MAC Impassioned Lipstick

I have often seen this shade at the counters and passed it up for something more "wearable." I gave in and bought it and I'm so glad I did! It's a perfect bright red-pinkish color that makes me nostalgic for Spring and Summer.

Good finds!

Wanted to share two of my favorite drug store products with you all. I never expect too much from drug store bought makeup, but recently I have noticed that a few brands are really stepping up their game. Whether it be packaging, or assigning a name rather than a number (that never made sense to me!) or the general quality of their product, I feel as though I am getting a bang for my buck. Here's an example: 

This Revlon Luxurious Color eyeshadow comes in a satin finish. The single shadow named, "Shimmering Sienna" is literally stunning! I found it to be very pigmented and blend-able. By the way, I bought this months ago and have used it quite often and have tons left (0.08 oz.) 

This next shadow is by Milani, and I have to say that their packaging is quite pretty. Don't mind the mess, this tends to happen with this particular one but not with any of my other Milani e/s.

This color is Runway Eyes #4 Coffee Shop. It's brown with purple and a touch of gold shimmer but it is very fine and just gorgeous! I use this in the crease and outer v. 

I swatched these next to Mulch, which is one of my favorite MAC shadows.

I think I'll be picking up more of Milani's e/s as I can't get over how pretty their eye shadows are.

Favorite winter lip products

 I normally have dry lips, but the cold weather really takes a toll on them. My current routine for lip care includes, brushing away dead skin with my tooth brush, after I've done in the shower which really does the job, or using a lip scrub- usually one from LUSH. I apply tons of lip balm during the day if I am not wearing lipstick. I really do hate wearing any lip balm under lipstick because it gives the color a lustre finish, which I don't much like. Prior to putting on any lipstick, I apply a lip plumper lip gloss and wipe it off after a few minutes and then apply lip color.

At night, I apply either or these two as I have found they really keep my lips moisturized through the night.

Not too sure why my pics are coming up sideways. Anyhow, Smith's lip balm in Minted Rose is amazing. When I have this on, I am constantly rubbing my lips together to feel the smooth texture. It can feel a bit oily but generally, its quite lovely.

Korres, Plum Lip Butter is a deep plum tinted balm that you can wear out but it wears away easily if you are eating or drinking, and leaves nasty marks on everything that touches your lips. I choose to wear it at night despite the consequence of leaving prints on my pillow because my lips feel amazing in the morning. It might look strange going to bed with a full colored pout but to me, it's worth it.

Another worthy mention, any Burts Bee lip products!

A Surprise from my sweetie.

The boyfriend and I left Brooklyn early in lieu of errands, but lunchtime found us taking a lengthy stroll around the Upper East Side on Tuesday.  It was very cold out so the stroll was more like a brisk walk. I suppose that the forty or so city blocks we walked was a good jump start to the dreaded New Year's resolution of getting slim and trim. We popped into Barney's as he is an absolute fragrance fiend. He purchased Byredo's Oud Immortel and Serge Luten's Ambre Sultan. I know absolutely nothing about fragrances, except which I find pleasing ans which I could live without, and these two I NEED in my life. They smell amazing!


Anyhow, after we left, we sought some warmth and coffee and happened upon a diner. Somewhere between the eggs and the check, he took out a box and said, "I hope you like it." This was ninja like, because I had not left him in the store except the tiniest second when I turned around to eye the NARS counter. He bought me, Frederic Malle's, Portrait of a Lady. 

I have never bought a perfume that cost more than $95 and was completely blown away by the the thought and the beautiful scent. I highly recommend it! It was inspired by the Henry James novel of the same name. It's woody and spicy and a whole list of things I can't adequately describe.