What's in my travel makeup bag?

Hey guys! Sorry it has been so long since I've posted, but I've been on a couple trips. Here's a quick peek into what makeup I brought with me. :)

MAC MSF Natural, Elf Blushing/Bronzing Duo, GloMinerals Blackberry Eyesahdow, Born Lippy Body Shop Lip Balm, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer, Stila Kajal Onyx Eyeliner, Clinique Gentle Waterproof Mascara, Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer

Japonesque Travel Brush Set

Trina Makeup Bag

All for now! What are your travel beauty must haves?
Love, Val

I want! Makeup Palettes.

Makeup palettes are so tempting - yet, they tend to be quite expensive. For this reason, I'll try and limit myself to just obsessing over them.

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules Palette

Picture from Fete A Fete

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette

Picture from Fruity Lashes

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette

Picture from The Daily Cookie

Sigma Bare Palette (not yet released)

Picture from Beauty Moments

What palettes are you longing for??
Love, Val

March Favorites + Blog-iversary!

Hey girls! As is is already April, it's time for my March faves post. The month of March was another simple one for me. However, I do have some new products to mix in with some old faves. So here we go!

FACE:
Stila Perfecting Concealer - This is, yet again, a fave of mine. I PROMISE to review it soon!
NARS "Orgasm" blush -  A year later, I still enjoy this blush! It actually looks really pretty and natural, not too shimmery. I love the peachy/hot pink color.
Elf Blushing/Bronzing duo - This is my first elf product, and for $3, I am super impressed! The bronzer is perfect right now, as I am not yet tan enough to pull off my Hoola bronzer. Review?

EYES:
Clinique "No-Show Taupes" eyeshadow duo - I am completely in love with this duo. The colors, when used correctly, feign the look of a gorgeous natural eye shape. Love.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in "Black" - I don't usually like eyeliner for every day but have gotten into it this month. I use a thin line on the upper lash line for a very subtle look.
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in "Black" - Another old fave of mine! It fans out lashes nicely without clumping.

LIPS:
Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in "Raspberry" - Feels like a lip balm, with a hint of color and shine.

That's all for my March faves! Oh, and Happy (belated) one-year Blog-iversary to me!! I seriously cannot believe it's been a whole year. Thank you so much for reading. I really appreciate all of you who have made blogging so fun for me.

Love, Val

Lovely and Mismatched

Lovely and Mismatched by valscloset

T by Alexander Wang asymmetric top
$130 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop black blazer
$130 - topshop.com

True Religion hipster short
359 EUR - jades24.com

TopShop green shoes
$140 - topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins beading jewelry
3.75 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Daisy jewelry
$12 - modcloth.com

Jack necklace
25 AUD - birdsnest.com.au

Lipstick - High Tea ( Lustre, Unboxed ) - MAC - Cosmetics & Make Up...
$18 - strawberrynet.com

I love purposely mismatched outfits. A random bicycle necklace here, some blue wedges there. Be sure when you mismatch accessories you keep the clothing simple, and vice versa. Enjoy your eclectic looks. <3
Love, Val

How To: Blow Dry Your Hair

Ever wanted to achieve straight, shiny, swingy supermodel hair without the straightener? This post will show you how to do just that! Today I will be using just my Revlon blow dryer and some styling products, and will turn my frizzy, wavy, poofy hair into something beautiful! Stay tuned. :)

1) After taking a shower, allow your hair to air dry until damp (not soaking). Comb through your hair with a wide tooth comb.

 

Tip: Try a styling product here! I'm applying "It's a 10" heat protectant/leave in conditioner. This will prevent some heat damage, and add softness to the hair.

2) Begin drying. Nozzle pointed down (to smooth down the hair cuticle, eliminating frizz), just use your fingers to quickly dry your hair until it is about 80% dry.

3) Now, we begin style/drying! Section off your hair. I have thick hair, so I do 5 sections.

4) Using a flat brush, brush very slowly through your first section. Follow the brush with the blow dryer, nozzle pointing down. Go through each section until completely dry.

Tip: Curl your ends out or under by tilting your brush at the end.

Tip: When satisfied with a section, use the cold air setting on your dryer to seal in the style and add shine. (This is like using cold water at the end of your shower - same concept!)

5) You're done! Part your hair as you like it, and style as desired. Lightly mist with hairspray to set.

I hope this helps you blow dry your hair! What "hair tips" do you use? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Val


Before:

After:

FOTD: Speed Dial & Woodwinked

Just playing around with my new MAC stuff and thought I'd do a quick Face of the Day!

Face:
Stila Perfecting Concealer (Shade C)
Mac MSF Natural (Medium Plus)
Nars Orgasm Blush

Eyes:
Mac Painterly Paint Pot
Mac Woodwinked eyeshadow (all over eyelid, into crease, and on lower lash line)
Wet N Wild Color Icon eyeliner in Black (upper lash line and inner rims)
L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara in Black

Lips:
Mac Speed Dial Lipstick

Hope you enjoyed! Happy St. Patty's day! I hope you're all wearing green *virtual pinches*!
Love, Val

Nordstrom Haul!

Yesterday I went to my favorite store, Nordstrom, to pick out one complete outfit and some new makeup (to make up for what I finished in Project 10 Pan!). Here's what I got...

This pair of navy slip-on Vans was on sale, and they're going to make great everyday shoes!

Army green was everywhere in the store, so I figure it's a trend? Anyways, I picked up this loose fitting, very comfy shirt from "Rubbish."

To go with the shirt, I picked up these cuffed, faded denim shorts from the brand "STS Blue." They're a spring/summer staple!

Finally, I went to the MAC counter! I picked out "Woodwinked" eyeshadow (thanks to Devea's recommendation), a Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and "Speed Dial" cremesheen lipstick. All of these I LOVE!

I love going to Nordstrom, it perfectly fits my style! What's your favorite place to shop?
Love, Val