What I've Been Up To/Loving

Recently I have been watching a lot of beauty and hair videos on Youtube, which I really have never done before. I have friends who live by watching tutorials in order to learn a new technique of how to apply a certain make up look or master new tools and I always just got by with doing my own thing...that is until now.
Right off the bat, I need to share that I've been watching mostly British vloggers, there's something very comforting about listening to them speak that makes me want to pay attention. My favorite videos are those that show new products, especially ones that I haven't heard of. I must warn you, it has made my wish list grow immensely long and of course the products shown are all big name brands and cannot be found for cheap.
One product that a lot of vloggers and beauty lovers in general have been talking about is the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. A lot of big words, I know, but this serum really does big things. This product helps to fight signs of aging and keeps out harmful toxins in the air from getting into your skin, all while making it super soft and glowy. With the runways showing dewy skin as the "must have" canvas for spring, Shiseido can help us get there without having our own backstage makeup artist. For a little bit more on the concentrate, it is formulated to "Restore skin’s powers to resist, protect, regenerate, and strengthen, leaving skin smooth and deeply nourished." It can be found at Sephora, Birchbox and other beauty retailers.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate $65 for 30mL

Some other things that I haven't tried yet, but I have my eye on are:

MAC Lip Pencil in "Soar" $16
Apparently this is what Kylie Jenner uses to get her unreal lips to look the way that they do.

bareSkin Perfecting Brush $28
bareMinerals recently came out with liquid foundation and this brush to accompany it. What's unique about this brush in particular is the circular opening amongst the bristles where you place a drop of foundation and then the application process is seamless.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Lightscapade $32 available at Macy's
For a subtle glow and an added polished look, this light highlighter can be applied all over or on typical highlight spots, but this seems to be less sparkly and have more of a natural glimmer.

Fresh Glow in Nude Radiance $48

I'm on the look out for a really good foundation. I'm currently mixing MAC's Strobe Cream Hydrant (it is hydrating and has some sheen to it) with Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint in Neutral to achieve a somewhat dewy base, but I am sure there is a better product to get me that look. I had bought and then returned (because I felt guilty) Burberry's Fresh Glow Fluid in Nude Radiance. It sounds exactly like what I want and when I did test it, it had a very nice glimmer to it, so I think I've made up my mind that my next purchase will be that.

Vamp up Your Look

Here I am on a night out in London
wearing my signature shade.

Anyone who knows me knows that I try many different makeup looks. I will try anything once and see how I like it. Last year, while I was studying in London, I got hooked on dark color lipsticks. I was never really a lipstick wearer until I realized just how a certain lip color can complete a whole look. While in Boots (a pharmacy that also has a stellar beauty assortment in the UK) I found a rich burgundy color (Revlon Super Lustrous Créme 477-Black Cherry) that became a staple in my makeup palette. As you can see in the picture to the left, this particular lipstick has a sheen to it and as the name suggests, it has a creamy consistency.

Much to my delight, dark lip colors are in again this season. Currently I am lusting over Burberry's Oxblood. Not only is it a beautiful color, but my dear Cara Delevingne rocks it, too! This particular shade leaves lips with a matte finish for all day wear, certain to vamp up any look. Some people are hesitant to try such a color because of how dark it is, but my motto is just go for it and chances are, everyone is going to be envying your confidence! The other amazing thing about untraditional lipstick shades is that you can be wearing the most simple tshirt and jeans and yet you are still making a statement!

Although this color seems like it is a nighttime color, I think that it is perfect for any time. As I said before, it can really dress up a casual look. This color looks particularly great with a denim button down because of the contrasting between the cool and warm hues of the blue jean and the red undertones of the oxblood. If you are still iffy about trying this color, you should really just test a similar color at Sephora or Ulta before splurging on a $33 Burberry lipstick. There are many cheaper alternatives that can achieve a very similar look. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a matte color or one that is more glossy. Although I love my creamy Revlon color, there really is something to say about a matte oxblood lip. It takes the look one step further and makes it that much more dramatic.

For anyone worrying that this color doesn't work on all skintones, I'm here to tell you differently. The model above definitely has an olive skintone and darker features, but someone with a fair complexion can pull it off just as well, maybe even better. Look at this picture of Kate Bosworth! This image alone would make me try anything because she looks absolutely stunning! I wasn't sure about the whole matching oxblood on oxblood but the combination of that dress and lip color is the definition of flawless. I guess the different eye colors also lend a hand in this situation because both look amazing with the oxblood lip.

Kate Bosworth