Favorite February Lip Combo: Make Up For Ever + Buxom

One of these days I am going to post a video on some of my favorite lip combos but for now, I thought I'd share my favorite of the month with you here.  I did post this pic up on Instagram as well.

The first lip product I applied is Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in #11.  This is a pearlized/slightly metallic finish lipstick and the color is described as a pearly rosewood.  When I swatched this lipstick alone inside Sephora I was in love with how different it was from what I own.  When I got home and tried it on, I wasn't thrilled about the color alone so I mixed it with a gloss.  The gloss I layered over it is Buxom's Full On Lip Polish in Clair.  This color is described as a diamond/moonlit mauve.  The combination together is a beautiful, warm mauve rose kind of color.  See for yourself.

Here they are side by side

 What both look like on - indoors

 Swatch of both with direct, natural light facing them

 Swatch of both with indoor lighting

Do you have any lip combination favorites? If so, please share with us down below!  

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

Nail Polish Love - Thanksgiving Nail Polish Choice

Is it just me or do you find yourself thinking about what outfit, makeup and nail polish you will be wearing for special days like...oh, say Thanksgiving?  Well call me crazy, but I certainly do.  As I thought about what nail polish, of my many, to wear on Thanksgiving I knew this had to be it.  

Meet Wet N Wild's Haze of Love.  This is a creme, deep burgundy color with some subtle hint of brown tones when you look at it at the right angle.  This color is pretty opaque with one coat but as always, I prefer two, which is what you see in the photo below.  The brush on these polishes are wider than your standard skinny brush which makes nail polish application quicker for me.  

Please don't mind the condition of my cuticle or nails, I am in dire need of a manicure. :)

What are you wearing on your nails?  Do you have a Thanksgiving nail polish that you plan on wearing? Let me know down below, I always enjoy hearing from you. :)

Price: $1.99

Where to find:  Walgreens, CVS, Target and anywhere else Wet N Wild is sold.

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX,

P

Nails of the Day: China Glaze Sea Spray

If you're not following me on Twitter then you missed an "official statement" regarding a nail polish no buy for August.  Basically after buying a ridiculous, excessive amount of nail polishes in July, I decided that I needed to hold off on buying anything new in August and would instead shop my stash.  I've already almost failed several times but I'm proud to say, 14 days in and I'm doing great.  Anyway, in shopping my stash I came across this beauty and decided to wear it.  I fell in love all over again.

Sea Spray is from China Glaze's Spring 2011 Anchors Away Collection.  Although this was released as a Spring color, as I have said before, I'm a rule breaker - I wear what I want, when I want. :)  This color can be described as a light dusty blue but (to me) changes colors in natural and artificial lighting.  Sometimes I see some hints of faint turquoise and other times I see a sea foam green.  In the bottle there is a white pearlized shimmer although it doesn't seem to noticeably transfer over to the nails.  The formula is nice and creamy and pretty opaque with one coat but definitely better with two.

Indoor lighting - without flash

Indoor lighting - with flash

Natural Outdoor lighting - without flash

Did you pick up any polishes from this collection and if so which is your favorite? Do you wear nail polishes by season? 

Where to find:  Sally's Beauty Supply 

Price:  approximately $6.99 depending on store and/or location

Thanks for spending time with me today!

~Prissy

Bright Pink Lipstick Love: NARS Schiap

This lipstick has caught my eye several times so at my recent Sephora shopping trip I decided I should just adopt it and give it a home.  :)

NARS Schiap is described as a semi matte shocking pink.  I would say that description is right on.  The semi matte finish is not drying and the pink is definitely a bright blue based pink.  A very similar color from the drugstore would be Milani's Rose Hip.  The big differences are the smell and finish.  Milani's Rose Hip has a very strong and noticeable candy like scent while NARS Schiap does not have a strong noticeable scent. If you get extremely close and take a big whiff you will not a light lemon scent but nothing you can smell once it's on. Rose Hip also has a noticeable shinier finish while again, Schiap is more on the matte side and a tinge brighter and more opaque.  However, when both lipsticks are on the lips there's not a huge noticeable difference other than the finish.

