Beauty Blurbz

June Birchbox!

2012-06-12T14:53:00.000-04:00

Haven't gotten to try anything in the box yet but I can already tell, this is one of my favorites!!

John Varvatos Star U.S.A. 1.7 oz
tili Bags Small Collection 1
Eyeko Fat Eye Stick
Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 Normal To Oily
Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive
theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac

May Favorites

2012-06-04T02:23:00.000-04:00

I dont have many new favorites this month but the ones I have, I LOVE!!

Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Medium Brown

Second time in my monthly favs. It lasts all day and perfectly defines my not to perfect brows.

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia

My hubby got this for me in FL and I LOVE it! I am a big fan of the mens Acqua Di Gio so it was a given that the female scent would be just great!

Maybelline Master Shape in Soft Brown

This was a favorite last month as well, love it for its waxy finish to hold my brows in place.

Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment

Smells amazing and will transform your hair in just the first use. This has won the medal of best hair product of the year.

Dial Naturals Body Wash in Tangerine & Guava

Here is a product that totally surprised me. I bought it mostly for the yummy smell and cheap price but once I read the bottle, I discovered this is a great product for its price. It has 94% natural origin, no artificial dyes, hypoallergenic, no parabens, no added phthalates, biodegradable, 100% recyclable packaging and its not tested on out little animal friends! All for about $3!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Light

Lasts all day and doesnt make me look like an old hag by creasing under my eyes. It brightens so well and applies and blends effortlessly.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light/Medium

This has its downside but the upsides outweigh the bad. Applies quick and easy and evens out my skin tone. Click HERE to see my review on it.

Im a HUGE television person so I thought I would include my favorite TV show of the month.

The Firm: Its about a lawyer and his family who recently decided to leave Witness Protection and get themselves in some big trouble. It is one of THE BEST TV shows I have ever watched! Its like a movie in a TV show and I can not wait till the new season. The whole first season is free on HULU. Click HERE to watch.

PRODUCTS I REGRET BUYING - PART 1

2012-06-03T13:26:00.001-04:00

So, we all have them. Those products that you bought hoping they would make it to the front row of your beauty closet shelf, but end up somewhere towards the back with the extra q-tips and old cans of hairspray. Yep, Im talking about he products we wish we had never bought! Even with researching products before I buy them or taking a friends recommendation, I often come across a lot of products I just don't like, and I believe that this list is just as important as the the list of products we love. So here goes, the pesky list of products that in my opinion....suck!

WEN Cleansing Conditioner
This is one of those products I did TONS of research on before I purchased, but with so many hair types out there, you never really know how a product will work for you until you try it for yourself.
Product Description:Wen® Cleansing Conditioner is a revolutionary new concept in hair care. A 5-in-1 formula, this one product takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos—it is designed so it won't strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention.
My Hair Type: I have very thin straight hair, I have to wash it every day or at least every other day. Anything longer then that and I will look like a hot mess!
My Experience: I LOVED this product at first, but by the second week I had to stop using it because my hair was weighed down and dull looking. It wasn't stripping the moisture from my hair but it also wasnt cleaning it! It may be healthy for your hair but after a while my hair felt dirty. It's also very expensive and requires you to use a VERY large amount of product each time.

OPI Shatter Nail Polish
Now here is a product with a great concept but terrible execution. I gave into the hype in this one and was greatly disappointed.
Product Description: A revolutionary new color that creates a shattered effect when applied over dry lacquer.
My Experience: The finished look looks cool, but it's a pain in the butt to try to get the perfect coat when the product is so thick that it makes it difficult to apply it properly and it doesn't help that the brush is so big you cant get the corners of your nails painted. Thats not even the worst part, I tried to use this product a few weeks after i bought it and I was so PISSED to find out it was completely dried out in the bottle. I pulled out the brush and it was hard and unusable. $10 out the window!

