Goodbye August

...Hello September! September is my favorite month of the year. It's my birthday month, so maybe I'm a little biased. With the sweltering heat and the high humidity that has made its way to my neck of the woods, I am more than ready to bid farewell to August.
Not without compiling a favorites list, all beauty products:

~ NYC Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink. How appropriate that I picked this little baby up while browsing Duane Reade in New York City. I have used this quite religiously over Summer, and since I haven't done favorites every month, I thought I needed to include it in this one. It is the perfect answer to lazy Summer days when you don't want to look "done" but also when you want a little flush to your cheeks. I am tempted to buy more!

~ Viktor and Rolf La Vie en Rose. I can check this off my beauty wishlist! When Katie and I went shopping this past Saturday, she convinced me (or I convinced myself) to take the plunge and buy my first designer perfume at Sephora. It was painful spending the 80 dollars, but so worth it. Very similar to the original Flowerbomb, but with some fruity notes. I should mention it is a Sephora exclusive.

~ MAC shadows in Shroom and Kid. Shroom is the best highlight color and Kid reminds me of Soft Brown. Both great for defining the eyes in a very natural way.

~ Benefit Powderflage. Some days, I skip concealer and just apply this baby pink silica powder to my under eye area. It brightens without getting cakey, and it stays put all day.

~ MAC pigment in Naked. Naked is my favorite pigment of all time! If I could only recommend one to buy, Naked would be it. It gives a nice sheen without being too shimmery. I use it as an all over wash of color on the eyes or to highlight my brow bone. One sheer swipe and I'm good to go. I love the brightening effect it gives, while still looking natural. Notice a theme this month?

~ Tresemme Dry Shampoo. I can't rave enough! This stuff works like magic at volumizing. I actually use it every day as a finisher once I've blown out and straightened my hair. It of course works well for its purpose ( waterless shampoo) but I just find it to be so good at adding some va-va-voom to my locks. The wonderful scent lasts all day!

~ Favorite lip combo of August: MAC Shy Girl cremesheen l/s and Revlon Super Lustrous l/g in Peach Petal. The best peachy-pink. What more can I say?

~ Fan brush by ELF cosmetics. I bought this on a whim before work one day, and I'm so happy I did. It applies powder to my cheekbones in one quick sweep, and the effect is so natural. Again, Natural is my August theme!


What are your favorites this month? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday ♥

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Link Love And Some Favorites

Happy Monday Readers (insert moan). The weekends just fly by too darn quickly these days! At least I have a long weekend in Lake Havasu, Arizona to look forward to. Good 'ol fourth of July! Anyways, I just wanted to do a quick post about some of the websites that I frequent daily, and I also wanted to mention a few favorites for this month. I'm not doing monthly favorites as often because I tend to stick to the same routines during the Summer and I also don't wear as much makeup either. So let's start with my obsessive compulsive need to visit these sites regularly. I hope you will check them out as well if you don't already. And yes, they are all fashion and beauty related:

Lulus

Shopbop

Forever21

Nordstrom

Temptalia

Express

Chictopia

Allcosmeticswholesale

Shopruche

And of course...youtube

Let me know what websites you frequent every day. I can always add more to my list!

Now on to some favorites. Lately, I have been wearing these products incessently.

Marine Life Highlight Powder...most of the gold overspray is gone now but it's still really beautiful.

All of these polishes I blogged about earlier this month

NYX eyeshadows. One swipe all over the lid and I'm good to go.

Instant Chic Blush by MAC

Oh, and lots of bronzer!

Now that it's really heating up, are you wearing less makeup? Have a great day!

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Things I ♥ in April

Ohhhh, all I want to do is blog, blog, blog but I can't seem to find enough time. No complaining though, cuz April is almost gone! Here are some things that I lusted over (and still am) for the month:

Bronzer! Left to Right: Korres Manoi Oil Bronzer in Sunglow Light, NYX in Daydream of Lanai, NYC in Sunny, and MAC MSF in Global Glow.

Olive green on the eyes. A bonus if you're a brown-eyed gal like myself. Green really brings out the gold flecks. Bare Escentuals eye glimmer in Purrfect and Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Stash

Coral. Coral anything and everything! Makeup, accessories, and clothes please.

My House Of Harlow Necklaces, especially the dainty mini key necklace. I even sleep with this on, I really can't take it off.

Strappy heels and sandals scream Summer. Just please make sure your toes are painted ;)

What are your favorites for April?

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~March Most Loved~

March has been such a great month. The weather is finally warm, I can forgo a sweater, and I'm on Spring Break from school! What better time than now to do my March favorites?

