Naked 3.

Urban Decay recently released a third Naked Palette- one with more pink hues. Since my eyes are blueish/green, I knew these colours would certainly compliment my eyes. Justifying this purchase was fairly easy. And by having the first one, I know that you get what you pay for = quality.

 

The palette includes twelve eyeshadows in hues of pink and brown. It also includes a dual-ended eye brush, and a week’s worth of samples of each of their primers. Overall, it’s a really lovely palette filled with eyeshadows that are highly pigmented, soft, blendable, and easy to use. Out of the entire palette, Blackheart is definitely my favourite - it's described as a “smoky black matte with rosy red micro-sparkle.” It’s a deep, blackened burgundy with warm, reddish-brown undertones and ruby red micro-shimmer. Loves it.  In my picture, I used Limit all over my lid,  Strange on my browbone,  Factory for the crease/contour and a little bit of Blackheart on the outer V.

A perfect stocking stuffer!

Breakfast at Tiffany's.

On Monday, my coworker stumbles into my office to show off his new Tiffany's ring. A ring I've always hoped to someday get but CANNOT justify purchasing it at this time. So, I spent the remainder of the week looking at knockoffs on eBay and lookalikes on Etsy. 20$ plus 20$ shipping seemed to be the trend. Also, I can't justify spending 20$ on shipping for a knockoff, so that wasn't an option.

Just as I was forgetting about my need for this ring (like every other impluse, it fades) I came across this booth in Union Station with sterling silver jewellery. I saw an exact replica and bought it almost immediately- 30$, much better than 600$.

I know. Small chubby hands. Whatever. As for my nails, I'm wearing Baby it's Coal Outside  by OPI. And yes, I broke the nail on my ring finger.

$$$ VS. $.

Leaving Ottawa was a no brainer for me. I couldn't endure longdistance much longer and I felt it was time. I was in a stagnant state you could say. Moving meant leaving my Permamant Full-Time job, my pension plan, my benefits etc...for a part-time contract at a Non-Profit organization. Love I tell you. I regress. It was a rough going though. The pay cut was quite large and the public sector to non profit transition was a challenge.  HOWEVER, I survived. The contract part-time slowly transition to Full-Time and I've discovered that Non Profit is actually amazing.

During my "poor days", I had to make a few sacrifices. The luxury items I would normally purchase had to temporarily be replaced. I must say though, I learned a thing or two!

Makeup: This was tough since I am a makeup snob. I knew spending 40$ on eyeliner gel wasn't happening anymore. I swallowed my pride and walked through the doors of shoppers drugmart.
Before : Smashbox Jet Set Water Proof -25$	After : Maybelline Gel Liner - 8$

Result:
I actually prefer the Maybelline. It doesn't smudge or rub off on my eyelid. Quite pleased. The smashbox dried out within a month and once it's dried out, theres no going back. The Maybelline liner also appears much darker than Smashbox. I don't think I'll be going back once I run out. We'll see.

Nail Polish: Huge OPI snob. This was the hardest one. But, as much as I hate to say it, the quality of their product seems to have gone downhill a lot.
Before : OPI – 10$	After : Revlon ColorStay

Result:
I bought a Revlon nail polish in Peach and I was impressed. It didn't chip - it actually lasted a week. Very impressive. 

Hairspray: The catwalk It smells incredible.  Maybe I was buying it for the wrong reasons
Before : Tigi Catwalk Hairspray – 22$	After : Nexus Maxximum Hold – 10$

Result:
I don't remember it being amazing hairspray, I mostly remember the smell. Now the Nexxus may not smell as good, but it sure works wonders.

Here it is! A few ways to save a little extra. It goes a long way.