Currently Coveting - Eyeshadow Palettes (Featuring Dior, Lancôme, LORAC, Urban Decay, Illamasqua, & Clinique)

One of my favorite makeup pieces are eyeshadow palettes! I love being able to create a look (or ten) with just one palette.

 

Here are a few eyeshadow palettes that I've been coveting.

 

Dior 5 Color Eyeshadow in Golden Snow (Golden Winter Collection)
Lancôme Color Design Shadow & Liner Palette in Lavender Grace
LORAC Pro Palette
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
Illamasqua Complement Palette
Clinique Eyeshadow Quad in All About Shadow


What are some of the beauty (or non-beauty) products that you've been coveting lately?

Check back every Sunday for more of my "Currently Coveting" posts.

XOXO


You can take a look at my past "Currently Coveting" postings below:
Baby Pink & Glowy Skin (Featuring Illamasca, YSL, Hourglass, Mac, & Dior)

Burgundy, Cognac, Burnt Orange, Tortoise, & Gold (Featuring Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Express, & Macy's)

Fall Nail Polish (Featuring OPI & Essie)

 

Cozy Sweaters (Featuring H&M)

 

Skincare (Featuring Clarins & Origins)

 

Tiffany Blue & Silver (Featuring Tiffany & Co.)

 

Comfy Lounge Wear (Featuring Victoria's Secret PINK & Forever 21)

 

Eye Makeup of the Day - Featuring Mac Cosmetics

Hello!!

 

Today I decided to try something new - an eye makeup of the day (or EOTD). The makeup that I wore today features Mac eyeshadows which I've been loving lately. This has become my go-to makeup look!

 

 

 

 

 

The Products:

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Mac Nylon Eyeshadow (inner corner, first third of the eyelid, and browbone)

Mac Crystal Eyeshadow (center of the eyelid)

Mac Handwritten Eyeshadow(outer third of the eyelid, crease, and lower lashline)

Mac Blacktrack Fluidline (on top lashline)

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner (on top and bottom waterline)

Benefit They're Real Mascara (on top and bottom lashes)

 

The Tools:

Mac 239

Mac 217

Mac 219

Revlon lash curler

 

 

 

XOXO

 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I've been a fan of Urban Decay eyeshadow for a few years now. I am obsessed with my Urban Decay Naked 1&2 palettes. I use them 90% of the time I wear makeup. 

I had mixed opinions when the Naked Basics palette was released. I thought the shades would be too similar to the other two palettes I own. I bought the palette after hearing so many people praising the palette. 

I've decided that this palette is not my favorite and too similar to the Naked 1&2 palettes. If you already have those palettes, I would not recommend purchasing. If you don't have the Naked 1&2 palettes, I would suggest that you save your money and purchase either the first or second Naked palette depending on which shades and tones you prefer. If the first three shades weren't almost identical, I think that this would be an amazing palette for the price.

 

The Naked Basics palette features six neutral shades for $27.

Left to right: Venus, Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, Crave

Swatches left to right: Venus, Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked 2, Faint, Crave

Although these aren't dupes, I found some similar shades in my collection to the eyeshadows found in the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.

Left to right: Venus (UD Naked Basics), Bootycall (UD Naked 2), Virgin (UD Naked), Browbone color (Wet N Wild Walking on Eggshells), Sellout (UD single eyeshadow)

Left to right: Naked 2 (UD Naked Basics), Tease (UD Naked 2), Naked (UD Naked)

 Left to right: Faint (UD Naked Basics), Buck (UD Naked), Deep Bronze (NYX)

Left to right: Crave (UD Naked Basics), Blackout (UD Naked 2), Creep (UD Naked)

After giving this palette a try, I will be returning it to my local ULTA store. These eyeshadows weren't as unique as I had hoped after hearing so many good things about this palette. This may be a great palette if you are a beginner, however the similarities between the first three shades holds me back from recommending it.

 

 

What are your opinions on the newest addition to the Urban Decay Naked family?

 

 

XOXO

Collective Beauty Haul & Review - February, March, April, and May 2013

Hello!


This is going to be a collective haul and mini review of the items that I've bought the past few months. I will be breaking this into categories and giving my opinion on each item since I've been able to use these products.

Here is my beauty version:

 

Clockwise from the Top: Urban Decay All Lighter Setting Spray, MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb, MAC 219 Brush, MAC 210 Brush, MAC Powder Blush in Pink Tea, MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Stolen Moment, MAC MSF Natural in Light Plus, and Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait.

