theBalm on Hautelook on Thursday 8/1/13

Hi everyone!! I know I've mentioned the website Hautelook before and how I love it to purchase high end brands at discount prices. Well, this Thursday one of my favorite, online-exclusive (pretty much), cosmetic brands theBalm is coming to hautelook!! I know there are a few things I'm going to try to get my hands on given they are available but I thought I'd post about some of my favorites that I already have. 

Blush in "Frat Boy" is a beautiful muted matte peach color. It may not look to special but I love it and always get compliments when I wear it. It gives a nice glow to your face. It's very similar to MAC "Melba" blush, but I like this one much more. The formula is so opaque, it cannot be beat

Eyeshadow Palette in "Meet Matt(e) Nude" the best matte palette on the market. You get so much eyeshadow per each color that I doubt i'll ever run out of any of them. This palette is a great basic palette for beginners or experts. 

Eyeshadow Palette in "Nude 'tude" a great alternative (not dupe) for the Urban Decay Naked palettes. I feel that the textures of these are even nicer than Urban Decay and some of the colors are quite unique 

"Mary Lou-manizer" is the best highlighter/luminizer on the market. It is such a gorgeous color and I often wear it on my eyelids as well. It's seriously gorgeous, I'd recommend it to anyone. It may be my top 3 most used product in my whole collection. 

Bronzer in "Bahama Mama" it's a very deep, opaque powder. Great for contouring and defining, and also looks great in the crease of your eye. And it's super small, cute packaging which is great for travel. 

All of the packaging for theBalm is precious, it's similar to how Benefit's packaging is but maybe even cuter. 

Some things I'm going to try to get if they're on Hautelook sale tomorrow...

Blush in "Down Boy"

Any of the Instain Blushes 

Meet Matt(e) Palette (original) 

En Root Dry Shampoo 

Purse Staples: MAC "Oyster Girl"

I want to start a new "Purse Staple" series where I talk about things that are must haves in my purse. I figure what better way to know what my favorite every day items are then talking about what I must have in my purse at all times

It is no secret that MAC has some beautiful products, I especially love their blushes, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and lipglass (one of their several forms of lip gloss). In fact, the very first thing I ever purchased from MAC was their Lipglass in the color "Oyster Girl; it is described as a Freshwater Pink. I do not find that description to be very helpful; I would describe it as a cool toned iridescent pink with a warm golden shimmer. It really is unique, and I distinctly remember a friend of mine in 7th grade putting it on and I remember wanting it so badly. I was obviously pretty young and had no buisness spending any sort of high dollar at a cosmetic stand, but I was determined.

It you've never used a Lipglass before, you should be warned that they are quite thick and sticky. A sticky lip gloss tends to hold and stay on better, and the thickness makes the color quite opaque. I now own several Lipglasses by MAC and I have to say, after the many years that have gone by, I recently repurchased "Oyster Girl" and love it even more now than I did 8 years ago (it may even be my all time favorite!). It truly is a unique color and I would argue that it would be a tough one to dupe. I like it because it is quite neutral but not nude, as I am not a huge fan of wearing a nude lip. I find it wonderful on it's own, but also gorgeous layered over lipsticks. For this reason, it is most definitely a Summer Purse Staple!

I have especially loved layering it over cool toned lipsticks. I find that the coolness of the Lipglass mixed with the golden shimmer in it really makes my lips look much fuller. It also makes my cool toned lipsticks take on a whole new color. I find that this Lipglass is very versatile because it can make a lipstick look like a new color while still remaining similar to the original color. I haven't tried it over many warmer toned lipsticks, but I can't wait to experiment with that.

Oyster Girl On it's own

Oyster Girl over Maybelline
Color Whisper "Oh La Lilac"

*My favorite
Oyster Girl over MAC "Pink Nouveau"

I think "Oyster Girl" would look gorgeous on any skin tone and that if you are new to make-up you should definitely give this a try when you're wondering what to buy at the MAC counter. It is just absolutely gorgeous!

