Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer Review and Swatch

     If you read my Top Ten e.l.f. Products post, then you probably know I really like cream bronzer.  For starters, cream bronzer tends to hold up better than a powder bronzer (kind of how most cream/liquid foundation hold up better than powder foundation).  You can also SET cream bronzer with a powder as you would your foundation (this is why it's a good option for oily skin) or you can use it alone and it isn't drying like a powder (making great for dry skin too).  What does this mean to me? Long-wearing contour/color.  The only problem? Most brands don't have a cream bronzer.  Until more recently, Chanel's Soleil Tan de Chanel was one of the only nice cream bronzer's out there.  It comes with a lot of product, but also a fairly high price tag.  Now, quite a few brands are coming out with some options in cream bronzers/contours.  But Sonia Kashuk's can be found at Target!  It retails for $10.99 and comes in two shades: Warm Tan and Rich Bronze.  I went with the darker shade, Rich Bronze, so that I could use it as a contour color.

     It's called "Undetectable" for good reason - the product blends very easily!  The formula smoothes right on creates a soft finish.  I love the way this product feels on my skin; it's a cream but is so lightweight it feels as though you didn't apply anything!  Because it's so smooth and airy-light it's extremely easy to blend in making it perfect for contouring during the day (but can also be built up for night).  Undetectable. 

My Tips:

♥ If you have oily skin: lightly apply it and then set it with your normal face powder.

♥ If you have dry skin: don't set with a powder if you don't normally.  

♥ Use either a stippling brush or synthetic-bristled buffing brush to apply. Blend in all the edges well.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectale Cream Bronzer in "Rich Bronze"

     I'm really enjoying this bronzer right now!  The Rich Bronze color is perfect to use as a contour - it doesn't come off as orange or overly warm as most bronzers do, there is no shimmer, and it's blend-ability makes it perfect! 

Do you have a favorite contour or bronzer for winter-time?

Tarte Call of the Wild Palette Review and Swatches

     More Tarte?! Of course.  The Tarte Call of the Wild Palette became one of my favorite go-to's for fall as soon as I picked it up before autumn came around last year.  Can I just start with the packaging?  It's sleek and shiny on the outside with that little pop of leopard print that peeks out - what beauty product hoarder could resist that?!  When you open it, it's just as exciting with the leopard print around the mirror as well as the shadows.  Is it wrong I could just look at this palette and justify the purchase?  Oh well.

     Now that all of that is out of the way, inside you will find 8 shadows that are - in my mind - perfect for autumn time.  You've got the coppery/bronze color,  the perfect deep cranberry color, a warm brown, and great frosty white.  The rest of the shadows are mostly matte - which is great!  The dusty gray/blue and navy blue make for such a beautiful spin on an ordinary brown or black smokey eye.  The peachy pale and light gray are matte and make for great blending colors.  I think that the formula of the mattes are really amazing - not too dry and chalky, but have great staying power. 

     Whenever I need a statement eye look, but not sure what to do or do not have a lot of time to plan it out - I grab for this palette! Recently, I've been loving a look with the pearly white on the inner 1/2 of my lid, the medium gray on the rest, and the deep navy in the crease and outer corner.  Navy shadow! Try it.

     One thing that I have to mention is that the eye shadow formula I talked about in my review of the Tarte of Giving set is different than these - since this palette is a little older.  I find that some of these take a little more working with, but still give a great end result.  I think the matte colors work about the same, but it is the shimmers that they have improved - which is funny because it is usually the other way around (matte formula's usually need improvement).  None the less, I've still been reaching for this palette for fall-time!

     Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what your favorite Tarte products are!  Hope you all enjoyed!

Autumn 2013 Nail Polish with Swatches

     I know that I started out Fall posts really early in September, but you guys didn't think I was done did you?!  Fashion week was really my inspiration for going over autumn's trends over a month and a half ago, but now Autumn is finally TRULY here!  I started pulling out some fall nail polishes the last week of September and have been going crazy since! I don't think I have ever polished my nails more frequently than I have in the last 3 weeks. 

Here's My Top Picks in Nail Polish for Fall This Year:

"Shoot for the Maroon" from Nicole by O.P.I.

     I thought I was excited for the nude nails trend, but I've discovered some really amazing vampy colors that just have me giddy for fall.  (I'll get into the nude nails as soon as I've gotten a couple more weeks of dark and edgy in.) My absolute LOVE this year, the first vampy polish that I put on and can't wait to wear again, Shoot for the Maroon from Nicole by O.P.I.  It's this insane Burgundy, Maroon, Plum with slight greenish-gold shimmer that creates a different effect when the lighting changes. Very dark and entirely amazing.

