TAG: Holy Grail Products

* Best Eyeshadow Base * Benefit Lemonaid & MAC Bare Study Paint Pot. I love lemonaid for a matte look, and bare study for shimmer. Both hold shadows with ease and don't budge or crease!

* Best Eyeshadow * Oy.. I'd have to go with MAC Mythology. I love this color! Mostly I use it in the crease with All That Glitters on the lid, or lately I've been using Mythology all over the lid with Twinks in the crease

* Best Eyeliner * I'd have to say my Urban Decay 24/7 liners. I love zero on my water line and gunmetal on my lash line.

*Best Mascara * Fresh Supernova. It's a gorgeous, light wash of color with no clumping. It's perfect!

* Best Foundation * NARS Sheer Glow in Deuxville. Whenever I wear it people compliment me on my skin, tell me that it looks porcelain and flawless! I even notice that others have a harder time telling when Im blushing while I wear this foundation, which is an added bonus! Plus, I just love the satin finish.

* Best Blush * MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder. I think that this is the perfect color for my skin tone. Once while wearing this blush with the Nars Sheer Glow, I was told I even looked "like a china doll." I'll take it!

* Best Highlighter * MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder. This color is just gorgeous! It's nice and light, with subtle shimmer. To mix with my foundation I use MAC Strobe Cream. Both are amazing!

* Best Lipstick * Avon Apricot Glow, however, mine broke :( So I need to order a new one!

* Best Lipgloss * MAC Cha Cha Lipglass from the Summer Forecast collection. Beautiful!

These are my holy grail items, what are yours?

xo

Rachel

LOTD: Formal (2)

Hello again, darlings!

The second formal I went to this weekend was called Roseball (again, cute right?) This was for the fraternity that my boyfriend is in. My dress was this cute grey and black backless dress from Wet Seal. For my hair, I twisted my bangs off to the side and pulled the rest of my hair into a side ponytail. I wore black beads from H&M, a pearl bracelet from Forever 21, and red heels from Payless.

For my face I used:

1) NARS Primer with SPF

2) NARS Sheer Glow in Deuxville

3) MAC Strobe Cream

4) Hoola Bronzer

5) MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder

6) MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder

For my eyes I used:

1) MAC Bare Study Paint Pot

2) MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow in the inner third of the eye

3) Urban Decay Last Call in the outer 2/3rds of the eye

4) Urban Decay Oil Slick in the crease

5) Urban Decay Oil Slic 24/7 Eyeliner

6) Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

Sorry I don't have a more close up picture, by the time I got to it I was already on the dance floor, and that's not exactly pretty!

I was also bad and bought a few things yesterday, so my next post will be a haul! Talk to you all soon!

xo

Rachel

LOTD: Formal (1)

Hey lovelies!

So I just had my big weekend! Two formals and a alumni tea party. Needless to say I'm exhausted. My first look from this weekend is from my own formal (Sapphire Ball, cute right?). For my hair I had my friend curl it and after this picture was taken I pinned my bangs back.

For my face I used:

*NARS Primer with SPF

*NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deuxville

*Benefit Hula Bronzer

*MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder for Blush

*MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder as a highlight

For my eyes I used:

*Benefit Lemonaid

*MAC Bare Study Paint Pot

*MAC All That Glitters all over the lid

*MAC Satin Toupe in the crease

*MAC Twinks in the outer V

*MAC Shroom as a highlight

*Mac Retrospeck as a highlight

*Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

*NYX Blue Sapphire Eyeliner

And yes, the handsome guy in my picture is my lovely date, and also now my boyfriend :)

What's your favorite look for a special occasion?

xo

Rachel

Favorites: April

Hey lovelies!

So I know its a bit early, but I am very excited about my favorites for this month! Plus, I actually had a nightmare last night that it was May 1st.. Which sounds a bit odd, but I was really scared that April had ended and I felt like I had lost a lot of time, which waking up was nice to realize I still have 8 days left! Anyway on to the post!

NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Deuxville

I'm sure you've all already heard everyone's rave reviews about this product, but it really does give me porcelain skin with a healthy glow. This is wonderful for me because I am obviously quite pale, however, I do have patches of red around my cheeks and nose. After using this product I only need the slightest bit of concealer which is a godsend..

