Wednesday, May 29, 2013

May Beauty Favorites!

Ahoy! I will spare you the standard "OMG how quickly this month has gone by!" and just say that I am happy we are entering a legitimate summer month. June is going to be extremely busy, jam-packed with work, travel, and even a furry new family member. So without further ado, below are the beauty items that have been staples for the month of May....

LUSH Vanillary Solid Perfume
Wow, my love for this perfume surprised even me! Containing notes of vanilla, jasmine, tonka bean, sandalwood, and burnt caramel, this scent is as delicious as it is sultry. It comes in a 0.4 oz. solid push up stick that is a yellow/cream color with tiny black particles. This is the first solid perfume I have ever tried and I am definitely a convert. I was worried that it wouldn't have any lasting power, but it did a good job of staying on my skin throughout the day. If I wanted to wear it day to night, I applied it twice: first in the morning before I left my home and a second time when I left the office. This perfume was under $10 and I have a feeling it is going to last forever. The only negative I can think of is that the black specks in the perfume do rub onto the skin and it's not entirely noticeable but it might be a bit of a turn off for some. Seriously, go buy this if you are a vanilla fan!


Yum!


You might be able to see some of the black specks, but just wipe 'em off!


Aveeno Skin Relief 24 Hour Moisturizing Lotion
This has been a lifesaver. My skin has not been doing so great these last two months. I have had extremely sensitive and irritated skin (I think due to a combination of allergies, stress, and medications), which has at times been almost unbearable. I haven't had hives or rashes, just intense itching on my arms, legs, and back. I had been using some deliciously scented body lotions to counteract my dry skin, which were only irritating me more, so I decided to use a more mild lotion so as to not exacerbate my sensitive skin. This lotion is completely unscented and is a nice consistency: not too runny, not too thick. I have also been using this as a shaving lotion! And it has been amazing! I have never been able to use "mainstream" shaving creams and gels (no Raspberry Rain for this girl!) because my legs start to sting as soon as the razor hits my skin. Imagine that feeling when you get into the ocean the same day you've shaved your legs. Okay, you know that feeling? Multiply that times a hundred and make the ocean full of poison ivy. That is what shaving my legs with regular shave gels usually feels like. This Aveeno lotion has helped get my skin back to a normal state and I highly recommend it as a shaving lotion for those of you struggling with dry skin conditions.






L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner 24 Hour in Espresso
Dark brown liner is so underrated, I feel. I tend to be a little uncoordinated with pencil liners, so I usually reach for a cream or gel that I can apply with a brush. This L'Oreal liner is great if you are looking for a longwear gel liner. I think I wore this one close to 12 hours once and it did not fade, smudge, or run. It honestly did not budge (I haven't tested the claim that it lasts for 24 hours, but if I do, I will let you know)!!! It comes with a small flat, round tip brush (that actually resembles a lip brush?) and I liked this brush just fine if I couldn't fine my preferred angled liner brush. The espresso shade is deep, without having the stark look of a jet black liner. It can look "wet" or shiny after you apply it so if you are not going for that "vinyl liner" look, I would recommend going over it with any dark brown shadow.






Benefit Sugarbomb Box o' Powder
This is an oldie, but a goodie! Wow, I must have bought this blush over a year ago at which point I used it religiously (you can see from the packaging that this blush is well-loved), but then for whatever reason it kind of fell off my radar. My recent make up reorganization brought it back to my attention and I haven't been able to ignore it anymore. I love, love, love this powder for a really natural pink, nude flush. I love the Benefit powders that have multiple colors (this one has "peach, soft plum, pink, and rose") because the colors are very complimentary but you can actually use them separately if you'd like. I usually swirl them all together when I first apply the blush and then (according to my mood) dust one of the individual colors on my cheeks more heavily to deepen the shade. The result is a really nice, casual look, excellent for day time or that "no make up" make up look. This looks nice on fair to medium skin tones, but I think it might be too subtle for my dark skinned ladies. Also, I think this is the first blush I have actually ever hit pan on!!!!! Which is exciting because it means I actually use up some of my beauty products!!! 




Did I mention that this blush smells lovely?

L-R: All 4 colors, peach, rose, pink, soft plum


Mauve Eyeshadow from the Lorac Pro Palette
How I have yet to hit pan on this shadow, I know not. This color is insanely beautiful. The Pro Palette came out last fall I believe, and is arguably one of the best high end palettes on the market. The full palette has a total of 16 shadows (8 matte and 8 shimmer) and I would have to say that the number of day and night looks you can achieve with the palette is countless. I could go on and on about it, BUT I am here to talk to you about the stand out shade for me: Mauve. I like to put this dusty purple shade all over my lid. It gives a total Romantic (capital R!) feel to your eye make up, which I adore. Think A Midsummer Night's Dream and a forest full of ethereal fairies. There is only one word to describe the formulation of this shade and that word is "buttery." It is a very pigmented shadow, so you don't need much to get a nice wash of color. It can be a bit powdery, so just be sure to tap off excess on the brush or be ready to clean up any fall out. 

Top Row: Matte. Bottom Row: Shimmer.


Just darling!


Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude
This is another rediscovered product. I've been aiming for a low-maintenance morning routine and this tinted moisturizer fits in perfectly. I really love the consistency of this moisturizer, as it is not runny and it thickens a bit as you apply it, which makes me feel like I am using a product with good coverage. I have some redness in my cheeks and this moisturizer does neutralize that, especially if I layer a powder over it. It has SPF 20, which is always nice, is oil-free and good for sensitive skin (bonus!). Most importantly, it is non-comedogenic, which is my #1 criteria for skin care products. The finish is described as "natural, semi-matte...for a healthy, natural glow," which I think is pretty accurate since I do get a dewy finish to my skin after a few hours (and I mean dewy, not oily) and I only powder once in the day when I wear this moisturizer. At $43 it is definitely on the pricey side, but worth the splurge. 





As always, I would love to hear about what you were loving in May, so please let me know in the comments. I get so excited to hear others' recommendations!!


Aw man, no more May flowers?? Just June, July, and August showers from here on out! xx.
V.

Bonus Bits
  • 2 more days until Xabi comes home!
  • Only two more weeks until my cousin Mari Epi's wedding in Puerto Rico! And only three more weeks until my cousin Jose's wedding in Arizona! So many nuptials in June!
  • Update on my BB&B and Target Haul post, I ended up returning the Neutrogena Shine Control Primer because it did, in fact, make my T- zone look similarly (or even more?) oily than if I had not used a primer. Bummer.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Puppy Toy Haul.

I am excited to announce that I will be fulfilling my childhood dreams of welcoming a dog to my family. Say hello to Xabi Alonso Rodriguez-Perez! 

This is Xabi at 5 weeks with his brother Milo at his side.

My puppy is a beautiful Havanese that is part of an incredible doggie network. Seriously, the Havanese Angels family is huge and gorgeous! Over the last couple of weeks I have amassed the necessities (crate, food, bowls, etc.), but I wanted to take time out to show you a few of the FUN items I have purchased in anticipation of Xabi's arrival. Some of you may know that I am a first-time dog owner and while I have gone a little crazy buying my baby toys, I know full well that he may just prefer to rip them apart or to chew on my mother's baseboards instead (Just kidding, mom!).


Nylabone, Mini Orka Bone, & Cracklehead
Chew toys are beyond necessary. I thought I'd try a classic Nylabone (this one is Chicken flavor) to start. I also bought a Mini Orka Bone, which seems like it's the perfect size for when my little guy gets munchy. I think he will love the gummy texture of it, too. The Cracklehead came highly rated by Xabi's friend Luna (Luna is my sweet friend Cynthia's 2-year-old English Bulldog. Xabi hasn't met her yet, but I know they will be the best of friends). Even I have to admit I am very excited about this one as I am positive Xabi will play with this one for days!



Ostrich
My mom picked this out for Xabi. I love it because it's equal parts cute and wacky and the belly of the bird is really soft. 



Piggy
I saw this adorable adorableness at TJ Maxx and just had to get it! It's so soft and just too precious. I can't say anything else about this because it is too cute for words. I can just see Xabi resting his head on the twisty ring.



Duck
I'll just go out and say it: I adore Beagles. I think Beagles are the first dogs I fell in love with (BEFORE I EVEN KNEW ABOUT HAVANESE OF COURSE!) and I love that they are true hounds! I know that there are large differences between Beagles and Havanese, but I thought I'd humor myself by buying this slingshot duck so that Xabi and I can play fetch and he (read: I) can pretend he is hunting!



