Beauty Review | Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

Well, hello there!

It has been some time since I did a makeup review! But, alas, here I am to review two new, amazing products! 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

I bought this foundation simply because every single beauty blogger that I follow has just raved about this foundation. I love this foundation; it’s one of the best I’ve ever used. When I was looking for a new foundation, I wanted something that would leave me with a little glow; making me look fresh and awake, compared to the dull and boring skin I actually have. So the “glow” part of the name really spoke to me.  It gives me a nice dewy glow without making me look extremely oily. (But, if you are someone who wants less dew, Nars also sells this foundation in a matte finish.) I also love that this foundation is extremely light on the skin, hence the “sheer” part of the name. I was hesitant about buying this product because of that “sheer” part. I have a lot of imperfections on my skin that I need to cover up, so I thought this foundation wasn’t going to be able to do that. My anxieties were quickly relieved after the first application. The foundation corrected my skin tone, but still allowed my skin to breath. I barely even noticed that I have makeup on. Now, I also have to keep my makeup on for a long time during the day. It was still in perfect condition after a long 14 hour day. I love this foundation! It looks absolutely beautiful on my skin, and is very wearable and practical. The only problem I have with this product is that it is so expensive. This was definitely a guilty pleasure buy because of the price, but it was worth every penny. 

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

The second product I’m reviewing is the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette. I have been on the hunt for a good highlighter even since my old one ran out. I had been looking everywhere for a nice, inexpensive palette. While perusing Sephora one day, I found this sleek, beautiful palette. Initially I bought this just for the highlighter, but I stayed for everything else. This palette comes with a bronzer, a highlighter, and a blush. All the colors are absolutely beautiful and look great together. What really surprised me about this product is how much I loved the bronzer. As I said in my What’s In My Makeup Bag post, I am in love with Covergirl Sophisticated Stable contour; I used that blusher all the time. But, lately I have only been using this Urban Decay bronzer for my contouring. It’s a very beautiful color, and blends with my skin and blush (which is very important… You don’t want to have a noticeable line between your bronzer and blush) so well. This bronzer is really the reason I kept this pallet. Next comes the highlighter. This product is okay; it took awhile for it to grow on me, but I’m really starting to like it. It gives me a nice glow without being overbearing. But it does take a lot of effort to get it onto my brush. And finally, the blush. I don’t really like this blush. I have had this palette for about two months now, and I have only used this blush about a hand full of times, whereas I use the rest of the palette every day. Firstly, a lot of product comes off on the brush even with the lightest touch. This causes the blush to be very bright and harsh when it’s a applied to my face. Secondly, this product doesn’t blend very well. It’s very strange that the bronzer blends perfectly, but the blush, within the same palette, doesn’t. The first place my brush touches on my face is where all the product will end up, and it won’t blend out so I end up looking like a clown with extremely red cheeks. Maybe I just need to find a better way of applying this product, but regardless the color doesn’t look good on my skin at all. Overall, I really like this palette. 2/3 products work great for me, and it wasn’t overly expensive. 

Okay, that’s it for now guys! I hope you found this useful. Don’t forget the BAFTA Awards air tonight. 9 PM GMT on BBC One for those in England, and 8 PM EST on BBC America for us Americans. I love BAFTA Awards because London is just the classiest place around! I will be live tweeting over on Twitter during the 8 PM EST airing of the show! Hope to see you there!

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Movie Review | August: Osage County

August: Osage County tells the story of the lives of the Weston family. After the disappearance of their father, the Weston sisters are summoned back to their dark childhood home to console their drug addict, unstable mother. This time of crisis brings together these strong-willed women, as they look back on their dysfunctional past. 

It has been quite some time since I did a movie review. I feel like I have been slacking a bit in this area! I actually saw this film last month, but between all those Sherlock reviews, I figured you all had enough reviews! I mentioned in my Film Anticipation for 2013 post that I was looking forward to seeing this film, and it definitely was worth the wait.

