What Should Be On My Vanity

As you guys know by now, I rarely do standard gift guides on the blog, but my "What Should Be On My Vanity/What Should Be In My Closet" posts just turn into big holiday wish lists for me. LOL And if you get some great ideas on things to get yourself or others - then great! There are so many festive beauty products out now and sets that are just too good to pass up. Here is a look at some things that have been on my radar recently and would be wonderful if they ended up in my holiday stocking. *wink wink*

1. Diptyque Mini Candle Set (Nordstrom exclusive) - If you are a Diptyque lover, then this is the set for you. It gives you a chance to try a ton of different scents at one time or give them all out as gifts! Who wouldn't want to be your friend after that, right?

2. By Terry Terrybly Velvet Rouge - When it comes to anything By Terry, I already know I want it. And these new matte liquid lipsticks are no exception. All the colors are absolutely stunning but I am partial to Dream Bloom and Ingu Rouge.

3. Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Magic Kit - Already a fan of the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, this set seems like a skincare lover's dream. There are six items to the set and all are designed to help smooth, hydrate and give more radiant looking skin. Basically, the skin that we all want. Better get me a back-up of this set. Please and thank you.

4. Guerlain Repairing Honey Gel Mask - Just the packaging alone of this Guerlain mask looks decadent, so I can only imagine the product inside. A intensely nourishing honey mask that helps to plump and smooth the skin? Yes, please.

5. YSL Couture Palette Wild Edition - Oh look, a neutral eye palette with amazing packaging - it's such a shocker that I want this. Clearly I am stepping out of my comfort zone for my holiday wish list. What's next? A delicate peachy blush or maybe a nude lipstick? Living on the edge, Maree.

6. Burberry Nail Polishes - I have yet to try the Burberry line polishes and these holiday colors seems like the perfect ones to begin with. I am partial to that deep red however - that seems like 'a party on my nails' kind of color.

7. Tom Ford Cream Eye Shadow - I've never tried Tom Ford's cream eye shadows but this one in Spice and the other shade in Platinum seem too good to pass up.

8. SK-II Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence - I know, I already have one Facial Treatment Essence but I will need to repurchase at some point, right? And if it can be with an adorably designed limited edition bottle, why not? The packaging is just as important as the results.

9. Maison Martin Margiela Replica Fragrances -These are definitely not new, but I have been on a fragrance kick recently (just added this one, this one and this one to my collection), so I figured I would add one of these to my wish list. I haven't narrowed it down to a favorite scent yet, so if you have tried these and have a suggestion please leave me a comment below.

10. Sephora 24K Gold Mine Brush Set - Ok so maybe it's the sparkly 24k gold packaging that lured me in with this one, but how can you resist? These would look amazing sitting on my vanity! And yes I could use new brushes, but the packaging!! Clearly you can see I have my priorities straight.

Golden Shadows That Give A Sheer Wash Of Color

Happy Thanksgiving!!! As much as I love wearing a full face every day, time may not always permit for a look with all the fixins'. Being able to find those eye shadow shades that you can just swipe over the lid and blend quickly (with either a brush or fingers) is paramount to keeping a morning routine manageable. Beige-y and golden tones are often the easiest to apply, go on without too much fuss and are great for both day or night. Here are 5 of my easy breezy gold shimmer shadows that I love to throw on and dash out the door.

1. mark. All Time Eye Hook Up Longwear Shadow in Tender Love - I rarely use liquid eye shadows since I find they can be too heavy looking on the lids, but was pleasantly surprised when I tried this one from mark.girl.  I swatched it quite heavily on my arm so you could see the full pay-off, but when blended down on the lids it's a gorgeous mix of both beige and gray. For those with non-oily lids, this may be one to wear alone but I still need a primer as a base (this one and this one are my two in constant rotation).

2. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Rose Gold - If you use any of the Laura Mercier caviar sticks, you will know why I included it in my round up. They are super easy to use, blend and last forever on the lids. This one is absolutely the most beautiful champagne color that looks great with both nude and bold lips. One of my favorite ways to wear this is with tons of mascara, a flushed cheek and a spicy red lipstick (currently loving Iconic Red from Gucci).

