Best of 2012, Larie-Style

2012 is coming to a close! The world didn't end (because really, if the Mayans predicted catastrophe, wouldn't they have written: "WORLD ENDS AT THIS POINT" on their calendar instead? Honestly), In the next year I'll be wrapping up my thesis work, writing the actual dissertation, and finding a new job/home. Did I mention that S. will be doing the same things? It will be a bit chaotic Chez Larie, but I'll do my best to keep up with the blog. It gives me a happy outlet and allows me to interact with all of you lovely folk!

So let's see 2012 go out with style! Here are some of my favorites from the year, by category. Hope you enjoy! Click the product names for relevant reviews, if they exist.

FACE

Clockwise from top left: NARS Sheer Glow Ceylan, Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach, Annabelle BB Compact Makeup in Light/Medium, MAC MSFN in Medium

EYES/EYE-LIKE THINGS

L-R: Becca Vicuna Eye Tint, Tarina Tarantino Wonderful Palette, L'Oreal Sahara Treasure, Golden Emerald Infallibles, L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara, MUFE Aqua Brow #25

CHEEKS

Clockwise from top left: Shiseido Camellia Compact, MAC Fresh Honey Mineralize Blush, MAC Whisper of Gilt Skinfinish, MAC Early Morning Mineralize Blush, Illamasqua Libido Cream Blusher, Senna Cosmetics Très Jolie blush

LIPS

Uh...in some vague T-B, L-R fashion: Becca Ultimate Colour Gloss in Berry Twist, Marcelle Rouge Xpression in Cleopatra, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Orange Pareo, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (I prefer the big ones, but I have a mini right now), Rouge d'Armani 609, Annabelle Volume Lip in Coralicious, NARS Pure Matte in Mascate.

Nails

Clockwise from top left: Dior St. Tropez, OPI Goldeneye, Butter London Wallis, OPI You Only Live Twice, Dior Shadow, Butter London La Moss, Butter London Horse Power, Butter London Hardwear.

Brushes

L-R: Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Blush Brush, Buffing Brush, Shading Brush, Base Shadow Brush, Brow Brush. I like these brushes, okay? Synthetic and budget-friendly.

I didn't do skincare because I'm currently still sorting out a new skincare routine for this year's drier skin. For hair, my favorite is the Alterna Kendi Bamboo Oil, and I don't do much more with it. Tried to keep the commentary short with this and just showcase the products! What were your favorites this year - anything new and exciting that blew you away? 

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

L'oreal Shine Caresse Gloss Stain in Everlasting Caramel

I was curious about these - more curious than I've been about a drugstore lip product in a long time (return policies! Lack of testers!). It so happened that I had a coupon for $1 off of a L'oreal lip product, and the local drugstore was having a BOGO 50% off sale on L'oreal. So I bought Everlasting Caramel (the other was the Infallible Golden Emerald).

L'oreal Shine Caresse Gloss Stain in Everlasting Caramel. On nails: Butter London West End Wonderland.

I know, you're saying, "It's brown." But I've been looking for brown, as it was the only color I didn't own, and it seemed prudent to experiment with a more budget-friendly lip product.

Kind of a burnt orange/brown shade. I like it. *shrugs*

And you know, I really like it! I know brown reminds everyone of the 90s, etc., but I wasn't old enough to wear makeup back then, so perhaps I don't feel the same burn. As far as the formula goes, it's comfortable to wear and dries down nicely into a glossy finish. It doesn't last forever - a couple of hours - but I don't mind reapplying. It does have a really strong, sweet floral scent. It's weird. And really strong. Fades after application, though.

Paired with the right things, I think it can look nice and not dated at all. But you be the judge!
Face: Bobbi Brown Peach Corrector, Annabelle BB Compact Makeup in Light/Medium
Eyes: Becca Vicuna, Burberry Pink Taupe quad, Clinique Brush-on Cream Liner 02 Black, Urban Decay Bourbon.
Cheeks: MAC Stratus
Lips: L'oreal Shine Caresse Gloss Stain in Everlasting Caramel

It's at least season appropriate, and will also look great in the summer on bronzed skin, I think. What do you think? Brown, no brown? Have you tried these drugstore gems yet?

