Ode To a String Bikini

I bought a bikini. Not just any bikini, but an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, Victoria's Secret string bikini. In grape.

For the record, I have absolutely no business wearing an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, Victoria's Secret string bikini in any color. Then again, to quote Thomas, "most people don't". Please note that he did not agree with me that I didn't. He's a smart man who wishes to continue breathing.

Honestly, I have no intention of ever wearing this bikini out in public. That's not why I purchased it. For months, I have been less than happy with my physical appearance. I'm not going to say weight, because I'm actually right smack dab in the middle of the healthy weight range for my height. I'm curvy where I'm supposed to be curvy...and, unfortunately, also where I'm not. I've gotten a little lackadaisical in my diet and exercise routine (read: I don't have one--I like to eat popcorn and watch Bar Rescue in the evenings, snuggled up with my hubby and puppy. Sue me.), and I needed a kick in the pants to make myself tone up and slim down a smidgen. Hence, the bikini.

I've always been a flat-tummied, flat-chested dancer with hips and thighs. Most girls "blossom" in their teens. Me? I waited until I was in my late twenties, then freakin' bloomed everywhere overnight. I went from an A to a C, ladies. That's crazy. Oh--and I was still dancing, so that isn't what did it. It was strictly genetics playing a cruel joke. My wedding dress looked awesome (I practically spilled out of it), but we had to move some buttons over. Since then, I've been on a rollercoaster of dress sizes, and have only just, finally, come to realize that I don't need to be the four I've been my whole life. I have embraced the curves, and I think I look kind of hot, if I do say so myself. I'm just also a little cellulite-y and puffy, and I don't like it. I want to be able to put on this bikini, look at myself in the mirror and think: yeah! I can pull this off! Then throw on a pair of shorts over it before I head over to my Mom's pool. My goals are small, y'all.

So, I'm doing something about my situation. I've decided to force myself to exercise thirty minutes a day (which I should be doing, anyway), and I'm eating more fruits and vegetables. If I fill up on those, I can't fill up on my beloved carbs and calories. I've also picked up a skin firming moisturizer to, supposedly, help hide the cellulite (I don't even pretend to hope it will work miracles, but I'll take what I can get), and some self-tanner. It's not much, but it's a start. I'm not dieting. I'm trying to live healthier.

Oh--if I actually get in that bikini, I'll be sure to take a picture...as soon I toss on my shorts and a t-shirt.

February Favorites!

IT LIVES!!!! IT LIVES!!!!!!!

Believe it or not, guys, I'm still not 100%. I'm not quite zombified anymore, but I'm still kind of "meh", so I apologize again for the lack of posting. However, I'm up to typing today (saints be praised!), so here we go with the February Favorites!!

In keeping with the I-feel-drugged-and-horrible-so-why-bother-with-anything theme, I've been going around with just enough makeup to keep from scaring small children. The thing is, I'm honestly loving this more natural look, and am thinking of keeping it for Spring and Summer. It's too hot for a full face of makeup around here, anyway, and the humidity just melts it off. I'm also finding that I look younger and more glowy with the lighter, fresher looks. Considering I've been sick since, oh, Thanksgiving, I'm taking this as a trade-off. So, without further ado...

Eyes
Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded
I'm crazy pale (MAC NW15--yes, it really goes that low), so this is basically skin-tone on me. It adds a light shimmer to my lids, and also makes a beautiful inner corner highlight. I do recommend using this over a primer, as it tends to crease.

Urban Decay Glinda Palette in South
This, again, adds a beautiful shimmer to the lids, but in a much deeper color than the Color Tattoo. This is a gorgeous taupe shade, with oodles of silver microglitter. There is some fallout, but the wow factor this gives as an all-over lid color is worth the hassle. I like to use it on the lid only, then fill in the area from crease to brow with Foxy or W.O.S. from Naked Basics.

Lips
Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
For those days when all you need is a little moisture. I used a really drying lipstick one day, and paid for it the next. One day of giving my lips a break and only using this fixed me right up. I just keep one in my purse at all times now.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz
I love this gloss. It's just a darn fine tube of lip gloss. The color is barely there, but the shimmer is out of this world. On top of that, the gloss isn't sticky, but feels like butter on your lips. It's fairly long-wearing, and smells like candy. Actually, according to Thomas, it smells exactly like Dennis the Menace cereal from when he was a kid. I didn't know that existed, so I can't vouch, but he's pretty set on that opinion. So, there you go. In case you were wondering, VS Strawberry Fizz smells like Dennis the Menace cereal. *cue "The More You Know" rainbow and music*

Face
Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick in Love
I've raved about this enough. It blends beautifully, feels amazing, and is DEAD-ON the same shade as my skin's natural flush. It also travels easily and doesn't require a brush. There just aren't enough good things I can say about this.

Benefit Watt's Up
Yet another product I just can't shut up about. The color is a stunning light champagne, so it's not too pink and not too white. There's shimmer, but it's not glitter. It's such a fine shimmer that it's really more of a glimmer, and leaves the most natural looking glow on the skin. Again, it travels like a dream, and no brush is required. Stunning!