3. Almay Shadow Softies in Creme Brulee - I know the swatches above see somewhat measly and non-existent, but the daylight was really washing out the color. The texture of this shadow is a mix between cream and powder (and has almost a bouncy feel to it - it's so cool), and is the perfect weekend, off-duty look. This on the lids, bronzer on the cheeks and gloss on the lips and I'm ready in under 5 minutes. Everyone needs one of those shadows in their collection, right?

4. Sisley Phyto-Ombre Glow Shadow in Pearl - These Sisley shadows are a bit bolder in both pigmentation and shine so this may only be an evening option for many of you, but I personally like to mix this with a slightly more matte base underneath. I apply a matte nude shade first and then dust the Sisley shadow over top concentrating on the center of the eye for a bit of an eye-popping glow that really helps to give the eye a super wide-awake look.

5. Sisley Phyto-Ombre Glow Shadow in Amber -The darker of the two Sisley shades is absolutely perfect for smudging at the lash line for a sultry bronzy effect  that could work for either day or evening, depending on how heavy it is applied. I forgot to mention in the above review, but as you can see from the swatches, these are pigmented and super buttery for a powder shadow and if blended well enough can look as flawless as a cream shadow. In fact, they are so soft that I found applying them with my finger was one of my favorite ways to blend them evenly. The warmth of my finger really melted the color right into the skin creating almost a liquid metal finish. Super sass approved.

*pr samples included

Prim And Proper

So I was tempted to call this post "Prim and Proper With an Edge" since the sweetest part of the outfit, the bow tie, is covered in skulls. Ha! I initially was just going to just leave the blouse by itself since I am not a huge necklace wearer, but I've been wearing this Alexander McQueen scarf so much recently that I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into the outfit. I threw it on and tied it into a big bow and voila! A new way of wearing it was born. Though as soon as I walked out to go take these pictures, my husband looked at the bow tie and said "What is that? Is that supposed to be like that?" I laughed and said "Of course!" comfortably knowing the added accessory may not be everyone's cup of tea. But I've realized over the years that it can be so liberating to wear things that you absolutely love, regardless of how others may feel about it. Of course there are those certain situations where it's necessary to conform to certain sartorial guidelines (work, religious occasions, etc), but on the whole it's fun to dress for yourself. And ultimately if you do, you will feel and look your most comfortable. Even with a big silk bow tie hanging around your neck.

Blouse - Club Monaco | Skirt - T by Alexander Wang (similar here and here for under $50!) | Cape - Club Monaco (similar here and here) | Shoes - Vince (also love these) | Tights - Commando | Scarf - Alexander McQueen

Building A Face Mask Wardrobe

Face masks are an important part of my skincare routine. They help treat specific concerns I have and deliver almost immediate results. It's been important for me to have a balanced mask wardrobe, so to speak, and here is a  look at the types of masks I keep in my routine to treat any and every skin ailment and condition I could have pop up.

1. Pore Purifying Mask - No matter how well I cleanse my skin, I still need to use a pore purifying mask to really deliver the results I want - which is clear skin and clean pores! I've been using the NUDE Purify Deep Cleansing Mask to help remove impurities from my skin thus preventing future breakouts. It's a delicate clay mousse that feels great as soon as its applied. Often with some pore cleansing masks skin is left dry and flaky, however that is not the case with this NUDE mask which is why I adore it so much. Not only does it help me prevent and treat breakouts, my skin stays balanced throughout the whole process.

2. Exfoliating Mask - As soon as I began adding exfoliating masks into my routine, I saw the biggest changes in my skin. The Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is an exfoliating mask I enjoy and it's results prove why these masks are so vital to a healthy skincare routine. The PTR mask helps to remove dead skin cells using alpha hydroxy acids, while also exfoliating with pumpkin enzymes and polishing using aluminum oxides. This is when I see the biggest change in the texture of my skin as well as a reduction in hyper pigmentation and dark spots. Using exfoliating masks help to go deeper than just a granular scrub and really target rough texture, fine lines and uneven skin tone. These masks are always a guaranteed glow getter.

3. Hydrating Mask - One of the biggest keys in keeping skin looking its best is hydration. Skin that is hydrated often looks younger, fresher and more radiant. The Valmont Prime Renewing Pack is a mask I recently discovered that gave me one of the most intense moisture treatments I've had in a long time. While many hydration masks can deliver an instant burst of water to the skin, many can't prolong that feeling of hydration for longer than a day. I found that when using the Valmont Prime Renewing Pack, which helps to rebalance the skin's hydrolipidic film, my skin stayed hydrated for more than a week after using it just once.

