New Benefit Eyeshadow Kits and All-Star Kits!

*MEET-UP INFO!! Come hang out with me on Saturday, January 5th from 1-3pm at the Sigma Beauty store at the Mall of America! They'll be handing out gift bags and doing a giveaway, I'll be doing makeup demos, and we'll be hanging out! Also, they will be offering 10% off everything in the store and offering food and beverages during the event. If you plan to attend, RSVP to marketing@sigmabeauty.com . Can't wait to see you guys there! 

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!
Although with New Year's Eve coming up tomorrow and the 1st falling on Tuesday, it seems more like a 4 day weekend, no? Speaking of, I hope you all have some fabulous plans for tomorrow night! Even if it's spending a fabulous night at home... Which still may be what we're doing. Never can tell. ;)
Don't forget to check out my newest post, New Year's Eve Makeup Tutorial and Outfit Idea, if you missed it!

I'm really into the newest "Instant Beauty" kits by Benefit. They're releasing six new kits all to be available exclusively at Sephora beginning January 2013.
The "All-Star Kits" are three full-face makeup kits. Containing mascara, skin and cheek products, even eye shadow, these have everything you need for a quick, complete look.
This is the one I have been using...

Primping with the Stars, $32

 

This kit contains all the much-loved products by Benefit they call "fake-its". Basically, products that fake better skin or eyes.

 Contains: Stay Don't Stray eye shadow primer, The POREfessional skin primer, Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation faker, Benetint lip & cheek stain, Girl meets Pearl liquid pearl highlighter for the face, They're Real mascara

Ok. This kit had me at They're Real. Seriously love this mascara. While the products are smaller in size, most of them are the type where a little goes a long way, so I can see them lasting a long time. 

 While this one contains more skin perfecting products, there are two more with different options. The Bronze of Champions, which contains more, you guessed it, bronzing products, and Do the Bright Thing which contains more brightening products.

I'm LOVING the new Eyeshadow Kits as well. I have two of the three. I love that they're all neutral and wearable, but still fun. Totally my style. 

World Famous Neutrals: Sexiest Nudes Ever, $30

 Precious, right? Each kit contains four eye shadows and two cream shadows.

Contains: 4 longwear powder shadows in Milk It!, Raincheck?, Pause for Applause, Blingo!

and 2 Creaseless Cream Shadows in Bikini-tini and Holy Smokes!

I LOVE how each kit has a little booklet of ideas built-in over the mirror. So cute, right??

(swatches are respective to placement in the kit)

World Famous Neutrals: Most Glamorous Nudes Ever, $30

Contains: 4 Longwear Powder Shadows in Call My Bluff, Kiss Me I'm Tipsy, It's Complicated, and Gilt-y Pleasure

2 Creaseless Cream Shadows in In My Birthday Suit and My Two Cents

So what do YOU guys think? Which ones are your favs??

Products provided for consideration by Benefit with no obligations to feature on my blog or in videos. All opinions are 100% genuine and un-biased.

New Year's Eve Makeup Tutorial and Outfit

*MEET-UP INFO!! Come hang out with me on Saturday, January 5th from 1-3pm at the Sigma Beauty store at the Mall of America! They'll be handing out gift bags and doing a giveaway, I'll be doing makeup demos, and we'll be hanging out! Also, they will be offering 10% off everything in the store and offering food and beverages during the event. If you plan to attend, RSVP to marketing@sigmabeauty.com . Can't wait to see you guys there!

