Bouncy Blush

There has been a slew of new products hitting drugstore shelves recently. From Revlon to L'oreal to Maybelline, it seems like every drugstore cosmetic brand is amping up their lines with inventive looking products. The one that caught my eye is the bouncy blush from Maybelline. I love cream blush, and although I don't really understand the purpose of these "bouncy" blushes, they are so pretty! I just had to try one and see what all the hype was about.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin

It is honestly one of the oddest products I've ever tried. It has the consistency of putty. I was expecting a sponge or some sort of foam underneath the product to give it that "bounce" but I don't believe that there is. The product itself provides the texture, not the packaging as I had previously thought. I hope this is making sense! It really is very diffcult to properly describe.

This shade in particular is more coral than peach. I love the glow that it gives. I think overall, these blushes are sheer. They don't give off a lot of pigment, they are much more of a natural looking flush. In fact, Peach Satin gives me that color I naturally get after a good workout. I like that! This will be beautiful in the Summer, when I wear nothing but cream products. If you are going to try one of these for yourself, I would definitely recommend going for one of the brighter shades, as I think the lighter colors won't show up at all.

I do recommend the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes. They may seem a little gimmicky, but I can assure you that they are more reliable than that. I would purchase it again.

Next, I want to try the  Maybelline Tattoo cream eye shadow in the taupe color. Have you tried any of the new drugstore products?

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Saturday Shopping

Cardigan - Halogen via Nordstrom, Sequin sweater top - LOFT, Cami - F21, Jeans - BR, Leopard Flats - Steve Madden, Bag - Old Navy, Bracelet - J. Crew, Nails - Rare by Illamasqua

I always imagined that if I were to get my dream bag (my Chanel flap) that I would immediately stop dreaming about other handbags. After all, what's the need for more when you own your dream bag? But here's the thing: although I adore my Chanel, I am extremely OCD about it. I can't carry it to work with me. I can't carry it out when it's raining or even when I go out with friends for fear that someone might spill something on it. Or it might accidentally get scuffed or scratched. I don't know if it's my anxiety or my Virgo instincts kicking in, but I am very very careful with my Chanel. Too careful.

So for the past month, I've been on the hunt for a real leather bag that I can carry everyday. It had to meet certain criteria: practical and functional. Not too big nor too small. I also wanted one in a lighter color.  Spring and Summer are right around the corner, and I already own a black Chanel, so no use it getting another black bag. But most importantly, I wanted a bag that I wouldn't have to baby! If it gets scratched, fine!

So Saturday when I went shopping, I brought this home with me:

"She tucked her coral lipstick away and floated back to the party."

Kate Spade

Ta-Da!

LINK!

I know. It is a total replica of the Chanel GST. I know! But I love quilted bags, and this one is so incredibly well made. The leather, although not as luxurious as my Chanel, is really beautiful quality. Soft and pillowy. And just look at the gorgeous nude color. The size is perfect for a petite girl, I don't feel at all overwhelmed by it. Plus, I feel that the price was right for such a bag.

Well done Kate Spade. I've never noticed your bags much before, but now I have!

I already put all my loot in it.

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

electric feel

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Rare"

Thoughts:

* Please excuse the messy application. I did my nails right before leaving for a concert! It was rushed

* This is three coats. Now, rare is NOT as opaque as I had hoped it would be. The first couple of coats went on quite streaky, and that was frustrating. However, I tried for a third coat and that really made a difference.

* Despite the somewhat lack luster formula, I LOVE this color! It really does make a statement. I can't even tell you how many compliments I have recieved. The hubs? I don't think he's a huge fan, but that's ok.

* The color changes according to lighting. I think Emily from Emily Loves said it best when she commented that it must glow. Well it does! In the evening and at night, it is a fun almost lime green. During the day in bright sunlight, it is a lot more of a highlighter yellow.

* Overall, I am happy to have it and I know I'll wear it a lot, especially against neutral clothing so it really stands out. I can't wholeheartedly recommend this polish in particular because it is expensive (about 16 dollars) and I'm sure you can find a dupe for it for a lot less money.




Of course, the title of this post comes from one of my favorite bands. I dare ya to listen to it without at least doing a little wiggle-shimmy-shake.

MGMT

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

orange cardi

Cardigan & Blouse - Halogen via Nordstrom, Bracelet - J. Crew, Ring - YSL

This feels very Fall to me, and the more I think about it, slightly Spring too? I have never been a fan of the color orange on myself, but something about this cardigan made me grab it off the rack at Nordstrom. I also love the polka dot blouse, complete with a floppy little bow.

Oh, and funny story about both of my YSL rings (I'm wearing the turquoise). They are both size 5, and unfortunately, I wish I had purchased one of them in a 6 because I can only wear them on my middle finger. And, because I'm a freak of nature, they only fit on my left hand! I can't wear my engagement ring when I wear my artys as they knock into the delicate little thing and I'm scared they will cause it some damage. *Sigh* I know, it's a rough life right? :)

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

The Mighty GHD

For about two years, I lusted after the GHD. The hefty price tag not so much. I've never been one to splurge on hair tools. At almost 200 dollars, there was no way I could justify it. I was content with my Chi straightener, although I was unhappy with the inconsistency in my hair. An hour after I straightened my waves, and my hair's natural curl would show, along with some frizz. I chalked it up to the weather, and just accepted the fact that my hair is fussy with a mind of its own.

Well this Christmas, my fiance ordered the GHD from Sephora. I received it in the mail a few days ago, and let me tell you: it really is worth the hype, and it really is much better than Chi. Not to dis the latter, because it isn't a bad product by any means. I just think that GHD has a leg up on its competitor and I find it more efficient for thick, unruly hair.

Here is why I love it:
* It heats up in nano seconds. You turn on the switch and a beep tells you when its ready about 10 seconds later.

* It not only straightens my waves, but it keeps them straight too. It also imparts a lot more shine, less frizz.

* It automatically turns off  and goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes if accentidentally left on. This is huge for me, because last month I came home after an entire day out and found my Chi still on. Thank God it didn't start a fire. It just turned part of my vanity an orange rust color :(

If you don't use a straightener often, then you don't really need one. However, if you use one a lot like I do, then it's worth it.

I am still keeping my old straightener for back up, but I prefer the GHD. I'm very happy with it!

Oh, and I'm also experimenting with the new hair dryer that Misikko.com kindly just sent me. Review to come!

Do you own a GHD? What are your thoughts?

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

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

Continue the post