Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Mini Duo

Oh lordy, I haven't posted in 3 weeks! Oops.

I've been obsessed with Marc Jacobs Daisy and Daisy Eau So Fresh ever since I got the mini duo last year. This is probably my go-to signature day scent. It's simple, elegant, and very fresh - my kind of scent.

I was so excited to find out that they relaunched the mini duos this year for the holidays. These are 0.13 fl oz each at $18. Pricey, but they're super cute and great collectibles.

Swatch and Review: Kevyn Aucoin Contour Book Volume II

I've been meaning to do this review for ages now, but I kept forgetting. This poor palette was sitting in the back of my drawer for a few weeks before I finally remembered that it was there. And honestly, this kit is just too pretty that I didn't want to swatch it until now, lol.

This is the second contour book by Kevin Aucoin ($65), and I'm so in love with it. I remember seeing the first one in stores and I thought, what the hell is with this overpriced book of eyeshadows??? Seriously, there was such a minuscule amount of product in the first book that I didn't understand how you could use a brush with it, let alone contour a whole face.

The first volume is discontinued (still continued and popular but I don't know why?) and was priced at $59 for 0.36 oz of product while volume 2 is $65 for 0.95 oz. Needless to say, the second volume is infinitely better, and it's an incredible value.

Review: NUDE Skincare Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil

Remember when I said I didn't have a skincare routine? Like, literally, it was just two months ago when I wrote a post about my lack of skincare routine and how I just couldn't be bothered.

Well, that has definitely changed. I've been obsessed (obsessed, you guys) with trying out new moisturizers and face oils. I have combination skin, so I'd never thought I'd be using face oils. Luckily, I did my research and now I've got more than enough skincare products to last me through the cold and dry seasons.

My current favorite is NUDE Skincare's Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil ($68). Before I started using this, my skin was incredibly rough and dry, but after using this for about a week, my skin became smoother and softer. This oil definitely lives up to its claims.

Swatch and Review: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal - Liquid and Poured

I've been obsessed with highlighters lately. Ever since I got Champagne Pop, my makeup has changed dramatically. I used to be all about having my makeup as matte as possible, but now I can see how much dimension and life highlighters can bring to my face.

Some days when I don't feel like putting in any effort, I'll just brush on some highlight on my cheekbones and call it a day. I love how effortless these highlighters are and how much of a difference they can make.

I got the travel size highlighter in Opal ($19) a few weeks back, but I have yet to review it, so I'd thought I'd combine both the poured and liquid highlighters in one review.

I'm seriously obsessed, and I can occasionally go overboard with highlighting. However, Becca products are really versatile with their products and make highlighting super easy.

Swatch and Review: Clinique Cheek Pop in Cola and Fig

I'm so in love with Clinique's range of Cheek Pops ($22). The color selection is absolutely phenomenal and the design of the blushes is so cute. I was especially interested in the color Cola Pop because I've never seen a shade of blush like it before.

Even the outside packaging is beautiful. I love how every box has a different pattern on it.

How gorgeous are these colors? The case is a simple, clear acrylic, which is perfect to showcase the beautiful color and design.

Swatch & Review: Too Faced Most Loved Set

I don't have that many bronzers, and I've been wanting to try some out without too much of a commitment or cost. When Sephora came out with the Too Faced Most Loved Set ($25), I snagged it pretty quick. 

The set comes with sample sizes of face primer, eyeshadow primer, their famous Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, Melted Lipstick in Melted Fig, and their Better Than Sex Mascara. All this for $25 is a pretty great deal if you're a commitment-phobe like myself when it comes to trying out new makeup.

Swatch & Review: Kat Von D Lolita, Cathedral, Lovecraft Revisited

One of my more popular posts on this blog is my S&R of KVD's Lovecraft, Cathedral, and Lolita. It's one of my earlier posts, so the images and swatches aren't that great quality. I've decided to post an update of my review with newer and (hopefully) more accurate images.

Swatch and Review: Sephora Double Contouring Cream Blush in Apricot Sheen & Coral Flush

I've been in a bit of a blush craze lately. Recently, I went out and purchased Sephora's cream blushes in Apricot Sheen and Coral Flush that were on clearance for $7 (previously $16). I intended to get Golden Spice, but I couldn't find it and settled on Apricot Sheen, which is gorgeous as well.

Sephora calls these Double Contouring Cream Blushes, but the colors are way too warm to be used as contouring. In any case, the colors are gorgeous and the texture is unique and easy to use.

Swatch and Review: Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette

My first S & R for eye products! I only have one eyeshadow palette that I use, and that is UD's Naked palette which I got for Christmas from my sister a few years back. I'm such an amateur when it comes to eye makeup that I use at most 4-5 of the colors in my Naked palette.

I feel like my lack of variety stems from the amount of shimmer in the Naked palette. There's only so many days I can wear shimmery, glittery eyeshadow and still feel like a grown up. I decided to invest in an all-matte palette, KVD's Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette ($46). I'm a huge fan of KVD's products, and her eyeshadow palette is everything that I could ever possibly want or need in matte eyeshadows.

Swatch and Review: Too Faced Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer in Carrie & Big

I've been in dire need of blush and bronzer for awhile now, and I stopped by my local Nordstrom Rack since they always have great deals on high end makeup products. While I was there, I was debating between a Smashbox blush and this Too Faced Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer duo ($34). I ended up getting Too Faced because it is so much more user-friendly than the Smashbox blush I was looking at.

Swatch and Review: #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder

I did it. I finally succumbed to buying a contouring product, even though the trend has pretty much simmered down and has been replaced with dewy highlighting/strobing. Nevertheless, I've been eyeing Marc Jacobs' contouring powder for ages now. And by ages, it's probably only been a few weeks of me pining every time I walked by Sephora. But I finally got it!

Review: L'Agent by Agent Provocateur Idalia Bra

Another lingerie review!

After I had splurged during AP's S/S '15 Sale, I shopped around for some other pieces and stumbled across Pleasurements and their sale. I managed to find a L'Agent bra in my size, though without the matching knickers.

L'Agent is the more affordable brand for Agent Provocateur, though it still feels just as luxurious for me. I got Idalia, an underwire bra with peek-a-boo lace straps for the cups.

Swatch and Review: Julep Mini Lipstick Trio - Dancing

I am so fond of Julep.

My insane lipstick collection started when I got Julep's first set of mini lip trios (1920s themed). They're so tiny, but the colors are phenomenal. When I first got them, I thought these are adult colors. I was so used to wearing nude lipsticks that even classic red seemed so radical to me. After getting that first set, it was like a whole world opened up and I just couldn't. Stop. Buying. More.

So thanks, Julep.

A year or two after Julep's first set of lip trios, they came out with the Dancing trio ($40 regular/$32 Maven), which are fall lip colors that I am just so in love with. The packaging of these lipsticks are so beautiful as well - so classic (though mine have been scratched and scuffed because of how loved they are). These lipsticks are seriously tiny - like sample sizes. I find that I don't mind the small size. It actually makes it easier for me to apply with precision. It's also really great to travel with and I look super chic when pulling it out to reapply. 

Swatch and Review: Besame Cosmetics 1969 Dusty Rose, 1933 Merlot, and 1946 Red Velvet Lipsticks

I am so excited to review the newest additions to my lipstick collection (someone stop me from buying more please).

I've had my eye on Besame cosmetics since they've been featured at Sephora, but I never knew they had lipsticks until recently. I've heard so many great things about their products, and I'm glad I got on board.

Review: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal and Drink Up Intensive Mask Pods

I confess that I don't take care of my skin as well as I should. I'm incredibly lazy, and I don't wash my face daily. Honestly, I only wash my face when I shower, and the rest of the time I just wipe my face with a washcloth and call it a day.

Despite this, I don't really have any problems with my skin. I have combination skin with an oily t-zone, dry patches here and there, and a blemish every now and then. I thank birth control for how consistent my skin has been for the past couple years.

My biggest concern is dryness, which is usually no problem on a day to day basis, but really shows up when I put makeup on. Liquid foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows tend to highlight my dry spots, and I finally decided to try some products out for it.

I really hate trying new skincare products because I don't want to cause a reaction with my skin. Luckily, I don't have a problem with Origins face masks, and I was so excited to find their products in little travel pods. 

I got Drink Up Intensive and Clear Improvement Active Charcoal to try out. They're $8 per four pods, but each one can be used more than once (at least for me). For the amount you get, I think it's a great steal.

Swatch & Review: Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

Becca and its highlighting products have been so popular as of late, and I wanted to see what the fuss was about, and I'm pleased that I did.

I purchased the highlighter made in collaboration with Jaclyn Hill in Champagne Pop ($38), which is a pinkish gold shimmer. I've always wanted to try contouring, but I can hardly put on eyeshadow, let alone contour my face. So, I thought I'd try highlighting - or strobing - which been the next 'it' thing after contouring. 

Strobing uses an illuminating highlighter to accent the high planes of the face like the cheekbones, brows, and bridge of the nose. It results in a natural, dewy, and glowing finish and brings dimension into the face without the need of contouring (though you can add contouring if you want). 

I've been trying this product for the past few days, and I love how it makes me look fresh-faced and glowing, even if I'd hardly gotten any sleep.  

Review: Bite Beauty 5 Night Fix for Lips

I have an obsession with Bite Beauty. I don't even have a lot of their products - just a lipstick, a mini lip duo, and now this. But of the few products that I have from them, I've always been incredibly impressed. 

Bite Beauty seems to do everything right when it comes to what I look for in lip products - pigmentation, staying power, formulation, etc. With the amount of lipstick I wear, it really takes a toll on the state of my lips, which is why I invested in Bite's 5 Night Fix for Lips ($15). It's perpetually sold out on Sephora's website, but I stumbled upon it during my trip to JC Penney's Sephora in the rows of travel sized products by the check out register.

