Shimmer for the Holidays

November & December are all about over-doing it. It's the one time of year where glitter, shimmer, and BRIGHT red can be added to your normal make-up routine with no questioning. And the high-end make-up companies start releasing their I need holiday collections. (I DROOL over Bobbi Brown's Oysters and Caviar collection.)

Sparkly eyeshadow is a FUN way to work some glitter in to your holiday make-up regime.

Melissa Gorga is the reigning glitter eyeshadow queen. All hail

And with L'oreal, you can do it on the cheap.

L'oreal's Infallible eyeshaow in "Iced Latte" is a dead ringer for Stilla's Kitten. And while I love Stilla, this eyeshadow is so much better. Stilla flakes off during the day, and this absolutely did not. It was still going strong when I took it off at 9 PM before bed. (Which says a lot, I get ready around 5.) I wore it with Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in Birthday Suit. I can't stress this enough- get this! Because of the low price point it would be a great pick to try some more unique colors.. I can't wait to try the Emerald Sea and Glittering Garnet bold colors!

Drugstore Beauty: 3 Steps to Great Hair

Three products you MUST add to your arsenal, three easy steps. Enjoy your lovely locks.

1. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Formula Shampoo.

Use it once a week, being sure to massage it into your scalp. Your hair will look so much better afterwards, and whatever shampoo you use on the reg will work better. Oh, and it costs about $4.50 a pop. Since you only use it once a week, it will last for quite a while. 

2. Suave Coconut Conditioner

Except don't use it as your normal conditioner, use it as a leave-in conditioner. Squeeze a dollop into your hands, rub between your palms to warm it up, and comb it through your ends with a wide-toothed comb. Be careful not to use too much, or your hair will get heavy. Just a small amount, and your hair will be silky-smooth and smell like deeeelicious. The best leave-in conditioner you can get for $2.50.

3. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, Original Formula

It's been said that John Frieda's Frizz-Ease is hair stylists' secret weapon. I can't say I disagree. Use a dime sized amount of this, rub it between your palms to warm it up, and rub it through your soaking wet hair. It's magical. I have coarse hair, and it makes my hair so much easier to control. I have friends that have thinner hair that also swear by this. It retails from anywhere between $4-$8 (depending on where you go- I suggest Wal Mart), but it works sooooo better than other similar products I've tried (Fredric Fekkai, Redken, Bedhead, Paul Mitchell.... just to name a few). 

xoxo,

C

(my first) DRUGSTORE REVIEW: Great Buffing Tools

I am a sucker for high-end make up. I am in NO place to judge anyone for splurging on cosmetics. However, I love finding great quality drugstore dupes. In my experience, the quality of make-up isn't always reflected by the price. I've used a lot of crappy, but very expensive, cosmetics and vice versa.

So, I was very happy to find two high-quality drugstore products that didn't break the bank. I've been on the prowl for a great make-up setting powder. I LOOOOOVE MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish loose powder to set my make up, but it is a very messy formula and runs for $32 for .35 ounces. I swear, I lose product every time I use it because of the superfine messy formula. To buff my foundation, I'd been using NARS Pressed Powder in Flesh, but the finish is a little too cakey for my liking, and the color is a little too chalky.

I bought Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Transparent from my local Wal-Mart for $3.99, and an Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush for $9.99. The brush is a wonderful. A jackpot drugstore find. It deposits color evenly, plus I love the big fluffy texture. The powder is just the right texture and color for setting make up. Both of these products are ideal for setting make-up, buffing foundation, and finishing your look. And you can snag both for under $15.

You can thank me later.

XOXO, 

C

my first post

Good morning, to probably around 0 readers. I am so excited about this blog. SO, SO excited.

Since I was a tiny nugget, I have loved make-up. I'd spend my wee little allowance on Bonne Bell Lip Lattes  and Covergirl cheekers. That love has yet to disappear. The other day I was rummaging through my make-up as I got ready for the day, and I realized the sheer amount of product I had. For example, I was trying to decide what base to use, and I had 3 full coverage choices, 1 medium coverage, 2 BB's, and 4 pressed powders to choose from. I decided a beauty blog might be a great outlet to review these many products as well as keep a running list of my favorites.

I hope you all enjoy (and learn some tips)!

Please leave me any feedback!