When Did Alternative Go Mainstream?

Hello, dolls!

Today I am going to discuss a topic that has only recently come to my attention.  As you know I am working hard to make it as an alternative model, meaning that I model subculture fashion rather than what you would normally see in a magazine like Glamour or Lucky.  I tend to focus on Japanese styles, gothic, lolita, fairy Kei and Pastel goth.  These looks really speak to me and I feel at home wearing them.  

I've learned that there is a demand for models in these areas, but have also learned that those positions need to be filled by either girls who are extremely skinny and super tall as in the case of the online clothing store Dollskill( thank you fashion industry) or girls who are already surrounded by thousands of followers on social media sites like Kawaiigoods.com.  They make an effort to seem 'real' to their costumers by using non traditional models, but still make modeling for them as difficult of an achievement as walking for Louis Vuitton.  

Top Model for Dollskill.com

So, you might be wondering, why is this an issue at all?  Just suck it up and keep plugging forward.  What bothers me is the fact that even though these brands root for the underdog they only allow people who are previously established to model for them.  How is that true to their image?  Basically, it isn't because in the end they want to make money.  That's the terrible truth about all those cute little indie brands who claim to be people and user friendly.  

Now, I am not saying that all small companies are like this.  That is certainly not the case.  It's only the ones who have gotten big enough to have a following and thus create an image that is appealing to their buyers.  Lime Crime Cosmetics is a perfect example of this.  The owner creates a product that is desired by many because of its adorable packaging and unique colors, making it easy for demand to pile up.  Even though you don't get that much product, Lime Crime has become a cult favorite among beauty junkies. 

 The other sites that have become selectively discriminating are those that focus on Japanese or Gothic cultures.  Because it is so hard to find these things stateside, or in normal circumstances that do not involve expensive anime conventions, places like Kawaiigoods.com, sheinside.com and Romwe.com have started to cater to those people who are seeking super unique clothing.  

Alexa Poleti who models for Kawaiigoods, Dolluxe false lashes and Gothic Lolita Wigs.

Now, don't get me wrong; I am totally psyched that these sites exist because I have had a fascination with Japanese culture for a very long time and am super psyched to be able to purchase things that mimic this countries unique street style.  What bothers me is that no matter how hard a girl may try she is constantly overlooked, even despite her potential because she doesn't have twelve thousand followers.  It's frustrating to hear one girl's story be, "How I got into modeling; I sent them a picture that they liked and they asked if I wanted to model for them." (See Alexa Poleti's Q&A video)  It's like, "Well I'm glad you got lucky, but I try just as hard, so what's wrong with me?"

It used to be that alternative modeling was a safer place for girls to go because it offered sites and people who were more forgiving of regular body types.  You didn't have to be super skinny because all kinds of body types were accepted because that was part of what made alternative style so unique.  Anyone could do it if they had passion.  But, as time has gone on these sites and fashion subcultures have done their job to ostracize 'normal' girls.  I used to love watching Alexa Poleti's youtube videos because she had great makeup skills, but when I learned that a large majority of her 'favorite' things were handouts from the brands she was working for I lost a lot of respect for her.

As a social net-worker you want to be able to connect with the people you meet online.  Share your loves, hobbies, dislikes and struggles with.  I mean, so many wigs and not enough money is something I can talk to someone about on Instagram.  But, then when those people we idolize for being like us become suddenly a lot less like us and more akin to what a normal celebrity would be, we lose faith in an industry we hoped would understand us.

Bottom line is, it's wrong for these sites to claim that they use normal girls when really they use people who are already famous on Youtube, Instasgram, Tumblr and everywhere else.  Not to whine, but it isn't fair to the girls who have been trying hard to be themselves and are rejected on the grounds that they don't have enough followers or likes to merit investment.  All that tells her is that Alexa Poleti is pretty and she isn't.  

Get it together alternative modeling and remember why you started; to embrace things that weren't perfect.

Through it all, remember to be true to you, my dolls. <3 <3 <3

Let Them Haters Roll

Hello lovlies!