St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Cleanser
I never had a problem with any of St. Ives products, but this one just didn't do it for me.
Product Description: This cleanser, with natural microbeads and apricot extracts, controls oil and fights blemishes without over drying the skin.
My Experience: There was nothing technically wrong with this one, it is mostly personal preference. I did not like the smell of this product at all! Every time I used it I would hold my breath so I didnt have to smell it. Its not a terrible smell but it wasnt fresh or perfume like. The other thing I didnt like was the texture, it was so lotion-like and the beads were barley noticeable. I like to feel like a product is working and the lotion-like texture made me feel like it wasn't doing any cleaning at all.

e.l.f Essentials Liquid Eyeliner
e.l.f is a brand that has both hits and misses. Luckily, all their products are so affordable that it makes the trial and error process less damaging to our wallets.
Product Description: No more tugging or pulling on your eyelids with this easy glide Liquid Eyeliner. The smudge-proof liner is rich in color, creating a long lasting defined look. The fine tip brush creates easy and precise definition for natural or dramatic eye effects.
My Experience: Two words...Smudgy Mess! The formula is the only problem to me with this product. The brush applicator is amazing and makes winged liner so easy, the bottles are cute, the color options are great and its only $1! But the formula, terrible! It smears and has no longevity at all. I have tried using it will primer, without primer, setting it with powder and not setting it with powder, nothing seems to keep it on my eyes long enough without smudging all over the place.

Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor
A few months ago I received the Joico RevitaLuxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment in either my Birchbox or Beauty Army box and it quickly became he BEST hair product I had ever used. So when I saw they carried the Joico line at CVS, I decided to try the Deep Penetrating Reconstructor (because they didnt have the RevitaLuxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment) thinking it would be just as great, I was wrong.
Product Description: K-PAK Reconstructor contains the highest amount of Quadramine Complex than any other product in the Joico family. Hair is left shiny, strong and in a healthy, manageable state.
K-PAK Reconstructor results in an immediately noticeable difference in strength, texture and appearance.
My Experience: First of all, for about $25, I expected this product to be great. Second, it just doesn't work well to detangle my hair. I use it as a substitute for conditioner and once Im out of the shower, I cant get a brush through my hair. Maybe Im comparing it to closely to the RevitaLuxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment? Maybe I need to use a conditioner afterwards? All I know is that I would not repurchase it.

Garnier Fructis Triple Nurition Nutrient Spray
I had seen this spray on a few Youtube videos so I wanted to try it.
Product Description:Transform your hair with the most intense nourishment yet from the Triple Nutrition Nutrient Spray Nourishes hair to the core. Hair shines from within. FORTIFIED FRUIT SCIENCE 3 Nutritive Fruit Weightless Oils: Olive, Avocado and Shea.
My Experience: I really didn't notice any difference at all. Its like Im spraying my hair with water. Maybe in the long run it will make a difference in my hair but Im the type of girl who likes immediate results and I just didn't get any with this.

What are some products you regret buying?

LOVE THIS!!

2012-06-02T17:55:00.003-04:00

Florida Fun

2012-05-28T19:36:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to be able to see my family in Florida a few weeks ago. I wish I could have stayed longer then a week because there was so much I didnt get to do and so many people I didnt get to see. It rained everyday I was there so I only got to spend about 3 hours at the beach lol. While I was there I attended my cousins wedding, got to see my uncle that came in from Brazil, and got to spend alot to time with my husbands family that we didnt get to see the last time we were there. Most of our vacation was spent with family, bouncing from house to house and having dinner at every single house! We are all brazilian so...we like food! Needless to say I gained back the 10lbs I lost prior to going to FL =0(. I got to do a little shopping while I was there (not as much as I wanted), there is an AMAZING shoe store there that we always hit up when we are in town. All in all, it was a great trip! I have a beautiful family that I love with all my heart and love getting to spend time with them!

OHHH...on our way back, we were sitting in the airport waiting to board the plain and all of a sudden we see police, firefighters and HAZMAT crew with masks telling us we have to evacuate! We were so freaked out as hundreds of people were escorted to the tarmac where we waited about 3 hours before we had to go through security again and finally bored our flight! Turns out there was an aerosol can that exploded and 5 people reported having difficulty breathing and were sent to the hospital. Crazy! At least I got to see Reggie Bush who was trying to hide in he corner while we were all on the tarmac lol

REVIEW: Garnier Skin Renewal Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

2012-05-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

Product Description
Garnier Skin Renewal Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream is the first BB Cream to hit drugstore shelves. It is a multi-benefit product that combines intense moisturizing skincare and immediate skin perfecting coverage.

