Truffle Clarity Pouch

I've been making an effort lately to streamline my bags. Although I adore my Michael Kors Hamiltons, smaller bags like my Balenciaga City and Twiggy have been back in heavy rotation as of late. And if I'm streamlining my bags, it's time to streamline my makeup bags.

Enter the Truffle Clarity Pouch.

TSA-Approved for frequent fliers, this is an incredibly well-made (and stylish) clear pouch.

Unlike many other clear pouches, you can really see the quality here. The stitching is heavy and materials substantial in your hand. These come in two sizes; this is the smaller of the two. There are several other styles on the site (onetruffle.com) which I keep eyeing and can't wait to try eventually.

As I mentioned, this is the smaller of the two and passes TSA requirements. I showed you what it looked like filled above, but here's what was actually inside:

That's quite a bit, right? That's plenty to bring with you on a daily basis, and can easily handle all of your liquids when traveling. I've had my Truffle Clarity Pouch for about a week and have purposely been using it very rigorously so I could speak to durability. The clear vinyl looks perfect, and you'd swear that nobody had used it.

Bottom line: these are a bit pricey for a makeup bag ($32 for this and up), but they're just wonderful. I keep eyeing the Privacy Clutch because it's oh-so-chic.

Inside my Bag/Face of the Day: Color of the Year Edition

I was going through my closet recently and realized that I own a pair of ballet flats that can pass for Radiant Orchid, albeit a toned-down version.  I also own a cardigan that matches these flats. Add in my positively beautiful Radiant Orchid-themed Dior makeover at the Sephora VIB Rouge Spring Social, and an idea was born.

You'll be reading a lot more about most of these items next month, since none of them are LE/Summer collection items. Given the composition of my daily makeup bag these last few months, it's actually quite surprising how little Burberry is present here. There's a reason I'm going 30 for 30!

Makeup bag: Butter London Boho Rock GWP Wristlet (still available several places if you search; or for purchase for $15 on their website).

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick 01 Alabaster- I will have a lot more to say about this soon. This is my first foundation stick, and I'm getting adjusted to the formula. (not pictured!)
Dior 5 Colours Eyeshadow- Petal Shine
Dior Diorshow Liner Waterproof- 888 Plum
NARS Creamy Concealer- Chantilly
Dior Extase Mascara- April's monthly mascara. I had to treat myself to a favorite this month.
Dior Addict Lip Gloss-343 Spring Ball (used in conjunction with....)
Dior Addict Lip Glow
Dior Lipliner- Greige
MAC eyeshadow- Blanc Type
Chanel Les Beiges #10
Fresh Lip Balm- Clear
NARS Pro-Prime Eyeshadow Base
Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
Tom Ford Santal Blush Perfume (sample

Also lurking in my purse:
Lancome Lip Lover #339*
Le Metier de Beaute Colour Core Lipstick*- Dubai

Also used in today's FOTD but not carried:
MAC Chromacake- Ivory- This is my trick for days when I've got patches of irritated skin, especially on my decolletage. This shade matches me well, so I use it as a body paint. 
Butter London Molly Coddled Nail Lacquer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder- Caramel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz- Caramel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel- Clear
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duality

What's in my bag?

Good evening, my lovelies!


Since I failed to get a post other than my NOTD queued and it's far too late to start a proper review (although I gave you a haul to gawk at) , I'll leave you this evening with a quick peek inside my makeup bag instead. It's starting to evolve- including the bag itself!

Bag and Tools:

• Dior taupe makeup bag: This was a GWP that I picked up along the way, and it's the perfect size for the purse I'm currently carrying
• Sephora Professional Complexion brush: This is my go-to for my Les Beiges.  And at $9 on clearance, it's the most cost-effective workhorse among my brushes
• Tarte concealer brush: Of my concealer brushes, this is my favorite.  Take a careful look at Boi-ing and you'll see why I'm toting it right now
• Laura Mercier mini fan and eyeshadow brushes: Love my mini brushes!
• Tweezerman nail file: A must-have for emergencies.

