Today is my birthday (ahh!) and I thought I would share with you the birthday dinner makeup look I wore this weekend.
I kept everything pretty low key and went out to a delishhhh dinner – but ya know – any excuse to glam it up, i’ll take it!
I loveee this look. I think it is simple enough for really any occasion, but the red lips really bring some drama and fun. Follow me on my new Instagram page to get more day to day looks and product details – @little.miss.melis :).
We have made it halfway through the week! I don’t know about you guys but this week has been going by so slowlyyyyyy. So I thought to celebrate I would jump on here and give you a peak at my makeup geek shadow collection and let you know some of my all time favorite shades!
Makeup geek shadows are amazing! They are such a great value and are in all honesty probably my favorite eyeshadow formula. I also love that they come as single eyeshadows in just the pan because it makes them really mobile and perfect for travel. I have my large z-palette (as you’ll see) that I keep at home, but then I also have a smaller one that fits about 9 shadows that is perfect to take on the go!
Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
The shadows are $6 each, which compared to say a $10 MAC shadow is a great price for what I would say is a better formula. They also have literally EVERY shade you could think of – so what more could you want!
It has been a LONG time since I posted – things have gotten rather busy at work – but these lip kits have inspired me to get back to it.
I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical on whether or not these would live up to the hype, but I have an obsession with liquid lipsticks, soooo I had to try them.
I know a lot of people think liquid lipsticks are extremely drying – so just as a disclaimer I don’t mind the drying aspect of liquid lipsticks in general. I am more of a if it stays on my lips for as long as possible I am all for it.
Now lets get down to the details. The lip kits come with both the lip liner and the liquid lipstick for $29, which ultimately is actually not a bad price compared to some other liquid lipsticks on the market (should we take a sip of wine every time I say liquid lipstick?).
Kylie Lip Kits (KoKo K, Candy K, Mary Jo K, Dolce K)
I don’t know about you, but I have been hearing about the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist everywhere. I know it came out that this is one of the tools Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist uses and I think after that everybody wanted to try it – myself included!
My Goodies!
I have heard many bloggers and youtubers RAVE about this product, but I didn’t want to shell out the almost 50 bucks on it! I was able to find the perfect solution. They sell a travel size for only $15! I ended up buying the travel size and finding a coupon for a free deluxe sample of the Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder as well.
I was so excited when I got my package because the $15 travel size has a really good amount of product (1.35 fl oz). With a mist like this, a little goes a long way. I have been spraying two – three spritzes on my face and I can see amazing results. For someone who has dry skin – this product really is worth all the hype.
It is a milky spray that has red algae and their signature HADASEI-3 Biactive Complex. As soon as you spray it on your face you truly do look dewy and luminous, there is no other way to describe it. At first I thought ok, well I just sprayed my face of course it is going to look wet & dewy, but this product soaks in almost immediately and your skin is left glowing. I really am happy I found the travel size to try out because it was worth every penny. This isn’t something I use everyday, but on those occasions where I just need a little more life and radiance on my skin this doessss the trick.
I was also really happy to hear that Tatcha is a partner with Room to Read – so every purchase you make you are helping provide education to women in developing countries! So Cool :).
I haven’t yet tried the rice enzyme powder although I did think it was great that they provided so many samples with my purchase.
Overall, I am very happy – and I think if you’ve been dying to try the skin mist the $15 bottle may be the perfect solution!
Last weekend I went to my first VIB Rouge event! I was super excited for the goody bags and the 4x point perk didn’t hurt either! I took my Mom as my plus 1 and we ended up getting some great stuff so I thought I would share :).
Damage Done
We ended up buying a selection of things – some for myself, some for my mom, and some for my sister. As you can see we had fun!
The Entire Haul ❤
Here are some of the things I got:
My Haul – Mainly Skincare
I ended up gravitating to the skin care products as my face has been sorta freaking out the past couple months. The BEST thing we found was a build your own sample pack. You could choose any 5 samples within a certain section for $25 and they came with a super cute little bag (as you’ll see in my mom’s section of the haul). The things I personally picked out were the four items in the back left –
Algenist – Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser: I have the full size of this product and LOVE it. I first saw it on KathleenLights Youtube channel and thought it sounded interesting, so naturally I went to buy it. It starts out as a gel formula and then as you put it on your dry face it turns into an oil. When you go to wash it off it turns into almost a milk and washes off literally all your makeup. I was super excited when I saw this sample because first of all it is HUGE and second of all it is perfect to travel with so I don’t have to take my full size.
First Aid Beauty – Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay: I am a big fan of clay cleansers because I think they do a really great job of cleaning out my pores. I saw this and decided it would be a fun one to try and again, I love samples for traveling. I think it is fun to do a couple little mini spa nights while on vacation.
