What do you love/hate about makeup and beauty?</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-27344641503320036522014-01-22T10:20:00.002-08:002014-01-22T10:22:53.961-08:00Chanel La Diva Lipstick - Spring 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEAVaa_nYBteU5BDAw0e5-54sBla2bZsFpgFb8sxsH_3VYOBxz-1G8UGJkMou6k8S6o0L1o0R78H92dED2vsrlWxp3VNQJlBlAI2zUN_hniloSMFU2MV2Mf3_CJmlqdRaKg7MGOMrm1M/s1600/chanel+dior.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEAVaa_nYBteU5BDAw0e5-54sBla2bZsFpgFb8sxsH_3VYOBxz-1G8UGJkMou6k8S6o0L1o0R78H92dED2vsrlWxp3VNQJlBlAI2zUN_hniloSMFU2MV2Mf3_CJmlqdRaKg7MGOMrm1M/s1600/chanel+dior.png" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
I cannot tell you how madly in love I am with this lipstick! I first saw it online and thought - it's probably not that vibrant in person, but let's give it a go. It looked gorgeous and honestly it is! I just love love love this color. It's a very bright pink color with a velvet matte finish. I mean, seriously! I cannot fault this whatsoever. For a girl who hates wearing even regular lipsticks, this is a pretty comfortable matte. It has a slight creamy feeling which is really comfy on the lips. The texture is thin, but highly pigmented. And let's be honest - a color like this in the classically chic packaging of Chanel, who wouldn't like this?! This is definitely stealing the show for Spring and becoming a fast favorite of mine. LOVE!<br />
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Click through for a swatch. </div>
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What are you loving for Spring?</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qW7nCmdA8EJ8vm-aApM5hoQM1k_hz-TIabDRtoYRLUPFa6IaLor10mvRHaUTDF34Ms6UB9SgHba8EPkN1Obi7ULhLntlwcPHRXDXtmCsie3vCBA6HbY3B1VpYBiEQdgTLtxp-d3Z8Xk/s1600/chanel+la+diva+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qW7nCmdA8EJ8vm-aApM5hoQM1k_hz-TIabDRtoYRLUPFa6IaLor10mvRHaUTDF34Ms6UB9SgHba8EPkN1Obi7ULhLntlwcPHRXDXtmCsie3vCBA6HbY3B1VpYBiEQdgTLtxp-d3Z8Xk/s1600/chanel+la+diva+swatch.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-34178451441685009822014-01-21T10:37:00.001-08:002014-01-22T10:23:39.502-08:00Spring Makeup - YSL Spring 2014 Beauty <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGIDab3lH8HPVRB9CMyu2ANfJX3hyphenhyphenGakucFdLwU35PilB_zaXsety7fphaA5NXj11jM4r9ROj4yu0ne6lxZSBgIfeVj8Ny923SXzaSDXDX9slQ6r42gi7DTv0aTQ6kR2LbfhgrXjGqbs/s1600/ysl4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGIDab3lH8HPVRB9CMyu2ANfJX3hyphenhyphenGakucFdLwU35PilB_zaXsety7fphaA5NXj11jM4r9ROj4yu0ne6lxZSBgIfeVj8Ny923SXzaSDXDX9slQ6r42gi7DTv0aTQ6kR2LbfhgrXjGqbs/s1600/ysl4.png" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cannot believe we're already thinking Spring, but it's pretty much the end of January so it's time! I have to admit though that I've been eyeing the <a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Spring-Look-2014/spring-look-2014,default,sc.html" target="_blank">YSL Spring 2014 makeup collection</a> since December. I saw promo images of it and practically fainted. OK, slight exaggeration there, but you catch my drift. It's beautiful!! The limited edition compacts are these pretty pinks with gold cutting through it like marble. It almost reminds me of branches. So gorgeous. And the colors are perfect for spring. Vibrant pinks and coral reds with soft lavender pink and peachy oranges. It's mere perfection. <a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Pivoine-Crush-Palette/1081YSL,default,pd.html" target="_blank">The Pivoine eyeshadow palette</a> is great for a soft or punchy eye look. The pink may throw a few of you off, but theres a soft dusty pink in there that's beautiful on the lids as well as that soft peachy orange color with the perfect champagne color in the center to highlight and a deep brown for definition. It's definitely a feminine palette with all shimmery shades. I love it so much I almost didn't want to touch it! Below are the promo images and some swatches from the palette. </div>
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<a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Pivoine-Crush-Palette/1081YSL,default,pd.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaIoiYwLIotwJuB-ybVDQOPGqFPuuJZbQ9viJ_v7tKT12yN42x7gWbDTtLEtidfzagjeEonmgcywJO_6Djp8KvTx32e8aYSv_u-PB0WZKn4yPKWbt81tkd_W3NNH65vUf0n0Nt73J8Mk/s1600/ysl+product+images.png" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
The colors give beautiful washes of color that are easily blendable. I think it's a really sophisticated way of doing color that isn't too over the top. LOVE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIekJOclT9wKUoKIhCypyW_Vqs8TfwBeCLlvBwyAfTiFrEg1uno1pPKMHVN5e5mEhV0eE_vCtWtsiJ5ng1amletCjknba_K0UlcnGGN3lGZc3isjlyN8MZ0NcoSA5uGKQzMjUyyr6cZbg/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIekJOclT9wKUoKIhCypyW_Vqs8TfwBeCLlvBwyAfTiFrEg1uno1pPKMHVN5e5mEhV0eE_vCtWtsiJ5ng1amletCjknba_K0UlcnGGN3lGZc3isjlyN8MZ0NcoSA5uGKQzMjUyyr6cZbg/s1600/IMG_3681.jpg" height="278" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next up are the nail polishes which I think are absolutely the stars of the show here. Usually shadows are my thing, but if I had to go for one thing in this collection, I'd pick up the nail polishes. These are the <a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/La-Laque-Couture/1082YSL,default,pd.html" target="_blank">YSL La Laque Couture</a> polishes and the formula is fantastic. This is the first time I've tried a polish from YSL and I'm pleasantly surprised. The colors are so opaque even in the first coat (although I always do two out of habit). Both colors are very creamy (no shimmer) and easy to apply. Especially with the brush. It's the type of brush that's wide and flat with a rounded cut tip so it fits into the nail beds perfectly and the bristles spread out nicely so you can coat your entire nail in one or two strokes. </div>
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<a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/La-Laque-Couture/1082YSL,default,pd.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB8XJDKDl1LPaWDNjNww48p36TMvS4NhseODgZGc57efIMvJez6t6qYLF1QcwLndW92zwHOPnoYKxyyDLbubY75g6HBmSs5A2_mIV7L8sQ-TMLvlTMKrT_znzqAbnxxUVkfnWeiuWkJQ/s1600/_8680541.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a> <a href="http://www.yslbeautyus.com/La-Laque-Couture/1082YSL,default,pd.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj517nfnWKx3z0zfnk1oWlxLkLCVTzIh7FmtTN6g8lDH7iJ_oEq9CSaa-GI86HNl2qllgox3o2wk74My46CUC3afLr3h6Tvz3bW7Z75nRBBD9kYpsEPHLCNqmQL_nneBy5kaG0VKdOrE3Y/s1600/_8680536.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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The colors are also fantastic. Rose Scabiosa (48) is the perfect lavender pink shade. It's to die for. I have already had this on my nails for two week. Which says a lot for someone who paints her nails every few days. The second shade is this beautiful vibrant red. I call this a "happy spring red". If ever there was a perfect spring time red, it's this. I'm over the moon about both these colors. Can you tell?!!?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjAF6A8jC3ObrWgtUfKC97bau0-5AYBO5pM8m35q22uoLxFhyRR8X7aBcF4EYzFYntNSUjsPyscxvtGk8BLDpoD3Nn2lqTP04w5zwqGwsvUEt9nrDYyR4ofacNZNVCaVpksppmtWNdKA/s1600/YSL+Rose+and+Pablo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjAF6A8jC3ObrWgtUfKC97bau0-5AYBO5pM8m35q22uoLxFhyRR8X7aBcF4EYzFYntNSUjsPyscxvtGk8BLDpoD3Nn2lqTP04w5zwqGwsvUEt9nrDYyR4ofacNZNVCaVpksppmtWNdKA/s1600/YSL+Rose+and+Pablo.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been eyeing the blush from the collection as well, but I haven't been able to track it down. Plus, I really should be saving my money, but OMG it looks gorgeous!!! Maybe next paycheck, eh? Anyways, hope you all are doing well! Have you been eyeing anything for Spring?</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-51329633512969377532013-12-17T11:04:00.001-08:002013-12-17T15:02:08.494-08:00Top M.A.C Shadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92K1V5JQ4f2nRNH3sS-8_Sk9EjHSnI77us_opxYmPn1hyphenhyphenlQLr9UO1a5XQZhd7N_H1O9K0MedD5SZJCkxpMzx_W-FKH6k-cEC0E_HO0fePfXEe8CNt5YcKqeg7YtjCOU0jyyGuhEv75jM/s1600/MAC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92K1V5JQ4f2nRNH3sS-8_Sk9EjHSnI77us_opxYmPn1hyphenhyphenlQLr9UO1a5XQZhd7N_H1O9K0MedD5SZJCkxpMzx_W-FKH6k-cEC0E_HO0fePfXEe8CNt5YcKqeg7YtjCOU0jyyGuhEv75jM/s640/MAC.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I must be some kind of crazy. I just love eyeshadows. I want every one of them in every single color I can get it in. The obsession started with M.A.C eyeshadows. I remember in high school, distinctly buying Trax, Phloof! and Beauty Marked. Those were my firsts and I've been collecting ever since. I was lucky enough to be start my makeup collection with M.A.C which is a great brand with a huge range of products. I have since grown to love so many other makeup brands for a lot of things, but I continuously go back to my M.A.C eyeshadows even after all these years. The quality is excellent. Highly pigmented, smooth and easily blendable. Everything you want in an eyeshadow, really. They also last well on my eyelids. I never have issues with the color fading or anything. If you're unfamiliar with M.A.C, here's a little summary. They have a large range of eyeshadow colors from neutrals to primary colors and electric greens. The brand was created for to specifically meet the needs of makeup artists. So, the color range is extensive, the packaging is basic and practical. And you get great quality for a reasonable price. Not cheap, but not too expensive either. You also have the option to buy the shadows in a single package (as shown above) or you can get them without the casing where it is just the eyeshadow in the pan with a magnet on the back. You can then take those eyeshadows and pop them into palettes (which M.A.C sells). They come in different sizes - four, twelve, etc. I used to buy the shadows in the individual cases, but now I just buy them in the pans and I pop them into palettes. It's just easier and takes up less space in my collection. I have somewhere between 60-75 shades. I know. It's ridiculously excessive. I definitely have my favorites though and I wanted to share those with you today. I gathered my top 20 here with swatches and all. I do have a few that are "I would cry if you ever got discontinued" shades within that 20 that I'll note as we go along. Let's jump in…<br />
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<u>Top Row Left to Right</u><br />
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<b>Brule</b> (Matte): Brule is a matte, light ivory shade. It's close to my skin color which is why it's a bit difficult to see here, but it's a great color for any skin tone to have. I love this as a subtle brow highlight or even as an allover shade to give the rest of my colors a good base to blend into.<br />
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<b>Shroom</b> (Satin): I've gone through a few Shroom eyeshadows in my makeup lifetime. It's like Brule, but with a sheen to it. I love using this as an everyday inner corner highlight.<br />
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<b>Phloof!</b> (Frost): Phloof is like Shroom, but more pink and more shimmery.<br />
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<b>Relaxing</b> (Frost): I love this color and I never hear anyone talking about it. It's just the perfect neutral light super shimmery shadow. I love this for highlighting or for a lid color. I use it a ton. it's just the perfect pretty shimmery color.<br />
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<b>Era</b> (Satin): This is another gorgeous color that I don't hear enough people talking about. I love using this as a crease color when I'm going for a soft subtle eye look. It's just a light medium brown with a beautiful sheen to it. So underrated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmp7IDApignn0CaxCjuoXsA8vrYRu5n1QJnemfck2gJmDzadTNsptZhI2AaTONGCWZovwbMWZSiYAy8YcKB54RSrA-bVhYBFWA0d6AgxI6mcWBCUMP312B2K7yR17iBoE2YHkX31WuPE/s1600/RO+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmp7IDApignn0CaxCjuoXsA8vrYRu5n1QJnemfck2gJmDzadTNsptZhI2AaTONGCWZovwbMWZSiYAy8YcKB54RSrA-bVhYBFWA0d6AgxI6mcWBCUMP312B2K7yR17iBoE2YHkX31WuPE/s640/RO+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Second Row Left to Right</u><br />