4. Targeted Treatment Mask - I left this category open a bit more because there could be a number of concerns that people have that masks could address. Firming, lifting, brightening/whitening, calming, soothing - and it's just a matter of adding in that mask which addresses your targeted concern. For me that is brightening or as some products call it "whitening". Whitening products often work at brightening up dull complexions and making them a bit more even toned. I find that because I am so pale, I can suffer from a sallow and lackluster complexion and occasional bouts with hyper pigmentation so using the Mario Badescu Whitening Mask once or twice a month has been a real help. It has Kojic acid and licorice to help brighten and naturally lighten any dark areas, while still calming and soothing my skin. I do recommend using a muslin cloth to remove this mask as it can be a bit challenging to get off with just water, but the brighter skin afterwards is worth the extra step.

5. Overnight Mask - This is a newer mask category that has been gaining more and more popularity over the past year. These masks are often used in place of night creams or in some cases as an additional moisturizer and they are great at treating the skin while it sleeps. Since skin often replenishes itself throughout the night, overnight masks are a great way to really help deliver strong results at a time when the skin is its most receptive. The Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask (which will be out in stores in early 2015) is a great firming and contouring overnight treatment that I've been using recently. While I still see many of the benefits of other overnight masks I've tried such as increased hydration and radiant skin the next morning, the feature that sets this mask apart from the rest was the firming and tightening effects I felt. On the mornings I would wake up after using this mask, I found that my skin appeared more taut, smooth and oddly enough with little to no pillow marks on my face. That last result may seem a bit strange, but because I am a restless sleeper, I am constantly struggling with sheet and/or pillow lines on my face the next morning. After the first night of using this mask, I didn't notice any lines and each use after resulted in the same thing - no pillow marks!

6. Eye Mask - Even though many of these above masks are used very close to the eye area, having a dedicated mask for that area specifically makes quite a difference. The SK-II Signs Eye Mask is one of the most decadent eye masks I've used in a long time and always delivers immediate results. Any puffiness, dark circles or dehydration I am suffering from virtually disappears after 10 minutes of using this mask. It's like 8 hours of sleep in a mask.

7. The 'Does Everything' Mask - There are those few masks that come along and can target a ton of different ailments at once and are great for when you need to get your skin looking great in a pinch. The Eve Lom Rescue Mask is that mask that I can count on to throw on the night of an event or the morning of a big meeting to get my skin in immediate tip-top shape. It helps to reduce blotchy skin, decongest, minimize irritation, absorb excess oil and eliminate redness. Basically it's a miracle in a mask. And a bonus is that it can be used under the eyes for an eye mask! I've heard that this mask was a skin saver but now after trying it, I can really attest to it's powers. My skincare routine will never be without it going forward. It's on the way to holy grail status as we speak.

*pr samples included

Video: My Recent Empties Part 3

My final video of my recent huge bag of empties is finally here. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe! Below is a list of the all products mentioned in the video.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wash
Kate Somerville Clinic to Go Resurfacing Pads
Bliss Foot Patrol
Nest Fragrances Indigo
By Terry Cellularose Brightening Aqua Balm
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Covergirl Clump Crusher Lashblast
Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Concentrate Purifying Booster
Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Fresh Sugar Petal Lip Balm

OPI x Glossybox

OPI teamed up with Glossybox to create the most fabulous exclusive Glossybox pink called "Pink Outside the Glossybox". It's the absolute perfect pale pink that would look good on almost any skin tone. To sign up for the Glossybox service, click here.

Review: Sisley Phyto-Lip Twists

I'm going to warn you now, before the post even begins to prepare yourself and brace your wallets. These Sisley lip pencils I'm about to talk about are a lip lover's dream. Between the color choices, the pigmentation, the texture and feel on the lips - these are the absolute pinnacle of lip pencils. And at a rather steep price, I reckon they should be. But to be honest, there is nothing worse than a high priced makeup item that builds up your expectations and then lets you down in a crushing blow of bad performance. Or an off-putting scent. Or an averse reaction on the skin. Yowsa, no thank you. That's why I appreciate when a luxury product comes along that gets it right. And these Sisley Phyto-Lip Twists knock it out of the park.