It has been a long time since I last blogged.  I apologize for the lag in my activity and promise to pick up the pace.  

First off, I would like to tell you some great news before heading off into my topic of the day.  I was asked by Wate Chicks to submit my modeling portfolio and I am super excited!!!  Hopefully this will lead to wonderful things, and if not, at lease give me a foot in the door of where I want to go,.

As for today's topic, I would like to address something that I've had to deal with a fair amount recently, and that is hate.  People hating on you, your look, your life and just haters in general.  In all honesty, haters are people who make fun of unique individuals because they are insecure and feel better about themselves when they are putting someone else down,.  Unfortunately this is hard to discern and understand when you are getting mocked and ridiculed form choices that are really no one else's business.

As you may already guess, when I go out in public dressed the way that I do I am subject to both positive and negative reactions to what people consider a life choice.  One the positive side I've had little girls ask me if I'm a fairy or a princess and met people who appreciate the fact that I'm willing to be who I want no matter the social boundaries I am breaking.  However, there are also those who have yelled profanities at me, one store owner who asked me to leave because I was shop lifting because, "I looked the type," and I've heard, "It isn't Halloween!" enough to last me a life time.

In all honesty, it took me longer than I'd like to admit before I started letting the bad things roll off my back.  It's difficult to be an original person when you're surrounded by people whop desperately want you to conform to their idea of what normal is.  But truthfully, normal is purely dependent on the eye of the beholder.  Just because I like to don wigs and wear alternative clothing doesn't mean I go out of my way to make fun of the hundreds of kids who think they're so unique by shopping at Hollister.  That's their identity and it isn't my place to challenge it, or ridicule their choice of dress.  If having Hollister plastered across your chest makes you walk a little taller, then go for it.  It doesn't matter who you wear, or what you were, but how you wear it.  And that's with confidence.

I don't leave the house intending on pleasing others.  What matters is that I look in the mirror and like what I see.  I am proud of who I am, with and without the wigs.  The wigs just make it really fun.  XD  But what matters when it comes to haters is realizing that they have nothing better to do than to pick on someone who intimidates them.  You represent their insecurities and let that help you walk a little taller.  No one should be allowed to judge you for any reason.  You are you and that's what matters; that you love yourself.  It doesn't matter what anyone else says and if you find people in your circle questioning your individuality take a step back and decide if you think they're accepting you.

You are your first priority.  "People will stare; make it worth their while." 

Be true to you!  <3 <3 <3

Depression Doesn't Stop You; Keep Holding On

Hello, my lovlies.

I apologize for being away for so long, but between work, maintaining a somewhat active social life and keeping my Instagram alive, duty called.  Also, I was trying to figure out a good topic to discuss for my next post.  Although I discus things like fashion, clothes and makeup, I want the main focus of my blog to be self acceptance.  I want girls to feel safe here because I'm not going to judge them because they don't dress like I do, have tons of clothes or aren't so skinny they could be zippers if turned sideways.  That isn't what this lady is about.

So, on that theme I wanted to discuss a topic today that has been bothering me for some time now.  I am one of the many people out there who suffer from depression, low self esteem and severe anxiety.  All three of these things coupled together make it a little difficult for me to be true to myself since I am constantly seeking the unnecessary approval of others.  This has been a long battle and one that I hope to win.  I will never stop believing that I can get better and be the person I truly want. 

Dealing with depression is difficult on many levels.  Some of it stems from your own self loathing and part is brought on by the negativity of those around you.  Simply because I tend to dress in a more outlandish way, and often in what people would consider gothic attire I am labeled as being 'emo' and they believe I wear black because I'm depressed and struggle with identity issues.  This is where the whole, 'It's just a phase' theory comes in.

And although I do struggle with dark feelings, have dealt with suicide and self mutilation, these things do not define me.  They are a part of me, but they cannot prevent me from moving forward.  Neither can outside negativity.  Depression is a war waged between you, the unbalanced chemicals in your brain and the skewed ideas about yourself that result from it. 

