INSIDE MY BAG || TAG

Perfect timing to be tagged for a "What's inside my bag" tag as the diaper bag has recently retired. Thanks to my sweet friend Sam (@dazzlefabble) for tagging me to show all of my bag's glossy wonders.

I try to keep my bag organized mostly, but with a toddler around there's either toys/snacks forgotten in there, or crumbled receipts thrown in a hurry as I run after her. 

So, here you go my darlings ... Take a look inside my purse and crack a giggle as life is beautiful, sweet and messy at times <I'm becoming more accepting of it since I've had a baby>

As usual, I have way too many lip products in my purse. I adore my Chanel Coco Rouge Shine for everyday usage as they don't dry out my lips and provide color and moisture in one. I also love the Chanel Glossimers as well, but I find myself to wear them more rarely as they prevent me from smooching my baby <dislike leaving the sticky product on her perfect face>.

The Tory Burch red patent wallet is a favorite of mine <an oldie, but a goodie>. The Jimmy Choo sunglasses provide the protection and style all at once. I do were contacts and the ClearEyes drops are definitely needed during the day, especially if I'm wearing them for too long. While the goldfish are a snack for my sweet baby <sometimes mommy as well>, the wipes are used right afterwards to clean up the messy, chubby hands.

What's in your bag? Do tell - I'd love to hear from you

SISTERHOOD OF WORLD || TAG

I was tagged on this post by a lovely IG member/blogger named Samileen whose IG account is Dazzlefable and Blog is named BeautyDetour.blogspot.com <fabulous feeds to follow and swoon over>. 

Let's carry on with the tag questions...

1 | It's 2am, what are you up to?

Easily asleep, unless tending to my daughter

2 |  Are you all time partier or home-body?

I enjoy being with my daughter and husband - whether that's home or out n' about. I take pleasure out of having friends/family over as well. 

3 | What's your phone's lock screen background?

My baby girl's brightly red painted toes *nom nom*

4 | Your dream vacation?

I'm a hot weather lover; therefore beach relaxation is my R&R of choice. If I'd have to pick a specific location would have to be either Fiji and/or Bora Bora.

5 | What was your first makeup product?

While thinking real hard for this answer, I feel like I'm ages old. If my memory serves me correctly, I would have to say that it was definitely a lip product and most likely, a lip gloss.

6 | 5 products on your wishlist?

I just recently did a post listing all that I'm currently lusting over - check it out here

7 | Worst Social Media site in your point-of-view?

Ahhh duh, it's Flickr. I'm clearly addicted to IG.  

8 | What freaks you out the most?

Snakes and spiders

9 | How would you react if all your make-up got stolen? 

Definitely file a police report stat!!!!!! 

10 | Pet peeves? 

Dirty utensils/dishes and/or fractured dishes at a restaurant, people chewing loudly, and people blowing their nose while seated to dine. Why can't humans be born with these minimalistic manners embedded in them right at birth?!?!?

Follow me on Bloglovin' and Instagram dolls

Xo,
Anxhela

NEW BEAUTY || ON MY RADAR

This time of year is fabulous - not only because of the weather getting warmer, but also the gorgeous colorful beauty collections coming out. As a reminder, the Sephora Beauty Insider sale starts soon (April 12th for VIB Rouge members) Some of the items on my list are via Sephora, the rest are from Nordstrom. 

1 I I am a huge fan of Caudalie and them coming out with these new face masks, which target different needs. The options include the Purifying Mask, the Instant Detox Mask, the Glycolic Peel, and the Moisturizing Mask ($39 each). 

2 I The Tory Burch eyeshadow palettes come in three different color hues: the Catch, the Cat's Meow and the Pas du Tout. My preferred one is the "Catch" and quite excited to swatch it and test it out ($60 each). 

3 I I'm intrigued and quite anxious to try Tatcha (any of its products for that matter). Who doesn't want to have impeccable skin like Japanese women are known to?  I'm mainly more interested in the Polished Rice Enzyme Powder, which promises to remove all the impurities and leave the skin smooth and polished in an instant. It functions not only as a cleanser, but also as a toner ($65) 

4 I Bobbi Brown "Pink" Cheek Palette is loaded with three light pink shades of blush - neutral, bright and a highlighter. As any of Bobbi Brown's blushes, I'm quite certain that the palette would not disappoint in its longevity and quality ($45)

5 I Who doesn't love a nude lip?!? These Nars Nude Scene lip glosses promise just that. They come in two colors: Guyane (pale nude pink) and Vent Sale (clear with silvery specks of shimmer) ($29 each)

6 I Tom Ford Eye Color Duo come in three different shades: Crushed Indigo (blue hue), Raw Jade (green hue) and Ripe Plum (purple hue). Gorgeous to look and even more gorgeous to wear!! ($60 each)

What's in your beauty radar? Are you planning to take advantage of Sephora sale this week?

YSL POP WATER COLLECTION: GLOSSY STAINS

YSL and Nordstrom have released an exclusive collaboration named Pop Water Collection. It consists of new shades of Glossy Stains, Nail Lacquers and a new Metallic Eyeshadow formula. This collection is currently available only at Nordstrom until mid-late April. 

