Drugstore Haul!!

So this is my very first official haul! Often I may purchase items and want to make a haul for you all, however my busy schedule does not always permit me to organize the items, take pictures, etc.

I will definitely try to become better because I don't know about you, but I LOVE to look at people's hauls :)

I had to quickly stop at the drugstore to pick up some items for halloween. Also, I was going to a movie with a friend so I wanted to pick up some candy because at the theater it is marked up like %500!

For my halloween costume I needed red lipstick (I won't have time to stop at Nordstrom and I wanted to see if this drugstore, halloween brand would work! Hey, why spend more if you can find it for less and it works just the same- we will see about the latter though!)

Also, I picked up some red polish for my costume and while I was checking out found the sparkly silver glitter polish! PERFECT!! Especially for glitter polishes (I use it as a top coat over a colored coat) I don't think that it really matters what brand it is! I will let you know and be sure to update you all with pictures!

I am currently getting ready for class, but am listening to Beyonce: If I Were a Boy Remix (with R. Kelly)

I went out one night with some friends and the boyfriend and the host kept playing this song in his car!

I LOVE it--if you listen to the lyrics, it is playing off stereotypes, but I know that I can definitely relate to most parts, whether now or in the past! PLUS the remix is both from the girl AND guy perspective. I think some guys could learn a little from this song ;)

Check it out and enjoy! :)

MAC Lipstick Finishes

I love watching YouTube videos!

I thought I would leave you all with a video explaining MAC's lipstick finishes.

I know that the differences in finishes has been a question of mine, so I wanted to help educate you all as well if you did not know the differences. Also, the colors she shows are gorgeous, so it is fun to watch in that sense as well :)

Click HERE to watch

link for lipstick photo

My preference? Cremesheens

Which MAC lipstick texture do you prefer!?

Eyeshadow Primer

Ever since I can remember, I have worn eyeshadow! In middle school I remember girls would tease me because I would highlight my brow bone and my inner eyes to make them appear larger and more awake. Obviously, I was a step ahead of the game at that point, because those same girls in high school were doing the exact same thing!
Because I have always worn eyeshadow, I feel as if I have near perfected my routine. I am a big MAC eyeshadow snob I must admit, but more and more recently I have started to branch out to brands that I find are just as pigmented and of superior quality, such as Urban Decay!
However, eyeshadow is not the purpose of this post, primer is!

More and more than I read blogs, the more I hear about "holy grail" items and items that most, if not all beauty gurus simply LOVE-
One of them is with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer.
I must admit that when I purchased my first UD eyeshadow palette, I was extra thrilled because a free mini size of the primer came with.
HOWEVER, then came the time to actually try it. Now, I am not saying this is not a good primer, because I really haven't tried too many to compare it with. BUT, what I can tell you is that there is something out there that is much better!
This comes to MY "holy grail" product, and after running out of it this past week (this is when I tried the UD primer), I realize that this will also become the first product in my stash that I will make sure I always have a back-up of, therefore insuring I always have another when I run out. THAT is how important it is to me :)

Now.. to the product: a MAC Paintpot
Yes! This is the item that I swear by. Not only does it keep my eyeshadow on all day (the color even remains vivid, as if it were freshly applied), but this product also helps cover any discoloration and even eyebrow stragglers that may be hangin' out until you get them waxed/plucked. You will see a demo of this below:



I did not take these photos, I found them on JRoseonline.com, however these pictures do the product complete justice! I prefer to purchase the product in the color painterly, and this is that color in these photos. I find that this color blends better with my skin tone AND doesn't lead the color of eyeshadow I am applying to be much different than what it appears in the pan.
Also, this model has a bit darker skin tone than I do, and it works SO well on her as well. Notice how the first photo she is applying the paintpot up to her brow. This keeps your highlighting color on ALL DAY (this is the biggest feature I noticed that was different than with the UD primer, which at the end of the day led the highlighting color to barely be there). Also, the paintpot is a thicker formula so it helps to disguise any stray eyebrow hairs! AMAZING!
This model actually applied UD primer underneath the paintpot, however I have never tried this and without the UD primer it works just fine!

I hope that this post inspired you to try a paintpot sometime, just to see how you like it.
I am not paid by MAC or anything (though that would be cool :D, I simply just wanted to share my love for this product with you!)

Let me know what you think about this post and make sure to suscribe to my page! :)

Nars Holiday Collection 2010: Now Available

WOW!

