Best of the Drugstore -- For the Eyes

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows $6.99

A drugstore dupe for the Armani Eyes to Kill shadows, these pressed pigments come in a large variety of bright and neutral shades. And with more colors being introduced in seasonal and limited edition collections, you're spoiled for choice! But if you're like me, you'll just buy them all. The smooth buttery texture transfers seamlessly and blends like a dream! Read more about them here). Personal Favorites? 892 Amber Rush and 607 Blinged and Brilliant

Maybelline Color Tattoos $6.99

I think any reader to this blog would know my deep love for the Maybelline Color Tattoos. A super long wearing cream eyesahdow. They apply like a dream and really stand the test of time. Like the L'Oreal Infallibles, they have great colors in the permanent line but are also always introducing new limited edition shades. Read more about them here). Personal Favorites? 25 Bad to the Bronze and 250 Nude Pink

Wet 'n Wild Eyeshadows $2.99-$4.99

Whether they are the trios or the eight pans, these palettes are the biggest bang for your buck at the drugstore. So intensely pigmented and apply and blend amazingly, they also have an incredible range of colors to choose from. The trios are $2.99. The Comfort Zone eight pan palette is truly the best $5 you will ever spend at the drugstore. Read more about this amazing eight pan palette here). Personal Favorites? Comfort Zone 8 pan, Walking on Eggshells and I'm Getting Sunburned trios

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara $3.19

Put down every other mascara you own. The Jordana Best Lash Extreme is my all time favorite mascara for lengthened, volumized lashes...and it's only $3 at Walgreens. A wetter formula, I find it works the best about a week after opening. You will not be disappointed...and if you are, it's only $3!

L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition Mascara $7.99

To me, this is the L'Oreal equivalent of the Jordana Best Lash Extreme. Althought the brush is a bit bigger and I find my lashes are a bit softer looking. Perhaps a bit more defined than the Jordana B.L.E. The formula is not as wet so it's pretty amazing right after you crack it open.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen $4.99

Forever the best drugstore liner I've ever used. The formula is matte and totally budge proof. The applicator (though bigger than I prefer) allows smooth, precise application. My only gripe is that I wish the blackest black color was darker. They also have a seriously long shelf life. Since the lid clicks closed, it doesn't dry out as quickly as other liquid eye pens (I'm looking at you, Jordana Fab Liner!). Great liquid eye pen!

L-R: L'Oeal Infallible Amber Rush & Blinged and Brilliant -- Maybelline Color Tattoo Bad to the Bronze & Nude Pink -- Wet 'n Wild Trios in Walking on Eggshells & I'm Getting Sunburned

HSN $20 OFF Code for New Customers

Thanks to the beauty blogosphere, I became hip to the knowledge that HSN (aka The Home Shopping Network -- talk about rebranding from the times of your grandma buying commemorative plates of the Revolutionary War!) -- was offering a $20 online coupon code (20NEWSPRING) for new customers who created an account. 

The $20 discount is applicable to orders of $40 or more. I was probably a little overly excited as I have been going back and forth between buying the new Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. Everyone and their mother is raving about this new eyeshadow palette by Too Faced. The formula is super buttery and blendable. Not to mention they've thrown in cocoa powder, so it smells just like their Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.  At $49 though, I could not justify another palette...but at $29? Sure I can!

So in 3-7 business days, expect a (hopefully) glowing review on how I can't believe I ever lived without this palette! I also implore you to take advantage of this HSN deal while it's still here!

Photo Credit: Sephora

Pink Garden Roses -- How I Love Thee

The Best of the Drugstore -- Lippies

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipsticks

Such great formulas available in neutral and everyday shades. The scent is a little 'different' -- kind of plastic-y? But not overly offensive. I actually kind of like it.  The black tubes are a mineral formula, the red is a matte formula. Though I find them to be very similar. The matte, thankfully, is only a semi matte and not very drying at all. Personal favorites? red 101 and black 17

L-R: 01, 107, 101, 101, 17

Flower Cosmetics by Drew Barrymore

A line by the ultimate flower child (Drew Barrymore)? How can you resist? Flower Cosmetics (available exclusively at Wal Mart) carries 2 different lipstick finishes, the High Shines (black packaging) and Velvets (white packaging). Velvets have a super creamy semi-matte finish while the high shines are...high shine! They both apply very smoothly and are very opaque. Super comfortable to wear but I wish they lasted a bit longer. Personal favorites? LS6 Camelia Charm and LS12 Sweet Peony ($6.98 ea)

L-R: LS12 Sweet Peony, LS6 Camelia Charm, Berry Bloom, Black Rose

Wet 'n Wild Megalast Lipsticks

The pigmentation of these lipstick is absolutely a-mazing. And all for $1.98 ea! The color is so opaque and apply super smoothly -- however words of caution, make sure your lips are exfoliated and moisturized before applying because they can be rather drying. But like the name suggests....it is pretty long lasting! Personal favorite? 901B Think Pink and 902C Bare It All

