Farewell WordPress. Moving to Blogspot!

As much as I want to love WordPress, I must say farewell.  When I decided to start a blog, there was the difficult decision of choosing a platform to use.  After playing around with both, I’ve learned that Blogspot is better suited for my needs.  The interface is a lot easier to use for me and I like how it sync’s everything with my Google account.

I hope that my readers from WordPress won’t hate me too much since I’ve made the switch, lol.  I absolutely adore all the great people I’ve been able to connect with!  It would mean so much to me to continue to hear and learn from you all.

Please be sure to update your bookmarks and come visit me at my new location!

Lots of love, as always.  I can’t wait to hear from you all!

http://lovedanniel.blogspot.com/

NARS Haul

'Ecume' Nail Polish $18, 'Albatross' Highlighting Blush Powder $28 and 'Dark Rite' Soft Touch Shadow Pencil $24

Wandering around Neiman’s on my lunch break can sometimes be dangerous, but the white nail polish automatically pulled me in when I spotted it!  Both the polish and shadow pencil are from Nars Spring 2012 collection featuring model Ginta Lapina.  Her gorgeous makeup in the ad had the most beautiful blue eyeliner and I couldn’t resist.  Albatross was already on my list of things to get, so why not treat myself to a little something extra as well?

‘Ecume’ nail polish is the perfect shade of white in my opinion.  It’s not too bright and not too dull.  The formula is great and gives an opaque finish with just two coats.  Plus, I’ve noticed my nails have gotten a bit stronger as well.

I’m still playing around with the shadow pencil to see how I like to wear it best.  It’s a bit intimidating for me as I’ve never used one before.  Does anyone have some suggestions?  I’d love to learn how others use this product or similar shadow pencils.

Love,
Danniel

April Favorites 2012

From left to right: Anastasia Mini Duo Brow Brush, Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, Sephora Liquid Despenser, E.L.F. Mineral Powder Brush, PixiGlow Eyeliner, 100% Pure Body Scrub, MAC Lipstick.

Anastasia Mini Duo Brow Brush ($18):  Having always used a brow pencil, I decided to try using brow powder and needed to buy the appropriate tools.  It took some getting used to, but with a little practice, I feel a lot more confident with the way my brows look.  The spooley on the opposite end is perfect for prepping my brows before applying powder.  I haven’t tried any other brow pencils before, but highly recommend this one!

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette ($22):  This product has changed my brows for the better, I absolutely love it!  Using a brow powder works so much better for the type of skin (combination) I have.  My previous brow pencil would slowly wear off as the day progressed, but this powder remains perfectly intact and looks so natural!

Sephora Liquid Dispenser ($11):  I noticed my nail tech using a little contraption to get nail polish remover on a cotton ball and liked it so much, I decided to buy one myself.  It’s great for cleansers and houses my rose water wonderfully.  Just a couple pumps and I have the perfect amount of product on my cotton pad.  Best of all, it’s mess free.

E.L.F. Mineral Powder Brush ($3):  This particular brush has taken over my daily makeup routine.  I use it instead of my large kabuki and absolutely adore the results.  The brush is a bit small so it takes more time use, but I’m left with an airbrushed finish that looks flawless!  It’s the perfect size for getting on the sides of my nose and all around my eyes.

PixiGlow Eyeliner in Straight On Til Morning ($14):  I’ve used this eyeliner almost every single day, it’s perfect for work and doesn’t look too harsh on the face.  I love how it gives the perfect amount of color and believe it will suit all complexions.  My only con is that it wears down easily.  I find myself sharpening this pencil more than others. 

100% Pure Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean ($25):  If you read my March Favorites post, then you’ll know that I’m head over heels for 100% Pure products!  They’re affordable and incredibly good for your skin.  Although this scrub is a little on the pricey side, I believe it’s totally worth every penny.  My skin is practically glowing throughout the entire day and smells amazing!  Best of all, it’s free of parabens and completely vegan. 

MAC Frost Lipstick in Angel ($14.50):  Another great product for work that I’ve used practically every day.  It’s a wonderful way to wear color on the lips, but still look professional.  I also love the way it looks with Nars Turkish Delight layered on top if I’m going out at night.  This lipstick is a staple in my makeup bag and a color I will continue to purchase.

What are some of your April favorites?