Giraffe
The giraffe is my mom's favorite animal so I couldn't pass up getting Xabi a giraffe squeaky toy. How cute is this? I just love his cheery little face and twisty arms.



Soccer Ball
This was an obvious choice, also gifted to Xabi by my mom so that he can live up to his namesake.




Harness, Collar, and Leash
I picked these up from Target and while they are cheaper than the ones I saw at Petsmart they are actually really good quality. I am especially excited about the collar (I love the red with the thin, neon blue stripes!) and the material feels very durable. The leash is about 4 feet long, so I think it will be good for teaching him how to walk on a leash and also good to tie around my waist when I want to keep him close (around the house, etc.). So many people have recommended that I use the harness to walk my pup since it is more gentle on his neck. Also, Xabi will look dashing in red.



I hope you all like what I've got! What toys have your puppies enjoyed? I welcome any and all recommendations! And now I'm off to cut the tags off of everything before Xabi eats them...

Kisses and wet noses,
V.

Bonus Bits
  • 5 more days until my pup comes home!
  • I'm going to paint my nails later, considering a bright, poppy red shade.
  • My mom made fish tacos for dinner. Yum!
  • Happy Memorial Day to all!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Ipsy Bag May "Spring Fling" Review

Ciao tutti!

I have to say I am pretty impressed with Ipsy's May "Spring Fling" bag. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ipsy, it is a monthly subscription that provides recipients with deluxe samples or full size beauty products for a flat rate of $10. Not only does Ipsy increase the exposure of both famed and burgeoning beauty brands, but also as a bag recipient you get to sample loads of products at a nice price! The brands in this month's bag included Anastasia, Zoya, Pacifica, Nume, and Urban Decay to name a few. Here's what I got in my bag...




Zoya Professional Lacquer in Neely
Beautiful color! Neely is a glossy, mint green polish with no shimmer. This is actually the first Zoya nail polish I have ever owned. It does look a bit like the L'Oreal polish I bought last month (Pistachio Dream from the Versailles Romance Collection) except Neely is not iridescent and might be a tad more blue depending on the light. I don't know how much use I'll get out of it since I already have a similar one, but I'm excited to see how long it lasts on my nails since this is a quality polish. ¡Está a la orden! Also, this was a full size sample.




Mirabella Colour Sheers Lipstick in Posy
Whenever I hear "color sheer" I am automatically skeptical, since it usually translates to "no real color pay off." That being said, this lipstick surprised me!! It feels really lightweight on the lips and while the color does not stay saturated for long, the lipstick does leave a nice stain so it's good for a "lazy" beauty day or layered under another lipstick. The shade is a bright, rosy pink which I feel would be flattering on many skin tones. Also, the formulation reminds me a bit of the Maybelline Color Whispers.






Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Butter
I don't know what to do with all of this summer nostalgia! This product is a delicious body butter (actually, it has a more lotion-y consistency) that is intended to liven up your skin with a radiant shimmer. I think this is great for an instant glowing effect and probably good for girls like me that don't tan too often. I will probably put this on my legs, since they have not been getting too much Vitamin D lately! There are many coconut-scented products out there, as you know, but the scent of this body butter reminded me most of the Vaseline Cocoa Butter lotion, so if you're a fan of that product and are looking for a little extra glow, I think you'd very much enjoy this.




This body butter is definitely more pinky-bronze.


Does this photo show the bronzy sheen at all? A little bit? I'll work on my lighting.

Pacifica Island Vanilla Perfume Roll-On
Let me tell you, I have REALLY been digging vanilla scented things as of late, which is a change for me since this scent has never been my go to (maybe because it's so sweet dessert-like? Don't get me wrong, I love desserts, I just really don't want to smell like one). I guess I have been underrating the complexity of vanilla. This perfume contains "Tahitian vanilla, loved for its fruity and slightly floral aroma, [and] is anchored with rich Bourbon vanilla notes." It is definitely subtle enough to wear in the day, but the Bourbon vanilla does come through strongly at first. This scent really reminds me of my beloved (and discontinued) L'Occitane Miel & Citron perfume, which is divine. Full size!




Yaby Concealer Refill in Honey (cc042)
When I initially subscribed to Ipsy, I filled out a very short questionnaire about my skin type, skin tone, and hair color to allegedly help Ipsy tailor the monthly products to my needs. I am no expert in operations and supply chain management but I can understand that individualization is not always possible. Unfortunately, this was not a good shade for my skin tone, as it was dark and WAY too yellow. This concealer was not too dry but also not too moisturizing so keep that in mind when you are trying it out. Is anyone in the market for this shade of concealer? 




