Little Luxuries

 I've always said that there's no better pick-me-up than treating yourself to some pretty beauty products. They must be completely unnecessary too, and the more spontaneous the purchase, the better :)

Stila Countless Color Pigments in Lyric - At first I wasn't sure what to do with this until I realized what a gorgeous shade of hot pink it would produce on the cheeks. I take a big fluffy brush, swirl it in the pan and apply it generously to my face. The warmth it brings is beautiful, and it really lights up my complexion. Other pigments in the line I think would be great as eye shadow, but lyric in particular caught my eye as a blush. 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in # 6 (Pink in Devotion) - This is my first YSL lipstick in this famously luxurious tube. The color is so vibrant in person, but the glossy stain-like formula makes it a bit more wearable. It literally glides on the lips and the outcome? Well, just beautiful, especially for Summertime. Last worn here.

Fekkai Glossing Cream - I swore by this when I was in my late teens and early twenties, and I have no clue why I ever stopped! One little drop and my frizzy hair is transformed into brilliant shine. I found mine at Target, but I've seen it at Ulta, Sephora, and online. 

What little luxuries do you treat yourself to?

♥ Noelle

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Saturday & Sephora

While the boy was away for his bachelor weekend, I enjoyed the most luxurious Saturday. The luxurious part? Having no plans whatsoever. Lazily waking up and taking the dog for a walk, grabbing coffee, stopping by my mom's house for a quick catch-up, and then doing some beauty shopping at Sephora. A winery trip later that afternoon may or may not have been involved as well ;)

Mint (yes MINT, my camera loves to wash the color out) blazer - H&M (similar)

Dress - Zara (old) (similar)

Necklaces - Lisa Taubes and Kate Spade

Bag - MNG Mango (love this by Solesociety)

Nails - Lacey Lilac by L'oreal

P.S. - I'm very happy with the L'oreal polishes I mentioned last week. They are really opaque. The formula is thick, which makes it a little difficult to apply but the color payoff is worth it and only two coats are needed.

At Sephora, I picked up three skin products:

1) Make Up For Ever HD Foundation - I got this in the shade 120 which is soft sand. It actually looks a bit dark in the bottle but the MUA color matched me so I'm hoping it's the correct shade. I bought this specifically to test out for my wedding. I will report back :)

2) Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + - My favorite! I've used it and loved it for years now. I'm thinking of mixing it with the HD and seeing how I like the combination. I'm in contact with a makeup artist who did my friend's wedding, and I plan on bringing both foundations to show her. She does airbrushing, but I may be more confident in wearing foundations on my wedding day that I know work well for my skin.

3) Origins GinZing Eye Cream - I picked up this eye cream because my beloved Kiehl's is completely gone and I don't have access to a stand-alone location or even a department store that carries the line. I picked up the Origins because not only does it get great reviews, but also because it's free of parabens and other harsh chemicals I'm trying to stay away from. I don't know if it'll replace my Kiehl's, but so far so good.

Be on the look-out for more wedding makeup talk within the next week or two :)

Thank you for reading,

♥ Noelle

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Little pick-me-ups

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, right? As long as you don't go overboard, little pick-me-ups can be a perfect solution to the doldrums. I think treating yourself to a bottle of nail polish or a new lipstick can be just as satisfying (if not more) than saving money for a big item.

Pretty Spring polishes

L'oreal has a new limited edition collection, and I had to have some! I got Creme Puffs and Lacey Lilac.

I also picked up Tart Deco and Maximillion Strasse Her by Essie.

Any of these colors would be great for Easter. I have yet to actually paint my nails with them, but I plan on wearing Creme Puffs this weekend. I'll report back on the opacity, and I have high hopes for all four.

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss. I've heard great reviews about these new lip butters, and seeing as I'm a sucker for both raspberries and anything rose, I decided to try it. It has a soft, fruity scent and is really moisturizing.

NYX Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie is great! Non-sticky, very lightly scented (unlike most other NYX lip products) and smooth coverage. This shade is really natural so if you want more color, I'd go for a darker or brighter shade.

