A Birthday Gift from Sephora

It's that time of year again (for me) where Sephora doles out a birthday gift to their beauty insiders around their birthdays. It happens to be a few weeks away from mine (June 2nd) so when I went in recently they stowed upon me their "Smokey Eye Kit." I honestly can not tell you what this kit had to do with smokey eyes. Enclosed was a white shimmery eyeshadow that I am guessing is their version of a highlight. Next came a tiny eyeliner in a color that can only be described as teal. Not a bad color, don't get me wrong, but what does it have to do with a smokey eye? Finally there was a mini mascara that was fine, but not noteworthy.

All I can say is...I'm glad it was free, happy future birthday to me!

Anastasia Brow Gel

Anastasia Brow Gel:

Obviously the color debacle detailed in my previous post does not apply to a clear brow gel, so I stayed true to the Anastasia brand for this gel that I purchased as part of my sister's 25th birthday gift. She's been looking for a good gel and Anastasia remains the best in the business for brows (despite their complete lack of color selections for the dark-haired).

I'll let you know if she adores it as much as I hope she does!

Anastasia Brow Pencil In Brunette

Anastasia Brow Pencil In Brunette:

Let me preface this post by saying that this is my very first brow pencil...and for good reason. I was born with crazy-big Brooke Shields-esq brows that I have slowly whittled down over the years to fit in nicely with the small features of my face. They are super dark and still a good size and shape. Getting a brow pencil never even occurred to me before the great brow crisis of May 22nd 2010.

I've always gone to the same brow waxer. For years I have entrusted her with my brows and she has not let me down. But at my last appointment I walked out with two very different brows. One fairly normal one, and one lopsided, very small, over-waxed, over-plucked eyebrow. I was horrified. There was no turning back. I had to just move forward and do the best I could. Of course this was really much more noticeable to me than anyone else (so says my very nice family and friends) but it bothers me none-the-less.

I have been hearing about Anastasia's brand and the wonders it works for brows so I went straight to Sephora to pick up a pencil. I have to say that the quality of the pencil and brow brush are excellent. However, I have very dark, almost black, eyebrows and the darkest color they had was dark brown or "Brunette" and to me this color was not only lighter than my actual brow shade, but it looked a bit orange to me as well. I am going to do the best that I can with it because for 22 dollars you bet I am not throwing this baby out! But I do recommend for the dark-haired readers to avoid Anastasia and move on to a brand with a better color selection.

For now, I just keep saying...brows grow back...brows grow back...brows grow back.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara:

I am finally a proud owner of this Benefit mascara. I've heard fabulous things about it for too long and I just needed to try it out for myself. When I was in line at Sephora this weekend and saw a cheap little mini version of the traditional tube I knew it was fate.

I have to admit, I think this mascara really does live up to the hype. It created long, full coats over my lashes without a single clump! I'm not sure how long this little tube will last, but I think it's safe to say that I'm a Bad Gal convert.

Lack of Posts this Week!

Lack of Posts this Week!

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I graduated from college on Saturday and started a full time job on Monday! I suppose I will have slightly less time to blog working full time with a fairly long commute until I get an apartment, but I will do my best to keep up! Also, in my new position I will be around some fabulously fashionable ladies so I know I will be inspired to come up with new beauty topics and think of more products that I want...I mean NEED...in the near future.

Hopefully by this weekend I will be settled in and ready to continue posting regularly!

I'll leave you with this thought:

Have you ever tried a sunless tanner that you truly liked? I mean that did not turn you orange, leave streaks, produce uneven spots, or generally look fake? With summer around the corner I am preparing for a full-out sunless tanner escapade. I think I will try Clarins first because it is always recommended and then move on to St. Tropaz after that. Details to come!

MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask

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MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask:

New obsession alert!! This mask has the power to change hair. Literally. My super long hair is in dire need of a good cut, but I still have a few days until I am graduated from school and back near my stylist. I got this mask on the recommendation of a few friends and I cannot get enough! It turned my frizzy, semi-fried, split end mess of a head of hair into glossy/silky/shiny strands. It also has the classic MoroccanOil scent which I have described in depth in my MoroccanOil rave post. I love this product!! The only downside is that it is pretty expensive. I got the 8.5 oz tub for 40 dollars, but I am kicking myself because I see here that it is 26 dollars on Amazon! Get it there...that's a great deal!

Stores I LOVE

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Stores I LOVE:

Sephora (obviously!): I could spend hours in here. It's almost like I want everything so much that I usually walk out with nothing because I honestly can't choose between all of the pots, pencils, creams, powders and other wonderful concoctions!

Anthropologie: Cute dresses, cute accessories, and super cute home goods. What's not to love?

Bloomingdales: They have the absolute best selection of jeans plus great makeup counters. A combination of two of my obsessions! I could get lost in here all day. Added bonus? Forty Carrots! They have great food and amazing frozen yogurt! I like getting shredded coconut and fruit on the side. YUM!

Wink: Rather small, but filled with lots of treasures! I got ballet flats there that look just like ballet slippers that I get compliments on every single time I wear them. I also found my black leather bangle with the gold clasp here. Classic!

Madewell: The place to go for super skinny stove pipe jeans and hipster-esq tees. Also a great place for extra light scarves that work well for spring and summer.

A store that I am not a fan of...the MAC stores. I don't like how the stores are set up. All of the products are hidden away in drawers and cabinets so you have to get a sales person to help you every single time you need to pick up a new item. I am a pretty independent shopper and don't like that sort of forced sales person contact.