Sisley is generally know for it's skincare, but slowly I've seen them putting out more and more makeup products that are worth a second look. These Phtyo-Lip Twists are worth a third and fourth look if you ask me. From the zebra print packaging to the color assortment, I'm pretty sure anyone and everyone can find a shade they love.

As you can see from the swatches above, the colors fall in the middle of the pigmentation spectrum - not too sheer and not too opaque. They are the goldilocks of lip pencils! LOL Let's first talk about texture and feel before we discuss color options. To say these glide on is an understatement - they almost apply themselves they are so smooth. A lot (and I mean A LOT) of lip colors make my lips peel or dry but because I am often in love with the color over formula, I wear them. But finally I don't have to compromise because these stay super creamy and soft on my lips all day long. I get about a good 4 hours out of them before I need to do a quick touch-up, but the shape of the pencil and twist up application make it easy enough that I don't even need a mirror. Ok - onto colors. Look at these shades!!! I am partial to Lip Twist 2 as the perfect pinky nude and Lip Twist 6 as the sassiest orange red, but frankly I love them all. Lip Twist 4 pulls a bit too blue on me so I would have to layer it with something a bit warmer, but other than that, they all have made their rounds in my makeup bag. If lip pencils are your thing (and frankly even if they are not), these Lip Twists are worth the splurge. If I could insert emojis into this paragraph, I would end this post with the two hands up emoji, followed by the dancing girl in the red dress emoji and finally a lipstick emoji and the sassy girl with her hand up to the side of her head emoji. You get the jist, right?

*pr samples included

It's In The Details

While I love classic pieces, I do tend to gravitate towards items that have slight details which make them a little bit more than average. Like the black gloves I'm wearing in this post, they have an adorable bow detail on the wrist and the classic black infinity scarf has bits of silver threads running through it. I loved this checkered sweater because the black portion of the sweater is knit while the front patterned portion is silk. Finding pieces that have those extra added details makes putting together a casual outfit a bit more interesting. I guess the same can be said about New York. It's a city where the buildings and streets can all look the same at times but it's the small details that can create differentiation. A wall with entertaining graffiti or a random "Love You" written on a wall can make it a bit more exciting - and finding those spots can make it like being on a constant treasure hunt. A ridiculously expensive and (in the winter) brutally cold treasure hunt, but nonetheless exciting. 

Sweater - Equipment (similar here and here) | Vest - Club Monaco (similar here and here) | Scarf - Eugenia Kim (similar here) | Jeans - AG Jeans | Bag - Kate Spade (similar here) | Gloves - Carolina Amato | Sunglasses - Prada | Loafers - Tory Burch (similar here) 

The Fragrances I'm Wearing This Fall

Last fall and winter, I was all about my Nest Fragrances in Midnight Fleur and White Sandalwood (seriously, they are amazing). But since both are almost empty I figured it was time to branch out and put a few new fragrances in rotation. One is an old scent that I used years and years ago and rediscovered, while the other two are completely new to me. Here's the fragrances I will be wearing this fall:

1. Tocca Beauty Margaux - I was instantly drawn to this fragrance as soon as I smelled it. Once I reviewed the notes, I knew exactly what drew me in - vanilla. I am a sucker for vanilla based fragrances, and the base notes of this are vanilla and  musk. There is still a hint of floral notes with amber, gardenia and violet so I don't completely smell like a holiday candle, and it balances out the fragrance so nicely. This is definitely a more subtle scent for me and is enjoyable to wear either day or night.

2. Atelier Cologne Santal Carmin - Just by the look of the bottle, I knew I was in for a serious scent. This fragrance is bold, warm and absolutely intoxicating. From the first moment I sprayed it on my wrist, I could not stop smelling my arm for the rest of the night. The sandalwood and saffron really lured me in since they are two of my favorite notes, and the hint of dulce de leche was the perfect complement. At an 18% concentration, this is by far one of the longest lasting fragrances I've worn in awhile, yet it stays consistent the entire time while on my skin. It never loses that initial richness and depth that a fragrance has when first applied, and still smells amazing 8-10 hours later. A total splurge but worth every penny.

3. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir - Pomegranate Noir was the fragrance I discussed earlier that I used many years ago and recently discovered once again. This scent is not for the faint of heart as it is by far one of the most unique fragrances I have ever experienced, but that is what makes it one of my favorites. Its sweet notes of raspberry and plum are juxtaposed with stronger woodsier scents such as patchouli and frankincense making a second sniff always necessary. No one ever picks up this scent and smells it once - it's just too different and unexpected to not go back for another sniff. Every single time I wear this fragrance I get compliments but it wears very differently than it initially smells in the bottle. But isn't that the beauty of fragrance? It doesn't reach its full potential until it gets onto the skin and mixes with the body's chemistry.  

*pr samples included

What fragrances are you wearing this fall? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Video: My Cleanser Collection

This video is a look at my current cleanser collection. All the cleansers mentioned in the video are listed below. Enjoy the video and don't forget to subscribe!

1. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil 

2.  Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

3. Kate Somerville Purify Cleanser

4. La Prairie Foam Cleaner

5. Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

6. Eve Lom Cleanser

7. Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm

8. Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser

9. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Cleanser

10. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

11. Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

12. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

13. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

14. m61 Brilliant Cleanse

My Quick Skincare Routine For Radiant Skin

Though I have learned a lot about skincare over the years through reading articles coupled with good ol' trial and error, I am still constantly seeking out new recommendations. My close friend Felicia from ThisThatBeauty.com (I also contribute articles there twice a month) did a blog post about a quick three step routine she was using for her skin and I decided to try something similar! Sometimes the best recommendations can come from a friend, right? It's a quick and simple three step (well three and a half since the peel is two steps) process for glowing skin. Every time I've done this over the past few months, I always wake up with a rested and radiant complexion and have now made this a part of my regular skincare routine.  I guess not every night needs to be a 13 step process. Ha!

1. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil - Cleansing oils are by far my favorite type of cleansers to use because I find they give my skin the deepest clean without stripping it. I am particularly fond (translation: in love) with this SK-II cleansing oil because it feels like liquid silk on the skin. Seriously! I prefer a cleansing oil formula that is thin and lightweight, emulsifies nicely and rinses away with little to no effort. The SK-II Cleansing Oil removes every single stitch of makeup I am wearing, making it possible for me to even skip my standard double cleanse step. I don't like to skip that step regularly, but on some nights when I just don't have the energy to go that extra bit, I can count on just this cleanser to get the job done. That job being to de-spackle my face.

2. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Medi-Spa Peel - I recently did a post on my favorite facial peels, but at the time had not used this one enough to feel comfortable including it in my round up. Now after giving it a go for a few weeks, I am really loving the results. After cleansing the skin, I use this two part peel to give my skin an intense exfoliation, remove any built up congestion, help break up hyper pigmentation and resurface the skin. The first step involves using the pre-soaked pads all over the face (I include my neck and upper chest as well) and I do feel a bit of tingling. Following this step, I apply the firming peptide milk which soaks in immediately leaving no residue or sticky feeling on the skin. It's a pretty strong peel so I like to use this no more than once a week, even once every two weeks. But it's a perfect middle step for this quick 3-step process since it removes all the surface dead skin thus allowing the facial oil to really penetrate into the skin and work it's magic!

3. Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil - Though face oils are not so new anymore, many people still worry about the idea of putting oil on their face. Especially those with oily skin. But in my experience (as someone with oily skin), I find facial oils to be the most healing, nourishing, balancing and effective moisturizers for the skin. Face oils can be great layered with other skincare products such as serums and moisturizers, but can also work well when used alone. I actually prefer to use them alone most of the time (unless my skin is really dry and irritated), and this new introduction from Sisley is the ultimate in luxury face oils. It's a dry face oil so immediately after it's applied on the skin, it's absorbed leaving no trace of shine or residue. Because of it's strong healing and nourishing properties, the Black Rose Face Oil helps to replenish the skin's moisture and stimulate it's natural glow. And glow I do the next morning - it's as if all past skin sins are erased and I am starting anew. Is there a Sisley Black Rose Precious Oil I can use for my life?!!!

*pr samples included

Have you tried any of these products?