Essie "Bahama Mama" and "Downtown Brown"

     Next, I have 2 polishes that are close in depth.  Bahama Mama (on the left) is a classic vampy purple and Downtown Brown is a deep Oxblood/Dark Red.  Instead of wearing a classic red for fall, Downtown Brown takes it to a whole new level.  Never thought I could pull super dark polish off, but I'm really loving it against my super pale hands.

"Over the Knee" by Essie

     When I'm not feeling super vampy, but I still want a fall colored polish this is my go-to pinky-brown.  Over the Knee is a perfect transition from the pretty pinks of summer into the more natural and cozy colors of autumn.  It has a subtle and pretty sheen to it that makes it feminine while still being a neutral brownish color.  Wrap that up in a sweater and snuggle it.

Essie "Demure Vix" and "Sand Tropez"

     Lastly, the NUDE NAILS that everyone has been in shock over.  Everyone went crazy when they saw the flesh-toned nails on the runway this year.  My favorite nude for all-time is Sand Tropez; it's just a very light neutral color (maybe a little more cooler than warm in tone).  I'm also looking forward to prettying up the nude nail trend with Demure Vix!  This color sneaks up on you - it looks light and neutral but it has a pink base and reflux that spins a purpley opal into the mix! Gorgeous.

"Matte Me Crazy" by NYC

     One last polish I have to mention is the NYC Matte Me Crazy Mattifying Top Coat.  Don't want to spend a lot just to get trendy matte nails? Me either.  This one is around 3 bucks and works just as well as the 8-30 dollar ones. You're welcome.

Hope you all enjoyed this! Let me know what you're wearing on your nails this fall!

October 2013 Beauty Favorites

     It's that time again! I think I wasn't shocked when September came and went because I was so excited for the upcoming fall months.  Now that October has basically left us, I'm quite sad.  Halloween will be here before I know it and I haven't even carved pumpkins!  So many AUTUMN THINGS I haven't had time for.  Even though I haven't had the time to do all the cliche little things I want, I definitely have been enjoying more fall-themed products.  Because this is my favorite time of the year, I think that I may add in a non-beauty favorites?  I definitely have pulled out my ALL-TIME favorite candles (because autumn is my all-time favorite everything) and have come across some really amazing and interesting recipes for fall.  But for now, here's my favorite beauty products from this past month:

1. Tarte Call of the Wild Palette      This palette has fall written all over it - copper, brown, plumy purple, and an interesting navy blue.  I've been really really really loving coppery colors, whether they're more orangey, brown, or plum colored.  The copper color in this palette is the perfect blend of all of the above.  All of these colors have been favorites, though.

2. Vermont Honey Apple      Pumpkin and apple are my two favorite scents for fall and I forgot JUST how much I'm obsessed with this fragrance.  I stocked up last year on Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Honey Autumn Apple (which they decided to change to Vermont Honey Apple this year - no idea why) from Bath & Body Works and I have been fully enjoying them once again.  The pumpkin scent is always amazing in fall but I can't get over how amazing Vermont Honey Apple Smells on me - perfectly sweet, perfectly crisp, perfectly apple.  Layering the lotion and fragrance mist makes the scent all the more sweeter and amazing.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Stick Foundation      I picked this foundation up towards the beginning of the month and had high expectations for it.  With the first few uses it didn't live up to my high hopes.  After the first week I found that just changing the way I applied this foundation drastically changed the coverage, lasting power, and oil-control.  Strange.  I found that using my Expert Face Brush DAMP was the best way to apply it.  Using my foundation brush damp helped the product smooth over my skin without breaking up the pigmentation - it gave much better coverage and totally transformed the way the foundation wore and held up on my skin!  Now I love this stuff!

4. E.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder      I purchased this products quite some time ago but never used it because I found that it became "cakey" looking much too easily and was almost TOO mattifying.  This month it just kind of popped into my head that my new Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Powder Brush might make this powder bearable. (I'd say this is the last time I went on about Real Techniques but that would probably be a lie - I just keep finding more and more amazing uses for them!) The duo-fiber brush sheers out this powder and makes it look natural and normal without taking away from it's mattifying power.  It now keeps me matte for hours without drying out my skin or giving me cake-face!

5. Tarte Eyelash Curler      Most people don't think eyelash curlers are a big deal, but I've really been loving this one.  I really needed to get a new one and this one is really quick and easy to use.  First of all, you don't have to worry about looping your fingers through the holes - it just has rubber handles.  Second, no pinching! Last, amazing curl!  All I can ask for.

6. Benefit Hoola Bronzer      This has been a favorite of mine for a couple years now, but every once in awhile I forget about it and then have to pull it back out and fall in love with it all over again.  It is matte and non-orangey enough to contour with, but is so soft and non-irritating I can use it on a daily basis.

