Weekend Shopping: MAC & Sephora

Today consisted of yet another uninspiring shopping trip. I'm really starting to wonder why I even bother anymore.

Shopping used to be fun and inspiring and exciting and lately it's been sad, disappointing and just plain dull.  I'm still crossing my fingers that it's all because we're still in between seasons, because if this is what I have to look forward to, then my savings account is going to quadruple this spring/summer.

I haven't been to Forever 21 in months. MONTHS. So I decided to go to a mall that had one today and it was the most awful shopping experience I've ever had there, ever.  The entire left side of the store was various items that had stripes on them.  Seriously. A quarter of the store was stripes. Thin stripes, thick stripes, black and white stripes and colored stripes. Just horizontal freaking stripes everywhere. I wanted to cry. Now, don't get me wrong, I love stripe, but for the love of God they could have changed the name of the store from "Forever 21" to "Shop here if you heart stripes!!!!!!!"

UGH.  So then I checked out a few more stores and they too, were uninspiring.  So, I obviously didn't buy any clothing or accessories, but I did have a purpose to my mall trip.  I had somehow run extremely low on all of the makeup I use on a daily basis, all at the same time, which almost never happens.

So, I visited Sephora and MAC to pick up my essentials.

SELF-ESTEEM BOOST ALERT!: While at MAC, one of the male makeup artists came up to me and told me my makeup looked gorgeous and that I did "such a great job applying it." Thank you, awesome guy at MAC, for making my day!

Here's what I got:

From MAC:  Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (C3); Studio Finish Concealer (NC20)

From Sephora:  NARS Laguna Bronzer; Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder; Philosophy Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads

The Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is a new one for me and I bought it solely based on Giuliana Rancic's recent i-Village interview where she said it was one of her favorite products. She always has such pretty skin so I trust her recommendations. You can read about her other fave products here. Doesn't she just always look glow-y? I love it.

I still love my YSL touche eclat highlight pen but any eye brightening products are pretty much obsession-level for me, so I love to try new ones. I also love the Benefit Eye Bright pencil and will continue to use it in collaboration with other products.

...and, before I go, a story about good karma:

After I left Sephora today and shopped around for a bit, I had the sudden urge to look at my receipt.  I realized that the total on my bill was only $60 and that I had not been charged the $33 for my NARS Laguna bronzer.  I couldn't believe it.  I went back to the store and paid for it, and the girl who rang me out was really sweet and appreciative and was kind of stunned I came back.  I mean, it's not like I got a free chocolate bar! I would have felt too guilty using the product knowing that I hadn't paid for it, even if it wasn't my fault.  So, hopefully good things will be coming my way (and by good things, I mean I hope I win the lottery I stop eating Thin Mints.)

Happy weekend ladies!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Weekend Shopping: Sephora & Victoria's Secret

Last night I went on a cleaning spree. I think that anytime I'm stressed or sad, I turn to cleaning to center myself and feel "in control."  I spent at least 2 hours cleaning out my closet last night (I also cleaned the bedroom and bathroom.)  I even took all of the socks (mine and my husband's) out of the sock drawer and threw all the old/torn ones away and turned them all the right side out.  I also made another donation pile of clothes I never wear anymore and some tee shirts and stuff.

Cleaning is always a calming thing for me.  When I organize and clean things, it makes me feel like everything is OK and everything is better.  I've kind of always been that way.  My closet was a mess so I was really happy I took the time to clean it. I think it will be a lot easier to pack now.

After sleeping in this morning (I was up until almost 2 cleaning) I made a trip to Sephora to use my 20% off coupon. Here's what I got:

Ole Henriksen- Ultimate Lift Eye Gel

Boscia- Luminizing Black Mask
Boscia- Green Tea Blotting Linens

Tarte-Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence™ Technology in "charmed"

Make Up For Ever- Aqua Smokey Lash Mascara

Sephora Collection Kabuki Brush

I am really happy with the products I got using Sephora's 20% off coupon.  This was actually my third time using the F&F discount. I also got YSL Touche Eclat, Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb rollerball perfume, Philosophy Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads, Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner and Benefit Eye Bright in previous orders.


I also stopped by Victoria's Secret today to use my "$10 off a bra," "free ruched panty," and "free lacie thong" coupons (I get A LOT of coupons in the mail.)


