Affordable Dior Products: Under $30!

Hi girls! I was thinking recently about how nice products from luxury brands are and how I wish they were more affordable. That got me researching and I realized that there are a ton of high-end products that are under $30! The products I'm going to show you today are from Dior but I think I'm going to make this a series and show you products from other brands as well! Here is a list of affordable Dior products under $30!

Top Row:
1. Backstage Eye Prime- $28
2. Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer- $27- 14 different shades!

3. Addict It-Lash And Lipstick Set- $27.50

4. Diorshow Extase Mascara- $28.50

5. Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm- $28- People on Youtube constantly rave about this!

6. Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum- $28.50
7. Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil- $29

8. Diorshow Mascara- $27.50- Comes in 4 colors!

Step-by-Step Contouring Guide!

Before

After

Hi girls! Today I'm coming to you with a contouring guide! This has been a huge trend lately in the makeup world and it's actually easier than it looks! The point of contouring is to create dimension to your face as well as lift certain areas. I used two amazing products to contour:

Tutorial: Taylor Swift Inspired Red Lips!

Hi girlies! Raise your hand if have been jealous of Taylor Swift's perfect red lips before? *Raises my hand* Well lucky for us it's not that hard to achieve the perfect red lip! Watch my 2.5 minute tutorial and before you know it you'll be strutting the streets just like Taylor!

Tutorial

I used the Kat Von D Lipstick in Stiletto but it's been discontinued. If you want a similar color check out "Countess" in the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick line at Sephora!

REVIEW: Sephora Collection Full Action Blue Mascara!

Blue mascara whattt. That's right, I put my black mascara aside and looked for something colorful and fun the last time I went to Sephora. I picked up the Sephora Collection Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara in 04 Blue. This mascara is super affordable (only cost $12) and also comes in black, brown, and purple. You should've seen my friend's face when I told her I was getting this mascara. haha Here are my thoughts on the product:

• Really pigmented- This will definitely show up on your eyelashes since it showed up on my black-colored eyelashes!
• Very wearable- I was pleasantly surprised at this. I love the unexpected hint of color it gives to my face w/o being scary or overbearing. 
• Unique- I could see this mascara being a conversation starter b/c it is so uncommon to see someone with colored mascara!
• Great effects- It is lengthening, volumizing, and doesn't clump.
• Washable- This isn't waterproof so you shouldn't have trouble removing it!

I have no complaints on this mascara and highly suggest it! I can't wait to find more ways to sport this blue mascara. I'm definitely going to wear it on July 4th! lol

Shout out to my coworker Ron for letting me use his camera! Hope you enjoyed this post!
-- Emily

My 2 Favorite Summer Cheek Products!

If you're like me then you don't like to wear a lot of makeup in the summer. It's hot, it's humid, and makeup is just going to come off of your face anyways. That's why I like to keep it simple and just use products that will give me a nice glow. I have currently been loving the

Too Faced Beach Bunny Bronzer (powder bronzer)($30) & the 

Stila Convertible Color in "Lillium" (cream blush)($25). 

These stay on all day and look so pretty on the skin! I like applying them with the Tarte Slenderizer Bamboo Contour Brush ($34). This brush is worth every penny. Blends so well and gives you complete control.

12 Sephora Must-Have Sale Items!

Hello everyone! I recently looked at the Sephora Sale section and could feel my jaw hitting the ground. There are so many great deals with prices that would be really difficult to pass up. Here are 12 Sephora must-have sale items in order from lowest to highest price.

Sephora Haul: Eyebrows + Contouring Products!

Hello everyone! I went to a Sephora last Friday and realized that I hadn't been in one for over two months. I was going crazy over all the new products and literally spent over an hour and a half testing out new products and looking at everything. I decided to jump on the eyebrows and contouring trends and can't wait to use these products throughout the summer. Here's what I bought (going clockwise):

7 Products You Need To Know About!

Hello everyone! Has anyone else noticed how many new makeup products there have been lately? Well I've put together a list of products that you should know about next time you go to buy makeup!

1. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black ($75): This brand is actually created by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen! People have been nonstop raving about the Nirvana Black and White fragrances! They are often purchased together as well. The notes for Nirvana Black are "an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine".
2. Elizabeth and James Nirvana White ($75): The notes are a: "captivating blend of delicate peony, chic muguet, and tender musk for a feminine scent with dark sophistication".
3. Urban Decay Naked Flush Palette ($32): This palette is perfect for traveling. You have bronzer, blush, & highlight all in one place. This comes in four different color options & is bound to last you a really long time.
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette ($58): This palette will definitely give you that amazing glow that celebrities always seem to have. It is a finishing powder but can also be applied on as a highlighter. It has just the right amount of shimmer and no glitter. I love that they included a warm, cool, and bronzy color in the palette.

Rihanna for Dior Secret Garden IV Campaign

It was recently announced that Rihanna is going to be the face for the Dior Secret Garden IV Campaign and my goodness, she could not look more stunning! Photos from this fashion campaign show Rihanna walking through the Versailles Hall of Mirrors and Garden. After seeing the pictures of the ads, I had to do some digging to figure out what Rihanna was wearing in terms of accessories and makeup. The makeup artist for this shoot was Stéphane Marais and the look has been described as "vampy, classic, and glamorous".

Makeup

Dior Vernis nail polish in Pandore #754- $27

Three shades of Rouge Dior Lipsticks- $35:

Rouge Zinnia #743

Rouge Cannage #941

Rouge #999

Accessories

Diorama satchels

So Real sunglasses

I can not wait to see more pictures from this campaign!
- Emily

REVIEW: LaCora Monet Lipsticks

Girls, I'm really excited to review the LaCora Monet Lipsticks for you today! These are really pigmented lipsticks that go on smoothly, last several hours, & aren't drying. The particular shade I tried is called "Fetching" & I love it! I had never tried a bright orange shade before but in my opinion this one was really wearable and perfectly matte! Definitely one that I am going to keep using in the summer! The packaging of these lipsticks is also great- so sleek!

(TIP: If you're scared of bright colors, you can blot your lips w/ a Kleenex after applying the lipstick to tone down the color slightly. This is what I did when I wore the lipstick to my presentation for a project w/ Home Depot! (Right pic))

You can get the LaCora Monet lipsticks at Krush Boutique for $15-18.They come in a great variety of finishes & colors that you can't find w/ other brands!

In April, I had the privilege of meeting the the founder of these lipsticks, LaCora Monet (@QueenCor on Instagram) and she was such a sweet and driven person. I really hope you try out her lipsticks- I think you will love them!

Have a fabulous rest of the week!
- Emily

I was given this lipstick to try by LaCora Monet; however, all opinions are my own.

Revlon "Love is On" Product Review! (Part 2 of 2)

Hello everyone! If you say my last post, then you know that I attended the Revlon "Love Is On" Pop-Up Shop Event (if not, click here)! At this event, they allowed bloggers to try out three products and today I'm going to review the three that I chose! I picked the PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup, ColorBurst Matte Balm, and PhotoReady Eye Art Lid+Line+Lash.

PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup in "Medium Beige"- $15

"Revlon creates the instant skin retoucher. Light-Filtering Technology gives skin an instantly perfected, retouched look. Use all over the face, to conceal flaws, or for touch ups."

I would definitely suggest using this as a touch up product rather than a foundation. I think it does a great job of getting rid of redness and evening out skin tone in spots but is light to medium coverage. I've put this on my whole face before and didn't get that "wow her skin looks flawless" appearance. I think it cost more money than it's worth. It is a product that makes sense for correcting skin in the summer though!

ColorBurst Matte Balm in "Showy"- $9.50
"Vibrant colors infused with a Triple Butter Complex give you a bold, beautiful lip. It’s a burst of matte color with a balm-like feel. Go bold and get moisturized."

I love this product so much!!! Such beautiful, pigmented color and "Showy" is the perfect summer shade! I got a lot of compliments on it as well. This product glides on easily and last for several hours. It makes matte wearable for summer and doesn't have a drying effect either.

One tip: make sure to exfoliate lips before using this lip crayon! I felt like I could see the lines on my lips otherwise.

Revlon "Love is On" Pop-Up Shop (Part 1 of 2)

Hello everyone! A little while back you may have seen my post about the Revlon "Love is On" Pop-Up Shop! Well today I'm going to tell you about what I thought of the event! The pop-up shop is a tent where:

"Revlon Beauty Advisors will be on hand offering on-trend makeovers and manicures, as well as one-on-one consultations to help guests find their perfect palette of Revlon makeup. [Guests] will be able to capture their finished beauty look at the Revlon photo wall and are encouraged to share it socially using the hashtag #LOVEISON for a chance to be featured on the Global Love Beacon in Times Square New York!"

Pretty cool right? There are still three pop-up shops left:

• May 16-17 – New York, NY – Times Square
• June 25-27 – Minneapolis – Twin Cities Jazz Festival
• July 10-12 – Chicago, IL – Taste of Chicago

If you are in any of those towns, check out the pop up tent! Scroll through the pics below to learn more about the event and my experience there!

If you buy a Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy™ Nail, then they will give you a manicure for free with that color! My friend did this and her nail polish literally lasted for 2 weeks. The nail polish retails for $8.

HOLY GRAIL: Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen

Girls.. I have found my favorite holy grail eyeliner. It is the Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black. I have used this on multiple friends and it lasts just as long on them as it does on me. I let my friend try it before Spring Break and she ended up going out and buying one for herself! It retails for $22 at Sephora. Here are qualities that make this eyeliner amazing:

• Literally never fades, or smudges, or comes off while I'm out & about
• Felt tip eyeliner
• Super opaque black
• Applies smoothly
• Perfect for creating winged looks
• Amazing lasting effect- sometimes I can see my eyelids getting oily but it still having no effect on the eyeliner
• Doesn't dry out for months- I've had mine for over 2 months now

[Lol to impromptu "photoshoots" in my bedroom]

I literally have nothing bad to say about this product. I will keep repurchasing this one because I honestly don't think I can find one better. (If you want a product that is slightly cheaper though, check out my close second place holy grail product review of the Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner.)

Let me know if you've tried this eyeliner before and what you thought!

- Emily

NEW: NARS Christopher Kane Neo-Neutral Collection

Have you girls seen the new NARS Christopher Kane Neo-Neutral Collection yet?? Well if you haven't, you should check it out because it is beautiful! Its tagline is "Unexpectedly bold. Shockingly natural." & that is exactly how I would describe it. They have amazing summer colors that are super wearable & some that are multi-functional. You can't find these products on the Sephora shelves like NARS usually is but you can get them on the NARS site.

To find out more about the collection and the inspiration, click on this link. Here are all the products below with their names and prices.

From left to right: the illuminating multiples are $39, the single shimmer eyeshadow is $25, the duo eyeshadow is $35, the blushes are $30, and the glosses are $26 each.
I think my favorites from this collection are the "Parallel and Universe" duo eyeshadow, the "Starscape" blush, and the "Glow Pink" lipgloss!

Let me know if you try any products from this line as they will definitely be on my wishlist!
- Emily

REVLON "LOVE IS ON" Pop-Up Shop in Atlantic Station- April 10th-12th!

MAKE A DATE WITH THE REVLON "LOVE IS ON" POP-UP SHOP,

COMING TO ATLANTA, GA ON APRIL 10^th-12^th

WHO:               Revlon, Global Cosmetic Brand

WHAT:             The Revlon LOVE IS ON Pop-Up Shop will be stopping in Atlanta, Georgia providing fans of

Revlon a wide array of personalized makeup services and products that are sure to inspire love.  

Consumers will have a chance to test out the newest product launches in both color cosmetics and nail with deluxe TRY ME samples. Revlon Beauty Advisors will be on hand offering on-trend makeovers and manicures, as well as one-on-one consultations to help guests find their perfect palette of Revlon makeup. For the finishing touch, guests will be able to capture their finished beauty look at the Revlon photo wall and are encouraged to share it socially using the hashtag #LOVEISON for a chance to be featured on the Global Love Beacon in Times Square New York!  

For more information about the Revlon and the LOVE IS ON campaign, visit: www.revlon.com/loveison, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @Revlon.

WHERE:            Revlon LOVE IS ON Pop-Up Shop:

Atlantic Station

1380 Atlantic Drive Northwest,

Atlanta, GA 30363

WHEN:              Friday, April 10nd –Sunday, 12th, 2015

                        Friday: 11 AM - 7 PM, Saturday: 11 AM - 7 PM, Sunday: 12 PM - 7 PM

ADMISSION:      FREE

CONTACT:        Jenna Rotner

JRotner@lippetaylor.com

212.598.4400 Ext. 178

OOTD: Urban Edge

Hope everyone is having a great Monday so far!

Over the weekend I got to get my makeup done by Sarah Biggers who is such a talented Atlanta makeup artist! (Click here to see her website.) We collaborated to put together an urban and edgy look. This would be the perfect makeup and outfit to wear to concerts or while exploring the city. Since it is a fairly dark look, this is definitely be more likely to sport at night time.

Photo credit goes to my favorite photographer Diane Lin! (Check out her website here.)

Here are the details on my outfit:

Shawl: Macy's | Tank Top: Forever21 | Shorts: H&M |Combat Boots: Mossimo (Target) | Necklace: Lucky Brand | Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | Eyeshadow: Lorac Pro Palette

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

Hello everyone! I am a big eyeliner fan and wanted to review the NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner ($25) for you today! I own the shade Via Veneto-black. There's a fair amount of pros and cons about this one so let's get into it:

Pros:

• Rolls up so you don't need a sharpener
• Opaque black color
• Long lasting- it claims to stay on 12 hours and I think it does! I have accidentally gone to sleep with this on before and seen it make it through the night as well
• Waterproof
• Great for lining your eyelid or your waterlines

Cons:

• Difficult to get a precise line- the tip is pretty dull because you can't sharpen it
• Can't really create a winged look with this eyeliner- the way I've solved this problem is by lining my eyelid with the NARS eyeliner, then winging out the ends with a liquid liner (not pictured)
• Fades on the waterline

All in all, I think this is one of the best automatic eyeliners I've tried. It's between this and Marc Jacob's Highliner Gel Eye Crayon. Although this eyeliner is expensive, I think it's worth it because it's much better than buying one that constantly smudges. My friend tried this over our spring break trip and she loves it too! Next time you are in Sephora, check it out!

Leave me your eyeliner recommendations!
- Emily

REVIEW: Flash Tattoos

Girls.. something I seriously could not get enough of during my Spring Break was flash tattoos! They have become a big trend within the past year and I think they are such an easy way to add something extra to your outfits! I wore them out and about in Austin, New Orleans, and at a music festival! Here is the link to the tattoos I bought, as well as some features:

Metallic Gold Fashion Tattoo

- 5 Sheets for $12.75 (The original flash tattoos are $22 for 4 sheets!)

- Sheets are 8x6 inches (you will have so many tattoos!)

- Very easy and quick to apply
- Great variety- black, gold, words, pictures, etc.

- Have a slight chemical smell to the packaging (the tattoos didn't)

- A little difficult to remove (using a loofah helped)

- Tattoos last 2-5 days (For me, avg for gold: 4 days; for black: 2 days)

Did you see my music festival outfits? If not, click here:
Day 1, Day 2

I was particularly obsessed with these three tattoos. My favorite moment when I was wearing them was when I walked into a restaurant and an old man yelled "What is that on your arm??" Haha. Mind blow apparently.

You are seriously going to want these for the Spring and Summer especially if you are going to concerts or going to be outdoors a lot! I love them so much!

Let me know if you have any flash tattoos you recommend!
Emily

REVIEW: Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain

Hello everyone! Today I am reviewing the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in the shade "Heartthrob" for you. I received this in my February Birchbox but you can purchase it in the full-size for $20.00.

I originally thought this was going to be a very pigmented red color. What it actually was was more of a coral red shade and I had to apply about three coats of this for me to get the pigmentation I wanted. I will say though that it has a creamy texture and seems moisturizing. I decided to test it out by wearing it to dinner.

Before and After

As you can see in the pics below.. the majority of the color especially in the middle faded away. I think of this more of  a lipgloss than a lipstain and wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for staying power. If you want a product that will last through anything get the Maybelline SuperStay 24Hr 2-Step Lip Color- It's insane and much cheaper!

Xoxo,

Emily

REVIEW: Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain

Good morning everyone! I have been loving lipstains lately and wanted to review the Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain for you! I have the color "Parisian Passion" and it is such a beautiful dark wine color! Two of my friends also have this stain and we all wear them a lot! Here's what you need to know:

• This packaging is beautiful.. so chic & compact. It has a doe foot applicator & is easy to line your lips with before filling them in.
• These are like a one-step lipstick since you can skip the gloss and they are so rich in color.
• These are super glossy and you definitely won't feel a drying effect that other stains have. 
• If you wore these without eating or drinking something, they would last on your lips for several hours. (See my before or after pics below to see how the stain performed)
• Because of the gloss, this stain never feels like it "sets" & I think at any point after I apply it, I could wipe off product from my lips.

Before and After Pictures

Left: My lips right after I applied the stain

Right: My lips after wearing the product for 4 hours without reapplying (I went to a party and had some drinks with friends)

In conclusion, this lipstain is super pretty and glossy unlike other stains. Only down side is that it doesn't have the best lasting power. If you need a new color in your collection, then definitely pick up one of these stains- they're so rich in color!

Xoxo,

Emily