Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom {Peony & Rose}

Back in the Spring Burberry released six shades of the Lip & Cheek Blooms ($28).  I was intrigued by them so I picked up two shades, Rose and Peony.  These are intended to be used either as a blush or a lip color.  They look kind of creamy in the pots but, when you touch them they have a bounce and are more gel like.  They kind of remind me of the Dior Cheek Creme's except, I like the Dior ones so much better.  I have tried using these Lip & Cheek Bloom's withe many different brushes and nothing seems to work for me.  I have tried using a duo fiber brush and a synthetic blush brush but, no matter what when I go to apply them to my cheeks my foundation disperses.  They just don't sit week on top of foundation.  And they look terrible on my lips.  I tend to usually have dry lips and these just cling to the dry patches.  I am very disappointed with these.  The colors are so pretty I just wish I could get them to work for me.  

   

If you have any ideas on how I can get them to work please let me know !!  

Also I guess I am kind of back.  I took like a three month hiatus but, I miss blogging.  I am trying to get back into the swing of things and I have so much to show you and tell you about !! 

Love, 

City Styles 

November Favorites

It is almost Christmas and it is freaking me out.  I really can't believe the year is almost over.  November has come and gone and I have found some new gems and rediscovered some older ones.


L'oreal True Match Foundation - After hearing Anna & Amelia talk about this I pulled it out from my foundation drawer and low and behold I fell in love with it again.  It leaves a nice satin finish and has amazing staying power.  I can get at least 8+ hours of wear.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - I couldn't find my Fit Me concealer one day so I used my Nars and feel in love all over again.  It has great coverage and has a great satin finish just like the True Match.   I like to use them together.

Burberry Blush Nude Palette - Ughh I die for this palette.  Have I told you how much I love Burberry shadows ?  Cause I love them.  I have been really enjoying a mauvey, plumy eye lately.

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - I got this in a 500pt perk from Sephora and it is wonderful.  I really enjoy a mascara that has fiber bristles instead of plastic ones.  This gives volume and length and is very black.

Becca Blush in Flowerchild - I have been really into a glowy flush lately and this blush does that for me.  It gives me that natural flush look and it has a sheen to it.

Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight - This is such a cult classic and I totally understand why.  It gives such an amazing glow and really helps my cheekbones stand out.

Albeit Nourishing Lip Balm - If you enjoy Dior's Rose Balm or the By Terry Baume de Rose then you will love this stuff.  It is a rose scented balm that leaves your lips extra moisturized.  I found this recently at Anthropologie and I have been loving it.

Dior Smoky Nail Polish - Dior always comes out with these cute little nail polishes during the holiday season and this year I had to get one.  The shade Smoky is a deep plumy shade and almost looks black on the nails.  It is perfect for this time of year.


What are your favorites this month ??


Love,
City Styles

Burberry Bloomsbury Girls Polishes {Oxblood & Elderberry}

I am addicted to nail polish and in particular I am addicted to buying shades of red.  Any variation of red and I am in.  So naturally when I saw these two shades, Oxblood and Elderberry ($22), where part of Burberry's Bloomsbury Girls collection I had to have them.  Oxblood is a gorgeous deep burgundy, red shade.  Elderberry is a reddish plum, almost looks black shade.  It reminds me of a glass of wine.  These polishes are very creamy and pigmented.  They are opaque in two coats.  The wear time on these is a bit shorter then my beloved Dior polishes.  I can get about three days or so before some chipping begins.  But, these polishes are so pretty that I'll forgive them for that. 

What are your favorite nail polish shades ??  Do you own any Burberry nail polish ??


Love,
City Styles 

Burberry Bloomsbury Girls Palette {Nude Blush}

Burberry recently came out with a new collection called Bloomsbury Girl for Autumn/Winter '14.  It consisted of six polishes, two palettes, three lipsticks, and three glosses.  I picked up the palette called Nude blush and two polishes, Oxblood and Elderberry.  Today we discuss how gorgeous Nude Blush is. 