 

 

I finally plopped down for the Sephora 55 airbrush. I've been wanting this for what seems like ages, but I've never spent a lot of money on makeup brushes. I love my Sigma, Kirkland, and Eco Tools. However, I am so happy with this brush. I use it for blush, bronzer, and powder. Ultra soft and applies everything like a dream. I haven't washed it just yet, so I'm hoping the bristles flare out.  Right now they are quite tapered and I'd actually prefer a little fullness.

 

 

 

These delicate stone necklaces are so beautiful! I picked them up at a tiny boutique while in San Diego this past weekend and I'm just in love. Pretty layered or on their own, expect to see them appear in outfit posts very soon. I love my statement jewelry, but nothing is as sweet or as feminine as a dainty necklace around your neck.

What little pick-me-ups have you treated yourself to lately?

♥ Noelle



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Products Worth Trying

1) Elf Kabuki Brush - For three dollars at Target, I walked away with the softest (I mean bunny soft) kabuki brush that fits perfectly into my J. Crew makeup bag. I use it to apply my face powder during touch-ups. I thought about buying one from a high-end brand, but I'm so happy that I saved my money and bought this little guy instead.

2) California Mango Mend - This multi-purpose balm smells amazing! Like a trip to Bora Bora amazing. Or so I imagine :) Anyway, this can be purchased at Sally Beauty Supply for around nine dollars. I bought it specifically for my dry hands. I'm constantly washing them because I work with kids who love to put their germy little fingers all over me! I wash my hands so much that they get cracked. This mango balm is the perfect size to keep in your bag, your car, or next to the bathroom sink. I won't be without it this Winter.

3) ROC Daily Resurfacing Disks - If you try just one thing from this list, please try this! These disks are great for firming and exfoliating skin. I don't have deep wrinkles (yet) so I can't attest to their ability to help fight them, but I've noticed a real difference in the overall appearance of my skin. It's been much more radiant lately. Safe enough for daily use.

4) Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer - I'm not a fan of face primer, mainly because I think regular moisturizer works just as well. However, after months of reading rave reviews from many of you, I was happy to try this sample size in the Sephora All Stars set. Love it! This primer is the perfect texture and consistency - not too slick, not too heavy, and only a slight silicone feel. It helps my foundation go on more smoothly, diminishes the look of pores, and helps my makeup last longer.

5) Goldeneye nail polish from the O.P.I. Skyfall collection - The most gorgeous gold! I have worn it for almost an entire week and it's just now starting to chip. It's such a stark gold, it almost looks like real gold leaf.  I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. This will be my nail color of choice for New Years.

6) Josie Maran Argan Oil - Another product that I can't recommend enough to everyone. Great for hair, cuticles, face, arms, legs...put some in your bath for softer skin. You can honestly use this product for practically any beauty need. The great thing about her argan oil is that it's very light. It soaks right into your skin while still providing so much moisture. The same goes for your hair. I used  Moroccan Oil for a long time, but stopped because it just felt so greasy and heavy. This is weightless.

♥ Noelle



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Products I'm Loving

 I feel like it's been such a long time since I last featured a few products that I can't put down. It's one thing to show you what I've been buying lately. The true test comes from what I'm using on a daily basis.

This Fall, I've been all about berry toned blush with a satin finish. I love coral when I'm tanned, but once my color fades, I like a beautiful berry pop right onto the apples of my cheeks. Nothing perks up my complexion more. These are surprisingly easy to wear. They can go on sheer, or packed on! I like somewhere in between. The MAC shades are no longer available, but the LORAC blush is beautiful. There are so many pretty berries out on the market, I'm sure you can find the perfect one for you.

This Chanel quad in Prelude is a gift from my best girl. I'm loving a plum smokey eye, and this lets you go light and natural, or dark and sultry. All four shades are incredibly flattering. I like to use my Sephora smudge brush in number 29 to line my eyes in the darkest shade. It lasts all day.

What is this flourescent pink blob you may ask? It's called a tangle teezer! Apparently it's very popular in the U.K. I got mine at Sally's Beauty and I've been using it every single day since. It's the perfect shape for the palm of your hand, and it glides along the hair easily to comb out tangles - minus the pain.



