Not Quite Naked

Despite Summertime's standing order for all things bright and neon I have found myself reaching for nudes over and over again these last few weeks.

Maybe it's my not so secret longing for it to already be fall ( please?!) or maybe my collection, despite my attempts to streamline, is just so large that making a decision is just impossible.

Either way I have really been enjoying the simplicity of a neutral not-quite mannequin hands manicure these last few weeks.

From left to right.

Summer Skin Savers

This Summer my skin has been in full on rebellion mode. No matter what I do I can't seem to get it under control.

Between the horrendous NYC air, makeup, the heat and a busier social life now that the Polar Vortex is a distant memory there has been a lot more skin TLC to go around.

I seem to have cobbled together a few items from my stash that have really cleared things up.

Jewelery Collection, Storage and, Organization

Last weekend I got the sudden urge to purge. This happens every once and a while when I realize that I'm not wearing or using or reaching for things and I just try to pass them along.

 I am a New Yorker, space is expensive.

So I picked the dressers. I went through and got rid of everything that was worn through and threw it out and anything that was in good enough shape gets donated or passed along to friends. The fun part though ended up being the jewelery. It was long overdue for some attention and with overflowing glass candy bowls and odd earrings on every surface of my apartment I thought a new storage set up was in order. 

I got a few nice bargain pieces from Marshalls, an old display piece from Urban Outfitters, a metal storage box from Target's holiday collaboration last year and an empty diptyque candle jar and I was in business.

If you want to take a peek at how I put things together have a peek behind the cut!

My Cart #2: The Beauty Edit

Ah the wish list. 

With Summer in full swing I've come to find there are things I like the idea of adding to my beauty repertoire.While I never really have a good excuse to buy more makeup I will justify it to myself somehow. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. There is nothing to be said about this 

that hasn't already been said. I have gone through countless samples of this and I've loved it every time. I think after ears of hemming and hawing it's time to just make the purchase already.

 Ah Marc-y Marc. I jumped on this bandwagon pretty hard last spring when Jacob's line first rolled out and it wowed me right away. Since then though I have not been as impressed with the other things I've tried but, then there was this. The Kiss Pop Color Stick. It's so damn adorable and I just want one. End of story.

I used to live on Dior mascaras. No joke. In college when my routine was simplified to facilitate my poor sleeping (not sleeping) habits this was my high end drug of choice. I used DiorShow Blackout religiously tube after tube until I got my own job. Now that I have some spare dollars to throw around once the rent's been collected I think it might be time to revisit my old ways in the form of DiorShow Iconic Overcurl.

 I went into great detail over my love of all things Hourglass yesterday and after months of being overwhelmed by choice I've finally decided which of the Ambient Lighting Powder Blushes I'm committing to. Diffused Heat is the winner and I think it will look great with what remains of my summer tan as well as act as a nice autumnal flush when the time comes. (No seriously, is it October yet?)

So what is on your wishlist?

Hostile Takeover

I have never had a brand weasel it's way into my collection the way Hourglass has. Considering the financial impact of that I feel like that really says something about the quality of the product. Not only have I amassed a  lot from the brand but they are products that I reach for every day without fail. 

It's About Damn TIme: Lorac Pro 2

Confession time. I never bought the Lorac Pro Palette.

 Never. 

I thought about it, thought about it some more and just never pulled the trigger. Now I think I know why.

It is a very same-y palette.

 Don't get me wrong I think there is a lot of merit in that but, I just didn't particularly see the merit in if for me. This one, well it's a whole different eyeshadow ballgame.

Summer Essentials 2014| TheUnanimousMolly

What has been on you this summer? Clothes, skincare, makeup I want to know! 

Me personally; I hate summer but, I have managed to compile a small selection of things that definitely make the whole experience bearable. If you love this time of year by all means enjoy but as for me...is it October yet?! 

The Summer Lip : New From Rimmel

Rimmel Moisture Renew has had a bit of a makeover! The formula and the packaging have been given a lovely update in time to freshen up the Summer selection at the drugstore.

In addition to a new formula and new packaging, the color lineup has been updated and vastly improved if you ask me.

I picked up two colors and they are the only things I've worn so far this week.

Look on the (Very) Bright Side: Summer Nail Shakedown

About six months ago I made a nail polish purge video. 

I got rid of 100+ bottles.

That is STUPID

 I STILL have a ton of polish. A ton.

As much as it's a little ridiculous I've come to the conclusion that it is OK. I use the ones that I have and I love them. As long as I'm aware and get rid of the filler a few times a year I will be good.

I've been so good that this is my first real nail polish haul in months. I saw some new things I liked and was feeling seasonal-so shop I did. ;)

Ed Note: Don't Pack Hungover

Well long time no post.

 This time I have a good reason.

 My computer had had enough of my shenanigans and thought it was better off quietly heading off to it's final resting place. No hard feelings though, with a little help I was able to manage a solid upgrade and am back in the blogging fray.

Now, on to a realization I had this morning when I went to my weekend makeup bag before heading out to pick up my new technology baby. 

Packing a makeup bag hungover is a poor life choice. Not to mention the implications of ending up hungover in the first place but, that wasn't really what I came here to talk about *shame face*

Practice Safe Sun

 I am an idiot.

No really I am. Sun protection is one of those things that every beauty forum preaches about until they are blue in the face. For good reason. Let the sun abuse you = potential untimely death.

Ok that was dramatic but you get it.

So if all of this is common knowledge why have I already let myself suffer through 2 sunburns (1 severe) this summer.

...because I am an idiot.

Homebase

When you spend most of your time in a big dirty, hot, busy city it is neccesary (especially during the Summer months) to get OUT for a few days every once and a while. 

This July 4th I opted to head north out of the city and visit my parents in the Hudson Valley for a few days and it is proving to be exactly what I needed. Rain or shine puppy cuddles and fresh air are doing me all kinds of good!

Tomorrow there will be some bonus beauty programming as I am doing a bit of shopping with Mom tomorrow morning and I have already picked up some new things since I arrived. 

What can I say?

 Old habits die hard...or just keep getting worse.

Happy 4th of July!

June Favorites 2014| TheUnanimousMolly

What did you love this month?

Matte Sparkle

I love a good contradiction. Especially in beauty and fashion. I like it when someone takes something ugly and makes you look at it in a way that makes it seem beautiful. Even better, when someone takes something very "in your face" and tones it down in a way that makes it more subtle and somehow even more eye catching.

Thus my obsession with matte glitter was born.

It adds a polka dot abstract art kind of vibe to the nails without the need for a dotting tool. 

Don't get me wrong I love nail art as much as the next girl but my life has gotten busier lately and this is just a MUCH more attractive option.

The Milani Sugar High, while not completely matte is mostly matte and it has this macaron-like color palette that makes it look arty and dessert-y all at once.

The Sephora Formula X shade TNT, the first I've bought from the range, is just this solid colored cobalt blue matte glitter. Over a white nail this is a crazy bold polka dot type pattern but over a nude or grey it gives this amazing marbleized texture that would take time a patience to achieve otherwise.

As much as actual sparkle has been taking a backseat these days matte sparkle has been moving to center stage.

The best part? With a matte topcoat any glitter can be a matte glitter :).

The Spectrum: Turquoise

If Coral is my springtime go to then Turquoise is definitely my Summer choice. I love the way it pairs with gold, a summer tan and pops against my "I'maNewYorkerSoI'mForeverInBlack" wardrobe. 

If you have yet to dabble in a hit of turquoise look no further because this is a good place to dip your feet in.