New makeup finds & reviews!

I just happened to stumble across Makeup Geek videos on You Tube one day last week (I know,  I know... I'm so behind the times, in my defense - I make You Tube videos, but then never have time to actually WATCH any!) and I fell in love! Simple to the point instructions, great photo qualities, and products from brands I already was using. Win, win, win.

I was driven to their website out of my natural curiosity to check things out, and slam dunk - more great tutorials, reviews, and even a makeup store!

After watching on makeup tutorial in particular on Contouring, I decided to put in an order to their store to get the Coastal Scents concealer quad (used in the video), NYX green concealer, and the MUG stippling brush. (Perfect to use with my Make Up For Ever HD Foundation!) They arrived super quickly, I ordered on a Wednesday and received my items by Saturday!

The Coastal Scents concealer quad in light is fantastic! (Currently sold out on the Coastal Scents website.) It comes with four shades, a light concealer, a salmon shade, a white to blend, and a light green tinted shade. The light concealer works perfectly under my makeup to hide blemishes, and the salmon color has worked great under my eyes.

I opted to get the seperate NYX green concealer, because I liked the green tint of it more. (You can see in the photo below the difference.) It conceals the red areas I get on the sides of my nose and lasts all day long.

The MUG stippling brush happened to be 25% off when I placed my order, but I probably would have purchased it at it's regular price as well. In a different Makeup Geek video that I watched, she applied foundation flawlessly with the brush - and I knew I had to try it! It was no hoax, I got the brush and it ended all of my liquid foundation application woes! It goes on smoothly and I've only had minimal issues with shedding. I will be ordering more of these brushes in the future when it comes time for replacements.

The best part? The prices! Everything was reasonably priced and cost me the same amount that one item at Sephora would have, this was my first time trying the Coastal Scents or NYX brands - so I was pleasantly surprised that the products really did DO what I wanted them to! I'm looking forward to trying more items from these brands in the future!

Rebecca Minkoff

I had a small foray into the Rebecca Minkoff brand a few years ago, my first RM bag was a Dusty Morning After Mini. A gorgeous color with smooshy leather and silver hardware. (My prefered hardware color.) However it just didn't last long, I was used to Balenciaga leather and styles - and the Dusty color seemed too delicate, too light... for the type of use that I give my bags.

Personal photo - RM Dusty MAM

So it was sold. I've off and on browsed Minkoffs since then, but haven't taken the plunge and tried another one yet. Lately though, I've been getting the urge to give them a try "post-baby" and see what kind of mommy bag a more durable color/leather would be.

This time around, I thought I would go with a durable dark color - like black or navy, that could go with almost anything and be resistant to whatever may be on Cupcake's hands at the moment.

Something like this black Morning After Mini from Luna Boston would be a classic and sure to go with everything:

www.lunaboston.com, RM Black MAM, $495

And this cute little tassel by Rebecca Minkoff would make an adorable keychain or bag charm for a pop of color:

www.lunaboston.com, RM Teal Tassel, Sale Price $22

However, because of my love of blue - I can't help by feel drawn to this Navy Morning After Mini on Muse Ten's website. It's on sale too!

www.museten.com, RM Navy MAM, Sale Price $395

I go in phases where I get bored with one brand and get the urge to branch out to try other things, so we'll see if I indeed give Rebecca Minkoff another chance in the future. It's a fun brand that has styles that have become more of a "classic" like the Morning After and Morning After Mini - so I think it would be great to keep at least one Rebecca Minkoff bag incorporated in my collection.

Beaded Necklace from 'Cassia de Shanghai'

My necklace from Cassia de Shanghai arrived, and it's gorgeous!

It's the "Hainan" style necklace, a beautiful turquoise dyed howlite beaded necklace on turquoise thread. It has subtle veining, that isn't even as apparent in real life as it appears in the with flash pictures. The clasp is just gorgeous, with little flower details - and the little pouches they come in are such a fantastic finishing touch!

I'm thinking about ordering something in a pink color tone next, either the "Something Pink", "Peach", or "Chinese Rose" styles. If you get a chance to check out their website, let me know which one you think would go best with my complexion! Also, you can visit their Facebook page HERE.

I love the simple elegance of a beaded necklace! I'm thinking they might become my go-to items for dressing up my maternity wardrobe!

(I purchased this product on my own and am doing an independent review of the item. Reviewer has received no compensation for writing this review.)