Ushering in the New Year with Femme Boulevard

I decided to join in the Femme Boulevard fun for New Year's Eve! The prompt was: metallic eyes and power lips. A good time to break out Fyrinnae Polar Bear again, right? Right.

The eyes. I foiled Polar Bear to get a more metallic glow.

Becca Vicuna
Fyrinnae Polar Bear, Chanel Mirifique, theBalm Guilty Gwen
Clinique Brush-on Cream Liner Black

And the complete look!

Which required all of these things:

L-R: theBalm Shady Lady Vol. 3 Guilty Gwen, Chanel Mirifique, Clinique Brush-on Cream Liner, Fyrinnae Polar Bear, Beca Vicuna, MAC Can't Resist, Shiseido Camellia Compact

I doubt I'll actually be wearing any of this if we don't go anywhere, but it's fun to glam up to, uh, go to the grocery store...

And now, check out what everyone else is wearing!

A Little Bit Of Everything
Beaute Fabuleuse
BellaChique
Bronzer Bunny
ChloeAsh‎
Eye Heart It
Joey’space
Messy Wands
Mostly Sunny
Musing On Beauty

What are you doing for New Year's Eve? And New Year's Day?

The Thursday Post

Miguel: Adorn. Light the candles and get your groove on, you sexy thang.

2012 International Photography Award Winners.

Doggies + SNOW. Ohmagah.

2012 in Vanity Fair (some are NSFW).

Yeah...I don't know what he's doing.

Edible Greens

After doing my "mleh, purple" post, I decided that I should also do one about a color that I like, although I do still feel that the original message was important (we don't have to have strong feelings about all the things). But this time, I bring you: green. With a food theme.

Mint

Background: H&M sweater

The two perfumes have a minty element - Solstice Scents Snowshoe Pass has just a hint of mint (giggle) whereas mint is much more prominent in Firebird's Black Tea and Mint. On nails, Butter London Bossy Boots is more pistachio, I suppose, but still a pastel green, and different from Essie Mint Candy Apple. The headband on the bottom is a product of the lovely Laura, who has a lovely shop. Also, I've always wondered why "mint" means this lovely pastel shade when mint leaves are more of a...leafy color. I guess mint-flavored things are pastel, but that seems backward, doesn't it?

Olive

background: Express Military Jacket (gifted)

The amber earrings were a gift from my mom. Butter London Wallis looks out of place, but it's still olive green, and a fabulous one, at that. The Annabelle Smoothie pencil was a gift from Tracy; it's a nice color but I wish it blended more easily.

Parsley/Basil/Green Sour Patch Kid 
(dude, that's totally a food, okay?) aka, Emerald

background: Target sweater

I want to find a pressed shadow the shade of Shiro Cosmetics Bulbasaur (I know I can press it myself, but let's be serious, shall we?) because it's one of my favorite grass-green shades. Sweet Anthem Lizie is my favorite green-smelling perfume (tomato leaf!) and I heart those earrings. I've wanted L'Oreal Golden Emerald ever since Rocaille wrote this post, and UD Covet is so happily green.

Ah, green. This post makes me happy! What color do you collect?

The Look Swap: A Lipstick Bandit Celebration!

We have a magnificent surprise for you today! It's a surprise for all of us, actually. The prompt was this: each bandit would try to mimic the general look of another bandit.

I went for sheer red lips and an eye shadow that I know she loves (although I can't remember if any was recovered from the time it was spilled.)

Lips: Tarte Moody, which was a gift from yet another Bandit: Wandz. Slowly getting over the mint crayon smell. (Blargh).

To be honest, I don't know how she does this. Exposing my teeth in a closeup is terrifying. Only for you, my dear!

Eyes: Fyrinnae Polar Bear, lined with Clinique Cream liner, complete with Photoshopped lashes ;) Because the whole point is to have some fun with it,  neh?

Complete with photoshopped lashes!  Which are actually quite fun. I used these.

Can you guess who I got?

MM of Makeup Morsels.

