Divergent Limited Edition Collection

I had NO idea that they were bringing out a Divergent collection at Sephora until yesterday when I popped into the store and sure enough, saw the beautiful display calling out to me.

 If you haven't already read the series I seriously urge you to do so. It's a great series about a false utopia and a girls efforts to try and make a better world for herself and her people. 

Now back to the makeup. The collection offers an assortment of kits that you can pick up. There's a large kit that offers 3 eyeshadow quads representing some of the factions, a face quad that offers a nice highlight, bronzer, and 2 blushes and includes 4 lip glosses. They also have a 7-piece nail polish set, and of course the palette which I picked out which offers 3 eyeshadows, a blush and bronzer, and a lipgloss. The one I picked out spoke to me the most because it offers a bit of everything and the colors are incredibly wearable.

 If you haven't been able to tell I'm a sucker for neutrals. 

Anyway, having played with this palette and trying on a few looks I gotta say, it was definitely worth it. This is one of those effortless palettes that will work on pretty much any skin type. The only bad thing that I can say about this palette is that the lipgloss, although incredibly similar to the packaging of the Hourglass lip glosses, is a bit annoying to use. You have to dip the doe foot applicator back into the tube several times before you'll be able to get enough gloss out to actually cover your lips. It's a bit frustrating, but once it's on it gives a very nice sheer, high gloss effect. Other than that, the eyeshadows are very nicely pigmented and blend-able and the blush and bronzer have great pigmentation as well. Do keep in mind that the bronzer is a bit more on the orange side so you have to be careful not to use too much. No one likes an oompa loompa. 

Here is a link to the Sephora website where you can purchase all items. They are also available in store. 

Sephora - Divergent Limited Edition Collection

   

Products listed in order from left to right

Lip gloss in Artistic Mauve 

Eyeshadow Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, Envious Chocolate

Blush in Rosy Horizon

Bronzer in Compassionate Copper

February Favorites

Once again this month has just gone by in a flash. Who knew that losing a few days in a month would make such a difference. But this month has been filled with some great products. Because I was in Florida for about a week this month I had to find some long lasting products to take with me that would last in the Florida heat. And I gotta say, I did a great job at picking some awesome products to take with me. In fact I loved and used them so much that I continued to use them in my every day routine when I got back to New York. 

1. Benefit Stay Flawless Primer - I'm not one for primers, I've never actually found one that I just NEEDED in my life. In fact for the longest time I actually didn't even use a primer. But one fine day I decided, hey what the heck, why not. So I picked up this little guy. Even though I still don't think this is a product I really NEED, I still found myself using this every day since I've got it and it actually works pretty well. I like to have more of a dewey finish and although this doesn't really give that, it doesn't give my face a complete matte feel to it. It's a nice in between feel, not too dewey, not too matte. 

Highlights: Doesn't leave a matte finish, helps makeup last a long time, prevents makeup from creasing 

2. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, and Body Oil - It is damn cold in New York City and my skin just can't take it anymore. This little duo has been a true life saver. The hand and nail cream is an everyday must for my poor little hands. It's a nice thick cream that smells fresh and citrusy. Right away you can feel the moisture coming back to your skin. The body oil is great smelling and doesn't leave the skin feeling oily. I like to use a little in my hair after a shower or on my face for a little extra moisture when my skins feeling a little dehydrated. 

Highlights: Thick cream, very moisturizing, smells amazing, doesn't leave oily feeling

3. MAC Prolongwear Concealer - If you haven't gotten your hands on this baby then you're truly not living. This is by far THE best concealer you will ever own. It is a very high coverage  liquid concealer that lasts all day and doesn't leave dry patches on the face. I love to use this as an under eye concealer because I find that it's one of the only concealers that doesn't crease into my fine lines. You can even mix it with moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer. 

Highlights: Full coverage, doesn't crease under my eyes, long wearing

4. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - I've probably mentioned this before but I've really been into tinted moisturizers this year. I just can't be bothered to use a heavy foundation. This tinted moisturizer has been my absolute favorite. I find that it has the highest coverage compared to some of the other tinted moisturizers I've used, and still gives off that airbrushed and radiant skin. Nars has a great color selection too, unlike some other brands out there. 