To compare a few other lipsticks to Schiap, MAC's Candy Yum Yum is a paler bright pink, Maybelline's Vivid Rose is more on the coral side.

The packaging is the regular matte, rubberized packaging (same as their blushes)

 Schiap in all it's beauty!

 An indoor swatch

 This is what it looks like in indoor lighting (one application)

 This is outdoor in natural lighting - it's actually a few shades brighter than this

 Overall because I love the finish as well as the intensity of the color I would say this lipstick is worth the price.  If you like a "semi" matte, non drying shocking pink without a strong scent this look no further - this is for you.  I absolutely love this pink and it is officially one of my favorites. I don't regret adopting this baby at all!

What are some of your favorite bright pinks?  Let me know, I love hearing from you!

Where to find:  NARS Cosmetics website and Sephora.com
Price: $26

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

One Of My Current Go To Eye Liners by MAC - Orpheus

A few weeks ago I was at the MAC counter browsing the new Tropical Taboo collection.  I came across the Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Orpheus, swatched it and knew right away that this had to me mine because of how unique it is.

The Kohl Power Eye Pencils from MAC are described as having intense color with fully opaque coverage with an intense smoked finish and duo chrome pearl.  I find that this color is normal and definitely buildable.  Orpheus is described by MAC as an intense black with gold pearl but I don't see the "intense" in the black.  It's not a straight black, brown, bronze or gold (to me) but rather a combination of all.  Don't be deceived with the outer color of the pencil. I saw gold and thought no way, but swatched is a different story. :)

The formulation is not super creamy which I prefer because I find that the creamier the liner, the easier it is to smudge and transfer to the inner and outer corners of my eyes which I don't care for.  I like the formulation of these liners but most of all I love the color of Orpheus.  If you're looking for that one great color that goes with anything - this is it friends. This color goes with any and every look without being too harsh.

If you're interested in this color, make sure you get to a MAC counter soon before they discontinue it or you can also order it online.  Here's a few pics for you!

Did you get to pick up this eye liner or do you know of a dupe?  Which eye liner do you love and find yourself reaching for often?  Let me know, I love hearing from you!

Where to find:  MAC counters or www.maccosmetics.com

Price:  $16.00

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

Review: Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #16

My love affair with the brand Make Up For Ever has just begun.  I have tried a handful of products from this line and have not been disappointed.  Recently during one of my shopping trips to Sephora I decided to browse the MUFE display and try something new. The color of the Aqua Rouge shown below screamed "pick me, pick me" - so I did.

The Aqua Rouge is a liquid lip color that offers long lasting power and intense color.  The packaging is dual ended with the color on one end which will act like a lip stain and the clear gloss on the other to give your lips a luscious shine effect and help lock the color in.

Shown:  MUFE Aqua Rouge #16 - Fuschia


How to use it:  The best way to use this is to make sure your lips are well exfoliated.  Next apply the lip color with NO balm underneath and be sure not to smack or rub your lips together, simply apply and let it sit for a couple of minutes.  Lastly apply the clear gloss on top for shine.

My experience with this:  I applied this during early afternoon.  
4 hrs after application - I ate nachos and drank water sipping through a straw.  I checked in the mirror and my lips looked exactly the same - gloss and all.  
5 1/2 hrs. in - I noticed the gloss fading so I applied a lip balm. 
6 1/2 hrs. in - I ate dinner about an hour after that and the shine was gone, there was some transfer of color onto the straw and onto the chin a bit BUT the color was STILL there. 
8 1/2 hrs. in - I went home, applied more balm and and the end of the night, the color was lighter but still there.  

This is the first application with no gloss on top - matte finish (indoor lighting)

 First application with gloss (indoor lighting)

 Approximately 4 1/2 hrs. later (outdoor / natural lighting) 

 The end of the day - not as vibrant but still very nice.

 Other notes: 
The finish of this lip stain without a gloss is matte and leaves a very dry, tacky feeling.  This is definitely better using the clear gloss that comes with it. The gloss itself has a brush tip, gives a very high shine finish and make the lip stain color much more vibrant.  It's not a sticky gloss but it is definitely a bit more on the thicker side.

