What I Loved in December 2011

Well it's official, it's January 2nd, 2012...the holiday season is officially over, you can get on with your lives now and safely return to the mall or Target. Some of you may be relieved, and usually I'm in that boat, but because I have a little girl I'm a bit sad knowing we have to take down our cute, fake tree! Oh and I'm now a fake tree promoter - save a tree and clean up couldn't be easier. Want that tree smell? Get some a pine scented candle or a home diffuser, our scent was courtesy of L'Occitane, Winter Forest.

I need to get off my lazy butt and start writing again. So here's a short and sweet post of what I was loving in December.

The Naked 2 palette is a no-brainer, I am now trying to NOT use this palette everyday. I put myself to a mini-challenge about two weeks ago: eye looks created exclusively with this palette, here's a featured look. It is truly worth all $50 - especially if you never purchased the first palette, like me. Seriously, I am still shocked that I never regretted passing on it! This is the first time I can actually use all the shades in one palette. The only thing that annoys me is that it contains three shadows I currently own: Half-Baked, Verve and Suspect.

The lipsticks featured are bright, bold colors. For the first time in a very long time, I was craving a bold colored lip. I wanted pigment and not just gloss. I saved the gloss for a pink nude look (NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Bahama with UD Lip Junkie, Naked).

Here's a closer look:

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick, Speak Louder (cool, poppy, blue pink) $14.50
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Train Bleu (eggplant) $24
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Cruella (scarlet red) $24

And here's a swatch lineup (with flash):

Right now, I have been allowing my lipstick to dictate the rest of the color scheme on my face. And yes, I have discovered that I use less makeup when I wear colors this saturated. The problem with these lip products is that they can be a bit drying. So I apply a light layer of Kiehl's lip balm underneath these colors. This makes the colors settle just a bit more comfortable. I have discovered using a pearl lip gloss, NARS Luxor lightens up the deep shade of Train Bleu.

As for the fragrance samples - it's a new discovery for me. I am having so much fun discovering so many different fragrance profiles from independent and niche companies. From the high price luxury brands, like Chanel, I am discovering boutique exclusive scents. Chanel's Coromandel is something I am currently obsessing over. I am not a fan of Coco Mademoiselle or any of the others in the collection found in most department stores or Sephora. Coromandel is from the Les Exclusifs de Chanel - 13 rare fragrances created by Chanel master perfumers.It is a woody oriental fragrance with notes of benzoin, incense and wood - this scent was made to evoke the lacquered coromandel screens Mademoiselle Chanel surrounded herself in. On my skin, I'm hit with more of an amber note and the dry down is pure benzoin but I also detect an almost vanilla scent - it's gorgeous and my nose is buried in my wrist most of the time when I wear this.

Yes, this makes typing on a keyboard at work difficult!

The other samples featured are Frederic Malle's Musc Ravageur, a gorgeous spicy oriental scent consisting of cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, tonka bean, sandalwood, lavendar, bergamot, cedar, guaiac wood (on me it's all cloves and woods - it's a very sexy scent) and Sonoma Scent Studio (a new love). SSS is located in Northern California, about 2 hrs north from me. Laurie Erickson, is the nose behind this independent brand. Laurie uses the finest ingredients - natural and synthetic. These are highly concentrated perfumes (20-24% fragrance) and trust me, you will get longevity out of these fragrances. The best part is that these perfumes retail from $40-$42 for a 17ml bottle. Fig Tree and Egyptian Musk Oil are my two favorites at the moment. Fig Tree opens very green with just a tinge of coconut. It also has notes of patchouli, tonka, musk, vanilla and cedar. It evokes a late summer feel when I wear it but since I live in the foggy bay area - it's great year round! Egyptian Musk has notes of patchouli, sandalwood, some florals. It is what I would think if someone would ask me how clean skin smells like but without any soapiness. I ordered the oil version of this scent because it's a higher concentration - I get a little more of an animalic note without it going to a fecal category. I know that may sound gross to some but trust me you'll understand if you have been smelling lots of musks, like I currently have.

