NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

Hellllloo world!

I hope everyone has been enjoying their long President's Day weekend! Here in Massachusetts, the snow is burying us! We have gotten over 90 inches of snow! There is literally no where else for them to put the snow! Since we are snowed in, I thought it would be the perfect time to get another review in! Let's jump right into it!

(Ollie, our adopted beagle mix puppy, seems to be the only one who likes the snow)

NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette n

(The holiday packaging is just absolutely stunning!)

Summary: 

- Limited edition, holiday cheek palette with 2 blush colors exclusive to this palette

- Three beautiful blushers, one highlighting blusher, and one large bronzing powder

- Still available exclusively at Sephora here for $65.00!

(Perfect size for travel!)

When I first saw this palette, I was lusting after it for a while, so when I received a gift card for Amazon during Christmas last year, I searched until I found one and ordered it immediately! I will admit, it is a bit smaller than I initially thought it would be, but it does make it convenient for travel for light packing. Now, this palette was released in 2014 as a holiday palette, but is still available because of the varying mixed reviews of the palette.

(The palette contains {top row, bottom row, then bronzer} Miss Liberty, Deep Throat, Sex Fantasy, Final Cut, Laguna Bronzer)

In the pan, the colors look absolutely gorgeous! With three blushers, one highlighting blusher, and a bronzer, this palette makes for a great travel palette, but I believe it is better suited for fair to light-medium skin tones. The colors are as follows, from top row to bottom row and then the bronzer: Miss Liberty (a beautiful peachy-beige color with silver shimmer), Deep Throat (peach with shimmer), Sex Fantasy (matte pale lavendar pink), Final Cut (matte peach coral), and Laguna (medium brown with gold shimmer). 

(Looks absolutely gorgeous in the palette case)

(Swatches from top row, bottom row, and bronzer)

I, like many others, have found that this palette, for some reason, is not as pigmented as a single pan of blush from NARS, except for Final Cut and Deep Throat, which actually have really nice saturation and did apply easily. To even get these swatches for the other ones though, I had to go over a few times, especially the Laguna bronzer, which I was surprised about because I had heard such rave reviews about it. The Sex Fantasy was the color I was most disappointed in. Although it has a beautiful soft lavender color to it, the consistency was a bit more chalky and couldn't be worn alone as a blusher. I normally do mix more than one blush to get a more natural look, but this was one that MUST be mixed with another blush. Once you pick up enough of the product though, the colors are quite stunning. I think that Laguna would also be wonderful for those who are very fair skinned (like my pale self), who need to add a little bit of color to their skin without getting too muddy or too warm. 

Conversely, with the Miss Liberty highlighting blusher, I find this highlight to be a little too obvious, because of the silver shimmer and would only reserve it for holiday looks or used as an eyeshadow. It all comes down to personal preference, but generally, I prefer to use a highlighter that adds a sheen and healthy glow, rather than more of a glittery shimmer. What do you guys think? I think for the price and overall quality, as well as the holiday packaging, this palette was a good investment, although I can understand why some people might be hesitant to try it out, but I'm happy with my investment. Let me know what you think about this palette if you have it and until next time...

Peace and Love, 

Farrah <3

Urban Decay NAKED On the Run palette

Helllllo world!

Ugh, another day sick at home, so I thought I would try and get another blog post out. This one is on the limited edition Urban Decay's NAKED On The Run palette. As soon as I saw it floating around on Instagram, I knew I had to have it, so the first gift card I got, I ran out to get it! This is a little bit about my experience with it.

Urban Decay NAKED On The Run (Limited Edition) palette

(Look at her, in all her glory. The packaging is amazing!)

Summary:

- Limited edition palette with one mascara, one eye pencil, one lipgloss, six eyeshadows (although I like to use the larger one as a highlight), one bronzer, and one blush.
- Great assortment of colors for a day and night time look
- All colors except the mascara are new colors, exclusive to this palette!
- Get it while you an at Sephora here for $54.00!

(Much bigger than I thought it would be)

When I first laid eyes on this palette and held it in my hands, I was surprised at how large the palette actually is, which has it's pros and cons. I like that the pans of eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and highlighter are actually large enough to get your finger or a brush into, and how large the mirror is, but I think the areas that hold the mascara, eye pencil, and lip gloss could have even been made into a drawer under the shadows to make it more compact. Aesthetically speaking, I do like the layout of the palette as is, because I have a really large slouch purse, but I know other people had issues with the size. I also love that this palette closes magnetically.