                  

Left to Right: Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, MAC MSF Natural in Light Plus, MAC Powder Blush in Pink Tea, MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Stolen Moment, and MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb.

Left to Right: Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, MAC MSF Natural in Light Plus, MAC Powder Blush in Pink Tea, MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Stolen Moment, and MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb.



Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($29) - I've had my eye on this product for over a year and decided to purchase it finally when I had a 20% coupon for Ulta. I've put this product to the test since I've bought it and I was pleasantly surprised. I think that this is a good investment to extend the wear of your makeup. This definitely doesn't hold up if you work out with your makeup though. I've worn this to a wedding I was recently in and my makeup looked practically the same when I took it off at midnight compared to when I put it on twelve hours earlier. I haven't tested the claim of sixteen hour wear however since my makeup has never been on for that long.

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait ($4 originally $8) - This is my second lip butter, however in a more natural color. I really like this product and the color is nice for everyday. I'm sure you've heard this before but it's a nice mix of a lipstick and a lip gloss - the color with the shine. This only wears a few hours on me before I need to reapply. I recommend buying these when they are on sale.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus ($30) - This is another product that I've had my eyes on for over a year. I decided that once I ran out of my Mac Blot Powder, then I would purchase this in my shade. I enjoy this as a powder to set my liquid foundation as well as a powder foundation alone to even out my skin complexion.

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb ($20.50 originally $30) - This was a product that I was interested in when it was first released, however it was a little out of my price range at the time. I found this at a local CCO. This is my first powder highlight and it is a beautiful color.

MAC Powder Blush in Pink Tea ($14.75 originally $20) - I passed this up when it was released in the Tres Cheek collection because I was already buying two blushes from that collection at the time. I found this at the CCO and thought that this would be a great neutral color to compliment any eye makeup look. This is a beautiful color to add a subtle flush to the cheeks.

MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Stolen Moment ($13.75 originally $19.50) - This is the first eye shadow that I've bought from MAC. I found this during the same trip to the CCO as the other products mentioned earlier. I think that this is a very versatile shade because I've used this on the entire lid and just in the crease with other colors. I've heard that this is similar to the shade Satin Taupe from Mac which is permanent if you can't find this specific shade at your local CCO.

Mac 219 Brush ($25) - I've wanted this brush for a while and I absolutely love it. I had to exchange it for another one after a few weeks of using it because the ferrule came loose even thought I never exposed it to water. I've deep cleaned the replacement, however, and I've had no problems. This is great for creating a cut crease as well as lining underneath the lash line without overdoing it.

Mac 210 Brush ($19) - Ever since I purchased the 211 brush I've never been truly happy with the way my blacktrack fluidline applied. I've since used the 211 for concealer application. This is the perfect brush for creating a thin line on the lashline and building it up. The handle of the brush is so tiny, I feel like I might break it!




The Container Store Clear Acrylic Cubes ($14.99 each) - I decided a few months ago that I wanted a new makeup storage. I've loved the look of the clear acrylic cubes to store makeup and decided to buy some when I visited a semi-local Container Store. I bought three and think that it is perfect for the amount of makeup that I have right now.

Sorry for the not so great picture quality. I forgot to photograph these the same day I photographed the rest of the products. It's been really rainy today.

 OPI Nail Polish in Tickle My France-y ($7) - I bought this nail polish on a whim a few months back, however I haven't used it yet. This is a neutral pink shade that will look great for a subtle color to your nails. I can't wait to try this. I will keep you updated!

 

This was another product that I had to take on a picture of on a rainy day.

That's all for my beauty haul & mini review. Check back for my jewelry & shoe version which will be up in the next couple of days!

 

 

XOXO

 

january favorites

Hi everyone! I'm here again for my january favorites. I've decided that I'll be featuring my re-discovered items since a lot of my past favorite posts have featured repeated items -- like my beloved urban decay naked palettes.

january favorites by ladyem2 featuring revlon cosmetics



I usually wear my mac blush in plum foolery for the colder months, but I decided to switch it up and use my lovecloud blush from the tres cheek collection last year. I absolutely love this blush for a nice flush! It's a mix between a pink and a coral blush in my opinion.

Since I'm taking two clinicals (starting at 6:30 am!) this semester, I decided I need a quick makeup look for those days. Urban Decay's single eyeshadow in sell out is great for those days. It's a nice shimmery nude that is great for all over the lid up to the brow. It gives my eyes a brightening effect which makes it look like I got a little more sleep then I actually did. :)

Ever since I got my makeup done at mac, I've been using my 211 brush (which I originally used for gel liner) for my concealer. It's great for concealer because its not too big or too small. I actually prefer this as a concealer brush rather than a eyeliner brush. This was a bit too large for my gel eyeliner look I prefer (thin and winged out line).