Overall, I would highly recommend this product and will be picking up more. I love how long lasting the color was with very minimal maintenance.  It will definitely hold up during an average 8 hr workday and all you need is a balm or continue to touch up using the clear gloss that comes with it.

Have you tried any of these and if not do you think you'll be interested in trying one out?  Do you have any other brands of lip stains you love? Let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

5 Summer Beauty Items On My Wishlist

When I watch You Tube beauty videos most of the time I have a pen and one notepad (out of the millions I have laying around the house) to take down notes of products I lust over and want to check out.  I've decided to make a top 5 list of items I really want to spend my money on this summer.  I'm not sure if I will go through with all of them - but that's why it's called a wishlist.  :)  Here they are:

1)  Guerlain Meteorites Perles' Light Diffusing Primer - $71 (EEK!) 

I have a couple of friends who use and swear by the Guerlain primer.  It's sooo expensive which is why I haven't purchased it but this new color with the bronze beads just seems like the perfect summer primer.  It's water based and has three different colored pearls that add glow and shimmer.  *sigh*

• 
  

2)  Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Sweet Nectar and/or Bronze - $42

As much as I love my Bobbi Brown, I do not own a Shimmer Brick. There are 6 shades to choose from on the BB website but the two that I am lusting over are Sweet Nectar which has shades of pink and coral and Bronze which has....bronze shades. ;) These are meant to be placed on the cheekbones, after blush for more of a highlighting effect. Each color can also individually be used as an eye shadow.  

3) Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy - $34

I only own one of these beauties but I definitely want more.  These are so beautiful! From the packaging to the mere feeling of knowing you are putting a Chanel product on.  Now wait, don't get me wrong, there are lipsticks, balms, etc. that are better quality than these and less expensive-that is true BUT I can't help it, I love the one I have (in Monte Carlo) and I want a few more.  That's about as good as my justification gets. :/ :)  These are sheer but a bit build-able and have a nice shine finish to them, plus they smell really good.  

4)  LORAC Blush/Bronzer Duo in Hot & Spicy - $30

I will be completely honest here.  I am a fan of Guiliana Rancic for many reasons that I won't go into here.  I have read blog posts and interviews where she mentioned that this is a go to blush and bronzer for her. And while we may not share the same skin tone, my mind believes that if I buy this and wear it, I will look as beautiful in it as she does. :D  Okay but on a more serious level, you get a blush and bronzer in one compact which is great for traveling or keeping in your purse for touch ups. The blush is a peach shimmer and the bronze is a light bronze shimmer.  

5)  Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad - $75 (EEK again!!)

I didn't name a color above because there's a few I wouldn't mind owning.  I know - crazy right?!?  The quad below is in Burnished Amber.  I have seen and swatched these in person and they are to die for.  They are so smooth and pigmented--beautiful quality of shadows. There are four finishes to each shadow: sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer and matte.  I personally like that they offer that variety. I'm afraid that once I buy one, it will all be over and I will be hooked. 

So have you tried any of the above and if so what do you think?  What's on your wishlist, summer or year round?  Let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

Review: E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

I have waited to review this because I wanted to test it out for several weeks and give it a fair chance.  Unfortunately my opinion has not changed.  

Once I heard that E.L.F. came out with a product similar to Too Faced 3 - Way Lash Lining Tool, I knew I had to pick it up.  The price difference is huge so I was all for saving money.  Here are the claims on the E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen according to the Eyes Lips Face website and packaging.

• Long-lasting
• Waterproof
• New & innovative applicator provides better control while applying fine to bold lines.
• Smudge-free, budge-free that lasts for hours for a fabulous & fresh look of precision
• Safe, gentle formula

Directions: apply to the base of lashes and use a light touch for thin lines or a firmer touch for thicker lines.  This products is best stored upside down for ultimate color saturation.