Love,
Danniel

PS – I’m currently testing out a few different places to shoot products.  Let me know which ones you like more, I always love reading your thoughts and suggestions! 

Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer

My journey with concealer has been a very simple one as I had never given it much thought until I started to get older.  Through learning more about makeup, I began to understand what it was that I wanted products to do for my skin.

Having been a faithful user of MAC’s Studio Finish Concealer, I decided to venture out and try something new.  Normally I do tons of research before I buy, but this time I just walked into Sephora and allowed the Makeup Gods to choose for me.

Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer in X-Light - $27.00

After telling the sales associate what I was looking for, I was surprised when they brought me to this brand. I had never heard of Conceal FX before and became even more intrigued when the associate recommended it over Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown.

Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer is a 3-in-1 multifunctional concealer that’s great for face and eyes. The lightweight formula contains a buildt-in primer and emollients that soften delicate skin.  Self-adjusting pigments evolve upon gentle blending to offer your custom color correcting tone.  It provides long lasting coverage that is water-resistant and free of oil.  Also, all CoverFx products are gluten-free and this particular concealer contains no parabens.

Although this product leaves a smooth and opaque finish on my face, it tends to not set well when used under my eyes.  By mid-day the product has creased into fine lines and appears somewhat flaky.  I’ve tried applying it with both my finger and a brush, but still received the same outcome.

I love this concealer for scars, redness and the occasional blemish, but will definitely be keeping my eyes out for a product that works well on my eyes and face.  If anyone has some suggestions, please let me know!

Have any of you tried this concealer?  How did it work for you?

Love,

Danniel

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo Eyeshadow

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo in (from left to right): Tough as Taupe, Edgy Emerald, and Bad to the Bronze

I’ve seen these around for a bit, but never paid too much attention to them until they started popping up on blogs.  Everyone has raved about the staying power and after Lily fawned over them, I gave in.

“Tough as Taupe” is a matte shadow with purple/grey undertones.  It works great for an everyday look, but is also amazing as a smokey eye when used as a base.  “Edgy Emerald” scared me at first due it’s vivid color, but actually goes on a bit sheer.  I love using this on my bottom lash line to give my eyes that extra pop!  Last but not least is “Bad to the Bronze”, my favorite out of the bunch.  This color is a gorgeous shimmery bronze that looks great worn alone.

The consistency of these shadows vary, so I find that applying it with a brush garners the best result.  I use a concealer brush to apply it on my lids, then blend outwards with my finger.

What impresses me the most is their staying power.  Other cream shadows seem to melt off my lids after a couple hours, but this product doesn’t move.  It lasts all thru my work day, doesn’t crease or smudge and come in such pretty colors!

What are your thoughts on these shadows?

Love,
Danniel

Nominated: The Versatile Blogger Award

I am overblown by all the tremendous support shown to me from the WordPress Community!  It has touched my heart because like everyone else, I was so nervous about starting my own blog.  The lovely Anonymoushedonist, who’s blog posts I can’t get enough of, nominated me for a Versatile Blogger Award!  Woohoo, thanks girl! 

Like most of the blogging awards on WordPress, it does come with it’s own set of rules:

1. Add the award to your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.
3. Mention 7 random things about yourself.
4. List the rules.
5. Award to 15 or more bloggers.

Since rules 1, 2, and 4 are complete; I’ll proceed with the rest below.

7 Random Things

1. I’m left-handed
2. Anytime I walk up or down a set of stairs, I always count the steps
3. My recent guilty pleasure has been Trader Joe’s Chocolate Ice Cream made with Coconut Milk
4. I’ve lived in four different states
5. The city of my dreams is Paris, France…one day it will come true!
6. I absolutely love roller coasters
7. Organization is something that I’m a little obsessed with and love to do

15 Bloggers I’d Like to Nominate for the Versatile Blogger Award

• Fixations of a Canadian Twenty Something
• Cozy Walls
• On The Street In Paris
• Her New Leaf
• Love, Honey
• Murmure Paris
• Revolutionary Beauty
• The Beauty Gypsy
• The Thread Affect
• Underscored
• It’s Good To Be Pham
• Mtwentysix
• Molly, Alice & Andy
• The Confection Monsoon
• More Sequins Please

Again, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who visits my blog.  I am humbled by all your comments and feel so lucky to have such a wonderful group of followers.  Thank you!

