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"Nailtini, the only line of nail lacquer developed to maximize the creativity of the user by 'cocktailing' different shades. With its peerless performance, hip sensibility and clever, tongue-in-cheek attitude, Nailtini was an instant hit".

I am a little bit obsessed with a new Nail Lacquer I've discovered... Nailtini Nail Lacquer 311 Millionaire from Tini' Beauty Lounge Speakeasy Lacquer Collection.  This high quality glitter infusion is PACKED with rose gold micro glitter and teal and gold "tinsels" (bar glitter).  This lacquer is unlike any glitter polish I have ever seen before, TRES unique and SO eye catching... I find myself staring at my nails all the time.  I feel like it's a wonderful way to bring some luxe into the everyday or to amp up your look for a holiday party.

For my nails, I did a base coat of Essie's "Little Brown Dress" and then added 2 coats of "Millionaire".

This glitter lacquer is so versatile, you can layer it on your favorite color or a generous 3 coats will give you enough coverage for it to stand on it's own.  I did not run in to any problem with clumping or glitter distribution, and each brush stroke allows for a good variety of glitter-types.

A little bit of luxury for your lips

I am crazy for FRESH Sugar Lip Treatments... they are just awesome.  The texture is like buddah! so superb and applies like a dream.  I love how nourishing they are; hey feel so wonderful on the lips and the smell is heavenly... a smooth blend of mellow lemon-y goodness with just the slightest hint of rose.  Your lips will immediately feel soft and supple. 

FRESH Sugar Lip Treatments' formula blends reparative oils (meadowfoam seed, black currant seed, advocado and jojoba) and waxes with real sugar (which is a natural humectant to seal in moisture) along with antioxidate rich grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E...All sorts of hydrating goodness with the added benefit of SPF 15. 

You can pick this up in a few colors - the Rose is my favorite, it's a sheer rosey hue that supplies your lips with a hydrating splash of subtle color, or a buildable shade for more impact.  The applicator is beautiful and the cap screws on so there's no worry about purse mishaps.  The only downside is the price tag - a whopping 22 bucks!  But it's totally worth it for a little bit of lip-luxury and you get a ton of product.  Sephora offers Fresh gift sets including this gem, which makes the hit a little easier to stomach.

Purse Perfects

Nobody wants a purse that weights 10 pounds - that being said, it can be a bit of a challenge whittling down what you carry to lighten that load.  I've comprised a list of some of the tried-and-true products I like to always have on hand.

Hello Kitty Compact: Well, obviously yours doesn't NEED to be Hello Kitty but every purse needs a compact, so why not have a cute one?  This adorable Hello Kitty Compact from Sephora contains 2 mirrors: 1x (regular magnification) and a 3x magnification for close ups.

 

Smith's Rosebud Salve: I cannot sing the praises of this product enough!  Moisturizes chapped lips, conditions dry spots, calms irritated skin, and soothes minor burns.  Not to mention it smells just Divine.  The vintage-y tin is not only lovely, it stays closed and keeps your purse, or makeup bag, mess free.  Talk about a master multi-tasker!
 
Lumene Sensitive Touch Make up Removing Towelettes: These towelettes work wonders in a pinch.  I don't usually use these day to day but you never know when you may need them so I always have them on hand... these wipes are super gentle and do a fairly good job of removing makeup.  Leaves skin clean and refreshed and non-greasy. 
 
Mission Skin Care Chapstick in Peppermint:  I always wear chappy under my lipstick and this chapstick is a perfect base as it isn't heavy or greasy.  It is Paraben free and keeps lips super moisturized with the added benefit of SPF 15.  The light mint smell is refreshing.

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Cake Beauty Milk Made Hand Cream:  Dry hands can be uncomfortable.  Milk Made is one of my all-time favorite skin-care lines.  This hand cream is so moisturizing and soaks in quick - plus the smell is heavenly: warm vanilla with just a hint of raspberry.  You're totally spoiling your hands.

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray:  L'Oreal Elnett is my favorite hairspray, hands down.  Non-sticky and will not leave you with helmet head.  I love to keep a travel size of this killer product in my bag for on the go touch ups.

theBalm the balm girls lipstick mai billsbepaid & Clinique "Almost Lipstick" lip color Flirty Honey: I like to keep wearably neutral shades in my bag at all times and these are just perfect for day-to-day use.  Mai billsbepaid is a totally flattering nude that gives you that "my lips only better" look.  Flirty honey is a totally moisturizing true sheer pink with a dewy finish.

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Clinique High Impact Mascara: I always keep a travel sized high end mascara in my purse - you can usually find them in the bins by the register at Sephora.  This Clinique Mascara is great for touch ups.  Minimal clumping and high-impact lashes.

Covergirl Outlast Lip Liner: A liner close to your lip color is an under-rated product in your makeup arsenal.  Mastering the art of lining your lips *just right* can make your lips look plumper and your makeup look finished. 

True Religion Hippie Chic Perfume: I've been really feeling this fragrance.  This simple perfume is a light floral; slightly sweet without being over the top.  I like to keep a perfume or two in my purse in case I forget or I need a quick refresher.

True Match Pressed Powder Compact:  I've been using this pressed powder for years and have yet to find one I like better.  The packaging is durable and travels well and I've never had the cake shatter (and my bags take some punishment!)  Great for on-the-go touch ups as multiple applications don't leave you with cake face... you know what I'm talking about.

Blistex Moisture Melt: I keep this in my bag in case I need a heavier moisturizer for my lips (hello cold season, UGH).  Leaves lips SO soft and it wears forever.  Can be layered on top of drying lipcolor for renewed wear.

Secret Clinical Deo Trial Size:  A tried and true deo I depend on!  This deo has some serious strength and will keep you dry and smelling sweet no matter what!  Great for days when you -whoops!- forget, or need a little extra freshening up.

boscia blotting linens: These 100% natural linen, preservative-free facial blotting papers will keep you looking shine-free and lovely all day long without removing your makeup. They are fairly sizable so one sheet is all you need for mattifying.  Their compact holder slips easily into your purse and STAYS CLOSED!  The way it dispenses makes it super easy to just grab one for de-shine-ification.

Bliss Daily Detox

I'm really loving the Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner I've been using lately.  Finding a good toner for sensitive, easily irriated skin can be a bit like locating the holy grail so I was just pleased as punch when I picked this up on a whim and it was a total success!  So many toners do nothing more than dry out skin leaving it red and irriated (def NOT cute) but this one is so hydrating and makes my skin look (and feels) amazing.

Bliss Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner

This gentle toner smoothes moisturizes and provides potent antioxidant protection against smoke, smog and other environmental toxins (which are known to wreak wrinkle related havoc on your skin). Don't think of this product as merely another "step"- Daily Detoxifying Facial Toner balances skin's pH level to allow for maximum moisturization. so while it may be one small step for you, it's a giant "leap" for your skin.

Benefits:

• Calming rose water and free-radical-fighting malachite.
• Sodium hyaluronate to bind moisture to skin.
• Alcohol-free formula gently tightens pores.
• Preps skin to accept moisturizer better.
• Sublime citrus scent.
• For all skin types.

Truth be told, this toner is definitely a little bit unusual in composition: instead of being watery consistency, it is almost slightly slimy and leaves a light residue behind.  Much like a moisturizer this residue soaks in after a minute or so and leaves skin soft and smooth.  There is no stinging or drying like most alcohol-based toners and the light citrus smell is very refreshing.

The uber hydrating quality of this Bliss toner makes it a wonderful addition to your routine this time of year as the windy days and drop in temperatures can leave your skin feeling especially parched.

As much as I like it, I'm pretty sure it is not for everyone.  People with oily skin should steer clear of this toner as the "extra moisturizing" quality I enjoy so much may be a bit much for you.  Also, if you're the type who enjoys a harsher toner, this really isn't for you.

One Sexy Motherpucker!

I confess... I picked Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker up originally in Target in 2005 purely for the name, having never heard of Soap & Glory.  It was an instant love affair, so as you can imagine I was simply devastated when Target's contract with Soap & Glory ran out and they stopped carrying it.  Thank the stars you can find this brand at Sephora now!  Years after the fact I recently ordered a tube and I have no regrets.  Ahhhhhh, reconciled love!

What it is formulated to do:A single slick of Sexy Mother Pucker™ can fool your lips into looking and feeling fuller. It features SUPERFILL™ microspheres that explode in volume up to 10X when they absorb moisture, and circulation-enhancing LIPSWELL™ natural plant oil infusion to increase blood flow and make lips look almost instantly lusher.

($15.00 at Sephora)

Sexy Motherpucker truly is quite different compared to other glosses on the market and is prob one of the best nude glosses I have ever used.  Plus, isn't the packaging just devine?  Adorable.  I picked up 'baby doll' which is a sheer pink with just a touch of color.  I feel like the resulting color is a natural flushed lip look.  It does have the slightest raspberry chocolate fragrance, but it isn't overpowering and doesn't seem to linger terribly long.  The formula is thick without being too ooey-gooey or excessively sticky (I do allow some "sticky" in my gloss gaging, it is a gloss after all) so it's just about the right consistency for long-wearability.

I am wearing Essie Good Morning Hope on my nails.

And speaking of wearability, the staying power of this gloss is crazy awesome.  The 'plumping' effect can be a tad disarming if you aren't expecting it, so be warned!  It's not really an outwardly unpleasant experience but it certainly gives the feeling that you just slept on your face for a few hours and have a wicked case of pins and needles... only on your lips.  A curious sensation but frankly, I don't mind it.  I do take all plumping claims with a grain of salt, but I def get a certain 'bee-stung' lips look (illusion or not) with this gloss and my kisser def looks hella better than the lips I was born with.  After it's gone, lips are so soft and conditioned.

