Editing My Repertoire

A few days ago, I decided it was once again time to do a bit of editing with my makeup repertoire. Considering I do this a few times every year, it wasn’t too difficult to part with a few products; fortunately taking a few sips of salabat helped somehow.

Over the past two years, I’ve have parted with forty products or so. While this may sound like a lot, the bulk of them were things that needed to be replaced regularly, or I simply used quite a bit of like mascaras, and eyeliners. The other products where ones I either got tired of, or got fed up with trying to find ways to make it work for me. The only products I had a hard time parting with were the eyeshadows, and lipsticks.

That being said, I’ve learned that it really helps to be picky when it comes to buying new products. In the past I’ve blindly bought new products, only to end up disappointed with the quality, or how it didn’t compliment my skin tone and so on.

Once I was done, I felt happier with the amount I had since I know I’m more likely to use up what was left behind. Well, that and the fact that I’ll get to buy it again soon…but hopefully not too soon...since makeup can be ridiculously expensive..oy.

Since it can help to find those that have similar skin types, skin tone, etc, I thought I’d tell you about mine.

Skin tone: light-medium with yellow undertones / NC25

Skin type: sensitive, combo-oily, or combo-dry depending on the weather

Eye color: brown

Hair: brunette

I’ll talk about what I prefer for formulas, finishes, and all that jazz next time. Otherwise, this will be a really long post.

How many times do you edit your repertoire?

As always, thanks for reading!

Happy Holidays! - Out & About (Staying In) | Outfit 41

Hope you had/ are having a Merry Christmas! While I've always loved getting dressed up, and going to/ having a party for Christmas, I also love staying in, wearing comfy clothes, watching movies, and eating some yummy food until I'm in a mini food coma. (Which exactly what I'm doing this year). That being said, a part of me stlill likes to get a bit gussied up just because (and in case an unexpected visitor should happen to arrive).

What do do you like to wear during the holidays? Do you get dressed up, or wear comfy clothes?


As always, thanks for reading!

The Color for 2015

While I liked orchid for clothing, it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea makeup wise. I found tricky to pull off and didn’t really suite me.

That being said, I was pleasantly surprised to be drawn to next year’s color. Though it might not seem like a tricky color to add to your makeup repertoire or closet, this color actually makes it easy to do so.

Makeup wise, I’m looking forward to using this color for eyeshadows or eye liners. While this would also look lovely for lip products, blush, mascara, and nail polish, I’m not sure if it would work out for me. However, if I happen to find one that catches my eye, I’ll happily give it a whirl.

As for fashion, this color can work well with any neutral color, or with colors like: mustard, navy, plum, etc.  Depending on the fabric or material, this color can also be worn throughout the year, not just fall or winter. (I show examples of this with my Out & About outfit posts).

Do you like next year’s new color?

As always, thanks for reading!

Decisions, decisions..

After quite a bit of thinking, I finally decided on what I'm  making for Christmas. I'll be making; Chinese ham, pho, nun bo xao, and leche flan.

These may seem odd to serve for Christmas, but I wanted to serve things that were comforting, but not too heavy. That, and I'm not the only one cooking, so it all works out in the end...yay!

Are you making anything for Christmas?

I might not be able to post as much until after Christmas. I hope you'll understand.


As always, thanks for reading, & Happy Holidays!

My Go to Gift

Whenever I'm stuck on choosing gifts for people, I try to pick out a gift set of products I think they'll like. One place I usually go to is Sephora. They have a nice variety of sets to choose from, and I rarely end up needing to go somewhere else to shop afterwards.

Sets that caught my eye:

- Sephora Favorites Superstars

- Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lips

- Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler 

- Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball Trio

- Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Duo

- Fresh Sugar Dream

- L'Occitane Voyage En Provence Set

If I have quite a few people my list, I like to take the sets apart and make little sets out of them. This way they get a little personalized gift, & I get to stay within my budget.

What's your go to gift?


As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 40

On those rare days I want to wear shorts during the autumn, and winter months, I like to pair it with boots, and a sweater. Depending  on how chilly it is, I might wear tights or leggings. 

May I suggest following me on bloglovin?

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 39

I love skirts like this. It's easy to dress up and down; especially when it's in a neutral color like blue. 

What kinds of skirts are you drawn to?

May I  suggest following/ connecting with me on : fb, twitter, bloglovin, & pinterest?