These three scented candles from Bath & Body Works make me so happy. I light them primarily at night after a long day. The Vanilla Bean Noel has been my favorite for years now.

What products are you loving this Fall?

♥ Noelle

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MAC Holiday & Sephora VIB Sale

Just a quick post for today, as I'm leaving in a bit to go camping. We are taking a trailer, courtesy of the boy's parents so I guess I can't truly call it camping. With a queen sized bed, a stove, and a bathroom, we aren't really going to be roughing it! Nope, just relaxing.

Here are my buys from Sephora's VIB sale yesterday! I also stopped by MAC and picked up two things from their Holiday collection.

1. Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara Collection - Such a great value! You get a full size mascara, artliner (my favorite liquid liner), a mascara base, and eye makeup remover. I can't wait to try the mascara, I've heard great things :)

2. Sephora Super Stars - I think the name says it all. Again, you can't go wrong by purchasing a kit like this. You can try so many things for a great deal. I wanted the Hourglass primer, and this kit contains it. I also needed another Benefit They're Real mascara, and I've been meaning to purchase the Chloe fragrance for months now. Everything else looks amazing!

3. Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + - I had to replenish. I'm tempted to try the HD foundation, especially for my wedding. That one remains on my list!

4. MAC Glamour Daze blush in easy manner, eyeshadow in stolen moment. Gorgeous, and definitely in line with my plum/taupe makeup obsession.

If you would like to see any swatches or reviews on anything, please let me know. Just give me about a week or so to test these beauties out!

Use code CELEBRATE at checkout for 20% off your entire purchase at Sephora. Happy shopping!

♥ Noelle

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Sephora VIB Wishlist

With all of the confusing news about Sephora's friends and family sale this year, I was about to call it quits on getting any type of discount on the things I've been wanting lately. So many of us save and save in order to either stock up and replenish our beauty arsenals, or finally get a deal on those special items we have been coveting. Well, who knew that friends and family really IS just for friends and family? Imagine that. So many companies have these sales this time of year, and I think we've come to expect them from every store. Too bad I'm not "in" with anyone at my local Sephora! I've already made a note of that so the next time I casually stroll in there, I can be exta friendly to staff :)

However, the VIB sale is still taking place in November. I'm not completely certain on the date, so feel free to let me know in the comments. The VIB sale is still 20% off, and it is the same discount we normally get during the friends and family. Here is my current shopping list:

MUFE Mat Velvet +

The only foundation I've used for over three years. I need another bottle stat!

Lorac Baked Blush in Velvet Rope

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer

Laura Mercier Hand Cream Set

Josie Maran Argan Balm

If you haven't tried Josie Maran, this is a great starter kit! I swear by her argan oil!

Josie Maran Bestsellers

Sephora Super Stars

Although pricey, this looks amazing!

This is just a wishlist of course! I can assure you I won't be buying all of this.

Only in my dreams...

♥ Noelle

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Beauty Treats

A birthday trip to the mall included stops at Sephora, Macy's, and Aveda. For the first time in months, I absolutely adore every single item I got, and would dare say these products are HG worthy. It's always nice to treat yourself to some luxury beauty items, and even more satisfying when they work for your specific needs.

1. Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep - "infuses all-day weightless volume". I used this on my damp hair after I washed it yesterday, and not only did it smooth my hair and made it feel super soft, it also did add some extra volume.

2. Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder - Okay, so I've always wanted a Chanel compact. My intent was really the mirror displayed inside. Sleek, polished, and sophisticated. However, the powder is great as well! I use it to blot my t-zone throughout the day, and it just leaves my skin looking less shiny. It isn't heavy or cakey at all. I love pulling it out of my bag when I need a quick touch up :)

3. Sephora Pro Smudge Brush # 29 - I use this to smudge eyeshadow along my lash lines, top and bottom. It's also great to smudge out pencil liner.

4. Laura Mercier Baby Lips  - This is an amazing lipstick. The texture feels like a balm because it is so soothing and moisturizing. The color itself is sheer, and in fact, it very closely resembles my beloved MAC lipstick in See Sheer (a light wash of red). I like Baby Lips even more, and that says a lot! This is a great color for anytime, anywhere. It really does remind me of a sweet baby's flush-stained lips.

♥ Noelle

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Details {Gold Watch & YSL Le Orange}

Over the weekend, I stopped by Macy's and finally used a gift card that had been burning a hole in my wallet since last Christmas! How I managed to keep it around for so long I'll never know. I have been wanting a gold watch for quite some time, but wasn't sure I wanted to go with Michael Kors or another brand. After much deliberation, I opted for this one:

Reasoning? It doesn't have any rhinestones, and it's the perfect tone of gold. Not a super stark yellow, but not champagne either. I love that the middle of the band has a brushed look, while the rest of the watch is shiny. The quality is there. Not too heavy but it does have a nice weight to it. Did you know that Fossil actually makes Michael Kors watches? But, Fossil is typically less expensive which is why I went with it rather than a different brand.


After leaving Macy's, I had to stop next door to Sephora. I had heard that YSL had a fiery red lipstick called Le Orange ( # 13 in the Rouge Couture line). I had to take a peek. Nevermind that I sometimes feel like a little girl playing dress-up and experimenting with mommy's red lipstick. I was that little girl. And sometimes when I wear a red lip, I am transported back to that happy time, standing on my tippy toes in my mother's bathroom :)

c/o HelloCotton

After doing some research, I learned that Kourtney Kardashian is indeed a fan. Of course it looks a bit different on me, but it's still that same orange-red. I wore it all day Sunday and it never disappeared! Even at the end of the day, I still had a stain on my lips. If you are scared of color, this will probably be "too much" for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. One swipe (or a few light dabs if you want to play it safe) and you are good to go. I promise to wear it in a future outfit of the day.

Surprisingly, this is my first YSL lipstick. I doubt it will also be my last...

♥ Noelle

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Makeup Must-Haves

1) Makeup Forever Mat Velvet +: Great for combination to oily skin. It is buildable coverage, and it makes skin appear flawless.

2) Makeup Forever HD Powder: I use this to set all of my makeup. It keeps skin matte, but is still quite sheer. In other words, this won't make you look powdery.

3) Buxom Lip Creme in White Russian: The only lip gloss I'll continue to purchase. It's the perfect pinky-nude that feels refreshing on your lips. Also non-sticky.

4) M.A.C. lustre lipstick in See Sheer: Beautiful wash of light red.

5) Benefit Coralista Blush: The perfect pink toned coral with tiny hints of gold shimmer.

6) Benefit They're Real Mascara: Makes my little bitty lashes miles long, and with tons of volume. Who wants to mess with falsies when you have a mascara like this? Not I!

7) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: There's a reason why this is a cult favorite.

8) Urban Decay All Nighter Spray: This sets makeup and keeps it looking good all day (or night) long.

9) Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil: This stays on the waterline longer then any other liner I've found. It's really creamy and smooth, and glides on like a dream with no pulling or tugging.

10) Dior Amber Diamond: This highlighter is the perfect amount of sheen. It doesn't contain any glitter. Finally, a highlighter for grown-ups.


This is my makeup must-have list. I am no expert, but I think I've learned a little something over the years through trial and error. I couldn't be without them in my beauty arsenal, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone I know.

♥ Noelle

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Another Favorite Scent ---> Jimmy Choo

I've been cheating on my Prada Candy, Viktor & Rolf La Vie En Rose, and Philosophy Summer Grace. The reason? Jimmy Choo decided to make a fragrance, and it is just so good. Not one to jump the gun, I was elated when I saw the rollerball version while cashing out at Sephora. I had actually already paid for my MUFE foundation, and barely spotted it out of the corner of my eye. A few months ago when I bought Prada's Candy, the SA gave me samples of tons of perfumes. This was included, and I have used my sample sparingly ever since in an effort to preserve it.

LINK!

Sultry, sexy, glamourous, feminine.  Notes of patchouli, tiger orchid, green, toffee. I can't afford a pair of Jimmy Choos, but I can afford this! When did I become such a frgrance fiend? I'm not sure, but I'm happy I did.

Have you tried this yet?

♥ Noelle

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Summer Makeup

When the temps rise, I think the last thing we all want to do is wear a ton of makeup. I generally wear less makeup in the Summer then I do in the colder months, but I love the look of bronzed skin, flushed cheeks, and fruit-colored lips. There is nothing sexier! The key is to use a light hand, apply plenty of sunscreen, and focus on a dewy glow rather then caking on powder. It's going to get hot, so don't fight it! Just go with it! Let your natural skin show, let your hair down. Use a setting spray like Urban Decay's All Nighter to seal in your makeup, and when possible (like on weekends), let your hair air-dry. The beauty of Summer is ease and simplicity; I do admit that I look more like myself this time of year :)

I went through my beauty stash last night, and there are some obvious colors and products that I use on a frequent basis now that I have a light tan. Here are some favorites, but I suggest using any products  you may have that are similar in color. Think bronze, gold, warm browns, and taupes for eyes. Watermelon, coral, hot pink, and peach for lips.

Top: Revlon Colorburst l/s in Fuchsia, Bare Escentuals eye glimmer in True Gold, Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Lovesick

Bottom: Inglot eyeshadow. I'm so sorry, I don't know the number. It is a very stark gold, with a copper finish.

I love yellow gold or copper eyes and bright pink lips. Gorgeous!

Buxom lip cream in White Russian, MAC plushglass in Fashion Fanatic, and NARS duo in Rajasthan.

You can never go wrong with a lip plumping gloss. These feel minty and cool, very refreshing on a sweltering day! Pair them with lighter smoky shadow for a great evening look.

Lancome Rouge in Love lipstick in Corail in Love, MAC mega metal shadow in Dalliance.

It's no secret that Corail in Love is my favorite coral. I like to dab it on and press it into my lips for a stained look. A single sweep of pewter shadow and some black liner with mascara is all you need. Easy!

Revlon colorburst lipgloss in Bellini, Revlon Balm Stain in Charm, MAC 3D shadow in Sweet Heat, Burberry shadow in Pale Barley

Peach and bronze are also a very soft and pretty pairing. I wear these to work a lot because they look natural, but still radiant.

Sweet cheeks: NYX body bronzer in Daydream of Lanai and MAC Hipness blush.

I use both as blush. They contain a good bit of shimmer, so although I swear by Dior's Amber Diamond (and highly recommend that), you don't need it with these.

Lastly, I just bought these two UD single shadows over the weekend. I think they are both in the Naked 2 palette, but correct me if I'm wrong. I can't wait to try these taupes with pink lips.

Verve and Stray Dog

What are your Summer makeup colors/products?

♥ Noelle



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Burberry Shadows & Dior Concealer Update

I headed to the only Nordstrom in my area that carries Burberry cosmetics. In fact, apparently there are only 10 cities in the nation that carry them (otherwise they are available online HERE).  After reading so many wonderful things about the brand's eyeshadows, I was literally itching to give at least one a try. Of course, I can almost never buy just one of anything these days so I bought two. Oh yeah, I'm a rebel.

The packaging looks and feels extremely luxurious. Being that it is Burberry after all, I wouldn't expect anything less. Each shadow comes with a velvet pouch, a bit useless yes, but still gives the impression of high-end luxury. The little silver compacts are weighty, and have the classic Burberry plaid printed right on top.

I chose Pale Barley (left) and Porcelain (right)

Pale Barley is a golden bronze with slight hints of taupe. It looks beautiful all over the lid. Porcelain is a soft peach with hints of ivory. I don't really own any warm highlight shades, so I am excited to use this to accentuate my browbones.

I stuck my grabby little fingers in almost every single shadow that was on display. The SA didn't mind one bit. All of the shadows are just so buttery and soft. They really are worth the money.

Overall I am happy with them and even want a couple more.

Now onto an update! A few weeks back, I showed this Dior concealer that I had just purchased at Sephora. I promised I would keep you posted on what I thought of it, and the verdict is in. I love it.

I got it in the color Beige and I think it matches my skin quite well. It looks a bit orange here, but that's just the flash. In real life, the color is much more muted and natural. It is incredibly creamy and needs little effort to blend and melt right into my skin. If you have really dark circles, this coverage may be too light for you. But if you just want a little boost underneath your eyes, this product is perfect. It lasts all day and doesn't crease. I find it hydrating, which you know I crave.

My concealer routine:

1) First I apply a dot of this under each eye and pat it into my skin with my ring finger.

2) Then I use my Maybelline Age Rewind Brightener by swiping a bit on top of the Dior. This is solely for brightening purposes.

3) Then I use a little powder to set everything in place for the day (or night).

I hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

♥ Noelle

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Weekend Beauty

I did some beauty shopping this weekend at Sephora and MAC. This is what came home with me:

1) Viktor & Rolf La Vie En Rose (Sephora exclusive). Okay, I thought that this perfume had been discontinued. When I finished my previous bottle, my fiance searched high and low for it. It is his favorite scent on me, and I wore it when we got engaged so it holds a special place in our memories. Funny how powerful a certain scent can be! Although I love my Prada Candy, nothing can compare to La Vie En Rose. I thought I would never find it again, so I was shocked when I walked into Sephora and it was right there on a display! Sephora must have repromoted it because the bottle looks a bit different. However, it is definitely the same scent. I want to wear it when we get married next year.

2) MAC Fix + is a product I've mentioned on the blog numerous times. I like to use it before bed after applying my moisturizer and eye cream, as well as when I want a quick pick-me-up during the day. I don't use it to set makeup, as I prefer Urban Decay All Nighter for that purpose. But nothing is as refreshing as Fix +.

3) Buxom Lip Creme in White Russian. I used this as soon as I bought it! Best nude ever! It's everything I've looked for in a nude. It doesn't wash me out, it actually brightens my face and makes my lips look fuller (although I don't need much help in that department). I highly recommend it. I wouldn't say it tingles, just feels very cooling on the lips. If you're a fan of the Kim Kardashian nude lip, I think you'll find this one to be supremely wearable, especially if you have lighter skin.

4) DiorSkin Nude Hydrating Concealer. I haven't tried this just yet, but am looking forward to testing it out. I've read great reviews. I will update very soon!




While we are on the subject of beauty, I am quite pleased with the Color Club polish I picked up last week in Modern Pink. It's such a beautiful neon. It isn't too outlandish, if that makes any sense. It stands out, but still walks the fine line between trendy and chic.

♥  Noelle

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Current Skincare Loves

Left to Right:

1. Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Evening Soothe. These have been my go-to makeup remover wipes for the past few months now. The quilted texture gets every trace of makeup, and the scent is relaxing for nighttime use. I've come to realize that many brands make great wipes (I still love Yes to Cucumbers and Neutrogena). However, I can always find Pond's on sale so I keep repurchasing.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This works wonders on heavy duty mascara, especially my Benefit "They're Real" which is known for being difficult to remove.

3. Josie Maran Argan Oil. This has been raved about from so many bloggers. This is my newest skincare addition, as I just added it to my nightly routine two weeks ago. I already love it, and can't believe how soft and supple my skin looks and feels when I get out of bed in the morning. I slather it everywhere. I concentrate on my skin, but it can also be used on cuticles, hair, and anywhere that needs a serious dose of moisture.

4. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado. Now that I'm in my late 20's, I notice just how sensitive the delicate skin around my eyes are.  I don't have any lines yet, but I do need moisture. This eye cream is amazing. This is my second jar, but it lasts forever. A little goes a long way. I use it not only before bed, but also in the morning underneath my concealer. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it!

5. ROC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. I mainly use this for preventative measures. I'm still fairly young ;) But I've said before that I do have little lines between my brows. I don't use it every night because it does irritate my skin slightly, but I try to apply a bit at least four times a week.

6. MAC Fix+. This is the travel size that came out with some collection I'm sure. I spray this on after applying my makeup, as well as right before bed. No reason why really, it just feels so refreshing and I love that scent. I didn't think it set my makeup well until I started spraying some on before using my MUFE HD powder. That does the trick, and my makeup stays on a few hours longer.

* I completely forgot to include my Cetaphil cleanser. It's gentle, it's soothing. It's perfect.

