Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara / $10

There are some things you can live without — this is probably one of them. I say probably because although I can live without this, why would I want to? After giving up black eyeliner (aside from the occasional cat-eye here and there) I was looking for something that could take its place, so to speak. I'd been a bottom-lash-mascara-wearer for quite a few years but the idea of a product made just for that seemed a bit silly to me. Even then, I couldn't resist and for $10, and to this day I really have no complaints.

The thing about this mascara is that it doesn't budge. It doesn't smear, it doesn't give you panda eyes, it just does what it's supposed to do and comes of when you take it off. Basically magic. The little brush is perfect for getting each teeny tiny lash and it does so without leaving a huge mess to clean up. I've got to say that there have been times I've just used normal mascara on my bottom lashes instead of this. The result? Not so great because I shake and end up getting black everywhere that it's not supposed to be. Maybe if I were a bit more poised it would all work out and I wouldn't need this stuff. But I'm not.

Though I mentioned it in my January favorites, it's still a favorite of mine. I use it each day without fail and never have to worry about looking like this. No offenses to pandas — I still love you.

Have you tried this? What are some awesome yet frivolous things you couldn't live without?

Pixi Lash Line Ink

Pixi Lash Line Ink* · $16

Oh look, eyeliner! I feel like I never wear eyeliner anymore (except maybe on my waterline) that said, when I do, I wear this one.

Pixi Lash Link Ink rivals all other liquid liners I've tried and let me tell you, I was an avid liquid liner girl for a good 5 years or so! The felt tip is perfect for creating an extremely thin line and getting right between your lashes. While at first I felt like I didn't have enough control over it, when it was time for the flick I was pleasantly surprised. Something about the way it moves and bends makes it perfect for getting that cat-eye just right. The color itself is very very black which is definitely something I look for when it comes to liquid liner, I mean who wants some meh greyish black color on their lids? Not me! 

I've had this liner for a few months now and there are absolutely no signs of drying up which is great. I'm hoping this will last me quite a while, being the one I can turn to when I want that Anna Karina look. So far so good!

What do you guys think? What's your favorite liner?  

MAC Haul & FOTD

Face: YSL Touché Éclat, Tarte Exposed · Brows: Anastasia Brow Wiz, MAC Mystery · Eyes: MAC Painterly, Malt, Sable, Teddy eyeliner, Maybelline Illegal Lenghts Mascara · Lips: MAC Rebel

This past Saturday, with a list in hand, I took a trip up to San Francisco to the MAC Pro Store and ended up with a bit more than I had planned, but oh well!  I really wanted a Z-Palette but they're so hard to get here (and I'm impatient) so I settled for the new MAC palette. I know some people didn't like the old one, but I've got to admit the new one is beautiful and sturdy.

For shadows, I opted for: Shroom, Patina, Charcoal Brown, Sable, Copperplate, Quarry, Malt, and Satin Taupe.  They seem to complement each other beautifully and also go well with some others I need to de-pot (Naked Lunch, Silver Ring, and Honesty). I think what started this whole thing was me dropping my beloved Satin Taupe and being way-too-sad about it. I originally purchased it to wear when Richard and I got married (and I did) so when it broke, I was feeling a bit nostalgic (lol?).

I really wanted a paint pot but couldn't decide between Bare Study and Painterly — the lovely lady MAC talked me into Painterly and I'm glad she did. It's such a nice nude base for shadows and it makes the colors pop a bit. My only fear is waking up one morning to find a dry paint pot, but hopefully that won't be for quite a while.

I repurchased Teddy, my favorite brown eyeliner of all time. I only wear it on the outer-half of my waterline, but I think it's perfect for that use. I also got the MAC 217 as I was in the market for a new blending/shadow brush. I'm in love! I need more brushes! Help!

Last but definitely not least are Plumful and Rebel. I originally went in for Capricious, but they didn't have it in stock, sigh. I figured I should get Plumful since I wanted it eventually anyway and was then talked into Rebel as well — but hey, I ain't regretting it.

