Happy September!!!

Long time no see!  I've been sooooo busy with work and very little time to blog.  :(   My blog has always been for my own relaxation and pleasure though, so though I may post a little few and far between it's ok.

I decided to break out some of my MAC stuff today and do a LOTD.  It was fun!  I have a few pics for you.

All products are MAC unless otherwise stated.
EYES:

UDPP in Original
Delft paint pot on lid
Partylicious pigment applied wet to lid with Fix +
Vapour on browbone
Smoulder on upper lashline and lower waterline
Desert Cloud Crushed Metallic Pigment from the Butterfly Party Pigment Stack in crease
Undercurrent Pearlglide at lower lashline topped with Partylicious pigment dry
UD Supercurl Mascara

FACE:

ELF Undereye concealer in light
UD Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer
Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC25
UD 24/7 Concealer Pencil in NSA
Blot Powder
ELF Studio Blush in Blushing Rose
Blonde MSF to highlight
Fix + to set

LIPS:

Oak Liner
Blankety Lipstick
Like Venus Dazzleglass

I've recently gone back to Weight Watchers.  I had some minor illnesses that got me off track and I got pretty much back to square one.  In just over 2 months I've lost nearly 20 lbs!  This time I'm sticking with it.  If you are tired of starting over, then STOP QUITTING!!!! That's my mantra!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day!

A Comparison....ELF vs. MAC.....

Hey all, Happy 4th of July!!!!

So I've been wanting to do this comparison for some time now.  As large of an ELF fan as I am, I've seen several comparisons of the Studio Pressed Powders that have stated that they're very similar to MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation.  As I'm not going to be purchasing any MAC in the future due to their selling in China, I've been on the lookout for a good substitute for one of my favorite powder foundations.  I do love my minerals still, but there's nothing like grabbing a pressed powder and slapping it on my face very quickly if I'm running behind in my busy mornings.  So I compared my MAC NC25 Studio Fix to my ELF Studio Pressed Powder in Porcelaine.  MAC retails for $27 for 15 g or 0.52 ounces, and ELF is $3 for 0.317 oz or 9 g.  So it's a little smaller than the MAC but.....$24 cheaper!  I can buy two ELF for $6 and get more than MAC for $21 less.  :D

First of all, color wise, Porcelaine is pretty much DEAD ON NC25.  Porcelaine is the palest shade ELF carries, so if you're lighter than NC25 then it wouldn't be an option.  I can actually use either Porcelaine or Sand, which is one shade deeper, with no oxidation.  I prefer Porcelaine though.

As for coverage.....they're EXACT.  Not kidding.  Who knew a pressed powder meant to set your liquid foundation would give full coverage like that but it does.  If we're 100% honest, I actually PREFER the coverage I get from my ELF!  It made my pores look smaller and I didn't use any concealer.   The ELF is a little more powdery when applying, but I would expect that with a more inexpensive product.  It's NOT however, more powdery on the skin.

Today I did a test.  First of all I apologize for the quality of the pics.  My camera phone was acting up and it's the only camera I have atm.  On one side I applied my ELF Porcelaine, and on the other my MAC Studio Fix NC25.

This is an all ELF face, except for the MAC Studio Fix.  As I hope you can see, the color is exact as is the coverage, with the exception of my pores on the MAC side appearing larger.  I also feel that the MAC side, while not as powdery when applying, looked more powdery while worn.

Here's a closer pic.....I'm DEFINITELY going to have to invest in a good camera soon.

At the end of the day my feelings were the same.....I preferred the ELF side.  It wore better throughout the day with less sliding and wear down from my oily skin.  I don't feel that my fine lines were made worse either.

So there you have it.....ELF is a winner in my book!  Think I found a good replacement for the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation!!!

Thursday's UD Look....Dramatic PINKS and a new Foundation.....

This was my FAVE look of this week!

My foundation is different too.  I bought a small Sephora haul this week, but this was prior to that.  I had a sample of Too Faced Amazing Face SPF 15 Powder foundation that I hadn't tried yet, and used it on this day.  I'm planning a comparison post to compare it to NARS powder foundation.

