Favorites of 2011!

Favorites of 2011!

Here is a quick listing of my favorite accessories, shoes, makeup, skin care, nail polish and hair care products that I purchased in 2011.  I've tried to pick items that I've used consistently throughout 2011 and that I thought...

1. Did what they were designed to do

2. Was worth the money I spent

3. Made me happy :)

ACCESSORIES

Nothing completes an outfit quite like a good pair of shoes, handbag or jewelry.  Here are a few of my favorites from 2011.

It was hard for me to narrow down to one favorite handbag so I chose two! 

L-R- Urban Expressions tote (I don't know the style however I picked up mine at a boutique called Persona for $80) and Michael Kors Leopard tote.  Both are eye catching and roomy enough for all the junk I carry around each day!

These boots have been fabulous all year!  They are the Alfani "Bernie" boot.  I picked them up at Macy's but this style now appears to be discontinued.  I really could recommend any black, heeled boot though.  You can dress them up or down.  Alfani makes great boots and I can walk in these all day without my feet hurting.  They look great over a pair of skinny jeans or dressed up with tights and a dress.  Macy's always has great shoe sales and now is the time to buy winter boots!

I LOVE jewelry and scarves but these three items were worn practically every week in 2011 at least once.  I'm still in love with my Swatch watch (FULL-BLOODED - SVCK4032G) which is available for $160.00 at www.store.swatch.com  It's a great oversized watch that I get compliments on each time I wear it.  It's less expensive and less common than Michael Kors watches which makes me love it even more.  My bracelet is the silver bead bracelet by Tiffany & Co.  A lot of people don't realize that Tiffany's sterling silver collections are affordable.  This bracelet can be purchased at www.tiffany.com for $200.  I wear this bracelet almost everyday and it has held up nicely.  My last accessory I couldn't stop wearing in 2011 was my gray scarf.  It's super soft and long which is a rare thing since I hate short scarves!  I picked it up for $9 at World Market.

Makeup

I found some great products this year.  Some I blogged about and others were discovered recently. 

Pictured above are all my favorite beauty products from 2011!

A good face needs color and what better way to get it than bronzer, blush and eyeshadow?  My favorite bronzer is still Laura Geller's Bronze n Brighten.  It goes on smoothly and gives a natural glow.  Bronze n Brighten can be picked up at Ulta for $31. If you want to see a swatch, click here.  My favorite eyeshadow was a tie between Wet n Wild's Dancing in the Clouds palette and Urban Decay's Naked palette.  Both offered unique shades.  I love Dancing in the Clouds because its affordable (costs only $2.99) and provides a unique mix of color.  You can see a swatch and a review I did of this palette and other Wet n Wild palettes here.   I love the Naked palette because of its versatility and quality.  You can find the Naked palette at Ulta for $48 and you can read my review here.  My favorite blush is Lovejoy by NARS.  It has been my go-to color that accents my cheekbones without being too "over the top".  It looks great when applied and is a really nice contour color too.  You can find NARS blushes ($27) and other NARS products at www.sephora.com

Pictured above is my top choices for lipstick, concealer, makeup brush, foundation, nail polish and perfume.  I couldn't choose one lipstick shade so I want to share them both.  I loved MAC's High Tea lipstick and L'oreals Fairest Nude.  Both offered great coverage and a natural finish.  If you want the perfect "my lips but better" look, then these lipsticks are for you!  You can find MAC lipsticks at your local MAC counter for $14.50 each.  L'oreals Fairest Nude is usually priced around $5.99 at your local drugstore, Walmart or Target.

My favorite concealer was one I "rediscovered" this year.  I've enjoyed Maybelline's Super Stay concealer almost everyday.  It works hard and does a good job brightening my undereye area without caking.  You can find Super Stay concealer at your local drugstore for around $7.  My favorite makeup brush this year would no doubt be my Ecotools Bamboo bronzer brush.  It's amazing at applying foundation quickly and evenly.  Just buff into your skin and you are set!  It's soft and doesn't shed.  You can find it at Ulta for $12.59.  My favorite foundation is another drugstore find.  I have gone through many tubes of Rimmel's Lasting Finish 25 hour foundation but I never posted a review about it.  It goes on smoothly, provides full coverage, costs under $8 and stays on ALL DAY LONG.  If you love Estee' Lauder's Double Wear, then you must try this!  You can find this foundation at any drugstore, Walmart, Target or Ulta.

