Finale

I finished my Rock the Shadow yesterday with MAC Beautiful Iris. This color is the perfect purple; just a few shades darker than lavender. After putting on one layer, I decided I wanted a little more impact, so I added some more. Then after doing my mascara, I got spots on my lids that I couldn't get off, so I dusted a bit more on - perfection!! Well, once I saw myself in the bathroom mirror at work, I realized I was wearing wayyyyy to much shadow, oops!! I toned it down a notch, and made a mental note to go easy with this one!!

Now I get to put all my shadows back into my tray, tuck the ones for Caitlyn away until the end of the month, and enjoy using some new found colors.

I started this on May 24 and ended on June 29 - that's 37 days of eyeshadows!!!

Some recent purchases:

24 inch/250GB iMac

L'Occitane Softening Hand Mask

L'Occitane Revitalizing Leg Gel

White House Black Market Tenny Bow Slingback

Banana Republic Silk Chiffon Jersey Dress

Banana Republic Cotton/Silk Embroidered V-neck Dress

J.Crew Cashmere T

Chocolate is always Yummy

For RtS, I used my Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Chocolate. It looks like they have repackaged this since I got mine. I love doing RtS because of what I find lurking in my make-up tray. This shade never gets used, but that is going to change!!

I put it on by drawing a few lines across my eyelid. Wow!! that is some serious brown. But obviously when using cream shadows, you must blend, blend, blend!! What I ended up with was a gorgeous darkening of my lids. The color looks so natural and blends so well with my skin tone, I'm in shock. I love a smoldering eye look, and this defintly achieves it.

By using my pencils on the angle, I am able to apply it as a shadow with the flattened side, and then flip it over to use the point as a liner. I lined the outer corners of both my bottom and top lids, then finished off with two coats of mascara.

I can't stop looking at my eyes today, I am in love. This is defintly going to be on my permanant rotation.

For my lips, I used Chanel Glossimer in Seashell, which is the perfect complement to the shadow. I really feel a no-fail go to look in the making. This is what I live for!!!!

One for Miss J

Julia from AATP sugguested that I use one of the grey shades from my new BB palette with the MAC Pigment in Golden Olive. She was at Macy's the night I bought it.

The result is pretty cool. By putting Rock underneath, the crazy greeness of golden olive is toned down. I like how it makes it more wearable. Thanks for the tip Julia!!

Only two colors to go!! Tomorrow and friday, then we are done!

Shades of Grey

I had intentions of posting while in New York, but that didn't happen. I used all the colors in my new Bobbi palette while I was gone. The palette offers such a great range of greys and I enjoyed my smoky eyes. Once I use it a bit more I will post what I think of each color.

For RtS today, I wore a Sephora Jumbo Liner in #505. This lavender is too light for me to use as liner, so I thought I would try it as shadow. I don't care for it. The color fades when it isn't in a heavy line. I think this is another one for Kate.

The summer after I graduated high school, I worked as a sleep away camp counselor. Camp actually started before my graduation, So I came home for 2 days for my ceremony and party. Like most schools, mine didn't give out diplomas until the monday after. I was back at camp by then, my mom forgot to pick mine up, and I never got my diploma. Well, my sister did go yesterday, and I came with her, and guess what? I finally got my High School Diploma!!! I DID graduate, i just never got my piece of paper.

I also have two new fav songs that you must go get on iTunes right now:
Last Night by Diddy
The Way I Are by Timbaland

Enjoy!

Packing Light

For yesterday's RtS I used my new Chanel Ombre D'Eau in Sand. I was saving this for my next site visit, so that my make-up would hold up in the heat, but I didn't need it. I was in the air-conditioned building the whole time! Anyway, the color is still gorgeous, like a liquid version of my Smashbox Wrap. I wonder how the two would look layered....
I also took a tip from the Chanel instructional video for this product, and used the pointy tip to line my eyes.

Today I am wearing mark i-marks in Corset/Cake - the pink and charcoal duo from last spring. I love using the charcoal shadow for a subtle smoky eye.

I'll be flying up to New York in a few hours my sister's graduation. I wish I had some plane beauty for you, but the hour-long shuttle flight doesn't affect me more than my daily commute to work does. Oh well, the only thing that sucks is the liquid ban. I would carry on everything, but I have to check because of my products.

I am trying harder every time I go anywhere to pack lighter and lighter. There isn't a way for me to scale back on my shower and hygiene products, I just decanted them into little bottles and jars. I did go totally minimal on my make-up though. Here is what I packed:
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Bare Minerals Foundation
mark. Instant Vacation Bronzer
Chanel Style Yeux Eyeliner
My new Bobbi Brown Stonewashed Nudes Palette
Lola Utimate Mascara
Estee Lauder Eyelash Primer
Chanel Glossimer Satinette
MAC Plushglass Cushy White
Bourgois Rose Charismatic

Pretty good for me right?