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 38

An outfit like this is great for days where you're out and about during the day, and then catching up with friends, or on a date later on in the evening.

What do you like to wear for days like this?


As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 37

When I'm traveling and the weather can't really seem to make up its mind, I like to wear a light weight coat, and scarf. These help keep me warm, and comfy. 

Hope you're having a great weekend so far!

See something you like? Check out my MVW board.

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 36

I always like to wear a dress like this whenever I'm feeling under the weather. There's something about wearing a fun pop of color that makes me feel bit better. 

What do you like to wear when you're under the weather?

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 35

When I don't feel like wearing a coat or jacket, I opt for a sweater instead. If it's particularly chilly, I'll just wear a tank and t-shirt underneath. 

I learned this tip from my grandma, who was a big fan of layering during the cold months. 

May I suggest following my MVW board?

As always, thanks for reading!

Sisters Not Twins

CT Swatch

Zoeva Swatch

While I was browsing through Pinterest I saw a pin about Charlotte Tilbury’s new matte lipstick in Sexy Sienna. It’s a gorgeous coral with a touch of gold.

Even though I put this on my wish list, I remembered a lipstick from zoeva, and went to their site to see if it looks similar to this color.

The color I’m thinking of is Venus Phase. To see if my hunch was right, I looked up swatches for them, and was pleasantly surprised that I was right.

Though Venus Phase is a bit lighter, and has a different finish, I imagine it’s nothing that lining your lips  in a smokey peach, or nude shade first, won’t fix. It also doesn't hurt that it cost significantly less than its counterpart. 

What d you think?

May I suggest checking out my Beauty Tips board?


As always thanks for reading!

Splurge vs. Save 2

LIPS:

-          Bobbi Brown lipstick in Tulle / Maybelline lipstick in Pink Me Up

-          Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in Sensuel 11 / Maybelline gloss in Nude Illusion

-          Chanel Rouge Coco 05 / Maybelline Color Sensation 625 Iced Caramel

-          Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in Camèlia / Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in Warm Me Up

-          Chanel Sensible Allure Gloss in 15 Rouge / Maybelline gloss in Caramel Infused

-          Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky / Milani Glitzy Gloss

-          Charlotte Tilbury Confession Kissing Lipstick / MAC lipstick in Naked Proof

-          Charlotte Tilbury lipliner in Pillow Talk / Rimmel Exaggerate lipliner in Eastend Snob

-          Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Bitch Perfect / Bobbi Brown lipstick in Blush

-          Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon/ Rimmel Color Rush Stain in Not An Illusion

-          Clinique lipstick in Honey / CoverGirl lipstick in Edgy

-          Dior Addict Lip Glow / Fran Wilson Moodmatcher Luxe Twist Sticks

-          Gerard Cosmetics  (whitening lighting) lipgloss in Buttercream / NYX butter gloss in Éclair

-          Gerard Cosmetics  (whitening lighting) lipgloss in Shimmer of Hope / NYX butter gloss in Fortune Cookie

-          Givenchy lipstick in Beige Plume / MAC lipstick in Razzledazzler

-          Guerlain Colere M25 / NYX Soft Matte Lip Crème in Amsterdam

-          Guerlain lipstick in Geneva / Bite Beauty lipsitick in Crush

-          Hourglass lipstick in Iconic / Rimmel Kate in  #11 (black tube)

-          Hourglass Opaque Rouge / Sleek matte me

-          Kat Von D lipgloss  in Backstage Bambi / NYX  Soft matte lip cream in Addis Ababa

-          Kat Von D lipgloss in Outlaw / NYX lip cream in Monte Carlo

-          MAC  lipstick in Ruby Woo / wet n wild lipstick in Stop Light Red

-          MAC lipliner in Cherry short-slim /NYX lipiner in Plush Red

-          MAC lipliner in Currant / NYX lipliner in Deep Purple

-          MAC lipliner in Dervish / NYX lipiner in Peekaboo Neutral

-          MAC lipliner in Natural / NYX lipiner Boldy Bare

-          MAC lipliner in Soar / NYX lipiner in Mauve short-slim

-          MAC lipliner in Stripdown / NYX lipiner in Nude Beige

-          MAC lipliner in Whirl  / NYX lipiner in Mauve short-slim

-          MAC lipstick in (limited edt) Enchanted One / wet n wild in  902C Bare It All