(Such an amazing idea for those times when you run out of the house without makeup!)

Included in this palette are: Perversion mascara in Blackest Black; 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Stag; lipgloss in the color Sesso; eyeshadows (from left to right) in Dive (metallic rosy color with gold shimmer), Fix (matte taupe color), Resist (metallic darker taupe), Dare (matte medium brown), and Stun (metallic bronze with gold shimmer); a matte medium bronzer; bright pink with light shimmer blush; and a larger eyeshadow in 5050 (satin cool bisque) which I like to use as a highlight.

I am still on the fence of whether or not I like the Perversion mascara. It is really moist (gah- I know most people hate that word), glides on the lashes really well, and is quite black, but it doesn't add any curl to the lashes, even after an eyelash curler is used. According to Sephora's website, the mascara contains a blend of amino acids and proteins called Hairdensyl which stimulates lash growth, but I can't say that I notice any difference. At any rate, it's a great black mascara to coat the lashes to add that extra sexiness to your look.

(Stag 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and most amazing lipgloss in Sesso)

The 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils from Urban Decay are among my favorite liners for my waterline. They don't budge when you apply them! The Eye Pencil that comes with this palette is in the color Stag, which is a dark brown with a hint of shimmer). I love that they included a brown and not a black because I feel brown is easier for daytime looks for a wider range of men and women. It also applies so smoothly, so its gentle enough for the waterline and above the lashline.

Along with this palette is also comes the Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Sesso. I looove this color! It's like a beautiful slightly mauve-rose color with a bit of shimmer to it. It glides on nicely, and adds a nice glossy look with color to the lips, but isn't sticky. Although this color is limited, you can still replace it with any of the other lip glosses, because this one does come in a full-size. You can even buy the Perversion mascara in a travel size from Sephora to replace that one.

(Eyeshadow swatches from bottom to top- Dive, Fix, Resist, Dare, Stun)

Honestly, I love these eyeshadows. I will admit that they are not as pigmented as I would have liked them to be, but I like to use my fingers with them and they pick up enough product. It's true, with my fingers I can't do a very fancy look, but minimal blending is possible. I love Fix (the matte taupe) as a transition color, but my favorite lid color is Dive (the metallic rose). It's so beautiful and actually the most pigmented of the five. Overall, the five shadows work really nicely together for a transition from a day look to a night look.

(From top to bottom:  the 5050 eyeshadow that I like to use as a highlighter, the bright blush with shimmer, and medium bronzer)

(Another view of the 5050 eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer)

Initially, I thought that the larger eyeshadow, 5050, was a highlighter, and have been using it as such, so that's probably how I am going to keep using it, not that there are any rules in makeup, right? It's hard to show the true shimmer of it, but it's a really nice, soft bisque. The blush is a beautiful, bright, cool toned pink that has a slight shimmer in it, and I think it would be flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. The bronzer is also a basic, matte medium brown, but it's nice for fair to medium tones to add a bit of color.

All in all, despite the size of the palette and the eye shadows not being as pigmented as I initially would have liked, I really do like the palette and already used a few times to save my face from being too bare. This is great for travel, too, especially if you are trying to pack a light assortment of makeup. Well, until next time...

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- a review of Oxblood and Barbeque

Hellllo world!

I was so looking forward to enjoying this quiet weekend home with my husband, but alas, I woke up with a cold yesterday, ruining my ideal break. To top it off, I even had food poisoning last night! I just can't win! But anyways, onwards and upwards, right? This post is a review on just two products from the absolutely stunning Isabel and Ruben Toledo collaboration with MAC Cosmetics. The collection includes various beautiful eyeshadow palettes, stunning lipstick and lipglass shades, nailpolish, vibrant mascara and eyeliner colors, ombre blushes, as well as a powder blush and makeup bag. I am so in love with the package design and wish I could have added more to my collection, but I'm saving up for IMATS NY 2015 (my first time!).

(This image of Isabel and Ruben Toledo for their collaboration with MAC really reflects their playful nature)

So who are Isabel and Ruben Toledo? Some of you may look at the packaging and say to yourself, 'That work looks vaguely familiar'... Well, if you've ever been in a Nordstrom, Barney's NY, or Louis Vuitton, then you've likely seen the incredible art of Ruben Toledo. His work is just so unique, flowing, and a reflection of his own eccentric love of life. Isabel Toledo is a gorgeous fashion designer whom creates her own fashion line, and even was the creative director for Anne Klein in 2006. She and Ruben work very closely together on projects and often collaborate.

(Ruben Toledo for Nordstrom. Don't you wish this painting was in your house??)

(Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant. How stunning and classy is this ensemble??)

(The elegant and lovely Cuban-American couple working together.)

Now that you all know a bit more about the amazing Toledos, let's jump right into the reviews!

MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood and Barbeque

 Summary:

- Limited Edition collection with gorgeous packaging featuring the art of Ruben Toledo
- Six beautiful shades that come in a matte finish
- If you haven't already, you really should pick up one of the lipsticks at MAC's website here for $17.50 (includes free shipping!)

(The two colors I had to pick up! Who knows if I will go back for more...)

(Absolutely stunning work by Ruben Toledo)

  I have been SO excited about this collection ever since I heard it was coming out, and it not only delivered, but blew my expectations away! The Toledos and their chemistry really come out in this collection. According to the video of the Toledos made by MAC, they were given free artistic reign to pick and design the colors and the packaging, which I could not be happier with. When you open your package and see the lipstick box, you are instantly wowed by the beautiful line work and faces by Ruben Toledo. When you open the box, you can even see that the inside of the box is filled with Ruben's signature flowing line work. Now you get to the actual makeup bullet, and holy macaroni. The packaging of the bullet has a sort of matte velvety finish to it that just feels so luxurious. Once again, another detail reflecting the style of the Toledos.

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Oxblood)

(MAC Cosmetics Toledo Collection- Barbeque)

(Swatches in natural daylight. Can you tell why Oxblood is sold out everywhere??)

The finish of the lipsticks is a matte finish, but it applies so smoothly, whereas some matte lipsticks can be tough to spread across the lips. It goes without saying that the lipstick shades are GORGEOUS, but Oxblood, in particular, had been a huge fan favorite. My first order I placed, I just got Barbeque, but was instantly regretting not getting Oxblood, so I hopped back on to get one, but it was sold out! Luckily, Macy's and Nordstrom were getting the Toledo collection as well, so at 5:30 AM, I quickly ran to my phone and ordered two! Thank goodness I did, because Oxblood is now sold out everywhere! You might get lucky and find it in a MAC store, but I wouldn't bet my bottom dollar on that, either.

As for the two colors I chose: Oxblood and Barbeque, I am just in LOVE with these colors. When I first heard the name Oxblood, I expected it to be a deep burgundy red, but was pleasantly surprised to see a sort of mauvy-peachy nude. It really is a gorgeous color, and I have seen some Instagrammers liken it to MAC's Kinda Sexy, but slightly more brown toned. Barbeque is described as a "vivid orange red" on MAC's website, and I do agree with that description, and for some reason, I really do think of barbeque sauce in a way. Strange? Anyways, if you haven't picked up SOMETHING from this collection, you will regret it. And who wants to pay double or triple on eBay anyways, right? Well, until next time... enjoy this interview with the Toledos!

Peace and Love,

Farrah <3

Current favorite highlighters

Helllllo world! 

So, since around the end of 2013 'til now, we have been seeing a growing popularity in highlighting and contouring (and hallelujah for that!). As I continue to learn about makeup and the different methods of application, I learn that there is never a dull moment! With contouring and highlighting, one is taking a person's face and adding shadow to shape the form of the face with contouring, and with highlighting, one is bringing forward the high points of the face and where light naturally hits the face, such as the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and the part of the forehead just above the bridge of the nose. Since learning about highlighting and contouring, I can't see myself NOT contouring and highlighting in my every day makeup. I have a very round face, like my father, so I was so happy to learn that I could "enhance" my faintly visible cheekbones. But we will get to contouring another day. For today's reviews, I am sharing the highlighters that I use most now and why I love them so much! 

(from left to right- MAC Cosmetics Soft and Gentle, The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, Estee Lauder Heat Wave)

MAC Cosmetics Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

(My very first highlighter! I'm a big girl now!)

(Gorgeous gilded peachy bronze goodness)

(Taken in front of my window)

(Taken in natural daylight, but farther away from the window)

Summary: 

- Gilded peach bronze highlighter with frost finish

- Slightly dry texture, but looks beautiful on all skin tones with the right application

- Pick yours up at MAC's online store here for $32.00!

