Haul: Dior, Urban Decay, Giorgio Armani, & Sleek

So over the past few weeks I've been buying things that have just been on my "need" list for a long time. I'm on the eternal search for the perfect foundation. One that makes me look flawless-- no powdery residue, perfect color match, makes me look fresh but not oily, glowing and not dry. I've also been looking for a great highlighter- both golden toned and icier toned. I've also been incredibly annoyed at how quickly my make-up seems to deteriorate. I don't know why, perhaps its because I live in a hot and humid climate, but my eye make-up gives up, creases, and fades by midday and I hate it.

Dior Beauty Pink Champagne Nude Shimmer, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (in #02), Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, and Sleek's Highlight and Contour Kit in Fair.

The Sleek Highlight and Contour Kit is probably known more in Great Britain than in the United States as it's a drugstore brand based out of the UK. But I saw some really gorgeous reviews and tutorials that used it and I just knew I had to buy it. It was so reasonably priced I was impressed, and shipping was so cheap! It was only like $2.60 which, for an international order, is pretty ace! The whole thing ended up costing around $10. I love both products, they go on nicely (though the bronzer is pretty dark and definitely more of a summertime product for me) and I love how the highlighter makes my skin look. You can buy it here for $8.49 though it looks like they are out of stock right now. Yikes.

I put it on a bit of my nose and under my brow bone. I think it looks more glowing than shiny, don't you think? Sorry I don't look very photogenic today, I'm still not feeling so awesome. Constant headaches.

I'm absolutely obsessed with this product for no real reason. It's as good as sleek and was much more expensive. $44 expensive. My brother looked at me like I was crazy when I bought it but what can I say? I really appreciate good, solid packaging and a high quality product. The case is so sturdy and the mirror in it big and beautiful. The bottom is clear which is fun, I suppose, and gives way to the nude theme, though it makes me nervous for an inexplicable reason. It's more golden and goes so well with a nighttime or daytime look. I love how it highlights my face. You can buy it at Neiman Marcus (couldn't find it at Nordstrom's) here. I really do love it though. 

Let's talk really fast about my frustration and adoration with Armani's foundation. It was everything I was looking for in a foundation. Not too much coverage (at my age and with my skin right now I don't have much I need to cover ja feel) and gives me a kind of radiant and glowing look. CHECK. I was so happy when I finally got it in the mail. I was not so excited when I realized their lightest color was too yellow and too dark for me! What gives! Do people not realize that there are people of all color ranges out there?

Look at my neck vs. my face. YELLOW, ARMANI, YELLOW. I understand that Bobbi Brown for some reason popularized yellowish foundations, but I don't understand why everyone feels the need to do this. I... I have pinkish skin and yellowish products will just never work on me, I'm sorry. That being said, I'm holding on to this because I'm obsessed with how it makes my face look. And I'm hoping that in the summertime when my skin gets microscopically more dark, that this foundation will work. In the meantime... the search continues. *sigh* This foundation is amazing though... the colors are just for more common skin tones. It makes my skin feel like silk and I love that it's not matte (why is everyone producing only matte right now? stop it, people want all kinds of foundations). It was $60 at Nordstrom and yes, that is expensive, I know don't make me feel worse about it gosh.

The last product I have no photo of because it's completely transparent. I will do a review of it when I've gone out for a late night, but as for daytime use I'm OBSESSED with it. It's Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray. Some people have been pretty sassy about it, but come on, it's not going to be perfect. No product is. But it makes my make-up last longer, has no weird aftermath or texture. It smells a little chemically while it sprays but it doesn't sting or hurt your eyes. It settles on, dries in about 30 seconds, and happily extends the life of my make-up a significant amount. I'm sold! I bought it at Nordstrom's Rack on sale! (go go goooo) but you can also get it at Sephora and Ulta and places like that. It's listed as $29 online, but it was like $13 at Nordstrom's Rack so I suggest going out and trying to find it cause I love it.

Busy Busy

Well, I don't feel very good right now and I just want to go to sleep, but before I do, I finally received my new foundation in the mail today and I can't wait to do a review on it tomorrow/ finally do a haul for the items that I've picked up over the past few weeks. Lots of exciting things here! And February haul is coming up. In the mean time, a low quality picture that shows (in a grainy way) what the new foundation looks like on my skin!

