My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog

Happy Mother's Day 2013

2013-05-12T11:23:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to ramble on a bit and share a bit of beauty related pics from my Instagram feed. First off, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you mothers that visit my site. What a fun day to treat that special lady in your life or even get spoiled by your own fantastic families. I hope that you all make the most of this beautiful Sunday!

After I took a shower this morning my power went out directly afterwards... :/ I wanted to do my hair and look cute (for the first time in weeks) but apparently the electricity-gods didn't want that. So my hair went up in a bun. While I was sitting in my bathroom in the dark I started looking at the mess that has accumulated on the side of my vanity sink. I started thinking, "Wow... I never talk about any of this stuff but I use it just about daily." I want to list out for you today some things that are my dailies that don't get mentioned.

Sephora Tweezers - I have had these tweezers for years... like at least 4 years. They are still perfectly sharp and never fail when I need them. These are the slanted ones but I also have a needle nose pair that rarely get used because they are kind of scary.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - This stuff is a miracle. It covers ANYTHING I need it to. I have no other words for it really except AMAZING.

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick - It is such a pretty color and I attempt to wear it all the time but it is very very bright so I never actually go through with it. I keep it out though to remind me to try it everyday until I convince myself to wear it! LOL

Cotton Pads - I remove my makeup with these, clean up during makeup application, you name it. I am constantly repurchasing these things. I don't ever really think about how VITAL they are to my beauty routine but I think it would be like having my hands cut off if I were to have to go without them.

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream - Skin PERFECTER! No joke. I love this stuff. I finally wrote my review on it a few days back so feel free to go read that for my full opinion. Heaven sent!

Benefit Stay Don't Stray - This is a small sample that I got a LOOOONG time ago but this little guy hasn't given out yet. It is pretty fantastic stuff as far as lid primer goes. I have been doing very minimalistic looks but it really makes the discoloration on my eyelids neutralized so that the actual colors I put on my lids show through! Good stuff!

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - I actually really love this stuff and I am a long, long time user. I have had great skin since becoming pregnant but my laziness/feeling ill in the most recent weeks have left me falling asleep with makeup on and not taking care of my face like I should. I started having breakouts that are completely my fault recently and this stuff is my go-to blemish control! If you haven't tried anything from Mario Badescu and you have acne: USE THIS!! It will turn you onto the brand as a whole.

There are a few more things but I wont get into those. The ones I mentioned are always sitting around like that and are all worth trying.

Julep Zelda is gorgeous. I did my nails with them late last night and I am amazed. I got it in my May Julep Maven box and I never actually did a post or wore them until now but the entire box was amazing. In fact... I kinda want to go and play with the lipsticks that came in my box now! :D The polish called Zelda (pictured above) looks almost exactly like another polish I have from Chanel called Delight. It was limited edition from last year's summer collection (link to my post on it found here)!

If you weren't able to get your hands on it try to pick up the Julep shade. Here is my referral link if you want to sign up for Julep under me. You can get your first box for free and after the initial box you can chose to get your box or skip it each month.

My Mother's Day Face Of The Day is really my basic FOTD!

Products used:

FACE:

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Rock & Republic Powder (finally using a backup I am hoarding)

NARS Lovejoy

NARS Albatross

EYES:

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Makeup Forever Aqua Cream in 13

Dior Brown Sequins Eyeshadow

MAC Cork

a couple other Dior shadows that I can't remember the name of (SO sorry)

MAC Mystery in outer-v and on brows

Too Faced 3-Way Liner

Bare Minerals Waterproof Liner for tightline and waterline

Ellis Faas mascara

LIPS:

Khroma Beauty Gloss in Orange Blossom Honey

Hope you enjoyed my rambles! I enjoy doing them!

Welcoming Raegan!

2013-05-10T22:37:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone. I have been pretty MIA this week. As you know, I am at the VERY end of my pregnancy and I was at the hospital twice at the beginning of the week. She pretended she was ready to come, but did not. Even though I got very excited at the thought of her coming early, I am glad she didn't. I want her to be the healthiest she can be and coming early won't allow for that.

Another side note: I went to the doctor last week and they told me that my daughter already weighs 8 lbs 15 oz at 37 weeks!!!! O_o Then when they did more measurements a few days later at the hospital it showed that Raegan weights only 8 lbs 8 oz and that was at 38 weeks. So, if you are pregnant or plan to be don't put 100% faith into the sonogram machines because they aren't always accurate. I know that my daughter will be pretty big though, because my son was 10 lbs 4 oz when he was born. I went into the pregnancy knowing what was happening. :) I will be having a repeat cesarian, so the healing time is going to be a little lengthy...

I wanted to show you some pictures from my baby shower that took place around a month ago. My friend made me the most adorable diaper cake that looks like a 4-wheeler. She used larger diapers so that I could keep the cute cake intact for a while. She did a great job, didn't she?

The cake was gorgeous. It had the most amazing tasting fondant ever... I have never caught myself nibbling on fondant but this stuff was just great. I know that the cake artist I hired actually makes her own from scratch so I am sure that is why. The cake on the inside was actually a strawberry cake with fresh strawberries mixed in. IT WAS DELICIOUS! I ordered a HUGE cake and not even half got eaten even after I sent home pounds and pounds of cake with my guests. I finally decided I was going to hurt myself if I didn't toss it out, and I really didn't want to. I wanted to keep it so bad!!!

My punch bowl also doubles as a cake plate depending on how you have the separate pieces sitting on each other. I love that the base has dividers so I cut up some fresh fruit and placed it around the base. I know this is a random picture of food and drink but it is 1:30 am and I am getting hungry and can't sleep. :)

Anyway, I just wanted to share some personal moments with you to help you understand why my reviews/rambles haven't been as often as usual. I am preparing for a special day and afterwards I will be healing. I know I will be super tired after Raegan's arrival, so please don't give up on me. I do plan to post just not as frequently for a while.

The picture above is me and a few of my guests. You can see my REALLY ROUND belly in the background! My sonogram tech told me the other day that she is amazed at my belly. I am a total of 5'1'' (I lie on my driver's license and say 5'2'') and my belly is a solid 40+ lbs of baby and afterbirth. She was kind enough to tell me my belly was beautiful but I am so miserable at this point I really don't believe her. I bet she says it to all the moms. :) Anyway! Thanks for reading this extremely unplanned ramble. I hope that it makes sense for you!!!

THANK YOU FOR BEING A READER! I do this for you!!!

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF40

2013-05-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been following my beauty loves over the last couple of years: you all know how much I love BB Creams. There is such a large variety out there now and I honestly enjoy trying them out. I love how they all target different things and have different claims, and I also love how they provide great coverage while still being considered skincare. BB Creams really took off in the Eastern beauty scene, and recently has had a lot of hype from US or Western brands. Hydroxatone has one called Anti-Aging BB Cream and so far I think it is the most impressive "Western BB Cream" that I have ever encountered...

"This versatile beauty enhancer looks like makeup but acts like skincare. Provide your skin with the hydration it needs to maintain a more polished, youthful look. And boasting a formula with broad spectrum SPF 40, antioxidants and botanical extracts, apply this cream to help protect your skin from environmental aggressors while smoothing its appearance. Add this multi-action cream to your daily skincare repertoire for a bevy of beauty benefits.

Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is your all-in-one multi-tasking perfecting cream . It hydrates, conceals, protects, reduces the look of aging and brightens skin in just one step. BB cream is also known as Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm and is recently among Asia's hottest beauty products."

First of all: I like the squeeze-tube packaging. It makes for easily-controlled dispension of product. No fuss, no muss. I also like that there is no glass included in the packaging. I have an upcoming hospital stay (the birth of my daughter) and I for one don't want to travel with glass in my makeup bag... to be completely honest--I don't enjoy having glass packaging ever. I am a huge klutz and if something is breakable it will be broken! Kudos on the simplicity of the packaging, Hydroxatone.

I have the color in Medium and I think it is the perfect shade for me. It is my suspicion that the Light, Medium, Tan, Deep Tan, and Dark shades (all of the shades they offer) are pretty true to life. Limited shades in BB Creams are common and the fact that there are 5 choices for Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream is actually quite good and honestly really surprising.

The coverage is medium to full and can be layered to add more coverage. You can see from the swatches below that it does a great job at perfecting the skin. I have sunspots and freckles on my hand and from the first picture to the last you can see a major difference with just a small amount applied. Some people like to use BB Creams as primers for their actual makeup and I think that this one is actually the one-stop-shop that it claims to be: skincare and makeup.

It provides a nice, natural "lit-from-within glow". It is very moisturizing, but not so much that it looks wet. It helps me look like a better version of myself. Sometimes products that provide a luminous/dewy finish have a tendency not to last very long on the skin and that is not the case with this product. It lasts my entire work day with little-to-no touch ups. I do keep a translucent pressed powder in my bag to get my t-zone throughout the day, but I would do that with any product so I won't count it as a flaw for this.

I find that Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream is really great. It satisfies all of my needs and honestly exceeds my coverage expectation. A 5 out of 5 star-rating is completely necessary for this product. I have no complaints, only praises. Go out and try it for yourself!!!

*The product mentioned in this review was provided from iFabbo.com for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The link provided is for your convenience only.

April 2013 Favorites

2013-05-05T18:55:00.002-07:00

I have a looooot of favorites for April 2013. A lot of it is because I have been super un-experimental with my makeup for the last month or two. The things I have chosen are high quality, extremely easy to use products. Some thing were just discovered in the month of April, and some were long time loves. A few were provided from the companies for an honest review and the fact that they showed up in a favorites post is quite a high honor. So, without further adieu...

(1) It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush in Matte Sweet Apple

This has been my go-to blush since the day I got it in the mail. It is such a PERFECT color! I have never gotten so many compliments on my actual BLUSH than when I wear this one. I think I opted for a different color only 2-3 times all month. Love, love, love, love, L O V E!

(2) Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze

When I wear this cream eyeshadow I don't bother putting a primer down prior. It lasts all day and the color is absolutely beautiful all on it's own. I rarely put anything over this cream eyeshadow when I wear this. It also blends out really nicely so that it doesn't need any other product added to the overall look..

(3) It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation

Another terrific product from It Cosmetics. I can wear it alone or over a liquid foundation for a look of perfection. I often wear it on my t-zone to tone down any shine. I can apply it in the morning and it really keeps me looking great all day.

(4) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

This is another powder that I love to wear all over. Instead of reducing shine this helps me bring dimension back into my appearance. It is such a beautiful powder and can be used in a number of ways. For the one in Dim Light I feel like it really adds a nice warmth all over.

(5) YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

This is a foundation that I bought on a whim one day and literally fell head over heels. It isn't for everyone, but those that love it REALLLLLLY love it. I am one of them. It gives me a great natural skin look while also providing a plenty of coverage.

(6) Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Color in Earth Glow

What a gorgeous eye color. It is a nice chocolately brown shade. It looks great all over the lid and blended up into the crease. It also works great as a crease color on a light lid. Very versatile and will look great on so many people. It is beautifully pigmented and I will admit that sometimes I apply it onto my lid with my fingertips.

(7) Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Emerveille

The Illusion d'Ombre cream eyeshadows from Chanel are amazing. The shade called Emerveille is one that works perfectly on it's own. I have been going for that fresh-faced spring look a lot and this is sometimes the only thing on my eyes other than mascara.

(8) Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream

I ran out of the eye cream that I have been using for months and finally opened up the sample jar of the Tatcha eye cream and I absolutely love it. It is nice and thick and hydrating. It isn't so thick that you can't wear it during the day though. It sinks in quickly and really helps turn back the time around my eyes.

(9) Laura Mercier Vanille Eau Gourmande Fragrance

My absolute favorite fragrance the entire month of April has been the Vanille fragrance from Laura Mercier. It is perfect for layering but also complex enough to really smell unique on it's own.

These are my favorites for April 2013. What were yours? Tell me in the comments below!

*Some of the products mentioned above were gifted for an honest review, the rest were purchased by me. All opinions are 100% my own. I have not been sponsored in any way.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere: Long Wear Flawless Fluid Sunscreen Makeup

2013-05-04T13:05:00.002-07:00

For over a year I have wanted to try Chanel Perfection Lumiere. It isn't a new product to the market, but very new to me. I have a plethora of foundations and it is hard to justify a new foundation purchase a lot of times but curiosity finally got the best of me so I picked this up. Mostly because my combo/oily skin changes to just oily in the summer months and they are fast approaching.

So for some background on the product...

Perfection Lumiere replaced Pro Lumiere in Chanel's foundation line-up. It is supposed to be lightweight, long-wearing, medium-to-full coverage, natural matte finish. Sounds perfect for those with oily skin, right?

"Effortless to apply, with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula – available in a diverse range of 20 shades. Apply the lightweight fluid texture of PERFECTION LUMIÈRE with fingertips or a foundation brush.

Its buildable texture offers adjustable coverage for a flawless, natural look that will last all day.

Apply more foundation on specific areas you wish to conceal."

The pump is fantastic, in that it dispenses a good amount of product and offers complete control. I never find myself dispensing too much, always just the right amount. The scent of this foundation is typical Chanel. Sort of floral but not terribly overpowering. The foundation looks perfect on me for around 6 hours and that is without any setting powder.

In the pictures below you will see my bare hand, dot of foundation and then it smoothed completely in. I have freckles and an age spot on my hand and you can see that with just one dot of the foundation they go from fully visible (also seeing a hint of blue from my veins) to everything looking quite diffused--but MOST importantly still looking like my actual skin. After I snapped the pictures and edited them together the only way I was able to tell the two photos apart was the fact that the "after image" looked more blurred or perfected.

While it is great for my skin, it may not work for you. I will say it again--this is best for people with oily skin. If you have dry skin and you absolutely want to love this foundation you may want to make sure you keep your skin perfectly hydrated or this will not sit well. It has a tendency to cling to dry patches, which I currently have because I am currently combination. I have no real problem with it though because when I wear this foundation I moisturize and tend to wear some form of primer underneath.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation retails for $55 at anywhere that sells Chanel products. I would suggest getting a sample of the foundation before going all-in and purchasing mostly because of the price. I personally didn't do that, but I most definitely did a lot of research before I made the purchase. I love the foundation and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I only took off half a star because of it clinging to dry areas, but I did find a way to combat that. I hope this review gave you some good insight into the product itself. Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts!!!