I really enjoyed this film. I have read a lot of reviews saying that the movie didn’t live up to the brilliance of the play, but I have never seen the play, nor have I read it, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. Tracy Letts, who won the Pulitzer Prize for penning the play, reprised his role as author and wrote the screenplay. Before I went to see this movie I did a bad thing though…. I read the plot synopsis. It was a terrible thing to do, I know. I just can’t help it; I have to know what happens in a story… It’s like a disease. Anyways, even though I was very badly spoiled to the plot twist in the story, I found the story to be very captivating. Beside my love for character stories, I love dramas. Everyone can relate to this story. Okay, maybe your father didn’t commit suicide, your mother a drug addict, nor is your husband sleeping with a younger women. But August: Osage County is the story of a family, a family trying to survive the darkness and cruelty of life, and most people can relate to that. I don’t want to say too much and give the story away, but the events of this drama will leave quite an impression.

Obviously, the most interesting aspect of this story is the characters. There is something very special about each character in this story. Each character represents a different walk of life, which helps to connect to a different member of the audience. Barbara represents the person who wants to leave their past behind, escape into a better life, but keeps getting dragged back in, all the while battling her own problems. Violet is for the mothers trying to keep their family together, but is really tearing them apart. Each character is faced with their own demons that will some way transcend into the viewers’s life. I saw this film twice, once by myself and once with my mom. When I first saw the film, I had a strong connection with Little Charles (And, no. It was not because he was played by Benedict…  I can’t help it that he plays all the good characters…). He voiced the fears that I had within myself: never succeeding at anything in life, being the failure of the family, never finding a person to love. Being a loser. When I saw it with my mom, she developed a strong connection with Violet. Violet’s a strong woman who had to work hard to not live in poverty. She was distant from her children, but did what she believed would help her family survive. August: Osage County has a fantastic array of characters, which is what makes the story so attractive. You want everything to work out in the end; you want these characters to succeed and be happy. But like life, it’s not that simple. This is a story that everyone can relate to, whether you’re an aging mother, a free spirited teen, or a maturing twenty something.

I was very pleased with the production, as well. I thought John Wells' direction was great. He found the perfect setting to tell this story, as well as the perfect house that plays just as much of a pivotal role in the story. I also very much enjoyed the score and soundtrack to the film; it fit the western, country theme well. 

Now, you can’t mention August: Osage County without mentioning its outstanding cast. This film has such a fantastic cast of brilliant actors. From Abigail Breslin to Ewan McGregor to Sam Shepard, every single actor in this cast deserves to be there. Each actor is just a marvel to watch on screen, making the family dinner scene absolutely iconic. Obviously, the two standouts in this film were Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, both gaining Oscar nominations for their roles. We all know Meryl is the Queen of acting, but, for me, this is one of her best performances. I don’t think anyone else could have played this role as well as she did. She had just the perfect amount of dramatic without making Violet a joke. What really convinces me as audience member is when an actor acts through every inch of their body, especially their eyes. Meryl creates a very hard exterior for Violet; she is a tough woman who doesn’t need help from anyone. But, a whole different story is told in her eyes. She is lost and scared, the world has beaten her down, and she needs saving. When an actor can portray that much character development just through their eyes, you know their good at their job. As an actor myself, it is always a joy to watch Meryl perform. She completely submerges herself into the role leaving the audience captivated and fully in belief that she is her character. 

The same applies with Julia Roberts. Barbara is who Violet was when she was younger: strong, proud, and won’t let anyone push her around. Julia does a fantastic job of showing the progression of Barbara’s mental stability throughout the film. The longer she is with her wacked mother, the more she loses control. She arrives with her estranged husband and daughter, who she is trying to reconnect with, and ends the film with no one. Drugs are ruining Violet’s life, but Violet is ruining Barbara’s. Julia really captures the anger and hatred Barbara has her mother, and she does so with a full force of emotion. (I must say the ending scene with Ivy and Violet and the fish is just brilliant. If you’ve seen the movie you know what I’m talking about. Julia is just so good in that scene.)

I absolutely loved this film. The cast, the screenplay, and everything in between really brought together a soulful story of family. I give August: Osage County 8 out of 10 stars.

Photo Credit: chicagonow.com, washingtonpost.com, blog.pe.com, timeout.com, contactmusic.com, movies.msn.com, cinesnatch.blogspot.com

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Fashion Review | The EE BAFTA Awards (2014)

Hello Fashion Bunnies!

