the beautiful diaries

Five Steps to Gorgeous Curls

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0000

It’s taken me a while to embrace my curly hair. I feel like curly hair is so experimental and creative, if you take the time to work with it. When I was younger I used to think that I was at a disadvantage with my curly locks, but as I’ve grown up, I’ve realized just how versatile my hair can be!

Gorgeous curly hair is attainable with proper care and maintenance. Try out these steps and see just how much your hair will change!

1. Shampoo less often. Washing hair with shampoo every day strips it of the natural oils causing hair to be brittle and more prone to breakage. I try to shampoo every other day and on the days that I’m not shampooing I just wash my hair with conditioner instead. Also, try shampooing with a Sulfate Free product, like L’oreal EverCreme to keep hair soft and detergent free.

2. Limit the use of your brush. Scrunch with your fingers instead for a more natural look. You can twirl your hair around your fingers and hold for spiral waves or scrunch with gel for more defined curls. Brushing out curls with result in frizz and split ends, so stay away from the comb and brush as much as possible! If you have to brush, make sure you do it on dry hair to limit damage and breakage.

3. Find a good hairstylist. I can’t stress this tip enough. A stylist that knows curls will help to create a beautiful shape within your hair to promote hair growth and curl elasticity. There’s nothing worse than a bad curly cut that leaves you looking like a pyramid. Invest some time into researching for a good salon with quality stylists and bring in photos of what you’re looking for!

4. Condition..A LOT. I recommend getting a masque or deep treatment to use once a week. Curly hair needs extra moisture and leave-ins, treatments and serums are perfect to hydrate your strands. They will also leave your hair soft and silky. There are some perfectly good drugstore brand products to choose from as well, like L’oreal and Garnier curl leave in conditioners.

5. Experiment with styles. Who’s to say that you can’t rock a curly bob or long layered waves? The sky is the limit with curly hair. Instead of throwing your hair into a ponytail everyday for work or school, take some time and practice new styles. Some of my favorites are curls with a side braid, loose waves, half-up half down, and side ponytail.

Check back regularly for your daily dose of curls :)

Weekend Update 1.29.12

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:19:00 +0000

“Put yourself into life and never lose your openness, your childish enthusiasm throughout the journey that is life, and things will come your way.” - Federico Fellini

Hello pretty ladies!

This weekend was filled with love, laughter and delicious food! Best way to spend a weekend if you ask me! My best friends and I decided to go dancing at a club in Tampa called Jackson's and although the crowd was a bit older, the atmosphere and 90's music had us pumped! I love dancing, especially with my boyfriend who always shakes it up on the dance floor :) There's just something about letting loose and flowing with the music that always makes me feel happy inside!

Saturday was my mom's birthday and we went to see One for the Money starring Katherine Heigl. Even though she kept slipping in and out of her "Jersey" accent, the movie was decent. We then stopped by Bonefish Grill for dinner and enjoyed a delicious meal, including edamame, dumplings and my favorite, bang chicken...yummmm.

Today was my sleep in and relax day, which feels so great and I urge everyone to take time to do this. I spent the afternoon cleaning which has a great calming effect to it once the space is clean. Highlight of the evening was a late night slurpee run! I'm a Coca Cola classic girl!

What did you do this weekend?

Revlon ColorStay Foundation Review

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:04:00 +0000

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of drugstore makeup! There are some products out there in the makeup aisles that work ten times more effectively than artistry brand cosmetics. It doesn't hurt that it saves money in my wallet as well!

I ran across Revlon ColorStay a few months ago after several failed attempts of purchasing MAC, Makeup Forever and Bare Mineral foundation with no long lasting results. The foundation is buildable, medium to full coverage and really stays put even without a face primer! I chose the shade 250 Fresh Beige for the winter months since I tend to go two shades lighter after summer.

Me wearing Revlon ColorStay Foundation. Taken with Flash.