So a while back I purchased MAC Strobe Cream

At first I wasn't sure how to use this product. I had a hard time using it as a highlight above my cheekbones because it made my makeup spotty. But, I recently found that this works AMAZING when mixed with the NARS Sheer Glow. I get so many compliments on my skin, and although the NARS is amazing on its own the Strobe Cream just makes it that much easier to blend and it gives me just the slightest bit more coverage. I'm officially obsessed. I used the NARS on its own again last week and I just couldn't do it, I love the two together too much.

Benefit's Confessions of a Concealaholic

I originally bought this for my mom, but when I tried it I knew I had to keep it for myself. Before this product I swore by MAC's concealers. Now, I will never turn back! I wasn't sure about "That Gall" Face Primer in the beginning, but again, after using another product/going a day without using it I am hooked. The Erase Paste is also wonderful. A lot of people aren't aware of this, but it is meant for under your eyes (not on blemishes!). It does come in a narrow color range, but because of the loud pink undertone it does wonders in concealing any dark circle! I use it every morning and you would never know that I absolutely abhor mornings. Now, I must say that the bo-ing is my favorite. The lighter shade matches my skin perfectly, and it just melts into my face! When using this after NARS sheer glow my skin looks absolutely flawless, which for me is a miracle. This has different undertones than the erase paste, so it IS meant for blemishes and red spots. I am also torn with Eye Bright. It does further brighten up my under eye circles, but I hate how hard it is to blend. I'm not quite sure if it's worth it. Finally, the lemon-aid is a product I recently fell in love with. I don't need it to correct my eye lid color, which is what its meant for, but I have found its the perfect eyelid primer. It really makes your pink eyeshadows pop! In this kit I would repurchase in full size That Gall, Erase Paste, and Bo-ing. The others I would have to think about.

MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder (as a blush)

Now, I don't own Well Dressed but I do think the two are quite similar. And if that is the case I think I will live out the rest of my life with Well Dressed in my collection, because I ADORE Summer Rose! It is the perfect color for my skin tone. I own NARS Orgasm, thanks to youtube, and I agree that it is too harsh. This color, however, is wonderful for me. Some people suggest NARS Deep Throat for a more subtle reaction, but my skin tone needs more a blue-pink than a peach-pink. I have been using this almost everyday, and I am hooked.

MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (as a highlight)

If you follow MAC's limited edition collections (in the US, Im not sure how the UK was affected) you know that this sucker sold fast! I was extremely lucky that I pre-ordered this goody. My mother did as well, but for reason she was still unable to get it. This product does live up to the hype. For some I'm sure it's a nice blush (the picture isn't quite true to color, you should check out my post on this haul here), but for myself I love it as a sheer highlight. I like to lightly dust it over Summer Rose, and voila! Love it.

What are your favorites right now?

What are your experiences with these products?

xo

Rachel

MAC Pigment DIY

Hey lovelies!

Sorry I've been a bit vacant, it's my spring break and I've managed to get sick :( Anyway, I've had a few pigments that I've decided to press and wanted to share some tips with you all.

The pigments I have are: Your Ladyship (my favorite), Mutiny, Jardin Aires, and Circa Plum.

(pictures from google images)

What you'll need are: Pans, rubbing alcohol (mine is 99% alcohol but you can use one with less), something to stir and pour with, and a palette to put them in and a mixing medium.

The Process:

1) Pour a few scoops of your pigment into your mixing medium (ie. a bowl). It will take trial and error to figure out how much you'll need, try small amounts and work up.

2) Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and mix.

3) Once its mixed pour it into your tin pan

4) Let it sit so that the alcohol evaporates and feels powdery

5) Place a paper towel over the tin with a quarter on top of the paper over the powder

6) Place a heavy object on top of the quarter, paper and tin (this is wear the pressing comes in)

7) Let sit over night, and there's your new eyeshadow!

A few other uses for pigments:

*mix a small amount with some clear nailpolish

*mix a small amount with some clear lip gloss

*use as blush

*use as loose eye shadow (great for the tear duct!)

Good luck!

xo

Rachel

Products I'm Using

Hey guys! Sorry it's been a few days, I wanted to share a haul but I can't find my Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper.. I have no idea where I put it :( But, until I find it (I also want to give a review) here's a little post..

Shampoo: Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative

Conditioner: Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative

Styling products: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave In Conditioner, CHI Silk Infusion, Living Proof Full Thickening Cream

Shower Gel: whatever is cheap.. not gonna lie!

Body Moisturiser: Dove

Deodorant: Ban

Fake Tan: n/a

Cleanser: Clean & Clear Morning Burst

Exfoliator: St Ives

Primer: Benefit That Gal

Foundation brush: I use my fingers and a sponge!