This was my very first highlighter! When I first got it from MAC, I was like, ugh, this feels like chalk, but the color payoff was SO nice, so I thought I would give it a try. It’s not very pigmented, but the right brush picks up enough of the product. Plus, it had the approval of @Jaclyn Hill, so how bad could it be, right? I will admit though, it took me a while to warm up to this highlighter, because I do feel that it can come off “ashy” sometimes with the wrong look/makeup. After I kept reading rave reviews about it, I decided to give it a second chance and see how I felt about it. I’m glad I did, because I really did start to fall in love with it. Even with how much I use now, it barely looks like it has been used because a little goes a long way. This is the highlighter I grab when I want something more than a sheen on the high points of my face, but I don’t want it to be too shimmery. Soft and Gentle is a really great balance between the two.

 The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

(My first product from The Balm)

(Beautiful champagne color and SO pigmented!)

(This is in front of the window and with one swipe to swatch)

(Taken farther away from the window. Still so pigmented against my pale skin)

Summary: 

- Stunning honey-champagne color that can be used as an eyeshadow as well

- The most pigmented highlighter of the four

- Grab one on The Balm's website here for $24.00!

Whenever someone asks me for a highlighter recommendation, without thinking, I blurt out “The Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer!”. This highlighter is SO pigmented and so versatile! Even if you just dab your finger into the pan, you will pick up a good amount of product. It's honey, champagne color looks wonderful on the skin and applies effortlessly. A tiny pinch of it in the corner of your eyes will open up your whole look. I picked up mine on Hautelook, where I first heard of it, and I will say that The Balm has their products listed on there a lot for a discounted price, so if you are hesitant at all (although you really shouldn't be!), you can always get it there for a more inexpensive price. Either way, you will thank yourself for buying this highlighter! It is a must for my kit! 

Estee Lauder Heat Wave Illuminating Powder Gelee

(My beautiful Heat Wave! The lid has seen better days.)

(Looking like rays of sunshine!)

(It looks more bronze in the pan, but applies a beautiful, warm  gold with just a hint of bronze.)

(Taken in front of the window. I mean, c'mon now, right??)

(Taken farther away and still so pigmented!)

Summary: 

- Limited edition golden bronzy highlighter

- So creamy and applies with ease on the face

- This might be harder to find, but try eBay or look on Instagram to see if anyone is selling one! 

I first heard about this amazing gold dust from Instagram, namely from the beautiful @Amrezy. When I first heard about it and started researching it, not only did I find that it was a limited edition highlighter, but it was already out of new production at Estee Lauder! (@#%#^%) right?? Well, to my unbelievable surprise- I found out that the Cosmetics Company Store had some in stock! When I swatched it for the first time on my hand it just looked like the most perfect warm, goldy sheen. I snatched up three immediately! I also found that this highlighter applies and blends very smoothly. It’s not super creamy, but it’s not a dryer texture like Soft and Gentle, either. Since selling out at the CCS, prices have really gone up on eBay, but if you find yourself in a position to get your hands on his highlighter, you won’t be disappointed! If not, also hakuna matata, because there have been a bunch of new golden highlighters that are becoming popular (Angel Merino's new makeup line Artist Couture's Diamond Glow Powder might have something comparable, although they are loose powders). I will try to get my hands on some to review them, but for me, this is the gem that started the gold highlight craze. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

(My daily highlighter)

(Such a beautiful trio)

(The light ones were swatched a few times to show on my fair skin, but they apply beautifully)

(Taken farther away from the window)

Summary: 

- Gorgeous trio consisting of the colors Dim Light, Incandescent Light (exclusive only to this trio), and Radiant Light

- Great for a variety of skin tones that can be covered by the three colors

- Pick yours up at Sephora's online store here for $58.00!

I had seen so many lovely and delicate highlights on Instagram that I decided to splurge and get this palette! I will say, although the price is a bit steep, it is well worth it, especially if you are a makeup artist or even for when you tan or are more fair, depending on the time of the year. I personally use the Incandescent Light most often, but when I am a wee bit darker, I like to mix it in with Dim Light. I love this highlight trio the best because it resembles natural light the most. For work, I like to use this one when I'm going for something more minimal, in the sense of being not as obvious. It really adds the perfect glow to the face and although the price might seem hefty at first, it is well worth it. Also, if you aren't sold on buying all three shades, you can always pick up a single Ambient Lighting Powder for $45.00 here. The single shades also come in a larger size. Either way, get ready for some major luminescence!

I'm always on the hunt for a great highlighter, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Please comment below and/or let me know if you guys also love these ones! Until next time!

Peace and Love, 

Farrah <3