Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in "Provocateur" Review + Swatches!

Nothing is more classic than the red lip. Although it is considered as a makeup staple for some, I have always been too intimidated to try the classic lip look. When Revlon released their Lacquer Balm collection and saw that there was a classic red in the collection, it immediately caught my attention and was added to my wish list. The Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in "Provocateur" (135) has been on my wish list since last winter, and I finally decided to pick it up recently as part of my Halloween costume and decided that this holiday season, I would go out of my comfort zone and sport the red lip! Read on to see my thoughts on the product!

Packaging and Product

The lip color features shiny and reflective packaging and seems fairly sturdy. The actual product is like a crayon and has a twist up feature for more product, making the product very easy to use. This lip color is also described as balm, which is fitting, since it is not drying and actually a little bit moisturizing. However, it probably won't replace your standard lip balm, especially during the winter months.

Pigmentation

"Provocateur" (135) is a gorgeous neutral (tad bit warm-toned) cherry red color with a slight glossy finish. It also has the slightest bit of shimmer, which is not noticeable on the lips at all, but rather adds to the glossy finish. Even though this product is described as a balm, it definitely has more pigmentation compared to the typical balm. "Provocateur" is a very pigmented lip color, but as you may expect, it is not quite as pigmented as a typical lipstick. Since it is a little bit on the sheer side, you can apply a light layer, but also build it up for a pigmented lip look. Since it also has a glossy finish, the balm is also not drying and moisturizing.

Downsides (Kind of)

The only (very small) downside that I have with this product is how long it lasts before wearing off. I like my products lasting hours and hours, so I didn't expect this lip product to be that long lasting. I was actually pleased with how long this balm lasted, which was a couple hours, and lasts even longer with a lip liner underneath. That being said, I would have liked it to last a little longer, so I don't have to reapply it throughout the day. Overall though, I was pleasantly pleased with this product!

Overview:

Pros:

   - Moisturizing
   - Pigmented (semi-opaque, but can build it up to a pigmented finish)
   - Glossy Finish
   - Nice Packaging for the price

Cons:

   - Wish it lasted a little longer than a 2-3 hours

Price: $9.49 (at Ulta)

Would I repurchase? Yes! Maybe in different colors!

Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10

What is your go-to red lip color for the holiday season?

Please leave you thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Color of the Year: Marsala | 2015

 

1. NARS Blush in "Outlaw" / 2. Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala Multi-Finish Eye Palette / 3. Buxom Full-On Lip Stick in "Brooklyn" / 4. Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss in "Beso" / 5. Stila  Smudge Waterproof Eye Liner in "Umber" / 6. Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in "Burgundy" / 7. Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala Matte Lip Creme / 8. Essie Nail Polish in "Downtown Brown" / 9. L'oreal Infallible Lipstick in "Eternal Rose"

Photos 1, 2, and 3, Photo 4

When I first heard that color of 2015 was Marsala, I immediately thought "Like the Italian Dish?". Believe it or not, the Italian dish and the color are (loosely) tied. One of the ingredients in Chicken Marsala is Marsala wine, and the Marsala color is based on the color of the wine. After learning this somewhat useless information, I didn't feel as bad recalling a food dish when hearing that Marsala was the color of the year.

Marsala is described as an earthy red-brown color that's warm while being sophisticated. Even though many may have questioned Pantone's choice of Marsala as the color of the year, Marsala is a sophisticated and stylish color that can be used in beauty, fashion, and home design. Above are products that allow you to incorporate the color Marsala into your routine and examples of Marsala in fashion.

What do you think of Marsala as the color of the year?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Friday Favorites | 2015 Inspiration

This has been a very long week and I'm so glad that the weekend is right around the corner! It's only mid-January and I still have some of that "new year new me" feeling, so before the feeling goes away, I decided to milk it by writing some of my favorites that are also my inspirations for this year!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Basics with a Twist 

(Southern Curls and Pearls and Polka Dots and Sailor Stripes)

Favorite Hair Inspiration: Loose Curls

Favorite Desk Decor Inspiration(s):

Favorite Makeup (and just overall) Inspiration: Taylor Swift and Bright Lips

Favorite Quote:

What is your favorite motivating quote?

Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Get the Look: Emma Stone's Golden Globes 2015 Outfit + Makeup!