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<b>Patina </b>(Frost): I have always had an iffy relationship with Patina. It looks like a bland nothing sort of color in the pan. Do not be fooled though. It's a light taupe brown color with a golden shimmer running through it which gives it a cool bronzy effect. Really gorgeous color and universally flattering.<br />
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<b>Soba</b> (Satin): I use Soba like I use Era, but when I want a much warmer brown. It's just a warm medium golden brown with a golden sheen to it. A great basic to have on hand.<br />
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<b>Woodwinked</b> (Veluxe Pearl): This has to be amongst my all time favorite colors ever. It's the best gold. It's a very warm gold color. It is super shimmery and it's one of those colors that looks a little different depending on what angle the light catches it. It's really versatile too in that you can apply it all over the lids and just blend it out in the crease area. Once you start blending a lot, the shimmer diminishes and it turns into a darker satiny gold color. It's so beautiful. I will say that if you are very fair with pink undertones, this might look a little orange on your skin, but it works for me and it's BEAUTIFUL!<br />
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<b>Mulch</b> (Velvet): Mulch was one of the shades that I got really early on as well. It's another long time favorite that I wouldn't want to live without. Just a warm reddish shimmery brown color. It pairs beautifully with woodwinked and so many others. A great bronzy brown color. Love this one.<br />
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<b>Charcoal Brown</b> (Matte): This is a medium toned cool matte brown. It's a great crease color as it's not shimmery. What I really use it for though is for filling in my eyebrows. It's a perfect cool brown for brunettes. If you're blonde, Omega is a great option too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyK0tK8wVxTprTmpA8GX5ZCyfqG65yVRh2g_5zJrLJZCvsu5B1BW2_78kTc2FK0dtRVobTsuyK6-OQOhGg6epmIiCPNlMC4UgNAk4KQZBrTNCE5T9yns28vYnVMHnXFmMG46VM2fuG3Y/s1600/row+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyK0tK8wVxTprTmpA8GX5ZCyfqG65yVRh2g_5zJrLJZCvsu5B1BW2_78kTc2FK0dtRVobTsuyK6-OQOhGg6epmIiCPNlMC4UgNAk4KQZBrTNCE5T9yns28vYnVMHnXFmMG46VM2fuG3Y/s640/row+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Third Row Left to Right</u><br />
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<b>Sable </b>(Frost): This is such a gorgeous warm reddish brown color that is super shimmery. Beautiful on the lids. I've used this one to death!<br />
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<b>Satin Taupe</b> (Frost): This is a massive favorite for a lot of people and rightfully so. It's a super shimmery purply taupe color. Looks flattering on many skin tones and is really pretty for brown eyes.<br />
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<b>Cranberry</b> (Frost): This color looks a bit scary, but I really love it during the Fall and holiday seasons. It's a cranberry (as it's called) shimmery color that is an easier way to wear a reddish color on the eyes without looking crazy. Love this one!<br />
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<b>Twinks</b>: This sort of reminds me of Mulch, but it's much more red toned. I love using this in the fall when I want a more reddish burgundy eye look without actually using reds and burgundy's.<br />
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<b>Beauty Marked</b> (Velvet): This has been in my collection since the beginning and I still adore it. It is a very dark burgundy blackish shade with a reddish glitter running through it. I use it mostly with a damp brush so that I can apply it as a liner when I'm doing a warmer look and don't want to use black. It's beautiful for brown eyes since it has that purplish reddish hue to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JonpIKHI9PIiklpBw3XzkiWD2hlRcF2AKlCCS3bmqMucbus4fWrfaW5LqREDJX5HzneAZ9v8FvctAt3smx6X4DkLjq57zvBDiE9AWEXMmnLwuWpxsGf42f0IvlceNCEoMW_5tcb9xZ4/s1600/row+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JonpIKHI9PIiklpBw3XzkiWD2hlRcF2AKlCCS3bmqMucbus4fWrfaW5LqREDJX5HzneAZ9v8FvctAt3smx6X4DkLjq57zvBDiE9AWEXMmnLwuWpxsGf42f0IvlceNCEoMW_5tcb9xZ4/s640/row+3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>Fourth (last) Row Left to Right</u><br />
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<b>Smut</b> (Velvet): This is one that is a bit underrated as well. It's sort of a dark grayish purple color with a beautiful sheen to it. I love this in the outer corner for a smokey eye when you don't want to reach for black. It's beautiful paired with Satin Taupe or anything really. A great one to have.<br />
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<b>Club</b> (Satin): Club! This is another "Please don't ever leave me" kind of color. I am obsessed with this color. It's a super shimmery brownish, greenish, blue shade. Confused? Yeah. It's one of those that looks different depending on what angle you are seeing it from. Sometimes it looks brown, sometimes a little green and sometimes a little blue. I adore this color to pieces. Really unique, yet really wearable. My favorite for the Fall time and holiday season.<br />
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<b>Humid</b>: Green is a great color to have especially for brown eyes. It might look intimidating, but it's really beautiful and can be quite wearable all year round. This is one of my favorites. A beautiful shimmery forest green color.<br />
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<b>Black Tied</b>: I love this black. It's a very black black. That may sound odd, but have you ever bought a black and then it ends up looking like a dark grey? Yeah… this isn't that. It's actually black and it has a pretty soft glitter running through it. Not too much though where it looks like a disco. Just the right amount.<br />
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<b>Carbon</b> (Matte): This is just your classic black and it's a good one. Matte and black black with good pigmentation. Can't really go wrong.<br />
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Wow, that was a lot, but I love them ALL! Black Tied, Club, Woodwinked, Satin Taupe, Sable, Relaxing and Mulch are probably my most loved. If you're twisting my arm to cut the list down, you know. I've hit pan on all of those before and have repurchased them. They're really beautiful colors. What about you? Do you own any M.A.C eyeshadows? Do you have any favorites that I didn't mention?<br />
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Hope you all enjoyed. Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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On a side note if you made it this far down the blog post… here is little Miss Bella again. Brat followed me around EVERYWHERE this weekend as she was home alone with me. She's usually off following someone else, but I guess she was left with no other choice. I take pictures of swatches near my staircase where there is a large window that gets good light so there she sat at the top of the stairs. She's kind of cute, I'll admit.<br />
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-36675319218849970572013-12-16T11:10:00.001-08:002013-12-16T11:11:31.490-08:00What's in my Makeup Bag - Holiday Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the best parts of the holiday season is being able to get all dolled up for parties and gatherings. I swear the best thing about a party is the getting ready part. At least for me. That being said, I wanted to share my favorite holiday look for this season. These are the things making their way into my makeup bag for festive outings. It comes together as a holiday classic. Shimmering golds and taupes with beautiful red lips. Eye catching in the most perfect way.</div>
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To start, I have my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/radiant-creamy-concealer-P377873?skuId=1478353" target="_blank">NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer</a>. I use this under my eyes and on any blemishes that need covering and blend it in. This step comes first because I've been using a powder foundation. Always safest to apply creams/liquids prior to powders (for the most part). Naturally, I move onto my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/skin-foundation-mineral-makeup-spf-15-P296207?skuId=1353192" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup</a>. I like a natural looking base that doesn't feel or look heavy. When I have a lot going on everywhere else, I like to keep the skin feeling nice a fresh which mineral makeup is perfect for. Once that's done, I move onto eyebrows. I'm still obsessed with my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-waterproof-brow-color-P292501?skuId=1346683" target="_blank">Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color</a>. It's so easy to use with light and short feathery strokes to fill in the brows and keep them looking natural. It also stays in place so I never have to worry about it moving or fading anywhere. </div>
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Moving onto the eyes. I love my Chanel cream eyeshadows or more technically - <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-illusion-dombre-long-wear-luminous-eyeshadow/3196939?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2191&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_7_B" target="_blank">Chanel Illusion D'Ombre</a> (so fancy schmancy). They're like a cross between a cream and a mousse texture. Once applied though, it's like a powder finish. I have been using this gold shimmery one called Apparence as a base for my eyeshadow by applying it to the lower eyelid area. It prolongs the life of my shadows and also gives my look more depth with the added layer beneath. To pair with that, I've been reaching for my Dior Holiday palette from last years collection. I know I know. It was limited edition and is no longer available, but I love it and it's what I've been using. The lightest shade to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. The gold on the first third of my eyelid. The bronzy taupe on the outer third and the blackish brown color along outer half of the lash line and outer 'V' of the eyes. That really glittery gold color I sometimes use to layer over top of the eyeshadows by dabbing a bit of it on the center part of the lids to give them a little pop. Then I'll usually take some more of that taupe color onto the lower lash line and some of that dark color onto the outer part of the lower lash line. If you're looking for similar colors, I think M.A.C has some colors that could substitute. Nylon for the lightest shade, Woodwinked for the gold, Patina for the taupe/bronze and Black Tied for the darkest shade. Then to finish off, I usually take my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/artliner-precision-point-eyeliner-P54443?skuId=136952" target="_blank">Lancome Artliner</a> in Noir to line my eyes and I like to wing out the liner slightly as well. And last, but never least, out comes the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=west%20end%20wonderland&skuId=1414507&productId=P308011&_requestid=118323" target="_blank">YSL Babydoll mascara</a> (my favorite) to coat my lashes. Tops and bottoms. </div>
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For blush, I usually like to keep it minimal. Sometimes I won't use anything or sometimes I reach for a light bronzer to give my face a little dimension without adding too much color. But I do love to highlight for a holiday look so I've been carting around my <a href="http://www.sephora.com/ambient-lighting-powder-P377723?skuId=1483551" target="_blank">Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette</a>. A little highlight on the tops of my cheekbones and right on my cupids bow for a pouty lip effect always adds the perfect oomph. Especially when we're going for a bold red lip. I always reach for my favorite <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/estee-lauder-pure-color-crystal-lipstick/3168779?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=60136876&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A" target="_blank">Twinkling Ruby by Estee Lauder</a>. It's got a slight shimmer and it's so comfortable to wear. I love this one. </div>
