The Perfect First Date Makeup

So the hard part is over: you've met someone you fancy. Who knows how, maybe it was fate, maybe it was tinder, but what you do know is tonight's the night you will have your first real date with this dreamiest of dreamies. You're completely ready, you went for a jog this morning you moisturized last night, your girlfriend is going to call you fifteen minutes in to make sure you have an out if you need one, a you've just spent the last three hours gliding through the aisles of Sephora picking out the perfect makeup that will make you feel confident, flawless, and like your very best self.

Let's begin with the eyes, because that's where you decided to splurge. You picked out Burberry’s Rose Pink No. 10 eyeshadow palette; the texture like butter and the color payoff is fantastic. You can create a soft smokey eye effortlessly because the colors blend so well. To finish off the eyes you create a fierce cat eye with Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner which is the darkest of all the black eyeliners and you top it off with her Immortal Lash Mascara for a look that will last well into the night. And for the most important element of your face, your brows! You have chosen wisely to try out the new Anastasia Brow Definer, and your brows have never been fleekier ! 

Now for a flawless face, you must start with a flawless base. Benefit’s newest product, the Porefessional Matte Rescue, this will keep your foundation perfect and shine free all night. But to balance the matte primer, we must choose a hydrating foundation, Hourglass Illusion hyaluronic skin tint buffed all over with a beauty blender sponge will lock in the moisture and keep you skin from cracking away like a dying Lord Voldemort. To highlight your cheekbones, you've chosen the holy grail of highlighters, Champagne Pop by Becca Cosmetics. 

For a little extra glamour, you put the highlighter on your temple, Cupid's bow, and the tip of your nose in addition to your cheekbones. You'll be a vision in every room you walk in. And for something that will last all night you dab on a little of Becca’s beach tint in “watermelon” on the apples of your cheeks to enhance your natural flush, as if you've got a joke on the tip of your tongue all night long. 

As a final touch, you paint your lips with Becca’s Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Soufflé in watermelon to match your blushing cheeks, to give you the perfect kissable pout.

Gifts that Pair Perfectly with your Zodiac Sign

Astrology has been around for hundreds of years, it is commonly thought of as a search for human meaning in the sky. It has had its hands in everything from historical events to attempts at divine communications. It's truly a special contribution to society and has gained a more mainstream popularity due to horoscopes being readily available at the click of a button. Here's my favorite astrology button click http://astrostyle.com/daily-horoscopes/

If you haven't yet been introduced to the wide world of astrology, you're sincerely missing out. Everything will come together when you know why your best friend born in November is so feisty, and how your boyfriend born in July can sometimes get a little introverted. Or even why your other, most awesome friend born in October is so damn charming. 

This gift guide will both treat you to a little secret knowledge about each of your friends as well as provide a secure gift giving tool if you're having trouble finding a gift mystical enough for that extra special magical creature in your life. 

Capricorn: 

As the mountain goat, Capricorns are always aiming to reach the top of their mountain, especially in regards to their career. They're big readers so any book on their chosen path will be adored. Also any related piece of technology that would help with their career will be loved. An Applewatch would be all your Capricorn friend can talk about this holiday season, or if you haven’t the funds, a great blazer or pair of shoes that can make them ooze confidence at work would be perfect.

Aquarius:

Aquarius is the proud weirdo of the zodiac. They're different and want everyone to know about it ! They often dress in a way that calls to mind a different time, and are attracted to an era long past - for your Aquarius friend, a unique vintage garment or piece of jewelry, or even a strange vintage trinket for their home would make their day. Try this fancy cape from Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal

Pisces:

Pisces are your friendly, sensitive friends, and while they are often a bit flighty and absent-minded, this is a friend that won't use the planner or watch you get them to help them stay more organized - even if it would really help them. They'd be more interested in an experience. Take this friend to a concert, out to dinner, or for a facial and they'll feel so valued and appreciated.

Aries:

Aries is ruled by Mars, the god of war. These smart and strategic friends are always full steam ahead about something, and it's usually not related to work. For them, a job is what allows them to pursue what they really want to do. Get them a gift related to whatever that is for them. Maybe it's yoga, and you can get them a meditation shawl, or music, and you can get them tickets to see one of their fav artists, or photography, and you can get them an attachable lens for their iPhone. Pay attention to what they spend all their leisure time doing, and hone in on that.

