2017 Makeup No Buy Update: March Temptations

March was a so-so month in terms of my willpower. I slipped a few times when sale prices were too good to pass up. Overall, I did fairly well. I know April will be a challenge with a few more major sales and Easter bonuses set to kick off but I'm taking it one day at a time.



Jouer Long-Wear Lip Topper in Skinny Dip, $16

I've seen this cult-favorite product for ages on Pinterest and finally decided to try it out when I saw it on Forever 21's website. It's an interesting formula and satisfied my curiosity.


Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Highlighter in Heat Wave, $45

When this product originally launched a few years back, it was all the rage. I remember purchasing it and actually returning it (something I rarely, if ever, do with cosmetics). But the packaging this time around was too much to resist. I also snagged it during bonus time.


Guerlain Summer 2017 Terracotta Sun Trio Bronzer (Limited Edition), $56

I've been wanting to add a Guerlain bronzer to my collection for eons. I saw this new one advertised on Chic Profile. It looks like a wonderful blend for lighter complexions.


Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Honey Bare, $28

I am a huge fan of the original art stick and was curious to try this formula. The color wasn't exactly what I had hoped but I am interested in playing around with the full range of colors in person later this month.


Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, $24

I think I might order one of these for the upcoming Sephora VIB sale. It looks like an impressive sparkle formula that is perfect for adding a touch of pizzazz to an evening eye look.


Too Faced Highlighter in You Light Up My Life, $30

If it's a heart-shaped product and from Too Faced, I can't help myself. I adore the blushes that are in similar packaging and knew as soon as this product was released that one would make its way into my highlighter drawer. It's not the best formula in the world but that Polly Pocket style packaging makes me happy.




Items I 'shopped from my own stash' this month:

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $23

I've gone through more tubes of this than I can count. I'd rather not spend money on higher-end mascaras because of its limited shelf-life, but this mascara is worth every penny.


Viseart Eyeshadow Palette in 01 Neutral Matte, $80

If I could only keep one eyeshadow palette, this would be it. Throw in a few ColourPop singles to add shine to the lids and I would be satisfied. It's pricey so I try to get as much use out of it as I can. The superior quality is definitely noticeable.


theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, $24

I've been a major fan of highlighters since I started to wear makeup in the late 90s...long before it became the trend it is today. While I have grown to prefer a subtle highlight, this cult favorite packs a pretty good punch. I always receive compliments when I wear it. A flattering shade for those with fair-light complexions.


Maybelline Expert Wear Eyebrow Pencils (Medium Brown), $4

Despite having an array of high-end brow products, this drug store cheap thrill has been a staple in my collection for decades. It performs just as well as my luxury products. The Medium Brown shade is ideal for red or auburn hair. Only a few dollars and easy to find. You can't beat this classic.


Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation, $47

I hate the feeling of heavy makeup. I love cushions because they have the weight of tinted moisturizer but the coverage of a light foundation. This has been the best color match (010) and formula I have tried. I have gone through a couple compacts which speaks volumes. As much as I love makeup, I don't wear it every day. You simply do not get a lot of product from this...at all. And what little liquid you do get is heavily absorbed by the sponges. When you factor in the price per ounce, that makes this one of the most expensive foundations on the market. What a sin! If you're able to find this on sale, stock up (I got mine last summer for 50% off).


Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder (in Nude), $52

I've been wanting to try this in the Porcelain shade as a finishing powder but I have enough that I really love from brands like Hourglass, YSL and Guerlain. Instead, I have been enjoying the Nude shade to add warmth after foundation. I consider it a magical combination of ultra light bronzer, highlighter, contour, and finishing powder all in one radiant finish.














Now Playing: "Can't Sleep" by Above & Beyond

Sun in Pisces, February 19 - March 20

I've always been a fan of female Pisces. Three of my best friends in the world were born in the early part of this sign. As I've mentioned before, despite having strong Aquarian (Air) placement in my chart, I'm Water dominant. Perhaps this is the reason that I've always gotten along swimmingly with the Fish people (pun intended). But it's not just me, Pisces have a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most well-liked signs in the Zodiac. Many of the Pisces in my life are among the funniest and most outgoing people I know.

