Things I'm Loving This Month/Birthday Challenge!

Hello lovelies!

Since this month is my birthday... I decided to make a wish list! I'll be twenty years old on March 26... oh man. Old lady status. No longer can I write myself off as a flighty, irresponsible teenager. Just kidding. Kinda.

Anyway! These are the things that I'm lusting after this month. Hoping my friends and family see this and take a hint or two. ;)

1. Hell Bunny cancun dress. Roses, cactuses (cacti?), skulls, guns, pretty pin-up girls... Is a description really necessary? This dress is badass. I need it. That is all.

2. Black Milk unicorn leggings! These come in black or white, I love the black ones though. They're covered in cute little pink unicorns and just absolutely adorable. I'd love to rock these at work. (Side tangent: My friend and I were discussing these mythical creatures the other day, and asking, why are they called unicorns? Why not unihorn? Since uni means "one" in Latin... and they have one horn... der der der. Anyway, so we looked it up and apparently "corn" comes from the Latin root "cornus," which means horn. BAM! Bet you didn't know that. Now you can astonish your friends with your newfound knowledge of the Latin language.) Anyhow, these leggings are definitely something I'd love to open up on my birthday. I'm sure I'd be wearing these all the time.

3. "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children." This is a book by Ransom Riggs. Every time I go to the bookstore I pick this up and read another chapter. I'd love to have it so I can read the whole thing! It's equal parts mystery, thriller, and historical. eerie and sad and interesting... I'm only halfway through it though, so I don't know how it's gonna end. Definitely keeps me in suspense though, and I've never read anything like it.

4. Twilight Esme Barbie doll. I've always loved Barbies since I got my first one at five years old. But one thing I've noticed is that there have never been any Barbie dolls with pale skin tones. When I saw this doll, I honestly didn't know it was from Twilight. I've never even seen the movies. I was just drawn to it because it was so pretty! And I'd like to add a porcelain-skinned doll to my collection.

5. Jeffrey Campbell x Black Milk galaxy damsel wedges. These are so cute. I'd wear them with just about anything! Dress them up with a little black dress and tights, or more casual with skinny jeans and a loose-fitting sweater. I like them just a little bit better than the litas because they have higher platforms, and not as many girls wear them. And as much as I love galaxy print, I don't want to overdo it. These shoes provide just a little pop of intergalactic prettiness. :)

Although these are some "things" that I'd like to have, what I really want for my birthday is to have a day off from work and spend some time with my family. I was also inspired by a story I read about someone who spent their birthday not as a "me me me" day, but instead went out to do random acts of kindness for others. So I decided that since I'm turning twenty, I'll challenge myself to do twenty kind things for other people. It's something I've always wanted to spend a day doing, so I think it will be both a fun and memorable birthday - not just because I got what I wanted and partied hard, but because I'm doing something positive and making people happy! I'm excited. Other than that, I don't have much in the way of plans. We'll see what happens!

xoxo,
Sugar

Ten Best Beauty Buys!

I may have a kind of weird style that not everybody "gets," but one thing I do always get tons of compliments on is my makeup. So, I just wanted to share ten of my favorite beauty products with you guys! I try everything from drugstore to high-end stuff so there is something for everyone, on any budget.  Just click the link to go to the website where you can buy it!

1. MAC matte lipstick in Ruby Woo. $15, maccosmetics.com

I discovered this gem when I arrived on the set of a photo shoot one day and realized I forgot to bring the red lipstick I was wearing so I could touch it up between photos. One of the models who had been shooting with the photographer the day before had left her Ruby Woo on the counter of the changing area. I figured she wouldn't mind, so I washed off the stuff I was wearing and re-did my lips with her MAC lipstick. It was so gorgeous! After the shoot was over it still looked perfect. I had to go get my own. I still don't know who that model was, but I am forever grateful to her for introducing me to this cosmetic wonder. Those on the lookout for THE perfect red... this is it. I will never wear another red lipstick again! The MAC website describes it as a "very matte, vivid blue-red." I love that it has a blue undertone to it (as opposed to orange). Red with blue undertones makes your teeth look whiter, and it doesn't clash with yellow or pink skin tones. It is flattering on pale skin, but I've seen it on lots of different skin tones including African-American and it always looks stunning. I love this shade because it has zero shine, it stays on for hours, and you can eat, drink, or kiss in it and it won't budge. It never feathers into the creases around your lips, and it doesn't get on your teeth. You really can do no wrong with this!