Hello, Loves!  So today I decided to do a tutorial for an easy New Year's Eve party makeup look. Although the colors are dark, it's quick and simple to do... I promise!
So no matter what you decide to wear that night, this makeup look is versatile enough to go with pretty much anything!  Speaking of what to wear, if you need some inspiration or want to see what I'm planning to wear, don't miss all the outfit details after the makeup tutorial, toward the end of the video.
Because, let's face it... Sequin skirts are always a good choice. ;)

Products Used:
Defining Eyes kit (my palette by Sigma Beauty) gel liner in Blackout
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Lush Liquid Liner in Fantasy
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in El Dorado
Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
Nars Laguna Bronzer
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Magic
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Supreme Style
not shown in video:
Sigma Beauty Brow Expert kit
Loreal Lumi Foundation
Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser concealer

 Be sure to check out the video for a more detailed look at the outfit. I couldn't resist breaking out a sequin skirt for New Year's Eve. To me, this skirt SCREAMS NYE. ;)

 Krisa jacket, Splendid short sleeved top, Express skirt, Target tights, Aldo shoes (close-up of the shoes in the video), Club Monaco necklace, Henri Bendel earrings & phone case

Hope you guys enjoyed the video! Any exciting plans for New Year's Eve??

MAC Strength Collection

Holy MAC collections, you guys. Seriously.
So recently, several new collections and items have launched from MAC (basically all at the same time, as usual) that I'm excited to share my thoughts on with you all.  I received them the day after Christmas, when most of them actually launched in-store, so I'm just now getting around to getting them all photographed pretty and swatched for you all on here.
Today, I'll be posting info on two of these collections... Strength (in this post), and Apres Chic (click here to see that post).   The rest will be posted in the next few days, so look out for those!

As these posts usually go, I'll share with you a bit of my personal thoughts on the collection overall and then it's on with the photos and swatch-y goodness.

So lets get it going with the MAC Strength collection.

This collection was honestly a little confusing to me when I first saw the colors individually as I pulled them each out of the bag. Flesh-toned neutrals for nails and cheeks, cool-toned greyed shades for eyes, and super vivid and dramatic lips.  Then, when I saw the collection together as a whole, it all came together and made sense.  The eye shadows, which at first glanced seemed a little drab and boring, make for really bold and dark eye looks. Then paired with lip colors that are more vivid and cheek colors in more tan-flesh tones, makes for a balanced combo.  I will say, the lip colors are what stands out (BY FAR) in this collection. The eye quads, nail polishes, and blush seem a bit repetitive not only from past collections, but from what's already available anyway in the permanent line. Out of the products I have, I think the Embrace Me lip pencil is really unique and something I would recommend. The shade is a beautiful vivid fuchsia that isn't too dark. Perfect for bright pink lips.

MAC Strength

December 26, 2012 through January 30,2013

*Keep in mind, this is not the whole collection, just the products I received.

 Lipsticks (l-r): Firm Form, Absolute Power

 Lip Pencil in Embrace Me

Eye Shadow Quad in Inner Strength

Nail Lacquer in Triumphant and Muscle Tone

Have you guys picked up anything from this collection? Anything you have your eye on?

Products provided for consideration by MAC Cosmetics with no agreements or obligations for me to feature on YouTube or on my blog. All opinions are unbiased and 100% genuine.

MAC Apres Chic Collection

*MEET-UP INFO!! Come hang out with me on Saturday, January 5th from 1-3pm at the Sigma Beauty store at the Mall of America! They'll be handing out gift bags and doing a giveaway, I'll be doing makeup demos, and we'll be hanging out! Also, they will be offering 10% off everything in the store and offering food and beverages during the event. If you plan to attend, RSVP to marketing@sigmabeauty.com . Can't wait to see you guys there! 

Alright, so let's continue with the MAC collection goodness...
If you missed my previous post all about the MAC Strength collection, click here to see it!

So let's talk about Apres Chic. Warm and cozy are two words I would use to describe this collection. Most of the colors (with the exception of a few eye shadows and eye liners) are warm-toned, which is saying something because the collection is pretty huge.  Overall, I think the concept is precious for winter.
I received few items from this collection, but keep in mind there is SO much more to it you should check out. The blushes look gorgeous!

Apres Chic Collection

Available December 26, 2012 through February 6, 2013

Mineralize Eye Shadow in Ice and Silver Birch

Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Night Trail

Lipstick in Hot Chocolate

 Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm in Slightly Nude

 Nail Lacquer (l-r) Dangerously Fun, Hangin' Loose

So have you all picked up anything from this collection? Anything you've got your eye on??

I'd love to hear your opinions!

Products provided for consideration by MAC Cosmetics with no agreements or obligations for me to feature on YouTube or on my blog. All opinions are unbiased and 100% genuine.

Recent Collective OOTD's....

 *MEET-UP INFO!! Come hang out with me on Saturday, January 5th from 1-3pm at the Sigma Beauty store at the Mall of America! They'll be handing out gift bags and doing a giveaway, I'll be doing makeup demos, and we'll be hanging out! Also, they will be offering 10% off everything in the store and offering food and beverages during the event. If you plan to attend, RSVP to marketing@sigmabeauty.com . Can't wait to see you guys there!

 Hello Loves! I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas! Ours was so wonderful... Nothing is better than spending time at home with family and friends, all cozy by the Christmas tree with good food and Christmas movies.
So today I'm getting back in the groove... I shut myself in on this cold and windy day to get some videos and some blogging done. Feels good to be productive again. ;)
Speaking of Christmas and getting videos done, don't miss my newest! All about some of my Christmas gifts I received and some December Favorites (beauty products). Exciting stuff.


So back to the post at hand... Recent OOTD's!
Hope you like!

I LOVE this one. A perfect example of the versatility of a chambray top. We're used to seeing them worn pretty casually or looking a bit more "preppy".  This just shows how easily you can dress it up. Everyone needs one (or two) of these babies.

J. Crew top, Express chain belt, Club Monaco faux leather leggings, Pour la Victoire suede pumps, Club Monaco Necklace, Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch

I love this casual look. Perfect for a relaxed shopping day.

Express sweater, Target t-shirt, 7 For All Mankind the Skinny jean, Target boots, Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch, Jennifer Zeuner initial pendant

 LOVE the shoulder detail on this top. So fun. Notice the shoes in the background...haha I was a little unsure of my choice. Looking back, I wish I would have worn the other ones... Oh well, still cute.

Forever 21 top, Club Monaco Faux Leather Leggings, YSL shoes

Love this look... Not a "full" shot of the whole outfit, but I figured I'd throw it in anyway! This is a perfect example of how a coat and a cute scarf can make an outfit. I was literally wearing some target workout leggings and a plain black long sleeved top under this. The coat and scarf makes it look like I really put thought into this! So easy!

Victoria's Secret online coat, Burberry snood scarf

 

 Super comfy, super relaxed look.

Forever 21 sequined sweatshirt, 7 for All Mankind jean, Tory Burch fleece boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35

 I love this top! So feminine with the flow-y material and floral print, but the leather pocket gives it an unexpected edge.

 Club Monaco top, Krisa jacket, Target tank, 7 For All mankind Gwenevere jean, Jennifer Zeuner initial pendant, Aldo wedge boots, Louis Vuitton Speedy 35

 

 I love this look! Feminine, classic, yet fun look for Christmas Eve.

Club Monaco top, J. Crew pixie pant, Pour la Victoire shoes, Henri Bendel ring

Merry Christmas! Giveaway Winners...

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! ;)
So I've been taking a little break from blogging and videos over the past few days to spend time with family and friends and really relax during our Christmas holiday. It's been so much fun watching Christmas movies, eating yummy treats, and although we thought we were prepared, doing some last-minute Christmas shopping!
I hope you all are having a relaxing and fun time as well!

Videos and normal-ness will resume on the 26th. Look for a fun new video coming up that day- a type of video I've never done after Christmtas before, but I think it will be really fun! Until then, don't miss my Holiday Home Tour video and blog post.

So most of you are here to see the giveaway winners! Over 100,000 comment entries! So crazy...  But I really loved that you all took the time to enter and share your 2012 favorites with me. Like I said before, I wish I could send something fabulous to all of you, but I'm not Santa. ;)

So here are the randomly selected winners...

