NYX matte lipstick

So I've been swamped getting back into the swing of school lately and haven't had a chance to post BUT I have about 20 minutes until class so I figured I'd get back into things!

I've discussed it before and I'll discuss it again, I'm obsessed with matted lips.

The issue is, most drug store brands (aka affordable makeup) don't make matted lip products. I always struggled finding affordable and attractive matted lipsticks...until this summer. While shopping at harmons I discovered the brand NYX. I believe I've posted about them before, they are an affordable drug store brand that is comparable to mac. They make amazing matted lipstick

This is one of the three colors I have. It is called shocking pink and it is very shocking...almost nicki Minaj-esc. Its bold and bright and feminine and I love it. The matte finish makes it wearable and not look like you just left the circus.

If you are looking for matte lipstick i HIGHLY recomend trying an NYX product prior to shelling out $14-$30 on a more expensive brand. You wont be sorry!

Classic with a twist

So I'm a big fan of old-fashion makeup. Think Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe... I love thick winged liner, bold lips, pale skin and dark hair.

But obviously its 2012 so there needs to be some changes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to spice up an old (but amazing) look!

- Matte lipstick instead of one with a lustrous finish
-Lip stain instead of a lipstick. Long lasting color without looking super heavy
-Different colored lips, instead of the classic red you could use orange, pink, purple, etc.
- Colored Liner

so heres a picture of vamped up classic look. Enjoy!

Fresh Faced Vs. Made up

So it is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love makeup. I'm the type of girl who does not leave the house without at least a 5 minute makeup routine in place.

I feel like once you get into the routine of wearing it, its almost impossible to be comfortable sans makeup. 

A lot of people think this is wrong, I have a ton of friends who rarely wear makeup and think I'm crazy for always putting the stuff on. People think its an issue regarding insecurity, when in reality, its just a comfort...like a night light.

When I am wearing makeup I feel as though I look my best. This makes me stand a little taller, smile a little more, and be the more outgoing and confident person then I would otherwise be. It makes me feel my best and gives me the courage to do anything.

Nightlights don't keep the monsters away, they are just a little glow that adds comfort and security...same deal with makeup.

I'll admit I sometimes go a little crazy with it, wearing vibrant pink lipstick and Amy Winehouse inspired eyeliner, but if thats what makes me feel best then I'm doing it! So heres a before and after...one side made up and the other fresh faced. Enjoy!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

What a mouthful! Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stains are a recent find of mine, and they are pretty amazing. I only have two so far but I plan on buying a bunch more! The two I have are Darling and Rendezvous

 I am reallly considering buying crush because that is sooo my style! Basically these are crayon like stains that are somewhat glossy unlike most lip stains. Let me rephrase that...they have more of a lipbalm consistency. So it feels like I'm wearing chapstick but looks like I'm wearing lipstick, amazing right? They have a slight menthol smell which I think is nice...but the best part is how long they last! I've been wearing Rendezvous for 5 hours now and my lip still have a pretty orangey tint! Darling doesn't seem to be as pigmented, or last as long, but its still nice! Heres a picture I took of myself, wearing Rendezvous about 10 minutes ago...

Not bad right? I mean it looks a little more orange in person but since the color of the minute is "tangerine tango" I can't say that I mind. I think it looks nice with my skin tone and is so easy to wear. I got these for about $9 at my local CVS but I've also seen them at walgreens and other drug stores. GO BUY THEM NOW! You wont regret it!

OCC Lip Tar

So recently I have discovered this product by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I'ts called Lip Tar and I've heard wonderful things. basically, it seems to be a lip product that goes on almost like a gloss, but has a matte finish and long lasting wear. They say a little goes a long way, so even though the tube isn't huge it lasts for a while.

They cost about $15 and have a huge variety of colors. I am DYING to try some. When I was younger, I was a huge fan of lip glosses. I'd pick them based on the smell or flavor. As I've gotten older, I've come more and more to despise lip gloss. I am way more into color with a matte finish. I hate the way glosses live your lips sticky and tacky, lets be real thats not going to benefit anyone in any way.

Thats why these Lip Tars appeal to me. Even the word tar just sounds so... dramatically effective. I love vibrant colored lips and these come in pretty much every color from white all the way to black.

