Sunday, November 30, 2014

Winter Lip Remedy

Sorry for the holiday hiatus, but you have to understand.. I work in retail and the crazier half of my family were visiting. 
I hope you accept my apology. 

Anyways, after Buffalo was ravaged by mother nature, the temperature drastically dropped here in NEPA. There were a few days of truly disgusting single digit temps, and I don't know many people who were prepared. And as a result my lips dried out like a raisin. (There's a visual for ya)
So I present to you my remedy for dry, cracked winter lips. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

GOLD DUST + The Nudes by Maybelline (First Impressions)

So I read about this Maybelline Palette.. The Nudes online about a month and a half ago. And have been on the hunt for one ever since. 
For a while I had been eyeing it up at a local CVS, and then it came... the 25% off coupon. 
I rushed to CVS, turned the corner where the Maybelline display was... and there it was. 
An empty display. 

Then I went to Walgreens. No luck. 
Then Walmart. No luck. 
And then Target. And there it was. Cheaper here than the 3 stores I had visited. 
Needless to say I was happy. So happy I actually squealed a little bit. 
I'm not lying. 
My boyfriend thought and still thinks that I am completely out of my mind because of how excited I get over makeup & a good deal. 
But there it was at Target for $9.99

Recent Purchases

Soo, I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks (my bad ya'll)

Here's a post though.
I've been buying makeup like a FIEND lately so I decided to share some of it here :)

These are last week/this weekend's purchases.

1. NYX Cosmetics Shine Killer
2. Nivea Creme
3. L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza Mascara in Blackest Black
4. L'Oreal Collection Privee Lipstick in Eva's Nude
5. Milani Lipstick in Naturally Chic

Inspired by Fall

Haven't been very inspirational recently, I've been sticking to simple neutral eyes, or just a winged liner and some mascara. 
This is a fall inspired look, obviously. 
BEAUTY INGREDIENTS
1. Maybelline FITme! Liquid Foundation in Cappuccino (340)
2. Revlon Photoready Foundation in Caramel (used as concealer)
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
4. Milani Bella Eyeshadow in Copper
5. bhcosmetics 120 palette
6. NYX Glitter Eyeliner in Gold
7. L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza in Blackest Black
8. NYC Pencil Eyeliner in Black 
9. NYX Powder Blush in Pinky
10. Wet 'n Wild Lipstick in Cherry Bomb

5-Minute Makeup

Anytime there's a chance for me to get a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning, I take advantage. That being said, a lot of mornings I'm rushing to make sure I get breakfast, pack my lunch and necessary snacks and leave the house with just enough time to get a coffee. Makeup is usually neglected or done in the dark of an almost crowded bus. 
A few weeks ago I started adding this to my morning routine and not only have I been able to get my daily caffeine fix, I even remembered my headphones. 
Un. Real. 

Any moisturizer, primer, and foundation of your choice would work in this case.
I use 1-2 pumps of my moisturizer, a dab of primer and about a nickel sized amount of my foundation all placed on the back of my hand. Mix them together and apply either with clean fingers or a foundation brush. 
Ladies. This takes all of maybe 95 seconds now that I've gotten used to the routine. 
Un. Real. 
Then I usually do a few coats of my mascara, fill in my brows and maybe add some blush and I'm done in less than 5 minutes. Always. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

October Favorites

Hi pretty.
Happy November ! My favorite month. In case you were wondering.
October flew by, and with it just a few products that I couldn't live without.

