LOTD and Inglot Cookies!!

This is going to be a really quick post because I have someone coming to pick me up for shopping in the city!!  And I still have to get dressed!!

This is my look today- dont worry I blended out the bronzer more after taking this:

And here is my Inglot cookies lol!!  I got so much I really am overwhelmed.  I don't know whether to organize by colour, or like by how I might use them, or what.  Whenever I buy bigger palettes I like to have a variety, it's not like I want to get out 5 boxes for one look, know what I mean???  So I just don't know, and really there's so much I am kinda freaked out!! This was the only way I could keep them all spread out, I just put magnetic sheets on the pan and placed them all on, so that way when I get around to it, I can gently pull them off the pan into the palettes- better than popping them in and out of palettes, or tossing them in a drawer.  Oh and did ya hear Inglot isn't raising their prices now it was just a publicity stunt lol I am just kidding about that but I am not really sure why they're not.  Well I really gotta go now!!



Break from Blogging: Cleaning Makeup!

Oh the woes of cleaning!!  I am trying to reorganize and declutter, but it isn't going so well....
Here is part of my room so far, it's small so it's hard to get a good picture.

To give you some idea of how much stuff we're talking about here, this is my "before" picture, which is actually what it looks like now (:embarassed:) and I know it's disgusting but this is so much harder than I expected:

I decided to get rid of the plastic drawers!  The tall, skinny ones I had (first photo) were useless because they couldn't hold heavy stuff, like lot of foundation, lipsticks, etc. so they were just taking up space, and really, I have a lot of paperwork around here and they can be useful in my den.  The orange ones hold a lot, so I think I am going to have to delegate my lotions back to the hallway closet.  One thing that always irritated me was not being able to have my stuff all in one place, because half of the time it ends up sitting unused in a box somewhere because I can't figure out where to put it.  Um, yeah, that might be why this is filled with makeup I have yet to unpack:

I am not kidding, that suitcase is filled with makeup, I dont know exactly what because I haven't opened it in weeks.  I'm about to wheel it out to the curb lol. 

Wait until you see what I've got my Inglot shadows in right now, you will seriously flip. 

One thing I do like and I am wanting to keep is these little dividers for my lipsticks, I love how they just fit right in. 

I am going to do another post in a few days because I ordered this really fabulous- at least I hope it turns out to be fabulous- desk thing for my makeup area, and I am so excited about it and I will definitely post when I get all done!  I actually ordered tons of stuff, because I had no clue you could order furniture online, so I even got a new bed frame and a table too!!  In fact, I think my whole house is about to get a makeover!

Nice, no??  Come on, who are we kidding here!! Purchasing that adorable little set would be a serious act of denial on my part!!

This is what I really ordered:

My soon to be new makeup area!!

DO YOU THINK IT WILL ALL FIT??

Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation Primer Review

I do not like to wear foundations.  It's not a matter of finding one that is right for me, I just don't feel like I need or want one on most occassions.  There are a few I really like when I 'have to' wear foundation.  But I only have a couple of dots on my face and that's blood vessles from pregnancy so a teeny dab of concealer and I'm good to go. 

However, since I am prone to shine in my t-zone areas, I do like to use a dusting of powder most of the time.  I almost always use loose powder, and even though I have used it without a primer before, I would have to reapply and I really didn't feel like the powder was sticking to my face enough. 
Thankfully, I found this:

This is absolutely, hands down, my favourite primer for powder applications.  It is so silky smooth, so lightweight, and it really performs well.  It does prime my face for the powder so it goes on evenly and stays on all day.  My face does not feel dry or oily when using it, I can hardly feel it at all. 

I have used it with other loose powders as well, not just Laura Mercier.  I have used it mostly with Diorskin Nude because that is my all time favourite powder, and it just looks fabulous.  My skin really looks evened out, flawless, and radiant.  I've also used it with NARS, MUFE and Bare Minerals (can you tell I like powders?) and it works perfectly with those as well.  

In most cases, I will advocate a less expensive alternative as long as it performs similarly.  I see no reason to do that in this instance.  I never even looked for an alternative, and it is affordable at $30, and most face primers are between $25 and $40 I would say.  For me, this product is totally worth it because I need it more than a liquid foundation primer and I really love the results I get from using it. 

Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches: Blues

I know everyone is probably tired of Inglot swatches by now lol!  I am dealing with some heavy personal issues currently so haven't got anything new to post unfortunately. 

Inglot Swatches

I love all of these!  70 AMC was really hard for me to capture with my camera, it is a tad more turquoise than the photo implies.  388 leans purple, I think I put it in with my purples but I havent finalized my palettes yet- that's a work in progress for sure.   

Weekend Trip to Target!!

Well, my love affair with Target continues.... this weekend I discovered the accesory section!  I never even knew it existed.  Seems like I was missing out!

I was amazed at the selection of earrings and other things, I mean the displays were just huge!

I admit, I have never purchased an $8 pair of earrings, but these were so neat, I picked up a couple of packs.  For $8 how could you not, right?  The ones I got included two pairs on each card, but one of them already broke, and one of them fell out of my ear, but hopefully I will have a chance to wear the remaining ones!

Now.... for the coolest part ever, in my opinion....

Presenting...

COOL DUDE!!!

Natural Look and New Gifts!

I am forced to do a natural look because I had a really bad reaction to eyeliner the past few days, so I am really hesitant to put anything on my eyes, but I cant go to dinner with a completely naked face! 

My friend from the Dominican Republic sent me some very beautiful gifts, which I love!  It means a lot to me that she thought of me, and she was the person who encouraged me to start my blog in the first place, so I should send her some gifts!! 

The first thing is a very pretty box- I love butterflies, and I love crafty things!

She also gave me two cd's, they are of Juan Luis Guerra, but I have not listed to them yet!

She also sent some really pretty jewelry, which I also love!  They are quite unique- the blue earrings and necklace are called Larimar, and they can only be found in her country- ohhh, they are so beautiful!  I love how they have a natural shape!  The yellow ring is called Ambar, it is so cool!

And here is me, with my new presents!

Thank you, Angeline!  I really appreciate your thoughfulness, and I love having you as my friend!

xoxo

Amalia 

Update: Candy Yum Yum and Broken Camera

Soo..... I got this MAC package today which for some reason, I forgot I even ordered.  I LOVE Candy Yum Yum!!!  It is so neon pink! 

Unfortunately, my camera is fried.  If we were back in the days of film, I would have tossed at least a dozen rolls trying to capture the awesomeness that is this lipstick. 

My husband just got me this camera right before our son was born, and he is just now 14 months, so I dont know what exactly the problem is.  I tired it in every lighting scenario, in every setting.  I couldn' t even photograph the swatch. 

That being said, I may have to take a little hiatus until I can figure out the problem or buy a new camera. 

I also wanted to share that I got some Quite Cute pins, even though the web said a $75 purchase was required, which I did not buy that much, but I got them anyway!  Really cool!  MAC also reimbursed my shipping fee because I ordered at 9 a.m. but I didn't get my code until 1 p.m., and Candy Yum Yum was already sold out by then, no lie. 

Anyway, here are my crappy photos... sorry!!

Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches: Highlights

For some reason I did not order that many highlighting shades on my first Inglot order, and I am still going through my last one, so these are all I have for now. 

From L to R:  08 Shine, 412 Pearl, 399 Pearl

(With Flash)

I was very disappointed in 08 Shine.  It applied all patchy and was just too sparkley, it was a real mess on my eye.  I've used it 4-5 times and it still did not give me the results I wanted.  I think I will try it wet, maybe that will solve the issues but using it dry it just did not work out for me. 

I really liked 412, it has just the right amount of pigmentation and finish for a highlighter. 

I know I have a MAC shade like 399, I just can't think of the name.  A little too dark for an actual highlight but I liked it above the crease. 

Although these are very similar, I still really like them both for highlighting. 

Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches: Pearls

These are just the most fantastic pearly shadows... EVER!!!  I love them all!

Inglot shadows are my favourite eyeshadows now, and in fact, I am slowly trying to rid myself of any other.  They are just so pigmented, smooth, and bleding is absolutely effortless.  The pearls have to be my second favourite, behind the mattes.  No, I think it's a tie.  Don't make me choose, damn it!  Lol.

