shimmery new toys: ns minerals make up

I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with the shiny new stuff found in my February MercoBox box, but after doing some research, I learned that the sparkly powders by NS Minerals that were included are actually pigments that can be used for a variety of beauty purposes, including eye shadow, blush, etc. I pulled them out last week and spent some time face painting and creating new looks with the shimmery powders.

The medium-hued purple is definitely my fave (shade OR-7) - it's a universally flattering eye shadow that works around the clock. The first day, I wore it by itself and although the color lasted all day, it had lost some of its shimmer by bedtime.* The next day, I blended it into the crease above some matte pink shadow for a perfect daytime smoky eye - it's dark enough to provide the right amount of shading, but light enough that it's not too dramatic for lunchtime.

I was hoping that the coraly pink (shade SV-1) would also work as an eye shadow, but the hue was just a little off for my skin tone. However, I do think it would make a lovely blush for someone a little less pale.

The one thing I noticed about both pigments is that they're better applied directly with fingertips as opposed to make up brushes; while the brushes deposited the color okay, fingertip application definitely made the color more vibrant and shimmery.

Have you tried NS Minerals? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and check out their website to learn more about this local Utah company. Get the full scoop on MercoLocal and their February box in this post.


Hey, while you're here, be sure to follow my blog with Bloglovin.


*In the interest of full disclosure, I do wear Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion on a daily basis. I don't know how well these pigments last on their own, without a primer.

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shop utah: mercolocal

february 2014 mercolocal box of awesomeness

As I've gotten older, I've found that huge malls and overstocked chain stores rarely have much worth braving the crowds and chancing shoddy craftsmanship (not to mention the anxiety they induce and the child sweatshops they utilize). Since coming to this realization, I've developed an obsession with shopping locally (as evidenced here, here and here), and in my experience, locally owned stores have all kinds of awesome stuff you won't find at Forever 21 or H&M - both in terms of inventory and in character.

That being said, when MercoLocal contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in checking out their February box, I literally jumped at the chance. Similar to Birchbox, MercoLocal takes a selection of cool stuff from a wide range of local Utah merchants every month, packs it up neatly and sends it out to subscribers with some extra gift cards and a nifty keychain - think of it as a locally owned business cocktail party, shipped right to your door on the first of every month. I'm not generally into subscription box services, but between the products it contains and the businesses it supports, this one is pretty rad.

February's box contained a whole lot of goodness, including some amazing-smelling soap by Beehive Soap & Body Care, really pretty mineral make up by NS Minerals, uniquely made and beautifully scented perfumes by Inkling and a box of what I'm sure were absolutely divine chocolates by Hatch Family Chocolates (unfortunately, I made the mistake of opening the box before leaving for work - they were gone by the time I got home; the boy blamed the dog). There were also some gift cards/coupons, a spiffy little invention called a Drain Wig that I'm betting will save us a few calls to Roto Rooter, and a bag of Crio Bru, an interesting hot cocoa mix that brews like coffee (planning to give this a shot in the morning - perhaps we've found the pregnant lady's replacement for coffee???).

I haven't had a chance to thoroughly vet every item yet, but so far I haven't been disappointed and I feel safe saying that the $19.99/month subscription cost is well worth it. Aside from the fact that everyone loves getting cool stuff in the mail, it's a great way to find and get to know Utah's local businesses. Learn more about MercoLocal's mission and subscribe for March's box on their website. Monthly supplies are limited, so hop on over there soon if you're interested in subscribing.

Stay tuned throughout the rest of the week for updates and follow me on Twitter (@fashion_nerd13) for the live experience as I work my through each of the items.

Have you heard of the MercoLocal box, or do you have any experiences with the brands & shops in this month's box? Sound off in the comments.


Follow my local shopping adventures in Park City here, and check out Utah at large here.

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what are you wearing for new years eve?

My favorite part about any party or holiday is getting all dressed up to celebrate, and New Year's happens to be my favorite holiday to dress up for. This year's end is looking to be a quiet one for me (my current plans involve my sister, a Castle marathon and a bottle of bubbly), but that doesn't invalidate the excuse to hunt down, purchase and wear something gorgeous and sparkly for the occasion.

What I love the most about the perfect New Year's Eve ensemble is that it's not necessarily aimed at attracting the preferred gender - it's a homage to the person you were in the previous year, tinged with the hope of the person you want to be in the new one. It's goal should be to display, in wardrobe form, the wearer's personality in such a way as so garner the admiring attention of the entire room, not just the attracted half.. and if you happen to snag a hottie or two while sporting your party duds, that's just an added bonus.

So if, like me, you're still considering your prospective wardrobe choices for the upcoming holiday, take a moment to take stock of where you've been this year, where you'd like to go next year and how you want the world to see you by filling out my completely unscientific personality quiz below. Tally your results at the end and scroll down to the appropriate dress to find some locally sourced garment inspiration to get you started on your hunt.


Question 1: What best describes your personality and style?
A. Mysterious and sophisticated with an unexpected edge.
B. Flirtatious and daring, driven by passion.
C. Timeless and classic with great attention to the details.
D. Exuberant, brilliant and unabashedly playful.
E. Unerringly chic, always classy and just a little bit (or maybe a lot) sassy.