I was diagnosed at the age of eighteen, which is fairly old considering the amount of teenage depression that is going around.  The earliest I remember dealing with a sense of overwhelming helplessness was at around ten years old.  This spiraled for several years, was nurtured by an abusive relationship and fed by my own need for space.  By the time I went into therapy I weighed less than a hundred pounds and had marks all along my arm.  In my mind, there was no hope.

However, there was light in the darkness.  The will to live is much stronger than we think.  And even if you find yourself sitting in the closet with a razor to your wrist, that will whispers, "You have more to live for." And even though it's taken a long time to realize it, I now know that I do.  So much more than I ever thought possible seven years ago.  Where once life was a struggle, I look for joy, purpose and meaning.  I live for me because I can make my life the best.  And I fully intend to.

Now, I'm not discussing this a way to get sympathy, pity or views.  I want other girls like me, who have felt, fat, ugly, inadequate and useless to know that they couldn't be more wrong.  There is beauty behind every tear streaked face and power within a struggling soul.  Each woman on this planet has amazing potential and should never let anything hold them back.  Life can be seized and it is yours for the taking.  

I wake up, look at the mirror and focus on what I want to be that day, rather than lingering on what I used to be.  Even though I'm still plagued by images of girls with five inch thigh gaps, bigger breasts, cooler clothes, better hair, I try hard to think, "They are not me."  And that makes all the difference in the world.  I know that I am one of a kind and that as much as I sometimes wish I was someone else, it would be a waste of time because I'm amazing in my own ways.   

So, I may be moody, outrageous, a little in your face and often times sad for no reason, I am still fabulous.  And so are all the other misfits, freaks, weirdos and misunderstood girls who have yet to realize their potential.  Don't waste your time people who hate for no reason.  Your flaws, quirks and weird habits make you unique.  And sure, you could try to look like Karlie Kloss, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande or Selena Gomez; but why substitute that for the beauty that is already there.  

TO anyone who has ever been in a dark place, found themselves lost or simply wandering without purpose, you have a reason to exist.  That's why you're here.  Make the most of it and take time out to love yourself.

And always, be true to you.  <3 <3 <3

First Impressions (New Year New Makeup)

Hello lovlies!

As the new year has come and gone there has been an abundant outpouring of new beauty products that promise flawless skin, moisturized lips and exceptionally colorful pouts which will make you the envy of all beauty gurus.  The biggest problem with this is the overwhelming question of, "Does this actually do what it claims?"  We hope yes, but can only know once the money has been spent.

I bring to you my first impressions of a few of these products so that you can decide BEFORE you purchase them if they are actually what you want.

The first of these products that I tested out were Covergirl's latest addition to their lipstick collection, the Butter Cream line of shades that have been released for Spring.  First off, the packaging is adorable since there are three color collections; nudes, pinks, and berrys and the cases are matched up to each one.

225 Dulce De Leche 325 Spellbound 390 Sweetheart Blush 365 Enchantress Blush

These lipsticks are true to their name.  They deliver gorgeous, lightweight color that goes on super smooth.  The application is so easy and the colors are flattering.  I will certainly be going back to purchase more of these.

These were lipsticks that I could not wait to try out!  Firstly, the packaging made my heart so happy because the caps are this lovely pinky purple shade that look stunning on my vanity or even just in my makeup bag.  This collection is the Rebel Bloom line; pastels which claim to deliver shockingly pigmented color.

705 Blushing Bud 725 Lilac Flush 740 Coral Burst 710 Petal Pink 700 Barely Bloomed 730 Orchid ecstasy 720 Power Peony 745 Peach Poppy

This picture honestly does not do the colors their rightful justice.  The first one I picked up was Lilac Flush because I am in love with pastel purple lips.  When I applied it I was happy to find that it was almost a perfect dupe for Kat Von D's Studded Kiss lipstick in Coven which costs twenty bucks.  Definitely if you want to try the pastel lip trend, try these out.  They are smooth and go well with all skin tones.  Although the color is not as pigmented as I would have like it is still a great brand new product.  

