Do any of you guys use Pinterest? I am new to the website and still trying to get my bearings, but so far I really like it! I am going nuts creating boards, and it is a really good way to organize ideas and thoughts. I like that you can add a verbal description to the images, but it's still a bit more visual than simply creating a list of bookmarks.
If you're curious what I'm up to on there, you can find me here: http://pinterest.com/petulantpinner/ . "Vanity" is my board that I will be using for cosmetic products and looks I am interested in, although I only have a few pins on there so far.
I'd love to see what you guys are doing on Pinterest, if you have accounts! Link me! And does anyone have any insight into Pinterest "etiquette"? It seems a little strange to be putting images on my boards without asking permission, although I suppose technically you're just linking to the image, not taking it or re-using it.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
NOTD: Zoya Sally
I have been really excited about nail polish again; sometimes I am more interested in spending time on my makeup, and sometimes I'm more excited about nail polish. The last couple of weeks have definitely been more nail-polish focused, probably because I've acquired a few really stunning new polishes! Despite having some new and exciting things, there are classics I always come back to.
Sally by Zoya is my go-to pale pink nail polish; it's nearly opaque in two coats (two coats leaves just a little hint of visible nail line if I'm looking closely) and has a lot of depth. The little bit of shimmer in it is really lovely, but there's not so much that it appears frosty, and the color has a little bit of peach and grey in it, which makes it a bit more subdued and flattering on my skin tone than a true baby pink or bubblegum pink would be. I was going over to my boyfriend's grandmother's house for her 93rd birthday (Happy Birthday, Irene!) and wanted a shade that I knew would cooperate and work out for a fast manicure, and wasn't too crazy. I turned to Sally, and boy, did she perform! I find the formula really easy to work with. It's on the thicker side but not gloppy, and is very easy to apply.
Sally is available for $8 through Zoya's website, and is described as "nude flesh toned warm pink with very subtle pale salmon undertones and soft silvery shimmer". They give each of their shades opacity ratings, with 1 being sheer and 5 being opaque one-coaters; Sally earns a 2, which is why it takes 3 thick coats to get it completely opaque. I guess technically I'm wearing it wrong; they suggest wearing it as part of a French manicure or on its own for a more natural, subtle nail, but I love the way this color looks built up.
Here are some pictures; sorry about the nick on my ring finger, I was in a really big hurry to get some polish on my fingers and get out the door so of course I was doing things before my nails were completely dry, and then didn't have time to fix it. Regardless, you can still see what a pretty color this is.
I love pale pinks like this; I don't wear them much, but I think everyone needs a flattering pale pink for conservative occasions and fool-proof fast manicures.
Do you guys have a go-to pale pink? Do you reach for a different type of color when you need a fast manicure in a conservative nail color? I tried turning this into a half-moon manicure with a fuchsia glass-fleck color (Zoya Sarah) on top, but the stickers I was using as guides peeled up some of the second color when I tried removing them. Sad face.
Sally by Zoya is my go-to pale pink nail polish; it's nearly opaque in two coats (two coats leaves just a little hint of visible nail line if I'm looking closely) and has a lot of depth. The little bit of shimmer in it is really lovely, but there's not so much that it appears frosty, and the color has a little bit of peach and grey in it, which makes it a bit more subdued and flattering on my skin tone than a true baby pink or bubblegum pink would be. I was going over to my boyfriend's grandmother's house for her 93rd birthday (Happy Birthday, Irene!) and wanted a shade that I knew would cooperate and work out for a fast manicure, and wasn't too crazy. I turned to Sally, and boy, did she perform! I find the formula really easy to work with. It's on the thicker side but not gloppy, and is very easy to apply.
Sally is available for $8 through Zoya's website, and is described as "nude flesh toned warm pink with very subtle pale salmon undertones and soft silvery shimmer". They give each of their shades opacity ratings, with 1 being sheer and 5 being opaque one-coaters; Sally earns a 2, which is why it takes 3 thick coats to get it completely opaque. I guess technically I'm wearing it wrong; they suggest wearing it as part of a French manicure or on its own for a more natural, subtle nail, but I love the way this color looks built up.