 1. Mainstays Pumpkin Pie Candle
I am in love with this candle. I have it in my room and after a half hour or so my room smells like a bakery.. just full of delicious spices and sweetness, UGH.. it's just great.
2, Mainstays Apple Pumpkin Candle
After I fell in love with the Pumpkin Pie scent, I had to run back and grab this one. It's not as sweet as the pumpkin pie but I love it just the same. As soon as the first one ran out, I immediately started to burn this one and again, I have no complaints. You can purchase them both at Walmart.
3. Chapstick in Pumpkin Pie.
Are you beginning to see a trend here? I bought this for like a buck because.. I mean, you never DON'T need chapstick. Threw it in my purse and forgot about it for a few days. Then when I reached in, I pulled it out and surprised myself. It smells exactly like pie. That's about it.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Lakeside

Hey everyone!
I've completely given up on trying to format html. 
I don't even know if that's the proper terminology but, I'm just too annoyed with it to try any longer. 
I figure I'll have a friend do it when the time is right, or when I actually gain a following I'll get some professional assistance.

Anyways, the weather is finally starting to get cooler here in PA, and I honestly couldn't be any more content. 
The leaves are slowly starting to lose their deep green, and become a roasted orange. 
Pumpkin everything has taken over. 
And I very recently saw my first white girl in shorts and UGGS. 
That's fall in PA. 

In my desperate attempts to hold on to the last bit of sunshine before grey skies become a constant, I've been playing in the brighter colors of my makeup. 
I give you....lakeside.
 Do you like it?
Do you love it?
I'm totally seducing you. 
Can you feel it ?

Whatever, I'll stop.
BEAUTY INGREDIENTS
1. Maybelline FITme! Foundation in 340 (Cappuccino)
2. Revlon Photoready Liquid Foundation in Caramel (used as concealer)
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
5. Milani Bella Eyes Powder Shadow in Bella Navy
6. Milani Bella Eyes Powder Shadow in Bella Teal
7. bhcosmetics 88 Neutral Palette (crease, tearduct, highlight)
8. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
9. NARS Powder Blush in Amour
10. NYX Round Lipstick in Minimalism

If you took a look at the products used, I used 2 of Milani Cosmetics newest eye shadow products, and I can't wait to do a complete review for you. 
They blend like a fucking dream, and the color payoff is pretty incredible considering they're less than $5. 

Bella Teal is the color on my lower lashline, and I'm 100% obsessed with it. 
There's a bit of green and gold that really makes the color pop, can't wait to find a way to use this all over my eyelid. 

Have you tried any of the Bella Eyeshadows? 
Tell me what your favorite is.


Thanks a ton for stopping by !
Comment and let you know what you're thinking !

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Double Wing & Warm Shadows

Hello everyone, 
I'm sorry for the delay between posts, but I'm still having some trouble formatting the page. 

But, here's a post of something I tried out today and kind of liked. 
It's a simple warm look using eyeshadows, something I do just about everyday. With a bit of a twist. Doubling up on the liner. A wing on top and a wing on the lower lash line. 
Kinda bold. Kinda daring. I kinda like it. 

BEAUTY INGREDIENTS
1. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation in Caramel
2. Revlon Photoready Foundation in Caramel (used as a concealer)
3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
5. NYC Liquid Liner in Black
6. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
7. Rimmel Eye Kohl in Nude (on waterline)
8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
9. bhcosmetics Correct and Concealer Palette in Medium (brow highlight)


I like this look more than my usual everyday look, but the only issue with wearing it all the time for me is the time it took to carefully line my lower lash line with that liquid eyeliner. 
The amount of times I've tried this look and stabbed myself in my eye is truly obscene.
So if you're trying this look, take it slow. Don't be a hero. Seriously. 

So I do my makeup in a sports bra? 
What about it ? I like to be comfortable, okay . 
Get over yourself. 


Hope you enjoy this. 
Please don't be let down by the "brief-ness" of this post, I'm still very frustrated with the format of some better posts, and I'm doing my best to figure out the html stuff to try to make it as best as possible before I show it to you guys. As well as trying to make the pictures better. 
The things I do for you. Kidding. 
Thanks everyone. 

Thanks for stopping by !
Leave a comment !

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

ShockWave

Hi everyone, sorry this post wasn't up a few days earlier, life happened. 
But I do hope you enjoy this look, I like it alot. 
You can make it your own by changing the inner eye color. 
This definitely isn't an everyday, wear to work type of look, because those are boring and I hate boring. 
This is more of a.. look at me, I'm fucking awesome, don't you wish your makeup looked like mine... kind of look. 

