recent sephora buys + a drugstore find

You'll have to forgive me, I've made so many trips to Sephora over the past few months that I haven't mentioned at all here on the blog but I thought I'd get back in the swing of things and share the few things I picked up last week when I was in.

 Benefit's Benetint was actually the first stain cosmetic I ever tried and I used it religiously for my cheeks until my make-up bag was stolen off a hotel luggage cart in New Orleans last year. I then decided it was high time to see what else was out there. Well, I've tried countless other liquid cheek stains and for me, this one is the best. A bottle lasts forever and gives the loveliest, sheer flush with serious lasting power. The directions say to apply three dots to the apples of your cheeks and blend with fingertips but I apply a half-dollar sized "X" instead.

 Eye Bright is an eye brightener product that's new to me. I'm still figuring out exactly how to wear it but so far, I do like the more awake look it lends. Now, I'm sure there's a cheaper version of this one, if you know of a good one, please do let me know in the comments!

NARS' Cairo is a version of a shade I've been wearing for as long as I can remember. It's a champagne shimmer that can't be beat for day wear. 

And lastly, this Eco Tools foundation brush is a drugstore buy (found mine at Walgreens) that was recommended to me by a friend. The fibers are actually softer than some of my natural brushes and I love the brand's 1% For the Planet pledge.

What have you picked up lately you're loving?

signature style: guest post from lindsay of black + blonde one

I'm so delighted to have one of my favorite bloggers, Lindsay over to share a guest post today! If you aren't already following her lovely fashion blog Black + Blonde One, definitely do so. You can check it out here.

Over the years, the one thing that I learn over and over about myself is that I like a uniform.  Once I find something I like, I wear it to no end.  Usually clothing and shoes were my only victims, but lately it's also snuck into my nails and makeup.  I've realized that red will always be my color of choice.  It's classic, yet makes such a bold statement.  I think it also makes a pretty good representation of my firecracker nature as well!

Although I enjoy uniformity, I do like some variety.  My go-to reds are CND Jason Wu Collection Veronica, Sephora by OPI Be-Claus I Said So, and OPI Red My Fortune Cookie.  I love layering the glitter on top of them, or using them to do a half-moon or French manicure.  Not only is it festive, but it just really makes your nails pop.

For these nails, I used the CND polish with a clear top coat and sprinkled some craft glitter on the tips.  Now I feel very red-y for the holiday parties! (Pun intended.)

Do you have a signature nail polish color?

pequi oil treatment review

Since all my make-up was stolen from a hotel in New Orleans a few weeks ago, I've placed about 4 million Sephora orders and completely took advantage of that 15% off sale. I replaced everything I used as part of my regular routine and also ordered a lot of new products I've never tried so I have a ton of reviews coming for those interested. I like to use a product for at least a week or two before I decide anything about it, so bear with me while I work my way through all these new beauty purchases. 

First up is this Couture Color Pequi Oil. I picked this up because the online reviews were insane, I've never seen a product get such fantastic reviews across the board. Sephora even featured it as their "Today's Obsession." I'm convinced this stuff is going to the next Moroccan oil. It's a a little bit less expensive at $32 and I like it so much more. I've been using it before I blow-dry and a bit after styling to tame flyaways and it's been great. My hair is significantly smoother and shinier - plus it smells a lot better than Moroccan oil, like peppermint. I'd recommend this for anyone, especially those with dry or color-treated hair!

urban decay all nighter

I scooped up this product over a month ago and I was so skeptical (that whole too good to be true bit), that I've completely put this one through the wringer and my conclusion is, it works! I hold the bottle about 9 inches from my face and give it two or three squirts, focusing on my t-zone. It's lightweight and dries quickly and even comes in a travel size. It doesn't change the finish of my make-up and everything stays put longer, which is especially wonderful for my evening workouts. 

You can grab it from Sephora here.

nails inc. polishes

 Have you guys heard of Nails Inc.? They're a London based nail lacquer company that recently became available at my favorite U.S. store- Sephora! They have an amazing array of colors available online but I wanted to share these 5 that I've been using lately and loving.

 This glitter polish is called Electric Avenue (how cute is that name?). I put it on over one of my classic reds before swatching it and realizing you can definitely wear this on its own. It's got a ton of fine glitter that will completely cover your nail- no base color needed.

 Foubert's Place is a gorgeous olive that will be perfect for Fall.

 Victoria looks like a deep purple in the bottle but when applied is actually a dark wine color, probably my favorite shade for this season!

 Wellington Square is a lighter, more summery polish so I'm wearing it while I can. I was surprised how good it looks against my pale skin, most peaches are a no-no for me.

Piccadilly Circus is a universally-flattering, classic raspberry.

Have you tried any Nails Inc. polishes or seen them in Sephora stores? I'm so excited they've added this brand! These are some of the most long-wearing and chip resistant lacquers I've used.