Concealer: MAC, or Benefit Boing/Erase Paste

Powder: MAC Studio Fix in NW15 (Im quite pale)

Blusher: NARS Orgasm

Bronzer: NARS Laguna and Benefit Hoola

Highlighter: MAC Strobe Cream

Eyeshadow base: MAC Paint Pot

Eyeshadows: MAC Satin Taupe, Retrospeck, Twinks, Shroom

Eyeliner: Ulta Waterproof in Black

Curler: n/a

Mascara: Fresh Supernova & Firebird

Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Lady Gaga

Lipgloss: MAC Cha Cha

Nail Colour: Essie 3 in 1 Clear Gloss (base coat, top coat & strengthening.. but I'm using it on its own for now)

This is just what I've been doing the past few days, I've falled madly in love with Satin Toupe, and Viva Glam Lady Gaga. What have you fallen in love with or find yourself reaching for?

xo

Rachel

FOTD: Spring Pink & Orange

Hello all!

This post is a bit late in the day, or early depending on how you're looking at it! I've just been busy enjoying the sun and studying for midterms. So today it was a wonderful 75* in normally foggy San Francisco, California. For us this is as good as it gets! Everyone trudged out what little summer clothes they own and made the best of the day, because here you never really know how long it will last. To celebrate the sun I decided to do a bright pink and orange look, it is a bit dramatic but hey.. I didn't have class, and I'm young! I might as well have a little fun ;)

The Process:

1) I primed my eyes with MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot to bring out the orange and gold

2) I used MAC Paradisco on the inner third of my lid

3) I used MAC Hot Hot Hot (LE) on the middle of my lid

4) I used a Coastal Scents bright pink from the 88 Shimmer Palette

(the original idea was to use MAC LaLa (LE) but I think something funky happened to mine!) on the out third and in the crease

5) I used MAC Twinks finely in the crease for definition

6) I used MAC Shroom under the brow

7) I used MAC Deck Chair Pigment in the tear duct and under the brow

8) I used my regular Ulta Black Waterproof Eyeliner on my waterline

9) I used Fresh Firebird Black Mascara

10) I used a black felt tip liquid liner on my top lashes

I didn't do anything special with my face or lips today. I did add a little extra bronzer: Benefit Hoola all over then NARS Laguna as a contour. And, I just used Kiss My Face Pineapple Coconut chapstick on my lips for extra moisture.

The pictures aren't actually showing how intense the pink was, but it turned out very nice I really liked it. Well, I hope you all enjoyed it!

xo

Rachel

Mini Haul: MAC

So I have an itty bitty little hual from Mac :) I went last night on a whim with a good friend of mine & ended up getting only two things, but I am very excited about both of them!

First, I got Satin Taupe eye shadow ($11):

(Sorry about that shadow, nothing was even covering the light!)

It looks like a dark brown there, but it's really ..diverse! There are so many different colors in it, and it's not terribly dark but still has a wonderful color payoff. And obviously, you can see all the pretty shimmer :) It is pretty brown, but with red and grey undertones. Very, very pretty!

And, I also got strobe cream ($29.50)

"The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens,

freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin and in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight."

Fortunately I got the angle just right to wear you could see the swatch shimmer! I'm only going to use this product as a highlight, and to intensify it I will put the Shell Pearl Beauty Powder over it. I was going to wait to get it, but my friend put it on in the store and it looked amazing so I knew I had to get it!

Hopefully I'll do some more face of the day's soon, I've just been so busy this week! I really want to today, to show off my St Patrick's day look (Steamy with Satin Toupe in the crease with Rubenesque showing through Retrospeck below the brow) buuuut! I really wanted to wash my face and take a nap =/

xo

Rachel

FOTD: Give Me Liberty of London

So here is my first Face of the Day! (please excuse my poor tired eyes, it is Friday after all!) Yesterday I posted my MAC Give Me Liberty of London haul, and yes, it was quite a lot of product. But, there is a reasonable explanation. I have known for a while that I wanted to splurge on this collection, and my birthday is early next month, so I decided to treat myself to a birthday present. That being said, after today I am storing it all away until the day of my birthday so today was my last day to play with it all, and give you all a look with it.. At least, until next month!