This product has already been featured on my blog once in my December favorites post and after that I knew I needed to do a First Impressions on.  To start, Covergirl has really upped its game concerning their products.  Since Katy Perry signed on as their newest spokesperson, nothing but good things have come from them.  Their Ready Set foundation became my favorite and the Juicy glosses were a welcome addition into my collection.  The packaging of these glosses are to die for and look exceptionally high end.  They shine, sparkle and make me feel good whenever I pull one out.

880 Colorlicious 820 Mango Lava 850 Look It's Lava 840 Ooh La Lava 860 Lava-nder 800 Lava Luster 810 Lychee Lava

The product itself delivers a high dosage of pigmented color that rivals their Juicy glosses and pretty much sends them packing.  These Lava Lips are the next best thing in lip glosses.  Each of these swatches was created using just a single stroke of the product and as you can see it delivers.  The only downside is they are a little sticky, but not to the point of utter annoyance.  They are perfect for parties and wonderfully bold lips.

This next product is a specialty store purchase that I had been waiting to get my hands on.  Mally Beauty came out with three color palettes which were versatile and beautiful.  I fell in love with the brightly colored crocodile skin packaging and couldn't wait to add them to my palette collection.  They are a little on the pricey side, at fifty dollars apiece, and that is currently my only issue with the product.

Brownstone, Caught In The Limelight, Angel Wings, Bright Eyes, Mally's Look, Gimme Plum Lovin', I Love Lavander, Sparkling Taupe, Starbright, Natural, Merlot

This first palette is the LOving Life one and has a more neutral feel to it with some pops of shimmer.  The colors are beautiful and appear much better on the eye than they did on my arm.  They are a little light for my taste, but make a wonderful palette for understated looks.  I would deem this the 'wedding gues' palette since you can create soft looks that still bring attention to your natural beauty.  The colors are smooth and do look nice on.

Shadow Base, Angel Wings

This palette is the one that I am currently crazy for.  In my opinion if you are going to purchase one of these then make it the Loving Color one.

Lavander Glow, Pop Art Blue, Sweet Samba, Pretty Lady, Fantasy Green, Soho Silver, Plum Glow, Mally's Glow, Denim, Skyscraper

Although these shades are still fairly light, especially if compared to pigments from Urban Decay, their color is gorgeous and look stunning on the eye.  When I first tested out these palettes I wasn't too sure, but am now in love and believe that they are definitely fantastic beginner palettes because of how much you can do with what you've got.  There is something for everyone and it makes a nice into into higher makeup.  Basically, if you are starting out and do not know what to get, then grab one of these, because it gives you neutrals as well as color and that makes it super versatile.

As I said earlier, Covergirl is coming out with all kinds of new and exciting products.  Even though I am not usually a huge fan of their foundation, except for the Ready Set Gorgeous one, I was intrigued by this new release because of what it promised.  "Covergirl's first makeup to minimize the look of flaws and fine facial hair."  That certainly sounded good to me, so I scooped it up.  The applicator is a plastic circle that feels sort of like a rubbery gel and is supposed to be used to smooth the product on in the direction of your natural facial hair growth.  

I tried and was pleasantly surprised because it went on smooth and definitely seemed to minimize the appearance of all those things that I didn't want people to see.  Although the applicator is tricky to master it works well.  Comes in many shades and is worth a try.

Lastly is something from Revlon.  I am a total Revlon junkie.  If I could choose one brand to wear forever from a drugstore it would be Revlon.  All of their products have been wonderful and I am always eager to try something new.  This is an addition to their already famous Photoready collection and works as an anti shine primer.  You can wear it alone, under makeup, and even over as a finishing powder or for touch ups.  I am always looking for things to help diminish that lovely oily glow I get.

When I first put it on under my makeup it made my Revlon CC cream look even more amazing and my face truly looked 'photo ready' as it were.  It makes for a wonderful touch up and finishing powder and keeps you looking unbelievably fresh.  I know for a fact that in the Summer I will be wearing this and nothing else for easy walk out the door makeup that evens my complexion.  This one does not disappoint.

Well, I hope this was helpful and that you will enjoy trying your new products for 2015.  Let me know what you tried and what you love.

