MAC x Proenza Schouler Nail Lacquer in Dayflower

If you didn't see yesterday's post, I received my MAC x Proenza Schouler order! I picked up 3 nail polishes, 2 lipsticks, 1 blush and 1 eyeliner from the collection. Today I'm featuring the beautiful deep plum color called Dayflower. The shape of the lid actually made applying nail polish extremely easy. It gives you a nice steady hand. The brush is also nice and you only need 1 coat but I always paint 2 coats out of habit. I'm so obsessed with this collection. I can't wait to wear the other 2 polishes I got! This one is going to be great for fall and the winter months (although it is still cold in NYC) and I will be wearing the other two colors I got all summer long!

Did you pick up anything from the MAC x Proenza Schouler collection?

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Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder

I have a new favorite contour powder. Meet the Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder. I find it hard to find nice contour powders because I'm already quite tan and the usual contour powders can often be too light or too orange for my skin. This powder looks way more ashy than my Bourjois Bronzing Powder that I have been using pretty much the past year. It definitely has no shimmer to it at all and is more pigmented than most powders I have tried. It only comes in this one shade that is a universal contour color that works for all skin types. It just depends on how much you use and how well you blend it in. For me it is a easy to blend soft contour shade. I use this with the Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Contour brush. The duo-fiber brushes are good because they pick up less pigment and then I just sweep and blend away.

As you can see it looks so nice against my skin tone! I'm loving this sculpting powder!
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Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Aventure

I talked about the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks before (here). I love the formula and packaging so I had to pick up another. I chose the shade Aventure which is a really pretty sheer pink color. These lipsticks are super moisturizing which is good because my lips have been very dry this winter. I swatched a few others so depending on the shade they can be more sheer or opaque. Aventure can be quite sheer but you can also build it a bit so you get more color out of it. It's my perfect go to pinky nude color. And although some people may not care about this, I actually really like the shape of the lipstick. As you wear it down it doesn't become a funky shape. I have a feeling I will be picking up more and more...

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Origins GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer

Winter in New York is so drying for your skin. In the morning my skin feels dry and tired. I have been using the Origins GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer to help with all these issues. This moisturizer helps give radiance back into your skin while instantly hydrating. The best part about this moisturizer is the scent. The entire reason why I purchased this after finishing a sample size was because of the citrusy smell. It smells so good!!! I don't think this entirely cures my dry skin because I still feel some dry patches around my mouth area. I am still using hydrating masks and overnight masks to help with dryness but it is perfect for day (it's lightweight) and sits beautifully under makeup.

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Bright Eyes | Rohto Redness Relief Eye Drops

Highly recommended from beauty bloggers (especially from fashion models) I had to pick the Rohto Eye Drops because I tend to have red eyes from the dry weather and long hours in front of the computer. I originally picked this one up for my flight to Barcelona as well because I hate that dry eye feeling after I wake up from a nap (contact wearers I know you feel me). I love the packaging because the eye drop comes out of a very small opening so it's much easier to control when dropping them into your eye. And I wasn't expecting much about the "cooling" title written on the front but boy does this really give your eyes a wake up call. I love putting this in my eyes just to freshen up and feel more awake. It's a great refresher right around 4pm.

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MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Concealer

This is a recent purchase for me and I was influenced by Kourtney Kardashian's post on Inthegloss. She mentioned she uses the Make Up For Ever High Definition Concealer for under eyes and although I am loyal to my Bobbi Brown Corrector, I wanted something else for just under my eyes (on top of the Bobbi Brown) to brighten and cancel out dark circles. I picked up the shade 330 and have been applying it every morning around my under eye area so it brightens the whole area. It really does give this brighter, soft focus feel to the face. It looks really smooth and overall really nice. The concealer is much thicker than the concealers I’m used to. Once you apply it really stays put. It’s oil-free and blends in really well. It comes in 14 shades which is amazing and I think the applicator is very unique, sanitary and easy to use. All in all I’m impressed so far and love using this! Also, this will be great to use if you know you're going to be on camera!

Hope everyone is staying warm!

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Amika

I try to do a hair mask about once or twice a week. Lately I have been loving the Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask. Masks can help give your hair that extra moisture, help with any damage and can help prevent split ends. I discovered this while browsing through Birchbox’s products and saw this had really good reviews (almost 700!) and decided to give it a try. It's a great affordable price and will last a long time since I only use it once a week. I like to apply this mostly to my ends and stay away from my roots because I tend to get very oily quickly. I leave it on in the shower for about 5 minutes and then rinse it out. My hair feels instantly so soft and while I still like my $3 Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Mask, the Amika mask feels much more thick and rich. This is definitely a product to pick up for some winter hair rescue if you're in need of a new hair mask!

