Will Work for Makeup

I have a love/hate relationship with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils. With the exception of Perversion, they don't seem to want to last more than 15 minutes on my waterline, but at the same time, the abundance of shade options and the pigmented and creamy formula never fail to keep me coming back for more. When I saw the Black Market set at my local Ulta marked down from $36 to $24, I snatched it up without a second thought.

Black Market includes six mini-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, five of which are new and limited edition shades. Here's a quick rundown:

:: West :: A versatile, suits-everyone, warm bronzey-brown.

:: Desperation :: The lone perm (and lone matte) shade in the bunch, Desperation is smokey grey.

:: Black Market :: The set's namesake is a moderately intense grey-black with a satin finish.
:: Riot :: A sparkley purple with average pigmentation.
:: Apathy :: A forest green that walks the line between shimmery and metallic. This one also had the weakest pigmentation and applied the least evenly.

:: Ink :: A beautiful, shimmery royal blue with purple undertones.

L to R: West, Desperation, Black Market, Riot, Apathy, Ink

For the most part, these six pencils were consistent with my past experiences with Urban Decay's liners, and they neither came up short nor exceeded my expectations. Despite Riot and Apathy's less than stellar pigmentation (swatches show both shades built up) and the pencil formula's overall poor waterline lasting ability, at just $4 a pop, I can't really fault them - I'll just have to reserve them for smudgey liner looks or those days when I'm craving a 'pop of color' on my lower lash line.

Urban Decay Black Market 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set is available from Urban Decay for $24.

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After what must be years of umming and ahhing over the Beauty Blender sponge, I finally came to the realization that I could never part with nearly $20 in exchange for a makeup sponge, no matter how cute and how pink it is. So, when Monika from Rocaille Writes gave the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge a rather rave review, I quickly added it to my mental wishlist.

The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a cheery orange sponge with rounded sides, a pointed tip on one end and a flat edge on the other end. The pointed end is a particular favorite of mine, as I find it fits perfectly into all of the nooks and crannies and natural contours of the face.

After dabbing mini blobs (???) of foundation all over my face, I hold the sponge under running water, then squeeze out all of the excess. Similarly to the Beauty Blender, the Miracle Complexion Sponge expands a considerable amount when dampened. Dampening the sponge softens it even further, creating a bouncy texture, and the moisture helps to flawlessly apply and blend foundation and concealer.

Below, the sponge is first shown dry, then dampened. It increases in size by about 50%.

With the dry and cold winter weather, I noticed recently that my skin looked dry, patchy and flakey with foundation on (I had been using the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush to apply it). After Sandra suggested I try applying my foundation with the Beauty Blender as it had worked wonders for her, I picked up the Miracle Complexion Sponge a few days later, and the difference in the appearance of my foundation was like night and day.

Not only does using the sponge to gently press in my foundation eradicate any traces of dry patches, it also blends it in more flawlessly and quickly than a brush. One point worth noting, however, is that I do find that some coverage is lost when foundation is applied with the sponge, as it tends to give a slightly sheerer application. For this reason, the sponge is probably best reserved for pairing with medium to full coverage foundations, as use with a sheer to light coverage foundation may yield nearly invisible results.

If you struggle with streaky foundation application, want the option of a sheerer foundation application, suffer from dry, patchy skin, or simply can't stop thinking about the Beauty Blender, yet you can't part with that $20 bill either, I'd highly recommend picking up the Miracle Complexion Sponge. Coming in at just under $6, this little orange wonder has completely dissolved any yearning I previously had for its cute and pink predecessor.

The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is available at Ulta for $5.99.

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Happy New Year to each and every one of you! Though it's a bit late, I still wanted to post my overall favorite beauty products of last year. My top 13 products of 2013 included nine products newly discovered within the year and four products I continued to love from 2012. Enjoy!

WWFM's Top 13 of 2013

In terms of complexion favorites, the Diorskin Nude BB Creme and Hourglass Immaculate Foundation were both staples in my routine. Although I think I probably favored Dior's effortlessly light and slightly dewy finish just a bit more, the Hourglass was a godsend for my oily skin during the summer months.

I discovered the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer this year, and it's also the best under-eye concealer I've tried to date. For blemishes and redness, however, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer continued to prevail.

Since I reached a whole new level of pale this year, my love for the warm glow achieved only with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in 30 surpassed any obsession I previously had with my other bronzers or bronzer substitutes. Burberry Light Glow Tangerine Blush was a 2012 purchase that was hands down my most loved blush in 2013, and Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder's subtle, barely-there glow was a highlighting favorite.

On my lips, I wore NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee most days for a moisturized and healthy looking pout, and Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Sancerre was a long-lasting, bold lip go-to.