Nude Blush ($60) is a beautiful rosy toned quad.  I tend to gravitate towards rose gold and plumy colors like these.  I feel like they pair well with my light skin and blue eyes.  I own a few of Burberry's single shadows and I absolutely love them so, I decided to take the plunge and get a quad. I am so happy I did.  These shadows are very pigmented and so creamy.  They are easy to work with and just a little bit of kick up but, no fall out.  They perform just as well as the single shadows.  The colors also pair together very nicely and are not to similar to the singles I already own. 

Nude Blush compared to Burberry Mulberry and Burberry Rosewood.

Right now the palette seems to be sold out on Burberry.com but Nordstrom and Saks have it in stock. And you can always check your local counter.



Have you tried Burberry eyeshadows yet ??  What do you think ??


Love,
City Styles 

My Friday Five #8

Another week has come and gone and I can't believe it is almost November.  Seriously this year has just flew by.  Now onto my favorites this week.

Coco Mademoiselle - I have loved this perfume for years but never took the plunge.  I finally did and so happy about it.  I have always wanted a signature scent and I think this is it.

Tom Ford Spanish Pink - When I first got this lipstick I found it hard to work with my skin tone and dry lips.  But, now I found a great liner (Too Faced) and this lipstick works so well.

Burberry Rosewood Shadow - I have been going for an easy eye look lately and this is it.  It looks great by itself.

Marc Jacobs bookmarc Pouch - I recently took a trip to Bleeker Street (has some of my fav shops) and wandered into Marc Jacobs' store bookmarc.  I found this adorable pouch for my business cards.

Chanel Camelia de Plumes Highlighter - I have fallen in love with this highlighter.  It is so gorgeous and just looks great on the skin.  I am so happy I went and got this!


What are your Friday Five ??


Love,
City Styles 

A Night on the Town {Makeup & Outfits} #AriaNightOut

I'm totally not a party girl.  I like to sit at home in my pj's and watch a crazy woman throw her leg on a table but, every once and awhile it is nice to have a night out.  So, of course, the first thing that pops into my mind is what makeup would I wear!  I made a video showing you what I would use but, I'll also put step by step instructions of what I would do.

First up priming the face.  I like to use Makeup Forever HD Primer.  It helps my makeup to last all night and it helps prevent flash back.  I am already very pale.  I do not need to look like a ghost in pictures.  Next up is foundation.  I love the Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous (1) foundation.  This has little or no SPF in it so this will also prevent flash back.  To hide my under eye circles I use the Maybelline Fit Me concealer.  This doesn't crease on me and helps to highlight that area.  Now to set my concealer and to contour I use the Nars Countour Blush (2).  I love the contour shade.  It isn't too red but, isn't to grey either.  For blush I use a neutral pink like Burberry's Blossom (3).  Since I am focusing more on my eyes and lips I don't want too much going on with my cheeks.  Then for my brows I use the Hourglass Brow Arch Pencil (4).  I can't go a day without filling my brows in.  I think it just frames the face so well.  Now onto eyes.  To prime my eyes I use the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa.  This is amazing.  It does not crease whatsoever!  I blend that out with my fingers and use Urban Decay Naked shadow in my crease.  Then I use Sephora's Outrageous Peach (5) all over my lid.  The mix of the Cocoa and the Peach really makes my eyes pop.  I am not really into the cat eye so I just use the L'oreal Slim Liner (6) to thinny line my lashes.  It makes them look fuller.  Then for mascara I use my beloved Too Faced Better Than Sex.  This makes my lashes look amazballs.  I am totally not a fake lash wearer.  They annoy my eyes so much.  Then to finish off my face I use the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (7).  I just used Dim Light all over.  Then to highlight I used MAC's Definitely Defined (8).  This is my go to highlighter.  And lastly for lips I love a red lip so I am using Rimmel Show Off Lacquer in Big Bang (9).    

  

I thought I would also show you want kind of outfit I would wear out.  First Option we have nice Racerback Tank and these Rag & Bone skinny jeans.   My second option would be this great Red Dress.   I would probably go for option 1 since I am more of a jeans girl.  

Hope you enjoyed this little Get Ready with Me.  Let me know if you like these kinds of posts.

Love, 

City Styles 

*Vegas.com asked me to do a post showing what I would wear for a night out.  I am not being compensated in any form and all opinions are my own.  Plus, I totally want to go to Vegas one day soon! 

