New OPI & Benefit's Legally Bronze

I went to the nail salon to get a manicure again today! I was hoping to have time for a massage at the spa while I was here visiting my mom, but there is never enough time when I visit to get in everything we want to do. And, well, it was time to change my Jade is the New Black. Unfortunately, I am not talented/coordinated like all you ladies, and I cannot for the life of me paint my nails by myself. Am I the only one? I am left handed so the nails on my left hand always come out seriously awful! so off to the salon I went.

I was in a lilac sort of mood and I was hoping to try Essie's Lilacism after seeing it at J. Crew, but the salon didn't have it. Instead I chose a polish from OPI's Shrek Collection, and the name makes me cringe... I love OPI's polish names, you know? Like, I'm Not Really a Waitress, Not So Bora-Boraing Pink, Pistol Packin' Pink, Aphrodite's Nightie... creative. So imagine my disappointment when I saw that the name of the pretty lilac color I was looking at was Rumple's Wiggin. LOL! I'm not really too familar with Shrek... is Rumple a character? And more importantly, what's a Wiggin?!

I've since read on a few blogs that this polish, Rumple's Wiggin, is nearly identical to Essie's Lilacism. A blog I read said she cannot tell the difference in color even when they are on her hand, except OPI's formula is better and not streaky like Essie's version.

I love it! It makes me happy.

Next up - I've never tried any of Benefit's products, but the packaging is so adorable, I've always wanted to try them for that reason alone! I'm a sucker for package design!

I saw Benefit's Legally Bronze kit at Sephora, and luckily I snagged it before it was completely sold out everywhere. Its a kit with full size bottles of Benefit's Hoola Bronzer, High Beam, Bad Gal Lash Mascara, and Gilded highlighter pencil, and it was sold for just $35. The Hoola Bronzer is $28 BY ITSELF so this was an amazing deal I couldn't pass up! Its a $104 value for just $35, and, I've been wanting to try High Beam for a really long time!

This kit is supposed to be everything you need for that perfect bronzed look. I'm really excited to try it out! Hopefully I can do some daily makeup posts, the only reason I haven't yet is because I seriously can't take the pictures by myself. They come out all out of focus and you can't see anything! Anyway, I'm going to need the hubby's help for that. I can hear the groaning now! LOL.

I leave NY tomorrow to meet my hubby in D.C.! I can't wait to see him. Its only been two weeks, and as a military wife I know 2 weeks is a drop in the bucket... but I still miss him!

XOXO

Gossip girl

Just kidding. I couldn't resist.

Steph

Hello, Spring!

Yesterday was officially the first day of Spring! Monterey weather was actually nice last week and for once, it felt like Spring, too. Yesterday, I decided to celebrate the first day of Spring with a nice pedicure to get ready for sandal weather!

BTW, later in this post I talk about my favorite foundation and newfound mascara-love. Scroll down if you want to see those topics!

I tried a polish from OPI's Fall 2009 Spain Collection. The color I chose is "Conquistadorable Color." In the bottle it looks like a pretty, dark fuschia color. On me, the red tones really come out, though its still a really pretty color and is perfect to take me into Spring with pretty feet :). You can purchase it here, on this site, they describe it as a "take no prisoners, vibrant red" (I thought it was pink! what can I say!?)



I also recently made a big haul from Sephora as part of my preparation for moving to China. I use Make Up Forever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation.

I love this foundation - it provides flawless coverage and over all just works great with my skin. It doesn't leave me oily or dry, its a perfect balance.

For a more affordable option, many people recommend Revlon's Color Stay as the best drugstore foundation. Many of you guys already use this or have heard about it.

It is said to be very comparable to MUF HD foundation. I'd try it myself except I learned that if something isn't broken, don't try to fix it! After The Great Hair Fiasco of 2009, I am sticking with what I already know works for me.

One of the things I was most excited about from my Sephora haul was actually the free stuff I received with it! Because it was my birthday month, I not only received my little birthday gift, but I also had 500 beauty points saved up and I decided to use them on the current perk - the Tarte Insider Collection 7 Piece Sampler.

I was mostly excited for this perk because it includes 3 different types of mascara. I have been on the hunt for mascara that works for me for a really long time. I've tried from drugstore brands to higher end designers, and many times I end up dissatisfied. Including disappointment with DiorShow, and YSL Faux Cils.

Since then, I'd been trying a bunch of different drugstore mascaras - my favorite, Max Factor mascara, though it will be discontinued in the U.S. pretty soon. I also tried L'Oreal Collagen Mascara which I know many people rave about - it was an absolute mess on me - the messiest, clumpiest mascara I've ever dealt with!

So, I was excited when I received the 7 Piece Tarte Sampler. And, it just so happens I found a mascara that I love... that just works for me. It has passed all the tests - it goes on nice, lengthens and separates my lashes, gives them volume, and doesn't clump, smudge, or flake off throughout the day. It also doesn't irritate my very sensitive eyes.

Its Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara, and it is also a NATURAL mascara.

On the Tarte site, it describes this mascara as:
This is what we call a push-up bra for your lashes™ a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing and conditioning) dermatologist tested mascara that gives dramatic, thick, sexy lashes and is clinically proven to increase lash volume by 424%.

Here is also a before & after picture from the Tarte website - and you know what, I think its real! I would say this is what I experienced, too.

You can also find it at QVC at a pretty decent price as far as "designer" mascara goes - 2 for 25 dollars.

Stay tuned - I love this mascara so much, I want you guys to try it out, too! I am planning to do a giveaway with a full-size tube of this mascara as the prize! But, you have to be a follower, so make sure you sign up and officially follow. :o)

I also have some new MAC purchases to share later this week!

Well that is going to be it for tonight - I have my final Chinese listening test tomorrow, and the final reading on Tuesday! I need to go study!

In the meantime - what nail polish colors are you loving for spring & summer, and what is your newest makeup product that you love for spring?

Steph