Claims
To correct, brighten, even skin tone, provide UV protection and hydrate for 24 hours, all in one easy to use product.

Packaging
I think the packaging is great. It's flip top is just as easy to use as a pump would be and I like that the product dispenses from the bottom so I never have to deal with the "ketchup bottle" problem when the bottle is almost empty.

Smell
It has a nice scent to it, a light perfume/fresh scent. Nothing overpowering or that lingers after you apply it.

Consistency
It feels a lot like a lotion, not to thick and not watery or runny. That's what makes it so easy to apply, because its so smooth, it just glides right on.

Coverage
The coverage is very light, it wont cover a pimple but it will even out your skin tone. It claims to brighten you skin and it does, but beware of pictures because the UV protection elements of the product will make you look WHITE in photos! So be sure to bronze it up if you plan on taking pics.

Longevity
I have oily skin so the longevity of this product will vary depending on your skin type. I do lightly set my face with powder but in about 2 hours, my face does get shiny and if I touch my face, the product will smear and rub off on my hands or clothes. I don't mind this to much because I love how easy it is to apply every morning when im in a hurry. All I do is blot my face and reapply some light powder. If you want something that will last you the day without retouching and you have oily skin, this is not for you.

Price
At about $13 at CVS, I think it is in a great price range since I do use this product on an everyday basis. Most drugstore foundations run around this price range.

Skin Type
I have oily skin so most foundations I use will start breaking down within a few hours. This one breaks down fairly quicker then my full coverage because it is so moisturizing and has a dewier finish unlike my matte foundations.

How It Applies
This is my go to face product because of this very reason! It applies SO easily and blends effortlessly! Im always in a hurry to get out the door in the morning so it only takes me a few seconds to apply.

This has quickly become one of my favorite products. It does have its drawbacks because of my skin type but it doesn't bother me to much. I have seen both positive and negative reviews on this product but I believe it all depends on what your skin type is and what you are looking for in a product. If you want long wearing, full coverage, this is not for you.

Have you tried Garnier BB Cream? What did you think?

May Little Black Bag!

2012-05-24T18:54:00.001-04:00

Here is is! My SECOND Little Black Bag! This time I was smart enough to trade for a little longer and really be patient in order to get items I really wanted. For the full trading period, I was so addicted to checking my LBB page to see if I got any offers or trades lol. I am pretty happy with the items I got this month, what do you think?

If you haven't heard of Little Black Bag, it is a monthly subscription in which you get to select designer products like purses, jewelry, makeup, and home goods, all for up to 70% off, and you get them delivered to you every month for $49.95 (plus tax in some states). Now, the interesting thing about this service is that you get to select your first item and, based on your profile quiz, the "stylists" will select the other products for you. If you are unhappy with the items you are given, you can then trade with other people until you are fully satisfied with what you have or until the 7 days of trading is up. So basically.....

If you are still a little confused or have any questions, click HERE to take a look at their FAQ's

Click here to see my first Little Black Bag

BCBGMAXAZRIA Ribbon Watch

'ZAD Spike Necklace

'ZAD Pastel Bead Fringe Necklace

SIGN UP TODAY!!

2012-05-22T16:07:00.002-04:00

My first Influenster VoxBox!

2012-05-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to come back from my vacation and find lots of goodies waiting for me at my door! I finally received my very first Influenster VoxBox!

If you dont know what Influenster is, it is a website where you take surveys to earn badges that give you a chance at getting a VoxBox, a box filled with goodies for you to enjoy and review. The idea behind Influenster is that you give your honest opinion about product that will help the company in their product development.

Click HERE to sign up!

SHEER COVER - DUO CONCEALER

Ideal for hiding blemishes, age spots, redness, scars and other imperfections without heavy, cakey coverage. Duo shades can be blended to perfectly match any skin tone.

SALLY HANSEN - SALON EFFECTS

Real Nail Polish Strips! This product wears like nail polish because it IS nail polish (with no drying time). Apply and you’re ready to go.

DR. SCHOLL’S FOR HER - BALL OF FOOT PADS

Whether you have on-going foot discomfort, or just a soft spot for the most stylish shoes in the store, you’re going to love the Dr. Scholl’s® For Her line. Take a few steps towards happier feet today!

