Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Palette Review

Here's the thing about palettes - the value is almost always there, but how many times have you bought a palette and genuinely liked or wore every single shade? For me, there's always those few sad shades in the corner, gazing wistfully over at the shimmery neutrals being worn down to the pan. I feel bad for them, I do. But not bad enough to force myself to use them. What a waste, right?

I'm loving the new customizable options that have been coming out! It seems like several brands have popped up with, if not holders specifically shaped to the product such as the one I'm about to review, at least magnetic palettes capable of fitting stand-alone shades with magnetized backs. It's a wonderful world out there now. You do you. 

This palette is by Buxom, and I highly recommend this for anyone trying to get a specifically themed look together. Read on for background information from the brand about the palette and shadows, swatches and pictures of the palette I built, and my thoughts!

My lovely custom built palette.

From the brand:

'Take your favorite Buxom Eyeshadow Bar eye shades to-go with this refillable, Buxom Empty Eyeshadow Bar Customizable Compact. Choose your favorite shades and then pop them into the six-shade compact, which has a stylish, faux croc-embossed lid and an innovative hidden drawer that slides in and out for easy loading.'

'Featuring primer-infused technology to help keep color locked in place, this Single Eyeshadow Refill has a powerfully pigmented formula that glides onto lids - delivering intense payoff with an ultra-luxe, powder-to-silk feel. Moreover, with finishes ranging from plush matte to shimmering metallic to sparkle and duo-chrome, each shade offers eye-catching possibilities.'

As far as value, these are excellent.

• Each stand-alone shade is normally $12 (which I don't find to be unreasonable for the pan size at .05 oz compared to brands of similar quality in the market). 
• The customizable palette is $13 when bought by itself. This palette includes a small two-sized brush. 
• The palette plus all six eyeshadows to fill it would come out to be $85 at full price; Buxom offers a combination deal with purchase of palette and six eyeshadows, however, reducing the price to $40.

Score. For the ability to pick each and every shade in the palette, I find this to be SO worth it.

Palette packaging, single eyeshadow packaging, and customizable eyeshadow palette

As mentioned, the tray holding the individual shadows slides in and out so you can add/take out easily. The tray is extremely secure when put in place (such a satisfying click) - no chance of anything falling out and breaking. Each shadow also clicks into its little slot, as you can see in the pictures. Great overall design.

Let's get on to the fun part - shades and swatches! I built my palette to use primarily for everyday looks, with a shimmery gold neutral pop and one fun color if I wanted to amp it up for the night. I wanted this to be something simple to keep in my purse at all times and know my bases were covered. 

A note on shade selection - on the Buxom brand website, there are 48 shades available. If you purchase through Sephora, there are 42; at Ulta, there are 40. Worth consideration - however, I personally would advise purchasing at a vendor with the shades available to swatch in person, as some of these shadows can be hit or miss, and shades can look different online.  

Shades from left to right: Cashmere Craving, Gimme Gorgeous, Lingerie Lover, Spoiled Sexy, Bold Bling, Wild Nights

Cashmere Craving, Gimme Gorgeous, Lingerie Lover

• Cashmere Craving - matte light, neutral almond (note - this is almost invisible swatched)
• Gimme Gorgeous - matte camel
• Lingerie Lover - matte mauve

Spoiled Sexy, Bold Bling, Wild Nights

• Spoiled Sexy - matte deep mauve
• Bold Bling - metallic rose gold
• Wild Nights - shimmering sugar plum

Left to right: Cashmere Craving, Gimme Gorgeous, Lingerie Lover, Spoiled Sexy, Bold Bling, Wild Nights

Left to right: Cashmere Craving, Gimme Gorgeous, Lingerie Lover, Spoiled Sexy, Bold Bling, Wild Nights

Wearing a sheer wash of Bold Bling

Wearing a sheer wash of Bold Bling

Final thoughts - 

I really liked the texture of every shade except for Cashmere Craving. I went in hoping for an easy, neutral base shade on the paler side to wear as a simple wash or as a foundation for other colors. Unfortunately, this shade is tending to be chalky and uneven. My most worn shade is Lingerie Lover for everyday looks, and my favorite is Wild Nights (such a gorgeous shimmer!); all of the other shades I chose are very reliably pigmented.