I can't tell you how much I love this foundation. I applied it at 7:00 AM and it stayed on perfectly past 5:00 PM with just a setting powder to complete the look. The foundation can range from $10-$12 but it's still a great deal in comparison to other brands. There are two formulas - one made for oily skin and one made for dry skin. I picked up the oily skin formula and I'm so impressed! I need full coverage foundation to reduce and cover my redness and this does the job! Surprisingly, there isn't a strong scent that I've uncovered with this foundation, unlike MAC Studio Fix Fluid.

Indoor without Flash.

My only gripe about the foundation is that it can be tricky to select the ride shade. Since this is a drugstore foundation, there aren't tester bottles to sample swatches. I happened to grab two shades and hold them up against my face and a mirror to help me pick the right one but I just lucked out. I wish there were more yellow-based foundations in the collection but overall I believe 250 Fresh Beige matches me pretty well.

Shade Swatch: 250 Fresh Beige

Overall, if I had to rate this product on a scale from 1-5, I'd give it a 5 for great quality, affordability and long lasting coverage. Check one out and let me know if you love it! Also, check out my latest video which features the Revlon ColorStay Foundation!

Mikel’s The Paul Mitchell Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Now that 2012 has arrived and is in full effect, I wanted to start the year with a new hairstyle. The past two years have been a power struggle with my curls and I vowed that this year would be the time for me to invest in a quality hair salon.

I scoured the Internet looking for salon reviews and stumbled upon Mikel’s The Paul Mitchell Experience website. The site was edgy, modern and intriguing so I sent an email to Mikel asking if there were any stylists that specialized in curly hair. I was promptly answered and three days later I stepped into the salon with my cousin Lauren, who also was in need of a new style.

Mikel’s is tucked neatly away in Soho on MacDill Ave. The salon is quaint on the outside but when you step inside, immediately the atmosphere transfixes you. We were greeted by Joseph, one the stylists, who gave us the grand tour. The salon focuses on Paul Mitchell products and awareness. They even have a interactive tool bar which teaches you how to use the Paul Mitchell hair tools. It truly makes it an education experience as well. After the tour, my appointment with the amazing Samantha began.

Unlike most salon’s that I’ve been to where the stylist begins cutting away without consulting me first, Samantha listened to my every concern. She advised me to stay away from the razor comb, which had plagued me at almost every other salon I’d been to. She was polite, personable and explained the process of how she was going to reshape my hair so that the curls would shine through. I was extremely excited!

After an AMAZING shampoo service which featured a free hand and shoulder massage, Samantha cut my hair into beautiful layers and then came the best part…my blowout from Luis, a stylist from Puerto Rico.

He knew exactly how to blowout my thick tresses and within 45 minutes my lackluster waves were turned into a sleek and shiny hairstyle. I was and still am in LOVE! My cousin took the plunge and chopped off several inches and couldn’t be happier with her layered hairstyle as well.

If you live in Tampa and want a quality and still affordable salon experience, I’d certainly recommend Mikel’s. The service is fantastic and the precision to detail of the stylists is impeccable.

Polished and Professional

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Hello Ladies,

New year, new job and it's time to switch up the wardrobe! I love how many stores have professional dress options that are cute and trendy. Case in point: H&M. Whether your dress code is business casual, laid back or formal, H&M has wonderful options to choose from.

Business casual is usually my way to go, so below are some of the looks I've put together.

Pants 34.95 | Blouse 17.95 | Headband 4.95 | Bag 24.95 | Boots 49.95

Blazer 34.95 | Shoes 24.95 | Bag 29.95 | Blouse 17.95 | Jeans 29.95

Dress 29.95 | Scarf 14.95 | Shoes 34.95 | Cardigan 17.95

What's your work style?

Dress Up for the Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Now is the time to splurge on that sparkly dress you've been eyeing at the store, or to go all out glam for the company holiday party. I love this time of year because the possibilities in fashion and beauty are endless! So what should you wear next? Below is my new favorite holiday dress, which I got at Forever 21. Whether you're going out to a party, staying in with family, or meeting up for a romantic date, this look can be incorporated into your style!

