Monday, July 29, 2013

Current Most Used Products / Summer 2013

Tara
Recently, I've been all about matte eyes, rosy lips and cheeks, and radiant skin. These products have not left my side all season!

Nars Blush (Amour) 
Intensely pigmented, just a dab of this matte rosy color will give an instant flush to your cheeks.

MAC lipstick (Speak Louder) 
Loving this color! It's a bit bright, but add some balm to your lips prior and this color transforms into a semi-sheer pink shade that can add a finishing touch to any makeup look.

Sonia Kashuk (Eye on Neutral -02)
I've been experimenting with matte eye shadows this summer, and by the look of it, you can say I'm obsessed! I picked up this talked-about matte palate and I'm in love! The quality compares to any high-end brand, and I can't wait to incorporate matte eyes into every season!

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Nude)
This has been my by far most used product since I saw it in drugstores. I will endlessly repurchase this concealer, can't live without it! (Okay I could, but...) It's amazing at covering dark circles under the eyes, and concealing around the face. It gives luminosity without being greasy or shiny. I can't say enough good things, try it out- you won't be disappointed!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Dim Light) 
Sweep this powder across your cheekbones, forehead and down your nose over a matte setting powder, and it will instantly give your skin a perfect, non-sparkly luminous glow you've been looking for all season.

Lani
I've really been loving simple products lately since the summer heat and humidity melts practically everything off my face.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express & Big Eyes Mascara 
At first I wasn't a major fan of the Big Eyes Mascara because the wand was a bit difficult to work with. However, I eventually got used to it and now I'm really smitten with it. I actually like to layer it with the Colossal Volume Express and I'm in love with the results, which is very full and voluminous! The bottom lash mascara wand is a bit too long to work with so I usually end up using it just on the bottom center lashes, which gives a more doll-eyed affect.

Nars Blush (Deepthroat)
This blush was a recent purchase after having a tiny sample of it in a duo and I'm so glad I got the full size! It's the perfect shade of peachy pink and blends so beautifully. It's an amazing pop of color that isn't too garish and the amount of sparkle isn't overwhelming, it instead creates a gorgeous and natural looking sheen. 
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner (Espresso Ink)
My mom actually turned me onto this product after she had it for a few years and swore by it. After reading so many rave reviews, I took the plunge and decided that I could never go back to liquid or pencil eyeliner (at least not for a while). With Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, creating a thin or thick line is effortless although it does take a bit more skill to do a kitten flick. It also has yet to crease or smudge, definitely a holy grail item!
Clinique Airbrush Concealer 
I had to have this concealer after watching tons and tons of Lisa Eldridge videos where she whipped out this beauty. It's very lightweight and is perfect for undereyes or even for muting tiny spots. For those looking for heavier coverage, this isn't the product for you as it's quite sheer. 
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 
This palette was a gift I received this past Christmas and it's been the perfect go-to palette for those mornings that I'm in a rush or in the mood for a neutral eye. I'm not a major fan of the 3 lighter shades as it looks quite chalky on my skin tone but Naked 2 and Faint is the perfect combination.


What's your current favorite product for summer? Have you tried any of the products mentioned, what is your opinion on them?
Hope you're all having a lovely summer!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Wishlist - Summer 2013

So I know the Collection 2000 concealer isn't a product with the highest price tag, but the fact that it is physically out of my reach while I venture through the drugstores in the U.S is the reason why it made it to the top of my list- sigh, U.K brands... a Chanel eyelash curler is definitely a want, I wonder if my eyelashes would know they were curled by Chanel? Bobbi Browns Beach fragrance is one I've been lusting after this entire season, take one whiff and you'll know what I mean, the warm, smell of sunscreen and vanilla will take you straight to the beach, no matter what season it is. Another product of Bobbi Brown's I've had my eye on for quite a while is her pot rouges, a cheek and lip color. They apply so well on the cheeks, I might have to bite the bullet and own one of these babies. A product I always swatch and swatch again are the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Lipsticks. I love the scent, colors, and packaging, but I feel that since they are basically sheer lip colors, I should stick to drugstore. (Maybelline Baby Lips & Revlon Shine Lipsticks are my fav.) Alas, the Lorac Pro Palate, knowing that I own both UD Naked Palates and my fair share of neutral eye shadows in general, this palate has been placed on the back-burner, but I have not forgotten about it! One day Lorac, one day...



