July Makeup Favorites

I'd love to say that I've been saving my money, but I can't. I try and justify my purchases by reviewing them for this blog and for Pretty Chatty. There's a lot of products that were everyday staples on my desk and in my purse during July. Some are brand new and some are old favorites.

Face Products:

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup- This is my current go to foundation because it gives really amazing coverage while still feeling light and lasting a long time. It's basically the perfect summer face makeup for me. I broke out a lot during my trip to Alaska and this made my face still look flawless, but not cakey. I have to say it was difficult to pick my shade because they all look the same in the jar, but I would imagine if you use the original Colorstay that the colors match? It's also less like whipped creme and more like the consistency of ice cream or whipped cream that's starting to melt. haha

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette- An old tried and true concealer favorite. It's an amazing value with four different squares: a lighter shade, a darker shade, a green tone for concealing redness, and a setting powder. I use this for my blemishes, redness, and for my undereye circles too. 

COVERGIRL Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder- I picked this up on a whim from Target and I'm so glad I did. It's a great setting powder without being overwhelmingly cakey or breaking me out because it's oil free. I blot during the day if my foundation happens to start melting and it leaves me looking matte.

OPI Strawberry Margarita- This wonderfully pink punchy polish was purchased for me by my best friend, Courtney, for my birthday. It's a great summer staple for nails or toes and the formula is opaque in one coat. 

Eye Products

COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Waterproof- This is one of the best drugstore waterproof mascaras available. It doesn't smudge, smear, or move. It stays put when it has to and it removes easily with eye makeup remover when the day is done. I like layering this over my L'Oreal Voluminous when I know it's going to be hot out (so basically everyday in Arizona) or when I'm going swimming and my lashes look very thick and black.

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12 Hr Smoothing Eye Primer- I love this eye primer a lot. I have the mini size and it's lasted me over a month. This primer is like a hybrid of Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion. It's thicker than Shadow Insurance, but thinner than Primer Potion and a little goes a long way. My shadows don't melt or crease and stay put even after a long day at work. I even use this under my undereye concealer to keep that from creasing.

Lip Products

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart Valentine- I love love love this product!!! I talked about it in my new summer beauty releases and I was right, it's phenomenal and it's inexpensive. I can't compare it to the Tarte Lip Surgence pencils because I've never used one of those, but it's a great long lasting twist up chubby pencil stain. I think the colors just pop and really stain your lips. I haven't heard great things about the lighter colors because they're sheerer and don't wear quite as long as the brighter, deeper colors.

Chapstick Lip Shield 365- This has been my go to lip balm because it's perfect for all kinds of weather. I used it everyday on the cruise because the colder weather really dried out my lips and I've been using it everyday since I've been home because of the SPF 50. It moisturizes and protects your lips from sun burn perfectly. 

(Picture via)

NARS Joie De Vivre Cheek Palette- Ohhhh I saved the best for last, absolutely. Surprise!! This is mine and Hannah's birthday present to each other. (If you remember, the Urban Decay NAKED 2 was our Christmas present to each other haha.) I first spotted this a few weeks ago in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview catalog and I texted Hannah instantly, knowing it'd be a must purchase item. We're self proclaimed NARS blush-aholics. We both passed on the Sephora exclusive Danmari blush palette this past winter and we're so happy we did because this is right up our alley color selection wise. It's a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Exclusive and contains Laguna bronzer, Albatross highlighter, and blushes in Orgasm (our favorite), Angelika, Luster, and Gaiety. I'm so happy to finally have my hands on it because it's perfect. Make sure to snatch it up quick if you want it because at $65 it's an amazing value and there is a limited selection for a limited time starting for Nordstrom cardholders today and the public next week, I believe. 

Let me know in the comments what you're current makeup favorites are and definitely follow my blog if you haven't already!!! 

xx - Dan

Birthday Haulin'

Helllooooo everyone!! I'm home from ALASAAAAKA. :) I gave myself a few days before I came back to blogging because I was seriously so exhausted. I wanted to blog so badly while I was on vacation, but I did not have any wi fi like at all. Awful. But I'm home and there will be more posts about the trip to follow in the coming days, I can promise you that. I wanted to get back into blogging by sharing what I got for my birthday after receiving a question in my ask box on tumblr about it.

I'm absolutely in love with my delicate Tiffany Elsa Peretti Color By the Yard Necklace with the small pink sapphire stone from my mom. It's so very me. I also adore the Tiffany Twist Bow Ring that is a perfect match to my Twist Bow Pendant that is my staple. Well done, Fancy Pants. 

If you've read my blog, you know I've been lusting after an iPad. I received mine with the MARC by Marc Jacobs "Dreamy" case from my Godmother. My grandpa bought me a new camera after a lot of debate as to which one, I decided on the Nikon Coolpix S6200 16 Megapixel in Red. It's an amazing camera and you'll see how crisp these pictures are in my future posts especially the ones from the trip. (10x zoom makes capturing bald eagles so easy!) With birthday money from Fancy Pants' family, I finally gave in to buying Nike running shoes: Nike Free Run+3 in Magenta/Silver. I'm obsessed. They're so light and comfy. 

Makeup. Beauty Products. Skin care. Easiest gifts for me ever. haha. My mom and brother both got me OPI polishes. My mom got me the New York City Ballet OPI Minis and let me tell you these colors are so soft and beautiful. I wore Care to Danse? every day of my vacation and received so many compliments. Grimsby, my brother, (no his name isn't Grimsby for real haha) got me OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls from the Spiderman collection because he knew I was dying for opaque white nail polish! I also received MAC Hey Sailor! Highlight Powder in Crew which is seriously perfect. It's a great pinky summer highlighter which unfortunately is sold out on MAC's website, but if you're looking for it check your local counter or store! The last three beauty products were Sephora must haves in my eyes: NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder, Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray, and a Clarisonic Acne Replacement Brush Head.

I'm very grateful for all of the wonderfully thoughtful gifts I received for my 21st birthday. It's been a wonderful past few weeks and I can't say enough good things about the events and time spent with great people. You'll see tomorrow about all the great time spent for my birthday and in Seattle. 

xx - Dan

New Makeup Items to Check Out

Summer time always brings about the most fun makeup releases in my opinion! The colors are more fun, everything is made to be long wearing, and it's easy. During the summer, my every day makeup becomes very low maintenance because quite frankly I'm lazy. I'm very excited about all of these really fun products that have just been released/are going to released very soon!

Benefit Cosmetics Snow White and the Huntsman Rare Beauty Kit ($45): Whether you're a Benefit newbie or a seasoned lover, this set promoting the new summer movie, Snow White is perfect for you. It has all of the most popular products: Bad Gal Lash, The Porefessional, High Beam, and Benetint. It's a great value with the train case too.

Maybelline Eyestudio Color Plush Quads: These are my favorite drugstore quads and Maybelline is debuting three new limited edition sets in the lovely Coral Oasis (pictured), Gutsy Green (mixed greens), and Smokey Night (deep colored smokes). They're very pigmented and create fool proof eye looks. 

Essie Summer 2012 "Bikini So Teeny" Collection ($8): I'm seriously obsessed with these colors. They are the perfect in between of neons and pastels. I love the variety in shades. I'm definitely lusting after the cornflower periwinkle blue (Bikini So Teeny), the shimmery bronze (All Tied Up), and the lime green (Mojito Madness)!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($7.69): I'm calling it right now. These are going to explode very soon. All I've heard are rave reviews from everyone who can get their hands on them. They are literally a twist up pencil balm and stain, not unlike the Tarte Lip Surgences. There are 12 shades for all kinds of effortless lip looks this summer that will last! I'm most excited to get my hands on a few of these.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer ($24): One of the newest high end concealers to hit the market  that's full coverage, creamy, and long wearing. Sounds like perfection right? I've heard amazing things about this concealer and I'm definitely planning on picking it up before my trip. It's been said to work well at covering redness and blemishes, but also under eye circles. Tarte's Maracuja Oil has been highly  praised at improving skin's tone, texture and moisture content.

Sephora + Pantone Universe Shades of Nature Eye Shadow Palette ($55): This wonderful eyeshadow palette boasts 35 silky eyeshadows in Pantone shades. It's currently exclusive to Beauty Insiders/VIBs on Sephora, but I think will be available to everyone soon! I've seen mixed reviews, but it's another really cool collaboration between Sephora and the Pantone Universe.

Maybelline Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara: This package is so darling!! It's honestly what drew me because I'm not the biggest fan of Maybelline's mascara. I love the yellow and orange leopard print. I don't know if it comes in non waterproof, but I would imagine so! I definitely will pick this one up to try out because I really love the cat eye look and would like to see if it lives up to the name!