Face:

• Chanel Les Beiges No 10: As much as I rave about this product, you'd swear I was being compensated to do so.  I'm not- and (spoiler alert) it will make my top 5 best purchases of 2013. With a healthy dose of Les Beiges, my foundation can last 18 hours.  You can find my original review here.
• Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (Light): This is a quiet staple in my makeup bag that suits me well and hides just enough.
• NARS Creamy Concealer (Chantilly):  This is my other daily concealer weapon.

Eyes:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold & Beautiful Kit- Beautiful Eyes Palette: I love this palette so much that I'm considering gifting it for the holidays and buying at least one backup for myself.  I use the nude and peachy pink shades daily to create the perfect work eye.  You can find my original review here.
• Diorshow Extase Mascara (deluxe mini): This mini is coming to the end of its natural life rather quickly, and I've enjoyed it.  I originally reviewed it here, but if the day comes that I ever need to buy more mascara, this is at the top of my list.
• Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes #0L: This is my HG tightlining eyeliner. When I'm not wearing #25L, I'm wearing #0L. Must-have
• Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Eyeliner (Blaquer):  By far and away the best liquid eyeliner I've ever used. Full review here.
• Diorskin Shimmer Star (002 Amber Diamond): OMG. Just wait for the review on this one- it's true love. You'll be surprised, I promise.

Lips:

• Le Metier de Beaute Hydra-Creme Lipstick (Rose Garnet): This is my HG lipstick and I originally raved about it here.
• Fresh Sugar Lip balm (mini): A must-have, especially now that it's cold!

Other: 

• L'Occitaine Shea Butter hand cream (mini): Another workhorse in my beauty product stable.
• Dior Addict Eau Delice (sample):Love this perfume and have been wearing nothing else since I bought it in September.

What's Inside My Bag? Late October Edition

It's time for another peek inside my makeup bag!

First, a note on the bag.  It's easily the best $3.99 I've spent lately.  Forever 21, on clearance.  It's burgundy faux studded leather, perfectly on trend.

• Chanel Les Beiges #10
• Clinique All About Shadow- Black Honey (review coming this week)
• Guerlain Meteorites Powder- #01 Teint Rose
• Benefit Boi-ing #01
• Caudalie Lip Conditioner
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
• Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil- Rhubarb (from the Best Bite set I reviewed a few days ago
• Julep Lip Balm- Strawberry Mint
• Lipstick Queen- Medieval (review pending, I've been slacking on this one)
• Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lip- Black Honey (review coming this week)
• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
• Clinique Dual-Ended Almost Lipstick/Long Last Glossware SPF15- Black Honey (review coming soon)
• NARS Creamy Concealer- Chantilly
• Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Precision Pen- Blaaquer
• Stila Smudge Stick- Kitten
• Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara
• Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes #01L- Mat Black
• L'Occitaine Shea Butter Hand Cream
• Tweezerman Mini Nail File
• Hair tie
• ID On the Spot Eye Makeup Remover Swabs
• Shiseido The Pureness Oil Absorbing Sheets
• Dior Eau Delice- sample
• Laura Mercier mini dual-ended brush
• Sephora Small Eyeshadow Brush
• Sephora Professional Complexion Brush
• Ulta Retractable Kabuki

Believe it or not, there's still room in that bag!

Inside my Makeup Bag

While I was struggling to close the zipper on the bag this morning, it occurred to me that it might be a good time for another peek inside.