My favorite nail polish this year wasn't very bright or fancy.  I loved OPI's Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous and wore it many times in 2011.  It's a charcoal grey with silver shimmer.  It's perfect to wear when going out or even to work.  I found my bottle at Ulta for $8 and you can see my original thoughts and swatches here.

My favorite perfume was discovered late in the year but I've enjoyed it since the day I bought it.  I discovered it during one of my Ulta "spray and sniff" outings.  I love going there and trying out new scents.  When I tried Oh Lola! by Marc Jacobs I thought it was perfect.  I picked up my bottle for $48. 

Top-bottom- My favorite pencil eyeliner is Urban Decay's 24/7 liner in Baked.  My favorite liquid liner is Jordana's Fabuliner in Black (can be purchased at Walgreens for $1.99).  My favorite mascara is Lorac's Multiplex 3D-it really lengthens and separates my lashes.  You can get a tube at Ulta for $22.  My favorite lip gloss is Beige by NYX.  This shade looks great over so many lipstick colors and on any skin tone.  NYX lip gloss costs around $6.  Last but not least is my favorite brow product.  Milani's Easybrow in Natural Taupe is a great buy.  On one end is a great eye pencil that is retractable.  The other end has a "spoolie" brush which is perfect for brushing unruly eyebrows!  It works great!  I picked up my Easybrow at CVS for around $5.

Skincare

The older I get (I turned 30 this year!) the more interested I become in skincare products.  I try each night to adhere to my skincare routine and I always try to go to bed with clean skin.  I've tried some great products in 2011 but I am still searching for a great moisturizer. 

L-R- Ahava's Body Sorbet Caress in Mandarin Cedarwood, Boscia's Enlivening Amino Eye Treatment, Clinique's All About Eyes Serum, Elemis' Soothing Apricot Toner, Sun Labs Self Tanning Lotion and the Clarisonic Mia 2.

If you want a body lotion that absorbs quickly, is not greasy and has a great smell, then check out Ahava's Body Sorbet.  It's a great lotion and is worth every penny.  You can find it on www.amazon.com for $34 for 12.3oz.  Boscia's eye treatment has been a recent find but I am loving how it moisturizes my eye area without irritation.  It goes on smooth and is not greasy like some eye creams.  I picked up my bottle at Ulta for $38.  I couldn't leave out Clinique's All About Eyes serum.  I apply this each morning to help reduce puffiness.  It applies with a rollerball applicator and it works!  You can find it at your local Clinique counter for $26.  Elemis' Apricot toner has been a great way to soothe my skin after cleansing.  It is not irritating nor does it use alcohol like most toners which can be drying.  It smells lovely and is extremely gentle.  I recommend Elemis products because of their quality.  You can find the Soothing Apricot toner at www.timetospa.com for $33.  You can also read my thoughts on Elemis skincare here. 

Lastly I've enjoyed my self tanner and Clarisonic.  Sun Labs self tanning lotion is a great product!  It doesn't smell like all self tanners I've tried.  The product itself is the color of chocolate which helps you see where the product is going when you apply it.  It absorbs quickly and in no time your "tan" appears.  I find that my tan lasts 3-4 days and doesn't become spotty like some self tanners will.  You can find it at Ulta for $36.50 but I found my bottle at TJ Maxx for $16.99.  I also want to mention my Clarisonic.  It really has helped my skin become clearer, cleaner and brighter.  I use it every night with my favorite cleanser for 1 minute and my skin hasn't looked better.  It was definately an item I thought long and hard about before I purchased but I'm glad I did.  You can purchase the Clarisonic Mia 2 at www.clarisonic.com for $149.00.

Wild Card Item of 2011

There's always that one thing you bought that you thought you would probably use but you didn't realize how much you liked it (or needed it) until after you started to use it.

I didn't realize how much my luggage was in bad shape until this set arrived.  My old set had been with me during many travels and had lasted me all through college and the first 8 years of marriage.  When I saw this set on QVC, I thought I would pick it up.  It wasn't until the luggage arrived that I realized how cool it really was (and how useful).  My old set did not have spinner wheels, hard sides or handles that worked properly.  It was a boring black set that was heavy and REALLY dirty!  I have enjoyed this set and I recommend it to anyone looking for a super cute way to travel in style.  I promise you won't miss this luggage in baggage claim (that is of course if the airline doesn't lose your bags first, lol)!  I found my set at www.qvc.com  It is the Heys 3 piece Hardside Spinner Luggage set (F09494).  It sells for $186.90.

I'm baaaack!

I'm back and it feels good!  I'm excited to start blogging again!

I apologize for my absence but I promise I had a valid excuse!  My home computer crashed and my only internet connection was my iphone for the past two months!  Finally the computer gods looked favorably on me and blessed my husband with the ability to fix our computer...all without a trip to the computer doctor!  Good news is that I am back.  Bad news is I am going to annoy you with a lot of posts, lol!

Since I've been gone for over two months, I wanted to catch everyone up on some items I have been loving lately.  I plan to do a "Best of 2011" post soon but here are some products that I've enjoyed since I posted last. 

First and foremost, where would have I been without my iPhone?  Without my home computer working, my iPhone was my ONLY connection to the internet and if you know me, I LOVE spending time online.   

I also have to mention my love affair with Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom scent.  It is one of those scents that I don't tire of.  It's soft, sexy and it makes me happy!  Lately I've been addicted to BBW and their 3 wick candles too.  I think I currently have about 10 in my house so my collection was not complete without a Japanese Cherry Blossom one!  I have really enjoyed the Japanese Cherry Blossom candle and fragrance mist.  You can find the candle at BBW for $19.50 and the fragrance mist for $12.00

Another favorite of mine that I recently discovered is Clarisonic thanks to QVC and I think I'm in love.  If you are not familiar with Clarisonic, it is a facial cleansing brush that utilizes a rotating brush head.  I usually use mine in the shower since they are waterproof.  I wet my face, apply my favorite facial cleanser (Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser) and use the Clarisonic all over.  I even use the Clarisonic on my hands, décolleté and elbows.  I notice that the Clarisonic has given me smoother skin in just a few weeks.  I can't wait to see how my skin will look over time.  I plan to do a full review soon.  I found my Clarisonic Mia 2 on QVC however they are currently sold out.  You can purchase a Mia 2 (or another model) at www.sephora.com for $149.00.  To learn more about the Clarisonic or to purchase, go to www.clarisonic.com

Of course a list of my current favorites would not be complete without listing some makeup and hair items.  I am loving my Laura Geller Bronze n Brighten like always.  It gives me a great glow that goes a long way during these dull winter months.  A foundation that I really want to share is Rimmel's Lasting Finish 25 hour foundation.  I chose the shade Soft Beige.  It really covers nicely, lasts a LONG time and goes on flawlessly.  I find that this foundation rivals many department store brands.  The good news is that it costs around $7.50! 

In addition to my bronzer and foundation, I have enjoyed a blush combination that really warms up my face but helps contour my cheekbones.  I have been using NARS' Lovejoy blush in the hollows of my cheeks then topping the apples of my cheeks with NYX's Terra Cotta blush.  Lovejoy is a gorgeous, bronzed rose which flatters many skin tones.  Terra Cotta is a warm, bronzed peachy shade that offers a nice shimmer.  Both colors together create a great look that warms up the face but looks natural.

Lastly I've enjoyed Korres lip butter in Guava, Urban Decay's 24/7 liner in Baked and One n Only's Argan Oil.  Urban Decay's Baked liner compliments my brown eyes and helps them to "pop".  I love pairing this liner with MAC's Woodwinked eyeshadow.  Korres lip butter helps my lips stay moisturized and One n Only's Argan oil is a cheaper but wonderful alternative to Morrocan Oil.  I usually apply argan oil in the cooler months to my hair when it is still wet after I shampoo.  Since I have somewhat oily roots, I focus the oil toward the ends of my hair.  I then comb my hair and blow dry.  The argan oil moisturizes my hair, leaves it smooth and helps keep it straight.  You can find Urban Decay's 24/7 liners at Ulta for $18, Korres Lip butters at Ulta for $12 and One n Only's Argan Oil at Sally's for $9.49.

~~~~~~~~~~~Elf Blush~~~~~~~~~~~

Top L-R-Tickled Pink, Pink Passion, Mellow Mauve

Bottom L-R-Gotta Glow, Blushing Rose, Fuchsia Fusion

Right after Thanksgiving I decided that I needed more blush shades to play with.  I have a crap ton of blush already but I wanted to experiment with other colors.  The best way to play with color is to try shades that won't break the bank.  Elf (eyeslipsface) is a great brand to try out if you haven't already.  I really enjoy their blushes, brushes, eye shadows and lip gloss.  Many of their products are only a $1 and for just two more dollars you can try their Studio Line which is a great deal.  I ordered 6 blushes from their studio line and since they only cost $3 a pop, I don't feel very guilty!  So far I have enjoyed Mellow Mauve, Blushing Rose and Pink Passion.  Gotta Glow is a golden highlighter and it seems to work very nicely.  Tickled Pink is a little too light for my skin tone and Fuchsia Fusion is a bit glittery for my taste.  Overall I am very pleased with my choices.  You can purchase Elf lip gloss and eyeshadow at Target and Kmart.  You can purchase the whole product line at www.eyeslipsface.com

~~~~~~~~~~~Boscia Eye Treatment~~~~~~~~~~~

The last product I want to mention is one I just purchased.  A while back I received a bag of samples from Ulta and there was a sample of Boscia's Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment to try.  I really enjoyed the sample so I decided to purchase a full size.  The box states that the silky gel-cream will help moisturize the eye area and reduce puffiness and dark circles.  I hope this eye treatment works and I'll keep you posted with any results I may have.  You can find Boscia's eye treatment at Ulta for $38.00 for 0.5 fl. oz.

 

Razor envy and a few more goodies!

After years of searching for the perfect razor, I thought I found my soul mate when I purchased Gillette's Venus razor for women.  It was cute, affordable and actually did an okay job.  Over the years though I found myself going through cartridges way too fast.  Was it me?  Was my leg hair THAT out of control?  Just when I thought I needed laser hair removal, I noticed my husband didn't seem to suffer from the same problems.  After talking to him I decided to purchase Gillette's Proglide razor for men.  Yes, it's for men.  I don't need pretty colors or a contoured handle to do the job well...I just want a razor that works!  I find that since women shave a larger area than men, getting the closest shave possible is a must in order to avoid irritation and shaving everyday.  The good thing about the Proglide is that it's affordable and it weighs heavier than my Venus.  Since it's heavier it actually shaves closer to the skin and leaves a better result than my Venus ever did.  I think I've converted and you might too if you give it a try.  Gillette's Proglide can be found at any drugstore for around $8.

Now...on to the goodies!

Aside from my new razor purchase, I also picked up a few goodies over the weekend that I wanted to share.  

L-R- Shiseido's eyelash curler and NARS' Lovejoy blush

No trip to a mall is complete without a small beauty splurge.  I had been wanting to give Shiseido's eyelash curler a chance for over the past year and I finally broke down and got one.  I tried it for the first time this morning and it performed well.  My small, almost non-existent eyelashes were actually visible which is a miracle in itself.  You can find Shiseido's curler for $19 at Sephora. 

Shiseido's eyelash curler from above.

I also thought it was time for another NARS piece.  I decided to go with NARS' Lovejoy blush.  It's a gorgeous, everyday color which reminds me of a shimmery, bronzed rose shade.  It looks great with just about anything.  I wore it today and it still looks fresh.  You can find Lovejoy at Sephora for $27.

Upclose view of NARS' Lovejoy blush.

After indulging somewhat at Sephora, I decided a trip to Charming Charlie was in my future.  If you don't have a Charming Charlie near you, then you are missing out.  Charming Charlie is a HUGE accessories store...it's like a Claire's store on steroids!  Jewelry, shoes and clothing are arranged by color in the store.  All of the choices can seriously overwhelm you unless you know what you want in advance.  If you have an outfit that has been hard to accessorize in the past, Charming Charlie is the answer to your prayers.  Not only is the jewelry affordable but it's unique.