Although my choice eyebrow product changed a couple times in 2013, in the end, Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Stone Gray ended the year on top. As a surprise to no one who is familar with this blog, LORAC PRO Palette continued its reign in 2013 as my eyeshadow palette of choice, and Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara and Physicians Formula Eye Boost 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum rounded out the 2012 purchases that made it to the top in 2013.

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Once the winter months start rolling around, I set out on a mission to find products that will quench my dehydrated and thirsty skin. My usual body lotions and oils that keep my skin supple and content in the warmer months no longer suffice. Just as I used up the last traces of my beloved Haus of Glois Pumpkin Butter and was on the market for a replacement heavy-duty body moisturizer, Taylor's review of Ellovi Butter piqued my interest, and shortly thereafter, my own jar of Butter landed on my doorstep.

Ellovi Butter is a unique, handmade body butter that consists of only six ingredients and contains no water or preservatives. In the jar, it has the consistently of solid butter, but once warmed up and applied to skin, it melts into a consistency more similar to a dry oil. Skin feels just slightly greasy until the body butter has been fully absorbed. There are no added fragrances, and Butter's scent is mostly that of coconut oil.

Butter's 6 ingredients:

Macademia oil

Coconut oil

Hemp seed oil

Marula oil

Non-GMO corn starch

Shea butter

When applied to dry skin, I find that Butter doesn't spread very easily to cover much surface area, meaning quite a bit of product is needed for each application. And, as my skin has been especially dry these past few weeks, I've noticed that although Butter leaves my skin looking moisturized, it still feels quite dry and itchy.

To combat this, I then began applying Butter immediately after stepping out of the shower onto damp to wet skin. Not only did the moisture help the body butter to spread more easily, requiring less product per application, I found that Butter was much more effective when used as a sealant to capture the moisture left over from my shower. I think layering it over a light body lotion or oil would have amazing, additive heavy-duty moisturization effects for those who may need it. My skin feels nourished and hydrated right up until my next shower.

Ellovi also claims Butter can be used as a facial moisturizer, and although I haven't tested it out in that way, I have used it on my lips with impressive, albeit not incredibly long lasting, results.

Those with averagely dry skin may enjoy having Butter on hand simply to alternate with their usual go-to body moisturizers (think nice-to-have type of product), while those with irritatingly dry, itchy and dehydrated skin will find Butter to be a godsend. Just remember to apply to damp skin (or lightly moisturized skin) to seal in the hydration.

Ellovi Butter is available from their website for $26.

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This post contains a PR sample

I know what you're thinking - This is probably just another lip gloss is a squeezy tube. But, no, it's really not. Osmia Organics, maker of Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair, aka one of my top three lip balms, also makes lip gloss. Considering it's one of my favorite skincare brands (I quite literally love just about everything I've tried from them), I'm not surprised that even their lip gloss is brilliant.

Luster, a deep berry, was the original lip gloss shade released. I'd been meaning to try it for an age, but when Sarah Villafranco, founder of Osmia Organics, hinted that more shades were on their way, I held out for the newest releases: Simmer, a peachy orange, and Whisper, a soft pink.

Straight from the tube, Whisper has a rather thick balm consistency that melts into a softer gloss texture when applied to the lips. As with Luster and Simmer, although the gloss shades appear intimidatingly dark and vibrant in the tube, Osmia's lip glosses are delicately sheer, providing just the right amount of color to liven up the complexion. The comfortable feel of Whisper on my lips is so far from gloss-like; it's supremely moisturizing, light, cushiony and non-sticky, and the soft shine reads healthy rather than makeup-y.

In all honesty, the formula of Osmia's lip glosses is so nourishing that I've come to think of Whisper more as a lip balm than as a gloss. The subtle hint of color is just an added bonus. Lovers of gloss-balm hybrids, such as the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors, would love these.

Osmia Organics Whisper Lip Gloss is available from their website for $18.

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Disclosure: This product was sent to me for consideration for a review. I am not affiliated with the company, nor am I getting paid for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are honest and based solely on my own experience with the product.

I'm one of the few people who never went crazy for Chanel's Illusion d'Ombre Eyeshadows. Sure, Illusoire is a nice sultry, smokey shade, but I always preferred the ~~much more affordable~~Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow formula over Chanel's. But, when swatches of Chanel's newest releases started circulating the blogosphere, my knees buckled at the sight of one particular shade.

Chanel Diapason is a gorgeous, warm, shimmering deep eggplant with an illuminating, slightly blue-toned sheen. It's no secret I'm a sucker for purples (they're a brown-eyed girl's best friend!), but Diapason's shimmer was so unexpected yet incredibly stunning in Temptalia's review that I succumbed to temptation, despite owning enough purple shadows to last well through my future granddaughters' lifetimes.