And I know she doesn't do a full face, but just so you can see it all together (I didn't photoshop lashes here because there are two eyes and that sounded hard):

And now you have to see the other Bandits! Best tribute ever, right?

• Call It Beauty
• Eye Heart It
• Getting Cheeky
• Glitter Geek
• Makeup Morsels
• Messy Wands
• Musing on Beauty
• My Funny Valentine
• Rocaille Writes
• theNotice: a beauty blog‎

Also introducing a new Bandit (give her some lovin', yeah?):

• ChloeAsh‎

Happy holidays, my loves!

Empties + Rejects, V11

A bit of clearing out before next week's indulgences ;) This round's empties aren't as plentiful as last month's, but I am getting a feel for how long it takes me to go through products, and that's definitely shaping my consumer practices. Also, expiration dates!!! And, I've felt the travel bug lately, and I want to have money to go and see the world. I'm trying to be better about restraining myself from buying so many material things. Of course, I'm still a beauty blogger, so the purchases do happen, but I'm trying to be even better about only buying items that will see a lot of use and that are worth the money.

Empties

Solstice Scents Lavender Vanilla Body Ganache
Heavier than the Alchemic Muse lotion I was using previously, but in the winter, that's a good thing. It's not greasy and sinks in readily, and my skin does feel less dry to the touch afterward. Less dry patches on my elbows and such, as well. I like this one. The lavender vanilla scent was a little sweeter than I like my lavender scents, I think, but still comforting. Would recommend.

Solstice Scents Nightgown perfume sample
This is a glorious, glorious white floral, with a dreamy whisper of soft vanilla and a hint of green. I really like it. I wore it with Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise a lot, because the spice of the Jo Malone added a bit of zest, keeping it fresh for summer (which seems so long ago!). I want to buy a full size, but I'm currently swimming in perfume. Maybe I'll buy some other bath and body goodies in this scent.

Bain de Terre Purite shampoo and conditioner (not pictured)
It takes me forever to get through hair products since my hair is short. I liked these and the lack of sulfates, but I get bored easily and I like to rotate hair products. Picking up something different this go-around.

Clinique Even Better Moisturizer
I didn't really like this. I think it broke my face out so after a while I switched to using it on my neck and hands only. It's kind of greasy and I don't know about the skin-tone correcting properties. I like their serum much better and will stick to that.

Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint in 1 Natural
Finally! All gone! I made an effort to finish this up this month; it added an extra bit of hydration in the winter. I'm a bit torn over it. It's a really wet moisturizer, so it never really dries down and skin feels and looks dewy all day. I usually tone it down with powder, so I think I'll try something else next time.

Expired/Rejects

Sephora Long-Lasting Liner in Fancy Blue
I'm usually better about tossing eye products, because I'm much more conscious of the fact that eyes are important and I don't want to be shoving junk in them. So! This is going. It's pretty much gone, anyway, as I did use it quite often. I love the color and formula and would repurchase in the future.

Milani Liquid Eye Tech
I like the idea, but I'm pretty sure this made my eyelids itch. Going to try NARS's Stylo when I run out of my other black liquid liner.

Milani Liquif'Eye in Black
Nothing remarkable. I don't understand the name and it still smudged. It's pretty soft. I think it is comparable to UD's version at a cheaper price point, though. Have had this kicking around for a while so I'm just tossing it.

I also gave away a bunch of nail polish this month, to a friend who likes polish but is a little better about restraining herself than I am. That felt good, too. All in all, not bad. I've done a lot of clearing out of boxes and other random clutter and it feels nice! Quality over quantity from here on out, guys! Do you have a new makeup goal for 2013?

The Thursday Post

M.I.A.: Bad Girls. So effing catchy. CATCHY.

Not sure why this made me laugh so much, but it did.

Beautiful photos and fresh recipes.

Too much cuteness.

I need to return some day.

I kind of like the creepy eeriness of this shoot. Different.

Exploring at the dog park.

The Blush Wishlist, December 2012

Just a quick post to showcase some of my current blush crushes. I *think* most of these are paraben-free, but if you know otherwise, please let me know. I doubt I'll purchase any of these in the near future, but it's nice to look, right?