Makeup:
* NARS Albatross highlighter: For some reason, I like wearing highlighter only in the warmer months. I'm not sure why this is, but I do! Albatross is THE BEST highlighter in the world. It gives the most luminous glow to the planes of the face. The light golden sheen casts that lit-from-within-radiance. And NARS products last forever!
* E.L.F. blush and bronzer duo: I went to target a few weeks ago and discovered many of the studio line had finally hit the shelves. I have always wanted to buy this on-line, but I'm glad I waited. For three dollars, you get a peachy-gold blush and a beautiful bronzer with a bit of shimmer. Both are extremely comparable to the NARS orgasm and Laguna duo. This is all I have been wearing on my cheeks as of late.
* Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Nude: I raved about this last week. It's just a beautiful natural nude that looks great with any lipgloss on top.
* Essie Spring nail polishes i.e. Neo-Whimsical, Van D'Go, and Pop Art Pink ( I went back for the last one). So refreshing to look down at candy-colored nails. And the bonus is that chipping isn't as noticeable with lighter polish.
*MUFE HD Powder: Why did I ever hesitate to buy this? I thought that maybe the white powder would make me appear white too, but it really is translucent. My pores look so much smaller with this on, and my face doesn't need to be re-touched throughout the day.

Fashion:
* See everything I bought in my prior post ;) But...
*The blush colored satchel from H&M is my new pet! I like to just stare at it laying on my bedroom floor. That's not normal is it?
* Shorts! Who knew Ms. "I can't wear shorts, I have a big bum" would actually love them this Spring? I just have to make sure to keep the rest of me covered.

And my one sad regret. I would have killed to own this H&M Garden Collection dress! Ok, not at all really. But I had high hopes that I would be able to get my hands on one before they sold out...which they did, in one day! And this dress was only carried by some H&M stores, and of course I didn't realize that until it was too late!

Be still my heart ;( I had visions of myself wearing this on my graduation day. Oh Gawd, it's hard to even look at it without wanting to crawl out of my skin! Oh well, I can't dwell on it. It's just a dress. A really exquisite one, but still just a dress. If anyone happens to miraculously find one in a small size, i'll pay you for it!

What are your March faves? Have you ever wanted something so badly, but weren't able to get your hands on it?

Enough crying! Happy Monday Readers.

♥ Noelle

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Feb. Favorites

February is such a short month! I can't believe it's almost March. Well, thank God, because that means we are that much closer to the official arrival of Spring. I didn't do favorites last month, mainly because they haven't been changing very much, but there are some things that I'd like to mention for the month of February:

Makeup:
~ Urban Decay Alice palette: I love the beautiful colors that this offers. All are rather neutral surprisingly; the bright green and blue in it are exceptions that will make gorgeous liners in the Summertime. My personal favorite shades are Mushroom, Queen, Muchness, Drink Me Eat Me, and White Rabbit. I'm sure those of you that were lucky enough to get your hands on this palette will also agree that it is a favorite for this month...right?!
~ MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation: I just love this stuff. It covers inperfections flawlessly and gives me a nice matte finish, while still looking natural. My skin is still acting up a bit, but you can't tell when I have this on. I am trying to use it sparingly because I don't want to finish it. I just might have to re-purchase, despite the $34 price-tag! My problem is, when I find a product I like, I am very loyal to it.
~ Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara: I needed a good every day mascara that wouldn't be too much, but that would still give my lashes some volume and definition. I decided to give this a go when Laura of Lollipop26 mentioned this in one of her videos. I'm glad I decided to buy it. I used this in high school, and now I know why I loved it so much then.
~ MAC lipsticks in Myself, Nude Rose, and Bare slimshine. Perfect, goof-proof colors for daily wear.
~ MAC eye kohl in Teddy, which is the prettiest brown liner I have ever seen. It has tiny gold flecks in it, but the shimmer isn't noticeable once it's applied. I have honestly been wearing this every day. If anyone is in need of brown liner, I highly suggest taking a look at Teddy.

Fashion:
~ Ruffles on everything!
~ Florals, but I am kind of picky. The print has to be a little understated for me.
~ Jewel Tones: On the hunt for teal, jade green, bright yellow or mustard, and fushia. Remember my picks for the Sag awards? Yes, well anything that resembles those colors and dresses is what I want.
~ Soft t-shirts to wear casually with jeans. I just bought a light gray tee from Charlotte Russe and it fits so nicely. The fabric is unusually soft to the touch. Pair tees with cardigans, flats, and some great excess-ories and you are good to go.
~ Pearls: I think I am in an ultra-girly state of mind at the moment!
~ Cocktail Rings: The gawdier the better. If grandma wore it once upon a time in her hey-day, I like it =)
~ Lace. Ooooo, I just ordered this from Forever 21.com:

Please fit, please fit, please fit! I ordered a medium, figuring if it's a bit too big I can have it cinched in at the waist. I have a really small waist, but a big booty so I have this problem a lot ;)

What are your favorites lately? I really want to know!