It’s all in the details…

Shirt: Ralph Lauren
Blazer: Theory
Pants: Theory
Shoes: Sam Edelman

A classic white shirt was never something that was on my list of things to get, but when I saw the beautiful crystal embellishments, I couldn’t resist!  Something so clean and simple deserves to be adorned with little details that really make it pop and don’t overpower the garment.  This shirt seems like it was made for my Theory suit, but it also looks great paired with skinny jeans and a killer heel.  I just love how put together it can make any outfit!  Dress it up, dress it down…what more could a girl want?

What are some of your takes on this classic piece?  Do you like the shirt?

Love,
Danniel

 

Top-bun Tuesdays

Yesterday I wore my hair up in a quick bun and thought it deserved a little post. 

No matter how early I get up, I’m always running late!  This is my go-to do’ anytime I’ve got no time to spare and need to make a mad dash out the door.  My hair is naturally wavy with a very coarse texture so I find that a little AquaNet goes a long way!  It’s perfect for taming my fly-aways and doesn’t leave any of that white residue.

This hair style helps me look more put together when I haven’t had enough time to do anything else, plus it’s easy and always garners lots of compliments.

What’s your go-to look when the clock is ticking?

April 2012 Birchbox

From left to right: Pur Minerals, Erno Laszio, Atelier Cologne, MicrodermaMitt, and Juice Beauty

Finally!  Is it me, or did this month’s Birchbox seem like it took forever to get here?  After reading about other boxes people received, I got a little nervous. Not too many were happy with theirs; it was the most disappointment I’ve seen this go-around.

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer: This is the product I am most excited about, so I hope it works out well.  I’ve seen this brand around, but have never tried any of their products.  It claims to offer sheer coverage while protecting skin with SPF.  Can’t wait to use this!

Erno Laszio Active pHelityl Soap:  Birchbox states this is a cult brand, but I’ve never heard or seen it before.  The baby soap bar contains pure plant oils and helps balance your skin’s pH levels.  It normally retails for $40, so I can see why the sample is so tiny.  Looking forward to seeing if it lives up to the high price tag.

Atelier Cologne in Orange Sanguine:  Definitely a summer scent with notes of blood orange, sandalwood and my personal favorite, jasmine.  Again, this is a brand that I’ve never seen or tried before.  Crossing my fingers that a little bit goes a long way and I won’t feel the need to re-apply throughout the day.

MicrodermaMitt Body Mitt: This all-natural silk mitt is said to help buff away dead skin cells with every use and helps prevent razor bumps as well.  It’s quite large…at first I thought it was a bag to hold toiletries!  I think this product will be great to use on your legs.  Summer shorts, here I come!

Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer: At first I thought this was the same product I received in a previous Birchbox, but later realized it wasn’t.  The Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum I have works great, so I’m excited to see how this moisturizer will work.  It’s made with an organic fruit-based formula that won’t clog pores.  I just wish it contained SPF because I’m always looking for a great morning moisturizer.

All in all, I’m pleased with my box this month.  Some of the samples could have been larger, but Birchbox continues to introduce me to brands I’ve never seen before and that’s what I love most.

I’ll be sure to keep you guys informed with how these products work for me.  What did you receive in your box this month?

I’ve been nominated for my first Liebster Award!

This is such great news and I’m so excited to share it with you all…I’ve been nominated for my very first award by the lovely Kaye!  Thanks doll!  I came across Kaye’s blog not too long ago and instantly connected with her writing after reading some posts.  Please stop by her site and show some love!

Talented & Beloved Bloggers Award

After researching a bit online, I’ve learned that Liebster is a German word, meaning “favorite, dearest or beloved,”.  The Liebster is awarded by bloggers to other, newer bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers, in order to spread the word and help them gain wider recognition. The award comes with four conditions that each recipient must satisfy when accepting:

1. Choose 5 up-and-coming blogs (with less than 200 followers) to award the Liebster to.
2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3. Post the award on your blog. List the bloggers you are giving the award to with links to their sites. Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.

My Nominations:

• More Sequins Please
• The Crumbs of Style
• Lipgloss and Life
• My Peace of Heaven
• Jessica Moy

Please be sure to check out these amazing bloggers!  WordPress has such an amazing community of people and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.  I love all the comments and support I receive, it means a lot and pushes me to continue providing great content.  Thanks again!