Those with Sun in Pisces or strong Piscean placement in their chart may possess the following characteristics:

• Intuitive
• Friendly
• Familiar
• Outgoing
• Fluid
• Hot and Cold
• Social
• Entertaining
• Materialistic
• Vain
• Emotional
• Moody
• Popular
• Extremely Deep/Shallow
• Religious
• Spiritual
• Psychic
• Sympathetic
• Affectionate
• Peaceful
• Sacrificial
• Hilarious
• Energetic
• Bipolar
• Lucky
• Extravagant
• Dramatic
• Caring
• Loving
• Nature
• Wise
• Understanding
• Altruistic
• Cameleon
• Idealistic
• Dreamer
• Naive
• Fun
• Impressionable
• Sappy
• Intense
• Impractical
• Fearful
• Adaptable
• Quick
• Musical
• Indecisive
• Artistic
• Encouraging
• Changing
• Creative
• Warm
• Inviting
• Sensitive
• Compassionate
• Non-confrontational
• Self-destructive
• Wealthy
• Hopeless Romantic
• Memorable
• Attractive
• Talented
• Easygoing
• Empathic
• Sophisticated
• Sharp
• Genuine
• Sincere
• Nurturing

Famous Sun in Pisces':

• Chelsea Handler
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Sharon Stone
• Olivia Palermo
• Steve Jobs
• Albert Einstein
• Osama bin Laden
• Edgar Cayce
• Rihanna
• Cindy Crawford
• Eva Longoria
• Kurt Cobain
• George Harrison
• Justin Bieber
• John Wayne Gacy
• Mitt Romney
• Geogre Washington
• Kesha
• Javier Bardem
• Bruce Willis
• Tony Robbins
• Jessica Biel
• Eva Mendes
• Jennifer Love Hewitt
• Drew Barrymore
• Adam Levine
• Chris Martin
• Jon Bon Jovi
• Billy Corgan
• Frederic Chopin
• Antonio Vivaldi
• Pete Doherty
• Daniel Craig
• Bobby Fischer
• Victor Hugo
• Johnny Cash
• Chuck Norris
• Benicio Del Toro
• James Blunt
• Liza Minnelli
• Carrie Underwood
• Olivia Wilde
• Ellen Page
• Dakota Fanning
• Lou Reed
• Karen Carpenter
• Emily Blunt
• Vanessa Williams
• Queen Latifah
• Erykah Badu
• Ivana Trump
• Josh Groban
• Chelsea Clinton
• Taylor Hanson
• Chas Bono
• Desi Arnaz
• Jerry Lewis
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Charles Barkley
• Rupert Murdoch
• Glenn Close
• Tea Leoni
• Jack Kerouac
• Joanne Woodward
• Brittany & Cynthia Daniel
• Ali Larter
• Kyle MacLachlan
• Kristin Davis
• Pattie Boyd
• Holly Hunter
• Brittany Snow
• Patrick Duffy
• Lauren Graham
• Shannon Tweed
• Alexander McQueen
• Nina Simone
• Timbaland
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Sidney Poitier
• Freddie Prinze Jr.
• Emile Hirsch
• Jamie Bell
• Jon Hamm
• John Steinbeck
• Johnny Knoxville
• Aaron Eckhart
• Rob Lowe
• Robin Thicke
• Kat Von D
• Spike Lee
• Ted Kennedy
• Jean Harlow
• Billy Zane
• Billy Crystal
• Laura Prepon
• Thora Birch
• Ashley Greene
• Bryan Cranston

Now Playing: "Shark In The Water" by VV Brown
*A Pisces type of song for sure!

Pinterest Monthly: March 2013

Love this idea of repurposing a perfume bottle as a vase for lightweight florals (although I'm quite positive there's no such thing as Chanel No. 3 and that's an actual vase made to look like a perfume bottle). I wish I could afford to always have fresh cut flowers but a nice batch of faux ones does the trick.

I read this in an article from the March issue of ELLE UK. I totally agree with the philosophy of positive thinking and affirmations.

Can't wait to read this one. The title alone is worth having on your bookshelf but the previews I read of the material are hilarious.

