Author: Lindsay

Maya Mia Palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills

I’ve been a bad little blogger keeping a fabulous eye shadow palette a secret from you. One of my favorite brands, Anastasia Beverly Hills, launched two palettes recently that have thrilled my little beauty world. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that the first launch, the Amrezy Palette inspired by Amra Olevic, is no longer available. There are some options on eBay, but that is about it. Correction: great news! The palette is still available on anastasiabeverlyhills.com!

Now for the good news… the second palette, Maya Mia is still available at Sephora and it is even better than the first. Created in collaboration with Maya Janeska (a hugely popular beauty blogger), these 10 shades are so incredibly wearable – from fun and adventurous to perfect everyday shades.

The powders can be worn wet or dry although I prefer dry. I get intense payoff with little fall out. And they are long-wearing. The pots are slightly small, but workable with a medium sized blending brush.

The Warm Taupe (second from right, top row) and Glisten (middle bottom row) have become everyday staples for me. Deep Brown (second from left, top row) is perfect for a more dramatic look. Gold Bar (far right, bottom row) works well in the corner of the eyes. And Sienna (middle top row) surprised me as a fabulous crease shade.

Think of this palette as a more adventurous neautral palette. The included brush is super high quality compared to other palettes. And the “Get The Look” enclosed flash cards inspire creativity in looks. Bottom line: it is a “buy”!

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora. This palette is limited edition, so snap it up quickly!

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Wednesday On The Web

I remember the days when I dreaded back to school. Not that I loved camp but I always enjoyed splashing around in the pool. And temperate Denver summers. This year, especially because of exciting things afoot, I am thrilled with the change of seasons. Mostly because of football and fall fashion. I can’t wait to wear jeans, boots, vests and scarves. But doesn’t look like that will be anytime soon… because it is still so so hot here. Granted our summer has been relatively mild, but I think we were spoiled by our little polar vortex cold snaps.

Some finds from around the web:

There isn’t a better time to stock up on fall fashions! My favorite place to shop online, Shopbop, has awesome markdowns and a killer Campus collection. Check it out here.

Either one of these dupes will be my winter manicure inspiration.

One of my favorite bloggers gets real. I love her blog and I love her in person. I just get it and it is nice to see a fellow writer let it out. #inspiration

Any other animal lovers out there? Don’t miss my new favorite site, The Dodo.

image here

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone

Bobbi Brown doesn’t get as much love as it deserves on this blog. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rank right up there for me, particularly in color cosmetics and brushes. I love her natural shades and simple approach to beauty. So no wonder I fell hard for her new limited edition powder that gives the most natural glow.

While I have been rocking a golden glow this summer (this bronzer has been a recent favorite), I am starting to transition into something a little softer for fall. The Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone has just a hint of neutral color that would work great on a wide range of skin tones – particularly on my light-to-medium complexion. And it just has a hint of sophisticated shimmer – don’t worry… you won’t look glittery.

The brick is handmade in Italy and contains five shades. A little trick – I also love using these as eye shadows. But it is designed to be swept through all five shades with a bronzer brush like the Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush. I like to apply on cheekbones, around my hairline and temples.

Consider this my pick for your fall bronzer/highlighter – in fact, I usually even skip blush when I am wearing it. And with its flexibility as eye shadows as well, it is perfect for on-the-go or travel.

// Shop The Post //

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Wednesday On The Web

I have no idea why I am so so tired this week! Not enough naps can pop me out of this funk. Something about this most recent birthday – the big 3-5 – made me realize I just have to take care of myself better. I am not a very high energy person in the first place. So you can imagine what happens when I get exhausted. Not to mention, I am a big believer of beauty sleep. Thank goodness for this newness from SK-II that is tiding me over in the meantime.

This weekend will be my “staycation”. I just want to blog, get a massage and do lots of at home facial things. And be ready for the Labor Day celebrations.

Speaking of… I am SO EXCITED for fall and football, particularly fall boots, jeans and sweaters. While we have had a mild summer overall, we are in the 100s this week and (to me) it is just miserable. Anyway, here are some finds from around the web this week. And see ya tomorrow – until then… it is off to bed!

Everyone needs to read these Tips On Achieving The Closet You Want

The DIY Manicure: A How-To

I’ve been loading up on work wear and it has basically all been Vince (their fall goods are killer)

An organic, all-natural line that does highlighter beautifully (shop it here)

Need a primer on mask layering? If you don’t do it… you might be doing it wrong

Need a laugh? Look no further than these honest slogans

image here

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Eau de Parfum

There has been quite a bit of buzz about Byredo in the beauty community. I was captivated by the cool Scandinavian packaging and sexy names of all the scents. Based in Stockholm, Byredo was founded by a painter and has partnered with some iconic perfumers. All the fragrances are inspired by locations or works of art.

These fragrances are specifically crafted with simplicity. My new favorite – Bal d’Afrique – lets the vetiver shine through. And no wonder this one jumped out as a favorite for me… it is inspired by Paris (my favorite city). But it isn’t just Parisian. The scent is infused with African culture: read neroli, African marigold and cedarwood.

To top it all off, Byredo makes the very sexy Byredo Nécessaire de Voyage Collection Calf Leather Travel Case. The leather feels like butter and there is no more fashionable way to freshen your fragrance on the go. Needless to say, their other goodies like bar soaps, body creams, lotions, and travel cases, and candles are on my wish list.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

National Relaxation Day With Neutrogena

I’m certainly not going to turn down a reason to relax. For some reason, this week I have been filled with sluggishness. I don’t know if it is the heat or just being a little worn down. Or the myriad of tech difficulties that plagued Monday and Tuesday. But either way, I am going to use National Relaxation Day as an excuse for a little pampering.

In honor of this holiday (yes, I am going to call this a holiday), Neutrogena sent over some of their most relaxation worthy products: Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel, Body Oil, Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Triple Repair Leave-In Treatment.

I was familiar with all of these goodies, but they haven’t been in my rotation in a while. Needless to say, Rainbath is a long time favorite. The newest scent, pear & green tea, has quickly become a favorite. And their Body Oil probably can be considered the original. There is no wonder they do it so well. It never leaves me greasy, smells amazing and absorbs quickly. I like to apply to damp skin at the end of my shower.

Then onto the hair. My poor hair. It is so dry at the ends. I am vastly overdue for a cut. But until then, Triple Repair Leave-In helps me get more shine and a boost in moisture.

Last but not least is a hand cream that admittedly hasn’t been on my list of favorites in the past. I always thought it was super greasy. What I have discovered is that this hand cream isn’t the one you want to throw into your purse for during the work day. For me, this version works wonders right before bed so you have the whole night for hands to absorb all that hydration.

Right now, drugstore.com is offering 20% off all beauty and personal care so it is a great time to stock up on Neutrogena goodies.