Quick snap of things I’ve been trying out or can’t wait to. Some of these were purchased by me, some were gifted, * means gifted but obvi doesn’t impact my feelings about the actual product because duh integrity.  Illamasqua Foundation ($44) - I purchased this months ago during the sale but I haven’t used it yet and I’m still feeling weird about using Illamasqua products since their terrible handling of their Christmas promotions (just google it, I know we’ll be asked, and I’m not going to talk about it anymore). Illamasqua has amazing, high quality products especially their lipsticks and foundation for super pale people who want intense coverage.  Arrojo Styling Whip* ($18) - I get my hair cut at ARROJO (pics of my hair here) and love both their dry shampoo and their Styling Whip. I never used styling products on my hair when it was long but I think it’s so important now because my hair is super malleable and if I don’t control it at such a short length it can look weird. This is super light and easy to use — a little bit through damp hair to shape it the way you want, and you can air dry. Most mousses and gels etc I’ve tried have been too tacky or gooey but this isn’t. Mario Badescu Caviar Night Cream ($20) - I buy all my MB products during the Hautelook sales but they didn’t have the toner I liked so I picked this and the lotion instead. This is quite thick! I think the Ren one I like to use but ran out of is more like a super creamy lotion, but this is definitely more whipped. I’m still testing it out, I’ll let you know how I like it in a little bit.  Balenciaga L’Essence ($135) - I’ve totally talked to death about this. Yeah yeah perfect perfume I love it etc.  Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer ($39) - Rebought this because I’ve already hit pan on my first one after only a few months! It’s been steadfast in favorites posts since I purchased it. China Glaze Polish & L’Oreal’s Paparazzi Pleaser ($5.99)* - Haven’t used these yet since I’m currently obsessed with Color Club Glitters.  Shoprite Oil Free Makeup Remover ($7.99) - I remove all my makeup using DHC Cleansing Oil now usually but if I have a lot of eye makeup on, I use some variation of the Nuetrogena remover. Target, Shoprite, etc… pretty much all the same formula. I like it best out of all the ones I’ve tried which have often been too oily or weirdly harsh. Illamasqua Poised Illuminator ($20) - I am fond of using illuminators and contour and no blush, so I bought this one also during the sale because I was curious. Still haven’t touched it though. Illamasqua Indulge ($22) - Illamasqua’s lip products have never failed me and make up a good chunk of my collection. Pigmented, super glossy or super matte depending on the producted, but never crappy. Mario Badescu Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion ($15) - I like using this post cleansing and it really makes a difference for my dry skin — helps it glow, looks brighter etc. High-res

Quick snap of things I’ve been trying out or can’t wait to. Some of these were purchased by me, some were gifted, * means gifted but obvi doesn’t impact my feelings about the actual product because duh integrity. 

  1. Illamasqua Foundation ($44) - I purchased this months ago during the sale but I haven’t used it yet and I’m still feeling weird about using Illamasqua products since their terrible handling of their Christmas promotions (just google it, I know we’ll be asked, and I’m not going to talk about it anymore). Illamasqua has amazing, high quality products especially their lipsticks and foundation for super pale people who want intense coverage. 
  2. Arrojo Styling Whip* ($18) - I get my hair cut at ARROJO (pics of my hair here) and love both their dry shampoo and their Styling Whip. I never used styling products on my hair when it was long but I think it’s so important now because my hair is super malleable and if I don’t control it at such a short length it can look weird. This is super light and easy to use — a little bit through damp hair to shape it the way you want, and you can air dry. Most mousses and gels etc I’ve tried have been too tacky or gooey but this isn’t.
  3. Mario Badescu Caviar Night Cream ($20) - I buy all my MB products during the Hautelook sales but they didn’t have the toner I liked so I picked this and the lotion instead. This is quite thick! I think the Ren one I like to use but ran out of is more like a super creamy lotion, but this is definitely more whipped. I’m still testing it out, I’ll let you know how I like it in a little bit. 
  4. Balenciaga L’Essence ($135) - I’ve totally talked to death about this. Yeah yeah perfect perfume I love it etc. 
  5. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer ($39) - Rebought this because I’ve already hit pan on my first one after only a few months! It’s been steadfast in favorites posts since I purchased it.
  6. China Glaze Polish & L’Oreal’s Paparazzi Pleaser ($5.99)* - Haven’t used these yet since I’m currently obsessed with Color Club Glitters. 
  7. Shoprite Oil Free Makeup Remover ($7.99) - I remove all my makeup using DHC Cleansing Oil now usually but if I have a lot of eye makeup on, I use some variation of the Nuetrogena remover. Target, Shoprite, etc… pretty much all the same formula. I like it best out of all the ones I’ve tried which have often been too oily or weirdly harsh.
  8. Illamasqua Poised Illuminator ($20) - I am fond of using illuminators and contour and no blush, so I bought this one also during the sale because I was curious. Still haven’t touched it though.
  9. Illamasqua Indulge ($22) - Illamasqua’s lip products have never failed me and make up a good chunk of my collection. Pigmented, super glossy or super matte depending on the producted, but never crappy.
  10. Mario Badescu Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion ($15) - I like using this post cleansing and it really makes a difference for my dry skin — helps it glow, looks brighter etc.
After filming for a project at Milk Studios yesterday I walked over to Sephora because I haven’t been in ages and promptly spent forever swatching products and hoarding samples. I love Sephora. It’s my church.  I took photos of things I loved.  Those are all the new Stila Color Lip Balm Lipsticks - $20 a pop. I luuvvvVVvvv these.I would say they are of similar formulation to the Urban Decay Super Saturated Lip Colors, even though the packaging is similar to Revlon lip butters. My favorites are Gemma and Valentina, the purple and orange. Supremely glossy.  I’ve been wearing Buxom lipstick in Menace (click) for awhile. I do love it so. It ends up drying into your liplines though which none of my other lipsticks do — this is without reapplying or touching up, though. The standouts in these swatches are Rouge (the orange / fiery coral) and Exhibitionist (bright fuschia).  NARS eyeshadows: Mad mad world duo, Strada, night porter, night flight and outremer.  The crown jewels, though, were the MUFE lip products. Definitely expect the Lab Shine Lip Gloss in Chrome Onyx (the black one) and perhaps the orange lipstick, too.  I left with a bunch of samples of foundations and serums to test out for PD, too. WoOOooooOoOoOo. Have you tried these products? Thoughts? High-res

After filming for a project at Milk Studios yesterday I walked over to Sephora because I haven’t been in ages and promptly spent forever swatching products and hoarding samples. I love Sephora. It’s my church.  I took photos of things I loved. 

  1. Those are all the new Stila Color Lip Balm Lipsticks - $20 a pop. I luuvvvVVvvv these.I would say they are of similar formulation to the Urban Decay Super Saturated Lip Colors, even though the packaging is similar to Revlon lip butters. My favorites are Gemma and Valentina, the purple and orange. Supremely glossy. 
  2. I’ve been wearing Buxom lipstick in Menace (click) for awhile. I do love it so. It ends up drying into your liplines though which none of my other lipsticks do — this is without reapplying or touching up, though. The standouts in these swatches are Rouge (the orange / fiery coral) and Exhibitionist (bright fuschia). 
  3. NARS eyeshadows: Mad mad world duo, Strada, night porter, night flight and outremer. 
  4. The crown jewels, though, were the MUFE lip products. Definitely expect the Lab Shine Lip Gloss in Chrome Onyx (the black one) and perhaps the orange lipstick, too. 

I left with a bunch of samples of foundations and serums to test out for PD, too. WoOOooooOoOoOo. Have you tried these products? Thoughts?

We’ve reviewed Willa products before (here) but since it’s Valentine’s Day I thought it’d be helpful for those who have somebody to smooch that this is still the best tasting lip gloss I have ever tried. I keep it in my backpack and lick it off my lips when I’m hungry, it’s that level delicious. So if you have a Valentine, I think they’d appreciate it if you swiped this on before you celebrated today. I’m just sayin’. You’ll both thank me later. 

We’ve reviewed Willa products before (here) but since it’s Valentine’s Day I thought it’d be helpful for those who have somebody to smooch that this is still the best tasting lip gloss I have ever tried. I keep it in my backpack and lick it off my lips when I’m hungry, it’s that level delicious. So if you have a Valentine, I think they’d appreciate it if you swiped this on before you celebrated today. I’m just sayin’. You’ll both thank me later. 

Arabelle’s January Favorites  Lots of products to review, so here are some new ones by way of a monthly favorites post. (Here’s the last monthly favorites one — you’ll see some old faces).  Jane Iredale Triple Pearl Powder Finishing Powder* ($68) - It’s probably the best setting powder I’ve ever used, it really blends in any imperfections and smooths, I’ve been using it for a few weeks and it has delivered all it promises for me. I don’t have to touch up throughout the day either. Packaging is kind of bulky but I guess that is also ‘luxurious’. I’d rather have something travel appropriate, personally.  Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette* ($27) - I have been waiting for this product ever since the Naked came out because I love matte shadows and personally, for my super fair skin, this is great, compact, and so worth the price. The colors blend out well, are pigmented and not as chalky as some UD shadows can sometimes be. Love. These would look chalky and unnatural on medium to dark skin though. Also, the palette is kind of hard to open but maybe that is just me.  Benefit High Beam ($26) - Previously reviewed here. Zoya Nail Polish in Song ($8) - Swatch and discussion to be posted a few posts before this, go check it out. NARS Danmari Palette (LE/DC) - I love orgasms and also Orgasm. (this is my blog i’ll be inappropriate if I wanna) Urban Decay Setting Spray* ($29) - I have been using the Cooling/Hydrating formulation the most because I have dry skin and I think it does help, but the Long-Lasting formulation is definitely the best and practically cements my makeup into place.  Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer in Fair/Light ($39) - Best under-eye concealer I’ve tried. It’s heavy enough to use on acne and scarring too, and doesn’t get wrinkly or cakey or whatever. You need very little of it as well.  K- Palette Real Lasting Waterproof 24h Eyeliner ($15.70) - This has the thinnest brush. The thinnest. It’s also super super black and does not budge.  MAC Violetta ($15) - On me, this is like a ‘natural’ lip color because it perfectly, and I mean perfectly, matches my hair color. I’ve grown bored of my usual purples (Belladonna, Kontrol) but this breathes new life into the color for me.  INGLOT 545 AMC Lip Gloss ($16) - Paraben free & not tested on animals if you didn’t know (and if you care). I don’t really wear lip gloss very often but this is soooo pretty and you can actually see the duo on your lips, it’s really pigmented and strange and lovely.  Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer ($23) - I actually ran out of the tube I had of this. Like I ended up scraping the very last bits of it out. I have never hit pan so thoroughly on a product before and before I even hit pan I ordered 2 more backups because this is my Holy Grail Concealer. If I could only limit my makeup collection to like 3 things this would be one of them.  Disclaimer: * = provided for editorial consideration by the brand. This doesn’t mean I was obligated to blog about them & certainly doesn’t mean I am obligated to be nice and fawn over these products! Check out our disclosure policy here. High-res

Arabelle’s January Favorites 

Lots of products to review, so here are some new ones by way of a monthly favorites post. (Here’s the last monthly favorites one — you’ll see some old faces). 

  1. Jane Iredale Triple Pearl Powder Finishing Powder* ($68) - It’s probably the best setting powder I’ve ever used, it really blends in any imperfections and smooths, I’ve been using it for a few weeks and it has delivered all it promises for me. I don’t have to touch up throughout the day either. Packaging is kind of bulky but I guess that is also ‘luxurious’. I’d rather have something travel appropriate, personally. 
  2. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette* ($27) - I have been waiting for this product ever since the Naked came out because I love matte shadows and personally, for my super fair skin, this is great, compact, and so worth the price. The colors blend out well, are pigmented and not as chalky as some UD shadows can sometimes be. Love. These would look chalky and unnatural on medium to dark skin though. Also, the palette is kind of hard to open but maybe that is just me. 
  3. Benefit High Beam ($26) - Previously reviewed here.
  4. Zoya Nail Polish in Song ($8) - Swatch and discussion to be posted a few posts before this, go check it out.
  5. NARS Danmari Palette (LE/DC) - I love orgasms and also Orgasm. (this is my blog i’ll be inappropriate if I wanna)
  6. Urban Decay Setting Spray* ($29) - I have been using the Cooling/Hydrating formulation the most because I have dry skin and I think it does help, but the Long-Lasting formulation is definitely the best and practically cements my makeup into place. 
  7. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer in Fair/Light ($39) - Best under-eye concealer I’ve tried. It’s heavy enough to use on acne and scarring too, and doesn’t get wrinkly or cakey or whatever. You need very little of it as well. 
  8. K- Palette Real Lasting Waterproof 24h Eyeliner ($15.70) - This has the thinnest brush. The thinnest. It’s also super super black and does not budge. 
  9. MAC Violetta ($15) - On me, this is like a ‘natural’ lip color because it perfectly, and I mean perfectly, matches my hair color. I’ve grown bored of my usual purples (Belladonna, Kontrol) but this breathes new life into the color for me. 
  10. INGLOT 545 AMC Lip Gloss ($16) - Paraben free & not tested on animals if you didn’t know (and if you care). I don’t really wear lip gloss very often but this is soooo pretty and you can actually see the duo on your lips, it’s really pigmented and strange and lovely. 
  11. Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer ($23) - I actually ran out of the tube I had of this. Like I ended up scraping the very last bits of it out. I have never hit pan so thoroughly on a product before and before I even hit pan I ordered 2 more backups because this is my Holy Grail Concealer. If I could only limit my makeup collection to like 3 things this would be one of them. 

Disclaimer: * = provided for editorial consideration by the brand. This doesn’t mean I was obligated to blog about them & certainly doesn’t mean I am obligated to be nice and fawn over these products! Check out our disclosure policy here.

Here are some tentative swatches of the INGLOT purchases I made at IMATS. I wasn’t really expecting to haul anything because I didn’t think they’d have the Pacific Blue collection, but I was pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately they gave me the wrong eyeshadow purchase (>:|) and that is the straw that breaks my back because I’m so goddamn tired of their stupid numbering system. If their shadows had actual names, they wouldn’t have given me the wrong shade. BLARRGGGG. 

You’ll obviously see me wearing these lip products in future FOTD’s so keep an eye out. Sorry I can’t provide face swatches at this time. (These photos are under flash, btw.) 

Arabelle’s Current Makeup Favorites I seldom do monthly favorites because as we all know, I’m incredibly boring and use the same things on my face all the time. HOWEVER! I HAVE BEEN FEELING EXPERIMENTAL. Anyway, what I mean to say is  I’ve been shopping my makeup stash and using things I’ve had for awhile but have just been staring at.  NARS DANMARI PALETTE (LE, Not available) - I feel bad posting about this but like, I’m soooo glad I bought it when I had the chance. It was my real introduction to NARS blushes which I really didn’t want to like because $$, but I’m quite smitten and it’s definitely changed my makeup routine. I use Casino as contour and it’s great. A+ would buy again. I’m contemplating purchasing one of the current LE holiday palettes NARS has out right now — Foreplay looks like a great deal.  OCC Glitter in Mirrorball ($12.50) - I already did a post specifically about how much I like this glitter here. Technically this is not to be used on the eye area, you’re supposed to mix it with other things, but I use it on my eyes as shadow applied with Too Faced Glitter Primer and it stays on forever. It’s gritty — not like the Loose Colour Concentrates, which are OCC’s loose shadows — but it’s fabulous and looks like unicorn tears.  Benefit High Beam ($26) - I am all about looking like a luminous elvin bride who bathes in the blood of those who wrong her, and this totally makes me look like Galadriel — albiet purple haired and short and like… well you get the point. Right? I mean. Anyway it works well.  Hourglass Siren ($28) - Mad about the price but in love with the lipgloss. My favorite lipgloss. Ever. It’s just… everything about it is great. I have zero criticisms besides the price tag. It’s utterly unique and beautiful, smooth, and the packaging is great. High-res

Arabelle’s Current Makeup Favorites

I seldom do monthly favorites because as we all know, I’m incredibly boring and use the same things on my face all the time. HOWEVER! I HAVE BEEN FEELING EXPERIMENTAL. Anyway, what I mean to say is  I’ve been shopping my makeup stash and using things I’ve had for awhile but have just been staring at. 

  1. NARS DANMARI PALETTE (LE, Not available) - I feel bad posting about this but like, I’m soooo glad I bought it when I had the chance. It was my real introduction to NARS blushes which I really didn’t want to like because $$, but I’m quite smitten and it’s definitely changed my makeup routine. I use Casino as contour and it’s great. A+ would buy again. I’m contemplating purchasing one of the current LE holiday palettes NARS has out right now — Foreplay looks like a great deal. 
  2. OCC Glitter in Mirrorball ($12.50) - I already did a post specifically about how much I like this glitter here. Technically this is not to be used on the eye area, you’re supposed to mix it with other things, but I use it on my eyes as shadow applied with Too Faced Glitter Primer and it stays on forever. It’s gritty — not like the Loose Colour Concentrates, which are OCC’s loose shadows — but it’s fabulous and looks like unicorn tears. 
  3. Benefit High Beam ($26) - I am all about looking like a luminous elvin bride who bathes in the blood of those who wrong her, and this totally makes me look like Galadriel — albiet purple haired and short and like… well you get the point. Right? I mean. Anyway it works well. 
  4. Hourglass Siren ($28) - Mad about the price but in love with the lipgloss. My favorite lipgloss. Ever. It’s just… everything about it is great. I have zero criticisms besides the price tag. It’s utterly unique and beautiful, smooth, and the packaging is great.
I haven’t been to Sephora in months — literally, since July?! and I have been feeling bad for the past few weeks so decided retail shopping was in order. Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream ($34) - I am running low on my other tube of it because it’s my Holy Grail face makeup. Running low on bb cream / foundation etc is a big deal for me because I have so many, but this is my favorite so I had to repurchase it.  Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss 47 ($30) - I don’t have any YSL products so I thought I would test the waters with a gloss. This is an incredibly beautiful, opaque purple shimmer with luxe packaging. I could stare at it forever. Apparently it contains flecks of 24-karat gold, too?! Hourglass Extreme Sheen Siren Lipgloss ($28) - This is a gloss everybody in the beautyblogsophere has been obsessing over. It’s ridiculously beautiful and I have never seen a gloss like it. Swatches here.  Shiseido ANESSA perfect UV sunscreen EX SPF 50+ ($30) - This isn’t from Sephora actually, this is a gift from my Aunt. I love Shiseido suncreen formulations, they are milky and smooth, unlike American formulations which tend to be greasy and thick and leave a sheen.  Let me know if you want swatches or reviews on any particular item.  High-res

I haven’t been to Sephora in months — literally, since July?! and I have been feeling bad for the past few weeks so decided retail shopping was in order.

  • Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream ($34) - I am running low on my other tube of it because it’s my Holy Grail face makeup. Running low on bb cream / foundation etc is a big deal for me because I have so many, but this is my favorite so I had to repurchase it. 
  • Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss 47 ($30) - I don’t have any YSL products so I thought I would test the waters with a gloss. This is an incredibly beautiful, opaque purple shimmer with luxe packaging. I could stare at it forever. Apparently it contains flecks of 24-karat gold, too?!
  • Hourglass Extreme Sheen Siren Lipgloss ($28) - This is a gloss everybody in the beautyblogsophere has been obsessing over. It’s ridiculously beautiful and I have never seen a gloss like it. Swatches here. 
  • Shiseido ANESSA perfect UV sunscreen EX SPF 50+ ($30) - This isn’t from Sephora actually, this is a gift from my Aunt. I love Shiseido suncreen formulations, they are milky and smooth, unlike American formulations which tend to be greasy and thick and leave a sheen. 

Let me know if you want swatches or reviews on any particular item.