Bobbi Brown and bareMinerals

Hello!  Happy Friday indeed!  I received my goodies from Sephora today and took them for a test run.  Check out my look:

Taken in natural window lighting.

I was able to create a very soft, natural look that I'm so in love with right now!  Great for daytime, but I'm sure it's easy to amp up for the evening.

I'm pretty happy with my bareMinerals.  The shade suits me fairly perfectly and I love the matte finish.  I read up a little more on the Mineral Veil...found out that it's supposed to give you a soft-focus finish and keep your look from getting greasy.  So I layered it over my foundation and I'm  happy with the results.  My skin is still pretty dry, but I'm exfoliating both in the morning and evening now and finish my makeup with spritz of aloe cucumber hydrating spray.  It seems to be doing the trick.

This little palette is just so gorgeous!  I love how the shadow colors are a true matte.  They apply very soft, velvety, and are finely milled, yet I experienced little to no fallout.  They're also nicely pigmented.  The espresso shade is nearly black and the taupe is so versatile.  The lightest shade acts as a very subtle highlighter.

All Uber Nude except for the shimmer in the inner corner of my eye.

I haven't tried the glittery shade of lipstick yet, but I really love the creamy nude shade.  I also dabbed the sparkle gloss in the center of my bottom lip and cupid's bow for extra fullness and dimension.

Sorry the color looks so orange-y.  Bad bathroom lighting.

I really love my new additions.  I'm attending a party tomorrow night, so I can't wait to show you guys a more dramatic look using the same products.  Hope everyone's all revved up for the start of their weekend! (it's raining here, but I'm still happy it's the weekend) Lol.

Hugs,
Cat

Stila Sale!

Hello friends and happy Friday!  Just got wind of a big sale over at Stila and wanted to share.  Click on the banner above to get to stock up and get your Stila fix for a fraction of the retail cost!  Cheers!

Hugs,
Cat

Things To Come

Hi everyone!  I'm sure you've all probably figured out that my finals week is coming up, hence the disappearing act.  Thanks for continuing to stay tuned despite my frequent absences. :)  Just thought I'd give you all a sneak peek of some cool new cosmetics that I'm expecting:

Bobbi Brown Uber Nude Lip & Eye Palette.  I'm really excited to receive this!  Since we're deep into fall and approaching winter, I've been obsessed with the nude/neutral look.  I love how essential these colors are and how portable the palette is!  You get a really great neutral trio that can take your look from natural to smokey/dramatic in a snap, and then two nude lippies, one creamy, one shimmery, with a nude gloss to add extra dimension.  I've heard great things about this palette and if all the hype is true, this would be the only palette a girl would ever need for a classic, timeless look.

bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation.  The weather is changing, therefore my skin is changing.  My favorite BB cream is just not doing it for me these days.  A little while ago, I purchased a bareMinerals sampler from Ulta and got a chance to test out the product.

Sorry I never did a review!  I kind of forgot about it...lol. :P  I didn't really use any of the brushes, barely touched the concealer (I prefer cream concealer), the Mineral Veil didn't do anything for me, and the original formula had too many light reflecting particles, making my skin look oily.  However, I did like the matte formula, so I decided to get the full-sized jar.  Still, because of the severe dryness of my complexion due to cold weather, my foundation routine has become ridiculously convoluted.  I won't get into THAT just yet, but will do so once I get the product in so we can talk about it.

And finally...this is kind of crazy, but here is my final and ridiculously pricey gamble:

One of my friends swears by the Temptu Airbrush Makeup System which piqued my interest, so my sisters and I chipped in and bought the cheaper kit (which didn't include any blush or highlighter).  I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of results I get from using it, since airbrush makeup is highly touted as one of the most effective ways to achieve a flawless face.  Excited!

Looking forward to sharing my findings with you guys!  Wish me luck on my final projects!  I can't wait till this term is over so I can spend my break tuning back in to fashion and makeup!

