Pick me Up

After being sick for a good half of the month of January, I needed a good pick me up to get me back in the swing of things. Enter a few cult products - an amazing foundation, a new tube of mascara, and a bright berry lip. 

The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten was such a happy surprise. I guess I haven't tried too many balm stains in my lifetime, but I wasn't really expecting it to stain the lips as well as it did. It is a really nice texture and does as the tube says - goes on like a balm and leaves a beautiful stain on the lips [through the night until the next day on me]. I'm so glad I branched out and got this deep berry color - it's not as harsh as some reds can be; it gives me a bold lip that I'm not afraid to wear out. 

I don't wear foundation often, but when I do I love using the Bourjois Healthy Mix in shade no. 52 Vanilla. It has a slightly more liquid consistency than other foundations I've tried in the past which is why I think it is so easy to build up without looking cakey. It blends like a dream with the real techniques buffing brush. I wouldn't say it gives a dewey finish, but it has been working with my dry skin. 

Lancome Hypnose Drama - I love the packaging of this mascara, but I'm not sure I'm completely sold on the product inside. As a freshly opened tube, it is too wet for my liking, and it applies too thickly so it clumps my lashes. I can see myself liking it more as it dries out a little more, but for now I wish I still had some Diorshow left. 

I've also been enjoying my christmas present from Alyssa - Stella by Stella McCartney. There are no words to describe how I feel about this perfume (besides "A:SLDKJ!"). You should all go and smell this because it is heavenly. It is super expensive, but I can't imagine being without this scent, and I hope to get the 3.3 oz bottle when this one is done. 

Hope you all have a great week, and thank you to all the readers who have stuck with me! 

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~Vida 

New in 2013

A few new things I've gotten that I am so excited to bring into the new year! 

Kate Spade pouch - I bought this at the Kate Spade outlet at Woodbury Commons and it turned out to be one of those items that I never knew I needed. I keep this in my bag which doesn't have compartments so it is the perfect catchall for the random things I throw in it. It is adorable, inside and out. 

Hand Creams - Alyssa and Nisha got me this Caudalie hand cream on their trip to France and I've been carrying it with me ever since. It smells amazing and has been keeping my hands moisturized when I'm on the go. I also got a Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream from another friend. I'm not the biggest fan of rose scents but it works well, and I am obsessed with anything that comes in a metal squeeze tube. 

Tommy Hilfiger sunglasses - These were a complete impulse buy, but I knew I had to have them when I saw them. I never thought a cat eye would look good on me, but I love these! They are on trend, but manage to look classic at the same time. Here are some similar ones.

Mario Badescu - For Christmas, my boyfriend got me a gift set from Mario Badescu. It's got tons of goodies which I hope to share with you guys. In the meantime, I'm loving this little black pouch that came in the set and now keeps my lipsticks and little makeup bits tidy in my purse. 

Origins Make a Difference + moisturizer - I've seen so many reviews raving about this product that I had to give it a go when my night cream ran out. I've used it a few times and so far, I'm impressed. 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - Almost missed the boat on this birthday gift from Sephora, but I'm so excited to try out the Fresh lip balms. These minis are so cute, and the product is really as good as everyone says it is. 

Michael Kors watch - A Christmas present from my parents. Everyone and their mom has one of these, but with good reason. I love how chunky it is and the silver is great for everyday and for blinging up with some arm candy. 

Statement necklaces - statement necklaces are everywhere lately, but my favorite cheapy place to get them is Forever21. I ordered like 10 necklaces last month and I love all of them! They are good quality for the price, and there are so many to choose from. 

And to carry all this stuff around, meet my new best friend - 

I found this baby at TjMaxx. I was iffy about it at first, but I am completely enamored with it now. It's a huge shopper type bag that I use to lug around my laptop and school things. I love the black saffiano leather; it's really good quality and looks expensive and chic. Wish I could carry it around everywhere, but that probably wouldn't be practical. Here's the same one in tan, and a newer version.

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and are having a wonderful start to the new year! 

~Vida