Question 2: What do you look for in a party dress?
A. A refined cut with posh accents and interesting details.
B. A flouncy hem and easygoing vibe in a contradictory bold color.
C. Something simple but flattering, to let my accessories do the talking.
D. Some glitz and some sparkle to match my shining smile.
E. Just the right amount of sex appeal mixed with elegance and swank.

Question 3: How would you classify your life in 2012?
A. Cool and calm on the outside, but appearances can be deceiving.
B. Full of action and adventure, with some lessons learned from impulsive decisions.
C. Relaxed and stable, with an occasional surprise to mix things up - though sometimes a bit dull.
D. Bursting at the seams with goodness - I really couldn't be happier.
E. A year of growth, maturity and honing my, ah, sexual prowess.

Question 4: What are your plans for 2013?
A. Conquer - I'm going to take on an inner demon/deep fear/lifelong dream and make it mine.
B. Adventure - There is fun to be had, memories to make and ambitions to tackle.
C. Perfecting - Big picture wise, I'm where I want to be - it's time to put the details into the right places.
D. Enjoy my life - I plan to let my hair down and learn how to just be happy.
E. Balance - Finding that delicate equilibrium between the most important things in my life.

Question 5: Pick a word.
A. Enigma
B. Vixen
C. Vintage
D. Sparkly
E. Foxy

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if you picked......

mostly A's = Urban Mystery

mostly B's = Boldly Going

mostly C's = Vintage Class

mostly D's = Lit From Within

mostly E's = Lady In The Street

Layered cutout shift dress, via Q Clothing; was $58, on sale for $46

urban mystery

It's been an interesting year for you; intoxicating ups mixed with intense downs. You're a woman of many layers, and despite your friendly exterior some might say it's hard to get to know you. With a sophisticated shift cut, posh details and a subdued color, this dress might seem demure - but the layered cutout front and satiny finish give this charcoal hued beauty a hefty shot of edge mixed with an enticing cloud of mystery.

Shift dress w/sequin collar, via Q Clothing; was $58, on sale for $46

boldly going

You know who you are and what you want out of life; 2012 was one of building momentum for you, and you're ready to explode into 2013. Adventures, excitement and a whole lot of change lay ahead for you, and you look forward to taking the challenges head on. The bold berry shade of this dress belies your passion for life, while the flirty, flouncy silhouette proves you have a sense of humor and a beautiful smile. Wear it with confidence that 2013 will take you to beautiful places.

left - Rory Beca Dress, via Apt 202 boutique ($218);
bottom right - The Perfect LBD (w/bow belt) via Q Clothing (was $56, now $44)

vintage class

Details are important to you; after all, little things are made up of big things and no puzzle is complete without the tiniest pieces. You've grown into a mature, confident woman and now that the drawing is complete, it's time to start filling it in with ecstatic color. The LBD is the ultimate blank canvas and allows your accessories (a statement necklace, an armful of bangles, those killer red stilettos) to show off your amazing sense of style. After all, as Karl Lagerfield said - "One is never overdressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress."

BB Dakota Olsen Dress, via Apt 202 boutique ($120)

lit from within

Your smile lights up the room. There is a serene beauty about you that others find entrancing, and you understand that it's not about the things you have in your world - its the way you view it that determines your happiness. 2013 will be a journey of finding your inner piece and bringing balance to your life. The silver sequined top of this beauty seems to reflect your inner light, while the pleated skirt leaves you free to move and dance your way through the evening and into the new year.

Addison Blouson Dress, via Apt 202 boutique ($175)

lady in the street

Chic, sassy and classy - you understand that being sexy is as much about what you don't show as it is about what you do. Everything in life, from what you wear to relationships to corporate business negotiations, is about finding the perfect middle ground, and you've mastered the art of navigation. 2013 will be a year of bringing your life into equilibrium; some tough choices lay ahead, but you're strong and prepared to face them. The blouson top of this dress balances perfectly with the sleek body con fit of the skirt, speaking both to your elegant sense of style and fantastic self confidence. You are, after all, worth your weight in gold.

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So, how'd you do??? Leave a comment below with your result, and let me know what you decide to wear!

If you're looking for more New Year's Eve party dress inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards (happy nye // party it up) dedicated to the topic, and be sure to swing by one of these fantastic local shops to pick yours up!

Q Clothing

215 East Broadway (300 South)

801.474.2000

web | facebook | email

closed Sunday; open 11am-7pm Monday

Apt 202 boutique

955 East 900 South | Salt Lake City, Utah

801.355.0228

web | facebook | twitter

closed Sunday; open 10am-6pm Monday

Koo de Ker

1037 East 900 South | Salt Lake City, Utah

801.359.4870

web | facebook | twitter

closed Sunday; open 10am-4pm Monday

Uptown Cheapskate

353 West 200 South | Salt Lake City, Utah

801.931.3388

web | facebook | twitter

closed Sunday; open 11am-8pm Monday

My Best Friend's Closet

134 West 1180 North, Suite 10 (by Walmart) | Tooele, Utah

435.248.2889

web | facebook | email

closed Sunday; open 10am-7pm Monday

Full Disclosure: Images from their respective stores, Q Clothing & Apt 202 boutique. A note on store hours: information garnered from each shop's Facebook page; you may want to call to confirm holiday hours. Also - this is not a sponsored post.

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