L-R: 918D Cherry Bomb, 917B Cinnamon Spice, 901B Think Pink, 903 Just Peachy, 902C Bare It All 

Revlon

With an incredible range of colors and finishes, Revlon definitely wins the variety award! The Super Lustrous line is definitely my favorite. They are so smooth, creamy and opaque and although not very long lasting, I have no problem reapplying. Not to mention, the packaging is super chic and timeless. Personal favorites? Primrose (you have to own this!) and Sky Pink ($4.99 ea)

Back L-R: 035 Blush, 801 Pink Cloud, 001 Nude Attitude
Front L-R: 668 Primrose, 012 Sky Pink, 600 Doutzen's Nude

NYX

I could not decide which amazing NYX gloss to choose, so I chose both! Hands down the most opaque gloss I have ever used...and such a wide range of colors. Not to mention they both smell heavenly! The butter glosses are bit more opaque (but not my much). Personal favorites? Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée and Mega Shine in Beige ($4.99 ea)

L-R: Maple Blondie, Creme Brûlée, Vanilla Cream Pie, Merengue 

L-R: Nude Peach, Beige, Sugar Pie

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

I have been on the hunt for a Fiddle Leaf Fig ever since I caught a glimpse of one during one of my scrolling Pinterest mornings. Then, seeing one of my favorite beauty bloggers add one into her home, I knew I needed to find one for my own.

It was rather difficult to find one, however. Both my local Home Depot and Lowes did not have them; nor did they think they would stock them. This past weekend, I wanted to visit our local nursery to get some ideas for our backyard re-do. And what would you know, in the greenhouse, in the back left corner, was a little family of Fiddle Leaf Figs! I was probably too excited, but can you blame me?? It is the new it plant of the year ;). What I particularly like about the F.L.F is that it is quite a different looking house plant. And the large leaves, while large and rather imposing, make the overall shape sculptural and beautiful. 

Along with a bargain $20 pot picked up at Home Depot, Winston (yes, I named it) came home with us! He has the perfect corner to grow into. And I'm quite looking forward to it.

Some Of My Fav Workout Tunes

...to keep you going those last 10 minutes that are absolute torture. Why is it that the last 10 minutes of a work out seem to drag on and on and on and on (you get it); but the 10 minutes between your 2 alarms (yes, I set 2 alarms) goes by in an instant? Maybe one day I'll become one of those people at enjoys working out!

...nah.

Wednesdate Wednesday Look -- Glowy Eyes and Cheeks

Yesterday, I wanted to try a super thick winged liner. However, before I got to the liner, I went totally left of simple shadow and decided to go super nude glam on the lids! But still super simple and quick!

To start, I applied Stila's Smudge Pot in Kitten all over the lid followed by MAC's pigment in Naked. And to finish, I busted out the my trusty Naked 3 palette and used Nooner to define the crease and Buzz smudged on the lower lash line.

For the liner, my new favorite method is using the Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner to draw the wing and Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner to deepen and mattify the color. And as always, I stamped Black from the Lorac Pro Palette along the liner to give it lasting power.

Sidenote: The highlight I almost always use on my brow bone is Heavens from the Kat Von D True Romance Saint Palette.

On the cheeks, I have been absolutely obsessed with the Hourglass Ambient Powder in Luminous Light on top of my new favorite mixture of blushes: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes in Dim Infusion and Ethereal Glow. And of course, Benefit's Hoola to contour. The whole combination is just sooo beautiful and glowy!

Other products used:
Benefit Porefessional
Revlon Firming + Lifting Foundation
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
Physicans Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara
Maybelline Color Whisper in Lust for Blush

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick (Almost) Dupe

OK...this one is so so close. But just not quite there. I still felt compelled to share!

I picked up another Maybelline Color Whisper this weekend in Lust for Blush. Like any other gal, as as soon as I got into the car, I opened it and applied. I immediately thought of my new favorite lipstick -- Urban Decay's Revolution Lipstick in Native. It is the absolutely perfect everyday neutral pink.

When I got home, I did the swatch test. The Maybelline looks slightly darker, but on the lips, it's quite close. The UD retails for $22, the Maybelline for $6. It's almost there...

L: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Native R: Maybelline Color Whisper in Lust for Blush

L: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Native R: Maybelline Color Whisper in Lust for Blush

L: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Native R: Maybelline Color Whisper in Lust for Blush

Mom's Salsa -- With a Personal Twist

My mom has never been a fan of avocado! She says it's a 'texture' thing. But no bother, her salsa is still the most amazing I've ever had! It is the perfect accompaniment to a summer steak!

