Friday Night Thoughts

Hi Dolls!

I know I haven't updated in a while, this has been a pretty busy week with school and work (and my birthday, which was on Tuesday, yay!).  I promise I will do a bunch of new posts this week, filled with lots of fun stuff and new products I've purchased (skincare, makeup, SHOES!).

For all of you who love Benefit Cosmetics as much as I do, my friend Suhaima is selling some amazing products at amazing prices.  You can check it out here.

And on a more serious note, I'm sure you're all well aware of the tragic natural disasters happening in Japan.  Watching all of the news is heartbreaking, and I'm very lucky and thankful that I am able to close my computer and turn off the television when I don't want to hear anymore; for the people of Japan, this is very real, and there is no way to turn it off.  I think it's important that we all keep our thoughts focused on helping Japan, and reaching out in any way possible.  Looking to contribute?  Start by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999.  This will donate $10 to Red Cross (which will be added to your phone bill).  

That's all for now, just a few things I thought I'd share with you!  I hope everyone has an excellent weekend, and keep on the lookout for new posts coming up soon.  Xx

Song of the Day

Inside My Makeup Bag

Earlier this week I did a post on being organized, and after carefully pruning out my makeup bag, I have finally restricted it to simply the essentials.  I used to carry everything with my in my makeup bag; I'm talking eyeshadow palettes, a million lipglosses and lipsticks, tinted moisturizer, etc.  Now I store these things in my basket or in my train case at home, and keep things that I know I use on-the-go in my makeup bag.  Here's a look inside my makeup bag and what I carry with me:

How cute is that makeup bag? A fabulous gift from my best friend Viktorija.

Rosebud Salve - As I've said before, I'm mildly obsessed with Rosebud Salve.  It works wonders on my chapped lips, but leaves a pretty sheen.

Clear Eyes Eye Drops - Even though I've been wearing glasses almost every day lately, I do occasionally wear my contact lenses, and every time I do, my eyes get super dry.  I try to use these throughout the day to keep my eyes from falling out, ha ha.

Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer - I use this concealer for the dark circles around my eyes, and I love it.  I've got dark eyelids too, and this is creamy enough to highlight and cover.  And the pen apparatus is very convenient.

MAC Cosmetics Blush in Dollymix - Bright pink in the container, perfect flushed color on my cheeks. I use the MAC Cosmetics #129 Brush to apply.

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation - Oily skin becomes a problem throughout the day, and this powder works wonders on getting rid of shine.  I carry the Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face brush to apply this powder, instead of the sponge it comes with.

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara and L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - I always like wearing two mascaras.  L'Oreal Voluminous is my favorite because it's buildable and super dark.  I like to experiment with the second mascara I wear, and the CoverGirl was my latest try.  It's not amazing, but I don't hate it.

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Rimming my eyes with black liner is an easy and quick look.

So there you have it, my essentials for a beautiful day.  What's in your makeup bag?  Are you due for a makeup bag overhaul like I was?

Monday is here, and I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Xx

Academy Awards Beauty

The Academy Awards!  The Oscars!  Whatever you want to call them, the Academy Awards are the Holy Grail of Hollywood events, the highlight of award season, and the most exciting night of my life, ha ha.  I, of course, posted up for my annual Oscar celebration in the comfort of my living room, and could not be more excited to watch the show.  I feel that the celebs on the red carpet departed from traditional style this year, with many of the ladies choosing column dresses and leaning toward avant-garde styles.  Not to say that I didn't find any of the looks beautiful, but I am more of a traditionalist and would have loved to see a ball gown or two (or an updo!).  This evening, the Academy Awards churned out the usual stunners: Mila Kunis was tan and radiant, opting for a softer look than she has lately, and Amy Adams was a picture of perfection with brushed-out waves and a sparkling gown.  And how about all of the red!  Definitely the color of the year.  Of course, with the good comes the bad.  Jennifer Hudson sported a hideously lopsided updo, and Reese Witherspoon looked like she went out and bought a ponytail clip instead of styling her hair.  Tonight, I chose three favorite looks: Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, and Halle Berry.

The lovely host Anne Hathaway had a million costume changes, and each was more beautiful than the last.  Here she is on the red carpet, sporting a loose, low bun, porcelain skin, and ruby lips.  I really think the lighter hair shade suits her well.  Anne followed the most basic rule of keeping the rest of her face relatively simple when wearing a red lip.  For a similar look, try Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Smoke Red.

Talk about a bombshell!  Jennifer Lawrence evoked Scarlett Johansson (circa Golden Globes 2006) in a long red column gown, loose blonde waves, and a sexy smoky eye.  It's no secret that I am a giant fan of big hair, and Jennifer goes for lush volume without looking over-the-top (pay attention Reese!).  The eye color here is soft, smoky, and sultry.  Want to try it?  I'd suggest MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe.

Halle always looks flawless, if you ask me.  I like her return to the cropped hairstyle (I didn't think long curls did much for her).  This evening, Halle opted for bronze tones, choosing to go heavy on the shadow and light on the lips.  I would love to try this look on myself soon.  If you would too, try NARS Single Eyeshadow in Galapagos.

Did you watch the Academy Awards?  No surprises as far as the awards go, I know!  What were your favorite looks?

Photos from Getty and Wire Images

I need to get ORGANIZED!

I am running out of places to keep things.  I have my train case for all of my makeup, my makeup bag for things I use when I'm out, but I hate lugging around a million things that I only use once a day.  In an attempt to get myself a little more organized, I've acquired this cute basket from Michael's to keep my everyday items together.  I'm talking primer, face lotion, foundation, etc. etc.  Rather than allowing everything to pile up on the bathroom counter, I figured this would be a good way to keep these items within easy access.

Next up is nail polishes.  I have a million, and I just throw them in some plastic tub and forget they exist.  It's sad!  I need a better system.

How do you organize your beauty products?  Do you keep everyday items separate from the rest of your stash?  How about your nail polishes?  I need some inspiration, people!

Today is Friday, yay! I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend.  Xx