-          MAC lipstick in Blankety / essence lipstick in Creamy Nude

-          MAC lipstick in Brave / Maybelline lipstick in Warm Me Up

-          MAC lipstick in Crème Cup / elf Studio Matte Lip Color in Natural

-          MAC lipstick in Cyber / wet n wild lipstick in Vamp It Up

-          MAC lipstick in Dark Side / Revlon lipstick in Berry Cherry

-          MAC lipstick in Deeply Adored / Rimmel Kate lipstick in #1 (black tube)

-          MAC lipstick in Diva / wet n wild lipstick in Cherry Bomb

-          MAC lipstick in Gaga / Rimmel lipstick in Pink Chic

-          MAC lipstick in Girl About Town / NYX Soft Matte Lip Crème in Addis Ababa

-          MAC lipstick in Half And Half / NYX lipstick in Perfect

-          MAC lipstick in Heroine / Revlon Matte Balm in Shameless

-          MAC lipstick in Impassioned / NYX lipstick in Spell Bound

-          MAC lipstick in Lady Danger / NYX Soft matte lip cream in Morocco

-          MAC lipstick in Mehr / Rimmel Kate lipstick in #104 (red tube)

-          MAC lipstick in Peachstock or Salute / NYX lipstick in Orange Soda

-          MAC lipstick in Rebel / wet n wild lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy

-          MAC lipstick in Riri Boy / Revlon lipstick in Berry Haute

-          MAC lipstick in RiRi Woo | Roxo / NYX lipstick in Chic Red

-          MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo / Revlon Matte Balm in Standout | Rimmel Kate lipstick in 111 (red tube)

-          MAC lipstick in Russian Red / L’Oreal lipstick in Refined Ruby

-          MAC lipstick in Sail La Vie (limited edition) / NYX mate lip cream in Morocco

-          MAC lipstick in Show Orchid / Revlon Wild Orchid

-          MAC lipstick in Shy Girl / NYX  lipstick in Pumpkin Pie

-          MAC lipstick in Sin / wet n wild lipstick in Cherry Bomb

-          MAC lipstick in Snob / NYX lipstick in Power

-          MAC lipstick in So Chaud / wet n wild lipstick in Wild Persimon

-          MAC lipstick in Syrup / Revlon balm in Honey

-          MAC lipstick in Twig / Maybelline lipstick in Touch of Spice

-          MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy / Rimmel lipstick in Spotlight Beige | NYX matte lip cream in Stockholm

-          MUFE lipstick in Moulin Rouge / Rimmel Kate in #10 (black tube)

-          NARS lipgloss in Orgasm / ULTA Super Shiny Gloss in Natural

-          NARS lipstick in Mascate / MAC lipstick in Roxo

-          NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Palais Royal / Rimmel Kate lipstick in #107 (red tube)

-          NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella / Sonia Kasuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Rosy Nude

-          sephora Cream Lip Stain / NYX Soft matte lip cream

-          smashbox O-Gloss in Sheer Pink / NYX Mood Lip Gloss

-          stila liquid liptick in Beso / NYX soft matte lip cream in Electra

-          tarte LipSurgence / Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm

-          Two Faced lipstick in Bon Bon / Revlon lipstick in Snow Peach

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in Bang / wet n wild lipstick in Purty Persimmon

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in Catfight / Revlon lipstick in Cherries in the Snow

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in F-Bomb / jordanna twist & shine balm in Rock N Rouge

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in Naked / Rimmel lipstick in Airy Fairy

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in Naked 2 / wet n wild Fergie Daily

-          urban decay Revolution lipstick in Streak / wet n wild lipstick in Cherry Bomb

-          ysl lipstick in 10 / L’Oreal lipstick in Jennifer’s Nude

-          ysl lipstick in Pink Fetish #8 / essence lipstick in All About Cupcake

-          Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté in Red Muse / MAC lipstick in Ronnie Red (limited edition)

-          Chanel lipstick in Copacabana / MAC lipstick in Crème De La Femme

Eyes:

-          Armani Eyes in #4 Pulp Fiction / Bare Essentials Buxom Stay- There eyeshadow in Pug

-          benefit they’re Real mascara / Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express or Lash Stilleto

-          Chanel eyeshadow quad in Tissé Vendôme / Rimmel Glam Eyes HD 5 palette in Brick Lane

