Back to Mac # 1 Update

Hi everyone. If you haven't already seen my back to Mac #1 go check it out! I showed the items I was returning to Mac for their recycling program. Plus I included a mini review of each product. Click HERE for that blog post.

Here is what I got!!!

Eyeshadow: Crystal (frost) 

Thoughts:

This is definitely a shade that I would consider a step out of my comfort zone. I typically wear a lot of neutrals. If I do wear color, it is typically purples. This shade is a light frosty purple with some gray undertones. Depending on the light, it will lean more gray than purple. I've been loving this shade so far. You do need to pack it on a bit to get good color pay off. 

 

 

 

What are your opinions on this eyeshadow if you've tried it before?

 

 

XOXO

Back to Mac #1

Hi everyone! I've been shopping at mac now for two years and I have finally accumulated at least six empties for their back to mac program. Here are my mac empties and what I thought of each product!

 Left to Right: Oil Control Lotion, Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW 15, False Lash Mascara, Brush Cleanser, Haute & Naughty Mascara

Bottom: Blotting Powder Pressed in Medium

 

 

Oil Control Lotion ($31) - This was one of the first purchases I made at mac. I think this is nice for oil control in the summer. This lasted me about a year using it almost everyday. It's worth the money if oil control is important in your daily makeup routine.

Recommend: Yes
Repurchase: No 

Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW 15 ($31) - This was the first mac foundation that I've tried. I definitely prefer matchmaster for the simple fact that it is a better color match. NW 15 was too dark for me. The consistency and staying power is nice, however this isn't the best foundation for the fair individuals. 

Recommend: If you can find the correct color match - yes.
If you are fairer than NW 15 - no.
Repurchase: No

False Lashes Mascara ($20) - This was the first mascara I've purchased from mac and my favorite so far. It is what I look for in a mascara - super black, lengthening, and volumizing.

Recommend: Yes
Repurchase: Yes

Brush Cleanser ($14) - This is a very basic item to have in your makeup kit. I've only used the mac version, but I think this gets the job done. It lasts for quite a while as well. I've repurchased this once and will be repurchasing in the future.

Recommend: Yes
Repurchase: Yes

Haute & Naughty Mascara ($20) - This is a nice concept for a mascara with two brushes that do two different things. One is more of a natural look, while the other is a fuller and thicker look. I rarely used the smaller, more natural brush because I'm a fan of big and bold lashes!

Recommend: If you like both natural and dramatic looks - yes.
If you like dramatic looks all the time - no.
Repurchase: No

Blot Powder Pressed ($24) - This is a nice powder to have if you have oily skin. I did find that this product reduced the shine. This lasted me about a year and a half. I think for the price and results, this is a good product if that is what you are looking for.

Recommend: Yes
Repurchase: No

 

I've started another batch of back to mac items which hopefully won't take me two years to collect! I will feature those items in another installment of my back to mac blog series.

 

What do you recommend getting when you back to mac? Lipstick? Lipglass? Eyeshadow?

 

 

XOXO

Collective Shoe Haul & Review - February, March, April, & May 2013

This is my third and final collective haul and review from the past few months. If you haven't seen my other blog posts, check them out here and here.

 

Here is my shoes version:

Left to Right: JcPenney K9 by Rocket Dog Nonna Canvas Slip Ons in Blue, Kohl's Croft & Barrow Boat Shoes, Kohl's Simply Vera Vera Wang Ballet Flats, and Charming Charlie's Medallion Sandals in Turquoise & Black.



JcPenney K9 by Rocket Dog Nonna Canvas Slip Ons in Blue ($15) - I bought these a few months ago when they were on sale at JcPenney.  They are perfect for summer and the warm weather. I definitely do not recommend wearing them when there is a chance for rain. I made the mistake of wearing these when the ground was still wet after a rain storm and my feet got soaked. These are very comfortable, although they are thin on the bottom so you can feel the ground beneath your feet. I've since given these to my mom because they are a little snug on me. She loves them.

Kohl's Croft & Barrow Boat Shoes ($36.99) - I mistakenly included these in this post. These I actually bought in October. While writing this blog, I felt like I had already included these in a post. After going back to some older posts, I realized that these were in my October haul. Oops! These are still really nice shoes and I love them! These aren't still available online, but you should be able to find these at your local Kohl's store.

Kohl's Simply Vera Vera Wang Ballet Flats ($17.99) - I bought these for my friends wedding that I was in. These are super cute! They aren't completely broken in yet so they do hurt my feet after wearing them for a while. These are a great pair of shoes to wear when you are dressed up but you don't want to wear heels. I actually originally had my eye on these when they were full price ($59.99), but I didn't want to pay that for flats. I recommend getting these while they are still available and on sale! At the moment they are still available online in sizes 5 & 5 1/2 here.

Charming Charlie's Medallion Sandals in Turquoise & Black ($16.99) - I am in love with these sandals! When I first saw them, they reminded me of Tory Burch because of the medallion on the front. They also have these in a tan color. Originally I was only going to buy the black ones because they were more practical, however they had a buy one get one FREE offer when I got to the register. These are amazing for summer. I wish they came in more colors and had a silver medallion version. I would definitely buy more of these in the future. I would recommend these to anyone.



That's the last of my collective haul from the months of February, March, April, & May of this year. I hope you enjoyed this little series.

I will include my June, July, and possibly August haul together as well since I do not go shopping very often.


XOXO

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

I hope you all enjoyed my collective beauty haul & review that I posted a few days ago. If you haven't see it yet, you can find it here! I will be uploading my shoe version in the next couple of days so check back for that!