*This product was purchased by me and as always 100% my opinion. I am not being sponsored for this post in any way.

RealTechniques Brushes: Blush Brush and Stippling Brush

2013-04-28T18:32:00.002-07:00

A week or so ago I finally broke down and purchased a few RealTechniques Brushes. I have been wanting them since the very first day they came out but I only was interested in a few. The reason it took me so long to get them is because my Ulta was always sold out. I know I could have purchased them online, and I probably should have but I go through phases where I don't let myself online shop for makeup... If I let myself do that all the time I would get way to carried away... Regardless, let us rejoice for my Ulta to finally have them in stock. Not just in stock--BOGO50!!!

On one side of the brushes the brand is marked and on the other side the name of the brush itself is the detail. They are wider on the ends and flat so they stand up perfectly on their own. That detail also makes it a bit harder to store with your other brushes. The ferrules are colored aluminum. The brush hairs are made of synthetic taklon fibers. All of the brushes in the line are white on the tips. They are sold singularly and also in kits. I only have two brushes to show you. The Blush Brush and the Stippling Brush.

Blush Brush

Though this is called a blush brush, I feel like the size and fluffiness of the brush make this perfect for an all over powder brush. It is nice and tapered, a lot like a MAC 165--only larger and without a pointed tip. It almost looks egg-shaped. Because of the shape and size of the brush it can take over a lot of different functions. I would say this is a must-buy!

Stippling Brush

This brush is like a shorter bristled MAC 187. Because of the shorter hairs I feel like they are more dense and less bendy which can give you better coverage when stippling on foundation. While this is good for applying foundation, it is also good for other cream or liquid products like blushes or highlights. Another must-have from the line.

As you can see from the shot above these brushes are densely packed but have a scattered amount of white bristles poking up. Very characteristic of the line. Overall I would say that these brushes are nicer than I ever expected. I can kick myself for not having picked up these brushes sooner... Rest assured, RealTechniques brushes will become more prominent in my collection very soon. The creator, YouTube Beauty Guru: Samantha Chapman did a great job in designing these. I think they are great and I encourage you to pick some up. If you were on the fence I need you to throw the other leg over and purchase JUST ONE. You will then see that they are completely justifiable in price and quality.

What is your most favorite brush in your collection? Let me know in the comments below!!

*The products mentioned in this post were purchased by me. All opinions are honest and my own. I am in no way sponsored for this post.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light

2013-04-26T22:21:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz around the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders since their release, and they certainly deserve all the attention! Today I am showing you the shade called Dim Light.

"Create your perfect light. Ambient Lighting Powder is a groundbreaking collection of finishing powders that capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on your skin. Unlike traditional powders, which merely cloak imperfections, Ambient Lighting Powder utilizes photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine the appearance of the complexion. The powders deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer, younger, and lit-from-within. The finishing powders enhance skin in any type of light, including flash photography. With six universal shades available, you can create your desired effect—not unlike having a personal lighting technician. Ambient is free of talc, gluten, fragrance, and nanoparticles. It is available in six universally flattering shades from least pearl to most pearl.
Dim Light: A neutral soft beige that provides a perfect balance of warm and cool tones to blur imperfections.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
What else you need to know:
“I learned early on how different types of light can truly flatter the complexion. Growing up, my mother had pink light bulbs in all of the lamps throughout the house. She loved pink light because it was the softest and most flattering, and she always wanted to look good. I used this concept of lighting in Ambient Lighting Powder.”—Carisa Janes, Hourglass Founder"

I went into Sephora just to look at all of these powders in person. I was originally after a different shade but when I swatched Dim Light I was sold. It was the one that I had heard the least amount of hype, but it was the only one that clearly impressed me immediately.

In real life dim lighting is quite flattering so the name itself already tells you a lot about the product. The Dim Light powder is a soft beige color that really diminish all of my imperfections and it is quite neutral because it does have warm and cool pigments in it. It is a touch warmer than my pale skin right now but that is ok because when I apply it on my face all over it really blends out nicely and warms up my face to a happy healthy shade. I have been using it for a few months and since I started using this powder I have had so many compliments on my "glowing skin." They all thing it is because of my pregnancy, and some of it may be but the powder really amps it up.

I know that a lot of people that are on the more pale side use this as a bronzer. Like I said, it does warm up my face but I use it all over. I can see how this would provide a beautiful discreet contour for fair to light skin.

Because these powders provide a "radiance" to the skin I want to mention that it doesn't add a shine factor. It will leave you looking dimensional, but not oily or greasy. There is no glitter or sheen to really speak of but it honestly does look like you are standing in great lighting all day!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light is amazing. I give it 10 out of 5 stars. I know the math doesn't add up, but that is intentional. This powder knocked it out of the park for myself. I have always been a fan of Hourglass products, but this powder makes me want to dive a bit more into the brand as a whole. This powder retails for $45 and it is worth every penny. There is a ton of product in the pan (.35 oz) so it will last you so long. I have used this over and over for a couple months now and it still looks almost new. The powder is solid but really soft as well. One swipe provides plenty of product for application. Packaging, as aways, is elegant! Love, love, love.

Have you tried anything from Hourglass? What is your favorite product from the company? Leave me your favorites in the comments below! I would love to see your opinions... I get my best shopping list ideas from you all!

*The product mentioned in this post was purchased by me. All opinions are my own and I am in NO WAY sponsored.

Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation Review

2013-04-23T20:36:00.001-07:00

Nothing makes me happier than a beautiful complexion, and there are so many new complexion products on the market these days. Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) has a newer foundation: Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation. It was created to capture the effects of the Touche Eclat highlighting pen in a foundation form.

"For the first time, the magic light of Touche Éclat is in a foundation with the added benefit of SPF 19 sun protection. Infused in a weightless fluid, this foundation targets shadowy areas and highlights the contours of the face. Free of opaque fillers, its perfecting texture evens the complexion and helps conceal imperfections while enhancing your skin’s natural beauty."

The foundation itself comes in a large variety of shades. The range also provides a good mixture of cool, warm, and neutral undertones--surely most people will find a decent match out of the range. The foundation comes with 1 fl. oz. of product and a beautiful glass bottle with a nice nozzle for dispensing the product.

The shade I purchased was B30, which is a nice neutral undertone. I matched myself at my local Sephora without knowing any of the descriptions of the product and I found a perfect match. Not only do I love the shade match but the dewy-ness is ideal for my liking. It evens out my complexion, adds a beautiful almost luminescent look, as well as keeping it looking like my real skin. It is a medium coverage foundation that can be built up by layering. It feels light and creamy. It smooths out easily over the skin and the blendability of this foundation is amazing.

I have used a few different methods of application with this formula to see which is best and I must say that I think they all worked great. I first tried my fingers with great results. I used a duo-fiber brush for application and it was the least favorite of methods--left it slightly patchy and found myself blending out with my fingers again. I used a dense flat top brush for application and this was nice--helped build up the coverage at a faster rate. And finally I used the BeautyBlender with FANTASTIC results. Those of you that have nice skin with no major blemishes and only looking to even out your complexion may actually prefer this method.