Soooo that's that. Sorry this was ridiculously long! It's stuff like this that makes me seriosuly consider buying a new camera with video capability so I can do videos (so if you have any recommendations please let me know). I think I'm set for a while when it comes to MAC products — what are your favorite things from MAC?

PIXI Shade Quartette in Shades of Taupe

Pixi Shade Quartette in Shades of Taupe* · $22

I was lucky enough to recieve a few bits from PIXI, and thought I'd start out by showing you all the beautiful eyeshadow quartette that I had been eyeing (no pun intended) for quite some time. P.S. Sorry if the lighting is off — it's so gloomy today!

Shades of Taupe is exactly what it says it is — shades of taupe, duh. There's four different colors — one matte, one satin, and two shimmers and let me tell you, they're just the perfect colors for autumn and winter. I really love taupes, purples, and browns in the colder months so I'm super excited to have this in my collection.  Whether you just want a light pinky-brown on your lids or maybe a subtle smokey eye like I did, you can do a lot with these four shades. They're super pigmented, seriously a little goes a long way. They're also extremely soft and really easy to apply and blend. Overall they're an amazing quality and for $22? That's basically a steal. 

What do you think of the PIXI shade quartettes? What are your favorite winter shadow colors? 

Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat

Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat* · $21

If you're like me, you prefer non-waterproof mascara for various reasons. That said, it is nice to have that little extra something to help hold your mascara whether it be from rainy/foggy/misty weather, crying due to sappy romance movies (I can't be the only one), and any other reasons why you'd want to avoid those dreaded mascara tears running down your face.

The thing I love about Lash Genius is that it gives you the option to make your already loved non-waterproof mascara(s), waterproof. You don't have to stick to the same 'ol mascara and you can switch it up if you want, as you just apply this right over the mascara you're already wearing. Going to a wedding or maybe you're in the wedding? Prime example of when this little baby would be perfect to use. 

Another thing that's great about this versus normal waterproof mascaras is that not only does this work like a dream (yes I tested it) but it's a breeze to remove. Yeah, we all know how much of a chore it is to remove waterproof mascara and everyone has their own technique, but with a little cleansing water and a cotton pad this stuff comes off super easy! Go figure. This stuff totally exceeded my expectations and if you want to check it out, hop over to Sephora or to an Anastasia counter and have 'em try it out on you. 

What do you guys think of this product? Are you a waterproof or non-waterproof kind of gal?

Anastasia Want You To Want Me Eye Shadow Palette

Anastasia Want You To Want Me Eye Shadow Palette · $34

I've been looking for a new palette, preferably one that would have colors to compliment all the berry/wine colored lipsticks I've been wearing lately. Upon searching the depths of the internet, I came across this limited edition holiday set and knew I had to have it.

The set comes with a palette of 9 colors, a sleek black liquid liner, a clear brow gel, and a little bitty brush. I already own the Anastasia Brow Wiz, so the brow gel will definitely compliment that on days where my brows are a little unruly. I've strayed away from black liner completely as it seems a bit harsh on me lately but I'm still excited to try this one (possibly for nights out). The whole kit is supposed to be a "nod to the glam and decadence of the 1970’s" hence the names of the colors, and I think it's such a cute idea.

The palette itself is full of gorgeous purples, mauves, pinks, and tans which are so perfect for this season considering the trends. The colors blend effortlessly and seem to stay on well with no issues at all. They're velvety smooth and just lovely to use. For the price it's honestly a steal, so if you're looking for a little something new, try and get your hands on this! My only qualm about this is that it's made of that velvety fabric (like the UD Naked palette) so it's already full of fuzzies! Oh well. Still worth it ;)

What do you guys think of the set? Are you loving the colors in the palette as much as I am?

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'  — once I hit 100 followers I'm doing a huge giveaway (worth $100)!

Lancôme Le Curler

Lancôme Le Curler · $23

Going along with the theme of eyelashes I figured I'd show you all another little tool I use to help achieve those long and lengthy lashes. The same day I got my beloved Dior Iconic Mascara, the Sephora MUA told me about an amazing set of eyelash curlers that would essentially blow my mind. She explained that unlike a lot of other curlers these don't pull on/pinch your eyelids and give you an incredible curl that lasts all day (she also told me that she uses them herself and her lashes looked stunning so I was basically sold). I had been using the same curlers for a reeeeeally long time and figured maybe I should finally invest in a better pair. Well, I'm glad I did.

