Mini Lush Haul

Products Mentioned:

Lush Fresh Face Mask in Cosmetic Warrior
Lush 2+1 Dry Shampoo in Godiva



Nothing's better than pampering yourself at home in front of the TV with a face mask!

j

Wish List: NARS Summer 2012

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The NARS Summer Collection draws inspiration from nature, flowers and fruits while focusing on earth tones and shimmer to create an edgy and vivacious coloring of makeup.  It doesn't get more magical than this.

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What's really on my radar isn't so much of the blues and purples, but the Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow featured above. This warm and cool tone mixed makeup palette combines two shimmery hues of silver and peach with one matte apricot. From what I understand, it's supposed to be universally flattering for all skin types. 

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Next on my radar is the Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil which is the nude beige pink one featured on the far right. I think this one is a winner because I've never tried the NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil line which is supposed to be amazing. How beautiful is that color? I can't wait to try it out!

j

Using Now: Burberry Eyeshadow in Pale Barley

Burberry Eyeshadow in Pale Barley= $30

I've done a video post on this already but I've found that lately I've been reaching for this pretty lady more than ever. I've been trying to go for the "no makeup" makeup look recently, on behalf of my dad's recommendations (what's he trying to tell me?), and this shadow is prime for a natural look that can also get you out the door in 5 minutes. It can be used alone on the lid without adding additional colors for crease, which is perfect when you just want to be lazy.

The formula of this shadow is pure luxury and quality. It's my new go-to for an everyday look and it goes excellent with brown eyeliner. I can't wait until Burberry come out with palettes!

j

Makeup on My Friends: Tim

Here are some quick snapshots of makeup application on my friend Tim. Everyone can use a little makeup and as sexy as this piece of sizzle sizzle is, he is no exception!

Application of NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska 02

Completed look, with flash

Face Primer: NARS Oil-Free Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer
Eyelid Primer: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Foundation: NARS Tinted Moisturizer, Alaska 02
Concealer: Bobby Brown Creamy Concealer, Warm Ivory
Brows: MAC Charcoal Brown
Lid: Burberry Eyeshadow, Pale Barley
Outerlid: NARS Laguna Bronzer
Eyeliner: MAC Eye Pencil, Coffee
Highlight: MAC Eyeshadow, Orb
Contour: Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Blush: NARS Deep Throat
Lips: MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 in Amplified Nude, NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss
Cheek Highlight: MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish

Completed look, without flash

Tim also makes for an easy model. One thing that I learn from applying makeup on him is that a little bit of bronzer goes a long way!

j

Makeup on My Friends: Grace

The point of this makeup session was to try out these Eye Rock Instant Eyeliner Tapes that my friend Yeun Joo received in her Birchbox. 

Eye Rock Designer Liner Instant Eyeliner Tapes

They work by simply peeling and then sticking them on, like tape. I was really apprehensive at first, but it seemed to work after a little gently coaxing with a tweezer. Be sure that you don't touch the sticky with the oils from your fingertips because it makes more likely to fall off. The product claims to last for up to 16 hours. I'm a little doubtful but a night out for clubbing seems promising. 

My friend Grace was generous enough to let me test this out along with a full face of makeup.

Bare Face

Brow: Mac Charcoal Brown
Inner lid: NYX Hippie-Chic Palette, Light Purple
Center lid: NARS Sugarland Duo, Pink
Outer lid: NYX Hippie-Chic Palette, Green
Highlight: NYX Single Eyeshadow, ES07 Highlight

With Instant Eyeliner Tape Applied, no fill-ins yet. 

Before Photo
Right side: NARS Tinted Moisturizer, Alaska 02
Left side: Bare

Comparing the right and left sides of the face, you can see how brilliantly the NARS Tinted Moisturizer works. It surprises me how much coverage it gives for being a tinted moisturizer. It almost reminds me of BB Cream. You really have to work it in so I find that applying it with your fingers is best. I definitely recommend this over Laura Mercier. One thing to know is that it leaves a dewy finish, so it is great for people with dry skin. It's great that it's oil-free, but for people with oily skin, you may need to use powder.

Completed look, with flash

Completed look, without flash
Eyeliner: Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes, 0L Black
Face Primer: NARS Oil-Free Pro-Prime
Foundation: NARS Tinted Moisturizer, Alaska 02
Under-eye Concealer: Physician's Formula
Eye Primer: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Blush: Benefit Hervana
Cheek Highlight: MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish
Lips: Revlon 001 Nude Attitude Lipstick, NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss

Grace makes for an easy model that I always have fun applying makeup on. This look would actually be great for just a day look but I also think with a little more pigment and a heavier hand when apply shadow, it can be great for a night out. I had fun using the eyeliner tapes despite my doubts!

j

Using Now: Highlight

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle= $29
Bare Escentuals Blusher Brush

I started out using Dior's Amber Diamond as a highlight, but I was frustrated by how much product I felt I needed to apply before achieving the effect that I wanted. Fast forward to using MAC's Soft and Gentle, and I can't say how quick it is to dust this on and be out the door. It's not as fancy as some highlighters can be, but it really does the job when applied above the cheekbones and below the brows. The light reflects this product beautifully and the tiny bits of shimmer isn't overkill. I find it's easiest to apply this with my Bare Escentuals blush brush because the course hairs deposit the fine shimmer wonderfully.

j

Favorite: Eyelid Primer

This is probably one of the least exciting makeup products to chat about, but still VERY necessary. This eyelid primer is sh*t, above all others...Laura Mercier, Urban Decay Primer Potion, what have you. It goes on clear which is something I really like, and makes your shadow last for days. I definitely wear it on those days where I know I'll be sweating with a greasy lid and for clubbing. 

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base= $24

It's on the steep side, but for something that really works, it is worth it!

j