Get Stoned!

After three phone calls to my local Macy's (Metro Center), I finally heard the magic words: "The Bobbi Brown Stonewashed Palette is IN!!"

I called Shannon immediatly and we headed over to pick ours up. (I really miss working directly over Macy's, there was nothing better)

And WE LOVE IT!! I think this will sell out even faster than the chocolate palette. All the colors are so pretty. There are four neutrals, plus a pink, silver, and brown/black. You really can't go wrong with these colors. I also picked one up for my boss. Macy's is down three palette's now.

I won't start using this until friday I think. I'll continue my RtS tomorrow and thursday. I am going to pack only this palette for my trip over the weekend; I am so happy I was able to get it in time!

Rave reviews to come from New York on this one!

3-in-1

We have three RtS's to cover, lets go!!

Backtracking to Sunday: I wore Kevin Aucoin The Pink Liquid Shimmer, so technically not shadow. I never use this as a highlighter so I thought I would throw it into the mix. There is nothing wrong with this product I just never use it, and I don't see myself changing that. But I will hold onto it just in case. I wore it with MAC Fluidline in Macroviolet, and put my mark. starliner on top of that.
I went to the mall that day too, and stopped by MAC to see the C-Shock line. My god, this stuff is intense. No way would I ever wear those colors. They might look good for runway, music video, etc. but in real life? I don't think so.

Yesterday: I wore MAC Seedling, this one was from Strange Hybrid. It's a very dirty taupe color. I wore it all on its own with black shimmer eyeliner. I think color works better when blended with others to do a neutral smoky eye. It's just too dismal on it's own.

Today: I am wearing Laura Gellar Eye Stay Duo in Champagne/Mocha. I got this mini version as a Sephora Freebie. I think this is only like the second time I have worn it, and I DO NOT like it!! The stay part is right, but it drys so quickly you can't properly blend it. And I couldn't take off my mistakes with out taking off the concealer underneath it too. I was thinking of giving this to Caitlyn, but now I think it might be wise to trash it, I don't want to give her something that will make too much of a mess. Speaking of Kate, I got the tote bag I ordered for her last night. It is soo frickin cute. I will have to take a picture and post it when I get a chance.

Fantastic Shadow

For RtS today I used Bobbi Brown Champagne Shimmer Wash. I acquired this shadow by mistake. My step mom always has all kinds of cool expensive make-up and whenever I go home, I can't resist taking a peek in her bathroom. I never know what new products I'll find that I want. Latest example - Chanel Glossimer in Seashell. It was also because of her that I got Satinette.

Back to the eyeshadow. About two years ago, I was checking out hers and I dropped and smashed it on the tile. Since she was gone for the day, hubbie and I went to the mall to buy a new one, so that when I told her she couldn't be pissed off.

Turns out that she had two, and she was so surprised I actually trekked to the mall to get a new one, she told me to keep it. Hence, the story of how I got my first piece of Bobbi.

For today's look I was inspired by Jessica Alba in Fantastic Four (we saw it last night). She had some pretty awesome Invisible Woman eye make-up going on, added to the insanely blue contacts she was sporting. Her look was lots of black liner and mascara, super creamy champagne colored shadow, and really cool blue liner/shadow on the outer corners.

So to give my self a bit of this look, I used my mark. starliner in Strobelight. The color is a sparkly, purpley blue, very fitting with the name. It's definitely not as intense as Alba's, but it's perfect to add a little something to a day look.

Big News To Report:
Miracle of Miracles, my manicure lasted a full week!! The rejuvacote has made my nails so healthy I can't believe it!! The nail girl used *I think*, Creative Nail Sticky base coat and Seche Vite top coat which I know added to the longevity of my manicure. I am just so thrilled that I finally have nails I can admire. Thank you so much Julia!! Your advice saved my nails life.

I also did some shopping today. While hubbie went to Best Buy, I made my first trip into Ulta. I'd been to one years and years ago, but haven't gone since then. It's pretty amazing how well they cover every area of beauty. I get pretty overwhelmed in those mega-stores because I just want everything. I usually end up buying very little. I picked up the store's brand of lavender hand cream (my new favorite scent), Bourjois 3D Cosmic Lip Gloss in Rose Charismatic - a really sparkly light pink (such a weakness for me), and while on the check-out line I spotted John Frieda's Curl Around Shampoo, Conditioner, and Dream Curls Spray in a set for only $10. I love these products, as well as the Straight Ahead line. Nothing makes my hair straighter or curlier than these two products. I try new shampoos in between, but I always go back to using these because they really make my hair look its best. I am making this my Summer Must-Have #2 - whether you want to go straight or curly, these will keep the frizzies away.

