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Adia Goss

Easy FOTD for Work Featuring the Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in Plum

June 17th, 2016 by Adia Goss 16 Comments

kat von d shade and light palette
Kat Von D makin’ it a little easier to get ready for work!

The $26 Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in Plum is really helping me get out the door in the morning. I love eyeshadow quads and palettes and definitely think they’re more convenient than trying to pull together different single eyeshadows to create a look, but there’s always a balance between having a palette that has enough variety to do a lot of different makeup looks (like the Minnie Mouse X Sephora one), and one that has a more edited selection of colors tailored to just one or two looks.

With four coordinating shades and a matte purple vibe, the $26 Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in Plum is more of the latter.

kat von d eye contour quad
So easy to use…

For my makeup today I used the quad’s four shadows in the way the note on the packaging suggests, but you could also use the darker shades all over (rather than only in the crease) and create a much smokier eye.

The whole point of these Kat Von D quads, and Plum is one of four, is that the four shades all go together, making it easier to do a few simple eye looks. In this case, the colors are purples and plums, and this is supposed to be the best of the four quads for people with green eyes (there’s also a Sage quad for brown eyes, Rust for blue eyes, and Smoke for all eye colors).

Kat von d eye contour quad
Look how nicely these colors go together…

These purples are pretty neutral, which makes the quad quite versatile, in my opinion, but based on the pics I saw online, I expected the shades to be cooler toned.

That lid color, in particular, is a bit warmer than I thought. In these pictures, the darkest color looks like a warm reddish plum, but it’s definitely more like a neutral/cool-toned purplish plum color.

Kat Von D Eye Contour Quad
Swatches of the Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in Plum

[Continue reading…]

There are 16 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyeko, Face of the Day (FOTD), Guest Post, Kat Von D

How I Strobe With Pur Strobe/Highlight Palettes

June 16th, 2016 by Adia Goss 20 Comments

pur strobe highlight palette
The $34 Pur Strobe/Highlight Palettes

If you’ve read some of my posts, then you probably know that I LIVE for a good highlight. I am all about that glow! — whether it’s super intense or a bit more subtle.  

I’ve been looking forward to trying these two strobe/highlight palettes from PUR Cosmetics since the very first time I heard about them. I’ve been a fan of the brand since I discovered their Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation.

pur strobe highlight palette
The two strobe/highlight palettes from PUR Cosmetics ($34 each)

First up is the Moonlight Glow Strobe Palette, which is the lighter, cooler-toned of the two. From left to right, the colors are Twilight, Lunar and Eclipse.

pur-strobe-palette-moonlight-glow
The PUR Cosmetics Moonlight Glow Strobe Palette
pur-strobe-palette-moonlight-glow-swatches
Swatches of the PUR Moonlight Glow Strobe Palette (L to R): Twilight, Lunar and Eclipse

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There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face, Guest Post, Makeup, PUR Cosmetics

I’m OBSESSED With These Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blushes

June 14th, 2016 by Adia Goss 38 Comments

becca luminous blush
I need help picking a favorite!

OK, so I’ve been eyeing these $34 Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blushes for the longest time. There are six of them now, and I actually fell in love with the shade called Blushed Copper back when it was sold as a “blush topper,” also known as a super intense highlighter, last summer. I bought it when it was limited edition and promptly fell in love. It was super pigmented, super shimmery and just…super smooth and blendable. Very super. So when I heard that Becca was expanding the “Luminous Blush” collection this year, I cheered!

These six shades do not disappoint, and when I think of this year’s spring makeup launches, for me, this one’s top three. It’s the formula. It’s incredible!

becca luminous blush
The six Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush shades

I tend to stick with the same group of basic blushes for my workday wear, but I think as far as shimmery blushes go, these really stand out for their unique formula. I know that MAC has some frosted blushes…but these Becca Luminous Blushes blow them out of the water.

becca luminous blush
The pink shades (L to R) – Dahlia, Foxglove and Camelia
becca luminous blush
The orange/coral shades (L to R): Blushed Copper, Tigerlily, Snapdragon

They’re insanely pigmented and smooth, and the color payoff is brilliant. You barely need to tap your brush on one of them to get this level of pigment, and because they are so pigmented, you don’t need to put a lot of product on your face. It’s not like you have to cake these blushes onto your face or do a ton of layering to get true-to-pan color.

And the sheen? SO beautiful, and so, so perfect for this time of the year.

Well, who are we kidding? These work any time of year, but I do like to go crazier with glow and shimmer in the warmer months.

I could go on and on about these blushes!

But I won’t. I’ll just give you the details…

There are six shades, so if you’re into shimmering or luminous blushes, you should be able to find one that works for you. I have a hard time picking a favorite, so maybe you guys can help!

becca luminous blush
Wearing Becca Luminous Blush in Camelia
Becca Luminous Blush
Wearing Becca Luminous Blush in Foxglove
Becca Luminous Blush
Wearing Becca Luminous Blush in Dahlia

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There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Becca, Face, Guest Post, Makeup

How Cute Are These Lancome Juicy Shakers?

June 10th, 2016 by Adia Goss 22 Comments

lancome juicy shakers
Aren’t these Juicy Shakers cute?

I’ve been seeing lip treatment oils talked about on different beauty blogs a lot lately, and I’ve been curious about them…but for whatever reason, I just hadn’t gotten around to giving them a try.

Until now.

I wanted to try these Lancome Juicy Shakers ($21) for a couple of reasons. First, they’re super, SUPER cute. 

They’re seriously some of the cutest lip products I’ve ever seen.

Second, the bi-phase formula (the oil and pigment settle, so you shake these up to mix them together before using them).

lancome juicy shakers
Is it just me, or do these look like mini cocktail shakers?

After you give these a quick shake, there’s an adorable little cushion applicator that you use to apply the color.

So…I really, really think these are cute. So damned cute! And they’re just perfect for the summertime, because you can get that super glossy look on your lips, but because they also contain the oil, they’re actually moisturizing.

I feel like a lot of glosses, even though they’re shiny, are actually not moisturizing at all. But these are nice because they’re moisturizing AND glossy yet aren’t thick or sticky. 

As you might guess, because of the oil, they do have a somewhat oily feel, but they’re not greasy or anything like that. They feel rather unlike other lip products I’ve tried.

lancome juicy shakers
A closer look at the cushion applicator

The two colors I have here are Apri-Cute (a peach/apricot) and pinky Berry Tale. 

On my lips, Apri-Cute is pretty sheer; you don’t see a ton of pigment, but there’s a time and a place for that. And Berry Tale is a really glossy, pretty pink lip color.

lancome juicy shakers
Wearing Lancome Juicy Shaker in Apri-Cute

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There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Lancome, Lips, Makeup

My Current Favorite Liquid Lipsticks

June 9th, 2016 by Adia Goss 26 Comments

favorite liquid lipsticks
Wearing Buxom Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Centerfold

I’ve definitely tried my fair share of liquid lipsticks (most recently, the NARS Lip Covers), and I love the look of matte liquid lipsticks in general. It’s interesting to me how each brand handles them a little differently.

I first got into them when Colourpop exploded onto the scene with their “Ultra Matte” liquid lipsticks last summer (here are some of my favorites from Colourpop, by the way), but I’ve slowly but surely moved to some more forgiving formulas from other brands.

Here’s a quick roundup of my current faves…

favorite liquid lipsticks
My current go-to liquid lipsticks

Buxom Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Centerfold ($21)

I just love it when a product lives up to its name! Buxom Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Centerfold feels super comfortable and lightweight, and the applicator makes it a breeze to neatly apply. The formula doesn’t dry down to 100% matte, but it still stays put through moderate eating and snacking.

The best part, though, is that my lips don’t feel dry at all after wearing this one all day long. If you’re looking for a long-lasting formula that feels good on your lips, definitely check it out. You can find it at Sephora for $21.

Favorite liquid lipsticks
Wearing Buxom Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick in Centerfold
favorite liquid lipsticks
I LOVE the Buxom Wildly Whipped Lightweight Liquid Lipstick applicator!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II ($20)

The original Kat Von D Lolita was wildly popular and sold out right away, but when KVD made more, the color was different, which led to Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II.

I bought a set last fall that had mini sizes of the original Lolita, as well as Lolita II, and I prefer the sequel because the warm terra-cotta tones make it so easy to wear.

The formula dries all the way down to 100% matte, and it’s more resistant to transferring than Buxom Centerfold. But it’s still pretty comfortable on the lips (available now at Sephora for $20).

matte liquid lipsticks
Wearing Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II

[Continue reading…]

There are 26 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Buxom, Guest Post, Lips, Makeup, Sephora, Stila

I Can’t Believe I’ve Never Tried Dior ‘Diorshow Mono’ Eyeshadow

June 7th, 2016 by Adia Goss 14 Comments

dior eyeshadows and mascaras
Kicking myself for not trying these Dior eyeshadows sooner!

As much as I love Dior, I can’t believe I never tried the Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows before now!

I mean, I haven’t been totally living under a rock, because I do have an eyeshadow palette or two, and I LOVE the sparkly Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadows. And I’m also a fan of Dior foundations and brow products, and these nail polishes look amazing, so I really have no excuse for not trying them sooner.

This spring Dior released nine new shades of their $29.50 Diorshow eyeshadow, and here are four of my favorites from the line: Gallery, a soft champagne gold with a satin/shimmer finish; Minimalism, a grayish taupe with a satin finish; Atmosphere, a cool-toned purple with a satin finish; and Power, a rich plum with a satin finish.

