theBalm Down Boy

I'm in a ridiculously good mood today. It's going to be 71 and sunny today. Spring, AT LAST! I even started getting back into some of my Spring makeup. Remember Lazy Day from "To The Beach"? Yep, I'm wearin' it! In fact, I'm wearing it with my new blush, Down Boy from theBalm.

It's the most perfect pink, no?

theBalm Down Boy, $21 USD

I love the packaging: very cute, very glam, very fun. First impression? I loved the color. Just kind of pinky-pink I like. As far as blushes go, I'm not picky about the finish. Matte, frost, shimmer, whatever. I take 'em all, but this little beauty has a matte finish. The only thing I thought might be troublesome, was that it got pretty powdery when I was swatching it with my finger. It left me wondering if this was going to make a mess on my face.

....but it didn't. Although very pigmented, this blush blended onto my cheeks effortlessly. I was left with a nice pink flush without looking too pink, you know what I mean? It didn't look overdone at all. I'm a huge fan and I highly recommend. 

Stuff I wanna show you!

My mom gave me a gift card for Sephora so I used it... right down to the last dollar! This was an online purchase, by the way...

'

From left to right:

Sample of Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Urban Decay Shadow Box

Sample of Tarte ReCreate primer

Down Boy blush from theBalm

Deluxe sample of Tarina Tarantino's primer

I tried everything except Tarina's primer. My daughter somehow got her hands on it and now I have no idea where it is. Boo! I photographed and swatched the eyeshadows and the blush so I'll get that uploaded in a bit. I'm particularly excited to share the blush. I'm becoming quite a fan of theBalm. ;)

How you can help Japan

My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to those who were affected by catastrophic events that recently took place in Japan. I just wanted to let my readers know that there are simple ways that we can help aid the relief.

*First, check out this site. They'll show you seven different ways in which you can help via the internet.

I'll let you read the site for yourself, but one of the easiest ways to donate is through a simple text message...

The American Red Cross has raised over $20 million for Haiti through their text to donate service. If you would like to donate to the Japanese relief, all you have to do is text "REDCROSS" to 90999. Your donation of $10 USD will aid the Red Cross in their efforts to help those in dire need.

Also, to my readers who live outside of the US, please check out my friend's blog. She is from Japan. Through her blog, she is trying to reach out offer ways that you can help too. Thank you!

Viva Glam Gaga II

Okay, I so bought this about two or three weeks ago and I'm ridiculously late with this post... eek! Sorry!

In the last year, I have become such a huge fan of nudes. If I remember correctly, in one of my very early posts, I said that I couldn't wear nudie colors like Myth. And now, I LOVE nudie colors like Myth! It's not always about what you wear. Rather, it's about how you wear it. If I lathered on Myth without thinking twice, I would look like a ghastly little freakazoid. I've seen so many negative reviews of VG Gaga II and I couldn't understand why... but then I remembered that I was once that girl who thought that I could never pull off a nude. Why? Because for many of us, they're scary. Just as scary and intimidating as red may seem.

Another reason (remember, these are just my theories) why I think VG Gaga II didn't sell out like the first one did is because the first one is such a bold, statement color. It's a spotlight-loving pink that people were instantly attracted to (very Gaga-esque), whereas, this nude looks downplayed in comparison. I think people (like me) were expecting the second coming of a crazy, bold lipstick. In my opinion, though, nudes can make the same kind of statement as that flashy pink.

I love this color. I need to do some swatch comparisons for you guys because I think I have a few similar shades. I like the formula (Amplified) and I didn't find it to be overly-drying. The best part? Every cent goes to the MAC AIDS Fund. Can't beat that!

Have you tried it? Tell me honestly, do you love it or hate it? From what I gather, it's that kind of color. Love it or hate it, that is.

My BIG announcement!

I cannot tell you how badly I feel for putting my blog on hold. I kept hinting that there was a really good reason for my absence... and there is! I'm a little pregnant!!! Okay, not a little pregnant, I AM pregnant! I'm expecting my second baby in September so my little girl is going to be a BIG sister!

So this is why I've been so neglectful to you guys and I'm very sorry. I was extremely exhausted through my first trimester but I've slowly been getting my energy back these last two weeks or so. And again, this isn't my first baby. I have the responsibility of keeping up with my home while chasing around a 20 month old. Believe me, she's not easy to keep up with! Also, from being so drained, I haven't felt good about my appearance -- with or without makeup. It's hard to feel inspired when you look like crap, hah.

HOWEVER, I have all of these news goodies that I want to share with you. I just want you to know that this blog isn't going anywhere. I haven't forgotten about it or you. :)