Dr Dennis Gross – Alpha Beta Peel (Original Formula): These were actually not in the 5 for $25 section – I ended up grabbing them while in the checkout line (gets me everytime!!) BUT, the more advance version of these were – which is incredible to me because I think these “samples” retail for around $16! I am still just in shock at the great value we got with all these samples. If you have a local Sephora I highly recommend going to take advantage of this deal! ** I just checked and they have this deal online too! FYI 🙂
Ren – Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask: I haven’t tried this product yet, but as you can see I am all about the masks right now and really anything that says radiance sounds good to me! I am excited to try it out as it has some really good reviews online!
GlamGlow – SuperMud Clearing Treatment: This was my main purchase of the day and really the only thing I planned on splurging on. It is nott cheap but in my opinion worth every penny. I got a sample of this when I bought the SuperCleanse Daily Clearing Cleanser and while I do love the cleanser this mask is unreal. It is easily the best mask I have ever used. EVER. I have combo to dry skin and the pores around my nose / T – zone can get oily and are bigger than I would like. I used this and when I looked in the mirror afterward I couldn’t see a single pore. It was unlike any mask I’ve ever used. The next day I woke up and my skin was clean, tight and radiant.
First Aid Beauty – Facial Radiance Pads: These were just an extra sample the woman threw in for us as we were paying – but I can’t wait to try them. I am a big fan of makeup wipes / pre moistened pads just because they are so easy to use.
Sephora Masks – Rose Face Mask & Honey Eye Mask: I love these little masks from Sephora – they are super inexpensive and I think they are great for a more frequent treatment. I have used a number of them and find them to be really great on my skin. I love the variety of types that they have.
Kat Von D – Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft: This was actually one of the point rewards that was available – We ended up getting three (one for everyone!) because of what an incredible shade it is. It is a great mauve shade that can be super versatile. As one of the Sephora workers told us – you can make it lighter/fresher by pairing it with a pink liner or deepen it up with a darker nude / brown liner.
My Mom/ Sister’s Haul
My mom went for the 5 for $25 samples as well and opted for the same Algenist Cleanser, Ren Mask, and Dr Dennis Gross Peel.
In addition she got:
Dr Jart+ – Water-Full Hydrogel Mask: This is a super hydrating face mask. It is supposed to increase the hydration, elasticity and bounce to skin. It also has some anti-aging properties!
Murad – AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: My Mom opted for two of these because she loves the Murad brand. She was looking for some more good exfoliants and this is great because it has the acid exfoliant in addition to jojoba skin-polishing beads.
Lancome – Grandiose Wide-Angle Mascara: I think this mascara is super cool. Not only is the packaging gorgeous but the wand is super unique (go check it out!). It has a swan neck type bend in it which makes it super easy to apply. It is a clump free, lengthening mascara and is long wearing without being waterproof (so its easy to take off at night).
Deborah Lippmann – Cuticle Oil: I just used this last night as I was prepping my nails for a little at home manicure. This oil is great! It has the most amazing coconut smell that is so yummy. The thing I love most about it is that it drys quickly and yet is super hydrating.
Smashbox – Camera Ready BB Cream: This was my sister’s purchase and she has been loving this BB Cream. It is a repurchase for her so that goes to show that it is a great product. I have used hers a couple of times and the amount of coverage is great. I would say it is a medium coverage that feels really light and gentle on the skin. It also has SPF 35 so is great for summertime!
VIB Rouge Goody Bag
Sorry this post is so long! But I just wanted to lastly and certainly not least-ly show you the goody bag we got! It came with the following products:
BareMinerals – Moxie Lipgloss
Boscia – Detoxifying Black Cleanser
Benefit – Porefessional
L’Occitane – Hand Cream
Formula X – Nail Polish
Chloe – Perfume
Korres – Wild Rose & Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial
All in all we def. got our moneys worth when looking at the Rouge goody bag and the amazing 5 for $25 offer. I highly recommend checking it out in store or online – make sure you use Ebates if you’re shopping online to get cash back and an even better deal!
I know I missed National Lipstick Day by a couple of days, but I figured it was as good a time as any to give you a little glimpse at my current MAC lipstick collection!
MAC Lipsticks (outlined from L to R below):
I have 9 lipsticks from MAC – a mixture of Lustre, Matte, Retro Matte, Frost, and Satin finishes.
(L to R, Top to Bottom): Velvet Teddy, Angel, Syrup, Razzle-Dazzler, Call the Hairdresser, All Fired Up, Amorous, Rebel, Viva Glam III
Velvet Teddy (Matte): a true neutral deep-tone beige. – One of the Kylie Jenner shades. This is a great shade, I think it is perfect for a fall nude lip!
Angel (Frost): a soft baby pink. I typically don’t like super frosty lip shades, but this wears beautifully on the lips. It is one of my go to everyday shades that is a nude pink with a hint of shine. It almost looks like a neutral, pinky gloss. I think this formula is also pretty moisturizing, although not tremendously long wearing.
