Favorite Looks of 2011

     On this (basically) last day of 2011, I thought it would be fun to compile my Top 10 Favorite Looks of 2011. A couple of these were actually not featured on my blog, because they were before I started blogging, but I love them anyway. All others will have links below to see the original post. Did your favorite make the list?

My Look: Ego Boost

    If you follow me on Facebook, you would have saw my post earlier about what happened at the MAC counter today. The MUA told me my makeup looked beautiful, and asked if I was a MUA myself! I was so excited, my heart stopped. I also got a new reader out of it, so: Hey there! Thank you so much for making my day! xo

Post Christmas Update

    I know, it seems like I fell off the face of the Earth. Christmas has a tendency to do that to me. Between my husbands family, and my own, we have done 7 Christmases, with 1 more to go this week. It's ridiculous.
    The kids, of course, made out like bandits. They have to be about the most spoiled kids I've ever met. (Lucky ducks, LOL) Big items they received were: Yamaha 4Wheeler ride on for the baby, DS games, The Real Lightning McQueen, Rocky the dump truck.... the list goes on.
    What did I get? The hubbs got me a beautiful pair of gold hoops with little blue dolphins on them. (He said he picked them so the blue would match the tattoo on my neck. He actually thought about it. Love him) I also received a couple good books (I'm a big book worm). A new makeup mirror, and a Konad nail stamping set. It's SOO cool!!!! I've played with it a little bit already, and can't wait to show you all some cool nail designs =)

   I also got some Christmas moolah. I trekked out to the mail today and did a little shopping. At Ulta I picked up 2 more Lip Butters in Creamsicle and Cupcake. I also grabbed a couple China Glaze polishes from my Lust List for 50% off. I picked up Below Deck and Senorita Bonita.  The also had one of the Ulta Exclusive Holiday polishes for 50%, it's called Ultimate Holiday. This polish is amazeballs. It's a gold, holographic glitter. Beautiful!

   At Forever 21, i got a tunic, a skirt, a necklace with a diamond high heel, some earrings, and a headband. 

That about wraps up Christmas here in our household. I hope the holidays were good to everyone else also! Be back next post with a makeup look. Love to all!!

A Little Confession... and a quick FOTD

    Are you ready for it? .... I purchased my first MAC products. *GASP*  I heard it, I heard your shock. I know, I know, I'm all about the drugstore and the penny pinching. However, I wasn't really penny pinching. I was spending money on anything and everything, just to have it. It all adds up! Then it sits in my collection, sometimes I use it: sometimes I don't. It's a waste of money for me to just do that every week. I decided if what I really want is MAC, then I'm going to buy it. It is expensive, so I am limiting myself to one thing each week. However it will be things that I ACTUALLY really want to own, and will use. So I justify myself ;)
    So what did I get? Well last week I purchased Satin Taupe eye shadow. This week I got Naked Lunch eye shadow. So far.... I love them as much as I knew I would. After looking at swatch after swatch of Satin Taupe, I was worried it would be too dark, or too brown. But it's really not. It's a beautiful grey/purple/taupe mixture. I like it on the lid, I like it in the crease, I like it all all over. I'd bathe in it ;) Naked Lunch is a soft cream/peach/baby pink combo. It's kind of hard to explain. It makes a nice brow highlight, but also a nice neutral lid color. I think both are definite staples in any MAC collection.
    What will I get next? Probably All That Glitters eye shadow. I don't know. I think what I'm actually going to do is save my money and place a bigger order online so I can get my shadows in refill pans (they are $4 cheaper) and put them in a palette. We shall see!

Keep reading after the jump!

Beauty Academy Awards 2011

    All products mentioned are from my own collection. You may feel there is something better in each category, but I can only go by what I actually own =) As with the regular Academy Awards, there will be a handful of nominees in each category, and an overall winner. This is just for fun, this is not a totally serious thing. I thought this would be a fun way to do my year end favorites. Enjoy!