Inside my Kate Spade makeup bag:

• Benefit Boi-ing Concealer (Light)
• Anastasia Bold & Beautiful (Beautiful Eyes Palette)
• Chanel Les Beiges (No 10)
• Shiseido The Pureness blotting paper
• Fresh lip balm (deluxe sample)
• Julep Strawberry Mint lip balm
• Lush Whoosh Temple Balm  
• Lipstick Queen Medieval (review pending)
• Lipstick Queen Jean Queen
• Chanel Rouge Coco Shine- Bonheur
• BareMinerals On the Go Makeup Removers
• L'Occitaine Shea Butter Cream- deluxe Sample
• Chanel Le Volume Mascara- sample
• Stila Smudge Crayon- Kitten
• NARS Creamy Concealer- Chantilly
• MUFE Aqua Eyes- 0L
• Hair ties, various samples, mini brushes, sample of Dior Addict Eau Delice

Inside My Bag: Part II

Beneath the somewhat streamlined contents of my purse lies the dark underbelly that is my makeup bag.

I'm going to take a deep breath and own up to the contents of my makeup bag.

Bag: Kate Spade, from the Kate Spade Outlet

1. Shiseido Pureness Oil Control Blotting Papers (available here)
2. Sample of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 (available here)
3. Emi- Jay hair ties (available here)
4. BareMinerals On the Spot Makeup Remover Swabs (available here)
5. Chanel Inimitable Mascara- sample (available here)
6. L'Occitaine Shea Butter Hand Cream - deluxe sample (available here)
7. NARS Creamy Concealer- Chantilly (available here)
8. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer- 01 Light (available here)
9. Lush Temple Balm in Whoosh
10. Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara- deluxe sample (available here)
11. MAC brush
12. Laura Mercier travel-sized dual end eye brush
13. Dot by Marc Jacobs deluxe sample
14. Julep Strawberry Mint Lip Balm
15. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, deluxe sample (available here)
16. Urban Decay Stardust Lip Glosses in Glitter Rock and Andromeda (reviewed here)
17. Tweezerman mini nail file
18. Diorshow Lip Glow (available here)
19. Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof in Kitten (available here)
20. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense for Lips- Chunkiest Chili (available here)
21. Tarte Romancing the Glow Palette (outside of the bag) (review forthcoming, available here)
22. Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating and Matifying Powder - 01 Teint Rose (available here)
23. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes #52L Lagoon Green (available here)
24. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil- Mainline (available here)
25. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes #01L Mat Black (available here)
26. Lipstick Queen- Jean Queen (review forthcoming)
27. Lipstick Queen- Hello Sailor (review forthcoming)

Wow, I carry around a lot!

Inside My Bag: Part I

One of my favorite voyeur-like features in magazines and blogs is the requisite look within someone else's bag or makeup bag. The popularity and prevalence of these features make me suspect that I'm not the only one!

Here's (most) of what's inside my bag today.  Not pictured? My work credentials and keys. And apparently my phone. Oops.

1. Today's bag: 06 Fall Black Balenciaga City, pre-loved when it came into my life.
2. Current edition of The Economist
3. Small notebook and pen (by glasses case)
4. Nail file
5. Caudalie Lip Conditioner (available here)
6. Vera Bradley Hard Eyeglasses case (available here)
7. Prescription sunglasses (via Zenni)
8. Tarte Romancing the Glow Palette (review forthcoming, available here)
9. Eyeglasses cleaner and cloth
10. Baggu medium pouch for medication, essentials (available here)
11. Kate Spade makeup case (stay tuned for Part II)
12. Apple iPod Classic
13. 06 Fall Black Balenciaga Coin Purse
14. Vera Bradley Kisslock wallet
15. Sephora Collection Luxe Travel Brush in Rose Gold (available here)
16. Store loyalty cards


My phone didn't make this photo, but I'm often separated from it during the day so this is a pretty accurate representation of the usual contents!

Overall, I try not to haul too much with me on a daily basis. As you see, I'm a huge fan of high/low. The wallet in particular is the perfect size to grab for a mad dash to the office cafeteria- and was a Memorial Day outlet steal at $10!

Stay tuned for Part II, when I admit to carrying far too many beauty products- even though they (almost) all fit in that case!