Sorry I look so gross but as I warned, I don't feel good tonight :(
More tomorrow!! How is everyone's week going? Mine is proving to be insanely busy.

Working Out in Style

After quite a hiatus from exercise I am finally back, full force. You probably don't know, but in July (2012) I broke my foot and was unable to do any real exercise for quite some time. I dealt with lingering foot pain into the fall and didn't want to risk re-injury, so I steered clear of weights and running. Really the only thing I did on occasion was the elliptical, but even that would hurt my foot after ten minutes or so. Now I'm feeling fully healed, and after losing quite a chunk of weight from a healthier diet, I decided to pair it up with exercise for even better results. 

I was quite active in sports when I was younger. I attended a college prep school where we did all kinds of sports (really)-- lacrosse, cricket, in-line skating, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, etc. The list goes on. I was on the basketball and volleyball team in middle school, then did athletic training and fencing when I was in high school. Since my school was private, we wore a uniform, and that included a P.E. uniform. I think I still struggle with breaking out of that "uniform" mindset... I'm often tempted to pick out similar outfits day after day. 

Now that I'm older and back into working out, I can start browsing all those beautiful work out clothes. To me, so much can make or break a workout garment. For example: I purchase a pair of North Face capri pants in a cottony material that I loved the fit of. But when working out, with my upper legs rubbing together as I furiously elliptical'd or ran, the material started to pill and that always drives me crazy. In my opinion, workout clothes should be comfortable, flexible, long lasting, adaptable to surroundings (heat, cold, sweat), and wearable. I don't want to be embarrassed if I go to a cafe afterwards and I'm in my native american t-shirt. I want my clothes to be transient as well. (Though I have a soft spot for those goofy spirit t-shirts, what can I say). 

Nike has released a new shoe that is just so beautiful and I need to own. I NEED. TO OWN.

Photos taken from Nike's website, I did not photograph these myself.

These to me are the perfect workout shoe. Feminine, durable, strong, and useful in a variety of athletic arenas including dance, pilates, yoga, and kickboxing. I have heard nothing but good reviews so far. I really love Nike. I think they have an amazing marketing and advertising team, they know their market, they cater to it, and they do it with products that last a long time. You know how much I love quality. They are finally available at Nike's website for $110. (Oh and this shoe does come in a deep pink/ red color but it says it's sold out online)

Another product I've lusted after forever is the Lululemon sports bra. Everyone knows Lululemon, right? 

Photo from Lululemon's website

This sports bra is not meant for intense activities like running or punching or anything. It's also not meant for girls that are busty. But since I'm not too big chested and I enjoy yoga and pilates, this bra just does it for me. I love the simplicity of the front and the intricate back. Wonderful material that is purposefully made with sweating in mind. It is also supposedly chafe resistant, soft, and quick drying. Umm... yes please. Available on their website here for $44. 

Moving on with the cute bras, Nike has a really beautiful one that I have my eye on. Honestly I've never purchased or worn a Nike sports bra before, but I hear good things. Mostly I think this would look gorgeous under a v-neck white shirt with the bra peeping out just a little bit. 

Photo snapped on the Nike website

Isn't it just so pretty? It's $45 and just awesome. I love printed/ graphic/ bold sports bras, don't ask me why! Available here

The last sports bra I'll post is a cheaper yet still high quality option, and that's Champion's C9 line for Target. I doubt this is available outside the US, but it's such a reasonable price for a wonderful product. They have a lot of wonderful vivid neon colored sports bras with both thick and thin straps. Pretty good coverage (but I'm not sure, I have a smaller bust) and just SO comfy! 

Photo from Target's website

It's $12.99 and lasts a long time. Be careful though, the color can and does fade over time without proper neon treatment, so make sure you wash neons together, wash the item prior to use, and follow the instructions very carefully. You can buy it at any Target store or on their website!