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To top it all off, I love a good glitter nail polish and <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=west%20end%20wonderland&skuId=1414507&productId=P308011&_requestid=118323" target="_blank">Butter London's West End Wonderland</a> has to be my all time favorite ever for the holidays. Two coats and your nails will look like you've dipped them in glitter. And then just a little spritz of Chance by Chanel. How can you go wrong?!</div>
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Below are a few swatches for you. The Dior holiday palette on top. Chanel Apparence on the bottom left and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders on the bottom right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzPCzBuL7Z1MtCi8tfR_Zf-8Gt-nOno2UbQtdmlouQSR4PkKFIfjAT2dcT60AptDhlIoRKpHs7CvPLGdzKaTXn0r3BZ_n7qcvvf9oSwOVCunhg94qy28VP08ebcji4vt0A0LALjcjshs/s1600/holiday+swatches.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzPCzBuL7Z1MtCi8tfR_Zf-8Gt-nOno2UbQtdmlouQSR4PkKFIfjAT2dcT60AptDhlIoRKpHs7CvPLGdzKaTXn0r3BZ_n7qcvvf9oSwOVCunhg94qy28VP08ebcji4vt0A0LALjcjshs/s640/holiday+swatches.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a little snapshot of Bella below snooping around as I'm trying to get a good picture. Nosey little fella.</div>
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Hope you all enjoyed! Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-40839342954444906372013-12-15T17:54:00.002-08:002013-12-15T17:54:38.052-08:00My Favorite Red Lipsticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYoa4BYpvmSpHFcILE0yf3oLyBJLzarj6H0xV9vs2Vhpmt3Z_nwTQ8IZLJkTsQMuDhC963Kgb8IxVrAQZB-NvOknHru3eyKYzEHHY-V9QaYSO00tiAABXByeXEEtnENMz1rTOj-Iw2mk/s1600/red+lips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYoa4BYpvmSpHFcILE0yf3oLyBJLzarj6H0xV9vs2Vhpmt3Z_nwTQ8IZLJkTsQMuDhC963Kgb8IxVrAQZB-NvOknHru3eyKYzEHHY-V9QaYSO00tiAABXByeXEEtnENMz1rTOj-Iw2mk/s640/red+lips.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I've never been much of a lipstick wearer. Like ever. But, when I do decide to get all fancied up, I love a red lip. It's classic, it's chic and it's bold with sophistication. No one can deny the power of a red lip. So, of course, I've collected a few over the years and these are by far, my absolute favorites!<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Bite Beauty - (Sephora Exclusive)</span></div>
The Bite Beauty lipsticks are an amazing formula. Creamy, moisturizing and great pigmentation. Bite lipsticks are fast becoming on of my favorite formulas ever. Plus, this red is a gorgeous flattering classic. It is exclusive at Sephora to VIB Rouge which is annoying, but if you can get your hands on it, it's worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yIZyaHM5XOXL4gNoRgR6vAZQBMcR9Kmq9DAHNonJ-b90NRY7tYp4xDksd5KaZVRb650t5a7iI5QelRZfeojUhMH5-rT7GqQ2n3I8eYAWUdYJgWTKpRuwbEC_aEhOTbuYb6ihuIEHHws/s1600/bite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yIZyaHM5XOXL4gNoRgR6vAZQBMcR9Kmq9DAHNonJ-b90NRY7tYp4xDksd5KaZVRb650t5a7iI5QelRZfeojUhMH5-rT7GqQ2n3I8eYAWUdYJgWTKpRuwbEC_aEhOTbuYb6ihuIEHHws/s640/bite.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">M.A.C - Russian Red</span></div>
I tend to not care much for M.A.C lipsticks as they're a bit drying on my lips, but I just love the colors sometimes and this one is one that is so worth it! Russian Red is the perfect cool toned red. It's matte with no shimmer at all. The pigmentation is undeniable and I just adore this color. It's pretty much the perfect red that's super flattering and won't make your teeth look yellow (huge points for that)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdm5QeHEdyn-7Sd0oQJoU4kDAI_fciCUqthxiIWXmpebB0nuXPJtuvHHrHNblpqKLS1EI4CCHGULUe7fPfhhxua6tmk_JYAD4Wph_YtYR2HRF7_mtDJMC5kP8f71_A4fFqnKxQrpCGJY/s1600/MAC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdm5QeHEdyn-7Sd0oQJoU4kDAI_fciCUqthxiIWXmpebB0nuXPJtuvHHrHNblpqKLS1EI4CCHGULUe7fPfhhxua6tmk_JYAD4Wph_YtYR2HRF7_mtDJMC5kP8f71_A4fFqnKxQrpCGJY/s640/MAC.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">YSL Rouge Volupte - 17</span></div>
I love YSL lipsticks. I'm serious when I say that I'd probably buy them sans the actual lipstick just because the casing is so gorgeous. Gold casing with the logo at the center wrapped around the tube and the color of the lipstick behind it so you know exactly what color it is when it's thrown in a drawer or your handbag. The formula is creamy, no shimmer and nicely pigmented. And this color is a classic red. Not too cool, not too warm. Really pretty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQYuhJF7SFiJ2LG-TQ0Ec-fqmYuf-kUaqiilCx7OzGvdVoybTQSWnMcf_i-e6e5noT2aiU6o5DniLYFQPO2dSGWYRnx-KUZYYmcYzGkfbDN12TLgEAvyKuelkC5VF6OQ9ZXEQ598wf8/s1600/ysl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQYuhJF7SFiJ2LG-TQ0Ec-fqmYuf-kUaqiilCx7OzGvdVoybTQSWnMcf_i-e6e5noT2aiU6o5DniLYFQPO2dSGWYRnx-KUZYYmcYzGkfbDN12TLgEAvyKuelkC5VF6OQ9ZXEQ598wf8/s640/ysl.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">NARS Guy Bourdin Cinematic Lipstick - Future Red (Limited Edition)</span></div>
I hate mentioning this for the fact that it's limited edition, but it is still available to buy so I'm doing it anyways. It's a non shimmery glossy red lipstick. It has great pigmentation and this seriously looks flattering on everyone. I've used it and had friends with different skin tones try it on and it always looks great. I find the formula comfortable to wear as well which helps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiODa7aQpLT1BDaIoW2Osk2sc2H7UYgYEQoIDEZKqpkekHr9qzbCZJjTe2XfctzKOwlQ_EgO5UGiBG4eQFLfTcpDritPlHLSeSB4RUaOVqB8E60V0vVhxtwzWoJfu1SC-Ay9D6bvexBc/s1600/NARS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiODa7aQpLT1BDaIoW2Osk2sc2H7UYgYEQoIDEZKqpkekHr9qzbCZJjTe2XfctzKOwlQ_EgO5UGiBG4eQFLfTcpDritPlHLSeSB4RUaOVqB8E60V0vVhxtwzWoJfu1SC-Ay9D6bvexBc/s640/NARS.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal - Twinkling Ruby</span></div>
I love Estee Lauder Lipsticks. They're the most comfortable to wear. I swear I feel like I'm putting on lip balm. This is one of my most worn. It's a great staple red with a small amount of shimmer running through it. Perfect for the holiday season. The casing is also pretty. All gold with the 'EL' logo embossed on it and the color of the lipstick at the bottom. You can't go wrong with an Estee Lauder lipstick. Especially if you're picky with lipstick formula's feeling too drying on your lips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgdnCG8aqJVI_gwZd0CHdiT8HJrx35u8BnA2U6i-GaHiYUR3nCjawUA4oO7NKw1xI_XlQvx9mTClH2zMh5jjDJyhfJsKK7liO3rJ4YV40wXZMK-FvigSAguADkiwDp3gHmQvzYwW9hzA/s1600/estee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgdnCG8aqJVI_gwZd0CHdiT8HJrx35u8BnA2U6i-GaHiYUR3nCjawUA4oO7NKw1xI_XlQvx9mTClH2zMh5jjDJyhfJsKK7liO3rJ4YV40wXZMK-FvigSAguADkiwDp3gHmQvzYwW9hzA/s640/estee.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what is your go to red?</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-55045829909715246702013-12-11T11:34:00.004-08:002013-12-11T11:36:09.197-08:00Hourglass Lip Oil - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva6o478KTHviWasRrTO2RRX44KzzS3vp4uBJYzJ00ctS8HJKj62iQNio8Uk2hIqrg9UK3EQBxKM-5HssDUAnCUae60L9n74yquN659GLMpL_jAc2uVbxGaK8ZD1rhR-UQeRw6PXAvr5M/s1600/lip.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva6o478KTHviWasRrTO2RRX44KzzS3vp4uBJYzJ00ctS8HJKj62iQNio8Uk2hIqrg9UK3EQBxKM-5HssDUAnCUae60L9n74yquN659GLMpL_jAc2uVbxGaK8ZD1rhR-UQeRw6PXAvr5M/s640/lip.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hi! Have any of you seen the new <a href="http://www.sephora.com/no-28-lip-treatment-oil-P379096" target="_blank">Hourglass Lip Treatment Oil</a>? I noticed it right away when it was released as it has a very unique package/dispenser for a lip treatment. The casing is a bit large for a lip treatment/balm sort of thing. It also caught my eye from the description. "14 essential oils", "opulent 24 karat, antibacterial, gold - plated tip". Say what?! No, I'm being serious. And it has a price tag to match at $42. I was really going to avoid this one, but then I thought - screw it. I've got really dry chapped lips all the time, I should give it a go. Maybe it will be the end all miracle product. Just maybe. So, I snatched it up and closed my eyes as I handed my card at the register. Ouch!<br />
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I've been using it ever since which is about a month now. I really wanted to give this a proper go before talking about it which I like to do for everything, but especially being that this is $42 versus what people usually think $20 is too high for such a product. OK, so this is said to have all these essential oils to provide deep moisture, immediate relief to dry/chapped lips, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve the appearance of lips volume, hydration, shape and softness. The 24 karat gold plated application help give an immediate cooling relief and it is antibacterial.<br />
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OK, so that's a lot of claims. Putting it to the test and applying it at least twice a day (as recommended), I've come to be a bit indifferent to this product. I will preface this with saying that I get very dry/chapped lips all year round so reviewing this in the winter is really putting it through the ringer. That being said, it's not the ultimate luxury - I have to have it - so worth the splurge type of product for me. I do like the applicator. You press down on the back of the tube and the lip oil dispenses from the center of the curved gold tip. The tip feels very smooth and cold as you apply it to the tips. I really do love the feeling of the shape and coolness of that gold tip. That part of it feels really luxurious and beautiful. The oil itself almost feels like putting on a gloss. Like a moisturizing gloss formula. I do feel that it gives immediate relief and it can help protect from weather conditions when it's on by creating a barrier for your lips. It also looks nice on the lips as it has a plush like texture that sort of smooths over dry areas or any fine lines in the lips. So, if you use another lip product over top of it, it will give your lips a really nice looking full appearance. In that sense, it does do as it says as an immediate result. My issues were in long term results. I didn't feel it really provided the deepest moisture for my lips. It didn't last as long as I'd hoped. I would have to apply this often throughout the day which made me feel like I was using it up really quickly which freaked me out after paying so much for it. Once it wore off, I didn't feel my lips plumper or more hydrated. They looked the same as if I'd used other lip products that I love.<br />
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Overall, I liked it, it felt luxurious, it had great short term results, but nothing long lasting that really made a difference. I wanted to love this, but honestly, my <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/10/elizabeth-arden-8-hour-cream-review.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream</a> is better at injecting moisture and transforming my lips from dry and shriveled to moisturized and plump. I like that I can really rub that one into my lips to get it to penetrate them whereas this oil just sits on top of the lips. I do also love my Dior Creme De Rose which is great for daily maintenance. Like I said though, the lip oil does look nice underneath other lip products as it does feel plush and other lipsticks just glide over top and it makes your lips look smooth and pouty. I think this is wonderful if you're looking for something luxurious to provide instant results, I just wouldn't count on it transforming your lips into anything long term.<br />
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Have any of you given this a go? What were your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?<br />