Diptyque has to be one of my favorite perfumers out there so it comes as no surprise that there are two items on my list. I've been pining after that Rose candle for ages but can't seem to get around to purchasing it as I already have too many candles that I need to burn before I consider another. The roll on perfume (L'Ombre Dans L'eau) has also been on the list for quite a while and I've heard that the scent is really fresh and not too overwhelming. Another scent that I've been curious about is Dafne by Olo Fragrance, a small company based in Portland that takes pride in being handmade. The scent itself is said to be a mixture of orange, sampaguita, and ylang ylang!
With chillier and drier weather soon to come, I've been really fixated on the body lotions by Aesop because I feel they would really keep dry, chapped skin at bay. Sadly the price makes it more of a luxury item than a necessity. Another luxury item has to be the newly released concealer by Marc Jacob's new makeup line-it just looks so amazing! Lastly, I've actually been looking up swatches for nearly every shade of Lipstick Queen's Saint line. I love the idea of a sheer formula and the colors are all so practical with my favorite being Rose.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Back to School - Part 1: Our Fall Wardrobe



It's that dreaded time of year again-catalogs slowly trickle in the mail with back to school specials, Target makes a special section to buy binders, markers, and pens, and commercials talk about "fall savings" nonstop. Yup, it's time to go back to school/college. There are some perks though, like new clothes and being able to wear darker prints that wouldn't have been summer-appropriate. Take a peek at what we'll be wearing this fall, maybe you'll get inspiration for what you'll wear on your first day back!
Also, there will be three parts total: what's in our beauty bag for school and what's in our school bag! Stay tuned!

Beach-ready Outfits!

Lani
"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion, Mara Hoffman bikini, American Apparel top and shorts, Brandy Melville hair thing, Neutrogena beach defense, Karen Walker sunnies

Summer isn't exactly my favorite season but if there's one thing I enjoy, it's laying in the shade with a good book! It's also the perfect opportunity to whip out my Karen Walker sunnies and throw my hair into a messy bun. And, of course, sunscreen is an absolute must although SPF 70 might be a bit overkill. Better safe than sorry, right?

Tara
Allure magazine, Shiseido sunscreen, Reef bikini, Target water (or coffee) tumbler, Rayban sunglasses, American Apparel Sunflower shorts, Sony Cybershot camera

This outfit just screams summer to me- a simple black bikini balances out the bright yellow sunflowers covering my shorts. Of course while out in the sun, sunscreen is a must, along with a pair of cat-eye sunnies to protect your eyes. I'm not too into spending all day in the water, so a magazine along with a ice cold drink are my perfect companions. A tiny camera is perfect to carry along to capture memories and snap pictures of sandcastles!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Lani Goes to Kauai / 2013




Kauai was a much anticipated vacation because I've never been to the island and really had no clue what to expect. Upon arrival, I knew that I would really enjoy my stay the minute I spotted adorable pastel-colored homes, chickens, and fruit stands!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

In my bathroom: The Body Shop Edition | Lani


I'm actually a habitual buyer of Lush but I've lately found myself guiltily hoarding a lot of Body Shop products. Lush, it's not that I don't love you, I'm just testing the waters to see what else is out there! Promise.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Tara Goes to Canada / 2013

This summer I took a week-long trip to Alberta, Canada! We stayed in the city of Canmore while driving up to Banff National Park. These are some of my Canadian beauty, fashion, and food finds !

Friday, July 12, 2013

Mini Mid-Summer Haul!