Product List:

Four of Hearts Bracelet
Wrap Skirt Dress
Skinny Textured Belt
Glossy Suedette Shoes
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Raspberry
Maybelline BIG Mascara

What will you be wearing to holiday parties this year? XOXO

Selena Gomez 2011 AMA's Inspired Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:22:00 +0000

Did you catch the 2011 American Music Awards last night? It was filled with great musical performances, celebrities galore and amazing fashion! My favorite beauty look was by Selena Gomez, who sported glam lashes and a peach pout. I decided to recreate her look with MAC's Pink Lemonade Lipglass and Maybelline's XXL Volume Pro Mascara. Want to get her look? Check out my latest video!

Products Used:

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder

NYC Bronzing Powder in Sunny

Lancome Blush Subtil in Miel Glace

MAC Lipglass in Pink Lemonade

Maybelline Line Express Black

Maybelline XXL Volume Pro Mascara

Did you love her look as much as I did? Let me know in the comments below! xoxo

Secrets to Smoother, Softer, Shinier Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:02:00 +0000

There's nothing better than a great hair day...well besides chocolate ;)

Good hair can be achieved by taking the right steps to ensure health, protection and growth. Things like a proper diet, exercise and regular trims can certainly promote beautiful hair. At home remedies and diy products can also put you hair in great condition. Below are some of my recommendations for smoother, softer and shinier hair.

Soft and shiny hair for any occasion is great!

Olive Oil: Great for softness and shine, just massage this into your hair and let it sit for an hour. Then wash it out and style hair as normal.

Biotin Pills: Promotes hair growth. Take one daily and your hair will feel stronger! It's also great for skin and nails.

Shine Treatments: Different hair brands sell these treatments, such as Clairol and Garnier. The treatment goes onto your hair for 20-30 minutes and then you rinse it out. It's supposed to make your hair shinier and brighter for up to 6 weeks!

Coconut Milk Deep Conditioner: I buy these packets at Target for $1 and it's a great conditioner for my dry hair. After shampooing you apply this onto your hair and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing it out. Coconut Milk is also a great source of protein for your hair so it will leave it softer and stronger.

Heat Protectants: A great way to reduce the amount of damage done to your hair by styling tools, these products create a conditioning barrier between the heat and your hair! I love Chi Iron Guard and TRESemme Heat Protectant.

Cold Water: Instead of rinsing in warm water, try rinsing with cold water! It will seal your hair's cuticle and make your hair more shiny. Also, try only to shampoo every other day!

Lush Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 03:14:00 +0000

Envision yourself immersed in citrus scented water and golden glitter. Say hello to Dragon's Egg, a bath bomb by Lush. If you're unfamiliar with this product, it's a big ball of goodness that you drop into your bath water and then magic happens.

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb

All you have to do is run your warm bath water and then drop the ball into the water under the faucet. Then you start to see the water change colors, and depending on what Bath Bomb you get, some will have glitter, confetti, or other cool things that float in the water!

What I love the most about the products from Lush is that they don't make me break out or itch. Their products are a lot more organic than other brands that I've tried. Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb is such a fun product because the scents that are emitted once it dissolves are so soothing and it's and affordable way to pamper yourself any day of the week. Instead of taking a quick shower, you can actually set aside 10-15 minutes in a warm and relaxing bath.

Homecoming Makeup and Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:32:00 +0000

My cousin's senior Homecoming Dance was this past weekend and she asked me to do her makeup for the special event. I gladly took the offer and researched several different tutorials on YouTube and finally found Blair's (Juicystar07) makeup tutorial featuring a beautiful blue and green eye look using Urban Decay's Ammo Eye Palette.

I had received the Ammo Eye Palette as a birthday gift in August and have used it almost every time I want a more sophisticated or glam look. The palette costs $38 at Sephora and it's a great addition to my makeup collection. The eyeshadows are a bit shimmery, but the colors are gorgeous!

My cousin's dress was dark teal and at first I was thinking of doing a silver look but decided to create a similar teal makeup look instead!

EYES:

I used Shattered and Mildew on the lid, Smog and Oil Slick on the crease and Polyester Bride as a highlight and under the brow bone.

Then I applied Elf Liquid Eyeliner in Black to the upper lash line and Elf Brightening Eyeliner in Black to the lower lash line. Maybelline's XXL Volume Mascara was applied to the lashes before applying Elf Natural False Lashes and then I coated the lashes with another swipe of mascara.

