Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Mermaid Inspired Look ft. Lit Cosmetics

Today's glitter look is inspired by my inner mermaid. Usually when you love mermaids you sort of have a secret (or not so secret) love and appreciation for glitter. So there was no way I could do a week's worth of glitter looks without having one inspired by the majestic deep sea creatures. For this look, I incorporated the Lit Cosmetic glitters in Peacock in Size #02 and Margarita in Size #03. Instead of putting the glitters over top of the whole lid I concentrated Peacock in the outer corner to deepen the look and used Margarita on just a small bit of the lower lash line to brighten it up and really make the look sparkle. If you'd like to see close up swatches of this shade and the others in my collection, as well as my review on Lit Glitters, I'd suggest clicking here. Here's what I used for this look:


Featured Lit Cosmetics Glitters: Peacock in Size #02 and Margarita in Size #03
On the eyes:
  • Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer Potion
  • SEPHORA Collection Contour Eye Pencil in 21 Fairytale
  • Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Palette Shadows in Red, Blue, and Gold
  • MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in So There Jade
  • INGLOT Eyeshadow in 24 Shine
  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked 2
  • Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl in 005 Nude
  • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black
  • Maybelline The Rocket Volum Express Mascara
On the face
  • Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme in  001/Bobbi Brown Brightening Concealer/Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder
  • Benefit gimmeBrows Brow Gel
  • Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Bronzer
  • Benefit's Hervana Blush
  • MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle
  • MAC Creme Cup Lipstick/MAC Dazzleglass in Phiff!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Champagne Wishes Inspired Look ft. Lit Cosmetics

Today's glitter look is one that's meant to show you guys how wearable glitter can be. Champagne Wishes in Size #02 is probably the most wearable glitter I own from Lit Cosmetics. I paired it with a natural and slightly smoked out eye look, as well as some kicking winged eye liner (you don't know how proud I was of those tiny wings!) I wore this out to dinner with my girl friend's and would probably even wear it out on a date. Champagne Wishes is a glitter that didn't make me feel uncomfortable or like I was a walking/talking glitter bomb. Although it was quite sparkly and obvious that I had glitter on my eyes, having such a neutral color paired with neutral shadows, lips and face really didn't bring too much attention it, which was great! If you'd like to see close up swatches of this shade and the others in my collection, as well as my review on Lit Glitters, I'd suggest clicking here. Here's what I used for this look:

Featured Lit Cosmetics Glitter: Champagne Wishes in Size #02
On the eyes:
  • Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer Potion
  • Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette (Naked 2, Walk of Shame, and Faint)
  • Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (Tease)
  • INGLOT Eyeshadow in 470 DS 
  • Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl in 001 Black
  • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black
  • Maybelline The Rocket Volum Express Mascara
On the face
  • Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme in  001/Bobbi Brown Brightening Concealer/Tarte Smooth Operator Finsihing Powder
  • Benefit gimmeBrows Brow Gel
  • NARS Guy Bourdin One Night Stand Blush Palette (Devotee, Mistinguette, and Laguna)
  • MAC Venus Lipstick

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Lit Cosmetic Glitters || Review & Swatches

No surprise here, I'm obsessed with glitter. How can this mermaid not be? It's colorful, reflects light, and is just oh so, shiny. I've tried tons of glitters in hopes of being able to incorporate them into my make up routines or just for fun make up looks that my imagination creates. Never though, have I come across a brand that is as brilliant as Lit Cosmetics. They are, bar none, my absolute favorite destination for all things glitter. The variety of sizes and colors is just incredible. There's a glitter for anyone and everyone. I cannot fault them of a single thing. They make glitter fun and, best of all, wearable. 

On my last two trips to IMATS in New York, I've stopped at their booth. The first year because I was like "OMG, GLITTAH" where I picked up six glitters (crazy, but that booth is seriously mesmerizing) The second year I wasn't planning on stopping by the booth in fear that I'd buy more but that's where Andrea and Coco decided I should meet up with them. When I saw their hands swatched with glitters I went into a frenzy, caved, and bought three more glitters. I have no intention of skipping the Lit Cosmetics booth next year!