Below, I applied Diapason all over my lid with my ring finger, and I had a bit of Laura Mercier Fresco blended into the crease as well. Applying Diapason with fingers or a fluffy brush yields a sheerer application where the shimmer is less prominent (think more run-of-the-mill purple), whereas patting the shadow on with a flat shader brush allows Diapason to appear more pigmented and multidimensional, similarly to how it does in the swatch. The shadow blends easily either way, has average to good lasting power (I always wear it over primer), and I don't experience any fallout.

If you're a purple shadow fan, I think it would be safe to say you'd probably also be a Diapason fan.

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Eyeshadow in Diapason is available from Nordstrom for $36.

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Skincare became a newly found beauty focus of mine in 2013. I went from spending years of depending heavily on Cetaphil and the Shu Uemura Fresh Cleansing Oil and rarely experimented with new skincare brands or products. Within a short year's time, I'm afraid I've actually unleashed some sort of skincare monster ;)

Top Skincare of 2013

(My apologies - Due to some awesome planning on my part, I just positioned the products into the collage so that they all fit; in other words, in no particular order that actually makes sense for the blog post. Yay me!)

It was difficult to narrow down my cleansers to choose a favorite, but in the end, Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel took home the crown. I adore using this luxurious cleanser for my morning cleanse in the cooler months or as a second cleanse at night. To remove my makeup (waterproof mascara included), the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm completely stole my heart. I can't say that I hate that it's more easily accessible and affordable than another popular cleansing balm, yet performs just as well...*cough cough Emma Hardie*.....

Post-cleanse, slapping on some Hydraluron by Indeed Labs under my moisturizer or night cream was, quite literally, a dry skin savior, although I think I might have found a notable contender that's available in the States...stay tuned! Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil was, hands down, my favorite facial oil of 2013. It provides hydration without heaviness, and with long-term use, I'm hopeful it may help lighten some of my scarring and help improve the overall appearance of my skin. The African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm is my pick for best multipurpose balm (heals eczema, fades acne scars, provides intense hydration...need I say more?), and it continues to remain a staple in my routine. The most moisturizing and long lasting overnight lip balm I've ever used? Still C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm. I must be on at least tube #7.

Although the skin around my eyes suffered from some unfortunate hypersentivity reactions this year, thankfully, in the end, it re-warmed up to my second tube of the Pai Echium & Argan Gentle Eye Cream and it's been smooth sailing ever since. In terms of facial moisturizer, Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate prevailed over the others. Not only was it nourishing and hydrating enough for both morning and night, but I could always rely on it to soothe and never irritate my skin when it was acting out from other products I was testing out. It's like a little best friend that you know will never let you down. I dig it. In terms of facial treatments, I'm not sure I can really talk any more about this product, but the Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask is a complete 100% must-have, I-can't-imagine-my-life-without-you kind of product. Just buy it already.

Lastly, body favorites include the Osmia Organics Body Oils for hydration during the spring through early fall months. My favorite scent that I've tried is Light. In the dead of winter, it doesn't do quite enough for my insufferably dry skin, so I like to either switch it out with Ellovi Butter or best of all, layer Ellovi Butter on top of an Osmia oil. Yum.

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So, remember in yesterday's Top Skincare of 2013 post when I said I may have found the US' version of Indeed Labs Hydraluron, the ever-popular, yet elusive, hydration serum only available in the UK and Canada? That's what we're talking about today, ladies, and surprise surprise, it's made by one of my favorite skincare brands, Osmia Organics. (By the way, I swear I don't work for them. I just have serious love for their products.)

Osmia Organics Active Gel Toner is a gel that claims to provide "soothing moisture."Hell yes, says my skin. Hyaluronic acid (also the main ingredient in Hydraluron) and niacinamide (the main ingredient in another great hydration serum, DDF Amplifying Elixir) are accountable for reducing water loss and retaining moisture in skin cells, while a host of ingredients such as aloe, white tea extract and calendula soothe the skin. AGT was previously known as the Active Gel Nutrient Serum, but now, it includes the addition of gotu kola and rose of jericho to help provide exceptional redness/irritation relief and hydration, respectively.

Unlike other hydration serums I've used, Active Gel Toner is to be applied directly to damp skin immediately after cleansing. It has a fresh, slightly eucalyptus-like scent that I've fallen in love with, although it dissipates quickly. Once it's dry (takes about 30 seconds), a soft, light layer can be felt on the skin, and a serum or moisturizer should be used on top. Similarly to Hydraluron, AGT is meant to be the middle layer between bare skin and a moisturizer to enhance the activity of the moisturizer.

Since my skin has been exceptionally dry these past few weeks, I've been using AGT both morning and night. It wears well under makeup when used during the day, and when used overnight, I wake up with plump, smooth and happy skin. For me, AGT outperforms Caudalie S.O.S. Serum and is comparable to both Hydraluron and Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum.

Although a bottle of AGT is pricier than a tube of Hydraluron, it also contains 1.7oz. of product compared to 1oz. (AGT actually worked out to be a better value for money when I did the math!), and I find that I need only a pea-sized amount of AGT for my entire face and neck, whereas I used about twice as much of Hydraluron.