Taurus:

Taurus are hard workers, but they're here to create beauty in the world, so indulge that side of them to make them the happiest. Even the cheapest things look expensive on your Taurus friend. This graceful bull goddess would love some lipstick from the newest, hottest line, or a piece of fancy looking jewelry - even if it's super inexpensive. Everything has to be just right for the Taurus woman, so unless you know their sizing and how they like things to fit to a T, stay away from picking out clothes for them. This vintage inspired lipstick by Besame Cosmetics comes in its very own velvet pouch!

Gemini:

Gemini are super energetic, quick-witted, and fast moving. They're usually creative - singers, musicians, artists - give them gifts they can use in their creative endeavors. Paint or makeup brushes could be a great idea. Because they're so creative and full of ideas, this is one sign in which a gift card to Amazon or Sephora would actually be a thoughtful and appreciated gift - they're probably 10 steps ahead of you and already know exactly what you want, and a gift card can be what allows them to get it.

Cancer: 

A Cancer is the most sensitive, sentimental, introverted sign of the zodiac. This person most appreciates a gift from the heart. A scarf you knitted or a painting you made, or even a piece of jewelry you made will be something they treasure forever. Even a gift you buy that reminds you of them/an experience you shared together will be a hit. The birthstones for a Cancer are Ruby and Moonstone, so perhaps if you’re not the most talented gift maker, you could also tie a bit of your knowledge of them into the gift.  This moonstone necklace from the Robin Woodard Etsy shop is everything 

Leo:

Your Leo friend loves to be the center of attention, and as a result their fashion choices are always interesting. Don't be afraid to get a purse, article of clothing or piece of jewelry that would be too "loud" for most people for your Leo friend. Even an eyeshadow palette with wild and vibrant colors would be well-loved by your Leo friend. The “Burning Heart Palette” by Sugarpill Cosmetics should do the trick

Virgo:

Out of the whole zodiac, Virgos are most impressed by success and status symbols. Since most of us can't afford to buy our Virgo friends a Cartier love bracelet, get them something they can luxuriate in: take them out to a nice dinner, get them a massage or a facial, or even get them some nice bath bombs or bubble bath so they can have their own spa day at home. Pop! From Lush Cosmetics will turn their tides!

Libra:

Libra are the the social butterflies of the zodiac. They pay a lot of attention to how they are received by others, so they especially appreciate gifts they can show the world and have a great story about. Unique jewelry or an article of clothing in their style is always a hit, and they'll love to tell people the story of you giving it to them when they receive compliments on it. When they're not out being social butterflies, they're probably cuddled up at home - gifts like fuzzy blankets and warm slippers or PJs will also be well-loved by your Libra friend.  These are the cat’s pajamas

Scorpio:

Scorpios are the dark, mysterious, occult-lovers of the zodiac. Anything magical or mystical would be well-loved by your scorpio friend - books about witches, astrology, mythology, etc., crystal jewelry or crystals in general, things in that realm will appeal to your Scorpio friend. Llewellyn's 2016 Witches' Datebook will keep your Scorpio friend on track with her spells for the whole year ! 

Sagittarius: Sagittarius is the biggest free spirit of the zodiac. For them, life is a buffet and they want to sample everything. Work is just a means to pursue their passions, so don't get them anything too work related or serious. They're passionate about travel, or whatever it is they use to expand themselves - maybe playing an instrument, painting, etc. They love consuming information, so books about exotic places they could potentially visit one day will appeal to your Sagittarius friend, or unique items from other parts of the world they can use to decorate their homes will always be well loved. Pay attention to what they dream of, and feed that. Perhaps a pair of sunglasses to go with a book on travel as they plan their trip to Italy?

Skincare Routine, featuring Sunday Riley Luna oil

 Which As the world knows, I love skin care. Sometimes I dare to say I love it more than makeup. It's often hard for me to choose. Putting all the lotions and potions of my face at night feels both glamorous and feminine; things I like to try to portray myself as at all times. I have dabbled and touched and smelled probably every product on the market for every different type of skincare and have wittled my routine down to just the essentials... 

Step one, cleanse: lately I've been in love with cleansing balms. Currently I've been using Emma Hardie amazing face moringa cleansing balm, but I'm also partial to Clinque's take the day off. 

