Things I Bought: May Edition

This month, it's not "Things I Like" but rather "Things I Bought." The reason for this is that I had such a successful month of shopping and also lounging that I haven't had time to try out all of my new things yet. These are just a few of the new purchases I'm most excited about.

Things I Like: April Edition

Oops, guess I missed the month of March. Time has really flown by; I feel like when you're an "adult", months just go by suddenly. I feel like I've been in a coma for half of winter. Anyway, going clockwise from top left:

The Daily Gimme: Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

$21.99 14.60, Amazon

I am fairly new to the makeup game. I never really wore it in high school or college. When you wake up ten minutes before you have to leave, you have to make some tough decisions. Usually I just had time to brush my teeth and pop in my contacts. But, as I have more money and more reasons to wear makeup (acne scars, slight discoloration), I have become more interested in makeup.

However, interest does not equal knowledge. Although it seems kind of ridiculous to buy a book about makeup application, it kind of makes sense. This is one of the most highly rated books on Amazon for makeup, although I have never heard of it. I worry because it was published in the '90s, and that's really not the dated look I'm looking for.

There are some other options that I might try to pick up used, such as either of Jemma Kidd's books (here and here) or Bobbi Brown's book. The brand new book by Scott Barnes is also receiving rave reviews. 

Review: Physicians Formula Correcting Powder

$13.95, drugstore.com

At first I liked this powder. And then I didn't. I was impressed by its neato swirl of colors that promised to correct the various discolorations on my face. And it does make your face a more even color. The problem is that the new color is a white-ish color that makes me look like Mulan when she was about to meet the Matchmaker.

The Daily Gimme: Supercalifragilipstick

$24 each, kate spade

I have never used up a single tube of lipstick, lip balm, lip gloss or lip anything. True story. I just accumulate them like some kind of make-up hoarder. I think more than any other type of make-up, a quick swipe of lipstick can change your face. It can make you look more professional and sophisticated instantly. Also, as someone who has chapped lips that peel, having lipstick on reminds me to stop peeling the patches of skin from my lips (I know, ick).

I haven't tried any of these lipsticks from Kate Spade, but they're so cute. I normally don't like it when brands try to be cheeky with packaging or slogans, but these are pretty funny. They are a bit pricey though, and I have no idea about the quality. Sure, you can drop some money on YSL or Dior lipstick, but this is a brand that makes handbags. What does Kate know about lipstick? The reviews on the website aren't exactly glowing either.

But I just don't care. I want a tube just because they look awesome. So far, there are six shades to choose from. I like the Parisian Pink, which is linked above, or also this Pop Art Pink.

The Daily Gimme: Urban Decay Naked Palette

$50, Sephora

The Holiday Gimme: 2012 Gift Guide

I am pretty exacting when it comes to presents. I don't necessarily return things that people buy me that I don't like, but I am definitely a re-gifter. Honestly, it's better to give someone some cold hard cash than to give him or her solid proof that you know nothing about him or her. E.g., Lotion? Unless it is L'Occitane or something really effing expensive, don't bother. While I also like the occasional homemade gift (candy, jams, cookies), they smack of homemade production line cooking and should never be given as a sole present. We get it, you're cheap. 

If, you find yourself needing to buy a present for someone who has embraced materialism and capitalism as much as I have, then here are some present suggestions that are on my own personal wishlist. I chose the items that can be purchased for anyone on the girlfriend-relative-coworker spectrum, and that doesn't require intimate knowledge of someone's size.

Review: Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush

$11.95, drugstore.com

The name of this blush is actually longer than what my blog title suggests. It's called: Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush. That seems a bit redundant, but I don't have an degree in cosmetics-naming, so I have to defer to the experts. I purchased this blush in the Warm color (they also have Rose, Natural and Pink). I don't know what kind of mumbo jumbo in this blush that is supposed to make you happy, but it's probably unnecessary. Just look at how cute the blush is. It's little *hearts* of blush. This is a prime example of Totes Adorb.

Review: Tarte Carried Away Collector's Set + Friday Date Night

$54.00, Sephora

Of all of my recent purchases from Sephora (updates coming soon), this set is my absolute favorite. First of all, it's the best value. Everything added together would have been $500+! Obviously, this is a scam/gimmick for the holidays, but it really is a good value. There are 24 eye shadows included in this set, and they are full size. Also, the colors seem pretty unique, not a palette of just beige/cream/tan/boring. Also included are 8 mini lip glosses. I really only like the color of about three or four, but they are good quality and not too small. There is also a blush in a peachy-browny-mauve color, a finishing/mattefying powder, a large powder brush and a mascara. Just a warning that this is more of a meta-review, and that I will give more detailed reviews of each color/product as I try it in the next few weeks.