This collection includes:

• Vernis à Lèvres' Plump Up Glossy Stain $36
• Vernis à Lèvres' Glossy Stain $36
• La Laque Couture' Nail Lacquer $27
• Full Metal Shadow' Metallic Color Liquid Eyeshadow $30

I picked up quite a few of the lip stains (5 lip stains and the lip plumper) - they're fresh and juicy colors, which really brighten up the mood for spring/summer. 

In order (left-right) - Plump-up (200), Dewy Red (201), Rouge Splash (202), Eau De Corail (203), Pink Rain (205), Juicy Peach (207)

The sponge tip is perfectly shaped to get precise application around the edges while the flat beveled parts allow you to fill in and cover the entire lip. They are perfectly designed to allow impeccable application each time. 

The plumper is very hydrating on the lips. It comes in a very pale pink shimmery hue, but on the lips it is basically clear. It is very hydrating and gives the lips a pretty long-lasting shine. 

The tinted lip stains come in variations of bright summery colors, but still wearable. One swipe on your lips allows a transformation into a soft tint, while additional swipes would build on more color. 

The scent on these stains is a very soft sweet grapefruit scent, but it is not overwhelming and still pleasant. I am in love with the Pop Water Glossy stains and very content with all the colors that I chose above. 

Have you tried any of these? Which ones are your favorites? Let me know your thoughts below...

Xo,
Anxhela

SWIMWEAR RESORT READY

The winter is dreading (it always does) and I find myself several times, within 24hrs, day-dreaming of a vacation on a white sandy beach, with crystal blue ocean, and sunny skies while having a bubbly cocktail in my hand ... heck, 80 degree weather would suffice right about now!!

I have a few bikinis that I rotate during each summer (thankfully, they still fit), but I'm on the look-out for new swimwear as styles and preferences change and evolve. 

Nowadays, I have come across several websites that carry beautifully made and orchestrated swimwear - from low to high end cost. This season, print is a big hit amongst different designers and I cannot lie, that I seem to like it as well. Thumbs up!!

Topshop Scalloped One Piece ($68) via Nordstrom

Braided Bandeau Bikini ($48) via Target

Clover Canyon Abstract Garden Neoprene Bikini ($194) via Bloomingdale's

Coco Rave Bandeau Monokini ($80) via Nordstrom

Black Tie Dye Embellished Bikini ($35) via Target

PilyQ Patara Diamond Triangle Bikini ($144) via Bloomingdale's

Mara Hoffman Sunspoke Navy Bandeau Bikini ($244) via Bloomingdale's

Which one is your favorite? 

Xo,
Anxhela

LONG-LASTING WATERPROOF EYELINERS

I'm quite confident when I say that we've all been there ... whether it is a hot & humid summer day or a long work day, the eyeliner that you placed in the morning on an impeccable face, starts to go rouge and migrate south within a few hours. 

I've been down that road before and thought that it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite black long-lasting waterproof eyeliners that I've encountered to be successful and true to their promise. 

Hopefully, these come handy to some of you. The rest, please let me know if you have a different favorite than the rest for me to try out.

Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner

The Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid eyeliner ($20) is my current favorite that I use on a daily basis. It has a felt tip pen-like applicator, which makes it precise in applying it whether it is the top or lower lashes. This liner does not smudge or smear when wet and it comes off very well when you're washing your face. 

Chanel Waterproof Long-lasting Eyeliner

The Chanel Waterproof Long-lasting eyeliner ($32) is smudge-proof, waterproof and long-lasting (all that it's promised). Do not consider me biased because of my true love for Chanel - this is an excellent eyeliner to own in your makeup collection. 

Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner 

The Sephora Retractable Waterproof eyeliner ($12) is easy to use and only smudged on me a bit after an all-day usage (8-6 day) and exposure to water. The removal of it was easy with the face-wash products. 

Marc Jacobs Precision Waterproof Pen 

The Marc Jacobs Precision Waterproof Pen eyeliner ($30) features a certain tip that draws thin & thick precision lines with a shiny and blackest black. This liner does not fade, transfer or smudge and it really does last all day. 

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl liner ($20) stays sharp after each use without needing to sharpen it manually. It's application is easy and the lines are sharp and jet black. This liner allows you to either leave it in place after applied or smudge it out.

Have a lovely evening dolls!! 

Xo,

Anxhela 

TOO FACED NATURAL MATTE EYESHADOW PALETTE

The new Too Faced Natural Matte Eyeshadow palette ($36) for Summer 2015 is loaded up with matte, natural shades for fresh & classy eye looks during spring/summer. The "story" has it that a minimal, yet sophisticated face with a lot more contouring might be THE thing this summer!! I say ... style above trend.

The shadows come gently packed within a tin box with a magmatic closure - easy to open and just as easy & gentle to close. 
Take a peek below...

As with all Too Faced Eye Collection Palettes, this palette includes a how-to look guide (neatly and tightly packed against the mirror) as well as nine shades of eyeshadow. 

The shades have beautiful pigmentation. They're smooth, creamy and buildable. Although they might seem slightly soft in the palette, while they dust off a bit as well, I'm confident as I say that it does not transfer to the eye.  

You can locate this beauty at Ulta via their website or store.  

Let me know your thoughts below if you have already tried or want to try it asap. 

Xo,
Anxhela