NOTD: Wet N Wild's Grays Anatomy

I was recently perusing a blog I follow named Loodie Loodie Loodie and came across the most gorgeous nail polish color.  Never before have I seen a polish quite like the one she blogged about.  In the light it seemed purple and then POOF the light would hit it differently and it'd look almost green.  After seeing this awesome chameleon polish, I knew it had to be mine.

I was in the states on Wednesday evening picking up a package and decided to pop in Rite-Aid.  While browsing through the cosmetics aisles, I stumbled on a Wet N Wild polish color that reminded me of the polish from Loodie's blog.  Soooo I bought it of course.  This is, though, where the similarities end...

As much as I love the color, it's not as color changing as the polish from Loodie's blog.  Also, I do think it's quite funny that they named the polish Gray's Anatomy when the color looks more purple-ish (to me).  I do, though, love how quickly the polish dries and how thick the brush is.  A thicker brush makes for very even nail coverage.

For a polish that cost only $2 I do have to say that it's worth it.  I would, though, really love to find the chameleon polish from that other blog.  I guess I'll have to keep searching....

PS - I have asked this many times before BUT I need your help.  Can someone recommend a fabulous top coat?  One that doesn't cause your nails to chip after only a day???

NOTD: Sally Hansen's Anenome of Mine AND Wet N Wild's Night Prowl

Left to right: Wet N Wild Night Prowl and Sally Hansen Anenome of Mine

According to Wikipedia, my new favorite color is byzantium.  Who knew, right?  Forget that December is usually filled with red, green and silver tones...nope, not for me.  I've decided that this month purple is my go-to color.

While on my lunch break yesterday, I (as usual) barreled down the three flights of stairs from my office to the Shopper Drug Mart below and wandered around the nail polish section looking for the perfect color purple.  And, BEHOLD, I found it.  (See, a coworker of mine was wearing a color very similar this past week and I've been on a mission to find it ever since.)  Isn't it pretty?

I chose to pair Anenome of Mine with Night Prowl because I don't usually wear glitter polishes AND they look gorgeous together.  These two colors, combined, are definitely going to be a heavily-used combination going forward.

What do you think ladies?  Have you worn either of these colors before?  Or even together?

WNW's New Colors and Mini Haul

So, Allan and I took an impromptu trek across the border last night to pick up something oh-so very special.  (I'll share with you later...)  After we'd picked up a couple packages, we headed to Rite-Aid.  (I should begin by saying that I rent a mailbox in Blaine, WA which is a super small border town, thus making Rite-Aid the most exciting store there.....ha).

I actually like Rite-Aid quite a bit since they always have great deals on cosmetics.  And, it was the same today.  Deals galore!!

So, I got (from left to right) Freeman Facial Enzyme Pineapple Mask, Conair Thermal Ionic Self-Grip Rollers, L'oreal Paris Excellence Creme Hair Color in 5RB (my absolute favorite), WNW Color Icon Trio in I'm Feeling Retro, WNW Color Icon Trio in We're Blasting Off, WNW Color Icon Trio in Fly Me To The Moon and WMW Speed Gloss Lip Shine in Untamed.  (All the Wet N Wild items are from their new color line!!)

Aren't these colors gorgeous?  Even though the pretty bright blue eyeshadow broke on the way home, I'm still super stoked to wear it.

Swatches of I'm Feeling Retro - (from left to right) eyelid color, crease and eyebrow.

Swatches of We're Blasting Off - (from left to right) eyelid color, crease and eyebrow.

Swatches of Fly Me To The Moon - (from left to right) eyelid color, crease and eyebrow

And, drum roll please, the most exciting reason for us going to the states was to pick up our Save-The Date Cards.  Check them out...

Sigh, they are absolutely perfect.  I thought they were adorable when we saw them on-line BUT after seeing them in person I realize how awesome they really are.

Have any of you tried any of the new WNW colors?  What are your thoughts?

