Wearing Shades of Blue

Does anyone else get into a neutral eyeshadow rut? While neutrals are beautiful and flattering they can be, dare I say, a bit boring from time to time. So I'm making a conscious effort to use more colors, starting with some beautiful blues. The largest pan in the above picture is Bobbi Brown Bluebell, the furthest shadow is Makeup Geek Sea Mist and the closest shadow is Makeup Geek Peacock. 

All of the shadows apply quite matte, making them extremely blendable and wearable. I know it looks like Sea Mist has some glitter in it, but when it's on the eye I swear there's no glitter. It's like magic, it just poofs away. I wanted to wear these three shadows together, so I blended them into a gradient effect starting with Bluebell into Sea Mist and then finally into Peacock. Here is the look I wore using these three shadows: 

I ended up really liking how it turned out, it was wearable and colorful without looking clownish. Hooray for more color! Hip-hip-hooray! 

I hope you lovely lads and lasses have a splendid day.  

The Emerald Coast

Hello darlings! I recently have been away, without any internet access for a week or so, hence my slight hiatus from The May Flower. I went camping on the Emerald Coast of Florida; I took minimal makeup, minimal technology and lots of sunscreen. Days were spent reading on the beach as waves lapped at our feet, with slight intermissions of boogie boarding and nights were spent round the table with family and good food. It was a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and it was a much needed break for my face from heaps of makeup. Hallelujah! Here are some snaps from my iPhone to share with you: 

   

 

Just Another Way to Wear White Liner

Just about every makeup lover knows the old trick about putting white liner in the waterline to make your eyes appear bigger. But what about putting your white liner on the upper lash line? This new look is the thing to do for spring and summer. It offers a bright and fresh eye look that is sure to get you some second glances. 

I repped the new trend with a white cat-eye; which was different enough while still being quite wearable. I found that the best way to apply the liner is with a white pencil and then setting it with a white shadow to make it more opaque. 

This trend will look absolutely stunning on those with a deeper or tanned complexion, the white liner would be a serious pop! You can also wear this trend just smudged into the upper lash line for a more effortless and casual way to brighten up the eye area. 

There are really infinite ways to wear white eyeliner, this is just one. Let me know how you wear the trend!

Xoxo,

Haley

Too Pumped Up? A Mascara Review

Who doesn't love a good mascara? It is usually one of the first makeup products a young girl tries and almost every woman wears it at some point in her life. I personally love mascara. So, I test out as many as I can, both high end and drugstore, in hunt for the perfect one. There's a new mascara on the block y'all, Maybelline has recently released their new Volum' Express Pumped Up! Colossal Mascara. I'm not sure the name was long enough, to be honest, they probably could have added even more. *sarcasm* 

Here's the new guy trying to act all cool and like he's better than everyone else. Apparently he adds up to 16x the volume and a double shot of collagen with his super cool new brush. But that's just what he said, you know how new folks like to talk the talk so everyone likes them. 

So I put him to the test. 

Let me start by saying the brush is huge, like the size of my eye huge. Is that supposed to add volume or is there any other logical reason as to why the brush is ginormous? Okay, so brush issue aside, the formula does make your lashes look quite voluminous. Voluminous on the edge of clumpiness. I go over it with a lengthening and separating mascara just to thin out the clumps a bit and finish it off. The mascara it's self stays on the lashes really well, no flakes or smudges. It also comes off easy enough with makeup remover. Over all, I like the mascara, I don't love it. I would not repurchase it, but I am going to use it up. 

And here is the new mascara in action, wonderfully represented in an oddly distorted image. Way to go computer, way to go. 

I hope you all have a fabulous day and let me know if there are any new mascaras you're loving! 

xoxo,

Haley 

Late to the Party

There are some products that have been hyped up for so long that you actually forget the hype and forget to actually try the product so see if you can add to the hype. This was the case with three drug store base products, that everyone talked about so much that their popularity made them seem "old." These poor, poor products, longing to be released from their current CVS imprisonment. And I was just the lass to post bail. I know I take these things a bit far sometimes, don't judge me. 

L'oreal True Match:

In all fairness this was actually one of the first foundations I ever tried back when I was about 13 and had just started to dabble in the wonderful world of makeup. I really didn't remember much about it so when I picked it up recently I was in for a pleasant surprise. This foundation is awesome! It feels light-weight on the skin and offers a medium coverage that is easily buildable, all the while drying to natural, semi matte finish. I find that it is quite comparable to the Nars Sheer Glow/Matte Foundations, at much more friendly price. Needless to say...it's worth the hype.  

