January 2013 Empties!

This month I was able to finish up a lot of products.. it feels so liberating! :)

Stila Jewel Eyeshadow in Golden Topaz

Golden Topaz if the first Stila product I have ever tried. I have always wanted to try the brand out, so I was super excited when I got my hands on this little gem. I have really been loving wearing this shimmery shadow to give my eyes that effortless 'glow effect'. You can also apply Golden Topaz wet for a more intense sparkle!

The name says it all: the eye shadow is a golden topaz color. You can definitely wear this shadow on its own, but I prefer layering it on top of my finished eye look for some added brightness! It is nice and creamy, making it super easy to apply. It is also buildable and does not crease on me! :)

I believe every makeup lover should have a nice glittery eye shadow - it can compliment and bring more life to so many eye looks, and Golden Topaz is definitely at the top of my list!

Here are a few product snapshots and swatches:

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Pacific Blue

This is the perfect pastel royal blue! Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear nail polishes are some of the best out there in my opinion - they are super cheap ($2.99), easy to find (sold at the drugstore), opaque after only one coat, and are chip-resistant for many days when paired with a top coat. Pacific Blue (420) is one of my favorite shades from the line... it's right up there with Mint Sorbet!

Sephora Collection Mini Bag Makeup Palette

This was my first experience trying the Sephora brand makeup line, and I have to say I am super impressed! The Sephora Collection Mini Bag Makeup Palette is a wonderful product to carry around in your bag since it is so compact..it fits in the palm of your hand! With a magnetic casing, this palette features 9 gorgeous eye shadows, 4 lip glosses, and a blush. It also comes with a mirror.

Using Witch Hazel as a Facial Toner

If you are looking for an all natural way to tone your face, look no further! I have been using witch hazel for over 6 months now, and it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G at getting rid of impurities on my skin (it's my "stubborn makeup dissolver" ;). For those of you who don't know, the use of a facial toner is an important step in anyone's skin care regimen since it balances the pH of your skin. That means that it will eliminate the excess oil that your skin is producing without drying out your skin. It is a commonly used ingredient in many skin care products. After doing some research on its benefits, I just had to test it out, and was definitely not disappointed! If you are an acne sufferer like me, it will help reduce breakouts and diminish the size of your pores since it goes deep into your pores to prevent bacteria build-up.

Studio Gear Cosmetics' Basket Weave Cheek Palette

I have been loving Studio Gear Cosmetics' Basket Weave Blush lately as an everyday natural-looking pop of color on my cheeks! This palette includes 5 beautiful, slightly shimmery shades that vary from a pale pink to a bright pink, as well as including a darker, almost bronze-looking shade. I was lucky enough to discover this brand through a giveaway that I won a few months ago, thanks again Alexandra from 21standserendipity! She has an awesome blog and I feel so lucky to have won! :)

In Love with the Cross Bracelet Trend!

I have really been getting into wrist jewelry lately, and ever since I saw the beautiful glittery over-sized cross bracelets on Alexandra New York, I have been on a search to find something similar in chain stores such as Forever 21 and H&M, with no such luck. However, I recently came across one at Call it Spring... let's just say I was super ecstatic! :D

Lady Gaga FAME Eau De Parfum

I had been lusting over this perfume ever since Gaga released it last year, and I was one lucky girl to receive it as a gift from my wonderful sister for Christmas! :)