Application/Removal
One of the biggest perks of the Lit Cosmetic glitters is that there is virtually no fall out thanks to their Liquid Glitter Base. You just dip your brush into the liquid, dab off the excess, pick up the glitter and apply. You can pat it on for a more concentrated application or sweep it on to have it dispersed. The only time I ever seem to get fall out on my face is when I haven't used enough of the liquid and that's to be expected because then I'm just applying a dry product with no base to adhere to. Learning what's the right amount takes a little bit of practice and by 'a little bit' I mean like .5 seconds of actually using it. Super simple! Once the glitter is on there, it's staying there and lasts throughout the day without flaking off or fading. The sparkle lasts you the whole time you choose to wear it. I've placed the glitters on the inner corners, outer corners, upper and lower lash lines, and haven't found it to irritate my eyes, which is saying something because they're quite sensitive.

As for removal, it's a breeze. If you've ever worked with glitter before you'll know that sometimes it takes a special kind of make up remover to really get the job done but not with these. This glitter comes off with ease wether I'm using an oil, Bioderma, or even a good ol' make up wipe. It comes right off and doesn't scratch your eyes or face in the process, which is a big problem I had with some glitters in the past. It may take a little extra time to remove the glitter as some of it might slide to your cheeks or forehead in the process, but nothing that can't then be washed away whilst you cleanse your face.

The Lit Cosmetic Glitters
(side note: the size numbers refer to how big or small the glitters are cut)
  • Peacock (Size #2) is a blue/green glitter that applies like a sparkly pigment. It reminded me of the ocean and mermaids, so it was a must have.
  • Cowgirl (Size #2) is a coppery brown with tiny gold flecks that also applies like it's a sparkly pigment. 
  • Soul Sister (Size #3) is a dark greenish glitter that reflects different shades of golds, coppers, and browns.
  • Nightlife (Size #3) is a black glitter that's reflects greens, reds, blues, and purples. It looks like a night club in a pot.
  • California Soul (Size #3) is a bright pink that's reflects lighter pinks and bright golds.  
  • Margarita (Size #3) is a white glitter that reflects blues and greens. I freakin' LOVE this glitter.
  • Champagne Wishes (Size #2) is a neutral, golden champagne glitter with flecks of clear multi colored glitters.
  • Wonder Woman (Size #2) is a blue and fuchsia glitter and also applies like a sparkly pigment. It pulls majorly towards the blue when applied but you can see the fuchsia underneath which helps make the blue more vibrant and gives it a tinge of purple.
  • Goober Grape (Size #3) is a light purple, sort of lavender glitter, with possibly the cutest name for a glitter, like ever.
In honor of finally going through and reviewing my favorite glitters, I've decided to create six different looks using these glitters and I'm going to be posting one each day for the rest of this week. I really wanted to show you guys what these glitters look like in action. They really fuel the imagination and add a little pizazz to already great make up looks. I had a lot of fun coming up with ideas and getting more use of these gorgeous babes! Once the week is over, I'll link them all in this post in case you're viewing this later!

You can find and order Lit Cosmetics glitters on their website litcomsetics.com. They're each $12.95 and shipping is a standard $10. Unless you're ordering a bunch I'm not sure if the shipping is worth it. Like said, I got mine at IMATS and I think they exhibit at a majority of them. They offer great discounts at conventions like this and I don't have to pay for shipping. Additionally, they now sell a few 'starter packs' that you can find at Sephora, in store and online. There isn't a huge variety of colors but the ones they do have are gorgeous and they also come with a small bottle of the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base, as well as a small brush. It'd be a great way to dip your toe into the world of Lit. 