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Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish

I have never gotten actual gel nails done at the salon, but I am all about the super shiny nails. I love Nails Inc so I was happy to pick up their new Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Kensington High Street. The polish allows you to get that plumping and glossy effect with any UV. I think I was expecting the polish to be more plumping but it is definitely super shiny. And I don't have any nail polishes with such a large oddly shaped (in my opinion) lids - so it was a bit strange to apply. I still put a top coat on because the Seche Vite top coat just dries so fast and I hate waiting for nails to dry but I would say if you wanted to skip it you definitely can with this new formula. I absolutely love the color and I think it's perfect for winter. Currently they only have 4 shades out in the Gel Effect range but I'll definitely pick up some more once they release new colors.

Do you prefer to get your nails done at the salon or at home?

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The Liebster Award!

Thank you to Suzy from Suzy's Beauty Diary for nominating me for the Libester Award to help discover new bloggers! It's so nice to hear when people enjoy reading your blog so really thank you Suzy for mentioning me!

The Rules:
1. Link the blogger who nominated you (here!).
2. Answer the questions which your nominator has asked.
3. To keep the chain following, nominate some of your favorite bloggers who have less than 200 followers and let them know you've done so.
4. Create some fab questions for your nominees to answer.

My Questions:
1. What do you spend more time on, skincare or makeup?
Definitely skincare!

2. Are you more of a drug store or high end kind of beauty gal?
I honestly love both, but I would say I'm much more high end with skincare and more drugstore with makeup.

3. What is your favorite foundation or base?
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

4. List your top 5 favorite beauty products.
1. Bobbi Brown corrector
2. Anastasia Brow wiz
3. MAC paint pots
4. Loreal Telescopic mascara
5. Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker

5. What is the most enjoyable thing about blogging?
Being about to share what products I'm excited and passionate about.

6. Do you prefer to read books or watch TV?
Watching tv

7. Which is your most worn perfume?
Currently it's Diptyque Philosykos. So good.

8. If you were to give any advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
Less is more with eye makeup... Unless you're intentionally trying to look like a raccoon.

9. Sum up your fashion style in a sentence.
Comfortable, Simple and Sophisticated

10. Two years from now, what would you like to be doing? 
Possibly starting a family?? (maybe??)

My nominees are:
Bonnie Beauty xo

Ashley Sue Makeup.

Thank you to everyone for reading!

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Everyday Makeup Look Youtube Video

I recently got a new camera and thought i would film a video and test out the quality! I think it's pretty good! (so so much better than my other two videos...)

The video is a makeup look I pretty much do every single day for work. Hope you guys enjoy! Please leave me comments and subscribe :)

x cynthia

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Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow

The Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow blush has been on my radar for awhile. I finally picked up the shade, Patrice, because it's a perfect shade to pop on your cheeks and lips for Autumn/Winter. I love my peach pinks for summer but now I'm more in the mood of berry and dark nudes. Patrice looks a little intense and dark in the pot, but you need the tiniest amount to slowly build it to a nice sheer wash of color. It's easy to blend and work into the skin. I love the consistency and it gives your lips a nice berry stain as well. And since I still have a little bit of a tan, it suites me much more than some of the lighter pinks and peaches in the range. It comes in a nice little pot with a mirror that is great for your handbag.

I highly recommend going to swatch these next time you're at the Kevyn Aucoin counter. I like that these blushes give you a sheer, healthy, natural looking glow from within look. So far I have always been using my fingers to apply cream blush but I may invest in a brush soon...


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Skincare Tag

I saw the Skincare Tag on Fragmented Splendour's blog and I thought it was a fun one because half the time I'm blogging about skincare anyway. It's a quick tag but I thought it would still be fun to do. For me, skincare is the most important and what you should really invest in. Here we go!

Describe your routine in 5 words...
Fresh, Thorough, Experimental, Exfoliating, Hydrating

What's your skin type?
I would say combination/oily.

What is your favourite skincare product?
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Top blemish zapper...
Origins Super Spot Remover

Face wipes... yay or nay?
Nay!

Toner... yay or nay?
YAYYYYY. Tone morning and night.

High end skincare or high end makeup?
High end skincare all the way. There are so many great drugstore makeup products that I could use instead of high end makeup but skincare is a different story.

What is the most universal skincare product you've tried?
Bioderma (does this count as skincare?) if not I would say the Elizabeth Ardern Eight Hour Cream

You're in a pharmacy and can only pick up one item - what would it be?
Probably La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. I'm that obsessed.

Top skincare tips.
Stick to a routine and always take off your makeup and cleanse before you go to sleep.
Use products that target your skin type and issues.
Try to exfoliate twice a week and keep your skin moisturized.
Finally, ALWAYS WEAR SPF!



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Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Let's Get Naked

I have been a little obsessed with the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks this month. Especially this easy to wear peachy nude shade in the fun name, Let's Get Naked. I'm obsessed because it's super creamy and these lipsticks contain Hylaronic Acid, Collagen and Vitamins A, C and E. I think I'm a little obsessed with Hylaronic Acid (and in search for Hydraluron by Indeed Labs) and so when I found out the formula of these lipsticks contained it this lipstick has not left my side. I don't love the packaging. It's very plastic and makes a very loud click when you close the lid but I can get over that. I have noticed how dry my lips have been now and it's really important I am keeping my skin and lips hydrated. I still like to put a balm on before I apply this lipstick, but this is seriously creamy. A winter winner in my book.

Do you change your lipsticks depending on the weather and formula?

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Empties #4

Another Empties post!

It was satisfying tossing a few items during the move to simplify my bathroom medicine cabinet. Although I might have to repurchase some of these products because they were really that good.

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
I mentioned this mask in one of my early early posts. In my opinion this is seriously one of the easiest and most effective masks out there. Its a goopy fruity mask that never dries so you just slather it all over your face, wait about 10-20 minutes and then wash off with warm water. I love how smooth, really clean and radiant your skin looks after. It really feels like it take off a layer of dead skin. I will be repurchasing this soon.

Le Labo Santal 26 Vintage Candle
I purchased this candle as a present for my boyfriend and we have finally finished using it. It was a bit too masculine for me, but he really enjoyed it so that made me happy. Online the description says it's a gentle, smokey and leathery scent… you can see why girls aren't really drawn to it. I love the packaging though and Le Labo has some wonderful perfumes I want to try.

Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz
I definitely enjoyed using this toner a lot. I love spray toners because they are just so easy feel refreshing. They wake me up in the morning. This was a nice simple organic rosewater toner that I could possibly repurchase.

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara
Goodbye to my summer 2013 mascara. I seriously wore this almost every single day. I will say I got tired of using it by the end of the summer and very tired of removing stubborn waterproof mascara. I may suffer from super straight lashes but I don't want to suffer every night anymore removing the product it too.

Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Creme
This was such a luxurious moisturizer that I really loved using. Read my full review here.

Now that I've used up some products, that means I get to go shopping right?

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I Said Yes!!!

Just a little announcement today... We're engaged!!!!!!! Eli popped the question this past Saturday and we are just beyond happy and excited and happy and yayyyy!

Thank you to everyone who has been sending such nice and thoughtful comments and thank you for following and reading this blog! Thank you to all my best friends for celebrating with us Saturday night. Eeeeeeeee.


<3 cynthia

September Favorites

Another month another favorites post!

Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Cream
Fall means I need to transition to heavier moisturizers. All throughout September I used this cream to help my skin lock in moisture and feel hydrated. I love love love the way this cream feels and smells. You can read a full review here.

YSL Babydoll Mascara
I am obsessed with this mascara - especially the mascara wand. I wish this came in a waterproof formula... then it would be my holy grail mascara! It's still amazing and as soon as this deluxe sample size runs out, I'm immediately going to get the full size.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour
This powder feels so luxurious and smells incredible. The powder is super fine so you don't look cakey at all. I love carrying it around with me for touchups throughout the day and the packaging is just too much. It's a little but of a splurge but sometimes you just need to treat yourself. Read my full review here. 

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum
I re-ombred my hair this month (about 2 weeks ago) and so I have been loving this hair serum for just the ends of my hair. I warm up the product in my hands and then I just run it through the ends on damp hair.

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Face Brush
I love all the Duo Fiber brushes from Real Techniques but this one has got to be my favorite and the one I use every single day. Since it's Duo Fiber that means it picks up less product which is great so you won't be using a heavy hand to pile on makeup. It gives you a more natural finish when applying powder and I highly recommend it.

Maybelline Babylips in Cherry Me
It's a little nuts how many Babylips I own but they are seriously amazing. I wouldn't say all of them are amazing (I'm not a fan of Pink Punch and Peach Kiss because they're a little chalky in my opinion) but Cherry Me and Quenched are much more sheer and feel super moisturizing. I love the Quenched has SPF 20 but I love the color of Cherry Me (and the smell!) These are great affordable lip balms.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
I seriously have been wearing this every day this month. It's just been so easy to apply and that's just what you need in the morning when you're getting ready for work. I always put MAC paint pot in Groundwork as a base and primer first. Then I apply Bad to the Bronze up to my crease and then blend out the edges with a fluffy brush. Simple, easy and looks great!

Btw, it's freaking Ocobter 1st today!

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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel Review

I am a huge fan of at home treatments and this caught my eye awhile ago because the reviews for the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peels on Sephora are amazing. I have always had acne prone skin and while my skin has already drastically improved over the past 2 years, I still have quite a bit of scarring and overall I'm not completely satisfied with the texture of my skin.

First off, although it says Daily Peel, I still think it's too strong to use daily. The first few times I tried the peel my skin tingled/burned a little and was a little irritated. After a few more times using this my skin adjusted but then I started getting little red bumps around my cheek area. I decided to cool off on the product and not to use it so frequently. I use this now about once a week and it no longer irritates my skin.

First open the moist towellete from the Step 1 package. It's just a plain sheet that's a little awkward to hold, but you rub that on your face in circular motions until the towellet becomes dry. Then you wait 2 mintues before using the treatment in Step 2. Same instructions - apply to face and neck until dry. You do not wash this product off afterwards and I recommend only using this at night before bedtime. Your skin will be highly sensitive and should not be exposed to sunlight.

While I do think this product helped minimize breakouts and possibly reduced pore size, I'm not sure it helped with evening skin tone and reducing dark spots. It was not super noticeable for me, but when I wake up in the morning my skin does look very clean, tight and fresh.

I like the packaging. I think it's great for traveling and while I did enjoy using the 30 day supply I do not think I will be repurchasing it because of the price.


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Bourjois Bronzing Powder

I have only ever used one bronzer and that has been my trusty Nars Laguna Bronzer. It has lasted me a very long time especially since I don't use it on a daily basis. However, I've hit pan on the Nars Laguna and I thought it was time to try out a new bronzer. I've heard a lot of buzz around the Bourjois Bronzer Powder (and now there is a Bronzing Primer too!) Bourjois can be tricky to find online in the States and I managed to get mine on Asos awhile ago. They sell some UK beauty brands and they always have free shipping and free returns!

I love the cute packaging for this!! It looks like chocolate and smells like chocolate, too! I've used it a few times now and so far so good! It doesn't look orangey and is very easy to use. It has just a tad bit of sparkle running through it but you can barely see it. I think it's a great affordable bronzer and it comes in two shades. I have 52 which is slightly darker than 51. If you have fair skin, go for 51. I think it was more than half the price as the Nars bronzer and it works just as well!

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Sample Sizes That Won Me Over

Everyone has a collection of sample size products laying around in a drawer and yes they are great for travel but sometimes the samples sizes can be wonderful and you need to run out and purchase the real thing before they run out! These 4 products have really made an amazing impression on me and I will explain why.

1. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer
I didn't think much about this when I got a sample size of this moisturizer but Oh My it smells so fantastic and because of the scent I looked forward to applying this every morning and night. It contains Panax Ginseng and Coffee Bean to instantly wake up your skin and give it a healthy, vibrant glow.

2. Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lip
Ok this has got the strangest name, but I've heard Essiebutton mention this a long time ago and I was super excited to get it in my Birchbox this month. It's very similar to the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream minus the funky smell and color. It's super moisturizing! And it has a slightly sticky texture that I'm kind of into.

3. Essie nail polish in Clam Bake
People seem to notice when I wear this nail polish because I have gotten some great compliments when I'm wearing it. It's a bright bright orange-red nail polish color that is fantastic for summer and I'm really digging orange-red right now.

4. YSL Babydoll mascara
I am obsessed with this mascara. It's my go-to mascara for days when I don't want to wear a waterproof formula. I didn't expect to like this so much when I first saw the brush, but it just gives amazing length and volume without clumping! I highly recommend this!

Any samples you guys are testing out that you have fallen in love with?

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September Birchbox

Wanted to share with you what I received in this month's Birchbox! Seems like I have posting a lot about Birchbox recently but I still wanted to show you what they sent me this month.

From top left to bottom right:
Paula's Choice RESIST BHA 9 for Stubborn Imperfections
This is a night time treatment with 9% salicylic acid to address spots, blackheads and wrinkles. I wish the sample was bigger but I'm excited to test this out.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund
I love getting Nail Polishes in my Birchbox but I was not very excited about the color. Originally I thought it was good because it's a shade I would never buy myself but after putting in on it confirmed my gut feeling that I just didn't like the shade. The brush was a bit fanned out as well and not that smooth to apply. I'm just personally not really into the whole metallic nail trend.

Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray
I rarely use hair spray but I have heard good things about this one and I love that it's a mini size I can bring with me during travels. It claims to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free while also protecting your hair from UV rays. Excited to try and I like the packaging!

Costal Scents Eye Shadow
On first glance this looks pretty sad... I wish the packaging were nicer but the colors do look nice. These four complementary coppery brown shades can be easily worn day or night and I am excited to try them.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
I was super excited to get this as a sample. Only because I have heard Essiebutton talk about this before and if you can get over the weird name, it's freaking fantastic! I have already tested this out and it reminds me of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream minus the weird scent and color and its not as sticky. It's very moisturizing! I will continue to use it to see how I like it.

Overall it was a pretty good Birchbox month. Especially since I went to Birchbox local this past weekend. If you haven't ready about that I will like that here.

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