These are really really wonderful. They give you a crazy awesome curl but are surprisingly gentle — there's no pulling/tugging or pinching feeling at all when you use them. It also takes a lot less effort; with my old pair I had to press hard to get a decent curl and with these the softest close + hold gives you an almost perfect curl! I usually use 1-2 times per eye to get the look I want, following the directions that were on the box. All in all I'm glad I spent the money on these because they're really just a dream to use!

What's your favorite brand of eyelash curlers? Have you tried these?

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum & Diorshow Iconic Mascara

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum · $28

Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara · $28.50

As of late I've been a bit obsessed with trying to figure out how to make my lashes look longer and fuller without the use of falsies. 

After trying, I immediately fell in love with Dior's Lash Pluming Serum.  I already have pretty full lashes but this helps separate them and add a bit more volume. I can't imagine applying mascara without this now; it's seriously perfect! 

My next step was to try to find a mascara that would add the dramatic length that I was looking for. My first run was with a different Dior mascara which I wasn't a fan of and promptly returned. I then went for a different brand, Lancome, and while really wonderful, it still wasn't what I was looking for. This weekend I went into Sephora and asked one of the MUA's for advice and told her what I was looking for. She immediately took me to the Dior section and although I was a bit hesitant I trusted her advice and bought the Diorshow Iconic Mascara. She couldn't have picked a more perfect product; I'm absolutely in love.

It keeps my lashes separated, adds a bit of curl, and lengthens like I cannot believe. I'm not really one to use the "holy grail" term that we hear so often in the blogging universe but honestly? This is my holy grail mascara. I don't really see myself using anything else for a loooooong time and can honestly say this is the best mascara that I have ever tried. So obsessed!

What do you guys think of Dior's mascara collection? Have you used the Plumping Serum? What did you think? P.S. You can see the bigger version of my after photo here!

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay Naked Palette · $50

The hype around Urban Decay's palettes can't be denied, and for good reason. I've been wearing eyeshadow tons more now that I've cut down on eyeliner use, and I've got to say I much prefer it that way. So with that I've been debating getting a UD palette for some time now, going back and forth between the original Naked palette and the Naked 2 palette. After some research and recommendations, I went for the original!

The colors in this one are bronze and cocoa neutrals, making them a bit warmer than Naked 2 which is exactly what I wanted. There are few matte colors thrown in with the shimmers as well which is awesome as I'm a sucker for a nice matte brown (I'm looking at you, Buck). I'm pretty excited about most of the colors here, but especially Sin, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, and Toasted. Such great summer/autumn colors and I can definitely see myself wearing some of these year round too since they're so versatile and neutral. It comes with a little bottle of Primer Potion which is super cute and a total plus (vs. the random lipgloss that comes with Naked 2).

With our NYC trip coming up in two (!!!!) days I wanted something that I could easily bring with me and that would have all the colors I needed. This is exactly that. It's so travel friendly that I can just throw it in my carry on and be done with it.

What do you guys think of the Urban Decay Naked/Naked 2 palettes? Which is your favorite?

Eylure Naturalites Natural Volume Eyelashes 032

Eylure Naturalites Natural Volume Eyelashes 032* · $6.00

I'm going to start this post out by saying I have never ever ever worn fake lashes. It's not because I don't  or haven't wanted to, it's just because I've honestly never thought about it. My lashes are pretty normal, not really long and not really thick but they do look nice with a bit of mascara.

The Eylure Naturalites are really lovely — they're great falsies without the falsie look, if you get what I'm saying. They add just the right amount of length and a little bit of thickness (but not much). I'm pretty excited because it was my first time ever applying false eyelashes and it was a breeze. I cut them to size and glued 'em on and that was it. I was a little worried that I would glue them all wrong but alas, it was way easier than it seems. I'll definitely be purchasing more of these in the future as well as checking out all the other styles Eylure has to offer.

What are you favorite brands of false eyelashes? What type of falsies do you prefer?