Since last summer, I've been really into this style of maxi dress. Tons of compliments. It's flattering, keeps you cool, fun to wear. Dress it up or down. Interesting.

Rachel Zoe's son, Skyler. He's adorable.

Well, of course.

This handsome fella. Whoever you are.

The Torch Hotel. Doha, Qatar. 

Mad Men Season 6 Promo Shots. My favorite show since day 1.

Aerin Lauder's wallpaper. I'm typically a white walls type of gal but I love this.

...


















Now Playing: "Gods & Monsters" by Lana Del Rey

Spring Is In The Air

The weekend of St. Patrick's Day celebrations is the unofficial start of spring for Pittsburghers. It can be snowing, sleeting, rainy (as it is today) or even 80 degrees. It's a good time to have some beer, listen to Irish music and prepare the mind for sunnier days ahead.

Now Playing: "Let Us Move On" by Dido ft. Kendrick Lamar

March Favorites!

Another month has passed and it's time again for favorites! I don't have a ton this month but here are some of the things I have been loving...


My first favorite is MAC's Power Point Eye Pencil in Buried Treasure. This is perfect for hazel or green eyes like mine. It would also complement brown eyes, making them appear more golden. Buried Treasure is a dark, olive green. It's a nice alternative to black as it is nearly the same shade but with a bit of gold sparkle. The slight pop of green provides the perfect amount of color. As with most MAC eye pencils, the formula is rich and very easy to work with. Love!

Next up, is the Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette. For about $16, you get 10 blushes. I don't have a big blush collection, so this was nice to pick up. The colors are very versatile and I love the sleekness of the palette. It's definitely a steal.

Marc Jacobs' Daisy is a perfume that I love to have on my tray. Not only is it pretty to look at but it smells amazing. It's perfect for spring. It's one of the perfumes I get the most compliments on. It must work well with my natural pheromones., haha. Men and women alike say nothing but wonderful things when I have it on.

OPI's Rumple's Wiggin' was one of my favorite nail polishes this month. It is so beautiful- a creme, lavender. I usually get sick of a color after a few days but I don't want to take this one off! It is definitely one of my favorite OPI polishes out of the 30 or so that I have in my growing collection.

CND's Tutu was one of my other favorite nail polishes of the month. It is the perfect, cool, opaque pink- which I have been searching forever to find. I wore it when I was in my friend's wedding. It's perfect for daily wear or formal occasions. The price is a bit higher than I'd like and it's hard to come by (I ordered mine from Amazon.com) but I'm happy to have it in my collection.

Revlon's Superlustrous Lipglosses are some of my favorites. I have about 10 of them- most, I scored at Big Lots for a buck or two. They are better than my MAC and CHANEL glosses. Lilac Pastelle is a beautiful light purple/lilac. I have been really drawn to the lavender family this year. It works well on its own, paired with a neutral pink lipstick or with a purple lipstick like Revlon ColorBurst in Lilac 001. Gorgeous!

My favorite piece of jewelry this month were these Swarovski earrings that my friend Maggie gave to me as a thank you for being in her wedding. They are beautiful and can be worn dressed up or down!

I love Queen Helene's Cocoa Butter Creme. This is the perfect body moisturizer during the winter months- or any time for that matter. If you apply it after showering at night, by the morning, your skin will feel like a baby's. The best part is that it's very easy to find and extremely affordable. Every woman should have this in her medicine cabinet.

My favorite drink this month was an oldie but a goodie- Amaretto Sour. Sure, you need quite a few to feel anything but they are so delicious! I used to drink them all the time during my first couple years in college.

My fav. movie this month was The Fighter. I really loved Melissa Leo's performance in this film. The whole thing was very well acted. Afterall, you have to support anything with a ginger as one of the female leads! And who can resist Marky Mark and Christian Bale? Not this girl.

My favorite song this month was a late arrival in Katy Perry's "E.T.". No, this is not an April fool's joke. I hate to admit it because she drives me crazy. Her song Firework exemplifies everything that's wrong with the music industry today. But I do like her new video and this song. It's mostly because of the beat and the fact that she's singing about aliens- I have a soft spot for the ETs in our Universe. Krista phone home!