L'oreal Fairest Nude



Let's be honest: Finding the perfect nude lipstick can be tricky. Most I've come across in the past have been failures. Too light, too peach, too pink, too brown, too chalky. I've been looking for something that enhances my natural lip color. My lips, only better.

L'Oreal Fairest Nude

With flash

Natural light

It's much hyped about on YouTube, and now I know why. It really is the most beautiful, natural looking lipstick I've ever seen. I really like the mauve undertone, as it brings out my lips while still looking understated and soft.

My gripe is the scent, very old fashioned if you get my drift. In fact, my mother used to wear nothing but L'oreal lipstick when I was growing up, and I distinctly remember the smell while I traced it around my little 6 year old lips.

However, I digress. I happily overlook the scent because I have found my perfect nude.

Have you found yours?

~Noelle

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pink POP

When it comes to Summer, there is nothing I love more than hot pink. Saturated, bright, lift your spirits pink. Nothing better!

Two of my favorites. Opaque and easy to work with.

On my fingers: Orly in Fancy Fuchsia.

I love the Barbie Mattel pink with my YSL Lapis ring.

This is quite possibly the most unique lip product I've ever tried. A cross between a gloss, lipstick, and a stain! Love it! It applies like a gloss or liquid lipstick, then dries to a matte finish. I recommend topping it off with a good lip balm.

~Noelle

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Thoughts & Impressions # 2

Hey everyone! I'm back with another edition of my thoughts and impressions of  beauty products I've recently purchased. On a side note, I was so frustrated with Blogger last week! It ate some of my comments and my last post was lost...and then it magically reappeared. I'm sure you all felt the same way. Hopefully it doesn't happen again anytime soon.

Now to my mini reviews:

I finally bought a lipstick that gets a lot of hype: Rimmel's Airy Fairy

The color is beautiful. It's a wearable mid tone pink with hints of lilac. It also has some golden shimmer, but I don't find the shimmer transfers when applied to my lips.

The formula is creamy and quite moisturizing actually. I don't find it to be drying at all. I also love the fruity scent. At around four dollars, I think this is the best neutral pink I've ever tried.

Verdict: Recommend

On the same trip to the drugstore, I also picked up one of the new Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Balms. This one is called Peach Crystal. I love Revlon's Super Lustrous lip glosses and lipsticks so I had high hopes.

If you've tried MAC's Tender Tones, than you will remember that jolly rancher scent. This has the same smell, which I love! It also has an SPF of 15, so it will be perfect for trips to the beach this Summer. The color is very sheer, but this shade does give my lips that "juicy" look.

Pretty right? The formula is a bit sticky, so if you dislike that then you won't like this balm. However, I find it to be really moisturizing and I would absolutely repurchase.

Verdict: Recommend

During Sephora's VIB discount week, I bought this Urban Decay Liquid Liner in Smog. It's a gorgeous tarnished olive color. I love wearing green on my lids, as they complement my brown eyes and bring out the golden flecks in them.

I'm a mess with liquid liner, but the brush is so fine that it makes a perfect line without any effort at all. The brush is very flimsy, but I think that's what makes the application so easy. I still love my Lancome Artliner, but this definitely comes in a close second. I love the fun color range, the sole reason why I bought Smog in the first place.

Verdict: Recommend

So as you can see, I really love all three products and am very happy I have them in my collection.

Have you tried any of them?

♥ Noelle

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NYX makes me blush

NYX has fastly become my favorite drugstore brand. Once impossible to locate, Ulta is expanding their selection and I have found some wonderful products that I considered ordering online only a few short weeks ago. I especially love their blush!

My little collection is growing!

My must-trys:

Powder blush - Pinched (left) and Angel (right).

I've read several reviews that claim Pinched is a dupe for NARS' Orgasm. I don't own that one so I can't really agree, but it definitely does offer that same pinky-peach glow with slight golden shimmer. Angel is beautiful! I've had it for about two years now and it's the perfect light pink flush.

Creme blush - Natural (left) and Glow (right)

I'm one hundred percent on a creme blush kick. With the weather getting warmer, I think cremes are natural and  youthful looking. These are both extremely creamy and pigmented. In fact, I think I care for the texture more than the MAC Cremeblends because these glide on more evenly.

Body Bronzer in Daydream of Lanai.

I ordered this from MsCuppyCakes.com awhile back, and although I think it's way too shimmery as a face bronzer, I love it as a blush! Just one sweep across your cheeks and you get a beautiful bronzed flush. This is also great for dusting over your shoulders or anywhere else on the body you want a golden cast.

HD Blush in Menage A Tois (left) and Mosaic blush in Love (right)

It's no secret that bright poppy and orange are the IT colors of the season. Flip through any magazine and vibrant, saturated color is spread across the lips and cheeks. I love these colors! The HD blush is a bit messy, so I'm not a fan of that. You turn the container and a finely ground powder is dispensed, but it goes everywhere. I still love this particular shade though. The same goes for the mosaic blush in Love. I swirl my brush throughout each block of color and a pretty orange appears on my cheeks.