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My Favorites of December

I cannot believe that the month is almost over. Tomorrow is New Years Eve, and I am so excited to celebrate! I have a feeling that 2010 will be a good year for me...I am graduating college in May, and my boyfriend is taking me to New York City and Ohio to see his family as a graduation gift. Two huge events to look forward to! Speaking of the boyfriend, it is his 28th birthday today. He would kill me if he knew I mentioned this because he thinks he is getting old. I think he is ridiculous!
Anyway, I wanted to do my last post for 2009, my monthly favorites. There aren't very many this month because I am still using a lot of the same products that I did last month. However, the few that I have chosen to include can be considered holy grail status, and I'm sure I will continue to love them as the winter months drag on ;)

Makeup:
* Mac Tendertone and Korres Lip Butter: With the weather being so dry here, I have been relying on these two products to save my smackers from becoming too chapped. The mac tendertones are discontinued, but I see them every single time I go into a CCO. I hope Mac brings them back again next summer because they moisturize like nobody's business. However, the Korres lip butter I recently showed in my Sephora haul is just as moisturizing, if not better! I have been using it religiously before bedtime, and I can still feel it lingering when I wake up in the morning.
* NYX Eyeshadow in Geisha: This is such a pretty shimmery white. I think in some lighting it also has hints of gold as well. I have been pairing this lately with red lips and black eyeliner, and it really keeps the look clean and focused.
* Stila Long Wear Lipcolor in Paramour: This has quickly become my favorite red. I never imagined I could pull off a blue-based red because my skin has a lot of yellow undertones. But Paramour comes off so wearable, and the blue tones in it make my teeth look insanely white! The staying power is great too. Even as it starts to fade, it leaves behind a crimson stain like you have just eaten a cherry popsicle. What more can I say? I am  a FAN!
* E.L.F. Eyeliner Pen: I purchased this a few months ago when E.L.F. debuted at Target. It was exactly $1! You can't go wrong with that. I neglected trying it for awhile, mainly because any sort of liquid liner scares me a little. This pen is pretty goof-proof though, and it gives a perfectly straight line.

Hair:
* There is only one hair item worthy of praise this month...can you guess what it is?
    My new CHI tool! This iron is my new love. It gets hot in seconds, and my ever-annoying and yet ever-so-present frizziness has really diminished since I started using it.

Fashion:
* I have been obsessed with scarves lately. I guess if there's ever a good time for this sickness, it is now when the weather is cold. I like to throw them on with anything and everything, but they look especially nice tucked into a jacket.
* Beaded Tops: Shiny sequins and beads are gracing every store I roam into. Blame New Years Eve if you must, but I personally love all the glitz and glitter. It is unabashedly girly.

~My honorable mention this month goes to champagne: For all your bubbly goodness...and for getting me safely and securely through the Holidays...Thank You Champagne!~

And here's a toast to all my beautiful readers. Thanks again, and Happy New Year!
♥Noelle

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November Loves

This past month completely flew by! I can't believe it's almost Christmas...where does the time go? Anyway, I want to share my monthly favorites, which happens to be my favorite posting every month.

Makeup Loves:
* MAC Mineralize blush in Superdupernatural: The name describes it perfectly - the most amazingly natural blush I have ever encountered. It isn't too much, or too little. It can be layered very easily if you want a more intense color payoff. I usually just do a couple swipes with my MAC 187 brush. I was never a huge fan of the mineral blushes until the Holiday collection came out last month. I always thought that they were too shimmery, but this one is exceptionally beautiful, and it isn't glittery at all. Just enough to warm up the face. I also went back and got the other mineralize blush from the collection in Conjure Up. I have yet to use it though, because I can't put this one down!
* NYX jumbo pencil in Black Bean: At night when I like to do my usual smokey eye, I layer black bean on top of UDPP. It intensifies my smokey shadows and gives them an extra base to stick to so my eye makeup won't budge all night. Which brings me to...
* MAC e/s in Smoke and Diamonds: I have been using this like crazy on the weekends! I still can't decide what color to classify it as because it can look charcoal in some lighting and taupey brown in other lighting. Whatever color it is, I think it's beautiful! I hate mentioning a product that isn't permanent, but 9 times out of 10, Smoke and Diamonds is on my lids every Friday and Saturday night ;)
* Again another MAC product, Nude Rose l/s: You girls know how obessesed I became trying to track one of these down! It seemed hopeless, until one day I finally got lucky! I am so happy I was able to find it, because I LOVE IT.
* Sonia Kashuk blending sponge: I have been using this to apply my foundation for months now, and I don't know why I haven't mentioned it before. I love the way this gives me that airbrushed look. I know some people have mentioned their sponge falling apart, but for whatever reason, mine is still good as new.

