Outfit and Makeup of the Night - v. 6th Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary last night (technically the date is today, but a Saturday night dinner seemed more special somehow). We went to an amazing restaurant in downtown Bethesda (if you're local) called 4935 Bar and Kitchen. Highly recommend. I presume the guy that helped us out was the general manager - I wish I remembered his name, he was awesome. Anyway, because we were going to a nice place and it was a special event, I dressed up. I usually don't share fashion on this blog, but ever since I've lost weight, it's definitely been more of interest and if you can find this dress in your local Banana Republic, it is amazing - one of the best parts of it is it's one you don't have to pull over your head, so you can do your makeup before without fear of squirting foundation on it. I doubt I would pay full price (BR stuff is generally overpriced to begin with), because that's just not my thing, but it is just sexy enough without being inappropriate - I'd say it's sexy/classy - not something to wear to work though unless you're short. I really should have taken pictures before we left the house because by the time we came home, I had consumed 2 glasses of wine (and that is generally enough to get me there - I'm a bit of a lighweight) and the first thing I did was kick of my high heels and take off my tights (and yes, it's still cold enough in MD to wear tights). Long intro aside, I thought I'd show my makeup, my outfit and the food (though the blue ambient lighting made all the food blue tinted - I swear, it wasn't like that in reality)!

(thank you Facebook for doing the photo montage for me - apologies for the dirty mirror)

Business in the front - party in the back. =)

So by the time I got home, everything was perfect makeup wise aside from my lipstick wearing off. Here's what I wore:

After sifting through a number of shots with lazy - I had something to drink - eyes - here are the two pictures I found that best represented the eye makeup. It was super easy for the record.

I applied Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer all over. Chanel Ombre Unique Showlights in Coquin was applied in the crease, just above and a little on the lid and Jemma Kidd i-Design in Vanity Fair was applied to darken the crease, in the outer-v and on the lower lashline all applied with the ipsy brush which is one of my favorite crease brushes. I curled my lashes with my newish Tweezerman eyelash curler and then applied a coat of the Cover Girl Clump Crusher by Lash Blash Very Black on the upper lashes; following by a coat of Maybelline Lash Discovery in Very Black (Waterproof) to seal the top and also applied this on the bottom. I really should just admit defeat and say this is empty and get a mascara topcoat so I can use my non waterproof mascara. Any recommendations?

For the face, I used my trusty Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in #13 (a newer tube since finishing one last year). Underneath I used the Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer in fair and to set, the Urban Decay All Nighter. For blush I used Tarte's Amazonion clay 12-hour blush in Fearless and a Red Earth blush brush. This sample has lasted forever since it is so so so pigmented. It gives a lovely pink flush but I wish I could buy a mini since I would never in a million years get through a full size. I think I've used this sample 10 times and I still have more! My lips before consuming dinner were the Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss in #120 red-medium (I love these!), and my perfume of the evening was Bath and Body Works Forever Red.

I'll cut this off here and add photos of food behind the cut.

February Favorites

I don't normally do favorites posts, but since my empties post would be quite pitiful, I'm combining February and March and doing a post on my favorite things instead! Perhaps, I'll do both in the future (maybe it'll encourage me to blog more).

I freaking love the Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm. As you can see, I've made quite the dent in my tube. I think I can safely say that this has made a major impact on the condition of my skin. Not only is it thoroughly cleansed but it's been a lot easier to manage since I started using this: less breakouts, fewer dry patches, etc. I apply and massage it in, then I take the damp muslin cloth with warm-hot water and place it over my face for a few seconds and then massage all the grime away. Seriously amazing stuff though I wish it was a bit less pricey.

The Shea Terra Menthe Cardamom Whipped Shea Butter* came in the June Glossybox. I wasn't thrilled with it at the time and maybe even less so when I officially reviewed it. Then I decided to use it as a cuticle balm and I've loved it! It's too thick really to use as a body butter, but once it's on the skin for a minute, it begins to melt and it's perfect for the cuticles and on my husband's super flaky bits on his hands. I've used it pretty much every day since I discovered this new use for it and I've even hit jar.

You know those holy grail items that you tend to forget when "newer" "better" brands and items get on your radar? Well, The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick (and the majority of their balms for that matter) is awesome. It heals sore, dry winter lips. It's soft but not too soft. Sticks around through nighttime but isn't too waxy. These are around $8 but often on sale. Love.

While the Jemma Kidd brand is no longer, I've been loving this eyeshadow in Vanity Fair, a satin grey brown. It's the perfect color to smoke out the crease a bit without being overwhelming or too dramatic. I've been using this slightly random myglam brush to apply. I love the combo!

So I know I'm a bit behind on the times, but I've been loving the Twilight Woods Shea Enriched Shower Gel from Bath & Body Works. Technically, this came in a Beauty Army box a few months ago. I hadn't really been into this scent cause I kept on thinking it was supposed to smell differently according to reviews and the like, but then it hit me. It smells almost exactly like Jean Paul Gaultier II which is a long discontinued unisex fragrance which I absolutely loved. So I've been getting a lot of use out of this mini shower gel and may spring for the EDT if it smells similarly.

I've had this baby for ages. It's the Barielle Natural Nail Camouflage and I should probably chuck this but instead, I've just constantly thinned it when it gets a bit gloopy. It's been my nail of choice. Two coats of this leaves a milky pinkish coat on the nails and is very office appropriate. Since I've been so lazy with my nails, something so pale requires minimal upkeep and doesn't reflect chips as much as some of my other favorites. I'll admit, the full price is not appealing but I still continue to see these every so often at places like TJmaxx.

What were your February favorites? I for one am thrilled that March is upon us as I'm about to vacation to my in-laws in just a few days. Very excited to get away from the city craziness that is DC!