Hair
Got 2B Smooth Operator Hairspray with Cashmere
I used to use this daily, and then I moved and it was packed up and forgotten about. I recently rediscovered this product, and am hooked again. The hold is soft and touchable, but it does hold. It also smells heavenly. One of my little voice students even commented on how pretty I smelled. The scent's not overpowering, though, so you don't have to worry about knocking people over as you walk by. The spray is also anti-humidity, which is a necessity down here in the Ninth Cir--um...Deep South.

Nails
Zoya Wednesday
This came in the first Glossybox I received, and I've been in love with it ever since. It's the perfect beachy color--seagreen with a tinge of blue, and a little bit dirty. Love, love, love, love, love!

LA Colors Cocktail
I picked this up on a whim at the Dollar Store. I thought it looked similar to O.P.I.'s Teenage Dream. It's close--nowhere near as opaque, and the pink base is lighter, but for a buck, I'm not complaining. I used it over Zoya Wednesday, and received more compliments on the combination than I think I've ever gotten on a polish! They look like they were made to go together.

Zoya Wednesday with LA Colors Cocktail Overlay

That's it for favorites! Have a great day, and I'll see you soon!

Easy and Festive Christmas Day Style

Gah! This is my last post before Christmas! How has it gotten here so quickly?! I swear, last week, I was trying to duct tape Thomas into his Halloween costume (he was Batman, and it's a really long story). Well, time waits for no man, so, barring disaster (or apocalypse), here is, quite literally, what I plan on wearing Christmas Day. I leave it here as inspiration for anyone still trying to piece together something cute for all of those early morning present-unwrapping pictures. Just don't ask me what I'm wearing Christmas Eve...I'm open to suggestions...

*Not Pictured: Industrial-strength coffee. I'll be coming off of Midnight Mass and a 3AM bedtime. Coffee will be my best friend all day long.

Easy and Festive Christmas Day Style by adorablenapalm featuring a buxom mascara

I'm starting with a sparkly sequinned tank under a Barbie-pink off-the-shoulder sweater. Only the straps and bottom edge of the tank will show, so I won't look like I'm headed to the club instead of to see what Santa brought me. The tank will, however, cover bra straps and add enough glitter to be festive and make up for my intentional lack of jewelry. I tend to lose earring backs when I'm sleepy. The jeans are dark boot-cuts with a ton of stretch. This is extremely important, not only as a fashion choice, but also because I'm going to end up sitting on the floor for most of the morning, and I can cross my legs in these. The tank and jeans came from Express, and the store is (at publication) running a 40% off sale. Otherwise, I wouldn't be wearing them. The sweater is from Victoria's Secret. The shoes pictured are not the shoes I'm going to wear, because they're over a year old and from Ross. The Internet has forgotten about them completely. These are pretty dadgum close, though, and only $23.

For hair, I'm going with a cute, messy top-knot, courtesy of too much Christmas Eve hairspray and hot-rolling, and these Goody spirals. No, I have no intention of getting up at 6AM to wash and dry my hair on three hours sleep. Not. Happening.

Makeup's really simple, too. Start with a powder foundation (I really like LORAC's Evening Out, but it can make me look oily if I dont touch it up regularly. Luckily, the packaging was designed for just that purpose). Eyes require Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy 24/7 Shadow Pencil on the lid, and Naked 2 from the Naked Basics palette in the crease and under the lower lash line. Crave can be used as an upper lash liner. Buxom Lash mascara finishes off the eyes. Cheeks are courtesy of the Tarte Blush & Bronze On the Go set, which includes travel sizes (full-sizes shown above and linked below, FYI) of the Amazonian Clay blush in Dollface (baby pink) and bronzer in Park Avenue Princess (very light bronze with shimmer). The blush leaves a very natural flush, while the bronzer works best as a bronze-y highlighter. You get a little color and a little shimmer; just enough to knock the chill off of Winter skin. Lastly, pop a pretty pink gloss, like Buxom's Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Trixie, over lips for a shiny, sparkly smile.

Have a wonderful Christmas! May your wishes come true, and your memories be full of the magic and love of the season.

Victoria s Secret striped sweater
victoriassecret.com

Sequin tank top
express.com

Short jeans
express.com

Rocket dog flat
$23 - newlook.com

Tarte
tartecosmetics.com

Tarte
tartecosmetics.com

Buxom mascara
sephora.com

Buxom lip gloss
sephora.com

Urban Decay silver makeup
beauty.com

Urban Decay beauty product
sephora.com

Lorac
beauty.com

Simple Styles Spin Pin, 2 Ct Brunette
target.com

December Favorites: "In Case of Apocalypse" Edition

I kid.

I know it's a little early for favorites, but I wanted to get these up, in case anyone was still last-minute shopping and needed a recommendation. Plus, I'm hoping to do a Best/Worst of 2012 at the end of the month, so let me know if you have any picks for the list. Here we go!

