Quarter Century + Makeup

I'm officially 25 years old now. Normally, birthdays come and go, practically unnoticed, if not being exceptionally bad. This year was different. I was showered with gifts and love from lots of people, and just feel so fortunate to have the life I do.

This is also the first birthday that I actually FEEL older mentally and physically. I feel like I am really entering adulthood for the first time. I have responsibilities, bills,  and for the first time in about 4 years, motivation to accomplish certain career and life goals. Obviously, those who know me know that I'm pretty laid back about somethings, probably to a fault. I'm starting to take responsibility for my actions, and starting to get a clear image about where I want to be in the next few years.

I do want to take a moment and just say to anyone going through hard times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and things will get better, but you have to WANT to make things better. Something I have to remind myself often. Don't let other people dictate your happiness.

New 

Makeup Inspiration

Calm before the storm.

Kat is back from Morocco.

Love her.

No makeup on days off. 

Ok fine, besides under eye concealer, bronzer, and mascara. But whatever.

The Opera starts this week. Also, work. Also, Bobbi Brown school. 

Free time is fucked for the next 2 weeks.

My top 5 beauty must haves from 2011.

Better late than never...


These were my absolute favorite products from 2011, in no particular order!

Benefit's Erase Paste

I was forced to become well acquainted with under eye concealer this year, as I started to notice under eye darkness in the morning. This is my absolute favorite, and best seller at work, because of the creamy ( almost moisturizing) consistency of it, and absolutely superb coverage of eye darkness, due to the pink tone.

(not me, obviously lol)

Benefit's They're Real Mascara

( not my eye again, obviously, but wow!!)

At $22, it is the most I would ever pay for mascara, but I think it's totally worth it. Having tried dozens of brands of mascara, this one is a real winner. 

The secret is in the brush...

 The bristles are a short, flexible rubber that allow you to get close enough to get the formula from the root to end.

Clarisonic Mia Facial Cleansing System

At $119, it isn't a small purchase, but worth every penny as an investment in the health of your skin. I have been consistently using mine for just over a year now, and I can say in all honesty, it completely changed my skin.

These are (bad) pictures of my skin with no makeup on in December of 2010. Sorry the quality is so bad, as I was taking pics of my dog, and happened to get my face in the pic. It was very red, irritated acne from the top of my cheek bone, all the way down to my neck. I wore an expensive, Japanese full coverage foundation ( Koh Gen Do) every single day. 

Here is my skin as of last week. I have tinted moisturizer on ( which has pretty much no coverage), and no concealer or powder. Just a little blush and eye makeup. So much better. Of course I'll still get the occasional hormonal breakout, but no more chronic problems. 

 Bobbi Brown Lathering Tube Soap and Hydrating Face Cream

I love Bobbi Brown. In 2011, I bought new skin care, and invested in these 2 items first. The Tube Soap( $26) is super sudsy, lathers like a dream, and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. I use it everyday with my Clarisonic. My favorite face cream of 2011 is the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream( $50). I use it day and night, after I wash my face, and as a makeup prep. It leaves my skin feelings dewy and soft.

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush

I'll be honest, I haven't been to a dentist in a while ( I'm going this year, Promise!), and I felt like my teeth were looking dull, and never felt REALLY clean anymore. I got a Sonicare toothbrush for Christmas, and I absolutely love it. It uses vibration ( just like the Clarisonic!) to clean, and has a timer/program to make sure you brush for a full 2 minutes. They feel super clean and healthy after I use it, and I feel like my teeth are already looking whiter! Never underestimate how much a nice smile contributes to your beauty!

BONUS!!!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I ordered it in the second shipment, and it is currently sold out until February, but it is my favorite palette thus far... yes... even better than the original Naked Palette!

With more matte colors, including a base, and a black for lining, I am in love. My favorite colors? YDK, Bootycall, and Snake bite!

Waiting for the Weekend

But it's not what you think....

I've been off work for the past 3 days, and I am going stir crazy. 

Besides way too much eating, the only thing I really accomplished today would be failing to attain a Naked Palette 2 before it sold out.

Also, too much time spent laying in bed on Etsy.

Dear Etsy Sellers: 

This is a fascinator.

This is a Fascinator:

(Both from twigsandhoney.com... a website I pretty much stalk daily)

This is NOT a Fascinator:

This is a pile of crafting feathers from Michael's with a silver dangle ball hot glued to it. Don't get me wrong... every piece of 'art' deserves a place on Etsy, but when I search for 'Fascinators', this is not what I expect.

Anyways...

Speaking of Etsy, criticism, and feathers, I have exciting news! I am in the works to revamp and, rather, completely change the direction of my store. 

It won't come to fruition until early next year, but one hint:

Bridal.

I'm pretty pumped.