Do you remember getting those gigantic makeup kits for your birthday or a holiday?  You know, the ones with the cheap lipg loss and eyeshadows, and those tiny lip brushes that never seemed to work right.  Well, I recently got a more updated version of that: the NYX Box of Eyeshadows.  It’s more sophisticated and actually practical.  Plus I scored it for twenty bucks on Hautelook!

NYX is a really great brand and is still independently owned by founder Toni Ko, who started it in her 20′s (what have you done with your life?).  It’s definitely a brand worth checking out! While the color pigmentation wasn’t as striking as I hoped for, this still remains a huge addition to my makeup collection.  With 112 colors, it’s a pretty useful palette.  I found that these were best used wet because the color payoff when used dry was a little light.  Adding just a little bit of water to my brush amped these babies right up and gave me the true color that I actually saw in the giant box.

Watch the vid for my full review and an explanation on how you can salvage less pigmented shade! Read More »

During my freshman year of college I was amazed at how many girls wore designer denim to class and toted their books around in enormous Coach bags every day. How do they afford it? Why would they waste such a cute, expensive outfit on 8 AM class? It wasn’t the parade of sweats and pajamas I had been prepared for by older friends.

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them. Read More »