Coveting this Week: KAT VON D Esperanza Eyeshadow Palette

I was wondering Sephora as I am wont to do.  I was just minding my own business, and then BOOM! it happened.  I saw the KAT VON D Esperanza Eyeshadow Palette.  OMG, I fell in love.  This is my actual reaction face.

                                    Mmmmm, me want eyeshadow palette                                          

You guys, it's so pretty.  Check out the pic:

I love everything about this.  The cover art is beautiful.  If you know me well, then you know that I love all things skull.  Sugar skulls are even better.  I really dig the slightly "Grateful Dead concert t-shirt" vibe of the art.  Some people may find the cover weird or creepy, but I think it's really bright and peppy!  Those beautiful colors on the cover translate to the actual eyeshadow colors.  I think that what works in this palette's favor is that the colors are interesting without being over the top.  They're really pretty as opposed to garish.  I really like stuff from the KAT VON D line.  Her stuff is consistently high quality with great color pay off.  Now, why don't I already own this?  I'm actually really torn on this palette.  I do not need more eyeshadow palettes.  And while the cover art is so nice, the packaging is cardboard not plastic.  For $36, I think that it should be more than cardboard.  However, the last time I was tempted by a KAT VON D palette I waited to long, and it disappeared because it was limited edition.  Ugh, I hate limited editions!  Which is what this palette is!  What to do?  The angel and devil on my shoulders are really battling this out.  I going to keep an eye out on this one.  Maybe, and I mean maybe, I might actually purchase something I have been coveting.

UPDATE:

I bought the palette.  I decided to do a review of it via video.  I'm new to this whole video thing so please be gentle.  Let me know what you think.  Are videos a yay or a nay?  Check it out below:

Good-Bye Old Friend!: Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime

So, in the winter time my skin tends to look like this:

Actual close-up of my skin.  It is absolutely not a picture of the ground
somewhere in Spain.  If that's what you were thinking.

I really hate the feeling of dry and itchy skin.  It's especially frustrating when I'm slathering myself in lotion and the dryness won't go away.  I was tempted by The Body Shop's Body Butters, but those are $20.  Mama ain't got that type of disposable income.  So, on a trip to Walmart I came across the this tub of Shea Butter from Tree Hut.  At a little over 5 buckaroos for 7 oz., it's a pretty good bargain.  (Even on sale the Body Butters from The Body Shop are $12).  It's certified organic shea butter, it's made in the US, and it is not tested on animals.  (I realize that those wonderful things might be negated by the fact that I bought it at Walmart.  I get it, but I'm limited on retailers here)  In any case, the stuff works!  It has a sort of whipped consistency and is super thick.  It's actually a little hard to spread unless your skin is damp.  But my skin felt hydrated, and the feeling lasted all day.  And the smell!  I love the combination of lime and coconut scents so this was right up my alley.  It was like taking a mini trip to the tropics in my mind.  I ran out of it last night.  I was literally scrapping the edges to extract as much as possible.

Mr. Shatner capturing my feeling of distress.

I made a trip to Walmart today specifically for this.  Sufficed to say, I would recommend and have already repurchased.                                        

Make-Up Crush: Korean Actresses

If you know me well, then you now that I love Korean dramas.  I was never into American soap operas, but the Korean ones tickle my fancy.  The story line is almost always the same, but sometimes they throw in body switching or ghosts to make it more interesting.  One of the things I love from these shows is the make-up and clothes.  I know this is incredibly superficial.  I get it.  But I can't deny my love.  I feel that while most US shows often make their the women very sexy, Korean shows do the opposite.  The aesthetic there is more of sweetness and innocence.  The make-up always looks natural and glowy.  Everyone looks so fresh-faced and well rested.  I think it's a great look for everyday.  Here are some examples:

Oh, I look so well rested.

Yes, my skin is perfect.  Thank you.

This hand gesture indicates my adorableness.  It's a legitimate word!

I have such nice teeth and dimples!

Now, we can get into more serious subjects like photoshop and plastic surgery.  I know that these actresses don't actually look like this.  They have blemishes and chin hairs like us all. (Right?)  I'm simply talking about the overall look of the make-up.  I'm kind of over matte, matte, matte everywhere.  It's dewiness from here on out for me.  I'm going to try this and come back with a verdict if it works for me.  To be continued.......(oooooo, drama!)

