the glossarie

sugar rush0

benefit’s powders are tiny dress-up trunks for your cheeks. over the years, they’ve created one for everyone from pale ballerina pink to sun-kissed bronze and they call their latest creation, sugarbomb, a “sweet rush of gorgeous.” the combination of rose, shimmering pink, soft plum, and peach gives a pretty, customizable flush that’s impossible to achieve with a monotone blush. while the colors may be a bit intense for some, benefit’s finely milled formula means you can start out with a subtle swipe or two and really build to whatever suits your skintone. as with all multi-shade products, you can concentrate the brush in one area that flatters your face or catch an all-over sweep for a unique glow. gotta have it? these four pretty shades for the price of one can be found at the candy shop of beauty treats that is your local benefit counter for $28.

on your mark!0

i know we’re all feeling the pinch on our wallets these days, but i’m not one that likes to sacrifice my vices so i’m returning to an old friend known as mark. the whole collection works together in clever little systems like these custom pick eye shadows which are beautifully pigmented and long wearing for their $4.50 pricetag. the shadows can be be snapped into this custom color palette for $6 along with mark’s good glowing blush creating an effortlessly portable makeup look. other purse-friendly party tricks include the hook ups connector and its endless list of compatible products — from lip gloss, to brushes, mascara, gel blush, and skincare. impressed? if you’d like to meet mark and start picking your pretty, you can find a local rep or shop online.

more subtle than smokey0

i just bought an edgy black dress from my favorite consignment shop and i really want to match it with a funkier beauty look, especially a smokey eye. as you can imagine, for one beauty blogger who rarely touches eyeliner, the whole multi-step process can be a bit daunting. (fyi, on the regular, my eye makeup consists of mascara and one swipe of toast-colored shadow if i remember). thanks to smashbox and this waterproof shadow liner duo in goddess, i’m inching closer to the dark and stormy look that i long to participate in without looking like i got punched. the silvery taupe shadow on the left is beautiful on its own but lays the perfect base for the deep purple shimmer liner on the right which is right on trend, less harsh than classic black and won’t budge or smear. so rejoice, dreary lids of mine! you’re about to take a walk on the wild — but not too wild — side.

tranquility in a tube0

when i need to unwind, there is nothing more purely pampering than climbing into a steamy bath to soak. sadly, it’s not a luxury i get to partake in very often so i like to really indulge when i do get the chance. to cure my end-of-semester blues, fresh sugarbath cubes are top of the line. they come in two scents — lemon and lychee — and fizz up when tossed into your tub actually removing dead cells and renewing skin as you lounge. so whether you did yourself in on black friday or are facing a frenzied few weeks before enjoying the holidays with your beloveds, be sure to take some “you” time and bring these nourishing little cubes along for calm and comfort. they also make great gifts for the ladies in your life!

there’s a new curler in town4

i am way into curling my lashes. i love the way that it opens up the entire face, even if it’s makeup free. now, if you’re like me and beauty addicts everywhere, when it comes to curlers you’re a slave to the shu. named best eyelash curler year after year, can you blame us? well the bible has named a new top dog and celebrity makeup artist mally roncal has gotten the last lash. my guess is because it gives a virtually pinch-free curl (thanks to an innovative new design that allows you to rest the whole contraption on your cheek) and none of that 90-degree bend that other curlers can deliver. icing on the cake? it comes in an adorable pink pouch with two refills all for $20.

especially sparkly4

i am a big fan of lippmann collection and deborah lippmann’s ability to remain on the constant edge of nail trends with her creative shades. her latest masterpiece is very appropriately named happy birthday and is an explosion of different-sized colorful glitter. how can you not look at this polish and be happy? it oozes girly fun and celebration. while my special day is not exactly right around the corner, i might have to use new year’s eve as an excuse to sport some sparkle! care to join me?

(application tip: it takes a few coats to get the desired high glam effect and you must let each coat dry thoroughly or risk pushing those little bits of glitz around on your nail and not getting anywhere!)

bag of tricks0

the 24-7 christmas music is putting me in the spirit and i am in full gifting mode these days! the amazing ladies in my life deserve nothing short of all that glitters, but the grad school budget keeps the purse strings a bit tighter than i’d like. for an affordable present sure to delight girls of all ages, i’m loving this adorable makeup bag by nikita lynn. depending upon who’s on your list, she can fill it with pencils, jewelry, or cosmetics! my favorite touches are the eco-friendly canvas and it’s polka dot lining. it comes in four colors — red and green included — and is completely affordable at just $20.

right-on rice0

i recently had the opportunity to be part of a little movie magic with my good friends over at kaboodle. if the experience taught me nothing else, it’s that my face gets good and shiny under those hollywood lights! thank goodness two makeup mavens were on hand to keep me matte but it’s too bad those miracle workers can’t follow me around in my daily life. a fellow kaboodler swears by these rice powder papers and has gotten me happily hooked. absorbent on one side and just the teensiest bit of sheer powder on the other, they are perfect for beating back a glistening cupid’s bow (and i apparently happen to have one that’s particularly demanding!). they come in four shades to match various skin tones and leave your existing makeup untouched. bra-vo!

six of one0

to me, lipgloss is the ultimate accessory and just as important as the perfect finishing touch of a cuff bracelet or dramatic dangle earring. with all of the temptation that comes our way this time of year, it’s nice to be able to turn to something that you know will fit perfectly regardless of how many pieces of williams-sonoma peppermint bark you’ve indulged in. this season, benefit brings glitz glam & gloss to sass up your denims or little black dress. the six shades are totally irresistible and there’s not a dud in the bunch! standouts include zone out, a golden champagne perfect for new year’s eve, and kiss you, a unique poppy fuchsia that’s just calling for a mistle toe smooch. so scoop up a set and break it up for stocking stuffers, throw it in the secret santa pile, or (wink!) keep it all to yourself.

precious peepers0

bourjois

french beauty giant bourjois is famous for their little round pots and aren’t these delightful? i just adore the vintage packaging and dome-shaped wet/dry shadow tucked inside. with pictures of paris on their lids, a mirror and clever little ergonomic brush, this is certainly one of those products that looks as pretty in the makeup drawer as it does on the face and the great range of shades will suit everyone from the tamest to the tigress. want your own? these limited edition lovelies are available exclusively at ulta for $14.