During this year's Golden Globes Red Carpet, no one could have pulled off a jumpsuit more than Emma Stone! Her sheek pants and eye-catching top by Lanvin made her one of the top looks on the red carpet. Not to mention the elegant and awesome bow detailing! When I saw her wear this look, I immediately knew that I had to do a post on recreating her look! Not only can this outfit be wearable (maybe minus the large bow), but similar pieces in this look are simple and accessible!

Outfit

To recreate this chic outfit, start off with a beige and/or silver embellished top. Tuck the top into a pair of slim black trousers. While Emma Stone's big ribbon may be hard to pull off (or hard to find), instead wear a black ribbon or sash tied in a bow on top of the waist of the pants. Add a pair of black pointed-toe heels to compliment the trousers and to help elongate your legs. Although it was hard to tell if she was wearing earrings, finish the outfit with a pair of simple embellished stud earrings to compliment the top.

Makeup

Face: Apply a foundation or powder if needed to even out your complexion. Add a light-medium pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend to the sides of your face.

Eyes: First line your upper lash line with a black pencil eyeliner, winging the eyeliner at the end. Taking navy eyeshadow, apply on top of the eyeliner, slightly blending to prevent any uneven edges. Next, apply a silver eyeshadow to your inner corners and the inner half of your lower lash line. Next apply a little of the black pencil eyeliner on the outer half of your lower lash line. Finish the eye look with a couple coats of black mascara of your upper and lower lashes.

Lips: Apply the Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in HD Iris on your lips to finish the look (Emma Stone wore this exact color)!

What was your favorite look at the Golden Globes this year?

Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Best of 2014

Despite getting into the holidays and thinking about my 2015 resolutions, I can't believe that 2014 is almost over and I'm already doing another "Best of..." post. Every year has its highs and lows, but this post will focus on the positive and some of my favorite beauty, fashion, and random items for 2014.

Beauty

1. Face: The Rimmel Stay Matte Powder has been a favorites of mine for a couple years and once again is in another yearly favorite of mine. This has saved my oily skin, especially during the summer and during long school days.

2. Concealer: Another repeat from last year is my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (review here). This conceals dark circle and helps diminish the appearance of bags. It also works as an excellent spot concealer and lasts for hours when set with a powder.

3. Blush/Bronzer: For the sake of not having this post being full of repeats, I'm going to say that the Innisfree Blush in #4 was my favorite blush/bronzer this year. It's great for the cooler months when the skin starts getting a little bit dull. I have also been loving my NYC Smooth Skin Sunny Bronzer (review here), since I have been getting into contouring and the bronzed makeup look.

4. Eye Product: As an eyeliner lover, the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in "Caviar Ink" was a definite favorite of mine this year. I also discovered the Artistry Liquid Liner, which I have been pairing with the gel eyeliner when I want to make a small, precise wing. 

5. Lip Product: I have grown to love my Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in "Tutu" this year. Although I bought this product for prom a few years back, I have recently been straying away from my fear of lipstick and started wearing this as a "my-lips-but-better" color. 

Fashion

Clothing Piece: This would have to be a tie between my Lush Black Maxi Dress and my Nike Capri Tights. I practically lived in my maxi dress over the summer, as it was very comfortable and flattering. I also have been loving my Nike Capri, whether it's for a workout or for lazy days.

Accessory: My cream infinity scarf! Scarves are a must have for lazy girls, since they easily add detail to any outfit. Cream or white also goes with any color, making it easy to throw on in the morning.


Pair of Shoes: For most of the year I was all about comfort, so my most worn pair of shoes were my black low-top Converse. Towards the end of the year however, I started wearing my Nike 5.0 Free Runs and my Lauren by Ralph Lauren brown riding boots more often.

Other

Favorite Blogs: This year I started to read blogs daily, so I have accumulated a list of blogs that I always check. 
Beauty blogs that I have loved reading included Lipgloss and Lashes, Temptalia, RosyChicc, From Roses, and Raspberrykiss. 
Fashion blogs I loved included Southern Curls & Pearls, Classy Girls Wear Pearls and Bows & Sequins . 
Food blogs I loved reading included Cooking Classy and Averie Cooks.

Favorites of Youtube: Youtube channels that I enjoyed watching included Wong Fu Productions,  Superwoman, Tess Christine, Gabriella, Meghan Rienks, kellylovesbeauty1, and Ingrid Nilsen.