Highlights: Medium coverage, leaves airbrushed radiant looking skin, great color selection

5. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - I actually got to try out this eyeliner when I bought one of the Sephora gifts sets this past holiday season and I couldn't be more impressed. I was a huge fan of the Urban Decay 24/7 liquid eyeliner, but since this baby has been in my life, I haven't used any other eye liner. This felt tip liner is perfect for making winged lines. It has a very nice pigmentation to it and is incredible easy to use. Plus I find that it really does last all day. Granted I don't really think it's that waterproof, but (seeing that I do have very watery eyes) I find that it does the job in staying on. 

Highlights: Very opaque black, easy to use, lasts all day

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse - If you know me at all you know that my brows are EVERYTHING to me. I have been a very avid user of Anastasia brow products for many years, so I was nervous to try out something new. I actually was inspired to get this product because I was waiting for the Anastasia brow pomade to come out but since it was taking forever to get into my Sephora, I decided in the mean time I would try out this brow mousse since it's the most similar product out there. But once I tried it out a few times I became hooked. This product has really made my brows look amazing. It's such an easy product to use and I never have to wear a brow gel with it. It cut's my eyebrow routine down significantly. It's incredibly long wearing and extremely blend-able and will not budge once it's dried. 

Highlights: Waterproof, very blend-able and easy to use, doesn't need brow gel, lasts all day

7. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Liar - When I talk about lipsticks, I hardly ever talk about nudes, but since my hair is red I've been trying out a lot more neutral shades on my skin. I was really excited when the Revolution lipsticks came out. I would always go into Sephora and try them on and I just adored the formulation. It's so creamy and opaque, it's also very moisturizing making it incredibly comfortable to wear. Plus it's pretty long wearing, especially for a nude color. This really is the perfect nude for my skin tone. It has the perfect combination of pink and brown without being too much of either. 

Highlights: Creamy texture, opaque color, lasts long time, comfortable to wear, moisturizing 

8. Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream - They always say, when it comes to skincare, prevention is key. It's very important to have a good skincare regimen because beauty starts from the skin, and if you prefect the skin, your makeup will look even better. So I've been trying to find the perfect skincare regimen for me and this product has made its way to the top. I've tried out a few eye creams but this one is still the one that stands out the most to me. It has a very thick creamy consistency that feels extremely moisturizing. It's said to be great for diminishing the appearance of fine lines as well as add a little brightness back into the skin. I've really enjoyed this product, plus the packaging is just to die for.

Highlights: Extremely moisturizing, helps diminish fine lines, feels great on skin

9. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light - This has been one of the most talked about products amongst the beauty gurus out there, so of course I had to check it out for myself. Let me tell you, every great thing you've heard about this product is true. This powder is just freakin amazing! I use it mainly to set my under eye concealer and it just gives me the most luxurious natural "glow from within" look. It really brightens up my skin and sets my concealer very well. This product is totally worth the price.

Highlights: Leaves natural glow, sets concealer very well, brightens skin

10. Nars Laguna Bronzer - I was a little late to jump on this bandwagon as I've been an avid user of the Benefit Hoola bronzer, but since I've ran out of that I decided to try out some of the other bronzers in my collection. When I was packing for my trip to Florida a few weeks ago I remembered that I had a Nars Orgasam, Laguna duo so I decided to bring it with me. It was during that trip that I really fell in love with Laguna. I was worried at first about the slight shimmers in the bronzer but found that they are not noticeable once applied to the skin. It's just a great contour bronzer that blends easily and doesn't look orange on the skin. No one wants to look like an oompa loompa.

Highlights: Not an orange bronzer, blends beautifully, great pigmentation


Hope you guys enjoyed my favorites this month!!



All products listed above are linked to a website where you can purchase the item. 