This is one of my new favorite palettes! Buxom does come out with special editions of the palette pre-loaded with shades from time to time, and these usually include one or more shades that you can't buy as a stand-alone, so keep an eye out. 

What is your dream palette combination? Let me know!

Purchase the Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Palette online here. 

- Taylor

What I've Been Reading Lately

105 degrees outside, you say? Might be better to stay inside on the couch with a good book and some sangria, you say?

Well, you don't have to tell me twice.

This week's selections run the gamut - we've got a twist on an old classic, a dystopian, some historical fiction, and a few thrillers. When I was choosing which books to include this week, I noticed an alarming trend towards murder mysteries and novels about assassins. I swear this means nothing. I switched a few out. But I think you'll enjoy the final selections!

1. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh - 

Publisher's description:

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

My Thoughts:

This may sound familiar! The tale of Scheherazade and the One Thousand and One nights she spun her stories (Middle Eastern folk tales such as Ali Baba) to stay alive has been told and retold many times over the years. I've read several versions and enjoyed them all - there's bravery, magic, love. And stories within stories! Who could ask for more. This version tends a little more on the magic/romance side than most others I've read, and develops much more backstory concerning Shahrzad's family and friends. Technically classified as young adult, but to me a good story is a good story, and I enjoyed this! Good light reading for the summer, and the first in a series. Two thumbs up. 

2. Scythe by Neal Shusterman - 

Publisher's description:

Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

My Thoughts:

Such an intriguing concept! This book does not shy away from some gritty realities, but doesn't cross the line into overly morbid (shockingly). The author does an excellent job of establishing a society in which this is possible. Dystopian novels, however far-fetched the plot, will always catch my eye - there's just something so interesting about our world being shown in an alternate circumstance. In this version of our world's future, the digital cloud has evolved into a greater being, known as Thunderhead, a self-aware creation. Immortality is a possibility for any person. The characters are both likable, which poses as problem as they battle literally to the death. Loved this! All of the thumbs.  

3. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 

Publisher's description:

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and secrets that were hidden for decades.

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France. An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences. For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power. The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.

My Thoughts:

First of all, that cover is completely misleading. I saw this and thought, 'Oh, some fluff'. Lovely, friendship! Yay.'

No. No, no no. This is brutal, intense historical fiction that will keep you captivated with hope and horror. The three characters are separate for parts of the novel, but their lives intertwine in disturbing ways during the course of World War II; the author does an incredible job of writing in the three vastly different voices, including making a character that inspires nothing but hatred on the part of the reader absolutely come to life. You must read this - it is not light reading, but it is important reading. 

4. The Lying Game by Ruth Ware - 

Publisher's description:

Isa drops everything, takes her baby daughter and heads straight to Salten. She spent the most significant days of her life at boarding school on the marshes there, days which still cast their shadow over her now.

Something terrible has been found on the beach. Something which will force Isa to confront her past, together with the three best friends she hasn't seen for years, but has never forgotten. Theirs is no cosy reunion: Salten isn't a safe place for them, after what they did.
At school the girls used to play the Lying Game. They competed to convince people of the most outrageous stories. But for some, did the boundary between fact and fantasy become too blurred? And how much can you really trust your friends?

My Thoughts:

Secrets upon secrets! As such, I can't tell you much about this book other that what the description has already disclosed, but I can say that my experience reading this was enjoyable. Not an incredibly shocking plot - the exposition is slow, but I love tales about friends and their pasts. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants this is not, however. Not my absolute favorite but worth a read - one thumb. 

5. The Dry by Jane Harper - 

Publisher's description:

When Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns to Kiewarra for the funerals, he is loath to confront the people who rejected him twenty years earlier. But when his investigative skills are called on, the facts of the Hadler case start to make him doubt this murder-suicide charge.

