Hello world,

I came to the realization this year that I haven't really tried that many makeup brands. When I first started wearing makeup, back in high school, I was all about the M.A.C. M.A.C. foundation, powder, eye shadow, brushes (oh god, those were expensive), and pigments (who really uses those??). Then in university, I got more into watching youtube videos and reading blogs and I started to realize that I didn't need to spend a lot of money on makeup, so my purchases were primarily from Walmart and Shopper's DrugMart (Canadian Walgreens for those of you who live furthur south).

This past year, however, I got to try some brands that I always heard about and knew the most popular/standout items from the brand, but never tried for one reason or another.

Nars
It started with the Laguna Illuminator, which I really enjoy to add color and luminosity to my foundation. Since that purchase I've come to own a Larger than Life eyeliner, an eyeshadow duo in Bellisimo, and the limited edition One Night Stand Blush palette from the end of this year.

Lorac
Lorac's hit product, hands down, is the Pro Palette that has rivaled the popularity of the Urban Decay's Naked Collection. I do not own the  pro palette (soon perhaps!) but I did pick up the Pro To Go palette they released last year with a bronzer, 2 blushes, and 6 eyeshadows (3 mattes). A standout product of 2013 for me, I really loved it for travel, and even found myself using it at home, especially the cheek colors.

Bare Minerals
I hovered around the Buxom station in Sephora a few times this past year but never picked anything up. And then the holiday collections came out and bam. I now own my own little collection worthy of its own stand at Sephora. I picked up the Convertible Ready eyeshadow palette (which I have yet to use), and the Bring on the Night set (a FANTASTIC deal, again, haven't tried it yet). In addition, for Christmas, I received a Buxom Passport Collection set from my boyfriend. And no, I haven't tried that either.

Tarte
The only product I had ever used from Tarte before this year was the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara I owned back in university. Around the holidays I picked up the Tarte of Giving "Collector's set" that was probably the best deal of the holidays. An eyeshadow palette, 8 mini lipglosses, a mini blush, a cheek stain, a mini mascara, and a couple skincare items, this makes the perfect thing for me to dip my toes into Tarte.

So yes, I did alot of makeup shopping over the past couple months. And alot of the stuff I haven't even tried yet. But I have all year! I do not plan to make any other beauty purchases in 2014, save for either the Lorac Pro Palette or the It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Palette. I do realize that I went a little overboard in the past couple months, so I need to take it easy and start using the things I bought/received.