AVEENO - DAILY MOISTURIZING BODY WASH

This body wash cleanses & moisturizes for visibly healthier skin every time you shower. It’s lightly fragranced, soap free, dye-free & hypoallergenic so it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.

CHAPSTICK - LIP SHIELD 365

This new product offers all season protection & moisturization for year-round exposure to the sun, wind & cold. With SPF 50+, it helps to protect from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.

BATH & BODY WORKS - FINE FRAGRANCE MIST

Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience with the NEW Fragrance Mist Collection. With over 20 Signature fragrances to choose from, it’s love at first mist!

SOYJOY - BAR

Enjoy SOYJOY with all-natural real ingredients like real fruit and whole soy! Simply baked in their Southern California bakery into SOYJOY bars for REAL energy-sustaining deliciousness.

I honestly cannot believe I got all these great items absolutely free! It is better them Birchbox and Beauty Army! So impressed! I will definitely continue to give feedback and review products and tell everyone about Influenster!

Current Craze: Fashion or Foolish?

2012-05-09T09:11:00.000-04:00

In the recent years, fashion and trends have evolved at such a fast pace. Just being fashionable isn't enough anymore, now a days, you have to be different and and stand out! That means designers, celebs, trendsetters and fashionistas are going above and beyond to create trends that will make an impact. Here are just a few of the trends that may be a little out there for some people and loved and coveted by others. What do you think?

Here is one trend that I would probably only sport on lets say, ummmm.....HALLOWEEN!! Violent Lips, sold for $15 at Sephora, has come out with a vitamin enhanced temporary lip tattoo that will last you 4-8 hours and ranges from polka dot designs to tiger print and sparkles. I guess plain old lipstick and gloss just isnt enough anymore.

Originally designed by Japanese designer Noritaka Tatehana and made famous by Lady Gaga, the heel-less shoe is becoming increasingly popular. Seen on tons of celebs and red carpets, this is one trend that I might actually be into.... if I wasn't so darn clumsy! I would probably break my leg, neck and take down the person next to me as I fall to the ground. There are different levels of extreme when it comes to this trend. Some are done over the top like Gaga's and others are done to be wearable and low key.

Now here is another trend that I dont think I will be following anytime soon. With my luck, I would just poke my eye out or severely scratch my husband. I have seen everyone from Beyonce, Jessie J, Rhianna to Fergie and Adele.

I heard of this trend sometime last year and have seen it pop up in different places slowly throughout the year. It is a (Hopefully faux) fox tail keychain accessory that can we worn snapped to that belt loop of you jeans or on your purse. I dont think this is exactly my style but I think it looks cute on others. Sometimes I wonder, who comes up with these things? Who was the first person who decided to put a fox tail on a keychain and wear it?

I have to admit, I cringed at the fight of this new trend the first time I saw it. High heel sneakers? The first pair I saw where by Isabel Marrant Bekket on Alicia Keys and, I was horrified. They were so bulky and weird and the worst part is they cost about $400! A few designers have since recreated the look in a more simple and wearable style that I think I might try one day.

What re some of the trends you saw and coveted or cringed?

Look For Less: Kim K Black & Gold

2012-05-08T14:07:00.001-04:00

I just cant get enough of Kim K's looks! She is always so gorgeous, stylish and put together! Here is another Look For Less!

1Blazer (H&M $34.00)

2Kardashian Collection Faux Leather Leggings (Sears $15.40)

3Solid Rib Knit Tank (Forever21 $4.60)

4Peep Toe Cutout Wedge Booties (Charlotte Russe $40)

5Cat Eye Sunglasses (Forever21 $5.80)

6Open Link Chain Collar Necklace (ASOS $20.87)

7Etched Arrowhead Necklace (Forever21 $6.80)

8Cable Chain Ring ( Forever21 $1.50)

Lauren Conrad Beauty

2012-05-08T09:52:00.000-04:00

She has come a long way from Laguna Beach on MTV! Lauren Conrad has transformed herself from a Reality TV star to a fashion icon, best selling author and business women. I am a HUGE fan of hers and all her ventures! I remember wearing her iconic black headband look and hair poof like it was my job! Here is the just-released cover of her new book Lauren Conrad Beauty. The book will have step by step tutorials, beauty tips and tricks she has learned along the way and much more! The books will hit shelves everywhere on October 16th! Cant wait!