Syrup (Lustre): a true pink with almost purple / lavender undertones. This is one of my other most used shades. It is a perfect “my lips but better” color that I can wear with virtually any look.
Razzle-Dazzler (Lustre): This shade is a creamy peach color – almost like a creamcicle – perfect for summer! I love this lipstick paired with a shiny gloss and a simple face of make up. So cute for everyday in the summer to add some freshness to your look!
Left Top – down and right: Velvet Teddy, Angel, Syrup, Razzle-Dazzler
Call the Hairdresser (Lustre): This lip was from the “MAC is Beauty” collection – and I am happy that it is permanent! It is described as a “rosey mauve” but I find it to be more of a true rosey almost hot pink color. I love this one because it is a lot more sheer than my other lipsticks. With the more vibrant pink I think it is nice to be able to start out a bit more sheer and then build up the color depending on your mood 🙂
All Fired Up (Retro Matte): I bought this color recently in preparation for my upcoming trip to Hawaii. I wanted a really eye catching fun color that I wouldn’t normally be able to get away with in day to day life. I can’t wait to pair this bright fuchsia with a summer dress while I’m away.
Amorous (Satin): This was my first MAC lipstick! I remember walking up to the counter and wanting a “dark” lip to wear for my holiday christmas party. I had never really strayed from the neutral pink lip gloss at this point so I thought all dark lips looked silly on me. The woman at the MAC counter was great and helped me pick this cranberry shade out – to this day still one of my favorites for a night out!
Rebel (Satin): This is a cult favorite and for good reason. It is a creamy plum purple that looks great on a variety of skin tones. I love this color for the winter time. One of my favorite berry shades for holiday parties!
Viva Glam III (Matte): I’ll be honest and say that I totally accidentally ordered this color. I think I meant to order Viva Glam II as I was browsing around the site for some Kylie Jenner -esk shades. When I got this in the mail I was pretty surprised to find this shade as it is VERY dark compared to even the dark shades I wear. This is described as a brownish plum, which I would agree with. It is quite dark, so with my fair skin looks a little silly. However, I could see it being beautiful on a darker or more olive complexion.
(L to R, Top to Bottom): Velvet Teddy, Angel, Syrup, Razzle-Dazzler, Call the Hairdresser, All Fired Up, Amorous, Rebel, Viva Glam III
Let me know your favorite MAC shades and finishes! Another couple I have been eyeing is Creme Cup and Coral Bliss and Ruby Woo.
As you may have seen in my recent Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post, I purchased the Nars “Blame it on Nars” cheek palette. I, of course, wanted to use it right away. I figured a casual Friday night out was the perfect time to try it out!
Check out the look I came up with below:
Pop of Pink Summer Look
I used the following products for this look and think it came out great!
Products Used – details below
Face:
Maybelline Dream Pure BB – light/medium (I mixed this with a couple of the FX Custom Cover Drops)
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops – N30
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit – Vanilla set my under eye area and Fawn for a light contour
Nars “Blame it on Nars” – Day Dream
Becca – Champagne Pop
Eyes:
Not sure why the lips look so orange in this light – but the true shade is shown in the first pic 🙂
Too Faced – Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette
– Butter Pecan all over the lid
– Bon Bon smoked out from the middle of my lid to the outer corner
– Caramel in the outer corner as well
– Truffled in the crease blended with Mousse
– Peanut Butter smoked out in the crease for a hint of warmth
Mac Fluidline Gel Eyeliner
Loreal Telescopic Eyeliner – mixed with Greater than MDM Flow mascara
Sephora Haul – Becca, Too Faced, Stila including the Becca & Jaclyn Hill colab – Champagne Pop!
I did a little damage at Sephora when I found out that Champagne Pop was coming! I had to have it and went online as soon as it was available. While I was online, I also decided to grab a couple other things that had been on my wishlist.
I have been wanting the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer for a long time now but couldn’t make the commitment. I have heard great things about the little black book of bronzers and thought it would be a nice way to add a variety of products to my collection without spending an arm and a leg on all of them!
Too Faced – Little Black Book of Bronzers
In addition to the bronzers, I bought a couple new blush products. With it being summertime now, I have been loving peachy coral blushes and really wanted to try out the new stila watercolor blushes. I got the shade Water Lily. I also wanted to try out one of the Becca beach tints – I think this is perfect for summer as it can be used on the lips and cheeks for a quick splash of color. Great for a “no makeup” makeup day! I also bought a couple of the sephora eye masks (as seen in the original photo). I bought the Ginseng – Toning and Revitalizing, the Lingzhi – Anti Aging and Smoothing, and the Rose – Ultra Moisturizing and Brightening ones. I have been trying to take better care of my skin lately and figured why not try these!
Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit, Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in the Water Lily, and free deluxe sample of the D&G Light Blue perfume
Last and most definitely not least, I got the Becca shimmering skin perfector colab with Jaclyn Hill – Champagne Pop. It is incredible. I own Opal as well and was on the fence about getting moonstone as I thought it was just a hint to light for me. As soon as I saw Champagne Pop I knew it would be the perfect shade and matched the dream shade I had in my mind. I would have prob bought it regardless just because I love Jaclyn Hill – but I can easily say this is my new favorite highlight. Note – if you are on the fence about this product it is limited edition so keep that in mind <3.
Champagne Pop! Becca shimmering skin perfector colab with Jaclyn Hill!
I created the look below using Champagne Pop, the little black book of bronzers and the Stila watercolor blush in Water Lily. This look is a very toned down/minimalist application of the products as I tried them out before going to work. I will try and upload a #highlightonfleek version this weekend to my instagram!
Update – after trying out this blush I am SO IMPRESSED. I was a little scared at first because it’s literally a liquid but the way it applies so evenly and smoothly with a sheer wash of color is sooooo pretty. Debating buying another one!
So I totally forgot to take a pic of this look before leaving the house – Sorry for the iphone Car Selfie!
Other Products Used:
Face:
Too Faced – Hangover RX Primer
Bobbi Brown – Skin Foundation (color Warm Sand)
Maybelline – Fit me Concealor in Light
Chanel – Tan de Soleil
Hourglass – Ambient Lighting Powder in Mood light
Eyes:
Too Faced Semi Sweet Palette – Colors: Bon Bon and Butter Pecan on the lid with Peanut Butter and Truffled in the crease
Loreal Telescopic Mascara
Brows:
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz (omg, I ran out of this today – so sad – need to go buy another one!! and maybe a backup while im at it :p )
I was lucky enough to get my hands on some of the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lipsticks before they sold out earlier this month. I was super excited because I have been obsessed with liquid lipsticks recently and for $6 how can you go wrong. I had heard a lot of good things and thought it was the perfect way to try out some shades I wouldn’t typically wear or want to splurge on!.
I ended up buying 6 shades as pictured below – Donut, First Base, Mars, Ouiji, Creeper, and Succulent.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip – Donut
This shade is described as a “Bright Peach” I think it lives up to the name. It is a really wearable yet fun coral shade – ideal for summer!
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip – 1st Base
This shade is a mid-tone true pink. This shade is a great everyday pink to add a pop to your look. I think it would suit all skin tones and is simply pretty.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip – Mars
Mars is a red fuchsia color that is BEAUTIFUL for the summer time. I can’t wait to wear it to a concert or pool party in the near future. It is so fun and bright – something I typically wouldn’t wear but I like the idea of becoming more adventurous!
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip – Ouiji
Ouiji is a bright coral red and might just be my favorite. I have been obsessssssed with coral lips this summer. I think shades with the hint of orange really helps bring out my blue eyes. This coral is the perfect pinky/red coral that will go with virtually any look you can image!
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lips – Succulent
This electric neon orange red is the perfect take on a red lip for summer. It is bright and fun adding a refreshing touch to any look. I personally plan to wear this later this summer for the Taylor Swift concert! (that red lip thing ya know). It goes on the lips so smoothly with intense pigmentation – I can’t wait to bust this out!
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lips – Creeper
Creeper is a true classic blue red – the perfect red lip color. I know I will be getting a ton of use out of this one around the holidays! I think it will be beautiful with some winged liner.
From Top to Bottom: Creeper, Succulent, Mars, Ouiji, 1st Base, Donut
Overview / Review:
I think these liquid lipsticks are great for the price. In my opinion they are the perfect way to try out a bold new lip without spending an arm and a leg on a lipstick you may only wear twice. Overall, I do think the formula can be a little drying – as with most liquid lipsticks. They dry to a true “ultra matte” finish and DO NOT move. After swatching them out on my arm, the swatches were literally still visible three days later (and yes I shower). I recommend conditioning and exfoliating your lips before use for the best application. I also own a couple of the Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipsticks, a couple of the Sephora brand liquid lipsticks and some of the Kat Von D – I think for $6 these hold their own. As mentioned, they are drying, more so than some of the other formulas mentioned (although ABH are more drying in my opinion). They are extremely pigmented and go on the lips really smoothly when applying. I do find them a little less long wearing than the Kat Von D version but for 1/4th the price I think they are worth trying! FYI – these are currently sold out on the ColourPop website but are due to be back in stock in August 🙂
True Matte Finish – From Left to Right:From Donut, 1st Base, Ouiji, Mars, Succulent, Creeper
I hope this review was helpful! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions and please comment with any suggestions for posts you would like to see!
LittleMissMelis 