FACE:

I applied MAC's Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC 25 all over her face and then brushed on Maybelline's Fit Me Powder to blend everything in. Elf's Studio Blush was put on her cheeks and Revlon's Mineral Glaze Lipcolor in Nude was applied to her lips.

HAIR:

Lauren wanted a simple but pretty hairstyle for the dance so we chose the Waterfall Braid. The look was really easy to complete thanks to meganandlizBEAUTYs video tutorial.

What makeup look or hairstyle did you rock this year for Homecoming?

This Weekend: Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:17:00 +0000

These past two weeks have been jam packed with Halloween festivities! Just last night, my amazing friends and I got together to have an incredibly fun and spooky party. We all got dressed up and enjoyed a night filled with treats, dancing, and crazy laughter!

The Nun, Superman, Dumpster Lady, Dexter, Disco Ball, Flapper, Wonder Woman

The most impressive part of the night was the dessert table! There were marshmallow witches, Count Chococake and delicious cupcakes thanks to my girl Mariana!

What are your plans for Halloween?

The Short Hair Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:40:00 +0000

I love it when celebrities decide to switch up their hairstyles. Especially when it's an extreme transformation like long likes into a pixie cut. Considering that we are now well into a new season, why not spice things up with a new hairstyle?

The short hair trend is a wonderful way to do this. Funny thing is, nowadays "short" doesn't have to mean pixie or even hair that hardly goes past your nose. People consider shoulder length hair to be short! In this aspect, my hair would be considered short, even though I believe it's medium length!

To full embrace the trend, first decide what look is best for you. I'm loving Julianne Hough's new look. The cut frames her face beautifully and she looks youthful and vibrant!

via Stylelist

Another way to spice up this trend is by adding highlights with the haircut. Salma Hayek recently switched up her 'do and has lovely caramel highlights to complement her skintone.

via Glamour

Celebrities are constantly changing their hair for movie roles and such so you can always find inspiration on blogs and in magazines. Since I have curly hair, the best way for me to rock this look was to put a few layers into my hair. I'd definitely recommend bringing in photos of this trend to your stylist and have a consultation to see if this style would work for your hair.

Have you recently changed your hairstyle? Are you loving the short trend as much as I am? Let me know in the comments section!

Garnier Nutrisse Haircolor Review

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:39:00 +0000

Happy lazy day Sunday dolls!

So my haircolor was in need of a touch up since my light brown roots were starting to stand out amongst the rest of my brown-black hair. The last time I colored my hair was in the beginning of August and I got it done professionally. It cost me $100 (seriously!) and although it looked really nice, there was no way I was going to spend that much again for a retouch.

Before buying my color at Target, I did some research on what was considered to be the best box hair dye. A lot of people recommended Garnier Nutrisse on Makeupalley.com, so I decided to give that one a go and I ended up loving it!

I chose the shade 434 Deep Chestnut Brown and it's a permanent hair dye. The box came with the instructions and gloves, the developer creme, the color creme, grapeseed oil for nourishment and a conditioner packet.

Prior to coloring my hair this time around, my color was very dark, almost black and it started to fade so I wanted a more deep brown with a warm undertone. I looked on the back of the Garnier Nutrisse box and really liked this color, but I wasn't sure if it would take to the dark hair! It did lighten it up just a little bit which made me really happy!

The instructions said to apply the dye all over my hair and to focus on the roots. I left the color in for 20 minutes and then rinsed it off in the shower with lukewarm water. The water was brown and that was a little concerning, but after I towel dried my hair, the color looked beautiful and my hair was soft and shiny thanks to the conditioner!

The whole process was extremely simple, since the dye was a creme, there was hardly and mess to clean up! The dye isn't overbearing at all and the color really does seem less damaging than most other haircolors I've tried in the past. I chose to then straighten and curl my hair for the day.

BEFORE

AFTER

Night time w/flash

Me & my sorority sister in natural light

I will definitely be repurchasing this hair dye in the future and recommend it to anyone that wants to try box dye at home! It's affordable, an easy application, and the results are comparable to the salon.