For more info on Sonoma Scent Studio please, PLEASE, please click HERE.

I think 2012 will be a very FRAGRANT year for me. I am really loving this new world of scents, especially when I have discovered sites that offer samples and decants for a fraction of the price of a full bottle. If you can snag a sample of a scent - try to get as many as allowed. I cannot tell you how long a sample can last! Also, most of the fragrances I am falling for can easily sell for $120 for 50ml.

I find it really challenging writing about fragrances - I don't think I can do a full review on a scent like some of the fragrance bloggers I admire. What I can offer is simple descriptions and feelings experienced while wearing certain scents. I think this will be difficult at first but I just have to push through it.

One of the best advice I received was from an independent filmmaker I P.A.'ed for - "the first 100 pieces you write will be shit but after that it'll just come easy" Okay well I hope the first 100 makeup posts I've written weren't shit but I think you know what I mean.

I'll still review makeup, noteworthy cocktails and beautiful shoes. Because if I didn't, well this would be a very DULL blog!!

I want to also keep up the practice of wearing more bright lip colors - I like that I can my makeup done even faster! Which means more sleep!

Do you have any beauty resolutions for 2012?

Busted and Verve EOTD

Here's an eye look that took me no more than 5 minutes:

A very lovely plummy brown with a metallic shimmer finish. I blended Tease in the crease and Foxy and Bootycall on my brow bone. I lined 3/4 of my upper and lower lash line with MAC Eye Kohl pencil in Coffee, a black brown. I smudge a bit of Busted on top of the Coffee liner on my lower lash line. I added layers of Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara to finish my eye look.

Also used Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes in Brunette.

On my cheeks - NARS Sin, berry w/gold shimmer and Casino bronzer, deep brown w/gold shimmer, to contour. I used NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama - neutral pink brown, UD Lip Junkie gloss in Naked, neutral pink.

Sorry, if this is starting to be played out but here's one more look:

Verve - a greige oyster shell shimmer:

To take it up a touch, I added Siren 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner (teal w/blue shift shimmer), also by Urban Decay. This is when I love a teal liner - it really pops against a neutral shadow, especially for us dark brown eyed girls!

As usual Tease (taupe) is my crease color. Yes, this really is a no-fail crease color. It adds enough color contrast to an otherwise metallic/shimmer lid.

This was part of an informal department holiday cocktail party and I must say it did get me in the right spirit. The only problem was that I couldn't stop thinking about that afternoon beer waiting for me at the pub next door and it was only 8am!!

Don't worry, I got one last look and then I'm done with this palette, I promise! You have to admit that it's pretty impressive that I went this long with just using one palette exclusively...

YDK Look of the Day

If there is one thing Mr. Lex more than anything, aside from his NY Giants, bacon, Baseball, his girls, it's EFFICIENCY!

I hope he's proud of my efficiency creating several looks from just one palette: UD's latest, NAKED 2.

Today, I embrace another glitter bomb shadow - YDK, a cool mocha bronze loaded with chunky golden, microglitter.

(MAC NC 42, for skin tone reference)

Once again, Tease (taupe) is used in the crease, Snakebite (golden brown, bronze shimmer). I complete the look with Foxy as my brow high light shade (yes, again!). This time I went with my favorite golden bronze liner, UD 24/7 Waterproof Eye Liner in Smog on top and bottom lash line. I gently smoke my lower lash line by smudging with my MAC #219 brush. Eyes are finished with layers of GA's Eye to Kill Mascara.

And here's what the rest of my face looked like:

Today I went with on of my favorite Chanel Glossimer in Mystic (described as a shimmery copper red but it almost takes a pink tone on my lips). Blush is NARS G-Spot Multiple and I contoured with Edward Bess Bronzer in Daydream.

Like with Chopper, have makeup remover within arm's reach...there will be some fallout. But this is not the glitterbomb that Chopper can be!