Be True to You.  <3 <3 <3

December Favorites!!!

Hello lovlies!

As the new year has come and passed us by I decided that it was time to blog about what things became my favorite during the month of December.  

So, the first thing on my list is this fabulous t-shirt that I have been pining after for several months ever since I saw EVERY blogger wearing it.  I just thought the quote was adorable and super chic to wear with a high waisted skirt or jeans.  Perfect statement for any fashion lovers around the world or Chanel enthusiasts in general.

Next are Covergirl's newest lipglosses!  These things are amazing and go on beyond their earlier released Juicy glosses.

The color you see was achieved with a single stroke of the precise applicator.  They are highly pigmented, have long lasting wear and look fabulous on the lips!  They are simply gorgeous! However, if you are not a fan of shine, don't approach since they are packed full of shimmer, sparkle and glitter!  I want them all!

If you saw my November favorites blog then you were aware that I was a HUGE fan of the small Smashbox On The Rocks palette and planned on purchasing the larger one as soon as I could.  Well, here it is!  Even more colors to choose one, with gorgeous packaging and high pigmented colors that go on smooth as butter across the lid.  Non crease and long lasting; if you can get your hands on this ASAP.  I know Peebles still has some stocked.

Alright this should be a given, but ANYTHING Physicians Formula.  I was recently turned onto them by a fellow Instagrammer and I cannot get enough of their products.  The blushes, bronzers, highlighters and eye shadows are all gorgeous, have fantastic pigmentation and wear and are even good for your skin.  They all go on flawlessly and have added benefits like their Happy Booster set which does lift your mood.  Go out and get SOMETHING by then.

And on that thought; THIS new product.  If you are already a fan of the Argan Oil trend that is going around then head to CVS, Ulta, Sephora, or wherever you can nab these babies and pick yourself up some gorgeous glow.  The design is beyond gorgeous and although I have not used mine, I tested them at my local Ulta and was amazed with the results.  It takes just a little and suddenly your sad Winter complexion is turned into a beachy paradise.  There is a tinted CC cream that I cannot wait to get my hands on.  

With Winter comes dry skin.  At least for me.  I put my foundation on and my face turns into a ghastly looking desert scape with peeling flakes of skin and nasty looking ruddy patches.  Not the way any lady wants to look.  I HIGHLY recommend Lubriderm!  Using this lotion has changed my skin for the better.  I see splotches are even, I have less redness and my skin basks in the hydration of sea kelp extract.  Not sure how it works, but it does.  Now this kind is rather pricey, but if you can get your hands on it your face will thank you FOREVER! 

My mother is amazing.  I had to put something from Christmas on this list because it is December favorites after all.  My December favorite bag and current favorite bag period is this amazingly pink Kate Spade.  I cannot get enough of it.  The color is to die for and I feel like a modern day Barbie every time I have it on my arm.  Don't know if you can still get it, but I love, love, LOVE this bag.  

Urban Decay makes some of the best makeup products out there.  This All Nighter makeup setting spray is no different.  What I tell my friends that it is hairspray for your face.  XD  Not quite, but it does set your makeup so that it lasts for a very long time without needing to do a lot of touch ups.  The only downside is I have noticed that after applying the spray I need to re-powder my face because it can cause it to appear shiny.  But definitely worth it.

Alright, and that is December!  Hope to see you again and hope you've enjoyed your year.

Be True To You!  <3 <3 <3

The Selfie Game (And being honest with yourself)

Hello, lovlies!

Today I would like to discuss the somewhat controversial topic of selfies.  This twenty first century phenomenon consists of taking candid pictures of yourself and then posting them to social media sites such as Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  When famous people post selfies, such as Ellen Degeneres' famous 'groupie' as some people are now calling it, we, the people oooh and ahhh over how wonderfully human they are.  But when normal people such as you and I pose for these Selfies, we receive mixed reviews.  Some tell us to get over ourselves and assume that we are self absorbed, even though I am pretty sure that the Jenner girls are a lot farther along that path than I am.  (Or ever will be, thank God.)  