Hair Loves:
* Aussie Sydney Smooth Conditioner: It does what it claims - keeps my frizzy hair from becoming...well, frizzy!
* Back to Basics Leave-In Conditioner with Sunflower: I spray this on before blow drying, and I can tell it has restored a lot of lost moisture back into my hair. It also helps with static, which is good when you live in desert like conditions as I do.

Fashion Loves:
* My black knee high boots from Forever 21: They are so comfortable, as the heel is only three inches and very sturdy. And I love the red bottoms! I know it is a cheap imitation of the infamous Christian Louboutins, but they are so cute!
* Super skinny jeans from American Eagle Outfitters: Ok, so these are super super skinny! I mean, they are practically leggings they are so tight. Only at the ankles though. The bottom is still roomy enough for a girl like me ;) And of course the sole reason for buying them was so that I could fit them into my boots.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and it wasn't too boring this month! Happy Sunday
Oh and what do you think of my new background? Better than before?

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October Faves!

October seriously flew by! I can't believe it's almost November! Well, I just wanted to share with you girls my favorites for this month:

1) Victorias Secret All Over Moisture salve: Now that the weather is getting colder and drier, EVERYTHING is chapped on me! My lips, my skin is dry, my hair is dry, my nails are dry...I can't stand it! I have been using the moisture salve at night before bedtime on my lips, cuticles, and elbows. I wake up in the morning with softer skin, and that makes me happy =)

2) Two Korres Products: The Guava Body Butter and the Evening Primrose Eyecream. I equally love both. The body butter not only smells like the tropics, but it also does wonders for my dry, flakey skin. I actually neglected it when I first got it because it was too moisturizing. But that was way back in the dead of summer, when my skin was more oily. Now that the weather has changed, it's perfect. The eyecream is great as well. I use it sparingly underneath my eyes at night. It helps with my dark circles, and leaves my under eye area super moist. Great products. I am totally in love with Korres.

3) These are recent faves, but I have to include the two cremesheens I bought from MAC's new Holiday collection. So creamy, non-sticky, and ultra moisturizing. I especially love "Ever so rich." I have been wearing it on my lips every single day since I got it, usually on top of "Way to love" l/s.

4) Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray: How did I ever blow out/straighten my hair without this stuff? I use it right before I apply any heat to my hair, and this ensures it will stay soft and manageable. I also love the way it smells! If it were a perfume, I would buy it immediately!

5) Grand Entrance shadow: MAC's starflash formulas are the best! I wish they were always available. MAC should take note of their popularity and make them permanent. Grand Entrance is the prettiest highlight and all-over lid color. 9 times out of 10, I have worn this color on my lids. I also like to put some in the tear ducts, so when the light catches it, my eyes look wide-awake and sparkly.

6)MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator: Again, keeping with my dry skin problem, this stuff makes my face really soft. I don't find it to be grainy or harsh at all. I know some people do, but I haven't had a problem and I have sensitive skin. I use it twice a week, and that's all it takes. Plus, I just love how it's black!

7)The Hills: It is such a guilty pleasure! I am embarassed to even admit to people sometimes that I am addicted to this. I honestly just love the fashion ideas I get from the girls on the show =) The drama is secondary, I promise!

8) My last favorite is fashion-related: I have been wearing cardigans incessently this month! Over dresses, with jeans...I own so many, mainly in neutral colors. I can't get enough of them.

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September Favorites <3

I always love watching monthly favorites on Youtube...so why not blog about my own? I think I will do a posting on these every month from now on! So here they are for this month:

~ Korres shower gel in Lemon Basil. I got a tiny bottle of this when i placed a Korres order. I wish I had the full size! Unfortunately, a regular bottle is $20 dollars. A little steep for body wash! So after my little sample is gone, I will shed a small tear and then get over it ;)

~ MAC eyeshadows in Era and All That Glitters...THE perfect every day eye-combo. They both have peachy undertones that cast a soft glow around the eyes. I wear Era in the crease and All That Glitters all over the lid. Easy and fast for school.

~ Essence of Beauty Smokey Wide brush. How did I ever live without this brush in my collection? It is so soft and I love that it is multi-purpose. I especially like using the larger side of this double ended brush to apply an all-over color to my lids.

~ Sephora by O.P.I. nail polishes. My absolute favorite formula! And the narrow brush makes application so much easier. I currently have three polishes, but I plan on buying more!

~ My CherryCulture purchases which include a NYX blush in Angel and a NYX compact bronzer in "Daydream of Lanai." The bronzer actually reminds me of my HG Korres bronzer - very similar color! And the blush is the ultimate baby pink ;)

~ Drew Barrymore at the Emmys this past weekend. 3 Words: Oh. My. God. Amazing!




What are your favorites for September?

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