Review: Chanel "Ligne Graphique" Liquid Eyeliner

My latest beauty obsession? Chanel's new liquid eyeliner, Ligne Graphique.

Back in high school, I was never a fan of eyeliner; perhaps because so many girls would heavily rim their entire eyes... which was a racoon-y look that kinda terrified me, to be totally honest. hah. So I stayed away from it for years, not having any idea of how to apply it... and not knowing how much I'd love it now.

Oddly enough, liquid eyeliner has actually become a staple in my daily beauty routine for the past couple years. It first began with Urban Decay's 24-7 liquid liner, then I moved onto NARS, and now Chanel. While liquid liner definitely requires a steady hand and a bit of trial and error, it can completely change the shape of your eyes. I'm a fan of the winged eye at the moment, going after the whole Italian bombshell/Sophia Loren sort of look.

As much as I loved Urban Decay and NARS, Chanel beats them by a mile. Ligne Graphique's noir formula is super black and densely pigmented, with a shiny finish that lasts all day. The brush tip is tiny and precise, which allows for a steady stroke that can get super close to the lashline. This makes it a bit more tricky because of the dip ink-style application, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty effortless. At $34, it's definitely one of the most expensive liquid liners on the market, but I feel like it's completely worth it because of the pigment and longevity. The packaging is sleek and pretty, just as you'd expect from any Chanel product. So happy with this product, and had to share!

Best in Bow: July 2012 Products

I could go through a massive detailed description of the beauty products I'm loving... but instead, I'm dumping out the contents of my makeup bag and showing you exactly what I'm using at this very moment in time. I wouldn't be using them if they weren't products I didn't love, right?!

For July, I'm loving bronzed skin, strong brows, long black lashes, a la Kim Kardashian:

Simple, summery, and nearly natural... just better!

Bow Meets Glow

 

 I'm the type of girl who you can look at and know exactly how I'm feeling.

My eyes say it all... and while I might be terrible at concealing tears,

I'm even worse at containing my happiness.

A few weeks ago, my best friend told me she saw the "Taylor Glow" return.

Anyone that knows me knows what that looks like. I glow from a mile away.

But it's true. 

I'm so, so happy.

It's my favorite time of year, I'm working in a job I absolutely positively love,

I'm working on a body that I'm becoming proud of, I'm spending quality time with family,

and I'm surrounded by amazing people who bring out the best in me.

Life is never perfect (and currently watching a close friend battle cancer is proof of that),

but I'm truly appreciating every little moment... trying to never take a second for granted.

Funny how terrible things like that remind you of what's important.

That being said, there are a few beauty products that

mightttt just give me a little boost in the "glow" department. ;)

 

Glow on,

Review: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I absolutely love the new Naked2 palette by Urban Decay...you truly, truly can't go wrong with it! For $50, you'll get 12 densely-pigmented wearable neutrals that will go with essentially every look. The Naked2 palette is a bit more cooler-toned than the original palette, but it's just as versatile and timeless. Head's up.... Naked2 is in just as much demand as the original one was last year, so be sure to purchase it ASAP if it becomes available on the website or in your Sephora store. (It's currently out of stock on Sephora.com.) This is a purchase that you won't regret!

Random Beauty Secrets

Knowing I love to experiment with new beauty products and services (I should be likened to a glorified beauty lab rat, haha), I often get asked for recommendations from family and friends. Here are a few of the things that I can't stop talking about...

CND Shellac/OPI Axxium Manicures

Working with young children and being an art minor, my nails have taken a beating during the past four years. Against the harsh chemicals used in acrylic nails and the lack of longevity provided with traditional manicures, I'd pretty much given up. I'd paint my nails every few days, but it was a constant struggle to keep them neat and glitter/glue/chip-free. I was introduced to OPI's Axxium manicure last summer, and my nails have been nearly flawless ever since. (I now rotate between OPI and CND's Shellac, both yield similar results). With a gorgeous shiny finish, these manicures last two weeks, come in a huge assortment of colors, and are virtually indestructible. The "polish" is applied like a traditional nail polish by your manicurist (2-3 coats), but is cured/hardened by a UV light. Without a "dry-time," it eliminates both waiting and smudging. (Hurray!) For style and practicality, I keep my nails short, but this manicure keeps my nails healthy and strong. I pay $25 for a solid color, $30 for French.

Brow Threading

I'll admit that this isn't the most flattering photo of myself, but it shows off my brows (in the most expressive, slightly embarrassing way). I get my eyebrows threaded every other Monday for just $11, and I would never go back to waxing or tweezing. I get so many compliments on my brows, and threading is absolutely to thank. When done properly, brow shaping can completely frame and angle your face for the better. Threading doesn't feel amazing, but the end result makes it worthwhile.
Side note: tell me that my dog is not THE cutest dog alive. ;)

Janssen Skin Excel Ampoules

 

(Stock Photo)

 I began using these little 0.06 oz glass Janssen ampoules back in February, when I first began frequenting the spa of my esthetician, Margot (who is amazing, might I add). I buy seven of them after I have my six-layer facial, and use them daily for the following week. I use the "Enzyme Peel" ampoules, which help with cell exfoliation and renewal through an aqueous subtilisin bacterial enzyme (try to say that three times fast). After using a week series, my skin is considerably softer and smoother. Unfortunately, I've only been able to find them online from one retailer outside of Germany, so I'd recommend ordering them from Margot Spa in Birmingham, Michigan. 248.642.3770.

On a completely different note, I just got in my stats for the past month... July 2011 was my highest ranked month for readers EVER! I cannot thank each of you enough for following me, and inspiring me to continue doing what I love. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

xx

My Experience with Latisse

I've always been complimented on my long, dark eyelashes, so it might seem weird that I was excited when I found out that Latisse had become FDA approved. But the way I see it, eyelashes are sort of like shoes- you can never really have too many. ;)

Back in late August, I decided to take the $125 plunge and buy Latisse from my local medical spa. Apparently, my spa had never had a patient so young buy it (I'm 22). While it definitely seemed a little pricey,  I was really excited to try it out. I also ended up getting a free $45 Vivite Defining Lip Plumper by mail, so I figured the price was somewhat justifiable. You get a small box with a pack of 60 wrapped applicators and the TINY bottle of Latisse (3 mL)... and I definitely felt a bit ripped off when I saw the size of the bottle. After washing my face at night, I squeeze a small drop of the Latisse on the applicator brush, brush the liquid on both lash lines, and I'm done within a minute. Super simple! My doctor told me to start off using it every other day to avoid eye irritation, and I've actually stuck to that routine for the past two months. As a result, a month's supply has actually lasted me much longer, and I still have a bit of it left.

My Results:
I first started noticing lash growth after about 2 weeks, although I really noticed dramatic growth after a month. The ads are nothing short of the results I experienced- my already dark, long, thick lashes are significantly longer, so much so that my corner lashes are actually curling up on their own. Paired with my favorite mascara (Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion) and my favorite Shu Uemura eyelash curler, my lashes almost look fake. That being said, I am unsure that I'm going to continue using Latisse. While I love the results, it's not necessarily something that is super noticeable to other people. Already having long lashes, I don't think I can justify spending $125 every few months on something that I don't really need. For someone that has short or sparse lashes, I could definitely see this product as a great investment.

Before:

 

Sorry about the quality, it's the only before photo I have!

After:

 

Both before and after photos are without mascara or the use of an eyelash curler.