Eyes:
Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy 24/7 Shadow Pencil
Midnight Cowboy is such a gorgeous color, and that level of sparkle is perfect for the holidays (or everyday if you're me and just don't care about being "day appropriate"). Unfortunately, the fallout from the powder shadow leaves you looking akin to a disco ball. I don't mind a little sparkle on my cheeks, but when it starts hitting my clothes, it's time to pack it in. Luckily, Urban Decay has a stick cream form of the color, with every bit the sparkle--it just stays on your eyes and not your...well, everything else. Use it as a lid color, highlighter, or even a liner! At $20, it's a little pricey compared to the powder form, but if you really love Midnight Cowboy, you can consider the extra couple of dollars a convenience charge.

Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow in Collie
Another super-glittery cream shadow is Buxom's Collie. The shade is described as "sparkling champagne", and has a mousse-like texture. Alone, it packs a glittering punch; on top of the Midnight Cowboy Shadow Pencil, the effect is staggeringly beautiful.

Lips:
Victoria's Secret Color Drama Lipstick in Enamored
I've been eyeing these lipsticks for a while, now, and finally used one of my Secret Rewards cards to pick one up. The packaging is adorable, and the color I chose was a sheer, glossy, shimmery rose. It looks like a gloss, feels like a balm, and is quickly becoming my favorite shade because it goes with almost everything. Want a smoky eye? This makes a great nude. Want a natural look? This is your-lips-only-better. Going glittery? Why, hello, there! It's not the most long-lasting lip color, but that just gives me the opporunity to pull out the pink chrome and black case to touch-up.

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet
Look, by now, we all know that these things are amazing. All I'm saying here is that, if you want a deep berry lip that doesn't require a ton of maintenance, look no further. That is all.

Face:
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude
I was not going to try this. It's expensive, and I love my Too Faced Beauty Balm. I didn't need to ever bother letting this into my life...and then I got a 500-point perk from Sephora and really wanted the highlighter in this kit. Well, the highlighter I could take or leave; the tinted moisturizer is fantastic. The coverage is actually pretty decent, the finish is silky and smooth, it doesn't break me out, and I can cover my entire face with a pea-sized amount. This will last for-freaking-ever. Luckily, it's very similar to my Too Faced, so I don't feel the need to purchase the full-size of this product. However, I am planning to get the travel size. Nude is about a shade darker than my natural skintone, so it will make a great Summer color, and the $19.50 price tag for the 1 oz. is a lot more wallet-friendly than buying a darker shade of the $32.00, 1.5 oz. Too Faced. (Ed. note: The travel-sized moisturizer is 1 oz. for $19.50. The full-sized is $43.00 for 1.5 oz. On what planet does that make sense? You could buy two travel-sized for $39, save $4 and get another half ounce of product. Granted, only two shades are available in travel-size, but if you can fit into one of those, you can save a lot of money. Just sayin'.)

Skin Care:
GlamGlow
Buy this on Amazon, from a trusted merchant (I bought it through Amazon proper, so no worries, there, and I got free shipping). You can get it for a less-than-insane price that way. In fact, go in with a friend or family member. Doing so, you split the cost, and get to have weekly hang-time with them. I went in with my dear Thomas, and we were able to pick up a full-sized jar for around $25 each. Yes, that's still crazy. Yes, it's totally worth it. It clears out your pores, helps rid your skin of blackheads, tightens things up a bit, and exfoliates like mad. My skin is now much more HD-ready (which is great, since we're filming right now!), and Thomas has had a lot less trouble with breakouts. Plus, for a few minutes each week, we get to sit around and look like goobers together. Ah, marriage!

Frugal Friday, Deck the Nails Edition: Wet N Wild Lavender Creme

I bought this color to use for a nail art look I attempted to put together--"attempted" being the key word, as it failed miserably. However, the color was so pretty that I had to share it with you. Plus, at only 99-cents, you can't beat the quality.

Seriously! How pretty is that?! And that's dry, without a top coat. It's just that shiny. Turns out, it's almost the exact same shade of fuschia as this year's Victoria's Secret Black Friday tote bag. The formula is wonderful, too. It glides on smoothly, is easy to guide, opaque in two coats, dries quickly, and lasts for about three days with a top coat. Even then, there's very little chipping, and only a little wear on the tips.

The color number is 454D, and I found this bottle at Walgreen's. The color name is Lavender Creme, and that just boggles the mind. Fuschia? Yes. Hot pink? Maybe. Lavender? Are they high?

The nail art may not have worked out, but I can't wait to coat my toesies with this happy color. Have a great weekend!!!

Pink and Girly Eyes Featuring Urban Decay

I bought the Urban Decay Rollergirl palette for one color, and one color only: Woodstock. I knew that the shocking pink would be tough to wear, but it was just so gorgeous (and the palette was on sale so cheap!) that I had to give it a shot. Happily, I have been able to pull off the color in a couple of party looks, but, you know, sometimes a girl wants to wear Barbie pink eyeshadow during the day. Sometimes, you just need that little pick-me-up that only girly, shimmery PINK can provide. Today is one of those days. So, with the desperate need for pink as motivation, I came up with this look that I will now show you, step by step. Yes, you do start out with hot pink, but in the end, you have this soft, sweetly sexy, not overly made up eye. Think: Victoria's Secret Angel. That wasn't the goal, necessarily, but that's what I got. Please let me know what you think in the comments, and also let me know if you'd like to see a party look with Woodstock. Thanks!

Start by smoothing Sin Primer Potion all over the eye area, then applying Woodstock to the outer third of your eye, and bringing it up into the crease.

Next, apply Virgin (from Naked) to the inner two-thirds of your eye, inner corner, and browbone.

Apply Sin (from Naked) to the area where the two colors meet, and blend.

Apply Toasted (from Naked) to the crease and area directly above.

Blend the colors, then line the upper and lower lashes with Creep (from Naked). Wing the top line out slightly.

Blend out the liner, so there are no hard edges.

Fill in your brows and apply black mascara to top and bottom lashes. This is Buxom Lash. Brows are E.L.F. Brow Kit.

This  is the same look in daylight.

To finish the look, I used NARS Orgasm blush, Too Faced highlighter form the Spun Sugar Glamour To Go, and Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Lipstick with Dervish pencil from MAC. Foundation is Urban Decay Naked. Concealer is Maybelline Age Rewind.

Audition Makeup: Camera Look Inspired by Victoria's Secret Angels

This morning, I had an audition (please keep your fingers crossed for me)! I knew that it would be on-camera, and that I should look like "me", only better. I also knew that I needed a look that would work under studio lighting without leaving me totally washed out. That's about the time I got one of those umpteen-thousand daily emails that Victoria's Secret sends their customers, and realized that what I needed was an Angel. Well, her makeup, anyway.

VS "Angels", if you didn't already know, are the models for the lingerie/clothing/beauty company. They have glowing skin and just enough makeup to look naturally gorgeous. If you want a beautiful look that doesn't overpower your features, but simply enhances them, this is one to go for.

So, without further ado, I give you my take on the VS Angel look:

Holy Crud. This looks like a Glamour Shot I had done when I was 13.
Taken with a cell-cam, natural lighting from window and overhead light behind me. No re-touching.

Okay, when you're working with harsh lighting for video, you can't go too "glowy". It just doesn't look good. I can't really describe it, but the video camera hates shimmer, glitter, and glow. Dewy is okay, as long as you don't go overboard. I've found, through trial and error, that it works best to go for a "lit from within" look. If you prep the skin so that--without foundation--it looks all bright and shiny, you can get that glow even with a more camera-friendly matte foundation.

I started by using a cooling eye gel on my eyes to relieve puffiness, and leaving that on while I worked on my hair. After I washed that off, I used a brightening vitamin-C serum on my entire face and neck, and a brightening eye cream under my eyes. Finally, I used a radiance-boosting primer. I might add that I really started all of this the day before by applying a light layer of sunless tanner to my entire body, since I'm practically black-light reflective. That's purely optional, of course.

Once my skin was prepped, I pulled out my Ben Nye matte foundation palette. This is full-coverage and comes in a wide range of shades. I highly recommend it for anyone who does work in front of a camera. I used the shade that best matched my skintone (Cameo, if you're wondering), and applied with a sponge wedge. I pressed the foundation into the skin to work it in as best as possible, since I'm sure nobody wants to see my pores in full HD. Then, I used a creamy, full-coverage concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes or discoloration, and set the entire face with full-coverage matte powder (Rimmel Stay Matte).

For the eyes, I started with a flesh toned eye primer from lashes to brow. Then I used a bronze-y brown shadow pencil on my lid and blended it into the crease. I also ran the same color under my lower lashes. I then took a matte milk chocolate shadow (Urban Decay Tease from the Naked 2 palette) and darkened the crease area. A pale pink satin shadow (Bootycall from Naked 2) went in the brow area. I then used a gold highlighter in the inner corner (Benefit Sun Beam) and ran a shimmery pale pink shadow pencil on my lower waterline. Another lighter brown shadow pencil ran under the lower lashes to help blend out the bronze shadow. I lined the top lash line with black pencil, thickening the outer corners for a not-quite cat eye effect, and brought the black liner onto the outer corners of the lower lash line to deepen the color. Finish the eyes by filling in brows and applying mascara to top and bottom lashes. I suggest curling the lashes to open the eyes more.

For the cheeks, apply a matte bronzer to the outer cheek area (by your ears) and blend inward. Don't hit your apples. A satin bright rose blush goes onto the apples and blends outward into the bronzer. This way, you get a little contour and some color without looking like you striped your face. You can also apply some of that matte bronzer to your hairline and anywhere else you would normally be "sunkissed". Finish the cheeks by adding a shimmery powder highlighter--the only shimmer allowed!--to the cheekbones and, if you want, browbones.

On the lips, I used a rosy nude pencil to line, and filled in with a rosy pink lipstick. I added a dab of a coordinating glittery lipgloss to the center of my lower lip and pressed my lips together to distribute. That keeps the majority of the shine in the center of your lip, but blends it out naturally. Finally, I spritzed the entire face with a setting spray. If you have an HD powder, a quick powder down before you set is a good idea. I couldn't find mine..It's been one of those days.