It's time for another fashion review! As you can tell from the title, I am reviewing the red carpet looks from this year's BAFTA ceremony. The glamour of London makes the BAFTA's the classiest award show this season! I absolutely loved the ceremony this year, and Stephen Fry killed it as the host with his constant string of hilarious jokes! Plus, it was such a nice change to have different people win (Chiwetel! Finally!)

Anyways, here are my top ten best dressed from the EE BAFTA Awards!

Lupita Nyong'o

Christian Dior Couture

Lupita has been stunning in everything she has worn this award season! She is quickly becoming a new fashion icon of mine; I just love everything she wears! Firstly, I adore this color! It is so beautiful, and it looks fantastic on her skin tone. And the gold accessories tie this ensemble together perfectly. I also adore the full skirt on this dress! This dress actually reminds me a lot of Jennifer Lawrence's stunning dress from  the Oscars last year.

Oprah Winfrey

Stella McCartney

Oh, Oprah! This hair is everything! She looks amazing! Obviously, I am a huge fan this hair style (she can definitely pull it off), but I also adore this dress. It is very age appropriate, and the color looks amazing on her.  

Emma Thompson

Maria Grachvogel

Okay, I love everything about this outfit and this woman! This dress is very simple, yet it leaves such an impression. It's very suiting for her age, yet doesn't make her look like an old woman. The color looks stunning on her, and that hair is just fabulous! Bonus points for that coat too; it is so amazing!

Samantha Barks

Calvin Klein 

Samantha Barks is so gorgeous she could make anything look fantastic. But, in all honest, she looks like a vintage movie star! I love the statement necklace, and her hair is so beautiful. I think the minimal styling really works in her favor; the dressed is displayed perfectly. I just absolutely love this look!

Laura Carmichael 

Erdem

Lady Edith has done it again! From the embellishments to the hair to the shoes, I love everything about this look. I absolutely love the embellishments of the jewels on the print of this dress. The color is just absolutely beautiful, and her hair and makeup are sweet and young. 

Lara Pulver

Yuvna Kim

Lara looks super hot in this dress! I'm not typically a fan of sheer dresses, but I really love this one. I love the feather embellishment, and the black accessories accent the nude tones perfectly. Plus, I absolutely love the curls!  

Amy Adams

Victoria Beckham

Amy Adams looks stunning in this black ensemble. This look is so classic and posh; it just screams Hollywood babe! I love the sheer top with the adorable collar, and her hair and makeup is on point. That wine lipstick is so gorgeous! 

Helen Mirren

Jacques Azagury

How adore does Dame Helen look in this dress?! I am just in love with the embellishment covering the bodice and sleeves. I love the sheer and cutout on this dress; it's very modern and chic. The tulle skirt is not typically my thing, but the dark color blends the contrasting fabrics barely noticeable. 

Chiwetel Ejiofor

I do love a well tailored man! I love this suit! I love the color (Navy blue, my favorite!), I love the fit, and I love the bow tie! I was so happy that Chiwetel won best actor, and his speech was so eloquent (And a nice change from McConaughey's "Alright, alright, alright" speeches). 

Photo Credit: nydailynews.com, classicfm.com, dailymail.co.uk, handbag.com, redcarpet-fashionawards.com, gofugyourself.com, rappler.com, reveal.co.uk, uk.movies.yahoo.com, 

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The Elusive Big Idea [of Film]

Good Morning!

So, a few weeks ago, my English teacher gave our class an article to read and then consistently reflect on. This article, The Elusive Big Idea by Neal Gabler, discussed the lackadaisical mannerisms of our twenty-first century society. But, that’s not what I’m here to talk about.

Now, this being part film blog, we need to talk entertaiment, right?  

Gabler mentioned in his article that a "visual culture," like films and television, are not expressing ideas properly to the younger generation. This was a simple mention, probably would have been passed over by anyone else. But, this little section really struck a cord with me. I am an avid fan of film and television, spending most of my free time observing multiple critically acclaimed and stimulating works. Gabler assumes that all movies and television shows are just used to stare blankly at a screen for two hours. It's true many films, mostly blockbusters and "flicks", are used as mindless entertainment. But, there are films that provoke a viewer to think. In my opinion, these are the only films that matter. A film that challenges a viewer both physically and emotionally can be just as impactful as a well written novel. 

