One of the best lipstick formulas that I’ve discovered in 2016 is the NYX Liquid Suede formula. I generally prefer solid to liquid lipstick, but I’ve somehow collected three Liquid Suedes: Amethyst, Stone Fox, and most recently Brooklyn Thorn, one of the 12 new shades released this past spring. I have no idea what the… Read More NYX Liquid Suede and Suede Matte Lip Liner in Brooklyn Thorn
Surfacing briefly from the dissertation abyss to give you my November update! I’m proud to say that I made only one beauty order on Black Friday—I bought some new clothes that I really needed, so I couldn’t justify splurging on makeup too. And November was my birthday month, so I received a few makeup gifts,… Read More Low-Buy Progress Report #11: November
My archives tell me that I haven’t written a comprehensive skincare post since February 2015 (!), and a lot has changed since then. When better to post my updated routine than on the coldest day of fall so far? Though I don’t really alter my skincare regimen from season to season, perhaps you’ll find something… Read More Skincare Routine, Fall 2016
It turns out that I have time for one more post before I head to New York tomorrow! A lot of new products entered my life in October, and though some of them were gifts, some were…definitely not. It’s not exactly shocking that I bought more stuff than usual last month. October tends to be… Read More Low-Buy Progress Report #10: October
During my trip to LA in August, my chronic absent-mindedness struck again: I managed to lose my tube of NARS Dolce Vita, my trusty “purse lipstick.” Despite my usual preference for bold matte or semi-matte lipsticks, I like having a sheer MLBB on me at all times, in case I don’t have a chance to… Read More Dolce Vita Dupe: Revlon Super Lustrous Sheer Lipstick in Pink Truffle
NYX expanded its matte lipstick line at the beginning of this year, adding some trendier colors to its extensive but mundane collection of reds, pinks, and nudes. The new shade that immediately caught my eye was Up the Bass, a medium purple with a large dose of gray. Because we were heading into spring at… Read More NYX Matte Lipstick in Up the Bass
I just finished The Scar, the second book in China Miéville’s Bas-Lag trilogy, which takes place in and around the diverse, sprawling, corrupt city of New Crobuzon. I love fiction about cities—not just set in them, but about them—and Miéville clearly shares my passion. The Scar centers on the linguist Bellis Coldwine, ex-girlfriend of the… Read More China Miéville Lipstick: NYX Velvet Matte in Midnight Muse
I thought I’d post more after returning from England, but instead I’ve spent most of my time agonizing over a dissertation chapter that I’m revising (well, basically rewriting). You know that feeling when you read over an unfinished piece of writing one too many times, and suddenly it seems to dissolve before your very eyes,… Read More Beauty Abroad, Part 20: Barry M Nail Paints in Butterscotch Sundae, Damson, and Vintage Violet
Seventeen is a British beauty brand that had never sparked my interest prior to last month’s UK trip. It doesn’t get much press in the blogosphere, probably because it’s exclusive to the drugstore giant Boots and so lacks a solid brand identity. Boots has two house beauty brands: the more famous and extensive Boots No.… Read More Beauty Abroad, Part 19: Seventeen Eyeshadow Mono in Statuesque
The title of this post is misleading, since I took a break from my low-buy during my month in England (I’m writing this on my last evening here). I’ll just say it: I bought twelve new pieces of makeup and nail polish in June. This is going to be a haul post. Which is okay!… Read More Low-Buy Progress Report #6: June
Auxiliary Beauty 