Long time no post. So I figured I’d post some fall inspired makeup looks. If you’re interested in product lists, click here to read after the jump!

Sephora VIB Haul (15% off)

I've been on a no-buy since January so I thought I could treat myself to some new things since I had the coupon. I picked up the NARS duo in Earth Angel, the Urban Decay Electric palette, the Sephora Color of the Year blush palette and a 100 point perk which is a deluxe size of the Glam Glow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate mask. Let me know if there's something you want me to review!

Book Review: NARS Makeup Your Mind Express Yourself

Something I rarely see are reviews of beauty books. I, personally, can’t get enough of books. I’ve always been an avid reader and when I stumbled across makeup books I was instantly hooked. There’s a fantastic selection of books for those who are just starting out and need information on the basics. However, I prefer to peruse the ones that inspire my creativity and spark new ideas. Hence, I’ll be talking about Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself by Francois Nars ($46).

I knew Nars had released a book and had been curious about it, but when I searched amazon (currently $29.70, not bad!) the price made me hesitate. After that initial search, I completely forgot about it. Then, a few years ago I stumbled across a lone copy at Urban Outfitters with a 70% off sticker. I was already in a long line with my items, and left the line because the book was calling to me. I would gladly say it is worth every penny.

The book is split into three parts: play, perfect and polish. Essentially these are references to ages, 20s/30s, 40s, and 50s/60s. The book features women (and 3 men) from ages 16-64, from every ethnicity wearing a variety of makeup looks. There are numerous tips throughout the book, but the best part is the way the before and after pictures work. There is a before picture on the left, followed by an after picture on the right. Instead of having to wonder about exact placements of products, you are guided by a see-through overlay which tells you which products were put where. It’s an intuitive way to guide readers through the looks and a great plug for Nars products.

At the end of each section, there are details on the makeup application in case a picture with the overlay guide wasn’t clear enough.

I can’t get enough of this book. If you love beautiful makeup pictures and are looking for something that will get your creative juices flowing, this is a fabulous purchase to make.

Review: Bare Minerals The Aphrodisiac Blush

I posted a picture of the things I picked up recently from Bare Minerals on Valentine’s Day, one of which was this blush. Bare Minerals holds a special place in my heart because the foundation is the first one I ever really used, and I’ve never gotten over how natural and smooth my face looks when I use it. i’m also completely obsessed with their line of Buxom lip glosses which make your lips tingle. Anyways, on to the details about The Aphrodisiac.

The Aphrodisiac is one of the pressed compact blushes (0.21 oz, $22) and is described as a peachy coral on the website. I would say that is definitely accurate. The finish of the blush is satin, which is my favorite kind of finish for a blush. I wore this on my cheeks for about 9 hours and it looked just as nice as when I had first applied it. So far, my skin hasn’t had any reaction to it either. The blush is very finely milled, super smooth, and very easy to blend. It’s not as crazy pigmented as some of the NARS blushes, but a swipe with your brush will be plenty to cover your cheek. All in all, I’m really pleased with this blush, and I actually prefer it to my other peachy coral blushes (namely Nars Orgasm, which I’ve compared with this in a swatch below) because of the finish and the lack of shimmer. If you want just the beautiful color without it being too flat and matte, this is a perfect peachy coral blush to pick up. 

Photos of Products and Swatches!