As far as performance... It can wear away on oily skin. I have combination skin so my t-zone wore away after half a day's wear, so in order to combat that I do powder down my t-zone ONLY. It has perfected the longevity of the wear. I don't even mind having to touch up my t-zone throughout the day to keep the perfected look of this foundation, though only on the hottest of hot days do I need to touch up.

You can click on the picture below to enlarge and see the detailed differences of the different photos.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation is a new-found favorite and has instantly become a staple: at least for Spring, Winter, and Fall. Let's see what Summer brings with the hot Floridian temps! This foundation retails for $55 for 1 fl. oz. of product and I think it is worth it. Be aware of what you like in a foundation as well as what works for your skin before purchasing this foundation because I feel that people with oily skin may have slight trouble with its longevity. I have read several blogs and spoke with many different people about their opinions of the foundation and there is a mixed review. Maybe try a sample before committing to the full-size purchase.

*The product mentioned in this review was purchased by me. All opinions are my own. This post is in no way sponsored.

Brow Pictorial

2013-04-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have recently changed the way I do my brows. I used to fill in my brows with no particular rhyme or reason but I have found that since I have added structure to my routine they look better and more like each other. I hope you find this informative.

Before I get started I wanted to show you just how terrible my bare brow is. They are gapped, not of good shape in general, and quite unruly!

Step 1.) Comb through your brows to get all of the hairs aligning in the same manner.

Step 2.) With an angled brush, take a brow powder and draw structured line along the bottom portion of the brows.

Step 3.) Use the same brush and powder to draw a structured line on the top portion of the brows.

Step 4.) At the inside corner of the brows, take your brush loaded with powder and hold it diagonally. With short strokes fill in the center of the brows going from inner corner throughout.

And then... brush through them again with a spoolie. TADA! Your brows are done. I know that my brows aren't super angular or perfect by any means but I actually prefer a more natural looking brow. Whatever brow shape you may have, this method will work for you! Keep your outer "structure" lines true to the shape you are after and this will result in your own perfect brows every time.

Thanks for following along and like I mentioned in the introduction... I HOPE you found this educational or helpful by ANY means. What is your favorite method of daily brow grooming and/or process of filling in the brows. I would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!!!

My Weekend on Instagram: April 21

2013-04-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty MIA in the last month or so... My mind is all over the place and less focused on my blog and my readers and more focused on the preparation for my newest addition! I have been doing a lot of shopping, a lot of eating, a lot of sleeping... :) I have also been incredibly emotional, obsessive, frugal... Sheesh! My whole life has been upside down. One place I try to update a lot is my Instagram account. (Feel free to click that link and start following me if you don't already!) I want to share with you a few of my weekend posts.

So first off, I did some shopping. I went down to the outlets in Saint Augustine, FL on Saturday and did a big of shopping for the baby. I found the CUTEST demin romper and now I am on the hunt for some pearls in the form of a baby bracelet to accompany this adorable little ensemble.

Heading back from the outlets I stopped by my nearest Sephora to grab a foundation that I have been dying to try... Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat. I haven't completely formed my opinions on it yet because I have only worn it once but BE ON THE LOOKOUT for the review which will surely come soon!

While eating breakfast this morning, which consisted of a cinnamon roll, my beautiful Weimaraner named Gus stared me down. Let this be known... he has never had a bite of a cinnamon roll, so his obsession this morning really made me laugh. He also hates to be photographed and his obsession over my food distracted him long enough for me to snap this picture. Really quite funny if you ask me. Another funny thing about this picture is that there is a watercolor picture of my dog in the background. You can really see how much he looks like the picture in this snapshot. <3

So after I ate breakfast I threw on some comfy clothes and headed to Walmart and Ulta to do some damage. I needed to get dogfood from Walmart but while I was there I picked up a tackle box and repurposed it to be a hairbow holder for the new baby. It really is adorable. I used my sharpies to label the box... which is technically the ONLY thing I did to repurpose the tackle box. The box itself was under $5 and I already had the sharpies...

I was trying to think up a good way to store all of these adorable hairbows and this was the only logical way to do so... At first I wanted to hang a ribbon from the wall and clip them all to it but the headbands wouldn't have worked that way...

There is a brand new Ulta that was just build less than a mile from my house and its grand opening was this past week. This weekend they were giving out bags of freebies to those that were signing up/already had accounts with the store. I actually went into the store to pick up the Too Faced Boudoir Eyes palette but they were sold out so instead I cashed in my rewards points (I only had one so I picked up the cotton rounds I love) and browsed around.

The Real Techniques brushes were BOGO50 and I have never purchased any previously so I was excited to see that they had both brushes that I was interested in. I also grabbed the nail polish remover from Zoya that I have been wanting to try as well as the OPI Liquid Sand polish in Solitaire! The rest of the products in the picture were the freebies in the grab bag. They consisted of an Ulta Beauty lipgloss and lotion, a Kenra Volume Spray, and a Joico K-Pak. Overall the trip was a success but I am still wanting the Boudoir Eyes palette.

After getting settled in for the evening I did my typical cleansing routine and then jumped right into my Sunday Beauty Ritual which always consists of a mask of some sort. Tonight I used the Adovia Purifying Mud Mask and it felt great. I have reviewed this before here.

Anyway, a nice peaceful weekend. I spent a lot of time alone and just enjoying silence and rest. I appreciate all of your support with my website and the few videos that I have put out and thank goodness you all haven't deserted me while my posts have been slowing down. I like to do these little ramble posts ever so often to reconnect with you all. Thank you for taking the time to read them!

Let me know in the comments below what you did this weekend! I always enjoy reading your comments!

*This post was in no way sponsored and all of the products mentioned were purchased by me.

Beautisol Tea Tan Glow Wash-Off Body Bronzer with Easy Application Mitt

2013-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

In the last few years I have become very careful with the tanning of my skin. Not only does it cause your skin to age more rapidly, but you could also develop skin cancer. I have been looking for better ways to tan and I have found lots of great products in that journey. One that I find very interesting is the Beautisol Tea Tan Glow Wash-Off Body Bronzer.

What it does:

Gives you an immediate bronzing effect with tea extract so you look tan and gorgeous INSTANTLY!
Washes off easily with soap and water. Think of this as your "one night tan"!
Helps hide skin imperfections and enhance your natural coloring
Moisturizes & nourishes the skin with anti-aging properties
Fast, Flawless and easy application with the patented Easy Application Mitt
Makes you feel even more gorgeous and ready for anything

The product dispenses out as a lightweight, fluffy mousse. The reason this is runny and looking slightly liquified is because it took me forever to try to capture a picture. It is hard to self-tan while also photographing yourself! LOL

The Easy Application Mitt allows you to smooth the product in without getting any streaks. I have applied the Tea Tan Glow with just my hands and it didn't give any streaks either, but it did slightly stain my palms--even though it supposedly washes right off. I recommend using the glove to product your palms and keep for a natural-looking application.

The picture above is a before and after. The before arm is my bare arm and the after arm is after two coats of the Tea Tan Glow. Even though the mousse looks ridiculously dark it does smooth out into a really nice, light look. The picture has my arms looking close to the same color but in real life the after arm is a considerable amount darker, although still looking like a real tan.