-          Estee Lauder crème shadow / Maybelline Color Tattoo

-          Lorac Pro Megapro Palette dupes

o   Apricot / MUG Cosmopolitan

o   Blush /  Dust (Naked 3)

o   Cashmere / L’Oreal Iced Latte

o   Copper / MAC Amber Lights

o   Deep Teal / urban decay Loaded

o   Dusty Plum / MAC Haux

o   Fawn / MAC Bamboo

o   Granite / MAC  Mulch

o   Gray / MUG Stealth

o   Indigo / stila Catalyst (Moment palette)

o   Lilac / Inglot #346

o   Merlot / MUG Burlesque

o   Sepia / MAC Soft Brown

o   Smokey Topaz / Too Faced After Hours

o   Stone / Cool Gray (Lorac Pro #2)

o   Wisteria / Laura Mercier Plum Smoke

-          MAC Extreme Dimension Mascara / L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

-          MAC eyeshadow in  Nocturnelle / NYX eyeshadow in Beauty Queen

-          MAC eyeshadow in Beautiful Iris / NYX eyeshadow in Frosted Lilac

-          MAC eyeshadow in Electric Eel / NYX eyeshadow in Irises

-          MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink / NYX eyeshadow in Wildflower | wet n wild eyeshadow in Penny

-          MAC eyeshadow in Hepcat / NYX eyeshadow in Violet

-          MAC eyeshadow in Humid / NYX eyeshadow in Mermaid Green

-          MAC eyeshadow in Juxt / NYX eyeshadow in Spring Leaf

-          MAC eyeshadow in Moon’s Reflection / NYX eyeshadow in Pacific

-          MAC eyeshadow in Orb / NYX eyeshadow in Nude

-          MAC eyeshadow in Parfait Amour / NYX eyeshadow in Purple

-          MAC eyeshadow in Passionate / NYX eyeshadow in Cherry

-          MAC eyeshadow in Ricepaper / NYX eyeshadow in Frosted Flakes

-          MAC eyeshadow in Rose Blanc / NYX eyeshadow in High Light

-          MAC eyeshadow in Satelittle Dream / NYX eyeshadow in Deep Purple

-          MAC eyeshadow in Satin Taupe / NYX eyeshadow in Iced Mocha

-          MAC eyeshadow in Satin Taupe / NYX eyeshadows in Iced Mocha, Toffe, Root Beer

-          MAC eyeshadow in Shroom / NYX eyeshadow in Aloha

-          MAC eyeshadow in Star N Rockets / NYX eyeshadow in Luxor

-          MAC eyeshadow in Star n’ Rockets / NYX eyeshadow in Luxor

-          MAC eyeshadow in Star Violet / NYX eyeshadow in Burgandy Pearl

-          MAC eyeshadow in Vellum / NYX eyeshadow in Opal

-          MAC eyeshadow in Woodwinked / NYX eyeshadow in Deep Bronze

-          MAC Paint Pot / Maybelline 24 Cream Eyeshadow

-          MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork / Maybelline EyeStudio Color 24hr Tatoo Leather Effect (limited edition) in Cream Beige

-          NAKED 3 / wet n wild (limited edition) palette in Melrose & Night, Smoke & Melrose

-          stila Diamon ‘lil Eyeshadow / MAC eyeshadow in Smoke and Diamonds

-          udpp / L’Oreal Magic De-Crease Eyelid Primer

-          urban decay 24/7 eyeliner / Maybelline master drama eyeliner | Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner

-          urban decay Electric palette/ Makeip revolution Acid Brights Palette

-          Urban Decay eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy /  Cover Girl Bedazzled Biscotti

-          urban decay eyeshadow in Revolt / wet n wild (limited edition) base color in the High Wasted Jeans palette

-          urban decay NAKED palette / MUA 12 Undressed palette

Face:

-          Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector / L’Oreal Lumi Magique Primer

-          Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Cream / Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect Liquid Foundation

-          benefit blush in Bella Bamba / NYX HD Studio blush in Apricot

-          benefit blush in Hervana / Rimmel Match Perfection blush in 003

-          benefit Watt’s Up! / No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter

-          By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum / topshop All Over Glow

-          Cargo blush in Tonga / MUG blush in Spellbound

-          Chanel blush in Rose Initale / theBalm blush in Houndstooth | NYX blush in Rose Garden

-          Chanel Notorious Sculpting Veil  (limited addition) / MAC pro longwear eyeshadow in Fashion Fix

