While I admire those girls who can stick to one set makeup routine, I simply cannot do it. My makeup bag sees constant rotation when it comes to the contents inside because what I wear is often dependent on my mood (happy Eileen gets bright pink lips, angry Eileen tends to go deep purples), the weather (humid? get a tinted moisturizer), and what’s new (new product? Will try!) Below are a few products that have made the cut and have taken top spot (for now at least)…



Part of the recent “Après Chic” collection, the M·A·C Pro ‘Après Chic’ Longwear Eyeliner in Night Trail is a creamy liner that glides on and stays put without irritating my eyes. Night Trail is a deep navy blue that gives me the option to add color on the eyes without going overboard.

A completely new to me brand is Indie Lee, whose Moisturizing Oil ($34) says what it does and does what it says! I’m a devotee of Josie Maran’s Argan Oil so for me to stray was a bit difficult. This oil by Indie Lee is all natural and contains jojoba oil but doesn’t clog my pores or cause any breakouts. Within a week my face was soft, not dehydrated or dry, and had an irresistible glow (so many people have been complimenting me surrounding my skin so I’ll take it as a good sign!)

I have a love/hate relationship with primers simply because I find it to be an extra step in an already tedious skincare/ makeup routine. Since I’m always running late, I’ve mastered the five minute makeup or, more importantly, the do-your-makeup-in-public-despite-how-gross-it-is-routine. Don’t judge me. That said Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 ($48) has shown me the way, the light, and the truth and I am ready to convert. It’s a five-in-one formula that hydrates (though I didn’t notice it as I apply it post moisturizer/oil), primes, enhances, mattify, and protects your skin in a single step. What I love most is that it doesn’t feel heavy or thick and goes on smoothly. I apply in the morning and swear my face looks matte (or somewhat matte) at the end of the day. Anything that can control the oil production factory north of my collarbones is a friend to me.

BECCA is a brand I love but don’t give much attention to. Why? No clue! Their new Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation ($42, available in 18 shades) is a medium to buildable coverage foundation that leaves a satin finish. I easily applied with my fingers and didn’t experience any issues (breakouts, melting off my face) but I did request the wrong shade from the PR sample so I can’t wear everyday (I had to set with a powder to make sure I didn’t look wayy off!). Luckily, you can avoid my mistake because all BECCA gondolas at Sephora will house a Shade Match Color Wheel Mirror that will make it easy for everyone to find their perfect match.

Last but not least is Lancôme’s Petit Trésor in Fild’Argent ($25) which was part of the brand’s holiday 2012 collection. It’s as pretty in the compact as it is on my lids. It has a unique woven like texture in the golden compact making it a hard to want to dig in. So pretty! Once you apply on the lid, it gives a pretty gold look with shimmer that looks amazing on dark skin. It has a great color payoff but there is some fallout so I don’t apply in public or bring to work for touch ups.

That’s it for now! What makeup products are you wearing?

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Note: this post contains products that were received as samples for review as well as affiliate links.

’tis the season for fashionable gift giving! This year, I decided to skip the grouch factor and get in the mood. So as a friend, I’m here to help you find the best gifts to give. Welcome to the 2012 Miss Whoever You Are Holiday Gift Guide.

As your resident beauty girl, I LOVE giving beauty tips, advice, and gift ideas. I can browse for hours finding the perfect beauty item to give a friend, coworker, or family member. Since I know how arduous it can be, I’ve selected a few great items to make you look stylish (1, 4); protects and repairs (2); leaves you looking and feeling beautiful (3, 5, 6).

1. Bauble Bar x Essie // 2. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil-in-Pearls (debuts in January!!) // 3. Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Honey Bath // 4. “LoveBrownSugar” Nail Lacquer by LiSi Cosmetics // 5. Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm // 6. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge // 7. Clarisonic Aria™ Sonic Skin Cleansing System With Lancôme Set

Designer Monika Chiang was inspired by model-philanthropist Elettra Wiedemann when creating the beauty look for her Fall collection. “Elettra is a perfect muse for me,” said Chiang. Wiedemann is also a Lancôme ambassadress/spokesmodel so it’s only fitting that the brand was behind the makeup look this season.

courtesy photo

Lancôme National Makeup Artist Tarek Abbas created “enhanced natural beauty” for Chiang’s debut NY Fashion Week presentation. Abbas contoured cheeks using the brand’s new Blush Subtil Palette (in Nectar Lace- #126) and swept bronzer around the hairline and chin. He mixed two neutral shades of Color Design Eyeshadow (Vintage and Chic) to create a wash of color around the eyes that was a bit subtle, and defined the eyes with dark brown eyeliner, carefully smudged and blended. To finish up the eyes, he applied one coat of Lancôme Définicils Mascara in Brown.

To top off the look, Abbas applied Lancôme’s new Rouge In Love lipstick in Lasting Kiss with his finger and pressed the color onto the lips to pump up the model’s natural lip color.

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark


miss whoever you are5
blazer: Express; turtleneck: Zara; trousers: Shipley & Halmos; ballet flats: Sam Edelman, watch: Juicy Couture; nail polish: Lancôme “Pop Petrol”; scarf: Vivienne Tam

Earlier this week I decided on a not so typical look for me. It was totally buttoned up and lack of color (with the exception of the scarf added in before I flew out of the house). I mean, I’m wearing trousers for Christ’s sake. However, I LOVED the final look since it’s so 90s! In all honesty, part of me felt like Samantha à la Sex and the City season one (which I can’t decide if that was a good or bad thing). Plus, I’m kind of lovin’ the pants/ trousers look nowadays 🙂

Happy Friday!!

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark

In 2010, Lancôme launched Genes Day, a one-day national tribute to the beauty of scientific research benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To continue the partay, the brand will once again be donating $7 from the purchase of every Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate on October 21st to St. Jude to benefit research and help save children’s lives.

I know it’s early but I’m telling you in advance to save up your pennies for this product as it starts at $58. I use Génifique’s eye cream ever since learning about it during my days as an intern for the brand.

For this second annual Genes Day, Lancôme has committed to raising double as much as last year ($300,000 from one day of sales!). Can’t wait ’till the 21st? Dillard’s has kicked off the celebration a little early for ya. Together with Lancôme, $7 will be donated to St. Jude for every Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate sold at Dillard’s from October 2nd to October 23rd.

Want to try before you buy? Head to your local Lancôme counter to receive a Génifique seven day sample.

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark