Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette Swatches + Happy Holidays!

Hey cuties! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. This time of year always makes me very grateful for what I have and the people around me. And I'm so grateful for my wonderful followers! If you guys weren't here, then I don't know if I would still be blogging.

Okay, done with the sappy stuff. What is it with Christmas that makes me emotional? Anyway, in my last post I mentioned that I asked my dad for the Naked 3 palette and you guys told me that it was on their Christmas list, too. My dad's girlfriend pulled through this year and got me a gift card to Ulta (along with some other cool goodies), and my mom also got me a gift card to Ulta (also, with some other stuff), and then this happened! I got the Naked 3! The day after Christmas I dragged my sisters along with me to get it.

All of these colors are freaking gorgeous and I will be getting a ton of use out of this palette. This is actually my first big palette I've ever bought. I have the Naked Basics palette but this is my first big palette. I might have to save up and get the other ones, but that might take a while because each one is over $50! And when you are a student, you don't have that kind of money to spare. 

Is it worth it? It's basically all personal preference. To me, this is worth the big bucks because I know I will use every single color in this palette and the quality is amazing. The other Naked palette have a few colors that I know that I won't use because they don't go well with my skin tone, but this one is just perfect. That was why I was a little hesitant to get any of them in the first place.

Overall: Love love love this palette! Won't be coughing up the dough to buy and other palettes soon, though. I'm kind of broke after buying everyone presents. ;D

What did you guys get for Christmas? What do you think of the Naked 3? Or any other palettes I should check out? See you next time! XD

Winterlicous Tag!

Hey cuties! I was tagged by the lovely Romana to do the Winterlicous Tag! Go check out her blog because she's just amazing. Great timing, too, because I was just thinking it was time for a new blog post. Thank you so much for tagging me!

1. Favorite Nail Polish
-There was a sale going on at Target and being me, I can't help myself and I bought three Sally Hanson polishes from the Diamond line. All of them remind me of snow and ice and they are just beautiful. And as for the Essie polish, I just thought that it matched the blue theme that's been on my nails and it's icy enough be a winter color.

2. Favorite Winter Lip Products

-I did a whole post about all of the lip products I've bought in the last couple months, but the ones I've been wearing the most have been the L'Oreal Fairest Nude, despite the horrible smell, and the NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu on top. It adds shine and helps mask the smell. And Romana mentioned Vaseline in her post as well, but I'm going to take it from her because I've been loving it, too. Especially the rose kind and it's just so freaking cute that my sister had to buy two, too.

3. Most Worn Winter Piece?

-That will definitely have to go to these black jeggings I got at Deb, they are so comfy and they make my legs look thinner. It's like wearing pajama pants all day. And I wear this burgundy hoodie from H&M to death, I just love it.

4. Most Worn Winter Acessory

-I got this Marilyn Monroe scarf for my birthday from a friend and it was the reason why I bought the burgundy hoodie. I think it's just the perfect combination. Plus I love Marilyn Monroe.

5. Favorite Winter Scent/Candle

-Since I burned all of my candles, I don't have any to share with you guys. But I did get the Amber Blush line from Bath and Body works for Christmas from a friend (the same friend that gave me the scarf) and it smells like a gummy bear. It's not something I would pick for myself, but now that I have it, I love it. Plus, the packaging is absolutely beautiful. 

6. Favorite Winter Beverage?

-I'm not a big Starbucks drinker, and I've been steering away from coffee in general lately. But I have to have my green tea every day. I have the regular green tea, green tea with jasmine, green tea with mango, it just has to be green tea.

7. All Time Favorite Xmas/Holiday Movie?

-The Nutcracker! I love The Nutcracker!

9. Favorite Holiday Food/Treat?

-I'm not sure because we don't really make any seasonal foods in my family. But I do eat a lot of chicken and dumpling soup in the winter, especially if you put a little bit of Sriracha in it. On my goodness, it's so good.

10. Favorite Christmas Decoration This Year

-We got this itty bitty Christmas tree this year because they were almost sold out. It's shorter than me and I'm 5'2" and it was $5, but it's still cute.

11. What's On Top Of Your Christmas List?

-Romana must read my mind because I asked for the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, too. I went to Ulta to shop for family and it was just sitting there, taunting me, but we'll see if my dad listened. ;)

12. What Are Your Plans For The Holidays This Year?

-Spending time with my family! Can't beat that!

That's the end of the tag! I hope you all have a happy holidays!