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Talk to you all soon! Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-36601057636624191432013-12-09T09:42:00.000-08:002013-12-11T11:51:00.977-08:00Quick tip - shimmer or not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROw0wQ-Q4imvwO1tQ4JijcBF44qqV3cT-reSqJt16po4qX-XPV8CbTL0NjjND4IrmB9MHmCWqCSoGmhRuMb-52CL1UqBgGS7UcWCxl79mLsq4nY7Y2arjgjlXy8ZYpU8XA3b-ntGpRSQ/s1600/quick+tip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROw0wQ-Q4imvwO1tQ4JijcBF44qqV3cT-reSqJt16po4qX-XPV8CbTL0NjjND4IrmB9MHmCWqCSoGmhRuMb-52CL1UqBgGS7UcWCxl79mLsq4nY7Y2arjgjlXy8ZYpU8XA3b-ntGpRSQ/s400/quick+tip.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Hey! So, did you know that shimmer isn't always a good thing? I know I know! I love it too, but only in the right places. Shimmer will accentuate a lot so if you have large pores or breakouts, steer clear of anything shimmery on your face. It will accentuate all the wrong things. Avoid the glitter packed blush and the shiny highlighter. Go for a matte look and keep the shimmer for your eyes and nailpolishes! And if you want to highlight, use a highlighter pen instead (like the YSL touché éclat) to accentuate your features instead of shimmer. Hope that helps!<br />
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Talk soon all! Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-14182722634101466152013-12-07T08:32:00.001-08:002013-12-07T08:34:15.465-08:00Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette - Rosey Neutrals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone! So this is the big one. The one everyone is waiting for and talking about and obsessing over. I'm right there in the middle of that crowd, no doubt. I've been lusting after this palette since I heard the first rumor of it's possible existence. I was lucky enough to spot that the palette was available when at the very first launch date on UrbanDecay.com and snatched it up before it sold out. It is crazy how quickly it sold through and that it sold through again when it came back in stock. Insanity! It's finally popping up at other retailers online so you can go to <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6320257" target="_blank">Urban Decay</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked3-P384099" target="_blank">Sephora</a> or <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6320257" target="_blank">Ulta</a> to try to get your hands on one of these if you so choose. In store launch is still scheduled for December 12th. So, let's go over my thoughts as well as some nice swatches and hopefully this can help you decide if this palette is right for you or not.</div>
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First off (which all of you probably already know, but just in case you've been under a rock...) Urban Decay released the Naked palette a couple of years ago featuring 12 neutral eyeshadows. This first palette had more warm bronzy creams, browns, golds and greys. All gorgeous and so amazing that it was then followed up with the Naked 2. This also has 12 neutral eyeshadows, but more cool taupes, coppers, browns and greys. And now we have the Naked 3 with 12 all new neutral eyeshadows in rosey mauve shades. The palette comes in a rose gold metal casing (same format as the Naked 2). You can always trust Urban Decay to have excellent color choices and great color pay off. I'll go into more detail in a second, but I think this one lives up to most of that. I do love the shades. They are extremely flattering and I think they'd look fantastic on anyone. I don't think there is one better palette than the other. I really think this is a personal preference sort of thing. I, of course, am indecisive and love variety so I own all three and I'm sure there are more of me's out there! </div>
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OK, let's get into the nitty gritty. There are three matte shades - Strange (cream color), Limit (light mauve pink - similar to Naked, but more pink) and Nooner (a deeper mauve pink - similar to Buck, but more pink). There are eight shimmers (Burnout, Buzz, Trick, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside and Blackheart). And there is one glittery frost color (Dust). I think all the matte shades are beautiful and creamy with great pigmentation. If there is any brand that understands how a matte eyeshadow should be, it's Urban Decay, hands down. The shimmers are all gorgeous shades, but I felt like Trick was a bit more sheer than I had anticipated. It's the only swatch in all of the ones below that I layered over itself three times to achieve the pigmentation for the camera to pick it up. All the others only needed one swipe for the color that you see. So, although this shade is amazing, the color pay off isn't what I expected. All the others though, I felt were amazing and completely up to par with what we've all come to expect from these palettes. I personally love Blackheart. It's a really nice deep blackish burgundy shade with reddish shimmer running through it. It reminds me of Beauty Marked from M.A.C which is one of my favorite colors. Dust, the glittery frosty shade, was another slight let down. It's just so glittery that there's a lot of fallout which annoys me. It is a beautiful color, but be prepared for it to be messy.</div>
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All that being said, I am really happy with this palette. I think it's a great addition to the first two. It has a great assortment of light medium and deep shades to create various dynamic looks. A good variety of matte and shimmer and I think these rosey hued colors are really universally flattering. I like to think of the three palettes like this. Naked - the bronzed goddess, Naked 2 - The sexy vixen and Naked 3 - The romantic heroin. I've swatched the Naked 3 below as I'm sure that's what everyone wants to see, but I've also gone and swatched the first and second palettes in case you want to see how they each compare to each other. </div>
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Naked 3 Swatches below in natural daylight</div>
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From left to right: Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz, Trick, Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, Blackheart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42juDLyB3zt7v8TE3I4eA6lgen-2zva59qIvx2DNWRMu4or4LCP2-0twyxl1VkT9KRz5Is-PK-WFr4hRixejsgX4HmDw_R5wPWemLISetHD6EodNMKEsLDBHBymgCy5qI3pcdzv10uYE/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42juDLyB3zt7v8TE3I4eA6lgen-2zva59qIvx2DNWRMu4or4LCP2-0twyxl1VkT9KRz5Is-PK-WFr4hRixejsgX4HmDw_R5wPWemLISetHD6EodNMKEsLDBHBymgCy5qI3pcdzv10uYE/s640/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Naked 2 Swatches below in natural daylight</div>
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From left to right: Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPn5cg1Rfcd03CmIbL9_bD3BCrjC5NBqCraI2g4w38D_lVyAQerJv-CLoyAdNjY9psDWNbiAQVL0Pk4lSC0Z_HSGAQPlh0dV54lrVQf7c_mU-LJF1VEq3syKBTIzs7wJIZ7nXvUC7tpE/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPn5cg1Rfcd03CmIbL9_bD3BCrjC5NBqCraI2g4w38D_lVyAQerJv-CLoyAdNjY9psDWNbiAQVL0Pk4lSC0Z_HSGAQPlh0dV54lrVQf7c_mU-LJF1VEq3syKBTIzs7wJIZ7nXvUC7tpE/s640/photo+3+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Naked 1 Swatches below in natural daylight</div>
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From left to right: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UIZD8M4hdt4LCJCveLnMw3wgaAJY9BHS6zMEcbfmo7_XjrlkRzavAR9PVpgmAANWbL-Sd3UKi6hTT8gXVh0BvcOOpYnXu0PGAj3qZogF0gea334VCX51GYJK5mu_zeACmnANPHHjmVA/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UIZD8M4hdt4LCJCveLnMw3wgaAJY9BHS6zMEcbfmo7_XjrlkRzavAR9PVpgmAANWbL-Sd3UKi6hTT8gXVh0BvcOOpYnXu0PGAj3qZogF0gea334VCX51GYJK5mu_zeACmnANPHHjmVA/s640/photo+1+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, do you think you'll pick one up? And if you have, what do you think? </div>
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Hope this was helpful. Talk to you all soon! Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-75846175261388283902013-12-05T09:46:00.002-08:002013-12-05T09:54:50.915-08:00What's in my Makeup Bag - 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSx9G4vefZqI-OrWCBygHyGLZCkUkri-9957zeTSz5Iu1t2g8y_xWQGOEHjCrTyHoIvoIJXfmk6rGwCOctEl2AITf3JzfTPTEBLLL7bnzhlfyB6WE6jJXIUZu1menEn3RE-0bSpT8Ah8/s1600/opt+3-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSx9G4vefZqI-OrWCBygHyGLZCkUkri-9957zeTSz5Iu1t2g8y_xWQGOEHjCrTyHoIvoIJXfmk6rGwCOctEl2AITf3JzfTPTEBLLL7bnzhlfyB6WE6jJXIUZu1menEn3RE-0bSpT8Ah8/s640/opt+3-1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I absolutely adore looking inside peoples makeup bags. Is that weird? Whatever. It's interesting to see all the stuff they're using at that moment. To see how they're pairing all their items together and to see what sticks around from this time to the next time you take a peek. I've done a couple others before <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/09/whats-in-my-makeup-bag-2.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/07/whats-in-my-make-up-bag-current.html" target="_blank">here</a>, so I wanted to do another updated one this week with what I've got going here as my makeup back is constantly changing. Is that just me or do you all do that too?</div>
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I always love doing a soft brown smokey eye. It's my absolute favorite and most worn look. And if you ran across my previous post this morning, you'll know I have a weakness for soft pink blushes. Ergo, these products have come together. I'm still enjoying using the Smashbox Photofinish Light primer which I mentioned in my October Faves. It doesn't feel like slippery silicone (I hate the feeling of silicone on my face) and it helps my makeup last longer. For my base, I've been using Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua which is an amazing foundation. It's lightweight, nondrying with a radiant, but not shiny finish. It's water based so it feels comfortable on the skin. It will give a light/medium coverage. It's really a pretty one. Then, if I need any concealer that day, I'll use my Makeup Forever Full Cover concealer which is waterproof and very full coverage without being too thick and cakey. Moving onto the eyes, I just purchased the NARS Kalahari duo eyeshadows and I'm obsessed. They're two medium browns, one shimmery bronze and one satiny brown. I use the bronze on my lid with the brown on the outer corner and underneath my bottom lash line for a soft smokey look. On the days when I have time and want to amp it up, I've been using my M.A.C Powersurge eye pencil and drawing this onto my waterline. It's a bronzy golden color which gives depth without being too harsh. It's my favorite eye pencil. Like ever. Then, I'll take my Stila Waterproof Eye Liner and do a think line really close to my top lashes just to define my eyes. My favorite part of any makeup look is lashes! I'm so completely taken by the YSL Babydoll mascara that I don't know if you'll hear me talk about anything else anytime soon. It defines your lashes and gives serious volume. It's fantastic. Then, to finish off the face, I take my YSL Parisian Nite Radiant blush an apply this to my cheeks for a soft pink look. It does have a hint of shimmer running through it, but if I'm going out or feeling sassy, I'll add my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose to the tops of my cheek bones. It goes perfectly with this blush and just makes your cheeks look super glowy and healthy. This is another new product that I've instantly fallen in love it. I want to try other colors (no Jesenia…. resist!!). And last but not least, a little lippie. I've been so faithful to the Bite Beauty Lipstick in Fig. It's just the perfect warm medium pink. It's not bright so it gives you a pink lip without looking unnatural and the formula is very moisturizing. I think this is my absolute favorite pink lipstick!</div>