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer:

Everyone, I mean just about everyone says that this is the best under eye concealer from the drugstore. I'd have to disagree. I find that it dries quite powdery and cakey and it also settles into fine lines. Coverage wise it's okay, although I did notice it start to break down after a few hours. In my opinion, it is not worth the hype. I wanted to love it, everyone else loves it. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer: 

This is one I've heard quite a few folks form across the pond rave about, so of course I had to try it. Always trust a Brit, always. Most of the time.. This concealer hasn't failed me, yet. It is a sheer coverage that has a bit of an illuminating quality about it; perfect for under the eyes. It is also a perfect everyday concealer when you don't want to wear anything else. I would say it's worth the hype, now I need to try the foundation to go with it!

Here is a photo displaying the True Match foundation and Wake Me Up concealer at work. I think they make the skin look quite nice and natural. I know, I know. I was late to the party, but I'm all in for these products now!  

Let me know if there are any hyped up products you also forgot about!

Xoxo, 

Haley 

Nars- Kauai

Hello lovely people of the interwebs, today I am bringing you a...I'm not actually sure what to call this. It's not a haul, it's not a review, it's not a tutorial, I'm not sure what it is but we'll go with it. I recently bought this eyeshadow duo from Nars called Kauai and oooh man is she a stunner. 

Would ya look at that. It was love at first swatch. I have only got to use this beauty once since our first meeting but she left a lasting impression all right. The pigmentation is unreal, it stays true to color and the gold lasted all day on my lids. I'm still working with the purple, it's such a unique texture and tone of purple that it's taking me a little bit to figure out the best way to play with it. But we'll get there, don't you worry your little socks off. 

I want to try out this duo a bit more before I give it a full yay or nay review. I will also be posting a look with these shadows to show how they can be used in different ways. But at first attempt I don't think this duo can be used alone it needs some other shadows to play with. 

So I guess we can call this a first impression? Maybe? Who knows, either way I will be back with an update for you guys on Nars duo in Kauai. 

Stay Classy blogosphere 

xoxo,

Haley 

This is Empty too?

I read somewhere recently that "empties" posts were done, they were old news and no one was doing them anymore. But I quite enjoy these types of posts and videos and I was also once told to blog about what I enjoy, so here we are with round 2 of empties. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray:

I do actually love this product and I would repurchase it but the new Make Up Forever setting spray feels sooo much better on the skin. Scoot over Urban Decay, you're not the only one in town with a bomb setting spray. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo:

What was all the hype about? I mean, yeah, it's good and all but it's not the God send everyone was talking about. It got the job done, so I can't be too upset. I'm still on the hunt for a better dry shampoo so I may or may not repurchase. 

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water:

I go through this stuff like actual water, it needs to be made in a jumbo size! Seriously, this is the best makeup remover I have ever used. 

Tarte Light, Camera, Lashes Mascara: 

My feelings about this mascara were like a roller coater. One day I was professing my love and the next I was wising to throw it out the window. This is a fickle little mascara, I like it best layered over other mascara's as a final separation and curl aspect of the whole ordeal. I must say I do prefer Tarte's original Lights, Camera, Flashes much better. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer: 

This was good, real good. It is a nice, lightweight moisturizer that absorbs easily into the skin. That being said I still prefer the plain ole Ultra Repair Cream as my day-time moisturizer. It is a tad thicker and feels a bit more moisturizing to me. 

Bath and Body Works Rio Rumberry Body Lotion: 

As far as body lotions go this is your run of the mill body lotion, not overly creamy and smells good. I prefer a thicker cream because I'm so dry. Though B&BW summer scents do smell delightful!

Elarila Body Velour: 

I honestly had no idea what the name of this stuff was for the longest time, all I knew is that this felt heavenly on the skin. It is an ultra thick cream that smelled like coconut and mango, yummmm. It leaves you feeling extremely moisturized, it's one of those creams that you use right before bed and when you wake up your skin feels like silk. I bought this at a little shop in Savannah, Georgia and I haven't been able to find it since. *sad face* I would definitely repurchase if I could. 

I hope you lot have a gorgeous week in your corner of the world. Let me know if you've used up anything and would actually buy it again!

Xoxo,

Haley 

Quick Tip: Blending

The number one thing I see women skimp on is blending. Oh, blending. The key to almost every beautiful makeup application. You blend your foundation, your eyeshadows, your concealer, your blush and bronzer, you can blend your eye liner and the list goes on. I see so many woman just slap on foundation with a few giant strokes and then wonder why it looks like a layer of foundation is there. You have to blend it, caress it into the skin. 