I hope this helps some of you who might be trying to figure out the best makeup for on-camera auditions. We actors have to stick together. :)

What To Wear? It's a Mystery!: StyleMint Mystery Bag Reveal

There's a reason I'm an actor and not a model. Well, a few reasons actually. For starters, I'm 5'3". Smurfs pat me on the head. Then there's the fact that this is one of my better pictures. It's fuzzy, and I'm making a weird face. Out of about ten shots, that was the keeper. Jealous?

Now, I don't make a habit of taking pictures of my outfits (though, with results like this, how could I resist?), but I took part in the recent StyleMint Mystery Bag, and thought I'd share with you what I got.

If you haven't heard of the Mystery Bag, here's how it works: Once every couple of month (generally, around a holiday or major fashion event--i.e. Oscars), the Mints (StyleMint, Jewelmint, etc.) will host a Mystery Bag event. Typically, you'll receive at least two items, which makes the $29.99 price well worth it. It's the same as getting two items half off, and I call that a bargain. It's, actually, about the only way I shop the Mints. Please note: this is a true grab bag, so you could end up with anything. You might get two shirts, a shirt and a piece of jewelry, several items, or stuff that you really don't care for. There might be promo codes or gift cards involved, or you might end up re-gifting everything. It's a gamble, but with very few exceptions, I've always been really happy. I normally end up with things I'd never pick out for myself online, but fall in love with in person. To me, it's a great way to update your closet on the cheap, and forces a little creativity in the process. I've rediscovered stuff that I already owned but rarely wore because I needed something to go with a grab bag purchase. (In case you couldn't tell, I recommend the Mystery Bags.)

So...what did I get? Well, I ended up with the amazingly soft Tango Red Albany Tee (and yes, you do get to specify size. I'm a "3" or Medium/Large because they tend to need layering). It's a bright orangey red that was already one of my favorite colors. I also scored this surprisingly well-made tote bag. I say surprisingly because it's very lightweight, but durable. This is going to be one of my Summer staples, I can tell. I'm not a fan of having the logo stamped across the front, but I do love the zippered pocket, which is perfect for keeping my cell and keys from swimming around with all my other junk.

Plus, since part of the fun of the Mystery Bag is figuring out how to incorporate the new pieces with what you already own, I thought it'd be fun to work in items from other Mystery Bags. You can't tell in the fuzz-ball picture, so I Polyvored (is that a word? Is now!) it all out for you below. I accessorized with JewelMint's Zoe Bracelet and Steampunk (no, they're not, but good try) Earrings. Neither of those items were on my Favorites list, but now that I have them, I wear them all the time! Who knew?

Anyway, I layered the shirt over an Old Navy cami, and tossed on jeans and some old Mossimo wedges from Target. To finish the look, I sprayed my hair with Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray for texture, and wove it into a messy side braid. For my makeup, I focused on flawless (ha!) skin and kept color natural and minimal. I love this look, and can't wait for the next Mystery Bag offer to appear in my inbox!

What do you think? Leave your comments below, and be sure to follow me on Polyvore!



StyleMint Albany T-Shirt by adorablenapalm featuring a victoria secret lip gloss

While I Was Out...a Hautelook Mini Haul!

Stupid smartphone!!! I had a mini-Hautelook haul come in yesterday, and I immediately grabbed my phone and snapped shots of the unopened packaging, then each item unopened, opened, and swatched.

Then my phone ate them. AAAAAARGH!!!!!!!

Seriously, there must have been ten pictures, and they're all gone. I'm going to try to recreate what I can, but I've already thrown out the packaging and used the products, so they're not all pristine. I'm sorry, guys.

Anyhoo, before I go any further, here's a quick...

While I Was Out!

For starters, I gave a recital of classical and musical theatre vocal pieces on Friday. Instead of blogging, I took the day off to finish last minute errands and rest my voice. I also had my hair and makeup done by the amazing Jessica Price. She also created the gorgeous pearl and crystal headpiece I wore that night. We had a wonderful turnout, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Hopefully, I'll have some audio files up soon.

I also saw The Avengers this weekend, and while I won't post spoilers, I will say that I highly recommend dropping whatever you're doing and running like mad to get to the next showing. It's smart, funny, and incredibly action-packed. I already loved Mark Ruffalo, but now I have a huge celebrity crush on him.

And speaking of awesome movies and audio files, the official soundtrack to The Night Shift is now available to own on CD! You can find it on Amazon, and I'll get a permanent link to it on the sidebar...well, eventually. You know me...

And now...on the to Hautelook mini-haul! (Good Lord, these pictures are nowhere near as good as the ones I took yesterday. Please forgive me...)

Anyhoo, I got in on the Vincent Longo sale that was held about a month, or so, ago. I can't remember the prices, but they were dirt cheap--otherwise, this broke girl wouldn't have bought anything. I picked up the Diamante Quad in Roja and the Hydro Stick in Rosewood Dawn.

The packaging is really luxe, and just screams "high end". I'm not thrilled with the closure on the quad, though. It's only magnetic, and could open very easily if tossed in a purse or bag.