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This time, I wanted to include my nails and fragrance as I love how it just completes the feeling of a look, right?! I'm enjoying Essie's Mocaccino on my nails which is a soft medium taupe/grey color with lots of silver shimmer in it. And for a feminine floral scent that's soft and pretty, I've been reaching for D&G's #3. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGtqlpssXG0KN_4FQDJJ9Hxfa6-C1dVaP7AWHHe89xpdQ0ZPGiSek_sH4sfEy2tPQGDAjaDRiw974DmkGsl1H6wi2YpN3mkrnNhCnvdC6PX9lLB2-sRnAxHZLagHw36yG9ICifAC9uVQ/s1600/opt+4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGtqlpssXG0KN_4FQDJJ9Hxfa6-C1dVaP7AWHHe89xpdQ0ZPGiSek_sH4sfEy2tPQGDAjaDRiw974DmkGsl1H6wi2YpN3mkrnNhCnvdC6PX9lLB2-sRnAxHZLagHw36yG9ICifAC9uVQ/s640/opt+4-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's just about everything! What's in your makeup bag right now?</div>
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Talk soon! Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-28862591828458126062013-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:002013-12-05T09:48:42.270-08:00My Favorite Pink Blushes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqxP8cQO1ASlb5KgjFQFmPQKs2X24EescXJGZagcKg13iZmNL52ff_jRJPmUVgBKNT-Z2bKVSs-iYW99sUQ9TN2drCcKlI6NdNUJKVxOxUlhTU4r2XE60rpdS1MoLGXHc4_AolSwrH-k/s1600/blushes+rendering.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqxP8cQO1ASlb5KgjFQFmPQKs2X24EescXJGZagcKg13iZmNL52ff_jRJPmUVgBKNT-Z2bKVSs-iYW99sUQ9TN2drCcKlI6NdNUJKVxOxUlhTU4r2XE60rpdS1MoLGXHc4_AolSwrH-k/s640/blushes+rendering.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I have a thing for pink blushes. Seriously. I just love those pale baby doll pink blushes that look soft and sweet on your cheeks. They're the kind of pinks that are universally flattering and I'm obsessed with buying them. There's something about a perfect pink blush that if I find a good one, I have to buy it. Even if I have five others at home. They do have slight variations though. I promise you, they do. So, I went though my collection the other day and pulled out my top five favorites. The ones I keep going back to and the ones that have deemed good enough to be repurchased. Here we go!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/blush-radiance-blush--limited-edition?gclid=CICFk_q4mLsCFc9cfgodU24AiA" target="_blank">YSL Parisian Nite Radiant Blush</a></div>
OK, this one sort of sneaked in here. I just got this blush a week and a half ago, but I'm absolutely head over heels for it! It is limited edition for the YSL winter collection and it's gorgeous! The packaging is sweet and fun. The blush inside though is amazing all on it's own. It's this soft sheer pink with an extremely fine shimmer. I swear I feel like my cheeks are glowing and radiant when I wear this. It catches the light really nicely. I have been wearing it everyday since I got it. I'm actually really sad that it's limited edition because I'll be heartbroken when it runs out! Maybe I should buy a backup - yes, I'm that obsessed!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=DIOR%20Rosy%20Glow%20Healthy%20Glow%20Awakening%20Blush%20P303803&skuId=1391564&productId=P303803&_requestid=424484" target="_blank">Dior Healthy Glow Pink</a></div>
There is something about Dior powders that are so gorgeous and finely milled that they blend into your skin seamlessly and so easily. This particular blush is a very bright cool pink with no shimmer, but it does have a beautiful sheen to it. I think the sheen is just because the texture of the powder itself because there's no sparkle or shimmer. You'll notice in the swatch below the color looks quite odd on the skin, but do not fear. It's actually gorgeous on the cheeks and just give you a "glow" - as they say. It's intended to react with your skin and actually adjust color slightly to coordinate with your skin tone so it will look super natural like you're just beaming. I suggest trying this on your cheeks in store. Don't do a hand swatch, actually apply it to your cheeks. Everyone I've seen wear this blush looks fantastic.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/dandelion-P38347?skuId=650226" target="_blank">Benefit - Dandelion</a></div>
This is probably one of the oldest blushes in my collection. I remembering this from way way way back when. Probably ten plus years ago. It's always my go to blush when I do a heavy eye and want a soft blush that's pink, but not too pink as this is a very warm peachy pink. It's also gorgeous for a natural look. It has a tiny bit of shimmer, but it's not super obvious. It's really a good staple to have.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush-P278610?skuId=1306802" target="_blank">Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Dollface</a></div>
This is one I've actually hit pan on and I'm nervous to run out. The Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes are amazing across the board in formula. They are highly pigmented, blend nicely and they never oxidize or fade as the day goes on. Oxidizing (if you're wondering) is when the oils from your face mix with a formula and change the color of it to appear darker or different than what was intended in the initial application. The color is a warm pink, but not too too warm. It has a faint shimmer running through it, but I honestly never notice it once it's applied to my cheeks. It's the perfect everyday color. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=ysl%20creme%20de%20blush&skuId=1310457&productId=P280468&_requestid=424341" target="_blank">YSL Creme Blush - Babydoll</a></div>
If you've kept up with my blog, you'll have heard me rave about the YSL Creme Blush formulas. I think they're so fantastic. Hands down the best cream blush formula ever. Yes, ever! They're smooth and creamy. They don't drag your makeup around when you go to apply them. They will blend over liquids and also powders without any fuss. And they smooth out to almost a powder like finish. They look so natural on the skin, it's beautiful. This color is a soft warm pink with no shimmer. It's an amazing color and formula!<br />
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Below are a few swatches. These are all absolutely gorgeous shades and are flattering across the board. The top is in direct sunlight and the bottom is in shade.<br />
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From left to right: YSL Parisian, Dior, Benefit, Tarte & YSL Creme Blush<br />
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Do any of you love these doll like blush colors? Which ones are your favorites?</div>
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Talk soon! Kiss, J</div>
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-64781578409748913392013-12-04T09:56:00.001-08:002013-12-05T09:55:28.636-08:00Clarins Splendours Color Quartet & Liner Eye Palette - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So technically this palette was released for Summer (I know I know, I'm a little late. It happens). I had seen it online and it was one of those things that I kept looking at over and over again, but it somehow kept getting pushed aside. I've never tried anything from Clarins. I've heard a lot about some of their skincare products, but not much about their makeup. This palette was just so gorgeous though, I kept going back to look at it! It has this intriguing embossed aztec looking pattern on the lid of the compact that has a reddish bronze overlay on top of it that gives it this beautiful casing and reflection. Then I looked at the shadow colors and those are just so my colors. As you can see, this purchase may have come a little late, but I went ahead and finally purchased this and I'm so excited.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>As I mentioned, the packaging is gorgeous. When you open the compact, the base is a light gold color. There are four eye shadows and one cream eyeliner. All are embossed with that same aztec looking design which is so pretty. It also comes with two sponge applicators. One rounded and the other pointed which also has a synthetic angled brush on the other end that you can use for the liner. To be honest, when I first was eyeing this palette, I didn't even notice the liner. I thought it was just the shadows and so the liner was kind of a bonus for me. The shadows are mainly mineral based, all shimmery and can be used dry (as swatched below) or wet for more intensity. They go on smoothly and nicely pigmented on their own. The shadows all blend really easily which is always important. The cream eyeliner looks very black in the pan, but it swatches a bit more of a dark brownish black. I do think it looks nice with the shadows as they're all so soft that this adds depth without looking too harsh. I just wanted to mention that since I think it looks like a really dark black in the pan which is a bit misleading. I've actually been using the liner more as a cream shadow to smudge on the top and bottom outer corners of my lash lines to give depth to my eyes and it works really nicely for that. It does get a bit of fallout from the shadows which is the nature of mixing powders and creams in a palette, but it doesn't bother me much in this case. I think my bigger pet peeve with that is shadows and lip products together in palettes. Anyways, I think these warm bronzy neutrals are excellent for summer, but also just for an everyday basic look. I've been going to this a lot for a soft golden look. I also always adore having a good light pink shade for my eyelids. It always keeps it looking pretty and fresh.<br />
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I was able to find mine at <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clarins-splendours-color-quartet-liner-eye-palette/3501232?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=4535&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_12_A" target="_blank">Nordstroms</a> and they're still available on the site if you want to pick one up for yourself. It's a fantastic everyday palette with everything you need in a pretty package. Swatches shown below. Top in shade and the bottom in direct sunlight.</div>
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Hope you're all well. Talk soon! Kisses, J</div>
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-85294863749614819112013-12-02T15:41:00.002-08:002013-12-05T09:50:49.116-08:00Favorites - November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can never quite decide whether I love November or December more. November includes my birthday and it's the start of the holiday season, but I mean… you cannot deny December. It's Christmas season y'all!! OK OK… you're probably like "shut up already and get to it!". Alright already! Jeez. Let's talk favorites, shall we? I feel like with winter upon us, I've has some skincare essentials carrying me through. I also have some new brushes I'm loving and a couple makeup items. Let's jump in!</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=OMOROVICZA%20Queen%20Of%20Hungary%20Mist%20P309207&skuId=1424076&productId=P309207&_requestid=292546" target="_blank">Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist</a></div>
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The last time I mentioned this was during the summer time as I love face mists for cooling and refreshing your skin, but this is also excellent for toning and hydrating the face. I know people rave about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which I did use for a while, but it contains alcohol and I find that it's not really great at hydrating my skin. From the minute I purchased this bottle, I've been in love. It's SO good. It has a lovely soft scent, it feels refreshing on the skin, it tones/balances your skin and it feels hydrating. I've had this bottle for about a year already and it's still going strong so I do think it's worth the price as it will last you quite a while. I use two sprays over my face and neck area in the morning and evenings after washing my face - before applying serum and moisturizers.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=FRESH%20Soy%20Face%20Cleanser%20P7880&skuId=487694&productId=P7880&_requestid=292764" target="_blank">Fresh Soy Face Cleanser</a></div>