Work that buffing motion girl, werk it. Buff, stipple, circle, press, sweep and bam! Most people know how to blend, they just don't do enough of it. So my quick tip for you today is given in short sayings:

1. When you think your done blending..blend some more. 

2. Just keep blending, blending, blending. 

3. It doesn't matter who's wrong or right, just blend it. (read that to the beat of MJ Beat It)

4. There are three things you can never have too much of: Liquor, Lipstick and Blending. 

5. Eat, Breathe, Blend

Have I made my point yet? Take a little longer with blending out your makeup and you will be able to tell a huge difference in your look. 

There are a multitude of different tools you can use for blending, from the Beauty Blender, to a foundation brush with dense bristles, to a fluffy crease brush for eyeshadow. There are so many options but whatever tool you choose to use just make sure you take your time to really work the product in. Trust me, it will make all the difference. 

Xoxo,

Haley 

Things I'm Still Hunting For

Does the perfect "thing" exist? Does "perfect" exist? I think each and every person has their own idea of what "perfect" is. Because there is no one perfect thing.  So here is my list of things that I'm still on the hunt for. Oh, and a random picture of a rose from my garden. The perfect rose, maybe?

1. The perfect under eye concealer. Please, one that doesn't crease, covers well and has lasting power ? pleaseeee

2. A travel buddy. There HAS to be someone in the world that wants to eat their way around the globe too. C'mon now, anyone!

3. The perfect foundation; one that is light in texture, matches my skin tone, covers my discoloration and lasts longer than five hours before breaking up on my face. 

4. A Tan-in-a-Can that actually looks like a tan. I've yet to find a self tanner that does't look fake. Oh, you were just at the beach for a week? Your orange wrists deceive you..

5. A delicious tasting pizza that doesn't make you fat, for the love of God this is 2014. If we don't have this, what do we have? 

6.  A spray that gives you instant beach goddess hair. This is just necessary. Really. 

7. An eye cream that actually gives you the results it promises. My dark circles are still here, why yes my fine lines are still here and by golly my eyes are still puffy. So what exactly did this eye cream do? 

So y'all that was my list of things I'm still on the look out for. Let me know if you have any of these elusive products or what you're hunting for too! 

xoxo,

Haley 

S.S 8

Come one, come all! Welcome to another rousing rendition of Sunday Stunners. This week has been interesting, it has mainly consisted of working out with sporadic frenzies of horrendous eating. I mean who does over an hour of HIIT exercises and then later that night eats pizza, fries and chocolate? Apparently I do. 

Besides the whole ups and downs in the "healthy department" it's been quite a week for beauty products in my life. Here's what stunned me the most:

Philosophy's Loveswept Eau de Toilette Spray: 

This is my new spring scent, now I'm not normally a Philosophy girl but for some reason this perfume struck my fancy. It's light and springy yet has warm undertones that make it a bit of a mix between sweet and sensual. Although I must say it doesn't last too terribly long on the skin, after a few hours I feel the need to reapply. So keep that in mind if you are considering this scent. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush: 

This little baby was one of my first ever makeup brushes. I'm a bit nostalgic about her, y'all. She came in a "beginners makeup brush set" many, many moons ago and I've loved her ever since. This brush is actually the only one I have left of that set, although I do believe they sell it separately now too.  The bristles are soft and fluffy and apply blush like a dream. I like to call this one an oldie but a goodie! 

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette: 

I've used this palette allll week and I've re-fallen in love with it. More specifically the texture and pigmentation of the shadows. They are simply dreamy, I find this to be true for most Urban Decay shadows. They're a crowd pleaser, thats for sure! I have actually been using the Naked 2 Palette on a TON of prom clients, it is the most universal palette for any glamour look. But really it is the blending ability of the shadows is that has really sold me on Urban Decay. 

I hope you wonderful folks have an even more wonderful week. 

Xoxo,

Haley 

My First Makeup Geek Order

I took the plunge, I made my first Makeup Geek order and it was magnificent. If you're in the beauty industry there is a good possibility that you've heard of the newer brand, Makeup Geek. It is made by a beauty blogger and has the quality of high end brands with the price tag of your drugstore favorites. 

I scoured the site for hours (almost 30 minutes) trying to figure out what I should place in my cart first. So many options! I ended up deciding on 5 eyeshadow pans, 1 pigment and 1 Z Palette. 

Cremee Brule, Sea Mist, Peacock, Cocoa Bear, and Cosmopolitan were the pan eyeshadows that inevitably ended up in my cart. Each pan was $5.99...you read that right. A whopping 6 buckaroos, tell me that's not a bargain. 

