Trying Out Caudalíe

 Time and time again, Sephora lures me in with the miniature products at the checkout. French skincare companies are always raved about in the beauty community, and when I saw that Sephora had a set of two Caudalíe products for only $10, I could not resist. 

Spring Cleaning/Empties

Anyone who know me knows that I'm an avid cleaner. I stress clean, I clean if I'm bored, and I clean when I'm in a good mood. However, when it comes to make up and beauty products overall, I am not horribly strict when it comes to expiration dates. Recently I was inspired by Estée from Essie Button to throw out some of my oldest products that I haven't reached for in months. I also have added products that have reached their end. 

Polina's Favorite Shower Duo

Just a warning, I am not a big hair girl. I don't do very much to my hair, I usually will leave it natural or fix it up a little with a thin straightener. So my hair isn't exactly prone to much damage. I wanted to share with you guys what I do use on my hair and was has stood to be my favorite Shampoo-Conditioner duo. 

From Left: Shampoo, Conditioner

Sneaky Drugstore Haul

A week or so ago, I was having one of those days and I somehow ended up at CVS with my hands filled with things I have been eyeing for a while. You can tell that my purchases were a bit nail heavy...

Urban Outfitters Nail Polishes

Yesterday, when I was on a mission to buy new sunglasses with my friend Cora, being me, I ended up buying nail polish instead. To be fair, these particular nail polishes were on sale from 5 dollars to 99 cents so it would have been a crime to leave them there. I didn't find sunglasses, but did I leave with a bottle of Dust and a bottle of Slime. 

Masha's Nails of the Week #3

excuse my rough cuticles 

Another Sunday night, another manicure. Inspired by some pictures of nail design, I chose to experiment and did a spring nail with some metallic detail. 

Masha's March Favorites

I cannot believe that March has come and gone and that I'll be done with classes in a couple weeks! March has been filled with beauty products that have made me look fresh and ready for the upcoming sunny days. 

Polina's Natural Bright Eye Look

Since it is now Spring time I figure its time to bring out the natural bright look. I am a college student so that means 8 hours a night is an un-achievable goal. But that's what make up is for, right?

Masha's Aveda Experience

Winter has come and gone... well almost. After having a stressful morning, I decided that today was the day that I would go to the Aveda Institute to be pampered and vamp up my good 'ol hair. Before I get into the details, what I basically had done was had four to five inches cut off all my layers and had my hair deep conditioned in order to combat the damage done over the winter. I am happy to say that my split ends are gone! 

Polina's Newest Summer Obsession

I know its only March, but I can't help dream of June. Not too long ago I gave a first impression of the Kendall and Kylie Jenner Collection at PacSun, and I was saying that I was obsessed with the Printed Pants,  since then I have been seeing these everywhere. They can be more casual or dressy, I am just absolutely in love and I keep searching for the ones I will finally invest it. I am predicting these kind of pants will be everywhere come summer!

Here are some of my favorites:

Masha's March Wishlist

The week after spring break has put me into a damper mood. The things that always improve my mood are online shopping and going to the gym. Both have proven to release a rush of endorphins into the brain so that is my argument for spending hours on Polyvore. 

Polina's Review of Fossil Bag

Another post about a New York purchase! If you guys remember, I mentioned back in my February wishlist that I wanted a specific Fossil bag. After anxious long minutes walking around the store, considering whether I should spend a ridiculous amount of money on a new bag, I finally just did it. 

All the Small Things #1

Butter London "Knackered"
I have decided to start a series that was inspired by various bloggers such as Alix from I Covet Thee and Lily Pebbles of whatihearttoday.com. It's just a collection of a tidbit of things that have been making me happy lately. I've been home the past week for spring break and a hot bath and a home cooked meal always put me in a good mood. Not to mention being with family, for a short time at least, is a nice change from college life. However, there are other little things that have been bringing a bit of sunshine to these cold March days... 

Trying Out Face Masks

In an effort to make my skin healthier, I have chosen to dive into the world of scary green face masks. Not going to lie, I get a kick out of scaring people with this look as I walk from my dorm room to the bathroom. Of course the number one reason I've been putting on this mask is to make my pores smaller and skin tighter. 

Polina's Nails of the Week and 21 Days of Beauty

Scuppered

This post may be premature, but I am too excited to wait! My co-blogger Masha and I ventured out to our local Ulta to take advantage of the 21 Days of Beauty!

