Strolling Through Paradise

Hi all! So, looks like I'll be back for a little while again! :D After a grueling school term, my most difficult one yet, I took a much-needed vacation, during my spring break, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. We stayed at the gorgeous Westin Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach. Such a beautiful, beautiful hotel. The grounds were impeccably manicured, we had an oceanfront room whose balcony overlooked five swimming pools and a perfect view of the beach, and there was even a waterfall and lagoon in the lobby, complete with live flamingos! I can't wait to tell you all about my adventures in the next post!

However, back to business. I thought, it's been awhile since we've done a style shoot, and where best to have one than in the amazing paradise that is Maui? So, early one morning before the hustle and bustle of other hotel guests, I got all gussied up and we were able to get a few good style shots that embodied the exotic and luxurious feel of my vacation experience.

This Forever 21 dress is one of my current favorites! The corset-style bustier is the prettiest blue floral print and has an open lattice design on the sides. The high-low skirt portion is a deep, navy blue chiffon and is partially lined. You may have seen my clutch from previous posts, Jason Wu for Target. And my black velveteen, open-toed pumps are from Cathy Jean.

Thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed this post! I've really missed blogging and am looking forward to posting more regularly in the coming weeks! :D

Hugs,
Cat

EOTD: Glitzy Purple featuring Urban Decay

Oh hello. Long time no see! This has got to be the most insane quarter I've experienced at school! No free time, no weekends. Boo hoo! I've been really sad and I've totally missed blogging. For those who have stuck around during this dry spell, thank you thank you!

Anyways, it's currently finals week for me, but I thought I'd take a break from my current project for a few moments to give you guys SOMETHING, ANYTHING! Since I've been so pressed for time these days, I've recently discovered ways of doing rapid, dramatic, long-lasting eyes. I wanted to share one of my favorite looks of the moment with you all:

This is a really easy look that takes just mere minutes and adds a nice color pop and sparkle to the eye!  Here are the products I used:

Clockwise from bottom left: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeshadow Pencils in Delinquent, Sin, Rehab. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Catfight.

From left to right: Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner and Maybelline Full N Soft Waterproof Mascara, both in Black.

What I like is that this look requires no primer and (nearly) no brushes. The eyeshadow pencils are a smooth, lightweight formula that glide on easily and lasts all day with no creasing.  Here's how I got the look:

1. apply Rehab on entire eyelid and blend with finger

2. apply Sin to brow arch and blend with finger

3. apply Delinquent in a thick, winged shape along upper lash line

4. trace a thinner, winged line along upper lash line with black gel eyeliner, overlapping Delinquent

5. apply black gel liner to bottom lash line and outline with Rehab (this softens the line and also makes the black eyeliner more smear-resistant)

5. apply Catfight right on the boundary between the black eyeliner and the purple winged shadow

6. curl lashes, apply mascara, and you're done!

I've been sporting this look with different colors for a week or so now, the simplicity has me spoiled and it's hard to imagine going back to meticulous shading with pressed shadows once more. But, then again, my moods are fickle and a week or two from now, I'll probably be obsessed with something new. Hope you guys enjoyed this post! I promise I'll be back again once this week is over!

Hugs,

Cat