XO

FOTD: Office Appropriate

I was really nervous about doing my first FOTD post. I've honestly been humming and hawing about a post like this for such a long time, and then, as I was getting ready for work today, I randomly snapped some pictures (and think they actually look pretty good, if I say so myself.)

Hi everybody!! You finally get to see a pic of me while wearing my leopard-print robe....aren't you all lucky???

My typical office makeup look includes: FACE: Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation Youngblood Ultimate Concealer Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick (green) CHEEKS: Clinique Precious Posy Blush Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator Powder (Discontinued...sigh) LIPS: Avon Tri-Lip Gloss in Onyx Luster EYES: Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Biscotti Wet N Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in Nutty (one of the easiest bronze colors to wear) Onyx from Smashbox's Cream Eye Liner Palette

Lancome Definicils HIgh Definition Black Mascara

Because of what I do, I need to look professional and put together at all times and I feel this look does exactly that. Not only do I look polished but this look takes me all of 13 minutes to accomplish. It doesn't get better than that! Have any of you used any of these products before? What are your thoughts? XO

Lovin' the Bronze

I am completely mad for bronze eyeshadow.

Seriously, every store I go to I instantly beeline for the shadows and grab anything bronze. I think I'm into bronze for a few different reasons: First, I love the smoky eye look but had to find a different color other than black SINCE you can't wear dark colors to the office and still look professional. (It's really not appropriate.) Second, you can wear all your beautiful pink glosses and lipsticks with bronze lids. Last but not least, you don't look too overdone. (For some reason, Allan LOVES it when I wear little or no makeup so wearing bronze on my lids is like my compromise.)

Being the connoisseur of bronze that I am, here's a great list of shadows:

1) LORAC Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Superstar. This is the expensive one of the bunch ($33 CAN) but, man, is it worth it!! Three different colors that can be blended together to make the perfect bronze shade. They are extremely highly-pigmented and long-lasting on your lid. This is, quite possibly, one of the prettiest trios I have ever purchased.

2) Urban Decay Stardust Eye Shadow in Diamond Dog. This is a nice brown glittery color that goes on silky smooth but actually stays on the lid. I find with a lot of glitter shadows the sparkley bits fall onto your face during application but this product doesn't do that. Not too shabby for a medium priced shadow ($22 CAN)

3) Wet 'N' Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow in Nutty. This is, by far, my favorite of the three bronze shadows. Why you ask??? Could it be the fact that it only cost $1.99? Maybe. Or could it be that once applied it stays on all day? Fact is the shadow is highly-pigmented, has a very smooth texture and the color is absolutely perfect with my skin tone. I picked up three more of this color whenever I see it, just so I'll never run out.

4) COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Bedazzled Biscotti. This color is great for a base. Apply to lids, all the way up to eyebrow bone, prior to adding your favorite bronze shade. The color is similar to a light latte and has a subtle sparkle. ($4.99 CAN)

All in all, try out the bronze shadows and give your eyes a different look. Plus, this color really is a nice alternative to black.

Foundations: Wet 'N' Wild Style

I love and live in loose powder but it wasn't always this way.

I still remember the day I first tried a mineral loose powder. It was just over three years ago and I was being coaxed into it by a co-worker. (At that time, we were both Youngblood reps and she swore by the loose foundation and I ONLY wore liquid.) I finally caved, giving her permission to match my skin tone, and once done, I took my new foundation home with me. (It was, of course, the lightest shade shall I add.) I woke up the next morning, applied a tiny amount of concealer and went to town with my kabuki brush and powder. After about two minutes, not only was I finished applying but it looked like I was wearing nothing!!! I fell in love immediately and from that day on, I was a convert. Hallelujah!!!!

As much as I love Youngblood, I'm always on the hunt for a less expensive powder. Now, mind you, it could be worse. I only pay about $25 - $30 (wholesale) and the powder lasts me about two months. The only issue is that I have to order it, since I don't want to pay retail price, which means I incur shipping costs every time.

Having said that, while out on one of my many shopping trips, I picked up three new Wet 'N' Wild foundations: Ultimate Match SPF 15 Foundation, Natural Blend Mineral Foundation Mineral Veil and Intuitive Blend Shade Adjusting Foundation + Primer.

The Ultimate Match Foundation was phenomenal. Though I'm a loose foundation fiend, I was almost willing to go back to liquid foundation for this bad boy. Seriously, went on extremely smooth, left my skin silky and matched my skin tone perfectly. Oh, and it was only $4.99

The Natural Blend Mineral Foundation (loose powder) did not do me justice. First of all, I got the lightest color and it was still too dark. Secondly, the powder offers minimal coverage at best so should you have some blemishes you want to cover, this is not the powder for you. On a positive note though it's definitely purse size, comes with it's own kabuki brush AND would be excellent for the beach (or when you want to wear less.) Priced at about $4.79

The Intuitive Blend Shade Adjusting Foundation is my least favorite. I was immediately turned off by the smell; it has an odd sweet, almost mildewy, odour. This product comes out in a white cream, with miniscule round beads, and once rubbed in, it actually matches your skin perfectly. My major issue with this was the oilyness. Once rubbed in, it felt like it was sitting on top of my skin, thus giving me a heavier look. Having said that, it would be a great product for people with extremely dry skin but if you have an oil issue, definitely stay away. Priced at about $5.99

All in all, for an inexpensive drug store brand, not too bad but I think I'll stick with their lipsticks and eye shadows!!!

What about you? Have you ever tried any of the Wet 'N' Wild foundations? What are your thoughts?

A Bunch of Woo-Hoos

I have to give a couple of woo-hoos to two different companies: Fred Meyer and Warehouse One. I am completely and utterly in love with both for so many joyous reasons, which I, of course, will be sharing. Please, though, bare with me as I share my past two days with you all, in detail.

Thursday, after work, Allan picked me up at the skytrain, like normal, and we proceeded to the Bell store. (Long story short, I'd been trying to change my stupid cell phone plan since I pay WAY too much money per month.) Anyway, Daniel at the shop was amazing and after Allan talked them into giving me a much cheaper plan, we were on our way to a new, cute restaurant called Mucho Burrito. It's like a fast food burrito shop BUT it's all fresh ingredients and made to order. (We'll be going back for sure.....)

After eats, I noticed a new Warehouse One in the complex and we made our way there to find me some new jeans. Not only did I find a pair of jeans BUT two new pairs of dress pants and leggings

too. Oh and, the best part is, they have elastic waists.....(I know what you're thinking but they are FAB.....) The new line is stretchy and easy to wear since there aren't any buttons digging into odd places. My woo-hoo goes out to the new store, new line and the amazing manager who helped me shop!

Friday came and it was Allan's birthday. After work, we went go-karting and to dinner at a quaint Greek restaurant in White Rock that came equipped with it's own belly dancer.....(They always seem to shimmy directly in front of your table as soon as you start to eat.) Anyway, after that, Allan and I took a trip across the border; him to program a phone and me to shop at Target.

As it turns out, Target was closed so instead I slipped into Fred Meyer and I am so glad I did. I spent all of 15 minutes in there, since they were also about to close, and bought 9 new beauty products totaling $20......I KNOW, completely unheard of right? Yes, the product line was Wet N

Wild, which we all know isn't fantastic quality, but for some blushes, eyeshadows, lipsticks and bronzers, you can't beat that. So this is my woo-hoo to Fred Meyer.....you're awesome.

UPDATE: I would like to make it known that the reason I purchased the WNW line was because of a specific eyeshadow called Kitten. This particular shadow(located on right) is almost the exact same shade of my new NARS Strada Shadow. The reason for the comparison is PRICE...the NARS shadow is $20 while the WNW Kitten Shadow cost me $1.99.