Cover of Lauren's new book out on October 16th

May BirchBox

2012-05-08T08:33:00.000-04:00

Its about that time again! Monthly Birchbox time!! If you don't know what a Birch Box is, its a monthly subscription where they send you deluxe size samples of random high end beauty products for $10 a month. You never know what your going to receive until you open your box, its like x-mas every month! When you sign up, they ask you a series of questions that will help them determine what they will send you each month. Your earn points for every order, for rating products and referring friends who sign up. These points will get you a discount on any items you liked in you box and want to get a full size of on the Birch Box website I love trying new beauty products so I was so thrilled to discover this service. Click to HERE subscribe!

Look For Less: Kim K. Mint Green & Black

2012-05-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Im pretty sure Im not the only girl who covets just about anything and everything Kim Kardashian wears but, who can afford all those designer threads? Not this girl! So I opt for the next best thing, frugal fashion! Kim K is sporting a gorgeous mint green blazer for a pop of color while keeping the rest sexy in black, I LOVE this look! All the items in this look for less are less then $100!! Enjoy!

1Flyaway Blazer (Gojane $43)

2Essential V-Neck T (Forever 21 $4.80)

3Epoxy Hammered Statement Necklace (Wet Seal $14.50)

4Ankle Length Leggings (Forever 21 $5.80)

5Curved Hoop Earrings (Forever 21 $4.80)

6Leatherette Cutout Heels (Gojane $26.50)

Trending: Crossbody Saddle Bags

2012-05-05T11:57:00.001-04:00

One trend I am loving right now are the crossbody saddle bags! Inspired by the shape of a horse saddle, these are both cute and convenient with the crossbody feature that allows your hands and arms to be free which, lets admit, makes shopping SO MUCH EASIER! I have seen celebs like Jennifer Aniston to Taylor Swift wearing these and they are gorgeous. Of corse they have the expensive designer bags that I cant afford but, lucky for me, I have seen these everywhere including Forever 21 and H&M from as low as $13! From options with bright colors for spring or neutral colors to match every outfit, you cant go wrong!

What is your favorite trend at the moment?

Marc jacobs handbag

$1,395 - barneys.com

Fringe handbag

$58 - nastygal.com

Forever 21 cross body shoulder bag

$17 - forever21.com

Forever 21 shoulder handbag

$16 - forever21.com

Forever 21 cross body handbag

$12 - forever21.com

Kolor Blocking Look For Less

2012-05-03T11:31:00.001-04:00

Kolor Blocking Look For Less by beautyblurbz featuring flap handbags

H m jacket
£25 - hm.com

Forever 21 denim skinny jeans
$28 - forever21.com

Forever 21
$13 - forever21.com

H M leather ballerina flat
£7.99 - hm.com

Round toe heels
$30 - payless.com

Forever 21 flap handbag
$23 - forever21.com

Weekend Fun

2012-05-01T09:32:00.000-04:00

April Favorites!

2012-05-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

May is here! How crazy! This month I have really gotten back into experimenting with different makeup products. All my favorites this month are products I have used literally EVERYDAY! Im dont usually wear makeup everyday, mostly because I get up at 6am every morning and Im too lazy lol But these products are so easy and quick to use and make such an incredible difference, It has become my everyday makeup routine. From the looks of it, Maybelline hit it out of the park this month!!

Let me just start by saying, WOW! I had heard mixed reviews about this product for a while before I decided to try it out myself. I am SO GLAD I decided to try it. At first I picked up the Medium/Dark which was the wrong color for me and almost just tossed it aside and didnt give it a second chance. I was at CVS one day and decided to pick up the Light/Medium which was the closest to my skin tone and I love it! It it so easy to apply in the morning which is why it is my go to product this month! I will do a full review on this soon.

Working 60hrs a week and waking up at 6am really takes a toll on me. By the middle of the, I look like a complete zombie and rely on these 2 products to cover up and brighten my under eye.

I think this was in my last month favorites as well and it will probably continue to be until I can find something wrong with it. Its great, its fast, its easy!