You know how good AGT is? So good that when I realized I was running low on Hydraluron, I emailed my cousin in the UK to ask her to pick one up to ship to me. After two days of trialing AGT, I emailed her back to say that would no longer be necessary because I had found a more than suitable replacement.

So, there you have it. Osmia Organics has been holding the States' answer for the Hydraluron epidemic this whole time.

Osmia Organics Active Gel Toner is available from their website for $58.

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I like to dabble in luxury brand lipsticks. Fancy schmancy packaging paired with an often great formula - what's not to like? Ahem, price tag, but nevermind that. I'll typically start off buying one shade that calls to me, just so I can say I've tried the formula, and occasionally, I'll add to the collection if it really impresses me (ie Dior Addict Extreme). In the case of my newest luxe lipstick acquisition, a purchase that was made a bit more bearable thanks to a Sephora VIB coupon, not only is the shade absolutely stunning, but the formula is one of the best I've ever tried. I'll say that again - the formula is one of the best I've ever tried.

Givenchy Le Rouge in Fuchsia Irrésistible

Givenchy Le Rouge in Fuchsia Irrésistible is a bright fuchsia with slight red undertones. It has an incredibly creamy formula that still manages to feel weightless on the lips and is unimaginably moisturizing. My lips continue to feel soft and hydrated even after the color has worn off. It has excellent longevity on the lips and doesn't bleed or feather, although due to its creaminess, it does tend to fade quite a bit after meals. It creates a smooth and plump look to the lips and never settles into lip lines. Its finish has the perfect amount of shine that's soft and natural, not glossy or tacky. Based on formula alone, Fuchsia Irrésistible beats out other hot pink lippie favorites by a long shot, such as MAC Girl About Town, MAC Show Orchid and Revlon Lollipop. And the cool undertone? My whiter teeth thank you.

Swatch above shown in the shade (L) and in direct sunlight

The rest of the products I wore with Fuchsia Irrésisitble today:

I wore Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 3.5, aka the newest addition to my foundation wardrobe, with NYX Taupe Blush as contour, Tarte Exposed Blush and Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight as my highlight. I've been skipping powder lately due to the drier state of my skin, and the radiance and natural dewiness from both the foundation and lack of powder have been making me wonder why I didn't forgo powdering sooner. Love.

On my eyes, I have Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Grey Pearl on my lids, NYX Taupe Blush in the crease, and Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Perversion smudged into the upper lash line.

This may be the start of a dangerous addiction. Don't be surprised if you start seeing posts entitled "The Pinky Beige to End All Pinky Beiges" and "The Orangey Red to End All Orangey Reds," etc. Givenchy Le Rouge - I'm coming for you.

Givenchy Le Rouge in Fuchsia Irrésistible is available from Sephora for $36.

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Monday is by far the gloomiest day of the week for me, followed by Sunday simply because it precedes Monday. Hopefully, The Monday Post will give you some beauty inspiration and help you get through the week! ❤

Favorite beauty read/viewing: Sunday Girl's post on the new Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base literally has me drooling. Although the rose shade she reviewed looks lovely for pink-undertones, I have my eye on the peach or champagne one. And, I'm about 5 weeks behind on watching Youtube videos at the moment, so if you have any favorites from the past few weeks, feel free to link me up!

Beauty goal: I'll be back in Oregon in a few weeks, and I'd like to organize another blog sale once I'm back. I have far too many amazing products in my collection that continue to be neglected, and I'm determined to send them off to loving homes. Let the blog sale planning start now...

Product Rediscovery: Not exactly a productrediscovery, but more of a "tool" rediscovery - my digits. While testing out a new foundation, I wanted see how it applied with different tools (brush, sponge, etc.), so one day, I gave my fingers a shot. Unlike many other beauty bloggers I know, I've never been a huge fan of this method as I find foundation more difficult to blend and the necessary hand washing post-application a pain, but this time, I didn't hate it. And, when I have a particular unsightly spot to conceal, no brush or sponge does it as well as my fingers. Gently patting it on is the only way to get true full-coverage.

Beauty lust: I think RMS Beauty Living Luminizer needs to be mine soon. I've been wanting to try out RMS Beauty for ages now, and it looks like their iconic highlighter (and maybe a Lip2Cheek or two) is the perfect place to start.

Most looking forward to: I just realized that in just under four short months, I'll be graduated! No more school for the rest of my life (hopefully). Woohoo!

Hope you all have a great week!

