7 Little Things (February 2013)

How is it seriously the end of February already!? I know this month is shorter than the rest, but it FLEW by. Anyway, here are my favorites from the month!

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow / OPI Malaga Wine / Palmer's Cocoa Butter Chapstick / Benefit They're Real! Mascara / Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner / Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette / Urban Decay Smoked Palette

This is my first Benefit creaseless cream shadow, and I really like it! It doesn't crease on my lids, as the name suggests, and I love the color. To be honest, I don't see much of a difference between this and my other cream shadows, so if you're looking for an inexpensive alternative, definitely stick to Maybelline's Eye Tattoos :) However, I really like this pinky mauve color, and don't own any other cream shadows, or regular eye shadows, like it.

OPI's Malaga Wine has turned into one of my favorite nail polishes EVER. It is a cream finish, and goes on so nicely. The color is darker on the nails than it's showing up in the picture. This is perfect for the season, and also very office appropriate.

My lips have been super chapped lately, so I decided to buy this industrial sized chapstick. Seriously, this balm is twice the size of any I've owned before. It was also inexpensive, so a great deal for the size. The balm is very moisturizing, and is actually a multipurpose product. It can be used on dry and rough skin, although I just use it on my lips.

The They're Real! mascara has literally changed my eyelash life. I may be exaggerating a little, but this mascara is amazing. I've mentioned before I have short, asian eyelashes, and this mascara helps lengthen them like nobody's business. I wouldn't say this is the best voluminizing mascara, but if you need length, then you should invest! Also, I find this doesn't clump and actually separates my lashes really well.

I go through random phases where I get bored of the type of eyeliner I'm using at the moment (either gel or liquid) and want to switch to using the other kind. Well, it's about that time and I'm ready to start using gel eyeliner regularly again. Bobbi Brown is my go-to gel eyeliner because it's long-lasting on your lids, and in the pot!

Along with my chapped lips this month, I've also had a few breakouts. Nothing major, but there has been a lot of redness. The green square in the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda palette is perfect for counteracting anything red on my face. I just put a little of the green on the red spot, and then cover it up with my normal concealer, and the acne is instantly less noticeable.

Lastly, I only got the Smoked palette halfway through the month, but I love every color! This is the perfect palette for creating going out/nighttime looks, and it even comes with a booklet to teach you knew eye looks. I also like that it comes with colors, unlike Urban Decay's neutral Naked and Naked 2 palettes. Another perk of this palette is that is comes with a full sized eyeliner and a mini primer potion in original.

Mixing Prints

I normally don't like to mix prints, but I was feeling a little adventurous today :) Plus, I've heard that animal prints should be treated at neutrals!

J Crew Sequin Stripe Tee / Tory Burch Tumbled Leather Revas / Express Leopard Infinity Scarf / Joe's Jeans

I love this particular style of Joe's Jeans because they are super comfortable and stretchy, and they are mid-rise. I hate anything that is low-rise, which is why most of my jeans are from Rag & Bone or J Brand since they offer a variety of mid-rise styles. The color of these jeans (bordeaux) is less red and more purple than in the picture.

I also wore this black cardigan because my office is freezing, even in the winter!

J Crew Factory Classic Crewneck Cardigan

My favorite part of this outfit are my Tory Burch flats. These are new, and I got them because I wanted a pair of all black flats, but that weren't plain and boring. I like that the 'medallion' is in the same fabric/texture as the rest of the shoe because it doesn't make the brand so obvious. These flats are very comfortable; however, it does take a few wears to break them in. I found the scrunched back kind of bothered my heel on the first day, but after that it seemed to stretch out, and now they are perfect! I got these in my normal size 8.

Here's the jewelry I wore today (but took off to photograph before taking the picture of myself...oops!). I kept it really simple  because the sequin shirt doesn't need anything to compete with!

Jewelmint Traffic Gem bracelet

Urban Decay sale!

Urban Decay is having their Friends and Family sale for 20% off with the code FFSPRING13! The sale lasts until February 17, so there is about half a week left in the promo.

This came at the perfect time because I've wanted the Naked Basics and Smoked palettes for awhile, but the price tag always kept me from going through with the purchase. So, when I got the email about the promo, you best believe I immediately went to the website and purchased both palettes.

My purchase also came with a free, deluxe sample of the Naked Skin Beauty Balm. I believe this is included in all sales, no matter the price.

Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas (Day and Night)

Valentine's Day is in a few days, so I thought I would put together some outfits to give you ideas for what to wear during the day, or for a date night!

This lips tank is a perfect top to wear on Valentine's day. It's not your typical shirt with hearts and glitter;  it's a subtler and cuter way to get into the spirit of the holiday.

Forever 21 Lip print top / J.Crew Factory Classic Crewneck Cardigan / Express Stella Jean Legging / Rag & Bone Kensington Skinnies / KORS Michael Kors Orville flat / Forever 21 Bodycon Skirt / Nasty Gal Blackout Sequin Jeans / Pour La Victoire platform high heels / Pour La Victoire platform high heels / Forever 21 Blazer 

Here are some other shirts I found that you can wear during the day, or dress up for night!