The Tarte of Giving Gift Set Review and Swatches

     If you've followed my blog for any length of time, I'm sure you're slightly aware that Tarte is one of my favorite brands.  I've been seeing glimpses of some of the upcoming holiday sets online, but when I finally saw this one in person I knew I had to have it.  I don't think they hit stores more than 2 weeks ago and I was out shopping on my birthday for some things I "needed", when suddenly this beauty of a gift set caught my eye. Long story short, I was in love with the first swatch of the shadows.  I've always loved Tarte's Amazonian Clay shadows for their long wearing capabilities and formula, but these are much more extra buttery than any of my other Tarte eye shadows. So smooth, creamy, pigmented, silky, and a few really unique colors.  When I scoped out all of the other goodies in this set it was almost too much to take in; all of the mini sizes of everything come with quite a bit in them! A lot of product for $59. Not bad. It may be called the Tarte of Giving but afterall - it was my birthday, right?

Here's The Rest Of The Tarteness You'll Find Inside: (Swatches and close-ups at the bottom!)

1. Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette: 20 FULL SIZE eye shadows; I already raved about these but they seriously blew me away. Extra special Amazonian Clay eye shadows; must be enchanted or something. AND there's mattes along with the shimmers and frosts! 7 mattes to be exact. (Look for swatches at the bottom of this post!)
2. 8 Maracuja Lipglosses: I've been enjoying these because I'm not the biggest lipgloss wear-er, but I'm venturing out; they're mini sizes so they've been great for trying out different shades and tossing in my purse for the day. I love the formula because it's one of those glosses that is hydrating like a balm, minty, and feels great on the lips. They're pretty pigmented so I've been using them on their own to create a vibrant but not over-the-top pop of color on my lips - especially the dark fall colors! (Swatches also at the bottom.)
3. Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil: Another travel size?! Just click on this: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review. This little miracle oil is too great to review in a couple sentences!
4. Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: I've been really interested in trying this eye cream for a few months now, but I'm currently using the Clinique All About Eyes Cream. Expect an in-depth review on this as soon as I get the chance to test it out fully!
5. Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: Who doesn't love the Amazonian Clay Blushes? I'm pretty sure everyone who has tried them has fallen in love - I'm no different. This one in Memorable is a pretty everyday pink with subtle shimmer. (Swatch at bottom.)
6. Deluxe Cheek Stain: Also something I've been wanting to try from Tarte - their cheek stains! This one is in Flush and I'm pretty sure it is the gel formula (they also have a cream formula). I find that it can be a little too hydrating for my oily skin and I have to set it with a powder, but it still gives a very natural "flush" of color that lasts all day. (Swatched at bottom of post.)
7. Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: Also something I ALREADY love from Tarte. Review here: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.  This is the only "lash enhancing" mascara I've found that does what it claims. Excited that this is an even bigger sample than I've had before!
8. Travel Makeup Bag: It's actually pretty cute and nifty. On the outside it has a quilted bow pattern and inside it has 3 zipper compartments for product; 1 is plastic and detaches - you can also hang the whole thing up!

I'm insanely happy with my purchase and have been using most of the products nearly everyday since I picked it up a week ago (except for the eye treatment that I haven't opened yet).   I'm excited to see some of the other smaller gift sets that come out for the holidays - maybe I'll actually practice the Tarte of Giving instead of the Art of Self-Indulging.

Shopping the Stash

     By now, I'm sure every single one of you are thoroughly aware of how much I love fall; absolute favorite time of the year.  After going over all of the trends for this coming fall and winter I decided it was time to take a dive into my make up "stash" and pull out some autumn-y things.  I've seen a few other bloggers do "shopping the stash" posts and decided I would wait until I was really up to actually digging through ALL of my make up to look for products that don't get enough love.       The whole purpose of shopping the stash is to make sure all of your make up collection is getting used.  As a make up hoarder, I sometimes forget about certain products because I am constantly buying and trying new things. Is it because those forgotten products just aren't as good? No, not usually.  I accumulate such a multitude of products that by lack of good organization or storage they just don't get used.  By going through your make up collection every once in awhile you often find old favorites and "rediscover" them.  Cruising the collection is a simple way keep your ENTIRE make up collection in good rotation; instead of just the newest and shiniest.      Since autumn is so stinkin' inspiring to me, I had quite a great deal of fun finding things to incorporate into my make up routine this season. You should have seen my hand and arm when I was done - covered in swatches of lipsticks, eye shadows, you name it (I should have taken a picture). Not only did I find fall-colored make up, but just some general favorites that I need to use.

Here's What I Found While Shopping My Stash:

1. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 630 Red Revolution

     Great bright statement red

2. Clinique Different Lipstick in A Different Grape

     Very pretty deep berry.

