Pic Inspo: Cara Delevingne Vogue Brazil 2014

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend! Recently, I was browsing through some fashion spreads and came across several beautiful photos featuring Cara Delevingne in February's Vogue Brazil. I thought the colors were a great preview for what to expect this Spring/Summer and couldn't help but put together some simple ways in which you might be able to incorporate the bright colors into your wardrobe through bright and bold accessories inspired by the spread!

As always, I welcome your thoughts and look forward to your comments!

♥ Joy ♥

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

Product Review: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine

Happy Hump Day! Hope everyone is enjoying their Wednesday.
In the past, I've come across many positive reviews by fellow bloggers on various YSL products. However, due to the price point of the brand, I've never purchased a single item. Recently, after much research, I bit the bullet and picked up YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in number 12 Corail Incandescent from Sephora.com. After about a month of use, I am finally ready to post a review on the product.

Pictures were captured in natural light

Although YSL has several lip products in their makeup line, I found the Rouge Volupte Shine to be the perfect balance between balm and lipstick. I chose Corail Incandescent because it is a versatile color that shows up as a lovely wash of color on my lips. My lips also tend to become especially dry during the winter months and I noticed my lips stay moisturized with YSL Rouge Volupte Shine. Despite the steep price point of $35.00 for the product, I would definitely consider purchasing other colors in the future and, at least for this shade, little dab goes a long way!

Have you tried YSL lip products before? What are your recommendations and favorite shades? I welcome your thoughts below!

♥ Joy ♥

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

Look for Less: Victoria Justice at Herve Leger Fashion Show

Hope you are all having a lovely Monday! When I first started blogging, I used to put together a Look for Less post. While some of the outfits worn by celebrities are really cute, I know my pocketbook is not deep enough to afford the pieces that make up the individual outfits. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to recreate the looks with more affordable pieces. I really liked this recent outfit worn by Victoria Justice at the Herve Leger fashion show in February and decided to recreate the look.

Credits to: DDNY/Broadimage

1. Signature Blazer - Forever 21 - $24.80

2. Cozy Leopard Sweater - Forever 21 - $19.80

3. Biker Babe Faux Leather Leggings - Forever 21 - $22.80

4. Sophisticate Structured Crossbody - Forever 21 - $16.80

5. Subtle Faux Gemstone Studs - Forever 21 - $4.80

Subtotal: $89.00

What do you think of the outfit? Which celebrities do you look to for inspiration? I look forward to your thoughts below!

♥ Joy ♥

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

Spring Work Essentials 2014

Happy Sunday everyone! Although it is still a bit chilly outside in Chicago, I am definitely starting to see some spring pastels appearing in the stores. Therefore, I thought I would pair together some outfits that I thought would be fitting for spring and would help to liven up the office.

Let me know what your favorite pieces are and what are some of your favorite trends this spring! I would love to hear your thoughts below!

♥ Joy ♥

Product Review: Milani Rose Powder Blush

Hello Hello! Recently, I stopped by Walgreens to pick up some items for an upcoming trip. Per usual, I could not help but browse through the new arrivals in the cosmetics aisle and the beautiful rose impression on the new Milani Spring 2014 Limited Edition Rose Powder Blushes quickly caught my eye. The blush can be found in four shades:

Coral Cove (05)

Lady Rouge (06)

Love Potion (07)

Tea Rose (08)

As tempting as it was to pick up all four blushes, I decided on coming home with Lady Rouge and Tea Rose for $7.50 each. 

 In the package, Tea Rose is a beautiful pinky brown shade while Lady Rouge is a bright pinky red. 

Pictures taken in natural light: Tea Rose (L) & Lady Rouge (R)

In the process of swatching, I noticed Tea Rose was much more silky to the touch while the texture of Lady Rouge was more course. Neither of the two blushes swatched smooth upon first swipe. Both blushes required a little blending to reach the texture shown in the swatches above and both blushes appeared to be the same hue after they were swatched.

My overall thoughts are that although the packaging is lovely and despite the difference in appearance of the blushes, I would only recommend picking up Tea Rose as the texture was much smoother than Lady Rouge. In comparison to the blushes in Milani's regular line of products, I think the quality of the blushes in their regular line are better.

Have you seen these limited edition blushes in the store yet? If yes, what are your thoughts on the shades? What are your favorite Milani blushes? I welcome your thoughts below!

♥ Joy ♥

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

Product Review: Dior Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm

Happy Monday everyone! I have not had the chance to post for a while and that is because I had my wisdom teeth removed! I will most likely write up a post on my experience, but since I am not fully recovered, I will wait until I am fully healed. 

During the winter months, I tend to experience very dry lips. Many recommend drinking lots of water and staying hydrated, but despite guzzling lots of water, I am still left with chapped lips. Therefore, when I saw positive reviews for the Dior Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm, I decided to give the product a try despite the steep cost of $27.00 at Sephora. 

Upon first impression, I found the floral rose scent of the balm somewhat strong, but not overpowering. For someone that does not enjoy floral scents, I would not recommend this balm. One aspect of the balm I like is that the balm is not pigmented. I have found that pigmented balms typically cling to dry chapped lips and only serves to the enhance dryness. While I have heard many say that the balm is light on the lips, my impression is that it is a bit heavy. 

After several days of use, I have concluded that although it works well for some in keeping their lips hydrated, the balm is not a standout for me. I think the balm would be sufficient in keeping lips hydrated during the summertime, but does not hold up against Chicago winters. With this in consideration, I will use the product up, but will most likely end up not repurchasing. 

Do you have any recommendations for a good moisturizing lip balm? I would appreciate any recommendations you might have. Feel free to comment below!

♥ Joy ♥

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.