VIIcode Eye Masks

Merry Christmas to Me

Even though Christmas morning is tomorrow, I still went out and decided to treat myself to some new makeup.  For half of the things here, I actually had a reason to buy; I forgot not only my Beauty Blender back in London, but also my foundation!  The other things, however, I bought them a bit impulsively because they were on clearance.

I'm normally one to do lots of research on makeup before buying, so despite buying some of these things rather impulsively, I'm really happy with my purchases.  The Real Technique sponges I've used before, so obviously I think they work well since I'm repurchasing.  When it comes to foundation, I am by no means an expert.  This is only the third foundation I've bought in my life, but I think the color match is almost perfect.  The foundation, L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in N2, is very layer able meaning you can have as much or as little coverage as you'd like.  It does come with its own cushion to apply the foundation, but I prefer to use my beauty blender.  Also, I'm a sucker for rose gold, so the packaging is a definite plus.  These brushes from Sonia Kashuk are soft and seem to apply makeup evenly, but I haven't used all the brushes yet so I can't say for sure (a standout already, though, is the concealer brush - definitely recommend).  Finally I purchased this makeup palette from Pixi, and let me just say that I am in love.  The eyeshadows are very pigmented and are beautiful, neutral colors.  The bronzer is almost too pigmented, so a little goes a long way.  All in all, it's a definite thumbs up.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas Eve tonight.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

Elizabeth xx

Lavender Eyes

Wearing:

Blouse - Kohls, Skirt - Zara, Boots - Kohls

Makeup:

Eyeshadow - Ulta Single Eyeshadow, Eyeliner - NYX Super Skinny Liner, Mascara - Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara

Even though I'm generally more of a lipstick person, I've recently been getting into eyeshadows.  So far, I've mainly tried the drugstore brands (no Naked palette, yet, for me).  I've seen some really great looks from other bloggers/vloggers where they've incorporated lavender eyes, so I decided to try it out for myself.  I also added a skinny cat eye because I think the direct violet color against my green eyes was a bit too harsh.

In order to make my eyes pop, I kept the rest of my look very neutral.  I don't own too many tanks (I've never been a huge fan of them), but I love the pattern and the little bit of lace of this one.  I paired the tank with this black midi skirt and ankle boots because that's my go-to as of recent.

Which color of eyeshadow do you think I should try next?  I also picked up a light pink color that I think could look really nice.

Elizabeth xx

Favorite Lipsticks // June 2015

Recently I attended orientation at my local university, and my roommate, for the week, and I got to talking about lipstick.  Where I live, there aren't a ton of people who really care about lipstick, let alone can talk about their favorites.  It really got me thinking that I should do a post about the subject, so here it is: my current favorite lipsticks.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil - Rose Pink

I got the sample size of this lipstick for my birthday from Sephora, and somehow I managed to utterly destroy.  Luckily, as a graduation present, my best friend replaced it for me.  I have to say, this is the perfect color for summer; it gives just enough pink to your lips to give you a soft color, but it doesn't look like you're trying too hard.  It doesn't have the best staying power, compared to some of my other favorites, but its velvety texture and beautiful color makes me forget that I have to reapply every hour or so.

CHANEL Rouge Allure - 94 Extatique

I've written about this lipstick before, but I have to say it's still a favorite.  I might be a bit biased on this one because I did buy in Paris on the Champs-Elysees, but it still gives that unexpected pop of pink that I love.  The color is bright as well as having just a touch of iridescence, making it perfect for when you want to stand out.  The staying power is okay on its own, but I usually where it with a matching lipliner making it last all day.

M.A.C. Lipstick - MAC Red 

This is definitely my all time favorite lipstick.  I bought it two years ago and still wear it constantly (it looks like I'm gonna need to replace it soon too).  If you put it straight on your lips, it looks almost like it could be a magenta which is why I always wear it with the MAC Cherry Liner.  By wearing both of those, it lasts all day without any touch up, and it's as red a stop sign.  Whenever I wear it I always get tons of complements, so this is always my go to shade.

(From top to bottom)

NARS

CHANEL

M.A.C.

What are your favorite lipsticks?  I'm always on the look out for the next ex-favorite lipstick (Jurassic Park reference, sorry -- I hope you get it!).

Elizabeth xx