Christmas Nail of the Day (NOTD)

Today's nails are red, of course! This is a beautiful shade by L'Oreal called "He Red My Mind". I paired it with Essie's all in one base coat and good to go top coat.

I've really been loving L'Oreal polishes lately, this is my second one. They apply so smoothly and are very creamy and easy to work with. I could possibly get away with one coat, if I really loaded the product on the brush the first time, but in general I find that two thinner coats looks better.

Christmas Eve Makeup and Accessories

I don't know about you, but whenever Christmas Eve rolls around I like to dress up a bit more than usual and wear festive makeup and a classy outfit. What could be more classic than red lipstick, pearls, and black suede wedges? Sometimes I feel that wearing a red lip on Christmas day can be a bit much, especially when you're trying to eat dinner with family. So I quell the urge by wearing it the night before!

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette- Suspect on the lid, Tease in the crease, Blackout as liner.

2. Pearl earrings

3. L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick in Cherry Tulle

4. Black wedges

What I'm Loving- December 2012

December has been a rough month, to say the least. It started off with the harried frenzy of finals, attending holiday parties, and desperately trying to clock in all my hours at work, but soon morphed into packing to head home for the winter break.

Packing beauty items is usually a huge ordeal for me because I find it nearly impossible to narrow down my obsession into a single makeup bag. What if an occasion arises where I need that ohsospecific shade of plum lipstick that's sitting in my vanity at school?! Or what if I need a certain eyeshadow from a particular palette that I didn't bring? The horror!

Needless to say, whittling down my choices is usually a long, dank process. This month, however, it went faster than ever! My favorite products of December were a quick draw and before I knew it my bag was full and I was soarin' on the freeway to home. Here are a few of the products I've been loving:

Laura Mercier Artist's Palette for Eyes (Photo: tinyladylife.blogspot.com)

L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes in Black Lacquer

NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna (Photo: makeupandbeautyblog.com)

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick in Rose Taffeta (Photo: myfindsonline.com)

Mascara Meltdown- Vol. 1: Waterproof Summer Faves

Mascara meltdown will be reviews and comparisons all about mascara. Different types, formulas, recommendations for special occasions. If it's about mascara, it will end up in the meltdown.

Today's meltdown is all about waterproof summer favorites, as requested by my DG sister, Mary. She works a lot of long days and needs a recommendation for something that won't give raccoon eyes after a few hours of wear. So the following listed are all ready for super long wear and will still be working hard even after you're not!

High End:
-Urban Decay Cannonball
-Too Faced Lash Injection

Drugstore:
-Covergirl Lashblast Volume in Waterproof
-L'oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes
-Maybelline The Falsies in Waterproof

Of all of these recommendations, the ultimate winner would have to be COVERGIRL LASHBLAST VOLUME IN WATERPROOF. This mascara will leave you scrubbing your eyeballs raw without an eye makeup remover. Even with an eye makeup remover I'll need to go over it twice. Use with caution. One coat is more than enough.

DISCLAIMER: if you do decide to give the L'oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes, beware that when you go to take it off with warm water (you don't need a makeup remover for this- what a plus!), you will see all of these thick, black tubes come off on your hands. Don't worry- these aren't your eyelashes, just the tubes of mascara that surrounded them. If you're not used to it, I can see how this would freak some of you out.

Well, best of luck, and head off to the pool!

Peace, love and hugs,
Abbey