I am still learning the ins & outs of this collection, however I do know that currently all items are available to buy on the Nars website. Also, it is currently on sale at Sephora! Hello 20% off :)

On my wish list:

-Sex Appeal Blush (already causing a stir because Nars is NOT known for it's lighter, non sparkly blushers)

-Little Darling (this nude beige lipstick is EXACTLY what I have been looking for)

-The Purple Duo & Gold Single Eyeshadows are GORGEOUS! I have similiar colors in other brands, however these may be too beautiful to pass up :)

Lastly,

-I LOVE the nail polish colors and they are definitely "in" for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, however

for $17.00 a pop, I will definitely be looking for some dupes :)

If you find any, I would love to know :)

Are you guys loving this collection like me? Will you be picking anything up, and if so, what!?

http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/nars-holiday-2010-collection-have-a-berry-francois-christmas-and-a-happy-nars-year/

40 Beauty Questions

I'd love to read your answers, feel free to comment me your responses! :)

1) How many times do you wash your face daily?Once at night

2) What skin type do you have? (dry, oily, combo)I am not really sure? I feel like my T-Zone is oily, and the rest of my skin is more normal, maybe a little bit dry

3) What is your current facial wash?Clarins exfoliating cleanser

4) Do you exfoliate?Oh yeah. Maybe too much? My cleanser is also a cleanser, however I don't know if that is a problem?

5) What brand do you use?Clarins

6) What moisturizer do you use?Clarins anti-aging moisturizer

7) Do you have freckles?Yes. Especially when I’m tan!!

8) Do you use eye cream?No—I want to start though!

9) Do you or did you have acne prone skin?Somewhat. My forehead really breaks out and I get random spots all over my face :l

10) Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?I didn’t ever HAVE to use it, but I tried it just to see 

MAKE-UP
11) What foundation do you use?I use Bare Minerals powder foundation

12) How about concealer?I haven’t found a perfect concealer yet, so I go back and forth between samples so I can figure out which one works the best.

13) Do you know your undertone color?I would say that I have pink undertones

14) What do you think of fake eyelashes?I wouldn’t wear them every day, but that is because I naturally have pretty long lashes and the extra step is too time consuming for me to do every day. However, I love them for special occasions or for dressing up!

15) Did you know that you are suppose to change your
mascara every 3 months?Yes I did J

16) What brand of mascara do you use?Once again, this is a product that I am switching between. I used to use drugstore brands, however I really want to try the YSL Faux Cils mascara

17) Sephora or MAC?Hmmmm.. I am more comfortable with MAC, but Sephora has so many brands and fun things to try! Can I pick Nordstrom instead!? J

18) Do you have a MAC Pro-card?No

19) What makeup tools do you use in make up application?I always use brushes

20) Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?I use a MAC paintpot as a primer for my eyes, though also will use Urban Decay Primer Potion and the Nars eye primer

21) For the face?I sometimes use a primer for my face. When I do it is the Bare Minerals primer,  however I want to try the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

22) What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or neutral shade)?I love MAC neutral colors!

23) Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?Neither. But if I do use liner it is a pencil.

24) How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?I rarely use liner

25) What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?I don’t own any and thought I didn’t like them, but I really want to give them a chance after I saw a girl with a really pretty pigment on and she raved how great they are and long they last

26) Do you use mineral makeup?Yes-it’s the best! J

27) What is your favorite lipstick?I have recently gotten more into lipstick. So far I have been pleased with MAC Cremesheens, though I want to expand to Chanel and YSL

28) How about lipgloss?I like to use MAC glosses.

29) What is your favorite blush to use?I love Chanel blush as well as Nars.

30) Do you buy your makeup on ebay?No

31) Do you like drugstore makeup?I am impartial I suppose. I tend to not buy much drugstore makeup however.

32) Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)I have been a couple times. There is only one that I know of and it is a distance away from where I live.

33) Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?Eh. I think it would be fun but I don’t really have the time.

34) Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?I don’t think so

35) Name a makeup crime that you hate?Hmm.. that’s a toughy to think of. I think not wearing any makeup when just a little could add that much more to your look is kind of a crime—I like effort

36) Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow)Oh yes, but I don’t like to do it on myself for an everyday look.

37) Which celebrity always has great make up?I’m not really sure.. I’ll have to start keeping my eyes open for that

38) If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?Toughy. Probably concealer or mascara. Concealer if my face has extra blemishes and mascara if my skin is looking ok.

39) Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?Yes, and I do. I just don’t do it that often ;)

40) Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?Eh. I prefer to have makeup

Bieber Fever

Do you have Bieber Fever!?

http://entertainment.ofwnow.com/tv-shows/justin-bieber-to-appear-in-csi/1250

Well if you do..Justin Bieber has collaborated with Nicole for OPI and this December you will be able to pick up the six nail polish colors at Walmart. In February, 6 more colors will be released and they will be sold also at Sears, Target, and Ulta!

The first 6 colors in the collection are as follows:

(in order from left to right)

Me + Blue

 Step 2 The Beat Of My Heart

 Give Me The First Dance

 One Less Lonely Glitter

 Prized Possession Purple

 OMB!http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/10/justin-bieber-nail-polish.html

Each color is inspired by several of his most popular songs and is deemed

"the One Less Lonely Girl" collection

What do you think of this collection?

Personally, I think some of the colors are cute and I am a fan of Justin Bieber, so I just may pick a couple of them up! :)

NAKED PALETTE

Hey Everyone! I know, I know, I have been pretty MIA this week and all of a sudden I am updating my blog like a mad-man, (I guess this is just the SECOND post) :)

However, I have literally been SO busy with school :l Now that it is finally friday I am able to relax a little bit and update my blog a bit!

Alright, so regarding this lovely palette below: I will admit, when I first hear all of the hype, as a new beauty blogger I wanted this palette because it looked somewhat appealing and I thought it would be a great "must-have" popular product.

However, after viewing tons of swatches, hearing all of the genuine rave, and discovering my everyday look is really just neutrals, I NEED this palette.

I know I can wait until who knows when until the huge shipment Sephora, Urban Decay, and stores alike are supposedly going to be receiving. I also know that this palette is going to be in the UD permanent collection. Also, I have looked on eBay realizing I could pay 200% the original cost and therefore get my hands on this product! (so crazy, though great for the seller I suppose)

However, I simply would LOVE if you all could help me.

Do any of you know of a particular Sephora/ store (location) that currently has this palette in stock!?

I have seen numerous bloggers everyday saying they just purchased this palette [though when I call my Downtown they say they are sold-out nation-wide : (  ]

This is why I need your help!

If any of you know somewhere I can get this palette, other than the eBay, PLEASE let me know :)

Thank you all SO much, I appreciate you all for reading (I don't really know how many people DO see this)

But I will remain optimistic and hope I can enlighten someone ;)

Tiffany Blue

Ever since I came across the nail polish from China Glaze called "For Audrey" (in honor of Audrey Hepburn from the movie Breakfast at Tiffanys), I fell in love with the aqua blue color! This color very closely resembles the Tiffany & Co. trademark color, (though the official color is trademarked by T&Co.) and more and more recently I have caught myself thinking of this gorgeous aqua! For this reason, I thought I would leave with you some photos of some "Tiffany" blue pieces from Tiffany&Co jewels themselves!!

What do you think about Tiffany blue!?

Fact: this color is so popular, people will have "Tiffany Blue" themed weddings. This includes their bridesmaids, Tiffany ring box cakes, and of course, the signature color strewn throughout the reception, wedding, etc.

Nail photo from:

http://perfectlypolishedtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/perfectly-polished-tips-118-china-glaze.html

Concealer & Foundation, PLUS Reviews on products

So I am currently taking a study break right now! I am in the process of reading a novel, writing a paper and briefing several legal cases for class.. eek!
It is also horribly wet here today! Rain has been pouring down non-stop since last night and I can hear the wetness and rain through my sliding doors: I am NOT liking it at all!
This weather makes me lazy and this weekend I definitely cannot be!

Anyways, back to this post!
I have used concealer/ foundation for as long as I can remember! My whole life I have been an extreme girly-girl and for this reason, make-up has always resonated in my everyday life in some way.
However, this past year I realized that I did not know the real definitions of concealer and foundation!
I have no idea if you ladies have ever had this problem, but I thought I would give a short definition of each and let you into my world of the products I use!