My Look: Purple Love

    All of my pictures turned out pretty darn awesome today, so there is going to be LOTS. I hope you all like looking at my mug ;)
    I am off to my mom's for Christmas Festivities this evening, so I had to get all dolled up. You know me, I love me some PURPLE. So get ready for some purple love pic spam.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio Review

    I have 5 of these trios now, and I thought I'd do an in depth review of them. Overall I really really love these trios. The pigmentation is amazing, and they are only $2.99. I have gotten some on sale for less also. All of the trios are labeled as "browbone", "crease", and "eyelid" instead of having shade names. Individual reviews are in order from my favorite, to least favorite. I say least favorite, but I LOVE all of them (that I own).

Walking on Eggshells

    I can't say enough about this one, I LOVE it! I think everyone should own this trio. If you don't have it, go get it. NOW. Stop reading, go to Rite Aid and buy this right this second. Are you back? You made your purchase? Good, things are well in the world again. All kidding aside, the colors in this are gorgeous. They will look great on any skin tone. The browbone shade is a shimmered cream color. The crease shade is a shimmered bronzy brown (very pretty). The eyelid color is a frosty pink champagne color. This is a great trio for a neutral look, or on a day when you want a softer look. I will defiantly repurchase this again, and have bought it as a gift for other people.

Silent Treatment

    This is the 2nd trio I ever purchased (on recommendation from Emily of Beauty Broadcast). This reminds of of the I'm getting Sunburned, but a different cooler toned version. The browbone shade is a soft baby pink. The crease shade is a VERY DARK, VERY pigmented sparkly shade, more charcoal colored. The eyelid shade is a metallic lilac/taupe color. This trio is great because you can use just two of the colors for a nice day look, but you add that crease shade and BAM! Beautiful smokey eye.

I'm Getting Sunburned

    I just received this for my birthday (thanks Jaimee!) After playing around with it, I love it! All three shades are shimmer (most of the trios are). The eyelid shade is a gorgeous bronze. Gorgeous probably doesn't even cover it. The crease shade is also a VERY DARK, VERY pigmented sparkly brown, with a hint of a red undertone. Very much like Silent Treatment, but more brown than charcoal. The browbone shade looks like a bubblegum pink in the pan, but comes out more sheer and wearable. I enjoy this trio thoroughly.

Dancing in the Clouds

    This one is part of the LE Dream Weavers Collection. On an off chance I picked this up at Rite Aid, and it wasn't even by Wet n Wild stuff. I looked for more, but there were none. Oh well, it is the only one I wanted anyway. I have to say I am a little disappointed. The one shade that drew me to this, is a let down. The bright purple crease shade is just not very pigmented. It does ok, over a purple cream base, but you really have to dig into the pan. The eyelid shade is a very nice rose gold color. The browbone shade is a light dusty gold color. These two eye shadows are nicely pigmented, but that purple is a real bummer.

Spoiled Brat

    This is the 1st trio I ever bought. Not long after purchase I dropped it and completely lost the pink eyelid color. It was a VERY bright magenta pink. It actually looked like crap on me, and I didn't know how to use it at the time, so I'm not too disappointed it broke. The browbone shade is a silver color that reminds me of a silver foil nail polish. It's very cool. The crease shade is a very pigmented black with silver sparkles. I use this shade a LOT to go on top of my eyeliner. That black is probably my most used Wet n Wild shade. It's worth the price of the trio itself, it's a really good black.

    So that's my review on what I have. All are winners in my book, except that purple. What are your favorite trios? Which ones should I pick up next?

Gift Guide for the Makeup Junkie Teen in Your Life

    I had a question from aunt this morning, on some gift set ideas for her teenage sons girlfriend. I thought to myself just now, what a good blog post! I previously did a Christmas Gift Guide, but those were things you or I may want. Teens don't necessarily need such lavish things, maybe they just need a "start up kit". Do you have a makeup loving teen in your life? Here are my suggestions to her, and maybe you will find the perfect thing for that special teen in your life also.

