The Empties

It is no secret that I am a makeup junkie. I'm willing to try
anything once, makeup that is. Today, I thought I would 
share my makeup misses. These are the products
that I had high hopes for but they left me disappointed.
In no particular order..

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

This peel did nothing but make my skin burn.

I don't mind a little tingle but burning. 

No, thank you! 

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer

Truth be told, this gave me flakes.

I have never had this problem with any Bumble and Bumble.

In fact, I'm a huge fan of their products.

But this stuff, wasn't a fan at all.

As soon as I stopped using it, no more flakes!

Lancôme BI-FACIL - Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

I wear waterproof eye makeup. I was told this

was great at removing it. It wasn't. 

I had to use so much of it to take it off

and it left  this terrible residue which would burn my eyes.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil

Oh, I had high hopes for this stuff.

All it did was make my makeup break apart,

it was horrible. One day it was so bad, I had

to do my whole face all over again.

I tried using it with different moisturizers but 

it still had the same results. 

Those are my makeup misses.
 I do love my Play! by Sephora
subscription box. It's a great way to try new products
and it's only $10 a month.To me, it is worth it.
Plus, I love trying new products. 

This is not a sponsored post, I 
just really love Sephora.

Now, it's your turn, 
what products have disappointed you??
Let me know, I love hearing from you!
Best, Marie 

Everyday Makeup Faves

Today I'm talking about my everyday makeup faves.
These are the products, I use every single day.
They have become my favorites.

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer
To be honest, I change primers alot.
I sort of feel one works well for awhile and then just stops working.
Maybe it's me, I'm not really sure. I have been using this primer lately and really like it.
This primer helps to minimize my pores and helps to keep my makeup looking good all day.

Nars Larger than Life Long-wearing Eyeliner
I love this eyeliner! It doesn't move and goes 
on very smoothly. It literally lasts for hours.
I wear the color Rue Saint-Honor, it is a deep royal blue.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll Mascara 
I have tired many many mascaras and I 'm always going back to this one.
It just makes my lashes look thick and voluminous. It also
does not flake off nor smudge which is why I love it so much.

Bare Minerals Bareskin Serum Concealer
This is one the best concealers, I have ever used.
Concealer is another thing that I'm constantly changing.
I have been using this one for a few months now and 
really like the coverage it gives. It also does not cake
under my glasses which usually happens with most concealers.
The only thing is I find that it does wear off after a few hours
and I have to reapply. 

La Mer The Powder
This is a setting/finishing powder but I use it 
as foundation. It makes my skin look flawless.
While pricey, you only need to use a little bit of it.
A little goes a long way. Well worth the money. 
I'm still using the jar I got over the summer.
And yes, I use it everyday.

Urban Decay Lipstick and Lipliner in Liar
I have been wearing this color since finding it last year.
It's a good replacement color for my Tom Ford, Pink Abode, which
was discontinued a few years ago. Sometimes, I mix the lip pencil 
with other lip colors but for the most part, wear these two together.

Hourglass Ambient Lightening Palette
(not pictured)
I use this as my bronzer/highlighter. I LOVE this palette.
You can use the colors alone or all together.
It just give you a nice natural glow.
I have heard this pallette works better on paler skin
than olive skin. I'm pretty pale so it works perfectly.
However, if you have olive skin, you may want to try it 
before you purchase it. This palette is pricey.
For me, it is well worth it.

That is my everyday makeup faves.

I will be honest, I do not leave the house without some makeup on my face.
 Call me vain, but I do not feel comfortable leaving the house
without some on. I feel more confident when I'm wearing makeup.

People always comment that it never looks like I'm actually 
wearing makeup. But trust me, I am. The key is to use makeup 
to enhance not cover up or hide. That is just what I do.

What is your everyday makeup faves??
Let me know, I love hearing from you!!
Best, Marie

My Favorite Things-Under $100 for Family & Friends

Linking up with Liz,  Elise, Katie, and Zelle.

Under $100 for Family & Friends

1) Frame

2) Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

3) Fresh Sugar Lip Trio

4) Vanilla Bean Noel Gift Set

5) Socks

6) Candles

It was difficult for me to come up with a list.
 I'm really terrible at coming up with gift ideas.
I think it stems from fact that I don't want to disappoint anyone with a badly chosen gift.
I always worry, will they like this? 


The thing I give most as a gift is the Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Everyone loves them and they love the collectible tin. 
In fact, one friend was somewhat upset at me last year that I didn't buy her them.
I did end up sending her some as I felt so bad.
I already stocked up on them for this year.


What gifts do you get for family & friends??
Let me know, I love hearing from you!!
Best, Mree

My Favorite Things-Stocking Stuffers

Linking up with Liz,  Elise, Katie, and Zelle.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Stocking Stuffers are a big deal in my house.

Truth be told, we sort of go all out with this.

David Yurman Earrings

These earrings are a classic and I wouldn't mind finding these in my stocking.