Favorite TV show: I probably watch a little too much TV, but I came across some pretty good shows this year. My favorite show was probably Lost, and even though it ended years ago, I finally got around to watching it. It only took me a couple months to finish the whole series. Other shows that I enjoyed were How To Get Away With Murder, rewatching The Office (twice), Revenge, The Middle, Black-ish, and of course, Gossip Girl!

 

Favorite book: While at the airport this summer, I stopped by the bookstore inside the airport and randomly decided to pick up Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. This was probably on the best mistakes I made that summer. I'm not a huge reader, but this book is hilarious and any lover of her previous works, such as the TV show The Office, will love this book. It is a combination of an autobiography, random thoughts and some small pieces of advice. Definitely recommend this read!

Food: As a serious food lover, this is hard for me to choose, since this especially changes with the seasons. During the warmer months, I was loving fresh salads and homemade Chipotle bowls. During the cooler months though, I got on the pumpkin band wagon and also loved anything with chocolate!

Beverage: One of the only beverages that I drink besides water is tea, which I surprisingly didn't drink much of this year. 

Favorite Song(s): I probably listen to music more than I sleep. Since I have so many favorite songs, I've decided to just put together some of my favorite songs of 2014. (While not included below, this list also includes the 1989 album by Taylor Swift and Four album by One Direction).

What was your favorite TV show of 2014?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Taylor Swift Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2014 Makeup Look!

Holiday season meant that it was that time of the year for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (if you're interested, that is). One of the only reasons why I watch the show is for the musical performances and I was pretty happy to find that Taylor was preforming again this year with two of my favorite songs "Blank Space and Style" from her newest album 1989. Although the show was a few weeks ago, I loved everything about Taylor's look, including her makeup. Rather than sporting her simple classic red lip look, she went for a Victoria Secret look, with a more sultry eye makeup look, bronzed illuminated skin , and a simple lip color. Read on to see how you can recreate Taylor's look from the show!

• Shimmery Champagne Gold Eyeshadow: Apply all over the lid up to the crease.
• Matte Brown Eyeshadow: Apply to the crease with a fluffy brush in a wind-wiper motion and blend well so there is no harsh lines.
• Shimmery Light Champagne Eyeshadow: Apply in the inner corner and tear duct area.

• Shimmery Gold Eyeshadow: Apply along the entire lower lash line.
• Black Pencil or Kohl Eyeliner: Apply a medium liner to the upper lash line, making the eyeliner thicker on the outer corner and thinner towards the inner corner. Next make a classic Taylor wing on the outer corner. Next, apply a little but of the eyeliner to the outer corner of the waterline, lightly connecting it to the wing made on the upper lash line.
• Black Mascara: Apply a couple coats on the upper and lower lashes.

• Foundation or Concealer: Smooth out your complexion with a foundation or just a little bit of concealer. If you have oily skin, set the makeup with powder.
• Bronzer: To get the classic Victoria Secret bronzed makeup that Taylor was wearing, apply a bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and down the jawline. If you want a more contoured look, apply lightly to the sides of your nose.
• Pink Blush: Apply to the apples of your cheeks, blending up to the hairline.
• Champagne Highlighter: For Taylor's dewy look, apply the highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose.

• Mauve Lip liner: Outline your lips with the lip liner.
• Pink-Nude or Mauve Pink Lipstick: Finish off the look with a mauve/nude pink lipstick! It was a change from Taylor's signature red lip look, but was very fitting for the show and complimented the makeup and outfits. 

Did you watch the VS fashion show? What did you think of Taylor's performance?
Please leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Chirstmas Morning Guide: Makeup, Fashion, and Hair

Christmas morning is the highlight of many children's year, and even though I'm now older, I still think that there's no morning like Christmas morning! During the morning though, I don't want to take a lot of time to get ready, and when memorable photos and videos are being taken, sometimes I feel like I should not look like a cave woman who just rolled out of her dirt bed. For the last part of my "Falling into Winter" series, this post will show how you can feel put together in a short amount of time, from makeup to fashion to hair!

For makeup, since photos are most likely going to be taken, the key is to not look like you had little sleep or are still hungover from the night before. Start off with a brightening concealer under your eyes and on any problem areas. Next, set the concealer and your t-zone with a powder. If desired, fill your eyebrows with an eyebrow powder for a more defined look. Finish by curling your lashes and applying some mascara to your upper lashes.