Ombre Red Lips

Products Used:

Moisturizer - Josie Maran Argan Oil

Foundation - Nars Tinted Moisturizer in St. Mortiz

Undereye Concealer - Maybelline Age Rewind in Light 

Undereye Setting Powder - Ben Nye Banana Powder

Setting Powder - Bareminerals Original Mineral Powder in Golden Tan 

Brows - Anastasia Brow Wiz in Soft Brown with Anastasia Clear Brow Gel 

Eyeliner - Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black 

Mascara - Tarte Lights Camera Flashes 

Bronzer - Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Blush - MAC Darkly My Dear

Lip Liner - Jordana Plush Plum 

Lipstick - MAC RiRi Woo 

Highlighter- Benefit Watts Up

Setting Spray - Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray

All products except MAC Limited Edition Products are linked to sites where product can be purchased

Love It or Leave It: Nars Narsisst Eyeshadow Palette

 

I was so excited to receive this as a valentine's day gift from my incredible boyfriend this year. At first glance this is the perfect palette to have in your collection. It has a great assortment of 15 natural earthy colors that come in a variety of finishes from matte, to a satin shimmer. But although there were many qualities about this palette that I did like, I found that in the end it wasn't worth keeping. 

Lets start off with the pro's - 

That packaging for this palette is great. It has the classic Nars matte rubber texture with a huge mirror inside. The shadows are laid out nicely going from light nude shades to more dark crease shades. There are 5 matte shades, and the other 10 have a shimmer finish to them. The color assortment is absolutely gorgeous and is great for everyday day and night looks. 

Some of the shimmer shadows, for example the bronze color (third on in from the left on the top row) and the lilac color (second one in from the left on the bottom row) are beautifully pigmented colors. 

Now for the con's -

To start off, this palette retails for about $80 which is a very high price for an eyeshadow palette, especially one that has a lot of colors that you can find in other cheaper palettes. Also keep in mind that Nars carries many of these colors, if not all of them, in single shadows or duos. 

When swatched, I noticed that many of the shadows had very little color pay off, especially the three colors in the first row. The ashy black color on the bottom right, seemed to be very chalky and didn't have a fluid color consistency. I figured I wouldn't judge the colors by the swatches and instead would try out a few looks. It was during application that I became very disappointed with this palette. Dired several layers in order for it to show as it's true color. 

Overall - Leave It

Personally I felt that for the price, this palette was not worth it. Don't get me wrong it is still a beautiful palette but the colors were extremely hard to blend, and required several layers in order for it to show as it's true color. The quality of these colors is significantly better in the single and duo forms. I think Nars could've done much better than what they did which really disappoints me as I was so excited to get my hands on this palette. You can get much more affordable palettes with similar colors that have better pigmentation and blend-ability. 

Sephora Nars The Narissist Palette 

NYX Love

Who can possibly resist an Ulta sale, let alone a NYX sale. NYX is one of those brands that deserves a lot of love, especially when it comes to their unbeatable price point. So, being the addict that I am, I picked up a few lippies that I've just been obsessing over. 

Product names from left to right 

1. NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu

2. NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée 

3. NYX Butter Gloss in Devil's Food Cake

4. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Copenhagen

5. NYX Butter Lipstick in Deep Burgundy

All five of these products have been my recent go to's lately. I love all the finishes and textures and the butter glosses are the most amazing things to have ever happened to my lips. They aren't too sticky and have a very nice opaque color that can be built up. 

The soft matte lip creme is perfect for an opaque, long lasting lip and lasts even longer with a lip liner underneath. One thing to keep in mind, because it is a matte product, you will find that after a few hours of wear the product will start to get patchy on the lips so I recommend reapplying on a clean lip rather than just applying more product over top. 

The butter lipstick is a bit sheer so if you're looking for a more full color I would recommend either pairing it with a lip liner, or applying 2-3 layers onto the lips. 

All products are linked, and lead to the product on the NYX website

December Top 10

1. Josie Maran Argan Oil Light - If you're in need of a great beauty oil, Josie Maran's argan oils are a great product to try out. I was a huge fan of the original formulation of the argan oil but did find that it was a little heavy for every day use and would use it mostly at night. But the light formulation is perfect for every day use morning or night and doesn't leave as heavy of a feel on the skin. It really hydrates without feeling oily. 

2. Beauty Blender - Not gonna lie I was hesitant about trying about the beauty blender. I just couldn't get myself to spend $20 on a makeup sponge. I did do research on some more affordable options and there are TONS out there. But I gotta say, I'm happy I made the purchase and don't regret it at all. It has replaced my foundation and concealer brushes. It leaves a flawless finish and blends any liquid product effortlessly. This is a MUST buy if you haven't gotten your hands on it yet. 