2. Makeup For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation. $42, sephora.com

I'm not too big on heavy foundations, yet I want something that won't let my red spots show through. So I was thrilled when I found this. I was also happy because it is SO HARD to match my super-pale skin tone. But this foundation in shade 110 is the perfect match - it's impossible to tell where my skin ends and the foundation begins. It provides a thin veil of coverage that doesn't cake up throughout the day, yet it covers enough so that I don't even feel the need to ever wear concealer! And it comes in 26 different shades, from porcelain pink to ebony, so there is a match for everybody.

3. e.l.f Studio 11-piece Brush Collection. $30, eyeslipsface.com

In order to have a flawless face, you need the right tools... because there comes a point where using your fingers or the little sponge applicator included in the makeup you bought just won't cut it. If you're looking for good quality brushes at the lowest price, this set is great. And e.l.f. is always having sales and specials, so chances are you can get it for even less than thirty dollars, or they'll throw in a free gift or free shipping! I got my in January 2012, and they were doing a deal where you could get this brush set for $2.12 if you bought $30 of cosmetics. Plus I got free shipping. It truly was a bargain, and after a year these brushes are holding up wonderfully. You can also get them at Target and Wal-Mart, for about $3 a piece if you just want a few of them instead of the whole set.

4. NARS blush/bronzer duo in Orgasm/Laguna. $24-$41, sephora.com

You've probably heard beauty bloggers rave about this before, but I will say it again because I could not agree more - NARS blush in Orgasm is THE perfect blush. Look no further for a shade that flatters anybody. It is a peachy pink with subtle gold shimmer that highlights the cheekbones beautifully. And Laguna has long been a favorite bronzer in the beauty world. I like it because it is very blendable and you can build up as much colour as you need. NARS makes a compact with both products in it. It's expensive, but worth it. Until now, it was only available in the full-size compact duo for $41. But recently, they came out with a new mini size for only $24! I bought it in December, and let me tell you - there is more than enough product in this small compact. I use it every day and I've barely made a dent in the amount of makeup there is in it. It's a great value, and you will love the way it contours and colours the face.

5. NARS lip gloss in Orgasm. $25, sephora.com

Now that I've reviewed the blush, I can't forget about its best friend - NARS lip gloss in Orgasm! It's a very natural peach with gold flecks that make your lips look full and juicy! It also gives lipstick a completely new look if you layer the gloss over it. It's great for any occasion from casual to dramatic, because it goes with so many looks. Definitely a must-have in my purse.

6. Benefit High Beam. $26, sephora.com

This is the prettiest illuminator I've ever come across. I just dab it on my cheekbones, brow-bones, and temples, and it creates stunning definition. It's a shimmery pearl pink, and when you put it on there's just a trace of sparkle (no clumpy glitter). As the day goes on it fades a bit and provides a subtle, sheer glow that's beautiful and angelic. If you want those supermodel cheekbones, contour your cheeks with NARS Laguna bronzer and then highlight with Benefit High Beam. You'll be amazed at the results. It's $26 dollars for a 0.45 ounce bottle... but all you need is a dab of it so it lasts a ridiculously long time. Just a tip - skip the weird little brush it comes with and just use your ring finger to smudge it on. The result is much more natural.

7. bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara. $18, sephora.com

This may not be for everbody, because I prefer super thick lashes rather than defined, lengthened ones. I don't like mascaras that seperate every lash - I like them clumped together in volumized sections. Kind of spiky. Does that make sense? I don't know. Anyway, bareMinerals mascara is nice because it has a little comb brush. When you set it at the base of your lashes and wiggle as you go up, it creates such nice volume.

8. Biore Deep Cleaning Pore Strips. $8.50, walmart.com

These little wonders suck out all the nasty stuff in your pores that a regular face wash just can't reach. It's pretty gross to see what was in your skin once you peel them off - but it gives you such a good, clean feeling!