UPDATE:
So, on this lazy rainy Sunday morning, I decided to give replicating the dewy Korean look a try.  I'm not really sure how I feel about it.  It honestly took a lot of work, and I don't know if I look natural?

Natural light/ No Flash- I know it's a bit blurry.  I'm going to fire my photographer
(Sorry, Dad!)

With Flash- Ugh, I hate selfies.  I look like a deer in the headlights.  Why
do people like selfies so much?  No me gusta

I think that it's a nice look for everyday, but I think I would simplify the process a bit more.  This "no make-up" make-up look took me about 20 minutes.  Instead of trying to look "natural", I would minimize the amount of products which would most likely look, well, natural.  Less is more, I guess.

Yay of Nay: Red Lipstick

Yay, I say!  Yay!  I love red lipstick.  (I love a lot of things.)  Anywhoo, I think that red lips are perfectly acceptable on a day to day basis and for a night out.  It's a lip for all seasons.  Red is what women used to wear everyday, but time has changed that.  We have so many options for lip colors, and I think that red is sort pushed into the "dress up" category.  But also, I feel that people fear red lipstick.  They think that they can't pull if off.  This is categorically untrue.  What you need to wear red lipstick is to find the right one for you and wear it with confidence.  You can do it!  And I am going to help you.  Let's take a journey through different shades and finishes of red (that I own), and find something that you feel comfortable with.

(Side note 1: One thing to keep on mind for full on red lips is to make sure your lips are prepped.  If your lips are dry and chapped, then bright or bold colors will just show that off.  Generally, I just wear a good balm and let that sink in a little bit before I apply color.  However, if your lips are scaly, just take a pinch of sugar with a couple of drops of olive oil.  Gently rub your lips with this, and then wipe off with a damp washcloth or paper towel.  Make sure you get all of the little grains cause those suckers stick.  Then put on your trusted balm, and you are ready!)

(Side note 2: I typically wear liner with red lipstick.  Lip liner keeps the lipstick on longer and it helps create a clean line around your mouth.  I didn't wear liner here to show you true colors, so please excuse my super wonky lip shape.  Danke)

MAC Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

So MAC's Ruby Woo ($16.00) is a pretty well known red in their collection.  It is a blue based red which many people find flattering.  This means that it won't highlight the yellow in your teeth but make them appear brighter.  I think this is a great red but I don't love the formula.  You have to make sure that your lips are in good condition because this stuff won't easily go on dry lips.  I typically pair this with MAC's Cherry Lip liner.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Matte 006 Really Red
(Holy cow that's a long name)

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Really Red is a much warmer toned red.  There is no blue in this so it's not as flattering as Ruby Woo, but this formula is great.  It's really creamy and glides on like buttah' (as Ms. Streisand would say).  This is the red lipstick I reach for most often for full color, and it's cheap!  Depending on where you get it, it can range from 5 to 8 dollars.  How great is that?  Soooo great.

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor Are You Ready 625
(This one isn't very punny)

My mom gave me this Maybelline lipstick.  It's actually kind of a unique color.  I would say it's a rosy red color.  Does that make sense?  It's a warm red but it's not the same as the Revlon one above.  Also, the formula isn't quite as nice.  The color payoff is great, and it's more if a satin finish so if you don't like a too matte look because that's a bit retro, this is one to try.  I'm actually going to start to wear this more often.  I've neglected it, but I'm going to give it another go.  Yay for rediscovering your own stuff!  This runs around the same price as Revlon.

Hard Candy Visibly Wet shockingly glossy lip pencil Candy Apple
(Seriously, what is with these names?!)

Does anyone remember Hard Candy?  Ah, the nineties.  I remember those days maybe kinda sorta fondly.  Anyway, if you were around then, you might recall the brand Hard Candy as somewhat higher end.  They disappeared for a few years.  The brand was re-released as a more affordable line available at Walmart.  The product range is pretty good, and this particular lip product carries a lot of punch.  It's bright, glossy, and glittery.  It's a triple threat, much like J. Lo.  The formula is pretty nice, but you can feel those pieces of glitter which I find a bit annoying.  Also, because this is glossy, it's not going to have the staying power of the previously mentioned lipsticks.  It's something that you will have to reapply if you don't wear some lip liner under it.  If that doesn't bother you, then I say give this bold lip a try.  You can only buy this in store I believe so I can't give you a price but I'm sure it's reasonable.

Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm 150 Enticing

This is a new favorite of mine.  I think this is a great option for someone that wants to ease into wearing red.  It has nice color, but it's sheer and has a bit of shine.  It feels really good on the lips because it is a balm, but this also means that it isn't as long lasting.  You will have to reapply after you eat, but reapplying is easy.  The new trend in lip products is this type of chubby pencil and every brand from high end to drugstore.  This is a great affordable (about $9) option, and I wear it a lot.

Clinique Almost Lipstick 06 Black Honey
(You still have to pay for it even though it's almost lipstick)

If you are familiar with Clinique, then you are most likely familiar with the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.  It's one of their most popular colors for good reason.  The color is flattering on many skin tones, and the formula feels very moisturizing.  It's not called a balm but it feels like one.  If you are really gun shy about trying a red lip, this is about as sheer as you can go without being clear.  It gives me just a hint of red.  It's almost as if you aren't really wearing anything.  A "no lipstick" lipstick look, if you will.  It's more expensive than a drugstore brand at $16.00 so keep in mind that it's not that much color for a higher price.  But if you don't mind, then I think it's a great start to your red lipstick journey.

Every make-up brand has some sort of red lipstick.  From Wet n' Wild and NYX to Dior, Chanel, and Illamasqua, it's possible to find the right red for you that won't make your wallet cry or give you something to indulge in.

Our journey has come to an end.  Thank you for keeping your hands and feet inside the car at all time.  And for not using the barf bag.  Thank you for that.  I hope that this encourages you to be brave and wear red.  Be confident and give red lipstick a try.

How To: Flashy Lashes

I love a lashy look.  Think the swinging 60's.  I think that dramatic lashes is a great way to amp up your look in an easy way.  This technique is something that I like to do when I want more dramatic lashes, but I don't want to put false lashes on.  It's really easy, and you don't have to worry about lash glue.  You will need a few things: an eyelash curler (if you use one), a lengthening mascara, and a volumizing mascara.  Begin!

I swear this horrid looking thing can make your eyelashes look pretty.

1.  Curl your lashes.  I don't do this because my lashes already have a slight curl (Don't hate).  Please be careful when doing this, and don't pinch yourself cause that hurts and makes you cry.  Next step!

No mascara

2.  Apply your lengthening mascara.  I use Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast.  It's the most aggressively named of all mascaras.  I honestly love this mascara.  To me, it's perfect for everyday and it gives great length and separation.  Also, it's cheap!  I do one really thorough coat of this.  Final Step!

Crushing those clumps!

3.  Apply your volumizing mascara.  I typically use Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara.  It's supposed to enhance the overall appearance and condition of your lashes with every use.  I......don't think it does that, but it does serve as a good mascara.  Benefit's they're real! mascara is also good.  Apply a coat of this and you are set.

I am disturbed at how close this photo is.

I would say that you shouldn't do more than three coats total because you'll end up with spider lashes.

 However, if spider lashes are your thing, then apply away!  I generally comb through my lashes carefully with a brush or spooly just to get rid of any excess.  Now walk around and bat those amazing lashes at people.  Do it so much that people think you have a tick.  They might think you're strange, but they will notice your lovely eyes.

Coveting this Week: Deborah Lippman Nail Laquer Créme in Daytripper

I have come to terms with my nail polish addiction.  The mania has sort of lessened over the past year.  I no longer have to buy every nail polish in every crazy color I see, but that love is still there.  Deep down in the depths of my soul, there is a tiny nail tech that whispers, "Oooo, that color would look so good on you" when I am admiring a particular shade.  Recently, I went to Sephora and that nail tech (who is apparently a Beatles fan) was screaming really loudly when I saw the Deborah Lippman polish in Daytripper.  Such a beautiful color. It's the perfect balance of pink and peach, and I want it bad.  I don't even care that it's considered a spring time color and we have just started February.  Boo on February!  I don't need your dark color polishes and terrible weather!  I want to be reminded of spring and sunshine and flowers and frolicking unicorns.

Spring time in a bottle.

As you can see, this polish runs at 18 bucks a pop.  It's a dollar cheaper at Sephora, but I just can't.  I've paid of lot of money for nail polish before but I don't want to do that anymore.  Ugh, curse you, Deborah Lippman!  And curse my nails for only wanting the very best!