Inside the quad are pink pearl, copper, cool bronze, and rose baked shadows. The hydro stick is a peachy cream blush, similar to NARS Orgasm (sorry, Mom) Multiple, but peachier and without the shimmer.

My first impression of the quad is...meh. It's okay, but if I'd paid anywhere near the retail price for it, I'd be really upset. Dry, the shadows barely show up. Wet, they make a huge mess and aren't true to color. That goregeous pink--the reason I bought the set!--shows up almost white. As soon as I tried to add the copper and bronze to the crease and outer v, it ran, and I ended up with nothing even resembling pink. Now, this was my first time using it, so I might be able to work with it a bit and figure out how to make it do what I want. I just really hate having to "make things work". I'd rather they just work to start with. The sparkle is really pretty, though, it blends (a little too) well, and I haven't had any creasing, yet. So, there's that.

Alrighty, I tried to take a picture of just my cheek with the hydro stick applied, but that turned out about as well as you'd think. The best I could do was snap a pick in my car before I left for work. I do like the hydro stick. A lot. It gives a very subtle glow that looks like a natural flush. The cream texture is perfect for this time of year, too. I'm not the best in the world at applying cream blush, but this one seems to be easier to work with than most, probably due to its light shade. All in all, not a bad haul. 

I won't bore you with all the details of what I'm wearing here, since it's just basic "I threw this on" makeup. The highlights, though, are the Diamante Quad on the eyes, Hydro Stick on the cheeks, and this where-have-you-been-all-my-life Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Tint in Enchanted. I can't stop wearing it!

Question: Trying out Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush mascara on my lashes. What do you think? I have my own opinions, but I'd like to hear yours. Leave them in the comments below, please.

My Annual Sunscreen Soapbox Rant

Photo Credit: Sephora

There's an article circling through Facebook right now, and it's one I think we all need to read. The gist of it is a young woman, Glenna Kohl, passed away from skin cancer brought on by tanning. There's more to the story, including a misdiagnosis that played a huge role in her eventual death, but the long and short of it is that tanning--even in tanning beds--is dangerous, and not something to be messed around with. Now, I know it's Spring Break season, and Summer is just around the corner. I don't want to be a killjoy and tell you that you can't look pretty and golden in your new white sundress. What I do want you to do is be careful: wear sunscreen, and get your bronze from a bottle. Technology has advanced so much since the days of "Fake Bake Orange", and you can (really! I promise!) get a decent tan from a can. Lord knows, that's the only way this Irish lass avoids going from Casper to Lobster in .0001 seconds.

I've already posted about most of these products before, so I'll just link to my original thoughts. These are some fantastic ways to stay safe without having to sacrifice style.

Sunscreen: For face, I'm digging Walgreen's Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion. Normally, I wear makeup that contains an SPF, but if I'm laying out by the pool (ha! Like that happens often), this is one that doesn't clog my pores. Oddly, I've not reviewed it. I thought I had. Whoops. For body, my absolute favorite is Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect. Yes, it smells like suntan lotion, and that's unfortunate, but it looks so darned gorgeous on that I can deal.

Sunless Tanner: The best self-tanner I have ever had the pleasure of trying (and there have been a lot) is the Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Instant Self Tan Lotion With Tint. There's practically zero odor, and you end up with a light shimmer instead of disco glitter, and a beautiful natural bronze that you see right away, but deepens over the next few hours. It's also very reasonably priced. You can't beat it.

Airbrush Tanner: Again, I'm going with Victoria's Secret. This is body makeup, not self-tanner, and it will wash off in the shower. If you're looking for a temporary tan, this is your product. As with the Sunless tanner, there's no offensive odor, and you look naturally bronzed. This is a great way to knock the chill off your legs for shorts or skirts.

Lip Balm: Pick your poison on this. I looked up "Lipbalm SPF" on drugstore.com and got 98 results. There is, literally, something out there for every preference. Just do me a favor and wear it. Lips are so often overlooked when slathering on lotion, and they burn so easily. I've witnessed a lip sunburn up close, and it's not pretty, but it is unbelievably painful. Just put something on. Anything.

For the Undecided: Lastly, if you have no clue what you're looking for in suncare, and my choices just aren't doing it for you, Sephora has an amazing kit for you: a train case filled with 14 deluxe samples of every kind of sun protection and tanner imaginable. It's $30, which is five dollars more than last year's, but you get three more samples and a nicer case, so it's worth it. I'm about to order one, myself. The samples are perfect for travel and purses. Bonus: 100% of profits benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation. As my Mom always says: Pretty is as pretty does.

Frugal Friday: I Wanna Look Like Katniss!

Photo Credit: E.L.F. Cosmetics

Well, this sucks. I have absolutely no deals or discounts for you guys today. It's just a dead Friday, I guess. What I did find, though, that kind of fits into the "frugal" part of "Frugal Friday", is a Hunger Games makeup tutorial, courtesy of discount-makeup titan, E.L.F.

What I love about this tutorial is that, while it is based on a movie character, this is actually a really nice, wearable, "no-makeup" look. It's something that would easily fit in at a casual beach wedding, Saturday outlet shopping trip, or just relaxing outdoors. Nothing about this screams, "I love Hunger Games and want to be Katniss when I grow up!!!" It's just a nice, normal, carefree look.

