My Latest Stila Purchases

For my birthday my friend bought me an Urban Decay Ammo eyeshadow palette, unfortunately I already have the exact one. I went to ULTA with the hope of exchanging these eyeshadows for another set with different colors but they were out. Instead I had $40 to spend. Not an easy tasks when there are so many products to choose from. I couldn't decide!

I wanted to get something Urban Decay because I adore their products and the fact that they are cruelty-free. I just didn't want to buy individual eyeshadows. Palettes offer much more bang for your buck, but they didn't have colors different than those I already have.

So after looking at the Stila, Too Faced, benefit, and Cargo counters, I went back to Stila and snatched up the products that initially caught my eye - backstage eye shadow palette and smudge stick waterproof eye liner.

The eyeshadow colors include:

- Chiffon - shimmery peach
- Flamingo - shimmery fuchsia
- Pacific - metallic navy blue
- Luster - metallic warm alloy
- Poetic - shimmery mauve
- Coal - cool metallic emerald

The blue, green, and even pink colors are beautiful but we'll see how they are on my skin tone. Because I have a pretty light complexion, often times bright colors make me look like a clown...or so I feel.

I've worn chiffon and poetic to work and they are great for daytime looks. I think I can work with the rest of the shades, too.

I wanted to get black liner because I just ran out of my favorite one, MAC Technakohl in Graphblack. Instead I chose the funky hue, purple tang. As you can see in the picture, it's pretty much black with purple glitter. I can't wait to wear it!

When I was in ULTA, I decided to get this Stila liner because it's comparable to the MAC one. I love how easily it is to apply and the smooth finish it provides. I'll have to see if it lasts as long, though.

Overall I did pretty well. I wanted to stay under the $40 mark but I knew it wasn't happening. In the end, I only dished out $10 of my own money and I got some great products!

I was thinking about getting one step correct, which is a, as the Stila site explains, "primer, color corrector, brightener and anti-aging skincare serum does it all..." The only reason I didn't buy it is because it was $36 and would have taken up my entire store credit. I may just order it online because Stila offers free shipping with purchases of $50.

Have any of you tried it?

Photos courtesy of: Stila

Last Minute Gift Ideas

This year’s Christmas shopping has been incredibly easy. In addition to finding almost all of my gifts without leaving the comfort of my home, I have scored some great deals. In fact, I even have more ideas for presents that will please, without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for gifts for girls (because I suck at buying gifts) here are some ideas, all cost less than $20:

Technakohl Liner in Graphblack
MAC -- $14.50

This is an awesome liner, one of my favs. It goes on so smoothly and doesn’t smear off easily. And you can’t go wrong with the color. Black eyeliner is always safe.

Sequin Twist Headband
Forever 21 -- $3.80

Paired with a casual or dressy outfit, this accessory is sure to add a little extra glam to any look. I like this so much I think I’ll pick it up for myself!

Engraved Gold Initial Ecru Boxed Card set in 20

Barnes & Noble -- $19

Stationary is always needed—for notes, thank yous, whatever. So having monogrammed stationary just makes your letter that much more personal and special.

Small Jar & Shade (Sparkling Cinnamon) Gift Set

Yankee Candle -- $14.99

Who doesn’t like candles? Especially nice ones like those from Yankee Candle? I especially love that the candle will be illuminated with this cute holiday shade.

What about all of you? What are you go-to gifts? And do you have any ideas for mens' gifts? I need ideas for my dad and brother!



Photos courtesy of: MAC, Forver 21, Barnes & Noble, and Yankee Candle

MAC Makes it all Better

Two weekends ago I got my ass kicked at my softball game. Basically I tried to steal home on someone three times my size and she decided to literally tackle me. Not pleasant. Now I have been suffering with a knee that is extremely skinned and swollen. I actually go to the doctor today, finally.

So what can make me feel better about my ugly knee? Buying some makeup to doll myself up with!

I finally purchased some MAC Hello Kitty items. I wound up getting the Hello Kitty Lipglass in Sweet Strawberry and Glitter Eye Liner in Her Glitz. Both of these items are from the Hello Kitty Mild Collection. The gloss cost $14 and the liner $16.50.

Additionally, I got some Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation that does a great job of hiding any skin imperfections.

I had a great saleswoman who gave me samples of Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 and Oil Control Lotion. The Prep + Prime works to leave the skin looking smooth, preventing that "caked on" look that you sometimes get with face makeup. 

I especially love that the eye liner isn't too dramatic. I love glitter, but not always for work. These pics aren't that great, but I am wearing the liner and the lipgloss in these photos. The gloss does look pretty dark so I try to put only a bit on for a more subdued look.

Hope you can still get an idea of the look that the makeup provides.

Have you purchased any of the items from the Hello Kitty Collection? If so, what did you get and how do you like it?

MAC is currently hosting a Hello Kitty Sweepstakes. Head o

ver to their site and enter to win the amazing grand prize--the Hello KittyKouture Collection!

Photos courtesy of: MAC and my camera

Physicians Formula Flat Eyeliner Pencil

I have found the greatest eyeliner ever! It's Eye Definer Flat Automatic Eyeliner Pencil by Physicians Formula. 

My mom has a makeup addiction; she buys cosmetics every time she goes to any store. Today as I was getting ready for work, rummaging through her eye shadows and liners, I came across a black pencil. As soon as I grabbed it I noticed that it had a flat kohl. I had never seen a liner like this and I was immediately intrigued.

Once I applied the flat automatic eyeliner pencil, I was in love. Not only does it go on smoothly, it's also easy to apply. That's a huge plus for me because I always have trouble creating an even line.  Additionally, this product is hypoallergenic so it won't affect sensitive eyes.

Priced at a mere $5.95, I say that this item is a great deal. 

Head over to the Physicians Formula Web site for a complete list of all of their products. While you're there be sure to check out the Web Specials.

Photo courtesy of: Physicians Formula