Hugs and kisses...and some more hugs,
V.

Bonus Bits
  • I painted my nails! Here they are!
L'Oreal Pistachio Dream and Sally Hansen Celeb City
  • Puppy Toy Haul coming soon!!!
  • Yesterday I watched the movie Prometheus and I liked it more than I thought I would. I feel like everyone who saw it had something negative to say about the script, plot, etc. but I was not so disappointed. Maybe because I had such low expectations? Or maybe because Noomi Rapace is awesome??!
  • The rainstorm outside is INCREDIBLE! So happy to have the sounds to fall asleep to, but I hope no one's homes get flooded!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Barnes & Noble Binge!

The truth is, I can do some major damage in a book store. I also realized that it's been about a century since I took time to leisurely walk around one so this week I indulged and picked up some new reads!


Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Okay, before you judge the fact that this is a romance novel, I want you to consider that a great human once said "A cheesy book collection is a sound book collection." Okay, no one really said that, but just keep an open mind here, please, and remember that "Variety is the spice of life." Someone actually did say that, though. I have read many a Judith McNaught novel at the suggestion of my sweet cousin, Mari Epi, who is a huge fan and I have found them all fun and entertaining albeit somewhat predictable. Also, this one takes place in St. Louis, so how could I pass it up?

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
Where my Game of Thrones fans at?! So I have been reading A Storm of Swords along with Season 3, but I know I'm going to want to keep going after I finish this book (just got to the part of the wedding at the Crossing). Also, while the books have garnered fame as a result of the HBO series, I still feel that it is a highly underrated series, being that the books are so incredibly epic and complex. It's a toss up as to who my favorite characters are, but I think the ones I love the most are Arya, Jon Snow, and Tyrion...and Daenerys...and Osha, but maybe that's because she is Nymphadora Tonks, too.

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I bought this one to get more exposure to Fitzgerald's writing. So looking forward to it!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I could not for the life of me find my original copy I read in high school (who did I lend it to? 'fess up!) so I bought a new one!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
This is the first book in The Infernal Devices series, which is the prequel series to The Mortal Instruments...series. I haven't read the "original" series, but I figured I'd start with the prequels because I like chronological order. It's like watching the Phantom Menace first instead of starting with a New Hope so you get the whole story....but wait, then it won't be such a surprise in the scene where Darth Vader reveals himself as Luke's father. Wait. Oh. Wait. Maybe I shouldn't read this one first? Drats! What should I do??!! Seriously!!


So there you have it! These are my new reads. What book have you picked up lately??

Love,
V.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Beauty Bummers.

Hello Dear Readers!

Today we are talking about some disappointing beauty products I have recently tried. I am hesitant to share my unfiltered opinions about these products because some of them are cult beauty items, but here goes...

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
The fact that this bronzer is a disappointment is a total sacrilege, I know. But honestly, this was a total bomb for me and it's unfortunate because this product is so hyped! I like that it is matte and has a smooth texture, but the color was just way too orange for my skin and did not have any staying power. Thumbs down.




Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 10 Light 
This is the only product I've tried from the Fit Me line that came out a while back. I have always loved the aesthetic look of the line, but it seems like the appeal of the products stops there, as I'm not sure they've been too popular. Nonetheless, I wanted to try this concealer after I heard one particular beauty guru rave about it. I chose to go with the lightest available color because I thought it went really nicely with my skin tone. Overall, the formulation was really lackluster. It was thin and "streaky" and when I used my finger to try to work it into my skin, it seemed to disappear as if I hadn't put anything on at all.




Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Buff Beige
I know! I know! You love this powder! Everyone loves this powder! Have you ever seen the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? You know the scene at the end in the castle where all the adults look ridiculously powdered and purple. THAT is what this powder feels like on my skin. When I put this over my moisturizer/foundation/concealer, my skin felt rough and almost flakey. I hadn't expected this powder to be so drying, especially since I have combination/oily skin so don't know if I would even recommend it if you have very oily skin.




