NYX Luscious Lips: The Perfect Everyday Colors

I'm so excited to share with you guys a super versatile lip palette. I am normally not a fan of lip palettes because they always seem to be dry-ish and not all the colors are wearable (usually way too dark), but the NYX one is a winner - moisturizing and pretty colors. More than pretty, they are suitable for whatever, whenever. Plus, it's sleek with only 5 colors and small enough to tote around. Who knew?

I've had this palette for awhile now, maybe 6 months ago when I ordered from Cherry Culture, but never got around to using it because of my other lip stuff in rotation. I had it in my office for awhile before I dug it up recently. It def comes in handy during after lunch touch ups.

They are mostly nudes with one pinky color. 

Sorry for my bad swatches. Can you see how smooth and silky they are? LOVE IT! 

This is the very right color on the palette. I think it is a little too nude for me and makes my lips look muddy. I also wish they'd name their colors so I don't have to be like "at the very right" or left.. I could number them but whatever ;) I didn't have any other clear pics with the other colors. I will soon enough :)

I also want to share with you all my very first Jill Stuart item!! 

Jill Stuart Lip Balm Tint Color in the Strawberry flavor. I opted to get a blush but I really wanted something like this because I am a totally lip balm junkie and I am smitten by the pretty packaging. And because the blushes were over $60+... ='( 

Here is the lip balm in all its glory. It smells fantastic, faintly of perfumed strawberries. The packaging looks nice but it doesn't feel like something that should cost over $30 with shipping o_o The madness! I didn't do a swatch because it is not a tinted lip balm like they say. It's a sheer balm with pretty smelling strawberries. It was most definitely a splurge but a pretty splurge at that. 

Any JS fans here? :)

Goodnight all! Be back soon!

More NYX Black Label Lipsticks: India and Beige

Hello friends!

I'm back with another post about those NYX Black Label lipsticks! Check out Acapulco and Nude here! Those two are definitely some of the best moisturizing lipsticks I have ever owned! Here are two more! ;) I finally opened them this past week and I am again amazed by how balmy these feel and how moisturizing they are. They really make my lips feel pampered =p

Here are India and Beige!

Both are very soft looking and can be worn right out of the tube.

Beige is a shimmery brown lipstick that is a bit darker than what I had imagined but still a very natural and soft shade for the lips.

It's kind of a dramatic shade for me because I am pretty light skinned and the contrast of the brown creates an almost vampy color. Which I totallllllllllllly freaking love. It gives my boring lips some personality =p A very sultry color by itself and not the "beige" color I really had in mind but I actually like it a lot more than I thought i would when I first saw it in the tube.

India is a shimmery bright pink lipstick that looks especially nice over a shiny clear gloss. On my lips it leans toward a purplish tint but it's such a sweet color :) I really like it so much. The only downside is that this particular shade is not as moisturizing as all my other black label ones. I really like India over Mac's Virgin Kiss Lipglass. 

Virgin Kiss over India. I'm really liking this combo right now. Something about clearish gloss with reflective pink shimmers ;)

Overall, I highly recommend NYX's Black Label lipsticks to anyone, especially people who are have lipstick phobia. They are great starter lipsticks and apply wonderfully. Not the longest lasting lipstick but it lasts a good 3-4 hours when you go out. Be careful when stuffing your face though ;) It won't last long at all that way. I bought them from Cherry Culture and they were around $6 each. Well worth the price for such a versatile range of colors!

Do you gals like Beige or India better? :)

In other news, I'm going to be in Santa Cruz tomorrow for Durbin day! LOL If you are familiar with this season's American Idol, you'll know he was voted off yesterday :( I was so distraught. It's a conspiracy, I tell you. But he'll be performing tomorrow (that's his hometown) and I am suuuper excited. I went to the university over there and haven't visited since 2009.

Here's a random eye look I did during Mother's Day. I'm in love with blue eyeshadows right now.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

NYX Black Label Lipsticks!

After reading reviews about NYX's Black Label Lipstick, I was on a mission to try them. I'm already a huge fan of their circle lipsticks and have quite a few in my collection. But these black label ones are amazing, far better than the circle ones! Why? Because they are highly moisturizing, almost balm like. I got them from trusty Cherry Culture in four shades - Acapulco, Nude, Beige and India for $6.00 each.

I only swatched two of the four colors because I haven't opened the other ones yet! =p

Nude and Acapulco are gorgeous GORGEOUS colors. I am in love with them! LOVE. I also like the faint grape smell as well. Reminds me of my childhood lip balms!

Acapulco is a vibrant pink with some purple tones. Slightly more pink, but depends on your natural lip color.
Nude is light beige with milky pink and peach tones.
Both have shimmer in it.

Acapulco

Acapulco again!