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This is my holy grail face wash. I absolutely adore this. I've been using it for years now and will forever repurchase this. It's really a basic cleanser. It comes out like a slippery gel texture and it doesn't foam up much at all as you massage it into your skin. I love that about this because I feel like foaming or soap based cleansers tend to strip the skin of their natural oils that are good for you. This really keeps the skin balanced, you won't feel tight or anything. I have combination skin, but I recommend this for all skin types. It also removes all of my makeup so I do one wash to remove my makeup and a second to just cleanse my skin. I can't get enough of it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.aesop.com/au/fabulous-face-oil.html" target="_blank">Aesop Fabulous Face Oil</a></div>
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Around the beginning of this month, I purchased a few products from Aesop for the first time and I have been so impressed. I'm loving everything I purchased from them so much. I mentioned a couple of their body products in my <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/11/winter-skin.html" target="_blank">Winter Skincare post</a>. The Aesop Fabulous Face Oil is so awesome. I still love the <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/07/hall-of-fame-tarte-pure-maracuja-oil.html" target="_blank">Tarte Maracuja Oil</a>, but this one is so fantastic. It would be lovely on all skin types, but I highly recommend this for oily and combination skin types as it doesn't leave any oily residue once massaged into the skin. It has a nice light herbal scent, it's very hydrating and sinks completely into the skin leaving it feeling matte. Not dry matte, just matte as in you won't feel anything sitting on your skin. It also helps decongest your skin. I find I wake up with my skin looking healthy, less irritated and less congested. It's good stuff I tell you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4930113" target="_blank">Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation</a></div>
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I am really picky with foundations. Along with skincare, this is an area that I'm willing to splurge on without hesitation, because if your skin looks good, everything else will fall into place. So, I'm always hesitant when it comes to drugstore foundation, but I'd heard some raving talks about it so I finally just picked it up on a whim and so happy I did. It has a medium to full coverage with a matte finish. It's liquid foundation that's not too thick and not too thin. It comes with a pump which I love so it's not messy or annoying to use. It glides and blends into the skin seamlessly. It doesn't look or feel heavy. It can layer for added coverage and it stays on all day! I would say that it's geared more for combination to oily skin types. Normal skin is OK as well, but I would stay away from this if you have dry skin. I do have to make sure that I moisturize properly prior to applying this so that it glides on nicer and won't dry out my skin. Don't forget to moisturize with this! I absolutely adore it though and have been using it so much lately. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/guy-bourdin-holiday-collection-limited-edition-blush-P383166?skuId=1561471" target="_blank">NARS Guy Bourdin Cinematic Blush - Day Dream</a></div>
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I did a whole review on all the <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/11/nars-guy-bourdin-review.html" target="_blank">NARS Guy Bourdin product</a>s. There were a lot of great things, but I just can't stop using the Day Dream blush. It's a peachy pink color. Similar to Deep Throat by NARS, but more intense color. Like all NARS blushes, it's pigmented, glides on effortlessly and blends easily. What more can I say? I just love the color!</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/mascara-volume-effet-faux-cils-babydoll-P378656?skuId=1520220" target="_blank">YSL Babydoll Mascara - 001 Fetish Black</a></div>
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I seriously cannot get enough of this. I've tried a lot of high end mascaras and always go back to my Covergirl Lashblast (which I still love), but this one really is taking the cake. It has a flexible rubber brush head with short rubber bristles. It is absolutely amazing at building up volume in your lashes! Try it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=MAKE%20UP%20FOR%20EVER%20108%20Large%20Foundation%20Brush%20P382427&skuId=1536119&productId=P382427&_requestid=293167" target="_blank">Make Up Forever Professional Foundation Brush - 108</a></div>
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Make Up Forever released a range of professional brushes a month or two ago and I was really intrigued. They looked like a beautiful quality with gorgeous dark wooden handles. They had so many options of sizes, bristles, shapes, etc that I knew I wanted some. I started out with the one I thought looked like something I'd use a lot, the 108 Large Foundation Brush. I absolutely love it. It's sort of a cross between my Real Techniques Expert face brush (which I'm obsessed with) and a traditional foundation brush. You know - the ones that look like flat paint brushes. It blends beautifully. Looks gorgeous and washes well. I'm most picky with foundation brushes and I'm really pleased with this one so I'm looking forward to trying out some other brushes in the range soon. Have any of you tried some of them?</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/blush-brush-P270574?skuId=1291269" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown Blush Brush</a></div>
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I really needed a new blush brush and I've heard so much about Bobbi Brown brushes, I figured I'd give them a go. This is really just a basic essential. It has a rounded and slightly tapered brush head. The bristles are soft but firm and it applies perfect amount of color.<br />
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That's everything! It always feels like a lot going through favorites. What have you all been loving? Have any of you tried anything I mentioned already?<br />
Happy December everyone!!<br />
Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-64893483274808881062013-12-01T12:45:00.002-08:002013-12-01T12:45:44.892-08:00Superga X the man repeller - Loving these shoes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Obsessed with my Superga X the man repeller shoes! They look almost like a Chanel boucle on the classic Superga silhouette. How can you go wrong?! They are definitely my Fall/Winter staple for looking chic on the go. They are limited edition, but <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/man-repeller-superga-tweed-classic/vp/v=1/1588459453.htm?folderID=2534374302193640&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=29109" target="_blank">Shopbop</a> still has some available if you want to check them out.</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-18670324971344963832013-11-29T17:12:00.002-08:002013-11-29T17:12:47.848-08:00Stila Stay All day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, so I'm not the biggest liquid eye liner fan. I tend to avoid it as much as possible. It's just so much work, you know? Of course, it's really all about practice practice practice. It's true. Really, it is. I'm pretty good at applying it now, but I really only reach for it on evenings out for dramatic looks. If you've kept up with me lately, you'll have heard me talking about the Lancome Artliners. They're amazing and my absolute favorite when I need a foolproof option. Easy application with a flexible felt tip. Recently though, I was gifted a set of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liners. I have to admit, they're pretty damn good. The liner comes to an extremely fine tip so you can get an extremely precise application. The felt tip, unlike the Lancome, is stiffer so it won't move. I don't consider that a good or bad thing. It's more about personal preference. I find that I'm able to work with it without a hassle. It also applies smoothly. It doesn't skip and I never have worry about it running out of ink half way through application which is really annoying when you're on a roll with a line. Honestly, you know what I mean, right?! It also does stay on. It won't fade or move once it's dried and set. I've tested it wearing it in the shower and it doesn't budge. I think this is a really great one to try. They come in a few colors. A black, a brown, a dark blue and a dark green from what I know. I got them all in the set and I think all the colors look and work great. I would say that applying liner quickly or everyday, I'd probably still reach for my Lancome ones, but for a precise special occasion look, these are definitely a fantastic option.<br />
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Have any of you tried these liners? How did you get on with them?</div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-66033755164749950172013-11-28T13:02:00.001-08:002013-11-28T14:04:43.491-08:00NARS | Guy Bourdin - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey hey hey. So many brands release holiday collections it's sensory overload. Seriously. But when I saw that NARS was doing a collection inspired by Guy Bourdin, I was so excited. I love art and photography and Guy Bourdin has some amazing photography. Known for his bold imagery with vibrant colors, his work is a perfect pairing with NARS. Not to mention his work is very provocative and sexy. It's seriously a match made in heaven and I really think NARS did this one justice. Very rich and vibrant colors. Ugh, I just can't even describe. It's so nice for the edgy girl that's not afraid to be bold and out there.<br />
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The blushes are by far my favorites from the collection. Day Dream is a shimmery peachy pink color that I'm newly obsessed with. You can really never go wrong with a NARS blush. No, really. Coeur Battant is the rebel of the blushes. It's this bright fuchsia pink color that is highly highly pigmented. The swatch below is one swipe. INSANE! It is still wearable though. You can apply it using a duofibre brush and a light hand. These are the kind of colors that look frightening, but applied correctly, can really bring life and a natural flush to your face beautifully. They also released a blush palette called One Night Stand. These names, I tell you. I knew this was the one thing I HAD to have. One highlighter, a bronzer (laguna) and four blushes all together in one palette. Orgasm (a NARS classic that everyone should have) is one of the blushes and the other three I believe are new for this palette. They're all gorgeous and wearable. You literally have everything you would need in this one palette.<br />
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NARS Guy Bourdin - Cinematic Blushes</div>
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Left to Right - Day Dream & Coeur Battant</div>
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The eyeshadows are really great color choices I think. Bold and beautiful. They were all quite soft and pigmented. I did think that Rage (shimmery purple) was a little more sheer than the others (the swatch below is using two swipes layered over each other for full color while the others only needed one swipe). That being said, I do think Rage was my favorite of all the colors. I love a good purple. </div>
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NARS Guy Bourdin - Cinematic Eyeshadows</div>
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Left to Right: Rage (shimmery purple), Wishful Thinking (shimmery cobalt blue), Bad Behavior (shimmery charcoal grey) and Mississippi Mermaid (shimmery champagne)</div>
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The lipsticks are also absolutely amazing. They're up there with the blushes. They're all full color pigmentation in one application and they're very creamy, but not too creamy that they make a mess on your face. They have no shimmer in any of them. They're just really good. Honest. It's funny because I looked at these and thought that these are the colors that every girl should have in her collection. They're great shades.</div>
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NARS Guy Bourdin - Cinematic Lipsticks</div>