Hugs,
Cat

Sunday Style

Happy Sunday everyone!  I've been rather busy over the weekend so haven't had a chance to post until today.  Just thought I'd share today's outfit with you all:

This look is so easy and comfortable!  I think it's such a stylish way to cozy up for the upcoming winter.  The sweater cape is from Forever21, the boots are from JustFab, and the tights are from YesStyle.  I absolutely ADORE my tights.  They're lined with brushed fleece and keep me warm and toasty from the waist down.  I don't know what I'd do without them!  YesStyle carries many brands.  I just choose the most reasonably priced ones.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Hugs,
Cat

Dramatic Smokey Eyes

I just wrapped up a shoot testing out hubby's new camera, so I decided to put a little extra effort into my eye makeup today.  Using my Coastal Scents Original 88 palette, I did a super-dramatic smokey eye using the darkest neutrals included and then topped it off by applying my Ardell Demi 120 false lashes.  Check it out!

Lol, now I'm going to have to go to class with really intense eyes and big hair.  Oh well.  :)  Hope everyone's enjoying a lovely Wednesday afternoon!

Hugs,
Cat

Revlon Lip Butter: Strawberry Shortcake

I love my Revlon Lip Butters.  It's like balm and lipstick rolled into one.  A few months ago, I did swatches and reviews of Sweet Tart and Cherry Tart.  I do love my bright pinks and reds.  But lately, I've had a craving for a softer pink, thus picking up a shade called Strawberry Shortcake the other day at my local drugstore:

Strawberry Shortcake is a cool, pastel, bubblegum-pink.  You can play around with the intensity depending on how heavy handed you apply the color.  Pat it on gently and you'll get a barely-there whisper of pink.  Smooth it on like a lipstick and, on me, it goes on milky and semi-opaque, like this:

It reminds me a little of UD's Pocket Rocket in Rashad, but creamier and less sheer.  I can definitely apply Rashad over Strawberry Shortcake for a glossier look.  I like it.  I think it creates an interesting look for me since my complexion is on the golden side.  It gives me a mod-ish look.  I'll see about taking a full face photo and updating so you can see what I mean. :)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Tuesday evening!

Hugs,
Cat

Late Autumn Casual

Although the weather has taken a turn for the cooler, temperatures are relatively mild here in northern California.  I've been enjoying the last of the warm sunshine and am bracing myself for the coming winter.  To make the most of my shorts before I pack them away for the next 6-7 months, I paired them a cozy, flannel plaid button-down and some slouchy boots...adding just a touch of glam with a bright red lippy. (Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart)

Here's to the start of another week!  Happy Monday all! :)

Hugs,
Cat

Ardell 120 Demi Eyelashes

Y'all know I love my dollar Daiso eyelashes, but sometimes I crave quality over frugality and novelty.  I was at my local CVS drugstore the other day when I spied a pair of Ardell 120 Demi Lashes.  They looked so delicate, yet dramatic.  I wanted to try them to compare with my cheap-o Daiso lashes.

They're made from real human hair and are super-ultra-lightweight.  Honestly, I can't feel a thing when I'm wearing them.  I also love how they have an invisible band so they blend right in with my natural lashes  The length and flare are just so pretty.  I'm afraid I might have to throw all my cheap plastic lashes out and replace them with these!  At about $4 USD a pair, they're really not priced so bad.  They're also reusable as long as you store them correctly.  You can get yours here at Ulta.com!

Nice lashes make such a big difference, they definitely help your eyes stand out more:

Boring, unadorned eyes.

Boom!  Eyelashes!

Honestly, I'd wear these every day if I wasn't so lazy to put them on.  I'll definitely be decorating my peepers with these for the upcoming holiday parties.  They're so photogenic!

Hope everyone's having an amazing Sunday!

Hugs,
Cat

Bebe Spree!

My friends and family were intuitive enough regarding my recent taste in dresses to gift me with an abundance of Bebe gift cards for my last birthday.  I've been waiting for something really good to come along and the day has finally come!  Here are my three picks:

Bebe Elastic Cutout Dress: This one was a steal!  Originally $129 USD, it's been marked down to $109...plus an additional 30% for a total of $77!  I love the shape and color of this dress.  The sheer, mesh cutout pieces make the style so unique! 

