Essie's Van D'Go vs. Maybelline's Sweetie Pie

To say that I have a lot of nail polish is a bit of an over statement. So yesterday I got home and realized what I thought to be the inevitable: I bought a nail polish almost identical to what I already have. So now you guys get to know a dupe haha (always the optimist)

Here is Essie's Van D'go. It was recently released in the Art of Spring collection. I love this color! It's a peachy melon with some pink to it. Gorgeous for spring! It's a little more peachy than pictured.

Here is Maybelline's Sweetie Pie. This is actually a limited edition polish released in Maybelline's new spring collection.When I saw it I was instantly drawn to its spring-like qualities.

Now, lets compare the dupe-esque qualities. Both were 2 coats by the way.

They are extremely similar. The only SLIGHT difference is that Sweetie Pie has a bit more of a pink tone. Otherwise, they're identical. Essie's is about $8 (in drugstores, prices may vary) and the Maybelline's $4.29 (again, prices may vary). I don't believe that if you have one you need the other.

Hope you enjoyed the post; it's the first one I attempted on nail polish swatches so let me know what you think =]

<3

TAG: 40 Questions

So there's a tag going around on youtube about 40 beauty questions, to save myself the crazy rambling and editing, I thought I'd do it here =]

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice - Morning and Night

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Oily-combination

-What is your current facial wash?
Cetaphil- has been that way for over a year and I love it

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes, I try to do it about once a week and if I need it, twice

-What brand do you use?
St. Ives Apricot Scrub

-What moisturizer do you use?
Morning- LUSH's Cosmetic Lad
Night- Nivea Soft

-Do you have freckles?
No

-Do you use eye cream?
No, I sometimes think I should for preventative measures...blah blah...but i dont

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes, I used to have skin that was worse than it is now, but once i got into a cleansing routine and all that it got a lot better. Now I mostly get hormonal acne on my jaw and chin.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes but I don't remember how it worked for me

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
Bare Minerals Matte

-How about concealer?
MAC Studio Sculpt for face
Benefit's Erase Paste for under eye

-Do you know your undertone color?
I think I'm neutral mostly but slightly on the warm side

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them, I've never worn them but I think when done right, they look great

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I go my changes in texture and possibly smell

-What brand of mascara do you use?
I have been layering my mascaras for a while, Lashblast for separating then Max Factor 2000 Calorie for thickening and lengthening. MF 2000 Calorie will forever be my favorite mascara and I'm so sad it's discontinued. I still have a back up of one tube =\

-Sephora or MAC?
Gotta say MAC. It's actually cheaper for the most part and I love the quality of most of the products. However, I'd take out the annoying frequent collections and add in some Sephora by OPI good quality nail polishes =]

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Brushes- a mix of MAC, Sonia Kashuk, Sigma, and throw in a doefoot applicator for inner corner highlight

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Always- I love UDPP, I tried to steer away to TFSI and that didn't work the same at all. I do love bases like UDPP Sin and Shadesticks/Paint Pots as a quick color on the lid

-For the face?
Nope, my moisturizer does a good job as making a nice smooth base

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
What an unfair question! lol I would have to say light gold toned...perfect inner corner and I sometimes wear it on the lid to brighten my eyes

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Liquid for upper lashliner, pencil for waterline

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never, its happened a handful of times with mascara though

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I like them because I have some great colors, but I hate the messiness

-Do you use mineral makeup?
I guess Bare Minerals counts

-What is your favorite lipstick?
MAC- Pretty Please, goes with anything

-How about lipgloss?
VS Beauty Rush- Slice of Heaven

-What is your favorite blush to use?
I get some questions for recommendations of blushes and if I like certain ones from collections, truth is I don't wear blush *gasp!*  I actually have rosy cheeks to begin with so the only thing I wear on my cheeks is bronzer (for that I love NARS Laguna)

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Yup, I have bought some items. Never MAC though

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
I love it- I love finding great things that are a few dollars. My favorite blog dedicated to drugstore finds is Nouveau Cheap

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
Yup, I love them and finding some nice MAC that was from previous collections

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes, I'd love to take some techniques and use it to improve my own method

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Great eyeshadow yet no mascara, unmatched foundation to neck, unblended makeup (even a little)

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I love neturals, I feel so much more comfortable in them and that my features are enhanced better using neutrals

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Kim Kardashian (of course), Eva Mendes, Jennifer Aniston

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Eyeliner- makes me look more awake and focused

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes, I've done it...but I'd rather at least have some concealer, liner, and mascara

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
I look ok, I look better with it

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Overall I would say MAC, the majority of their products are great, but I use all kinds of brands and there are certain brands that have specific items that are the BEST within the overall category

-What do you think of Makeup?
I love it. I love the excitement of buying it, new collections, applying it. I love that it helps enhance features and unite lovers of it =]

You've all been tagged!


<3

Happiness Comes in Many Forms

First of all, I wanted to thank all of you for your feedback on my last post. It's meant a lot to me and has shown just how supportive and positive all of you are :)

I've been having a rough week and little thing I can find happiness in has been much appreciated. I'm so thankful for the great people in my life right now (boyfriend, friends, family, and last but not least YOU GUYS!)

I saw this quote on Gemma's blog . I love her blog and youtube, so feel free to follow/ subscribe to her =]

I adore Audrey Hepburn, she's such a bright and happy person and reading her words makes it contagious.

<3

Can't We All Just Get Along?

I'm going to try to make this as less of a rant as possible.

Maybe it's because I've been going through a bit of a low period this week due to getting in a fight with a close friend of mine, but I've been seeing so much negativity in the Youtube/Blogger world lately.

Don't get me wrong, I know there's been hate and negative remarks going around for a long time. I've been a participant and observer (wow, Sociology major much? lol) of these communities for almost 2 years (and have been making videos for a little over 1 year) and I am well aware that hate will happen just because it is the internet and some people just have nothing better to do.

I just see so many ridiculous and honestly, stupid, comments all over. Who cares if someone says "um", has moles, spends their hard earned money on products that make them happy, etc. No one would EVER go up to someone on the street and say all these things to someone. I've never had someone look at my bag in Sephora and say "OMG you're buying ALL off that??" I'm sure none of you have had this either. The aspect of anonymity is a big thing on the internet. You're here typing behind a screen where you don't have to look at anyone in the face to show them just how insecure you are about yourself that you have to insult somebody.

Yesterday in particular seemed to be a big day for negativity, in my opinion. Especially with the article by an individual that condemned bloggers and youtubers because they are not professionals (I won't post a link, if you're curious please google it). What so many people forget is that for most of us, this is a HOBBY. It's something I do to relax, interact, and connect with individuals that share my passion for beauty and fashion. Who cares if I say "um", own a lot of makeup, have bad lighting...whatever.

Unless someone is saying something incredibly offensive (I don't see how anything in makeup can be offensive, really) or insulting you in anyway, why say something incredibly pointless? If you don't like a blog/channel/individual in any way, why are you showing them support by subscribing/following yet posting comments meant to hurt them? And even if you just stumbled on the video, why continue watching if you don't share the passion? I just really don't see the point.

Not only is this a hobby, it's a community. The definition of a community is "a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests". If we all share common interests and passions, why not embrace that? If you don't share this passion, why are you participating in the community?

I have been asked by people who want to start their own channel how I "deal with the hate". First of all, it's rare that I get a negative comment. When I do, it's usually from a weirdo that stumbled across my page. What do I do? I LAUGH. I think it's funny whenever someone wastes time from their life to say something that doesn't have an effect on me anyway. Like I said, no one would say such remarks to you in "real life".

If you are afraid of starting videos because you are afraid of hate, DON'T BE! First of all, it's very unlikely you will get hate when you first start out and by the time you get a negative comment, you will have so much support and positive comments from genuine viewers that they will definitely outweigh the one lone person that is looking for attention.

This post isn't directed at any one individual in particular, just a type of individual and the negativity they attempt to spread.

Thank you to everyone that shows me such amazing support (on my youtube, twitter, and on here). Your positivity and love makes this all worth it. Keep being the great, sweet, and gorgeous people you are. <3

DILEMMA- Opinions please!

Ok, this isn't life or death....but you ladies are beauty addicts, you understand ;)

So my last post was about the Longchamp purse and how much I LOVED that bag. A week later, I still do, if not more. There's just something about it. It's sleek (can bags be sleek? haha), it holds all I need to stuff into it, it doesn't way down my shoulder. I can go on forever(I promise this isn't just another musing about this amazing bag).


So my dilemma: I mentioned that I was saving up for the LV Neverfull MM. I have been in love with that bag for months now. It's chic, classic, roomy. Hm. Sound familiar? In my previous post, someone mentioned that they were happy I found an alternative to the Neverfull, however my intention was to have the bag as a filler bag until I buy my Neverfull. Now, the more I think about it...aren't they really similar?

OBVIOUSLY, it's different material, brand, name, etc...but, let's observe:

They're shapes are kind of similar even (anybody also think so?)

So, I know you're thinking...what's the dilemma you need an opinion on?? Well, do I really need both?

Here are some neutral facts: 

1. I was looking for a sturdy, roomy bag I can use for everything (school, life, etc.), and I found one. 

2. I was dying to be able to save up for the Neverfull and have that pride of having earned it on my own. 

3. I HATE switching up bags. I get so used to a purse, and ....bond with it haha. Also, I ALWAYS forget something in the bag I take things out of. So when I get the Neverfull, I just know I'll neglect my Longchamp. That'll hurt it's feeling, won't it? (lol)

I'm a little confused (and sorry if I've confused you now haha). I would love your opinions and inputs. Do you have both? How do they compare? Do you have one of them? What's your favorite thing about it?

<3

Purse Love!

I have never had a good quality purse that has lasted more than a year or so. I LOVE big bags and always fill them to their breaking point (LITERALLY!). I use the smae purses and totes for school and everywhere else so a heavy duty one is much needed.

My regular one was reaching its end so I decided that now's the time. I have been lemming for the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM!

I've been saving for this bag for a long time and hope to buy it on my birthday (May 29th). In the meantime, I needed a bag for school and I've heard very good things about this one. I've always thought it was a bit plain but owning one has definitely changed my mind. Ladies (and gentlemen), I introduce to you, my newest addition:

The Longchamp Le Pliage Large ($145) in Black

This bag is PERFECTION. I'm sure you've seen them before, in NY they're VERY popular ("go to 4 stores because it's out of stock" popular haha)

Pros:
1. It's HUGE! I stuffed it so much and it still has room for more!
2. Perfect for school, with textbooks, notebooks, makeup bags, etc. a big bag is much needed.
3. It's durable. I've heard this this is rainproof and breakproof. The straps seem very strong (leather) and the bag itself is Nylon. I've read of people having it for years and still being useable. That's great for me!
4. It's very lightweight. As much as I've stuffed in it, it feels amazingly light and doesn't weigh me down one bit.

Cons:
1. I guess you can say it's plain. I love my shiny and bedazzled bags, but this is definitely classic. So as much as that is a con, I can use it when I'm a little too old for bedazzlement, if that happens ;).
2. No side pockets. My favorite old purse had two side pockets. One that held my keys, and the other my phone. They were VERY convenient and I got so used to that. This bag has one small front inner pocket so that's where my phone/key have migrated to.

Do you have this bag? Do you love it? How has it treated you?

<3

New Year's Eve FOTD

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVES!

I hope you all had a great New Year's Eve celebration. I spent mine with my family yet still dressed up because it is a CELEBRATION after all =]

2009 seriously passed by in a blink of an eye. Some of its highlights for me include starting my new relationship (Jan 9th will be 1 year), starting my youtube/blog/twitter, starting my new job. A year of many beginnings haha.

My new years resolutions include:
1. being more diligent with my youtube/blog- this semester/work has been so crazy and busy and my youtube/blog has definitely reflected that. I vow to post on my blog AT LEAST once a week, and post a video AT LEAST twice a week =]

2. using what I have and only buying what I need- I dont have a HUGE collection by any means but i do have quite a lot of makeup,I plan to focus on using up rather than buying things which end up very similar. i want to only buy things that are MUST HAVE and things thatI really need

3. appreciate the great moments- I believe we all can relate to this. 2009 passed by so fast I barely had time to appreciate it =\

I wish you all a GREAT 2010, may it only bring happy things.

I twitpiced my FOTD (face of the day) for New Year's Eve but I decided to make a blogpost on it. I decided to go with a blue-toned silver eye.



Face:
-BE Matte- Fairly Light
-MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer- NC20
-Benefit Erase Paste- Medium
-NARS Laguna Bronzer

Eyes:
-Too Faced Shadow Insurance
-NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Black Bean (I took the product with my 217 directly from the pencil)
-Maybelline Duo in Grey Matters- the lighter shade, which is a silver with blue tones to it (Applied with a MAC 252SE sprayed with Fix+)
-NYX Black (applied with MAC219 to the outer V and blended with a Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush)
-Jordana Incolor Fabuliner in Black (applied to the upper lashline)
-MAC Feline Kohl Power- (applied to the water line and set with NYX Black with a MAC 212SE
-Covergirl Lashblast Mascara
-Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara
-Harsh edges blended with MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium Plus with Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush

Lips:
-MAC Close to Real Lipstick

<3