444 is a beautiful taupe, it may lean a tad grey depending on your base, but on me it leaned more towards brown.  414 is just beyond gorgeous, and honestly, I never liked myself in dark green before I used this one!! 441 is perfect as a light purple- it's bright, light, smooth, pearly... awesome!

I have been wearing 414 every other day it seems like. 

The other day I paired this with Revlon Soft Nude lipstick and Sleek Pan Tao blush.  

Jennifer Lopez for L'Oreal 2011

I love L'Oreal adverts!  They choose phenomenally beautiful women- Eva Longoria, Gwen Stefani, Beyonce, and now J. Lo.  I admit, I had absolutely no clue what the television ad was for, but I watched it, eyes wide open. 

Just in case you haven't seen it, she is posing in this leather cat suit with thigh high boots, as seductively as I guess network televison in America will allow.  Now, this is what the ad is for:

EverSleek Haircare

Now, my brain tells me- why would I buy this?  Obviously it will not make my hair look like anything even remotely close to hers, and I don't even need shampoo!!  But, I will surely buy it, if just to try it, and I am certain millions of other women will too. 

More Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches

Today we have...

L to R:  362 Matte, 361 Matte, 10 AMC, 35 AMC

 

(FLASH)

Beautiful, as always!  I love 35 AMC sooo much as a highlighter... Buh-bye MAC Vanilla Piggie!! 

NARS Makeup Brushes Review: Eye Brushes

NARS currently carries 10 eye brushes.  I have 8 of these.  The two I did not purchase are the liquid eyeliner and the nylon push eyeliner.  I tend to use pencil liners more often, and it has been my experience that there are very good inexpensive eyeliner brushes available.  The # 16 wide contour brush I will review at a later time because I seem to have misplaced it. 

I have found them all to be of superb quality, shed-free, and very durable. 

They all have the same type of handle, which I could not capture well individually. They all have a silver ferrule and are natural fiber bristles. 

Brush # 5   Brow Shader Brush

This brush is perfect!!  It is the right size, shape, and texture.  It is firm and stiff, and picks up brow powder without spreading too much.  It is definitely my favourite brow brush, and actually the only one I have now. 

Brush # 12  Small Domed Eye

This is an excellent crease brush. 

Brush # 13  Large Domed Eye

I use this brush for blending.  However, the MAC 217 is my favourite blender.  This one is not as dense or flat as the 217.

Brush # 15  Smudge

This is an excellent brush, but I found a Sonia Kashuk dupe- it feels and performs identically.  I use it for eyeliner and for black eyeshadow on my upper lash line. 

Brush # 4  Angled Eye Shader

For definition or crease.  It is a little wide for me, and honestly, I don't use this brush- forgot I even had it. 

Brush # 14  Eye Contour

This is a small contour brush, I've used it to pack colour in the crease and I tried to use it for the cut crease application.  It wasn't the brush's fault I failed at that attempt. 

I found it is similar in shape to the Smashbox #30 brush (Top), but the NARS one is more durable and the bristles retain their shape better.

Brush # 3  Eye Shader

When I got this brush, I did not think I would use it at all.  But, I have used it for a quick one or two shadow look.  It is super soft and feels luxurious.  It is also ridiculously expensive.  When the NARS representative told me it was pony hair I was a little shocked.  They take the underbelly hair from the pony. 

It is similar in shape and density to this Sonia Kashuk one I have with a bamboo handle, which is also quite soft.  The NARS one is bigger and a little fuller.

I've had the NARS brushes for a while, and I like them a lot.  They are excellent quality and very durable.  I like that none of them have white bristles!  But for practical purposes, I think many of them, you can find in other brands as well.  

Inglot Eyeshadow Swatches: Purples

Just a quick post here with more Inglot swatches!  I am doing them as fast as I can- I have more on the way. 

These are purples (and one blue!), all very beautiful!

From L to R:  494 DS, 14 AMC, 379 Matte, 429 Pearl

(Flash)

I really love these eyeshadows a lot!  I don't think I have used any other brand of eyeshadow as my lid colour since I got these.  More swatches to come!