My Holiday Haul

This year Santa sure delivered in a big way! I got many of the beauty items on my wish list for Christmas and have been absolutely loving them.  I wanted to give you all a preview of some of the new products that you can expect to see reviews of soon.  With the holiday madness, I've had no time to post, but I'll be getting back into the swing of things soon with some reviews of these awesome products!

What did you get as gifts this holiday season?  Any favorites?  Let me know in the comments!

Christmas Wishes

We all have them:  those beauty items that you covet all year long, but just can't bring yourself to buy because of how dang expensive they are.  These are the items that make up my holiday wish list.  Here's a little insight into what I'm wishing for this year!

1. Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara, $19 I'm usually not a big spender when it comes to mascaras, sticking to Maybelline to make my lashes pop.  Maybe that's why I've been so dissatisfied.  I've heard rave reviews of this mascara, and hope I'll be able to try it out for myself!
2. NARS Orgasm Blush, $28 The mother of all blushes, according to the beauty blogosphere.  I own a supposed dupe for it (Elf's Candid Coral, check out my post here), but I've heard that nothing beats the real thing.  With a hefty price tag, it's not something I would normally buy for myself... but hopefully Santa will deliver!
3. Julep Nail Polish, $14  I don't even care what shade it is. This luxury nail color brand is all over Pinterest and even made the list of Oprah's favorite things 2012.  I want it all over my nails.
4. MAC 286 Brush, $31  I really need a good blending brush.  Mine just ain't cuttin' it.  I've heard that MAC brushes are wonderful, and I'd love something that would last me a long time!
5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $43  The most expensive on the list.  I'm not a big foundation wearer--I've always had fairly clear skin, so I just like a bit of sheer coverage for color control.  Tinted Moisturizer is my go-to, and I've heard this is just about as good as it gets.
6. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $19  This is one of my tried-and-true products.  It's the only liquid eyeliner that has ever had a brush I've been able to work with, it stays all day, and WOW is it ever pigmented!  I'm running out of my supply and need to get my hands on more... And I'd love to try out a few other shades from their rainbow supply of colors!
7. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, $13  I really do love this stuff.  It's super moisturizing, and lasts a really long time.  I have it in "Honey" and "Romantic."  I use "Honey" almost every day, but would love to expand my collection for more options!

So that's my Christmas Beauty List for this year... What's yours?  Any comments on the products I'm just dying to get ahold of?  Let me know in the comments!

Newest Beauty Buy: elf Studio Blush in Candid Coral

While shopping at Target the other day for something completely unrelated, I once again found myself in the cosmetics section of the store.  I was thrilled to find that they had an elf display--they seem to be hard to find where I'm from!

I had been reading a lot about elf's Studio Blushes, particularly a shade called "Candid Coral."  According to the blogosphere, Candid Coral is a close dupe for the ever-coveted NARS Orgasm shade.  Well, it was only $3 compared to the $26 I would have to shell out for an Orgasm compact, so I snatched it up!

I've only used it a few times, but I have to say that I'm super impressed!  The product is silky soft, and is a perfectly flattering shade for my skin tone.  It gives me a subtle flush that looks natural, but with the slightest bit of gold shimmer.  I don't own NARS Orgasm blush, but I imagine that this comes pretty close!

Also, the packaging for this product is unreal for only $3.  It's a hard, sleek black plastic that is sturdy and reliable.

For such an unbelievably low price, this is my new go-to blush!  I plan on picking up a few more shades to test out as well, and may deliver a full review with swatches when I have some more!

Have you used elf Studio Blush?  What do you think?  Which shade is your favorite?  Let me know in the comments!