FOTD: The Graduate

Last night was a big night for me.  I finally graduated from nursing school! 

It was a lot of hard work and studying (and much more to come if I decide to continue on...I think I will...but I'm going to take some time off first).  It's hard to believe that it's over. 

I wore a dark purple dress and black heels.  I didn't do anything new or exciting to my hair...just wore it in it's usual style.  I wanted to wear makeup that would be suitable for work or a semi-formal occasion.  Although, I couldn't resist a pop of purple to make things a little more fun.  This is what I came up with:

 Eyes
Concrete Minerals Electric Eye Primer
Wet n' Wild Vanity Palette
(I used the lightest shimmery color on the lid, the darkest shimmery color in the crease, and the matte dark brown to deepen the crease.  I used the lightest matte shade to blend out the highlight area)
Fyrinnae Sequined Master (Lower lash line)
My Pretty Zombie Bride (Inner corners and highlight)
Physician's Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner
Maybelline Define-a-line eyeliner soft black (water line)

 Full face pic in the car...I was running late

Lips were Wet n' Wild something...I can't remember at the moment.

I took a few days off from work to celebrate.  However...my celebrating is probably going to only consist of lazing about the house and catching up on some reading :-)

LOTD: My Blix Remix for NTMS

This week, in the Facebook group Never To Much Sparkle, the challenge was to do a Blix Remix.  In other words, take a look from the amazing talented Blix and try to recreate it. 

Blix has more talent in her little pinky toe than I have in ALL my parts but I gave it a try just the same!

(I sincerely hope that I can get a decent camera soon.  My camera washed these colors out soooo much.  This is way brighter in person.)

 Eyes
E.L.F. Eyeshadow Primer
Sugarpill Poison Plum (Crease/Lower Lashline)
Sugarpill Bulletproof (Crease)
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy (On lid/inner corner/Lower Lashline)
NYX Purple Glitter

My Pretty Zombie 996 (Inner Corner/Lower Lashline)
Physician's Formula Eye Booster eyeliner
Maybelline Define-a-Line eyeliner in Soft BlackMaybelline Lots of Lashes Mascara
Wet N' Wild Lust Palette (Lightest Highlight Color)

(Goofy Face Pic!)

Overall, I was pretty happy with how this turned out. 

Have a great week!

And The Party Doesn't Stop....

I really loved my birthday look.

I loved it so much that I thought about what I could do to make it even better. 

And the answer was obvious.......

MAKE IT BLUE!!!!

After all, blue is my favorite color for eyeshadow--ever.  I've never met a blue that I didn't like.  Okay, that's not entirely true.  I have a love/hate relationship with Sugarpill's Afterparty--it just doesn't work for me.  But aside from that, I have a blind obsession admiration for most blues.

I like this look better than my birthday look.  I feel fabulous and fierce!

I used:
Concrete Minerals Electric Eye Primer
Wet N' Wild Blue Had Me at Hello Palette (I mixed the two dark blues for the crease and put the bright teal on my lower lashline)

Urban Decay Oil Slick (to deepen the crease...I could have used the sparkly black from the Blue palette just as easily)

Sugarpill Tako (blending, highlight)

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk(Inner corners, brow bone)

My Pretty Zombie Unicorn Pee(inner corners, highlight--applied over Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy)

NYX Cosmetic Glitter in Blue (on lid)
(applied over Pixie Epoxy)

Physician's Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner, Black
Maybelline Define-a-line eyeliner, Black
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Black

Wow!  I blogged two days in a row...this could be the start of something productive.  Or not. :)

Hauling Queen (and a simple LOTD)

I did a little shopping recently.  We'll call it retail therapy...since I've been dealing with some stuff in my life and needed a boost.  I probably shouldn't have spent the money...and my one credit card is probably huddled over in the corner crying...but this is the absolute last stuff I'm buying for a really long time (barring necessities).  Despite my bad judgement...I love what I bought and I'm really happy with most of my purchases :)

WHAT I BOUGHT.....

**Awesome, super-cool Hello Kitty tote bag from Loungefly
**Milani Lip Flash in:  Hot Flash, Lip Flash, Flashy, and In a Flash (I also pictured Starflash...but I already owned that one...I'm a goof!)

**Milani Lip glosses in:  Starshine and Stylish
**Milani Baked Powder Blush in:  Luminoso
**Urban Decay Ink for Eyes in:  Pyrotechnics
**Urban Decay  Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in: Julio
**Urban Decay Eyeshadow Transformation Potion

Lip Stuffs Swatches:

 (Top Row:  In a Flash, Lip Flash, Hot Flash, Flashy, Starflash.  Bottom Row:  Starshine, Stylish, Julio)

I also placed an order from Epically Epic Soap Company.  But that's soap.  Soap is a necessity.  And I NEEDED pretty smelling soap!!

I bought....

 GRANOLA BAR and...

 LEMON POPPYSEED CAKE

All right....I also bought Yellow Cake scented Roll-on perfume and Mimosa flavored lip balm.  But I still insist that THIS was a necessity order! :-P

I've been fairly uninspired lately with my makeup.  I've been sticking to looks that are comfortable and familiar...looks I've posted before...so that's why I haven't really posted anything new in a while.  I was dying to play with the Urban Decay Transformation Potion though (purchased for $5 on HauteLook) so I did this neutral eye with bright eyeliner look.

 (I swear this looked waayyy better in real life!!)

So...have you guys made any fun purchases lately?  I'd love links to your haul posts!! :)

May/June Favorites

Things have been pretty hectic lately.  I've started my clinicals at school so now I'm working full-time and then I work at school all weekend long.  It's tiring but it will be worth it in the end.  I haven't been wearing much makeup for school but that doesn't mean I haven't gone without! :) 

Here's what I've been loving for the past month or so:

EPICALLY EPIC SOAP COMPANY'S LAVENDER OAT SOAP
I originally bought this for Addy when I made my big Epically Epic haul several months back, but she quickly realized that lavender is not a scent she enjoys.  I have to admit, it's not my favorite scent either (It's not one I'd pick for myself, but I don't hate it) but this soap lathers up so nicely and leaves me feeling clean, fresh, and not too dry.  Plus, it's really pretty...isn't it?

 (Image courtesy of Google because I forgot to snap a pic before I used it!)

L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS MILLION LASHES MASCARA

Yay! Here's my craptastic pic from my review of this product :)  I won't say much about this since I just reviewed it but I will say that I love it and it makes my lashes look awesome!

WET N' WILD VANITY PALETTE

I know this is old news, but I just bought this palette last month.  I've been trying to boost up my collection of neutral colors.  I've been using this a lot and practicing my winged liner to go a long with it!  It's still not perfect, but I'm getting better every time :)

 (Another Google pic...I didn't expect to love this as much as I do.  I would have totally taken my own pic if I had known)

MILANI LIP FLASH IN STARFLASH

My computer chose this moment to give me a hard time so I have no picture of this.  For anyone who doesn't know about this product...lip flash is a lip gloss/lip stick hybrid product that comes in a pencil.  Starflash is a pale, shimmery, baby pink color.  It looks ridiculous on me alone, but it adds a really cool iridescent sheen when worn over other lip colors.  Of course this doesn't really translate well to photography but trust me...in person it looks incredible!

BEAUTY SCHOOL HAIRCUTS
I went to get my hair cut recently at a "real" salon and I had a horrible experience.  It will probably show up as a rant post pretty soon :)  But an old acquaintance of mine is about to graduate from beauty school and offered to fix it.  She did such an awesome job...I think she has a fan for life!  And the cut only cost me ten bucks!

This is me showing off my new haircut.  Wet n' Wild Vanity Palette on my eyes (left side of palette) with winged liner (L'Oreal Lineur Intense).  Fyrinnae's Visual Kei on my lips with Milani Starflash over the top of it. 

I've been really busy studying for and taking my finals.  And the times when I've managed to do any makeup--either the weather was too dreary for good photos or I was doing the makeup at night and I most definitely do NOT have proper lighting for taking pictures in my room at night! :)  But here's two of the looks I've done this past week:

First off, I had been searching high and low for a Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette.  My local Wal-Mart was sold out of them for what seemed like forever but then...on a whim...I checked while out grocery shopping last week and yesyesyesyesyes!!! there is was :)  Although, I much prefer color...I am loving these shadows.  I really liked how this came out and I think I wore it at least three times last week :)

 This one, well...I just could not get a decent picture of it!  You guys are just going to have to take my word that it looked WAY better than this photo shows.  I liked how it came out but I really hate the way pink looks on me (I'm not even sure why I tried this!)  I used my 120 palette and some E.L.F. glitter liner. 

On a positive note:  I passed my basic nursing courses and now I'm on my way to clinicals next week!  Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!  The courses were pretty difficult and not everyone in my class made it, so I'm counting my blessings.  I do have a few posts planned...hopefully life doesn't get in the way too much ;)

My Old Blue Jeans (and other WnW looks)

My mom wasn't much into makeup, but she always had plenty of perfumes on her dresser for little-girl me to play with.  When I saw the Wet n' Wild  I Got Good Jeans palette, I immediately thought of my favorite of all my mom's smelly stuff:

 

 (Image from Google...as I'm quite sure my mom does not own this anymore since it's been discontinued)

I don't remember what it smelled like but I do remember sneaking into her room and spritzing myself before school on many an occasion.  I suppose it's hard to forget a bright blue and yellow bottle like that :)  It got me wondering if perhaps the perfume was an inspiration of sorts for the palette...much like I'm Feeling Retro seems to be an homage to 80's colors and style. 

Whether it is or not...doing an LOTD with I Got Good Jeans brought back a nice memory and some warm fuzzy feelings of nostalgia :)

 I've been working with my Wet n Wild stuff a lot.  One: because they are really nicely pigmented and you can achieve great results for really cheap and Two: because I'm lazy and don't have to think up color combos on my own.

Even though I love color...I think Silent Treatment is one of my favorites.  There aren't enough neutral colors in my routine and this makes for a very nice and quick look...especially on days where I don't have much time, like on school days.

