HBME

For those of you who know my intense fear and dislike of my own birthday and think I have gone insane and decided to celebrate it two months later, never fear. It was one year ago that I decided to start my own blog after reading others for so long. Out of sheer boredom during the long Summer months and to cheer myself up after a woeful year, I took to writing. To keep myself amused, keep myself calm and quell the boredom that consumed my life. What I didn't really expect was that anyone, let alone eight hundred and eight of you (plus my sister who I am sure stalks me daily) would take interest in anything I had to say. Yet one year, 365 days, ninety-two posts, and some very dodgy pictures later : here we are.

When I first started this blog, I kept it under wraps from my friends/family/whoever for fear of embarrassment. And while sometimes I cringe that people I know read it, its quite nice to know they bother. While I did slightly enjoy having a 'secret life' apart from everyone I knew, it really brings a smile to my face when one of them mentions something I've written. Mortified. But thanks. So if you do know me IRL, make yourself known; or else I'd feel like a right twat!

Without ranting too much about how this little space on the internet has changed my life, which it has; I want to say thank you. Thanks to everyone who stumbled upon my little 'space' and decided to follow or even read, thanks to everyone who has commented on a post I've written, thanks to everyone who has emailed me asking for advice or just to chat and thanks to all the lovely and amazing girls I have met through my obsession with beauty and make up, especially the lovely Hannah , and Aoife. So I guess the whole point of this ramble of a post is to say thank you...Yup. Here's to another year, I hope!

Happy Monday!

♥

(A very early) birthday present, meet my new camera!

You know how "mom always knows best"?  I think my mom has proved that saying true at least a thousand times over the years.  She seems to know exactly what I need, what to say, what to do, no matter what the situation is- and in this particular instance, she knew I needed a little pick-me-up.
I've mentioned a few times this summer about my search for a new digital camera (as a birthday present), and since my birthday is usually a couple weeks after I leave for school, we've celebrated it early a few times.  So I was pretty sure this present would come early- not this early, though!  But this afternoon my mom suggested we go over to the camera place and take a look.  To my surprise and delight, I came home with a beautiful, new camera.

Canon Powershot Elph 100HS

Photo taken with my old camera, a Canon Powershot A530 (like 7ish years old!)

I love it so much!  I've had such success with my old camera, a Canon Powershot A530 (see picture below), as long as I get the lighting right.  But it's already around 7 years old and it was just so big and hunky- seriously, every time I'd bring it out with my friends around they'd poke fun at me, LOL.  

This Powershot Elph has so many cool features that my old one doesn't, though.  I won't go into all the details and bore you, but I'm so happy with it.  And it's pink!  It also has HD video, so I'm going to experiment with taking videos as well (if you guys would be interested, of course!).  

A few test pictures!

Review/comparison post of this balm coming soon!

Old camera.  You've served me well! 

Anyway, I hope this camera will help in making my blog better for you guys.  Having better, clearer pictures for the blog was my main motivation for getting something new. :)

Oh!  And thank you all so much for your kind comments in my last post.  I really appreciate your care/concern- it means the world to me.  xox

Popularity Contest

I love blogging. I do. For me, its a hobby and I enjoy filling my time by writing, reading and watching posts about things that interest me. But quite frankly, recently, some things have really began to piss me off. Don't get me wrong, I love reading everyones blogs; but its the attitude of a small minority that literally makes me scream at my laptop. These are the people, that for some reason, are trying to make this blogging community a popularity contest. And that has never been its purpose. What annoys me is that it has now become normal to 'compete' for followers and do just about anything to get them.

'I'll follow your blog if you follow mine' - Um. No? I'd rather have someone genuinely interested in reading my blog follow than someone who just wants to use it as a stepping stone to make theirs more 'successful'. I'm all for sharing the love, but when its a blatant attempt to plug a blog, it gets peoples backs up.

