Review | MAC Angel Lipstick

As spring is settling in, I've been wearing brighter lipsticks, and sadly putting away the darker shades (which is unfortunate since I LOVE Darkside//MAC). I purchased MAC's Angel a couple of months ago (the haul is here), and I thought I'd put in my two cents about it.

The MAC website accurately describes this as a "soft pink", and the finish is a frost. The description sounds perfect and the lipstick looks gorgeous in the tube. There's so much hype over this product, and it's also one of MAC's best selling lipsticks. 

The color is absolutely beautiful. It's not too cool or too warm, so it goes with most skin tones. 

 I'm not a big fan of the finish and the formula though. The product sits rather messily on my lips. It seems to accentuate and sink into fine lines, as well as cling to all the wrong parts if the lips aren't completely exfoliated. I also have rather pigmented lips, and the color doesn't always mix well (though this can be fixed by putting concealer over the lips first). Some days I love this, and other days I don't. Lately it's been leaning towards don't. It takes much too much effort to make it look nice on.

 Angel swatches so beautifully on the hand, just not so much on the lips. I don't find that the formula lasts that long either. The longer I keep it on my lips, the messier it seems to look. Maybe I just got a bad tube? Have you tried this lipstick? what do you think?

I have found that MAC Angel looks absolutely stunning layered over NARS Dolce Vita lipstick. I wouldn't go out and buy both, but if you have it, give it a try! If the finish were a cremesheen or even a satin, I'd probably like that better. I know that Angel comes in a lipgloss, so perhaps the formula of that looks a lot better on the lips. I really wanted to like this lipstick! Oh well.

Light, medium, and heavy swatches (top to bottom)

Repurchase: No

Haul | Ray Bans, Wedge Sneakers, Smashbox

Happy Saturday! I've been doing a bit of shopping this week, as my best friend spent the week in New York on spring break. I thought I'd share a few things I picked up:

Ray Ban Boyfriend Flat Top (available here)

 I've been wanting a pair of Ray-Bans for a while, but I haven't found a pair that I've been satisfied with. They've always been too small, too colorful, too something. I came across these on the Nordstrom website a while ago, thought they were cute, but put them out of my mind...until I saw them at the mall! Tried them on, and fell in love. They're still the wayfarer style that I love, but slightly different, oversized, and look a bit different than the classic ones everyone has. It also goes with everything! Love love love them. (I bought the tortoise shell ones)

Platform Wedge Sneakers//Go Jane 

I've been seeing the platform wedge sneaker trend for a while now, and thought I'd give it a go. I wasn't sure I'd love the style, so I wasn't up for splurging on the $200 pair at Nordstrom. I was browsing around Amazon, and found these super cute alternatives from Go Jane! Annnnnd they were only $30 something. Fantastic. These aren't leather, but they're so cute, so comfortable, and look more expensive than they were- which is always a plus. I've worn them twice so far, and gotten many compliments both times!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream//Light

I was so excited when I saw the travel size version of this at Sephora the other day. This has been on my to-try list for a while, but I couldn't justify spending the $40 on something I'm not sure I would like. I thought this size was a good alternative. At 0.5 oz (half size), it' was $19.50, which is about half the price (full size is $39/1oz). I may do a post once I've tried it out. (I don't think the half-size is available on the website, just in the store!)

Any favorite purchases lately??

Review | Anastasia Brow Duality

Anastasia Brow Duality// Shell & Lace

I'm not embarrassed to admit that I'm rather obsessed with eyebrows. I'm convinced that if my brows are taken care of, I'll look more put together with or without any extra make up. Anastasia has fabulous brow products, and I thought I'd share my favorite!

Brow Duality is a dual ended highlighting pencil. The one I have is in Shell & Lace. Shell is matte, and is the consistency of a light concealer. It's almost skin-toned, but a bit lighter, brighter, and with pink-y undertones. I use this right under my brows, to highlight my brow bone. On days where I don't have time to clean up my brows, I'll use a concealer to shape them, then use the Shell end to highlight. This also works well on the cupid's bow and edge of the lower lip for added plump-ness. 

Perception is reality! In a beauty sense, anyway.

The opposite end of Brow Duality is this beautiful gold highlighter "lace". The consistency is really light, almost powdery when it dries. This side is a lot lighter in consistency and thickness than the Shell end, and is a bit more glitzy than the Shell, which is more subtle. I also use this as a cream eye shadow, blended with some black eyeliner/shadow for a subtle-glam look.

Swatched! 

Left: Lace

Right: Shell

This is available at Sephora. The packaging has change since I purchased this, but the product is just the same! I have the Shell/Lace because I have yellow undertones. The other option is Camille/Sand for those who have more pink undertones. At $23, it's a bit pricey, but it'll last forever.

Repurchase? Yes.

