NEW BLOG

HELLO BLOGGER, I'VE BEEN GONE FOR A WHILE BUT I'M NOW ON WORDPRESS.

I've been posting since January and have lots of things in the work for the rest of the year, if you haven't completely forgotten about me I'd love to share with you there. 

www.imaninikkol.com

www.imaninikkol.com

www.imaninikkol.com

NEW L'Oreal Pure Clay Masks - Exfoliate, Detox, Purify

I am soo very excited to share this post with you all today. I've been making sure to make skincare a top priority over this year and masks have been a major contributor to attaining the smooth flawless skin I strive for. That being said, you can imagine my anticipation and excitement when L'Oreal Paris released a line of Pure Clay Face Masks. This line of skincare is an outstanding example of a sophisticated and affordable option for skincare junkies. With 3 options to choose from, L'Oreal did a great job of providing options for every skin type

1. Pure-Clay Exfoliate and Refining Treatment Mask

2. Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Treatment Mask 

3. Pure-Clay Purify and Mattify Treatment Mask 

All three masks contain a blend of 3 pure clays as the base for each mask, as well as a specific key ingredient, giving each a specific purpose. 

Koalin ; a highly effective natural clay which absorbs impurities and excess sebum

Montmorillonite; a mineral rich clay that helps to illuminate imperfections

Ghassoul; a highly concentrated pure clay enriched with minerals known to help clarify your complexion

Beginning the the Exfoliate and Refining Mask, this acts as a double duty skincare heavy hitter by first clearing out clogged pores while the mask dries, then once water activated, turns into a tough yet gentle exfoliant, sure to remove any stubborn dirt and grime deep within pores. It's key ingredient, Red Algae, gives this mask it's noticeable red color. This immediately became my favorite of the bunch, I love when a product gives you the most bang for your buck. This two-fer is definitely a keeper. 

The Detox and Brighten mask is loaded with the power of charcoal, this masks essentially acts as a magnet for dirt in clogged pores, extracting the dirt to the surface of the skin, revealing a clear and radiant complexion for all skin types. After using this for an entire week, my skin was truly glowing from the inside out. My favorite thing about this mask is, while the mask lays on clean dry skin you can actually see it pulling the dirt to the surface of your skin.

The last of the bunch is my favorite to use before a night when I want my skin to be babydoll perfect. Loaded with Eucalyptus, this masks purifies and mattifies the skin while providing a soothing and tranquil experience. Also, the smell of eucalyptus lingers on your skin until it dries flat.

Once washed off with warm water, skin is matte, but moisturized providing a clean blank canvas for makeup.

I've been thoroughly impressed with these babies since the moment I tried them.

My favorite way to indulge is to use them all in specific targeted areas to get my skin absolutely flawless.

They retail or anywhere from $11.99-$15.29 at drugstores and big box retailers.

So, have you tried these? Which one(s) will you be picking up, and why ?

Thanks for stopping by, XO

G L O // U P

Hey, hi, hellooooo !
Okay so if you've been following my blog journey for a while now, then you know I started this little baby when I was away at school a few years ago.

Since then I've had a few hiatuses and periods where I truly just didn't have the mojo or inspiration to keep this blog a float.

That being said, I think it's important to reflect on the growth I've had over the years.
I deserve it. 

So, I went back in to the archives and found a few of my most viewed posts and I've decided to recreate those looks, or re do them completely using the same color scheme. 

Now lemme preface this by saying, back in the day....ya girl didn't have the skills or tools she has now, so prepare yourself to be shocked by the amount of unblended creases, badly shaped eyebrows and other really terrible things. 

Progress is a really beautiful thing. Ha. 

So let's jump into it. Now that you've readied yourself. 

The first installment of these posts is a redo of my White[Gold] Hot look.

If you wanna check out the original post with details and other unflattering images from 2011... feel free. 

And here is my updated 2016 take on this look.

EYES

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

Wet N Wild Beauty Photofocus Primer

BHCosmetics 120 Palette

Morphe Brushes eyeshadows in Caramelized, Rosewood and Secretive

NYC Color Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Jet Black

Eylure Luxe Lashes in Gilded

FACE
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra in 470 Suede

Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer

e.l.f. cosmetics High Definition Undereye Powder

Ulta Mineral Powder in Translucent

NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in Spice

NYX Contour Kit

Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Golden Lights

LIPS

Maybelline Color Jolt lipcreme in Nude Thrill

Thanks for stopping by, xo !

June Favorites 2016

Alright, I hate to harp on how quickly this past month flew by, but really... June came and went faster than a one night stand dude. Truly. 

One day I was dating everything 6/1 and then what seemed like a week later, rent is due. Yet again. 

I don't have any brand new items to talk about, here's my list of items I couldn't stop using this month. 

Hope you enjoy. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

When I first started getting really into makeup during college, Clinique was the first 'high-end' brand I could afford, and I used their 3-step skincare for a few years without even trying this makeup remover. 

This was also before liquid lipsticks became my obsession and my nemesis. But now that I have close to 50 of these badboys, mama needs a remover that won't completely ruin my lips. 

In step Take The Day Off Makeup Remover. 

I can't speak on how well it removes foundations and eye makeup because I solely use it when I'm wearing stubborn lipstick (ie liquid lipsticks), and it works wonders for me !

I apply it liquid on a cotton pad, and start wiping my lips from the lipline in and when I'm finished there isn't a trace of product on my mouth. 

If you're having trouble finding a product gentle enough to remove your liquid lipsticks, I recommend this. It's not a drugstore price, but you get what you pay for.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

I rediscovered how much I love this phucking stuff when my roommate(who works for a Lancome Counter) brought home a bunch of these little sample bottles. 

You've probably noticed in up-close photos, I have a bit of texture on my cheekbones, this shit made it vanish.  

With using half a dime size amount of this every morning and evening my face is as clear as all hell, and I ain't mad at that. It lathers up really nicely when activated with water, and when rinsed off leaves your face feeling clean, moisturized and ready to go. 

Can you ask for anything more?

Eylure x Vegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes

I truly don't have a negative thing to say about this product, for around $7 at Ulta or Target you can buy these incredible triple stacked lashes and easily take any eye look to the next level. 

These wear beautifully on the eye and with decent maintenance they can last for weeks. 

You need to try theses if you haven't yet. 

Maybelline Fitme! Liquid Foundation in 335 Classic Tan

For the longest time I was mixing 2 colors of this liquid foundation to match my skin tone, but a month or so ago the brand released a few new shades and this is the perfect color for me. 

I've been using it non-stop and for $6 it's definitely one of my all time favorite drugstore products. 

NYX Lipsuede in Soft-Spoken

I've had this lipstick since it released, and it's never let me down. But recently I rediscovered it and fell in love with it all over again. It's a beautiful mauvey-brown when it dries down and it just suits almost any neutral look perfectly. I had to buy a backup of it, that's how much I've been using it. 

If your skin tone is close to mine, or not this would probably look beautiful on you 

Thanks for stopping by, XO

Strawberry Champagne - Day 6

Hey everyone !

This the last day of Morphe Week, did you love it, or was it too much ?
I'm all about hearing your feedback because I'm still figuring this whole blog thing out
I really hope you loved it, if you missed any days you can check them all out here
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5
If you guys liked this I'll try to do more swatch posts.
But like I said, here's the last look

ENJOY !

EYES

Colourpop Brow Pencil in Bangin' Brunette

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Honey

Ulta Translucent Mineral Powder

Morphe individual eyeshadows in Caramelized (transition), Fiesta (crease), Rosewood (crease), Secretive (outer v), Glisten (brow bone)

Eylure Lashes in 145 Exaggerate

Loreal Telescopic Mascara

FACE

Milani Prime Perfection 

Ulta Demi Matte Foundation 

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal in Honey - to highlight and conceal

e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Ulta Translucent Mineral Powder - to set entire face

e.l.f. Blush Palette in Dark

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals

LIPS

NYX Cosmetics Lipsuede in Vintage

Thanks for stopping by, XO

MORPHE WEEK - DAY 5

Okay everyone, today's post is all about Morphe individual shadows.

If you haven't seen the other posts from Mophe Week, definitely check them out 

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, 

Let me start out by saying they're $2.29 each but is comparable in quality to Makeup Geek and Anastasia. These are phucking amazing. 

Seriously buy a few of these. You won't be disappointed. 

You'll notice that 1 of the pans is larger, that's because I have one of their Premium eyeshadows ($6) and the quality is just insane. 

For $6 it should be an okay color, with okay pigmentation and okay staying power.. but it's so much better than okay. 

Morphe is killing it when it comes to affordable makeup. 

Let's jump in to it. 

from left to right 

Burlesque, Dazzling, Golden Glory, Honey Baked, Glisten, Perfection(my favorite brow highlight at the moment)

Deep Cocoa, Nuts For You, Caramelized, Cafe Macchiato, Deep Skin

Deep Skin is almost the same shade as my skin, so whenever I use too much product or need to clean up edges, I always reach for this. 

It never hurts to have a shade identical to your skin simply for this reason. 

Rosey Posey (premium e/s) Wink For Pink, Fiesta, Sassy, Rosewood, Secretive

Rosey Posey is just a pinch more peach than Wink For Pink. I don't know if you're able to tell in photos. 

Tokyo Tea, Ocean Frost, B.A.M., Aloha, Breakfast At Tiffaneez, Naughty Girl. 

The only shadow that has less than excellent color pay off is Breakfast At Tiffaneez. 

I had to run my finger in the pan 4times in order to get this very light baby blue eyeshadow to even show off on camera. It makes it super difficult to use on my oily lids. After a few hours of it on, it truly just fades away which is sad, because it's such a unique matte baby blue shade. 

Dramatic Cat Eye - Day 4

Happy Friday !!

It's a beautiful day in NEPA and this week was equally as beautiful. 

My first full week in my new leadership role was amazing, and I'm finally enjoying going to work !

Speaking of things I'm enjoying, this cat eye thoooooughh...

If you're petty and wanna show your ex's new thing that they still ain't shit... 

This is how you do your makeup. 

If you've missed the previous Days of Morphe Week, check them out here

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

Now that you're caught up, enjoy Day 4 !!

EYES

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

Morphe Brushes 35K

Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black

Eylure xVegas Nay Grand Glamour Lashes

FACE

NYX Angel Veil Primer

Maybelline Fitme! Liquid Liner in Classic Tan (335)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 

e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Maybelline Master Fix Loose Perfecting Powder

NYX Powder Blush in Cinnamon

Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Radiant Lights

Morphe Brushes 35K (used matte brown e/s to contour the nose)

LIPS

NYX Pencil Liner in Coffee

Colourpop Lippiestix in Flawless

Thanks for stopping by, XO

Copper and Mist

Hi everyone !

This past weekend was the first sunny weekend of spring, and it was beautiful. 

It's amazing how waking up and seeing the sun can really set the tone for your day. 

Saturday I went to lunch with my mom and nana, and before deciding what to wear I knew exactly how I wanted to paint my face. This is the usual story for me, I never know what to wear, and more times than not I'll have a full face of makeup on and still be in my pajamas.

I know I'm not the only one. 

Any-hooo, let's jump into the look. 

This is a great look for those of you who tend to wear neutrals, but are looking for a way incorporate some colors into your spring makeup. 

FACE

Hard Candy 12hour Power Primer

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Minimizing Primer

Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Maybelline HD Setting Powder

NYX Contour Palette

Makeup Revolution Blush in New Rules

Hard Candy Twinkle Star Illuminator

L'Oreal Infallible Setting Spray

EYES

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Morphe 35K Palette (crease, inner & outer lid)

Milani Bella Copper eyeshadow (center of lid)

Wet N Wild Retractable eyeliner in Misty Eyes

Morphe single eyeshadow in BAM (lower lash line), and Glisten (brow bone highlight)

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara 

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara

Eylure Lashes #83

LIPS

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp

I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone, and you;ll hopefully notice that with upcoming posts. I'm planning to start the #100daysofmakeup Tag on Instagram, so if you're not already following me there, you definitely should. I have a bunch of ideas and I'm excited to see what I can think of. 

Thanks for reading, XO

Daytime Glam using Morphe 35O

Hi everyone !
I hope your weekend was everything you dreamed it would be and more.

Saturday was my nana's Surprise birthday party, she turns 80 this week, so I was busy running around making sure the last minute details were perfect. And they weren't, as we were walking in to the hotel where the party was located, there's my aunts and cousins in the hall.. -___-

But all in all it was great, family and friends from all over the country were in town and she had a great time. That's all that matters. 

Anyways, my post today is on the look that I wore at that party. I got a lot of compliments and questions on it, and it's rather easy to do so, let's get right into it. 

All of the eye shadows are from my current everyday palette, the 35O by Morphe. 

It just makes waking up late, just a little bit less stressful. 

FACE

Hard Candy 12Hour Power Primer 

Milani Prime Perfection (Matte) (this blurs my pores, and keeps my oily skin tame)

Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Foundation in Cocoa Light

NARS Creamy Concealer

Airspun Loose Translucent Powder

Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino

NYX Contour Kit

NYX Illuminator in Magnetic

MAC Fix+

I know the Morphe 35O palette is always out of stock, it's out of stock at the moment :/

But they do restock it often, so keep your eyes out. If you follow the brand on Instagram they're very good with letting their followers know when it'll be out. 

Also, I  will be doing a full review of the Marc Jacobs foundation, so keep an eye out for that in the next upcoming weeks. 

EYES

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Morphe 35O

NYC Liquid Eyeliner in Extreme Black

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Black

Ardell Demi Wispies

LIPS

NYX Soft Matte Creme in London

LA Girl Lip Paint in Elude

This has been my go to lip combo for the past couple of weeks, I love rediscovering products in my makeup collection. I've had both of these since they released and I just love how they look paired together. 

Thanks for reading, XO

Glow Green

Hello ma'am/sir.
As a beauty blogger, sometimes I have to force myself out of my comfort zone in order to find inspiration.
This is not one of those times. This weekend, while sitting at my boyfriend's place with nothing else to do I pulled out my makeup and just played in my collection, one of my all time favorite things to do in case you were wondering.
I recently purchased a ton of products from Morphe and this look is focused on one of their stunning eyeshadows. Tokyo Tea. It's a beautiful lime green lustre shadow with iridescent flecks running through it. UGH. Basically it's gorgeous and you need to buy it.

Here's what I came up with guys, hope you enjoy it !

FACE

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm

Smashbox Photofinish Primer

Circa Color Balance Foundation

NARS Creamy Concealer 

ULTA Finishing Powder

Milani Baked Blush in Coralina

Milani Baked Bronzer (as highlight)

EYES
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

Lorac Behind the Scenes eyeshadow primer

bhcosmetics 120 palette (all crease shadows, brow bone highlight and inner corner highlight)

Morphe Brushes Individual eyeshadow in Tokyo Tea (all over the lid)

Eylure Lashes in  #126
L'oreal Telescopic Mascara in Black

LIPS

Milani Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

LA Girl Cosmetics Lip Paint in Elude

Thanks for checking out this look !

March Favorites 2016

Well another month has come and gone, and with that there are a few different products I've been reaching for

1. Garnier Fructis Waterproof Micellar Water

I believe it was in February when I was finally able to get my hands on Garnier's Micellar Water. 

You see here that I purchased the waterproof formula, something I don't typically do. I find that 'waterproof' formulas are not as great as the original formula for most products. But this stuff seriously works. It's a dual phase micellar water, so you wanna be sure to give the bottle a good shake or two before you use it. I apply it onto a large cotton round and wipe. The first time I used it, I was hooked. It took off everything. When I went in with another cotton round I was shocked to see just a smidge of leftover makeup. 

I typically use this at night before washing my face (key word; typically), it claims you don't have to and I've definitely put it to the test. Nights when I'm too lazy to give my face a good scrub, I just make sure to use it again in the morning. 

You can find it just about anywhere, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target, or here at Walmart

2. Wet n Wild Shimmering Palette in Boozy Brunch

If you haven't noticed, we're living in a world where no highlight is too bright, too bold, or too daring. And I thoroughly enjoy it. Wet N Wild's Spring 2016 collection has just what you're looking for. This is fucking bombdotcom. It's a dupe for Champagne Pop. And it's $4.99. You're welcome. 

3. ELF Cosmetics Blush Palette in Dark

This palette is really something else. If you have Medium to Dark skin and haven't tried this, I highly highly highly suggest it. Especially now, all 4 blushes are wearable, easily blended, and gorgeous on the skin. This was $6 on the elfcosmetics site. This is perfect for this time of year, peaches and coral blushes all in one small and affordable palette. You need this. 

4. Wet n Wild Powder Brush

I mean.. how cute is this goddamn thing? That's what sold me, and it's gonna sell you too. This was under $5 and I don't regret it. I actually went back and bought 2 more. The bristles on this are sooo soft, and it easily applies and blends out all powder products. I've been reaching for this constantly since I bought it.. it's just too damn cute. I love it. 

What were some of your favorites this month ?

Thanks for stopping by, xo

Easy St. Patrick's Day Look

If you're looking for a really easy way to make your everyday makeup look a bit more festive for St. Patrick's Day, you've come to the right spot.

By simply substituting a green eye shadow for your every day neutral color on the lid, boom, you're ready for St. Patty's Day

Now you can avoid the typical 'you're no fun' conversation with the office nut. 