Now, obviously, they used E.L.F. products exclusively, but you don't have to go that route. If you already have similar products in your kit, go with those. For example: I don't happen to own their brand of tinted moisturizer, but I do have a Too Faced Beauty Balm. In fact, I'm just going to go through their tutorial and add in the products I would recommend as dupes. That way, you can dig through your kits and see what you already have before placing any unnecessary online orders. I'll mark all my edits with ***. 

1. Start out by applying our Studio Tinted Moisturizer in the shade that best suites you.
***Any tinted moisturizer would work. Just go with what works best for you.

2. Contour the cheekbones, temples of the forehead, and sides of the nose with our Essentials Bronzer with Brush for that sun kissed look. 
***Benefit Hoola is great for contouring because of its matte finish. However, if you like a dewier look, try Too Faced Sun Bunny for a light shimmer. Sun Bunny is also fantastic on porcelain lasses, such as myself.

3. Highlight the center of the face with our Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in 'Luminance' for a lit from within glow.
***As far as highlighters go, I'm a fan of Too Faced Snow Bunny, but LORAC Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight is pretty darn wonderful, too. Honestly, though, I'm always wary of putting shimmer in my T-zone. If you want to try a different route, I'd suggest MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (in whatever color matches your skin tone) for a soft, airbrushed, matte finish that still makes you appear to glow. It's gorgeous.

4. Brush brows into place with our Eyebrow Treat & Tame.
***Clear mascara works well for this. I'm also a fan of E.L.F. Eyebrow Kit.

5. Line the eyes with a brown eyeliner and smudge with a Q-Tip or blending brush. Try our Brightening Eyeliner in Coffee.
***Ulta Automatic Eyeliner in Deep Brown is a staple in my kit. A dark brown shadow would work well, too, since you're smudging it anyway. Urban Decay Twice Baked has always worked well for me.

6. Coat lashes with a few swipes of waterproof brown mascara.
***It's not brown, but I love Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes for a natural look. If you really want brown, though, CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion is a really nice one, and inexpensive to boot.

7. Coat lips with a swipe of our Lip Balm SPF 15 in 'Clear'.
***Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Minty Lip Shine should be in everyone's kit. It's a basic, clear gloss with no shimmer, and the minty flavor helps freshen your breath. If you need a color, though (and I would), Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balms are a great way to go, and Bora Bora (sheer cherry) would be my pick. A less expensive version (and one that stays in my purse at all times) is CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Muscat. Both give you a pop of color that still looks natural.

I'm also going to suggest popping a little peachy blush on the cheeks (Benefit Coralista is a fave. There's no shimmer, but a very fine sheen that looks extremely natural), and a bronze shadow on the eyes (Buxom Stay-There in Mutt or Stila's Sparkle), just to complete the look. May the odds be in your favor!

Frugal Friday and Some Heavenly High Heels

A favorite blog of mine is The Erin O'Brien Owner's Manual for Human Beings (God, I love that title). Today, Ms. O'Brien posted a picture of her Valentine's gift: a chocolate high-heeled shoe, filled with gourmet truffles. The mere fact that such a thing even exists makes the world seem a little brighter.

This polka-dotted, treat-filled pump (available in dark or milk chocolate) is roughly one pound of chocolaty deliciousness, and can be yours for $39.95. Not really feeling into the whole "Cinderella's lost slipper" vibe? Pick up a pair (delivered in the most adorable tissue-lined shoebox!) for $76.95. In case you're wondering, yes, they are life-sized, but no, I would not recommend wearing them. Of course, that is one way to get around having to share...

Photo Credit (All): Sweet Designs Chocolatier

Want to read more from the delightful Erin O'Brien? Her new book, The Irish Hungarian Guide To the Domestic Arts, is available on Amazon for $14.00. While you wait for the beautifully-written hilarity to arrive, check out her blog for an oasis of intelligent humor in this increasingly crass cyber-world.

And now, it's time for some Frugal Friday deals!

Disney Store: Use code HAPPY25 for 25% off any Parks merchandise through 2/20/12.

Smashbox: Enter the code SMASH25 for $25 off any $100 purchase. Ends 2/19/12.

Old Navy: Save 15% off any online order, or 25% off any online order of $100 or more with code ONSAVEBIG. Ends 2/20/12.

MAC Cosmetics: Free shipping on any online order through 2/20/12. No code necessary.

Victoria's Secret: Free 3pc. travel bag set with any $45 in-store Beauty purchase. Expires 2/17/12.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Frugal Friday and the Once and Future Heartbreaker

One of these days, should Thomas and I have any kids, I hope that we are half as cool as Arthur's parents.

This site showed up on my Facebook the other day (and thank you to whomever it was that posted! I can't find it now to thank you properly, so if you see this, let me know who you are in the comments), and I couldn't stop smiling! As you probably have guessed, I'm a bit of a movie buff. I also happen to adore babies, and Arthur's parents were kind enough to combine my two loves into one absolutely precious blog: Arthur Recreates Scenes From Classic Movies.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind:

Photo Credit (This and All): studioarthur.co.uk

The Blair Witch Project:

And my personal favorite, American Beauty:

Check out some more of adorable little Arthur's work on his blog, or follow his (amazingly talented and sweetly goofy) Mom on Twitter: @EmilyCleaver. Oh, I just want to pinch those little cheeks!!!