Mesh Insert Bandage Dress: Simple, classy, sexy.  I like the whole idea of showing skin without showing skin...although this will definitely reveal a whole lot of leg!

Ruched 3/4 Sleeve Dress: I love the color and the ruched detailing...reminds me of corsetry.  I think the ruched panels will be very figure flattering.  Plus, I like the idea of a long-sleeved bodycon dress, something I have yet to own.  I can see this being easily dressed down a notch by wearing boots instead of pumps and paired with a cool moto jacket.

Can't wait to get my dresses in and to share with you all!  Happy Saturday!  Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Hugs,
Cat

Craving these ASOS dresses!

Holidays are coming around which means that there are events to attend.  I've been "window" shopping.  (that is, in my browser windows)  I just can't get over all the gorgeous clothes available at ASOS!  Not only are they reasonably priced for the quality, but they make beautiful items for petite women like me.  Here are some dresses I'm craving for the season...a couple would make wonderful holiday outfits, a couple would make for a hot date or girls night out!

Pinstripe pencil dress.  Sooooooo Mad Men!

Embellished strappy back dress.  NSFW.  ;)

Lasercut hi-lo hem dress.  For an elegant affair.

Bodycon lace dress.  To make the boys cry.

There are waaaaaaaaaay too many things that I love here.  I want to buy out half the store, really.  *sigh*  If only I could win the lotto...I guess that would mean I'd actually have to play it!  Lol, maybe I'll splurge on an item or two before the holidays are over.  Happy browsing and enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening!

Hugs,
Cat

Midnight Lace

I stopped into CVS yesterday to pick up some toiletries that I was running low on...cotton rounds, makeup remover, etc...ineveitably, I also picked up some things I did NOT need.  Lol.  Every time I walk into a drugstore, without fail, I'll always take the time to peruse the makeup aisle.  I wouldn't be StyleByCat if I didnt, right?

Maybelline recently came out with a line of press-on nail designs called Color Show Fashion Print Nail Stickers.  Being a fan of all things sensuous and elegant, I chose the Midnight Lace pattern:

Isn't it pretty?  Midnight Lace is made to emulate black eyelash lace with a shimmery overlay and studded with sparkling sequins.  I got a little too excited and didn't get a chance to photograph the packaging before I tore it all up. :(  I found this image from Musings of a Muse, however, so that you can get an idea of what to look for when you visit your local drugstore:

Image property of Musings of a Muse

I'm so in love!  In fact, I became rather inspired and with a little ingenuity, I managed to give myself a pedicure with it too!

I'm not sure about lasting power because it's not even been a day yet, although they did last through my Muay Thai training session this morning!  Also, unlike some other nail patterns that are actually nail polish strips, these are advertised as just stickers.  The pros are that they're pretty simple to apply and you don't have to worry about drying time.  Removal instructions just tell you to carefully peel them off, which leads me to believe that if they peel off so easily, they probably won't last more than a few days without losing their ability to adhere to our nails due to natural oil excretion.  Oh well!  These would at least make gorgeous mani/pedis for a special occasion or event.

Price was about $8 USD per package, which costs approxmiately the same as my favorite bottle of nail polish.  However, my favorite bottle of nail polish isn't going to give me such a smashing mani/pedi!  Compared to something similar a nail artist could do for me at a salon, I'd say these are a steal!

Happy Saturday all, and goodnight! :D

Hugs,
Cat

Belated Halloween!

Ah, the weekend has finally arrived and I have time to post! :D  Anyways, hope you all had a nice Halloween!  At my house, we just had a little pumpkin carving and a low-key get-together with close friends and family.  Just thought I'd share some photos:

 

Remember this costume?  I liked it so much (and spent enough on it) that I became a repeat offender this year, haha!

 

 

 

TGIF everyone!  Here's to the start of a great weekend! :)

Hugs,
Cat