9. Salon Perfect false lash strips. $3, walmart.com

Salon Perfect lashes are exactly what false lashes should be - cheap, durable, and easy to apply. I honestly would take these any day over Sephora brand or Makeup Forever. Why drop fifteen bucks on a set of lashes that can only be worn a few times anyway? I love Salon Perfect. There are so many styles, from wispy and natural to fluttery and dramatic. I still haven't tried all of them, and I'm a false lash fiend so that's saying something. The bands on the lashes are thin too (easy to work with) and you can bend them to fit the shape of your eyelid. I get about five wears out of them, and that's with eye makeup on them. They'd probably last even longer if you didn't get mascara on them. I also absolutely love the lash glue by Salon Perfect. Apply it to the lash and wait about thirty seconds before putting it on your eyelid. It won't wear off throughout the day, and it comes off easily with makeup remover. It's definitely comparable to DUO, the high-end lash glue brand.

10. Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. $15, marykay.com

At the end of the day all that pretty makeup has to come off, and to maintain good skin and avoid eye infections, you don't want to leave icky traces of old mascara or foundation when you go to sleep. In the brief time I worked for Mary Kay, I did discover one product that I truly love, and that is the oil-free eye makeup remover. It doesn't leave greasy residue (that beats sephora brand - I've tried it and was disappointed), and it removes every trace of makeup. You get a decent amount for the price. It really is a good product to have.


Well, that wraps up Sugar Price's must-have beauty product list! You may have noticed that I linked all the products I could to the Sephora website. That's because every time you buy something from them, you get free gifts, samples, and free shipping over $50. And if you set up a Beauty Insider account, you get a free product with every one hundred dollars you spend. It adds up faster than you would think! And I'm always up for freebies - I discover a lot of my favorite products that way. I hope this list is helpful for you next time you go makeup shopping. :)

xoxo,
Sugar

Random thoughts/Halcyon

I was bored at work today and drawing tattoo ideas and sketches. I started writing different words and ended up with a poem/song/emotional piece of crap, devoid of all talent. Just a lot of thoughts bouncing around in my head, and when I wrote it all on paper, that's how it came out.

On another note, I bought Ellie Goulding's album Halcyon last night. It's such a departure from her musical style on the album Lights. But in a good way. It's not as electronic or pop-sounding than her last studio effort, and the lyrics are a lot deeper - at times melancholy. Her vocal range is much stronger and she sings with more power. It's a different vibe, but a good one. My favorite tracks are My Blood and Figure 8.

Here's the track list for the deluxe album edition. The regular album cuts off tracks 14-17.

1. Don't Say A Word
2. My Blood
3. Anything Could Happen
4. Only You
5. Halcyon
6. Figure 8
7. JOY
8. Hanging On
9. Explosions
10. I Know You Care
11. Atlantis
12. Dead In The Water
13. I Need Your Love
14. Ritual
15. In My City
16. Without Your Love
17. Hanging On (Explicit)
18. Lights

Thrifty fashion shoot!

I had another photo shoot the other day with Jim Nicholson of the Pose Factory. I think we make a pretty awesome team! The cool thing about these outfits is that they were all thrifted, or purchased at super-discounted prices... Always a plus in my book. I posted the one below on Lookbook so please hype it if you have an account. :) This Gap sweater was found at a thrift store for $5! It is so big and comfy and I wear it all the time. I have a thing for ugly sweaters... The liquid leggings I got at Ross on clearance for six dollars. The shoes are clearance Forever 21 (just eight bucks!). The necklaces in both photos were borrowed from the photographer.

The colourful outfit was really fun to shoot. My friend Bre and I found matching sweaters at Goodwill with this crazy neon Aztec print. It's pretty awesome. And what are the odds of finding two of the same thing at a thrift store? The gold foil skirt is fun, I wore it a lot during the holidays. The skirt and shoes were cheap finds at Forever 21. The pink glasses were a dollar on clearance at Hot Topic and really cute, although impractical. But I figured I could use them for a shoot at some point... so I'm glad I got them!