Black and Gray

I've been on the hunt for a leather or faux leather midi since the beginning of fall. I felt it could go with just about anything and even transition into spring and early summer. I kept coming across stunning leather midis that looked like a million bucks, but sadly they were close to that in price. Yowsa! I know leather is a good investment, but I wasn't sure I really loved a midi style enough to invest in a expensive version. Maybe pencil skirt or knee length, yes. But with a midi, I felt that I would prefer a less pricey option. So I stumbled upon this one from Topshop one afternoon and it was perfect! In the pictures online it looked like it fell just at the knee, but clearly the model was 10 feet tall because on me it was a lot longer. I still fell in love and wanted to keep it. I've already gotten a few wears out of it and I've only had it a couple weeks. (I am a 5 year old with new clothes - I wanna wear my new stuff every day all day.) Topshop does run extremely (extremely) small so I went up a size for this, but no altering was needed for it to comfortably fit in the waist. I can already envision this skirt going the distance in my wardrobe though it isn't leather, and pulling it out 5 years from now and still loving it. That's always the sign of a good buy. 

Sweater - Opening Ceremony (similar here and here) | Skirt - Topshop (also love this one) | Scarf - Zara | Purse - YSL (old - nothing similar anymore) | Boots - Gucci (similar here and here) | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter.

Review: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Eye Shadow Palettes and Lipsticks

It's been quite a few years since I've had Estee Lauder heavy in rotation in my makeup bag, but I am more and more impressed with each and every new launch. Their Sumptuous Extreme Mascara is one of my holy grails, and I just raved about this brow pencil in my latest October beauty favorites so Estee Lauder is slowly strong arming other brands out of the way in my makeup routine. I recently had the chance to test out a few products from their new Pure Color Envy Sculpting line and can simply not say enough great things about it. Well I haven't yet started reviewing it, but I will be saying great things about it in the next few paragraphs. I get ahead of myself. Heehee. 

1. Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks in Red Ego, Insolent Plum and Rebellious Rose - A moment of silence for that color pay-off in the above swatches. Shhhhh. Ok - now let's talk. THOSE COLORS. THAT TEXTURE. The pictures do a good job of capturing the beauty of these lipsticks, but you can't truly appreciate them until they are on your lips. Let me first start by saying they glide on like silk - I have not tried a lipstick this creamy in a long time. Typically with full coverage lipsticks, I need to clean up the edges after applying because they don't stay within my lip lines. However, that was not the case with these - in fact, I applied Insolent Plum without a mirror for these swatches just to see if I could get an even application. And I did!! This formula is absolutely magnificent and I kick myself that I didn't discover them sooner. They are incredibly long wearing and leave my lips feeling comfortable for most of the day. It's too soon to say holy grail, but these for sure earned a spot on my top lipsticks of all time. They should be very proud of themselves.

2. Pure Color Envy Sculpting Eye Shadow Palette in Fierce Safari (top swatch) and Untamed Teal (bottom swatch) - When I was browsing these eye palettes online a few months ago, I was intrigued but not moved enough to buy. And then I saw them in store and could not believe my eyes. It was as if there was nothing else on the counter, that was how strongly they stood out to me. From the packaging to the color combinations, they are stunning in person. I find that the matte shades in the palettes are extremely pigmented (just wiping these swatches off was a chore) and the shimmer shades are a bit more sheer. However, I am not personally a fan of intense shimmer so I like the more sheer shimmer pay-off. I initially thought I would wear the heck out of Fierce Safari, but instead forced myself to wear Untamed Teal first. I was unsure how often I would dab my brush into the teal shade of the compact, but found that when I layer it over the deep brown as a liner, it looks absolutely gorgeous! It's a nice change from my boring dark plum or black/brown I usually do. I like to live life on the edge sometimes.

 *pr samples included

Have you tried the Pure Color Envy line? What are your thoughts?

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter.

Video: My Birthday Haul - Space NK, Sephora, Nordstrom and Barneys

Nothing better than a birthday haul, right? Here is a look at all the products I recently purchased for my birthday. All products are listed below. Enjoy the video and don't forget to subscribe!

Isabel Marant Dicker Boots 

Prada Sunglasses 

Ole Henriksen Wipes 

NARS Blush in Sin 

Guerlain Eye Shadow Palette in Les Sables 

Guerlain Eye & Blush Palette 

NARS Yachiyo Brush 

Diptyque Pomander Candle 

By Terry Densiliss Concealer 

Hourglass Extreme Sheen Gloss in Truth 

Chantecaille Eye Shadows in Olivier, Coriander and Patchouli 

Gucci Lipstick in Iconic Red 

Dior Nail Polish in Smoky

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter. 

