Christmas Wishes

Just a few of the things I'm coveting this holiday season. Didn't realize it at first, but it looks like there's a definite black and gold theme here! I was lucky enough to receive the items on my list (gift exchange came early this year), and I can't wait to wear my new goods in the new year.

What are some of your Christmas wishes? Any big-ticket items you're hoping for? I hope you all get everything on your list! Xx

Evening Essentials

Packing a clutch for nighttime excursions is quite the task; what I bring with me depends on where I'm going. Weddings, for example, require less baggage than a night on the town (can't remember the last time I did THAT!). Recently, I attended a friend's wedding and made sure to bring these essentials with me. Yes, my lip look requires four products, but more is always more! I don't like to bring too much with me, and honestly, with a clutch this size, it's hard to fit more than a few items inside. I brought a few bobby pins in case my hair didn't feel like holding up, a pick (old habits die hard), license and debit card, cell phone, and an extra pair of earrings (in case I have an accessory change of heart). More than that and I'd be lugging my whole tote with me.

Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupte' Lipstick in 002 Sensual Silk

NARS Blush in Luster

MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture 
MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass in Patience Please

MAC Prep + Prime Lip

What are some of your evening essentials? Is your clutch bare-bones, or do you haul it all with you? Leave comments below! Xx

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve by atrpcevski3 featuring a tuxedo blazer

Holiday Nails with Essie Luxeffects!

A couple of weeks ago, I picked up two of Essie's Luxeffects polishes. I think these are relatively new (they're the Holiday 2011 collection, so I guess that's as new as they could be) and I absolutely love them. Essie intends these polishes to be used a topcoat (which I didn't...Seche Vite goes on top of everything for me), and they add a seriously beautiful effect to any polish color. The two that I purchased are Set In Stones and Shine of the Times. Set In Stones is a silver glitter with hexagonal and micro-particle pieces, and Shine of the Times is an iridescent, almost opalescent flakey glitter. 

Both are stunning, especially when layered over another polish shade; I stuck to dark base shades so that the glitters would be more prominent (Russian Navy underneath the silver glitter, and Black Onyx underneath the gold). I tried to go for a snowflake-y thing with Set In Stones...I'm not sure if it turned out as well as I would've hoped, but it's still pretty. Oh, and excuse me for the sorry state of my cuticles in both pictures - yuck!

I'm usually a fan of glitters only in the wintertime, and I think the new Essie Luxeffects are a really pretty way to make your nails look more festive. Do you like glitter polishes? Have you tried any of these? Leave comments below and let me know what you think! Xx

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow

Hi dolls! I know you're probably starting to hate me for lack of updates, but I promise, many many new posts coming soon.

So I recently got my hands on Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow, which isn't necessarily a new product, but something I have been obsessing over since I first heard of it! These shadows are extremely pigment-packed, smooth, and stay on for ages. It's definitely the most luxe eyeshadow I've ever tried. The color payoff is amazing, and while the range of colors isn't anything groundbreaking, each shade is absolutely beautiful. Here are my four favorites:

Left to right: (4) Pulp Fiction, (2) Lust Red, (7) Sweet Fire, (5) Gold Blitz

As a longtime lover of gold eyeshadows, (5) Gold Blitz is exactly what I'm always looking for. It's a deep, rich, almost bronzy-gold shade that looks beautiful on it's own or with darker shadows.

Here's what this shadow looks like in its pot. Pretty marbleized colors coming together to create one fabulous shade. While the container seems small, it holds a good amount of product. With such strong color payoff using a teensy amount of product, I can see this lasting a while. Eyes To Kill shadows are definitely a luxurious product, and one will set you back $32 USD. I think it's a worthwhile splurge, and I can't wait to get my hands on a few more.

Have you tried Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows? What are your thoughts? Would you spend 32 dollars for one shadow? Leave comments! Xx

Happy New Year's Eve!!!!

I love New Year's Eve! It's so festive and fun, and it is the best excuse to wear a sequin dress, haha. I think NYE is a good time to experiment with makeup and accessories. When I think of New Year's, I think of glitter, gold and sequins.  Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Beyonce's hair and makeup in this picture is so much fun. She did a dark smoky eye with a nude shimmer lipgloss. I like how she used a pearly shimmer liner under her eyes. She used glitter extensions that aren't too obvious but reflect in the light. I love this look.



I just used this OPI polish from the "Burlesque" collection. It's called "Glow Up Already!" and is a beautiful opaque glitter. Most glitter polishes are annoying because they don't cover my nails completely, but this one is a ton of glitter that doesn't let any nail show through.

How about some gold shoes? This pair is from Steve Madden, and although I am not crazy about glitter shoes, there is no better time than New Year's Eve to wear a pair like this. I know my sister is obsessed with these. If your dress is more on the simple side, these are a fun addition.



No matter where you are going and what you are doing, remember to have fun and be safe!! I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year's Eve and a wonderful 2011, and ring in the new year with style!