Here are some pictures; sorry about the nick on my ring finger, I was in a really big hurry to get some polish on my fingers and get out the door so of course I was doing things before my nails were completely dry, and then didn't have time to fix it. Regardless, you can still see what a pretty color this is.
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| Natural light |
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| Look at that shimmer! |
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| Indirect natural light |
I love pale pinks like this; I don't wear them much, but I think everyone needs a flattering pale pink for conservative occasions and fool-proof fast manicures.
Do you guys have a go-to pale pink? Do you reach for a different type of color when you need a fast manicure in a conservative nail color? I tried turning this into a half-moon manicure with a fuchsia glass-fleck color (Zoya Sarah) on top, but the stickers I was using as guides peeled up some of the second color when I tried removing them. Sad face.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Review and Swatches: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama
I have had NARS' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama for quite some time now, and I can't believe I haven't talked about it here before now. It looks so unassuming in the tube, but is really beautiful on the lips. According to NARS' website, it is "the perfect blend of pink and brown", and I think that about sums it up. What's more, this color is a chameleon; if I want a neutral but bold lip, it will go with almost any other cheek and eye makeup I might be wearing, and is a great balance of brightness and darkness. It's definitely a degree too noticeable to fall into the "My Lips But Better" category, but it's just as versatile and definitely in the same color family.
If you've been following this blog for awhile, you'll know that I am a big fan of the Velvet Matte lip pencils; they are creamy and soft on the lip, but perfectly matte. They aren't drying, and they are very comfortable to wear. They won't make your lips look dryer or emphasize lip lines, but as with all matte products, they are not forgiving, so making sure your lips are balmed-up and exfoliated before application helps. They're easy to apply over a balm for a sheer-er, satin finish, and they're so pigmented it only takes a touch to give lips a nice sheer stain, and one pass will get them perfectly opaque. The pencil format means it's also a cinch to get a nice, crisp outline on lips-- a necessity, in my opinion, for a bold matte lip. My only complaints are that you have to sharpen these pencils, which can be annoying on the go (besides the fact that you lose product when you sharpen them), and the fact that if you don't double-check that the caps are secure, they can pop back off. I've never had this happen when I double checked and was positive the cap was on correctly, though. Any of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils can be yours for $24.
Sorry I can't give you guys more photographs with natural light; my house only has windows on two of the four sides, and none in the bathrooms. This means I can never get my face fully in the light without some shadow falling across it, and I have to just point the camera at my face and hope that I've got the intended quadrant in the viewfinder, since I can't look in a mirror to make sure I have the shot lined up correctly.
Summary: If you are like me and do not mind having to sharpen your lip pencil every once in awhile, these are a great lip product! I absolutely adore this formula; it might be my favorite matte lip formula. This color i great; the shade name makes me think of wearing it with bronzer and a gilded eye, but in truth it's incredibly versatile, and a great go-to shade when a bold lip is called for, but I don't have the time (or inclination) to get too fussy with matching.
If you've been following this blog for awhile, you'll know that I am a big fan of the Velvet Matte lip pencils; they are creamy and soft on the lip, but perfectly matte. They aren't drying, and they are very comfortable to wear. They won't make your lips look dryer or emphasize lip lines, but as with all matte products, they are not forgiving, so making sure your lips are balmed-up and exfoliated before application helps. They're easy to apply over a balm for a sheer-er, satin finish, and they're so pigmented it only takes a touch to give lips a nice sheer stain, and one pass will get them perfectly opaque. The pencil format means it's also a cinch to get a nice, crisp outline on lips-- a necessity, in my opinion, for a bold matte lip. My only complaints are that you have to sharpen these pencils, which can be annoying on the go (besides the fact that you lose product when you sharpen them), and the fact that if you don't double-check that the caps are secure, they can pop back off. I've never had this happen when I double checked and was positive the cap was on correctly, though. Any of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils can be yours for $24.
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| For reference, I applied this to my lips with the tip this blunt; I really don't find it necessary to sharpen these too often, since they apply easily even with a blunt tip. |
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| Bahama, indoor light |
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| Bahama, natural light |
Sorry I can't give you guys more photographs with natural light; my house only has windows on two of the four sides, and none in the bathrooms. This means I can never get my face fully in the light without some shadow falling across it, and I have to just point the camera at my face and hope that I've got the intended quadrant in the viewfinder, since I can't look in a mirror to make sure I have the shot lined up correctly.
