A UK Drugstore Beauty Haul

My friend Emily is in London for a few months for work and very graciously offered to pick up a few things for me from Boots! I was so excited and immediately zeroed in on brands that I can't buy off ASOS, like the Barry M nail polishes, Collection and MUA.

Emily's mom recently came back from visiting her and was able bring over the goods. I'm really impressed with the products so far. Check out my mini reviews.

Let's Talk Eyebrows Part 2: Hourglass vs. Smashbox Brow Crayon Pencils

Since my first eyebrow product post back in January went over really well, I've decided to keep it moving with a Part 2: a review of the Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil ($32) and how it compares to the my go-to, the Smashbox Brow Tech To Go ($27).

Take a look!

Purple Glam for Prom with Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

I recently watched NikkiTutorial's "Colored Glamour" look and was inspired to create a similar look with the newest palette in my collection, Too Faced's Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Collection Palette The palette is $49 and comes 16 eyeshadows in a mix of matte and shimmer shades. I scored mine on HSN for a STEAL: $29 got me the palette, a full-sized Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer, and free shipping! Unfortunately that deal is now over.

Take a peek at the first look I created using this palette.

How I Wash My Makeup Brushes

I have a lot of makeup brushes! I tend to rotate between my brushes so I feel like each one gets a good use, but that means I have a lot to deep clean. I've read tons of tutorials on the best techniques and products to wash makeup brushes, and I'm now ready to share my tried and true method.

Timeless Dramatic Eyes Featuring Paula's Choice The Nude Mattes Palette

Today I have a classic dark matte look to share featuring my newest palette, the Paula's Choice The Nude Mattes Palette (see my initial review here). The key to this look is to use some sticky tape or Post-It notes to get those clean angles near the wing of the eye.

Take a look!

Review + Photos: Paula's Choice The Nude Mattes Eyeshadow Palette (LE)

You know my blog name so you know of course I had to pick up the limited edition Paula's Choice The Nude Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($40). Once I found out that makeup god Wayne Goss had consulted on it, I was SOLD. This weekend, I played with it for the first time and I am in love. From the shadows I've tested so far (see look below), these shadows are super blendable and pigmented.

Take a look at close-up photos and my Cara Delevingne-inspired hazy brown eye look using the palette below!

UPDATE: I have a darker classic eye look up on the blog using this same palette as well here.

The Travel Diaries: Makeup Products I Brought to SXSW

Last week, I went on a work trip to Austin, Texas for the SXSW Interactive and Film Festival. I made sure to pick out items that would last from 8am until well past midnight. Below I break down the items I brought on my trip and review my favorite item.