I needed a new silver necklace to wear to work and I found this one for what I thought was $14.  I was too happy to hear that it rang up for only $1!!

These amazing silver/crystal earrings caught my eye.  They are perfect for a date or just to stand out in the crowd.  I got mine for only $7.97!

One of the hardest to find pieces that I have been wanting has been matte, gold earrings.  All gold earrings tend to be shiny but I found these hoops for only $5.95!  They are too cute!

 

Makeup & Nail Polish Storage

Storing makeup can be tedious.  I'm sure some of you have a "makeup drawer" or a bag filled with your favorite items.  Of course when you put on your makeup each morning, you might have to dig a little to find what you need.  All I have to say is NO MORE digging and fumbling!!  I have a few suggestions that I have learned from other makeup lovers that may help you too.

One thing about makeup storage is that you may find what you need at your local Staples or Office Depot store.  Traditional makeup storage items (Caboodles, train cases, etc) don't take into consideration how crucial it is to be able to see what you are looking for.  When everything is dumped into a large case, you can't see what color or product you need and then you are forced to grab the first thing you can due to frustration. 

I have found simple containers from office supply stores to be the most effective when organizing my collection. If you can use a pencil cup to hold pencils, why not hold eyeliners or lip pencils?  If you can use an envelope sorter to organize envelopes, why not organize your palettes too?

Pictured above is what I store my makeup in.  I found the 10-drawer rolling cart at Office Depot for $59.00.  It's easy to assemble and is perfect for storing makeup, skincare products and other items.  The drawers are long & shallow.  Remember what I show you can be used not only for makeup but for bath gels, lotions, skincare products and much more. 

Above is how I store my makeup brushes.  All you do is fill any container with Color Fill (can be found in the floral section of any Michael's or craft store).  You can also use rice or bean bag filler.  I chose a clear container to make it more interesting but you can use anything you like.  The Color Fill is usually used in floral displays but holds makeup brushes upright which prolongs the life of the brush.

In the picture on top is what I store my pencils in.  I have eyeliners, lip liners and mascara all neatly tucked into a candle crock from Longaberger!  Get creative and find vases, bowls and other items to store your makeup in.  The picture at the bottom shows how I store my larger eyeshadow palettes.  I use an envelope sorter to hold them upright which makes them easy for me to reach and it helps reduce any cracking in the eyeshadow pans.

 The picture above is what I store in the top drawer.  In this drawer I have sorted my lip glosses based on color.  The basket to the left stores my brighter colors and the right basket stores my neutrals along with different kinds of chap stick.  You will notice in this picture and in the ones below that I section each drawer using small baskets.  You can find these baskets at your local dollar store for 3/$1!!  They come in different sizes and colors. 

In the second drawer I store lipstick.  I have each basket holding a different color range.  The top 3 baskets store my browns/earth tones, nudes and neutral shades.  The bottom basket holds my brighter shades like pinks, purples and berries.

In the 3rd drawer I store an assortment of items.  The top 3 baskets hold my eyelash curler, false eyelashes, extra brushes, extra mascara tubes and creme eyeliners.  The bottom basket holds coral colored lipsticks, tweezers and concealer.

The fourth drawer gets the most use because I store all of my loose eye shadows there and my smaller eyeshadow palettes and quads.  The large basket holds the smallest eye shadows and the basket on the right holds a lot of my Wet n Wild trios along with a few Ulta single eye shadows.  In the front of the drawer I stash a few Clinique and Lancome palettes and my 8-pan Wet n Wild palettes.

The next drawer is my favorite.  I store all of my blush and bronzers there.  I have MAC mineralize skin finishers, MAC blushes, Cover Girl cheekers, NARS blushes, Cargo blush, Milani blushes, Laura Geller blush/bronzers and a lot more.  I LOVE trying new blush colors and I think this drawer proves it!

The 6th drawer holds foundation, setting powders and some concealers.  I also store extra eye makeup remover there. 

The next drawer is my "whatever" drawer.  Right now it holds magazine clippings of makeup looks that I like, extra makeup remover wipes and extra nail polish.  I'm sure I'll fill it soon enough!

The next drawer holds hair ties, clips and hairbands.  It even holds a scrunchie.  Yes I admit it...I still own a scrunchie.  I love them-they are perfect for holding back long hair while doing housework.  I wont wear one outside the house of course but I secretly wish they would come back in style, lol!

The 9th drawer holds extra lotion bottles and my mirror.  I have way too much lotion but I use it often and love trying new scents.  Usually I will switch it up and what I am not currently using goes into this drawer.

The last drawer holds my curling irons, waver and my (can't live without it) Chi hair iron.

The key to makeup storage is to think outside the box.  My old college roomie and I used to use mixing bowls to store our makeup, cotton balls, Q-tips, etc.  We had different colored bowls and it looked adorable on the counter.  You can also find baskets, vases, flower pots and even mini-plastic drawers that can hold items for you.  Don't let the label on the item fool you; if your makeup will fit in it, then use it.

Currently I am not too creative when it comes to storing my nail polish.  They sell polish racks on eBay (like the ones at your local nail salon) but my collection is not large enough for that yet, lol!  I simply use a clear shoebox with a lid and store them under my bathroom sink.  Glamorous?  No.  Functional?  Yes!

The last storage idea I want to share is a cool product found at most stores.  I found mine at Target.  It's called Snapware.  All you do is fill each tray with items of your choice, stack them together, snap the sides securely and snap on the lid.  I have found that this product works wonders for holding my manicure items.  I love to do my nails while watching TV, so all I do is fill it with what I need and carry it to the den.  When I am ready to start, I take it apart and get what I need.  It's fairly inexpensive and you could even use Snapware to hold your makeup collection because they come in many sizes.  I use the smallest size.

Pictured above is my Snapware set taken apart to show what I store in each tray.  I keep my cuticle oil, nail files, q-tips, lotion, cotton pads, tops coats and base coat inside.

Here is my Snapware set put together.  You can see the lid has a handle which makes it perfect for toting around!

I hope I was able to share a few ideas about organization that may help you organize your own collection.  Even if you don't own a lot of makeup, these ideas are perfect for accessories (jewelry, scarves), skincare products, first aid items and kids crafts.  The 10 drawer system would be an awesome way to store computer/craft paper, markers and crayons too!  Do you scrapbook?  These ideas would work for you too.  I scrapbook and Snapware is perfect for holding stickers and cutouts.  The 10 drawer cart is awesome for holding card stock and loose photos too!

I Love...NARS Loose Powder

I like a powdered face.  I think powdering the face after applying foundation gives a soft finish to any look.  I know a lot of makeup guru's enjoy "glowing skin" but when I watch a lot of tutorials I can't help but think some "gurus" look shiny, definately not glowing.  Since I appreciate the benefits that loose powder can provide, I began a full-time search for the best one out there.  I wanted a powder that was finely milled, soft and easy to apply.  I also wanted a powder that was not chalky, did not smell funny and did not break me out.  I think I have come across the total package. 

NARS makes wonderful products.  I really enjoy their lipsticks and blush but it was their loose powder that made me a true fan.  Yes I've tried NARS' "Orgasm" blush and personally it was okay but I believe the true star in their lineup is the loose powder.  I purchased mine for $35.00 from www.Beauty.com or you can purchase it from www.narscosmetics.com for the same price.

PROS-
This powder is extremely and I mean EXTREMELY finely milled.  It provides a smooth, silky finish to the skin and really helps control oil throughout the day.  The powder doesn't irritate sensitive skin and provides a perfect finish.  I find that this powder doesn't dry out my skin or make my skin look too matte.  Another major benefit is that the package comes filled with a TON of product...I swear I've been using this same box of powder for over a year!!

CONS-
The powder is difficult to contain when opening the lid.  Since the powder is so fine, it tends to fly out of the container at times.  The packaging is also difficult to keep clean (as evidenced by the picture above).  The black plastic shows fingerprints and the loose powder tends to stick to the powder box even after it is wiped away.

Each NARS loose powder comes packaged with a plastic sifter, a mesh sifter (for finer powder application) and a puff.  I chose the color "Flesh" which is pictured above along with the puff and plastic sifting lid.

You can't go wrong with NARS' loose powder.  I love most of their products but I don't think I can find an exact dupe for this one.  There are other powders out there but one would be hard pressed to find another powder that provides the coverage, quality and value that this powder does.