Concealer:  a type of makeup used to mask pimples, dark circles and other small blemishes visible on the skin. Concealers usually do a good job of hiding blemishes by blending the imprefection into the surrounding skin tone.
(definition from Wikipedia)

As most beauty junkies, I am always on the constant search for the "holy grail" beauty products. This is especially true when it comes to a great concealer!
For this reason, I have tried so many different products! Any time my concealer runs out, I am always switching brands and types on the never-ending search for the perfect one!
However, about 2 months ago when I ran out of my previous concealer, I ran into Nordstrom to ask someone to point me to a great concealer. WELL.. The lovely lady working for Clarins pointed me to Dior.
Dior! I thought why not, Dior is a HIGH end make-up and fashion retailer, and though I might not want to purchase concealer for a ridiculous price, I might as well try a sample anyway- no harm no foul, right!?
Well.. turns out I LOVED the product! I found the "one." The concealer was not oily, not drying, and it did not apply cakey which is a must because that is simply a pet-peeve of mine!
However, after investigating further into this product, I have came across some unsettling news.
Dior seems to appear on many "we test make-up on animals" lists, and this is a strict NO-NO for me!
SO.. Though I think I have found my "holy-grail" concealer, until I find more information as to whether this animal-testing rant is true, I will continue the hunt for a GREAT & NON-ANIMAL TESTING product!
DIOR 'DIORSKIN' SKIN PERFECTING HYDRATING CONCEALER
Comes in 4 colors, the one I use is Beige 002
$28.00 at Nordstrom

Foundation: a flesh-toned cosmetic applied to the face to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, to cover flaws, and, sometimes, to change the natural skintone.
(definition from Wikipedia)

This is the product that I was most confused on! I never really thought about foundation as being a foundation, if that makes sense. This is because foundation is commonly found in either liquid, OR powder form. Some people wear only concealer, some only foundation, and some both! I wear both.
I also use a powder foundation which I have been using for several years now. This is Bare Minerals Foundation. This product is definitely a favorite foundation among many people and the mineral powder is supposed to be better for skin and coverage. Once again, I hate to look cakey, so this product does the trick! Bare Minerals also just came out with a more expansive line of foundations, therefore to provide a more suitable product for more customers. With this expansion, they added a "matte" foundation, along with the original foundation that they have always had. Looking at my product, I purchased the Matte foundation when I recently bought a new one, however this one is a bit more cakey in my opinion (I do not have exceptionally oily skin, and for this reason the product does not absorb into my pores as well as if I had oilier skin).
For me, I would purchase the original foundation in the future, however matte is also still really good, especially if you have oily skin!
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Matte Foundation SPF 15
Many colors! Check at your local Sephora or Nordstrom :) I use Medium Beige W20
Matte: $28.00, Original: $25.00

What is your favorite concealer/foundation? I would LOVE to know!!
Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me!
xoxo Pearls&Politics

WOULD YOU RATHER..??

Hey Everyone! 

So I decided to complete the following survey and would LOVE if you commented me your answers. I am also tagging the following girls and hope they will respond/ post on their blog:

SWEATshirtDRESSshirt

The Gloss Goss

Fashion's Maven

Tabitha's Wonderland

WOULD YOU RATHER..??

..never use mascara again or bronzer again?
I would choose to never use bronzer again. I actually only recently started using bronzer! It was just one of those make-up items that I never really considered until I got more until make-up. Also, I tend to tan and stay a bit bronze and just thought bronzer was only for a fake tan face (though I love it for some warmth in the colder months and to contour my face!)

..only be able to buy high end make-up or drugstore make-up again?

High end make-up! Though it is much more expensive and I do find great drugstore products, overall high end make-up tends to work better for me and it helps keep my skin healthier than drugstore brands.

Plus, I LOVE being able to test all of the make-up products at counters at Nordstrom, Macys, etc.

..go out with chipped nail varnish or unshaven legs?

Hmmmm.. I would prefer to go out with unshaven legs. 

Though I do go out with chipped nail varnish on occasion, it is a HUGE pet peeve of mine! I would much rather just take off all of the polish and have nothing on my nails than to have chipped nail polish on.

At least with unshaven legs you can wear pants and cover it up, but with chipped polish you can’t hide it! (unless you wear mittens all day! Haha)

..go out with messy hair or no make-up?

I would definitely rather go out with messy hair. You can always put your hair up, try to fix it with your fingers, or just have messy hair and it be as if you made it messy on purpose.

I rarely go out with hardly any make-up simply because I feel naked! I guess after wearing at least a little bit of make-up for years leads me to feel this way.

..have it be winter forever or summer forever?

SUMMER!! I am from rainy Seattle and I feel like it is winter here most of the days of the year! A lot of people love rain and the weather winter brings, but I am more of a summer, sun shine kind-of-girl!

..have permanent two inch roots or permanently unplucked brows?

Two inch roots! Unplucked brows is another one of my pet peeves! Eeeek.