When I first purchased the Maybelline Master Shape I was really upset at how the product wont stay sharpened enough to give me a nice edge to really define my brow but the combination of the 2 of these really work well together! The Define-A-Brow creates a crisp line to define my brow and the Master Shape is waxed based and is prefect to fill the brow in and sets it in place. the the spooly brush blends everything together perfectly.

I am in love with the necklace from Forever 21! It was only about $5 but I get so much use out of it. It dresses up almost any outfit from a plain T-Shirt and jeans to a cute black dress.

Beauty Army: April Box!

2012-05-01T07:54:00.000-04:00

Got my 2nd Beauty Army box!! So far, Im pretty impressed with the sizes of these sample!

If you don't know what Beauty Army is, it is a $12 monthly beauty subscription service much like the famous Birchbox but with one MAJOR difference, you get to CHOOSE YOUR 6 SAMPLES! After answering the Profile questions, you will be given up to 9 choices to select 6 of which will be in your monthly box. I think the 9 products you get to choose from depend on you Profile answers because I changed my answers a few times and noticed I was offered a few different products with each answer. They dont offer as many brands as Birchbox does (click HERE to see the brands they offer) but if you like something, you can buy the full size directly from their site. As far as "points" or "rewards" go, Beauty Army has a Badge rewards program that they will be launching soon.

BABOR Anti-Stress Anti-Jetlag Cream .5 FL OZ
This is the only one of the products Iv actually tired and I really like it. It is very smooth and silky and fells very light on the skin.

Control Corrective Anti-Wrinkle Face & Neck Cream .1 FL OZ

Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion .34 Fl OZ

Chella Razor with Brush and Comb

CellCeuticals NeoCell .33 FL OZ

MyFace Cosmetics My Mix Foundation in Medium 02 .5 FL OZ

My First Little Black Bag!!

2012-04-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

I am sooooo excited about this! If you are as addicted to all these beauty and fashion monthly subscriptions as like I am, then you will LOVE Little Black Bag!!

If you are still a little confused or have any questions, click HERE to take a look at their FAQ's

My experience with Little Black Bag

I must admit, I was pretty confused at first and I also thought $49.95 was a little expensive. After signing up and navigating the website, I felt more comfortable and better understood what the whole membership was about and how it worked. If I remember correctly, you only give your billing information once you have selected your first item and want to start trading. So I became less skeptical once the purse I wanted most was already in my bag.

I also realized that the price wasn't bad at all once you considered what you were getting. If i were to buy a Steve Madden bag at the mall, I would be paying full price instead of $49.95 and with LBB, I am getting more then just the Steve Madden purse I wanted, all for a fraction of the price.

The website was pretty easy to navigate and all the questions I had were answered after looking at their FAQ's.

Just a little heads up, when trading an item, you have to click on the item you want in the gallery, click the button to make an offer, and then select the items you want to offer in the trade. I made the mistake of selecting 2 of my items in to trade because I thought they would get to select 1 of the 2 items. I was wrong! lol If you select 2 of your items, they will get to keep BOTH your items in exchange for the 1 item you selected in the gallery (if they even accept your trade offer). That is how I ended up with just 2 items. You live, you learn I guess.

Overall, I am super stoked about my new membership with LBB! They have a huge variety of gorgeous products and I am sure I will find something I love every month!

If you have a membership with LLB, tell me what you think in the comments below! Curious to know what everyone thinks!

Trend Alert: Glitter

2012-04-19T14:59:00.000-04:00

A HUGE trend I saw a lot at IMATS this year was GLITTER! Glitter eyeshadow and Glitter eyeliner on both top and bottom waterlines. Whether it is day or night, these gorgeous and fun glitter looks can be made to fit any occasion!

Spring is here and bright colors are in the forecast! For a fun daytime look, go with bright colors and pastels. Start with a neutral eye and add pops of colors on the lower or top lash line or you can also try putting a thin line of glitter right about your winged eyeliner. Afraid of color? Not to worry! Try using a copper toned glitter, it will still give you the sparkling effect without the bright color.

Night-time glitter looks call for jewel toned or darker colors, much like a smokey eye. The great benefit of glitter is, even though the colors are dark, your eyes still pop! For a dramatic night look, apply a navy, gray or black with hints of silver or gold.