Blush Crush December 2012 by eyeheartit

Clockwise from top left: Laura Mercier Spiced Cider, Illamasqua Brazen cream blusher, Becca Raspberry Beach Tint, Vincent Longo Golden Canyon, Estee Lauder Poppy Passion, Chantecaille Ecstasy, Smashbox Berry Bliss Whipped Blush.

Sense a theme? I like strong blush colors, okay? I'd much rather use a light hand with a darker shade than pack on a less pigmented one. And pink and coral...don't do much for me. Even less so in these cold, dreary months. I WANT COLOR, DAMNIT. I wouldn't say that I'd want all of these, though - some of them are interchangeable-ish.

What are some of your current blush lemmings?

Currently In Rotation

This is a post idea I stole - unabashedly - from Xiao: several snapshots of what I'm using most often right now, to give you a feel for what really goes on Chez Larie.

Not all of these items are "HG" or my favorite favorites - they're simply what I'm using right now or when I'm pressed for time - something easy to fall back on.

CONCEALER AND BASE

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach, MAC MSFN, Annabelle BB Compact Makeup, Real Techniques Buffing Brush, EcoTools Kabuki, 

Pat corrector on the undereye area (I use my ring finger), lightly brush MAC MSFN or Annabelle BB Compact Makeup over this area and then all over the face.

EYE SHADOW

Tarina Tarantino Wonderful Palette, Becca Vicuna,  L'oreal Sahara Treasure, theBalm Nude'Tude palette 

Vicuna goes on first to prime lids and give them a faint shimmer. Go-to neutrals are L'Oreal Sahara Treasure, the non-green shades in TT Wonderful, and Snobby, Stubborn, Stand-offish, Schitzo and Sleek from the Nude'Tude palette.

EYE LINER AND MASCARA

 Shiseido curler, Benefit Magic Ink, Urban Decay Bourbon, L'oreal Voluminous Power Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara

If I'm in a rush, I skip mascara. If I want to impress, I give it a go. But always: eye liner.

BLUSH

 MAC Fresh Honey, MAC Early Morning, Senna Cosmetics Très Jolie, Real Techniques Blush Brush

Flattering powder blush + fluffiest brush in the world = easy peasy.

LIPS

Annabelle Coralista, Dior Orange Pareo, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

In the winter especially, gloss and balm are key - I like moisturizing ones that don't gunk up with time or reapplication. I hate the mini Fresh balms and love the big ones (packaging!) but I have the free Sephora gifts to use up, so that's what I'm using.

That wraps this up. What are your easy go-tos? Do you usually stick with a tried and true look when you're in a rush or trying to impress?

Coming Up Violets

Sometimes I make an effort only to write about products that evoke either a decidedly positive or negative response from me - because who wants to hear about "mleh?"

Sometimes, though, that rule flies out the window, like many others. Sometimes, I get confused - do I love something, or hate it? Then, I wonder: do all of my responses need to be so polarized? That is what generated this post, which could also have been called: "Mixed Feelings About Things that are Purple."

From top left, clockwise:  Tom Ford Violet Blonde, Solstice Scents Solarium, Urban Decay Ransom, Bare Escentuals 1990's, Fyrinnae Mephisto, Dior Shadow, Butter London Branwen's Feathers. The background is a summer dress from H&M.

For such a diminutive flower (shrinking violet, yes?), violets pack a bold and heady fragrance. Actually, I'm not even sure if violets really smell the same as violet perfume. (Does anyone know?) Purple can also be dark and brooding, a powerful color - associated with royalty, as well.

I decided to showcase a few "violets." I have to point out that these are all unique in that 1. they're purple, and I'm not much for purple, and 2. I have mixed feelings about all of them (except for Shadow! LOVE Shadow).

Urban Decay Ransom is the outline, Fyrinnae Mephisto is the inner bit, and BE 1990's in the petals.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde is a femme fatale, and everything that I usually don't like in perfume - bold, punchy, powdery floral, with a benzoin finish. Yet somehow it works. I'm kind of timid with this one, like I keep expecting to reach a saturation point and suddenly hate it - but I think the verdict is yes. Probably won't purchase, but will enjoy the rest of my sample.