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After strolling into quite possibly the most drool-worthy Sephora store I've ever seen in San Francisco with a Christmas gift card in tow, my eyes shot straight to one particular display - Giorgio Armani. I'd heard that Armani Beauty was available in some of the larger stores like NYC, but this was my first time seeing it for myself. Of course, I had access to Armani counters in department stores, but there's nothing like the constant peering eyes of preying SAs to push me towards the exit. So, with the freedom of finally being able to examine and experiment with the line in peace, I went to town and swatched and tested out many products I'd been interested in for quite some time, including their cult product - Luminous Silk Foundation.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation boasts the ability to "capture the glow of perfect skin." Pretty serious claim, no? Its consistency is neither too liquid to be applied with a brush, nor too thick to be applied with fingers or a sponge. Although I've used all three aforementioned methods of application, stamping the foundation on then gently blending it in with the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is currently my favorite. Luminous Silk blends in effortlessly and looks nearly undetectable on the skin. The finish is also somewhere in the middle - it's neither dewy nor matte, but appears incredibly natural with a touch of luminous glow. If you had healthy, perfect, model-esque skin, the kind that looks like it's never even heard of sun damage or age spots and somehow just seems to glow from within, it would look like this.

Bare skin (L) and after applying only Luminous Silk Foundation in 3.5

Luminous Silk has medium coverage that effectively conceals the minor redness around my nose and the acne scars on my chin. Blemishes and more serious problem areas still require concealer for a perfect canvas, but I'd imagine Luminous Silk has the perfect amount of coverage on its own for those with good to mildly spotty skin for everyday wear. I wear the shade 3.5, which is a good match for NC20-25.

The current state of my skin is fairly dry with a slightly oily t-zone, and Luminous Silk has the perfect balance of hydration and oil-controlling properties. It doesn't cling on to any dry patches and blends in seamlessly with the help of the Real Techniques sponge, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my oiliest areas still remained shine-free for hours, only typically requiring one blot midday without any terribly detectable breakdown even by the end of the day. I haven't even felt the need for primer or powder. I'm not sure there will ever be a foundation that truly performs well on all skin types, but I think Luminous Silk comes darn close. Hourglass Immaculate and Dior Nude BB Creme better start watching their backs. There's a new favorite in town.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is available from their website for $60 (not available online at Sephora).

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I'd been suffering from a bit of buyer's remorse ever since ordering The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette the day it launched on NARS' website. I love a good neutral palette, and there's no doubt that at $79 for 15 shades, NARS' latest offering boasted more bang for your buck. However, when I started catching wind of the less than stellar quality of the palette, I began regretting my purchase before it even arrived at my doorstep. Now that I finally have the palette in hand to experiment with myself, I wanted to give my initial thoughts.

The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette contains 15 eyeshadows, each coming in at 0.03 oz (for reference, a full-sized NARS shadow is 0.07 oz). Without boring you with the math, this palette is a much better value for money than the duos, which are already a better value than the single shadows.

From left to right, the shades in the top row: All About Eve (L), Madrague (R), Fez, Bali, Coconut Grove.

Middle row: Madrague (L), Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse (R), Mekong.

Bottom row: Bellissima (L), Llasa, Bad Behavior, Dogon (R), Pandora (R).

(Shades that currently exist in duos have a (L) or (R) next to their name to represent left/right shade in their duo. All others are currently available as singles.)

Top row: All About Eve (L), Madrague (R), Fez, Bali, Coconut Grove

Middle row: Madrague (L), Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse (R), Mekong

Bottom row: Bellissima (L), Llasa, Bad Behavior, Dogon (R), Pandora (R)

Keeping in mind that these are my initial thoughts and I have not yet worn these shadows on my eyes, the shades that left me wanting more based on swatching alone were Madrague (R), Brousse (R), Bellissima (L) and Bad Behavior. The rest of the shades ranged from good to great (some of the notably fantastic shades included Fez, Ashes to Ashes, Madrague (L), Nepal and Mekong).

Madrague (R) and Brousse (R) were noticeably stiff with poor color payoff in one swipe, while Bad Behavior needed to be built up quite a bit and Bellissima (L) was both stiff and powdery, and its glitter appeared chunky in real life.

Overall, although four of the fifteen shades did not meet my expectations and failed to live up to what I've grown to know as NARS' standard for quality, the palette itself is a beautiful compilation of a variety of cohesive neutrals. For the time being, I think it will stay in my collection as I play around with a few eye looks (one or two will surely make it on the blog, so keep your eyes peeled!). That means that my Pleasures of Paris Palette and Llasa single shadow may just make it into the blog sale pile in a few weeks :)

NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette is available from Sephora for $79.

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The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders were undoubtedly among the biggest new makeup releases in 2013, so it was no surprise that when they announced the launch of the Ambient Lighting Blushes, the beauty interwebz went wild. Choosing one to purchase sight unseen was arguably one of the most headache-inducing tasks I've performed all month, because: 1) all six shades look breathtaking in promo pictures, and 2) there's no way to tell what the actual color will look like once the two shades are swirled together. Luckily, the shade I eventually chose is probably also the one that suits my blush taste the most. Phew, "crisis" averted.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion is described as a "subdued coral." Its color comes as a result of a gorgeous marbling of the Dim Light Ambient Lighting Powder with a coral blush. The overall shade achieved is a peach with a hint of coral. Obviously, there will be some variation in the veining with each blush, so other Dim Infusions may yield slightly different effects.