There are so many running shorts out there and someday maybe I'll like running shorts. Maybe in 15 more pounds I'll like them! But for now, I love tight cropped pants. I think they make my legs look better and they can go well with a cute oversized shirt. Lululemon once again produces just such a beautiful product that is chafe resistant as well! I've never owned the work out pants with a higher waist, but I can see the appeal of it whilst doing yoga. 

Photo from Lululemon.com, I am not taking credit for it! 

The little top designed part can be folded down to reveal a different pattern which I think is so cool and smart! These looks so comfy and multi-tasking. They cost $78 (eek!) and are found on Lululemon's website or at their stores in major cities. 

The last item that just really puts the whole "chic exercise" outfit together for me is that casual, loose, nice but not trying-too-hard oversized long sleeve throw over. I say that because it's the kind of shirt that just hangs off of you just so, and is paired so well with the above tight yoga pants. It pulls loose around the neck to reveal the straps of your cute sports bra.. Its just perfect. Last summer I was in Key West, Florida and visited a little boutique that was selling Fresh Produce, which is a company I had seen before in Sanibel Island, Florida. Their clothing is usually what you would expect older women to wear, but that never deters me from checking just to see if anything looks cute (stores like J.Jill, you know?)

Photo taken from Fresh Produce's website

I own this shirt in a sort of lilac or periwinkle color. It's not the most versatile color but I basically try to pair it with everything because it is the comfiest shirt ever. I take comfort very seriously. It comes in a variety of colors including black, white, tan, red, orange, yellow, green, etc. etc. The list goes on. Quite a few colors, needless to say. It's $49, which I know is a lot, but I get so much wear of this I don't even think about how much I had spent on it. Well worth it in my opinion. Anyway, if you live in or near Florida I'm sure you could buy it at any "beachy" store or a Fresh Produce store, otherwise, you can find it on their website! 

Anyway, that's all. I'm done daydreaming about expensive workout clothes now. I have other expensive products to search out and drool over!

Review: Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey

So, Clinique has a lipstick they call their "Almost Lipstick" which is meant to be universally flattering. That is to say, anyone could pick it up, swipe it on, and look good in it! I tried it on in store and liked the texture... kind of moisturizing, feeling like a balm but not necessarily a chapstick.

 I'm not saying this is holy or anything by having Mary and Jesus in the background, but I do love the print that is hung in my room and it served for a nice alternative background!

It looks very dark in real life and you think that it will go on the same way, but it doesn't. The color reminds me of raspberry jam or something, not very dark or pigmented at all, but sheer like, smooth, and capable of being used for every day.

I like it a lot, though I'm annoyed by the little bits of color left on my lips.

As you can see here, there are little "pulp like" bits of color that kind of stray unless you blend them in. Hopefully this will go away with more use, I'll keep you updated on this! They are easily blendable though, so if you don't mind smoothing in your lipstick or almost lipstick, then this should be no problem to you. The color is nice, slightly darker, I'm sure, than your original lip color but the absolute perfect thing for when you're in a rush and need it to look like you're more put together! It doesn't really leave any residue behind when you're drinking and stuff, except for a little bit of a ring, similar to one you would expect chapstick to leave on a glass. I really like it, it's fairly moisturizing, and good for every day lipstick and/ or a look of "trying but not trying too hard"

You can buy the almost lipstick from a bunch of places including Sephora and Nordstrom. From what I can understand, this "universal" shade also comes in multiple formats including blushes, creams, and lipsticks.

Simple Make-Up from the Other Day

Ah, I've been really off my blogging game lately mostly because I have been sleeping so poorly and kind of suffering from writers block a little bit. Do you ever just get slightly disenchanted with the things you love? I guess that's happening to me right now. Too many shallow people thinking they are the bees knees. Oh well. I'll snap back eventually!
Did this make-up a few days ago after (stupidly) purchasing the Dior Nude Highlighter (which I LOVE, it was just very expensive and I need to be saving my money right now!)

 Bobbi Brown Bellini Lipgloss

 My favorite Faux Cils YSL mascara + Clinique bottom lash, Naked Lunch eyeshadow as well as Sin and Virgin Eyeshadows from Naked Palette. NARS black eyeliner on the top and bottom lid.

