Makeup Review: OZ Glinda Palette

I am sure it’s no surprise that I am beyond excited about the new OZ movie coming out next month (hence the inspiration behind my blog’s name). So, when I heard Urban Decay was releasing limited edition palettes for both witches, I thought, what better way to kick off blogging again than to review one of the palettes!

I went in really wanting the Glinda palette because the colors looked fun and different. But, I thought - for sure - that I would end up choosing Theodora because the colors go best with my skin tone (Tan/Olive) and they’d be more versatile. I knew I could really justify both palettes to myself if I wanted to, but I decided to make myself choose. And I am glad I did!

Someone must have told the lady in Sephora I was having this internal battle. I swatched both palette’s shadows on my hand and was deciding which to choose. Just as I was about to convince myself to go with Theodora, she walked up and said all the right things to make me decide on Glinda (Hooray!). What really got me was… “If you are going to spend the money on a limited edition palette, you should go with the colors that are the most unique and nothing like what you have at home”… and she was right, that acutally made a lot of sense! So, I suggest the same to you. If you really want one of the palettes, and don’t have the money to buy both, choose the one that’s more unique. Theodora is a gorgeous palette with tans, greens and browns, but they are definitely colors you can find more often. So without further ado… my review of the Glinda palette!

All of the colors are whimsical and fun, nothing like I typically buy. The 24/7 Eyeliner is a deep purple and the Lip Color is the perfect shade of a natural beige/pink with a hint of shimmer. All of the eye shadows are very pigmented, as you would expect of Urban Decay, and build well. All of my swatches are two coats of shadow.

From left to right:

* Tornado ~ Vibrant Deep Purple Shimmer

* Aura ~ 2 shades in 1: Iridescent Purple & Iridescent Pink

* Magic ~ Pinkish Purple with Golden Shimmer

* Illusion ~ Pale Peach Satin

* Oz ~ 2 shades in 1: Gold Shimmer with Glitter & Silver Shimmer with Glitter

* South ~ Warm Pale Gray Shimmer

When I first tried all of the colors, I followed the included instructions (above) to obtain Glinda’s ethereal look. It was a fun way to test all the colors for the first time and I loved the way it turned out. The only color they don’t use is OZ, which I chose to highlight my inner corner (4).

Overall, I would highly recommend this palette. After trying it out, I think it would work with almost any skin tone, just build them up to your liking! The shadows are playful, unique and high quality. I am absolutely obsessed with the lip color; I wish I could buy another without having to purchase a palette. The eggplant eyeliner compliments all of the colors perfectly and lasts all day. Another great feature is the fact that all the palettes pop out, so when the shadows run out (sigh…) you can pop in other colors and keep using the gorgeous tin!

I hope this helps those of you that are on the fence about which palette to buy!

Remember to Follow the yellow.. err... little Pink Road and your dreams!

"It's not about how you achieve your dreams, it's about how you lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you" ~ Randy Pausch

xx,

Jaime 

A Little Inspiration

I know I haven't been posting lately and I've been missing it dearly! My goal for fall is to start my little pink posts again, so I thought sharing these inspiring words I found on Pinterest would be a great way to kick it off.

With a new & (my) favorite season starting up, it's the perfect time to set some new goals to finish out the end of the year feeling good about all you've accomplished in 2012.

Your greatest power is the power to be.

To be more Loving.
To be more Courageous.
To be more Joyous.
To be more Friendly.
To be more Sensitive.
To be more Aware.
To be more Forgiving.
To be more Tolerant.
To be more Humble.
To be more Patient.
To be more Helpful.

To be a Greater Human Being.

xx,
Jaime

Fall Style: J.Crew Spotted

I finally got the chance to peruse my new J.Crew catalog tonight and I loved their "Spotted for Fall" looks so much that I decided to share my top picks! I could seriously do some damage to my bank account this fall in J.Crew alone. As the name suggests, the looks feature polka dots, which is one of my favorite prints on just about anything (hence the jeans I purchased here in June).

These items caught my eye and are what I will probably start investing in for my fall looks:

Nerdy side note: My husband and I refer to ourselves as the "J Crew" (Jaime & Justin - hah), just one more reason to love J.Crew style!

Polka Dots, Tie Neck Tops, Pastel Skinny Jeans, Cashmere

 

Colored Tailored Pants, Stripes, Printed Oxford & Chambray

-Coral/Teal/Navy/Kelly Green-

Colored, Structured Blazers (I have the Navy and love how versatile it is)

Shoes! 

Pumps with Tassels (LOVE!), Heels with Chunky Stems, Pointy Toe Pumps, Flats with thick, metallic mini-heels

*Accessories*

Chunky Gold, Jeweled bracelets & colored keyboards

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you to not be? You are a Child of God..." 

xx,

Jaime

Makeup Review: Tom Ford Golden Mink

It's been quite a few weeks since I have gotten the chance to blog, I've missed it so much! I apologize for the brief hiatus... I've actually started a new job, yay! It requires some drive time and I have been blessed with spending my weekends with good friends and beach outings. Now, since it seems that things have calmed a bit, I can start blogging on a more regular basis again. So, anyways, to the good stuff! I have a review on a fantastic, new eye shadow quad for Summer, Fall, Winter... anytime actually!

My favorite new obsession is my Tom Ford eye shadow quad in Golden Mink. This is my first time trying Tom Ford Cosmetics and I am super impressed. Definitely worth a little splurge.

Here are the four shadows you get with Golden Mink. By the way, he has lots of other quads too, but I read this one had the most shimmer and sparkle (SOLD!) ha :) I order online through Neiman Marcus because my closest one didn't have it in stock.

Here is the swatch on my hand (olive skin tone)

Order of swatched colors as shown on palette: Top Left (Champagne Shimmer), Top Right (Golden Shimmer), Bottom Left (Satin Taupe), Bottom Right (Satin Brown Mink) 

*these are not the actual names, just my description*

Once you see the price, $75 -eek!, you may wonder why I was inclined to purchase this quad. First, there was my inspiration... don't judge... Kim Kardashian's eye look in her interview with Oprah. I usually don't buy into the whole Kardashian brand, but I really really love Oprah so I had to watch. I thought Kim's eye makeup was refreshingly natural, but pretty and slightly different, so I wanted to try it out.

Here is the best picture I could find, shows up a lot better in person/on camera. It's a nude, very shimmery eye look with black liner.

After searching online and not finding much regarding Kim's specific look, I researched shadows and this quad had rave reviews. It breaks down to a little more than $18 a color, 3 bucks more than MAC, and you get more product, .088 grams as compared to MAC's .05. Don't get me wrong, I still love MAC shadows, this was just my justification (a woman needs those from time to time... haha). 

These shadows are great quality. They are extremely pigmented, so you only have to use a small amount to get great color. The shimmer is perfect, not too chunky yet not too small, all the colors are very natural/versatile and easy to gradually build up for a more dramatic effect. The colors I use to recreate Kim's look are the Satin Taupe (define my crease) and then top with both the glitter shades on the lid, gradually fading the champagne glitter to the brow bone. Top off with black liner & mascara you have the look!

I highly recommend this palette. It's well worth the money and will last a long time. If I ever run out, I can definitely see myself repurchasing and trying other Tom Ford beauty products.

"Playing dress-up begins at age 5 and never truly ends" ~ Kate Spade

xx,

Jaime

Inspiration

I haven't written in a few days, mostly due to the fact that I have been extremely busy, so I am sorry. Today is no exception, but I did come across a quote that I love so much that I just had to share. Take it to heart, and think about it. Because everything it says is complete true. I hope you all had a fantastic Tuesday!

This is Your Life.
Do What You LOVE,
and Do It Often.
If you don't like something, Change it.
If you don't like your job, Quit.
If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop;
They will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you Love.
Stop Over Analyzing,
Life is Simple.
All Emotions are Beautiful.
When you eat, Appreciate Every. Last. Bite. (and HELP those who can't)
Open your Mind, Arms, and Heart to New Things and People,
We are United in our Differences.
Ask the Next Person you see what Their Passion is,
and Share your Inspiring Dream with Them.
Travel Often;
Getting Lost will Help you Find Yourself (very true.)
Some Opportunities only come Once, SEIZE them.
Life is About the People you meet and the things You Create With Them.
So Go Out and Start CREATING.
Life is Short.
LIVE Your DREAM,
and always, always ALWAYS... WEAR YOUR PASSION.

xx,
Jaime

Makeup Inspiration: Lilly Pulitzer

Since today is National Wear Your Lilly Day, and I recently received a liquid eyeliner pen in my MyGlam bag, I thought, what better way to start out the day than with a Lilly Inspired Makeup Look?

I saved a picture from a few months ago when they started to release their summer line, so this is what I went off of. By the way, how absolutely adorable are those earrings? I need them!

I like that it is a simple look paired with a fresh eye with a slightly vintage feel.

What you will need:

*Regular Foundation/Powder Routine

*Contouring Bronzer (not too dark)

*Nude Color Eye Shadow

*Black Liquid Eyeliner

*Black Waterproof Pencil Liner

*Black Mascara

*Pink Blush

*Pink Lipstick/Lip Gloss

Steps:

1~ Do your regular daily foundation/powder routine

2~ Contour the hollows of your cheeks with a light dusting of bronzer (Tip: Make a fish/kissy face and place bronzer there). Also, bring it up slightly to your temples and then down under your jawline. Basically, anywhere you would naturally have a shadow. This helps create a more flawless and thin face.

3~ Brush your nude color eye shadow all over your lid and brow bone. I used a cream formula with a hint of gold shimmer.

4~ Line your upper water line with the black waterproof pencil liner. Be sure not to use the liquid for this as it is bad for your eyes, especially if you wear contacts.

5~ Line the top of your lid with the black liquid eyeliner, making it as straight as possible. Start from the inside, where your lashes begin and stop where your lashes end. Then, make a tiny wing (cat eye) with your liner and fill in to the line.

6~ Coat your top lashes with a few coats of black mascara

7~ Dust pink blush on your cheeks

8~ Top off with Pink Lipstick or Gloss on your lips and you're Lilly-fied!

"Life is a Party, Dress like it" ~ Lilly Pulizter

Happy 1st day of Summer!

xx,

Jaime

How To: Sock Bun

I recently wanted to learn how to do a sock bun for two reasons. One being that it's a super cute & easy way to keep your hair up off your shoulders for summer... not to mention the beautiful curls once you take it down, and secondly because you can wear it a little more polished for work (and hide your pink tips! hehe).

Here's what you do! It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it... just takes a little practice. I've also heard it works for almost any hair length as long as you can put it in a ponytail. My hair is pretty long, as you can see here.

What you will need:

*Sock with tube/ankle portion

*Scissors

*Hair tie

*Bobby Pins

*Hair Spray

Steps:

1) Cut off the tube/ankle portion of the sock

It will look like this:

*Sorry I couldn't take pictures of these next steps, I didn't have anyone to take them and needed both hands, I hope my descriptions make sense!

2) Put your hair in a ponytail wherever you would like the bun to sit and secure with hair tie. I put mine kind of at the crown of my head, so you can see it when you look at me. You can also add a little volume on top by loosening the hair on the top of your head gently with a comb pick (I used a skewer because I don't have one of these - hah!)

3) Now, pull your ponytail upwards and slide the tube part of the sock (you cut off) over/around your ponytail. Start at the tip of your ponytail and roll your ends over the tube and tuck in the bottom. Continue to roll your hair down until you have rolled it all down and it looks like a bun/donut. It may get it a little messy, but that's okay, you can fix and tuck with bobby pins. If you have layers, like me, you may want to slightly hairspray or put pomade in your ponytail so your layers won't fall as easily.

4) Use bobby pins to secure any loose hairs and pin down your bun, if needed. My bun seemed like it would day without pins, but since I didn't want to worry about it, I added a few. If you are going for more of a casual look, you may want to loosen up the bun some and pull out hairs to frame your face. 

5) Lightly spray all over with hair spray and Voila! Perfect & Easy Sock Bun!

Left to Right: Front, Right Side, Left Side, Back

Notice you can't see hardly any pink :)

I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be more than happy to help you out. Also, if you need a sock and live near me, I can give you one as I had to buy 3 pairs to do this... haha. I got mine at Target for $5.

"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics."  ~ Albert Einstein

xx,

Jaime