Give Love a Chance

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15

Do you ever try a product, hate it almost instantly, set it aside and then try it months or maybe even years later only to realize that you actually kinda love it? I've never really been a fan of MAC foundations, but my friend Cathy uses them and her skin is always glowing and pretty much flawless, and even Nicole has been giving them a second chance lately, which in turn has made me want to give them another shot. I popped by the MAC store in Grand Central Terminal yesterday and had them slap a little Studio Fix on my face (half over Prep + Prime, and half over just moisturizer) and I'm thinking it may be worth a second try.

Are there any products you hated at first but then later grew to love? Share in the comments!

Continue Reading...

How Do You Achieve Picture Perfect Skin?

I've got a pretty major gala to go to tomorrow evening and it's got me wondering - what are your secrets to attaining picture perfect skin?

My current routine has been serving me well for the past week or two, although it literally changes every month or so. I've rediscovered my love for the Innisfree BB Mousse despite its many flaws (a little messy, dries too quickly to blend easily, only comes in one shade) , and topped with a bit of the amazing CDP concealer I received from Nicole and quick spritz from my TEMPTU airbrush system I'm on the road to perfection (or as close to perfection as my skin ever gets).

I'm probably going to keep the rest of my makeup relatively simple - probably a neutral shadow with slight shimmer, some black liner along my upper lash line, a ton of mascara and an understated lip. Let's hope all goes well!
Continue Reading...

Do Samples Make You Buy?

I'm a self-confessed beauty addict and sample hoarder ~ nothing makes me happier than going cosmetics shopping and coming home with a bunch of random samples to try! Which got me to thinking, how often does a sample actually lead to a product-purchase for you?

With me I'd say I end up purchasing the product a good 50% of the time. Sales associates are often very reluctant to hand out samples of products and this really confounds me since it's not as though the samples are coming out of their salary ~ samples are exactly that, samples, and they're meant for potential customers to try!

Samples that I'm currently testing out and loving are:

• Chanel Sublimage Eye (this is beautifully emollient yet not too heavy)
• Jill Stuart Powder Foundation
• Rock & Republic lipgloss

What samples have you tried recently and loved? This summer the SO got me a sample of the Clarins SPF which I fell in love with and ended up purchasing two bottles of, and I know there are countless other products out there that I've purchased because I loved the sample. Yay samples!
Continue Reading...

Applying Makeup in Public: Do Or Don't?

This morning I happaned to glance across the subway car and saw a girl with not one but FOUR filled-to-the-brim makeup bags in her jumbo-sized purse. She proceeded to apply her Maybelline Dream Mousse Liquid Foundation with a sponge, then concealer, eyeshadow (three different shades), liner, powder, mascara, brow highlighter, brow pencil & gel, blush and cheek highlighter, some contouring powder, and gloss. Now I've seen many a woman apply her makeup on a subway car, but this usually consists of a little powder, mascara and lipstick/gloss, not a full-on makeup regimen!

I happen to think it's a bit tacky to be applying a full face of makeup in public (no offense to anyone!), but I also don't really see anything wrong with discreetly reapplying your lipstick or gloss (and if absolutely necessary, a little powder) throughout the day. What're your thoughts on applying makeup in public?

And yes it's almost Easter! :)

Continue Reading...