Pistol FOTD

To compliment my abstract snow leopard cardigan (grey/black), I wanted a charcoal eye. So I turn to my Naked 2 palette to see what I can come up with.

I went with Pistol.

It's a gorgeous grey taupe shimmer - I seem to pull out the purple tones on my lids. I contour with Tease (my new favorite Taupe crease color). My outer V shade is the Busted (deep, plummy brown). I used Foxy (matte beige) as my brow bone highligher. I used Bobbi Browns Graphite Shimmer Ink Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner on my top and bottom lash line. I did smudge my lower lash line with Pistol to bring it all together. Completed with GA's Eyes to Kill Mascara.

I think Pistol is slowly becoming my next favorite shadow (next to Tease). I really don't have a dupe in my collection - well I'm sure if I DIG DEEP into my collection I might find something remotely close to it but I don't think I do. I realize I could be lying to myself just to comfort my weeping wallet.

On my lips I used NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama, my favorite nude pink brown shade, and UD Lip Junkie Gloss in Naked on top.

Also used - MAC Gingerly, peachy bronze, on my cheeks.

I am quite pleased on how this look turned out and it didn't take that long to do. This is a great look that pretty much goes the distance. If I were to take this out on date night, I swap the brownish pink lips for a wine  gloss.

I am anxious to see how well Pistol plays with the other colors in my collection!

Chopper EOTD

In attempt to embrace the holiday season, I bought a red lipstick - NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Cruella. Okay technically a pencil but it is RED no less! I didn't want to do my typical black lined eye (upper lash line only) so I knew my go-to neutral eye would be created with my new Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette.

I went with Chopper, a lovely peachy, copper LOADED with silver chunky glitter. Yes, there will be fallout but if you clean up with a swab, makeup remover and save your foundation/concealer for last - you'll be just fine!

 Chopper - lid
Tease (cool tone taupe) - crease
Snakebite (deep, metallic brown bronze) - outer V corner and lower lash line.

**lots and LOTS of Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara**

Here it is paired with Cruella on my lips:

I am a fan of the NARS Velvet Lip Pencils...it goes on pretty easily. When it dries down, it's not an uncomfortable, dry skin cracking when you smile kind of feeling. It stays put and the color doesn't fade for about 5 hours. I didn't reapply till after my gym session. I do make sure to apply over a layer of Kiehl's Lip Balm. I also add a thin layer of this lip balm when I feel like my needs just a bit of moisture.

I think this is office, friendly holiday look.

Oh and my latest obsession:



(Faux-Fur Trim Sweater Boots)

 It's a little personal Xmas gift to myself while picking up gift for others at Old Navy. I score these for 50% off, originally $19.94. I love them! They are perfect
for freezing, cold nights and the fact that I bought these on sale just makes me love them even more.

Is it sad that this is what I look forward to most after a day at work? Well besides, seeing my family of course!

Naked 2 Palette - My Review for Miss Omni Media

Happy Monday Lovelies!

I just wanted to share my brief breakdown for Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette. I wanted to keep it short and sweet just so I don't sound like a broken record.

In a nutshell, if you already have the first palette - you really don't need one. If you are a neutral shadow hoarder then by all means add yourself to the waiting list if you haven't already!

Please click here, for the article.

Starting tomorrow I will beging posting looks featured with this palette. I have been using this exclusively for a while and it's very basic palette. You really can't go wrong with these colors. Just be sure you have a makeup removing soaked cotton swab handy if you choose to wear the chunky glittery shadows: Chopper or YDK.

This Week in Miss Omni Media - Week of 12/5/11

I pick my favorite item from NARS 2011 Holiday collection and it might be a shocker!

But since you probably know me all to well it won't come as newsflash or anything like that:

Ponderosa eye cream has gotten lots of play lately, well it's taking a disco nap since I decided to exclusively use my new Naked 2 palette (more on that later!).

To see how I used this golden brown eye cream, click HERE!

MAIL CALL!!

Look what arrived in my (work) mail box:

I am so excited about this since I skipped the first Naked palette because I got tired waiting for the next wave of shipment to come in and once it became a permanent item, I just got tired of the hype. This time I decide to jump the Naked bandwagon once I got an email for Urban Decay. Also, it was free Priority Mail shipping - how could I lose? I'll be posting looks and thoughts soon (early next week).

As you know, I started an unhealthy addiction to fragrances and I blame a very, very bad BUNNY for this...

This is my second round of sample purchases from the awesome fragrance site:
theperfumedcourt.com

You can buy samples of almost any perfume out there in the world. I am officially addicted to niche brands!

The best part of ordering from them is the candy they put in your orders - such a special little treat and just great customer service!

I know, Xmas is just around the corner and here I am purchasing crap for myself. Oh well, I'm sure my family will appreciate my makeup and lovely scent as they receive gifts from me!

My wallet on the other hand.....

What's in my makeup bag and a new music find!

Since I failed to produce a September favorites post, I have done a piece that I enjoy seeing on my fellow blogging sites: a peek into my makeup bag for the week of Oct. 16.

It's looks pretty small, right?

Surprise! I actually pack quite a bit into my small Marc by Marc Jacobs makeup pouch.

1. My favorite nude/neutral lip pencils from MAC - Cream O'Spice and Whirl
2. Chanel Glossimer - Pagoda, brownish, golden pink sheen and  fine silver glitter
3. Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo - Poetic (reviewed here)
4. Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss - Impertinence, a plum brown gloss.
5. A black elastic in case my hair stays a complete mess after a workout.
6. Edward Bess All Over Seduction Highlighting cream - Afterglow, a  warm champagne gold
7. Chanel Joues Contraste - Rose Tourbillon (reviewed here)
8. Seche Vite Top Coat - my FAVORITE top coat in purse size
9. NARS Gilda Blush, my all time favorite coral blush
10. Kiehl's lip balm #1 w/SPF 4 - Mango scented - this is my favorite lip balm and I usually buy different    scents when it's time to replace a tube.
11. Eye liner/pencils - UD 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil - Underground, metallic taupe/MAC Impeccable Brow pencil - Taupe/UD 24/7 Waterproof liquid liner - Smog, sexy bronze brown.
12. Cargo bronzing brush - I use this a lot for bronzer but also to diffuse any harsh lines from my blush - the bonus - I got this for free for participating in a Cargo Marketing Study group at Sephora headquarters years ago!
13. Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer - Daydream, a meduium golden brown without any red/orange tones. It does have a little bit of shimmer but it isn't overkill.
14. Fragrance - I always have to have a fragrance sample in most of my bags - Bond No. 9 signature and Tom Ford Black Orchid. Two very sensual fragrances that keep me feeling good even if I look really tired!

Not only was this a surprise that I can pack this much in what looks like a small pouch but it also helps me edit what I need to bring with me. It also lightens my purse!


A side note:
I work as an administrative assistant, a modern day secretary, so my mornings consist of mindless report preparation for my bosses. I usually pop my ear buds in and listen to some music to get me by.

Last week, I turn to one of my favorite music blogs and was turned to this Chilean rapper. I looked her up and I'm now watching and listening to her videos on you tube.

Ana Tijoux, you make me want to brush up on my Spanish skills. Your flow and beats are that dope. Yes, I did say dope because I am that old!

Smog

Apparently, the marketing group at Urban Decay has a different concept of what smog looks like.

vs.



Image courteousy of U.S. EPA


Hmm...I'll have to rethink my argument.

Urban Decay's smog color is definitely a sexier version of what I recall from spending summers in Southern California with my relatives as a little girl. UD's Smog is a deep brown with a golden shimmer and irridescent sparkle, a very sensual looking bronze and one of my all time favorite UD eye shadows so you know I was super excited to find this shade as a liquid liner.

Lately, I've been eye lining obsessed and as a fan of the UD 24/7 collection, you know I couldn't wait to get my hands on a bottle of this stuff. Especially since I got over my fear of liquid liners. Okay so this may not be the first time I've used one but I usually favor pencils. Liquid sometimes accentuates any dry flaky parts of my eye - making any eczema outbreaks in this area look that much worse. Also, I'll forget I'm wearing it and rub my eye. It's usually not a pretty look after I realize I just ruined a perfectly black lined eye.

As you can see - no irritated looking eye here:

Other products used:
MAC Espresso e/s with #266 brush - eye brow
TFSI primer
NARS Biarritz - lid to browbone
NARS Cyprus - lid to crease only
Chanel Inimitable Noir Mascara

The brush tip is pretty flexible and since I like a more firm, felt tip I was a bit worried. Would I be able to have any control of this brush?

I have been using this for the past week and I now feel pretty confident using this but if you are a pro with type of liquid liner than this will be a cake walk. Just do remember to shake the bottle well before using. This is an easy color to wear. It's subtle, therefore low maintenance. I love this shade best with nothing more than MAC Indianwood Paint Pot on my lids and lots of layers of black mascara.

Other colors used:
NARS - Larger than Life Lip Gloss - Place Vendome
Chanel Joues Contraste - Rose Tourbillon (cheeks)
It is long wearing after it sets (takes about 55 seconds) and it will stay put. Glad to report that it doesn't irritate my eyes and I've been having bad bouts of allergies lately. It took some gentle rubbing with my Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover to get it all off. And once the color lifts, it flakes off.

Final assessment: I am thinking about which color to try next.

You can find this at Sephora, participating Macy's and online/$18 USD.

June Favorites

I never post my favorites for a particular month and since it's the first week of July, no time like the present to reflect on what I was crushing in the month of June!

Special thanks to the very cute and not so mundane, Dovey for influencing me to look at what I loved in the month of June.

Plus, I need to save up for my upcoming family, Disney adventure (YAY) and I previewed some serious products at Nordstrom for their anniversary sale - LOOKING AT YOU NARS LIMITED EDITION PALETTE and what could possibly be my very first Chanel blush!

I know it's a hefty list but these are the items I have been reaching for most days last month - especially on weekends and lazy weekday mornings!

I broke it down just to make things easier on everyone:

Top Row:
UD Rollergirl palette (Crush, hot pink gloss, Lip Junkie deluxe sample size not shown)
NARS Dogon Duo
NARS Irresistiblement Bronzer

Bottom Row (L to R)
Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer in Caramel
LM oil free primer
NARS Copacabana Illuminator (I use a drop with my tinted moisturizer for a touch of iridescence)

Clockwise from upper left:

NARS Multiple in South Beach
MAC Fluidline liner in Blacktrack
Chanel Bronzer - Bronze Corail
MAC #266 - to apply gel liner - I use a different #266 brush for my brows
NARS Stylo Nuits Blanches
NARS lipstick - Hot Voodoo
MAC lip pencil - Chestnut
NARS gloss - Sweet Revenge
MAC Lipglass - Evolution Revolution
Laura Mercier - Ambre Rose

And two items that deserves a special shout out:

Left to Right:
NARS Taj Mahal
NARS Gilda

I think the break out star has been my NARS Multiple in South Beach, a lovely shimmering apricot, just because I never really understood the proper way to use it. Now, I can't leave the house without it on my face. I love patting it on tops of my cheekbones to my temples or I use it blended on my apples layering another blush on top of it - this is how I get NARS Orgasm to show up on my warm skin. Another stand out is a product that I haven't used in ages but use to wear daily more than ten years ago - MAC Chestnut liner. This intense brown liner warms up the pink copper NARS Hot Voodoo lipstick.

It should no surprise to anyone that my summer choices consist of peach, orange, coral blushes, or golden shadows. I am still trying to get the hang of the NARS Dogon duo because I still feel that the duo chrome (left) shadow side is light on me and I have to apply up to 3 layers of this color to get the intensity that I want. I do love the blackened blue (right) for summer smoky night eyes.

With Fall collections launching right now in July, I am curious to see what I'll be using the most. Even though, the weather in Daly City, CA is a constant sad, gray fog and I come to work in sunny 70 degree weather in SF, it'll be a struggle between moody, fall colors and happy, bronzey golds.

Half Assed on Friday

So I thought I would try out the hot pink eyeshadow shade, Woodstock in my UD Rollergirl palette. Then I realized, it's probably something I should try beforehand before I present a look to you.

Yes, it's pretty but a full on (intentional) pink eye might be a bit much at work.

So I chickend out and used it as an accent, outer V color.




(meh, I know)

 I have been feeling uninspired again - I need to look through my beauty books for a bit of wonder and inspiration. I'm sorry for such a meager offering.

So to make up for my lack of sufficient reading on a lovely Friday, please watch and shake your booty to this:

I hope we can still be friends!

Rollergirl, Summer 2011

No, not Heather:

But from Urban Decay's latest offering for Summer 2011:




(the cute cardboard packaging really sold me)

 Comes with a mini Lip Junkie gloss in Crush - HOT pink (.12 oz)

(back)



(even the spine of the palette is cute!)

Okay so let's look at the colors:



(Cue in the OOOOH's and Aaaaaah's)

It also contains a mini deluxe (oxymoron, I know) 24/7 liner in Whiskey (.03 oz). I believe this was the same pencil included in the Half Baked palette from 2009 (?). It's pretty much Bourbon without the glitter - it's also my favorite if I had to choose between the two. I wish it was sold permanently in the 24/7 pencil line up. Woodstock - hot pink shimmer, Verve (exclusive shade) - like a pearly oyster shell, Suspect - like wet copper sand glistening in the sun (also my favorite from the palette), Darkhorse (from NAKED palette) - described as a 'bronze, plum shimmer' via Sephora site. But it seems more like a dark chocolate shimmer on my skin.

top to bottom -
Woodstock
Verve
Suspect
Darkhorse
Whiskey liner (on the side)

Bourbon vs. Whiskey:



(L to R: Bourbon, Whiskey)

Taken with flash just so you can see the glitter.
And here's a swatch of the Lip Junkie gloss, Crush (HOT pink):

I took this palette for a spin this morning:

Suspect on lid

Woodstock on outer corner (I want to play more with shade just because I want to prove to myself that it won't make me look hungover or like I'm have a bad eczema attack!)

Darkhorse on crease

Verve on browbone

Whiskey - smudge 3/4 in on both top/bottom lashline

On my cheeks - NARS Orgasm blush layered with South Beach Multiple stick
Lips: Crush Lip Junkie gloss (no liner).

For reference: NC 42/LM tinted moisturizer in Caramel/NARS Syracuse

Because these are shimmer finishes, I didn't notice any blatant fallout around my eyes - a common drawback from glitter UD shadows. I am really loving this palette. Urban Decay always delivers the look I'm going for in the summertime: sexy but with a hint of attainable edge. Does that make any sense? I feel like the Half Baked palette gave more of the edgy surfer girl vibe with it's gold/copper/teal shadow offering. Whereas, Rollergirl may be that same surfer girl at night hitting up a dive bar, live show, retro 80's night at the roller rink or just getting into trouble in general.

You know the kind of girl, I use to be 5 years ago! Except the surfing part.

Retail price:
$32/USD
Online, Sephora, Ulta

Gunmetal

Ah, when I hear the word Gunmetal, I think of a deep, sooty, siler-gray shade. I know this will make the fiercest (is that even a word?) smoky eye. So to give myself a break from my beloved NARS collection, I look into my eyeshadow loot to see what I've been neglecting.

Low and behold, Urban Decay's Gunmetal eyeshadow.


(NC 42/NARS Syracuse/LM Tinted Moisturzer Caramel - for skin reference)


It's is a bluish-gray with BIG chunks of silver glitter. Yes, UD is known for having those chunky glittery fallouts with some of their shadows. You either love 'em or hate 'em - I still love 'em. When using said shadows, I tend to do my eye makeup first then complete with my tinted moisturizer after just so I can clean up around my eyes then apply concealer. A tip I picked up from the NARS Mega Event, to clean up shadow fallout use a dab of their face primer on the area to pick it up. So I used my Laura Mercier oil-free primer instead and blotted with a towel. The trick seems to work with any primer!

I quickly remember why I haven't used this in a long time. Sadly, it doesn't apply very smoothly. I have to pat it on repeatedly, otherwise it will look patchy. So I found myself applying three layers to get the level of intensity I want. Also, I think I may have worn this on top of Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jeans (deep pewter, taupe) last time for more oompf. But I'm game for the challenge so I just add MAC Soba (soft golden brown shimmer) in my crease for a gradation effect. I add MAC Arena (soft golden peach) on my brow bone for a neutral highlight. And lastly, my favorite black liner, MAC Feline on my top and bottom lashline and bottom waterline. I smudge both top and bottom lines with my MAC #219 brush for a more softened, blended look. Top off with Dior Extase Mascara Black - many coats!

Sorry for the dark picture - I was trying to take this picture without my boss catching me. If he did, I'm pretty sure he didn't need this as evidence that I'm a pretty whacky girl that would rather be blogging than doing expense reports!

I finished with NARS South Beach Multiple (rich bronzey, apricot) under and above cheekbones, NARS Gilda (coral) blush, MAC Cream O'Spice/NARS Orgasm gloss on lips.

Many apologies of posts with crappy face pictures - I am putting aside cosmetic purchases this pay period to invest in a good camera. We do own a very nice Nikon but it's pretty bulky and I definitely cannot stash it in my purse so the plan is to buy a nice 10-12 megapixel camera this weekend. Still trying to decide Canon vs. Nikon.

Suggestions??

I cannot wait to unleash my inner photographer!

Happy Friday and I am hoping to make it to the store after work to setup a Kitchen Happy Hour for my husband - he's had a rough week. Doesn't a Manhattan (or your favorite cocktail here) cheer up anyone that's had a real CRAP-TASTIC week??

EOTD - Olive Smoky Eye

It was another morning where I just didn't want to be bothered with a complicated, intensely blended look that needed 5 different shadows and included 3 different textures. Yes, I have been lazy lately. I guess I'm already in Summer mode and yes, it's still April.

Well I took these three shades and tried to make the best of it. So here's my smoky olive eye look:

and this is what I used:




(NC 42 forearm)

 L to R:
MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot - peach gold cream shadow (lid)
MAC Sumptuous Olive - khaki w/pearl (lid)
MAC Soba - light golden brown shimmer
UD 24/7 Eyeliner - Stash - Drk Green/Gold (top lashline/smudged bottom)

I apologize for my lack of enthusiasm but at least I'm trying. For a Tuesday morning, it sure feels like a Monday.

Maybe this will cheer me up:

A fan video of one of my new favorite bands: The Ettes
Crown of Age

If anything I am now pumped to meet with my trainer at the gym this afternoon!

7 Minute Face

I really tried to challenge myself to do my entire face in 5 minutes. Unless I just came from the gym locker room on a Saturday, I don't see this happening on a regular work day morning.

I did get really close, I accomplished it in 7 minutes.

Here is what I used:

FACE:
LM Oil Free Primer
LM Tinted Moisturizer mixed with a drop of NARS Copocabana Illuminator for a bit of radiance
NARS (Coral) Gilda blush

Eyes:
MAC Espresso shadow/#266 brush for brows
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner - Birthday Suit
UD 24/7 Eyeliner - Underground (smudged with MAC #219 pencil brush - lower lash line only)
Dior Extase mascara

Lips:
Rouge Coco Shine - Rebelle (orange/red)

Not too bad:

After looking at this picture, I realized I could stand use some under eye concealor.

But that would have pushed me to the 8 minute mark!



What's the fastest time you can get your entire face ready? Aside from walking outside bare faced!