I also purchased one of the oh-so-famous pigments in the color Utopia, for a total of $6.99. This is a gorgeous black/gold pigment that is almost an exact dupe for Stila's Vintage black-gold Magnificent Metals Foil Finish shadow that cost $30. 

I am so impressed with the quality, color pay off and price tag of all the items. The hype is worth it, seriously. This was the first of many Makeup Geek purchases for me. Next on my "to buy" list will be her brushes, I've heard they rival MAC and beat out Sigma too. Only time will tell! 

Xoxo, 

Haley   

fotd-pastel pink

You know the one color in every palette that is still standing long after the other colors have fallen and hit pan? The one color that begs to be used but is forever receiving the side eye from users? You know the one.. the pink eyeshadow that is included in almost every palette, the one color no one ever uses. Yeahhh, that one. Poor guy. 

This is the color I've been playing with more recently, spreading the love, if you will. I wore this look the other day to work and received a ton of compliments, the light pink surprisingly has quite a brightening effect when placed in the inner corner. To add to the pastel-ness of the look, I used a mint green liner in the inner rim for an extra pop. 

Eyes: Lorac behind the scenes eye primer. Toofaced Chocolate Bar palette. Stila Smudge Stick: Mint Julep. Stila Stay All Day waterproof liquid liner. Tarte Lights, Camer, Lashes mascara. Benefit Gimmie Brow: light/medium. 

Face: Nars Sheer Glow foundation: syracuse. MUFE matte bronzer 40. MAC soft and gentle highlighter. Covergirl Instant Cheekbones blush.

Lips: NYX Butter Gloss: tiramisu 

Don't be afraid to try the pastel pink guys, it's spring. Give it a go! 

xoxo,

Haley 

S.S 7

Happy Sunday Y'all! 

The tides have turned my friends, inspiration in the makeup department has been re-struck. Do you also hear the angels singing? Good, glad I'm not the only one. The moment you break free of a rut and rediscover your love for something is quite the magical moment. That's what this past week has been for me, hallelujah. Onto the stunners: 

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner: Alpine 

I've mentioned the smudge sticks from Stila before but they are ah-ma-zing. Seriously, best inner rim liner I've tried. It stays on all day and is truly waterproof. I've put it to the test, all in the name of beauty. 

I use this white color all the time to make my eyes look bigger and make my eyeshadows pop. Not to mention the color range for these liners are insane, I'm dying to try the canary yellow one!

First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream

This is your all purpose cream, the Mr.Get-it-done of the cream world. I use this on my face as a morning moisturizer, as a soothing cream when my tattoos were healing and on any dry skin on the body. It's perfect for if you have sensitive skin like me, no paragons or fragrance just a gentle, lovely cream.   

Peter Thomas Roth: Oilless Oil 

I have recently been giving this "oil" a go and I've got to give a slow clap to Mr. Roth. We've got a winner on our hands, ladies and gents. This is an anti-aging oilless oil that is actually made from sugarcane and helps to improve elasticity and radiance while preventing water loss below the skin. It's moisturizing without making you feel like a grease ball. 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

I am a certified nerd, I would rather live in Middle Earth than this one. Zero shame in my game. I loved all of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and I find The Hobbit to be amazing too. If you haven't yet tried these movies you really should, they are beautifully shot all the while transporting you to an entirely wonderful, magical world. 

Have a wonderful week and find something stunning! 

Xoxo,

Haley 

Venting: College

Whether we like it or not college is a huge part of society. It starts at a young age with teachers asking us what we want to be when we grow up, then in later years it turns to preparing us for college, testing for college, touring colleges, financing for college, starting college and then you may or may not finish it. College is heavily pushed upon students, at least it is in America. You are almost shunned if you don't attend any higher level place of education, people think you're a drop out and that you're not doing anything with your life. Mostly because for years leading up to college we are told that if we do not attend we will fail in life, we'll be poor and will end up making minimum wage our entire life. It's harsh. 

Going to any college or university is expensive, very expensive with the cost raising every year. It costs thousands and thousands of dollars to get an education that we apparently "need." We are told to pick a major that will eventually turn into a career. Basically, you are investing copious amounts of money into an education that is supposed to in turn get you a job that will make you even more money. It is an investment. The thing is, it's a risky investment; you are not guaranteed to get a job in the field you studied. For example, I work with a girl that majored in International Affairs. She went to school for five years and then couldn't find a job when she graduated; she now is in debt and works selling at a makeup counter. Her time and money invested in college has since then been a waste. 

