Birthday Haul Part I

This year for my birthday I kept it a bit low key and didn't buy as much. My birthday gift to myself was a trip to New Orleans and that experience was incredible! But of course, I had to get some stuff from Sephora. To start, I got myself the Naked Smokey palette. I collect ALL of the UD Naked palettes, but this one in particular is different from everything they've put out because it's got a much bigger variety of smokey dark colors, which is a big contrast to their neutral ones. All of which I love though. Their eyeshadows are my go-to, no matter what event. I don't own other palettes (with the except the of the Too Faced Chocolate, because...CHOCOLATE). That was an easy pick for me. Unfortunately, I didn't use the F&F 20% Off. I got that email 2 days later after I purchased this so of course I made another order. 3 in total. That to come later ;)

I also got a bunch of Dirty Works creams. If you're big into Soap & Glory, these have IDENTICAL scents. I got these at TJ Maxx. I could have DIED. My favorite scent ever! EVER. I love the way the cream feels, and smells. It's a beautiful mix of sweet florals. I don't know how else to describe it, but it truly is beautiful :)

I also had to replenish my contact lens. These were not a gift to myself, haha. These are a must. I have been using BioInfinity lenses for more than 10 years. They're really great, and have the highest water content of any contact lenses i've ever tried. These are monthly disposables, which I love!

I also picked up a pair of Sperry loafers. I love Sperry and the look of boat shoes. These are the ones lined with fur inside to keep my feet warm. They look great casual, and are perfect for fridays at the office. They're just super comfortable. I am usually not a black shoes type of person but I kind of like this one. I own another pair of Sperry's in a more traditional shoe - it's the blue nautical colors with the leather shoelaces.

With my Naked Smokey purchase, I also got a bunch of samples from Sephora. 

- Glam Glow mini - YESSS. I love.

- Sephora oil infusion lippie - this is great. Such a nice shade!

- Lancome mascara - my absolute favorite high end mascara.

- UD face setting spray - not sure i'll be using this but I'll try it for the holidays!

- Jack Black lip balm - I love this stuff! Minty and with SPF 25!

- Nars Audacious Mascara - Been wanting to try this SO. BAD.

- Nars Lip Pencils - for the VIB bday gift. I have loved Nars pencils in the past! yay!

I also got a Chloe perfume. I love this scent. My usual is the Coco Mademoiselle but to switch it up I got this as well. So feminine and girly...I love! :D

Stay tuned for my next haul - coming from Sephora, this time using the 20% F&F. 

Have a fantastic weekend, friends! :)

Easy Valentines Look :)

I'm all for easy makeup looks, especially if they look clean and pretty. Maybe this is why I love bloggers who rock out with easy, fresh faced looks :) I love dramatic evening makeup as well, but the looks that can be worn both day and night with little effort are the best of the best :) I'm having so much fun looking at other people's Vday looks and vids :) You gals are so freaking gorgeous! :)

Here is my take on a Valentine's Day look! It was really quick... took me about 12 minutes or so. I spent more time picking out which brushes to use than the actual makeup part. I feel pathetic sometimes.

Here is what I used:

Lancome Eye Palette - Gifted to me for my birthday by my very good friend Audrey, (visit and follow her blog here! She's a sweetheart who knows so much about fashion.) I used the two middle colors to brighten my eyes and the black shade at the end to give my eyes a little contrast.

For lips, I used Revlon's Soft Nude and Nars Giza. I'm not sure if anyone's noticed but Soft Nude is a total dupe for Nars Giza! :)

 Aren't the two shades SO similar???!?! After I post this, I'll google it and I bet I'll see tons of people who've compared these two already =p I've been trying to find Soft Nude everywhere!! Every drugstore around me has sold out of this! So I bought it online instead :) Soft Nude is truly one of my favorite nudey shades! It applies on a lot lighter than in the tube. It's really such a pretty color! I don't own anything like it. Nars Giza is also a really nice nudey shade in a gloss form. I absolutely love it! For some reason, it's not as sticky as other NARS glosses that I own, and the texture is much more nicer. A little slippery, but really smoothing.

For an evening look, I'll just apply the other end of the NARS duo, Boogie Nights. Boogie Nights is a shimmery fuchsia shade. A little vampy, but as with any intense shade, very sexy.

I hope you all have a very warm Valentines Day weekend :) I know I'll be grubbing every minute of every second! :)

Products Used:

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 21 (see it here)

Lancome Eye Palette

MAC Dainty (cheeks) - Possible dupe for Nars Orgasm? Full review to come!

Revlon Soft Nude Lipstick (see it here)

NARS Giza lipgloss (see it here)

Loreal Collagen Mascara (see it here)

Enjoy your Valentines weekend everyone!