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Left to Right: Future Red (creamy classic red), Short Circuit (creamy reddish orange), Full Frontal (creamy pinkish purple) and Goodbye Emmanuelle (creamy pink)</div>
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They also have nail polishes and some gift sets as part of the collection. The nail colors were pretty, but I felt like I had some in my collection already that were similar enough so I avoided them. Overall, I would say that if you want to pick something up from the collection, go for the blushes. You won't be disappointed. My favorites that I would specifically recommend, the standouts, were the One Night Stand blush palette and the Day Dream blush. I also am in love with the Future Red lipstick. It's just the perfect red. Classic and beautiful. </div>
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I put up a Pinterest board with some of Guy Bourdin's work <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wckisses/guy-bourdin-photography-nars/" target="_blank">here</a>. His stuff is really inspiring and seeing the inspiration just makes you fall in love with this collection even more.</div>
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Talk to you all soon. And if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a lovely holiday!</div>
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Kisses, J</div>
<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-11256253970080635542013-11-27T18:54:00.001-08:002013-11-27T18:56:21.166-08:00Random Thought - 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-28708598972513593782013-11-25T13:52:00.001-08:002013-11-25T20:50:53.976-08:00Winter Skin Care - Body<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Living in LA I'm so out of the loop when it comes to weather. I swear living here is like living in a protective bubble sometimes. It's the land where the seasons never change - as they say. It is, however, getting slightly colder. 50 - 60 degree weather. And yes, I complain. lol. It's freezing! With the change in temperature, I also see a change in my skin. Even worse when I travel to the east coast. I swear to you that if I do nothing, my skin will start looking like a 100 year old turtle. It's scary shit, I tell you. So, I make sure to keep tabs on things and spend the time to keep things in check! Thus, bringing us here to this post. I want to share with you how I keep my skin from being dry and dehydrated with certain steps and products. Let's get started, eh?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">1. Cleansing:</span></b> Just like you wash your face, you've got to wash the bod. Constantly cleansing skin can really strip the natural oils from it. So, I always suggest using a nourishing body wash during these colder months when your skin can start to feel drier. My current favorite is the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/citron-de-vigne-shower-gel-P259802?skuId=1237627" target="_blank">Fresh Citron de Vigne Bath & Shower Gel</a>. It has a pleasant citrus scent, a nice thicker consistency and lather. It will cleanse the skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. As many other Fresh products, it's formulated without paragons, sulfates, etc etc etc. Always a bonus. As an alternative, I also absolutely love <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/olay-ultra-moisture-body-wash-with-shea-butter/ID=prod6190015-product" target="_blank">Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter</a> as a drugstore option. It's creamy and has a rich lather. A great find that I've used for probably years now.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>2. Exfoliate:</b></span> It's so important to exfoliate the skin. I always prefer doing this about twice a week. Our skin cells are constantly turning over and you want to scuff off the dead ones to reveal the newer ones. Exfoliating also helps tame dry flakey skin or uneven texture. I have been loving the <a href="http://www.aesop.com/usa/body-care/geranium-leaf-body-scrub-tube.html" target="_blank">Aesop Geranium Leaf Body scrub</a>. It smells great (sort of herbal) and the exfoliating beads don't feel too harsh, but they still feel like they're working. The scrub also lathers so you really feel super clean after use. I like that my skin doesn't feel stripped after using this one. I think this would be suitable for all skin types, even those a bit more sensitive. Really love this stuff. I also wanted to mention my other old favorite, the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/brown-sugar-body-polish-P7844" target="_blank">Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish</a>. I would say that if your skin is really dry and rough, this is fantastic. It is actually brown sugar in this scrub and the granules are quite big so you really get a good scrub. They're held together in a sort of oil base which is my favorite part because once you rinse, your skin feels like butter since the oil sort of sinks into your skin and stays there. I will say that if you don't like heavy scrubs, go for something like the Aesop scrub with smaller granules, but they're both lovely.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">3. Oil:</span></b> This is usually a night time step for me. In the winter, I'm dry and itchy and it's just not pretty. Oils are such a dream for the skin. I swear mine just swallows it up. Oils tend to moisturize deeper and more intensely than a lotion or a cream. They just absorb right into the skin. I always suggest using oils and intense treatments directly after showering. Like within a minute or two after getting out of the shower. The reason for this is that your pores are still open from the steam and it will help the oil absorb deep into the skin before your body cools down and pores tighten back up. My favorite oil is the Aesop <a href="http://www.aesop.com/usa/geranium-leaf-hydrating-body-treatment.html" target="_blank">Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment</a>. I use about a tablespoon worth and massage it all over my body. Massaging is important to really help your revitalize your skin and help the oil absorb fully. This oil smells really nice (herbal-ish) without being overpowering. I also like that it doesn't feel oily once you apply. It absorbs and will leave your skin looking healthy and glowy. (Note that I will skip this step if I've used the Fresh Brown Sugar Scrub since the oil in the scrub stays on the skin).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">4. Moisturizer:</span></b> Unless I'm a complete wreck, I won't need to moisturize after applying oil in the evening. I usually use moisturizer in the morning. Making sure to target my really dry areas like my knees and elbows. Usually, the thicker the cream, the more hydrating and rich it will be for your skin. I'm really picky though about lotions and creams feeling greasy and oily. I hate that. My favorite as of late is the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/seaberry-restorative-body-cream-P293204?skuId=1358944" target="_blank">Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream</a>. It has terrific ingredients and is great for what it says - restoring the skin. It helps combat dry skin really well and it doesn't feel greasy. It has a pleasant scent, but it won't linger too long which I personally like because I hate for my body lotion to interfere with whatever perfume I choose to use. My other, more cost effective, favorite is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Intensive-Healing-Lotion/dp/B0088W8B7Q/ref=pd_sim_bt_2" target="_blank">St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion</a>. It's so good. Really hydrating and completely non greasy feeling.<br />
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If you keep up with all four of those steps, you'll definitely have hydrated and glowing skin throughout the winter seasons. It's all about taking the time for care for you. Don't neglect yourself!<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>A few random tips I have before letting you go:</b></span></div>
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Use luke warm water when showering. Hot water will dry and dehydrate your skin. I know it feels good like being in a sauna when it's freaking freezing outside, but resist the urge!</div>
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Be sure that your body has adjusted to the water temperature and is warm enough when you start shaving. Goosebumps on cold skin will cause irritation for your skin when you start to shave. It might sound obvious, but you never know!</div>
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Aloe Vera gel is a life saver for any redness or irritation on the skin (you know, if say the above may happen). Mix a little into your usual moisturizer and apply it to your skin. It really helps!</div>
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Always moisturize your skin immediately after getting out of the shower. As in, no more than a couple of minutes so that you get the most absorption of the products leaving your skin as hydrated as possible.</div>
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Hope all this helps!</div>
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Talk soon! Kisses, J</div>
<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-77281002846382865532013-11-21T12:09:00.001-08:002013-11-21T14:43:47.316-08:00Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For quite a few months now I've slowly been hearing more and more about the Hourglass Ambient Powders. I'm always a bit hesitant with any sort of highlighting products because I do have combination skin so the natural oils my skin produces is more than enough sheen for me. I mostly use highlighting powders in the evenings when I want to go out and look glamorous and I know I won't be wearing my makeup all day long. I had swatched a few of the different ones in Sephora and was a bit iffy about them. They have quite a few shades all named after different types of light. Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Diffused Light - just to name a few. They are said to give you a naturally lit glow. I do think that they vary quite a bit between shades. Some look more natural (having less noticeable shimmer) than others which are the ones I like more. They're so expensive though too and I never really bit the bullet. </div>
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This is when the holidays are so awesome because brands come out with palettes and sets around this time and Hourglass released a trio of the ambient lighting powders in one compact. The center shade is a limited edition shade exclusive to this palette and the other two are in the permanent line. I swatched them in store and snatched them up immediately. The powders are finely milled and apply smoothly. They blend into your skin seamlessly and really do have the ability to give your skin a natural looking lit up appearance. The left (Dim Light) is probably my most used and favorite of the three, but I've actually been using all of them for different purposes. Dim Light to set under eye concealer. The center, Incandescent Light, one to highlight my cheekbones and the far right, Radiant Light, over top of blushes to give warmth to my face. I'm really enjoying these and having fun with them. They're so versatile (even for any skin tone) because they almost disappear onto the skin looking really subtle and just leave a beautiful sheen that's not too shimmery or noticeable or chalky looking. I wouldn't so much classify these as highlighting products because they're not what you think of when you think of that. Ambient Lighting is kind of a good word as it gives your face a naturally and beautifully lit appearance. Almost like a soft focus effect. They are definitely a luxury product, but I absolutely love them. I have been using them on any given day because they don't make my face too shiny or anything. I've swatched them all below. The top showing them fully swatched and the bottom showing them blended into the skin. I will say that if you're going to splurge, you really might as well try and get your hands on this palette as I think it's much more value for money. You need so little product to achieve the desired look that I think this could possibly last me years. If you can't find the palette though, I do think the individual ones are worth it too. I would highly recommend Dim Light individually. I love it. Overall, I'm definitely enjoying having these in my collection. </div>