With my particular blush, since most of the coral veining is concentrated in the middle of the pan, I have the option of toning down the brightness a bit by dipping my brush into either the bottom left or top right of the pan, rather than in the center.

The texture of Dim Infusion is exactly like that of my other Ambient Lighting Powders - soft, buttery and finely milled. Because of this, it's possible for your brush to kick up some powder if you're not careful. Tapping your brush into the powder, rather than swirling it around, works best. Even so, I still notice a bit of powder being dusted into the air when I apply it to my cheeks. I'd say it has a satin finish (one of my favorites!), although it runs on the more matte end of the spectrum than shimmery; it blends beautifully into the skin, isn't chalky and doesn't accentuate pores.

Dim Infusion has great pigmentation, but keeping in mind that it's a lighter blush shade, it would probably best suit fair to light-medium skin tones (I'd guess NC25 or lighter). The shade actually reminds me a bit of Milani Luminoso but with less sheen. It shows up beautifully on my NC20 complexion, and I appreciate that it's hard to overdo.

So, I know you all must be wondering now - is it worth the hype? In all honesty, I think it's difficult for a powder blush to truly be revolutionary anymore. If you're someone who has plenty of blush already that you're happy with, although beautiful, these probably won't add much to your collection. On the other hand, if you're someone who just has a few staple blushes that they rotate through (I'm thinking like one really nice pink blush, one really nice peach blush, etc.), then you might just find one or two in this line worthy of being added to your routine line-up. Basically, do you need these? No. Are they nice to have? Ain't nobody touching my Dim Infusion. Does that answer your question?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion is available from Sephora for $35.

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I was getting tired of the same old looks I'd been creating with my LORAC PRO Palette and Laura Mercier Artist Palette lately, so I decided on a daytime, brown smokey eye today using a much loved eyeshadow I have yet to speak about on the ol' blog. I'd never been bothered to try Clinique eyeshadows before, but after I heard they reformulated the All About Shadow line and included a red-brown shade, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to dip my toes in.

Other products in this look:

Chanel Les Beiges in 30

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 3.5

NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in West

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Clinique All About Shadow in Black Honey is a shimmery red-toned brown. It's incredibly smooth, pigmented, easy to blend and long-wearing. Admittedly, red-browns are among my favorite eyeshadow shades, especially on my warm complexion, and Black Honey is no exception. At at a cool $15, it doesn't exactly break the bank either.

Today, I'm wearing Clinique Black Honey all over my lid up to the crease with a touch of LORAC Taupe (from the PRO Palette) to transition it out. I also have a bit of Black Honey smudged into my lower lash line. After adding some Urban Decay West on my top lash line and waterline, this super simple brown smokey eye was complete.

When creating a smokey eye using predominantly one eyeshadow, it's important that the shadow you choose is good enough to stand on its own, and Black Honey certainly is. Its red undertones make it stand out, even against brown eyes, and its shimmer gives it just the right amount of dimension and visual interest to keep it from appearing flat. Pair this stunning shade with Clinique's new and fantastic formula and I think it's pretty clear why Black Honey is a current favorite!

Clinique All About Shadow in Black Honey is available from Sephora for $15.

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I've said it before and I'll say it again - more times than not, I'm useless at describing scents. I couldn't detect all the various notes of a scent if my life depended on it, but what I do know with 100% certainty is what I like and what I don't like, as well as what works with my body chemistry rather than against it.

philosophy loveswept is the newest fragrance launch from the brand most notably known to me for making some of the most delectable smelling 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths ever. I've taken a whiff of some of their other spray fragrances in the past, and while they smelled nice, they just didn't work on me. loveswept, however, smells like it was made for me.

loveswept is described by philosophy as - "A vibrant, feminine, romantic and youthful fragrance. By definition, loveswept is about energy and emotion, following your heart and seeing where that can take you and that is the sentiment that philosophy seeks to achieve."

The glass bottle is simplistic yet stunning. The artwork looks like watercolor, and the overall effect exudes an airy, dreamy, romantic quality. It's a bottle that will bring a smile to my face when I see it sitting atop my vanity every morning.

No matter how hard I try to branch out, for as long as I've been wearing perfume, I've been drawn towards strong florals. They just make me feel like me. loveswept boasts the following fragrance notes: "fresh bergamot and citrus capture the spark of new love; soft florals of pink jasmine, lotus blossom and purple passion fruit bloom with romance and passion; warm musk and creamy amber leave an impression of love ever after." After the initial spritz, loveswept's citrus top note is fresh and invigorating, while the floral dry down is warm and empowering, yet still feminine and romantic. And although it's an eau de toilette spray, I continue to detect the beautiful scent softly radiating in the air around me for an impressive 5 to 6 hours.