Quick Tip: A Lipglass is gorgeous all over the lip, but it can also be worn just in the center to make lips appear fuller. Just a small dab in the center of your bottom lip can make lips look fuller and lipstick more comfortable to wear (especially a matte formula). 

Quick Post: John Mayer Concert & MOTD

Last night I was lucky enough to go to the John Mayer concert, which was amazing because three years ago for my first birthday I spent with my boyfriend we went to a John Mayer concert and he hasn't toured since, and let me tell you, i've been waiting oh so patiently. But last night he was back and I got tickets for my birthday this year to see him again (thanks, Chad!)

So yeah, I just wanted to write a quick post about how amazing John Mayer is, especially in concert! He is an absolutely phenomenal musician and I think that anyone who has ears would enjoy him in concert. I always tell my brother who is not a John Mayer fan that he would enjoy his concert because he is literally that good. Plus, his lyrics are amazing and I love when an artist throws in some random cover songs during their set. Last night John Mayer san "Lay Down Sally" by Eric Clapton and it was really good! 

The man's got so many hits now that he couldn't even cover all the great ones, but one that I really love to hear live is "Gravity". Some other favorites are "Half Of My Heart", "Heartbreak Warfare", "Your Body's A Wonderland", "Why, Virginia", "Stop This Train", and many, many more. 

Also, I wanted to give Phillip Phillips, our American Idol, a favorable mention. He was the opener for John Mayer and while I love his two radio singles, I was incredibly impressed with the rest of his album  and some of the other songs he sang. In fact, he did an amazing cover of "Give It Away" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I really recommend checking out his album "The World From The Side Of The Moon", it's really fun to grooooove to =] 

As far as my MOTD for the concert, here were my picks...

Makeup Forever HD Foundation
Nars Pressed Powder in "Beach"
Milani Eyebrow Kit
Tarte "Lights Camera Flashes" Mascara (really loving it)
Urban Decay Naked 2 (Verve, Tease)
Nars "Laguna" Bronzer
The Balm "Frat Boy" Blush
The Balm "Mary Lou-manizer"
Mac lip liner in "Magenta"
Mac lip stick in "Girl About Town"
Jordana Fabu-liner 

Let's Give It A Shot!

Hey Everyone! Okay, so BIG news. I finally invested into a camera so I can start video blogging AKA "Vlogging". I'm really excited, except also extremely nervous because I feel like I sound like a man when I hear my own voice...but I am mostly excited because I can't wait to extend my reviews onto YouTube. 

I Plan on still linking all my videos and corresponding information here on my Blog but I'm really looking forward to reaching out and attracting a larger audience (fingers crossed)!

So long story short, I've always wanted that beautiful Nikon 1 J1 camera that is always displayed nicely at target. It comes in pink, red, black, white, and silver. Whenever I would pass by the display, I would tell myself that I'll save up to buy it. 

Well, lately I've decided I really need a new camera now that I am blogging and taking more photos, so I looked up the beloved camera...

     low and behold, it was on sale for $200 off! SOLD.

It was packaged really well and came with a warrenty, an extensive owners manual, a quick reference sheet, battery, battery charger, lens, lens cap, body cap, neck strap, movie editor system, and more!

I really am excited about this purchase. I can tell you pretty much NOTHING about the camera itself because I'm not sure exactly what is exciting and great about it, but if you're interested you can find more information here

What I do know, is I love the color, the size, the screen, and the price that I was able to buy it at. Hopefully I can get going with some videos for you guys because I have some fun ones planned; but who knows, that could take me a day, or several weeks depending on how long it takes me to get the hang of iMovie. 

TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara Review

Tarte cosmetics is one of my top favorite brands. Whenever I walk into Sephora or Ulta I always make sure to check out their little display. I love that their products are paraben free and are not tested on animals. It makes their steeper price tag totally worth it knowing I'm buying a high quality product. Not to mention, I've yet to be disappointed by any of their products.