Overall: I highly recommend Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker!  It's a serious plumper and conditioner and if you're looking for sexy bee-stung lips with a natural flush and long wearability this is a pick that is totally worth every penny.  Oh, and a $1 from every sale goes to Stomp Out Bullying.  I love looking cute for a good cause.  :)

Essie Winter 2012 Leading Lady

They're at it again!  Essie's Winter 2012 line Leading Lady has hit stores and once again has created a totally unique and unexpected fabulous collection that has this polish addict clamoring to complete the whole collection.  Featuring 6 very different shades with varying finishes and textures there is sure to be at least one (or all, I won't judge) that peaks your interest.  ;)

From left to right:
Beyond Cozy:  This is one killer polish.  An antique-y, retro clear-based polish that is full of finely grained glitter that reminds me of champagne.  This is not your standard-issue glitter encrusted top coat... this polish stands entirely on its own creating a totally unique and chic look. 

Where's My Chauffer?:  A must.  This polish is a beautiful Tiffany-esque blue shade, or "robin's egg", if you will.  It's bright, but in a muted way (does that even make sense) and is just frosty enough to take turquoise from a summer shade right in to winter.

Butler Please:  If you dig blue polishes, I feel like this is one of those blues you need in your life.  I can't even get over how INSANELY pigmented and eye catching this vivid, ultra marine blue shade is.  I am SO madly in love with this color, the picture does it no justice, really.

Snap Happy:  How do I describe this color?  This polish is kind of coral-y but I find it to be more red-saturated than orange and SUPER vibrant.  I would liken this to a near-neon.

She's Pampered:  What would a holiday collection be without a red?  This is a cool scarlet shade that is oh-so-very festive. 

Leading Lady:  This was my first pick up from the collection, I was totally enamored by it... very Dorothy's ruby slippers.  Kind of a berry-toned gel with sparkle.  Like the Beyond Cozy this isn't a glitter top coat, this is a polish that stands on it's own.

A pretty fall look that is amazingly easy with a few killer products!

Fall is a time to up the ante in your beauty routine, but that doesn't mean your look has to be over the top!  Right now I'm loving rich blushes, healthy lips and muted metallics mixed with relaxed style.




As with any look, start with a good moisturizer and a great base.  I've really been digging Clinique Even Better Moisturizer lately.  Then after it's sunk in I apply L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream.  The combo of the Even Better and the BB creates a correcting and even base for your makeup.  If you have an oilier skin, skip the moisturizer and go for a BB or tinted moisturizer.

Then I applied a light coverage foundation, I'm partial too L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation.  I personally prefer a lighter coverage this time of year, plus the BB already applied some coverage.  Smooth the liquid foundation ONLY WHERE YOU NEED A LITTLE EXTRA COVERAGE!  I can't stress this enough.  Apply just a touch of your fav concealer to your undereye to brighten the eye area.

Sweep just a dusting of bronzer over your cheek bones, hairline, bridge of your nose and jawline to warm up your complexion.  I LOVE theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer, easily blendable with a matte finish that makes it easy to carry into Fall.  Apply a berry or jewel toned blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend well.  I used theBalm Cabana Boy Blush.

Set your makeup with a translucent powder, one that is either "invisible" or matches your complexion.  L'Oreal Translucide Powder is a wonderful option.

Now the eyes - you'll need an irridescent shade and a matte smokey shade.  I used Clinique Color Surge EyeShadow's Blackberry Frost and Slate.  I rimmed my eyes (all the way around for a smokey rim) and up into the crease with slate (a matte smoke color) and swept blackberry frost (an irridescent lilac) over my lids and below the bottom lash line.  The key to this look is to BLEND.  We're looking for a more toned down version of Audrey Hepburn circa 1966 from How to Steal a Million .

Now here's the trick with the liner:  Line the top lash line with a soft black liner and continue the bottom lash line with a deep chocolate liner... this gives the eyes a defined look without being too heavy.  I used Maybelline Define-a-Line Liners.  If you'd like, you can layer on a brown liquid liner, I love Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner+Serum.  This will make your liner last, smudge free and add some addition dimension.  Finish your eyes with a black mascara, I used theBalm Cheater Mascara.

Stay neutral for the lips.  I used just a swipe of chapstick and applied theBalm the Balm Girls Lipstick Mai Billsbepaid.  A velvety nude shade is enough to pull this look together without looking overdone.

I went with a lilac metallic nail, Essie Nothing Else Metals, that compliments the shadow without being too "matchy-matchy".  Essie has 5 killer metallic shades that I urge you to check out, absolutely perfect for fall.
http://beautyconfessions5.blogspot.com/2012/07/if-eyes-are-mirror-to-your-soul-then.html

And voila! You're done. Quick and easy with just a touch of glamour that you can pull off in the day. I like to pair this with an easy heathered gray hoodie or sweater and some jeans.