'Nice pictures. Here's my bloglink' - Thanks. But no thanks. I really don't mind if someone leaves a nice, thoughtful comment and then adds a link, but when its clear they haven't read anything you've said and made zero effort, why should I? Almost everytime someone leaves me a comment, I will reply and check their blog. I love finding new ones, that's why I enjoy blogging so much: because you meet new people, find great blogs and learn about products and things you mightn't have known about before. But begging and harassing will get you nowhere in life. Its social climbing. By interacting with other bloggers on Twitter and other social media, you will do a lot better than if you ask people to follow. Plus, if I want to find your blog I can easily do so by clicking on your name :) And I almost always do. Problem sorted.

'I run a successful blog' - Really? What defines a 'successful blog'? Is it when you reach 100/500/1000 followers? For me, I write about what I enjoy and what interests me. If just one person read it, it would make me happy. And yes, its such a lovely feeling that other people enjoy it and follow, I really appreciate it. But I do it for me. It makes me happy to write, to take nice pictures, to share what products I like and dislike, to write about my life etc. Does that make me successful? Or do I have to have 1000 followers in order to call myself that. Food for thought.

'I don't get free stuff. Boo!' - Yes. Boo. Boo you. If that's the only reason you want to write a blog then its not for the right one. While its nice recognition for a company to contact you about reviewing, its not the bee all and end all. And it doesn't define who you are or how fabulous your blog is. When I have been approached occasionally about reviewing products, I am honestly really really flattered. But I'd never assume I was intitled to anything free. Its nice to try out a product you ordinarily would have not heard of, or bought. But just because it was free doesn't mean it should get a five star rating. Personally, I will always be 100% honest and assume that everyone else is too. Complaining that you don't receive stuff or bragging when you do? Just annoying.

'I'm a beauty/fashion blogger' - Sometimes I have trouble with this word. Kind of like the 'guru' thing on Youtube. I'm not an authority on anything, I just give my opinion and am interested in others views. If I get something wrong, by all means tell me. For practical reasons, I know we have to call ourselves this, eg. for people to find us on Twitter or to understand us better or on Youtube for others to be able to search us. But am I a 'guru'? Hell no. I have a blog. I am one person out of billions who gives her two cents on the internet. I make mistakes, I don't get my makeup perfect everytime, I don't know everything. And to claim that I do would be wrong. But that's just my view. There is a person in my University who on the first day of our drama class introduced themselves as a 'thespian'. No, love. You study drama. Like us all. Awkward. Its kind of the same thing.

What I'm asking is does it really make a difference or make people happy because their blog is 'popular'? Like I've said before some of the best blogs I've come across have had few followers and surpass some of the 'popular' ones. We need to stop obsessing over a little number, because at the end of the day : this is meant to be a fit of fun.

There are millions of things I could ramble about, making this post indecently long. But I'm not going to. I hope this hasn't offended anyone, that was not my intention at all. Like I mentioned above, I love blogging. And the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. It just saddens me that there seem to be some negatives and a minority of people pushing them forward. And I really honestly do appreciate everyone who reads my little rambles on this blog. Fills my little heart with happiness. I just woke up this morning, ranting in my head and thought I would voice it. I'm also on painkillers at the moment for a virus (boo) so this may have influenced this post. But no, its not directed at anyone. Just me, ranting to myself. Have a great day and if you have an opinion leave it below!

Ones to follow: Charlotte Loves, Lizabellys and anyone else in the 'Blogs I Love' section.

 

PS: Couldn't resist the urge to feature my new Canon as the picture! Apologies!

What would you like to see more of?

I just added a poll to the top of my sidebar.  If you have time, I'd be most appreciative if you could fill it out for me.  :)  I want to focus on making the blog better this summer, and part of that means listening to you and posting what you want to see.
I added four answers and then "other" to choose from- if you select "other", please just comment on this post or any other and let me know what it is you have in mind.

Thank you so much, everyone!

Happy birthday, blog!

It's my blog's first birthday today!  Thanks to all of you that have supported me through following, commenting, and just being all around wonderful.  I started this blog because I enjoy makeup, but having made so many relationships here I want it to continue for a very long time.

I don't have much time to write much of a post, and I wish I could say I had another giveaway for you- I am planning to have one late May/early June, however, so stay tuned for that!  I wanted to have one all year but school just got way too crazy for me.  I'll be leaving school for the semester in two weeks, so once I get home to my parent's house I'll get a giveaway together.  I can't wait! :)

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you again.  You guys make blogging the fun hobby it is for me.
xoxox
Steph

AMAZING FIND!

Hello my Vixxens. Hope you are having a glorious weekend. Mine always goes by too fast. I found an amazing website that I will be ordering from today!!!

It is called All Cosmetics Wholesale! Click HERE to visit! It has all brand name cosmetics at amazing prices!! MAC, URBAN DECAY, MAYBELLINE..you name it I saw it! In the MAC section under pigments you can just get samples of their pigments for $3.99. I'm not one of those people that NEED the big thing of eyeshadow. I have so many, it's more likely it'll get wasted. I love when I find samples!

I also found the Sugarpill Cold Heart palette that they recently discontinued!!

 For that click HERE!

After I order, I shall do a review on the products I received and how the service/shipping was! If you order before me! Leave a comment for some feedback!!

All Cosmetics Wholesale

Post later! xoxo

Twitter - - Purrceptivevxxn

Facebook Page - - Purrceptive Vixxen

Personal Blog - - Beautifully Frantic

I'm a Sigma Affiliate!

Hey guys!  I know I've gone into blogger hiding mode, and I'm terribly sorry.  I've really had an off few weeks and I'm hoping things will get back to normal ASAP; a lot has kind of built up over the semester so I'm feeling the effects right now.  I have so many products I want to share with you, though, and I still plan to- I might just be a little delayed.  Thanks so much for bearing with me.

Anyway, today I just wanted to do a quick post with some exciting news.  I recently became a Sigma Affiliate!  I haven't tried brushes from the brand yet, but I'm planning on making an order ASAP (as soon as I gather up some money I can use for beauty-related purchases!).  I thought this would be a great excuse for me to get myself to try some of their offerings, especially since I've read nothing but rave reviews about them.  I'm really interested to see if their brushes live up to the hype.
My affiliate link is in my sidebar, and you can also access it by clicking on this banner-

I believe the free gift is a travel-sized E25 blending brush- that's what I remember reading about awhile back.
Also, stay tuned for a giveaway coming soon.  I can't wait! :)

Here are some brushes I'd love to try, and will probably be purchasing in the coming months:

F35 Tapered Highlight- I just think the domed shape and tapered bristles make this a cool-looking brush.  I first read about this style of brush awhile back in a post Jamie at Maquilagem Masstige wrote about the F25, which is the powder version.  The F35 looks to be smaller and more for highlighting, but I'm sure you could use it for blush, too.

F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki- Everyone raves about this for applying both liquid and powder foundation, and I seriously have to try it.  Especially because I feel like my ELF Studio powder brush eats up my liquid foundations/tinted moisturizers.  I love my EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer brush for Bare Minerals, but I'd love to find something that can multitask with liquids!

E25 Blending- I've read lots of reviews about this being a dupe for the MAC 217 brush, which I'm currently lemming... a lot!  I've heard you can use that brush for both applying and blending out color, and any brush that allows me to eliminate another brush is my friend.  This version is like $15 cheaper than the MAC one, so I'll take it!

E20 Short Shader- For some reason I've always been fixated with these kind of brushes.  There's one on Coastal Scents I've been wanting to try, too.  I'd totally love using this for applying color to my lower lashline.

E30 Pencil- The MAC 219 pencil brush has been on my wishlist for the longest time, but it's going to be awhile until I dish out $24 for it.  I've read that the bristles on this Sigma brush are a little longer and less firm than the MAC's, but I'd still love to try it.  Contour/crease brushes seem like such an amazing invention to me, haha. 

Anyway, thanks for reading.  You guys truly amazing, like always.  <3

Disclaimer:  This post contains a referral link.  I'm not being paid for this post, and all opinions are 100% my own.

Irish Bloggers Meet Up

  Yesterday, a few of us Irish bloggers met up after a while of chatting. It was really a lovely day and was great to meet other people who had the same common interests as myself. Not only did we all get on really well, but it was brilliant to actually meet the people you follow on Youtube or Blogger.

We had no real plan for the day, but a massive chunk of it was spent in Brown Thomas! We met up pretty early in the afternoon, shopped for a while and then got lunch in the lovely Calzone Cafe. Then we wandered over to find Make Up For Ever, which to our upset we found was closed on a Sunday. In order to immerse ourselves in make up, we made a lightening fast dash to Brown Thomas, where I'm pretty sure we helped MAC reach their targets for the week!

Almost everyone bought a few things in Forever21, MAC and Dior and it was really great to talk about products we liked and those we didn't. After a long day of shopping, we collapsed into the doors of Starbucks (Louise's first time ever!) and rejuvinated on coffee, frappucinos and hot chocolate. All that walking, talking and shopping really wore me out and I'm embarassed to admit I was in bed by half nine!

Katie and Laura

Myself and Sandra

Louise and Sarah

Like I said before, it was really great to meet the girls and ramble away about our love of makeup and beauty products. Especially because there are so little Irish bloggers out there. It was a great day, the weather stayed lovely and we shopped til we dropped! One's to follow: Louise, Katie, Sandra, Aoife, Sarah, Kate and Laura.

Here is a haul of the stuff I bought yesterday:

If This Offends You..

Ten Things

• I have realised that "popularity" is not something I strive to achieve. While everyone wants to be accepted, I don't think its realistic to be liked by everyone. And I'm not. But thats okay. There has been a lot of posts on the positives and negatives of the blogging community recently, and while I would love to add my "two cents" to the discussion, I don't think I could say it better than Sofia.

• I have always found it difficult to get on with girls, I find it hard to forgive and because of this have only a few "girl friends" that I would consider myself close to. Boys don't have the same bitchy tendencies as girls, they accept you for who you are and if problems arise; its talked about, sorted, and never brought up again. I would think of many of my friends as "acquaintances", only counting three or four people in the world as those I trust. And that includes my Mum!

• On the question of trust. I don't. And I certainly hold a grudge. I am a complete walk over, but once I've had enough, I've had enough and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Loyalty is something I value very highly and if theres none there, I'm not afraid to cut people out of my life.

• I don't like confrontation, but I am definitely opinionated. If  something is said or done to me that I don't like, I will say it. Likewise, if there is something I wholeheartedly agree with, I will voice my opinion accordingly.

• I don't see the point of nastiness, bitchiness and cliques. While I understand that there are always going to be groups, I will always try to talk to everyone and not leave anyone out. I am a relative "newbie" to Twitter, and sometimes I find it hard not to snap at those girls who make it difficult for others to talk to them or get involved in their conversations because they are so engrossed in their "clique". I hate the elite, I hate the "blogging hierarchy"; and if you talk to me/tweet me/or mail me I will reply without a doubt. That's what this "blogging community" should be like.

Photos courtesy of weheartit

• I don't really care if your having a competition/giveaway on your blog, please don't link it on mine especially when your not even a follower. On that note, I understand why people link their blogs on others, and we've all done it but sometimes it just gets annoying. It looks like the person hasn't bothered to read the text and instead is using your blog as a stepping stone to "greater things". I think I'll dedicate one post a week where it can be done as much as people like, but other than that please stop.

• Social climbing. I hate it. Both in real life and the blogging world. Like the "linking of the blog" scenario, I don't quite get some's obsession with the little number indicating their followers. It's just a number and doesn't reflect the quality of the blog. I've seen loads of "unpopular" blogs with a small amount of followers that are much more creative than the "popular" one with thousands. I love blogging, but some's determination to get to the top honestly just tires and wears me out.

• While I'm sensitive to others feelings or thoughts about me, if you (and I mean people generally here) don't like me; it doesn't really bother me. I don't think anyone should change the way they are because one person mightn't like them. Be yourself, stand up for what you believe and feck anyone who disagrees.

• Having rambled away like this, I think I have to say just one more thing. I appreciate everybody who has followed, commented and even looked at this blog. It truly means a lot and I read every comment I get, though I mightn't have the time to respond to everyone. So thank you!

• If anyone wants to link their blog, please do so! If you agree/disagree with me; lemme know as I like to hear others opinions both on the whole blogging scene and their "lives".

I want to make it clear that I'm not moaning or making digs at anyone in particular, I'm just in a thoughful mood and thought I'd express it. Happy Friday!

Happy (almost) New Year!

This year opened so many doors for me- a new home (Chicago!), new school, new friends (who I cannot be more thankful for), and of course this blog!  I don't know how to show what it means to me to be able to come here and post about one of my favorite things, but I am so fortunate.  YOU guys make me want to blog every time.  With that said (and I have to make this short because I'm running late!), thank you for an awesome year!  2011 can only be better.
Hope you all have a fun and safe night.  I'm just working today and then my cousins will come over later for pizza/movies.

Oh, and quick note about my trip to Sephora yesterday- the next shade darker than Fairly Medium (in Bare Minerals) was Medium, which was too dark for me.  However, the SA told me I could exchange the Warmth all-over face color for another one if I couldn't get it to work for me.  I might go for A Little Sun or Faux Tan, which look to be slightly lighter and just more of actual bronzer products than Warmth is.
Stay tuned for a MAC post- can't wait to share it with you all!

Secret Beauty Blogging

Today I woke up to a text that surprised me and sent me in to a fit of anxiety (dramatic, I know). It was from a friend who stumbled across my Youtube channel and wanted to say she loved it. While this should have made me feel happy inside, it instead launched me into a state of panic. If one friend can find my blog/ Youtube, how many others can do the same? 

I don't deliberately keep my blog a secret, its just that I don't want to justify why I do it and face peoples reactions. I've only ever told one person about my blog, my best friend, and that was only about two weeks ago. The thought that someone I know could be reading my blog or watching my videos just freaks me out slightly. I just feel that they wouldn't understand why I spend hours writing about make-up or beauty. 

My friends, like my family, wouldn't understand my love of writing for my blog and recording videos for Youtube, and to put it bluntly I'm not sure what their reactions would be. I know most of the guys would slag me and I really don't think I could handle that. If I get a negative comment on my blog or on a video, it doesn't really bother me because I don't have to see that person everyday. This is not the case with my friends, who I see all the time. The girls, I know, would support me; but what I love about blogging/vlogging is that I can completely be myself and talk about my interests knowing that others are doing the same. My friends just wouldn't be interested. 

I'm not saying I'm ashamed of my blog, I really amn't. In fact, I'm quite proud that I even have one follower. And I've made some really good friends through the blogging community. It's something I love doing. But lets face it, girls are bitchy and its usually people we know (and aren't friends with) that treat us worse than people we have never met. No one wants to face a sneering girl who judges them because they see what they're doing as stupid or boring; and I'm no exception.

It was only when I tweeted that I was freaked out that my friend knew that I realised how many people are in the same boat. The lovely WelshBeautyBlog has talked about this and it really made me smile.  A blog is just somewhere to vent until someone you know finds out about it and no one wants to be judged, sneered at or slagged. But that got me thinking as to why I should bother stop doing what I love if people I barely know find out about it. I shouldn't and I won't. If they can judge you, ask yourself can they do any better? How can they judge when they haven't even tried it? Truth is, they can't. Until they put themselves out there for all the world to read/see they can have no opinion about what you do. So, feck 'em.

Blog, film or do whatever you want that makes you happy. Because at the end of the day people who judge you for it just ain't worth it.

Have your friends/family found out about your blog? How did you feel about it?

I've been away... and a few new things

I'm so so sorry I haven't blogged this week!  School picked up a LOT late last week, and then this weekend my boyfriend and parents came to visit me.  This week I've been feeling kind of "off" (I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong), so all of that combined led to the infrequent posting.  I hope you guys understand!
This weekend was a great time spent with my boyfriend and parents.  My boyfriend has never been to the city before, so it was a nice change of pace for him especially.  Here are a few pictures:

This was at the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

Looking down from the Sky Deck on the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower- I almost got sick, lol!

On a river boat tour that went out on Lake Michigan

We took a TON of pictures, but I won't spam this entire post.  I'm happy I finally got to do more tourist things!  And it was the first time I've been on the lake, so that was beautiful.

Anyway, I've inadvertently put myself on a shopping ban of every kind the last week or two.  I really didn't mean to, but there hasn't been much that isn't ridiculously out of my price range that has "spoken" to me.  Haha.  I shop by the motto that if you don't get that excited feeling when you see something, it's not for you.  

This weekend, though, I took a much-needed trip to Target.  I picked up Maybelline Full 'n' Soft mascara, and Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue gel-cream moisturizer (I had two coupons- a $2.00 and a $1.00, so in total I got it for about $4!).  Afterwards I went to Walgreens where they have select Wet 'n' Wild products 50% off.  I've been looking for darker lip color, and being $.49 I thought the Silk Finish lipstick in Dark Wine would be a good place to start.  I seriously love this color!  I'll feature this in a look sometime soon, don't worry.

(I'll also do some kind of review on the Garnier moisturizer once I've used it awhile)

I also got this cute knit hat from Forever 21 tonight... just because.  :)  I definitely don't need it or anything, just felt like buying myself something.  Hey, it's been a rough week!  ;)

Thanks for bearing with me, again- I know my blog has been ridiculously slow!  And I've fallen behind with responding to comments, but I read each and every one.  You guys are awesome.

<3

200th post (!) and swatches/EOTD

Guys, this is my 200th post and I have to make it a little sappy- I'm so stinking happy to have made it to 200!  Even though I blog and do all this stuff because I love it, it really helps to have such kind readers.  It keeps me motivated and buying makeup (Like when I'm at CVS and don't necessarily need anything but "it's for the BLOG!").  ;)
So I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all who continue to support/encourage me by reading and following.  I appreciate every comment I get, every new follower I get, and so on.  I'm so honored to be a part of this amazing community of bloggers.

Now, the other half of this post I wanted to dedicate to the swatches for yesterday's "haul".  I would have done them yesterday as a part of that post, but my roommate was around and I just didn't get any time to myself.  This way I can also incorporate an EOTD, as well.  :)

Maybelline Time For Wine eyeshadow quad, Prestige Strong Slate Total Intensity eyeliner, NYX Milk JEP

Yesterday I mentioned that each of the Maybelline quads vary in terms of pigmentation.  Unfortunately, this is one that is very light and harder in consistency.  The colors are SO PRETTY which is where it kills me!  However, looking through my eyeshadow stash I found a Maybelline dupe of the 'outer corner' shade, which is the eyeshadow swatch on the far right (in the picture above).  If you remember the limited edition "Diamonds" collection earlier this summer, the eyeshadow duo in Amethyst Duo has a purple that is virtually the same, just softer in texture (and thus more pigmented).  I posted about that HERE.

Moving on...

A close-up of Strong Slate and Milk (unblended)

ULTA doesn't have testers for the majority of their eyeliners, and the packaging of these Prestige Total Intensity eyeliners makes it so you can't see the pencil tip.  I had no idea this was going to be a metallic-y sort of gray color, which was a little disappointing for me.  However, I do still love the formula and I don't have any other "slate" eyeliners.  I also plan on going back to repurchase another color, so I'll be looking up swatches!

Now onto my quick EOTD.  This was inspired by yesterday, actually, when I woke up late for class and had to run without any makeup on.  People told me countless times how tired I was.  Today, even though I got plenty of sleep, I decided to do a "brightening" eye look.  I began with it just neutral and ended up adding the purple to my outer v because it needed something extra.

This is using the Prestige liner, BTW.

I love how the white eyeshadow brightens up my eyes; I finally look awake!

What I used:

- VS Pro eyeshadow primer

- NYX JEP Milk

- NYX Champagne & Caviar palette, shimmery light taupe

- Wet 'n' Wild Greed palette, light shimmery grey

- NYX Ultra Pearl Mania eyeshadow White Pearl

- Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner Strong Slate

- Fresh Supernova mascara

Thanks for reading everyone- hope you're all having a nice night.  :)

Going, going, going (Rant & Smoky EOTD)

We're leaving for college tomorrow (My parents are driving me out there/helping me move in), so today is my cram day.  And by cram, I mean crazy nonstop packing.  There is so much that I keep remembering to pack and there's not much time left- I'm definitely a little stressed, but as long as I keep moving I think I'll be ready to go tomorrow.  We're leaving at 6:00am!  My boyfriend is coming over later tonight to go out to dinner with my parents and myself (We're celebrating my birthday before I go), so that's just less time I'll have.  I'm glad I get to see him, don't get me wrong, but it's going to be really hard to say goodbye.  I think every time we've hung out this week I've cried, lol.  Thank goodness for water-resistant makeup and eyeshadow primer!  That stuff didn't go anywhere!
Anyway, my point in telling you all this is because I probably won't have a chance to update for a few days (Unless I have time tomorrow night at our hotel).  I do have a few posts in mind and an EOTD/tutorial lined up, but I've got all my cords packed away.  I know you all understand but I'm actually sad I won't be able to blog!  I love coming on here and reading your updates as well as blogging myself.

I think that's all I needed to mention in this post- thanks for bearing with me, everyone.  Have a good day!
<3

Update:
I'm taking a little breather right now, so I just decided to get out my camera/cords and upload pictures of my makeup today.  I was going to give this a separate post but I think it'll be fine right here.
This is my interpretation of a "daytime smoky eye"- it has that smoky effect but isn't too dark for daytime.

What I used:

- VS Pro eyeshadow primer 

- Clinique eyeshadow trio in Totally Neutral (Lightest shade all over/highlight, medium on lid, and darkest in "outer v" and to line lash lines

- L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara in Black

I paired this with my Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Stellar Plum:

I actually just "uncovered" both of these products- I used to keep my makeup in my desk drawer because I'd do it there in front of my mirror, and when moving everything to my bathroom last year I left some things in my desk.  These were in there!  I love the lip gloss; it's pretty sheer but gives enough color to tell it's still a "plum" lipgloss.  There's a really good makeup artist who works at the Clinique counter here, and she recommended me this one.  

Anyway, that's all I have time for.  Thanks again for reading!

Just a heads up & thank you!

In regards to my last post (my review on the VS eyeshadow primer), I'm going to update the AM/PM pictures later tonight with different ones.  A commenter kindly pointed out that with my neutral makeup, it's hard to tell that the primer did its job.  Thanks for telling me about that!  I still did neutral makeup today but I tried to add more depth to my eyeshadow and make it darker (and from the pictures I just took, I think these will be much better in showing how the primer worked).

I have a couple of reviews I'm wanting to do in the near future, one being on those Studio Tools brushes sold at Target.  I bought the Kabuki brush yesterday.  My smaller Target doesn't sell many of them at all, so if I get off work early today I'll go to the bigger one and see if they have more.  I'd like to do a review on these mainly because they are super inexpensive and available to most everyone.  I'm also obsessing over the idea of having new brushes (That are cheap but get the job done).  I was going to place my order for those Coastal Scents brushes I posted about, but they are now sold out of the duo-fiber stippling brush and white angled liner.  I'll just have to wait!

Lastly, I wanted to quick thank you all so much for supporting/encouraging me through my blog.  I recently hit 100 followers, and it's incredibly rewarding to come here every day and know people at least somewhat enjoy what I post!  I started this and keep doing it for myself, because I love it, but it's always reinforcing to be in this great community.

I have to go to work now; hope you all have a good Saturday!

blog?

I now have a blog! What encouraged me to take this step and delve into the wondrous world of web-blogging? In short, boredom..I don't expect anyone to read this or even to come across it, but after reliving the mundane summer days that I have become accustomed to I have decided enough is enough and that I need to amuse myself in some way. And entertainment has come in the form of a beauty blog..


While I have had my summer holiday of the year, my friends are either trekking around Europe or indulging in a J1 in America/Canada. And I'm bored, working in Dublin..

I have no real plan for this..I don't even know how to use it. But it will consist of random beauty and make up posts. Maybe reviews, hauls and inspiration. We'll just have to see I guess..

Thank You Eleventh0fapril!

I won Eleventh0fapril's wonderful MAC giveaway!

I'm so excited.  I tend to be cheap (That could be an understatement), so while I own a few MAC products from years ago, I can never talk myself into buying it anymore.  For this reason I'm all the MORE anxious to receive my package from her!

Thanks again girl.  I just think giveaways are so gracious.  I still can't believe I actually won something, haha.

A Quick Thank You

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who read my blog and continue to give me reason to post.  I can't tell you how great it's been to have something I'm so passionate about again!  The world of makeup blogging is so inviting, and I'm incredibly happy to be a part of it.
Also, welcome to my new followers!  I'm glad to have you here.
And I've started following some more blogs recently, so let me take a minute to share them with you:

Jem Beauty
Eleventh0fapril
Product Rater
The Makeup Drawer
Discount Decadence
A Blonde Blogger
Guru Yuki

You can find my other daily blog reads on my sidebar, under the label "Blogs I Love".
Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July.  My boyfriend and I joined my parents at the fairgrounds to watch some bands play and then the fireworks show.  I'll resume usual posting tomorrow after I get home from work.

FYI: What to Expect

I know I've been doing lots of random blogging this week, and this is no exception, lol.  I wanted to let you all know what's to come on the blog the next couple of weeks, though!  Since I said earlier that I spent most of my (Allotted) money on my trip last weekend, I won't be purchasing as much makeup the next couple of weeks.  That's not to say I won't buy any, but I definitely cannot make my usual trip to Target or Walgreens to peruse the makeup aisles.  ;)  My goal is to hit pan on at least a few products and use up ones I haven't touched in awhile.
With that said, expect to see looks, product reviews, and other posts about makeup that I've had in my stash for awhile.
I'm trying to think of different things to post about, too, besides just product reviews/hauls/looks.  If you have any ideas, please be sure to let me know!  I'm trying to put together a few videos (Although I only have Photobooth on my Mac), and I did figure out how to use iMovie so that could be...interesting.  Ha.

Have a good day everyone; I'll be resuming makeup posts ASAP!

I'm Going Out of Town!

I'm so sorry to have to leave this for a few days, but tomorrow (Thursday) through Monday I'll be in Minneapolis seeing some relatives and a good friend of mine.  I'm super excited; my friend and I LOVE to shop, so we're going to hit up more sales and malls (Including my favorite, Mall of America!).
Hopefully I don't spend too much, but I'm sure I'll have lots of goodies to blog about when I come home.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

(Oh, and just a reminder to anyone who loves American Eagle or Aerie stores- they are currently doing an extra 20% off all clearance items, online and in stores.  I got an email about this that it starts today, but it just said "for a limited time".  Have fun shopping :)