Lorac 'The Royal Full Face Collection'

The next couple of posts I do are going to basically be a compilation of what I got for christmas this year as Santa was very kind to me in the makeup department! One of the things under the tree for me was this Lorac The Royal Full Face Collection from their holiday collection this year. I hadn't even heard of this particular kit and I was floored when I saw what was inside! But before we get to that, let's talk about the packaging:

The kit comes in a velvety hexagon shaped box with gold writing and decoration. Lorac's theme for their Holiday 2014 collection was Royalty hence the purple, gold, and all around luxurious feeling box. Inside the box are the goodies:

Packed inside the box are 4 eyeshadows, a blush, an eyeliner, a mascara, a lipgloss, and a lipstick. 

The eyeshadows included are 'Cream' from the Pro palette, 'Chai' and 'Espresso' from the Pro to go palette, and 'Honey.'  All the shadows are buttery soft and have awesome pigmentation. They work together to create a perfect brown smokey eye. 

I found 'Honey' to be the weak one from the bunch initially as it felt harder than the other shadows. I found it looked really pretty on the lid, however, and it seemed I just had to get past the first tough layer on top of the shadow to get to the buttery good stuff below. 

The blush included is 'Coral' from the Pro to go palette, a universally flattering peachy pink shade with some shimmer running through out. Use a light hand when using this because it is pigmented!

The lipstick is a a Lorac Alter Ego lipstick in the shade Duchess. It is a matte finish and is so creamy I was concerned about the texture it might have on my lips. However this lipstick is gorgeous on and my boyfriend commented that my lips looked particularly luscious when I wore it. 

The lipgloss included is in the shade 'Rose Lustre' and it is a pretty rose chalk full of glitter. This gloss is pretty sticky so it will last for a while on the lips and pairs well with the Alter Ego lipstick included in the kit. It smells very sweet, so keep that in mind if you don't like scented products.

 The Cobra Mascara is my least favorite item in the kit. This mascara made my eyelashes look really stumpy and clumpy and simply didn't work for me. The wand is an interesting shape that I couldn't quite figure out the best way to use.

The eyeliner included is a mechanical twist up liner in 'Ultra Black.' This liner isn't as black as some either kohl liners I have used but the staying power is pretty impressive. I will be using this for my lower lash line.

This kit is a Kohl's exclusive and was $40 for all these products.  I think that deal is pretty great considering the conglomeration of shadows you get that seem to be favorites from various palettes and the lip products are stellar. Get your hands on this while you can as it is a limited edition and seems to sell out fast!

xxSJ

Sephora Favorites Superstars Collection

Once a year Sephora comes out with their famous Superstars kit--a box chalk full of everyone's favorite goodies for a discounted price. This year I was lucky enough to be gifted this by my sister so lets take a peek at what's inside! 

In this kit you get 12 products valued at $225 for the price of $75. That's a pretty phenomenal deal considering the products are all favorites. Some people have been grumbling about repeats from last year's favorites kit, and indeed there are a lot of repeats (Smashbox BB Cream, B&B Surf Spray, Josie Maran Argan Oil, NARS powder, UD eyeshadow, and Stila Eyeliner).  However, the reason there are repeats is because these products are STILL favorites!

Included are: 

NARS Orgasm blush: A cult classic, this peachy pink blush with golden reflects looks amazing on every skin tone out there. It was one of my first high-end blush purchases and I'm happy to own another.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: I have yet to use this but I hear its perfect for creating textured waves.

Smashbox BB Cream: The main complaint I have of this kit is the same I had last year... how can you include a foundation in one shade? I'm lucky that this shade happens to work with my skin tone and its a fine product, but its not really fair for other girls out there.

Josie Maran Argan Oil: This stuff works wonders on dry skin and dry hair.

Benefit Porefressional: This sample size is kind of a joke... this product is tiny and looks deceivingly large in promo pictures for this kit! The product works fine but its a bit of a rip-off.

Anastasia Brow Whiz in Dark Brown: Ah Man! This eyebrow pencil is too dark for my brows but I'm making it work by using it with a light hand. 

Stila Liquid Eyeliner: This stuff is my miracle eyeliner. I have yet to find something that works as well.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in 'Sin': This is a perfect all over lid shade that looks pretty on all skin tones!

Sugar Fresh Rose lippie: This stuff is such a pretty color and is so moisturizing!

Benefit They're Real Mascara: I personally don't understand the hype around this mascara but it's always nice to have a travel size of a mascara!

Chloe Perfume Rollerball: This perfume is unlike other perfumes I own so I'm happy to add this to my collection. It is a bit more musky and mature than scents I'm used to.

Here are some swatches of the colored items in this kit!

And the nail polish in this kit was my first experience with the Formula X brand polishes only found at Sephora. I really liked this polish's formula A LOT and would like to try some more from this brand!