Galaxy Glam

Well, I finally jumped on the galaxy bandwagon... here is my first attempt at playing with the print. I liked how it turned out, actually. I wore the skirt work yesterday morning and got compliments on it all day.

What are your thoughts on galaxy print? I know everybody is wearing it now. I think it can definitely be a cute look, and I'm sorry I waited so long to get my hands on a galaxy piece. If you want to go back to the original makers of galaxy print, that would be the wonderful minds behind the Australian company known as Black Milk. Find the blue galaxy skirt here. However, at $63 they are a bit expensive (although high quality, no doubt.) If you're looking for something easier on your wallet, though, my skirt is from Hot Topic. It is made in the U.S. and it's only $14.50. It can be found here; however, the skirt has been very popular and last I checked they were sold out. They didn't even have a small in the my local store so I had to go up a size. But the skirt is very cute and definitely worth fifteen bucks if you can find one.

Polyvore Whore

So, I don't know if you guys play around with Polyvore at all, but I recently discovered it and I'm a little bit in love. It's perfect for financially challenged fashionistas such as myself... you're essentially putting together dream outfits from an unlimited virtual wardrobe. Pretty much as close to heaven as it gets! I can already tell I'm going to waste hour upon hour drooling over imaginary outfits... Anyway, if you guys wanna see some stuff I've put together here are my two first creations. If you haven't already, give it a go! It's a really fun way to let your creative fashion juices flow without spending a dime.

Galaxy Grunge by sugar-price featuring brian atwood

Seattle Outing by sugar-price featuring pendant earrings

I lied

Okay, maybe I can't stay away from blogging until after Christmas.

Yesterday I scored an original copy of Nirvana's 1991 Nevermind album. I have a huge crush on Kurt Cobain... oh and the music is alright too. ;P I've always loved the whole Northwest grunge music/fashion scene, but I have a special affinity to it since Seattle is my home. I love that the nu grunge look is taking over the streets everywhere else as well. Speaking of fashion... another outfit of the day for you guys to hype on Lookbook, please and thank you. ♥

It snowed last night, big feathery puffs around 2 AM. But when I got up in the morning it was gone. Sad! I guess that is a hidden blessing though, because I couldn't have gotten to work if it stayed. I live at the bottom of a hill and when the streets are icy and full of snow, my neighbors and I get stuck!

On another note, I finished all my Christmas shopping. And since I've been pretty good this month with my spending, I gave myself a little present too. I reaaaaally wanted Jeffrey Campbell litas, but I decided to settle for these cute platforms by Shi. Same look, less dinero. Cute, right? I'm kind of bummed because I got them right before they went on sale, but if you guys want to take advantage of the sale you can find them here and here!

What's up December?

Wow, it's December already. This has been one of the most eventful, difficult, drama-filled years of my life so far. I may be only nineteen, but still. 2012... it's been crazy. I survived some pretty rough times and I feel like 2013 is gonna be MY year. I want to end this period of my life on a note of optimism. Oh, and I survived the supposed end of the world yesterday, so I suppose that's saying something.

Anyway, I recently had a huge financial burden lifted off me and I feel like I'm finally starting to move forward. I'm a little late in the game but I'm starting to think about Christmas gifts for my parents, four sisters, best friends, and co-workers.

For my female co-workers I think I'm getting the Eye Candy Full Face Collection from Lorac. It is a set of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip palettes shaped like chocolate bars, but they flip open into a compact. It's awesome because I have six female co-workers, and they all get a full-size designer makeup palette but I'm only spending $10 each on them. Shhh ;) Still trying to figure out what my best friend would like, but she's easy to please so I'm not worried. Same with my family.

As for me... I treated myself to another pair of Dr. Martens last week! I'm loving these indigo 1461 shoes. Super comfy and more versatile than they seem. As always, I posted an outfit on lookbook.nu so check it out if you have an account. Just leave a comment for a hype back!

Anyway, I hope you guys have amazing holidays and you all get to spend time with the ones you love. I probably won't be blogging again until after Christmas since I'm so busy with work... But in January I will back in action, better than ever. See you guys soon. :)

-Sugar