Honestly, what is all the hype about Mac eyeshadow?

Yes, I did just ask that question. 

I just got several Mac eyeshadows from my grandma who didn't want them. Obviously she wasn't impressed and is sticking to her Guerlain eyeshadow. 

I've played around with them and swatched them. They're just not that pigmented. They fade even with a good primer. They're just not spectacular. I was expecting something that measures up to the hype Mac eyeshadows get around the beauty community. I didn't get that.

My Sleek eyeshadows, on the other hand, are much more impressive - for a fraction of the price. 

Most of what I use these days are my Sleek palettes. I paid around $10 for each palette plus $10 international shipping. So for $50 I got 48 extremely soft, pigmented eyeshadows that blend like a dream and look gorgeous all day. 

I also enjoy my Lorac and WetnWild eyeshadows much more than my Mac ones. 

For $15, I could get one Mac shadow that just doesn't measure up to the quality of my Sleek eyeshadows. 

This is why I've never spent my own money on Mac. 

I would, however, spend more than that on Dior eyeshadow, because based on my own experience, Dior eyeshadows are the be-all-end-all. 

So PLEASE, can someone please tell me what it is about Mac eyeshadows that makes them so "wonderful"?? I just don't get it!

Goodies from Bubbe!

Hey guys!

You know how whenever you go to your grandparents' house, they always want to give you stuff?

I was up north over my winter break visiting family and got a bunch of stuff! My bubbe (grandma) always buys a ton of expensive makeup and never ends up using it all. I mean, this woman will not buy makeup unless it is from the department store or Macy's. She spends a lot of money and then she'll decide she doesn't like something or doesn't know how to use it.

One day I had spent the night at her house and she was showing me all the makeup she uses. She always compliments me on my makeup, especially the way I do my eye makeup.

So then she pulls out a whole shoebox of Mac and Lancome makeup. She says to me in her charming little French accent, "I don't know how to use this. Jessie, you are the expert."

I guess this is like a "haul" post, except I didn't buy any of this.

Estée Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer: makes my skin feel really silky but I don't know if it prolongs wear

Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place foundation: a decent foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear concealer: I really love this concealer! Great full coverage

Mac Eyeshadows: (L-R) Beautiful Iris, Brûlé, Haux, Mythology, Naked Lunch, Scene, Shale, Carefree (Pro Longwear eyeshadow)

Lancôme Color Design Eye Brightening All-in-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Mauve Chérie

L'Oréal eyeshadow quad in Summer Dusk (these shadows are GREAT for my brown eyes!)

Brushes (L-R): Sephora Professionnel 45 mineral powder brush, Bobbi Brown blush brush, Sephora Professionnel 40 powder brush, Chanel 10 brush (angled blush brush that I've been using to contour)

Have you guys used any of these products? Love them? Hate them?

Back to class FOTD

Hey guys!

Today marks the beginning of the spring semester for me. I got done with classes today at 1:10 pm so that was nice. I also broke out my brand new snow boots. The campus is still covered in snow and was quite chilly for me. The weather is definitely an adjustment for me, coming from the South.

This is the view of all the snow from my dorm room. It has melted minimally.

I was going to make this an OOTD post, too so I could show off my new snow boots but unfortunately I couldn't get any good pictures :(

This morning I wanted something quick, fairly simple, but really pretty so I could make a good impression on the first day.

Here's what I came up with:

Mind you, these pictures were taken after at least 4 hours of wear and lots of walking all over campus. 

Here's what I used:

-Neutrogena Shine Control primer & foundation

-Palladio Rice Powder in Natural

-NYX bronzer in When Leopard Gets a Tan (contour)

-NYX blush in Pinched

-ELF eyeshadow primer in Golden

-Sleek Storm palette (shimmery pink shade in crease, dark bronze in outer third of the lid and along the outer half of the lower lash line, lightest golden champagne color in the inner portion of the lid and as a highlight under the brow)

-NYX JEP in French Fries along the upper and lower waterline

-ELF liquid liner

-L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

-LORAC Liquid Lipstick in Trendsetter

What do you guys like to wear on special days like this where you want to impress without looking too overdone?

So I hope you liked that! For those of you starting classes again, I wish you the best of luck! Stay warm my beauties! 

I've got some more posts lining up for later this week! 

XOXO, Jessie

Talk about 2012, 2013 and my blog

Hey guys!

I know it has been entirely way too long since I've posted on here. I still log in everyday to read posts but I was just having difficulties in finding the time to devote to posting. Pictures take the longest time!

Well, 2012 is in the past now. I do want to recommit myself to this blog, because it has provided me with a really wonderful outlet for a hobby of mine, as well as let me take part in the amazing beauty blogger community.

So, here I will be sappy and cliché about 2012:

Let's see... I graduated high school, turned 18, started college, mourned the death of my dear grandfather, recommitted myself to my spiritual journey through Judaism, let go of my long distance love, made a ton of new friends, learned about myself, and HEY I GOT STRAIGHT A'S MY FIRST SEMESTER OF COLLEGE!

I would say it was a successful year and most definitely a year I will never forget. A significant portion of 2012 was this blog. So thank you for helping me to build my blog and make it all worth it.

Honestly, I have always thought of ideas for posts, etc. but never made them happen. I have so many hauls that I haven't shared with you. I do have a really great haul that I'm looking forward to sharing with you within the next week!

So I apologize for being neglectful and I hope that 2013 can bring great things to this blog.

In the meantime, stay beautiful my loves and thank you again for your support throughout 2012!

XOXO, Jessie

P.S. You can never miss a thing if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram ;) @jessiefrancaise