Summary: If you are like me and do not mind having to sharpen your lip pencil every once in awhile, these are a great lip product! I absolutely adore this formula; it might be my favorite matte lip formula. This color i great; the shade name makes me think of wearing it with bronzer and a gilded eye, but in truth it's incredibly versatile, and a great go-to shade when a bold lip is called for, but I don't have the time (or inclination) to get too fussy with matching.
Monday, August 27, 2012
NOTD: Half-Moon Manicure redo!
Yesterday I posted my first attempt at a half-moon manicure, with the promise of pictures of my second attempt to come soon... And here it is!
To be quite honest, this wasn't my second try; this was my FOURTH that you are seeing pictures of. Nails have to be 100% dry before you put the stickers on them, FYI. Even if they seem dry enough, wait longer. I waited an hour after painting my nails and that wasn't long enough; I ended up having to put Seche Vite on my nail's base color and then waiting two hours after that to apply the stickers and second color before this work without peeling my nail polish off.
I really like the way this turned out; it's still not perfect, but I love the color combination, and it is neater than the first try. However, I still need to practice putting down the guides more evenly. I used a base color that was opaque in one coat, and the second color took two to get opaque, so I didn't have more layers of nail polish on my nails than I absolutely needed. I'd recommend using one-or-two coaters for both colors if you are trying this for the first time. You really don't want 10 layers of polish going on, or else it will never dry.
My base color is Skin Food's Pedicure Sparkle #1, and the contrasting red is Orly's Grave Mistake.
I really, REALLY like this manicure. I left it on until I absolutely had to take it off, even though I had lots of new goodies to try out. I think this shape makes your nails look longer; I just wish I had them filed in a more retro oval shape, which I think would complement the half-moon curve better. I'm crazy about this color combination, too; the hint of intense sparkle with the deep wine-red jelly-creme was stunning in real life. Seriously guys; if you are into glammed up nails, try this!
Hopefully I'll continue getting better at this... I see many half-moon manicures in my future! What about you guys? Is this your style? Have you tried a half-moon shape?
To be quite honest, this wasn't my second try; this was my FOURTH that you are seeing pictures of. Nails have to be 100% dry before you put the stickers on them, FYI. Even if they seem dry enough, wait longer. I waited an hour after painting my nails and that wasn't long enough; I ended up having to put Seche Vite on my nail's base color and then waiting two hours after that to apply the stickers and second color before this work without peeling my nail polish off.
I really like the way this turned out; it's still not perfect, but I love the color combination, and it is neater than the first try. However, I still need to practice putting down the guides more evenly. I used a base color that was opaque in one coat, and the second color took two to get opaque, so I didn't have more layers of nail polish on my nails than I absolutely needed. I'd recommend using one-or-two coaters for both colors if you are trying this for the first time. You really don't want 10 layers of polish going on, or else it will never dry.
My base color is Skin Food's Pedicure Sparkle #1, and the contrasting red is Orly's Grave Mistake.
I really, REALLY like this manicure. I left it on until I absolutely had to take it off, even though I had lots of new goodies to try out. I think this shape makes your nails look longer; I just wish I had them filed in a more retro oval shape, which I think would complement the half-moon curve better. I'm crazy about this color combination, too; the hint of intense sparkle with the deep wine-red jelly-creme was stunning in real life. Seriously guys; if you are into glammed up nails, try this!
Hopefully I'll continue getting better at this... I see many half-moon manicures in my future! What about you guys? Is this your style? Have you tried a half-moon shape?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Revisiting Tarte's True Blood Palette
I recently pulled out Tarte's True Blood Palette that I picked up on clearance from Sephora last holiday season. I was originally on the fence about it, but after the price dropped I knew I wanted it; I like Tarte's eyeshadow formula, and the colors looked really versatile. Tarte also has a really nice matte formula, and I was looking forward to adding a couple of neutral mattes to my collection in the form of this palette. In addition to the eyeshadows it has a primer, an eyeliner, and a mascara, but I only used the eyeshadows for this look.