Forever 21 Heart Print Georgette Top / Forever 21 Essential Georgette Heart Shirt / Tobi Hearts About Blouse

These fabulous black sequin pants would be really cute to wear for a date night. Just like with the sequin dress, these pants make the red and black pairing edgier.

Nasty Gal Blackout Sequin Jeans 

Left: Forever 21 Blazer / Tobi Blouse                                    Center: Forever 21 Hot Pink Blazer / Forever 21 Distressed Rose Muscle Tee                              Right: Forever 21 Black blazer / Tobi Hearts About Blouse

Keep in mind, any of the shirts/blouses worn with the sequin pants can be worn during the day with a pair of blue or black jeans. If you want to go even more casual, wear a sweater in stead of a blazer.

I saw the below two dresses on Forever21 and fell in love with them! The pink and white dress is unique and very girly, while the sequin dress offers a glammed up version of the traditional red and black combo.

Left: Forever 21 Hot Pink Blazer / Forever 21 Embellished Shift Dress / Pour La Victoire Irina Pumps

Right: Forever 21 Red/Coral Blazer / Forever 21 Sequin A-Line Dress / Pour La Victoire Irina Pumps

The outfit on the left is my personal favorite. I love the combination of the burgundy pants with the black and gold peplum top.

Nasty Gal Vivienne Peplum Top / Express Peplum top / Forever 21 knit blazer / Express Stella Jean Legging / Nasty Gal Solid Gold Sequin Skirt

Dresses are really easy to wear on V-Day, and it's easy to take them from day to night.

Red Dresses

Modcloth One Wish Dress / Modcloth Heart on Your Sleeve Dress / Forever 21 Sweater Dress

Forever 21 A-Line Dress / Modcloth Twirl of Opportunity Dress / Tobi Starlight Sequin Dress

Red lace dresses

Modcloth / Modcloth Ruby Blooms Dress / Modcloth When the Night Comes Dress

Tobi Lace Dress / Express Lace Fit and Flair Dress

Pink dresses

Express Cutout Ponte Knit Dress / Forever 21 Crushed Velveteen Skater Dress / Nasty Gal / Sweetheart Dress

I find pink is a hard color to wear, but if you are going to wear it, definitely accent it with black or another neutral color. Any of the below dresses can be worn with a black blazer and black heels. I also think the velvet dress would look super cute with a pair of black tights!

Of course, I can't forget black dresses!

Black is a good color for any occasion, especially if you are doing something fancier, such as going on a date. Some may say black is boring, but I don't think so, as long as you wear interesting fabrics/patterns/shapes and incorporate other colors into your look.

Nasty Gal Veiled Lace Dress / Forever 21 Hot Pink Blazer / Modcloth Lace Dress / Forever 21 Red/Coral Blazer / 

Modcloth Last Slow Dance Dress

MAC Spring 2013 Collection: Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year is a few days away, and MAC decided to pay tribute to the holiday this year with their Year of the Snake collection. I am half Chinese and celebrate the New Year, so hearing about this collection was really exciting!

This is currently available in all U.S. stores!

Images via Google Images 1, 2

The MAC Cosmetics website says:

"Look east to celebrate the 2013 Chinese New Year in style - and the luxury-loving individuals born under its sensual sign. The collection is defined by a palette of vibrant shades and shimmering finishes. Features exclusive packaging, slithering with chic."

Collection Information

Large Eyeshadows: 3 g / 0.11 oz. ($21.00)

Image via Google Images

Once Upon a Time / Aztec Brick / Altered State / Carbon

Once Upon a Time: Metallic vanilla (Veluxe pearl).

Aztec Brick: Frosted true copper (Veluxe pearl).

Altered State: Deep frosted blue purple (Veluxe pearl)

Carbon: Intense black (matte)

Pigments: 4.5 g / 0.26 oz. ($21.00)

Brash & Bold / Push the Edge

Brash & Bold: Bright magenta

Push the Edge: Deep bright purple with pearl

Lipsticks: 3 g / 0.1 oz. ($15.00) 

Freckletone / Plumful / Cockney

Freckletone: Natural peach (Lustre)

Plumful: Blossoming rose-plum (Lustre)

Cockney: Sheer yellow red with multidimensional pearl

Beauty powder: 10 g / 0.35 oz. ($24.00)

Shell Pearl

Shell Pearl: Pale peach with gold pearl

Zoom Lash mascara ($16.00) and Powerpoint eye pencil ($16.00)

Zoomblack / Engraved

Zoomblack mascara: Rich black
Engraved eye pencil: Rich black

All of the items are repromotes from previous collections or permanent shades.

Temptalia has a great post on the collection. I have also linked to her swatches under each photo. Enjoy :)

OOTD feat. J Crew Excursion Vest in Herringbone!