Box of Chocolates Finale

I finished using the last two shades in my BBCP today; caramel toffee shimmer and chocolate. I used caramel lash to brow and chocolate in the crease. It's a great sultry look.

This was one of my first major, have to have it purchases after I stopped using mark. last summer. I know that Bobbi has a cult following, but I don't go nuts for every new thing she puts out (like I do for MAC).

But her new shadow palette, Stonewashed Nudes, looks amazing. I will definitely be checking it out, most likely buying. You can read all about it here on Makeup Bag.

It's Cold in Washington Today

Today's RtS is mark's i-glimmer in hushed, the lavender shade. This product is crap! In the pot it is really hard to get any color on my finger because the product moves around like I'm pushing it, instead of rubbing my finger on it. It is really greasy putting it on, and even with primer I am getting major creasing.

I knew this about the product, and that is why I never use it. Yet I continue holding onto things because I am a cosmetics pack-rat. All other things I throw away with reckless abandon, but not my beauty products - weird factoid.

So anyway, the Revlon Lavender Unleashed is practically the same color. Therefore I have no reason to hold onto this product. Caitlyn will have fun playing with it, I'm sure.

As you can tell by the time I am posting this, my work load has finally evened back out. Still busy, just not insanely.

Working on a Deadline

My RtS has such an appropriate name today: Deadline. I say this, because I have been having one busy work week. The shadow is by Smashbox, it was my first Thursday Lunch Freebie.

The color is a very pretty light pink, it looks pinker in the pan and mellows out to a pinky-beige on my eyes. This is the color I would have wanted 14 Karat Rose to have been.

Some other random things:
We ran out to B&N last night to try and find the fifth season of CSI. I went over to Starbucks and got the Oreo Dream Brownie, because it looked so goooood. I must try to remember that while that stuff looks amazing, it hardly ever tastes as good, and it ends up being an indulgence without much pleasure. Lesson Learned.

C-Shock is now on the MAC website. I'm not so into this collection, because as the name implies, all of the colors are quite shocking.

I bought my mom her birthday gift (its tomorrow) from L'Occitane. She really likes lavender, so I got her the Hand & Foot Cream set that also includes a mini hand cream for her purse and the lavender candle. I was also able to take advantage of one of their promotions and she is getting a set that includes Citrus Verbana lotion, and Angelica Shampoo and Conditioner, all in a cotton pouch, plus the three samples you always get. I think my mom will really enjoy everything, which is great because she so rarely buys luxury beauty products.

Tres Scintillement

Quick post today, busy busy at work and it is bedtime now.

So, RtS today was MAC Jardin Aires from Strange Hybrid. I love how the pigments just sit right on the lid and have serious sparkle to them. A very thin coat has major impact, so you don't have to wear gobs, or have the stuff migrating down your face. I like how this is a pretty golden color. I think I would like to try it with something darker underneath to warm it up a bit.

A Few of My Favorite Things

For RtS today I wore my favorite shadow. Champagne Truffle Shimmer from my BBCP. I love this one because it is a light beigey-brown with lots of golden shimmer. It just works with my light skin and blue eyes so well!!

I also got to go to my favorite store yesterday, Tiffany. I went to get my sister a graduation present, and of course, I got something for myself too. My bracelet matches the necklace that my husband got me for my college graduation last year. My sister's necklace matches her heart tag bracelet that she has had since she was 11.


RtS for my trip to Tiffany was NYC Sparkle Shadow in Champagne. This one is straight light gold shimmer, really pretty. See my post 14 Karat Rose for a full product description.

I Need a Miracle

I messed up my RtS today. I thought I had used the Chocolate from my BBCP, so I used the Cocoa Shimmer Wash. Turns out that was the one I used and I haven't used Chocolate yet. Oops.

So there are two products I bought recently hoping for major results; Rejuvacote and LipFusion XL.


The Rejuvacote is amazing. My nails are really starting to grow. But the best part is that my nails aren't splitting. Never in my life have I had totally smooth nails. I will never be without this product. But there is a down side to it. Along with the nails, my cuticles are growing rapidly and they are thick. They are also getting dried out and cracking. I'll have to make sure I keep them well moisturized and cut back. All in all, I'm beyond happy with the results.

LipFusion XL, not so much. This product is supposed to produce lasting results, but I haven't seen even a hint of plumping. I'm really disappointed. The claims in this product were great and the price steep. I'll continue to use the tube to see if the results take a long time to come. Hopefully, it proves not to be a total waste.

Major Meltdown

Today being the hottest day of the year so far, it stands to reason that I was on a Roof for an hour. And during this hour, all of make-up just melted away.

When I finally caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was horrified. With my hair up and yeah, no make-up, I looked like I do in the mornings. Except, oh yes, my eyeshadow was still there. So what is today's magical RtS? Why it's Chanel Ombre D'Eau in Coast. So...

This is my first Must Have Summer Product (a series I hope to continue). And since it's a must have, I found myself at the Chanel counter after work. I knew I wanted to get a light brown color (like my 2nd fav Wrap of yesterday) and I found that color in Sand. So my little chickadees, go get yourself over to your favorite Chanel counter and get the shadow that will keep you glam all summer. Since I told the sales girl how much I loved this product, she suggested their eyeliner that has the same staying power. They have 8 great colors, but I went with straight black. I'll fill you in on the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner when I try it.

Lastly, I couldn't leave without one of those awesome new glossimers I mentioned yesterday. It was hard to pick one, they are all so pretty, but I went with galactic, a clear/white-ish shade with multi-colored glitter.

Remember the earrings I mentioned Monday? I finally made my way over to get them, and they were on sale for $11.50, how awesome is that?!?!

Ocean's 13 opened tonight and it was great. I love Oceans 11 (watching it right now actually), its way up there on my list of favorite movies. 13 isn't as good as 11, but it is better than 12. It didn't have the great heist scenes, but I was laughing non-stop. And Oh my lord, the Banks Hotel is hideous.

Pink + Brown = Purple??

I decided to go for a pink and brown eye look today, but it didn't turn out that way. I used MAC Pink Freeze from lashes to brow. This is an awesome super frosty pink, really great for highlighting the brow bone. Then I put Smashbox Wrap on my lids. (PS its on sale for $12) This is my second favorite color, a light brown with shimmer. To me, with my complexion and coloring, this is the best color. Of course being a junkie, the perfect shade doesnt mean I use only it. It just means that it is my go to shadow, especially when I'm in a rush or not in the mood to play. However, putting my perfect brown over the frosty pink, made the weirdest shade of purple I have ever seen. I left it, it didn't really look bad, but it was nothing like I wanted it to turn out.

So I don't know if I have ever mentioned my job on here. I work for a really big Real Estate Development Company in the Design and Construction department. Tomorrow I get to go to one of the buildings I have been working on. I can't tell you how excited I am. I have been wanting to go out to the sites since I started. It is also awesome because I am starting to get a lot more involved in the projects.

It's just as exciting as the new Chanel lipglosses.

Feel the Burn

Last night was my first session with my personal trainer. I am officially declaring it the summer that I will *finally* lose the weight. So to make it super serious and to get good results, I felt that having a personal trainer was essential. We did some serous weight training (plus a really hard go at the treadmill) and my legs are killing me. My new work out plan is going to be: Mon and Wed - cardio, 15 minutes each on four different machines, Tues (w/ trainer) Thurs (w/o) cardio warm-up and cool-down with weight training.

As I start to make progress, I will keep everyone posted.

RtS. I used my new MAC Claire-de-Lune all over my lids and added a little Moth Brown in the crease. I don't know how anyone could not love these. They have great pigment quality in them. They have every shade under the sun, and everyone month they put out about 5 limited editions colors. The possibilities for color combos are endless. If you don't have one at all, go to Macy's, Nordie's, Bloomie's, whatever, and get one (but I bet you get more than that) My tip when it comes to shopping MAC: go to the deptartment stores over the MAC Stores. While the stores seem like the better option, all of the employees are MAC trained artists, and I find that I always get better service at the counter. The stores seem to get too crowded for the staff to handle.

I also wore my tendertone today. Mine smells like strawberry. For all of you that got one too, does your smell like strawberry? or another fruit that matches the color?

Box of Chocolates Part Deux

So I once again went for my Bobbi Brown Chocolate Palette this morning. I wanted to do a natural look, so I used bone and stone. Both of these colors are available individually all the time.

I'm never too happy with bone, it doesn't go on white enough for me, and stone is a pretty dusty brown color.

Three colors to go!!

I also used a new-ish lipgloss today. mark. has yet again re-released the toute sweet liglosses; this time as hook-up squeeze tubes. I got Sugared Almond(#4), which was the color I got when they orginally came out. The color this time seems less light pink with gold shimmer, its darker now, and I don't know if I really like it anymore, it does smell the same though. mark. has really been a dissapointment lately. A year ago, I would have told you that I would be wearing and selling mark til the day I die, but now, I hardly like anything!!