-          Dior blush in Corail Bagatelle / Clinique blush in Peach Pop

-          Dior blush in Corail Bagatelle / NYX blush in Apricot

-          Dior blush in Passion Fruit / NARS blush in Orgasm

-          Estee Lauder Double Wear / Revlon ColorStay

-          Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood Light / essence bloom me up in 01 Rose It Up

-          Hourglass blush in Radiant Magenta / Dior blush in Corail

-          MAC blush in Cheeky Bugger / Makeup Geek blush in Spell Bound | NYX blush in  Mauve

-          MAC blush in Coppertone / MUG blush in Infatuation

-          MAC blush in Emote (discontinued) / NYX blush in Taupe

-          MAC blush in Melba / MUG blush in Bliss

-          MAC blush in Peaches / NYX blush in Terracotta

-          MAC blush in Taupe / NYX blush in Taupe

-          MAC blush in Tipp (limited edition) / NYX blush in Pinky

-          MAC Cremeblend blush in Ladylush / NYX Cream Blush in Natural

-          MAC Skinfinish / MILANI Multitasker

-          MUFE HD Foundation / L’Oreal True Match

-          NARS highlighter in Albatross / elf blush in Gotta Glow

-          NARS Sheer Glow foundation / pur minerals 4 in 1 liquid foundation

-          smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand / No7 Skin Illuminator Radiance Boosting Beauty Fluid

-          theBalm Mary-Luminizer / Physicians Formula Translucent Pearl

Etc:

-          Beauty Blender Soap (liquid or bar) / Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps liquid or bar 

-           Beautyblender / Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

-          Caudalie Vinorsource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum / The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum

-          Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Riviera  / O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Strawberry Margarita

-          Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent / Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

-          Dior Vernis in Nuit / essie in Sole Mate

-          MAC brushes / Sigma brushes | zoeva brushes

-          Sally Hansen nail polish / wet n wild

-          Tartes Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush / ecotools bamboo bronzer brush

Can you tell which product I like the most? Lol!

Have you seen my first SVS list?

*Disclaimer: While I discovered a few of the dupes on my own, the rest are from YouTube, Pinterest, and other blogs.

As always, thanks for reading!

Tools of Choice

Being the makeup addict that I am, I will always have fun applying makeup. The tools used to apply them, can make a big difference on the look I’m going for. My favorite tools to use are brushes. They’re easy to use, and can last a long time; granted they're taken cared of properly.

While expensive brushes might have been the only ones worth getting in the past, this fortunately, is no longer the case. There are many companies that offer quality brushes, that won’t make your wallet drastically thin, or give you the dreaded case of buyer’s remorse.

To help me decide which brands to consider getting them from, I read a bunch of reviews, and watched many youtube videos to help me determine which ones I should get. 

The first brand on my list is ZOEVA. There have been many reviews praising how the quality of their brushes, and how long, and well they hold up through constant use. Considering this is a European brand, I have a feeling that I wouldn’t be disappointed with the quality either.I just wish I could see, and feel the brushes in person.

The second one is Sigma. I’ve also read, and watched promising reviews on their brushes, and they seem to be worth the hype. Like ZOEVA’s brushes, I also wish I could see, and feel them in person.

Last but not least, is ecotools. Their brushes are easy to find, and are also said to be well made.

While some of their brushes are difficult to find in stores, there’s still a nice variety that I’ve been able to purchase from drugstores. I have a few of their brushes, and would like to add few more to my collection. 

Best of all, the brushes from these brands have been said to be similar to MAC's, and other high end brands.

So there you have it, the top three wallet friendly brands I would pick for makeup brushes. Sorry if the descriptions are brief, but considering the amount of reviews available out there, I thought it would be best to keep it short, and to the point.

What’s your go to brands for brushes?

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 34

What can I say? I love neutral colors. I'm able to mix and match with ease, and easily add a pop of color without wondering whether or not it goes with my outfit.

Are you the same way? If not, what are your go to colors?

As always, thanks for reading!

Out & About | Outfit 33

For those days when I need to look presentable, but want to be comfy.

Even though a top like this can be dressy when worn with a skirt or dress pants, I often like to pair it with something like this to keep it laid back, but polished as well.

I might be able to post the new SVS list sometime this week! Hope everyone finds it helpful.

As always, thanks for reading!