Christmas morning is great excuse to wear pajamas for hours after you woke up! This first outfit is great for those who don't want to put together an outfit in the morning but still want to look cute for photos. If you didn't sleep in a cute top, throw on a Thermal top in the morning. It's cute while still being comfortable and warm. Next, just wear your favorite pair of Pajama Pants and add a pair of cute Fuzzy Socks for extra comfort.

 This next outfit is a little more put together than the first outfit, but is still very comfortable and easy to throw on in the morning. Start off the outfit with a Chunky Sweater paired with a pair of Leggings. Next, for added comfort, wear a pair of Fuzzy Socks and add a pair of Moccasins to finish off the look!

One of the easiest and quickest ways to style your hair is by putting your hair up, whether it's a pony tail or topknot. The hairstyles above will be explained in a clockwise direction. The hairstyle on the top left corner can be achieved by pulling your hair half up, and tying the top part in a bun. 

The next hair style can be done by starting off by braiding your hair in a french braid on the back of your head, and then when you reach the bottom of your head, braid the rest of your hair. 

The bottom left hairstyle can be achieved by pulling your hair into a messy ponytail, while keeping your part. 

The last hairstyle can be achieved by simply pulling all your hair to the top of your head then twisting your hair, then wrapping your hair into a bun and tiring it off with a hair tie. 

What is your go-to look for Christmas morning?

Please leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Perfect Drugstore Red Lip Combo!

I'm going to be honest, I have never been a red lip kind of girl. It's not that I didn't like the red lip, because I believe that it makes a classic statement. I just never had the guts to try wearing. The first time I decided to sport a red lip was actually during Halloween when I dressed up as Minnie Mouse. I did a ton of research on different reds and looked up tons of swatches and decided to go for the NYX Retractable Lip Liner in "Red" and the Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in "Provocateur".

The NYX lip liner is a perfect medium red color and complements the medium red Revlon lacquer balm perfectly. Both products are also not too orange-toned or too blue-toned. The NYX lip liner keeps the balm lasting for several hours and the Revlon lacquer balm adds a nice gloss to the look so you don't need to add lipgloss.

The best part about this lip combo is that it is wearable and complements all skin tones. The Revlon lacquer balm is not as dramatic as most lipsticks and can be either sheeted out for a less dramatic lip look or built up for a more pigmented look. Since both the lip liner and balm are medium toned reds, they will suit most skin tones.

What is your favorite red lip products?

Please leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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DIY Holiday Gift Ideas: Scrubs and More!

One of the best parts about the holidays is giving gifts and nothing is more meaningful than a handmade gift! DIYs don't only make great gift ideas, but they are also fun to make and essemble together. They make great gifts for family and friends, and they also aren't too expensive to put together. Continue reading to check out some DIY scrub and jarred goodies gift ideas!

DIY Scrubs

Chocolate Lip Scrub / Holiday Candy Cane Scrub / Coconut Coffee Scrub Cubes / Gingerbread Scrub

Scrubs are a great gift to that person who loves skin care or just a good spa day. Scrubs usually only include a few ingredients, so it's easy and affordable to put together! Put it in a mason jar and tie a ribbon around it and it makes an adorable gift! Just be aware that since scrubs are made out of ingredients usually found in food, they may not last long (depending on the scrub) and would be best if prepared not too long before giving away as gifts.

DIY Cup and Mason Jar Treats

Tissue Paper Watercolor Mug / Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix / Christmas Jar Gift / 'Give A Dog A Bone' Dog Biscuits 

Mason jars are a great way to put together a gift by just filling it up with some goodies! Whether it's filled with a hot cocoa mix or stuffed with some cute small goodies, tie the mason jar with a ribbon and it makes an adorable gift. It also makes a great gift for your pet lover or pet when filled with some pet-friendly goodies! If you want to take it a step further, you can decorate mugs, such as the tissue paper mug DIY above, and make it personal to anyone.

Do you make your holiday gifts?

Please leave your thoughts below!

Thank you for reading!

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NEW IN/ THE PERFECT GLOW

Hey there peeps.

I was looking for this perfect glow on my cheeks and was researching a lot of products and reviews. But when we were in Munich I might have found the perfect product for my needs. The Matte Radiance Baked Powder by Laura Mercier in the color Highlight. (Get it here!)

It's a powder highlighter which is shimmery and not glittery and just gives me that healthy glow on my cheeks. The second product in my highlighter-"collection" beside the Lustre drops by MAC. (Post about it here.) 

Shine on!

XX