With that being said, are you excited to make people jealous ? (yes. yes you are)

BEAUTY INGREDIENTS
1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
2. e.l.f. mineral eyeshadow in Socialite
3. Milani eyeshadow in Shock
4, 5 &6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Hustle, Buck and Virgin 
(Naked Palette)
7. NYC Liquid Eyeliner in Black 
8. Wet n Wild Pencil Eyeliner in Black
9. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black 
10. NARS Powder Blush in Dolce Vita
SWATCHES

HOW TO APPLY
1. Prime eyelids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance
2. Dampen a flat eyeshadow brush, dip into Socialite, tap off excess and pat directly onto the eyelid. 
Staying on the center of the lid. 
3. With a stiff dome brush use Urban Decay's Hustle, and apply on the outer V of your eyelid. 
4. Using a blending brush, dip into Urban Decay's Buck, using windshield wiper motions, apply onto the crease until there is no harsh line. 
 
 5. With a pencil brush, use Shock on the inner corner of each eyelid. 
Apply until you get the desired intensity. 
6. Using a small concealer brush, use Virgin by Urban Decay to highlight underneath your eyebrows. 
Soften the edges by dusting off your crease brush, and blending. 
7. Apply Liquid Eyeliner
8. Curl lashes and apply mascara
9. Apply NARS Powder Blush.
 
VOILA !
Hope you loved this look
Thanks for stopping by !


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

August Favorites

Can you believe it's already September?
Pumpkin Spice everything is back.
My bagels taste like apple pie.
It's 50degrees at night.
Face it people, Fall is coming.

Anyways, looking back on August's products there were only a few that I found myself constantly reach for so without any more hesitation, let's just talk about it.

This month's Go-To(s)
1. Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment 
3. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
4. Softlips Cube in Fresh Mint
5. bhcosmetics 12pc Berry Brush Set

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
I've never been a person who's skin broke out all the time. But for some reason this month, my skin was going crazy. One morning I woke up and as I was getting ready for work, looked in the mirror and my entire forehead was covered in breakouts. I even had a few scattered on my cheeks and of course one lone survivor on my chin. Perfect. I woke up too late to deal with the damage the way I wanted to so I was forced to head in to work bare faced, and embarrassed. The worst. 
Ofcourse when I left for the day I ran to CVS and scoured the aisles for something that would end the nightmare. A new line from Biore peaked my interest after the conveniently located pocket mirror grabbed my attention and without  even leaning in, I could see my pores. (UGH). 
The don't be dirty line features products all specifically target girls (and guys) like me in need of some pore care. 
So instantly I was in. I wash my face daily, and so the Charcoal Cleanser seemed like a perfect match. 
It lather up nicely with warm water, and when you rinse it off your face, that clean feeling is still left me. 
Tingling skin and everything. Loved it. 
This 6.77 oz bottle is about $7.99-$8.99 at most retailers. 
Here for $7.99

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
I'm pretty sure I've talked about this product when I was in college. 
It has been and will forever be a need to have in my bathroom. 
Like I said, I had awful breakouts this month, and when the pimples got out of control, I spot treated with this. 
It has salicylic acid in it which doesn't irritate my skin so it's great for me. 
I know some people suffer bad skin reactions when salicylic acid is used, so be aware of that and do your research when looking for a spot treatment.
I bought this literally years ago, it's the same tube I've been using since college. 
A littler goes a very long way with this stuff. 
You can find it at all major retailers, and drug stores.

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
I sweat. Like incessantly. I'm probably sweating right now. 
And I also wear makeup on a pretty regular basis. 
This stuff is how I keep my makeup from staying on my face and not on my shirt. 
It's a bit thicker than the regular formula of Rimmel's primers, but it isn't unbearable. 
It works, it's cheap and that's what I like. 
Usually about &7-$8.49
I buy mine at CVS

SoftLips Cube in Fresh Mint
I got this little baby in my Influenster Vitality Voxbox, and it's awesome. 
I've been a fan of Softlips products since they came out (shout out the french vanilla lip balm), so I was excited to see a new product of theirs. 
The cube reminds me of the EOS containers, those cute little egg shaped lip balms.. but much easier to take the lid on and off. So there's a plus. 
And it smells like the Orbit Sweet Mint gum... not the worst thing in the world. 
A lip protectant and a sunscreen (SPF 15), the Cube has 5 in 1 Lip Care with Lip Perfecting Technology (I like the sound of that).  It claims to hydrate, replenish, smooth, protect and add shine. 
I can definitely say it hydrates, smooths and add shine. It has the SPF 15 in there so I'm sure it's protecting. 
And we'll just see about the replenish part. But even if it doesn't, 4 outta 5 ain't bad. 
It tingles for about 10 seconds immediately after application and then it's like nothing's on your lips. 
I love it. 

12pc Berry Brush Set by bhcosmetics
Okay, first off if you've never used bhcosmetics, go and visit their site because they ALWAYS have awesome deals, savings and giveaways. That being said, the quality of their products is amazing for the prices. I have the 120 Color Palette that I bought while in college, and I use it at least 3 days a week. 
Anyways, this brush set. 
The 12pc Berry Brush Set has been my go to set of brushes since I purchased them in July. 
They feel good on skin, the bristles don't fall out on my cheeks, they're easy to maintain, they come with this awesome faux leather pouch and did you see the bristles?? The tips are purple. 
So basically they're perfect. 
Truly I have nothing negative to say about the brushes. 
Oh, there's 12 of them so here's what I have. 
1. Dual Sided Lash Comb & Brow Brush : for combing lashes and tidying up your brows. 
2. Spoolie
3. Pencil Eyeliner Brush : perfect for gel liner 
4. Fine Eyeliner Brush : Also good for gel liner
5. Angled Eyeliner Brush
6. Smudge Brush
7. Fan Brush
8. Flat Eyeliner Brush
9. Small Eyeshadow Brush
10. Eyeshadow Brush
11. Blush Brush
12. Powder Brush. 

It's a great set to have if you're starting out and don't want to buy individual brushes. I highly recommend. 
I can't remember the price I paid for them, but they're on the bhcosmetics site

have a good one !
thanks for stopping by 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Spiced Cranberry Eyes + Happy Labor Day Weekend


 Hi Everyone.
Happy Friday !! We made it through another work week. Kudos to you for not going on off your boss this week, or falling asleep at your desk. And if you did... ohwell. 

Are you excited for Labor Day Weekend?? 
I wish I had something fun planned, like a cookout or something. Anything really.
I'll probably just hangout with some friends and laugh so hard I cry, so it's really not the worst thing ever. 
But if you decide to dress up, go out, or just play around with your makeup this weekend I have a look for you. 

Are you ready ?
BEAUTY INGREDIENTS
1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
2. SoftLips Cube in Fresh Mint
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
4. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
5. 120 Colors Palette by bhcosmetics
6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Single in Honey
7. NYC Liquid Eyeliner in Black (not pictured)
8. NARS Powder Blush in Amour

Starting out with a naked face, Moisturize and prime your face if you're going to be sweating, or if you're worried about your makeup falling off. I didn't this time because I was just testing this look out and it turned out much better than I expected. And apply a lip moisturizer as well.
I used the SoftLips Cube in Fresh Mint. If you remember, it was an item that was sent to me in the Influenster Vitality VoxBox, that I talked about here and I'm becoming obsessed with it. 
 Continue on with your foundation routine, I didn't post mine because everyone's routine is different.
But let me know if you'd like to see my routine in future posts.
And then if you fill in your brows, go ahead and do that now also. I did mine with Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade.

Now onto the eyeshadow.
What you're seeing is how I set up my palette. 

