Sephora Haul

March 5, 20153 Comments

HEY YO.

Like the new shirt? I mean, I WISH it were true. But for me, it’s more like “Leftover donuts, Crystal Light & Merona” HAHaaaaaa.

Here’s a startling fact for you: 95% of the time I go into a Sephora I don’t buy anything. Makeup addiction is very real and very serious. It is my drug. So for me, a trip to Sephora is more than just a store with shelves, it is cathartic. I go around, picking things up, inspecting them, and gently setting them down. I swatch. I spritz. I dig my finger into sparkly eye shadows on accident and quickly walk away. But I rarely buy. WHY? You may ask. Because I’m not an idiot, that’s why.

For starters, I own a lot of drugstore and I WELL AWARE of what items I can get away with and what I cannot. For example, I go through 1 tube of mascara practically every month, so no, I am NOT shelling out $30 a tube. But for things like foundation, certain skincare items and face powder (the ‘jeans’ of your makeup bag if you will) I’ll do what I need to do.

For this trip, I desperately needed 2 of the items and the third item I admittedly have been lusting after for EVER. So here’s what I got:

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Suprisingly, Sephora stores only carry a handful of lash curlers. The Sephora brand almost had me, due to the bright colored ones but I asked a Sephora girl and she told me the Shiseido was her fave. I usually do not rely (and neither should you) on the girls (and boys) at Sephora. I ALWAYS do my homework on these things and will spend lots of time hunting down the best for the cheapest, but this time, I just need a GD eyelash curler so I went with the recommendation. I’ve only had this for a few days and while it is a little difficult to maneuver and I end up pinching my eyelid a lot, the curl is ON FLEEK! Like, I can point ‘em to the sky if I want and yes, I do curl the absolute bejesus out of them.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream

I love that this is called a “sleeping cream”. When I put it on I’m like, “Okay, self! Time to go to sleep!”. Last month, I purchased a random hydrating product from a (new to me) brand called Hada Labo Tokyo. I read about it in Allure, and it won some award and the gals in China buy like 15 tubes and basically bathe in it. It says “Super Hylaronic Acid” (which is AMAZING for your skin) and it was $18, so….I bought it. And it’s aight. The only issue I have with it is that the product itself is a clear liquid, and I was expecting a cream. So after I put it on, my skin doesn’t feel super hydrated. Anyways, let me END this saga for you. I bought the sleeping cream for $38 and so far – it is realllly nice!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Boy, I have wanted this concealer forever. Except then I bought Bye Bye Undereye from It Cosmetics, which I still like, but it is quite heavy. So when I ran out of the Mac Pro- Long Wear (which is AMAZING) I decided to finally give the Nars a shot. And you guys – it is just wonderful. It is not as much coverage as Mac, but it lays beautifully under the eyes and it ten times faster to apply. With the Mac or the Bye Bye, I have to use a beauty blender, but with the Nars, all I do is apply it directly to my eye and pat it out with my ring finger. It is SO fast and SO pretty. I still set with translucent powder and the staying power is really nice.

All for now kitties! What things should I try from Sephora next!? Let me know!

My Favorite Foundations

February 6, 20151 Comment

GIRD YER LOINS everyone.

I am coming atcha today with a plethora of information. We will be talking foundation, and lots of it but first, a disclaimer…

I have normal to dry skin. My skin concerns are dark spots, small lines and dullness. Please consider this information while reading my thoughts on various foundations and bear in mind that what works for me may not work for you.

OKAY! On to the fun stuff.

Given my skin type and concerns, I tend to steer clear of mineral or powder foundations and anything with the word “matte” or “oil control”. I prefer a natural, satin or a dewy finish liquid foundation, which seems to work best for me.

Light to Medium Coverage

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Tinted Moisturizer $75

In the summer time, I am all about a nice little tinted moisturizer. I’ll admit I haven’t tested iotas of various brands, but this one from Trish McEvoy is vury nice. I like to apply it with a flat foundation brush and kindof paint it on, rather than buffing it in. This one has an SPF of 30 and lots of antioxidants so I feel really healthy when I use it. The coverage is really pretty good for a tinted moisturizer and it just feels amazing on the skin. Pricey, sure but I think it’s worth the investment, plus the bottle is a good size.