Above is a good example of a garden variety selfie.  Phone in view and bathroom in the back.  No shame, just me.  And I'm fine with that.  Some people take object to my selfie, and this is where the glorious double standard begins.

On the firsthand Selfies have become a means of self expression, artistic triumph and an all around excuse to take a picture of yourself when you feel pretty or are simply having a good time.  For example, beauty gurus like Graveyard Girl and Zoella take selfies to show off awesome makeup, fantastic hair and amazing clothes and shoes.  You could say that Instagram is simply the site for sharing your life via selfies.

All in all I would say that is fine and dandy, except for the little problem that I like to call majority rules.  Graveyard Girl has over four million people in her 'swamp family' and Zoella was just given a spot in one of the more recent issues of Seventeen magazine.  These ladies and many like them have hundreds of thousands of followers, so when they post pictures it becomes the next big thing among their fans, and quite frankly, most people on the sites.  They are allowed to post hauls or show off three hundred dollar shoes since it isn't bragging because they're social media site famous.

Now don't get me wrong; I love both of these gals and faithfully watch their youtube videos because they are entertaining, give fantastic beauty advice and do amazing tutorials.  However, because these girls are slowly, but surely becoming part of the one percent category of the world's population it makes life harder for those underneath them to achieve their dreams.  

I've been trying very hard to make it as an alternative model.  I've done some shoots, most of which are sponsored, paid for and arranged by me.  I don't receive services, products or endorsements for free, so have to pave my own way.  Many famous youtubers and bloggers are 'contacted' by clothing sites, makeup brands and other affiliations to promote their products for free.  I've seen some girls receive whole makeup collections just to talk about how good they are.  AKA, pandering because they have fifty thousand followers.  Is this fair?

In reality, nothing in the social network world is honestly 'fair.'  Companies choose favorites and act accordingly even though there are girls who have put their life's work into a blog, Instagram account or Deviantart page.  I feel that it really isn't all about what you do, but rather who you end up knowing by being good at selling yourself.

So what we end up with is Bethany Mota having her own line at Aeropostale, Zoella with a collection of bath and beauty products and Graveyard Girl getting to model for Dollskill.  These girls are examples of the elite youtubers who have achieved their fame and as a result can leave other girls feeling inadequate.  Yes, seeing beauty youtube gurus making their dream come true can be inspiring on a certain level, but also, realizing that you aren't really one of them leaves you wondering, what am I missing from my pictures?

Honestly, absolutely nothing.  You should take your selfies because they make you happy, not because you are trying appease the masses of online individuals who care more about how many followers someone has rather than the quality of their content.  Even if you don't have fifty thousand followers or aren't being given clothing for free just because you are so amazing in some company's  eyes does not make you any less an awesome person.  Blog, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and take selfies because you enjoy it.  That should be the most important thing.  Don't give a flying whatever about what other people think because you're famous in your own way.

So take it from me and post pictures of your five dollar thrift store shoes and understand that just because someone else has a gazillion more followers and a supposedly better life because of it doesn't mean they do.  Focus on creating a unique you rather than trying to replicate a boring them.  You deserve to be just as awesome no matter how many followers or blog views you have.  Enjoy your own existence and own it!

Be True To You! <3 <3 <3 

Don't do it! (Beauty products to avoid)

Hello, lovlies!

Among beauty gurus who snatch up every new product as soon as it comes out there are those sad moments when something that promises everything just doesn't work.  There are many possible reasons for this which can vary from person to person depending on their skin type, coloring and so forth.  I will be sharing with you products that I will definitely not ever be repurchasing again and my reasons why.

As you all know I love a dark lip.  My favorite color of lip color to purchase is purple and oxblood shades.  I am already a fan of L'oreal Paris' Colour Riche liquid lipsticks so when I saw these glosses/ stains I jumped at the opportunity to try them.

Unfortunately, they failed to impress.  The shade in the middle is actually by Black Radiance and is being used for contrast.  Both colors on the sides are shade 163 Plum Rush, the darkest one available.  I bought both because they look different and apply different as well.  This product failed to deliver color, was a pain to apply and simply made my lips look goopy.  Not attractive.  Black Radiance, if you can find it has much better options for pigmented gloss.

