A Very Belated January 2014 Favorites

Please excuse the tardiness of this post – the first month of the year was quite hectic and I can't even tell you what happened to February. My only excuse is that I've moved across four states and started a new job. 

This post might also be quite a bit strange as these were the products I was crazy about four weeks ago. Naturally, as it is late February I've become obsessed with so many new things but I will try to drum up the same amount of enthusiasm that I had for these in January.

Through the month I truly suffered from a pretty gruesome case of combination skin as winter and stress really reared their ugly heads. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash to the rescue. Seriously, using this stuff makes my face feel ridiculously clean and balances out the gross oily patches as well as the dry bits. Amazing.

I was gifted this little baby for Christmas by my darling Kristin of alittlefille. She knows me so well as I got a ridiculous ton of wear of Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry. Now these aren't really anything new, and we're all pretty familiar with the lip crayon thing but I have to say, I really do think the Clinique ones are my favorites. They're incredibly moisturizing and since they have no scent they're not irritating on the lips at all. Super Strawberry is an amazing sheer pinky berry that straddled perfectly between my lust for berry lips while also kind of craving a more natural lip color for the new year.

In that same vein of natural lips, I found my perfect "your lips but better" color in Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Color in Spiced Rose. It's a rosey beige so clearly a perfect color but also the formula is kind of amazing. It wears for awhile and doesn't dry out my lips at all. It's an indulgent lipstick but well worth it, I think, if you find your perfect shade.

I am always always always on the lookout for good top and basecoat duos. I'm a little bit weird as I really prefer them to come from the same brand. I don't know if I think it works better that way, but I just like it for some reason. Anyway, I've tried many combos from pretty much every brand you could name and I have to say I am really digging the Butter London Top & Tails Set (Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat and Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat) more than I have anything else I've used in awhile. The base coat creates a gorgeous nude canvas for your lacquer and the top coat really seals it all together. My manicures have lasted anywhere from five to seven days without a chip in sight. The only downside is that the topcoat does take a bit longer to dry than some of the other ones out there, but I think the little bit of extra dry time is worth it in the end if you can stand it.

The Josie Maran Bear Naked Nail Wipes are unlike anything I've tried before. I've tried more than my fair share of nail polish removers and wipes and everything in between but these are a different ballgame. They remove the polish and also nourish the nails and cuticles in a way that so many of the just for nails and cuticle products don't. Nails feel clean and hydrated and absolutely ready for the next manicure. (These ones I had were special edition for the holidays and smelled of peppermint, but they're available year round in a refreshing grapefruit scent.)

That's all for my ridiculously late January faves. Let me know what you've loved for these first few months of 2014 and I'll see you in just a few days (fingers crossed) for my February favorites!

Caitlin xx

Pantone Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid

1. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Orchid | 2. Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Lacquer in Violette Coquette | 3. Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Thrust | 4. Nyx Love in Paris Eyeshadow Palette in Be Our Guest Maurice | 5. Butter London WINK Cream Eyeshadow in Indigo Punk | 6. Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick in Violet Valentine | 7. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Asphyxia | 8. NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Années Folles | 9. Butter London Nail Polish in Molly Coddled 

How gorgeous is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014: Radiant Orchid! This gorgeous fuchsia shade with pink and purple undertones. Above are just a few of my favorite makeup products in this year's favorite color. It's flattering on everyone and I can't wait to see what new products are going to be released this year in this breathtaking shade.

November 2013 Favorites!

Can you believe it's December already!! This month has flown by and I guess I can't really complain because December means Christmas and shopping and food!!

Anyway, let's get into the products I've been in love with this past month of November.

First up is MAC Powder Blush in Desert Rose. Oh my god, this color is amazing. I was seriously in the market for a good matte natural flush shade and this one is so so perfect. It's so great for the these months and just brightens your cheeks like you've just come in from cold. The texture is also nice and soft and blends super well and the formula is, of course, gorgeously pigmented. I'm in love. I don't know if I'll ever use another blush again (I will, probably but shh).

I know I mentioned this in my Lush haul but I'm so obsessed I had to mention Ocean Salt again. Seriously, whenever my skin is feeling gross and dull I just use this in the shower instead of my regular cleanser and I feel like I come out glowing.

How much can I gush about MAC Paint Pot in Let's Skate without sounding like a nut? I'm a huge fan of all of the Paint Pots and I use them pretty much daily as an eye shadow base or sometimes just as an allover color on lazy days. Let's Skate is a pale pink with a little gold shimmer that is so so sparkly and festive. I've been using it under pretty much all of my eye looks lately just for a little more festive fun and sometimes on it's own because it's gorgeous. And the name is so freaking cute. When they first introduced Let's Skate it was part of the limited edition Glitter & Ice collection but I'm so glad they decided to keep it around permanently because it's incredible.

A couple weeks ago I picked up the Urban Decay Black Market Pencil set and I have to say it was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I've been a big fan of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils for a while now and I figured a little set of six colors would be perfect. I was right! I don't really think I'll use another eyeliner because these are amazing. They're so soft and go on smoothly but they don't budge once they're on. After a super long day where the rest of my makeup is long gone my eyeliner is still perfect and on point. My favorite colors have been West (a dark brown pearl, that is exclusive to this set, unfortunately) and Desperation (a taupe-gray matte that you can pick up in full size too).

Okay, there's been a whole lot of buzz over the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms and with good reason. They're a really unique formula and combine the trends of matte and chubby lip crayons. I also really love them because they're still a balm so they're decently moisturizing (with shea, mango and coconut butter) while still giving a matte finish which is pretty nifty. They're incredibly pigmented too. The only thing is that if your lips are already chapped and/or cracked the matte finish is really going to show it, so try to keep your lips in good shape or wear a lip balm underneath. I'm crazy in love with the color Standout but I have three others that have been getting a lot of wear. Still, Standout is my staple right now because it's a pretty neutral matte red which is kind of perfect for the season.

I would be lost without this product, if I'm being honest. Maybe it's the most boring in this post but it's kind of changed my life. Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue in Too Cool has been my go to this past month because I've had unreasonably dry and cracked lips. This weather has been doing me no favors. But this medicated formula has been keeping my lips beautiful. I love that the eucalyptus soothes right on contact to give some immediate relief in dire situations. After a week of using this baby, my lips look so healthy.

Who doesn't love a sparkly nail polish for the holidays! Butter London West End Wonderland is the perfect gold glitter polish and I've been putting it over pretty much every color to sparkle things up. The glitter is pretty dense too which I love, but you can also apply it lightly for sparser glitter. I've been loving it especially over Butter London Bramble, a really gorgeous bright eggplant purple. Bramble is also really gorgeous on its own.

I cannot tell you how much I love this candle. The Bath and Body Works Vanilla Snowflake Candle is just, in a word, delicious. Obviously, it smells like vanilla but it also has hints of cool mint and creamy coconut that make it so refreshing and unique. I've already picked up another 3-Wick and, since they've expanded this line into hand soaps and other home fragrances, I might need to pick up more.

As for music, One Direction's third album Midnight Memories released this month and it's so good. The sound is a lot more mature and rock-inspired and it's just really really fun. My favorite songs include Happily, Little Black Dress, and Better than Words.

I have also been obsessed with Peppermint Mochas. Honestly, I've probably had one at least five times a week since the first of November when they finally brought them back out. I realize I've jumped the Christmas gun a little bit but I can't be bothered to resist it. They're so delicious and make me feel so cozy and warm on the inside, like I should be curled up by the tree and fireplace watching old Christmas movies and wrapping presents. I could go for one right now!

That's all for my November favorites! Tell me what you've been loving this month!

Caitlin xx

NOTD #1: Butter London Royal Navy and West End Wonderland

Today my nails have a little bit more pizazz than I usually go for. I love sparkles, I do, but glitter nail polish is difficult in many ways – mainly it's a huge pain to remove even with all the tips and tricks I've uncovered over the past few years.

However, I've been feeling extremely festive lately (I've had two peppermint mochas in as many days) and the quickest way to showcase that is to add a little bit of sparkle on my fingertips. I didn't want to go too seasonal, as it is still a bit early, so I skipped the reds and greens and opted for my go to color this fall – Butter London Royal Navy. It's a gorgeous deep creamy navy and an overlay of Butter London West End Wonderland really makes it pop. I feel like I'm looking into a midnight sky on a clear night after the first snow of the season. It's such a beautiful combination and I've received a few compliments on it already!

What's on your nails this week, lovlies?

Caitlin xx

Favorite Fall Nail Colors

I think the perfect way for me to kick off this blog is with two of the things I adore more: the season when leaves crunch under you boots and nail polish! These are the colors that I think will look great with your fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of spiced chai.

Navy is the color I've been most excited for this season and I've been on the hunt for a really great color for months now. I picked up Butter London Royal Navy not too long ago and it's a gorgeous true navy with a lovely creme finish. Essie After School Boy Blazer is also a great option. While darker, its name is adorable. Zoya Sailor is a quite a bit lighter and won't get mistaken for a black.

Plum is always a perfect color for fall –– almost vampy without getting too Elvira. China Glaze Urban Night is a rich creme that leans almost towards eggplant. OPI Casino Royale is a great true vampy plum that's lighter and Nars Endless is a wonderful darker alternative.

Grey has been a trendy color for fall for the past few years now (and even made its way into Spring 2013) and I see no need for it to leave any time soon. Essie Cashmere Bathrobe is, as the name suggests, a lovely warm color with a very fine silver shimmer. China Glaze Recycle is a lovely middle of the line grey creme while Sally Hansen Wet Cement is a beautiful dove grey color.

Last year it was all about oxblood, and while that trend may be continuing I think a lovely brick red is a bit better of an alternative. It also sounds nicer, don't you think? Favorites in this color include: Butter London Old Blighty, a lovely color that lies right between red and brown; China Glaze Brownstone which is a bit less browned; and Zoya Pepper which is definitely the most red of the three.

Orange has been in all through this past spring and summer and I'm not ready to let go of it yet. For autumn, I'd opt for some tones that are less orange sherbet and more pumpkin spice. China Glaze Life Preserver is a burnt orange with warm undertones. OPI Hot & Spicy, funnily enough, is a bitter of a softer more coral shade but will still look great through the chillier weather. Butter London Jaffa is a bright bright orange that will keep you toasty.

Copper is my go-to metallic for this season. It's rich and warm without being as heavy as a gold or bronze. Butter London The Old Bill is a great light color that evokes worn antiques. Zoya Penny is a bit more gold toned and is warm and bright. e.l.f. Copper is lovely medium shade with rosier undertones.

Last but never least, a beautiful beige lacquer will make any look prim and polished. OPI Tickle My France-y is one of my all time favorite colors; it leans a bit mauve but it's cool tone leaves it perfect for fall. Butter London Yummy Mummy is a gorgeous medium beige with a hint of silver shimmer. Deborah Lippmann Naked is the most natural of them all –– a light creamy beige that isn't too boring or flat.

So what are your favorite shades for autumn?

Caitlin xx