Sunday, March 25, 2012

Matte nail polish

To be honest, when matte nail polish first hit the scene, I didn't like it (why the hell would anyone want nails that aren't shiny?).  But, I eventually got curious about it.  A lot of brands have matte colors, but Sephora by OPI has a matte topcoat that allows you to make any color matte!  I bought it a while ago, but I finally got a chance to use it!

I actually used three different Sephora by OPI products:
3-in-1 Base, Top, & Strengthener
Nail Colour in It's All About Me
Matte Top Coat

For a before-and-after comparison, my left hand nails have the matte top coat, and my right hand nails don't.  I'd say it works!

What do you think of matte nail polish?

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Tale of two eye products

So, I'm a synchronized swimmer, and aesthetics are a big part of synchronized swimming, meaning 1) we wear makeup in the water and 2) no goggles allowed.

1)  The makeup issue:  NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base
Cream blush, lipstick, and waterproof eyeliner and mascara work fine, but eyeshadow is the problem since we only have powder shadow in our makeup stash.  But the NARS primer kept it on, even after swimming 4 routines.  I'm very impressed!  (Excuse my demonic eyes--that issue is next!)


2)  The no-goggles issue:  CVS version of Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops
As you can see from the left picture above, my eyes are extremely irritated.  They start hurting during the show and continue to hurt like hell for several hours afterwards.  But I bought these eye drops yesterday, and I used them before, during, and after the show.  There was still a great deal of pain, but it subsided MUCH more quickly, and after only an hour, the redness had cleared up!


Saturday, March 10, 2012

Beauty products I'm digging right now

1.  Aussie 3 Minute Miracle:  This is an especially thick, moisturizing conditioner that does wonders for your hair even in just one use.  I love using this when I've been swimming a lot!

2.  mark. Calm & Composed Super Soothing Moisturizer:  This moisturizer is AMAZING.  My face has been dry (due to the swimming), and this is the only moisturizer that's kept my face from peeling.  It has avocado and oat, but it doesn't smell strongly.  It also doesn't make me break out, which was a fear I had.

3.  NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base:  I've used a lot of eye primers, and I didn't think anything could beat Urban Decay's Primer Potion, but I have to admit that the NARS primer has impressed me!

4.  Clarisonic Mia:  I bought it for myself as a Christmas present this year, and now that I've been using it for a few months, my face has never been clearer!  I have almost no pimples, and the ones that I do get are infrequent and less severe.

5.  Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream:  As a college student, I'm perpetually tired and stressed, which has very negative effects on my eyes.  I put this on the skin under my eyes at night, and the area always looks smoother the next morning!  I got a sizable sample from Sephora, but I won't be buying the full size since it's crazy expensive.

6.  e.l.f. Studio 11-Piece Brush Kit:  They shed a little bit, but they do what I need them to do, and I got the set for only $20.  I've been pleased with how they work so far!

Friday, March 2, 2012

my wannabe polyvore layout

I've somewhat recently joined Pinterest, and the pins from Polyvore are my favorite!  I love seeing combinations of clothes and accessories, and I'm surprised at how many styles I really like that I thought I didn't.  Anyways, here's a similar layout for a spring outfit that I made.  Everything is mark. except the jeans and the nail polish!


Esprit Boy Cut Boyfriend Jeans
butter LONDON Nail Lacquer (in Hen Party)