Feeling a little uninspired

Sometimes I see people on instagram post a picture and the caption says "I'm feeling a little uninspired so I'm going to take a break from posting and find some inspiration".  Well i'm feeling like that with my blog at the moment.  I have no space for pictures in my house, I always use my phone to take pictures because 1) it's easier and 2) I never really wanted to spend $$$$ on a camera.

Last weekend I was scoping out some cameras and the Canon T5i really interested me so I have been reading and watching as many reviews as I can.  I have also been loving the Olympus OM-D E-M10. But of course, everyone and their mothers are saying to go with the canon because the lenses are more affordable and the camera overall is just user friendly.

The price was around $400 for the camera and a lens, so I'm really thinking about making the "investment".  Also, I'm really dying to get my hands on a LV key cles/pouch and/or the LV card holder (haven't decided on a print).

Back to me feeling uninspired.  I've been so busy at work and i'm just tired all the time.  I have little to no time to set up an area to take some pictures and I don't like making a blog post word heavy with little to no pictures.

I think once Christmas hits and I feel a little more relaxed I'll have more energy and feel more inspired.

Christmas (material) wish list:

LV:
Key Pouch/Cles (Monogram)
Card holder (Monogram)
Favorite MM (Damier Ebene)
Emilie Wallet (Monogram)
Toiletry 19? 15? (I'm not sure which size would be best for the SpeedyB 30 and the Neverfull MM)

Gucci Soho Disco (color undecided)

Canon T5i

be right back ~~

small but mighty.

Review: Makeup Monsters Liquid Lipstick (Brickhaus, Terracotta and Cornucopia)

I was on a little liquid lipstick hunt and came across Makeup Monsters Cosmetics on Instagram.

{Be warned: picture heavy post}

I purchased Terracotta, Brickhaus and Cornucopia.

Don't mind the nails -- bad first time acrylic experience.

These don't have any scent.  The applicator is the typical doe foot applicator.

The packaging is similar to Jeffree Star and Dose of Colors liquid lipsticks, but different styles.

The formula is very liquidy, but not drying.  It's very comfortable to wear and doesn't bleed or transfer; unless you drink something there will be a little transfer, but the color is still on your lips.

Brickhaus, Terracotta and Cornucopia

I'm wearing Cornucopia right now and it feels nice, it doesn't feel like i've been trapped in the desert.

Cornucopia and Miami Fever

Terrcotta, Brickhaus, Cornucopia (Ofra Miami Fever on the bottom for comparison.) 

Terracotta is my favorite for sure.  It's the best nude color without being pink or corpse like.   I will definitely be purchasing some more from them once I can stop myself from adding more than 10 to my bag.

I'm loving this brand.  The website says they are a small cruelty free and vegan independent brand based in Washington.

Longevity 5/5
Color 5/5 (very opaque)
Smell 5/5
Application 5/5
Formula 4/5 (it's a little liquidy, so in turn could be a little drying)
Reapplication 4/5

Review + Mini Comparison: Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessories NM & Neverfull MM Pochette

I have been in need of a classic, casual and versatile clutch.  One that I can dress up for a wedding and dress down for every day use with jeans and a t-shirt.

Meet my new Pochette Accessories NM:

When my SA brought it out, the strap was already attached.  That meant that the looped part was already set and that it was, for the lack of a better term, "creased".  It's not a big issue for me, but just something to note.

I did a thorough exam of the strap, zipper, lining, piping, brass hardware, the pocket and vachetta* tab on the bag itself.

*I'm not sure if it's actually called vachetta (pronounced va-ketta) or vachet (pronounced va-ket) or whatever it actually is.  Jerusha Couture said she was corrected to the second of the two.

This PNM looks elegant without the strap and really makes a statement without being obnoxious.

Made in France 

The piping.

The pocket is the perfect size for cards, cash or your phone (without a bulky case).  I have been putting my cards and some bandaids there for quick access.

The NFP is a touch bigger than PNM, but it lacks in width.  As you can see in the previous picture, the NFP is very thin.  It can actually hold a lot more than you would think though.

For Comparison sake: The NFP can fit an iPad mini and zip and the PNM can fit the iPad mini, but is unable to zip.

The different interiors.  Monogram comes with the brown, DAzur comes with a beige/tan and DEbene comes with the red.

Bought these two gold chains on eBay.  Shoulder and Cross body straps.

The NFP & PNM straps/clips vs. the eBay chains/clips. 

 The clips are super similar; minus the LV engraving.  Also, the chain part is similar to chains on other LV clutch's (Eva, Favorite...)  I have neither, but I watched NastasiaM53's youtube video comparing the Eva Clutch vs the Pochette Accessories.  In that video she linked an eBay seller (KCraft) that sold the chains she mentioned.  These are BG01 style; 50cm (shoulder) and 125cm (cross body).

You can buy the straps via eBay here and also via Amazon here.

In my opinion, this is an amazing piece to look in to.  Super versatile.  Makeup bag, clutch, cross body, shoulder bag, catchall, bigger wallet (if you need that much space); basically it's an amazing little piece.

Listed online at $500 USD and on Guam for a little bit cheaper, plus NO SALES TAX! (:

Overall, I highly recommend this piece.

xo ~el

Unboxing: Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessories NM and Mini Pochette

This Christmas I wanted to knock two of the smaller items off my wish list and as you can tell by the title, I did (:

Wish List (All photos are from the LV website)

I was also looking at the Pochette Metis since it was getting discontinued and it's been on and off my wish list.  I assessed my need, watched a lot of youtube videos on it, weighed the pros and cons and after a long week of going back and forth I decided that it would be best to skip it.  Hopefully whatever is replacing it is amazing and at a lower price point.

I ended up finding both items at the Tumon Sands Plaza and both are Made in France.  I have come to the conclusion that as long as it's not Made in the USA, I will be okay with it.  Not because the Made in the USA is bad, but because I'm paying for a luxury brand from France and I would at least like it to be made there; or Spain.

The Holiday Ribbon is an Orange/Red color and it's amazing against the brown box. 

My first SLG

Perfect pair; I kind of want the MiniP in Monogram now.

The mini pochette inside the pochette nm. 

(You can't really tell, but my cards, IDs, rewards cards and some cash is in there; still have room for more.)

(Made in France) (:  

I have always had my eye on these two pieces, because of the functionality and price points.  They are on the more affordable side being under $500 USD.  Also, if you're on Guam it's cheaper here than on the US website AND there's no sales tax.

There's a Christmas party coming up and I'm excited to uses both of these.  I did order some gold chains, a long one for cross body and a short one for shoulder, off eBay.  

If you're looking for a good gift or starter piece from LV, I suggest one of these or the Key Cles/Pouch, depending on your needs. 

Updated Wish List 

Since the Pochette Metis is being discontinued and I couldn't commit to spending that much money on myself during Christmas, I have been looking for different options.  I found the Twinset, or pochette, or clutch...whatever.  I'm half into it and half not; It doesn't look big enough or might not be able to hold enough for me, I don't like that you can't remove the long strap, I'm not 100% sure about the prints or colors it's available in...I'm not sure in general.  If you have any opinions on the Twinset/Pochette, please leave a comment.  I feel like i've watched so many videos and they aren't pushing me in either way.

xo ~el

Review: Coloured Raine 24seven and Mars with Swatches

Hellooooo

I just received my Coloured Raine order and this is the 7th liquid lipstick brand I have tried and I can definitely say it's in my top 5.  On a side note I just placed an order on Makeup Monsters that I'm pretty excited for.

Back to the reason I'm writing this:  My Colored Raine purchase!!!

I picked up 24seven and Mars.  I am also no good at describing shades so I'm not even going to try. The website describes 24seven as "strawberry toned" and Mars as a "dusty rose".  

{Mars on left and 24seven on the right}

I would say that those descriptions are pretty spot on.  Mars is a tad on the "greige" side, but not anything overwhelming.

Both of these pictures were taken outside, but just at different times and (obviously) in different lighting.

Here's a picture of the applicator, because I know some people like seeing this.

&& here are a couple lip swatches.  

(Yes, I have really oily skin.  This was after work and I was too excited to realize that I should have did a touch up.  And yes, I do have acne.  And YES! I was so excited to swatch them and test out the formula, that I didn't apply it all that great.)

{top: mars & bottom: 24seven}

I have very pigmented lips so it will look different on everyone.

Both shades are very opaque and I drank some water, ate tomato on toast and then took this picture.

I tried to remove them both with regular soap, but with most good liquid lipsticks we all know that won't happen; and it didn't with these.  I had to grab my coconut oil.

I can see both of these shades being long time favorites not only because of the colors, but also for the formula.

They dry fast and stay put.  I did notice that it had a "numbing" or "plumping" kind of feeling without actually doing either of those.  I didn't notice any smell from the tube, on the applicator, on the swatches or on my lips.

Overall I give these two shades 5/5.

I'm very excited for the new shades they'll be releasing; specifically Sorbet, Bachelorette and Roulette.

I'll be working on my Ofra swatches and review next.

xx, el.

The Quest for the Holy Grails: Episode 1

Hellooooo

Recently, I've been trying to wear as little makeup as possible; we all know that never works out.

"I'm going for the natural look today" and then end up with a smoked out lash line, red lips, winged liner and false lashes.  #noregrets

Anyway, I received a Macy's gift card for my birthday and I saw the opportunity to try out some new products that I have been wanting to try, but just couldn't bring myself to spend the money.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks: Craft and Heathers (not shown in picture)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: Brunette
Too Faced: Little Black Book of Bronzers

(Also shown in picture: ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bumble // Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water [travel size] // Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Preppy)

Thanks to this tiny haul, I have found two HOLY GRAILS!!!! TWO!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Considering I currently have MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme in Deep Dark, MAC eyeshadows in Brun and Espresso and Milani's Brow Pencil in Brunette, I never saw the need to buy the ABH BW.

I don't know how I went without this in my life.  Period.  Holy Grail.  Never giving it up.  My brows may never be on "fleek", but they have been looking AMAZING (IMO).  They look so natural.

Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers (Milk Chocolate)

I have been looking for a new bronzer since I hit pan on my Benefit Hoola.  This is the best bang for your buck when shopping around.  

I usually don't go for bronzers with shimmer in them (it enhances acne and my acne scars) and I never go for a pink blush.

(For color reference I am currently an NC37 MAC SFF or NC40 MAC SF Powder.)

My favorites are Chocolate Soleil, Dark Chocolate Soleil, Endless Summer and Sun Bunny.

I look forward to buying the full sized products.  OH! And I can't forget to mention the fact that every time I open this...book, it smells AMAZING!  Chocolate.  Can't get over it.

After typing all of that, and reading it over, I realized that I started this out with saying that "I've been trying to wear as little makeup as possible".  These Holy Grail finds have made life so much easier, makeup application so much faster and my husband so much happier.

My eyebrows don't take 10 minutes anymore.  And they don't look like I just colored in every spot that you would normally see skin.  They look feathery, structured and as close to "fleek" as I can possible get.

This bronzer is so hard to go over board with.  If I'm in a rush, which I usually am 90% of the time, I can slap any one of my favorites on and have no regrets.  

ABH Brow Wiz: 5/5

TOO FACED LBBofB (Chocolate Soleil): 5/5

xx, el.