3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 005 Crush

     Another vampy color with a little more pink to it; more wearable.

4. Urban Decay Pocket Rock Lip Gloss in Kirk

     Nude-y colored gloss with a slight caramel color to it.

5. Too Faced Little Black Book of Beauty

     Awesome palette with pefect pink-coral blush, eye shadow for every occasion, bronzer, and highlight.

6. L'oreal Hydra Perfecte Perfecting Loose Powder

Amazing powder that is so finely milled; controls oil without drying skin at all.

7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blushing Bride

   Skin-miracle amazonian clay formula in an always fall-appropriate deep berry.

8. Tarte Call of the Wild Palette

AMAZING fall colors; love the formula of the mattes especially.

9. L'oreal Eye Shadow Quad in 536 Lavender Smokes

This has been a go-to fall/winter palette for a couple years; great for brown  eyes.

10. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion Travel Size

Always a favorite; this original formula is more moisturizing than the one I have been using.

11. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion

Extremely black liquid liner? Can't go wrong there.

12. L'oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Bottomless Java

Definitely need more of these creamy powder shadows; incredible formula.

13. Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Blaze

Subtle approach to the orange/copper eye shadow trend.

14. L'oreal Eye Shadow Quad in 823 Bronzes

I'm completely in love with the orange in this quad - insanely completely.

Let me know if any of you feel inspired to "shop" at home for some of fall's trends. Sometimes you'd be surprised how much you already have!

Fall 2013 Beauty Trends: Fashion Edition

     This is the last post in my Autumn Beauty Trends Series! I just have a quick overview of what I think is going to be biggest this fall. Military and Leather are going to be some of the trendiest things we see on the streets. I think I'm most excited for adding white into my Fall and Winter wardrobe in a way that works; it really brightens up all of the dark looks we usually see in cooler seasons. 

Let me know what you'll be sporting this fall and winter!

Fall 2013 Beauty Trends: Hair and Nails Edition

On Wednesday I brought you fall's upcoming make up trends, today I've got hair and nail trends for you. At first glance I didn't think these trends were all that exciting, but when paired with the neutral make up looks and earthy color palette I'm excited for what it creates. Neutral. Earthy. Natural (with some glam elements added in).

     Nail trends have been easy to spot on the runway - NUDE has been the big thing seen paired with almost all designers. Army green and adding matte texture to the normal dark hues of fall have been the other two big trends.  I think this is going to help push me away from the crazy amounts of glitter polish I have been attached to for the past few seasons. More earth tones and looks are in now!

     For hair, I think I'm loving the "deconstructed bun" look the most. It's not just a normal messy bun that has been gracing the runways - it's this piece-y tangle of knots and twists that looks really pretty!

Here's What Hair and Nail Trends Everyone's Noticing for Fall 2013:

Are you guys ready for fall yet?!                                              

Fall 2013 Beauty Trends: Make Up Edition

     At the end of summer I get so excited for the refreshing crisp weather, beautiful autumn colors, pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING, and colorful outlook that fall brings every year. Then I start to think about the change in wardrobe and make up. Fashion Week has had everyone buzzing about the upcoming seasons latest trends. If you didn't realize Fashion Week is upon us--well, count your blessings. Everyone is going crazy! Instead of scouring all the insane fashion websites to find pictures of outrageously dressed models in gorgeous clothing that would never be practical everyday - sit back, grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte and I'll give you the simplistic run down of what you can expect to see this Fall. I'm starting with make up (of course) and then there will be Hair and Nails Edition, as well as a Fashion edition.

     Runway looks can be a little overdone for those of us who live in the real world (is that even a real place?), but believe it or not it's exactly where all of our trends come from. I used to look at the lastest fashion coming down the runway and think "you'll never actually see that on the streets in a million years". But truth be told, it's the understated form of those trends that make it into our everyday style. Break down the looks that you see the most of, tailor them to your own style, and make them wearable!

Here's What Make Up Everyone's Noticing for Fall 2013:

     I'm actually really excited for some of these trends. While we have some normal "almost-every fall/winter" trends like matte skin, there are also some I've never really seen before. The light summery blush is something I was shocked but excited to see; not the usual move towards darker colors.  I think this neutral but brightening approach to blush really contrasts some of the darker clothing choices for fall - very pretty! Of course I also love the neutral look paired with bold brows; right up my ally right now and I can't get enough of it! It seems that the two favorite ways dress up the neutral make up look this fall is going to be cat eyes and vampy lips. COLORED cat eye liner looks have seemed to be a huge trend on the runway - especially orange and green! Definitely excited for a fresh switch in my make up routine.

     Let me know what trends you're most excited to try and if you'd like examples of how to turn these trends into everyday looks!

                    Pepped up on Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino,