Lancome Vernis Absolu Nail Polish in Rouge Ombre

Lacnome Vernis Absolu nail polish in Rouge Ombre

Ulta Glam Goth Nail Polish Collection

I just saw this Glam Goth set at Ulta this weekend and I had to get it. In the Ulta that I go to, it was next to the register, I almost didn't see it when I was there!  I really like dark nail polish colors because to me, they can sophisticated yet still edgy in their own various ways.  I like a kind of "goth" sophistication without all of the kiddie influence that an alternative style can have.

Here is what the brush looks like.  Even though it is stout, I found it pretty easy to use.  I like mini nail polish collections because I rarely use an entire bottle of nail polish before it goes bad.

Underground - A dark black with blue shimmer.  There are a lot of colors like this so there is nothing special about it but it is a nice color.

Tainted Love - I am reading that many people like this color.  It is green with gold glitter, quite lovely.  I have also read that it is a near dupe for Sally Hansen's Project Runway so if you missed that or liked that, pick this up.  Personally, I have found that that a lot of greens are hard for me to wear, they end up looking too yellow with my skin.  So a deep forest green is nice to see.

Black Lace - I think this should have a different name, it doesn't seem to fit this kind of nail polish.  A nice deep grey creme, rich and saturated looking.  I think I will wear this regularly.

For Bitten - pink/magenta and orange glitter in a black base.  I love this color and I think it mixes an edgy/sophisticated color with a touch of fun that isn't too bright or too over the top (for when you want to be more subdued in your "alternativeness."  This is my personal favorite color out of this collection.

After Hours - a purple with some shimmer in it.  A nice, normal purple that really doesn't have anything too special or unique about it but still a nice purple.  I think this purple would be cooler if the purple shimmer didn't match it so much and it sparked more than it does.

How to Destroy Angels - The Space in Between

 How to Destroy Angels: The Space in Between

How to Destory Angels is a new band that includes Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen Maandig and Atticus Ross.  I think this video [above] is beautiful and I can't wait to hear and see more.  The styling and emotion evoked in this music video goes with the music perfectly.  Everything from the simplicity of the hotel room they are in, to the way the dress she is wearing singes under the heat of the fire, is a good aesthetic choice.  I think it is one of the better music videos I have seen in a long time.

Click this picture to hear their first single 'Drowning' (and buy it if you like) on Amazon.

Look of the Day

Hey everyone!  I wanted to show you my makeup that I did for my eyes today.  I really like it and I plan to wear this look a lot (with variations of course!) in the coming months.

Here are the products I used:

MAC eyeshadow in Sketch on outer corners

Ten eyeshadow in Suede on inner corners of eyes

Sephora eyeshadow in Aspen Summit, lightly on tear duct

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

Milani 'Black Magic Liner & Eye Glimmer' Swatch and Review

A swatch of Black Magic liner in Blackened Pink (bottom) and Eye Glimmer in Pink Magic (top)

Milani Cosmetics states this eyeliner can be used in the following way:

A dual-ended pencil that delivers three amazing looks! Apply blackened liner on lash line or on the eye lid for deep, dramatic eyes. Use the glimmer top coat over the blackened liner to create a spectacular dazzling look.

Wear the glimmer top coat by itself on entire eye lid for a magical effect!

Use blackened eyeliner to create a thin or thick line on lower or upper lashlines. Can also be used to color in eyelids for an instant striking look. Apply glimmer topcoat over eyeliner for a dramatic finish or wear alone on entire eyelids for a shimmer effect.

Tip: To extend the wear, apply your foundation or pressed powder on entire eyelid before applying Black Magic Blackened Eyeliner & Glimmer Topcoat.

Pros - compact, easy for travel, a variety of fun colors, affordable and easy to find at stores.

Cons - creases easily, not as deep and pigmented as I would like, large pieces of glitter, fades and gets spotty as the day goes on.

I think this eyeliner/eyeshadow is just OK.  I don't hate it but I definitely don't love it.  I am going to have a try a variety of ways to keep it from creasing (a normal base just didn't help it enough).  I like the idea of this kind of 2-in-1 product that allows me to go from a light to a more intense look.  I think that this will definitely be able to be used as a base and then I can layer other items on top of it.

Have you tried this or a product like it?  What did you think?

Coastal Scents 'Frenzy' Eyeshadow Swatch

 This is what a sample size container looks like.

A swatch of Coastal Scents Frenzy eyeshadow

Coastal Scents describes this eyeshadow:

Frenzy is satiny smooth with the faintest touch of peach and tan tone. This color works great all over eye prior to adding contrast colors.

To me, this color is a light pink and is a great neutral, shimmery color.  I think this could also be used as a highlighter for the brow or for the inner corner of the eye.  I forsee myself using this color a lot in the future, especially on days when I just want a simple/light wash of color.

LUSH: 13 Soap (Unlucky for Dirt) Handmade Soap

Lush 13 Soap (Unlucky for Dirt) is an interesting soap.  Here is the description from Lush:

Our beautiful rose and oregano soap gets its name from a 1931 Hollywood film about a soap company; the son advertised a soap that didn't exist and demand was so high, the dad had to make it. Sounds like typical LUSH, except for the advertising part. Sue and Dawn from the UK had been asked by nurses for an oregano soap because they'd heard that oregano kills bacteria. This lovely soap has been like gold dust; we adore its translucent loveliness, its herbal scent and its very effective cleansing properties.

Pros - Creates a light lather, very mild scent (not overpowering), chemical free.

Cons - Melts quickly, soap didn't seem to last through too many showers or baths, have to order online if there is not a store near you, expensive.

Overall, I recommend this soap for someone who is sensitive to chemicals or is interested in going green with their bathroom products.   I think many products at Lush can be hit or miss but for the most part, this soap is OK.  I only wish it didn't melt so quickly so that it would last longer than it did for me.

Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Hair Mask/Conditioner

I bought 'Redken Real Control Intense Renewal' hair mask awhile ago and I have to say, that I really like it.  I find that it really helps to moisturize, condition and repair my hair from the coloring that I do to it and also the general dryness that it tends to get over time.

Pros - Moisturizing, smells wonderful (it has that salon product smell, light and clean), creamy, covers and conditions hair well, product lasts a long time even if with regular use, attractive packaging.

Even though this product is somewhat expensive (depending on where you get it from), I think it's an investment.  You aren't going to use it everytime you wash your hair and a 8.5 oz. tub with last you a long time. 

Cons - Not available everywhere, might be too heavy and moisturizing for very fine hair.  I think this hair mask would be best for thick, damaged or frizzy hair.  If you do have very fine hair and want to use this hair mask, I would only use a little bit and I would really concentrate it on the ends.

Do you have a favorite hair mask that you like to use?  What is it and why?  I would love some recommendations!

Manicure - Revlon 'Minted' with Wet n Wild 'Glitz'

Revlon nail polish in Minted with Wet n' Wild in Glitz on top

This was hard to photograph, it is just a bit more green but my camera tinges in kind of light blue

I was really excited about the Revlon nail polish in Minted when I picked it up the other day.  However, I don't recommend it.  The formula was horrible to work with.  It might be better the second time around (I am keeping my fingers crossed) but with this first manicure, it was streaky and thin.  Then when you applied more coats, it became thick and hard to evenly apply.  I felt like it was a waste of money even if it is drugstore nail polish so that is why I am hoping it will get better, the more I use it.

Anyone have any suggestions for a better nail polish in a mint color?

Homemade Sugar Scrub

I found this simple recipe from a blog on healthy & green living:

1/2 cup sugar
Enough cold-pressed oil (olive, wheat germ, peanut, corn, or sunflower) to dampen the mixture

I wanted a really simple recipe that would allow me to take household ingredients and make my own sugar scrub (which sugar scrubs at the store, in my opinion, are way more expensive most of the time than it should be).  You can get really fancy with the recipe, adding in banana, avocado, etc. depending on what type of moisturization you are looking for.

Here's my verdict on this recipe and how I feel it works:

This recipe is so easy and quick to make!  I used sugar and vegetable oil since that was all I had.  I also mixed a few drops of rose perfume oil in that I just got from Coastal Scents and then I scrubbed away.  I felt awesome afterwards.  It exfoliated well and left behind a thin layer of oil to protect and moisturize my skin.  I didn't feel oily or greasy, just moisturized and refreshed.

I definitely recommend creating this quick scrub at home especially if you are trying to save money or use up some ingredients you have lying around.  You can scrub as gently or as hard as you want depending on the kind of exfoliation you are looking for and you can customize the scrub to your liking.  I think this is a great homemade option for people who are allergic to certain ingredients and need options that are free of certain chemicals.

PS - If I am going to buy a scrub ever again, I like Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon Salt Scrub 16 oz.  It's my favorite and I like to get it every once in awhile, especially when there is some sort of sale going on.

Milani Lipstick in Rose Hip

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Rose Hip (an intense pink)

This lipstick is exactly what I was looking for.  I am totally impressed with this drugstore brand and I look forward to trying more of their products!  This lipstick is creamy, moisturizing, vibrant, true to color, affordable and lasts a long time with minimal touch-ups needed.  This is probably one of the best feeling lipsticks that I have worn in a long time, it feels so light weight on my lips.  I really like it!

Check out more color options on Milani's website and if you have tried this lipstick, what did you think of it?

Revlon Lip Gloss in Lilac Pastelle

Revlon Lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle

I picked this lipgloss up a few days ago from my local CVS.  I am totally captivated by anything that alludes to vintage ideas of beauty and plays up weird color combinations.  Pastel colors like these can be both sweet or innocent but I think that they can also be very futuristic feeling and edgy as well.

Overall, I really like it.  I wish it was just a bit more opaque but I like the milky pink/lilac that is left on my lips.  This gloss isn't too sticky but you can definitely feel it on your lips.  I think this is something I am going to often be reaching for in the coming month.

What do you think of the pastel craze that seems to be happening?  It's popular for nails, highlights in hair, cosmetics.  I am loving every aspect of it, especially when it is used to create an edgy/statement look.  I hope that this trend lasts for a little while.

Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in 'Fetish'

Delicate, fresh... Introducing Urban Decay's first-ever powder blush... appropriately named Afterglow. Small enough to fit in your clutch, this blush can be perfectly paired with your dressy pearls or worn alone to recreate summer's glow. Bronzed pinks and hints of gold are here for the taking. Available in several colors to enhance a wide range of complexions

Made with Chamomile -- Nature's best, with these properties:
Healing/soothing effect
Anti-inflammatory
Relieves dryness
Rich in B vitamins and minerals
Suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin

Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Fetish

Urban Decay describes this blush as: light pinky plum w/ shimmer

A 'hard' swatch of Fetish (left) and Fetish blended out (right)

I think this blush is great, it has awesome staying power and applies nicely.  I find myself reaching for it everyday and I would definitely want to check out some of their other colors in the future.