MAC Counter Mini-Spree!

The other day, I went meandering through Macy's and somehow ended up where I always do... the MAC counter. I usually don't buy department store makeup frequently, and when I do, it's usually just an eyeshadow or a lipgloss. However, this time I became jaded by the fact that I have a job now so I decided to go on a mini-spree. Now, this was my first and will be my last MAC spree. My bank account will thank me later.

Anyway, despite me going broke on this addicting habit, I decided to share my spree with you. This is called a "haul" across the online makeup community. People make YouTube videos dedicated to showing the world their latest makeup purchases, often from the latest collections. My "haul" isn't on any limited edition collections, but on some tried-and-true staples that every girl needs.

I got 2 eyeshadows in Sumptuous Olive and Woodwinked. Both have Veluxe Pearl finishes, which are soft and luxurious (very similar to the texture of NARS eyeshadows). Also, I decided to give Mineralize a try with a blush in Love Joy. Finally, to top of my makeup ensemble, I got Plushglass (my first one) in Big Kiss. Everything I got looks great in combination, so I'm very happy with my purchase. The colors are classic and wearable (I don't splurge on bright colors, only bronzes, coppers, golds, browns and other natural tones).

I swatched everything so you can see how they look. I applied the shadows and blush onto Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Left to Right: Mineralize Blush in Love Joy, Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadows in Woodwinked and Sumptuous Olive

I am wearing Plushglass in Big Kiss. This is said to have a plumping effect and it definitely works! My lips look bigger than normal here.

Well.. now I can say I did a haul post!

Regardless, I will have a look with these new colors posted soon!

[Product Junkie]: Neon-Bright Nails

'Tis the season to wear bold, bright colors! All of the new summer nail polish collections from OPI, Essie, Chanel and more feature the latest trend - neon brights. Rihanna was the first celebrity to start wearing daring nail colors such as bright orange, green, blue, yellow and fuchsia. However, now the entire world is catching on.

The other day, I was browsing through my new favorite haunt - Ulta - and I stopped at the nail polish section. I needed sunglasses, those polishes were so bright! I love bright colors, but I just can't see myself with bright yellow nails...

I was, however, drawn to fuchsia and the other hot pink shades. Fuchsia nail polish looks great on all skin tones, and will still give you the look that's hot this summer.

These are some of my favorite shades of pink/fuchsia that I saw and tried on in the store. From left to right, they are: Essie, "Bachelorette Bash"; Essie, "Short Shorts"; OPI, "Dutch Tulips"; OPI, "La Paz-itively Hot"; OPI, "Fuschia Fever"; OPI, "I'm Indi-a Mood for Love"; and Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in "Cherry Nice."

TIP: When you wear bright nail polish, make sure to wear a base coat and a topcoat to keep your manicure looking fresh. There is nothing worse than neon nail polish that's chipped up! There is definitely no hiding that...

What are your favorite nail polish shades?

[Product Junkie]: Coral Craze

Coral has been one of my favorite colors forever and I'm so elated to see that it is one of the hottest beauty trends for the summer. Coral was dubbed "Every woman's prettiest lip color" in the July issue of Glamour Magazine. I can assure you that it is. There are several different shades and textures out on the market - from glossy to matte. Wear it for a fun daytime look or a sassy night-on-the-town. No matter what, this shade will set you apart from the crowd.


Celebrities wearing the look:

Rihanna

Rachel Bilson

Here are some coral-toned beauty products that have the Truly Beautiful stamp of approval:

L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish in 'Salmon Sarong', $4.99, is a beautiful orange-y coral shade that is great for the summer. It is universally flattering on any skin tone. At $4.99, you can afford to take a risk on such a bright color!

MAC Lipstick (Amplified Creme) in 'Vegas Volt', $14, is described on maccosmetics.com as "full power coral." It definitely is! It is a high-charged shot of semi-matte coral pink for the lips. It goes on smoothly, and can be applied lightly for daytime or more intensely for a night-time look. It should be worn with very simple eye-makeup because the color is bright. This is not for the faint at heart or for shrinking daisies.

MAC Lipgelee in 'Glosspitality', $14, is one of my favorite lip glosses! This is my #1 pick for a summer lip gloss. MAC has Lipgelee available in several shades, so there is a one for everyone's taste. This color, a lovely peachy-coral, is a nice way to ease into the bright lip trend.

Other recommendations:

MAC Tinted Lipglass in Lychee Luxe is a "bright pinky-coral with golden shimmer"

MAC Lipstick in Ramblin' Rose (Frost) is a "floralesque, pinky-coral rose"