Eyes:

UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity on browbone
Indelible Cream Shadow in Carbon on lid
UD Blackout on lid
UD Vanilla on browbone
UD 24/7 liquid liner in Perversion
UD Junkshow in crease
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening Mascara

Face:

Hourglass Mineral Infused Primer
Meow Equilibrium Powder
Too Faced Amazing Face Powder foundation in Warm Vanilla
MAC Dame Blush

Lips:

Shiseido Lipstick in Almond Pink
Shiseido Gloss in Cafe Creme

I got lots of complements this day on my makeup and my hair which was funny...I've been debating on going a little darker again, and asked about 10 people if I should and to a person they said "NO STAY BLONDE!!"  I even got some extra complements from people who I didn't ask that volunteered that I should remain blonde.  SO Blonde it is for awhile I guess!!! LOL.....

Be sure to look for my haul post from Sephora as well as my foundation comparisons!  I'm going to try to get them up by tomorrow but it may have to wait for next week.  Have a FABULOUS SATURDAY!!!

Wednesday's UD Look.....TEAL....

This was Wednesday's Look.....LOVED it!!!

Eyes:

UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity on browbone
Indelible Cream Shadow in Manhunt on Lid
UD Ace applied damp on lid
UD Vanilla on browbone
UD 24/7 Liquid Liner in Siren on upper lashline
UD 24/7 Zero on lower lashline and waterline
UD Deep End in crease and damp over lower liner
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening Mascara

Face:

Smashbox Prep and Prime Light
Meow Equilibrium
NARS Powder foundation in Fiji
NARS Orgasm Blush

Lips:

Smashbox The Nude Lip Pencil in Light
Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Alabaster

I was up in the air on the Siren liner.  I think it will work better with paler colors on the lid than this, but I still liked this look!

Tuesday's Urban Decay Look....Neutrals

This was my look on Tuesday.  LOVING these shadows!!

Eyes:

UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity
UD MIA on Lid
UD Midnight 15 on browbone
UD Deeper in crease
UD 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion
ELF cream liner in Black at lower waterline
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening Mascara

Face:

Meow Equilibrium Powder
NARS Powder foundation in Fiji
NARS Orgasm Blush

Lips:

Morgana Cryptoria 1920's Lipstick in Speakeasy

I wanted a more neutral look so I could wear a more dramatic lip.  Speakeasy was an easy choice...it's a GORGEOUS color!

Monday's Look 8/8/11

This was my first Urban Decay look this week!  The shadows in the Anniversary Palette are INCREDIBLE!  And the 24/7 Liquid liners stay put like they should!

Eyes:
UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity on browbone
Indelible Cream Shadow in Manhunt on lid
UD Half Truth applied damp to lid
UD Vanilla on browbone
UD Retrograde 24/7 Liquid Liner
ELF cream liner in black at lower waterline
UD Omen in crease and dry over lower liner
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening mascara

Face:
Meow Equilibrium Powder
NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji
NARS Orgasm Blush

Lips:

Too Faced Lipstick in Totally Nude
Shiseido Gloss in Cool

I'm in LOVE with the new 24/7 Liquid liners and the Anniversary Palette!!!

8/4/11 LOTD....

This was last Thursday (Yes, last week, not this one.  LOL....I'm playing catch up.)

Eyes:
TFSI
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity
Silk Naturals Gasp on lid applied damp
Spectrum Tiny Bubbles on browbone
ELF Cream liner in black
Silk Naturals Jean Queen in crease and dry over liner on bottom
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening mascara in black

Face:

Silk Naturals Blur Powder
Silk Naturals Mineral Foundation in my mix
Silk Naturals Blur
Silk Naturals Lady Blush

Lips:

Silk Naturals Centerfold

Centerfold is an AWESOME nude color!!!  My SN lippies are some of my faves!  

Wednesday last week...New Stuff Look.....

Here was Wednesday's look last week.

Eyes:

UDPP in Eden
Indelible cream shadow in Bare Necessity
Morgana Cryptoria Mystic Lavendar on lid
Spectrum Tiny Bubbles on Browbone
ELF Cream liner in Black
Morgana Cryptoria Magic Plum in crease
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening mascara in black

Face:

Meow Equilibrium Powder
NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji
NARS Orgasm blush

Lips:

Burts Bees Raspberry Clear Gloss
Morgana Cryptoria Flirtatious Flapper

I was trying to figure out a way to get the deeper 1920s lipsticks to be appropriate for work, and I think that using it over the gloss worked well!  I got LOTS of complements.  I also wanted a more subtle eye for this look.