July Favorites

July has come and gone... weep!  I can't believe the summer is almost over.  Enough of my complaining and onto my July Favorites.

I have been loving my new serum from Estee Lauder(1).  It helps minimize my pores and just leaves my face feeling silky smooth.  For moisturizer I have been using the Firming & Lifting Cream(2) from Algenist.  I actually got this as a 100pt perk from Sephora.  I have had this before and absolutely adored it.  It really moisturizes my face.  As for foundation I have been obsessed with my Estee Lauder Double Wear Light (3).  It gives amazing coverage but, it doesn't feel like I have much on my face.
As we all know I am not really into tanning but, since it is summer I have been using my Too Faced Bronzed & Poreless(4) to give myself and all over sun kissed look.  And for cheeks I have been loving the Becca Blush in Flowerchild(5).  It is a beautiful pinky, coral shade.  For eyes I have ben very minimal.  I have either reached for the NudeStix in Twilight(6) or the Burberry Eyeshadow in Rosewood(7).  They both are easy to work with and require no effort.  And then for mascara I have been using the Too Faced Better Than Sex(8).  And O-M-G is this stuff the bomb dot com.  It makes my lashes look so amazing!  I am actually ready to throw away all my other mascaras (of course not my Armani).  It is that amazing.
For lips I have been really enjoying my Rose Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment(9).  And for some color I have using the Tom Ford Lip Shine in Frolic(10).  It is the perfect light coral shade that is great for everyday wear.  And lastly the new Sally Hansen Gel(11) polish has been on my finger constantly.  I love the shade B Girl.

Burberry Summer Showers Lip Glow Balms & Nail Polishes {Orange Poppy & Pink Peony}

Awhile back Burberry released their Summer Collection.  I was intrigued but, at the time I had many other items I wanted to purchase so I passed.  But of course me being me I couldn't help but think about the collection so I bought a few pieces.  There were three items in all.  The Lip Glow Balm ($28/ea.), the Fresh Glow Blush ($38/ea.), and the Nail Polish ($21/ea.).  I opted to skip out on the blush since I am not really a cream blush wearer.  

So first we have the Lip Glow Balms.  I ordered two out of the three shades, Pink Peony and Orange Poppy.  These are quite on the sheer side, which I like.  Pink Peony is a mellow pink.  It isn't too bright but, still has a nice shade to it.  Orange Poppy is a bright orange.  I don't have much like it in my collection.  I think it will be great for the summer time.  These have a few hours of wear time.  I have heard that if you apply them with a lip brush you can get more pigmentation.  I like a good sheer lipstick so I am happy applying these right out if the tube.  They remind me very much of the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy's. 

  

And then we have the Nail Polishes.  Again I opted for two out of the three shades, Pink Peony and Orange Poppy.  As we all know I love a good coralish and pinkish color.  These polishes are very pigmented.  You could probably go for one coat but, I applied two just because that is what I like.  Orange Poppy is a muted orange that is a bit pearlized.  You can't really tell when on the nails but when the sun hits the bottle you can tell.  Pink Peony is a darker pink shade.  It reminds me more of a raspberry shade.  These polishes last at least three days with no chipping.  On the fourth day I did get some chipping enough to change my polish.  

Overall I really like these shades.  And I totally want to try more of the polish shades!


Have you tried any of these items ??  What did you think ??


Love,
City Styles 

Spring Blush Picks !

Last week I shared my favorite spring blushes on Instagram and I though hey that is a great idea for a post!  There are four blushes I reach for the most during this time of year.  First is Nars Final Cut.  This is the newest to my collection but, I love how it has a slight orange coral tint to it rather then a pink coral tint.  This looks great on fair skin.  Next up is Breathless from Buxom.  Hands down this is my absolute favorite.  It is the perfect shade of coral and it gives you a beautiful flush.  Dior Rosy Glow is a gorgeous light pink that adjusts to your skin tone.  This would be flattering on all skin tones.  And lastly is Burberry's Hydrangea Pink.  This packs a punch.  It is the most pigmented blush out of the four and I love to wear this to special events.  It gives my cheeks great color and looks great in pictures.  

What are your favorite spring blushes ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Top 13 of 2013 !

1. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - As you all know I rave about this serum all the time!  It keeps my skin radiant and clear. Plus, it helps my moisturizer sink in and keep my hydrated throughout the day.

2. Diorskin Nude BB Creme - This is my number 1 go to foundation!  It gives me light weight coverage, yet it covers all my imperfections.  It matches my skin perfectly and hardly oxidizes throughout the day.  It never clings to my dry patches, and that is a huge plus in my opinion.

3. Laura Mercier Mineral Powder - I was never a powder person.  I have such dry skin and powder always clung to it.  When I heard so many people talking about this I just had to try it and I was happy I did.  I love to use this on the days I don't feel like wearing foundation.  This works great with just so concealer underneath!

4. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - I am always on the hunt for the best under eye concealer.  I really don't use concealer on my face, just my under eye area.  And, I love my under eye area to look nice and bright.  This is great for just that.  There were so many shades to choose from so, I was able to find the perfect one.  This does not crease and stays in place all day without me setting it.  You can read more about how much I love this here.

5. Armani Corrector  - This is a god send!  I am so happy that I listened to Lisa and bought this.  I would not say that I have horrible under eye circles, but they definitely show through my concealer.  This gets rid of any ugly purple circles I have and is a great base for my concealer.

6. Beauty Blender - If you do not own this than I suggest picking one up.  This is hands down a game changer!  I never thought I would love a sponge as much as I love this.  I use it everyday and it just helps my foundation look as flawless and possible.

7. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - Whenever I am not quite sure what blush to wear I go for this.  It gives my the most amazing flush.  I normally go for a matte blush, but there is something about the sheen to this.  It is more of a satin finish than a glittery one.  It looks gorgeous on a number of skin tones and is so affordable.

8. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - If you have never ever bought a palette from Urban Decay than I suggest getting this as your first.  I know it looks so basic, as the name says, but I use this every single day.  I love to use Naked 2 as my brow powder.  Venus is a wonderful highlighting color and Crave is the blackest black you can own.  I love to travel with this and do a nice neutral eye.

9. Burberry Eyeshadow in Mulberry - So luxurious!  This eyeshadow is nice and creamy yet it does not have a ton of fall out.  It blends well and looks amazing on most eye colors.  If I could only chose one shadow to wear for the rest of my life it would be this (yes, I know a bit dramatic).

10. Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara - This is the bomb dot com.  I have never had a mascara that gives me such length and volume and it also does not transfer onto my under eye area which is a huge plus.  I hate when a mascara I like transfers.  It is like the kiss of death.  It is on the pricey side for mascara, but it is totally worth it.

11. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst - Out of all the eyeshadow sticks I own this is the absolute best.  It stays put on my eyes all day, even if I don't use a primer.  I also love wearing this with the Mulberry shadow.  They complement each other well.  I will totally be purchasing more Caviar Sticks in the near future.

12. NYX Butter Glosses in Apple Strudel & Maple Blondie - I love a coral lip and I love a good smelling gloss.  These combine the two.  I have almost every shade, but these two are my favorite.  They are nicely pigmented and not too sticky.  I hate sticky lipgloss.  Plus, they are a steal at $4.99, and Ulta always has BOGO half off sales going on!

13. Jack Black Lip Balm - I was introduced to this lip balm way back and I have been through countless amounts of tubes.  I love all the flavors, but Black Tea & Blackberry is my favorite.  I always have this in rotation with my other balms.  This is hands down the best!


What are your favorites of 2013 ??

Love,
City Styles 

Chanel 179 Murmure & 178 Sonate Glossimer {Spring 2014}

If you know me then you know how much I love lipgloss, especially coral lipgloss!  I was so excited when I saw the Chanel had released these glossimers, 178 Sonate and 179 Murmure, this spring.  Sonate is a darker more reddish coral that is a bit more pigmented on the lips.  And Murmure is a light pinkish coral.  It gives a nice sheen to the lips, but is not very pigmented.  They are both nice and creamy and free of glitter.  I love a nice matte gloss.  I am not one for glitter.  These glossimers are nor very sticky and last a good hour or so.  If you are a gloss girl I would definitely run and pick these up.  They are right aound $30, but I find them worth it! 