3. Benefit Watts Up Highlighter - I only have a sample sized version of this product but let me say, it is incredible. I'm obsessed with highlighters and am always on the hunt for new ones. I don't have many cream highlighters but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It leaves the most beautiful golden glow without having heavy flakes of sparkles. 

4. Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara - I've heard a lot of great things about this mascara but only recently tried it out. I was amazed by how great my lashes looked. It really builds up my lashes and makes them look fuller and long, however this mascara can be a bit chunky, I personally like that, but if you don't I would recommend using only two coats. I go a bit crazy and apply around 4 coats but I love the affect. It's not flaky at all, and won't smear. It is very long lasting. 

5. Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm - This is one of those "do I need this" products for me. I wasn't really sure about it at first but after using it for a few weeks I fell in love. I've been using it since the summer, and I got to say, it really does help with correcting any flaws in my skin. It's helped improved with pigmentation and acts as a really good primer. You can wear this alone if you are looking for a very natural finish, or use it as a primer as I do to help you foundation apply easier. 

6. Bare Minerals Original Mineral Foundation - I used to be a full coverage kind of gal when it came to foundation so I never thought of trying out mineral foundation. I actually got interested in this product because my mom was using it and I was always complementing her on how great her skin looked so I figured what the heck lets try it out. I was actually really impressed with this product and have used it nearly every day since. It gives such a flawless finish while leaving a natural skin finish. 

7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer - I LOVE a good under-eye concealer but I do tend to have problems with creasing. This product is not only affordable but it doesn't crease at all for me. It is a medium to full coverage concealer that is long wearing. 

8. Anastasia Clear Brow Gel - If you're in need of a good brow gel, I promise you, this is all you will ever need. My brows are the MOST important thing for me so if they're not perfect I freak. With this gel my brows do not budge, they stay as beautiful and defined as when I first apply my brow products and it's a great way to seal in your brow products. 

9. MAC Darkly My Dear Blush - This was a product that I bought and forgot about for years. When I re-organizing my makeup collection I came across it and fell in love with it. It's the perfect mauve-rose color and has great staying power. Sadly this product was limited edition but if you're able to find it, you must purchase it. I wore this blush every day. It paired perfectly with any type of look. 

10. Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray - I will never leave the house without setting my makeup. It makes all the difference in the world. I love having a dewey finish and this provides it without looking oily or slick. Because of this spray I literally never have to reapply my makeup, in fact - little secret - the only thing I keep in my makeup bag in my purse is lippies, and this product is why. 

All products above are linked to sites where you can purchase them. 

Josie Maran Escape to Morocco Holiday Lights and Brights

 

Argan Color Stick in Spice

Argan Illuminizer

100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Argan High Gloss Lip Quench in Pink Honey

Purchased at Sephora, retail for $29

Manicure Monday

All summer I've been trying to find the perfect peach colored nail polish. It wasn't until I walked into Bed Bath & Beyond randomly and wandered to the beauty section that I found this beauty. I was able to pick this guy up at a discounted price too which softened the deal. I just couldn't resist! 

I haven't really tried out too many Revlon nail polishes, but I gotta say the wear was nicer than I expected. The color was very opaque and only took two coats to get an even color distribution. This has quickly become one of my summer go to colors.  

Revlon Brilliant Strength in Provoke

March Haul

Here's a little snap of my latest purchases. Before I left to Puerto Rico I had to make a couple of repurchases for some items that I had used up like the Anastasia Brow Wiz, Benefit They're Real mascara, Josie Maran Argan Oil, and Michael Kors leg shine. These are all product favorites of mine.

As for the new products I picked up, I actually only purchased a few new items - the rest were free samples I received, here's a quick list

1. Maybelline instant age rewind concealer

2. Facial brush

3. Jordana Black eyeliner

Samples I received

1. Sephora primer

2. Gucci guilty perfume

3. Fresh grapefruit perfume

4. Smash box full exposure mascara

5. MUF smokey lash mascara

6. Moisturizer

For Love & Lemons

For Love & Lemons Spring 2013 look book featuring model Ashley Smith

I have never wanted to live in the 70's more.


Photographed by Zooey Grossman
Photos from www.refinery29.com