I think the highlighter gives a bit of that glow I was missing and craving. I'm SO excited for this coming week because I've gotten so many products that I get to review and write about as well as a haul. Yay!

Little Sister's Make-Up

My younger sister was in town last weekend and asked me to do her make-up for her. She wanted me to do her eye make-up like this, a Kristen Stewart smokey eye with purples that fans out a bit. She also wanted me to add some bronzer to her face. Anyway, this is the make-up process as it went. The photos are kind of awful, but nothing can be done to change that!

 Jordan chose her own foundation (Clinique redness reducing I believe is what it was)

She chose this look because she has blue eyes with specks of green and she wanted to bring the green out. Which I think the look did rather successfully!
It was fun doing this, I think I'll have a go at it again next time someone asks me to!

Quality Quote of the Day

I don't want to just post about beauty and fashion, I also want to post about high quality lifestyle, and that includes books and traveling and all those other bits that make up our lives. 

Since I'm so tired today and it's really been just rubbish and bad, I decided to share a quote instead. You may have read this all over tumblr before, but I don't care. I have so many quotes that I just adore and love but I've been thinking about this one a lot lately because I can think of a lot of people that are aren't even drizzle, they're just sprinkling. The quote is from Looking for Alaska, a great book as long as it hasn't been ruined for you and/ or you aren't biased towards "teen" books.

And yes, that is me in the photo, all of this is my edit and everything

Lust

There are so many things that I want (and probably don't need, let's be honest), and it's fun to dream, right? I thought I'd share some of the items I've been craving and longing for the most as of late.

My mom thinks I'm crazy the way I pick a product out. I look at something and instantly see myself using it in a very elaborate scenario. Let me give you an example: I see a purse that I really love. It's texturized leather, high quality, thick stitching, it fits into the crook of my arm perfectly. The inside has a beautiful rich material. I see myself walking along the streets of the Amalfi coast wearing a striped box cut shirt, skinny tan slacks that hit me above my ankle, espadrilles, and a pair of black cat eye sunglasses whilst eating some gelato with my tanned Italian boyfriend. The bag is casually dangling off my arm like a charm, nonchalant, breathless, but not flashy.

That is why I buy something. I buy it because it will last a long time, and will continue to be beautiful the older it gets. That is why I shop for quality and do not settle for anything that isn't the best. And if it isn't, I get rid of it.

 I've been wanting these Dior Cat's Eye sunglasses for over a year now. I love them in brown... warm enough for summertime. The kind of shape where you could wear them by the pool, at lunch with friends outside, riding around in a car. So wonderful, so expensive. Ah. (Picture from Nordstrom's website)

 I've heard nothing but good things about Tom Ford's lipsticks. They look so beautiful and fresh. The container feels heavy (my favorite thing about cosmetics is if the packaging feels heavy because that usually indicates that it's more expensive, they've taken time on their design, it's durable, and it just feels rich) and they are so luxurious. They run about $48 and I do not own a single one! But I will... someday. (Also found at Nordstrom's website)

 Ahhhh. The Tod's Driving Shoe. A classic. So beautiful in shape and material, made in Italy (one of my favorite things to see on a label), in suede and leather. Perfect for driving around the countryside, but also fashionable as you run your daily errands. Wanted these shoes for years. (Picture from Tod's)

 I know this seems to be a swing in a different direction. Usually I feel like I buy clothes that are rather classic in design, but everyone needs some fun in their wardrobe and that's where Widlfox comes in. I love this shirt because yeah, I straight up hate mondays so much. It's like a shirt that says, "don't talk to me." Just what I need for monday mornings with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a Starbucks/ Coffee Bean in hand. (from Wildfox's website)

 Do I even need to explain my desire for this bag? I'm obsessed. Genuinely. For so long now. This bag just seems like the perfect every day bag. I love the grey color that's softened with a little brown. I love the shape, the two zippers, everything. I jut think it's so classy and beautiful and I love Prada and the fact that they make all their items in their home country (link) (still wishing Burberry hadn't outsourced) 