The Beautisol Tea Tan Glow Wash-Off Body Bronzer with Easy Application Mitt is valued at $30, but right now the beautisol website is retailing it at $24.90 and even less if you go on auto-ship. I completely recommend this body bronzer to those that are looking for a great tan but don't want a long term commitment. It is PERFECT for special occasions like a wedding, dance, or other special event. Or even for that first donning of skin at the beginning of the summer when you are completely pale. Either way--GREAT product.

What is your favorite self tanner? Tell me in the comments below!

*The product mentioned above was provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. All links are for your convenience only.

Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush

2013-04-21T14:45:00.005-07:00

Taking care of your smile is important. Teeth are one of the first things I notice when I see people, which is why I am so particular in the cleansing process of my own. Summer is upon us and we are all going to be traveling at some point or another--whether it will be near or far. A perfect parter for an overnight bag (or even a full blown luggage case) is the Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush.

"Designed for people on-the-go, the Eluo toothbrush by Cenoire provides a balance of fashion and oral hygiene packed into a mascara style compact sonic toothbrush. Discretely carry it in your purse, pocket, case or bag while you work, travel or play. Those days of carrying around those big bulky electric toothbrush or an unsanitary toothbrush in your bag are gone. The compact size allows you to travel with this toothbrush while still stay stylish and fashionable wherever you are."

I have the shade that is indicated as "Red" but it definitely looks hot pink. It is fairly lightweight and easy to use. It takes up no more room than a tube of mascara or a bulky pen. Each toothbrush comes with an additional brush head. It vibrates at around 23,000 brushstrokes a minute, which is crazy right?

This toothbrush has a bristle side for your teeth and a scrubby side for your tongue.

I get a terrific result with this toothbrush. I have had many different vibrating toothbrushes and this one ranks right along with the best of the best. The Cenoire toothbrush actually weighs less than all of the others and I love the convenience of the cap--makes me feel better about traveling around with my brush in my bag.

The Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush retails for $29.99. I find it well priced and of great quality. I can honestly recommend this toothbrush to anyone on the market for a vibrating toothbrush. Not only is it extremely functional but very fashionable. It comes in several colors including leopard print! Check out their website: cenoire.com to read more about it.

*The products mentioned in this post were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. All links are for your convenience only.

It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush in Matte Sweet Apple

2013-04-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Blush is such a great product to use for so many reasons: adds a youthful glow, wakes your face up, cuts away the sallowness, adds "instant happy", and so many other things! It Cosmetics has a great new Vitality Cheek Flush in the color Matte Sweet Apple. Keep reading to see the swatches!

"Vitality Cheek Flush is a cheek stain infused into a powder! Developed with plastic surgeons, this hydrating, brightening, and antiaging blush gives the perfect naturally pretty flush of color to the cheeks and lasts. This truly innovative formula contains It Cosmetics' Hydra-Luxe technology, including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grape seed, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your skin. Plus, Vitality Cheek Flush is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, acai, green tea, and white tea. This made-in-the-USA formula is also paraben-free."

The packaging is as expected: sleek, black, simple. The back has a label identifying exactly what it is and other information.

When you pop it open you find the product and a decent sized mirror. I find it important to have cosmetic product that has a nice mirror in it so I don't need to have an extra compact JUST FOR a mirror when I travel.

The color is really very pretty. It is a nice reddened pink that almost has a coral look to it. The name has apple in it and it surprisingly reminds me of what I would imagine a modern-day Snow White to wear.

The great thing about this blush is that it is all matte! No shimmer is so important to me. I have naturally oily skin so adding any sort of shine or shimmer can really add tooooo much. Also adding shimmer to older skin can emphasize your age. Having a go-to matte blush is really important!

I love the arm swatch. It shows how pigmented it is as well as how easy it is to blend out. The texture is smooth and silky. It is pretty amazing! It is a pretty intimidating color, but everyone can wear it because it can be applied very sheer while still lasting all day.

I took photos of this blush on my cheeks in 3 different sets of lighting to show you the dimension that this blush has. It is matte but that doesn't mean it is boring!!! You can see the beautiful complexity in each photo.

In dimmer light you can see how it almost looks peachy coral... mmm... Delish Matte Sweet Apple!!!

Back to application...

The brush that it is sold with on QVC is amazing. It is the Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush. I have 2-3 of these already so I wanted to give this one away to you!!! I did an entire review on this brush in the past and here is the link to that!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget to enter! I have it starting now and ending on May 17. My due date for my baby girl is the 15th and this should end the day I am expecting to get out of the hospital. Happy contest entering!! :)

*The products mentioned above were sent for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. I am in no way compensated for this honest review.

Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Eau Gourmande Fragrance Coffret

2013-04-14T20:06:00.002-07:00

Fragrances are known to bring back so many memories and the memories that I plan on making with the Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Eau Gourmande Fragrance Coffret are sure to be great. I don't have a Laura Mercier counter near me and I had never had the chance to sniff the amazing pretties, so I was quite thrilled to get a chance to review them for you all!

The three fragrances included in the coffret are Vanille, Fresh Fig, and Almond Coconut Milk. They are all so gentle and soothing and really smell great layered over each other. I am in my final month of pregnancy and these fragrances are quite perfect or this time in my life. They are feminine without being too bold. Instead of smelling like any other female, I would say I smell like a lady when I wear them.

Vanille is probably my favorite of the three. It smells so seductive and can easily be paired with anything because the scent is so classic. It marries the warm, exotic vanilla smell with a lighter, more comforting floral. I use actual vanilla beans when a recipe calls for vanilla and I can say this is very true to the actual bean itself. All the good with none of the bad. Love.

Fresh Fig is described as sweet, fresh, intoxicating scent of fresh Celeste Figs blended with a dewy fruit bouquet of Apricot Nectar and sensuous Ylang Ylang to create a rich, luxurious unique scent. I can completely agree with the sweet, fresh, and intoxicating part. As far as comparing it to an actual fig... I really cant. I have NEVER ACTUALLY had one. Pretty surprising, huh? Now I am interested in trying one though.

Almond Coconut Milk is described as having scents like essence of almond, coconut milk, jasmine, rosewood, ylang-ylang, vanilla, tonka, heliotrope & musk. This scent is another very classic, very layerable, and soothing. It reminds me of something I would wear in a wedding. A truly rounded scent.

The Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Eau Gourmande Fragrance Coffret is amazing. All three fragrances coming together is like winning the jackpot. It retails for $45 for 3 0.5 oz bottles of fragrance: I would honestly pay much more for this trio. If you have a chance to smell this trio then GO DO IT. You wont let it pass you by, and for those of you that don't have the opportunity to smell it first--YOU WILL LIKE IT! :)

What is your favorite scent, whether it is something as specific as an actual fragrance or if it is just a base note that you look for in fragrances. Leave your response in the comments below! I am really interested to read your comments.

*The products mentioned in this post were provided for editorial consideration. All links are for your convenience. All opinions are my own.

Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Sierra Brown

2013-04-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Finding a good mascara is like finding a good pair of shoes. You come to depend on them, trust them, and maybe even love them--so really you can compare them to a life partner, not just shoes! ;) Needless to say, a great mascara is hard to come by... Laura Mercier has a great new mascara called Faux Lash! I was provided the shade Sierra Brown for review purposes!

The packaging is her typical golden prettiness, but inside you find a FABULOUS fat wand. Laura Mercier knows the power that a pair of false lashes brings to the table and she wanted to make a mascara in the likeness. She formulated her Faux Lash Mascara to create exaggerated volume and length to create a bit of drama. The formula of this mascara is smooth, kind of thick, and glossy. It was created with a blend of waxes and no fibers whatsoever.

The brush itself has two sides. One is shorter for maximum color deposit, and the other side is longer to build up the pretty, fluffy lashes.

The color I received for review is Sierra Brown. Typically I prefer black mascaras because browns don't typically bring too much oomph, but as you can see in the photo below... the oomph is there. You can hardly tell that this mascara isn't black once it is built up on my lashes! Of course, for those of you that only wear black: they have a shade for you too!

Overall I give Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara 4.5 out of 5 stars: I do recommend picking it up to try. I would purchase this with my own money! I only removed half a star because there is slight flake off when I am building the coats of mascara. I do not notice it throughout the day, so I am only removing half a point. If it were to flake throughout the day I wouldn't recommend it at all. Great job to Laura Mercier for creating a very nice mascara!

*The product mentioned above was provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. All links are for your convenience only.

Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Earth Glow

2013-04-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Eyeshadows are the biggest category of my collection. They are the thing I get the most excited over, and when I discover a new eyeshadow that is fantastic I become giddy. Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour is so good that I am beside myself with excitement. I received it earlier in the week for review from PR and have been using it non-stop; I've been chomping at the bit to share this review.

This eyeshadow is from the new seasonal collection called Folklore Collection: The look is naturally bronzed, with fiery shades that are perfect for summer days and nights. The shade I received is Earth Glow. I am glad this is the one that I was sent because this is the one that I would have purchased for myself. It is a gorgeous, deep brown color, almost chocolate-y.

The formula is great. It is highly pigmented, multi-dimensional, with a luminous (satiny) pearl finish. Once it is on the eye and it is blended out, it isn't going anywhere. I have found that sometimes my eyes are so oily that even the most stay-put eyeshadows move a teensy bit but this one is looks exactly the same when I take it off as when I put it on.

With just one swipe down my arm of the finger-swatch above, you see a deposit of brilliant color with no skipping. Just soft, opaque color.

The last few shots are from today when I used it as an all-over lid color. It suits my preferences perfectly. The color is amazing, the finish is perfect... nothing more I could ask for!

Please excuse the next few photos--I am on the last leg of my pregnancy and my face (along with the rest of me) is starting to swell up like a balloon! I wanted to include them anyway so you can see how the eyeshadow changes with the light.

You can see the beautiful glow...

When it is blended out fairly thin on the edge you can see an almost halo effect from it...

Needless to say I am in love.

It goes from a light purple-ish brown to a deep chocolate.

Amazing stuff!

Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Color in Earth Glow is sold at LauraMercier.com and anywhere else that sells Laura Mercier products. It retails for $24 and has a whopping 2.5 grams of product in the pan. There are two more colors in the collection: Fire Glow and Sun Glow. Check them out if you are interested in a new amazing eyeshadow. You will be happy you did!

*The product mentioned above was sent for editorial consideration. All links are for your convenience only. I was in no way compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

NewBeauty TestTube: QVC Edition for April 2013

2013-04-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Been a while since I did a sneak peek post for New Beauty Test Tube QVC Edition. I wanted to share with you the products in case you could be interested. This Test Tube will include the following products:

1-fl oz Algenist Triple-Action Micropolish and Peel

6-fl oz WEN by Chaz Dean Replenishing Treatment Mist

0.04-oz tarte Skinny smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner

1-fl oz Peter Thomas Roth Antiaging Cleansing Gel

0.39-fl oz Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara in Black

0.4-fl oz philosophy hope in a jar night

0.17-fl oz Josie Maran Argan Oil

0.60-fl oz Perfect Formula Manicure Booster

and NewBeauty magazine

Some of the things I have tried but most are new to me. This New Beauty Test Tube is already for sale on QVC.com and will likely be airing on TV very soon. Definitely a great value for the money spent. If you are interested in the products in this Test Tube you should give it a try!

Which product looks the most exciting to you?

*All information was found on the internet. Not affiliated with QVC or New Beauty. I am in no way being compensated for this post.

March 2013 Favorites

2013-04-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have done a favorites post but I wanted to run through a few of my favorite things for last month. Some of these products I have been using for months and some are new to me within the month of March (with some received through working with PR). Without further adieu...

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is amazing. This is actually my 2nd bottle of the amazing cleanser and I have a third bottle waiting in the wings. It is a nice super gentle liquid cleanser that is as mild as water but removes makeup with extreme ease. My favorite use for this is to put some on a cotton swab and then remove the excess mascara from around my eyes. No matter how well I clean my face I always am left with raccoon eyes and I hate to tug too much on that area, so this product is PERFECT for that.

Dior Lip Polish Smoothing Lacquer has been my go-to lip gloss since the day I bought it. I love that the wand on it spins and I actually really love the moisturizing formula. The glossy finish is gorgeous!

IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation has been a go to product for me all month. I am nearing the end of my pregnancy with just a little over a month left to go and I have been very lazy with my makeup. I have been slapping on as little as I can get away with and out the door I go. That being said, I have not had to compromise my complexion at all because this foundation is amazing. Paired with the brush that came with it in the Hello, Beautiful kit, this foundation buffs into the skin nicely and can be built up into a medium-full coverage. I didn't expect a powder to look so flawless and un"powdery" but I am very pleased with it.

Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour in Platinum has been a favorite of mine for over a year. It is a nice neutral shade to wear on it's own and as a base. I have been using it both ways lately... and before the last few months I would have used this over a primer but in my laziness I have realized how awesome this creme shadow is on it's own so it has turned INTO my go-to primer as well.

It Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length Black Primer is another new product for March but it QUICKLY found it's way into my heart and daily routine. If there is one thing I love it's the look of long luscious lashes and this mascara primer surely delivers. It does such a great job that I HAVE actually worn this on it's own. Obviously it is meant to be topped off with a real mascara and when you do WOW! This is something I don't ever want to be without.

NYC Big Bold Curl Mascara is a surprise favorite for the month. I have had it for a month but I am kind of overloaded with great mascaras at the moment so I am always trying to put mascaras back until I actually have a need of opening one. Well I finally broke this one out at the beginning of the month and my first thought was "HOLY MOLEY! That wand is huge!" It is one of the fattest, most over-sized brushes I have ever seen in my life but it makes the prettiest, flirty, fluffy looking lashes! The price point is really affordable and it acts like a much more expensive shadow. How impressive!