I've had rimmel london's lipstick in dreamy for a while. It's a nice formula (moisture renew) and color for any look. It's a slightly shimmery (without over doing it) pink-nude shade. I've been loving this for school since I don't want to wear anything crazy on my lips in class!

Revlon colorburst lip glosses are probably my current favorite lip gloss to wear. I own more, but my favorites this past month to wear have been peony, sunset peach, and crystal lilac. These are a bit more spring, however it's a way to kind of hurry up the nice weather! :)


What are some things you've been loving or re-discovered this january? I'd love to know. Maybe I will pick them up in february!


XOXO

July 2012 Favorites

Here are my July Favorites! These products have been used in my go to look this month.

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack -

I have been loving this eyeliner this month. I've been doing a winged liner about 2-3 days a week this month. Which is a lot for me since I used to only do it once in awhile.

Urban Decay Eyeshadows in Foxy, Bootycall, and Tease -

In addition to my winged eyeliner, I've been loving my Urban Decay Naked2 Palette. My go to look inlcudes Foxy all over the lid, Bootycall as a highlight under my brow and in my inner corner, and Tease in the crease.

Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop, Revlon Lipstick in Soft Nude, Rimmel Lipstick in Airy Fairy -

I've been interchanging these lipsticks this month. I think all three of these lipsticks look good with simple eyeshadows and a black winged eyeliner. I wear the lollipop shade when I'm feeling a little more daring.

What have you been loving this month?

XOXO

June 2012 Favorites

I've decided to break my monthly favorites, haul, and empties into individual blog posts. Here are my June Favorites!

MAC Tres Cheek Blushes (Lovecloud, Peony Petal, and Full of Joy) - I am in love with these blushes. These are perfect for spring and summer. I've mentioned Lovecloud and Full of Joy in my May Favorites and Peony Petal in my June Haul. These blushes are beautiful. If you can get your hands on these, I highly recommend them.



MAC False Lashes Mascara - This has been my favorite mascara since I bought it a few months ago. I will be repurchasing this when it runs out. I used to only use drugstore mascara, but that's changed since I found this. This is the only MAC mascara I'ved used, so I'm not sure how it compares to their other formulas.



Urban Decay Naked & Naked2 Palettes - I'm so glad I bought these. At first, I didn't think that I would need to own both. However I think if you can afford both and want both, go for it! Here are some combinations that I've been loving:



Chanel Earrings - I've been wearing these a lot this month. I own two pairs, however this is the smaller of the two. Aren't they pretty? Unfortunately one of the stones fell out, so I want to eventually buy another pair.





Daisy Fuentes Glasses - Usually I only wear my glasses during class when I need to take notes, however I've been wearing them a lot more this month. I can see without them, however I've been wearing them during class, when I'm on the computer, and when I'm reading.


Songs - There have been three songs that I have been OBSESSED with this month. They are: Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Eli Young Band, You Don't Know Your Beautiful by One Direction, and Angel Eyes by Love and Theft.

What have you been loving this month?

XOXO

May 2012 Favorites, Haul, & Empties

Hi everyone!

I've decided that in addition to my monthly favorites, I will be including any collective purchases I've made this past month, and the products that I've used up this month (or empties). I originally saw this idea on Gaby's Beauty Blog, however The Sunday Girl also does this every month. I may not have an empty product every month.

May Favorites:

MAC blush in lovecloud (from the tres cheek collection)
MAC blush in full of joy (from the tres cheek collection)
Benefit creaseless cream shadow in bunny hop (discontinued)
Urban Decay single eyeshadow in sell out
NYX single eyeshadow in taupe
Revlon single eyeshadow in pure pearl
Covergirl eyeshadow trio in cafe au lait





MAC blush in lovecloud & full of joy - I bought these from the tres cheek collection that came out in April. I absolutely love these colors. Lovecloud is described as a bright mid-tone pink and full of joy is described as a lavender. If they are still available near you or online, I highly recommend them. They are perfect colors for spring and summer.


Top picture (left to right): lovecloud and full of joy.



Bottom picture (top to bottom): full of joy and lovecloud.

Benefit creaseless cream shadow in bunny hop is my first and only benefit product. I'm not sure if I would purchase another shade, only because I want to try out similar products such as MAC paint pots. The color is very natural and creamy. I haven't experienced any creasing while using under eyeshadow or alone. I think cream shadow is useful as a base or as a wash of color on a lazy day.