Guerlain Super Aqua-Serum BB+ Hydra Beauty Balm Instant Hydration $75

A friggen’ mouthful, this is. And it’s also really expensive. But this stuff is SO amazing for my skin. I can apply this with either a foundation brush or my fingers and I love the way it feels SO moisturizing but also provides a nice coverage. I find that my skin feels hydrated all day long and makes me look more youthful.

Medium Coverage

L’Oreal True Match Lumi $12.99

L’oreal is easily my favorite drugstore brand and this foundation is one of the stand-outs for me. I love this foundation for everyday and I like to apply it with my Real Techniques Expert Face brush. I find that it lasts decently and provides beautiful, natural-looking coverage. If you’re not in to the dewy face, try this stuff in the original formula because it’s great too.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation $45

I feel so late to the game with this stuff but OH LORD is it nice. I prefer using the Beauty Blender to apply this and I find I get a lovely, airbrushed-yet-luminous look. I never thought a foundation could make me so happy…but this stuff does.

Medium to Full

Dior Skin Star Foundation

I have mutual feelings of adoration as I do for Nars Sheer Glow for this little sucker. The first time I wore this foundation I felt like a movie star and I KNOW THAT SOUNDS SO CHEESY. But it’s true. The brand boasts that it’s “Inspired by the professional illuminating techniques and expertise of its makeup artists” but like, they ain’t lying. This foundation is beautiful, luxurious and provides wonderful coverage without looking cakey. I would definitely recommend using the Beauty Blender with this one again, to achieve that airbrushed look.

Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation $47

This one is definitely full-coverage for me. You might be surprised at it’s inclusion here because this one is popular with the oily gals – but I like it. I find it photographs really nicely and although it is quite thick in texture, it blends wonderfully into the skin. Additionally, a little goes a long way, so it could last you a long time. I have applied this with both a Beauty Blender and a buffing brush and love the effect I get with either.

New Makeup and Beauty Items!

January 22, 20151 Comment

Ohh hi.

So I was thinking that it is HIGH TIME I update y’all with the majestic wonders I have procured over the past month. With Christmas and my wretched birthday both being in the recent past, I have received a handful of new things worthy of many a blog post. So let’s get started.

Too Faced Le Belle Carousel Set

Mother Nan begrudgingly gave me this for my birthday. I say begrudgingly because Nan doesn’t get why any human needs more than 2 eyeshadow palettes. But this palette? This one is different. First of all, let us admire the packaging. I MEAN. A pink, sparkly, carnival-themed container of multiple shadows, blushes and bronzers? I die.

I have used everything in this set, other than the mascara and I have come to the conclusion that Too Faced shadows are amazing. They are super pigmented, blend like a dream and are long-wearing. Both of the blush/bronzer duos are to die for and I find myself reaching for Luminous Peach on more than one occasion.

Overall, this set gets an A++ from me!

Chanel Camélia de Plumes Powder

This powder is what dreams are made of. I imagine myself as a close personal friend of the Olson twins, who goes out for drinks in Soho wearing vintage Halston and a deep, red lip. I stick strictly to La Mer and when I feel the need to gussy, I accentuate my high cheek bones with a little Chanel Camélia.

In reality – it is my prized possession. It is the crown jewel at my vanity table. The MVP, the star. It lays nestled among tubes of $1.99 Wet’n’Wild lipstick purchased five years ago. Next to several dried-up mascaras and picture frames that need dusting, it stands alone, shining like the North Star in our little extra bedroom, strewn with un-folded laundry and too many throw pillows. I may not lead the chicest of lives – but when I use this powder…I’m just SO glam.

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush

My amazing friend Danny (otherwise known as Unicorn Queen) gave me this for Christmas and I am so excited to do a review. Being a stranger to the popular Clarisonic, I have no clue how I am going to like this so if you have one let me know!

New Lush Goodies

Candy Mountain Bubble Bar and Dragon’s Egg Bath Bomb

Y’all know I am crazy for Lush and the Candy Mountain (also from Danny!) is among my favorites. I decided to pick up the Dragon’s Egg for myself on a recent trip because I’ve heard it’s a party in the bath.

*Also note that Lush came out with a UNICORN HORN for Valentine’s Day found here.

WAAAAAANT

Elizabeth & James Nirvana White Perfume

I have wanted this perfume ever since it hit Sephora last year. I have also heard that combining it with the Black version is quite scrumptious. This has become my signature scent since I got it and I looove that one of the main notes is peony which just happens to be my favorite flower!

Cargo Vintage Escape Fall Palette

Sister Megan gave this one for my birthday and these colors are truly magnificent. I love the combination of neutrals with some interesting pops of color. I will have to pay more attention to Cargo in the future!

Ole Henrikson 3 Little Wonders Gift Set

Homegirl is runnin quite low on her skin care these days, so right before Christmas, I decided to pick up this $22 set from Sephora to give some new products a whirl. I have heard good things about the Truth Serum from Kristin Gehm and wanted to try it for myself. The set also comes with an Invigorating Night Treatment and a moisturizer. So far, I am not overly impressed with any of the products but I will give a final review once I have finished all three.

Essence Gel Eye Pencil Waterproof

GUYS. I may have found my new favorite eye pencil. I still love my Nars Larger than Life Eye Pencil in Via Veneto but this one from Essence Cosmetics may in fact be better. And it was $2.99! It stays ALL DAY as eyeliner and the staying power in the water line aint bad at all. I find that NOTHING will stay in my water line or tight line all day, but this stuff is as good as I’ve found.

Annnd I think that’s it! What new things have YOU tried?

Christmas Happenings

December 11, 20141 Comment

Merrrrrrry Christmas everyone!

This being my first official year of being a bon-A-fied MRS., I decided to do Christmas cards. You know the ones. With the picture and the corny little design, usually from Tiny Prints, Shutterfly or in my case, Costco. I felt weird ordering them, it being just the two of us – no kid, no dog, but then I realized that we put on a wedding dammit! And those pictures aren’t doin’ much besides sitting inside albums so share them, we shall.

I encountered a Santa-themed bicycle troupe the other day whilst out shopping for wrapping paper. They were super annoying, but they had Mare Care blasting so it was all good. Sidenote: Where is all the cute wrapping paper? I MEAN. I finally threw in the towel and succumbed to a mediocre snowflake print but COME ON PEOPLE. Of course today I wandered into Paper Source and found the sweetest gift wrap that was ivory with gold polka dots a!na@#%k$@sdnjkawa.

Only in Portland

I friggen’ love The 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family. Last night they showed Elf and tonight, Christmas Vacation. Additionally, there is the option of The Mistle Tones starring Tia Mowry and of course my personal favorite, Holiday in Handcuffs. Oh MJH is just a gem.

And lastly, I might have to rescind my previous statements about my new favorite foundation. I may have found one I like even better…ok I’ll just tell you. Nars Sheer Glow! I mean, duh. How had I not tried this before? It is easily the most beautiful finish I’ve ever seen (if you like a dewy look). So HOT DOG!

All for now! Off to catch the 12 Dates of Christmas!

Gems of the Mac Holiday Collection

November 26, 2014Leave a comment

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Is everyone primed and ready to consume hoards of brown food!? I personally favor stuffing (out of the bird, please) and of course Pumpkin Dumpster, recipe found here.

But before we loosen our belts in favor of that extra slice of pumpkin pie and fake excitement over yet another year of half-priced Black Friday socks, let us pause. Let us give thanks for all that we have – our loved ones, our dear friends and of course…the Mac Holiday Collection.

I picked up a few things this time around and here are my thoughts thus far.

Packaging

True to beauty blogger form, I, like so many, am a huge sucker for packaging. Companies like Benefit, Too Faced, Tarte and many others appeal to us through the use of clever packaging, bright colors, cutesie names and even cuter displays. How many times have you ran out to get the latest eyeshadow palette simply because you thought it was cute, to come home and realize you already owned several, if not all the colors?

This year Mac walked that ever-so-fine line of combining chintzy elements like glitter and craft store pearls with a dash of sophistication to create packaging that is appealing to tweens and 30-year-olds alike.

Ruby Woo Trio

Outer box

I have yet to use any of these products but will report back once all are put through rigorous testing.

8 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes

Did you get anything from the Mac Holiday Collection? If so, let me know!

Your Basic Christmas List

November 20, 20142 Comments

It’ just about that time of year again!

And here at the Nash household, we do things right. I’ve got my Justin Bieber Christmas CD, new Martha Stewart red and white throw, and Frozen DVD waiting patiently for that most wonderful time of the year. The only thing this basic white girl needs now is a Christmas (and b-day) list fit for a queen! And probs a Chestnut Praline Latte.

So here it is! Behold a Christmas list brimming with frivolous goods and wares any gal might like. We’ve covered the main Christmas list “food groups” if you will, for all the pyramiders as well: B&B (bath and body), clothing, shoes, jewelry and OBVS meekup. What didn’t make the list were those strange personal quirky things, which are essential to any well-rounded Christmas list. For me, these items would include a Hobbit day planner, Hall Pass the movie (a classic), a PUPPY (pleeeease Bry!) or a large wedge of Cougar Gold cheese.

I think you get the idea :).

2014 Christmas List by natd08

Our Wedding: Makeup Edition

October 12, 20142 Comments

G’day gents.

And ladies :).

Today we shall discuss my wedding meekup, because really. What could be more important?

I realize for most, cosmetics are a frivolity. A necessary evil we need to achieve a certain amount of normalcy in our daily lives. A coat a’mascara, some skin-colored goop and it’s over.

But for me, makeup is more. WAY more.

It is the air I breathe. The sun upon my face (or maybe that’s just bronzer…). Call me what you will – believe me, Bryan has, but I just can’t get enough. So for me, the things I wore on my face for my wedding were a pretty big deal. And when things are a big deal to me, I tell YOU guys. The ones who get it. So without further adieu, here’s the rundown.

Skincare

The night before my wedding I knew I wanted to do two separate masks. So I started by washing my face with Purity, and then I immediately applied the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask. I let that sit for maybe 10 minutes and then rinsed it off with warm water. Then I applied the Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask (which repulses me both in smell AND texture) and let that sit another ten minutes. After rinsing that off, I spritzed with Mario Bedascu Rosewater Spray and applied my Boots No.7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream. Lastly, I used the Tarte Maracuja Oil Eye Cream.

In the morning I rinsed my face with hot AND cold then applied rosewater spray and a Kate Somerville moisturizer with NO SPF. Under my eyes, I applied the Origins Ginzeng Eye Cream.

Makeup

To start, I applied Hourglass primer all over my face and let that sink in. I then applied a generous amount of Makeup Forever HD Foundation in 20 all over my face using a damp Beauty Blender. After that, I sprayed a fine coat of Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist Foundation in shade 2 in segmented locations all over my face and waited 2 minutes to dry.

Under my eyes, I applied Bye Bye Undereye by It Cosmetics with the pointed end of the Beauty Blender in the upside down triangle formation. To set the under eye, I used Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Powder in Porcelain Pearl.

For eyes, I began by priming them with Primer Potion by Urban Decay. I then applied multiple smoky neutral colors from the Lorac Pro Palette to my eyelids and on my lower lash line. I used Mac’s Nylon as a highlight on the inner corner and my brow-bone. For eyeliner, I first used the Nars Larger Than Life Eye Pencil in Via Veneto. I topped that with the L’Oreal Carbon Black liquid liner and created a soft wing. I used the pencil eye liner along the bottom lash line and placed a Rimmel Scandal Eye Pencil in Nude in my lower-water line. *I also put tissues on my cheeks to catch any fall out from shadow or liner

Now, LASHES! I used a set of “Mink” (not sure these were real mink) lashes from Sephora on the top and then added multiple bunches in the Long length from Ardell on the outer half of my upper lid. I also applied a generous amount of They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit. On the bottom lashes, I first applied mascara and then added 4-5 bunches per eye of Ardell lashes in the Short length.

I hate doing my eyebrows. That just needs to be said. I used the Anastasia Brow Whiz in Ash Blonde and incorporated a tiny bit of dip brow into the equation. I set everything with brow gel of course.

Next, I used the Chanel Tan De Soleil bronzer lightly all over my face with a large brush and then I contoured using Benefit’s Hoola bronzer. On my cheeks, I wore the Tarte Captivating Blush and highlighted with a very light amount of Mac’s Soft and Gentle.

On my lips, I did the Mary Kay lip mask and then followed up with the NYX Primer Pencil. I first applied a Starlooks Peachy lip liner and then Mac Crème Cup (obvs) and topped that with a lip plumper from Victoria’s Secret in Baby Pink. Through out the day, I also applied the plumper as well as NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Streusel.

To set my face, I dusted the Celebration Illumination Foundation by It Cosmetics where I needed it and then added a nice coat of Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Setting Spray.

For my body, I contoured a teensy bit along my collar-bone with Hoola and added a very sheer shimmer powder to my décolletage. Then I sprayed myself with 14 gallons of Heavenly by VS because DUH.

Here I am with my best gals

And then I got married :).

* All photos courtesy of Allie Hannah Photography