Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation Review

This stuff is magic!
I don't understand how this self-adjusting color foundation works. I have tried only a couple other color adjusting products and they turned too dark and orange for me. This actually matches my pale pink undertoned skin. It made my skin dewy and soft but not shiny which was kind of surprising to me since there is oil in this. Buy from Sephora here.

I bought the fair/light shade and it is not quite "instant" self-adjusting as it says on the packaging but it's pretty damn fast and surprisingly accurate. The fair/light shade is intended for for the fairest porcelain skin with pink undertones to light skin with pink undertones, which I view as accurate as long as you massage the product in. Swatches show the product and process of matching below.

 This is directly from the bottle, it comes out white with tiny speckles of color.

 After gently smearing over my hand (after about 3 seconds) it starts to change color.

 After rubbing the foundation into my skin, it seems to actually over adjust and get too orange (after 5 seconds).

And finally after massaging all the product into my skin, it matches very closely to my real skin tone but covers the blotchiness without being full coverage (after about 15 seconds).


Overall I think although Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation might be a little pricey, but a little product goes a long way. The amount on my hand easily covers my face. I also really like that this brand is as they put it, "Luxury with a Conscience" so I don't mind paying slightly more than I would for say, a Clinique foundation. Sephora has a fantastic return policy so I would recommend trying even if you are afraid the color won't work for you. Try it, make sure it is really rubbed into your skin, and evaluate in natural light, you might be surprised!

Chalkboard nails how-to

I got the idea from the Ciate nail kit sold at Sephora. But I really didn't want to pay for a new set when I knew I could make the effect on my own.

This is 3 steps. Paint nails black, I used Butter London Union Jack Black. When dry, draw away with a white nail art pen. I used one from Sally Hansen. Again, allow to dry, and then a good coat of matte clear polish. I used one from Warrant Beauty I picked up at Hot Topic. Voila! Chalkboard nails!

Bumble and Bumble Surf Set Review

 

I think the Bumble and Bumble surf spray which I have been using for a couple years now is pretty much the best thing that ever happened to my hair. It is long, fine, and naturally ombre dirty to pale blond because of the sun so when I got the surf spray it meant I never had to style my hair ever again. No blowdrying, no straightening, and no curling. Spray when wet, messy beach hair all day. So as soon as I saw the B&B email announcing the new foam wash shampoo and creme rinse conditioner I was right on it (choosing to buy from sephora for the points lol) This set is smaller than I envisioned, I guess I should have read the ounces carefully. But is large enough to allow multiple uses to try it out or take on vacation. All the products have that beachy salt water fresh smell. I think the only difference in using this surf shampoo and clean rinse instead of my usual hair stuff from John Frieda is that my hair felt even lighter and finer not necessarily like I had even thinner hair but like no build up or weight AT ALL. It didnt add any texture but seems to make my hair light and clean and the perfect base to use the surf spray on. I have used the surf spray in probably 90% of my posts. The color is Manic Panic Ultra Violet.

print and print and print

Leopard print, Sanskrit writing and illustration print, and a tribal print all in black and white blend together nicely. With wooden shoes, shell bracelet and Thai coins on my bag it gets tied together in a boho, earthy, world culture way. Love this bag mostly because it helps support the tribal women who made it. Yay JADEtribe for having an ethically conscious mission! Speaking of which, I have recently discovered www.hearts.com a whole site of recycled/sustainable/ethically conscious and also super chic fashion.

Today's list: Tart leopard print maxi dress, BR wooden wedges, BR cardi, JADEtribe bag, Elizabeth and James shades, random scarf

retro brights

 It was finally warm enough today to wear some punchy colors. This combo of red, coral, tan, beige, and dark blue especially with the chevron pattern looks very retro so of course the giant round 70s inspired glasses came out today too. My hair at the moment is Ultra Violet from Manic Panic.

Today's list: Splendid red maxi dress, DVF long cardigan, Donald J. Pliner cork sandals, Prada bag and shades.

back...

Life has calmed down a bit and so I'm recommitting to posting more outfits again. Here's the first in a while.

Today's list: French Connection dress, Loft cords, Coconuts boots, Elizabeth and James Bowery sunglasses, and Prada silver bag

Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose review

I was very excited to try this since Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb has been my favorite perfume for years. Now that everyone's caught onto it I wanted something new and unfortunately this is online only so I ordered it without smelling it first. I figured if it was like Flowerbomb is was a pretty safe purchase. This new 2013 version, Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose was too different from the sweet floriental I love. The citrus was overwhelming for me and it actually gave me a headache. It does dry down to a brighter, more spicy version of flowerbomb. I think if you like citrus scents this might be perfect for you. I'll stick to the original.