Although it is amazing, I decided to give it a little twist...I added avocados and black beans. 

Ingredients:

2 tomatoes
2 avocados
1/2 red onion
1/4-1/2 cup black beans
1 can diced green chiles
1 tblspn red wine vinegar
2 tblspn olive oil
2 tblspn lime juice
1 tblspn cilantro
1.5 tblspn garlic
salt to taste

Gatsby Hair

The Cheap Alternative to Cleanser Solids

We've all heard of the miracle of makeup sponges. Especially the Beauty Blender, which has such a cult following. Myself, I'm a total convert to the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (you can read my post comparing the two here). 

Beauty Blender sells their own brand of cleaner- a liquid and solid form. Personally, I find solid forms to be easier and last longer. The two cleansers are sold at $15.95 (solid) and $17.95 (liquid) at Sephora. A bit pricey for something you need to use every time you want to use your sponge. Sidenote: you're meant to wash it before every use.

Well, thanks to Melissa Raymond via YouTube, I discovered quite the cost effective solution: Dr. Bronner's Lavendar Bar Soap and a travel soap dish! I buy Dr. Bronner's soap at my local grocer (in the health food aisle) for under $5. And a travel soap dish you can buy for under $2 almost anywhere!  The soap lathers extremely well to give the sponges a deep clean. Not to mention it smells amazing! And after you're done, close it up and leave it on the side of your sink. I usually get about 1.5-2 months from 1 bar of soap. Comparatively speaking, the Beauty Blender solid is 1oz and Dr. Bronner's Soap is .5oz. So the value still lies with Dr. Bronner's! 

So save those pennies and invest in Dr. Bronner's !

Sephora VIB 15% Off Haul

So much for that no-buy, right? But in my defense, Sephora rarely has sales...so when the makeup/skincare gods bless you with a gift, you don't refuse it! I did have restraint, however. So here are the few things I picked up...

Stila In The Light Palette

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow

Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Truth

Sephora Eyeshadows in Berlin Underground (matte) and Roof top party (glitter)
Makeup Forever Aqua Cream in 02

L-R: MUFE Aqua Cream, Berlin Underground, Roof top party

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Beauty Balm

Grey Wednesdate Eyes

Yesterday's Wednesdate was all about using new products! (the best kind, obvi)

I've been wanting to get into using more greys to create a neutral everyday eye and get away from the classic brown shades. So I decided to pick up a MUFE Aqua Cream in No. 02 (stay tuned for a Sephora VIB Sale Haul) and happened upon 2 Sephora super sale eyeshadows. A matte in No. 59 Berlin Underground and a glitter in No.57 Rooftop Party (at my Sephora they were marked down to $2 from $13...I couldn't just not take that deal). And to warm up the crease, I popped on Buck from the Naked palette. 

I loved how the finished product turned out, and to quote Hubbles, my eyes looked 'piercing'...but in a good way!

Quick clothes recap, I decided on a very lax outfit. Pilcro black pants, a JCrew light grey cotton T and an olive green anorak from Anthropologie. Super comfy for a relaxing lunch date :)

I should add 'clean bathroom mirrors' to the to-do list

Coffee Social Dates

Even though there was snow on the ground today (yes, really), I wanted to create a purple everyday look using the Stila Artist Essentials purple palette. 

I'm sad to report, that the consistency of the purple shadows left much to be desired! I used Illusion on the inner quarter of the lid and Vivid on the rest. The shadows were so powdery and honestly didn't show up as much as I thought they would. Especially Vivid -- which by the look (and name) of the color, should be quite striking. Nope. The color was further lost as it was blended out. Boo.

Anyway, to complete the eyes I took Buck from the Naked palette to warm up the crease. Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black to create my wing -- today was one of those 'eh' liner days. When it doesn't turn out quite right. Oh well. L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition on the lashes.

I went for fun on the lips and used my new Milani Lip Intense Liquid Color in Fiery Coral -- love it! It hangs around for awhile and has a staining effect. It is a bit drying though, so make sure your lips are properly exfoliated. The color is so opaque and pigmented -- a great product!

Click through for more photos...

Before Milani Liquid Color

West Coast -- Lana Del Rey

Obsessed.

The Best Body Scrub

Summer time is right around the corner (yay!) and with the summer, comes sunless tanning!

The first step in successful sunless tanning is making sure to start with smooth, exfoliated skin. And this is where the best body scrub comes in...

Tree Hut Sugar Scub was a discovery I made last year at Ulta -- only to find out that it's sold at Wal-Mart and my local grocer for $1 less. So for under $6, you get 18oz of amazingness!

My favorite scents are Coconut Lime and Original Shea. Original Shea scent is basically a cinnamon dessert in a plastic tub. It smells amazing. The Coconut Lime is fresh and perfect for spring and summer.