Polina's Inglot Eyeshadow Review

I have just recently returned from New York City! It was so much fun, and shopping was an obvious highlight. I had a hard time shopping in NYC because I don't want to buy anything that I could buy at home, I want to remember my purchases as THAT is what I bought on vacation in the city. I've heard a couple things about Inglot around the beauty world, but not enough to really be drawn to ordering anything online. While walking around Times Square I saw their store and decided to go check it out, because the MAC store is overwhelming and I am not about that. 

Courtesy of Fashion Island

Masha's Favorite Concealer

One of my longest relationships has been with a creme concealer from a brand that astonishes people time after time. This concealer has been with me through thick and thin: pimples, red spots, dark bag under my eyes... you name it, it's fixed it! It comes in a pod with three different colors so it easily matches your skin tone. Ready to find out where it's from?

Review of Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in "Natural Beauty"

If any of you read my latest wishlist post, then you would have seen this baby on the list. Since I'm on spring break right now, I figured it was the time to splurge on a make up item. Don't let the bright bright red color of Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty fool you, it is enchanting on the cheeks.

Masha's Spring Lipsticks

 It is finally getting warm outside and you can smell spring in the air. I figured it was time that I share a couple of my favorite spring lipsticks. As much as I adore berry colors, in the springtime and summertime, I wear lighter shades. 

Masha's Nails of the Week #2

Revlon Base Coat, Essie Bahama Mama, OPI Golden Eye, Seche Vite Top Coat 

Another week, another nail design. I might have a problem because I paint my nails way too often. Over the weekend I naughtily purchased Essie's Bahama Mama. Although most people are currently buying spring colors, there is still snow outside here so I decided a winter/fall color was still permissible to buy. Not to mention, I adore plum colors. 

Review of "Expert Sensitive Gentle Cleansing Wash"

One of the things I love to experiment with is cleansers. Skincare is something I've really been focusing on this year so when I was at Target a month or so ago, I picked this baby up. As much as I love that this is a foam cleanser, I have mixed feelings about this product...

Polina's Top Spring Nail Polishes

From Left: Air, Coral Reef, Tart Deco, Minted, Lacey Lilac

Happy March! Even though its snowing and below freezing outside, I'm tricking myself into thinking that it is already spring. Here are my some top spring nail polishes, plus a couple of alternatives to try!

Masha's February Favorites

I figured since my lovely collaborator posted about the products she indulged in this month, it was about time that I did the same. I must warn you my post is not as extensive as Polina's and it only focuses on beauty products I've been loving this past month. 

Polina's February Favorites

Sorry for the absence! I decided to do my February Favorites since its pretty much the end! Its been an awesome month, I have some fun beauty and non beauty favorites.

Review of February Birchbox

So I've done it again... 
I gave beauty boxes another go after my experience with ipsy's Glam Bag (read about it here). I wasn't expecting to get my Birchbox till next month, but it arrived two nights ago. With the Glam Bag, you know ahead of time what you're are getting. Some people may enjoy this, but I was more excited for my Birchbox because I had no idea what was inside. 

What's in Masha's Travel Makeup Bag

Hello lovely readers!

As some of you may know, I ventured home this weekend to visit my family. I brought with me some of my everyday makeup to hold me over while I'm this cold, dismal town. I won't be reviewing any of the items in this post, just merely showing what I brought with me in my makeup bag. 

Masha in the Kitchen: Meringues

Hello lovely readers! 

I decided to do something a bit out of the ordinary and post about something I have been baking for years: meringues. Whenever I come home from college I love to spend time in the kitchen since that isn't exactly possible in my residence hall. My entire family loves these sweet, fluffy treats so I decided to share this recipe with you all. 

Polina's Review of L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer

I, for some reason, haven't heard anything about these in the beauty blog/YouTube world, so I was excited to be able to try something out myself and review it! Small disclaimer: This is a very light review, I have only bought two colors, but I think I have a decent view of the collection, but I still encourage to try this out for yourself if this seems to fit your needs!

The colors that I chose to try out are Infinite Fuchsia and Lilac Ever After. 

Lilac Ever After

Infinite Fuchsia

Polina's Valentines Day Nail

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Even though its already Valentine's Day, its never too late to paint a cute festive pattern! I decided to do something a little different so I tried this out.

Masha's February Wishlist

Lovely readers, I think it would just be an injustice is I didn't inform you all of my most recent wants. It just wouldn't be consistent with the name of this blog; for we all have unlimited wants. 

1. The first item is a plumy peplum piece (what a tongue twister) by Lipsy London. Although the peplum trend seems to have transitioned to skirts and dresses, I think this top is a necessity for anyone's wardrobe. In my opinion, peplum is  flattering on almost any body type and who could resist such a beautiful wine color? Also, although it's not obvious on the picture below, the top is structured and has texture to it. The Cap Sleeve Peplum Top retails for £25, which is just under $40. 