Solstice Scents Solarium is similar - I keep thinking that I will decide that I hate it. But I don't - at least, not yet. Smells something like Violet Blonde, but less forward. Creamier, softer, more complex.

Mephisto, 1990's and Ransom are eye products that rarely come out because, again, purple. But sometimes I need variety, and Mephisto is really beautiful - a lovely purple/red ghost. I find it hard to capture the shift, though, because I'm rubbish with Pixie Epoxy. 1990's is your run-of-the-mill dusty purple gray, and Ransom is a wanna-be purple liner. Wish it was brighter, but it can add a bit of sheen to a mostly neutral look.

BL Branwen's Feather is moody and not-quite-black, with faint silver specks. Very crow. Can't decide whether I love its subtlety or wish it was more. Dior Shadow is a dream-boat of warm purple with gold shimmer.

And that wraps up this indecision-filled post. Are there products that you can't make up your mind about?

The Thursday Post

Motopony: God Damn Girl. A Seattle band. Love this song.

Can't believe some of these aren't photos! Amazing.

Travel bug ignited AGAIN.

Thoughts? What was your favorite album of the year?

Bahahaha. Pokemon + Avengers = win.

Poor Goomba. Thanks to my brother for this link!

A couple of weeks ago, my mom came to stay with us for a couple of days on her way back out of the country. I made up the guest bed all nicely...and Dennison approved.

I Smell Like a Bee

...or Winnie the Pooh? He probably smells like honey and divine things, right? So fluffy.

10 mL Eau de Parfum of Joan

This is Sweet Anthem Joan. It smells like honeycomb, and I am enamored. It has notes of "beeswax, coriander, peony, tomato leaf, white mint" (from the website) and the description declares, "You won't hate yourself for loving this one - bright green top notes of tomato leaf, coriander, and mint are paired with soft pink peonies and a blushing beeswax."

Fret not, Sweet Anthem is still vegan; I'm not sure what kind of magical ingredient creates such an authentic beeswax scent, but it is indeed magical. I have the eau de parfum, so the experience is slightly different than that of a perfume oil. I spritz, and instantly I smell like the magic honey fairy. It's a cheerful yet romantic scent, if that makes any sense at all. Very feminine, very delicate, like the intricate shell and webbing of honeycomb, dripping with pale, golden honey. There is a hint of greenery, a floral breath, and the finish is undeniably beeswax, but never cloying or powdery. Reminds me of something like this.

You might think that this isn't winter appropriate, but I think it's perfect - the sweetness makes it comforting and close, and between this and Lucille, I've been spoiled for light, breathy, honey-esque scents. This one's permanent and available at Sweet Anthem. I'm also eager to try Edith - Meredith's Wintertiming 2012 beeswax feature.

Haus of Gloi Yule Goodies

I'm on a mission to try soaps and lotions from a few of the "major" indie companies out there. I've already gone through Alchemic Muse and Solstice Scents, so it was time to explore the Haus.

I ordered a full-sized Whipped Soap in Snow Wolf, and three minis: a Pumpkin Butter in Parkin, a Soft Bubbling Scrub in Honeysuckle Lemoncurd, and a Body Emulsion in Madcap Garden; the first two are seasonal and latter two are from the permanent lineup.

The Whipped Soap is very different from the Solstice Scents offering. It's more of a meringue texture versus the marshmallow fluff of Solstice Scents's whipped soaps. You can press your finger into it and it will give, but there is an initial firmness. Really cool, and I really like it. Lathers really well for an SLS-free product!

I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but that's just personal preference. I was trying to be adventurous. Snow Wolf is heavy on the Christmas tree smell. I'll be glad when it's gone, although the texture is luxurious. I definitely get the inspiration - prowling, howling, cold. Just not for me.

Haven't tried the Body Emulsion yet. I'm one of those crazy people who only likes to have one body lotion open at a time...

The Soft Bubbling Scrub is lovely; it's not overly gritty and lathers up well, but still remains scrubby. Honeysuckle Lemoncurd is definitely a citrus scent, and it's refreshing without mimicking bathroom cleaner. Very nice.

The Pumpkin Butter in Parkin smells like pumpkin spice muffins and I kind of want to eat it. I'm okay with gourmand scents, but if you're not, this is not the scent for you. As far as the lotion itself goes, it's of the thicker variety - good for winter, but sinks in quickly enough (without leaving a residue) that it would also be appropriate in the warmer months.

I will say that I do find the labels to be a bit annoying; once exposed to water (and I do keep my shower products, ah, in the shower) they start to crumble and disintegrate and pretty much become gross. I haven't had this problem with other indie jar labels - I guess they must have some sort of coating over them. Would love to see that here, but it's a small thing.

I ordered a couple more Solstice Scents items (winter collection!) but after that, I'm moving on yet again to another indie brand. There are pros and cons to all brands, and I am starting to get a feel for what kind of textures and scents I like. Haus of Gloi does lean gourmand, so if those aren't the scents for you, it may be best to stick to their Aether (unscented) varieties, just to explore the products. They're definitely worth trying!

I GOT FRINGE

Those of you who follow me on Twitter and Instagram will have already seen this, but look: this happened.

I got bangs. I haven't had them in oh, 15 years, maybe? But I figured, what the hell, hair goes back and I'm already married (amirite?). I was bored - I get bored with my hair every few years - and bangs were an easy fix.

I've decided I want to grow my hair out, too. And then I'll pixie it. Bwahahahaha.

What say you? Bangs, or no? Do you change up your hair often, or do you prefer to stick with the tried and true?

The Thursday Post

Train: Mississippi. I'm not really a fan of Train (or a hater), but every once in a while I really fall in love with one of their songs. This would be one of those times.

This is the cutest thing EVAR.

Beautiful. Mystical. Eerie.

So exquisite - it made me smile.

This is kind of really cool. Way cooler than super-skinny Minnie Mouse.

The travel bug has been reignited.

S. was having a late night dinner after some sort of event and Dennison was eyeing his food.

November Favorites

This month's favorites reflect both new acquisitions and the rediscovery of old products. I'm trying a slightly different format here, too; the product name links you to my original review, if it already exists.

It's not makeup, but I've been loving those Whimsy Beading earrings! So well-made and adorable. Have gotten loads of compliments on them :)

Becca Cosmetics Berry Twist
New. This fabulous lip gloss is perfect for the season. The texture is wearable and it lasts a good long while.

Becca Cosmetics Vicuna Eye Tint
Also new to me this month. Not strongly pigmented, but I love the glow it gives my lids and it's easy to use. I layer powder shadows over it, and everything stays picture-perfect all day.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (not pictured)
Another old standby. I love this stuff. In the winter, I use it on my feet and any other dry spots. I also use it on my face to soothe rashes, especially any reactions to products.

MAC Stratus and Illamasqua Libido
I've been reaching for darker, more pigmented blushes lately - reds and plums. These are both gorgeous shades, and the perfect complements to vampy lips.

Real Techniques Blush Brush
This has changed the world of powder blush for me, and it was only $8.99! Makes it impossible to overdo blush; its long, soft, soft hairs make applying brush a dream. So soft. If you don't have one, get one.

Solstice Scents Snowshoe Pass perfume oil
This comes out when it starts to get cold, as it is so comforting. It's still my "pajamas perfume," though I do wear it at other times, too. I've been wearing a lot of different perfumes this month, but this is a nighttime staple.

Alterna Kendi Bamboo Smooth Oil
It's been making my hair smooth and shiny and soft to the touch. I put a few drops in my hand (my hair is thickish, I guess) and run it through my hair post-shower. In the morning: awesome hair. #fistpump

That's it for me over here. Definitely started using all of the winter products - heavier moisturizers, body lotions, etc. Do you overhaul all of your products at the turning of the seasons, or do you just use whatever you still have?

IT'S SO MUCH EYELINER, GUYS

I tried two more of the editorial looks, because I decided that it was fun and it gives me a chance to USE my makeup (novel idea, that). I tackled the two looks with insane eyeliner, doing the purple one first, wiping off the gloss, adding gold to the lower lashline, and putting on a nude lip combo. Surprisingly efficient, no? Here's the inspiration.

Source

Source

The base makeup was the same as yesterday's post, except that I switched in MAC Fresh Honey mineralize blush for the Tarte bronzer, and I much prefer the MAC blush - less dirty looking.

For the eyes, I used Becca Vicuna and the middle shade of the Tarina Tarantino palette all over the lid and a light dusting under the lower lashline. And then the pale gold shade directly on the fold. Now, prepare yourselves. I used Clinique's gel liner again, along with the angled Tokidoki brush, and WENT TO TOWN. My shape is not quite as flat along the top - it's more of a winged out look - but I couldn't really manage the flat shape and didn't want to botch the whole thing. Also, my liner shape isn't as...big...but again, didn't want to get too ridiculous. Added on some purple-pink lipgloss (MAC Narcissus cremesheen), and voila!

Because not smiling is hard.

Something like that, anyway. And then, to move to the next look, I added gold under the lower lashline (Darling Girl Cosmetics Yule's Angel, topped with Fyrinnae Polar Bear), and replaced the purple lip with a nude lip combo: Revlon Gold Dust layered over Marcelle Enchantment.

Annnnd that is all for now. I'm tired of putting black on the waterline (it gets on my contacts and I'm a big baby) so the next editorial look I try will have to have a CLEAN WATERLINE. Or I'm going to take some artistic license with it.

And then I put on a hat. Because hats are cool. (Bowties are cool. Why yes, we've been watching too much Doctor Who.)

Actually really like this gold under the eyes bit. Gotta do it again.

Okay, I want to see your versions! C'mon guys. DO IT.

Something Like an Editorial Look: Copper + Red Lips

In this week's Thursday Post, I linked a few editorial looks that I wanted to try - and that I wanted Xiao to try. She pulled the aqua look off beautifully, which made me a bit nervous about attempting a look myself. I rarely do editorial looks because 1. I'm lazy, 2. I don't look for many looks (no magazines), 3. I have no skillz, and 4. I'm really lazy. But I've been bored, lately, and feeling a bit blah about makeup, so I decided to give it a go.

The inspiration.
(Source)

I tried the last look from that post, because I was going to run errands and I thought the Costco people might look at me funny if I ran around with gold stripes under my eyes.

NOT SMILING IS HARD, GUYS.

My take is of course, not quite the same, because I have a very different facial structure and I don't have monolids. Still, I had fun putting it all together. I do think this one is a little more wearable - more so if you skip lining the waterline (which I hate doing because it burns and looks so dramatic), so please give it at try!

To recreate the glowing, warm skin, I used my Dior Hydra Tint - it's the dewiest finish I have, and is also a bit warm in shade. I patted on Bobbi Brown's corrector in Peach under my eyes, and then dusted MAC MSFN in Medium all over my face to tone down the shine and also to seal in the undereye makeup. I used Tarte's Hotel Heiress in the hollows of my cheeks, and MAC Whisper of Gilt along the cheekbone.

For the eyes, I prepped with Becca Eye Tint in Vicuna, and Too Faced Lemon Drop Shadow Insurance under the eyes. I patted theBalm's Racy Kacy (Shady Lady Vol. 3) over my lids in a rough half moon shape, putting most of the color on the edges and leaving a gap in the center of the lid. Then I went over it with the copper shade from the Tarina Tarantino Wonderful palette, using a fluffier brush to smooth out the harsh lines. I patted the gold shade from Wonderful onto the center of the lid, at the inner corners, and then took it under the bottom lash line to the outer corner.

With the dark brown shade from the same palette, I blended in the outer edges. I lined with Clinique's gel liner - top lash line, wing, and waterline.

And finished it off with MAC Cherry lipliner and Rouge d'Armani 400, for that glossy, high-shine red lip.

I can't not smile. It's hard. I feel like a fool - and look like a fool. But I gave it my best, guys. :P

Yeah. So there you go. I want to try the gold undereye look next, so maybe when I have some time I'll give that the old college try.

What do you think? Will you try any of those eye looks?