Have you ever dyed your hair at home? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments!

Trend to try: Military Green Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:04:00 +0000

Target Military Green Jacket

About two months ago, I received a Macy's gift card from one of my best friends for my birthday. I stopped into my local Macy's and headed straight for their Juniors section but a nearby jacket in the Petite section caught my eye. It was a military green jacket with a zipper and also buttons for different style options. I took it off the rack, tried it on and fell in love! The color complemented my tan skin perfectly and the size was fantastic because the jacket fell right at my waist, great for a fitted look. I bought the jacket and tucked it neatly away into my closet for Autumn.

Here we are in October and I've finally worn my awesome jacket. I love styling it with a plain white or black shirt and ripped jeans. The look is very casual and fun. I was also inspired by the look worn by Cassie from the new show on the CW, The Secret Circle. In the recent episodes, Cassie has been sporting a military green jacket and a coral top. I happened to have a coral shirt in my wardrobe, so I whipped it out along with my pink Timex Camper watch and felt like such a fashionista.

Credit: CW

The trend is very popular right now, and I've seen all kinds of these jackets at stores like Target, Forever 21, Macy's, Hollister and American Eagle.

Have you tried out this trend? What do you pair your jacket with?

Fall Beauty: Go RED

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Autumn leaves, a cold breeze, pretty trees...I love the Fall season!

Trends are changing as fast as the leaves are falling now that a new season has arrived! Get ready to whip out your jackets, play up new fashions and experiment with new shades. One of my new favorite trends is the bold lip makeup look.

I love this look because it's perfect for the upcoming holidays as well! You can play it up or dress it down depending on your outfit and other makeup choices!

Tips to achieve the bold lip trend:

Keep the rest of your makeup low key. Apply mascara, some champagne eyeshadow and you're all set!
If you're going to use a red lip stain, make sure to apply lip balm before applying the stain to ensure soft and pretty lips!
Find a red that complements your skin tone. I am a warm toned girl so true reds and wine shades work best for me!
You can create a matte red lip by blotting the lipstick with a napkin. If you'd rather have a shiny lip, apply some lipgloss on top!

Products I've used:

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor Red Revolution

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipgloss in Cranberry

NYC Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lip Stain in Champagne Stain

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Deep Red

Some other red lip looks:

Most Coveted Beauty Items 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Just think about your favorite beauty products...the ones you can't leave the house without and you constantly repurchase after they run out, especially for that special night out or day at school. My list of must have products has grown in the last couple of months and I'm obsessed with them!

The List:

Milani Eye Shadow in Bronze Doll - I love gold and bronze eyeshadows as an everyday eye look. I think the colors just go really well with brown eyes. One trick I use is wetting my eyeshadow brush with water and then dipping it into the eyeshadow. When I apply the eyeshadow to my lids, the color is more rich and intense than if just applied dry.

Sonia Kashuk Multipurpose Brush - This makeup brush is what I use to apply my all over powder and it works so great! The brush is a great size to also use for contouring with blush or bronzer.

MAC Studio Fix Powder - If you watch any of my YouTube videos, I'm constantly talking about this powder or using it in a tutorial. I love to use it after I've applied my liquid foundation for great coverage.

MAC Chatterbox Lipstick - My most favorite pink lipstick! This color is so beautiful on my skin tone that I wear it almost everyday now! It's great for warm skin undertones.

Maybelline Line Express Eyeliner - I really love this eyeliner because it is a kohl eyeliner and goes on rich. Blackest black works great for me and I use this for smokey eyes as well!

Lush Vanilla Puff Powder - The only fragrance I'll use because I have such sensitive skin. The smell of this powder is delectable. If you're allergic to all sorts of perfumes, I'd definitely recommend this to you because it's a natural fragrance and is not overpowering at all.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - I tend to switch up my mascara all the time to experiment, but I've got to say that my mom has gotten me hooked on this affordable and long lasting mascara! She first bought it and then I tried it out and loved it! There are several different versions of this mascara and a range of shades so I recommend picking the one that seems best for you.

What are your must-have beauty items? Let me know in the comments below!

Curls 101: Basic Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Today's post is all about CURLS! Being a curly girl myself, it's been a discovery process in finding the tools and products that work best for my hair. My best advice for any curly girl out there is to experiment with different styles and product. When you find a regime that works, stick to it! Here you will find my techniques for creating multiple hairstyles. These work for me and hopefully one of these will be helpful to you. Feel free to comment with any other techniques or advice you may have for other curly girls out there!

The Wet Scrunch Technique

To me, this is one of the easiest ways to style curly hair. I wet my hair, apply leave in conditioner and then flip my hair over. Using a light mousse, I start to scrunch my hair in different sections. Then I flip my hair back over and part it to the side. I finish the look by either applying a bit of gel or finishing spray for a nice natural hold. Instead of diffusing, I just let my hair air dry!

Recommended Products-
TRESemme Mousse
Garnier Leave In Conditioning Cream
Garnier Hair Gel
TRESemme Hairspray

Soft Waves Technique

I love this look for a special night out. After I towel dry my hair, I apply a heat protectant spray. Then I take 1 inch sections of hair and curl them around a curling iron. Instead of using the clamp within the iron, I wrap my hair around the barrel in a spiral formation for soft waves. Since my hair is thick, I usually leave the hair around the iron for 20 secs and then move on to the next piece. After every piece is done, I run my hands through my hair to soften up the spirals and add a bit of hairspray to seal the look.

Recommended Products-
TRESemme Heat Protectant Spray
Conair 1" Curling Iron
TRESemme Hairspray

Second Day Hair Technique

Another easy hairstyle to master, the second day hair look just requires that you sleep on already styled hair. So try the wet scrunch look on Monday and then this on Tuesday. When you wake up, just spritz your hair with water to freshen up the curls and then apply some leave in conditioner! You'll be set for the entire day!

Recommended Products-
Garnier Leave In Conditioning Cream

Hot Rollers Technique

This sophisticated style is perfect for a romantic date night. To create the look, I first put my damp hair in a bun and let it air dry for a few hours. Then after the hair is dry, I set my hair with hot rollers. I allow the rollers to stay on my head for 15-20 and then take them out. I then brush my hair out with my fingers and apply a light hairspray to hold the style for the rest of the night!

Recommended Products-
Conair Hot Rollers
TRESemme Hairspray

What styles work best for your curls?

August Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Hello ladies :)
I just posted a new video featuring my favorite items for August. Hope you enjoy! See below for a list of the products.

Items Mentioned:

L'oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave In Conditioning Cream

Conair 1" Curling Iron

Urban Decay Ammo Eye Palette

Covergirl Smokey Eyeshadow Blast in Bronze Fire

Maybelline XXL Volume Pro Mascara

Target Merona Bag

Forever 21 Ankle Jeans

HTC Sensation 4G Phone

Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:16:00 +0000

So I finally caved in and purchased Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup. I had seen a bunch of ads for it and reviews on YouTube and was in need of a new foundation after leaving my old one (Revlon PhotoReady) in the car under the beating hot sun.

So what’s the gist on this foundation? Neutrogena describes Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup as “flawless coverage, lightweight, silky formula,” and “the exclusive blend plus SPF 20 work together to visibly improve skin’s luminosity, tone and texture.”

I’ve only been using this product for about a week now so I will do a follow-up after a month or so, but overall I really like the way this foundation looks on my skin. I first pour a little bit of the makeup onto the top of my hand and then take my fingertips and blend the makeup all over my face.

I purchased the product at my local Target for $8.99. The foundation usually is priced around $12 but it was on sale for $9.99 and I had a $1 off coupon!

On to the review:

PROS:

I love the color that I chose- 06 Natural Beige. It’s not too yellow based and when I add my bronzer on top I get a nice sun kissed glow. For comparison sake, I’m 06 Medium Beige in Revlon Photo Ready Foundation and NC 30/35 in MAC Studio Fix Powder.

The price is affordable considering I’ve spent almost $50 for foundation in the past. It’s a great liquid foundation and I already like it more than other department store brands.

