My Summer Favorites

September 18, 20153 Comments

Hey girl heyyyy.

NBD just my natural lashes

It’s been just ages since I wrote down my monthly faves so I figured I’d just bundle it all up into summer. And… HERE THEY ARE. Also, as a side note: I auditioned for a community show choir and I got in. YES. I am a 31-year-old woman who thinks she is on Glee.

Meekups

Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara

I know I have made some pretty hefty claims about certain drugstore mascaras bein’ the bees knees but this one seriously takes the cake. And the macaron, too.This mascara is super black, it is lengthening, separating and creates beautiful definition. It also holds a curl. I will be hoarding this stuff in case they discontinue but I hope they nevvvvver do.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

I LITerally have people stop me at work to tell me I look like I am glowing. I just freaking radiate when I wear this and I KNOW IT. It is hands down, the most beautiful highlighter I own and probs in existence. The texture is like nothing I have ever felt – sooooo buttery soft and creamy. This, my friends, is a show-stopper and completely worth the hefty $38 price tag.

Covergirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Trio

I have been reaching for this eyeshadow trio all summer long and NO JOKE have worn this exact trio since high school (shoutout to my homegirl Lacey because she was the one who discovered it!). The colors are absolutely perfect together and the light pink shade is so lovely in the inner corner. They blend awesome together and are really pigmented – not bad for $5!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I have hit SERIOUS pan on this stuff and for darn good reason. This is just such a great contour shade for us pale girls. The perfect balance of bronze mixed with a dash of shadowy taupe. I love it.

Hair/Beauty

Dessange Color Correcting Creme

My hair was such an atrocity this summer. I got some color in that just doesn’t jive with me and then I tried to fix it with a few streaks from an at-home kit. I have been using the treatment on the right (pictured above) to combat my serious case of the brassies and lemme tell ya – this goop delivers some INTENSE purple. It looks like paint. I apply it all over my head and let it sit for about 10 minutes. When I rinse, the water runs purple for about 5 straight minutes but I love how much it helps brighten-up the blonde.

Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Eau De Toilette

I nabbed this at Marshalls a while back and have fallen in love with it. The smell is def very rosy but since I enjoy the same things as 87-year-olds, it smells great to me. Also, a random thing I love about this product is the way it mists out of the bottle. It is such a wonderfully fine, wide mist and I love it so much.

Benefit Bathina Body Oil Mist

I’ve had this for over a year and have just now grown obsessed. After a shower and a fresh shave, I spray a little of this on (maybe 3 sprays per leg) and it smells soooooooooo good and makes me feel so opulent and bourgeois. My skin feels amazing but definitely NOT oily. It is a very tough feeling to describe and it may not be for everyone but I am just addicted!

Randoms

CHIPOTLE

I have been obsessed with Chipotle for awhile now. I’d say since I moved to Portland, although I def had it in Redmond too. What I cannot get enough of, is their GD salty, limey chips. It’s like crack for basic white girls. Everyone loves this place because you can be all, “I am totes healthy because Chipotle is like fresh and sh*t.” But really, if everyone found out it had like 922345234 calories per bite everyone would STILL eat there.

The Walking Dead

TV STILL — DO NOT PURGE — Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon – The Walking Dead _ Season 5, Gallery – Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

I pretty much love Daryl. Alot. Also, Michonne is quite the awesome badass. I just finished Season 5 and am now moving onto Fear the Walking Dead. Gahhh! RIIIICK!

Saying “you guys” when only talking to one other person

I implore you to try this the next time you are one-on-one with someone. Like if you’re at H&M with your friend and you say, “Oh my God you guys this skirt is only 13 bucks!” Its funny because it’s just her and shows how excited you are. Right!?

Ok that’s it. What are y’all loving lately?

Influenster YSL Vox Box Review

August 18, 2015August 14, 2015Leave a comment

Bonjour bon bons!

Can you imagine how overjoyed I was when I found out I was being sent the YSL Vox Box via Influenster? I literally peed and couldn’t sleep for a week. Then, a couple weeks later I received this little box of majesty containing the YSL Touche Éclat’ Blur Perfector and the Touche Éclat Blur Primer. I DIED.

First, let’s discuss the Perfector.

The packaging. OH LAWWwww the packaging. Perfect in everyway. Here’s to you, Yves! If you’ve ever felt the consistency of the Mally Face Defender, than you are familiar with this kindof product. The idea is that you can use this before OR after you’ve applied your makeup. And I have tried both methods. The box recommends using a sweeping motion (from the interior to the exterior of the face) when applying it before makeup, and then using a blotting motion for touch-ups.

My thoughts on this product should first be prefaced by the fact that I have fairly decent skin. I do not have large pores, oily skin or any issues with my foundation breaking-up on me. That being said, I do like using this product as a touch-up OR as a primer, but I think I prefer to use it as a touch-up. When I need a quick face refresh I will ALWAYS reach for an oil-blotting sheet, a makeup mist or a product like this before I’ll ever reach for a powder. I find that I tend to look more cakey (read:OLD) with the more powdery products I apply (which is why I love the It Cosmetics Celebration Illumination Powder!).

The product itself is kindof like a balm and has that silicony feel to it, which I do not hate. It does provide a nice, smooth, even base on which you can apply foundation. However, I really love using it as a touch-up product after work when I want my skin to look a bit more fresh. I find that the claims to “blur”imperfections aren’t totally false, as it does tend to smooth out the skin quite nicely.

The second product I received is the primer and YES, it has tiny gold sparkles in it and crazy enough, they don’t transfer too much on the skin. At first I thought I was in for a glitter bomb, but they pretty much dissipate once you smooth it over your skin.

Again, I am not the best at reviewing primers simply because I do not need one necessarily. However, if I want my makeup to last long and still look awesome, I will use one to ensure it is as locked-down as possible. This primer definitely does the trick but I am not sure if it’s worth the price. Whereas the perfector is more of a niche product (with GORG packaging), this primer is something I would pass on. It works nicely as a base for foundation, but so do many other primers which cost much less.

So there you have it – my review on the new goodies from YSL! Have you tried these products?

Summer Sephora Haul

July 27, 20153 Comments

G’Day Chickadees!

I have a few odd and ends recently purchased at Mecca and so I thought it was time I let you all in on what I got because well, I know you’re DYING to hear.

Sephora Summer Crushes Kit

I had to get this thing because it has SO many of products I have been dying to try. Just feast your eyes…

The Via Liberata tanning mousse alone was reason enough for me to purchase this set. Y’all know I am self-proclaimed tanning product whore and shelling out the $50 to buy the full size just can’t happen right now.

Everything else in the set I cannot WAIT to try. Especially the Lavanila Labratories fragrance, the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray (mermaid hair HERE I COME) and Caudalie Divine Oil which is a HUGE-ASS bottle.

Sephora Classic Mini-Multitasker Brush

Seriously just go to Sephora and feel this puppy. I feel like it could do anything. I plan to keep it in my purse and use it in the following situations:

I get to work and realize my blush def aint on fleek
my aging skin is making my foundation settle into my wrinkles
touch ups! Because duh.

Annnnd for the CROWN JEWEL of this haul….

THE BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR IN CHAMPAGNE POP

You guys have no clue how excited I am to own this. Think of the most excited you’ve ever been in your life (acing an exam, jumping out of an airplane, etc.) and multiply that times 1,000 and you might begin to understand how freakin’ excited I am to dust this powder sent from baby Jesus on the tops of my cheekbones.

Jaclyn Hill collaborated with Becca on this stuff and she is def one of my all-time favorite YouTubers so this just adds to my excitement.

You guys, just loooooooooooooooooooooooook at the majesty.

I am so in love with this product that I am going to swaddle as if I would my own baby. I’ll sing to it. I’ll raise it to be an individual. This highlighter and I will have a long, loving relationship together.

Assorted Haul

May 29, 2015Leave a comment

Hello kittens!

Today I bring you another haul of a few things I have picked up whilst out and about.

The beauty section at T.J Maxx can be quite treacherous. It’s like everytime I go in there, I feel like I’m swimming in a sea of unknown brands, well-known brands and wondering “why is this Clarins face serum only $19.99?!”. It can be a scary, deep, dark place and navigating around isn’t easy. I find that I can usually tread water fairly well, picking up a random Joico K-Pak conditioner for $7.99 or a bangin’ Essie polish for $3. But other times, I drown. I just do.

My friends, this time I may have plummeted to the ocean floor, with all the muck and bottom-feeders.

Sugar Baby Golden Glamour Instant Self Tan Spray

When I saw this product, I was immediately attracted to the packaging because yes – I am a basic white girl. Throw a pin-up girl on just about anything and us basics go weak in the knees. It was only $8, so I quickly googled the brand and saw decent reviews and high price tags – SCORE! I brought ‘er home to realize two depressing facts:

1.) It was NOT a sunless tanner, instead a spray-on temporary tan (like Airbrush Legs) which wasn’t the end of the world, I just thought I was buying a self tan.

2.) It doesn’t work. The directions recommend laying a towel down under you to protect your floors and surfaces so I just went outside on our ~~dirty~~ balcony and went to town. It literally came out basically SHEER with a subtle brownish-gray tint.

DO NOT BUY THIS.

Shiseido Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid

So. I was very hesitant to buy this because there HAS to be a reason a department store brand like Shiseido is at T.J Maxx for $12.99, versus the $30+ this would cost at Nordys. But, I rolled the dice and thought, “Meh, if it’s a little expired I’m sure it’s fine.” And at first I thought it was making me break out. Not like gross cystic whiteheads but those little skin-colored bumps around my hairline. But I persevered and kept using it only to discover that you have to rinse it SUPER well or else it will leave a little film on your skin which is probably what gave me a weird texture.

All in all, it’s fairly good for $12.99 and it also removes makeup.

Justin Bieber Someday Perfume

Y’all are laughing I KNOW, but I could give two sh*ts because I LOVE this perfume. I get compliments on it allll the time and I never tell people what it is. Muaahahahaaa. “Oh this? It’s just m’Biebs.” Can you imagine?

New Tanning Mitts

I recently purchased both the Ulta brand tanning mitt and the St. Tropez one for $1.50 more and guess what?! I like the Ulta brand better. I think normally these are around the same price ($6.50), which is ludicrous that a cheap piece of foam is more than 75 cents AMIRIGHT!?

Bodycology Runaway Heart Sugar Scrub

Self tanning also denotes the official commencement exfoliation season. I really should exfoliate all year, but dead skin + self tanner mixes together about as well as orange juice and toothpaste. I bought this scrub at Target because it was the cheapest one and guess what? I am in loooove with it! Srsly go to Target right now and get yerself a whiff of this because your might change. I need the body spray NOW.

THIS Makeup Bag

OF COURSE I BOUGHT THIS, WHAT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?

Spring Weekends

May 11, 2015Leave a comment

Hey baes.

I thought a weekend post was long overdue as lately the ends to my week have been moderately noteworthy. moderately.

First and foremost, you may remember that Sister Meg is having a baby and recently we found out (as I so maturely put it) “if it had a hoo-haw or a ding-a-ling”. Welp. It’s a ding-a-ling and he will be my little gentleman! I plan to teach him everything a guy should know, including but not limited to:

The right kinds of compliments to give (tall) girls, I.E “you look so cute and tiny!”, “you are svelte”, etc.
NEVER wear overalls, bulky turtleneck sweaters, or Timberland boots (unless you’re a construction worker)
Always smell good, but not too good. Half a spray of YSL L’Homme’ll do ya.

She already purchased the first official outfit and I gotta say, the girl has taste:

Second, Bry and I barbequed. In 80-degree sunshine. In shorts and tanks. The giddiness was real and so of course I wore my signature trashy tank.

nm my scraggly, ragamuffin hair

KC, Bryan’s older bro came to visit for a quick ski trip up (and down) Mt. Hood. They did great and came home ready for some dinner. I decided to do “Coachella eyes” that night, which basically consists of slapping 50 different bronzey eyeshadows on and smoking them out HARD. You like??