It is very rare to find an impactful movie or show like this in Hollywood or on American television, but Europe, especially the British film industry, is creating films that challenge the viewer to think, create ideas, and change their perspective on the world. 

If you haven't figure it out by now, I am a bit of an Anglophile. I adore the English culture. I very rarely do anything other than watch British made movies or television (as I'm sure you can tell by all my monthly watch lists). So, I'm quite fond of the British film industry. 

Unlike most American's I can appreciate British films for more than "their awesome accents." (Yes, I swear, American's really only like the English for their accents.) I am a visual movie goer, meaning I love to watch something that is visual stimulating. To me, the best visual movies come from the British. They really capture an art within the film; they use the screen as a canvas to paint a beautiful picture. The image on the screen becomes a work of art, which helps to tell the story just as much as the script. (All the films in February’s Watch List are absolutely stunning visual British films, you want to see what I mean.)

And it’s not just the scripts and directing that sets UK films apart. It’s also the actors. Okay, here is where we all moan, “Oh no, she’s going to talk about Cumberbatch again!” No, really, here me out! Benedict’s not the only good actor in Britain. Because I watch so much British film and television, my family is also subjected to watch it. They normally just moan and cry, “But I can’t understand anything they’re saying.” Whatever. But, one day my mom said to me, “Those British actors are pretty good, aren’t they. They are much better than the actors we have.” *Rays of sunlight beam down on me, and angels sing* Thank you, mom! Thank you! Finally someone in my family gets it. Here is what I love about British actors: they understand the craft, they get what it means to be an actor. Unlike Hollywood, these actors are trained; Yes, they have actually attended acting classes! They have this thing called talent! Wow, that’s a word you rarely hear coming from Hollywood. The actors in Britain aren’t hired because they are beautiful or sexy or they know somebody who knows somebody who gave them a job. They actually have a talent for the craft.

It’s quite an exciting experience watching an actor submerge himself/ herself into a role, to watch them physically change before your eyes. A film has so much more impact if the actors can convince the audience of the story they are telling. You are connected more to the piece if you understand the characters. It’s the actor’s job to tell the story of these characters, the life they live, and the trials they face. If an actor can’t do that, then what’s the point? Have you ever watched an interview with Ben Whishaw or BenedictCumberbatch where they actually talk about their characters? Where they become so passionate about them that you begin to think that these characters are real people that they know and understand? I think it’s one of the most beautiful things to see an actor fall in love with a character and actually become them. But then you have American actors who say, “Yeah, they are like sad, and, um, aren’t happy, and *repeats everything that happens to the character in the plot* So, like yeah, that’s my character.” But, I’m being a little mean... There are some good American actors...  The point I’m trying to make here is that most actors don’t understand that there is more to acting than just saying line. You have to become a character, understand who they are, know their birth weight, and their best friend from primary school. Little details matter, and, for me at least, English actors get that.      

Besides their obvious care for art within films, the British also produce work that isn’t simplified for the audience.For example, in 2012 the BBC produced a miniseries called "The Hollow Crown", which was a collection of William Shakespeare's histories: Richard II, the two-part Henry IV, and Henry V. This was a very daring move to put full Shakespearean productions on television. But this is what is extraordinary about the British industry. They chose to produce four full-length Shakespeare movies, rather than air a dim-witted, narrow-minded comedy. (Mind you, the English still do have dim-witted, narrow minded comedies. I know that.) They chose to challenge their audience. And this isn’t the first Shakespearean production that have funded. Can you image ABC producing anything like a Shakespearean program?  Instead of showing intellectually challenging and thought-provoking media, they air Two and a Half Men and Family Guy. 