Have you tried NYX cheek products? What are your thoughts?

♥ Noelle

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Thoughts & Impressions #1

When I first started my blog, I was very connected to the beauty channels on Youtube. The makeup hauls, tutorials, and reviews kept me glued to my computer for hours on end. To a certain extent, I still watch those videos but I realize that fashion has become my greatest love. In order to rejuvenate the beauty product fanatic within me, I have decided to do mini reviews on this blog as often as possible. I don't want to neglect the original reason I started Beautygirl24. I still love to try new things, and lately I have been shopping for beauty products on a regular basis. Here are my overall thoughts and impressions on three products.

1) MAC Cremeblend Blush

As many of you know, MAC reformulated their blushcremes and they are now called Cremeblend blushes. The color I have is a soft, muted coral (Something Special). I don't own any of MAC's former creme blushes so I really can't compare the old version to the new one. I can say without a doubt that I love Something Special. The color is very flattering on my light skin tone, and it blends very easily. I use mine with a synthetic stippling brush so that stray hairs don't get into the product. I like to top mine with a powder blush, typically with Benefit's Coralista. The lasting power when paired with a powder is about eight hours. I don't think that any creme blush lasts for the same amount of time when worn on its own, so I recommend using either a powder blush or even just a setting powder to ensure it lasts all day. Keep in mind that I have combination to oily skin. Those with dry skin may find the wear to be even better!

Verdict: Recommend!

2) Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara

This mascara is comparable to my beloved Cover Girl LashBlast. Yup, you read that correctly. This is amazing! In fact, the tube you see above is my second. I seldom repurchase a mascara because I am almost always let down by the results. Not this one. The wand is even similar to the Lashblast:

I have unfortunate stubby lashes. You can't detect that I have any without mascara. I love the volume that this gives my lashes. Two coats and I'm satisfied with the overall appearance it gives. I would also say that my lashes are noticeably longer as well. And you know the best part? The formula is free of any parabens and harsh chemicals so you don't get that crunchy feeling when you touch your lashes. They remain soft and conditioned. I will contine to repurchase.

Verdict: Recommend!



3) Redken Spray Starch Heat Protectant



I have long used the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray before blowdrying my hair straight. I really had no complaints with it either. It smelled incredible, the price was slight, and it did protect my hair against heat. I was just getting bored with it and wanted to try something different. Enter Redken's Spray Starch. I picked this up at Ulta about three weeks ago for 14 dollars. My initial thoughts: this is a bit more pricey than the Tresemme. It smells horrible! I can't quite describe the scent, but it isn't pleasant. It works just fine at protecting my hair from my blowdryer and flat iron. It also provides a bit of volume, which is something I didn't get with my previous thermal protectant. I do appreciate that. However, the smell really kills it for me. I know that may be a silly reason to dislike a product, but it's a reason nonetheless. I will most likely go back to the Tresemme once this is gone.

Verdict: Pass

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your own thoughts and impressions!

♥ Noelle



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Colorful Kisser, Take Two

You girls all know that I'm obsessed with bright, colorful lips (mentioned here and here). It's grown quite a bit since I first dipped my feet into the color pool. To prove this point further, I set up my little stash of lipsticks and took some pictures.

L to R: See Sheer by MAC, Viva Glam Cyndi by MAC, Strawberry Suede by Revlon (matte), Raspberry by Revlon (colorburst).

Swatched, same order as above.

L to R: Crosswires by MAC, Ultra Darling by MAC, Fuchsia by Revlon, Blase' Apricot by Revlon.

Swatched, same order as above.

I think it is safe to say that my go-to brands are MAC and Revlon. I find that they are affordable and offer a wide range of finishes and colors. Some of them are rather sheer, while others I actually have to dab on for fear of going overboard. I recommend keeping the rest of the face clean and simple if you are doing a neon, rainbow bright lip. The overall look is fresh, young, and most importantly, fun! Pair a bright lip with more neutral clothing and it almost acts as an accessory! Or, you can go all out with colorful clothing AND lipstick. I still love my natural nudes when I do a smokey eye, but colorful lips are here to stay. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Here's to happy lips,

♥ Noelle

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Obsessions Du Jour

1. Drugstore Makeup

2. Outlet shopping

3. Pretty Platforms

4. Sparkling Wine

*Via Google*

5. Spring Fever

Forever 21

What are you obsessed with at the moment?

♥ Noelle

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~Fashion Buys & Reader Requests~

I did a little shopping on my day off:

H&M, Zara

Rose Gold Saddle Ring (Ariella Collection, Nordstrom), Zara Flats.

Lapis YSL Arty, Net-A-Porter

I can't wait for this to arrive!