Step two, exfoliate: as I've mentioned before I'm a lover of Dr. Gross and praise for this brand as my skin savior. Naturally I've been using their Alpha Beta Peel  which I've fallen in love with as well. 

Step three, treat: after that,  I use my trusty  Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution and then to keep my pores from getting clogged I throw on some 

overnight clearing gel by Dermalogica

Last step: after all that, lather myself with the magical blue oil that is Luna Sleeping Night Oil by Sunday Riley. Now this product is really something special. It is one of the only products I have put on my face and noticed a difference in my skin the next morning. It really gives you a flow from the inside out, evens out my skin tone and even seems to tighten my face up and minimize the appearance of my pores. It's well worth the price tag. And it is also made with a bit of a different type of retinol that is more gentle on the skin than others. I will be buying this product forever and then telling my future grandchildren about it when they ask for bedtime stories. 

And that is what has been keeping my skin in check ! 

Sephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color

So a while back I was obsessed with cream lipstains. To the point where I had a week of lipstain reviews. At this point in my life, I just want to rub my lips together, and as such I feel that my lipstain days are in the past. That being said the Jeffree Starr cream lipstains are now the best I've come across. So to my surprise, Sephora launched this lustre lip creams and they turned out to be everything I want in a lip: long wearing, brilliant color payoff, comfortable. And most importantly I could rub my lips together. I started with the color "fig" and have since bought two more. I am in love! 

Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution

Once upon a time (two years ago) I developed adult cystic acne. It was awful and rude and I cried every night and didn't know what to do besides pile on the foundations(yes, plural.) When it finally started to get better, I was left with awful acne scars around my chin and overall t-zone area. I spent weeks searching Google trying to find a product that would get rid of my scars and help keep the acne away. I finally came across my miracle product: Dr. Gross's Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution. This magical product comes in a tincture-like tube and you place a few droplets onto the included pads and rub the solution onto your face. After three days of using it my skin had already improved immensely. Before I was embarrassed to be seen with my pink polka dotted scarred skin, and after two weeks I felt okay to go outside without a mask or foundation on. It has saved me. I still use it to this day, and anytime anyone has a problem with scars, I immediately recommend this product. Viva la Dr. Gross ! 

The Internet is for Buying (all the) Things!

So I've developed a bit of an addiction to internet shopping, and I'm comfortable with that. My Gypsy Warrior obsession started with a collaboration between them and one of my favorite artists that I follow on Instagram, Deerjerk. She makes the most incredible wood carvings that I have ever seen. Not that I've seen lots of art in this medium, but that's what makes her work that much more brilliant. So after I scooped up a "potions" crop top and a "kiss of doom" muscle tee during one of gypsy warriors sales, I thought.. What else?

Other websites to check out would be Nastygal, Modcloth, Black Salt, Tobi, Gilt, Blackmilk, Wheels and Dollbaby, and if we added makeup to this list it would be never ending! But the aforementioned are one of the following: special, not found in America, awesomely fast shippers. 

TheBalm Review

Top to bottom, flash and then no flash: Cindy-Lou, Mary-Lou, and Toile.

I recently scored some sweet deals for TheBalm because Nordstrom Rack's online app thing had a flash sale, and they finally all came to me on Tuesday. I'm not sure why, but they shipped my three purchases separately? And so I got the Cindy-Lou Manizer first, and then yesterday swooped the Mary-Lou Manizer and the ever beautiful Instain blush in "toile." 

here ! 

I'm absolutely mad about this blush color, I purchased it because I had a dream about strawberries, and when I woke up to a text from my darling fellow blogtress and makeup artist extroadanaire Amanda Storey saying to check out the sale, the description of the color was "strawberry," and so obviously I had to have it. 

Cindy-Lou looks a lil weird on me, as I'm so damn pale, she is a rich pinky gold, similar to Benefit's Rockateur. And I think that generally looks better on people who have a bit of color. 

Mary-Lou on the other hand is perfect. A yellow-gold highlight that is just soft enough to make you feel all delicious and warm inside. It is as if you are just so damn brilliant that you are glowing from the inside out.

All three have a very creamy kinda texture, so no chalky weirdness. 

I will definitely be needing more blushes soon ! 

I have Mary Lou and toile on here !