Hermes Perfume

There is always a bottle in my stocking.

iTunes Gift Card

Who doesn't love to buy new music, a new app or a new book?

C Wonder Note Cards

Note cards are always needed.

Bliss Hand Creams

Hand cream makes a great gift.

Who doesn't need it in the winter??

philosophy Pink Marshmallow Buttercream Trio

One of the best part of the holidays is all the travel sets available.

They are a great way to try new products plus they are fab for traveling.

Benefit Sugar Fairies

Love little products of makeup.

What are you favorite stocking stuffers??

Let me know, I love hearing from you!!

Best, Mree

Monday Morning Gossip-Winter Skin

Linking up with Leann for Monday Morning Gossip.

Today I'm gossiping about my Winter Skin Routine.

      

This winter has been brutally cold and quite snowy. I don't remember such a cold winter.  It  has been even harder on my skin.

I received a Clarisonic for Christmas. At first, I really didn't like it. It felt weird and it was making my skin go crazy. Turns out, I was over using it. Now, I use it about three to four times a week (usually at night). It has made a HUGE difference in my skin. For some they can use it every day but if you have some what sensitive skin, it is best to use only a few times a week.

• 
  
• Philosophy-'the microdelivery' exfoliating wash
• This is one of the best cleansers I have ever used. It makes my skin so soft and bright. It's gentle enough for everyday use. 

• Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Clarity-Activating Toner- lightens dark spots and evens out my complexion.

• 
  

• Philosophy-'help me' retinol night treatment
• This stuff is amazing!! I noticed a difference in my skin almost immediately. It has made my skin look  clear and brighter. I use this a few times a week. Some use it every night but it was too much for me. 

La Mer

What can I say. It's expensive but it is amazing. It always makes my skin look supple and soft. I had stopped using it for awhile and my skin took a turn for the worse. As soon as I started using it again, my skin was back to looking normal. Love love this stuff. Although, it is expensive, a jar lasts a long time. 

I only use a little twice a day.

Clinique,All About Eyes 

I think this is one of the best eye cream on the market. It's hydrating and helps lighten dark circles. Little trick, I learned, after I put my makeup on, I dab a little on the sides of my eyes to brighten them. It really makes a difference. 

ROC, Sensitive EyeCream with Retinol

This stuff seriously helps lighten my dark circles. This stuff works as soon as you start using it.  A little goes a long way and really makes a difference. This is like my dark circles bestie!!

Much thanks to Leeann for letting me link up.

Check out her blog, Join The Gossip.

What is your winter skin care routine??
Let me know, I love hearing from you!!
Best, Mree

Monday Morning Gossip- Current Makeup Faves

Linking up with Leann for Monday Morning Gossip.

Today I'm gossiping about my current makeup faves!!

                              


I'm loving the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum. While it is a night serum, I use it in the morning and it totally helps to keep my eye makeup fresh as well as make my concealer smoother.

Chanel CC Cream is fantastic!!  It does an amazing job at making my skin look like porcelain!! Some people find it to be heavy but I do not and feel like it has good coverage. I use this instead of foundation. It is only sold in one color and it really is for those with pale skin. If you have olive skin, this is not the cc cream for you.

Benefit Fake Up Concealer is AH-AMAZING!!! It totally covers my dark circles. It's very hydrating which is what I need as my under eye area gets very dry. What I like most about this concealer is that it lasts and doesn't melt under my glasses as most concealers do.

Tom Ford Lipgloss makes my lips shine but without that sticky feeling. It also lasts quite some time and doesn't bleed. It is pricey but I find that my tube lasts me a few months. Yes, I do put it on about twice a day.

Much thanks to Leeann for letting me link up.

Check out her blog, Join The Gossip.

What are your current makeup favorites??

Let me know, I love hearing from you!!

Best, Mree

Makeup Junky 2

                               

It's no secret that I love makeup!! I love walking around Sephora or browsing their online store, checking out all the new makeup. 

Lately, I have had this urge to get a makeover. Perhaps, it's the winter blues settling in, but I'm ready for a new look. Nothing crazy but something more sophisticated than my current (boring look). However, I'm trying to be very good and not spend frivolously. A great way to get a new look without breaking the bank is to get some new makeup.  

I would love to try the new makeup items above. I heard only wonderful things about the Urban Decay Naked Palette, so was thrilled when I heard they make a basic one (cheaper too). Benefit's One Fine Day is a highlighter, blush, and bronzer in one. How neat is that? It would certainly make my makeup bag lighter! Next up is Urban Decay's Beauty Balm, BB cream. I'm a huge fan of BB cream and wouldn't mind trying out this new one. Lastly, I'm in love with  Guerlain's Meteorite illuminating powder (Thanks Coco Ballerina) and really want to try their new one, they just make your skin glow. I cannot rave enough about this product, it's fantastic. I use mine all the time, so it's time for a new one

What new beauty products are you wanting to purchase?
Let me know, I love hearing from you!!
Best, M.