How much do you spend on makeup? | August Budget

Hi Ladies,

I didn't spend any money on clothes this month! Wow! I can't make a claim like that since middle school when my mom bought all my clothes. Instead of shopping for clothes I decide to update my makeup box. I haven't bought any in over a year, and I was out of foundation, mascara, etc. I also wanted a kit that was easy to apply and could be kept in my purse. I realized that since I now own my own personal styling service, I need to represent my brand while I'm out and about. :) Since I hate taking the time to put on makeup and having to use tools to apply it, everything I bought can be put on directly from the tube or with your hands. It feels more fun that way. What are your favorite inexpensive makeup products?


Oil Infusion Lip Gloss • Fresh Berries
Blush Me • Out of Control
Radiant Luminizing Drops • Ultralight
Neutrogena® Healthy Lengths Mascara • Black
Brow Enhancer • Pearly Opal
Tinted Brow Freeze • Medium 
Highlight Lowlight Face Contour Duo • Tan
Even Better Compact Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 • Deep Natural
MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder • Medium

 

GET THE LOOK WITH MAKEUP (UNDER $50)

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Linking up with:

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New Subscription Box - Lip Factory Review

Hi Ladies,
I decided to try a new makeup subscription service that was a little cheaper than Wantables. Lip Factory is only $22/ month and they provide makeup products customized to your skin tone and prefernces. I have to say that I wasn't overly impressed with the selection. Firstly, it bugs me to recieve dark blue eye shadow in the middle of summer and secondly, I'd tried the NCLA nail wraps before and didn't like them.

Update on Easy Gel Nails

Hi Ladies, you know I blogged about Deborah Lippmann's Gel Lab a few weeks ago? I was so excited about this "Gel-like experience". It promised manicures that would last a week and could be removed with regular polish remover. It cost $45, but if it worked...I was there!

Well...it didn't. :( My polish chipped the next day, just like with a regular base and top coat. HOWEVER, I did pickup L'Oreal Gel Laque from CVS which has similar claims and only cost $10! It worked really well! I went 5 days before there was any significant chipping. (There was minor 'tip-wearage' or "shrinkage" after 3 days.) It's definitely worth the money and I'd love to hear anyone else's feedback.

Take Care!

FTC Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this blog are my own, however if you decide to click on the links above, I may earn a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Linking up with:

Because Shanna Said So 

Meg on the Go

Mix Match Fashion

Stylin' in St. Louis

Perfectly Coutured 

Vodka Infused Lemonade

Glitz and Gold

The Tiny Heart

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Treat Yo Self Thursday
I'm Perfectly Human
Glossy Blonde
Redcliffe Style 
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Her and Nicole 
The Life of the Party 

Penniless Socialite
Grits the Blog

3 Quick Ways to Polish you Nails

Hi Ladies,
You know I suffer from "Self-Nail-Polishing-Induced-Anxiety-Disorder". It's triggered when:

• I try to paint close to my cuticles, but just wind up with a pool of polish.
• My creamy polish goes on thick in some places and bald in others (Argh!)
• I'm stuck with long periods of time between coats when my hands are useless and I can't figure out anything to do with myself. 
• I visit the polish aisle in a drug store and am overwhelmed by the number of top coats to choose from. (Why does Sally Hensen have over 20 of them???)

As you can see, for the safety of my mental health, I had to simply things. Therefore, I bring you "Merrie's simple way to paint your nails". You can not mess these up...it's impossible! You also don't have to think while applying them...I love it!

Credit: Janice @ GlitterGlossGarbage

OPI Online Only Sheer Tints Tinted Top Coat

I will be writing another article about these, because they have so many uses and belong in every nail wardrobe. For the purposes of this article, I love them because sheer polishes just add a hint of color, so even if you smudge them or they start getting streaky...it's close enough to your natural color that you won't notice. (GlitterGlossGarbage used 3 coats for the picture above, but I usually only use two.)

OPI Original Nail Envy

Another awesome product and time saver! Don't waste your time making sure that your nails are completely clean before putting this on. Just slap it on. It's clear and somewhat glossy. You can layer it and it dries nearly immediately! When it starts to chip, just add another coat.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Base and Top Coat 0.05 oz (15 ml) 

Ok, I haven't actually used this product. I just bought it at Sephora, but the concept fits with my personal philosophy. It produces a gel-like finish that works with any polish, lasts for many days AND you don't have to soak or buff it off! (I'll let you know once I try it.)

Well, there you go. Hopefully, you found some of this useful, or at least understand me a little better. Before I go, I want to thank Jen @ Basic Training Corporate Style for featuring my Little Black Shirt Dress in this week's Fashionably Employed Link Up!

Have a good day!

FTC Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this blog are my own, however if you decide to click on the links above, I may earn a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Linking up with:

More Pieces of Me & On The Daily Express

My Thrifty Chic 

The Molly Buckley

Fizz and Frosting

Mom Trends
Little Fashion Queen
Basic Training Corporate Style

The Fashion Canvas

Karly Kim

Elizabeth Nygard

Simply Lulu Style

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May Nailette Box Review

Hi Ladies,

I'm really excited about my Nailette box this month! Firstly, I love the colors...they remind me of orange creamsicles and strawberry milkshakes! Secondly, I did both paint jobs myself! I'm very proud, because if you remember my diatribe from last month, I hate painting my nails. I really appreciate all the advice and have started using an Orly base coat & Sally Hensen topcoat which have definitely helped. 

**What is Nailette? For $9.99/ a month, you get two colors selected for you based on your tastes and skin tone.  If you are interested in signing up, use the code meredith50 and you will receive 20% off your first box.

Trends I'm Trying: Nail Wraps and Radiant Orchid Lipstick

Hi Ladies,
So what do you do when the Pantone's color of the year doesn't look good on you? It's interesting, but I've read this same complaint on several blogs and don't recall hearing the same concerns last year when the color was Emerald. I think this purply-pink color is difficult to wear, and I probably won't buy any clothes in it. It's a pretty color but too close to my skin tone and therefore won't "set me off" :). However, I did find this lipstick by Maybelline and it's an easy way to try the trend...surprisingly I like how it looks. The lipliner and lipstick together cost about $11!

This is Radiant Orchid. (source)

 To create this look I used:

Prestige Cosmetics Lipliner - LOVE - $5

Maybelline® Color Sensational® Vivids Lipcolor - BRAZEN BERRY - $6

Now, onto the next trend...NAIL WRAPS:

I'm kinda behind the curve, because nail wraps have been out for a while, but it's my first time using them! I received these in my Petit Vour box and decided to give them a try. They are by NCLA and come in many designs. They were easy to put on using the directions and lasted for about a week. I did use a top and bottom coat, as instructed. However, what I didn't like is that these are essentially stickers, and left a white line at the tip when you file them off. Other brands that I've used since then, use layers of nail polish which doesn't do that. They also looked like stickers, so no one was going to mistake them for nail art. :) 

Verdict: I love the relative ease and longevity of nail wraps, but will try another brand that looks more similar to nail polish.

All opinions expressed in this blog are my own, however if you decide to click on the links above, I may earn a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Linking up with:

More Pieces of Me & On The Daily Express

My Thrifty Chic 

The Molly Buckley

Fizz and Frosting

Mom Trends
Little Fashion Queen
Basic Training Corporate Style

The Fashion Canvas

Karly Kim

Elizabeth Nygard

Simply Lulu Style

Simply Just Lovely

Easter Sunday w/ NYC (New York Colors Review)

Hi Ladies,
NYC was nice enough to send me samples of their Cheek Glow, City Proof Lip Gloss and Sparkle Eye Dust which turned out to be perfect for spring! I spent Easter Sunday getting brunch with a girl friend and chatting for hours...it was great! What did you do? 

(P.S. The earrings and watch are from my April Wantables Box and the necklace is from Hautelook.) Have a great day!

Studio Gear CC Cream, Glam ST & Soxxy Air Review

Hi Ladies,

Smile...it's wednesday! I have three fun things from Brandbacker to review with you today!

Crushing on Orange Lips - Try the Trend for < $10!

March Wantables Review

Hi Ladies,

Got my March Wantables box and am finally getting around to review it! Plus I have 2 exciting mascaras to share! :) What is Wantables? click here.

Petit Vour & Nailette

Hi Ladies,

I'm so behind on my subscription box reviews, so thank you for bearing with me. I'll get back on track this month!

OOTD: Pink and Cobalt Blue + $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Cardi/ Denim Trouser/ Top/ Necklace/ Belt/ Blue & Red Bracelet

Hi Ladies,
Happy Thursday..the weekend's almost here! Ready to do a little shopping on Saturday? If so, I've got a site you have to checkout: Before I Shop (BIS). Their goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your shopping experience:

• Current sales
• Product reviews
• Outfit Inspiration

"Every day people" provide the product reviews, so if you find a Brand Contributor with your body type and style, you can just buy what they buy! :) Personally, I love scrolling through the different outfits to see how people have styled items from the stores I love.

In addition to being a user, I am currently a Brand Contributor and am teaming up with them to give away a $50 gift card to a Before I Shop store of your choice:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will run until Thursday 3/6/14 12am MST and I will announce the winner within 2 days. 

Here are a few reviews I did:

And now back to the post... :)

I couldn't get as close as I would've liked but I wanted to show you this simple nail design. I dabbed the 'Spoiled' polish near the base of my nail. Then dabbed Nicole's near the top (it has larger flakes). Then dabbed a little more 'Spoiled' at the bottom and spread it to the tip. The effect is a sort of glittery-ombre look. (You can buy both of these polishes at the drugstore.) Enjoy!