It comes with a mini Scrub Stick in Whipped Cherry and a mini Agave Lip Mask. The bottle is absolutely adorable, and I'm trying to think of ways to repurpose it. 

Swatch and Review: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine in Rose Infinite 7

YSL is one of those brands that is just so classic and a must-have for any makeup lover. One of their more popular products is the Rouge Volupté Shine ($36), a lipstick with a sheer and moisturizing finish.

I've been really loving nude/rose/brown colors lately, and I went and got Rose Infinite (#7). I wanted to love this so bad. I tried so hard to love it, but it just didn't work out for me.

I mean, look at this packaging! It's so beautiful and luxurious and I feel like a million bucks just holding it in my hand.

Review: Agent Provocateur S/S '15 Sale

Oh, hey. A review of something not make up.

Agent Provocateur recently had their annual Spring/Summer sale, and I splurged on my very first AP pieces! It's nearly impossible for me to find luxury lingerie in my size (30B/32A XS), and AP had a very small selection in my size. By small, I mean three-four pieces, so that's all that I had to choose from. I ended up picking the Hyacinth Bra with mismatched Phoenix Brief as well as the Demelza Corset with Di-Di Brief.

As usual, AP lingerie comes in their iconic pink and black boxes with the lingerie wrapped in matching tissue paper. They also put the receipt and returns info in a pink envelope. Definitely has a luxurious feel to it. 

Swatch and Review: Kat Von D Lovecraft, Cathedral, and Lolita

EDIT: I've posted an updated version of this S&R with newer and better swatches here.

I am in love with KVD's line of lipsticks ($21). If I could, I'd have one in every color. I'm especially in love with all the dark berry colors, but I have so many of that shade that I can't afford to buy more of similar colors. Thus, I purchased some colors that I don't have in my collection yet.

I'm adoring brownish-pink nude lip colors lately, and KVD has a wonderful selection. Everyone's been raving about the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, which I find to be pretty similar to Cathedral. I tested out the two by applying Cathedral to one side of my lips and Lolita to the other. Honestly, I didn't see much of a difference. Cathedral has a tinge more pink to the color, while Lolita has more brown. You can see my review on Lolita liquid lipstick in my post on Sephora's Give Me Some Lip.

From left to right: Lolita liquid lipstick, Lolita Studded Kiss, Cathedral Studded Kiss, Lovecraft Studded Kiss.

Swatch and Review: Julep Light On Your Lips in Chit Chat and Happy Hour

I've been a Julep Maven for a couple of years now, and I honestly skip my boxes more often than buy.  It's not Julep's fault though, since they constantly come out with brilliant beauty items and nail polish colors. I just have a thing about commitment, so thank grace that Julep allows monthly skipping. 

However, there's always the one thing that never ceases to tempt me, and it's make up. I have a few of Julep's make up products, but their lipsticks are always, always, my favorite.

When I used to work part-time at my university, I needed to find some lip colors that weren't too bold, but not too bland either. Julep came out with their Light On Your Lips Full-Coverage Crème Lipstick, and I was smitten.

Swatch and Review: Sephora Birthday Gift - NARS Lip Pencils

This year, Sephora is gifting its Beauty Insiders with NARS Lip Pencils, which is awesome.

Kind of small and a pain to sharpen, but the color is amazing. I kind of hate the cap to these pencils though. It seems like the air pressure pushes the cap back up unless you really close it hard. You also have to be careful opening it, otherwise you'll scrape the tip with the cap. At first, I thought it was a twist up lip pencil, but nope. Gotta get a jumbo lip pencil sharpener if you haven't got one already.

I'm so used to using chubby sticks that these tiny lip pencils are a bit of a pain to use. Nevertheless, it's great for precision. 

Swatch and Review: Bite Beauty Crème Lipstick in Black Cherry

Bite Beauty recently came out with their Frozen Berries Matte Crème Lipstick ($24) and they are phenomenal. Seriously, they are so gorgeous. I walked into Sephora with the intention of buying one - one - lipstick, and of course I came out with more stuff than I need or can afford. Oops.

Onto the review!

I've always adored Bite Beauty's packaging. So simple and modern. I remember falling in love with their brand right when it came out simply because I love the packaging. Smooth and soft matte case.

Swatch and Review: Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip

My first S + R would of course be the longest.

As if I didn't already have lipsticks that I don't use, I recently purchased Sephora's lip set Give Me Some Lip because I have absolutely no self control. The set includes deluxe sizes of Marc Jacobs' Le Marc Lip Crème in Je T'aime, Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lip in Lolita, MUFE Artist Plexi Gloss 202, Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion the Neutrals in 19-Peony, Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé, and a full size of Tarte's Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Coral Blossom.

The set comes in a cute box. For some reason, when I ordered this online it came without Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, so I went in-store and Sephora kindly gave me a replacement. Gotta love Sephora's customer services.

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Hi, my name is Leslie and I'm 4'8".