Catching Up: I Bought A Lot of Lipstick

Hey cuties! I've been gone from the blogging world for a while, and it's time to play catch up. In that time, I've collected 10 lip products! That's ridiculous! But to be fair, this is a few months worth a purchases and almost all of them (with the exception of one) are from the drugstore drugstore. Does that justify it? I might have a problem. But, these are all the products that I haven't reviewed or I was just too excited and started to use them without taking pictures first. Bad beauty blogger, I know. But, hey! Better late than never!

Let's start out with Revlon! My entire lipstick collection is probably 80% Revlon. That just says how much I love them. I reviewed the Revlon Lip Butters a super long time ago and they still are fantastic. Hence why I bought three more shades. :P Since it was November, I wanted some darker colors that would be fall-appropriate. (You'll see swatches and names below). For the next two, I had a $2 off coupon, so I bought the lip gloss. I love Revlon's lip glosses as well as their lipsticks. They aren't too think or sticky, and they have decent pigmentation. They came out with two new lines, The Matte Balm and the Laquer Balms. Sadly, I only got one of the Matte Balms.

I just can't resist NYX lately. I've never tried any of their products until they came to Target, and now I want to buy everything. So many people rave about their lip glosses and they are so right, because they are awesome. What I like is that they don't just have one formula of lip gloss, they have like three different lines you can choose from. (I'm not sure, don't quote me on that). I got the Butter Gloss, which is thicker and a tiny bit sticky, but the color is amazing. And the Xtreme Lip Cream which is very light and crazy pigmented and really long wearing. And as for the actual lipstick I already did a review for you guys.

Only two more! Bare with me. My birthday was is late November and my friend bought me the Etude House Dear My Blooming Lipstick that I've been wanting for the longest time. Everything about it is just adorable. But I did find that the formula accents dry patches on my lips but if you exfoliate and use a lip balm beforehand, then you'll be fine. My friend also had the L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude and she let me swatch it and it was so pretty! And she said that she loved it so I, naturally, had to get it. The color is amazing and I love the formula, but it smells horrible! I mean, it's bad. I'm hoping that it's going to fade a bit over time, but it's kind of steering me away from using it. Does anyone else have that problem?

That's all 10 lipsticks! Can you believe it? Let me know if you have any of these lipsticks or if you liked these little baby reviews. See you next time! XD

Product Review: NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Tea Rose

Hey cuties! So if you follow me on twitter then you'll know about my technical difficulties with my computer. I don't like to be away from my readers for a long time. :( But! I'm back with another lippy! I don't know about you guys, but my lipstick collection is growing rapidly. My family says I have a problem, but they don't know the joy a new lipstick brings. XD

NYX lip products generally cost around $5, this one was actually a little less than that at Target. $5 is a good price in my book, especially if it works well.

The shade I ended up getting was Tea Rose because it looked like a neutral pink color, but on my lips it's a full on pink. I'm not complaining, but it wasn't what I expected.

I like the packaging because it's simple and black, yet it stands among my lipstick collection. What really drew me in was the sneak peak of the product on the bottom. I hate it when I can't see the actual color of the bullet of the lipstick before I buy it because the sticker is not always the same color. And if you don't have internet to look up a swatch, you're kind of left in the dark.

The bullet is curved and I found that it was easier to apply because it fit into the natural curves of my lips. It was interesting, but I'm curious to how it's going look after I use it up for a while.

When I first applied this, I was really impressed by the texture. It's just so velvety and it feels amazing on your lips. And it's so pigmented. The color payoff is amazing for a drugstore product and it doesn't feel heavy or greasy. You barely feel anything at all. Plus, it's moisturizing. And in Minnesota winters, you want all the moisture you can get.

The lasting power is a little bit better than a standard lipstick. The color lasted after drinking and faded nicely. But it did not last during a workout, though. But nothing lasts during a workout.

Pros

-Pigmented

-Cheap

-Long wearing

-Velvety

-Nice packaging

Cons

-Not the color I expected

Overall- I'm planning on going back and getting more shades ASAP! As soon as I get paid. ;) The shade is not what I wanted, but maybe someone else will get more use out of it and I'll get more shades that I like a lot more. But based on the formula, I love it. Definitely recommend that you go and get some.

What do you guys think? Have you tired any NYX lipsticks? See you next time! XD

Product Review: Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher #5 Apricot Pudding

Hello everyone! This is my first full review on a blush on this blog. Which is weird, because I've been buying mostly blushes these days. I go into these tangents where I will buy many different kinds of a certain makeup item. It's blush now, and I have a feeling it's going to be mascara next. But, I will try to post reviews on other things, too. So you you guys won't get bored. ;) But let's get onto the review!

 As always, Etude House's packaging is super cute. I don't know what it is, but it makes me want to buy everything.

 The blush comes with this little puff that's really adorable. But the problem is, it doesn't pick up a lot of product and it takes a while to build any color on my cheeks. There's always something that grosses me out about sponges or puffs that sit on top of the product. I have oily skin and just the thought of oil collecting on the sponge and then sitting on the blush makes me cringe. Needless to say, I will not be using the puff.

This color looked soo pretty online! But in real life, it's nothing like it. The color looks faded and drab. I want to put blush on my cheeks so I won't look dull and drab.

Here's the swatch. As you can see, it's barely there! Not good at all. I love Etude House, but this is a terrible blush. The lasting power is crap because you can barely see it in the first place.

It does get more pigmented as you use it, but it's still not very good. I feel like this blush does nothing for me or my skin. Such a disappointment. :(

Pros

-Cute

-Cheap

Cons

-Not a pretty color

-Not pigmented

-Doesn't last long

Overall, do not waste your money on this. Maybe it's just this particular blush or maybe it's the shade, I don't know. But it's just bad. This isn't necessarily going to steer my away from Etude House or their blushes, but it's just that this one is crap. Can't say anything else about it. Sorry Etude House!

What do you guys think of negative reviews? I try to be as honest as I can. 

Fall Favorites!

Hey beauty junkies! It just snowed where I live and that means it's winter to me. I don't know about you guys, but I love the changing seasons. Maybe because we experience drastic changes and when it's winter it's like BAM! Winter is here overnight.

Since I'm not one who tends to do monthly favorites, and I love favorites posts, so I thought I could do seasonal favorites! What do you guys think? It'll just be a big pile of stuff that I show you and it will be extra long with lots of pictures. I don't know, we'll see how it plays out.

Here's an overview of all the stuff I've collected. There's a mixture of a whole bunch of things and I'll go into depth about each of them.

I've been loving these Real Technique Brushes that I got in a beginner set. These are all of their eye brushes, and I don't know if all of the brushes that are in the set are pictured here because I don't keep them in the holder that they came in. But these brushes are really inexpensive and they don't shed and they are just worth all the hype that they get. I'm definitely going to pick up some of their face brushes. (maybe after the Beauty Blender? If you have a review, link it below! I'm looking into getting one)

I did reviews on both of these products if you want to know more about them, click the link. But Oh, my goodness, Holika Holika Aqua Petit BB Cream is so freaking amazing, I already purchased a backup and it's on it's way. I don't think I can live without this stuff because it just feels so light and it makes my skin look sooo good. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest going and getting it right now. And for the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Pact, this is the only powder that actually helps with my oil and it just makes my face look brighter and more awake. And with those late night study sessions, I need it. I hit pan on this and the label is rubbing off. That's how you know that a product is well-loved. ;)

You guys know that my first lipsticks were the Revlon Lip Butters and I did do a review on them. But I did pick up some extra shades that were more fall appropriate and they are just freaking gorgeous. 

Red Velvet is just a deep red that looks really scary in the tube and by the packaging, but the Revlon Lip Butters make it really easy to pull off. And since this fall was all about deep colors, I though it was perfect. Now, Candy Apple is a really bring orange-red that will suit people with a yellow or neutral undertone beautifully. If you're scared to rock a red, this one is also really easy to pull off.

These products are basically the only things I put on my cheeks for this fall, mainly because I didn't have anything else. I don't have many blushes but I did pick up the Wet N' Wild Blush in Pearlescent Pink. For $2, thing stuff is amazing. The pigmentation is great, the color payoff is nice, and the color suits me very well. I don't know what else to say about it other than I think it's great. I did a review on the Benefit Hoola Bronzer so I'm not going to go into too much detail, but this is really pigmented, it lasts a long time, and will fit a lot of skin tones.

I have a lot of eye makeup to talk about. I got the Urban Decay Naked Basics Pallet which has the perfect shadows for everyday wear. The reason why I didn't do a review is because the darkest color shattered and it's not pretty at all, and you guys probably have already seen a ton of reviews on this already. Maybelline has been knocking it out of the park with their eyeshadows lately. I did do a review on the Maybelline Color Tattoo In Barely Branded and love it. But the Color Tattoo Pigment in Breaking Bronze is a fairly new purchase and it is soo pretty! If fall was an eyeshadow, this would be it. The L'Oreal Lacquer Liner in Bronze Bronze has been the only eyeliner I use for months. Whether it's to tight-line, wing out, or just my normal liner, I'm using this. It's not actually bronze, it's a brown, I don't know why it's called bronze. But this is perfect for everyday use. Finally, I picked up the ELF Eyelid Primer and for $1, it's amazing. I really do notice a difference in the longevity and pigmentation in my eyeshadows when I use this.

I never talk about fashion on this blog, but I've been slowly getting into it. The Red Plaid Button Up is from Forever21. I usually wear it open with a tanktop underneath or tie the bottom in a knot. The Cozy Cream Sweater is from Target. This sweater is so comfortable. I would wear it every day if I could. It's a little bit over sized so I can wear it with leggings and not feel weird because it covers my bum! And the Brown Detailed Combat Boots are also from Target. I actually bought them with my very first paycheck and I don't regret it. The flaps do have a serape fabric in the inside, but they do zip up to look like a normal brown combat boot. I like that I can wear them two ways and paired with these two tops, I look put together without any work.

And now for the random picks! Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin is my favorite book this fall. It's really intense, magical, sexy, and gory all in one. There's too much sex for my taste, but it's still a fantastic book and the characters are amazing. The plot, don't even get me started on the plot, just go read it or even watch the TV show. (I haven't seen it yet). My friend's mom works at Bath and Body Works and I get discounts on everything I get there and Sweater Weather smells absolutely divine. It's got a very cozy, fresh scent that just makes you want to put on sweatpants and lounge on the couch with some tea.

There is one thing that I have to add before I let you go, and that is my favorite music pick for fall! I have discovered Jhameel a few weeks ago and have been obsessed. He has his own youtube channel and makes his own music. He's super nice and he even retweeted my tweet! My all time favorite song is Come and Lie. It is so freaking sweet and calming and sad at the same time. I listen to it in my art class and it's just beautiful. Go and listen to it. I'll have the link here. Another song that I absolutely love and I think that a lot of other people will, too is White Lie. I showed this song to my friend and she fell in love with him and his music right away.

That's it! All of the products and random things I've been loving fall of 2013! What do you guys think? If any of you have tried these products or did a review on them, let me know! I love hearing your opinions. I'll see you next time! XD

Product Review: NYX Shine Killer

Hey cuties! Sorry I've been gone for a while. I recently changed my web address and lost all of my followers. That discouraged me from blogging so I took a little break and focused on other things. But I emailed the Bloglovin staff and they helped me get my followers back! Yay! So I'm back to stay.

I have really oily skin and I'm always looking for something that will help, especially if it's inexpensive. This product can be used under or over foundation, and if you have perfect skin (I'm jealous) you can use this alone. I use this under my BB cream because I ran out of my makeup primer.

 It comes out in a clear gel. It does feel different than a regular face primer, but it doesn't feel greasy or heavy on my skin. Since it's clear, it will suit all skin tones.

I don't like to do negative reviews, but I do like to be honest with you guys. This did not work for me at all. My skin is still oily, there was hardly any improvement in my skin.

Pros

-Suitable for all skin tones

-Not greasy

Cons

-Doesn't work

Overall, not going to get this again, and I would not recommend. You never know, what doesn't work for me might work wonders for someone else. There's nothing else I can say about this product other than it didn't work. The search for a good oil controlling product continues!

That's it for this review! I'll try to be a better blogger from now on! I'm thinking about pulling all of my fall favorites into one post. What do you guys think? Let me know! See you next time! XD

Product Review: Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Hey cuties! With my first pay check at my new job, I thought I would splurge a bit and get some high end products that I've been lusting over for the longest time. Benefit's Hoola bronzer is a highly coveted product in the beauty community so I thought I would give it a try!

First of all, I really like the whole box packaging concept. It just seems more casual and fun. I don't know if that's just me. Plus, the colors and design is very simple with complimenting colors. It's nothing too fancy but well put together.

I'm new to bronzers and I'm really picky about the ones I choose because I'm pretty fair and it might not look good on my skin. But I don't have this problem with the Hoola bronzer because it doesn't have and shimmer or orange color in it. It's the perfect shade of brown for many skin tones to achieve that bronzed look.

When I first used this, it was really pigmented. I worried whether I put too much on but when I blended it out, it looked really pretty. I put this in the hollows of my cheeks and around my jawline and it gave a very subtlety sculpted face. It's great for those days that your face is looking a little puffy. But it is easy to go a little overboard because it is really pigmented, so it's best to use a light hand.

Pros

-Perfect color

-Nice packaging

-Pigmented

Cons

-Easy to use too much

Overall: I love this stuff. It's perfect for any season and it'll last me a really long time. If you don't already have this, I would really recommend it. Is it worth the $30? Yes, I think so. I might have spent that much getting bronzers that wouldn't have worked out if I didn't get this first. Plus, you'll probably have to use more product to get the same amount of color if you use something from the drugstore.

Have you tried this bronzer? What is your HG bronzer? I would like to know! See you next time! XD

Product Review: NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder

Hey cuties! If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you'd know that since I'm blonde, my eyebrows are pretty much translucent. Have you ever see anyone without eyebrows? Yeah, it's pretty weird looking. But! *dramatic pause* Target now has NYX products! I don't have a CVS where I live so I never got the chance to try anything from them, but now I do!

Okay, let me just say that I'm new to doing my eyebrows, and let me tell you, they make a huge difference. At first I started out with a pencil, then a powder, then pencil and powder, pencil and powder and brow gel. But at last, there is a product with everything that you need! Including a little brush, spooly, two eyebrow powders, and some clear wax. I'm always worried about my eyebrows. Like if their too dark, not dark enough, or if they aren't even. But I can just chuck this in my bag and whatever I want to touch up, it's right at my fingertips.

The colors are great because they don't look too harsh for me (the lighter one, not the darker one). But what I love is that the color does not change throughout the day. With my past eyebrow products, the color of my brows would fluctuate and it annoyed me. The wax does keep the powder in place and it hardly fades. But, it does make your brows a little glossy for a while. Eyebrows aren't supposed to be glossy, they're supposed to be hairy. But there is no way I'll skip this step because I need my eyebrows to stay on.

Pros

-Nice colors

-Comes with everything

-Long lasting

Cons

-Wax can be glossy

Overall, I love this stuff. I'm happy with my first NYX purchase. I'm going to continue using this for a while and maybe pick up some other things from NYX, like their blushes. A lot of people rave about their blushes and I saw some pretty colors at the store. Let me know what NYX products you like and if you've tried this product! See you next time!

Product Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo in 70 Barely Branded

Hey cuties! So I'm back with a review for you guys. There's actually a funny story about how this product came into my life. I was actually getting something for my friend because it was her birthday. But the friend that I was shopping with wanted to get her something extra in the candy isle. There were these people hanging out doing a survey on a new sign and the organization of the candy isle and they were offering $10 gift cards for anyone who did it! I wasn't planning on getting anything for myself until I got paid, but after the survey I could! Plus another little gift for my friend, of course.

Since there's a ton of hype around these shadows, I had to have at least one Maybelline Color Tattoos in my collection. This particular shade was recommended by a friend because she absolutely loved it and said I had to get it.

The packaging is pretty basic. I don't think that there's a lot you can do with these small, pot like jars. All of my gel liners and cream shadows look really similar, and this one is no exception. This was meant to be applied with your fingers, which I'm not a fan of because it's a little messy, but that's the way you usually apply cream shadows. I'm not complaining, but I one who does ten million things in the morning while I'm getting ready and this shadow does get on the things that I touch. But that's my fault for being stupid and not wiping my hands.

I wasn't impressed by what it looked like in the pot, I thought it would've been more vibrant. But when I swatched it on my hand it was so pretty! It's shimmery, but not glittery and overpowering. It just brings a little fun and life in a very basic nude color. This covers all the little veins that show my eyelids (gross, I know) and any redness I may have. My eyelids are naturally dark, so when I wear this alone it makes my eyes look more awake and alert. Yay! No more zombie eyes!

When I test out products, I put it through school and work. If it holds up, then it's got great lasting power. And guess what! This stuff was still on my eyes by the end of the day. Yes, it faded a lot, and I mean a lot, but it was there. I'm usually out for about +12 hours, so I was definitely blown away.

When I was looking at these shadows in the store, they did come in a pretty good selection of colors. I think that there is at least a couple that everyone would like, if not more. I got mine for less than $7, so you can get more than one color without breaking the bank. Honestly, if something's cheap, that's my favorite part.

Pros

-Long lasting

-Pigmented

-Easy to wear

-Cheap

Cons

-Boring packaging

-Kind of messy

Overall, looking forward to getting more. My friend and I are eyeing the pink shade that just came out and I think I would like the bronze color as well. But we'll have to see what happens. See you next time!