This is America's downfall. As a country devoted to their screens, why are we treating them as a mindless escape. We should be using media not as bad thing, but as a way of challenging our society, to make our society think more about important issues or scientific problems. We are very close-minded when it comes to media. We want to see things blown up or people falling in love. When movies do try to challenge the viewer, such as The Fifth Estate, they don't gain enough attention, fall flat in the box office, and then studios won't make "that type" of films again. (Yes, okay. They film itself wasn’t great. The script was kind of awful, BUT they did try. And that’s what matters.) It's an endless cycle. I think we need to take advantage of our media-centric society, use film and television to their full potential, and make our society think more potently and creatively. 

Photo Credit: theguardian.com, prezi.com, starcre8er.livejournal.com, aceshowbiz.com, shortfilms.uk.org,  

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February Watch List!

Pinch Punch First of the Month!

Ah, February, the month of love. The month to remember how utterly lonely one is. Obviously, this month's Watch List one of romantic movies. But let's not get too excited. You won't find The Notebook or Dear John on this list. No, I love sad romantic movies. You know, the one where typically one, or both, of the lovers dies at the end. Yes, that's my favorite type of romantic film: a tragedy. So, naturally all the films on this list are British; no other industry makes sad romantic movies better than the British. Enjoy.

Bright Star

Why It’s a Must Watch: The Directing

Bright Star is probably one of the saddest films you will ever watch. We all know Ben Whishaw is known for his wonderful performances as the tragic lover; a performance that will leave you sobbing into your Ben and Jerry’s. But, to me, what really makes this movie great is Jane Campion’s beautiful directing.  Like all of her work, Campion has created a piece of moving art with this film. The romance of this story comes not only from the script, but also from the visuals. Every frame is beautiful photograph, every line is poetic, and her leads deliver heartbreaking performances. Bright Star delivers in every way; it keeps you entertained both with its tragic story and stunning visuals.   

Brideshead Revisited (2008)

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Cast

Brideshead Revisited has a collection of characters that help to show off the talent of its fantastic cast. From Ben Whishaw to Michael Gambon and Emma Thompson, this cast is made up of Britain's finest actors. They bring so much to these complex characters. The particular stand out is Ben Whishaw as Sebastian Flyte. You instantly fall in love with his playful character; a perpetual child living care-free in his forever summer mind. But soon he cracks under the pressure of his overbearing, dysfunctional family. Ben plays Sebastian to perfection, deeming this one of my favorite Whishaw films.   

Wreckers

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Characters

Honestly, I don’t know what it is about this movie that makes me so attracted to it (And I swear it’s not Benedict… But he does help…). I adore this film and would probably name it as one of my favorites. This film is very raw and real, and what contributes to that are the characters. In most films, you have good and bad characters; you feel sympathetic towards the isolated wife or you become wary of the mysterious husband. These characters break all those rules. They’re not black and white, but multiple shades of grey. One moment you feel agony for Dawn, but the next you feel betrayal towards her. I think that is what keeps me coming back to this film. I want to understand these character’s (mostly the main three: Dawn, David, and Nick) actions and motivations for acting the way they do. I couldn’t recommend this film enough! (And, for as big as Benedict’s following is, I don’t think enough people have seen this film. So, I’m here to boost it’s single because it is really an incredible film!)

Atonement

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Story

Atonement tells the story of a budding love torn apart by lies, war, and fate. I think that is what makes this film so powerful. It’s a story of a love that never was. Because of one little girl’s misunderstanding of the world, everyone around her is thrown into chaos. This story is told in three parts, or acts if you will: the event, the effect, and the aftermath. My particular favorite part is event; watching everything unfold, and impact a naive little child has on an innocent man. Plus, the surprise twist at the end will leave you broken.  

Never Let Me Go

Why It’s A Must Watch: The Directing

Like Bright Star, this film gains most of its romanticism from the visuals. Never Let Me Go, for me, is the epitome of British filmmaking. A film like this is the reason I love the British film industry. It’s the beautiful landscape and isolated locations that bring to life these tragic characters. This film is beautifully directed, and tells a challenging story with grace and dignity. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley are absolutely outstanding, and bring life to sad characters.

Just remember ladies, you always have a valentine in a Ben Whishaw or Benedict Cumberbatch film. xo

Photo Credit: superiorpics.com, wikipedia.org, imdb.com, amazon.com, movieevangelist.wordpress.com 

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