I ended up getting this VS sport bra:

I also bought a bunch of VS PINK panties, they always suck me in with their bright colors and prints! They were on promotion---7 for $25.  They have some really cute designs out right now! I can't wait for the VS Fashion Show on November 30th!  I DVR it every year and use it as workout motivation.

Tomorrow night my plan is to pack for my trip so it's done and ready to go. 

Hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

xoxo,

Veronika.

OOTD: Black & Blush Pink, Sephora F&F & American Eagle Jacket

This week just flew by.  On Tuesday I saw my trainer and last night my H and I went to see Jonsi (he's the lead singer of Sigur Ros, we love him!)  If you haven't heard anything be Sigur Ros, I recommend checking them out.  They are a band from Iceland and have a very unique sound.  We even played their music at our wedding. You can see a video from last night's performance on my YouTube page if you're a fan!

I wanted to share with you ladies what I picked up at the Sephora F&F sale:

I got Benefit's "eye bright" pencil (mine is running low), the Philosophy Microdelivery Mini Peel (I've never used these) and a Victor & Rolf Rollerball Perfume in "FlowerBomb" which is my next favorite scent to Marc Jacobs Daisy, which I wear everyday.  I also got a few samples with my order.

Did you pick up anything from Sephora's F&F?

Here is my OOTD for today. Black and soft blush pink:

Top-  Ann Taylor
Skirt- Banana Republic
Necklace- Forever 21
Cardigan- White House Black Market
Shoes- Jessica Simpson

On Sunday I took advantage of the last day of the 20% off sale at American Eagle and ordered this olive-colored parka.  It's lined with faux fur and is really warm (which surprised me.)  The online reviews say to go UP in size, but I ordered both a medium and large and the large was too big on me (I'm returning it). The medium was perfect so I would stay with your regular size.

so warm and cozy!

Though it's more casual, I plan to take this to Paris when we go in addition to my longer wool coat.  It's really warm and is cute for a more casual look.  I love the fur on the hood. When I lived in Canada I had this awesome, long, down-filled white parka with fur on the hood and I loved it.  We don't usually need coats that heavy in Houston so I didn't bring it with me when I moved.  I don't miss winter, but I do love jackets!

Hope everyone had a great week so far!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Beauty Products Haul & 1000 Plus Subscriber Contest!

Hello ladies!  I had a wonderful Sunday morning that started off right with a Pilates Ball class, a skinny vanilla latte and sausage, egg and cheese artisan breakfast sandwich from Starbucks (love!)

I then headed over to the Galleria Mall to use a Victoria's Secret coupon I got in the mail.  I got one that was $10 off of any bra and a free PINK ruched panty.  While there, I also remembered that I had a coupon in my email (thank God for iPhones!) that was for 8 pairs of PINK panties for $25.  Yay!  Right now they have a promotion where you get 7 PINK panties for $25 but if you are a member of PINK NATION you get 8.  You can sign up for PINK NATION here.

Here's a sampling of the designs I picked:

Pink and girly, of course!

...And now, I just have to share the BEST BRA EVER.  I have the black version of this bra and I have to say it is the best and most comfortable bra I've ever worn in my life. The fabric is like a very soft jersey/cotton- not the shiny material most bras are made of.  It is padded, but IMO, not extensively, just enough for shape and a small boost in size. I used my $10 OFF coupon to buy the nude color in this style bra because I wear it so often I needed another one. I feel kind of weird showing pictures of bras here, but this is too good not to share. I seriously cannot rave enough about it.  This is what it looks like:

It comes in a variety of colors too.  It's officially called the Body by Victoria Push-Up Bra and you can BUY IT HERE. 

My next visit was to AVEDA.  Remember when I talked about attending the Simon Fashion Now runway show a few weeks ago?  Well we got these incredible swag bags full of goodies, samples and coupons.  I think some people don't take the time to examine and use their coupons- but they really should!  I got a bottle of one of Aveda's fragrances for FREE ($20 Value) and I even got to pick the scent I liked best. I picked number 7, which is a sort of citrusy/minty combo:

The scent is really delightful.  I might be addicted already. I think they are scents derived from essential oils. I cannot wait to wear this scent! 

Then, I headed over to Bare Escentuals where I had another coupon from my swag bag to use!  It was for a free powder sample and $10 off of any product!  I got the eyeshadow in "Nude Beach" which comes highly recommended by one of my favorite YouTubers LisaLisaD1.  She is one of the sweetest YouTubers out there with such a positive spirit. I definitely recommend subscribing to her because she reviews so many products and is just always so happy and full of life.

This eyeshadow is so beautiful and shimmery and the perfect shadow for wearing on its own to give eyes sparkle in a subtle way:

I will post photos when I wear it!

I also stopped in at Ulta today where I picked up a few products.  I had run out of my Pureology Essential Repair shampoo so I picked up the volumizing formula which IMO has the best scent of the entire line (kind of minty and earthy- sort of like Aveda products). I also picked up a can of Neutrogena's spray tanner and some Redken All-Soft Treatment.

I visited a few more stores (Charlotte Russe- which had some really cute stuff, but I resisted; J. Crew, Zara)  and finally SEPHORA.

For the last few weeks, my Sephora has always had at least 5 Urban Decay Naked Palettes in stock. But not today. Ulta didn't have it either.  Sigh. I waited too long.  I might wait and get it at the F&F if they have it then.

I did end up picking up another NARS Laguna Bronzer though, because I'm running low:

I also got the Benefit packet as my Sephora VIB gift this time around: 

It comes with a mini High Beam and Posie Tint as well as 2 Bad Gal Lash mascaras!  I can't wait to try High Beam because I've heard such great things about it (uh, not that I need another highlighter...)

and finally....

I got a $25 Sephora Giftcard...not for myself, for ONE OF YOU!  To celebrate more than 1000 subscribers and the new template, I decided to pick this up so one lucky winner can get something they've been wanting from Sephora.  I always get SO stressed out when I try to pick stuff out for contests because everyone has different skin tones, hair types etc. So I decided a gift card was the way to go!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to my wonderful readers who have made this blog such an amazing experience for me!  Here are the rules to enter:

1.  You must be a follower/subscriber of this blog

2.  Please only one entry per person.  You can write "enter me" into the comments and PLEASE INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!

3.  The contest ends next week- I will accept entries until FRIDAY OCTOBER 1st at Midnight CST.

4.  I will announce the winner on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd and will choose the winner using random.org

Thank you again to everyone who has supported this blog and has been so wonderful throughout this last year!  Good luck everyone!

xoxo,

Veronika.

25% off at White House Black Market: What I Bought (Plus Sephora VIB Gift)

Happy Saturday!

It's definitely been a happy one for me so far.  I took advantage of my 20% off catalog coupon and my 5% off member coupon today at White House Black Market and got two fabulous sweaters.

Number one is this gorgeous Chanel-esque white sweater (the material is heavier, like a jacket almost). It's called the Long Contrast Sweater Jacket. I knew the moment I saw it online that I just had to have it! I got an XS- WHBM sweaters seem to fit large on me in some styles. Personally, I like my jackets and sweaters to be very fitted. I find they can look sloppy (on me) if they are too loose.

Here it is on the model, for reference:

Then I got this awesome long black sweater. This one is called the Merino Wool Military Inspired Cardigan. It fits awesome. I got this one in a size small.  Also, please note the Chanel-like "C's" on it...military inspired? More like Chanel-inspired, my friends.  Not sure if they are looking for a lawsuit, but in any case, I love the little pockets on it, the buttons and how long it is.

I also picked up a BACK-2-MAC eyeshadow today. I got one called "copperplate." It's a soft brown-ish gray. I like it.  I'm going to use it tomorrow to line my bottom lashes and see how it works. When it comes to MAC shadows I tend to just buy what appeals to me since I don't wear shadow on my lids very often...I use them as liners so my options are fairly limited to neutrals. I was also kind of mad they wouldn't give me the insert so now I have it in the package.  I am going to probably de-pot it. I wonder if you de-pot something if you can still use it as a BACK-2-MAC package?

I also bought an eyeliner by Makeup Forever called "Aqua Eyes" for my waterline (in black) at Sephora. I used my VIB appreciation coupon thus getting a huge sample bag full of goodies! I'm excited because I feel these samples are ones I'll actually use. I'm most thrilled about the Laure Mercier tinted moisturizer and the Dr. Brandt Collage Cream.You also get an Urban Decay e/s which I thought was a great addition to the package.

Overall, worth a purchase at Sephora. I believe it's a $10 purchase that gets you the samples bag if you're a VIB.

One more thing...I was proud of myself today. I went to the mall and browsed, but only bought what I went there for.  I actually wasn't that impressed with the stores I visited which admittedly did make it easier. H even offered to take me to Forever 21 today and I resisted. Oh yes, progress!

Did you buy anything today?  My next "big ticket items" for fall will be a pair of boots and a great trench. I saw some awesome ones for $198.00 at Banana Republic today.

xoxo,

Veronika.

How-To: Glowing, Highlighted Skin & My Face Makeup Routine (Requested)

I got a question on my formspring page today so I decided to make an entire post about it because it's a frequently asked question.

Here is my skin makeup routine, step by step:

(I am REALLY sorry about the formatting and I've tired everything to fix it and can't :( )

1.  Moisturize freshly washed skin with Neutrogena Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin all over skin. I brush my teeth as I wait for it to sink in.

 

2.  Next, I use my Sigma Foundation Brush to apply MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 to any red areas of my skin (the sides of my nose, between brows, around corners of mouth- anywhere I have unevenness or pigmentation...or a blemish.) Note that I also apply the concealer to my eyelids as a primer. I like my eyelids to have an even look and this helps to achieve that.

3.  Next I apply MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (my color is C3) with Sigma's powder brush to my entire face and bringing it down onto my neck and into my hairline so there are no obvious lines (this isn't as common with powder formulas, but still).  I always use a big powder brush to apply Studio Fix because I believe it gives a more airbrushed and flawless finish.

4.  After my powder, I apply my concealer and eye highlighter to my eye area. Please note that you can do this before applying the powder, but sometimes it's nice to do it after because the "glow" will show more.  I've been using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector Concealer Pen, which I really like.  I apply it directly from the tube and then use a Sigma eyeshadow blending brush to blend it. I know that sounds odd but I recently saw a YouTube Guru do it and it's a nice way to get a soft, blended sort of diffused look.

Yesterday though, I purchased a new Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector and also the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Concealer.

I can't do a full review because today is the first day I used it, but I will say it is very creamy when it goes on so I have to be careful to use just a tiny amount to get the desired look.  Here is the highlight/concealer pen swatched:

I got it in the color "light". Above is with flash and below is without.

I truly think all women should be using highlighting products for their skin. It makes a big difference- it can awaken tired eyes, perk-up a tired complexion and add brightness and warmth to your skin and features. 

The other concealer I got is the Dream Matte Mousse. Here it is swatched:

and blended...

Here is the Age Rewing concealer and highlighter on my eyes after an entire day at work (so this is what it looked like at 6:30PM- I applied it at about 7:30AM)

So basically I apply a dot of each side of the concealer/highlighter and use the brush to delicately buff the product into place. Please note I have Benefit's "Eye Bright"pencil on the inner corners of my eyes as well.

 

5.  At this point I would do my eyes, but I have another post about that here.

6. After my eyes, I apply my bronzer. My HOLY GRAIL bronzer is NARS "Laguna."

I use once again my Sigma large powder brush to apply it.  I am not a contour kind of girl. Some women only use bronzer as a facial contouring makeup, but I just use it to add warmth to my skin.  So I apply it to my hairline/upper forehead, my nose, my cheeks and a tiny bit on my chin with whatever is left on the brush. You must also apply this to your neck sparingly so it's all even.

 

7.  After the bronzer, I use NARS' The Multiple in "Luxor" on my cheek bones. I literally just use the product right from the tube and apply it in a line on each cheekbone. Then I use my finger to blend out. I recently added this to my daily routine and love it. I was previously not highlighting my cheek bones, but then I rediscovered my love for the NARS Luxor and decided to add it in.

 8.  After highlight, I use Bobbi Brown blush in "peony" on the apples of my cheeks.  It is my holy grail blush. I own other blushes, but this is the one that makes me feel the most pretty, so I use it the most often.

 

That's it :)

If you have any questions about my skin makeup, please leave me a comment OR ask me on formspring.

Thanks so much for reading and have a lovely evening!

xoxo,

Veronika.