One of my all time favorite products by them, and all time favorite mascaras, is their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. It is phenomenal and a really difficult formula to beat. They recently released a new mascara from the same line called Lights, Camera, Flashes, and I simply could not wait to get my hands on it 

As usual, their packaging couldn't be more beautiful, I admit it's a little bit extravagant which probably drives the price up but honestly, it looks high end and makes me feel fancy.

The wand on this baby is what makes it so incredible and unique

Although its hard to tell (and even harder to photograph), the brush has two sides. The directions on the box suggest using the dense, soft side of the brush first to build volume, then comb through with the flex-bristles to create length and definition. It also suggests applying two coats, which I always do anyway. 

The formula of the mascara reminds me a lot of  Benefits "they're real" mascara, it's really wet and can be messy. I find that it does have a tendency to clump a little bit but I'm going to work with it and practice so I can avoid that issue. This stuff means business when it comes to holding a curl. My lashes stay curled, thick, and long all day. It's serious stuff. 

Here are some shots of the application process:

Two coats applied to the left side, compared to nothing on the right. 

After mascara was applied to both eyes (natural light). 

This mascara makes some big claims and promises, and although I may not agree with "+752% volume", I would agree that this mascara makes a HUGE difference. I love the false lash effect that it gives, I feel like my lashes are butterflies every time I blink. I love that it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or synthetic fragrance (yuck!). It truly is amazing and very unique. I was not a fan of Benefit "They're Real" and was skeptical that this would disappoint me since they seemed comparable, but I won't lie, I love this stuff!! If you're in the market for a nice high end mascara, Tarte "Lights, Camera,Flashes" retails at about $23. 

PS I found this image online and found it helpful at explaining the brush's technology 

Photo Diary: Los Angeles

So, I thought it would be fun to start a "Photo Gallery" series for when I do fun, interesting things in life. I always enjoy looking at other people's pictures and getting ideas of things to do and places to try. This is my most recent trip to Los Angeles with one of my best friends, Tiffany. The pictures are TOTALLY out of order, so sorry about that! Enjoy =]

Driving down the coast of California!

Pismo, Ca

  

Disneyland!

Blenders in the Grass (so yummy!)

View of the lake from the house

Best fruit snacks ever!

Tiff enjoying some "Nice Cream" in Santa Monica

So excited that Michael Todd pinned my post to their Pinterest!

Donating coffee to support our troops

Gotta stock up

On our way home

"I love bagels"

I love enjoying coffee at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's in L.A.

Splash Mountain (I love that man in front of me, just lovin' life)

Smiles

Serious

Throwing up an "M" for Mickey Mouse

It's a small world after all

Jiffy Pom and Tiffany

Just Jiffy

"I want to be, where the people are..."

They weren't kidding, it was so bright outside!

Driving the boat around the lake

I hate when Lollipops make your whole mouth blue

I'm not the only one...

 It was yummy though

I LOVE Moon Juice in Venice Beach (Coconut, Lime, Carrot)

Riding in the boat

Water slide into the lake

Such a cute candy bar; Dylan's Candy Bar L.A.

Catch of the Day!

"Fonuts" from West Hollywood (vegan and gluten free)

Tiffany obviously ate one of those Lollipops before the Tower of Terror

So happy to be in Disneyland!

Matterhorn

Legendary Corndog

OMG I met Tyler Oakley!! Still not over it...

Vogue.

Such a sweetie

My hair got sooo crazy on the Radiator Spring Racers

Waiting in line

Cars Land

Just purchased our tickets

Ready to take on our Disney day

Camelback, Mickey ears,  and a smile; "bear" necessities for Disneyland

They have the cutest Starbucks cups at California Adventures

Ta-Da

Ready for tomorrow, ticket in hand!

Goofy hats, literally

Best Sandwich shop ever in Pismo, "Stacked"

First picture of the whole entire trip! Ah, so excited!