My J. Crew order came last night, and I love love love their flip flops. The metallic pair is super cute and surprisingly comfortable. They are such a great dressy flip flop. And I see many more critter flip flops in my future. I can't believe how comfy they are, the way the strap hugs your foot and keeps the shoe on, and how supportive the bottom is. I'll never buy a pair of Old Navy ones again (expect to use for pedicures). My new shirt is coming tomorrow, can't wait!! I think I found my new favorite store.

Bl!ng

RtS today has some serious glitter to it. I am wearing Lavender Unleased Diamond Lust from the Revlon Limited Edition Collection. All the shadows in this line have serious glitter in them. But the baby-fine good glitter. The color is also a really really pale lavender so the look has that icy-coolness. I like it all on its own with lots of black mascara (hmmm, seems that I like most of my shadows that way...) Bedroom Bronze and White Hot also look equally enticing.

Last week or so, WhoWhatWear did an article on Gold Hoops. I did a read and reject, because I am a full-blown studs only kinda girl. But on the shopping trip Saturday, a trip into BeBe made me do some second guessing. There was a super cute pair of gold hoops with a pink enamel stripe. I tried them on for fun, and thought "Ha,Ha I look so funny with shit dangling from my ears." But I keep thinking about them. They look super cute with the pink headband I got, and I can picture a really cute ensemble featuring those two accessores, a hot pink t-shirt and white capris. So now I am thinking of getting the earrings:


Please let me know if you think I should go for it!!

Super Saturday

Big Shopping Day today:

Rock the Shadow: I wore mark. winkstick in demure. I made a mistake when I mentioned this product last week, I own demure, not innocent. Demure is the light beige color and innocent is the one with a pink tint to it. Demure is going into the trash though, a. because it is really close to the platinum I wore yesterday, which is better, and b. because I broke the stick.

The goods: At MAC, Kira and I checked out the new collections. Elaborate Lipglass from Moonbathe is a really pretty white gold sheer gloss. The lipsticks were a lot darker than I expected. Moonbathe lipglass is a very pretty sheer coral. The two blushes are ok, otherwordly is more of a bronzer and afterdusk is a shimmery plum. Sunstrip was ok, the waters seem cool, but I already have my Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Tendertones are great, they feel awesome, and there is a color for everyone. I got Claire de Lune shadow from Moonbathe, it is a really pretty peachy beige, so pretty with my eyes. I also got Tender Baby from Tendertones, it's a super cute light punchy pink, totally perfect for summer, especially since it has SPF 12 in it. Kira also got Clair de Lune, as well as Cosmic, and the Pucker Tendrtone.

We went for a peek in Coach, because how can a girl resist? I decided to treat myself to the small watercolor tote. I adore this print, and now I have a purse to match my flip-flops!!

Then over at American Eagle, I found the cutest plaid headbands.







After our shopping was done we went for Leaping Lemon Mani/Pedis. I used my new Below the Belt from the Essie Summer collection. I do love my whites, but this is too much!! It is liquid-paper city. I do think one coat would make otherwise sheer shades stand out though, so I will hang on to it.

After dinner, I know such a long day, Kira wanted to check out Marshall's because she needed a white blazer. I'm not a huge fan of Marshall's, I hate dealing with all the people in cramped aisles, digging through the racks in hope of something decent. But I found something beyond that today. Vineyard Vines skirts for $25!!!!! I would have bought one of each pattern, but they didn't have my size. What I was able to get is a medium pink t-shirt made with super soft pima cotton. They shirt was 50% off which is great, but not as good as those 80% off skirts, sheesh!

The hubs didn't come away empty handed either, he got a royal blue and a khaki Burberry polo.

Champagne on Ice

Kinda my look today. For RtS I did Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Colour in Platinum - a peach champagne. It's a really beautiful color, love Ms. Mercier.
I'am also wearing my brushed gold and pearl 3-strand necklace, a cream silk shirt and white chinos, topped off with my baby pink patent heels and white coach bag.

And I was able to get my shirt from jcrew (pictured one post below) yesterday it was showing as sold out, but today it is back in stock!! I am beyond.

Looking forward to a weekend filled with glammy girlly goodness. I'm having lunch today with Kira. Tomorrow I have a haircut. After that I am meeting Kira at the mall so we can check out the three new MAC collections: Moonbathe, Sunstrip, and Tendertones. Reviews later this weekend. We'll also be doing mani/pedis.

Happy June!!