PLUS, on the bright side, ombre hair styles are quite popular lately :)

..give up all MAC or all Illamasqua products?

Well considering I do not own Illamasqua products and own quite a bit of MAC, I would pick the latter! However, I am in the process of ordering some Illamasqua nail varnishes AND have heard great things about the brand, so products will be purchased and reviews will be given J

Furrrrrr

I was browsing on Nordstrom.com today and found these lovely heels:

I instantly started thinking about what adorable outfits I could pair these with and how stylish they are.

However, I normally don't wear heels, especially when they are this high. I am already pretty tall and I have a really bad back that gets really tweeked out of shape when I wear high heeled shoes.
This is why, my heart got more happy when I was continuing to look through the website and found these:

These ones come only in black right now on the website (as far as I can see), though they are so cute in this color and I would probably prefer them in black anyway.

Fur is really in, and this soft hair looks so soft and pretty! (It says the fur is rabbit :l I have no idea if in the process the rabbit is killed for their fur, but because it is real fur (like most high end things are real fur, leather,etc.) I probably won't purchase these :l)

(also, if you are interested in either pair of shoes, they are Jeffrey Campbell and can be found on the Nordstrom website)

What do you think of these shoes!? Would you wear either pair?

Overwhelmed, LUSH and rambling--

Hey all!

Sorry for the sporadic posts lately, with school starting these past few weeks I have been so overwhelmed and stressed out, that any extra time on the computer (besides for homework) has been very little.

Also, with my lack of time, I have a lack of time to shop!
However, I will surely be doing some online shopping soon and when I get some time I will head to the mall to pick up some much needed and wanted goodies :)
What this means for YOU is upcoming haul posts and reviews!

Please follow my blog and stay on board with me while I fight through school and the stresses (though glories) of life :)

But onto the fun part of this post:
I recently went into a LUSH store for the FIRST time ever this past summer and loved it! I knew I would just because of all of the great things I have heard about it I within the blogging community. Also, the products are all vegan and natural which makes it even better in my eyes!

I recently stumbled apon a coupon code and figure that now is the time to place my first order. I will now leave you with some products I will be ordering/ may check out in the future.


Honey I Washed the Kids Soap



Sexy Peel Soap



Summer Pudding Soap

Tuca Tuca Solid Perfume

Honey Trap Lip Balm



(all photos are from http://www.lushusa.com/)

Since I am a newbie to LUSH, I would LOVE to know what are the must-have items and items you all love!?


BTW:
The LUSH coupon code is for 15% off and has no evident expiration code (which means ordering ASAP is best for it could expire any day).
Here is the code: WSPA1
I have not yet used this, but will let you know as soon as I place an order to confirm if it really works.

OPI Burmese Blush--Purple Nail Polish

It was time for a manicure and I'd thought I would share the lovely color with you all! Lately purple has turned into one of my favorite colors and therefore I thought that purple for my nails was appropriate. Not to mention, purple nails for fall is supposed to be one of the "it" colors.

What do you think? What is your favorite color for your nails?

BEFORE

AFTER



I am IN LOVE..

I am IN LOVE with.. Chanel's Holiday 2010 Collection! As I was browsing blogs this morning I ran across this collection. My jaw literally dropped.
I am a girl that loves makeup and high fashion, though being a college student it is hard for me to fathom spending tons of money on just one lipstick for example!
For this reason, I only own one Chanel product. (It's the Tweed Rose Blush, and IS absolutely amazing.)
However, after looking at this Holiday collection, I will be sure to pick up a few items!
This collection is very pink! Pink blush, a pink (with brown) eye palette, pink lipgloss and my favorite: pink nail polish.
In my opinion, every girly-girl MUST have at least one hot pink polish in their collection, and I definitely think that Chanel's pink polish will be on my wishlist!

image from: (http://www.temptalia.com/chanel-les-tentations-de-chanel-holiday-2010-collection)
                                                                                                                                        
I will leave you all with some LOVELY photos:
(images from: http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2010/10/sneak-peek-chanel-holiday-2010-makeup.html)

Blogger Couture

Though I am new to writing my own blog, I have been following other girl's blogs for a very long time!
When I ran across Gypsy Diaries blog I feel in love with the cute t-shirts and bags that she has started to make and sell to fellow bloggers.
I wanted to share some cute items that caught my eye below:



If you like any of her items, you go can here to shop!

Disclaimer: I wrote this post completely on my own. I was not payed nor asked to write this post and I am not a sponsor nor representative for these items.