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Last week, I posted some beauty buys that I have acquired. I had a few requests to review two products in particular:

ELF Shimmering facial whip, Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer

ELF on the left, HC on the right.

~The ELF shimmering facial whip is a liquid highlighter that can be used anywhere on the face. I use it on the very tops of my cheekbones and above my cupid's bow. Only a TINY amount is needed! I used way too much for the swatches above. The color I have is called lilac shimmer and it reminds me of Benefit's High Beam highlighter. The color looks dark and almost brown in the pictures, but it's actually a really pretty light rosey pink. I had a sample at one point of the Benefit and almost purchased that one, but it is quite expensive. Overall, I think the ELF facial whips are great. When blended out, a pretty sheen is left behind. This one is not glittery. The only problem I find is that it doesn't stay put. I top mine with a powder highlight to ensure it lasts throughout the night. For $1.00 at Target, I think it's worth a try.

~ The Hard Candy Concealer can be found at Walmart. I don't remember how much I paid because I threw away the receipt, but I know it was inexpensive. This stuff...is serious! It is extremely thick. I mean it. I have tried using it under my eyes, and I have found that it is way too thick and hard to blend out. However, this stuff is perfect for covering blemishes and any scars or redness on the face, even on the body. One small dot of this is what I have been using on stray red marks on my chin left behind by old blemishes (those darn things!) I have read that this heavy duty concealer is comparable to Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer. Although I haven't tried that, I definitely believe that this version by Hard Candy would do the trick. I have a tattoo on my lower hip that I actually tried covering up with this, just to see if it worked. It did! I took pictures but I don't want to show them here because it feels a bit indecent. But if you're looking to do some heavy duty concealing, I would try Glamoflauge. I do not think it is good for under the eyes. I love my Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer palette for that.

♥ Noelle

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~Beauty Buys~

*Click on the picture to see it larger*

Here are some recent beauty products that I have admired and acquired over the past couple of weeks:

1. Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Pink Ice
2. MAC Mega Metal Shadow in Dalliance
3. MAC Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick
4. MAC Shy Girl Lipstick (repurchase)
5. Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer
6. Essie Polish in Chinchilly
7. Essie Polish in Over the Edge
8. ELF Facial Whip in Lilac Shimmer ($1.00!)


~If you would like a closer look at anything or have any specific questions, feel free to leave a comment!~

Happy February Loves

♥ Noelle

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A Colossal Mistake

Well...not really. But I do regret buying Maybelline's The Colossal mascara last week. From my last post, you girls know that I like to be boring. I find something I like and then I stick to it for as long as possible. I have used CoverGirl's LashBlast (the original) ever since it was first introduced, along with L'Oreal's Double Extend mascara. The former for volume, the latter for length. And I've been very happy with my two lash builders. I've just heard so many good things about The Colossal that I wanted to see for myself. That and the fact that I was getting sick of my mascara routine.

Colossal Pros:
~The brush is nice and fat, giving the appearance that it will do wonders for stubby lashes. It is also not plastic, which some people prefer.

Colossal Cons:
~I don't like the formula. It isn't buildable at all.
~It has a really strange floral-plastic type scent, and it is very strong.
~It doesn't hold a curl very well. I wore this to work and by the end of the day, my lashes had disappeared completely.
~Overall, it does not live up to its name.


I am not saying that The Colossal won't work for everyone, but it certainly does nothing for me. I think I am going to try L'Oreal's Voluminous next. Does anyone have any good drugstore mascara recommendations?

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I think It's Time To Go Nude Again

I've been getting that urge again readers. I want to bust out the shimmery bronzer, gold eyeshadow, and coral-pink blush. But more than anything, I want to linger back to nude lips. Over winter, I had fun experimenting with red. And no matter what, I can rely on my loyal stand-bys such as Nude Rose and Way to Love. I can throw those pinky-nudes on with anything, no thinking required. Even though I have come to realize that true nudes are almost impossible for me to feel comfortable wearing, I still like to try. Well, I think I have found a true nude that I like seeing on myself. It is from Revlon's new Colorburst lipstick line, and it is called " Soft Nude." I think the name suits this lipstick perfectly, because a soft nude is exactly what it is. It is wearable on its own or layered with a gloss on top which is how I've been wearing it. My only complaint is that it feels a bit drying on my lips. If your lips aren't in great condition, the color will settle into any lines or dry patches. I think that happens with any light lip look though, so just be sure to moisturize before applying. I'm not sure what other color I could compare Soft Nude to since I don't own lipsticks such as MAC's Myth, Creme D' Nude, or Hue. I do own Blankety, and I can tell you that Soft Nude is more peachy than pink. Blankety has pink undertones, while Soft Nude is I guess more on the peach side. Overall, if your interested in a nude lipstick, I think Revlon's is a good option. Wait until your drugstore has a sale on Revlon cosmetics so you will pay even less! I'm keeping this nude in my purse so it's always on hand ;)

With Flash

True to Life

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