I got these boots in the mail today and despite some work stress – not to mention a bad pasta induced tummy ache – they made me giddy as a school girl. Originally, these retailed for about $169 but I found them on Hautelook a few weeks ago for $69. I know I vowed not to get any new shoes for a while considering I received so many for Christmas, but this deal was just too good to pass up. And I mean really, have you guys ever known me to pass on a discounted pair of glittery Steve Madden’s? Ya, I thought not.

This style, called “Hastt,” pairs glitter and suede for a glam but not gaudy look. I especially love the peep-toe because I’ll be able to wear these boots well into spring.

The heel is nearly 5′ which didn’t seem all that high until I actually stood up and realized I could see over the top of my cubicle. Given how tall these are, they’re surprisingly comfortable thanks to the 1.5′ platform which takes a little pressure off the arch of the foot.

This little buckle detail gives the shoe a touch of class without adding too much. Which is good, considering these sky-high, glitter encrusted heels already have so much going on.

And in case you were wondering, yes I did plan tomorrow’s ensemble around these boots. If I have time in the morning I’ll snap a few pics for an outfit of the day post, but I’m thinking dark jeans, a grey cardigan and a lacy black cami will give my new Steve Maddens a chance to shine =)

I get a lot of questions about the hot pink lips I’m wearing in my Twitter avatar, so I figured I would go ahead and do a quick lip tutorial for you guys. Everything I use to put this together can be found at any drugstore, and all these products are less than $10 each!

For this look you will need:
NYX Lipliner – Currant (for a deeper hot pink) or Dolly Pink (for a lighter hot pink)
Covergirl LipPerfection Lipstick- Spellbound
NYC Liquid Shine lip gloss- Fashion Ave Fuchsia

Once you’re done, just pucker up and prepare to bask in the compliments as your pretty pink pout gets you noticed!

I must have tried a bazillion different beauty products last year, so it was hard to narrow my list of favorites down to just 11. Yet somehow, after meticulous consideration and hours of testing I was able to come up with this list. You know, for you guys. Cuz we all know how hard shopping and using beauty products is for a person like me!

Wanna try these fabulous products out for yourself? Here’s where to get them!

Pond’s Evening Soothe Towelettes
Price: $5
Get it: Drugstores nationwide

Escada Taj Sunset Perfume
Price: $50-60.00
Get it: Amazon.com

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation
Price: $34
Get it: Sephora, Ulta stores, urbandecay.com

John Freida Perfect Ends Deep Infusion Treatment
Price: $7.99
Get it: Target, drugstores

Benefit They’re Real Mascara
Price: $22
Get it: Sephora, Ulta, Benefitcosmetics.com

Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lip Gloss
Price: $19
Get it: Sephora, Ulta, urbandecay.com

Urban Decay Primer Potion – Greed
Price: $19
Get it: Sephora, Ulta, urbandecay.com

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
Price: $20
Get it: Ulta, stilacosmetics.com

L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick
Price: $9.99
Get it: drugstores

CoverFX Natural FX Water Based Foundation
Price: $37
Get it: coverfx.com

LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre
Price: $16
Get it: Ulta, Sephora

My friends at BeautyStat.com asked me to review this ultra fabulous new eyeliner by Laura Geller and I was more than happy to take them up on the offer. I’ve always loved Laura Geller’s baked products, so I knew the eyeliner would be just as amazing.

This stunning liner duo comes with a matte black shade as well as a rich purple. These look gorgeous alone, or layered over one another for a more intense effect.

I had to get an up-close shot of these because I love them so much. Especially the purple liner, since the color is so multifaceted. If you look closely, you can see little flecks of pink in the gel.

The cap to these liners is absolutely genius. As you can see, it comes apart revealing a small, fine tip brush that can be used to apply the eyeliner. I love this since it eliminates the need for me to carry yet another brush in my makeup bag.

If you need a longer handle, you can even put the cap back together to make a full sized brush.

This is by far the best gel liner I’ve ever used, and once these are done I absolutely plan on repurchasing this. It’s long wearing, fabulous and it doesn’t irritate my eyes when I use it for tight-lining. It’s not available in stores just yet, but you can get it on QVC for about $30.

It’s hard to believe today is the first day of 2012. I was just getting used to writing 2011 and just like that, it’s already over. Looking back though, I have to say that 2011 was really good to me. Despite a few minor bumps here and there, the year was pretty close to perfect. I have a great job doing things I only dreamed about in college, my website and YouTube channel are doing well and I’m surrounded by wonderful people who fill every day of my life with laughter.

I got to attend glamorous beauty industry parties, meet fascinating people and try the most amazing beauty products. I have a ton of subscribers, readers, fans and friends from all around the world. And I have it all because of YOU, my amazing blog and YouTube subscribers. None of these amazing things would be possible without the endless amounts of love I get from you all, and that’s what I am most grateful for. Thank you all for helping me make my dreams come true. There is still much work to be done and many more dreams to achieve, but it’s your support that keeps me going day in and day out.

I’m so excited to see what 2012 has in store, and I’m even more excited to have you all with me every step of the way. Thank you for everything, and may 2012 bring you all endless peace, love, happiness and more blessings than you can count ♥

With love and SO much appreciation,

Your Girl Jackie ♥