I'm really loving the 1920s lipsticks!  :D  Thanks Blix!!!!

Oh, and Btw....my theme for this week is the Urban Decay Anniversary Palette!  It fits, since my own anniversary is Friday!  :D

Tuesday's look from last week...New stuff....

I've got pictures edited for the most part and am going to try to catch up in the AM on a few posts for you!  I still have a couple pics to edit of my stuff from Blix, then I'll post that as well.

This was last Tuesday's look.

Eyes:
UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity
Silk Naturals Gasp on lid applied damp
Spectrum Tiny Bubbles on browbone
Silk Naturals Jean Queen in crease, outer lid, and later over liner
ELF Cream liner in black
ELF Volumizing/Lenthening mascara in black

Face:

Meow Equilibrium Powder
NARS Powder foundation in Fiji
Silk Naturals Blush in Lady

Lips:

Silk Naturals Heirloom

I'm REALLY liking the combination of the Equilibrium powder and the NARS powder foundation.  It simplifies things but works to keep oilies at bay for me.  I think that for me, while cream/liquid primers are pretty good, powder primers work better, at least in the summer.

How about you?

New Stuff Week.....Irridescent Spectrum Colors....

This was my look on Monday!

Eyes:
UDPP in Eden
Indelible Cream Shadow in Bare Necessity on browbone
Indelible Cream Shadow in Manhunt on lid
Spectrum Cosmetics Irridescent Shadow in Nebula on inner 1/2 of lid
Spectrum Cosmetics Irridescent Shadow in Hydra on outer 1/2 of lid and over liner
Spectrum Tiny Bubbles on Browbone
ELF Cream Liner in black to line
Spectrum Peacock in crease
ELF Volumizing/Lengthening Waterproof Mascara in Black

Face:

Meow Equilibrium powder
Meow Pampered Puss in Frisky Abyssinian
Meow Equilibrium
Spectrum Coral as blush

Lips:

Spectrum Coral mixed with Burts Bees Raspberry Gloss

I LOVE the spectrum colors!  The Coral was lovely as both blush and a lippie.  The irridescent colors are going to be very fun to use!!!

I've got the Christmas in July Blues Look....

This is the last Christmas look this week!  But BOY I have some fun looks planned coming up...my Spectrum Cosmetics order came!

Here's the look I came up with for today....BLUES with a pop of Purple.

Eyes:

UDPP in Eden
Meow Snowangels applied damp with ELF Mist and Set spray
Meow Snowballs on browbone
Meow Blustery in crease
ELF cream liner in black
Meow Avalance in upper crease
Meow Fa-La-La in outer corner and blended into inner 2/3 of crease then applied damp over liner
ELF Waterproof Volumizing/Lengthening Mascara

Face:

Meow Equilibrium Powder
Meow Pampered Puss foundation in Frisky Abyssinian
Meow Equilibrium Powder
Meow Primadonna Blush

Lips:

Silk Naturals XXX
Silk Naturals Cultured

It was fun doing the Christmas Theme!  I have something in mind for this week coming as well.  Have a great weekend!

Christmas in July....Silver Bells.....

I'm so disappointed.

My Spectrum stuff didn't come today.  Meh.  I HATE the USPS.  If I had another option, I'd use something else.  I still have it to look forward to tomorrow, but UGH.  They're slower than....well....CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

My look on the other hand, I liked.  :D

Eyes:

TFSI
ELF Cream liner in Ivory all over eye area
Sugarpill Tiara on lid
Hi-Fi Phantom Stranger on browbone
Morgana SILVER BELLS in crease
ELF Cream liner in black to line
TSFI Glitter Glue on lid and under eye area
Morgana Glitter in Silver Hologram on lid and under lower lashline
ELF Waterproof Volumizing/Lengthening mascara in Black

Face:

Meow Primer Powder in Combination
Meow Pampered Puss foundation in Frisky Abyssinian
Meow Top Cat Finishing Powder
Silk Naturals Blush in Lady

Lips:

ELF Matte Lipstick Pencil in Natural
ELF Studio Line Glitter Gloss in Dazzle Diamond

Well, I was planning on using some of my new colors for a look this week.  I guess I'll have to come up with something else.  Who knows what tomorrow brings?

Christmas in July....Candy Canes and Gumdrops....

This was yesterdays look.  I think it turned out well!