 I'm Getting Sunburned probably won't get as much love from me.  It's pretty but I don't think I'd use the shimmery pink highlight again.  You can't really see it in the pictures, but I felt it was much more visible in real life and I'd rather have a highlight that's more natural and blends in--just my personal preference :) 

Also...I did this look the very next day after using I Got Good Jeans and Jeff (who usually offers the best constructive criticism on my makeup) couldn't tell the difference from the day before.  I can see the difference...you probably can too but if the rest of the world can't tell it's different....I really don't need two palettes that achieve essentially "the same" result.

I really want Blue Had Me at Hello and Comfort Zone....but I'm having a lot of trouble finding them in my area. The only place that sells Wet n Wild at all here is Rite Aid and so far they only have the trios and a few nail polishes...nothing else.

If you've tried the new WnW stuff...which ones are your favorites?

Happy Valentine's Day

I know it's a day late and all but better late than never right?

I didn't originally have plans for Valentine's Day and I was just planning on creating a look inspired by the day but not necessarily for me to wear out.  I wanted something soft and girly that didn't have pink involved as I can't really pull off pinks.

This is what I came up with first:

Concrete Minerals White Rabbit (Lid)
Concrete Minerals Unity  (Crease and lower lash line)

 I was trying out a new liquid liner and the wand was really too long for my comfort.  I'm not overly happy with how the liner came out but I like the look overall.  I think I'll probably try it again and it will come out better.

 My sister and I decided to go out together for Valentine's Day.  She is currently without a sweetheart and me....well.....I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing at the moment :)  I hardly ever hang out with her without our kids and I was really excited about getting out of the house. 

We went out for sushi and then hit the mall for coffee and a shopping trip to Sephora.  A most awesome time was had by both of us!

For my night out I decided to try out my Wet n' Wild I'm Feeling Retro Palette.  I thought it came out really nice.  I got a few compliments on it too which always makes me feel good!

Full V-Day look with Fyrinnae Visual Kei on the lips

My sister informed me that she only likes eye shadows that come with instructions on which one to put on which part of your eye....I told her these little palettes are perfect for that because it's written right on the shadow and I haven't used one yet that I didn't like how the look came out.  Plus, my Rite Aid currently has them on sale for $1.99 (I saw them in the mall for a dollar more).

Of all the new Wet n' Wild products that I've purchased lately, I'm feeling retro is one of my favorites!

How did you guys celebrate Valentine's Day this year?

A Quick Thanks...

I was one of the winners of the giveaway over at Becca's Blog and I am now the proud owner of a Wet n' Wild limited edition Snow Sprite Palette!!  Becca was also kind enough to send along a sample of her Strawberry Lip Butter from her Etsy shop: One Hand Washes the Other

I just wanted to say a quick THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!  It's not often I win anything and getting the package on Christmas Eve put such a smile on my face.

I haven't broken into the palette yet as I haven't worn any makeup since Christmas Eve...AND...I'm sick and feel like a big 'ol pile of gross!  I have been using the lip butter and I'm loving it.  I can't wait to have some extra spending money again so that I can check out her shop a little better and treat myself to some more goodies :)

I have a few posts coming up and I'd really like to have a little giveaway myself.  I'd like to do it when I reach 25 followers (no special reason...it just seems like a nice number) but for now, I'm going to heat up some soup and get back under my covers in hopes that I will feel a little better when I go to work tonight.

Shocking!

I can't believe that it's been over two weeks since I last posted!!!

I'm soooo sorry!!!  It's been a crazy whirlwind of going to school, working, getting sick and celebrating birthdays.

Yep, that's right...today is MY birthday....woo hoo! Cue the birthday music!

My daughter, Addy, also has a birthday coming up on Thursday and we celebrated her birthday today.  We celebrated my birthday earlier in the week.  I wasn't feeling well, so we had cake and presents to try and lift my spirits. 

My mom came down today and gave me a Walmart gift card.  Hmmmm....I sense some new makeup in my near future ;)

I've also been a bit uninspired lately. 

However....Jeff gave me a pretty cool gift.  He gave me one of his Bob Ross brushes.  It's a scriptliner brush and since I've been too poor lately to make any purchases, I thought it would make a good brush to practice my eyeliner with. 

Bob Ross Scriptliner Brush

Yesterday's LOTD--pretty greens

I'm still kind of mad that my pictures from the other day disappeared.  I lost all the shots of my Bear's graduation.  It was a really lame ceremony (lasted maybe 7 minutes, if that) but it was really important to him and it's upsetting there's no photos to remember it by :(

I lost my makeup pictures for that day too.  Which, in the grand scheme of things, is really no big deal because I can (and probably will) recreate the look sometime in the future. 

But it's because of my picture's magical disappearing act, that I even attempted to put on makeup yesterday.  I only got 2 1/2 hours sleep the night before and had a meeting to attend in the middle of the afternoon--on my day off!  I wanted to have something to post but I was also grumpy and hoped that having a pretty face might cheer me up a little :)

I also bought some gel liner on Tuesday, so this was a practice session as well. (I really can not get the whole gel liner thing down)