Here's a quick run down on some pros and cons:

• Pros:  This eyeliner is long lasting and smudge-free as long as your eyes don't water.  It is also affordable at a price point of only three U.S. dollars.  This did not irritate my eyes.
• Cons:  This is not waterproof for my watery eyes due to allergies, the tip of the applicator is very stiff which hurts my eye lid when applying a thin line and the color pigmentation is not great.  Going back to the stiff applicator...when you lay the applicator flat against your eye, it doesn't hurt but when you place the liner straight up, drawing a thin line, this is too harsh and very rough.  

Here are some swatches that will show the product & lack of color payoff.  

The applicator is different.  There are three prongs stuck together that are suppose to be able to dot the upper lash line for the effect of fuller lashes.

 The top swatch shows what it would look like if you dotted the top lash line to make lashes appear fuller. The second line is one swatch for a thin line look. The third line is one swatch of a bolder line and the last swatch is me going over & over in order to attempt to get a darker liner look which still failed.  

The concept of this liner is great however the quality isn't (as you can tell in the pictures).  Perhaps my eyeliner was dried out but I'm not willing to purchase another to find out.  I would not recommend this product to my friends nor would I repurchase it.

What about you - have you tried this and had success?  

Price: $3

Availability: Target, www.eyeslipsface.com

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

My Favorite Basic MAC Shadows

Where do I start with MAC?  Let me try to keep it simple.  MAC products in general are great quality and affordable for being higher end / non drugstore.  MAC is known as the brand that several Makeup Artists use for their clients.  There is a broad range of colors, finishes and everything you need from start to finish to give someone a makeover - even if it's yourself. :)  MAC will always be one of my favorite brands and there's many products from their line that I quite enjoy, eye shadow is one of them.

I filmed a video talking a little bit about which shadows were my favorite basic colors.  Whether you're just starting off with MAC or you just want to expand your collection, here are some of my recommendations with swatches along with that video link so that you can hear more about them and see the color in pan form.

Watch the video here:
http://youtu.be/4ZefNtG48q0

MAC Phloof - Frost - Frosted Off White

 MAC Orb - Satin - Soft Peachy Beige

 MAC Swiss Chocolate - Matte - Muted Reddish Brown

 MAC Embark - Matte - Intense Reddish Brown

 MAC Satin Taupe - Frost - Taupe with Silver Shimmer

 MAC Sable - Velvet - Gold Plum with Bronze Pearl

 MAC Sketch - Velvet - Burgundy with Red Shimmer

 MAC Club - Satin - Red Brown with Green Pearl

 MAC Copperplate - Matte Squared - Muted Mid Tone Grey

 MAC Expensive Pink - Veluxe Pearl - Pink with duochrome

What are some of your favorite MAC eye shadows?

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

Lime Crime Nail Polish in Milky Ways

If you watch my You Tube videos, you'll know I love nail polish among all my other beauty addictions.  I enjoy the process of applying the base coat, color and top coat while listening (and glancing) at my fellow You Tube girlfriend's videos.  It's like therapy to me.  Because of my love of nail polish, I like to find new brands and see how the quality compares to those I already own.  Thus began my adventure over to Lime Crime's website.  I haven't heard much about the quality of polishes so I only ordered one to try out and figured if I loved it, I would pick up more in the future.

I chose the color Milky Ways which is described as a warm, watery off-white.  I would say that on my nails it came off as more of a "bone" or butter cream color so I suppose to some that could be considered off white.  Honestly it wasn't what I was expecting.  Not a horrible color but I'm not convinced it looks amazing on me.
         
                                                                Indoor Light

                                                              Natural Light

The formula is a little on the thicker side but not too goopy.  It's not extremely opaque with one coat so two is definitely recommended.  You get 9 ml or 0.3 oz and the packaging is quite cute.  See for yourself.

I'm interested in trying a few more colors so if/when I do, I'll share those with you as well.

Availability:  www.limecrimemakeup.com for $5.99 and there are currently 7 shades to choose from.

Overall thoughts:  The formula was good and this color was just okay, wasn't in love but would try a couple more. I think the price is affordable but do wish there were more shades to choose from.