FACE

Hard Candy 12 Hour Power Foundation primer

Maybelline FitMe! Liquid Foundation in 330 &340 (I mixed them to get a perfect match)

Maybelline Better Skin Liquid concealer in Medium/Deep

e.l.f. cosmetics Under Eye High Definition Setting Powder

NYX Powder Blush in Cinnamon

Wet N Wild Baked Highlighter in Boozy Brunch

EYES

L'Oreal Infallible Brow Stylist in Brunette

Urban Decay Primer Potion

NYX eyeshadow in Hunter Green and Volcano

Morphe Brushes 35O Palette for crease and transition shades

NYC Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner in Black

L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in Black

LIPS

Wet N Wild lipstick in Cherry Bomb

Because this look is so simple, you can tweak it in a multitude of different ways to really make this your own.
Thanks for checking it out
XO

February Favorites

The month of February flew by.

It was the 1st, and then it was Valentine's Day, then Easter decor started popping up everywhere. Literally everywhere. Can we slow down, just a second please? I barely had time to shop for new beauty products this month, as you'll see my Favorites reflect that. 

Although the shortest month of the year is over, I'm not complaining, spring is slowly easing its way into PA and it's glorious. 

So without further ado, if you're interested in checking out the products I kept reaching for in February, keep scrolling. 

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer 

I added this to my shower routine in January, and couldn't stick to using it. This month I forced myself to remember, and I am so happy I did. This is one of those products that seems a bit gimmicky in stores, I'll admit. What made me reach for this is actually the other brand of in-shower lotion, Nivea. I tried the Nivea lotion during the summer, and hated it. It left moisturized, but greasy and that shit ain't cute. So I figured I'd give this one a go. You rub it in after bathing and pat it dry. I still use my lotion when I get out, but with this you truly don't have to. 

If you've been eyeing this up I definitely recommend just trying it, this bottle's almost empty and I plan on purchasing it again. (There's even a coupon for it in Sunday's paper!)

purchase here

Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream

I had been using Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash for a few months, and never noticed any changes to my skin. I don't have acne prone skin or anything, but I was expecting a difference after washing. Then in January my skin went nuts for a couple of weeks, and my cleanser wasn't doing anything for it. I hopped into Target and gravitated towards this Noxzema product. It has eucalyptus in it, like some of their other products that I like so I bought it, and some face masks. I think the jar was $3.99. Figured why not. I instantly noticed a difference in the pimples, and with continued use I'm starting to notice a difference in my skin's texture overall. 

purchase here

Hard Candy Just Glow! Baked Illuminating Powder Duo in Twinkle Star

The Hard Candy 12hour Power Primer is my current go-to primer when I need my makeup to last all day, so I've been trying to explore some of the brands other products. I never hear anyone raving or ranting about Hard Candy, so I've kind of taken it upon myself to just try every product they put out. This illuminator isn't my favorite highlight powder of all time, but this month I've definitely been reaching for it more than my others. The duo features a peach-bronze, and light white gold shade. I mix them together with a fan brush and it's just so beautiful on the cheek bones.

purchase here 

Maybelline FitMe Shine-Free Foundation stick in 340 Cappuccino 

I don't think there's really much to say about this product. It's from Maybelline's FitMe foundation line, which is amazing, and because it's a stick foundation it's super easy and quick application gets me out the door in like 3 minutes when I'm in a rush

purchase here

Thanks for stopping by, XO

PinkSmoke

Hi there.
I posted this full face look on my instagram during Valentine's Day weekend, but the pics were only from my phone so they weren't the best quality.
So I figured this look would be a great way to make a return here at my baby blog.
As you probably realized, over the past few years I've hopped on and off of the blog train, mainly for personal reasons...being too busy, too much on my plate, yadda yadda. The usual list of excuses.
But over the past 6months or so, I've been making plans to do this blog and some other projects. The fact of the matter is, I love all things beauty related, and being able to share and create looks and products with you all is something I truly enjoy. So basically I'm back. So deal with it.


As I mentioned above, I posted this look on Valentine's Day weekend, so the holiday itself is pretty much the inspiration behind this look.
If you're interested in checking out the products I used, keep reading.

My HairCare Miracle

Are you ready to meet the 3 step hair care system that has made my hair silky smooth, cut my blow drying time in half and literally smells like the essence of luxury ?

OH. And it's less than I spend on dinner and dessert.