New Year...New Me....

Well almost. I didn't get a drastic new hairstyle, nor did I lose half a person, however, I am trying my hardest to lose just 10lbs. I never set crazy ass goals or resolutions the beginning of a new year except this time. It's a very small and honest goal.

Just to be a better version of myself.

This means many things: pay bills on time, be at least 5 minutes early for every situation, lose a little weight, save money to travel...etc...

So this week, I'm trying to focus on the last part...save money to either travel or just pay off a few credit cards. I am trying to use up what's in my current makeup stash that isn't expired. Me being me, I found a loophole. I exchanged a few items that didn't work for me with some products I have been wanting to try but I always forget about. Surprisingly, it was an even exchange like a sign that I was meant to try these products out. Okay, maybe I should add 'lay off on the wishful thinking' to my list of how to create a 2.5 version of myself.

Today, I tried out Too Faced La Creme lipstick in Coral Fire:

My favorite Too Faced product is the Shadow Insurance eye primer - a great layering base that really keeps my shadows locked on my lids for 8 hours a day despite sweaty afternoon gym sessions. I recently received a deluxe travel sized peach leopard bronzer and it's easily becoming a product that I'm using when I want an easy flush of warm color.

I recently stumbled upon this lipstick when I was Christmas shopping for my sister in the Too Faced section of Ulta and I've been thinking about it ever since. When it was time to make an exchange at Sephora, I knew this an item I was going to add to my collection.

This is a very creamy, glossy lipstick - like a gloss/lipstick fusion. From twenty colors to choose from - you'll have a hard time just picking one shade. This contains lotus flower extracts that promises to hydrate and smooth the lips with anti-oxidants. Power peptides condition and firm the delicate lip area. Also, it promises a saturation of color.

The shade I went with is Coral Fire, a warm peachy red.

That's just one swipe of color straight from the tube.

This color is great introduction to spring but it's still dark enough for post-winter looks. This lasts about 2 1/2 hours and that's just due to my constant glasses of water in the morning. There is no scent so that's nice for those that are sensitive to scents in beauty products. It may not be long wearing but it does leave a nice light stain on the lips. The jury is out on this lipstick since I've only worn it once and my lips do feel slightly dry just after a day of wearing.

I've paired it with a warm beige lip liner, MAC Cream O'Spice so it looks a bit warmer. I'm curious to pair this with a red liner just to see the difference in color. I am hoping this works with my sensitive lips and I won't have to exchange this lipstick that I was so excited to try out.

Here's to a better, albeit a slightly, version of myself!

$21/USD 0.11 fl oz

Guest Post on Miss Omni Media - 'What I Want for Christmas, 2012'

Here's what on my (imaginary, crazy) wish list this year.

 

Last year my list was pretty crazy so this year's isn't too bad. Who am I kidding, like I should really expect to find those Ferragamo flats under my tree. It's always fun to think and write about my fantasy wishlist for missomnimedia.com. It may be fantasy but it also give me hope and aspirations that this might just happen.

I would at least love to drive to Yountville just to see The French Laundry restaurant in person!

For the full story, click here.

Elizabeth Street Cosmetics

This week on Miss Omni Media, I review San Francisco based cosmetic company Elizabeth Street Cosmetics. 

I am pleasantly surprised by the quality and pigment of this lipstick and gloss. Influenced by the holiday season, I went with a gorgeous wine lipstick and cranberry lip gloss that look wonderful together.

Click here for more and color swatches.

Steve Madden Olympiaa

"Cute, they look like high heeled tennies..." my coworker said to me when she first saw my wedge sneakers. Seriously, am I that woman that just invested $99 on a pair of high heeled tennies?

Yes, guilty as charged.

The wedge sneaker has been getting lots of play recently. They are currently offered in luxury department stores such as Neiman Marcus to budget friendly like Target. I hated the platform sneaker of yesteryear, and by that I mean back in 1997. The sole would be a solid white at about 3-4" and they just weren't cute. These sneakers have a hidden heel and it's a pretty modest height of 3".

I originally wanted the ASH leather pair of wedge sneakers but I am not going to spend $260 on them, and I honestly did try to justify that purchase. I couldn't face my husband if I actually went through with that purchase!

I exchanged two short booties (one taupe and one black) because of sizing issues and then these just happen to come my way. I kept thinking about these shoes as I was justifying keeping the black pair of suede booties but honestly they were too big for me and my socks kept slipping off my heels as I walked. And I couldn't stop thinking about these shoes.

They are suede and fabric, lace up with a velcro strap that keeps the shoe snug. The one complaint I have is that it takes some time to get your foot in, this is were a side or back zip would be helpful. The hidden wedge  is perfect for me to wear with my long boot leg jeans to work. When winter hit, I thought I had to stop wearing my favorite jeans to work because the only shoes I could comfortably walk in from the train station to the office where my wedge sandals. I would have to travel in flats or regular sneakers with my jeans rolled up unattractively so I could change into my higher heeled shoes at the office. With these Steve Madden shoes, I can wear my long jeans or work slacks unrolled to the office and then I can change into work shoes if needed.

Another thing to think about if you do invest in these shoes, if you buy the taupe they get dirty really easily. When I took these shoes home for the first time, I noticed that there was a gummy residue on the top right near the area where the fabric meets the suede. I tried cleaning it but I failed miserably. I really wished this was on the suede - it would have been easier to clean off and hide. I also hate that I was so lazy - I usually would have marched back angrily and asked for a clean pair. This is my fault. Please inspect carefully before taking them home.

They are really cute with my jeans. I'm learning to live with the stain. I just hope I don't accumulate more, but with my clumsy ass I am not holding my breath.

They are just as cute with my rolled up boyfriend jeans! I get tons of compliments from coworkers, other preschool moms and complete strangers.They do run a bit long in length but they are true to size. They are comfy as I have been doing lots of walking and I even wore them playing with my daughter at the park. 

Steve Madden Olympiaa - $99/USD

I purchased mine at Nordstrom. I am assuming these can be found in department stores where Steve Maddens are sold. 

Miss Omni Media Guest Post for the Week of Dec. 3rd

Hello there,
This week on MISS, I try Jane Iredale cosmetics for the first time and I am pleasantly surprised. Also, I was surprised by their gorgeous packaging to their customers.

Click here, to see the products that were sent to me for my consideration.