And as Falk probes deeper into the killings, old wounds start bleeding into fresh ones. For Falk and his childhood friend Luke shared a secret... A secret Falk thought long-buried... A secret which Luke's death starts to bring to the surface...

My Thoughts:

Australia! The setting is in Australia! I knew I'd like this book for that alone. This is more of your classic crime novel - clues popping up, misdirection, past coming into present, that sort of thing. But it's so well written, and while it isn't difficult to follow it isn't simple enough to feel like an 'easy' read. Hits right in the sweet spot, and the little details peppered in about rural Australian life are fascinating. Two thumbs up!

This concludes this week's literary roundup - if you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know!

- Taylor

Rosy Outlook

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I used to HATE the scent of rose in products. I remember getting a sample of Stella fragrance by Stella McCartney, reading the rave reviews and wondering if there was something wrong with me because a taking a whiff of it alone made me feel I had aged forty years.

But as with so many things in life, tastes change! My passion for lavender still burns, but rose has been creeping in. Did I say creeping in? What I meant to say was, now I'm obsessed and sixty percent of my bath and body products are rose scented.

Take a look at some of my favorites below!

Clockwise from top left: Well Being by Lab candle in Dune Rose, Herbivore Coco Rose Body Scrub and Rose Hibiscus Face Mist, Fresh Rose Face Mask, Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil, Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, AERIN Beauty Rose Lip Conditioner, Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold

1.  Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish & Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist:

Herbivore is all about natural, cruelty free skincare, and everything they sell happens to smell delicious. I'm a sucker for their minimalist packaging - just look at that font! Swoon. The body polish is seriously wonderful for dry skin - it has a combination of exfoliating grains and oils, and it leaves your skin softly scented and feeling totally moisturized before you even leave the shower. 

The face mist is a great first step in a morning/evening skincare routine to add an extra layer of hydration, or for whenever you feel like spraying yourself in a coat of luxury just because. The packaging is glass rather than plastic for an extra luxe feel. These can also be purchased in-store at Sephora. 

2.  Well Being by Lab candle in Dune Rose:

My sweet cousin Becky gave me this candle, and it has a lovely soft rose scent. The candle itself is a coconut wax blend. This company, Lab, just launched their website - the scents vary, and they're adding more every day, so keep an eye out for this addition. In the meantime, there is a Rose + Crystal scent available that looks heavenly!

3.  Fresh Rose Face Mask:

I've been using this mask for years as a reliable staple. Fresh describes this as 'A unique gel formula infused with real rose petals and pure rosewater that hydrates and tones the complexion.' It feels very refreshing on the face - there's no tingle/warming sensation/fizz that so many products are incorporating now, just a soothing and simple experience. I find that it does a good job of adding some moisture to my complexion, and a bit of a glow; my favorite way to use this is as a follow-up to an exfoliating treatment of any sort to calm my skin down. 

4.  Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil:

I would absolutely bathe in this oil if I didn't know it would probably cost more than my life is worth. That is how deep my love for this goes. Sephora says, 'This luxurious, rose-gold hair & body oil is a silicone-free fusion of nutrient-rich oils from all over the world. The perfect multitasker, the fast-absorbing formula illuminates hair and skin as it restores moisture and repairs damage. Absinthium oil rehydrates dry skin and hair, rose hip oil reduces the appearance of scars and redness, and shea oil nourishes dry, dull skin and hair.' 

I haven't tried this on my hair yet, but the scent is incredible and perfect and a dab on each of my shoulders and collarbone gives such a healthy glow. It feels smooth and silky - the oil sinks in without leaving any residue other than the light from what I can only assume are miniature angel halos illuminating my decolletage. I classify this a must buy. 

5.  Origins Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay:

On the back: 'This powerful mask with Mediterranean Rose Clay, Canadian Willowherb and exfoliating Jojoba beads helps gently deep clean while refining skin's texture. The result - skin emerges anew, pores appear to vanish. Radiance is restored. Skin looks refreshed, flawless. Feels silky smooth'. 