Clinique All About Eyes Cream-Rich
This eye cream claims to "reduce dark circles and puffs" and it actually did none of that for me. I chose the rich formulation (vs. the gel cream formulation) because my eye area was in need of intense moisture, but I found that it really didn't do a great job in the way of hydrating my eye area. I noticed that there was no significant difference in the feel of my eye area even after using this cream for several weeks unless I had just applied the cream, which demonstrates that it does not penetrate the skin to add moisture. It was just not worth the $30 price tag.




Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer
I am SO SAD to be including a Benefit product in the disappointing category because this is one of my most favorite beauty brands. This primer was a total miss for me and actually had no effect whatsoever on how my skin or make up looked. It is a sheer, pink fluid that appears to dissolve on the skin, but in a way that makes it seem like it disappears, not like it melts into your skin. The "raspberry and chamomile scent" was pleasant, but it definitely did not brighten or smooth out my skin. Also not worth $29.






Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Hydrating
Firstly, I have tried the Original and Night Calming formulations of these towelettes and I really like those. The hydrating ones were awful not because they didn't remove make up (they did this just fine), but because the scent of the towelettes was terrible. They smelled really pungent and rancid, which is disturbing because you are wiping your whole face and sensitive eye area with this product. If you are a fan of taking off your make up with towelettes I would stick to other formulations of this brand.




Have any of your had different experiences with any of the products mentioned above? If so, please comment and let me know! Ciao! V.

Bonus Bits
  • Still trying to figure out a name for my puppy...
  • My mom is totally beating me at Words with Friends, even though I started out with a 60 point lead.
  • SERIES FINALE OF THE OFFICE TONIGHT.
  • It's almost Friday! What are your weekend plans??

Monday, May 13, 2013

BB&B + Target Haul!

Hey guys and gals!

Just wanted to share a few things I picked up at Bed Bath & Beyond and Target this past week. Have you tried any of these products before?



Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo, Dark & Deep Brown
This is only the second dry shampoo I have ever tried since I usually give in and just wash my hair instead of letting it go another day, but I am excited to try this out. I am intrigued by the fact that it is tinted, so we'll see if this is miraculous or if it leaves an odd residue. This dry shampoo also come in regular, a hint of color for blondes, and floral scent versions.

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer
I have major t-zone oil, so here's hoping this might curb it? The Shine Control line also includes a pressed powder and a liquid foundation, but I haven't heard too much about their performance one way or another. If you've tried them, then please let me know.

Almay Get Up and Grow Mascara (Waterproof)
This mascara has been majorly popular with many a beauty guru (and also with my mom!). I bought the mascara in the color "Blackest Black" and went with the waterproof version to see if it wears all day long.

Revlon Lip Butters in Sorbet and Juicy Papaya




These shades were Spring releases but I believe they are now part of the permanent Lip Butter collection. I couldn't resist picking both of these up and I love the creamy formula. Both of the colors have no shimmer particles in them which is nice since I find that the ones with shimmer dry out my lips (I tried Berry Smoothie and Peach Parfait in the past and did not do too well with those).

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask
I love my Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, but I was curious about trying a different mask that targets clogged pores. This mask has a nice scent that smells like oatmeal, but also has a sweetness to it. Haven't used this yet, but I will let you know when I do.

AND FOR MY NON-BEAUTY ITEM.....



...The Great Gatsby Soundtrack!

Look at the beautiful interior of the CD jacket (I'm generally a fan of the cardboard CD jackets since they're slimmer, sleeker, and use less plastic)! A perfect and haunting image from the book! I definitely respect the authenticity here.



And this, my friends, is a stellar track list. I've listened to the entire bit a couple of times and it gets better every time. I think Baz Luhrmann does a phenomenal job with the music in his movies because he uses creative interpretations of classic tracks (e.g. The Roxanne Tango scene in Moulin Rouge, the entire Moulin Rouge soundtrack...) and he definitely continues this in Gatsby. I mean, where else is it acceptable for people to dance the Charleston to a jazzy/electro version of Will.i.am's "Bang Bang?" There's a good interview from NPR's All Things Considered with Anton Monsted, the movie's co-producer and music supervisor here.




I hope you've enjoyed this mini haul!
xo. V.

Bonus Bits
  • I DID see The Great Gatsby this weekend. Post on that and the make up I wore to the movie coming soon...
  • It's Monday...
  • 19 days until my puppy comes home!
  • Happy (Belated) Mothers' Day to all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and fathers who are mothers! I hope you have a lovely day spending time with your precious ones.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

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Monday, May 6, 2013

MAC Haul

It has been quite a long time since I visited the MAC counter so I wanted to share some of my recent purchases with you. Very exciting!