Have you tried Lime Crime's nail polish or anything else from that line? I'd love to know.  :)

Thanks for spending time with me today! 

XX, P

OPI Italian Love Affair

I have so many nail polishes and many are pink but this one from OPI has to be one of my favorites, if not my favorite.  Italian Love Affair was originally released in Spring 2001 as a part of the Italian collection.  I didn't purchase it then but rather a couple of years ago.  From the moment I put it on, I fell in love.  This is great for manicures and pedicures..it's so easy on the eye.  The best way I can describe this color is as a light cotton candy pink with a white pearl / iridescent finish. OPI's website (www.opi.com) describes this color as a romantic and pearly pale pink.  Here are some swatches (excuse the lack of clean up):

                                                               Indoor lighting with flash

Indoor lighting without flash

Outdoor / Natural lighting without flash

Can you see why I love this color so much? It has the most beautiful finish when you see it in person!

The formula of this nail polish (at least the one I own) is a little thicker than most and is very opaque with one coat although there was a tad bit of streakiness so I applied two coats as I normally do with all my nail polish applications. 

It's safe to say that I am very glad this color is a part of my nail polish collection.  What do you think about this color? Do you have a favorite nail polish you would recommend?

Availability:  This is a permanent color and is available anywhere OPI is sold such as, but not limited to: Ulta and Trade Secret. 

Price:  The average price for an OPI nail polish is $8.50 in my area (price may vary according to salons, stores or location).

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, 

P

13 Products I Will Finish In 2013

I don't know about you but there are several beauty / makeup items I own that are well started but never finished. I've seen a few videos going around You Tube with the same concept so I decided to share which products I am determined to finish this year.

How I chose these items were based on two concepts: 1) Which items have I had the longest (as in years)? and 2) What have I started that is almost done?  I'll show you the products and let you know whether I will repurchase them or not. I've used them enough to know that answer.

Here are my 13:

Face:

1) Mary Kay Foundation Primer: I will not repurchase this simply because I have found another primer that I am completely happy with right now. (More on that in a future blog post)
2) MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC30 (summer shade): I will not repurchase this foundation because of the smell and there are others from MAC I'd like to sample.
3) L'oreal True Match Foundation in W5 (summer shade): I would repurchase this foundation. I like the coverage and that there are so many shades and tones to choose from.
4) Origins Silk Refining Powder Makeup in Camel 05: I will not repurchase this powder, it just doesn't do anything special.
5) MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping: I will not repurchase this shade due to being limited edition but I do in general enjoy MAC MSF's so of course I will be buying more. I also plan on using this as an all over face powder because it's not super metallic or shiny in finish. It gives a nice, subtle glow.

Eyes:

6) Covergirl Aqua Smoothers Concealer in Light: I really like this concealer. It is very creamy, gives nice coverage and reminds me a lot of Benefit Boi-ing Concealer. I would consider repurchasing this in the future.
7) Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Flax: I love many Laura Mercier products but this is not one of them. I have product left on the very bottom and the applicator will not reach it. I much prefer eye primers in a squeeze tube or pot form. The actual product works great but packaging..not so much.  Needless to say, I will not repurchase this.
8) Origins eye shadow in Copper Penny:  I love the color not so much the texture. I will not repurchase.

Lips:

9) Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm: One of my favorites and will definitely repurchase.
10) Rimmel Lip Liner in Addiction: Nice dark nude color and I would consider repurchasing this item.
11) ELF Lucious Liquid Lipstick in Maple Sugar: I love this color! It's a mauve brown, not sticky, peppermint smell / feeling and only one dollar. Yes of course, I would repurchase this. :)
12) MAC lipstick in Angel: I love this color but I also own Creme Cup which is very similar so I won't repurchase this until I finish both. This is a beautiful soft pink color.
13) MAC Dazzleglass in Passing Fancy (limited edition): This color is a beautiful shimmery peach but Dazzleglasses are not my favorite MAC glosses so I will not repurchase this item.

There you have it, my list of 13 products I will finish up this year. I will keep you posted on my progress.  Do you have any beauty items that you plan on finishing this year? Let me know - I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX,
P