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Left to right: Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Radiant Light</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5PSKeIXlX5eisxxPTwsRJyjM9lrMqUK0a0ak6XaK9TcYkKzhDUOV693IBrZ0ondmnm8ZU5Cri0XEYuDKqkzclxNmw_i_dlMQuYjEut6ku19xkxDkoo8huY4NjEB35ON0KZaBUhlGUJE/s1600/ambient+swatches.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5PSKeIXlX5eisxxPTwsRJyjM9lrMqUK0a0ak6XaK9TcYkKzhDUOV693IBrZ0ondmnm8ZU5Cri0XEYuDKqkzclxNmw_i_dlMQuYjEut6ku19xkxDkoo8huY4NjEB35ON0KZaBUhlGUJE/s640/ambient+swatches.png" width="484" /></a></div>
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-18003493922340587752013-11-20T10:46:00.002-08:002013-11-20T16:43:39.192-08:00Favorites - October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone. OK, I know this is late. Like really late. But better late than never, right?! October was a month of new favorite and some old favorites coming back around. I'd say, let's not fuss much with an intro and just jump right into what I have been obsessed with in October. Click through for my thoughts on each….</div>
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<a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/" target="_blank">M.A.C Eyeshadows</a></div>
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I have alway loved M.A.C eyeshadows. I started out with them as my first shadows in my collection and I have continued to love them even through acquiring many others. I do, however, sometimes forgot about them and since they're in larger palettes, I tend to reach for them less. So, I picked up the 4 pan palette and popped a few shades in there and have become newly obsessed. I think I forgot how much I love these. They're good quality. Highly pigmented, smooth, easy to blend and they come in matte, shimmer or frost. I have just been rotating different colors into the 4 pan palette depending on the day. Above I have satin taupe, cranberry, relaxing and black tied. I want to do a separate post showing all my most used/favorite M.A.C shadows because I have totally rediscovered them this month and definitely have some that were favorites six years ago and continue to be today. Did I talk enough about them yet? Yeah, I think so! Let's move on...</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/radiant-creamy-concealer-P377873?skuId=1478403" target="_blank">NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer</a></div>
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I'm obsessed. I've been obsessed since it first launched. This is a creamy consistency (duh) and it gives a really great coverage. I love using this on my face. It glides on and covers great without looking cakey or dry. I will say that this does crease under the eyes for a lot of people. I personally don't have trouble with it creasing under my eyes, but even if you do, I still highly recommend it for the face. I've already repurchased it a few times because I can't live without it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=dior%20creme%20de%20rose&skuId=1223338&productId=P254222&_requestid=73306" target="_blank">Dior Creme De Rose</a></div>
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This seems to have been getting a lot of attention recently and rightfully so. I've loved this balm for years now and will continue repurchasing. The packaging is simple and elegant. The balm smells like roses and it glides onto the lips smoothing over them and protecting them from sun damage with an SPF of 15. It's one that feels and smells luxurious. I love it. I will warn you that when you first buy it, you kind of have to break through the top a bit with your finger. Kind of push it down because the top part is sort of hard and you won't get any balm out of it. The first time I tried it I thought, "WTF is this?". But once you break through that layer, it's wonderful and smooth and creamy and balmy. Try it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=GLAMGLOW%20SUPERMUD%E2%84%A2%20CLEARING%20TREATMENT%20%20P376409&skuId=1473735&productId=P376409&_requestid=73509" target="_blank">GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment</a></div>
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I don't ever want to live without this mask. I already did a review on this <a href="http://watercolorkisses.blogspot.com/2013/10/lets-clear-this-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I've been using it so much lately that I had to include it. It's brilliant at unclogging pores and decongesting your skin. My favorite is using it in the evenings right after a shower because the steam really opens up your pores and I can feel the mask going in and tingling. My skin feels clearer and cleaner afterwards. </div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush-P278610?skuId=1306802" target="_blank">Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Dollface</a></div>
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These are great blushes. I have so many of the colors because the formula is perfection. It has good pigmentation, glides on nicely and blending beautifully. It also stays true to color all day long. It won't face or change throughout the day. I've been using the color Dollface a lot. It's a nice soft pink color. Not too pale and not too bright. It gives a pretty sheen, but it's not sparkly or shimmery. It's perfection.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=stila%20eyebrow%20pen&skuId=1346683&productId=P292501&_requestid=73713" target="_blank">Stila Stay All Day Waterproof brow Color - Pen</a></div>
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Do any of you watch Lisa Eldridge on YouTube or follow her blog? She is an absolutely brilliant makeup artist. I really appreciate her work and her manner. In watching her videos, I had seen her using a thin felt tip pen to fill in her brows at times and it always looked so natural. The pen tip emulates hairs with thin and short feathery strokes. Hers was from a brand called Suqqu which is near impossible to track down in the U.S. so when I found this one from Stila, I practically devoured it. I have been obsessed ever since. I've been using it everyday in the darkest shade to fill in my brows and then I just brush through with a lash spooky to soften any harsh lines. It does stay put all day as it's a waterproof formula which is just another plus. It's just a brilliant product and has been taking over powders and pencils.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod6051231&categoryId=cat80070" target="_blank">Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat</a></div>
This is another product I've repurchased so many times. This top coat is super shiny and glossy on the nails. I often get asked if I'm wearing gel polish when I have it on. It helps my polish last longer, but the best part about it is that it truly does dry fast. Like really fast. Like I do my nails 20 minutes before I go to bed and never have to worry about my nails getting messed up. I do my nails multiple times a week and this top coat is the only reason I have the time to!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/photo-finish-foundation-primer-light-P191603?skuId=1349976" target="_blank">Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer Light</a></div>
I have mentioned before that I'm not a fan of face primers. I never feel that they help much and I personally despise the feeling of silicone in products. It's got that slippery smooth feeling that glides on and fills pores or wrinkles and helps makeup glide onto your skin which is great. Unfortunately I just can't stand the texture. I had tried the original Smashbox Photofinish primer and hated it so I stayed away from all of them for a long time. Finally, I decided to try the Light version on a whim and I'm happy I did. It still smooths your skin and helps your foundation last longer, but it feels lighter and closer to a lightweight moisturizer than a silicone based primer. I've been using it everyday since I bought it. I'm really enjoying it.<br />
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<a href="http://lollialife.com/products/breathe-shea-butter-handcreme" target="_blank">Lollia Breathe Handcream</a></div>
I'm really picky with hand cream. I hate the greasy feeling some of them have, but my hands get very dry so I need something that will moisturize well. I've been hooked on this hand cream since the first time I sampled it a few years ago. It feels light, but it's really moisturizing. It sinks into your skin leaving it feeling non greasy. Just like nourished skin. My favorite scent is 'Breathe' which is a peony flowery scent, but it's very very soft and subtle. I love it because it smells pretty, but won't interfere with a perfume that I might have on. I also love the packaging. Every scent has some pattern on the tube and they're all beautiful. It is a bit pricey for hand cream, but so worth it! I usually find them at <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/77558.jsp" target="_blank">Anthropologie</a> or on their <a href="http://lollialife.com/products/breathe-shea-butter-handcreme" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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Phew! That was a lot. Have any of you tried some of the things I mentioned? And what are your current faves?<br />
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Talk soon. Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-31586949842302903682013-11-06T10:21:00.000-08:002013-11-25T13:53:47.690-08:00Marc Jacobs - Lolita - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you've been around here for a little while, you'll know that I purchased quite a few of the Marc Jacobs Beauty items. I have been loving the shadows and blushes so much, but when I saw The Lolita palette, I thought - I have so many neutral palettes. Why bother? Especially being that the line has some beautiful fun and rich colors to play with, right? Then, slowly, little by little, inch by inch, I was leaning towards buying this palette. I'd put it in my cart and then take it out. I'd swatch it in the store, debate in my head and convince myself out of the purchase. Finally I jumped the gun and did it on a whim. I am so so so happy I did. I will quickly say that I've heard a lot of complaints about the price tag, but you're getting 7 high end eyeshadows here so I think that's pretty in line with other brands in that price tier. Anyways, this really is a beautiful neutral palette and I believe it's very worth it. The colors are just perfect. I really appreciate that they aren't too warm or bronzy. They're a bit more cool, but not too cool so I think this could work for any skin tone. I'm personally obsessed with the shimmery light pink shade in the palette. It's gorgeous! I have been using it on the eyelid or in the inner corner and it just brightens up your eyes. The other great thing about this is that the three shades on the left hand side are matte, the middle shade is a frosty glittery shade (beautiful to layer on top of the other shadows for an extra pop on a night out) and the three shades on the right are gorgeous fine shimmery shades. The shadows are greatly pigmented and buttery smooth. They blend really easily as well. I have nothing bad to say about this. Honest. Scouts honor. Oh, and shall I rave about the packaging? I mean. It's just. Sexy, right?!</div>
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Click through for swatches. </div>
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Taken with flash. Gorgeous!</div>
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Talk soon, Kisses, J</div>
Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664950155277751970.post-61059053203258191302013-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:002013-11-01T13:37:18.403-07:00Random Thought - 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Watercolor Kisseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12983453995952585680noreply@blogger.com3