Nude

Nude again :) Sorry if you see little hairs... I haven't trimmed my beard yet, LOL :)

I use lip balm underneath and a little bit of clear lip gloss on top which is why the lipstick is lighter on my lips than on the swatch. I also use my ring finger to "blot" it, or to smooth it out since the color goes on a little streaky. I do this with all my lipsticks though, maybe out of habit. Makes life easier :)

I cannot wait to try India and Beige now! Now now now. Will show you guys swatches of it soon! 

Thoughts on the Black Label line? What colors do you recommend?  

Most used e/s of 2010: NYX's 10 Color e/s in Romance

I did a lot of experimenting in 2010 and I tried many products either through hype or otherwise, but in the e/s department, I have never been more sure about anything other than NYX eyeshadows. I just find this brand to be versatile, and modern while affordable and chic. Their eyeshadows are extremely good quality and always has a nice silky finish. This is my go-to palette for work occasions and other low-key events which are quite sporadic in my life! I get a lot of consistencies, and this eyeshadow never fails to deliver. I had this palette for a year now! Bought it online through CherryCulture.

I love the entire palette but the one most used is the bottom row! I love it entirely. You can create any look from subtle to bold. Both highlight colors are really nice, with one being shimmery (top row) and the other matte (bottom row).

Here is the swatch for the 2nd row. I originally had the first row as well, but it was too distorted =/ But it's very similar on the first row as well, just a lot more muted than these colors here.

There you have it :) My go-to e/s of 2010!

I also wanted to mention that their NYX's Circle Lipsticks are fantastic as well. My everyday favorite is the shade Indian Pink.

What do you think? Would you buy this shade? :) I have gone through two tubes of it so far. I hope it never gets discontinued!

I will be making a lot improvements for the year new on my blog to include more product reviews, swatches, tutorials and pictures. On board with me is my new Nikon camera that will produce higher quality images, and better swatches. Thank you for all the dear comments about my blog's new layout... it will change again in the coming weeks for better navigation.

I thank you all for your continued readership and support for Rainy Days. This blog started out through the inspiration and awe I felt toward other bloggers and now this blog has turned into a continuous project for me :) I have reached new heights this year and all your endearing comments and critiques have only made it better.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay safe, stay sane. Enjoy!

Sunday Plans

I am excited to be attending Gay Pride in SF again. I have gone every year since I moved to the Bay Area. What's even more interesting is that the Backstreet Boys are going to be performing! LOL Do you guys remember them? I remember when I was growing up  how much I loved them as a tween in the 90s, early to mid 2000s. It has been years since I last heard any new music from them besides the occasional radio edit at supermarkets or retail stores. So I am pretty excited to see them live, for free! Yippeee =D

This was a dress I wore sometime last week. I sincerely apologize for the lack of photo skills. I must get some pointers on how to take better outfit posts. Next time I shall eliminate the flash and lighten the photo through Photoshop =p

Extremely simple blue eyeshadow swipe. Easiest of the easiest. Nothing fancy pants here. I used NYX eyeshadow in Pacific Blue. One of my faves =) It matches my top. 

Pacific Blues

I hope everyone had a nice Mothers Day :) Sadly, I wasn't able to visit my mother due to her being in LA and I in San Jose. It wouldn't have been enough time to hang out with her if I drove home for weekend. 6 hrs on the road would've been worth it if it was a long weekend :)

Sometime in the middle of the week, I was playing with my NYX products that I got at Ulta and decided to attempt a cream/pastel shadow look as requested from one of my blogger friends. I used the jumbo pencil in Baby blue and the eyeshadow shade Pacific to create the look. Both of them are similar colors and I felt that they blended beautifully as if they were artfully meant to be worn side by side.

Excuse the strange faces! The quality of the jumbo pencils are unbelievable. The eyeshadow is also a standout. Most of NYX's products are really impressive, from their range of colors and the ongoing affordability. I can't believe it took me so long to find this brand. At first, it didn't strike me as being a quality brand until I started seeing more and more women using this. I was very impressed with the shadows and I am also a big fan of their lipsticks. I have yet to get Strawberry Milk but I have Indian Princess and Tea Rose which i also love very dearly. Although the moisturizing scale of the lipsticks are not as balmy as Rimmel and or Maybelline, the color payoff is absolutely great. The best way is to wear something under or over to lock in the moisture.

I really want the pencil  in Cottage Cheese now!! Sadly, they were sold out at Ulta. I hate having ordering online if i don't plan on making a big purchase. I'm so impatient when waiting for things to come.My ELF order is supposed to come tomorrow but I waited over a week and a half for it! =P Anyway, I used the jumbo pencil as a base for the eyeshadow and just blended it outwards. Blue on blue may be a little lame for most makeup gurus and I know I need to start experimenting with color combinations...which is why I have a million different palettes! LOL

This is a short post since i have to prepare for work tomorrow. I hope everyone has a good start on Monday! I hear Starbucks is having half off all frapps from 3-5pm for "happy hour" or whatever they are doing. I'm still not sure why they are having this promo. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is also giving away their new ice blended drinks on 5/11. It's valid in CA, AZ, NV, HI, TX. Go get your fix! :)

Goodnight all!