The Less is More Conundrum

I've sort of been having a internal battle with myself lately.  I mean in a way I don't want to let go of my winter makeup routine, but I've been finding out that it is way too heavy for me, and honestly letting go of a few steps never hurt anyone.  So basically what I've been doing lately is moisturizer, sometimes primer (either Smashbox Photo Finish or Benefit's That Gal), then loose powder (I'm using a Cover Girl Pro Powder, me and my mom actually both like it, I got one for her too, good stuff) by buffing it in with a kabuki brush, NYC matte bronzer for the cheekbones, then NARS blush in Amour along the upper part of the cheekbone to the apples of the cheek, and lastly for the face Smashbox Eyeshadow single in Pronto makes a beautiful powder highlight on the highest part of your cheeks.  So the step i just left out was the foundation and concealer,  I mean I do use concealer sometimes (NARS duo in custard/ginger) but is a bit of a hassle, especially in the morning.  I know it seems like a lot of steps but it goes by quickly.  I was previously using Clinique's Superfit Foundation ($21) which I love, but I still think looks too heavy.  I'm on a quest now to find out how I feel about tinted moisturizer, the foundation alternative, or just bare skin.  We'll see :)  But the few prodcuts I wanna try out are Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42-a holy grail item in the beauty world, this is a WELL loved product) and either the Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer ($30) or the Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15 ($21).  Seeing as there is a Clinique counter at my local Macys and that is the store closest to me, thats probably going to be my first test.  I'll keep you all updated on that as well.  On a complete side note, my Macbook is getting freaking dusty, the keys are all dusty, I think I'm going to have to get a cover for that too.  I find myself dusting it off every two seconds which is why it takes me forever to write anything, lol thats just my OCD.  I dont know why I had to rant about my recent foundation changes and stuff but it was just one of those things where you have to write it down somewhere and look back on it like oh yes this is the time i decided to change this up, I'm weird like that. haha also update on the eyeliner adventure, I was wearing the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero (it came with that hall of fame set, retail price is $17) and that stuff did not budge on my waterline, I swear to you, it was like magic!  I'm putting it up as a real contender for the eyeliner crown, I know it runs a bit pricey so I'll definitely try to find a cheaper alternative to it,  I've heard good things about some Revlon Colorstay Eyeliners and even the Loreal ones, I'll see if I can test those out as well.  OH and another random side note: blazers and trench coats are freaking cute guys!  I was at H&M the other day, and they had this coral almost red trench coat for $49 minus $15 because they're running a coat/jacket promotion, and I am kicking myself for not getting it, it was beautiful.  A real spring time staple!  Another trend I adore at the moment are blazers,  I have one I love but it's just not good for everyday wear, Charlotte Russe and Rainbow all have really adorable on trend blazers for pretty great prices,  If your not one to shell out $200 for a blazer from Bloomingdales or Saks then check those out. H&M and Express have a few cute pieces as well.  H&M also had this Hello Kitty Sweater which was AMAZING, I had a dream about it, no joke guys, haha so thats what I'm going to be purchasing next time I step into the mall.  Just had to do a teeny baby rant about that.

urban decay-zero

charlotte russe roll up sleeve blazer ($32)

express luxury stretch strong shoulder jacket ($98)

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fun reads,

bella

ps: anna kendrick's makeup at the oscars was stunning!

oh hello blogging world

I told you I couldn't stay away for too long, I'd miss it too much.  So anyways Im back! (for now at least) lol. Recently a good friend (and reader) of mine asked me about a dilemma that many women are puzzled with.  And trust me, its one that every one has dealt with at some point or another, and that is.....how to make your EYELINER stay put! First things first, it depends on what you are using, gel, liquid, and creme eyeliner are all fairly long lasting and it is their intended purpose to stay put on those lids!  But I'm talking about the waterline, what do you use there? Its an area where products have a higher tendency to run and melt, so I've decided that I'm going to go on a little eyeliner adventure and try out a few new pencil eyeliners to find which is best for long wearing waterline wear (redundant lol.)  A tip I do have though, regardless of whatever liner you have is that anything with a creme, soft kohl, that type of tendency will last oodles longer if set with powder.  So if you take a TINY amount of translucent or whatever powder you prefer and gently put it under NOT ON TOP OF where you put the eyeliner, it should stay put.  But anyways, I need to find a few more eyeliners to test out, I'm thinking three different ones should suffice.  So I'll definitely keep you guys up to date with that project. In other news I can finally say that I truly recommend the NYC Matte Bronzer in SUNNNY, I'm in love with this product.  To get the best application, in my opinion, take a dome shaped or a smaller blush brush, and start from where your cheekbones meet your hairline.  Then dab the product into the hollows of your cheeks right under where your cheekbones are, don't just brush it on, pat it in, it makes a huge difference, then if you want just add a bit more anywhere the sunlight would naturally hit you.  But this method does give you really flawless cheekbones and its a great contour. I love this bronzer! If anyone wants to know more about it, let me know :) Oh okay so in other news, I was at my local TJ Maxx the other day, and for those of you who are not familiar with that store, its a store which sells a variety of inexpensive designer labels for less (way less!)  And i found the most amazing shoes, for only $10, they are gorgeous and neutral and will complement so many looks, its great to find such deals when you least expect them.  The shoes are Seychelles which is a pretty expensive brand, and they went from somewhere in the $75-80 range down to $10.  Seriously guys, when you go to store like TJ Maxx or Marshalls, the most important thing to do is to look, and have a little patience, you never know what gems you'll find.  On a last and very exciting note,  I was just given the Urban Decay Hall of Fame Set ($20) by the most amazing person ever, thank you best friend! and lemme tell you guys, I AM IN LOVE (so far.)  The set comes with five of the company's most beloved products, and on the Urban Decay website its being sold for $20 (it was originally $29 i believe.)  Honestly, this set could have been worth way more, seeing as the XL Primer Potion it comes with retails for $23 by itself.  Now everything that the beauty world has hyped up about the Urban Decay Primer Potion, is pretty much accurate.  It is one of the best eyeshadow primers I've every used.  And it makes your shadows last for hours!  Okay so more on the Urban Decay Set in a later post, my fingers are aching from typing so much haha.  Thank you so much for reading everyone! :)

fun reads,

bella

ps: kim's my fave, by far.

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hiatus.

i feel like i should just take a little break, its most likely not going to last too long, so no worries but for now, its hiatus time :)