Let's Talk About Atmospheric Lighting...Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

For some time now (even before starting So Lonely in Gorgeous), I've been on a personal "no foundation, concealer and face powder" buy. I was very proud of myself for never deviating once (my willpower for beauty products is nil...btw, gifts don't count :P). That is, until Hourglass released their Ambient Lighting Palette. I've been wanting (and by wanting, I mean dying) to try the Ambient Lighting Powders ever since they came out. So, I was excited (and by excited, I mean besides myself) to get my hands on this palette, which was part of a mega ever-going beauty swap with Justine. Also, to further justify this purchase, the Ambient Lighting Palette is a great introduction into the Ambient Powders, especially since the travel-sized trio offers an exclusive shade.

I'm sure you've read from here to Timbuktu about this palette, so, I'll skip the monotonous product description and, just say, these powders are fantastic! I will be purchasing the remaining four shades. In experimenting with the powders, I found certain products worked better than others. For example, FACE atelier's Ultra Foundation just soaked up the powder, doing nothing to radiate the complexion, it worked beautifully over Nars's Sheer Glow Foundation, and my absolute favorite pairing of all, over Dior's Hydraction Skin Tint (half-way through my last backup...sad).

From left to right: Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Radiant Light.

These ambient powders can be used every which way; as a highlighter, face powder, eye shadow, and depending on your coloring, the darker shades can be used as a bronzer, the possibilities are endless! My favorite way to use the Ambient Lighting Palette is to swipe a large fluffy brush up and down all three shades a few times, tap, tap, taparoo off the excess, and starting at the center, dust the powder all over my face. The end effect is a subtle, yet spellbinding Hitchcockian, soft-focused, leading-lady luminous glow.

Have you tried Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Powders?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

The Postman Wants My Autograph

Two care packages from my mom arrived this evening :) But, don't get your hopes up, they're not filled with makeup.

Stocked up on some much needed hair products. 

And most importantly, the food! On my foodie need email to my mom was:

3 Bean Salad: I love to add 3 or 4 bean salad to my salads, delish!

The boxes for all three cereals wouldn't fit in the large priority package, so she put the Fruit Loops in a large ziploc baggie, the Corn Pops in two baggies (I'm munching on one now :P), and threw all the instant Cream of Wheat packets in the box...a cereal feast!

Fruit Loops and Corn Pops: I'm a big cereal junkie. I love all kinds, but as of late I've been craving the sugary ones.

Cream of Wheat: I LOVE cream of Wheat! If I'm not having a protein shake for breakfast, I'm eating Cream of Wheat.

Added bonus, the bottle of the dry cooking wine (Vino Seco), a few cans of black beans, and seven bags of Cadbury Mini Eggs (I live for these every Easter).

If you were living in a foreign country, what things would you ask friends/family members to send you?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time. 

Soy Milk Goes Will With...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Goodness, gracious me! It's been five months since my last tasty post...what the hell have I been doing?! Anyway, Kikkoman's Kibun chocolate soy milk is my favorite flavor from the brand. This Spring, Kibun has released two limited edition flavors (curse Japan for all their limited edition ploys!), Chocolate Orange and Sakura. Both flavors are deliciously awesome! It's a shame they're limited edition, hopefully they'll come back next Spring (crossing fingers).

My only gripe is with the packaging. As with most box drinks, the true challenge comes when you've reached the last few sips; the lungs begin working overtime, veins are popping on your forehead and neck, your face is turning red, and you're about to pass out from oxygen deprivation because you're trying to suck the last few drops of this tasty drink...it's truly an art form.

Have you tried Kibun soy milk?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Pretty In Spring With Beaute Cosmetics

Spotted this in my mail box and wanted to share in this 20% off promo code. In case you can't read the fine print, the offer is valid until March 31, 2014, and only at beaute-cosmetics.com.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Portrait in Sepia Blue...Make Up For Ever Palette

I can't believe it's been 10 days since my last post...bad liz, bad! Well, I'm taking a few days off, so hopefully I can post all the swatches and looks I've done within the last month.

Make Up For Ever's Fall 2013 Blue Sepia Collection was an extremely modest release. The collection featured the Blue Sepia Palette (LOVE my sepia tones), an Aqua Liner in the collection's focal shade, Petrol Blue, and a pair of half falsies decorated with Swarovski turquoise rhinestones (the false eyelashes stayed at the counter).

The Blue Sepia palette is truly gorgeous! Offering five shades of brown (three matte and two satin), a shimmery, pale pinkish-white, a shimmery, electric, deep turquoise with micro turquoise shimmers and a golden sheen, and a matte black. All six shadows are creamy, extremely pigmented (even with a primer, the deep turquoise shade can/will stain the lids), and amazing in quality. Also, based on your color preference, the three matte brown shadows can be used on the brows...bonus!

