{Factory Girl}

Today, I am loving...

Andy Warhol

by Nars

Pop Factor. Colorful. Fashion Statement. Vibrant.

As soon as I spotted this collection I knew I had to share it with all of you fab readers (unless you already know about it, in which case let's just pretend you are as giddy with joy as I am!!). Nars has a pop-art inspired collection currently selling in Sephora and a factory-inspired collection that will hit stores November 1st!

What kind of Warhol girl are you?

Pop Art or Factory?

I am and always will be a huge Andy Warhol fan. His work first inspired me back in the early days of college and even in the early days of this blog. If you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh, do yourself a favor and go visit his museum! 

[snapshots from my visit back in 2008]

"People need to be made more aware of the need to work at learning how to live because life is so quick and sometimes it goes away too quickly."

-Andy Warhol

Images via Sephora and Chateau de Victoria

{Put Your High Beams On}

Today, I am loving...

High Beam Highlighter

by Benefit

I've been wanting to use something different on my cheeks other than a bronzer or blush during the daytime, so after reading a few blog reviews on this highlighter, I went ahead and picked it up at the mall. I'm not one who wants to dish out a lot of green on a product I don't already know works wonders (read those reviews, people!) so I'm glad to have had an in. I love it!

If you want to add a subtle glow with a pinch of color to your day look, I think this a great choice. Now, I don't know how versatile this product is on all skin types (I naturally have pink undertones so this highlighter compliments my skin) but I would recommend testing it out at Sephora! It's also great along the brow bone!

I'm starting to become a big fan of this company!

Images via Google

{Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...and Maybe Some Boys Too}

Today, I am loving...

Gifted Goodies

Now that Christmas is over, it appears my room has turned into a mini Sephora...but I'm still waiting for my makeup artist to show up. You know, that fabulously manicured individual whose bright makeup causes you to jump back at first sight until you realize no! this isn't the circus, this is just how much fun you can have with cosmetics! Well, it appears my fabulously flamboyant artist is a no-show. However, I am enjoying some my new gifts. Perhaps I can even open up my own nail salon now that I have filled an entire rack with nail polishes. I think my wallet might come to life and yell at me for my recent nail obsession. Does it matter that I get them on sale? No? Oh well...here are some products I recommend trying out:

Urban Decay Naked Eye Palette

I mostly stick to neutrals, so this palette rocks with a wide variety of colors to choose from! I really like the eyelid primer that came with it also; my eye makeup doesn't smudge one bit!

MAC Fix+

A light spritz of this rose water before you walk out the door both hydrates your skin & keeps your makeup fresh.

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo

Amazing colors. Absolutely love.

Benefit Pore Minimizer

It really does minimize the appearance of pores. Great for the nose & chin!

OPI "Touring America"

Did I mention I have an obsession? My friend's a cosmetologist. Discounts, my friend.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I'm not the biggest fan of primers, but I've been pleasantly pleased...goes on smooth and does a relatively good job at providing a smooth canvas.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner

This won't be leaving my side for a long while...wonderful moisturizer. And that is coming from someone who suffers from chronic chapped lips.

Borghese Fango Active Mud

This mud mask is fabulous. FABULOUS.

Only 10 minutes for the smoothest skin. Try it.

MAC Eye Pencils

I've recently begun to wear a little eyeliner...and I really like playing with hues of blue. MAC has a wide variety of colors and they last forever.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser

I had this cleanser in travel size over the summer and was quite pleased with how well it treated my skin, even in the worst conditions. It's hard to pick a cleanser that suits you, but this one is gentle and doesn't dry you out. I'm saving it for the summer months!

“I don't believe makeup and the right hairstyle alone can make a woman beautiful. The most radiant woman in the room is the one full of life and experience.” -Sharon Stone

Images via Google

{Birchbox}

Do you often wish you could take a handful of samples home with you from Sephora? Want to test run the latest beauty tools, cosmetics, hair & skin products before dishing out a lot of green for the full-sized item? Well, I've got a gem to share with you ladies today! After running across several blogs raving about their Birchbox goodies, I needed to check it out for myself...

Thanks to two Harvard Business School girly girls, we have an online company that sends you a pretty packaged box with 4-5 samples (often including one full-sized sample) of makeup, hair, skin & body products once a month for a flat rate of $10! It is a genius idea, not only because it is inexpensive, but because it allows you to test out several different brands to discover what really works for you & what is worth splurging on!

{Sample Box}

When you sign up, you fill out a personality questionnaire to help the girls pick out products that fit your style! You can change your answers at any time, just in case you want to receive a different range of samples. You can receive up to 10 loyalty points by filling out a feedback survey on the products you have tried out; for every 100 points you earn, you will be given a $10 reward to put towards purchasing a full-sized item you love! Not sold yet? Check out what I got in my first (June) shipment:

Archipelago Pomegranate Soap

Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten

Deborah Lippmann Lavender Nail Remover

Sircuit Skin Molecular Mist

Kate Spade Twirl Perfume

Obviously, I got my money's worth...my second item was definitely full-sized! What I like about Birchbox is the fact that I will always have great travel-sized items to take with me when I'm on-the-go (which is pretty often). This box seems perfect for a weekend beach getaway...which makes sense, considering each month has an overall theme. If you love an item, buy it through the website (you will receive free shipping for a limited time) and you will earn a loyalty point for every dollar you spend! Not satisfied? Cancel your subscription at any time free of charge. Try it out!

Thanks Hayley Barna & Katia Beauchamp!

Who doesn't love coming home to a box full of surprises once a month?!

Do you receive Birchbox goodies? Let me know what you think!

Images via Google

{Flighty and Fabulous}

I love color. I love that which is vibrant. And I really love having fun with my makeup once in awhile. So when I was at the mall the other day picking up this adorable handbag I've been eyeing at a sale price I couldn't refuse, I happened to wander over to the MAC counter with my spare change. Hello color mascara!

MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Blue Charge, Green is Green, High Esteem and Plum Reserve

I was a bit skeptical at first, but couldn't take my eyes off of the green; commence makeover by wonderful MAC rep. A little bit of orangey/brown eyeshadow and green mascara later, I was sold...but not enough to walk away with the product in hand. I was told this was a limited time offer, but didn't have that "you better buy it now or else" feeling.

Until the next day...

I made my girl's night start a smidgen earlier by stopping back to make the purchase and was told that all of the stores were now sold out of the mascara's. DISSmissed. However, I'm a determined lady...and all options were going to be tried. Now commence the wonders of online shopping on my iPhone + coupon gouging = two colored mascara's with free overnight shipping at the same total as if I was in the store (all under 10 minutes time). Bring 'em on!

MAC Flighty Collection

I'm all about the pop factor, and I think this collection offers several fun colors for your summer palette without making you look like a drag queen. I have yet to try on the blue, but I'm hoping it turns out as nicely as the green! I'm not quite sure what "overnight shipping" means to MAC because it has now been two days since my purchase and I haven't even received my shipping confirmation, but I'm not fretting too much because it was free. If I've been scammed, you'll be the first to know (along with the unfortunate soul who receives my phone call). No worries though, because Sephora also has a selection of color mascara's as well!

BADgal Plum Mascara

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir

It's always good to have something to look forward to on a Monday!

{cliMACtic}

When I think of Christmas, a lot of things come to mind: white lights, gingerbread houses, caroling, the smell of fresh pine...and MAC cosmetics. Before you judge, let me explain. It is this time of year that my mother raids the MAC counter for their holiday collection...and I am one happy lady on Christmas day. Every winter season the company comes out with a newly inspired collection...and just when you thought plaid was only fit for private school uniforms, think again. This year's theme is "A Tartan Tale" (or in my opinion, Hogwarts meets Viva La Glam) where colors and patterns collide for a seductive but still dignified look. If you're having trouble with your holiday wish list (highly doubtful) then check out these great gift sets...let your feminine prissy side run wild picking out quality products that will last until next Christmas (or beyond).

A Lady & Her Tricks Buff & Line Brush Collection

Vain And Glorious Lip Bag

5 Naughty Little Vices Nail Lacquer