So we are to invest thousands of dollars into a school that will in turn train us for a career, that we may or may not get once we have graduated. Nothing is guaranteed, no job, no future, nothing. All you can do is hope that all of your hard work has paid off. So, is it worth it?  

For some jobs I think yes, definitely. Certain jobs require extensive training and it's necessary to receive higher education. Although, I do think the price for schooling is absurd. I do not think people should be in debt 30 years after they've graduated. For many companies they require a degree, it doesn't necessarily have to be any particular degree but just to show that you completed something. 

I personally think experience is more important than a piece of paper saying that I know how to pass a class. You can get all A's and still not know a thing about the subject you "studied." But that opinion doesn't really matter if I can't get a job and pay the bills. Our society has made college necessary, so is it worth it to you?

Ohh, the gems I find on twitter. 

*picture is not my own. Link:http://www.funnyonlinepictures.com/funny-pictures/graduation-dog/ & https://twitter.com/ColIegeStudent/status/453930175575519232*
*Excuse my venting, sometimes ya just gotta get it out. Also excuse my grammar in the post, some of you are probably thinking "damn. she needs to go to college"* 

Most Loved Drugstore Lipsticks

Ye old faithful, that's what these lipsticks are. Sometimes you can fork out $25 for a lipstick that you just know is the one. You just know you're going to wear it like everyday and wear it like everywhere. It's the one. But then something crazy happens, the $25 stunner isn't what you're reaching for; you're reaching for the $4.99 badass from Target over the one. *gasp*   The $4.99 badass from Target is one you've had for well over a year and it's been wrangled down to nothing more than a nub but it's ye old faithful. 

I have two of these said faithful lippies, the Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle and the L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude. These two lipsticks are quite similar; both have a nourishing balm like texture, are sheer neutral colors and go with basically any look you could think of. They are my most loved lipsticks from the drugstore and you can bet your ass I'll be repurchasing them. Sometimes that's just how the cookie crumbles, cheap and cheerful wins again! 

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day, night, morning, afternoon, whenever you're reading this. Let me know if you have any drugstore favorites that you reach for over your high end products! 

Xoxo, 

Haley 

S.S 6

Beauty ruts are one of the worst type of ruts to get in, at least when you work in the beauty industry. When you just start doing the same look over and over again because it takes the least amount of time, hence the lack of makeup goodies on todays weekly stunners post. But hey-ho I still found some stunning things this week so here we go:

Formula X Dry Spray: 

If you paint your nails you need this in your life. Simple as that. This is a spray that dries your nail polish within seconds, seconds I tell you. Better than any "fast dry top coat" out there. Just whack your polish on then give those puppies a few spritz of the Formula X Dry Spray and BAM you're ready to rock and roll with your freshly painted claws. Get it girl, get it. 

Fresh form the Garden: 

There is something so magical about being able to walk outside, go to your yard and pick your own dinner. No having to drive to the closest restaurant, just simply pop into your garden and there you have fresh food ready to consume. It's crazy to me that this is how we now think, but years ago people would have been in awe of the fact that almost no one has gardens anymore and we all have to go buy pretty much all of our food. It's funny how times change. 

Friends and Family:

I know I'm not alone in pushing quality time with friends and family to the side. But sometimes we need to push work to the side and appreciate the people we have around us 

I hope you all have a wonderful week, let me know of any stunners you have!

xoxo,

Haley  

Quick Tip for the Occasional Breakout

Almost every girl is guilty of the mini/massive freakout pre, during and post breakout. We've all been there; you can feel it coming. At the first signs your heart starts to race, you rack your brain for every tip and trick you learned years ago from scouring those beauty bible teen magazines. But, it's inevitable... Mount Kilimanjaro is about to sprout out of your face in the form of the least sexy zit ever. Great. 

We've all been there. Everyone gets a pimple, I mean everyone. If you've never had a zit you haven't lived. The occasional breakout, that everyone gets, doesn't mean that you have acne prone skin. 

My quick tip for you today is that if you get the occasional zit don't dry your entire face out. 

Do not go running to an entire acne system, do not start scrubbing your skin off and for heavens sake do not start skipping your moisturizer. This has an adverse affect and causes your skin to overcompensate and produce more oil, therefore leading to more acne and flakey skin. That's really not cute. Your best bet is to spot treat the pesky pimple at night, something like a sulfur spot treatment works wonders. You can also do a weekly exfoliating treatment that features salicylic acid or a weekly detoxifying mask. Finally, please be sure to use a moisturizer, this won't break you out but rather balance your skin and help to calm it down. 

I hope this tip helped a bit for anyone who gets the occasional breakout and tries to scrub their face off to get rid of it.

Xoxo,

Haley