I saw this picture on Pinterest and fell in love with the outfit. It's an effortless mix of prints that I never knew went so well together.

This picture made me want to re-create the outfit, badly. I don't know why I became so obsessed with the outfit, but it's mostly likely because of the herringbone vest.

I first saw the vest in J Crew stores during the end of 2012, but I couldn't myself to pay the $110 price tag. Once the vest sold out online, I instantly regretted that decision. When I saw this picture, I think those feelings of wanting the vest took over, and I absolutely HAD to have it this time. Luckily, I was able to find it on eBay for a price I couldn't pass up!

The Pinterest photo inspired today's outfit. I never would have thought to pair herringbone and cheetah print together, but they definitely look good!

J Crew Tippi Sweater / Rag & Bone Coal Skinnies / J Crew Excursion Quilted Vest / Steve Madden Croquetl Loafer

I got the vest in a size small. I normally wear a medium/6/8 at J Crew. It fits nicely, especially with a thinner sweater underneath, but if you want to wear something chunkier I would definitely size up. My sweater is another J Crew item; the Tippi sweater. I have one warning about the sweater, it shrinks! I bought it in a size large because I wanted a more oversized look, but after washing/drying it, it has shrunken to the size of a small. I'm pretty disappointed about this because now I can't wear it alone. However, it does look good under the vest, so this may become one of my most reached-for outfits!

7 Little Things (January 2013)

My first favorites post of the year and I'm late :(

Sorry about the delay; I've just been super busy with random things in my life!

Anyway, without further ado...

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation / Maybelline Fit Me Powder / Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick / L'Oréal Elnett Extra StrongHold Hairspray / Diesel Loverdose Eau de Parfum, / Bath and Body Works Frosted Cupcake Candle / L'Oréal  Infallible Eye Shadow

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe

I am in LOVE with this color. It's a gorgeous, shimmery brown-taupe. The color is buildable, so you can go more sheer for the daytime, and layer it on for a bolder effect at night. One week, I wore this color to work every day. I like wearing this over Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. 

L'Oreal Elnett Extra StrongHold Hairspray

I have used this hairspray so much this month that I'm almost out of the bottle. I like this because it doesn't leave my hair really crisp and hard, like a lot of other hairsprays. If you're looking for a really tight hold, I wouldn't recommend this, even though it says "StrongHold" in the product name. The hold on this works for me because I like how my curls look after they've fallen out a little, and this hairspray provides just enough hold for that look.

Diesel Loverdose perfume

I randomly got this perfume as a sample from Sephora a few months ago, but I was so in love with my Coach Poppy that I didn't try it until now. The real reason I used it was because I went to Florida for a weekend, and I needed a mini perfume to take with me since I was only bringing a carry-on. Well, I'm so glad I went on that Florida trip, because I absolutely love the smell of this perfume! It has a sweet/sugary smell, but it's not overpowering or so sweet that you'll get a headache after smelling it for awhile. It's definitely one of my new favorite scents.

Bath and Body Works Frosted Cupcake 3-wick candle

This is hands down the best smelling candle ever. I know a lot of people rave about Bath and Body Work candles, but before smelling this one, I've never really liked any of them. I find all of the holiday candles WAY too sweet, and I'm not really a fruity/summery candle type of girl. I think I love the Frosted Cupcake one so much because I have a huge sweet tooth, and this smells EXACTLY like a baked good. However, this surprisingly doesn't make me hungry for sweets! Also, these candles last a pretty long time, and they are super strong. The smell of frosted cupcakes wafts up to my room from across the house in a matter of seconds. 

Maybelline Whisper Lipstick in Lust for Blush

I hauled the Maybelline Color Whisper lipsticks a few weeks ago, and since then I've been wearing the Lust for Blush color nonstop. This is light pink on my lips, which isn't a color I typically wear, but for some reason I really like how it looks on me! I know this is not a normal winter lip color, but I like it. The Whisper lipsticks are amazingly smooth and moisturizing. The lasting power is just average, but I don't mind because every time I put more on I re-hydrate my lips.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige

This foundation is awesome. I discovered it a few years ago and I'm not really sure why I stopped using it! It has a very buildable coverage and evens out my skin tone SO well. I don't like layering this on because it can definitely give you cake face, but when you use the appropriate amount it works wonders on your skin.

Maybelline Fit Me powder in 350 Caramel

I mentioned this in my last favorites post, can you tell I'm loving it?! It works really well over foundation, or just on it's own. There have been a few times this month where my skin actually looked good enough to not wear foundation, so I dusted this all over my face. On its own, this gives an, even, natural, and polished look to your skin.

As an honorary mention, I have to include my new Elf Kabuki Face Brush. This was part of the haul where I got my Maybelline Color Whispers. This brush is SUPER soft and deposits powder nicely across the skin. It's also inexpensive, so I definitely recommend this brush.