Hourglass Origami - Chanel Murmure - Hourglass Nectar - Chanel Sonate - Burberry Mallow Pink 

Hourglass Origami - Chanel Murmure - Hourglass Nectar - Chanel Sonate - Burberry Mallow Pink 

Are you a lipgloss girl?  If so what's your favorite shade?

Love, 

City Styles

Haul: High Ends Bits and Bops !

So I have recently picked up some bits and bops (yes, i said bits and bops) from Nordstroms, Saks, and Neimans.   I had gotten a gift card to Neimans since I had so many points on my debit card and went a little crazy!  Then I went to Saks and picked up one or two things and then of course I ordered a few things from Norstroms.  

I have wanted to try these two sprays from Oribe for such a long time!  I love dry shampoo so of course I had to try the Dry Texturizing Spray and lately I have been loving to curl my hair so I wanted to try the Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray to give my curls a bit my texture.  I have not been able to play with them yet so a review to come! 

I have longed to try a Diptyque Candle!  And since the holiday packaging is just so chic I had to pick one up!  I guess they were out of the scent I had wanted so they sent this Orange Chai one instead.  It smells amazing and I can't wait to burn it!

Oh Tom Ford!!! You have done it again!  You have all witnessed my obsession grow and grow with Tom Ford, and now I am in deep!  This Cheek Brush is amazing!!  It is as soft as a babies bottom and just so luxurious!  I now need every Tom Ford Brush ! 

Over the years I have heard such great things about Laura Mercier's hand creams, so when I saw this sampler on Nordstrom.com I had to pick it up!  This would be a great stocking stuffer for family and friends!! 

I love Chanel nail polish so I had to pick this color Magic up!  It came out during this years FNO along with another color called Cosmic.  Cosmic seems to be sold out everywhere!  I can't find it.  The Beauty Look Book did a great post on them and I had to have after seeing it! 

The last thing I picked up was the Burberry Taupe eyeshadow.  I only have one Burberry eyeshadow and I love it so I knew I had to pick up more.  I have only swatched this and I have already fallen in love!  I can't wait to use this in an eye look!

What bits and bops have you picked up lately ??

Love, 

City Styles

New Burberry Goodies !!

So, I have been a bit obsessed with Burberry lately!  They have a new holiday collection with this gold packaging and it is to die for!!  I could not resist!  I picked up the Lip Mist in Trench Kiss and the Lip Glow also in Trench Kiss.  Unfortunately my Lip Glow is nowhere to be found.  I hop it pops up soon! 

I am not one for a nude lip, but I couldn't resist this packaging!  I do love this shade though.  I have never owned a Burberry Lip Mist before so I was very excited to get it.  It goes on so smooth and buttery.  It lasts for at least an hour or so, and I have to say I do love this shade.  It is nice and sheer, and almost looks like a gloss!

So then I was in Saks the other day and just happened to walk past the Burberry counter and the lady working told me to come sit down and she would do my makeup.  So I said sure why not.  Well 20 minutes later I walked out with a new foundation and a new base.  I picked up the Sheer Foundation in No. 1 Trench and the Fresh Glow in No. 2 Golden Radiance.  OMG this combo is just like the most amazing thing ever!! I was so amazed on how well it looked on my dry skin and how well it held up throughout the day.  Lets just say I am hooked!!  It doesn't cling to my dry patches and truly gives me a nice dewy look.  

What are your favorite Burberry products ??  

I just placed an order from Nordstrom's and Neiman's .. So a nice haul to come soon! 

Love, 

City Styles

Favorite Eye Combo !

 

I have many eye combos that I love very much, but this is my FAV combo!  It gets worn the most, especially when I have no clue what I want to wear.  It makes my eyes pop and is just gorgeous!

I first prime my lids, like always, and then pop on my Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst.  I use my finger to blend that in and then take my Burberry shadow in Mulberry and pop that on the outer half of my lid.  And that's it.  So easy!  And if I want to be a bit dramatic I take Chanel's Taupe Grise and put that in my crease.  I only do this if I am heading out for the night.  It is not so much a day time look! 

Burberry Mulberry

Chanel Taupe Grise

Laura Mercier Amethyst

Amethyst - Mulberry - Taupe Grise 

Amethyst - Mulberry - Taupe Grise

What are your favorite eye combos?

Love, 

City Styles