Although to many, the idea of loveswept makes them think of romance or falling deeply in love, lately, it's made me think of someone different. I lost the person I loved the most in the whole world recently, and his ashes were scattered at sea, just as he had always wished for. The vast blue sea literally swept him away from me. I took this photo that day and despite the circumstances, I don't see it as a somber photo, but rather, it gives me a sense of closure and peace and reminds me of the power of everlasting love. For me, it perfectly encapsulates the sentiment behind loveswept.

To celebrate the launch of loveswept, philosophy is holding a 'Spread the Love' sweepstakes, courtesy of Jetsetter.

::One grand prize winner will win a romantic getaway for two to Paris, including a 4-night stay at the Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe, two airline tickets, airport transfers to and from the hotel and $1000 to spend. (Seriously, are you kidding me? This is an amazing prize. I can't enter myself, but I would absolutely love it if one of my readers won!)

:: Ten runners up will receive a loveswept spray fragrance and 4 award-winning philosophy favorites.

::Twenty lucky winners will receive a loveswept body lotion.

To enter this incredible sweepstakes, follow this link to 'like' philosophy on Facebook and follow the directions from there. Best of luck!

philosophy loveswept is available from their website for $16 (0.5 oz) and $46 (2 oz).

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by philosophy through their partnership with POPSUGAR. I am a POPSUGAR Select Beauty Blogger, and while I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about philosophy, all opinions are my own and based solely on my own experience with the product.

You can pretty much tell by the state of my Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer tube that I used the heck out of it before realizing I've never reviewed it, which is a shame because it's my absolute favorite under-eye concealer.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer claims to be full coverage, creaseless, waterproof and long-wearing. I have the shade Light-Medium. I was initially surprised by its incredibly thick, slightly tacky consistency, but I quickly realized that this texture is what helps the concealer to adhere and wear so well on the skin.

In order for the concealer to spread and blend flawlessly, warming the product up with your fingers is a necessary step, which is why I find application with fingers better than that with a brush, which can often leave the concealer looking streaky. I squeeze out the tiniest amount of product onto my ring finger (a little truly goes a long way!), tap it between my two ring fingers and apply it to my under-eye area with a gentle patting motion. The coverage is impeccable.

Although Maracuja Creaseless Concealer is incredibly moisturizing due to the inclusion of Maracuja oil, I find that prepping the skin with a hydrating eye cream (or moisturizer if applying it to the face) is ideal because the thick texture means that the concealer carries the potential to cling to drier areas. The finish is healthy and dewy, which is perfect for brightening up and enhancing the overall appearance of the under-eye area.

Before (top) and after

In the photo above, I applied Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light-Medium only to my under-eye and inner corner areas. I did not apply any concealer to my lids, and I also am not wearing any foundation because I wanted to show the coverage the concealer carries on its own.

For me, Maracuja Creaseless Concealer ticks all the boxes for a perfect under-eye concealer. It's full-coverage, creaseless and long-wearing, exactly as it boasts, and its dewy finish leaves me with a hydrated and healthy-looking under-eye area that is never cakey. Just between me and you, it's so good that I already have a back-up at the ready.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer is available from Sephora for $24.

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When I first saw the promo pictures of Clinique's new Cheek Pop Blushes, I nearly died of cuteness overload. The simple clear compact, the daisy imprint, the four spring-ready shades....you get the drift. It had my name written all over it. When I finally ventured to a Clinique counter to take a glimpse, I decided against going home with either of my obvious favorites (Peach Pop and Ginger Pop) and instead, nabbed the perfect shade to help me transition my blush wardrobe into spring - Plum Pop.

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Plum Pop is a bright medium pink with lilac undertones. It has slightly sheerer pigmentation that can be very easily built up, making it effortless to control the degree of intensity when applied. Unlike more highly pigmented blushes (think NARS) that require careful application with the right brush, Plum Pop looks phenomenal even with a slapdash application, and the color can be intensified without ever looking powdery, heavy or built up. Three layers melt into the skin just as invisibly as one layer.

Plum Pop has a satin finish that provides the skin with just a touch of glow without being overtly shimmery. One thing that really surprised me was how beautifully it sits on the skin. Despite my fear of Plum Pop clashing with my warm complexion, I find the cool undertones to be incredibly fresh and brightening, which I attribute in part to its slightly sheer, never chalky finish. The blush's only downfall is that because it has a somewhat harder texture, I can already tell that those with oilier skin may experience issues with their brushes (especially dense ones) depositing oil onto the blush and hardening the surface.

Wearing Plum Pop

Although I'm sure most people will rush to their nearest counter for Peach Pop (and I don't blame them - it's peachy-coral perfection), Plum Pop is my personal pick from the bunch. Why? It's made me a firm believer in the cool pink flush once again. Spring, here I come.

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Plum Pop is available from Nordstrom for $21.

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My blog sale is now live! Click here or the link at the top of the page to be directed to the sale. Happy shopping!

After my rather disappointing experience with La Roche-Posay Serozinc, I began to think I'd never jump on the facial mist bandwagon. But, as any seasoned beauty addict would know, never say never. I've incorporated a new mist into the routine for the past few months, and it's good.

Clark's Botanicals Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist is a product I haven't heard anyone talk about before, which seemed odd to me considering how many facial mist fans there are roaming the blogosphere. Unlike other mists I've tried that more or less resembled overpriced, glorified water in a spray bottle, Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist actually has ingredients meant to serve a purpose (and no, alcohol is not one of them):

:: Swiss Apple Stem Cells are meant to combat signs of aging

:: Enteromorpha Compressa Extract and Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum aid in the production of collagen and reduce inflammation

:: Porio Cocos Polysaccharide plumps the skin

:: Saccharide Isomerate is responsible for increasing skin's water-holding capacity

:: Algae Extract Pullulan has a firming effect

:: Hypericum Perforatum Extract boasts soothing and anti-bacterial properties

I'll admit, those ingredient names can sound a bit foreign, but what really matters is, does the mist actually do anything beyond simply wetting your skin? In short, yes. After my nighttime cleansing and toning routine, I spray a few spritzes of Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist directly to my face (definitely keeping my eyes tightly closed!) or apply it using a cotton pad. I prefer the former, as I find I can feel more of the product's effects that way. There is a moderately strong and refreshing tingle that can be felt for about a minute after application, and once dry, my skin feels soothed, firm and tightened (but never dry or stripped). Especially during these colder months, the mist has been a welcome member of my skincare routine, as it does just that little bit more to help with my skin's ability to retain moisture, something I've never experienced with other facial mists.

It can't be all butterflies and rainbows though, right? The one and only downfall of Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist is the spray bottle the product is housed in. Each pump delivers a fairly concentrated spray, instead of an even mist of product, meaning multiple sprays are needed to cover a surface area (for this reason, some may opt for the cotton pad route). You can't win 'em all, I guess. Nevertheless, Clark's Botanicals Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist has restored my faith in facial mists. They can actually do something.

Clark's Botanicals Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist is available from their website for $28 (30 mL) or $45 (100 mL).

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While I was home in California for two months and using and re-using the same stash of beauty products I packed with me, I found myself in two minds. On the one hand, there were certain products I absolutely loved and continued to happily use, while others, I quickly became bored with and wished I had brought with me more options. Since coming back to Oregon, the products on my current rotation contain a mix of those travel companions and those I just recently reunited with.

Eyeshadow was one area where my interest in the products I brought with me quickly fizzled out. Don't get me wrong - I still love them, but I often found myself wishing I had packed a few others too. I basically looked like the heart-eyed emoji when I saw my NARS And God Created the Woman palette again after two, long months. Kalahari (top far right) is such a gorgeous all of the lid color; definitely one of my favorites. Must never leave home without it again.

For lips, I've been loving the rosy neutral look lately, and both Dior Addict Extreme in Cherie Bow and Maybelline Color Whisper in Made-It Mauve fit that bill to a T, with the latter being a slightly plummier version of the former. For cheeks, MAC Blushcreme in Ladyblush has been supplying my drab, winter complexion with the perfect punch of lively pink. And the long-lasting, dewy finish? Can't say I hate it. Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight has also been on heavy rotation in the past two months or so, as I've completely rediscovered my infatuation with highlighters.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (I wear shade 3.5) has been my new base love as of late. I could just go on about the 378,760+ reasons why, but I think this post pretty much sums it up - glow without the shine, coverage without the cake. You get the idea. My favorite way to apply it? Stamped on, then blended in, with a dampened Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.

Lastly, skincare favorites include Osmia Organics Active Gel Toner and African Botanics Marula Intense Skin Repair Body Balm. The former soothes my skin while offering up a hefty dose of extra hydration under my moisturizer or night cream, and the latter is a godsend for dry, irritated, wind-chapped skin. I use it in place of my eye cream almost nightly.

Now, if I could just figure out a way to take all of my makeup and skincare with me when I travel next...

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Urban Decay Black Market

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

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Chanel Diapason Illusion d'Ombre Eyeshadow

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Osmia Organics Active Gel Toner

The Hot Pink to End All Hot Pinks.

The Monday Post #7

A New Love: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette: Swatches and Initial Thoughts.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion

Brown Smokey Eyes with Clinique Black Honey

Getting loveswept with philosophy

The Best Under-Eye Concealer: Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

Spring Blushing with Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Plum Pop

Huge Blog Sale

Clark's Botanicals Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist

The Current Edit