IN CONCLUSION (you're a peach if you've made it this far) if you're a fan of glitter or want to be, Lit Cosmetics is the way to go. It'll be love at first sparkle! 
Have you tried any Lit Cosmetic glitters?
Which are your favorite?
Which would you love to try?

Friday, August 15, 2014

YSL Volupté Sheer Candy || Cool Guava

Normally I'm the kind of girl that always opts for a bold lip color. I usually don't see the point of applying a sheer lip color when it'll just feel like nothing is there. Well, somehow this YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in Cool Guava has found it's way into my top 3 most used lipsticks. Yup, this sheer baby pink color is a firm, firm favorite of mine to don' almost daily. Like said, Cool Guava is a baby pink color that leans a little towards the bluer spectrum of pink with maybe some mid tones of yellow. Basically, it's a cooler shade of pink is what I'm getting at. It's a super smooth formulation and a sheer wash of color. You can def. build up the intensity of the color by swiping over your lips a few extra times, but remember, it'll stay sheer and just give the color a little more brightness. The YSL Sheer Candy gives your lips a nice and fresh tint while adding some natural looking glossy shine. The color lasts for maybe 2 hours before it starts to fade into nothingness, but the formula is so moisturizing that you can apply it over top without fear of clumping the product. Also, since it's a sheer pigmentation, you don't have to worry about being precise and can genuinely apply this on the go by using the tiny reflective cap as a mirror. 

It goes without saying that the YSL packaging is a stunner. The silver tube with the color of the product in the middle accented with the gold logo is just spectacular to behold. It also goes without saying that this product is pretty expensive. I was lucky enough to have received a gift card from my sister on my birthday a few months ago that I got to use on this $34 gem. Would I have bought this product without one? If I had noticed it, probably! I'm so happy to have this lipstick in my collection. Some days, I just need that bright yet light and subtle wash of color; something simple to get me through the day.  Cool Guava has permanent residence in my handbag and I find myself popping it on all the time!
Have you ever tried any of YSL's Sheer Candy lipsticks?
What are your thoughts on sheer lipstick?

Thursday, August 14, 2014

LUSH Rose Jam Shower Gel

If you take a peek into my shower, hiding within the depths of my shower caddy compartments is LUSH's Rose Jam shower gel. It has the most glorious, sweet smelling scent that I ever did smell. My nose is just enchanted by it's floral yet delicious and decadent scent. Rose Jam is the perfect name for such a beauty of a product that's made up of argan oil, goji berries, and vanilla pod. I'm absolutely in love with this scent and it has to be there in the tops along with Twilight. LUSH does this scent in a bubbleroon and body conditioner, though one doesn't produce nearly enough bubbles while the other is a bit out of my price range. 

Regardless, this rosy and yet lemony scent is absolutely so unique. It was so popular that LUSH brought out the shower gel version during the 2013 holiday season, which means, yes, it was limited edition. It also means that I've been using this 3.3 fl. oz. quite sparingly until recently. I genuinely hope that LUSH considers bringing it back again for the 2014 holiday line up for products. If they do, I highly suggest you nab a small bottle. You'll love the scent, I'm almost sure of it, and on the off chance you don't, I accept Rose Jam donations ;) Rose Jam shower gel not only smells divine but is also moisturizing and leaves the skin feeling soft, clean, yet not tight. Best part is that the scent lingers for ages after you've washed up, which I LOVE! (I've taken a shower about two hours ago and, oh my goodness, I still smell it *big sniff*)

I genuinely made this post to share one of my absolute favorite shower products as of late even though it'd be a tad difficult to get your hands on and to also slightly and subtly beg LUSH to make some batches of it for the holiday season. I can promise I'll make it worth their while by snatching up the 16.9 fl. oz. bottle! Mermaid's honor ;)

Have you tried Rose Jam?
Does it tickle your senses?
Let's hope LUSH hears my sweet smelling prayers!