I'm always curious about skincare products, so there are a few things I want to try. I've heard some of you girls rave about Peter Thomas Roth. His correction pads are on my wishlist. I also have a friend that is sending me some goodies to test out ;)

What are your current skincare loves?

♥ Noelle

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My first beauty purchases of 2012

On a trip to Sephora today, I made my first purchases of 2012. I wanted to branch out and try brands and products that I am completely unfamiliar with, and that is precisely what happened.

How's this for branching out? Highlighter neon (I mean NEON) nail polish from Illamasqua called Rare.

So excited to wear this! I'm still in love with the whole neon trend that's taken fashion and beauty by storm.

Hourglass cosmetics is a vegan line that does not contain any sulfates or parabens in their products. That drew me in, but the sleek packaging and elegant design also won me over. This is a lip stain in the color Petal, a soft peachy pink. So far, so good. I want to try more from the line in the future.

I also am loving this present I received from my best friend.

MAC lipglass in Check This Out.

 Not sure if it is limited edition because I've been avoiding those collections like the plague but this is a very natural, glowy gloss. It reminds me of the infamous Love Nectar that is said to be a prime choice for brides on their wedding day. I actually like this color better.

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good beauty binge is there?

♥ Noelle

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New Products I'm Loving

Some people say that part of being a beauty blogger/addict is the excitement that comes from trying new products. For me, it's easy to find something I love and then continue to repurchase. I am a creature of habit, so when I find a great item I have a tendency to go back to it time and time again. On the occasion I venture out, more often than not I am disappointed. However, I have found three products that I am loving lately, and using them on a daily basis. In fact, these products are now part of my makeup routine.


I initially learned about these face wipes from Tiffany D. You girls all know her I'm sure. She claimed that these are the wettest makeup remover towlettes she has ever tried. Sold!

The Pond's wipes were on sale at Target, so I grabbed some. She is so right about how moisturizing they are. They are dripping wet! So wet that you feel like you've just bathed after using one. I am able to remove all of my makeup, even waterproof mascara or hard to remove mascara like Benefit's They're Real! 

I really enjoy the quilted texture of each cloth. You really feel like it's removing every trace of makeup.

I will repurchase without a doubt.

I have been getting my eyebrows waxed by the same lady for a year and a half now. When I first started seeing her, our main goal was to fill in the sparse areas that had been overtweezed during my teen years. I also wanted to thicken them up, which has taken forever! My brows are still (over a year later) a work in progress, but I am very happy with them overall for the first time in my life. I love the shape of them. I get them waxed every three months, and I DO NOT TOUCH THEM AT ALL in between. I actually threw out my tweezers! She advised me to use a pencil or a powder to give the appearance of thickness, and I decided to try this on a whim:

Maybelline Define-A-Brow. I use the shade Dark Brown.

I lightly brush my brows with a spoolie. The pencil comes with a little comb on one end, but I don't find it useful. After I brush my brows with a spoolie, I use light strokes to fill in some spots where the hair is sparse. Then I comb and blend them again with the spoolie. I think the look is extremely natural.

My brows look thicker and fuller. I'm a happy gal!

With all of the dark lipsticks and stains I've been wearing this Fall, I decided to finally buy a lip liner. I never thought I needed one because my lips are naturally quite full. However, especially with the Revlon Lip Butters, I was noticing a lot of bleeding and messy smudges along my lower lip line. I needed a liner to keep it all in place. During the Sephora VIB sale, I spied this liner and was intrigued.

The unique part is that it goes on completely clear! According to TooFaced, "Borderline is a matte, colorless lip pencil designed to fill in and virtually erase vertical lip lines while it locks down your favorite lip products." Perfect! Why have I not seen more companies come out with something like this before? It's wonderful because you can use it with any and every single lip product you have. No worries about matching your lip pencil to your lipstick because it's colorless. I also agree that the tiny lines and cracks in your lips virtually disappear after using this. Brilliant!

Oh, I must mention this adorable little sample of Chanel's Beige perfume. How cute is it?! The scent is very pretty, softer than other Chanel perfumes I've tried.

Have you tried these products? What is something new to your routine that you're loving lately?

♥ Noelle



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