 I love this Dior blush. I haven't purchased it yet, but I obviously will have to because it looks so gorgeous on everyone I see. It's so girly and fresh and soft, I try it on every time I walk through Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom's. (Picture from Nordstrom's website)

 Another Wildfox item! This could be any of their destressed sweaters, I also like the ones with writing and the one with the stag on it. They just feel so soft and perfect for lazy days and lounging. Ah. I also love their beach wear, its just so fun and young. (from Wildfox's website)

Initially I wanted the Cle de Peau new bronzing illuminator, but upon further investigation, I fell in love with this older color instead. As a redhead it just looked gorgeous and ethereal on. I can't afford it in it's beautiful, solid packaging, but someday I'll get around to buying it... or having someone buy it for me?? So lovely, durable, and such high quality. (photo from Nordstrom's website) 

So there you go. A few of the things I've just been dying for lately. I've got a few items on their way and then I'm going to do a haul! Plus, a few make-up things I have planned. 

Scientific Method: Tarte Foundation

So I went to go buy NARS Sheerglow Foundation the other day, and got distracted (as usual) looking around, and tried out some foundations. I was very frustrated because NARS didn't make me glow at all... it's definitely sheer, but I couldn't understand where the glow factor came in. So I tried out the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation.

Formulate a Question: Will this product successfully prove to be high quality insomuch that I can use it on a regular basis and maintain an even and beautiful complexion?

Hypothesis: The foundation will be of high quality.

Prediction: Due to the price ($38) and reviews of the product, it will prove to be of high quality and meet up to my expectations. 

Test: 

Results: Alright, let me be completely honest. This is a blog where I try to find things that are of high quality. This applies to literature, films, purses, quotes, lifestyle, and of course beauty. I liked how this looked on in Sephora. I do not like how it looks on now that I'm home. Maybe I'm just not a foundation person after all. I really, really wanted to love and use foundation. But I'm not sure I'll be using it all that much, really, unless I find something absolutely amazing and life changing. 

The packaging is decent enough. It has dark earthy tones and a wooden twist off cap, so it reminds you of the forest (or, perhaps, the amazon?) The foundation itself does feel very rich and heavy, almost like a very refined clay before it's been fired. 

On my skin: But I feel like it dries kind of... thick and cakey. It's oil-free (great for people with oily skin but I don't have that) and waterproof, but those things don't really matter to me if I feel like the foundation highlights my blemishes. I also think the color is just a little bit off. It's like it dried in a kind of yellowish way, even though I got the pinker of the light light light foundations. ALSO: it is totalllllllyyyy not full coverage. Don't think for one second it is. Maybe if you put on  a few layers but... I found it to be sheer. 

Price: It's not the most expensive foundation I've ever come upon, but it's certainly not cheap. I'm sure it will last a while (though honestly, I did have to use a lot to spread it out over my entire face, so a little does not go a long way). 

Texture: I really liked how the foundation felt on my skin. It felt so soft. I had my mom feel both sides of my face, one with NARS Sheerglow, and one with this, and she said the side with the Tarte foundation was softer.

Irritation: No redness or anything like that, my skin hasn't become irritated per se but I have been breaking out more, as you can see on my forehead in the picture. 

The bottom line is-- the prediction was incorrect. I read a lot of reviews and it seemed like a good product, but I can't stand how it is setting on my skin. It's frustrating because I loved how my skin felt with the product on, but it's simply not a good match for me. I felt like my skin was dull with the foundation on. That being said, I've seen others use it with great results especially those who have oily skin so maybe you should give this a try if you do. I think this product is of medium quality. It wasn't full coverage, enhanced my blemishes and forehead wrinkles, and dulled my skin, though it was soft, a good texture and smell, and had nice packaging. 

UPDATE: When I finished writing this I walked by a mirror and looked at my face. From about 2 feet away, my skin looks fine. It's upon close inspection that I see the foundation setting in my fine wrinkles and being powdery/ cakey. I felt like I was a bit harsh on the product... no, it didn't work for me, but I know this will work well for others, especially if you have oily skin. I also forgot to mention that it has SPF in it, so it can work as a mild sunscreen as well. (No, Tarte did not pay me to say this)