nails | accidentally matte...

I guess this is what happens when you're being cheap. My Sally Hansen Insta-Dri topcoat is slowly turning gloopy, 'cause I've been using it for quite a while now. I've been able to use some nail polish thinner to restore it here and there, but I was surprised when it dried matte this time! It still works as a fast-drying topcoat, but I wonder why it's not shiny anymore... Oh well, at least I've got myself a matte topcoat now!

I used Gorgeous Gerbena from Flower on most of my nails - which I don't recommend because it's thin and streaky but still manages to get gloopy on the brush, even though I like the color a lot. On my accent nail, I used White Out from China Glaze, and stuck some of these pretty little stars on.

I thought that these just came in a baggie of mixed colors, but nooo, you have to choose them (hard life). I felt stupid when I received just the purple ones in the mail, but it turns out one of my friends thought the same too. Maybe we're both stupid, hah.

Until next post,

Becky

haul | staples from sephora

Hi! I have a mini haul to share with you guys today~ I didn't mean for it to happen, but most of these items are repurchases/things I'll actually use more than a few times. I'm happy to say that I didn't buy everything at once, and I'm managing my beauty spending quite well!

soap & glory | hand food

This has been a long time favorite of mine. It's very moisturizing but not sticky or greasy, and sinks in pretty quickly. I don't have much to say about this other than it does what a good hand cream should do. The scent is very subtle, which I like a lot. I got the smaller size, which is perfect for my handbag.

elizabeth and james | nirvana white

I've been hearing lots of good things about this perfume, and when I tried it on in Sephora I knew I had to get it. It's described with notes of peony, muguet, and tender musk. Even my sister likes it a lot - she doesn't usually go for florals. It goes along wonderfully with my Fresh Sugar Lychee perfume, and it seems to make that last a little longer as well. I opted for the rollerball version because I don't typically wear perfume often enough to go for a bigger size.

korres | lip butter in mango

I had another one of Korres' lip butters in Jasmine. When I went to Canada last time, I slept at one of my friend's places (now boyfriend - wait, whaaat?) and forgot to pack it when I left. No big deal, I could just take it back when I go there in June. Wrong. So wrong. My life feels empty without this lip balm. It's the best I've tried so far, and my lips are very unhappy without it.

nars | sheer glow foundation in ceylan

I've been using the NARS Sheer Glow foundation for a while now, but I haven't found my shade up until recently. I started off with Santa Fe which was too pink, exchanged it with Fiji which was close but a tad too golden, and exchanged it yet again for Ceylan which is perfect! I did feel bad for exchanging so many times - but with their awesome exchange/return policy, I feel like Sephora really does care about its customers (I'm glaring at you, Forever 21).

What are some of your staple products?

Until next post,

Becky

art | catch you catch me

[ deviantart ]

I'm trying to introduce some non-beauty related posts regularly, so here goes~ It's been a while since I've done anything artsy, so here's what I've been working on these past couple of days whenever I was feelin' it. I haven't gotten over my Cardcaptor Sakura obsession just yet, and I preordered her Nendoroid earlier today to fuel it even more. What have I done.

Until next post,

Becky

what's in my | travel makeup bag

Hello! I'm terrible at updating, aren't I? n_____n I've hidden most of my previous posts (again) because I'm not satisfied with them. Plus, I'd like to start somewhat "fresh" because there has been some exciting improvements in my life! It's a little weird to share right now, but I will in due time (probably).

I recently came back from my trip to Canada and will be going back again in late June!! I prefer taking just carry-on because I'm only there for a few days, so I thought it might be a little useful to share the makeup I brought with me.

nars sheer glow foundation in ceylan (sample) / dolce & gabbana the blush luminous cheek color in tan

nars smudge proof eyeshadow base / nars creamy concealer in honey

tarte amazonian clay 12 hour blush in exposed / benefit hoola (mini) / motives pressed e/s in antique pink

motives for lala waterproof eyebrow pencil in dark brown / motives luxe precision eyeline in jet black

motives kohl pencil in onyx / naked 3 / brushes that I am too lazy to mention

The makeup bag I used is from Tarte. I got it on eBay, and I believe it was part of a set. I wanted a bag that had a compartment for my brushes, and this one is perfect! I tend to overpack on the makeup, so I limited myself to one of each "type" - because seriously, am I really going to need to use three different blushes on a four-day trip? Probably not, but I've done that before. The liquid products went into a TSA-approved baggie, but I thought it'd be appropriate to show here. I also added my Naked 3 which went into my handbag. The handle for the Bobbi Brown blush brush is longer than most brushes, so I wrapped the ferrule/bristles part in a paper towel and tucked it safely away in my backpack.

I'm happy to say that with the exception of some eye brushes, I ended up using all the products I took with me (which I'm sure many of us can't relate with, har har). What are some of your travel favorites?

Until next post,

Becky