MrsJAR2u

Workinma

lysetteOne

If you are one of these winners, I have contacted you through your YOUTUBE INBOX, so be sure to check it!

Thank you ALL for entering and participating and for just being so wonderful!

My Christmas Decor! A little tour...

I cannot believe Christmas is in 5 days! Unbelievable.
Since interior design, decorating, and diy things are all huge hobbies and loves of mine, I really wanted to share some of my Christmas decor around our home.

For me, I usually change up our Christmas decor year-to-year.  By the end of the season and especially by the next year, I'm always ready for something new. This year, I got away from my usual silver and gold trees and went for something more colorful.

What's crazy is that I rarely buy anything new, decor-wise, for Christmas. I like to switch up what I already have. For Christmas trees especially, it's so easy to add some inexpensive ball ornaments in different colors to make a whole new look. Ok, so I'm getting ahead of myself....

So this year, I really wanted to share my Christmas decor with you all in the form of a little video tour. I also, of course, took some photos of my three trees and some easy table centerpiece ideas.  I'm definitely not showing the whole house, just rooms where there are new Christmas things!


DEFINITELY check out the video because it shows A LOT more of each room, whereas these photos below are just of little specifics....
Like this guy.

I give you... Waylon in his little Christmas "Ugly Sweater".   He put this on just for you guys, FYI.

Ok, so we'll start with our "big" tree in the family room.

The theme is... Well, I'm not really sure how to word it. haha ;)  I'd say "Colorful Sparkle"....?
Yeah, that works.

I added all my usual silvery and gold ornaments, as well as my pretty gold-painted wooden bead garland.

Let's not even focus on the little chunk of lights that decided to die this year. :/
The joys of a pre-lit tree. I think next year we're going to try a real one!

The only new thing I added to it this year were the 3 "Love, Peace, Faith" banners. Oh, and the pink ornament balls. I love the colorful blue, green, and pink ball ornaments together. With the gold, it really looks super pretty. The color combo makes me so happy. Adding a set or two of those colorful ball ornaments is a great inexpensive way to change up a tree!

Next up...More family room details.

 I added the little star (which is really an ornament) to the coffee table along with the two little twiggy glitter trees I got at Target years ago.

Next, our couch in the family room always gets some Christmas love too...

 These Pier 1 jeweled snowflake pillows are my fav. I've had these for years too. I always hate to pack them up after Christmas because they're so pretty! Notice the colorful throw on the back of the couch. My mom gave it to me recently as an early Christmas present! It's from the Vera Bradley English Rose collection.
I've never been a Vera Bradley fan, but I went CRAZY when I saw this! It picks up the colors in the tree perfectly.

Next up, some kitchen details...

I put together this little centerpiece in our breakfast area in our kitchen. It's so simple, but people always comment on it. It's glam and simple at the same time.

Not a ton of Christmas stuff in the kitchen, but I do enjoy this guy on our counter...
Who doesn't love a Gingie Chef?  (Again, for a view of the whole kitchen, don't miss the video!)

 Next, our fun "Gingie/Food" tree in our dining room...

 I love how every item on it is food of some sort. It's fun and I love it.

This is the centerpiece on our dining room table. This year, we're hosting Christmas dinner at our place so this is what she'll look like! Except with the table extended for a few more place settings. ;)

 Simple "branch" pillar candles from Pottery Barn and some glittery pinecones.

 Aren't the little baby pine trees presh??

Next up, our little front living/sitting room.
I'm obsessed with this fluffy garland.  Lit garland is SO beautiful. I added this to the top of a cabinet.

 I love the deer antlers mixed in with the old wood-framed mirror for a natural look. (MUCH more of this room in the video too....)

 ...and my newest lil guy. My fun girly tree in my office.

 Yeah, I couldn't resist!

So like I said, DON'T miss the video tour for full views of each room and more Christmas details!

Hope this inspires you to spruce up your house a bit for the holidays in ways that make you happy!