 

 

Here is my Jewelry version:

Left to Right: Kohl's Studio Time Diamond Fashion Watch, Windsor Black Stone Stretch Bracelet, Dressbarn Starfish Earrings, Deessbarn Round White Stone Earrings, Windsor Round Black Stone Earrings, Tiffany & Co Oval Tag Return to Tiffany Necklace

 

Left to Right: Kohl's Studio Time Diamond Fashion Watch, Windsor Black Stone Stretch Bracelet, Dressbarn Starfish Earrings,Dressbarn  Round White Stone Earrings, Windsor Round Black Stone Earrings, Tiffany & Co Oval Tag Return to Tiffany Necklace

Kohl's Diamond Fashion Watch ($20) - This my newest addition to my watch collection. This is a gorgeous watch with diamond details around the face. I like wearing this as a "dress up" watch. 

Windsor Black Stone Stretch Bracelet - This was a bridesmaid gift from a friend that I wore on her wedding day. This is no longer available on the Windsor Store website, but I'm sure you can find something similar if you like it. I'm not sure of the price since this was a gift.

Dressbarn Starfish Earrings ($8) - I am in love with these earrings! I wanted another pair of starfish earrings after buying my gold Coach version a few years ago. You can find these earrings here.

Dressbarn Round White Stone Earrings ($12) - These are similar to a pair of Coach earrings that caught my eye the last time I was in Coach but they are so much cheaper. I'm in love with these earrings and Dressbarn earrings lately!! These are currently available on the Dressbarn website, however I've seen them in stores recently.

Windsor Round Black Stone Earrings - These were another bridesmaid gift that I got for my friends wedding. These are so pretty! These are also no longer available at the Windsor Store, however there are two different pairs of earrings that are similar. Again, since these were a gift, I do not know the price.

Tiffany & Co Oval Tag Return to Tiffany Necklace ($425) - This was a birthday gift from my parents. I've wanted something from Tiffany's for years and years. I'm in love with this necklace and I've worn it almost everyday since I got it. I feel so blessed that my parents would buy this for me. 

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

 

MAC COSMETICS - Shopping List

Hi everyone! I thought that I would share with you the items that I've had my eye on at MAC for a while. I'm going to the mall on Saturday so these items are what is on my shopping list!

MAC COSMETICS - Shopping List by ladyem2 featuring glitter eye makeup

 

1. Single Eyeshadow ($15 each). I've never owned a MAC eyeshadow and I want to get a everyday makeup look. The shades that I'm interested in are Nylon, Handwritten, and a "best friend" blending color.

2. Prep & Prime Lash ($16). I'm currently trying out a sample Lancôme version that I've been liking so far. I want to try out a few more versions before I buy a full size.

3. In Extreme Dimension Mascara ($20). I've already tried two different mascaras by MAC - Haute & Naughty and False Lash. I want to try out a few more and see which is my favorite.

4. 219 Pencil Brush ($25) & 209 Eye Liner Brush ($19). I've wanted the 219 for a while, but have never bought it. Since I've started using concealer, I've been using my 211 which I previously used (but didn't like) for my fluidline. The 209 looks like a good brush to use to apply a thin line of eyeliner.

5. Eye Kohl in Fascinating ($16). I've wanted to try a white or nude shaded eyeliner for my waterline. Black is usually too harsh for everyday.

6. Lash Curler ($20). My eyelash curler (Revlon) is getting old and not curling my lashes enough for my liking. I want a good one that isn't too expensive.

7. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($30). I've wanted this product since I first learned about MAC. I've never bought it though. I decided that once I finish up my Blot Powder that I'll buy this (which I'm really close to being done with).

8. Fix Plus ($21). Sometimes I notice that my face looks a bit too powdery (not cakey) for my liking. I've heard that this product is good for that.


Please let me know if you've used any of these items. I would love some input before I head to my local MAC counter.


XOXO

Laurel Mercer (The Lying Game) Hair Tutorial

Hey everyone. So for some reason I've decided to re-watch The Lying Game. I was watching one of the episodes from the second season (the revengers) and fell in love with Laurel's hair. If you are a fan of the show, its the episode where her band performs at chelsea creek. This is the concert where the girls try to get their parents back together, however they fight during her performance causing Laurel to run off.


After watching this episode, I knew I wanted to try the hairstyle she was sporting during the concert.

 

front view:

 

 close up:

back view:

This was a pretty easy and quick hairstyle. The first time I did this hairstyle (which is pictured so excuse any messyness), it took my almost 10 minutes. The second and most recent time I've done this hairstyle, it took my a little more than 5 minutes. I personally think that this is a great hairstyle for second day hair.


Here's how I did it:

Step 1: Section your hair however you prefer. I like my hair parted to the side compared to in the middle.

Step 2: Pick a side to braid. I prefer to start braiding the side that has more hair (and my fringe/bangs).

Step 3: Begin to braid the front portion of your hair. It's your choice if you decide to include your fringe/bangs or not. I decided to braid them since they are on the long side.

Step 4: As your braiding, add a section of hair to the piece that is closest to your part. Do not add a section to the piece of hair that is closest to your face. Continue this until right above your ear. Finish the braid as normal. I prefer to stop a few inches above my ends.

Step 5: Do the same thing to the other side.

Step 6: Bring the two braids together as if your creating a "hippy" braid. (If you secured the two braids with a hair tie, remove that now.) With the two braids, section it into three parts and braid as normal. Again, I prefer to stop a few inches above my ends. Secure with an elastic.

I hope this helped in case you loved that hairstyle and wanted to re-create it. I absolutely love this. I've done this to my hair twice this week so far.


Let me know what you think.

XOXO