  1. Apply the cranberry shade (Circled in Red) and apply that all over both eyelids. 
  2. With a fluffy dome shaped brush, dip into the milk chocolate brown shade (Top. Circled in yellow.) And a dark chocolate brown shade (Bottom. Circled in Yellow.) Tap off the excess and apply directly into your crease using small circular motions. 
  3. With another flat eyeshadow brush, go into the Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Honey, and line your lower lash line. Apply somewhat heavily. We want the Gold shade to be peeking out from under the green. 
  4. With a pencil brush or liner brush, head back to the 120 Colors Palette and use the Kelly Green color (Bottom. Circled in Pink). Line this color directly on top of the gold color, staying as close to the water line as possible. 
  5. Take a black eyeliner, and line your top lash line, and wing it out. 
  6. Curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara
  7. Apply NARS Blush onto the apples of your cheeks. 
  8. Touch up any eyeshadow that needs it, and clean away eyeshadow fallout. 
     
 Have an excellent Labor Day Weekend everyone !

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Influenster Vitality VoxBox !!

If there's anything that's without a doubt 100% true, it's people love free stuff. 
That being said...

I recently received my first Influenster VoxBox. 
You don't know what VoxBox is ? 
You don't know what Influenster is ? 
You gon' learn today
A Voxbox is a magnificent themed box full of freebies that you get upon completion of a survey done on the Influenster site.
I don't remember how I found the site, probably from a follower or friend somewhere on social media. But I signed up, and started raking in Influenster points. Basically, these points quantify you're presence on all social media outlets. The more points, the more influential you are. Makes sense right ? 

Okay, so Influenster has different categories, and you pick and choose a category that represent you (you can choose more than 1). I started with Beauty and Fashion. By taking surveys, doing reviews, and my points for my social media presence I was eligible for my first VoxBox a month or two ago, but wasn't picked. This happened because based on the surveys I'd already taken, and the VoxBox survey I was emailed, I just wasn't a great fit. No worries. This time around, I got my box of goodies.



What's Inside
First Degree Advanced Burn Cream
Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Caplet Serum
Pure Leaf Iced Tea
SoftLips Cube
Bikini Read Energy Gummies

All in all a pretty well designed goodie box. 
If you're interested in joining Influenster, you should. Just do it. 



**Disclosure: I received this box complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. In exchage I was requested to give my opinions on the products in the box. No compensation was received and all opinions and photographs are my own unless specified. 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Peach Bellini


Painted my nails the other day. 

Totally didn't use that nail art kit that's sitting in the picture. 
Actually I did, but things got a little outta hand when I tried to do stripes on my right hand while holding the striping tool in my left hand. 
I wish I could be one of those people who apply nail polish just as nicely on their right hand as on their left. 

You have my respect. 

Revlon - Peach Nectar
Milani - Sugar Rush


How pretty is this combination? 
I did 2 coats of the Revlon Polish and just one dusting of the Milani polish. 


Can we also talk about what a great job it must be to name nail polishes?
I mean really, that person is living the dream. 


Remember me.. ?

Hi.
I'm not sure if you remember me. Probably not. It's been years.
I can't believe it's been that long, but it has.
I am finally re-committing myself to the blog I started as a college sophomore.
Some things have changed..
I finally graduated ( yay ) I work too much and I don't make nearly enough money to buy every lipstick that comes out.
So I guess I grew up ? Weird.

I'm sure a lot of things have also changed with you guys too though, so thanks for sticking around and leaving really nice comments and sending concerned emails.
Thank you guys, really. It means a ton.

This post is just a statement to show that I have returned and haven't forgotten about the blog formerly knows as Designer Drugs (god I thought that was so catchy). The name as you've probably noticed (or not) has changed, but I'm still here and plan on blogging about some of the same information.
Makeup, nails, reviews, pretty things. And then some new stuff, personal blogs about myself, life, experiences. I think this will add a more 'intimate' feel to the blog.

So thank you for reading this, and I hope you stick around for the new things, and old things that I have planned for upcoming posts.

Love Imani Nikkol
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