Overall this kit is a great deal. There are some great products in here and the value is phenomenal (just the BB Cream and Blush is a couple dollars shy from paying for the whole thing!).
This kit would be a great gift for a makeup lover or you could even buy this kit and split up the items for a few girlfriends!

What do you think of Sephora's Superstars Kit?
xxSJ

MAC Lipstick in 'Plumful'

Winter is the time for hot cocoa, puffy jackets, pink cheeks, and vampy lips.  I recently purchased a popular MAC lipstick in the color 'Plumful' to hop on the deep plummy lip trend...or more like dip my toes in it. Plumful looks really vampy and deep in the tube but since its a lustre finish (my favorite finish by MAC!) it is more of a sheer wash of color that can be as buildable as you want!

This lipstick has a really pleasant glossy finish and the famous Vanilla smell MAC lippies are known for. The color is a nice wash of plummy pink that wears off relatively quickly when eating or drinking, but leaves behind a plum tint with out an unappealing ring of color around the lips. I really enjoy this color as an easy go to for day to day wear in the winter time that spices up the lips with out being too loud or dramatic. 

xxSJ

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Powder 'Rose Gold'

Recently I took advantage of my Sephora shopping pass to get a product I've been eyeing for a while but couldn't justify getting on a whim! It is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Powder in 'Rose Gold.' These pressed powders are known to be the most beautiful highlighters in the makeup world and I just had to get my hands on one to see what all the fuss is about!

The powder comes in a classic compact with brown rubbery casing and a silver top. The compact feels weighty in my hands and snaps closed with certainty. I love that this compact looks like a little UFO! Opening up the compact reveals the gorgeous powder within:

I chose the color 'Rose Gold' to go with my pinky pale complexion. Peachy pinks generally look best on my skin so that is why I chose Rose Gold over the cult favorite 'Opal' which is more of a light gold with opal undertones.  The powder is intensely soft like butter and richly pigmented. There is also a large mirror on the inside of the compact for touch ups on the go. 

The color swatches true to what you see in the pan and as I said, this stuff is pigmented! For a highlighter, I love this so you don't have to build layer upon layer of a product that should really be a finishing touch.  I've been applying this with a small tapered brush to the tops of my cheekbones and down my nose for an extra dewy effect--essential during these dry winter months to bring some life back into my skin!

This pressed powder is $38.00 for 0.28oz of product. I purchased this when I had a $20 off $50 shopping pass at Sephora and I probably wouldn't have splurged with out that extra help. I will say this product is definitely luxurious and I understand the hefty price tag. I will really enjoy this in Las Vegas and on my upcoming cruise for a little extra oomph for my makeup looks!

xxSJ

Steph Reads: "The Virgin Suicides"

      I just finished up 'The Virgin Suicides' by Jeffrey Euginedes and I must say, it was a refreshing read. Amidst all the chick-lits and light-hearted books I've been reading this book stands out as raw, beautiful, and original.  The story follows a 1970's Summer following the suicide of one of the five Lisbon sisters.  These girls are the sirens of the quiet Michigan street and attract the whispers and attention of onlookers at their school and in their neighborhood. The story is told in the point of view of the men who as boys tried to understand and get to know the Lisbon girls through secret messages, late night stake-outs, and decoding diaries and artifacts.  The story delves into various themes including loss of innocence, the feeling of being trapped, and changing times when you're not ready to let go.
      What I find so appealing about this book is the imagery used to describe every movement, action, and character in this story. Jeffrey Eugenides paints vivid pictures leaving little up to the imagination on the scenes set forth in this novel.  Some scenes are described so beautifully that there is a certain creepiness to some scenes in the book when beauty and grace are juxtaposed onto a scene filled with blood and horror.
     I recommend this book to readers looking for an interesting read filled with beautiful and sometimes startling imagery that will leave you with images burned into your brain. If you aren't interested in reading about the mysterious Lisbon girls then you can watch the movie adaptation currently on Netflix instant stream. I felt it was a solid portrayal of this book and captured its essence well.

xxSJ

Check out my other Steph Reads posts!
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The Husband's Secret by Lianne Moriarty
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
What Alice Forgot by Lianne Moriarty
Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
Splintered by AG Howard
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Beneath the Glitter by Elle and Blair Fowler

Review: NARS 'Dragon Girl' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

"Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people." - Dita Von Teese

The perfect red lip is something that I think every woman should have in her makeup arsenal. Nothing makes you feel quite as fiery, spunky, and powerful as this bold lip color.  I have a beloved red lip in my beauty tool belt that is a deep brick tone (MAC Chili), but I've been on hot pursuit of a brighter cherry red that will work on my fair, pink-toned complexion.  Inspired by Taylor Swift's new music video for 'Blank Space,' (no, I'm not kidding...she looks fierce as hell in that video), I researched to figure out what shade she was sporting and I found her go-to red to be the NARS velvet matte lip pencil in the shade 'Dragon Girl.'