Overall, I have had some great luck with makeup in all of my lazy glory. All of these products are no fuss but really pack a punch. Some of these things I received through working with PR and some I purchased myself but all of them are loved equally. I am hoping that I get a boost of energy sometime soon because I would love to see what these products can do if I actually put a bit more effort into my daily face! :)

*Some of these products were received for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Total Beauty Collection Revlon Edition

2013-04-02T20:43:00.003-07:00

Total Beauty Collection has teamed up with Revlon for a newly curated box that will be available on TotalBeauty.com on April 8th and will retail for $15. It is special because it is the first collection that is composed of all full-sized products AND all from the same brand. I am happy to be working with Total Beauty Collection for this release and I am even more thrilled to show you the products I received!

In case you aren't familiar with Total Beauty Collection, it is a beauty box service and it was launched in May 2012. It is NOT subscription based which is a relief for so many reasons. #1 You only buy it if you are interested and #2 You don't have to remember to cancel that month if you aren't interested, etc... The boxes typically retail for $15, and on occasion there will be special collections which retail for different price points. All of their collections are limited quantities so if you ARE interested in a specific collection don't delay in snatching one up!

Now for the good stuff! I got 4 full sized products in this box which include a nail polish, two brand new Lip Butters, and an eyeshadow quad in exciting colors. Also included in this box was The Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman pamphlet. It is a little booklet that adds a little more information and helps you get the look out of your products.

First up, I am dying to show you the eyeshadow quad. It looks like an odd collection of colors but when all used together it is gorgeous. This is not a quad I would have ever purchased on my own but the first time I wore all of the shades together people were asking me all day what I was wearing and I had S E V E R A L compliments. The name of the quad is Sea Mist and I wish it would have been named Mermaid Eyes. :) That is exactly what it looks like to me!

The combination of colors is breath-taking. Each color is gorgeous on it's own but together they are amazing. The pigmentation is surprisingly out of this world. I couldn't be more happy with it.

When I first opened the box I was thinking to myself... is that a foundation? :) And then I read "nail enamel" and was intrigued. I am a fan of all things nude and this is a very pretty nude polish. Slighly darker than my regular skintone and very flattering. It isn't quite as opaque as some may like but with two coats I can somewhat see the white of my nail through the polish and I actually quite like that look... Some will and some wont. This polish is named Trade Winds. Great color for spring/summer.

And last but MOST DEFINITELY not least, the brand new Lip Butters. Lip Butters are really amazing products. They feel great, they moisturize, they pack in a lot of color... What more could you want? The two shades I have for you are Sorbet and Pink Lemonade. OOOOOO... AHHHHH...

Sorbet is a bright candy hot pink and looks super great with a nice cat eye for a more modern pin-up look. I have really come to love bright lips! Pink Lemonade is really a very descriptive name for the shade. It is light in color which is a pale, pale pink. It is more like a balm but the color of it mixed with my natural lip color is pretty awesome, if I don't say so myself!

On April 8th, go to TotalBeautyShops.com and check out this Revlon Edition for $15. It is a great group of products and I encourage you to try it out. If you were to buy the products on their own at full price you will likely spend close to double the price of the box so the value is definitely there!

Tell me: Which product in this collection could tentatively be your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

*The products mentioned above were sent by PR for editorial consideration. All links are for your convenience. All opinions are my own.

Julep Maven April 2013: Classic With A Twist

2013-04-01T18:43:00.002-07:00

Incase you aren't familiar with the Julep Maven subscription, it is a monthly subscription box that runs you $19.99 and unlike some subscription services you can actually opt in or out every month. If you decide one month you don't have any interest in the products, skip it. No harm, no foul.

I received my Julep Maven April 2013 box a few days ago and I am happy to share it with you. I chose to receive the Classic With A Twist box this go round. The theme for April is "The Brights" and all of the different themes include a variation of brights and an extra product.

The products in the Classic With A Twist box were:

Avery - a hot pink creme,

Jackie - maraschino cherry creme,

Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum - a peptide and collagen enriched serum for your nails and cuticles,

and a nice stick of rock candy!

I love all of the treatments they include in the boxes. Some of my all time favorite nail products were discovered in my Julep Maven boxes... like the Glycolic Hand Scrub, Essential Cuticle Oil, Rock Star Hand Creme, and so many others.

If you are interested in signing up, I do have a referral link I would appreciate if you used. It gives me points towards free boxes, and if you sign up you are eligible to receive those same referral points when you refer a friend. Click Here to sign up! Right now you can get your first box for FREE using the code "FREEBOX"! What are you waiting for? Discover Julep's fabulous products yourself.

*This box was purchased by me. I am making use of a referral link.

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup 3/29

2013-03-31T21:44:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shares how you can win 2 sets of the NAAT Brazilian Keratin Collection by nuNAAT! It's a GOGO (get 1, give 1) giveaway so you could snag a full set for you and a friend!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us her favorite lipsticks fromRimmel London: Kate Moss Collection.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is utterly smitten with the Maybelline Color Whispers, and loves them so much that she went back for two more in pink!

Mama Fashionista: March Julep It Girl Unboxing!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen is celebrating her 3rd blog anniversary with a giveaway! Enter to win!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany tests out FEVERshadow from Wishful Bath & Beauty is the stunning Rue's Wildflowers!

TheFabZilla: Giveaway alert: Enter to win Too Faced Better Than False Lashes via TheFabZilla. Ends 4/7/13.

D.G.S.Beauty: LA FRESH is refreshing. You will be wanting these items in your purse today.

Painted Ladies: City Color Beauty's Elegantly Bold is a budget-friendly palette that packs a punch!

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: PONDS has some user-friendly, really affordable and brand new skincare items that smell like roses.

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shares an easy eye makeup trick to simplifying your beauty routine (or for days you're just feeling lazy)

Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L showed one of her favorite daily look done using MUA Undressed palette.

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor discusses her way of using the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate compact in Intensity 01!

The Lacquered Lady: Try your hand at this easy and fun nail art from The Lacquered Lady.

Pamm Blogs Beauty: The MAC Matters Challenge Continues!!! See how Pammy Blogs Beauty is continuing to build her MAC Core Collection with (less than) $21 a Month!!!

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Nyx Angel Blush Review and Swatches!

Endless Summer: Elena opens, applies and closes Vault Lip Gloss with one hand!

Portrait of Mai: Mai swatches and reviews some choice eyeshadows, finishing powder, and lip lustres from Fyrinnae's 50s Retro Collection!

NYC (New York Color) Sparkle Eye Dust

2013-03-29T21:12:00.002-07:00

If there is one thing I LOVE it is eye shadows. Shimmers and sparkles are my favorites and because of that I am happy to show you the NYC Sparkle Eye Dusts. I received these from PR for the brand for review purposes and I instantly fell in love. Amazing quality at such a low, affordable price.

I have the entire range of shades to show you. I kept them in order from the picture above: Amber Glitz, Diamond Dust, Brilliant Sapphire, Golden Champagne, Amethyst Dazzle, Bronze Shimmer, Smokey Topaz, Opal Sparkle, Pink Topaz and Aquamarine Sparkle.

These eye shadows come in tubes much like a lipgloss. Loose eyeshadows tend to get a bit messy, but I prefer them with a doe foot applicator. I find that you pick up less excess product and it presses it into the eyelid which results in less fall out.

The pigmentation of these super soft eyeshadows is amazing. They show up try to color and blend to perfection. They are high in shimmer and infused with iridescent powders.