From left to right: 128, 28 (apparently 28 reacted to moisturizer I was wearing, and darkened), 152, Petrol Blue.

From left to right: 04, 98, 17, 127.

The next two pictures are swatches of the Aqua liner from the collection, as well as the other products used in the looks for the Blue Sepia Palette.

From left to right: Petrol Blue Aqua Liner, Matte Eye Shadow in 09 Lavender, 50 Pumpkin, 161 Cinnamon, Satiny Eye Shadow in 131 Dark Red. 

I loved, loved, LOVED the makeup from the promo look of the Blue Sepia Collection. Inspired by the image, I wore (and loved) the Petrol Blue Aqua Liner on the brows (I thought I took a photo of me wearing it, but nein). WARNING: as much as you love the eye-popping effect of Petrol Blue on the brows, the product is INSANELY pigmented, and will stain the skin. So, unless you plan on doing a J.D. Salinger, and being a total recluse the next day, or don't mind the 24-hour faded blue tattoo look, use at your own caution. 

From left to right: Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick: 24, 41, 47, 48. 

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Benefit Hoola (bronzer).
Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 50 Pumpkin.
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20 (under the eyes and on the lid up to the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Blue Sepia Palette:
127 shadow (all over the lid and lower lashline).
17 shadow (in the crease and the outer one-third of the lower lashline).
152 shadow (applied lightly in the inner corner and brow bone).
Petrol Blue shadow (in the outer corner of the lower lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Petrol Blue (the upper lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 41 (use a lip brush to line the lips with the lipstick and then fill them in by dabbing).

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 09 Lavender (much more lavender in person).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20 (under the eyes and on the lid up to the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Blue Sepia Palette:
28 shadow (all over the lid and lower lashline).
128 shadow (in inner corner and used to blend-out the crease).
04 shadow (used to line the upper lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 47 (use a lip brush to line the lips with the lipstick, fill with the tube, then rub with a finger).

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 131 Dark Red (much more lavender in person).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20 (under the eyes and on the lid up to the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Blue Sepia Palette:
Petrol Blue shadow (all over the lid and lower lashline).
98 shadow (in the crease and outer corner).
04 shadow (in the outer corner patted over the 98 shadow, used to line the upper lashline and corner of the lower lashline).
152 shadow (inner corner and brow bone)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 24.
Mac Lip Conditioner (place on top of the lipstick).

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Make Up For Ever Matte Eye Shadow in 161 Cinnamon.
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20 (under the eyes and on the lid up to the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Blue Sepia Palette:
Petrol Blue shadow (placed on the center of the lid and lower lashline).
98 shadow (in the outer corner of the lid and blended half way into the crease).
28 shadow (in the inner corner of the lid and blended halfway into the crease).
128 shadow ( used in the crease to blend out the edges of 98 and 28, applied up to the brow bone).
04 shadow (in the outer corner and patted closely along the lashes of the lower lashline ).
152 shadow (inner corner and in the arch of the brow bone).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Petrol Blue (the upper and lower lashline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 48.

Did you pick anything up for the Blue Sepia Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Viridian. Now, Why Do I Know That Name? Illamasqua Nail Varnish

It's been a long time since I wore an Illamasqua nail polish. I'm not sure why because they're one of my favorite higher-end varnishes.

Aptly named, Illamasqua's Viridian is a strikingly beautiful, bluish-green with micro teal and lime green shimmers. A two coater nail varnish that is a definite crowd-pleaser and guarantees lots of compliments! Just like my other Illamasqua polishes, Viridian wears perfectly for up to six days.

What are some of your favorite bluish-green polishes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Deep Shu Sea...Shu Uemura Depsea Water Bergamot Mist

Last month, while I was at the Shu counter picking up another oil cleanser, I realized I had never tried their Depsea Water Mist. Retailing at ¥2,300, I decided to forgo repurchasing one of my facial mist staples (there are five or six sprays I like to route between, and yes, they will be featured on the blog), and try the Shu Uemura Depsea Water Mist. I love bergamot anything, so, of course, bergamot would be the one I'd pick up.

I'm a fan of facial mist sprays. Are they vital to one's skincare regime? No. But, my dry skin surely appreciates what they have to offer.

There are many ways to use misting sprays, and some of the ways I like to use them are:

After cleansing my face, in place of a toner (or before), I mist my face, and follow-up with my usual morning/night time skincare regime (i.e. serum, moisturizer, etc.). I find this added step helps lock in moisture of whatever products proceed it.

Also, If I don't have time to wait for a moisturizer to sink in before applying my makeup, I'll prep my skin with a facial mist, and then message in a few drops of a facial treatment oil. I love, love, LOVE the gorgeous, radiant glow this combination ejects into my skin and makeup.

I don't use facial mists as setting sprays, but they are great in helping the makeup settle into the skin, instead of sitting on top of it and looking powdery. I don't know anyone who likes that look.

Another benefit to these sprays are how they refresh my skin/makeup throughout the day. If my face feels taut or looks tired, a few spritzes help to soothe and rejuvenate. Most of these facial mists have a soft, pleasant fragrance; they give an extra boost that helps me relax and feel uplifted (acting as a form of aromatherapy). 

In addition to using this product for skincare, I also use it to apply eye shadows wet, with pigments, cake liners, etc., as well as to dampen brushes and sponges.

After one month of using Shu Uemura's Depsea Water Mist in Bergamot, I really like it. I love the sturdy plastic packaging of this product; the spray cap's glossy finish and how it curves to hug my finger perfectly. Also, I have a little crush on the nozzle; the way it disperses and splays the product out evenly is brilliant. I've been without a misting spray for three weeks, and I'm not staying that it's solely because of this product, but once I incorporated it into my regime, the tiny dry patch I was getting on my right cheek is gone. My skin looks and feels calm, smooth, soft and hydrated. Will it replace the other facial mists I use? No. But, I will be adding it to my lineup; also there are a few other fragrances in the line I want to try.

What's your take on Facial mists?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Couldn't Drag Me Away...Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette

2014 marks the year of the horse (also my Chinese zodiac sign), and I thought it would be fun to create something theme related using Chantecaille's Wild Horses palette (thank you, Justine :D).

I wanted the Wild Horses palette when it was first released, then convinced myself that I didn't need it (I told myself, "self you have a trillion shades like that in your collection, you DON'T need it!"). But, that was short lived and now I bring you this post.

Wild horses is a beautiful palette! Yes, the shades are not monumentally original. However, as I say (and, mostly to Aki), "it's not only about the color, it's also about texture, finish, quality and performance," and Chantecaille is a brand that excels in all those departments.

 Wild Horses Palette (swatched without over-spray), Hydra Chic Lipstick Persimmon. 

The four shades included in the palette are:

Palomino: a creamy, beige-blonde, can be used as an eye shadow or highlighter.

Freedom: a warm, yellow-based pink. My only issue with the palette was the over-spray on the blush, I LOVE it! When mixed together, I adored the stunning russet sheen it gave my cheeks. I didn't want it to go away, but was able to replicate it by layering the blush over a shimmery reddish-bronzer. Look beautiful on the eyes or cheeks.

Mustang: a soft, chestnut-bronze. Besides the eyes, look amazing on top of blushers.

Black Stallion: a rich black with a hint of midnight blue, can be used as a eye shadow or liner.

And another Chantecaille love, the Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon. A vibrant, hydrating, glossy, Juicy persimmon color that leans a bit on the red side, but not too much. 

Rainy days = angry frizzy hair!

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (all over the face).
Benefit Hoola (bronzer).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Freedom (on the apples of the cheeks and blended into the bronzer).
Palomino (highlight).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (applied all over the lid).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Palomino (all over the lid up to the brow bone and inner corner).
Mustang (in the crease).
Freedom (on the upper lashline).
Black stallion (pressed closely to the upper lashes).
Black stallion and Freedom (mixed together and blended on the lower lashline).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero (tightline).
Lips:

Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (all over the face).
Benefit Hoola (bronzer).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Freedom (on the apples of the cheeks and blended into the bronzer).
Palomino (highlight).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (applied all over the lid).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Mustang (all over the lid and lower lashline).
Freedom (in the crease).
Palomino (on the brow bone and inner corner).
Black stallion (blended from the outer corner to three-fourths of the upper lashline and one-third of the lower lashline over mustang).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero (tightline and on the waterline).
Lips:

Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon.

Did you pick up Chantecaille's Wild Horses Palette or the Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

A Celebrated Polish...Color Club Diva In Brown

I have no idea how this brand/polish came into my collection, but I'm sure if I look further, I'll find a few more Color Club polishes. Question, is it just me, or do you find yourself wondering how certain items made their way into your beauty collection?

Misleading in name, Diva In Brown is a pretty, neutral, pale tan with a glossy, creme finish. A two to three coater polish, I just love the mannequinesque appearance Diva In Brown gives my nails. I'm not sure if this shade is still available, but I'm sure you can find it on amazon or ebay.

What are some of your favorite mannequin shade polishes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.