Beauty Break--HAPPY NEW YEAR/MAKEUP/YAY

via refinery29.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I know you're supposed to have resolutions and whatnot, but that just STRESSES ME OUT.  I am way too type-A to confine my meta "to-do" lists to just one time of the year, so I'm taking a pass and sticking to my usual OCD year-round lists of things to accomplish.  In the meantime, I'm finally getting to my "part 2" of beauty:  THE GOOD STUFF (i.e. makeup).  Let's me honest, no one likes putting on a full face of make-up day in and day out, but it sure is fun to play around with even when you have no idea what you're doing (like me)!  As with my taste in clothing, my taste in makeup is definitely on the color-adventurous side.  Although the overall effect may not look totally outrageous, some of the colors can look pretty daunting on their own!  Let's explore! :)

EYESHADOW

-YSL is one of my favorite brands, and their red/burgundy eyeshadow (sexily called Ombre Vibrations Duo 13) is my favorite non-zombie zombie color.  Adds just a tiny bit of "edge" to everything while still being perfectly pretty

-MAC is another fave for the eyes--and I am obsessed with Era, which looks fairly neutral, but somehow transforms my peepers into something super chic...I think.  For the more adventurous, do try  their yellow (yes yellow, not really gold, not matter what the name suggests).  Sunblonde and Goldmine are my favorites.

-Chanel is also gets props for straight-up girly prettiness---no one does sparkles better (except maybe Illamasqua).  My favorite "Les Quatres" is Sparkling Satins

-Illamasqua 4 Color Liquid Metal Palette- METAL SHINE SPARKLE.  Enough said.

BLUSH

I am a slave to cheek stains--my faves are my Givenchy Blush Gelee and Tarte Cheek Stains (currently on a Natural Beauty binge, but love Dollface, Tipsy, and Flush too)

CONCEALER

-YSL Anti-Cernes Concealer is my one and only.  Will sometimes supplement with the famous Touche Eclat.

LIPSTICK

The MOTHERLOAD.  This is where I get crazy.  My favorite shades are:

MAC Violetta

MAC Up the Amp

MAC Natural Eccentric

MAC Powersuit

NARS Funny Face

NARS Fire Down Below

NARS Belle du Jour (true fact: I first bought this in college because I thought it made me look like Beyonce).

YSL Rouge Pure Shine 33 (deep berry)

YSL Rouge Voluptue 8 (pepto bismol pink)

Donna Karan Rich Raisin 

LIP GLOSS

I am kind of rediscovering my lip gloss stockpile, so bear with me:

-Chanel Unity gloss

-Joe Fresh Grenadine gloss (seriously, the finish is amazing)

-YSL Gloss Pur 49 (black) gloss (great alone if you're feeling daring or underneath other lip colors to give it some depth)

MASCARA

-Lancome Doll Lashes Mascara is my favorite of all time!  So lightweight and not clumpy!

EYELINER

I skimp here and usually rely on drugstore brands, but I have a black Dior Brow and Liner Eyeliner pencil I love!

-Lancome Art Liner is also perfect for a dramatic cat eye (which I wish I could actually do on myself)

-Nars Larger than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in silver

BROWS

MAC Browset in Show-Off 4 EVA