Please let me know if you've tried these! Give me your feedback on whether they are worth the $15 or not! Tell me the best colors, places to purchase, whatever!

L'oreal Magic Skin Beautifier

So this is my new obsession. After receiving a sample of the Stila beauty balm in my July Birchbox, I knew I needed to try some more brands! I thought the Stila one worked well, but I couldn't justify spending $38 on a bottle when there are SO many other (cheaper) brands.

I found this little gem in a Harmons. The women working there overheard a friend and I trying to discuss which brand we should get since we were overwhelmed with options, and she recommended this one! I am so glad she did because it is BALM!

This BB cream is much different from the others I've tried (stila, garnier, and dr. Jarts). This BB cream goes on WHITE. Not only is it white...it has these weird black speckles in it. I was grossed out at first, I thought the product I picked up was either expired or needed a good shake. But then I realized the black dots were part of the charm. After rubbing in the product, the specks blend into the white cream and form to your skin tone (or a close match). It was weird...but amazing. 

Beauty Balms are great because they are SO good for your skin. While this one does not contain SPF, it does work to minimize redness and the appearance of pores. It also hydrates and corrects without clogging pores. I've never had the best skin, I tend to break out especially one particular week out of each month. So I would cover these imperfections with a ton of concealer and foundation and powder...which lead to more clogged pores and more breakouts. Since purchasing this product, I have not used foundation or concealer. I have just applied this and sealed it with powder. for me this combination covers just as well as my heavy makeup did, without being as harmful. I've noticed my skin seems a bit healthier and its  a much easier routine!! 

Overall, I really enjoy this BB cream. I wish it was a little less watery because it just feels unnatural rubbing something so liquidy onto my face. I also feel like had it been more of a cream, it would be easier to rub in and would work slightly better. Overall though, it covers nicely, it feels like my skins a bit healthier, and my skin looks way nicer. I've purchased L'oreals youth code BB cream for when this finishes because I'm really interested to see the difference, so I'll be sure to post a review on that once I try it!! 

BIRCHBOX

So this summer I discovered a God-send....BIRCHBOX

Basically, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that surprises us each month with samples of the latest and greatest beauty and lifestyle products. It costs $10 a month (I justify this as one lunch out with friends...) and so far I feel it has been totally worth it.

When it comes down to it...its not ACTUALLY $10 a month. You get 10 birchbox points for each item you review in the box. These points are converted to dollars to spend in the birchbox store eventually. So for every 100 points you get, you recieve a $10 credit in the birchbox store. I've only received two boxes and I already have 120 points! I'm saving up to get something really expensive and great, and only have to spend a little out of pocket for it. So when it comes down to it I've spent $20 on my two birchboxes, and recieved about $12 in birchbox store credits. So $4 a box is what is actually being lost...and honestly I've gotten more than my moneys worth.

So for my first month I got :
- a pair of birchbox headphones (pink and blue, so cute!)
-a Lara Uber bar (a nut bar in bananas foster...it was amazing)
-a decent sized sample of the balms staniac lip stain in beauty queen
- a Juliette has a gun perfume vial
- a mini color club nailpolish in blue ming
- a little tube of Stila beauty balm (which lead me to an obsession with BB creams...woops)

amazing box, amazing value, and I loved every product. Considering purchasing a full sized staniac!

For my second month I received:
- a shick hydro silk razor (cant wait to use this at school!)
- a 2oz sample of Miss Jessies quick curls ($8 value, and its amazing)
-a FULL SIZED pixi shadow crayon ($18 value...lord help me)
-Juicy La Fleur perfume vial (with spray top!)
-Beauty fixation makeup correctors (underwhelmed with these..but they could come in handy)

This box had a ton of amazing stuff, a full sized pixi product (!!), and was well worth the $10

So basically you should really sign up using this link ----> GET BIRCHBOX NOWWWW

I get 50 points for each person who uses that link to sign up ($5 credit) so I'll love you forever and trust me its worth it!!

Introduction

Hello and welcome!

My name is Sam, and I am a 20 year old college student from Westchester New York. I am currently studying counseling and human services, but along with that passion I absolutely LOVE all things cosmetic. I spend entirely too much money on hair, nail, skin, and makeup products but wouldn't have it any other way!

I plan on using this blog as a sort of review-mechanism...as well as to document some of my great finds and great deals!

So thanks for checking it out!