Here are two sets of swatches in different lighting:

dior eyeshadows and mascaras
Swatches of the Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows (L to R): Gallery, Minimalism, Atmosphere, and Power.
dior eyeshadows and mascaras
Swatches of the Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows (L to R): Gallery, Minimalism, Atmosphere, and Power

These eyeshadows look pretty standard in their pans, but get them on your skin in the sun? Wow! They’re more complex than they seem, and there’s a really pretty (but subtle) shimmer running throughout. I think they’re great if you like matte shadows but want ones that won’t look so flat. I’m really surprised by how beautiful these eyeshadows are. If you’ve wondered about them, definitely take a look in a store! I don’t think that pictures online can do them justice.

dior eyeshadows and mascaras
The re-vamped eyeshadows are so smooth and pigmented

[Continue reading…]

There are 14 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Dior, Eyes, Guest Post, Makeup

The Disney Minnie Beauty By Sephora Collection: Gorgeous Gold and Black Packaging Makes Minnie a Luxe Lass

May 31st, 2016 by Adia Goss 13 Comments

disney minnie beauty by sephora collection
Wearing products from the limited edition Disney Minnie Beauty by Sephora Collection

I’m not even a huge Minnie fan!

Don’t get me wrong, I love Disneyland, and the Disney movies from the early 1990s are seriously a part of my soul, but I’ve just never been one to collect Disney paraphernalia.

My goodness, though, the limited edition Disney Minnie Beauty By Sephora Collection is blowing me away. Now I want to start hoarding all things Minnie.

I’ve been playing with the Minnie’s World in Color Eyeshadow Palette ($45), Minnie’s Black & White Felt Eyeliner Duo ($20), Reflection of Minnie Compact Mirror ($26), Brush up on Glamour – Minnie’s Beauty Tools ($58), Minnie’s Inner Glow Luminizing Blush ($22) and the Perfect Red Lipstick ($15) this month, and I have to say that I’ve been so impressed, both with the quality of the products and, of course, the super cute packaging.

disney-products

disney minnie beauty by sephora collection
That packaging is just gorgeous!
disney minnie beauty by sephora collection
And how cute is this brush set?

Minnie’s World in Color Eyeshadow Palette comes in a sturdy black clutch with gold polka dots, and both the mirror and the eyeshadows are removable, making the clutch totally usable!

There are 20 eyeshadows of varying sizes, and I like the arrangement, like how the middle of the palette has the larger sized eyeshadows in more neutral colors, while the outer rows have smaller sizes for the bolder colors.

Disney Minnie Beauty by Sephora Collection
A closeup of the Minnie’s World in Color Eyeshadow Palette

[Continue reading…]

There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Collections, Guest Post, Makeup, Sephora

Trying a Bold FOTD With the MAC Fashion Pack Collection

May 26th, 2016 by Adia Goss 14 Comments

fashion pack fotd
Trying something a little bolder

Nothing like playing with new makeup to make getting ready in the morning a little less painful.

I’ve been experimenting with the MAC Fashion Pack collection this week and snapped these pictures one morning before going to work. It was so gray and gloomy outside that I decided to go all out with my FOTD.

Well, “all out” is a relative term. Normally I stick to neutrals for my going-to-work makeup routine, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up a bit.

fashion pack makeup look
Lots of bold colors in the MAC Fashion Pack collection

MAC Fashion Pack
Available online June 9, 2016
Available in-store June 23 through July 28, 2016
#MACFashionPack

“Lead the way with a new wave of front-row worthy hues. Fuchsia, violet, emerald, deepest plum, midnight…ready to wear, any way we dare! So, be a doll and show us how — the Fashion Pack is always in the know.” -MAC

For this makeup look, I used a few of the shadows in the new Runway Worthy Eye Shadow x 9 palette. I used Dress Me Up all over my lids, Runway Worthy in the inner corners to brighten my eyes, and then applied sparkly violet Zip Me Up along my lower lash line.

I finished with navy blue MAC Fluidline Pen in Indelibly Blue for a nice winged liner. It’s dark enough to define, but the dark blue isn’t as harsh as black.

I rarely wear eyeliner, but this one is so easy to apply that I’m thinking I may have to wear liner more often :-).

This x 9 palette has lots of bold colors, and it intimated me a little, but after playing around with them, I can see why MAC chose this lineup of colors.

They look really nice together, and you can work them into so many different looks!

So, yeah, I guess you could say that MAC knows what it’s doing, LOL.

fashion pack makeup look
Trying to be like Jen with this closeup eye shot 😉
fashion pack makeup look
Shadow, liner and lips from the MAC Fashion Pack collection

[Continue reading…]

There are 14 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face of the Day (FOTD), Guest Post, MAC Makeup Keywords: mac fashion pack

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