I have a hard time picking a favorite of the NYC Sparkle Eye Dusts. They are all gorgeous and perfect for so many occasions. I have worn the majority to work as well as after hours, so I would say they are perfect for any type of event. These retail for 2.99 and can be found anywhere that sells NYC, also known as New York Color.

Because of the pretty great range of colors, I am curious: What is your favorite shade of eye shadow? Let me know in the comments below!

*The products shown above were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

2013-03-25T20:58:00.001-07:00

The other day I was browsing through the beauty aisles at Target and I discovered that Pacifica products are now being sold there. I had never really tried anything more than their body butters and I noticed they had makeup remover wipes. Curiosity got the better of me so I threw them in my basket.

I have had these now for a few weeks and I have had a very good chance to really test them out. I have to say... they are complete duds. I have used several different types of makeup remover wipes and these just don't cut it. The sheets are just plain ole cloth sheets. The liquid that is absorbed into the sheets do nothing as far as cleansing goes. I noticed that the makeup just slides around my face. I have found that after using 2-3 wipes within one cleansing session my face is STILL not clean at all. And to be quite honest I irritate my face more by continuously trying to make these work and scrubbing than the entire process is even worth.

The only pros I can see with this product is that they smell nice and they are biodegradable.

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes are not something that I can actually recommend. I find that these are really just pretty terrible all the way around. A cleansing wipe that smells nice isn't enough to justify a recommendation. I would say pass on trying these. I really hate writing negative reviews, and I refrain from it when at all possible.

*The product mentioned in this post was purchased by me. My opinion is my own.

Merle Norman: First Impressions

2013-03-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

Merle Norman is actually the first brand I have tried in my experience with wearing makeup. I had a lipstick here and a nail polish there but I had never really used makeup until I made a trip to Merle Norman and got my first powder, which happens to be the Ultra Powder Foundation. I bought my first one over 12 years ago!!! I am happy to say that the exact same product still exists and I STILL LOVE IT! I am excited to show you the other products that I have been trying from the brand.

Brilliant-C Eye Cream

"For all skin types and aging concerns.
Look on the bright side. This advanced eye cream brightens as it moisturizes with our exclusive Bright+ Complex®. It reduces the signs of premature aging, sun spots, dark circles and discoloration of the eye area while soothing botanicals and emollients soften and hydrate. Optical diffusers minimize flaws. Ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance-free. Oil-free."

If I have said it once, I have said it 1000 times: eye creams are one of my favorite skincare products. I am terrified of having saggy, droopy eyes when I get older so I am doing everything I can for prevention now. This eye cream is rich! It is nice and thick and a little goes a long way. I use a tad bit more in the evening, before bed than I do during the daytime. I only use a tiny dot in the morning and work it around my entire eye and it is the perfect amount. Really a nice product. I will keep you updated on my thoughts when I touch on this product again.

Clear Complexion Toner

"For all skin types and acne concerns.
Battle blemishes and blackheads with this acne-fighting toner. It helps clear up and dry up breakouts with Salicylic Acid. The gentle formula thoroughly lifts away pore-clogging residue. Botanical extracts help refine the appearance of pores and reduce irritation. Clinically proven to reduce acne. Oil-free."

I have had a problem with acne and blackheads ever since I hit puberty and nothing has changed since I hit the big 3-0. Salicylic Acid is the key ingredient in this toner and it is proven to help with drying up acne and breakouts. It is a nice toner; not too strong. I feel like it helps with oil production. Also the botanical extracts in this toner refine the appearance of pores! WIN! :) I put this toner on a cotton pad and swab it all over my face... it is like a breath of fresh air. It leaves a cold, refreshed feeling!

Ultra Powder Foundation

"For all skin types.
This amazing dual powder-and-foundation-in-one provides versatile coverage whether applied wet or dry. Its ultra-fine velvety texture absorbs oil leaving a flawless finish. It’s a must-have for on-the-go touch-ups. Oil-free."

This product is PHENOMENAL! I have used it off and on for years. When I am not using this, it is not because I don't like it--I just love trying new things. The coverage is great and the texture is super nice. It helps absorb oil and I can say that my face really looks perfect after. I can't tell you HOW MANY of my friends I have gotten hooked on this product over the years. I love it because it is a one stop shop. I apply this dry and it is all I need for coverage. It is nice to keep in your purse for touch ups!

Lasting Cream Eyeshadow

"It’s a base ... it’s a shadow … it’s both! This masterfully pigmented cream glides on to provide the ideal base for layering eye shadow application — or for gorgeous, long-wearing, crease-resistant color on its own. Plus, it’s waterproof! Ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance-free. Oil-free."

I have the shade called "Sugared Almond" and it is a pretty sparkly taupe. I have work this on its on and layered with other products. I love it. It looks darker in the tube than it is on its on. It lasted all day and looked spectacular. I have several compliments when I used this as a base for a dramatic smokey eye a week or so ago. It is really great.

Lasting Cheekcolor

"You need a blush that lasts hours, not minutes, right? This silky powder formula provides stay-true, fade-resistant color that glides on smoothly and blends easily. It leaves a soft, translucent finish. Talc-free. Ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance-free. Oil-free."

The shade I have is "Angel Glow". It is a beautiful peachy pink that is perfect for most (if not all) skintones. It is silky like it claims and really does blend out perfectly. It is soft finish so the blending is easy and I have never felt that I OVER-applied it. Really perfect color and now I am excited to try more.

Merle Norman has been around since 1931 and there is a reason! Top quality products that perform as it claims. I have always been a fan, and quite honestly I have this brand to thank for my undying love of makeup. Without experiencing this brand early on in my makeup adventures I may not have been as taken with beauty products as I am now. Thank you Merle Norman!

*The products mentioned in this post were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. Links are for your convenience only.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick Kate Moss Collection

2013-03-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

I love lipstick. It isn't something that I have always loved but as I get older I am gravitating towards lipsticks versus lipgloss. As the same time, I don't want to spend a lot for lipstick. I tend to gravitate towards drugstore lipsticks because I feel as though the quality is just as great and literally available at a FRACTION of the cost. Today I am bringing you Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipsticks from the Kate Moss Collection.

The three I have to show you today are: 102, 103, and 105.

102 is a really fun pink shade. It reminds me of spring and warmer weather (for which I am completely ready).

103 is a nice rosy mauve shade. It is very work friendly and a nice MLBB shade. One that I would rock on the daily.

105 is a nice warmer nude shade. It is also completely work friendly and good for those that want nude lips without looking like a zombie.

The formula is great: nice and creamy, opaque, easy to apply, and it lasts! The name Lasting Finish is actually pretty great for this lipstick... It isn't one of those lipsticks that is matte and drying and lasts 6-8 hours. It IS one of those lipsticks that is nice and creamy, has a nice sheen and will last a couple of hours--which to me, is better. I also want to mention the unusual scent of these lipsticks.... they sort of remind me of a light jolly rancher scent. Not strong, just a faint scent.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipsticks from the Kate Moss Collection are great. I give them a perfect 10. I am going to venture out to try more and you can BET you will be seeing me rock the shade 102 in the very near future. You can find these lipsticks at your local drugstore or anywhere else that carries Rimmel London products.

*The products mentioned in this post were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.