*Picture made with Polyvore.com

February 2013 "Glam Bag" Review

Beauty subscription services have revolutionized the way makeup lovers experiment with products. In the last two to three years, dozens of companies have emerged with the promise to satisfy your beauty needs through a monthly package with 4-5 samples. This month, I have finally jumped on the bandwagon and ordered myself a "Glam Bag" from http://www.ipsy.com/. This beauty subscription was started by makeup artist, Michelle Phan, and cost only $10 per month. 

Polina's First Impression: Kendall & Kylie PacSun Collection

As some of you may know, Kendall and Kylie Jenner (half sisters of the Kardashian girls) have come out with their very own line of clothing through PacSun which went live on the website and stores Feb 8th. I have been a pretty faithful Kardashian fan, so I am excited by anything that has to do with them. PacSun was definitely the right choice of store for their collection because they are very California and are into the beachy styles (I do a lot of Instagram creeping of their lives...). You can see that the collection features a good amount of tops, bottoms, accessories, and dresses.

Masha's Top Winter Lipsticks

In my opinion, winter is the best time to wear bright colors on your lips because your complexion is at its lightest (unless you're lucky enough to live in a location where it's sunny year-round). I feel like I'm at that age where actual lipstick, not lipgloss or lip stain, is typically only acceptable for special outings. However, for an everyday look, I usually apply a lighter coat of the lipstick than when I'm going out. This still livens my face and makes me look less like a zombie. 

Polina's February Wishlist

As I was browsing blogs I saw a cool idea, A Little Bit Unique, does wishlists. I feel as though it is appropriate for me to write down all the things I want this month, but am 99% likely not to get.

The first is obviously going to be a bag. I have been carrying around the same bag for 3 years. I got it in the UK at New Look for around £10 and now its on it's last strand. Its barely holding up, but its been a good friend. The bag that I have been eyeing is one from Fossil. Fossil in itself is an amazing brand for watches, bags, and wallets. The products will last a long time and I know endless amount of people who swear by it. The only problem, as usual, with products that are amazing quality, is the price. I chose this bag, Vintage Revival Crossbody in Brown. They have other beautiful colors but this plain jane one just steals my heart. One day. Retails at $178.

Masha's Nails of the Week #1

Doing my nails has always been an activity reserved for the end of the day and is my preferred method of relaxation. Lately, I've been really enjoying a neutral nail with a top coat called Only Gold For Me from Sephora by OPI. This week, I'm wearing Leotard Optional from Sephora by OPI that came as a mini in a holiday nail polish set (Tinsel Town Collector's Set). I love mini versions of nail polishes because I am rarely able to finish off a large bottle of polish and since the smaller polishes usually come in sets, I am able to try a large array of colors. 

Leotard Optional on the right, Only Gold For Me on the left.

Polina's Favorite Moisturizer "Yes to Tomatoes!"

I’ve recently started getting into taking care of my skin with things other than some random face wash. Mostly because as I watch YouTube, I see all the options in skin care. Most “good” products are way out of my price range, therefore I try to explore in the drug store area. My biggest fear at all times is to somehow, accidentally, end up like this :

Review of Lush Lip Scrub in "Mint Julips"

Although Lush stores are filled with a multitude of colorful soaps, bath bombs, and other eye-catching concoctions, I have spent little time experimenting with their products. The stores are filled with overwhelming aromas and the walls are lined with charming wooden shells. I always feel as if I've stepped out of the noisy mall and into a small European boutique (which is no wonder since the company was founded in England). I have a great deal of respect for this company because all their cosmetics are handmade and they never use animal testing. The item I purchased not so long ago is one of their lip scrubs in the flavor Mint Julips. 

Review of Tarte Glamazon in "Playful"

My relationship with lipstick goes something like this: I go to CVS and look at all the bright new colors. Usually crazy pinks, corals, and purples. Think to myself, wow I can pull this off because I’m really tan. Come home, try them on, remember I am a ghost, and they sit sadly in my lipstick drawer until that peak of summer when I am ALMOST tan enough . Not that I don’t like to embrace my paleness, I just often forget how it can limit me. So, when I found this color I was intrigued.  I was really excited about the Glamazon lipsticks by Tarte because first of all, I heard they have awesome staying power. I am not someone who usually likes to reapply makeup because I’m lazy. I decided to treat myself for this winter to one of their darker colors called, "Playful"