I hope everyone loved this little summer beauty preview!

xx - Dan

Summer Beauty Must Haves

I think one of the biggest challenges about wearing makeup in the summer is looking put together when you're feeling oh so lazy. It's only May, but we're already at over 100 degrees in Arizona, so most days I truly have no desire to even do my makeup because chances are, it will melt rather quickly.  I've found these products to be tried and true in creating an easy, but still pretty look for everyday. I will post this on Pretty Chatty as well, but in case you don't follow Hannah and I (which you should be), I wanted to post it here.

Summer Beauty Must Haves by sprinklesdan featuring eye tattoo makeup

Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio, $5 - My tried and true cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze stays put and makes it look like you've actually put effort into your eye makeup instead of just sweeping this on with your fingers.
Dr.Jart+ Beauty Balm, $39 - I'm obsessed with my Dr.Jart+ BB Cream. It gives me just enough coverage without being too heavy for the heat. 
Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray, $29 - I never thought I'd swear by my Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray, but I notice a difference in my makeup when I don't use it. I spray it before I apply my makeup and after for a flawless finish all day!
OPI Spiderman Collection My Boyfriend Scales Walls, $8.50 - Love love love! I chose this polish from the new OPI Spiderman Collection because it makes me look ultra tan and it goes with everything.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Tube 1.75-oz., $5.49 - This is my must have lip product because it seriously makes my lips so soft and moisturized when it's super dry and hot outside.
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, $5.84 - One of my holy grail mascaras in the waterproof formula to prevent panda eyes after a long day outside keeping my lashes looking super amazing!


xx- Dan

The Shops at Target

For some odd reason my body woke me up at 5:30 on Monday morning. Of course I could not fall back to sleep, so I began to do a little online "browsing." I headed over to Target.com to find this:

Naturally, I clicked through to find some of the cutest items I've seen Target ever carry to be honest. It's a very cool concept actually as proven by the commercial. There are a total of five boutiques from around the country featured in this new collection:

Cos Bar - a cutting edge beauty palace from Aspen, CO

Polka Dog Bakery - a variety of doggie treats and accessories from Boston, MA

Privet House - chic and charming home decor finds from Warren, CT

The Candy Store - rare and unique sugary sweets from San Francisco, CA

The Webster - wonderful, bright and colorful clothing/accessories from Miami, FL

While I think that checking out each boutique on their own is an absolute must, I did pick out a few (hundred) of my favorite finds that I may just be ordering or picking up from my local Target. 

Cos Bar Lime Green Nail Polish

 Cos Bar Blueberry Cleansing Towelettes

 Polka Dog Bakery Blue Bowl

Privet House Set of 4 Woven Tumblers

 The Candy Store Razzles

 Cos Bar Green Leopard Tweezers

 Candy Shop Swirl Lollipop

 The Webster Cap Toe Flat in Green/Blue

The Webster Cap Toe Wedge Pump in Natural/Tan

 The Webster Sheath Dress in Deco Print Navy/Melon

 The Webster Jacquard Tunic in Wallpaper Print Cream

 The Webster Beads & Casting Necklace in Silver

The Webster Flamingo Ruffle Scarf 

Privet House Wire Two Tier Tray

xx - Dan

Friday Favorites

These past two weeks have been really really great, but I'm very happy to have another weekend off of work even though this one will be filled with packing and boxes. I'm definitely going to have lots of posts scheduled because I will be a little bit absent because of a jam packed work week and house stuff. I won't leave you hanging, lovelies.

• Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Stormy Pink- This has to be one of my new favorite pink lipsticks!! I love how moisturizing it is for a matte finish. The color looks perfect applied right out of the tube and also blended gently into exfoliated lips.
• New black hair- I'm obsessed with my new super dark locks. I'm happy to have my natural color back and how incredibly soft it is right now!
• Glitter crossbody bag/clutch- I'd include a link to this wonderful find, but I can't find it online and I want to keep this fabulous glitterful bag all to myself. ;) When I saw it, I knew it had to be mine. I'm saving it to wear for my 21st birthday with my prized red dress because it's the perfect piece to complete my outfit.
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Yellow Kitty- I love love love this creamy pale yellow. It is my go to color this week and it looks so awesome with my new tan. 
• Gillette Venus Embrace in Pink- I found this razor by accident and decided to give it a whirl. This has to give my legs the closest shave in the history of the world. The five blades weren't kidding. My legs feel so smooth and burn free. It came with one replacement blade and a thing to hold it in your shower!! Definitely recommend especially for under $10!!
• Going to the Suns game- I had the privilege of going to see the Suns play the Clippers last week and it was such a phenomenal game. I'm not a big basketball girl, baseball and football are my thing, but I had so much fun. 

xx - Dan