Tara's Haul
Sephora
Soap & Glory Hand Food: 
For the love of my hands I desperately needed to upgrade to the 4.2 fl. oz size, this hand cream not only keeps my hands nourished throughout the day, but also does not leave the sticky residue that other hand creams leave behind.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir:
This summer, I find myself spraying this lovely elixir all throughout the day to keep my face cool and hydrated, one spritz of this will make you feel like you're at the spa! This is a must-have at all times, your face will thank you later (:

Kiehl's
Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser:
I was on a search for a new cleanser after I found myself stealing my sisters face wash... hehe! Lani recommended this amazing clay cleanser to me, and I've been loving it ever since! It really makes my skin feel fresh and the gentle scrubbers and clay base gives a perfect daily exfoliant to reveal smoother skin after the first use!  
 
Olive Fruit Oil Nurishing Conditioner:
Another thanks to Lani for opening my eyes to the power of great conditioners... The sun has not only been drying out m skin, but my hair as well! I apply this conditioner thoroughly to the ends of my hair and leave it on for 3 minutes. After only a couple uses I find that my hair is stronger and feels less dry at the ends! Thanks Lani :D

Macy's 
Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour (Star):
Only Lord knows how we somehow got into the makeup department of Macy's... but I'm so glad! After lusting over Chanel's new cream blushes, on the other side of the counter we saw new Laura Mercier lippies! Hands ready to swatch, we went in with full force... I loved them! I ended up purchasing the color Star which is part of the sheer formula of these lip colours. It's truly a "my lips- but better" color and the natural finish makes these an ease to wear !

CVS  
Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick (Smokin' Hot Pink):
Since I had coupons to CVS I thought that I'd go a little bit out of my comfort zone and pick up this matte, coral-y pink to add to my collection. It is truly a HOT  lip color, but applied sheer it can give a pop to any makeup look ! Plus, it's 2 bucks...
 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation (825 Buff Beige):
I have been interested in this foundation since it appeared in my local drugstore, but I have never used a foundation by Covergirl so I had no idea what to expect. After trying it, it applies very nicely and blends well. I will say that it does oxidize throughout the day, and becomes a darker color than once applied. I guess i'll be saving this until I get some more sun!

Sally Hansen Xtreme wear Nail Color (Breezy Blue): 
I have a few other colors from this Sally Hansen range, and when I saw this creamy light blue, I needed it in my life! Definitely my next polish color change (: 


Lani's Haul
Sephora
Soap & Glory's The Righteous Body Butter Lotion:
I had a wee sample of this from Sephora a while back and I was swooning over the scent-it's so feminine without being sickly sweet or too overpowering. Such a perfect scent to have on if you don't feel like wearing perfume during the warmer months!

Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cleaner (travel size)
Kiehl's is one brand that I swear by-it never fails to impress! I decided to try this on a whim because I need a moisturizing cleanser for when I go to Kauai. Despite the warm and humid climate, my skin tends to get really dry and flaky because I'm always in the ocean.

Macy's
Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour (Mink)
This product really caught my eye when Tara and I were carousing through the Macy's makeup department! I had never seen it before and was really intrigued by the formula-it felt so weightless and we ended up standing there swatching the same colors for who knows how long. The color is a gorgeous muted red-a bit of a brick red but more faded. Perfect for summer and fall!

CVS 
NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel (Plaza Plumberry 139)
Thanks to Tara, she got this nail polish for me for free with her CVS coupons! FREE. Deep vampy reds and burgundy's are my absolute favorite nail colors for fall and winter so I'll definitely by debuting this the minute September rolls around.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Battle of the Loose Powders | Tara

Why not let your powders roam free ? I picked up two talked-about loose setting powders recently and these are my thoughts.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Battle of the Beach Sprays | Lani

Now that summer is finally upon us, having tousled and effortless hair is pretty ideal. Here's a quick review of two beach sprays that I've recently been testing out and the end verdict for them both: