Glad I Waited

I got my first "glam bag" last month.  After being on the wait list for more than a month and a half, I was BEYOND excited to get my bag in the mail.  I was not impressed when I got my first Ipsy "glam bag".  When I signed up, I completed a profile of my likes, dislikes, what I use and don't use, etc...  My first bag had all the things I don't use and won't use.  Such a let down :(  I considered canceling then and there but I had waited so long to get off the wait list that I figured I'd see what the next month had in store.  THANK GOODNESS I didn't cancel!  Novembers bag was exactly the reason I signed up for this particular "beauty box"(bag really).

November Glam Bag from Ipsy (not pictured Nail Polish)

Bad lighting, I know.  Bear with me!  I'm not crazy about the color of the eyeshadow from BHcosmetics "Aphrodite" which is a metallic pink/red, however I'm excited to try their product because I've heard great reviews about them prior to receiving this months goods.  I was also excited to try out my Pixi bronzer but it broke into a powdery mess before I got a chance.  Not Cool!  There were two lipsticks in this bag which is pretty cool because I just started wearing lipstick so I'm excited to try these as well.  EM by Michelle Phan is to die for.  I got "nude" and it truly matches my lip color.  This stuff is moisturizing, glossy and amazing.  Love Love Love.  The other lip color I got is a fire engine red color from Be A...Bombshell called Hot Damn.  Love the name, love the color on.  I'm not a normal wearer or red lipsticks, but I will definitely make this my go to when I do venture out of my comfort zone.  It's a lip crayon - it doesn't bleed which is HUGE for such a bright color.  Whoever is behind this is a genius.  Also in this bag is a metallic silver eyeliner from Starlooks called Topaz.  Another product I don't normally mess with - I like my basic black liner, but this is so cool.  It literally glides on and is actually metallic.  Maybe I'll switch it up next time I go out for a night on the town :)  Last but certainly not least is a nail polish by Nailtini called Champagne.  I tried it on my two year old daughter because I wear gel polish and just got my nails done.  The color is very pretty and light.  It's a very light bronze/metallic color.  Sophie (the daughter) isn't around right now or I would take a picture of her most adorable hands to showcase the color.

All in all, I would say I got an amazing bag this month.  I cannot wait to try out some new looks with the products included.  I'll share a post when I do - be sure to check back!

xoxo
Kristin

They're Real! Mascara by Benefit

Hi everyone!  Sorry it's been so long since I last posted but for those of you who know me, you know why - I've had a LOT going on lately.  Good news (hopefully!) is that I'm back and ready to blog!  

Today I want to share a new mascara review.  My birthday was in October and since I carry an "Insider" card with Sephora, I was sent a voucher for a free gift from Benefit.  If you're not already an Insider - go become one.  You get great benefits - no pun intended ;)  The free gift was a trial size of They're Real! Mascara as well as Watt's Up Highlighter.  Ladies and gentlemen, I have a new favorite mascara!  This stuff lengthens, separates and makes me look like I'm wearing eyeliner even when I'm not.  The way the brush is designed makes it virtually impossible for the mascara to clump.  Since clumpy lashes are one of my pet peeves, it was a match made in heaven!

Seriously - go out and buy this.  NOW!

xoxo

Kristin

Found a New Foundation

I've been on the hunt for a new foundation recently because of how incredibly dry my skin is.  The cooler weather is doing a number on my skin and its barely cool!  I didn't want to spend a lot of money trying foundations so I decided to see what I could find at the drugstore first.  Cosmetic companies that distribute to drugstores do this amazing thing where they describe what type of skin the foundation is best for - THANK YOU!  I ended up buying Maybelline Fit Me Foundation.  OH. MY. GOSH!!!!  This product is aca-amazing ( yes, that was a pitch perfect reference).  If you have super dry, flaky skin, do yourself a favor and buy this product, you won't be sorry!  I'd love to hear some more suggestions of foundation for dry skin.  Thanks!

Sigma Giveaway!

wait for it, wait for it, Sigma is having a GIVEAWAY!!!!  I'm a little more than excited.  These are the BEST brushes I have ever used.  Head on over to Sigma's website and follow their blog so you can have a chance at winning.  Believe me, it's totally worth it!

Nails Anyone?

Trying something new with my nails.  What do you think?  Essie "In The Cab-ana"
I'm really digging this right now.

What are some other colors I should try?  I have no problem trying new colors on my nails because come on, you can change it anytime you want.  I never understood why some people only get a certain color or a french manicure every time they get their nails done.  Live a little, ladies!

TotalBeauty Giveaway

Remember that post I did a few days ago about beauty boxes?  Head over to TotalBeauty's Facebook page and enter "The What A Girl Needs" Mystery Collection now!

Trying a New Look

I never know how to dress at the end of August, early September.  The weather is cooler in the morning when I leave the house for work at 6am and somewhat cool when I leave to go home at 4:30pm but still warm during the day.  I'm so confused!  The same goes for my makeup.  I get so excited for Fall colors and sweaters but I'm not ready for the beautiful Summer weather to be gone.  Today, I thought I'd give my makeup a "goodbye Summer, hello Fall" look.  First, here is a before picture....CRINGE...

And all made up

The flash was really bright on the camera so you can't really see how saturated the color actually is but here is a list of the products i used.  First I applied the green Smashbox Photo Finish because I love the texture of this stuff and it helps to reduce the redness in my skin.  For foundation, I have a mixture of Makeup Forever HD in 120 & 123.  I contoured with Revlon PhotoReady foundation in 009 Rich Ginger.  I used this under my cheekbones, under my jawline, around my hairline and down both sides of my nose.  To highlight and conceal, I used MAC Prep+Prime in Light Boost.  This was used down the center of my nose and fanned out onto the lower middle part of my forehead and fanned under my eyes.  MAC Studio Mist Blush in Misty Pink was then applied only to the apples of my cheeks with a foundation brush and bronzer under my cheekbones (over the Revlon used to contour).  This was then all blended together with the Sephora Buffing brush.  On my eyes, I first used a very light layer of MAC Prep+Prime Eye in Light all over my eyelid up to my brow bone.  Then it was onto my eyeshadow.  I wanted to color to be very saturated so I first used MAC Paints in Bare Canvas on my eyelid only.  Stila Eye shadow in Barefoot Contessa was applied over that on my eyelid to just above my crease.  I contemplated using a dark grey for the outer crease area but since emerald green is the color of the year, I decided on Stila eye shadow in Jade - used just at the outer corner swept halfway across my crease.  For eyeliner, I used MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder.  I used this on the inner part of my upper and lower lash lines.  I curled my eyelashes and used a couple coats of Maybelline The Falsies mascara in Blackest Black.  I filled my eyebrows in with Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette.  I only use the pencil part of this - the gel is too dark for my taste, so I set my brows with Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel which is clear.  Since my eyes were more geared towards Fall colors, I decided to keep my lips summery with a peachy color, MAC in See Sheer topped with a Paula Dorf Lipsicle gloss.  I have no idea what the gloss name is but I a pink-ish brown.

Hope you like it, let me know what you think!