We went to Serratto and ordered a trough of food and promptly inhaled all of it. This s’mores dessert concoction was to-die. I MEAN. Just take a gander at that torched marshmallow!

The next day we had an amazing breakie and the men went climbing at Planet Granite which means that KC now is involved in 24,232 different EXTREME sports.

I went on a ~~pathetic excuse for a~~ run and I am happy to report I lived. It was touch and go there for a second though.

We then ventured over to NW 23rd and had a brunch consisting solely of burgers. And wine. And beer. Glorious beer. KC needs to come every weekend :).

I then somehow wandered into Mac and tried on hot coral lipstick because, really – why wouldn’t I? I didn’t get it but the gals at Blush Beauty Bar told me they loved it. I did however buy 2 little bath things from Lush!

That same weekend, my little sister Amy and her beautiful fiance Shannon came to visit with Shannon’s Maid of Honor, Christina in tow. We met for dinner on Thursday night and then Friday night it was ON. I felt so cool you guys. Just normal 31-year-old me, OUT ON THE TOWN. I fully gussied m’self and went over to their hotel to help with Amy’s makeup application and a little pre-funking. We went to a couple of gay bars around Portland and I danced in the middle of the dance floor alone #whatdidyouexpect.

No, i am not grabbing her boob.

Then, a handsome young gay with AMAZING eyebrows came up next to me:

Me: “You’re eyebrows are on fleeek my man!”

Him: “I’m buyin’ you a drink!”

Instant BFFs.

Lastly, I have been in dress/skirt mode and also a floral/peach mode.

Plz ignore the hot pink sports bra

Full post on the Jamberries coming soon!

Nordstrom Makeup Haul

April 17, 20153 Comments

Hieeeee!

Hat tip to m’pal Dann for sending me emails with this nauseatingly wonderful subject line.

Today I bring you a haul more exciting than the season finale of Rupaul’s Drag Race which y’all really must watch. My inner drag queen (who goes by Summer Clearance, btw) gets pretty jealous of those broads.

I was at the Washington Square Nordstrom the other day, otherwise known as the cool place to push around $1,500 strollers in Tory Burch flats…and I picked up a few bits and pieces which I am just tickled over.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

FINALLY right!? This is liquid gorgeousness. It is the essence of all things majesty and splendorous, bottled up and sold to unicorns like me and you. I went with Light 5 – in Fiji and I’m honestly a bit iffy on the shade. I might be going back for Medium 1 in Punjab because this girl is planning on gettin’ her tan on!! However, do not be fooled. My winter shade in this foundation would definitely be the lightest.

Anastasia Brow Whiz in Soft Brown

Don’t be jealous of m’sexy jammies ok?

FINALLY AGAIN!! I have wanted Brow Whiz ever since it came out like 74 years ago. I have had the good ol’ original pencil in ash blonde from Anastasia for srsly like 22 years and I fiiiiinalllly ran out a couple weeks ago. And you guys, can I get some props for working through that entire godforsaken thing!? It was an accomplishment.

Mac Powder Blush in Melba

This blush comes highly recommended by Jaclyn Hill, one of my fave YouTubers. It has zero sparkle but the color is simply gorgeous. I love wearing it with an absolute sh*tload of highlighter. You know.

And that’s all she wrote!

Current Favorites

April 15, 20151 Comment

Alright.

I’ve fallen SO far behind in monthly favorites. In fact, the word behind doesn’t really do justice of how behind I am. I am like infinity behind (because we all know NOTHING tops infinity).

That being said, I feel like my favorites at the mome are a really awesome collection of solid products. The Principal’s List, if you will.