Eyes:

TFSI
ELF cream liner in ivory all over eye area
AL Gothic on lid
AL Mistletoe in crease and over lower outer 1/2 of liner
ELF Black cream liner
TFSI Glitter glue on lid and under eye
AL Carmilla glitter on lid
Sugarpill Decora in crease and over lower inner 1/2 of liner
Maybelline Great Lash Big in Blackest Black

Face:

Elf HD Powder
Meow Pampered Puss foundation in Sleek Abyssinian
Elf HD Powder
NARS Orgasm Blush

Lips:

Morgana Valentine lipstick
Silk Naturals Icing Lipgloss

I *should* get my Spectrum  order today, but I'm thinking my Meow won't get here till tomorrow or Saturday.  I also placed a small order at Silk Naturals last night, since I am in dire need of a few of their skincare items I use daily.  :D

TGIAF...Thank God It's Almost Friday!!!!

Christmas in July look....Blackened Christmas Gold

I absolutely loved how this look turned out!

Eyes:

TFSI all over
ELF Cream liner in ivory on browbone
Shiseido hydra cream shadow in glistening sand on lid
Urban Decay Half Baked on inner 1/3 of lid
Sugarpill Goldilux all over lid
Urban Decay Black Palette: Cobra in crease
ELF Black cream liner
TFSI Glitter glue on lid and under eye area
Morgana Glitter in Christmas Gold on lid and under eyes
Maybelline Great Lash Big Blackest Black

Face:

SN Blur
SN Medium Ivory Custom Foundation in my mix
SN Blur
ELF Warm Bronzer:  Darkest shade to contour, Medium shade as blush, and a little bit of a mix all over

Lips:

Morgana Vegan Lipstick in Raspberry
ELF Mineral lipgloss in Daring

HAHAHA I just realized where the placement of my blog title on the one pic is....I could've sworn I moved it.
Oh well.

I thought for a minute I had deleted these pics and was furious with myself but I found them.  YAY!

On a good note:  Both my hauls are now on their way as is a number of goodies from Blix:  I won the Morgana and jewelry giveaway!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Have a great Hump Day!

Makeup Looks Theme of the Week.....Christmas in July!!! Sugar Plum Fairy

So all the Christmas in July sales have inspired me....I'm going to start setting a weekly theme for my looks each week, and the first one is Christmas in July!

I  managed to get in on two Christmas in July events.  First off I got six of the Limited Edition Christmas shadows from Meow Cosmetics that I wanted to get this past Holiday Season but was unable to.  Then I placed my first order at Spectrum Cosmetics!  I just happened on the site when searching Etsy, and she was having a Christmas in July sale that I took advantage of.  I got a set of 10 3 g eyeshadow jars (your choice!) as well as 4 seperate jars for other shadows in the same size.  She also carries 5 g jars.  She has some GREAT irridescent shadows that I can't wait to try and to review....the pictures of them over a deep black base are GORGEOUS!

On to my first look this week.....in honor of these shadows that I purchased from Meow, the first look is a sugar plum fairy look.  :D

Eyes:

TFSI all over eye area
ELF cream eyeliner in ivory on browbone
Indelible gel liner in marcasite on lid
Shiseido hydra cream shadow in Violet Visions over Marcasite
SN Blue Butterfly on inner 1/3 of lid and inner corner
AL Almost Midnight on middle 1/3 of lid
AL Phaedra on outer 1/3 of lid
SN Mystic on lower 1/2 of crease
AL Dulcinea on upper 1/2 of crease
AL Butterfly kiss on browbone
ELF Cream liner in Punk Purple to line
AL Frankincense in crease and dry over lower liner
Maybelline Great Lash Big in Blackest Black

Inside

Outside

Face:

SN Blur powder
SN Medium Ivory Custom Foundation in my mix
SN Blur
SN Lady blush

Lips:

Morgana Cryptoria Sugar Plum Rum
Morgana Cryptoria Lillian

Here's another pic of the whole thing, with a different lip.

Lips:

SN Mirage
SN Icing Gloss

I like that lip, but there's something about the deep purple lip that goes with the Sugar Plum Fairy theme.

I also colored my hair today...here's the top.  It's more ashy blonde now, though pics still bring out the warmth.

I was considering changing it again, but I am still LOVING the Blonde.....so it's staying for now!  :D