My Look: Feeling Festive

    I was feeling especially festive this morning, so I'm all decked out in red. I have on a red top I picked up at Goodwill. Also black skinny jeans, and red heels. To top off my red outfit sundae, I am wearing China Glaze Ruby Pumps. So after all that, you may be saying to yourself, "I thought she doesn't do red?" Well, I don't, normally. But sometimes something just sumps out at me and I go with it =)

It's A Nude Slip Thing

    There is this Revlon single, Nude Slip, that I have been lemming for quite a few months now. However, I don't like the idea of spending over $4 for a drugstore single eye shadow. I was at my local Walgreens lately, and if you've been there you'd have noticed they have a LOT of stuff 75% off. Well, lo and behold, that little Revlon beauty was on sale for $2.59, with an extra dollar off at the register. Score!!

My Look: Pretty Preppy

    My usual morning routine consists of this: Wake up 6:30 am, get kids up and ready for school. 7:10 am, put kids on bus, go back to sleep. Sometimes I don't go back to bed, sometimes I am a normal human being and I get ready for the day. Today happened to be a normal human day, lol. The best part is, I always look my best when I have 2 hours to myself to do nothing but be pretty.

Mani: Rainbow in the S-Kylie

    I've posted before about this glitter polish, Rainbow in the S-Kylie, and how it is a dupe for Rainbow Connection. If you couldn't get your hands on Rainbow Connection, run on over to your local Walmart and find this polish! This is part of the Kardashian Kolors collection, and is exclusive to Walmart, for $7. (Rainbow Connection is $8.50) This polish is made up of blue, silver, yellow, orange, green and red glitter.
    Application of this polish is typical for chunky glitters. You can apply it to the nail, and push it around with the brush to wear you want it. I used 2 coats for this mani.
    I layered this beautiful glitter over Pure Ice All Nighter. I used 2 coats for this french tip, before applying the glitter polish. I really enjoy this polish. I'm not a huge red fan, but this such a perfect mix of red and burgundy. This is also available at Walmart for about $2. I topped all with a coat of OPI Top Coat.

Happy Beautifying Lovelies!!

Tag... Would You Rather?

 I stole this from The Ice Queen, and thought it'd be fun for Monday Blog Hop =)

1. Would you rather lose your lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, eyeliners or all of your eye shadows and palettes?

I'm going to say, lipsticks. I have lipsticks, love lipsticks, but out all mentioned I use them the least. I love my eye products way too much to part with them.


2. Would you rather chop off all of your hair and not be able to grow it or never be able to cut it, again?

OMG, I'd rather never cut it again. I am growing my hair out now. It's probably the longest it's been since 2nd grade. I hope I never cut it short again!


3. Would you rather only have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Geez, I don't know. I'd like to say pink, but my fave blush (Luminoso) is sort of coraly. So I guess I'll go with coral.


4. If you had $1,000 to spend would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

These questions are too hard. I hope I get an A+ haha. I'm going to go with clothes. Clothes are so much fun to buy (not that makeup isn't) and I bet I could buy an entire Goodwill with a grand.


5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eye liner or eye liner as lipstick?

What? That's just weird, I don't think either would work. Lipstick as eyeliner is my vote.


6. Would you rather only be able to shop at Sephora or MAC?

I've never shopped MAC in my life. While there are a few things I covet from MAC, I'm defiantly going with Sephora. Much bigger brand selection.


7. Would you rather wear only one eye shadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

Lip color, hands down. I wear different eyeshadow daily.

8. Would you rather wear Winter clothes in Summer or Summer clothes in Winter?

Summer clothes in winter. I love my cardigans and boots, but I like dresses and shorts way better :P


9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year around?

Bright nails all the way. I love, love, love me some bright nail polish!


10. Would you rather give up your favourite eye product or your favourite lip product?

Lip product. I don't necessarily have a fave lip product, so I don't know what it would be. I'm an eye product junkie, as you all know.


11. Would you rather be able to only wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

I want to say pony tail, I really do. But my go-to is always a messy bun.


12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lip gloss?

I couldn't give up painting my nails. Ever. I will be 85, and painting my nails. Guarantee it. Look me up in 60 years =)


13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or Sharpie them in, every day?

Oh Lord. I'm in the throws of an eyebrow situation right now. Damn you tweezers for letting me pluck the hell out of my eyebrows! I wish daily I could just tattoo them on LOL. I'd rather Sharpie them in everyday than have none.