Foil Nails From Paintbox

I told you I would be back to Paintbox for another nail art mani - and here it is! This oil slick inspired foil mani is absolutely stunning. I've been staring at my nails non stop ever since I left the salon. And in the sunlight, they look even more amazing. If you are in NYC or next time you visit, I highly recommend adding a stop to Paintbox on your itinerary. And then tweet me a pic of your nails!  I always need ideas for my next mani.

My Morning Skincare Routine Gets Two New Additions

My evening skincare routine is where I do the majority of my new product testing. Mainly because in the morning I do not have the time to be trying out new products, possibly having an irritation, or averse reaction thus resulting in my makeup application suffering. No thank you! I will not let my daily full face be hindered. So after finishing both my serum (I was using this one) and my daily face lotion (this one), I needed to find replacements. I tried a few different things that didn't work for me, before finally settling on these two products. So here they are - meet my two new morning skincare additions. The La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift and the Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion. I have sampled a bit of each below on my hand so you can better see the texture. (the Sulwhasoo is the top swatch and the La Prairie is the bottom one)

1. La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift -After loving both the Foam Cleanser and Cellular Eye Essence Platinum Rare, I have been interested to try more and more La Prairie products. This serum is part of their ever-famous skin caviar line and is designed to help lift and firm the skin. While this is not my primary concern right now, I was curious as to whether I would see any benefits for myself. Well, I should have known not to doubt La Prairie. Not only did I begin to see immediate tightening and smoothing effects on my skin, which made the biggest difference in how my makeup wears on my face, I also began to see any lingering blemishes heal faster and my pores have consistently appeared smaller with each use. The Liquid Lift also helps to rejuvenate new cells and diminish past damage, and I have been using this serum for just about 28 days now (the amount of time it takes skin to regenerate), so I am excited to notice further changes over the next few weeks. One final note with this product - since it is a pricier product, it is important to note how much is needed for daily use which is often a factor in justifying the splurge - I use only one pump each morning. And that one pump covers my entire face, neck and upper chest. If you see me slowly beginning to look younger and younger over the next few months, you will know why. *wink*

2. Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Emulsion - I always have an added layer of excitement when testing a skincare brand I haven't used before. I've walked by the Sulwhasoo counter a million times in Bergdorf Goodman, scrolled past it on the Neiman Marcus website but never had the chance to try anything. I was excited when the Sulwhasoo team sent this over for me to review, and knew immediately I wanted to incorporate it into my morning routine. My requirements for a daytime lotion are mainly centered around maintaining the moisture levels in my skin without adding any additional oil. And this Sulwhasoo Balancing Emulsion fits the bit perfectly! I imagined the texture would be a bit thinner and more runny like a lotion, but was intrigued to find it a mix between a lotion, cream and gel all in one. The texture is quite unique but the way it wears on my skin sealed the deal. It immediately gave me a natural finish (not too shiny or dewy) while still managing to keep my skin looking plump and hydrated. I was still hesitant because until I see how it wears under makeup, I am not completely convinced of its efficacy. I was happy to see that it complimented my foundations nicely and kept my skin balanced throughout the day. Looks like I found my next morning lotion.

*pr samples included

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter.

Jeans I Finally Don't Have To Hem

I have the hardest time finding jeans that I don't have to hem. I am not that short in height (5'4"), but have a very short inseam. Most jeans end up 4-6 inches past my foot and after I take them to the tailor, they never end up looking the way they do with the original hem. I am a bit stubborn and don't tend to shop in petite departments, because most of the jean styles I prefer don't ever come in a petite option. So when I came across these Current Elliott jeans, I was ecstatic to see a 26" inseam! And while that may be a cropped style for almost everyone else, it goes exactly to my ankle - no hemming needed! Naturally I still needed to fold them up when wearing with ankle boots but with any other shoe, they work perfectly. The Stiletto Jean is a standard style for Current Elliott so I am excited to purchase a few more pairs knowing that I won't need a trip to the tailor. Yay! I do wish they fit a bit tighter in the waist because mine gap in the back, but I guess I can't have everything I want in a pair of jeans. I have to compromise somewhere.

If any of you struggle with this issue as well, please tell me what style of jeans you prefer that have a shorter inseam. I would love to hear more suggestions!

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter.

Sweater - Club Monaco (similar here and here) | Jeans - Current Elliott (love these and these too) | Boots - Isabel Marant (similar here) | Hat - J.Crew | Bag - Longchamp (old style - similar here) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother