"One for You...and One for Me"

While out holiday shopping this weekend for my family, I couldn't resist picking up a few small goodies for myself too.  I kept all of my own purchases on the festive side, as I plan to wear them specifically on days I will be celebrating the holidays with family.  

 Fun bow hoop earrings from Betsey Johnson.  Retails for $45, but with sale plus coupon at Lord & Taylor, I was able to snag these for around $25.

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings 

 Another view:

Betsey Johnson Bow Hoop Earrings

Had to have this nail polish!  Will absolutely wear on Christmas Day and possibly for New Year's Eve too!  Fun, glittery red.  Purchased at Lord & Taylor for $18.

Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slipper

I love hair accessories almost as much as I love jewelry accessories.  What could be more fun than a pack of sparkly headbands from Forever 21 for only $3.50?

  Forever 21 Sparkly Headbands

And, finally, while not exactly "festive"; I purchased the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla for $35.  I will be doing a proper review of this foundation shortly.  In brief, I love it- nice coverage, perfect color match, and did not make me oily.  

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Rich Vanilla

Hope you are enjoying your holiday shopping as much as I am! 

Found: Drugstore Makeup Treasures

Much to both my husband's and my wallet's chagrin, I am usually a high-end makeup snob.  Mind you, that is not simply because I prefer to spend a profusion of money on makeup.  It is merely a necessity, as time and again, I have been disheartened by the quality of drugstore makeup.  

The good news is, due to my determination (okay, and maybe lack of willpower), I have discovered some drugstore gems worth mentioning. 

1.  Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat:

Absolutely extends the life of a mani or pedi.  This top coat dries quickly and leaves a super glossy shine too.   I found this at my local Harmon beauty supply.

2.  NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss (Beige):
To be honest, I am pretty enamored with the NYX line in general.  Great pigmentation and color selection all around, plus the prices can't be beat!  I have found a few duds in the line (hello NYX jumbo pencil in black bean-total mess), but in general I have been pleased with my purchases.  I purchase most of my NYX cosmetics at Harmon.  As far as this lip gloss goes, it is a pretty shade of natural pink (despite the name) that goes with everything!

3.  NYX Sheer Gloss (Vintage):

Very pretty milky pink with a sheer
shimmer.  The smell to me is more tolerable than the other NYX glosses.  This one reminds me of grapes (whereas the Mega Shine glosses smell like cherry medicine).  Love this gloss paired on top of nude lipsticks- including NYX Pumpkin Pie and MAC Peachstock.

4.  NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss (Smokey Look):
As I have previously reviewed this (read here) I will keep this short- great peachy nude.

5.  NXY Lip Gloss Pallet (Pinky Promise):
Generous sized pallet in 5 variations of pink.  The pallet comes with a small lip brush.  I like to mix and match different shades to find the perfect look.  I believe I paid under $5 for this little gem- great value in my opinion.

6.  NYX Round Lipstick (Pumpkin Pie):

My latest favorite nude.  This shade glides on creamy and provides a peachy pink nude color to the lips.  When paired with a good nude liner, this lipstick is fairly long lasting.  I adore this one with NYX Smokey Look or MAC Creamsheen in BoyBait over it.

Wearing NYX Pumpkin PIe

7.  Maybelline The Falsies:
As previously mentioned in my last mascara post (here), I love to marry this with YSL Singulier mascara.  I adore the c-shaped soft wand on this one.  The formula is a bit wet and really lengthens my lashes, but I won't wear it alone (does not give any volume).  Again, paired with a volumizing mascara, this can really take your lashes to the dramatic look you desire.  I purchased this in CVS for under $8.

8.  Milani Baked Bronzer (Golden 06):

I couldn't be more thrilled with this purchase.  Milani has three shades of baked bronzers ranging from light to dark and I purchased the deepest shade.  The product is a beautiful marriage of bronzer and highlight (see the gold flecks in the image below).  The swirly marble design in very reminiscent of MAC's MSFs (at a much cheaper price tag).  The color payoff is good and the shimmery highlight is gorgeous.  The compact has a dual opening that houses a brush in the bottom compartment (okay to reapply on the go).  What I don't love about this- the abhorrent packing- it is cheap and mine came with a cracked plastic case.  The company uses a cheap piece of tape to hold the product together that leaves a glue residue.  Having said that, the pros out-way the cons on this one.  I purchased mine at CVS with a sale, buy one get one 50% off.

The greatest part to all of these little treasures is that each one one under $10 (some under $5).  What are some of your favorite drugstore buys?

Fast Forward to Fall: Black is Back Baby!!

OPI Black Onyx and Charlotte Russe Shoes

 There is something so magical about the Fall- it's my favorite season by far.  I can't get enough of the smells, the cool crisp air, wearing tights and tall black boots, and by far my favorite.........putting jet black nail-polish on my toes!  Ahhh, dark, vampy toes are so sensual and mysterious.

While it was a beautiful and warm day today in NYC, I couldn't resist the urge to paint my toes black- it is September after all!.  Gone is my bright pink pedi; OPI's Black Onyx now adorns my toes and will take is rightful home for fall. 

I've loved a dark pedi since Chanel's Vamp hit the scene.  I like all variations of black- black with purple undertones, black with glitter, black with a navy twist, etc- all so seductive if you ask me!!

What are some of your favorite fall beauty rituals??