Those are some high claims! I wouldn't quite say my skin looks 'flawless' after I use this mask, but it does feel completely clean and fresh. This is excellent for stopping any impending breakouts, I've found - it has some of that traditional clay mask drying feel, but doesn't go quite as far, and the exfoliating factor when you wash this off is very nice. I like to use this in tandem with a lightweight moisturizing mask or oil (such as Fresh Rose Mask)! A good maintenance mask to add to your skincare arsenal. 

 6.  AERIN Beauty Rose Lip Conditioner:

One problem I often find with scented lip products is that the taste can be downright unpleasant. For example, although I love many of Herbivore's offerings, their Coconut Rose lip balm has a powdery aftertaste. Not so good. At this point I will note that the eating of these products is unintentional and I do know better.

This lip balm, however, is gorgeous - the tint is a glossy, light pinkish-beige that adds easy polish to any look. The scent is light, fresh rose (not powdery in the least), and while the taste is not that of cupcakes, it is completely unoffensive. A little on the pricier side, but my tube has lasted me for months as a small bit is concentrated enough to moisturize. Love!

 6.  Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold:

We've seen plenty of rose skin and beauty products now, so switching gears for the last pick! I picked up this eyelash curler at Sephora several weeks ago and I've used it every day since. The rose gold hue caught my eye, but the performance on my lashes was what stole my heart. This curler was an Allure Best of Beauty pick, and I wholeheartedly support their choice. If you're looking for a new curler you can't go wrong with the Tweezerman ProCurl - it even comes with several extra eyelash pads, so the value is definitely there! I'll be doing an in-depth review on my daily products and this will be featured in the roundup, so keep an eye out. Wink. 

I have a feeling my addiction is just beginning. Do you have any favorite products or recommendations? What kind of scents do you normally look for? Let me know!

- Taylor

Skincare Review: Youth to the People Age Prevention Superfood Mask

In addition to my regular skincare regime (which I'll go over in a future post), I have an enormous collection of masks, or as I like to call them, magic. It does a soul good to slather on some beautiful mud/cream/gel and relax in the tub with a bath bomb and some wine. I try to do at least one mask a week, but if I'm feeling extra fancy or particularly virtuous I'll do several.

This mask is a new one, and I received a small version of it in a set. The regular sized version retails for $44 in a 2 oz. jar.


Youth to the People Age Prevention Superfood Mask -

From the brand's website - Packed with superhero supergreens from land and sea, this age prevention mask uses the power of spirulina, bioactive microalgae, and our proprietary superfood blend to speed cell turnover and nourish skin with age-fighting phytonutrients. Crosslinked hyaluronic acid drenches skin in intense moisture, freshening your face with its plumping, hydrating benefits.

A little about Youth to the People - they use 100% vegan products and 100% recyclable packaging, and their products are squeaky clean. No fragrance, parabens, animal testing, or added color. Their ingredients are natural and extremely nutrient rich. 

Nice!

Without further ado, let's get to the good stuff - TESTING. 

Before:

I used micellar water (Garnier brand) to completely clean my face of any traces of makeup or skincare. My skin type is very dry, with redness in spots and visible pores around my nose. Several wrinkles beginning to show around my eyes and mouth. Sad times.

No makeup, clean skin

The products: 

I used a face mask brush by The Body Shop to apply this. A small touch that makes a huge difference in how luxurious a treatment feels - I definitely recommend this as an investment (linked below in caption). The mask itself felt surprisingly smooth and creamy; I was expecting more of a traditional, drier texture as you would find with a clay mask. This felt quite emollient, moisturizing, and spread very easily upon application. Scent was little to non-existent; a very slight herbal scent could be detected, but nothing heavy.

Mask brush by The Body Shop

During:

I swatched on my cheek to test the texture, and found that I could spread it quite a bit thinner while keeping the same feel. You could load this mask on if you wanted to, but there's no need. The middle picture shows the mask after a fresh application, and the picture on the right shows the mask after drying down (this was taken at the end of the recommended fifteen minutes). Bonus: if you have green eyes this mask is the bomb. Will this fact help you in your everyday life? Probably not, unless you mask on the go, in which case I salute you. 

After: 

The brand recommends leaving this on for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing with warm water. I used a washcloth to remove this (it would be quite difficult to remove with water alone). On to impressions! My skin, as previously mentioned, is very dry. I always hope for a moisturized feel after a mask, but it's rare for me to get that result. This did not give a particularly moisturized feel. I did feel that the mask improved the clarity of several parts of my skin initially - the picture on the left was taken immediately after removal with some residual redness, but I do feel that my face looked brighter overall and a bit firmer as well around the jawline. The picture on the right is after applying my daily facial oil as a moisturizer, and I feel like my face looked slightly redder than usual but also had a nice glow. The true test came later in the day after applying and wearing light makeup - I could tell that my skin was in better condition tone and texture-wise, and it did end up feeling slightly more moisturized than usual. 

After mask, before moisturizer (left) and after mask, after moisturizer (right)

            

After with makeup:

Conclusion:

I can't classify this as a must-have for my skin type, unfortunately. It was a nice, easy mask that had some definite benefits, but not enough to justify the $44 price tag in my opinion. If you have a chance to sample this and you have skin that tends to be less dry, I would absolutely give it a go - it is a good basic upkeep mask, particularly mixed in with other products that have more potent ingredients. I'll discuss some of those products in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

As usual, let me know if you have any questions or personal experiences with this mask (or other masks to recommend)!

- Taylor

What I've Been Reading Lately

Quite a few great books have come out this summer!

If you know me, you know I'm never far from my e-reader. In fact, I listed it as my "greatest invention" of choice on my dating profile back in the day (along with happy hour, of course). I get about five to ten books in per week typically, so I'll be posting on a weekly basis about what I'm reading and my thoughts on each book. We'll try to keep it well-rounded. I may throw in some smut. Who knows!

For this week, we have a smattering of historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers.

1. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn -

Publisher's description: 

'In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.'

My Thoughts:

By far the most succinct of the publisher descriptions, so points right off the bat for that! I loved this book - it's historical fiction of the sort that feels real, based upon actual people of the time for the most part with some liberties taken in imagining their day to day lives. The plot centers around the Alice Network, a spy system located in France tasked with infiltrating the Germans during WWI. The story is told with two different perspectives - that of Charlie (in 1947), running away from her situation and chasing answers about her missing cousin, and that of Eve Gardener, whose story is told from her perspective in the Alice Network during the first war and whom Charlie encounters as an integral part of her search in present day. The story is rich in details and conveys the pain and fears of the war, while throwing in some hope and a little romance. Spies and convincing romance, sold. Five thumbs up.

2. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy -

Publisher's description:

'What if the ordinary things in life suddenly…disappeared? Aila Quinn’s mother, Juliet, has always been a mystery: vibrant yet guarded, she keeps her secrets beyond Aila’s reach. When Juliet dies, Aila and her younger brother Miles are sent to live in Sterling, a rural town far from home--and the place where Juliet grew up. Sterling is a place with mysteries of its own. A place where the experiences that weave life together--scents of flowers and food, reflections from mirrors and lakes, even the ability to dream--vanish every seven years. No one knows what caused these “Disappearances,” or what will slip away next. But Sterling always suspected that Juliet Quinn was somehow responsible--and Aila must bear the brunt of their blame while she follows the chain of literary clues her mother left behind.'

My Thoughts:

I'll be honest, it was largely that gorgeous cover drew me in. This was an easy read, but completely charming. Geared more towards the young adult crowd (scoff if you like, but I've come across some amazing books that are technically placed in this category), the story has a pretty simple mystery/solution format with some fun twists due to the 'Disappearances' making their entrances throughout and an overarching plot that reaches further than I would have guessed after reading the initial few chapters. Not quite five thumbs up, but worth a read if you're looking for something light for the summer! 

3. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - 

Publisher's description: 

'The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?'

My Thoughts:

Oh my gosh, I loved this book. You might have heard of Laini Taylor from her 'Daughter of Smoke and Bones' trilogy (also highly recommend) - this is a departure from that world, but no less fantastical. And make no mistake, this sits squarely in the fantasy realm. Laini Taylor has a style of writing that makes it so darn easy to root for every character in some way, even the "bad guys", just because they seem so . . . real. If there's one thing I can't abide in a book, it's a character that feels aloof to me in one way or another. I need to feel the feels. There's mystery, magic, and some immensely satisfying lurve in Strange the Dreamer. Six thumbs up.  

4. Victoria by Daisy Goodwin -

Publisher's description:

'In 1837, less than a month after her eighteenth birthday, Alexandrina Victoria – sheltered, small in stature, and female – became Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. Many thought it was preposterous: Alexandrina had always been tightly controlled by her mother and her household, and was surely too unprepossessing to hold the throne. Yet from the moment William IV died, the young Queen startled everyone: abandoning her hated first name in favor of Victoria; insisting, for the first time in her life, on sleeping in a room apart from her mother; resolute about meeting with her ministers alone. One of those ministers, Lord Melbourne, became Victoria’s private secretary. Perhaps he might have become more than that, except everyone argued she was destined to marry her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. But Victoria had met Albert as a child and found him stiff and critical: surely the last man she would want for a husband….'

My Thoughts:

So this is a sort of tie-in with the recent PBS series about the life of young Queen Victoria - the same author worked on the show and the novel. This is historical fiction, which I am always a sucker for, told from the perspective of the young queen before and after her ascendance to the throne. Unfortunately, this book has a problem. The main character is written, for lack of a better description, as whiny and spineless. She expects praise, feels it is her due, believes herself to be smarter than those around her, and the supporting characters are written as fairly standard 'good' and 'bad' types who encourage her in this opinion of herself and appear to believe it themselves with no apparent reasoning. Frustrating. It's hard to get past a main character you don't like. However! It's always fun to read depictions of times past, and there are some lovely descriptions of historical settings and practices. I have not seen the show, but I do think Queen Victoria is definitely an interesting figure worth learning about. I'll give this one thumb up.


5. The Breakdown by B.A. Paris - 

Publisher's description:

'Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesn’t have a baby. The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt. Or the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…'

My Thoughts:

This book gave me the creeps in a good way, and you'll see why. I don't want to go into too much detail, as the nature of a thriller is that it is best when it is thrilling, but this one will make you think. Twists and turns. Wiggles and zigzags. Read it if you want something a little edgier! Four thumbs up. 



This concludes this week's literary roundup - if you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know!

Happy reading!

- Taylor

Nars NARSissist Velvet Lip Glide Set Review/Pictures

This is where I tell you to run, not walk to your nearest Ulta or computer to buy this exclusive set.

You may be familiar with the Velvet Lip Glide formula NARS came out with about a year ago - it features opaque coverage with a super comfortable, gloss-like feel minus the tackiness. Shiny upon initial application, this particular gloss dries down over the course of a few hours to a velvety, plush appearance.

Note - this is NOT a comparable formula to some of the long-wear liquid lipsticks that have hit the market lately (see brands such as Tarte, Smashbox, Stila). Those babies dry down and stay on literally forever. This is a nice in-between, with decent staying power (several hours on me).

I am a huge fan.

Of the original shades released, I most favored Bound, a rosy pink with faintly mauvey undertones on me. Although I loved the formula, I found that the shade range mostly fell on the too-light or too-statement side for my taste (bright fuschias, sheer nudes, blue-pinks). Last year, NARS came out with a holiday set featuring a range of six shades, but the colors all tended to run on the very dark side with the exception of Bound.

However, this summer NARS came out with an Ulta-exclusive set of six shades that absolutely KILLS it as far as wearability! We've got gorgeous coral and rose pinks, both cool and warm undertones, a berry that is so beautiful I almost cried with joy when I saw it.

This came on the scene seven days ago, and this is limited edition (all shades are brand new, no repeats from the permanent line) - who knows how long it will last? GO GET IT NOW. DO IT.


See below for information, pics and swatches!

NARS NARSissist Velvet Lip Glide Set - $45, .72 oz

Shades:

- Rapture (pink coral)
- Night Together (rose pink)
- Californiacation (pink mauve)
- Immoral (fuschia pink)
- Staying Alive (orchid pink)
- Burning Love (cherry red)

Left to right: Rapture, Night Together, Californiacation

         

Left to Right: Immoral, Staying Alive, Burning Love

 

Swatches:

(Left to right: Rapture, Night Together, Californiacation, Immoral, Staying Alive, Burning Love)

Indoor (with flash)

Indoor (no flash)

Outdoor (overcast)

Favorite shade is a toss-up between Rapture and Staying Alive. Let me know if you have any questions, and happy hauling!

- Taylor

Current Favorite Summer Foundation

Oh, foundation. I love you. I hate you.

I love that the right foundation can create an even canvas for experimentation, bring some life to my chronically dull and dry complexion, give me a lifelike appearance when I crawl out of bed like a creature from the Walking Dead.

But it almost never actually happens that way. I've spent years trying to find the right fit. It seems like the best I can hope for is a shade close enough that when you look at my entire body, it blends, but taken in with just my face and neck in view is noticeably just a little . . . off.

I have done the undertone tests, tried to figure out which clothing colors suit my complexion to give me some insight, asked professionals. According to the tests, if I don't fall one way or the other between warm and cool undertones, I should be a neutral undertone. Unfortunately, on me most neutral foundations skew gray.

If a color seems to work, it doesn't necessarily mean the texture will. Dewy foundations turn matte in a heartbeat. And the very worst is when I fall in love for three, four days only to have my heart broken when a previously radiant foundation suddenly changes its look on me. 

What's to be done? I'm thinking about trying a customizable shade, such as Prescriptives offers. I'll chronicle the experience if I go that route. Currently, I'm sticking with sheer formulations that have a degree of forgiveness. A few of my favorites are show below. And as soon as a new foundation is released, you can guarantee I'll be there testing it out full of starry eyed hope - so stay tuned for reviews!

For those with similar issues, what solutions have you come across?

Bare Minerals COMPLEXION RESCUE™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

Wearing bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in shade Dune

From the website:

A multitasking gel cream that combines hydrating skin care benefits with naturally radiant coverage. 

What it is formulated to do: 
- Mineral-based formulation that combines the best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer to provide increased skin hydration after just one week 
- Features SPF 30 sun protection 

Get powerful hydration and healthy-looking coverage with this versatile cream. The best of a BB, CC, and a tinted moisturizer, COMPLEXION RESCUE™ is formulated with olive-derived squalane, marine botanicals, hydrating humectants trehalose and glycerin, and coconut-derived ingredients to replenish, hydrate, nourish, and condition. While unique water-encapsulations give skin that instant burst of hydration. Your skin will love you for this. 

This versatile cream achieves dewy, sheer-to-medium coverage to give skin a radiant, soft, and smooth-looking appearance. Formulated with mineral electrolytes to help energize skin, the marine botanicals help to replenish dry skin. It contains heart-leaf globe daisy, an antioxidant which aids in protecting against environmental stressors—improving the appearance of skin while keeping it hydrated. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen

From the website: 

- Lightweight, oil-free moisturizer blends easily into your skin without clogging pores, while micro-treated mineral pigments diffuse the look of fine lines and wrinkles for an even, natural-looking finish 
- Features SPF 20 sun protection 
- Comes in 10 shades 

Infused with skin-balancing Amazonian clay and chamomile, vitamins A, C, and E, and sodium hyaluronate, this multitasking, tinted moisturizer hydrates, brightens, treats, and protects skin from UV rays and free radical damage with SPF 20. It offers lightweight, buildable coverage, making it easy to achieve a flawless complexion. 



What foundations have you been loving lately?

- Taylor