The next product is not completely offensive, though will not be reappearing in my makeup bag any time soon.  I am addicted to hi-lighting and thought that this golden shimmer from Icing by Claire's would be a fantastic addiction to my shine collection.

The answer was no it wasn't and if it didn't work so well as as an eye shadow, would be chucked in the trash.  Plus, I paid money for it and hate wasting product.  The swatch you see above took five applications to achieve and this was with my finger.  It looks alright there, however, don't expect it to stick to a brush.  It has maximum fall and just doesn't blend well at all.  You're better off trying to touch it up with your fingers which is a hassle.  In the end I get frustrated and use something else.  

Above was the first BB cream that I purchased when the craze first hit and I was so excited to see my skin magically transformed into...

...Snooky from Jersey Shore?  No!  I wanted light coverage that actually matched my skin tone.  And last time I checked I wasn't orange.  This shade is the lightest L'oreal has available and looks awful and fair skinned complexions.  It makes me look like I have a really bad fake spray tan.  Plus the consistency is much more liquid like which is something I'd sooner expect from a CC cream.  

I enjoy many of Almay's products.  Their glosses are gorgeous and they have great foundation options, plus I SWEAR by their primers.  If you can't get Smashbox, get Almay.  So I decided to try this Smart Shade skin balancing makeup.

My disappointment with this product has much less to do with the color and more the manner in which it applies, which is terribly.  The consistency is like runny soup and the only thing it doesn't do is balance my face.  I usually end up looking streaky and ten times worse then before I put the makeup on.

However, this is certainly up for debate because I have a close friend whose makeup I do somewhat regularly and on him it's perfect.  So, I suppose giving it a try wouldn't kill you.

I am someone blessed with glorious dark purple bags under my eyes which appear whenever I'm stressed, sick, have allergies or didn't get enough sleep, so I am always looking for ways to clear those pesky rudders away.  So came the Covergirl Trublend Fixstick.

Which fixed nothing.  Although the color is wonderful and it gives great coverage, you have to suffer through looking ten years older because this product loves to nestle into your wrinkles and make them appear painfully obvious.  Your eyes become awake, but considerably older than they were before.  And trying to set it with powder just makes it worse.  There is no soft finish, just old skin.

As a true makeup junkie I love new products.  Trying something new makes me happy.  So when Almay introduced their softies eye shadows I had to give at least one (or five) a try,

I swatched this shade nearly six times to get at least a small amount of pigmentation.  The colors are deceptive, don't go on nearly as dark as advertised and plus because they are 'plush', expect to have trouble using a brush.  The product has so much give that you can hardly pick any of it up.  And I understand that Almay is a much more understated brand and we shouldn't expect hot pink from them, but the color should at least be true to what you see.  All you're gonna get is a tiny bit of shimmer.

I have made sure to save the best for last.  As we discussed earlier, my favorite kind of lipstick is purple.  So when I started going to Sephora and spotted Makeup Forever's shade number 15 I almost fainted.  Purple, glitter, cyber metallic awesomeness.  It had to be mine.

And I wasted twenty dollars.  This was such a disappointment that it still makes me mad sometimes.  Although it swatched beautifully, as seen above I was stupid and didn't try it on my lips in the store.  I went home, applied it once, twice, three times and finally a fourth, realizing that I was never going to achieve that glorious purple shade on my lips.  No matter how many times I applied, it wouldn't transfer.

That sent it to the back of my lipstick drawer for awhile where I let it take a moment to ponder on it's actions.  Recently I took it out again and tried once more.  Didn't make it better.  The color does not transfer, plus it only lasts for ah hour tops and becomes visibly flaky even before that.  It turns your lips to near purple sandpaper.  I've taken to simply applying this as a base then patting eye shadow over it in the color I really want.  So, so disappointed.

So, that is all for now.  Stay tuned for my what I got for Christmas blog, December favorites and a look book!

Stay true to you! <3 <3 <3