Linking Up With:

Penniless Socialite

Little Miss Fashion Queen

Simply Lulu Style

Style Elixir
Grits the Blog
Pinterest Told Me To
The Larson Lingo
Blushing Boulevard
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Watch out for the Woestmans

More Pieces of Me & On The Daily Express

My Thrifty Chic 

The Molly Buckley

Fizz and Frosting

Mom Trends
Little Fashion Queen
Basic Training Corporate Style

The Fashion Canvas

Karly Kim

Elizabeth Nygard

Simply Lulu Style

Simply Just Lovely

Because Shanna Said So 

Meg on the Go

Wantables Makeup and Accessory Review

Cheap, Chic Beauty Finds

Tarte Lip Surgence/ Revlon Lip Butter

Tarte Cheek Stain/ Ulta Cheek Stain

Who Did It Better? You Decide! (An easy way to layer perfumes)

         VS.












Hi Ladies,
I need your help! On the left side we have Merrie K., the reigning new-comer to the world of perfume modeling. On the right we have Keira Knightly, an internationally known actress, model and apparently the only person alive who truly captures the essence of Coco Chanel. Who is selling their perfume better??? (Please cast your vote in the comments below.)

Ok. Ok...be nice! :) I graciously concede the floor to Keira (even though she has an entire retinue of stylists, makeup artists, lighting assistants, photographers, photo retouchers and all I have is myself and a camera...but that's not the point!) She is truly a beautiful and talented woman. :)

So, as the Jo Malone ambassador in my home, what am I here to talk about today? It's that time of year again...when swarms of men (and women) decend upon the mall and beg cosmetic assistants to help them find perfume for their loved ones.  So ladies, it's up to you to drop some key hints, so that you don't wind up with Macy's special of the week. Having said that, I highly recommend Jo Malone!

I love them because their fragrances are high quality, light, come in about 40 scents and are designed to be mixed and matched. My absolute favorite is Rose Water and Vanilla. It smells different every time I spray it. I've been wearing it for the past year, which is the longest I've ever worn a perfume. I also have never gotten so many complements on a scent!

So, how does scent layering work? You start off by choosing your main scent. I chose Rose Water and Vanilla, because I love vanilla.

Jo Malone London Jo MaloneTM Rose Water & Vanilla Cologne

To ensure that I never tire of it, I have the following scents to mix with it... 

Jo Malone London Nutmeg Ginger Cologne, 1.0 oz.

Great for winter...creates a warm, baked goods type of scent.

Jo Malone London Jo MaloneTM Vanilla & Anise Bath Oil

Adds a citrus note.

Jo Malone London Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne

Adds a fresh note.

Jo Malone London Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne, 1.0 oz.

Enhances the sweetness of the vanilla.

How to combine all this knowledge into the perfect V-Day Gift?
1. Checkout Jo Malone's Fragrance Combining Tool
2. Visit Nordstroms and get samples of your favorite scents
3. Strategically leave them around your apartment/ home for your loved one to find. (Don't down play the power of propaganda...the more advertisements the better!)

This is not a paid advertisement. :( I received no compensation for this post in any form or fashion, although I would be happy to be their Brand Ambassador in the future. (Hint! Hint! PR Firms.)

All opinions expressed in this blog are my own, however If you decide to make a purchase through the links above, I may earn a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

Should you Follow the Directions on your Makeup Kit?

Hi Ladies,

So, being the makeup newbie that I am, I'm always looking for makeup advice. However, I'm often skeptical of following instructions in makeup kits because one size doesn't fit all. Also, I have hooded eyes, so when all my "average-lidded" girlfriends in high school could swipe on shimmery eyeshadow and look cute, the same makeup made me look like an over-done child prostitute. As if a MAC store had exploded all over my face! To this day, when I hear of Asian girls getting surgery to create deeper eyelids, I'm thinking "Why? Your eyelids are so cute like they are! Go swipe on some metallic eyeshadow and rejoice!". I know...I know...this diatribe proves that everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side, but for the next decade I avoided any makeup that wasn't mascara or lipgloss. I only decided to give makeup another try earlier this year out of boredom. Thank goodness it worked out, because otherwise this would have been a very different kind of blog...LOL.
Anyway, take care and let me know what you think of my new look. :)

I followed these instructions to a 'T' and here's the outcome.... (Drum roll please!)

Ta Dah!

(Queue the whistling and the clapping!)

Ok, seriously, have a great day! :)

This Makeup Kit is the Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette. You can receive a 10% discount by using the code: SGHOLIDAY. (Disclosure: All opinions in this blog are my own, however I did receive this kit from Studio Gear to review. Fun! Fun!)