Wacky Wednesday Haul!

Happy Hump Day!!! As a reward for making it half way through the week, I decided to do a little shopping today =) Items purchased from Forever21, Cosmetic Company Outlet, and Mac. 

My Favorites:

1. Forever21 Necklace

2. Forever21 Peacock Earrings 

3. CCO Smashbox FAQ's set

4. CCO Mac pigment in "Rose"

Simple Day Time Eyes

So I had a little time before work this morning, and decided to try out some of the products that I purchased on my Sunday Funday cosmetic binge. Because I work in the office, I wanted to go for a simple look with just a little bit of dazzle. 

First things first, I started out with Urban Decay Primer Potion, which is an essential part of my daily routine. Then I began applying the shadow. I used the lightest color (top left) to highlight my brow bone and the inner corners of my eyes. Next I swept the medium color- which is a very nice golden brown- (bottom), across my lids, and followed with the black on the outer corners of my eyes. Because these shadows are so pigmented, I had to use a very light hand while applying. Needless to say, I absolutely love these shadows (as I do with all of the Lorac shadows that I have tried), and I can't wait to play around with a night time look!

After the shadows and liner (I use wet shadow as a liner), I decided to try out my new Elf lashes. I've heard good reviews about these, so I picked them up at Target to see what they were all about. They were too long for my eyes so I had to cut them down, and they didn't have any shape once taken out of the package, so I did have to play around with them a little bit. Once they were on, I was satisfied with the look, but I just couldn't get over how uncomfortable they were. Normally I wear Darkness lashes, and they're so comfortable that I always forget that I'm wearing them, but these... I knew that I had them on every second of the day. By the end of the day, I was counting down the minutes until I was able to get home and take them off. I'm pretty sure that it's just because of my eye shape, but needless to say, I won't be wearing these again. Darkness will continue to be my go-to brand for lashes =)

DIY Gel Manicure

I'm super excited to share this review! Today I made a trip to Ulta and Sally Beauty Supply to purchase my first at home gel polish kit. I initially wanted to try Red Carpet Manicure's whole line, but some of the products at Ulta were out of stock. With me being the impatient person that i am, i didn't want to wait for them to get a shipment or order online, so i purchased the RCM LED light ($49) and then made a trip to Sally's to check out the Harmony Gelish line. The starter kit was more expensive ($44 with beauty card), but i was able to get it today, so i bought it, along with one color, and was on my way. 

I was already wearing OPI Axxium Gel from my last salon trip, so i used 100% acetone and soaked it off with the tin foil method. Next, i filed, buffed, and cleaned up my cuticles... and then i was ready to go! 

First I started off with the "nail surface cleanse" and a paper towel. It's just a quick rub on each nail to make sure it's clean before you begin applying products. Then i applied the "pH Bond" followed by a layer of the "foundation". I placed my fingers into the LED light for about 15 seconds and then applied the color (rendezvous). One coat and then about 30 seconds in the LED light and repeat. As explained in the instructions, my nails were still tacky, but they said it was normal so i continued. I put on a coat of "Top it off" and placed back into the light for another 30 seconds. Now that the polish process was done, i repeated with the "Nail Surface Cleanse" and finished with the "Nourish" cuticle oil around my nails. 

I'm so pleased with the results! The total price of the system is what i would pay for about 2 trips to the salon, so after one more application, it would have paid for itself. The starter kit came with step by step instructions that were super easy to follow. This was such a quick process, and i'm sure i will get even faster the more i use it. As far as durability and how long lasting the polish actually is, i'm not sure, so i'll have to post an update later =) I can't wait to buy more colors and start experimenting, but for now, i'm super happy with the outcome! Hope you guys enjoy!

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Pigments

Last night I made a trip to Ulta and decided to try out some of the NYX Ultra Pearl Mania pigments. I thought that i would only start out with 10, this way i could see if i liked them before i would go and purchase the whole collection. 

Here's my first 10: 

(top row left to right)

LP24- Penny Pearl

LP19- Mink Pearl

LP11- Baby Pink Pearl

LP05- Charcoal

LP20- Mocha Pearl

(bottom row left to right)

LP27- Very Pink Pearl

LP23- Walnut Pearl

LP14- Turquoise Pearl

LP02- Pearl

LP29- True Purple Pearl

I haven't had a chance to thoroughly try them out yet, so as soon as i do, i will post up a review along with swatches. I did open them up and check out the consistency and actual colors. They're very finely milled and the colors are pretty on point. So far so good!