10.06.2010

Last week I stopped at Sephora, looking for absolutely nothing in particular. I was mainly trying to kill some time. I have never paid much attention to the Balm cosmetics display, hidden at the very end of an aisle. The retro type packaging is cute, but then again, so is Benefit's. However, this face palette (aptly named Balmbini) required a second look and it was love at first swatch.

The packaging IS adorable, especially if you're into that type of thing. I normally don't care either way, but this palette really caught my eye.


The palette unfolds to reveal: two blushes(one a rosy pink, the other a peachy coral with gold shimmer), one highlighter(sort of like NARS Albatross), two eyeshadows(a shimmery taupe and a hunter green), one lipstick in berry red and one lipgloss with a slight hint of pink.


A closer look reveals I have already used the lip products. They are both sheer, but they still leave such a pretty stain and glow to the lips. The powder products are all extremely pigmented, soft, and buttery.


Truth be told, I actually don't care for palettes. The Urban Decay Naked palette and now this one are my only exceptions. I have been carrying this around in my purse ever since leaving Sephora with it, and it's great for touch-ups throughout the day (something I've never really done much before either). I wouldn't feature this palette if I didn't think some of you girls would love it! I suggest giving it a try, not only for yourself, but also as a sweet gift for all of the girly girls out there.

I hope you all are having a great week!
♥ Noelle

10.03.2010



These gorgeous wedge BCBGeneration Boots are a recent find from Marshalls! I think you know by now that I love to shop at places like Marshalls, TJ-Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack. It's usually hit or miss, but when you hit, you find something amazing! These were 40% off the original price. They go up to just below my knees and are so comfortable. I have never considered buying wedge boots, as I like heeled boots the best. But after seeing the quality of these and then trying them on, I knew I couldn't pass them up because they were the only pair left! I have a hard time describing the feel of them. They are man-made material, but they feel like a cross between suede and leather. They are also slightly pebbled, and I love the little buckle detail on the sides. I can't wait to tuck them into some skinnies - my absolute fave look for Fall.

What kind of boots are you on the hunt for? I have a sneaking suspision many of you want over-the-knee boots ;) I wish my legs were long enough to pull off the trend! Do you shop at stores like Marshalls, or are they too overwhelming?
♥ Noelle

10.01.2010

I normally think of lipstains as being popular in the Summertime. No one wants to worry about goopy lip gloss and heavy lipsticks when the temps reach scorching levels. However, what about these pretty popsicle lips for Fall and Winter? Not so much huh? Well I didn't think so either until I kept wandering over to the displays in RiteAid and CVS these past couple of weeks. At first I resisted. I'm trying to keep my makeup buying to a minimum (although I do have some really lovely things to share with you, probably sometime next week). I've had mixed feelings about lip stains in the past, mainly because I find them extremely drying. But, Jessica Alba's ad campaign for Revlon convinced me to give them another try and while I was at it, I decided Maybelline's Color Sensational line needed some love too.

Top: Maybelline ColorSensational lipstain in Bitten Berry. Bottom: Revlon Just Bitten lipstain in Twilight.


Top: Twilight Bottom: Bitten Berry



The great thing about lipstains is that they last forever! I literally rubbed my hand raw trying to get the swatches off.
Can you see the remnants? As I type, I'm staring at two berry colored stripes ;)


The thing that I dislike about them is that they are sort of difficult to apply in the sense that they dry very quickly on the lips and can be hard to blend out. I suggest applying a lip balm over them. Note: The Revlon version comes with a balm on the end. I like the convenience of it, but I love love love the color of Maybelline's Bitten Berry. The great thing about these is that they give color to the lips, but the color is still more muted than using a lipstick or gloss. I think it's a wonderful option for those of us who can be timid and mostly wear nudes.


Revlon's Twilight, topped off with the balm it comes with. It can be layered and made quite dark.


Maybelline's Bitten Berry. So pretty! It's subtle but still gives that berry hint to the lips.



On another note, Happy Friday Dears! My internet has been down at my house, and it unfortunately won't be back to normal until next week. So here's the scenario on this stormy evening in Southern California: Yours Truly, a strawberry vivanno smoothie, noisy (sexually curious) pre-teens cackling in the seats behind mine, my trusty little laptop friend, and my local Starbucks. Well, I have about five in my near vicinity so note to self: go to a locale that isn't positioned next to a school on a Friday night =) The boyfriend is away all weekend. What a horrible time to have lost internet access at home!
Have a Beautiful Weekend,
♥ Noelle