Meekup

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer is separate post-worthy. I know I have sung the praises of many a concealer – but this one is truly the best I’ve found. While it does not have the crazy coverage of a Mac Pro Longwear or a Bye Bye Undereye, what it lacks in coverage it makes up for in ease of application, finish and length of wear. It truly is a radiant concealer, so I only use this under my eyes in the upside down triangle formation. The doe-foot applicator makes it SO much easier than the pump on the Mac concealer or a squeezy tube. All I do is paint it on, blend it out with my finger and set it with a little translucent powder and I am SET. All. Day.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have talked this blush to smithereens but it’s really that good. Everytime I start using other things for a bit, I always come back to Luminoso. And with summer being just around the corner, I know I’ll use it even more. The color is a lovely peach with a subtle highlight (read: do not use if you don’t like a glowy cheek), it is pigmented, long-wearing and the best part: it’s $8.

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Alright gals, who still needs to pony up and buy the $20 eyelash curler?! I used the Elf one for years and had resigned to the fact that my eyelashes just sucked. I finally threw it out in a rage after it devastatingly ripped 3-8 eyelashes out one morning. Then I started researching. I was going to order the Shu Uermura one but I didn’t want to wait so I went with the Sephora girl’s recommendation and bought this one. I’ve had it now about a month and I am now a changed woman. Spend money on eyelash curlers people!

NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Pink Lady

These lipsticks are so pigmented! This shade is gonna look brill with a tan. It’s bright and almost sickeningly peachy-pink. YESSS.

Chanel Camelia Highlighter

I use this everyday and it is the most perfect highlight ever! The silver is deceiving because it doesn’t come off that way at all. It gives off a warm, pearly glow, kindof similar to the vanilla pigment from Mac.

Body

Lush Pearl Massage Bar

NO. Bryan does NOT massage with with this so just move that thought right on outta yer head! I got this simply because I am OBSESSED with anything Rose Argan scented from Lush. Basically if I have time, I will rub this puppy all over m’bod after a shower and the smell just lingers and I just KNOW everyone is like “Omg Natalie smells sooo good today!”

Soap & Glory Clean on Me Shower Gel

So… this body wash is amazing. It smells sooooo good and really unique – I may be getting the Soap & Glory perfume because I love it so much. It is also super moisturizing and lathers up really nicely which means all you need is a tiny bit.

Philosophy Pink Almond Candy Body Scrub

I really like a nice, gritty scrub before a self tan and this stuff does not disappoint! I like those softer, sugar scrubs from time to time but there’s nothing like a firm scrub to really get all of the dead skin off.

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner

Again, I have talked this to death. But I figured I should include it because it is and forever will be a favorite.

Skincare

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream

I picked this up recently as well and have been really enjoying using it before bed. I really should write an update nighttime routine because ALOT has changed but basically, this stuff plays an integral role. It is thick, non-scented and VERY hydrating. Can’t speak to the firming properties, but it feels great!

Rapid Lash

A full post may also be required for a full-on review on this stuff. I started using it about a month ago and I can confirm that yes, it does make a difference. My lashes are definitely longer (not sure about fuller) and I just really like them. I would like to review a couple more of these types of products (except Latisse) and report back. I have also been putting organic Castor oil on my lashes lately…so there’s that as well.

Bioderma Micellar Cleansing Water

SUCH a beauty blogger right now you guys! Yes, I have Bioderma and yes, I like it. It is by NO means a holy grail product and I hear that Simple came out with a micellar water that is basically a dupe for Bioderma, costs $7 AND is available everywhere. So who knows, maybe I’ll make the switch but for now, I love Bioderma for removing every last stitch of makeup!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

THE BEST makeup setting spray I have used. Granted, I do not like a matte (or anywhere near it) finish but it really keeps my face lookin’ pretty great all day. It is a little spendy so I suggest you plan a trip to France and hoard 19 bottles. Also, the smell is a bit weird for some people but just say to yourself “spa” and you’ll fall in love.

Hair

Lush’s Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar

This shampoo bar was recently added to the collection at Lush and I got it the DAY it came out. I bought it because, you guessed it – it smells like Rose Argan. Contrary to what I thought would happen, this baby lathers up like a dream! I still have to use the tea tree on my annoying itchy scalp but when I don’t do that, I am using this. End of story.

What have YOU been loving lately??