review and swatches: the jaclyn hill palette

There was so much hype. Everyone and their mother was obsessing over the Jaclyn Hill palette from Morphe from the moment it launched. And continued to rave about it with each and every re-stock. Not to mention its recent appearance at Ulta stores. Basically....every makeup obsessed person seemed to have this palette or want to have this palette. I fell into the latter category.

highlight series part two: hard candy vs revlon

There is nothing like a stunning highlight to complete your makeup look. It instantly adds a gorgeous glow to the skin....either in a subtle way or in an over-the-top-glitter kind of way. These days? There are a million different highlighting options on the market. That includes everything from high-end highlighting kits (from Becca and Anastasia Beverly Hills) to drugstore offerings. The latter has really branched out lately. More and more brands are releasing their own shimmering highlights. 

highlight series part one: wear highlighter like a pro

Beauty products may come and go…. but highlighter is forever. That glow? That buzzed about skin? Nothing can compare! Which is why every professional makeup artist has at least one or two highlighters in their kit. The same goes for makeup lovers. These days, highlighting products are everywhere. You can pick them up from MAC, Sephora, and even your nearest Wal-Mart store. This is one beauty item that is an absolute must. Especially if you are after beautiful, radiant skin this fall and winter. Looking to add a highlighter to your makeup routine? Everything you need to know is right here.....

but now you're gone....i'm just a daydreamer.

I still remember the first time I laid eyes on him. It was a sleepy Sunday morning and I was flipping through TV channels aimlessly. No one else was awake....so I had the luxury of choosing anything I wanted. There were too many options. Until I landed on a re-run of The Partridge Family, that is. As a fan of 70s television shows, it seemed a logical choice. Plus, I had a vague memory of watching the show with my mom when I was very very young. All was going well and then bam! David Cassidy walked onto the screen. My heart skipped a beat. My breath caught in my throat. By the time he started to sing (in that red velvet jumpsuit), I had fallen, hook, line and sinker. Yes, that was the day that I fell in love with a 70s icon.

wet n wild coloricon loose pigments: yay or nay?

It isn't often that limited edition Wet n Wild products are available where I live. Every once and a while, there will be a small, understated stand with a handful of products. But most of the time? There is very little. Which is a shame, since Wet n Wild is such a standout drugstore brand. They have a ton of fabulous products. In fact, almost everything that I have tried from them has been fantastic quality. Especially their eyeshadows! So of course, when I saw a tiny little stand of limited edition Wet n Wild Halloween themed makeup, I went for it. In addition to the cream face palette that appeared in my Halloween post (it helped me create this Sally-inspired look) there were also a couple of loose pigments to choose from.

zaful review: fashion, makeup, and accessories

It gives me a thrill. Opening up the mailbox to see a package full of new clothes, makeup, and accessories from Zaful. A flurry of questions instantly run through my mind, like: What is inside? Will everything fit? Will I fall in love with it all? That feeling of giddy anticipation essentially sums up my typical experience of online shopping. While I do not enjoy the waiting part (I am someone who struggles with patience), I do enjoy the moment when it arrives. A little while ago, I placed an order with Zaful that included a sweater, sweatshirt, two chokers, and a makeup palette.

shopping my stash: too faced power of makeup palette

Sometimes I forget. I'll fall into a routine of using the same eyeshadow palettes for a while, then mix it up, and fall back into that same habit. The reason for this is pretty simple: I forget what I have. Unless there is a specific idea that has popped into my head, a palette I've remembered, or I actually have time to dig through my collection (for a special occasion rather than a quick-and-easy everyday look), then I am likely to stick to my trusted favourites. As a result? Amazing palettes don't get nearly enough use. One of my resolutions from this past year was to change that. To focus on using more of what I have. Which is how I found myself doing another self-imposed shop my stash challenge.

if you can't stop thinking about it...buy it.

Shopping and travel are two of my favourite pastimes. Every once and a while? Those loves are combined. That happened recently when my mom and I took a shopping bus tour to Eerie, Pennsylvania. We actually took this same trip last year and had such a great time that we decided to go again! Essentially, it is a three-day trip, full of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Since the holiday season is quickly approaching (can you believe it?!) this seemed like the perfect time to share a little bit of my experience with you all. And hopefully inspire you with your own seasonal shopping. Here goes....

achieving happy and healthy skin.

You’ve heard it before. Taking care of your skin is a must! It is the best way to look beautiful! There is no doubt about it. Proper skincare is important. Which is exactly why magazines publish article after article about the dangers of not washing your face, not using the right products, and so on. (Which only manages to create serious feelings guilt when you leave your makeup on overnight!) Lately, I have been thinking about my own habits. In terms of both nutrition and my regular skincare routine.

kate hudson: love it or leave it?

There are few actresses in Hollywood that are as charismatic as Kate Hudson. She has a way of lighting up the screen. Or red carpet. Or really anywhere she happens to be. It is a rare quality that leave me in awe...and has made her one of my favourite actresses. In addition to loving her on-screen work, her books Pretty Happy and Pretty Fun are both full of positivity, solid life advice, and joy. A little while back, Kate dazzled at the amfAR Inspiration Gala in Beverly Hills. She showed up wearing a black and white dress by David Koma, and reactions have been mixed. On that note! Are you ready for another installment of love it or leave it?

i'm not getting old. i'm getting better.

I love birthdays. While many of my peers cringe at the thought of another year gone by, there are few things I look forward to more than my birthday. I guess I’m a bit of a birthday brat – even now. There’s a reason for it! I have a twin brother, so growing up we always shared our birthday parties, cake, and sometimes even our presents. Once I was old enough to organize my own birthday celebrations, I went full force. I invited every single one of my friends out to dinner, organized themed get togethers, and spent the entire month of October in blissful anticipation. It felt good to celebrate my birthday my way.

review: gosh long lasting eye liner pen

Everyone has that one makeup product. You know, that total must-have. The one product that goes with you when you travel, is tossed into your beauty bag, and is a key part of each and every look you create. For some, that is lipstick. Others are obsessed with mascara. Me? My obsession is eyeliner. Always always eyeliner. This is the perfect way to add definition to the eyes and transform an ordinary makeup look into something spectacular. Recently, I was able to try out a few new eyeliner pens from Gosh Cosmetics. Are they good? Bad? Somewhere in between? It is time to find out.

designer spotlight: celebrating betsey johnson

We all have that one designer. The one you simply cannot get enough of. The one you keep up with, follow on Instagram, and anxiously await new designs from. For me, that designer is and has always been, Betsey Johnson. Her fun personality matches her equally fun, bold, and creative designs. She is an icon in her own right. With over forty-five years in the industry, there is no denying her talent. With such an incredible career and legacy behind her…. it is time to take a step back and celebrate all things Betsey.