At first glance, this palette looks like it would be better suited to "edgy" looks; the black and red corset look is your first indication, but lots of the colors in it are really vampy and bold. However, I wanted to see if I could do a very natural-looking eye to go with a bold red lip for daytime using this palette.
One really annoying thing about this palette is that the color names aren't printed anywhere on it, and I lost the insert that has the shade names. So, I'm going to be referring to the colors based on their position in the palette in rows, with five rows total. So if I'm referring to the black matte shade on the bottom, I'd say the black matte shade (second from left in the fifth row). Likewise, the silver shade just above and to the right of it would be that silver shade (third from left in the fourth row). Hopefully that makes some sort of sense.
I used a mixture of the shimmery beige (far left in the first row) and the shimmery pink (second from left in the first row) all over the eye, with more of the pink under the brow and on the inner corner. I then used the warm mauvey-brown (far right in the first row) in the crease. I used the dark matte brown (second from left in the second row) in the bottom part of the crease, focusing the color on the outside edge. I pushed some of the very sparkly tan/gold (third from the left in the second row) against my upper lash line, and used the matte grey (far right in the third row) on my lower lash line.
Just for kicks, I used a one of my my pink-brown blushes (I can't remember which one right now... Probably NARS Douceur) with Exhibit A by NARS over it, and I am wearing NARS lipstick in Jungle Red on my lips.
The tan/gold sparkly shade that I used on the upper lashline had SO MUCH fallout. All of the fallout. It's up there with Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy for fallout. Other than that, I think this is a really versatile palette, and I'm going to try doing a vampier look from it to compare to this one, so keep your eyes open for that! It has everything you need for a really natural eye look, though; highlight, contour, and nice in between shades to add lots of depth to a natural eye, with a variety of finishes. I really just wanted to enhance the shape of my eye and make it look more polished than a bare eye would be.
Do any of you have this palette? I don't think it's available anymore, but I am glad I snagged it when I had the chance!
Do you guys do "bare" natural eye looks very often? I tend to at least use eyeliner if I am going to do an eye that is this neutral, but because I had my heart set on wearing a bold red lip without looking too fussy, I left it out this time around.
At first glance, this palette looks like it would be better suited to "edgy" looks; the black and red corset look is your first indication, but lots of the colors in it are really vampy and bold. However, I wanted to see if I could do a very natural-looking eye to go with a bold red lip for daytime using this palette.
One really annoying thing about this palette is that the color names aren't printed anywhere on it, and I lost the insert that has the shade names. So, I'm going to be referring to the colors based on their position in the palette in rows, with five rows total. So if I'm referring to the black matte shade on the bottom, I'd say the black matte shade (second from left in the fifth row). Likewise, the silver shade just above and to the right of it would be that silver shade (third from left in the fourth row). Hopefully that makes some sort of sense.
 |
| ALL OF THE COLORS |
I used a mixture of the shimmery beige (far left in the first row) and the shimmery pink (second from left in the first row) all over the eye, with more of the pink under the brow and on the inner corner. I then used the warm mauvey-brown (far right in the first row) in the crease. I used the dark matte brown (second from left in the second row) in the bottom part of the crease, focusing the color on the outside edge. I pushed some of the very sparkly tan/gold (third from the left in the second row) against my upper lash line, and used the matte grey (far right in the third row) on my lower lash line.
Just for kicks, I used a one of my my pink-brown blushes (I can't remember which one right now... Probably NARS Douceur) with Exhibit A by NARS over it, and I am wearing NARS lipstick in Jungle Red on my lips.
The tan/gold sparkly shade that I used on the upper lashline had SO MUCH fallout. All of the fallout. It's up there with Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy for fallout. Other than that, I think this is a really versatile palette, and I'm going to try doing a vampier look from it to compare to this one, so keep your eyes open for that! It has everything you need for a really natural eye look, though; highlight, contour, and nice in between shades to add lots of depth to a natural eye, with a variety of finishes. I really just wanted to enhance the shape of my eye and make it look more polished than a bare eye would be.
Do any of you have this palette? I don't think it's available anymore, but I am glad I snagged it when I had the chance!
Do you guys do "bare" natural eye looks very often? I tend to at least use eyeliner if I am going to do an eye that is this neutral, but because I had my heart set on wearing a bold red lip without looking too fussy, I left it out this time around.
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