When done right, any color you choose to use with look gorgeous but if you really want your eyes to pop, try using your eye color's complementary color, in other words, the color across from your eye color on the color wheel.

IMATS NY 2012!!

2012-04-19T08:22:00.000-04:00

Ever since I found the YouTube beauty community and became obsessed with makeup, I have heard and seen amazing things about IMATS! I had always wanted to attend but unfortunately they never took place in Miami so I was super excited to finally be able to attend the 2012 IMATS in NY!! I really wanted to go on Saturday because a lot of the gurus I love would be there but sadly I had to work =0(. From what I heard, it was PACKED on Saturday and hard to get a close look at the booths and products due to the volume of people. I was pretty shocked to see that there weren't as many people as I expected on Sunday but it was great because there were no lines and I got to take my time to look at all the products.
Here are a few pictures of my very first IMATS experience!

IMATS NY 2012 HAUL

2012-04-19T08:04:00.000-04:00

IMATS NY 2012 was such a great experience and something I can now cross off my bucket list. I didn't go crazy buying tons of makeup because I'm still hoping to go to the Makeup Show next month so I tried my hardest to restrain myself. Here are the goodies I bought. As you can tell, I spent most of my time at NYX, with about a 30% discount, who can blame me!

April Birchbox

2012-04-17T13:57:00.000-04:00

Out of all the Birchboxes Iv received, this one is probably the most disappointing. The product sizes and quantity are great but the selection of products are just not for me. I love the Zoya nail polish and the Amika Hair Mask but everything else is just under welling. I have a whole box of moisturizer samples I get from Birchbox so to get yet another moisturizer sample is frustrating.

Befine Daily Moisturizer with SPF and Befine Gentle Cleanser

Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask

Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck

Le Palais Des Thes Tea Bags

Zoya TRUE spring Collection in Bevin

First Beauty Army Box!!

2012-04-04T10:54:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys! So, I'm sure you have all heard of Birchbox before but, have you heard about Beauty Army? I found out about this Birchbox like service a few weeks ago and I had to try it out for myself.

Beauty Army is a $12 monthly beauty subscription service much like the famous Birchbox but with one MAJOR difference, you get to CHOOSE YOUR 6 SAMPLES! After answering the Profile questions, you will be given up to 9 choices to select 6 of which will be in your monthly box. I think the 9 products you get to choose from depend on you Profile answers because I changed my answers a few times and noticed I was offered a few different products with each answer. They dont offer as many brands as Birchbox does (click HERE to see the brands they offer) but if you like something, you can buy the full size directly from their site. As far as "points" or "rewards" go, Beauty Army has a Badge rewards program that they will be launching soon.

SunFX Tan Extender 2.2 oz

My first impression of this product is, it stinks! If the sunless tanner doesn't already have you reeking, then this tan extender will! Im not a fan of smelling like tanning lotion but if its something you dont mind then it might not bother you. Still testing out the product to see if it actually helps in the longevity of a sunless tan.

Pssssst! Dry Shampoo 1.76 oz

Still on the fence about this one, testing it out for a while before I review.

Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment 1.7 oz

So I tried this out last night and from my first impression, Im not sure how well it works yet. Im so used to using my Aussie 3 Minute Miracle that feels smooth and silky as soon as you apply it to your hair. When you apply this one to your hair, it doesnt feel soft and like it is already detangling and moisturizing your hair. It feels almost like those sulfate-free, organic products that dont foam up which, may in fact be helping your hair even though you may not necessarily be feeling it.
UPDATE: After using this for 4 days, my hair is completely transformed! Not only does this product smell amazing, just like perfume, but it actually works! I plan on buying a full bottle of this!

Lift Lab Lift & Firm Eye Cream .17 oz

Boo-boo Cover Up .1 oz

Not impressed by the amount of product that was sent! Luckily, the consistency is pretty thick and will probably last for a while. The swatch in the picture is just a light touch to the product and swatched.

Cell Ceuticals Moisturizer .33 oz

From what Iv seen so far, this company seems to be just staring up. They ship out from Onatrio, CA and let me tell you, it takes FOREVER to ship. I think it took about a 3 weeks for me to receive after it had already been shipped.

I like the fact that 3 out of the 6 samples are pretty large and give you enough product to let you determine if you like the product or not. Cant wait for the next box!!!