And now, for today's Frugal Friday alerts!

Forever 21: Now through Valentine's Day, take 30% off all lingerie. Online only, but no code is needed. There's some really cute stuff available, so I'd jump on this one.

Victoria's Secret: Again, now through V-Day, spend $75 in stores and receive a box of Vosges Haut-Chocolat truffles, inspired by VS collections. They're only available in select stores, so check before forking over any dough.

Wet Seal: Take $10 off any purchase of $50 or more with code Luv2shop. Ends 2/14/12, online only.

Sephora: Use the code BIGBALM to score a full-sized Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Balm in Wakiki with any online purchase of $25 or more. I have these in Bora Bora and Portofino, and they're amazing, so this is a real steal.

Have a lovely weekend!!

Frugal Friday: Work In Progress

Happy Friday!!! Here are your deals and steals o' the day!

Smashbox: Now through Sunday, you can take $10 off any purchase of $50 or more with the code SWEETDEAL. Offer not valid in conjunction with other promotions.

Victoria's Secret: In stores, through Feb. 2nd, you can get a PINK minidog with any PINK purchase. Starting Jan. 23rd, you can also snag one with any PINK online purchase, using the code PINKLOVE. Just make sure you add the little fella to your order first.

Wet Seal: Hurry for this one! 20% off your entire order UNTIL 3PM PST!!!

Today's post is more of a heads up than anything else. I'm in the process of testing out the Real Techniques makeup brushes by Pixiwoo's Samantha Chapman, but I haven't been able to locate all the brushes in the set, so the review is forthcoming, but not ready to go at this particular point in time. It appears they're only available at Ulta here in the States, and mine stays sold out of them. Go figure.

I didn't want to buy a new set of brushes. I really didn't. I've been using E.L.F. for so long, and I dearly love them, but I needed to have a set devoted solely to movie/stage makeup (it's absolutely no fun to have to cart your own, personal set of brushes to and from set. They can get lost, stepped on, broken...did I mention lost? It's nerve-wracking). I decided to donate that set to the cause and give these a shot. I'd watched the Pixiwoo girls use them for a while, and was impressed with the on-camera results.

Anyway, this isn't the review, but I have had the opportunity to test out four of the brushes, and have been extraordinarily pleased with both the quality and the results. Plus, with each brush (that isn't in a collection) running between $5 and $10, with a buy one get one 50% off sale, the price point is comparable to E.L.F.'s.

So, like I said, this isn't the review, but I knew a few of you out there had to be in the market for brushes. Now you can be on the lookout for the review and a breakdown of each brush. Hope that helps some.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pin-Up Posters and Diva Decor

You know how I said yesterday that I hoped to take some pictures of the bathroom last night? Well, I decided to wait on that until there was something decent to photograph. Right now, the towels aren't out, the decor is only halfway installed, and a great big container of spackle is right smack dab in the middle of my countertop. Trust me, you want me to wait on this.

Andy's Room. Photo Credit: DisneyWallpaper

In the meantime, let me tell you about my nowhere-near-finished guest room! (I can tell you're just chompin' at the bit.) The room had been what Thomas referred to as "Andy's Room Blue", but we painted over that with slate gray and trimmed the window, doors, and baseboards in white. Most of the accents are lime green, which really pops against the gray.

The inspiration for the room came, in part, from a rather odd source: Victoria's Secret. I kid thee not.

See, back around the time of the last fashion show, the company held a sweepstakes, and I--for once--won a prize! I received a design-inspired sketch of one of the runway looks. Now, to be perfectly frank, I wasn't thrilled. I was thrilled to get anything, of course, but I'd hoped for a gift card, discount, or maybe a t-shirt. Design-inspired sketch never even entered my mind. What on Earth was I going to do with a picture of some random chick in lingerie?


Photo Credit: CBS News.
Change the yellow to pink, and this is my sketch.

A few weeks later, my "major award" arrived. Inside a little "Congratulations! You're a Winner!" card was the sweetest little cartoon-like sketch of a redheaded superheroine--all in hot pink with white go-go boots! The background was a lemon-lime green, and the entire piece was beyond adorable. I squealed a little, and decided right then and there that I would decorate the guestroom in a sophisticatedly (is that a word? It is now) girly fashion. The sketch went into a chrome frame with a white mat, and the search for equally precious pinup art commenced. 

A quick search on Amazon brought up some winners. Here are my favorites:

Photo Credit: Poster Shop Live (This and next two)

Link

Link

Photo Credit: Pop Culture Graphics

Since the room's going uber-girly, I thought I'd toss in a frilly mirror...

Photo Credit: Kirkland's

...then tone things down a bit with a mod lamp.

Photo Credit: Target

It's a work-in-progress, but I think we may be getting there. Any thought? I'd love to read them in the comments.