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation in NC 20
This foundation has a little bit of a back story. Last November, I was cruisin' the MAC counter and was approached by a really nice associate who asked if I needed help finding anything. I asked for her advice on a light-coverage foundation and after a thorough examination of my options, she applied a small amount of SFF to my face and it looked INCREDIBLE. The foundation matched my skin tone so well and gave me the light coverage I was looking for. I ended up buying it.......and returning it the next day since I realized that I really didn't need a new foundation. When I went back to the MAC counter two weeks ago, I knew it was time to give this foundation a try and purchased it for good. I have oily/combination skin and this kept my T-zone oilyness at bay without making me look like I had suffered a Dementor's kiss (you know what I'm talking about). It lasted me a good 6 hours, although I did need to use an oil-absorbing sheet and powder my nose once during that time period. I would definitely recommend this foundation to anyone who has oily/combination skin or anyone who is not generally too psyched about liquid foundation but wants to try one since it is pretty lightweight.




Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW 20
I have yet to find a concealer that I would designate as a holy grail product (Do you have one?? Let me know about it!!) so I wanted to see what MAC had to offer. The make up artist at the counter suggested I try the Select Cover Up (which was also recommended by my friend/make up artist/great girl Alli Rubin) because it is easy to work with, provides light to medium coverage, and because it does not cake.





SFF and Select Cover-Up


Paint Pot in Painterly
The name of this shade absolutely fascinates me and reminds me of all the nights I spent with my head buried in my art history books. I'm being both cheesy and serious here. Paint pots are usually used as an eye color base so that your shadows really POP, but it can also be used alone to even out any discoloration or if you want a sheer wash of color. I chose this warm, nude tone to use under neutral eye shadows and because it reminded me of Renoir.





Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup
A beautiful, beautiful pinky nude for everyday. I love how feminine this shade of lipstick is. As the name suggests, it has a creamy, moisturizing formulation with a subtle vanilla scent. The color comes off more milky than what you see in the bullet, but it is extremely pretty!




Satin Lipstick in Retro
I originally saw Tanya Burr mention this lipstick during a tutorial she did on Bella Swan in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt. II. While the look was not something I would go to for every day, I definitely remained curious about this lipstick shade. When you swatch it, it looks like a...mauvy coral? Purple-toned terra cotta? I can't decide! It's pretty forgettable in the bullet, but once you swipe it on you can see what a complex shade it is. I also love how different the color can look depending on how you layer it. I would recommend this if you are looking for an alternative to a red lip that is still bold.





Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Plum Foolery
First of all, I love the name of this shade. It's snarky and playful and I love a good make up pun. Plum Foolery is a rosy, plum shade and contains gold shimmer particles. The blush is highly pigmented and is probably most complementary on more tan or darker skin tones, but it looks lovely on fair skin if you make sure to apply it with a light hand. I think this is going to become a summer staple.




Eyeshadow Quad: Shroom (Satin), Omega (Matte), Blackberry (Matte), and Brun (Satin)
These four shades together make for a (gorgeous) smokey, earthy eye appropriate for day and night! Omega is a gorgeous crease color (Hey blondes! This is also good for filling in your brows!), Shroom looks great on the lid or under your brow, Blackberry for the outer lid and blending into the crease, and Brun for lower lash line and outer v (Hey espresso-haired beauties! YOU can fill in your brows with this!). Seriously, these shadows are so versatile.


Clockwise from Upper Left: Shroom, Omega, Blackberry, & Brun


L-R: Plum Foolery, Eye Shadows, Creme Cup, & Retro 


Have you hauled anything from MAC recently? Had your eye on any MAC products for a while? Comment below and let me....know!

Stay gold, Ponyboys and Girls!

Love, V.

---------------------
Bonus Bits
  • Finally watched Looper. Amazing! I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt, prosthetic nose and all! JGL does so well in these time travel/multiple consciousness/dimension thrillers.
  • Saturday night I had a delicious Spanish dinner with my Dad: sangria, jamón serrano, chorizo cantimpalo, tortilla, y croquetas!
  • I spent Sunday afternoon with my Mom and Godmother laughing, hanging picture frames, and trying to decide on a name for my puppy (more info coming soon...)!
  • Game of Thrones! Oh my goodness!