So, here's a rundown of the products I used:
Face: Benefit 'That Gal' Face Primer
MAC Studio Tech in NW 15 (I dont actually like to use this product)
Benefit 'Confessions of a Concealaholic' (Erase Paste, Bo-ing, Lemon Aid, Eye Bright)
MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder
MAC Shell Pearl Beauty Powder

Too Faced Brow Kit

Eyes: MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot (I will be using Delft when I get it for my birthday from my mom! :) )
MAC Birds & Berries Eyeshadow on the lid
MAC Bough Grey Eyeshadow in the crease
MAC Retrospeck Eyeshadow in the tear duct

MAC Shroom Eyeshadow under the brow

Ulta Black Waterproof Eyeliner on the water line

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara in Very Black

Lips: MAC Ever Hip Cremeshene Lipstick

MAC Frankly Fresh Lipglass

Review:

It's official. I LOVE this collection! I enjoyed working with every product, with the exception of Bough Grey (it wasnt very easy to blend, but still workable). By far, my favorites are Birds & Berries eyeshadow, and all of the lip products. The pigmentation and color pay off in Birds & Berries is phenomenal! And the way the lipstick and lipglasses feel is to die for. Ever Hip is a little bit strong for this look, so I toned it down with Frankly Fresh and I think its my new favorite lip combo, I just love it all! I can't wait to get the makeup bag in the mail :)

xo

Rachel

Haul: MAC Give Me Liberty of London

Today MAC's Give Me Liberty of London limited edition collection came out in stores, and I was able to pick up my pre-ordered loot! Altogether, I didn't get the entire collection but I did get most of it. I got both of the beauty powders: Shell Pearl and Summer Rose; one blush: Prim and Proper; two eyeshadows: Bough Grey and Birds & Berries; one lipstick: Ever Hip; all four lipglasses: Frankly Fresh, Perennial High Style, English Accents and A Different Groove; and one nail lacquer: Blue India. I didn't pick up two of the eyeshadows (Free to Be and Give Me Liberty of London) because I do own a lot of pinks, and these just didn't stand out to me. Plus, Free to Be is now a permanent shade. I also didn't pick up the Dirty Plum blush because it is too dark for me, and it is permanent (PRO) and is in the Riveting Collection currently out. Finally, I didn't pick up the Vestral White nail lacquer because it was just a simple white and had already come out with Hello Kitty.

Beauty Powders

Summer Rose: this came out with the Rose Romance collection, but I wasn't able to get it then. It's a very satiny pink with plum undertones with a very slight sheen. This product can definitely build up for more color pay off, or can be left sheer. For my light skin tone this is a great blush.

Shell Pearl: this is a light peach-coral with a sheen and I'd say would work best as a high light, even for lighter skin tones. This color is absolutely gorgeous, and has already sold out at my counter (as of 4pm 3/11)

Blush

Prim & Proper: This is the only blush I picked up and I actually picked it up for my mom. It is a beige-nude with some shimmer, and is too dark for lighter skin tones. However, lighter skin tones could use this for a bronzer (like my mom will).

Lipstick

Ever Hip: This was the only lipstick I picked up, but I love it! It's a nude-coral-orange color in a cremesheen finish so it feels wonderful when applied. It looks quite orange in the pictures, but its much softer on the lips.

Lipglasses

Perennial High Style: This is a pink-coral color that goes wonderfully with the Ever Hip Lipstick. It doesn't have any shimmer and has more of a yellow undertone.

Frankly Fresh: Is a bit of a dark peach with gold and pink shimmer. This color is a bit different for me, but can be a wonderful nude with shimmer for some.

English Accents: This is a wonderful milky pink gloss with blue undertones, making it almost purple. It has a sliver shimmer, and is overall quite nice.

A Different Groove: Is a very opaque, dark purple-wine with gold shimmer. This color is too dark for me, but my mom loved it so this one was for her.

Eyeshadows

Birds & Berries: This is a wonderful frosted dark blue-teal with a veluxe-pearl finish.

Bough Grey: Is a soft grey with green undertones and a satin finish. This is quite unlike any other color MAC has come out with before.

Nail Lacquers:

Blue India: This is one of the most beautiful, unique nail polishes I have come across. Especially with such nice packaging! It's a dark blue-teal with grey undertones. This color looks amazing against the Bough Grey and Birds & Berries eyeshadows.

I did also buy the small makeup bag, but since it isn't sold at counters I ordered it online with both Viva Glam Lada Gaga and Cyndi Lauper lipsticks, so reviews and pictures for those to come soon!