The NARS velvet matte lip pencils are a lip product in crayon type packaging with NARS' iconic rubberized black casing and the brand boldly emblazoned in white on the side. As the name suggests, the product is a true matte lip product.  This pencil was $25 for .086oz of product.

 This pencil is not a twist up so will require sharpening. I know this gets on a lot of people's nerves when brands do this because it seems to waste a lot of product when you're sharpening but I found this stuff will probably work for 5-6 wears before having to sharpen it. This'll last for a while so I'm not concerned about losing a bit of product! I also love the pencil lip product because it makes for a lip liner and lipstick all in one.

'Dragon Girl' is described as a 'vivid siren red' by NARS and vivid it sure is. I love this red because it has hot pink undertones to it and is definitely more blue leaning rather than orangey.  I love this because lipsticks with blue undertones will make your teeth appear whiter which is a HUGE factor to consider when selecting the perfect red for you. Also can we talk about the name for a sec? 'Dragon Girl' is the sassiest, fiestiest sounding name and I think is perfect for this lippie. Did I just make up the word fiestiest? Yup, sure did...but it suits the lipstick so we're gonna go with it.

As I have mentioned before, this product is a matte product which can be tough in the drier winter seasons when lips are chapped and peeling. Putting on a matte lip product can sometimes feel like you're dragging a dried out glue stick across your lips... lovely, right? This stuff has a really smooth texture, however, that is really comfortable to wear and easy to apply. It was so smooth and comfy that I was concerned with it smearing and transferring through out the evening but it stayed put for a solid 6 hours!  As with all bright colors, I recommend stowing this pencil in your purse for touch ups regardless of the phenomenal wear time. 

So there you have it, folks. If you're looking for an iconic red lip, this one might be worth a shot. If you don't think 'Dragon Girl' will work for you then check out the Velvet Matte lip pencil line!  NARS has 19 shades to choose from so you're sure to find one that tickles your fancy.

Check them out HERE!

xxSJ

NOTD: Essie 'After School Boy Blazer'

I haven't spoiled myself with buying a new nail polish since I moved to NY for school because an $8 or $9 polish simply doesn't fit into my budget. However, when I saw this polish at Target, I HAD to have it. It is Essie's 'After School Boy Blazer,' a creamy, super deep, navy blue.  This polish is nothing like I own and is so attractive to me for the fall and winter. I've worn it a couple times since I've purchased it and I am so pleased with how it looks! It has a great formula (opaque in only one coat!) and lasts for days with out a single chip. This type of fuss free polish is exactly what I look for during the holidays where I'm so busy and the last thing I need to worry about is touching up my nails.

xxSJ

Too-Faced Natural Eye Palette: An Unsung Hero

This Too-Face Natural Eye palette is one of the first palettes I ever owned. I find myself rotating through palettes quite frequently and every time I pick this one up after stowing it away for awhile I'm always in awe by the ease of use and quality of shadows inside! I thought I'd do a quick post highlighting why I love this thing and why it will always be an old faithful for me!

The color selection in the palette as the name suggests is very neutral. This palette includes my very favorite highlight, 'Heaven.' This matte soft white highlight is just so perfect to add some dimension to the eye. Particularly when mixed with this shimmer heavy palette, the matte highlight is the perfect touch.  I also LOVE the gray/beige crease color 'Velvet Revolver.'  It is a warm gray color that works as the perfect transition color for every one of the colors in this palette. 

The shadows are all a variety of textures with the upper row being mattes, the middle row being shimmers, and the bottom row containing chunky glitters. The negative I have to say about this palette is that the darkest browns are quite similar to one another. They only differ slightly in tone.

No matter the shadow combination you choose with this palette, it will create the prettiest, brightest fool proof neutral eye. I recommend this palette for beginners over the Naked palette simply because you can't mess these shadow combos up! Other palettes can be a bit overwhelming because of all the shadow combos you can create. With this small palette, you will create a pretty eye, every time. 

I always feel so pretty when I use this little palette and I usually get compliments on my eye makeup when I wear this stuff! This palette is $36 for 9 eyeshadows and is the perfect size for traveling. Trust me when I say this is the perfect set of shadows to add to your arsenal for a standby pretty eye. You'll feel pretty. You'll feel fabulous. Everyone will notice.

xxSJ

How to Wear Mint: Using NARS Habanera Eyeshadow duo

I received this NARS eyeshadow duo in the color 'Habanera' awhile ago as a gift and it has been taunting me from my makeup drawer ever since! With out a doubt this is my prettiest eyeshadow I own... just look at that mint green! And who would have thought that purple would compliment it so beautifully?? Today I decided to go for it and attempt to make a wearable look using the mint green shadow as the focus. 

Here's the result: 

I used a light nude color (MUG Beaches & Cream) and buffed it into my crease up to my brow bone. Then I used MAC's Soft Brown to further deepen the crease area. These two colors work great as transition colors and make blending SO easy.

Then it was time for the mint! I packed that gorgeous color all over my lid up to my crease. I made sure the color was nice and opaque across my lid. Finally I used the purple color in the duo and very carefully tapped that color into my crease. I did this last step slowly adding layer by layer to make sure it didn't get muddy!

Overall I love the way this look turned out! I think this look is multi-seasonal since you can play up the pastels or iciness of the mint or you can deepen it up further with the rich purple.

Color can be scary but there's usually a way to rock it with out being too 'out there.'  Just work with what you've got and be confident!

xxSJ

Review: Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Duo

Bite Beauty is the current hot name in all things lip related. Bite Beauty is a pretty pricey prestigious brand that touts lip products that are made from all edible ingredients! I think that's pretty cool for something we're slappin' on our mouths everyday! I decided to try out the brand by purchasing the Luminous Creme Lipstick Duo.  It is a small double-ended stick that has two mini lippies on either side. I got the more neutral duo in 'Musk/Lychee.'

Keep in mind that this lippie is really TINY! Granted, that makes this lil' guy fantastic for toting around in your purse, but I'm sad that this won't last very long since there is so little product.

This lippie is pretty interesting because the colors look SO similar in their tube form. But swatched you can see that Musk is deep brownish pink color while Lychee is a lighter warm pink color. 

The top picture above is my bare lips, the middle picture is with 'Lychee' and the bottom picture is with 'Musk.' These lipsticks feel really moisturizing! I don't find they get that long of wear time when I'm eating and drinking, but I love that they fade evenly and don't leave lines or rings of product on your lips.

Overall I love this little product and it has led to me asking for a full size bite lipstick for Christmas this year! I really like the thought this brand puts into their ingredients and product as a whole. This double-ended lipstick actually isn't the best value when you look at price per ounce of lipstick, but it is certainly a great way to try out two different lip colors and for only $12 it won't break the bank completely. A full size luminous creme lipstick from Bite Beauty will set you back $24 for 0.15oz of product (for comparison sake a MAC lipstick houses 0.10oz of product).

Get your own here!

Nature Box! Snack Review and is it worth it???

 I spent the month of October munchin' on my snacks from my very first full-sized Naturebox and let me tell you...I'm in love! I chose a 5 snack box for about $19 and I'll tell you right, now I definitely think this service is worth it. Here are the snacks I received and some quick thoughts on them:

 The Coconut Cashews are by far my favorite thing in this box. These little drops of heaven are seriously so good and are the perfect blend of coconut and sweetness.

 The Sourdough Cheddar Pretzels were Lucas' favorite thing in the box. They had a pretty strong beer taste to them and were quite good! The serving size was also quite large which made these a filling snack.

 The Santa Fe Corn Stix are seriously delicious but I was at first kind of thrown off by how small these sticks are! I realize now though that along with being a great snack on their own, these sticks would be a great addition to a BBQ chicken salad or some chicken chili!

 The Pistachio Power Clusters were a bit of a miss for me. These small squares are really dense and a bit hard to chew and at first have an overpowering nut flavor, then have a sweet aftertaste. They are also pretty high calorie as well.

This French Toast Granola is so delicious! I've been using this granola to top my yogurt in the morning and it is the most perfect crunchy addition! It isn't too sweet and is lightly spiced with cinnamon to get that french toast flavor.

All in all I love NatureBox so far. I haven't finished any of the snacks since I'm trying to practice some self-control, so I don't think this is something I will need every month. I think the price is right, however, and you can't beat the convenience of having food delivered right to your door!

Here's how Naturebox works: On the Naturebox website after you sign up, you can go through all of the snacks and pick out ones that interest you to go in your 'pantry.' These are the snacks that will be delivered to you! If you prefer a little mystery to your life, you don't have to add any snacks to your pantry and you can let NatureBox pick a variety for you. There are also options you can select for if you have specific dietary needs such as gluten-free, low sugar, low carb, vegan, etc. 

The price breakdown is as follows:
3 snacks for $13.95
5 snacks for $19.95 (this is the default box!)
10 snacks for $29.95 (this box has two each of 5 different snacks so its good to split with someone)
20 snacks for $49.95 (this box has 4 each of 5 different snacks so its great for a family)

This subscription service also allows you to cancel really easily with just a click of a button from your profile settings, or you can simply skip a month if you just want to put your snacking on hold!

Click here to try NatureBox for yourself! : http://fbuy.me/bfpFE

Happy Snacking! 

xxSJ