Urban Decay single eyeshadow in sell out is a universal shade. I use this as a highlight under my brows and in the inner corners & all over the lid for a 'wide awake' look.




NYX single eyeshadow in taupe is a "best friend" color as dubbed by Allison or Amarixe on YouTube & another blogger. I love using this shade to blend out any other colors that I'm wearing. Sometimes I'll wear this all over the lid for a natural looking eye.


Revlon single eyeshadow in pure pearl is something that I have owned since high school (5+ years ago). Obviously I haven't used it in awhile and not often since there isn't a single piece of pan showing! I originally bought this WHITE shadow since it was something similar to what a friend bought. I have since moved on from white eyeshadow across the lids. Thank god I didn't follow that trend for long!! Now I use this as a highlight shade to help when I look tired.


Covergirl eyeshadow trio in cafe au lait is one of my project pan items. I've had this eyeshadow palette since high school as well, however you can clearly tell how much I've used it since then! These are nice shades for a natural everyday look, however the pigmentation can be lacking sometimes. The eyeshadows will fade throughout the day no matter what brush I use to apply it or what primer I place underneath it. I want to try shimmering sands after I finish with this palette.


Top picture (left to right): double espresso, mocha latte, and sugar rush

Bottom picture (top to bottom): sugar rush, mocha latte, and double espresso

May Collective Haul:

My new purse is from goodwill (brand is relic). This is a perfect bag for summer with the bright colors. It also helps that it was under $5.00!

The sunglasses are from Charming Charlies. They are brown with diamond accents around the sides of the glasses. These were around $12.00, however one of the diamonds fell out already! I still like them and I'll still wear them since it's not very noticeable. I like these better than the huge white pair I was wearing to replace my other favorite brown pair.

The watch is the brand studio from Kohl's. I still want a Michael Kors watch, however I'm going to wait until I graduate to buy one. This one will get me through nursing school.

The wallet is from the Coach outlet. It was on sale for $50. I use it for my cards and I absolutely love it! If you zoom in on the picture, you can see the zipper wrist wrap (whatever its called!) has a bow on it. Too cute.

This was the watch I originally bought for nursing school, however it's a little busy. I usually don't like all the bling but this watch is very pretty. I purchased this at Charming Charlies for $20.00. I love the crystals inside the watch.

Another nursing school purchase - an owl stethoscope ID tag. I bought this at Affordable Uniform for $5.00. I have been obsessed with owls for about 4 years now when I joined my sorority. If you weren't aware, I am a proud alumna member of Chi Omega!!

May Empties:

Bare Minerals mineral veil is the first and only bare minerals product that I have ever tried. I thought that this was a good finishing powder to wear over your foundation. I wear mineral foundation (non bare minerals), so I don't know how this would look over liquid foundation. I won't repurchase this (at least not right away), because I want to try other similar products.

WOW. I think this is the longest blog I have ever written. It took awhile but it was fun sharing all of this with everyone. Let me know what your May favorites and empties were! Or what you bought this month. Look out for a new blog post idea coming up within the next couple days.

XOXO

March 2012 Favorites

 Beauty Favorites

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners in Zero (black) & Whiskey (brown)

Urban Decay Naked & Naked2 Palettes

MAC Force of Love lipstick & lipglass

Revlon Lipsticks in Soft Nude & Mauve

Revlon Lipgloss in Rosegold & Sally Hansen Lipgloss in Tiara

Top (left to right):

MAC force of love lipglass, force of love lipstick, Revlon lipstick in mauve & soft nude

Botton (left to right):

Sally Hansen lipgloss in Tiara & Revlon lipgloss in rosegold

Entertainment Favorites

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Eyes Open by Taylor Swift

Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift

Arena by The Tributes

Food Favorites

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Plain Bagels w/ Cream Cheese

Pickles

XOXO

blogruary day 29 - february 2012 favorites

Blogruary is officially over! I think I did pretty good, even though I did skip a few days. I won't be trying this again for a little while, but I am gonna try to blog more than I did before I started blogruary!

February Favorites

Mac False Lashes Mascara
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Mac Blacktrack Fluidline
Mac 211, 217, and 239
Urban Decay Naked Palette - Half Baked, Smog, Buck, Naked, and Sidecar
EOS lipbalm in Strawberry Sorbet
Lipton Diet Green Tea with Citrus
Snack Well's Peanut Butter Bars
Tablet

XOXO