Review | Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation

Having accumulated quite a few things through stress shopping over the past few months, I've been trying to appreciate the things that I own rather than buying more. This month I've really been enjoying Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation - its my go-to foundation when I need a high coverage, flawless finish for a bad-skin day, or if it's been a long night. I thought I'd share my thoughts :)

The foundation comes in a shimmery purpley- brown squeeze tube for $42 with 1.18fl oz/35ml of product, and is good for 18 months. It's a tad expensive, but the tube will last forever- you don't need much to cover your whole face. The packaging is really similar to other Laura Mercier products- about the same as the tinted moisturizers. Be careful that you're purchasing the foundation instead of the primer or oil-free tinted moisturizer, as they all look quite similar in the tube! 

Do remember to shake well prior to use!

Pros: True to it's name, this product is really creamy- a little goes a long way!  It does a fantastic job when it comes to coverage, is water resistant, and long lasting. I've worn it through the rain and it stayed put perfectly. You can put on quite a lot and have it still look natural. I have an oily T-zone, and I haven't had any issues with this foundation slipping or wearing off too much during the day. I wouldn't say that the finish is "luminous", but it's most definitely a natural finish, not too matte or dewy. It really does look like my skin! I find that it works best when squeezed onto your hand (to warm up the product) before applying with a brush, or simply applied with the fingers.The two brushes I like to use with this foundation are Real Technique's face brush, and the Sigma F60 foundation brush.

Cons: I'm not really a fan of the rather potent smell. The best way I can describe it is a bit almond-y and a bit like paint. I'm not sure if it's just the one that I have or not. Aside from that, no complaints!

Comparisons: The consistency is a bit thinner and creamier than that of MAC's Studio Sculpt, and the coverage is higher. You can read that review here! It's thicker than Make Up For Ever's HD foundation, but the coverage is higher as well.

Repurchase? Absolutely.

Review | MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation; An Almost Favorite

I picked up this foundation while I was out Christmas shopping back in December. We all have one of those "one for you, one for me" gift shopping sessions! I tried out this foundation for the first time a few years ago, and I remember that I really liked it but wasn't impressed with the staying power. But then again, that was a few years back, so I decided to give it another shot.

The packaging of the product is really nice- it comes in a velvety plastic tube that's super portable and fits into make-up bags nicely. The black cap twists off, and the product can be squeezed out of the tube onto a brush, sponge, or your skin. It's not a cheap foundation (but certainly not the most expensive either), at $30 for 40ml (1.3 fl oz)- but the tube will last you forever, as a little bit goes a very long way. The photos below show a tiny amount of product, and the same amount blended out.

Pros: The finish of this foundation is absolutely beautiful, and the coverage is medium but build-able. It gives a very natural looking, luminous finish- like your skin but perfect. It's easy to put on too much of this product because it's so easy to blend, but piling it on won't make it look cake-y either, which is good on those crappy skin days. I like to apply this with a foundation brush, but fingers work just as well! Of all the MAC foundations I've tried (studio fix, studio tech, mineralize, face&body), this is the foundation that looks closest to natural skin with a higher coverage.

Cons: This is not a product for oily skin. I have combination skin- I get a bit oily in my t-zone area and usually have to blot halfway throughout the day. My cheeks are pretty good, not oily or dry- just in the middle. That being said, I noticed that this foundation only lasts two or three hours on my t-zone. The foundation slips noticeably on my forehead, and rubs off around the sides of my nose! My cheeks look great all day though. I think this foundation would be fabulous for those who have normal to dry skin. It's definitely one of my favorite finishes in foundations, but unfortunately it doesn't always work well on my skin. Setting the foundation with a powder buys me a bit more time, but this isn't a foundation I would wear if I need my makeup to last all day. One more note, I'm not a fan of the scent of this foundation. It smells a bit like paint to me- it's not super strong, but enough for me to notice and not enjoy the smell.

Repurchase? No, sadly.

Mid (Finals) Week Haul

Now that the bulk of my finals are over, I decided to treat myself a bit (after my organic chemistry & physics finals today!) to a few things at the mall. I really need to break this habit of post-exam shopping, but for now, it's suiting me just fine.

Madewell has such adorable bags! They're having a 30% off storewide sale (same as J.Crew). The sale applies in store and online, I believe they're doing free shipping as well! Fabulous.

Everything!

Lipliner: Cherry

Paintpot: Soft Ochre

First stop was MAC. I purchased Ruby Woo lipstick a while ago and I've been wanting a lipliner to go with it, so I picked one up in Cherry. Also, a paintpot in Soft Ochre. It's a matte nude with yellow undertones. It goes really well with my skintone, to brighten up the eyes, or use as an eyeshadow base.

Some jewelry at Madewell! I've been looking at that acorn ring for a while (as well as the brass bow, but they were sold out!), and I also came across this gorgeous cuff bracelet! I love the whimsical look of it being a bent twig. Adds some interest to simple outfits.

This one isn't too interesting. Picked up Boscia blotting linens. I've been using them for years, and they're fantastic. This one is peppermint, I figured I'd give it a try.

Another item that's been on my skincare wishlist for a while! I've heard so many good things, and I'm yet to come across a Caudalie product that I don't like (knock on wood). Excited to try it!

I hope everyone's having a great week<3

Once Upon A Shopping Spree - Black Friday Haul

After a filling and delicious Thanksgiving meal, a friend and I ventured to the Wrentham Outlets' Midnight Madness Black Friday Sale as well as the Natick Collection and picked up some goodies. It's been a tradition since we got our licenses around 6-ish years ago. I picked up a few gifts, as well as a few things for myself:

Ted Baker, got it for about half price!

Brownie Pan! Not that I need to be baking after all that I ate over the weekend.

Cane & Austin Acne Treatment pads

One of my absolute FAVORITE skincare products. It's expensive, at $60 at SpaceNK, but completely worth it. It clears up acne, prevents new breakouts, evens out skin tone, and reduces signs of aging. This is my third or fourth pack of these, and I'll be buying them forever.

My grandmother loves Lancome's skin care line, and this was the free gift that came with purchase that she let me keep!

Lancome Genifique Serum

Genifique Eye Cream

Bi- Facil eye make up remover

Hypnose Doll Mascara

Eyeshadow top row: "Designer" (metallic) It's a sage color, but I'm not sure if it'll show as accurately in the picture & "Latte" (matte). Bottom: "It List" (matte) & "Volcano"(shimmer)

Kate Spade, half price!

Kate Spade Bow Earrings

Kate Spade Bow Bangles. I realize I went a bit bow-crazy, but they were just so cute!

Cole Haan Loafers- I've been wanting leopard flats for the longest time, and finally found one for a reasonable price! ($77 from $188)

Did you find any good black friday deals? Also, if you've got any suggestions/comments/recommendations about lancome, please leave a comment below! I've never tried anything of theirs!

A Little Sephora Haul

Sephora recently had their VIB Friends&Family sale, and I just had to pick up a few products.

I tried to be good to my wallet and bought things that I "needed" (except the lipstick! and one could argue about the highlighter). I placed my order on Sunday and it arrived today- very prompt, despite Hurricane Sandy's aftermath.

Benefit Moon Beam

I loved Benefit's High Beam in high school (when it used to cost $23! now it's $28), and I figured I would try the other one, since I have warm undertones. It should add a nice little glow when mixed with foundation.

Origins Eye Doctor

My first eye cream purchase! The description sounds like exactly what I need, especially now that winter is coming up, and the effects can be rather harsh and drying to the skin. I was debating between this one and the Origins Gin-Zing. Have you tried that one?

Ren ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum

I've heard so much about REN products and thought I would give it a go. "A soothing and replenishing gel serum formulated for use overnight to leave blemish prone skin comfortable, clear, and calm". Sounds fantastic. The serum is formulated for acne prone skin, which I have. We'll see how it works!

NARS Lipstick

Cruising is described as a "nude pink", great for an every day lip color (pictured above). The Dolce Vita is a gift, so I didn't want to open that one!

Have you tried these products?

Leggings, Lipstick, & Laduree

It's been quite an exciting week, starting off with the second round of presidential debates taking place on campus! Unfortunately I was not selected in the lottery to attend the event, but that didn't take away from the excitement on campus. News stations were set up everywhere, streets were blocked off, and security was highest I've ever seen. It's not every day that the President is in town. Due to class cancellations for the debates, I've been doing a bit of running around, and I thought I'd share a few tidbits of my days:

Nordstrom Blazer

Nordstrom Frenchi "Girlfriend" Tee

J Crew Signature Leggings

H&M scarf

Michael Kors "Slim Runway" Watch

Giuseppe Zanotti flats

Abercrombie & Fitch Sweater

Urban Outfitters BDG cigarette jeans

Target Boots

Longchamp Le Pliage Large

Then I went to Lord&Taylor. I don't frequent this store, but I always find great deals when I do. The Friends & Family sale was going on, 25% off almost everything in the store, and 10% off cosmetics! I was super excited, as cosmetics almost never go on sale anywhere. I picked up a matte velvet lip pencil; Cruella//NARS, and the Dolce Vita//NARS lipstick.

And I went to MAC, and bought two more lipsticks...

From left to right, Dolce Vita//NARS, Dark Side//MAC, Ruby Woo//MAC

This is Cruella//NARS, the matte velvet lipstick pencil. In comparison with the Ruby Woo, it's not as bright. Ruby Woo is more of a blue-based red. In other words, Ruby Woo makes one's teeth look whiter and brighter than the Cruella. Both are gorgeous though.

When I had lunch with a friend of mine, she brought me these macaroons from Laduree. They are, hands down, the BEST macaroons/desserts ever. Light but flavorful, they are perfection.

And there's no better way to end a hard week full of exams than a great candle and some fresh flowers (hydrangeas). The candle is Gardenia//Henri Bendel.