14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

The dilemma of my life haha. I guess I'd rather give up nail polish, but it wouldn't be without a fight! I need my makeup to feel like a functioning member of society. Losing all my makeup... the very idea makes me vomit in my mouth a little.


So, did I get an A+?? =) Hope you all had fun getting to know me a little bit. Happy Monday!

5 Products I Use Daily

    I saw Emily (from Beauty Broadcast) do this post a couple weeks ago, and thought I'd put myself to the test. This was actually pretty hard, because I change things up almost daily. So I challenged myself to determine 5 products I use EVERY single day.

1. Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse foundation. Are you sick of me talking about this yet? haha. This is my Holy Grail foundation. I love it, and have already repurchased. I love the coverage, the feeling, and how it applies. I will buy this again, and again, and again.
2. Rimmel Match Perfection concealer. I really enjoy this. I like that it is a liquid, it comes with a built in brush, and it covers well. I will repurchase (soon, I'm almost out).
3. Sephora Eyebrow Pencil. I got this on sale for $1, and since it was clearanced out, will probably not be able to repurchase. I friggled up my brows quite a few months ago, so the need help daily. LOL
4. Mary Kay Mineral Powder. I use this, and this only, for 3 straight years as my foundation. I now use it to set my face. However, it is $18. My MK rep is out of the biz now, so I will not be buying it anymore. Not that I dislike it, I'm just going to try something new, and cheaper. I've purchased Dream Matte Powder, and am going to give that a whirl.
5. NYC Sunny bronzer. Another one I never shut up about. I rarely use another bronzer, and it's always in conjunction with this one. I usually use it to contour, but sometimes use it alone. I love that it's not orange looking, and it is a matte finish.

*Honorable Mention* ELF Eyelid Primer.  I use this 99% of the time, but sometimes I do use my Urban Decay Primer Potion, or something different. This product is a great buy for only $1.

What are your 5 Daily Products?? Happy beautifying lovelies!

My Look: Peasant Soup

I found a couple of good finds at Goodwill the other day. This shirt was $1.50, as were my shoes. I usually don't find anything good at my Goodwill, so it was a good day. I really like this peasant top, I think it's super cute =)

Top: Forever 21 via Goodwill (brand new)

Jeans: SO by Kohls (1+ years old)

Shoes: Rampage via Goodwill (brand new)

Detail of my top

Has anyone else found anything good at Goodwill lately?

I'm A Dirty, Rotten, Little Cheater....

    No, this has nothing to do with my husband LOL. I'm supposed to be on a 6 week no-buy. Reason being: I'm off work for the next 6, well 5 now, weeks. What am supposed to do when the hubbs gives me money for shopping?? I can't turn it down, so I cheated. I cheated on my no-buy. Oh the shame! I'm hanging my head, and hiding my tail between my legs now.

So what did I get?

At Walmart:

• Wet n Wild nail polish - Wild Card
• Wet n Wild nail polish - Night Prowl
• Wet n Wild nail polish - Bijou Blue
• Wet n Wild nail polish - Blue Moon
• Wet n Wild 8 pan palette - Petal Pusher

At Rite- Aid:

• Revlon nail polish - No Shrinking Violet (75% off)
• Revlon nail polish - Plum Night (75% off)
• Revlon Lip Butter - Peach Parfait
• Revlon Lip Butter - Berry Smoothie (Buy 1 get 1 50% off)

    I've been dying to try the Lip Butters. I LOVE them! I've worn both of them already today, and I can't decide which one I like better. I know I have a couple more on my Lust List, but I'm pretty sure I want them ALL. Sad, I know.
    So there's my little cheating haul. Do I feel real guilt? Hell to the no. haha

If All My Makeup Disappeared....

What 10 items would I repurchase??

My Look: Warm and Cozy

Green With Envy

     I don't believe I've ever worn plain green eye shadow before. Hmmm... nope, don't think I have. I have this Wet n Wild single in Envy that I've been wanting to try, so I decided now is the time! I also used my Comfort Zone palette again today (love!) This is what I came up with....