The scent isn’t overbearing at all. The makeup has a fresh scent to it, possibly to add to the appeal of the antioxidant blend that the company claims the makeup has.

This foundation has spf 20 and minimal white cast for photos! Great skin protection and overall lovely coverage for the skin.

CONS:

I do find myself having to touch up after a few hours. The makeup is more sheer-medium coverage unless you apply it over and over again. It’s okay for me because I don’t suffer from too many breakouts. Those of you with acne prone skin might not find this foundation to be heavy enough to cover every blemish evenly.

I wish the foundation packaging came with a pump. The foundation currently just has a screw on lid and then an opening for the makeup to come out, so it’s quite difficult to not pour out too much and thus waste the foundation.

There aren’t enough shades in the collection, especially for darker skin tones.

I wish the foundation was just a bit thicker. I was surprised at first at how runny the makeup is, but after it’s blended it molds into the skin perfectly.

Overall Take:

Me wearing the foundation

Ultimately what I really like about this foundation is that it’s not too heavy or cakey, it blends very nicely onto my skin. I have sensitive dry skin and I don’t happen to notice any dry patches after applying this makeup. Also, I really love the dewy skin finish. This foundation doesn’t have any shimmer in it, unlike Revlon Photo Ready which sometimes made me feel like Edward Cullen from Twilight ;)

P.S. Come back each Monday for a new review!

Summer Date Night Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:09:00 +0000

I'm a huge fan of finding stylish clothes on a student budget. I love to shop but stray away from the higher priced items because let's face it, I'd rather save my money...or spend it on great makeup! Anyways, I love stores such as Forever 21 and H&M because they have trendy clothes at affordable prices! Also, the different styles are incredible. Today I put together three different outfits from H&M that would be perfect for a summer date night. Each feature simple accessories and pretty colors to enhance your natural beauty.

So which one will you wear tonight?

products from H&M

Look One: Lace Dress 34.95, Bracelet 12.95, Nail Polish 4.95, Brown Purse 24.95

Look Two: Blouse 24.95, Jeans 29.95, Black Purse 17.95, Heels 24.95

Look Three: Dress 24.95, Bracelets 5.95, Shoes 24.95, Necklace 5.95

Ultimate Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:01:00 +0000

The big 21 is coming up in the next month and I can't wait! To think that I was only 18 a few years ago and already about to celebrate my "adulthood" is beyond belief! I've yet to decide what exactly to do to celebrate and would LOVE to have your suggestions! What did you do on your 21st birthday? I'm thinking getting all glammed up and hitting the town...with photos to come of course!

Anywhoo, with the big day coming up, why not post an ultimate birthday wish list? Some are things that I'll probably end up buying for myself and others are future pieces that I hope to get one day!

product credit: Armani, Fossil, Casio, Urban Decay, Apple, F21, Payless, Tiffany & Co, Zara

Maddox Small Workbag
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Hitch Lace-Up Shooties
Leatherette Stiletto Booties
Baby-G Watch
Tiffany Key Watch
Zara Pique Blazer
iPad 2 & iPhone 4
Urban Decay Ammo Eye Palette
Stella Stainless Steel Watch Chocolate and Rose

What's on your ultimate birthday wish list? Let me know in the comments section!

New Basics ft. Forever 21

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:54:00 +0000

School is around the corner and it's time to start planning your new wardrobe! I've decided to spend less money on eating out and therefore save up for some super cute clothes for the fall! As many of you know, my shopping obsession is Forever 21. There's just so many different styles and trends that I find myself spending hours in the store! Anyways, below are my picks for school-approved clothes! Who says you have to stick to the usual jeans and a top anyways? This school year, join me in trying new outfits and styles each week!

Denim Mini Skirt 14.80, Colorful Beaded Bracelet 5.80, Espadrille Lace-Up Shoes 19.80, Classic Denim Shirt 17.80

Slub Knit Top 8.90, F8132 Readers 6.80, Emma Bangle Set 4.80, Polka Dot Pencil Skirt 14.80

Woven Fedora 7.00, Collegiate Stripe Sweater Cardigan 12.00, Rhinestone Owl Watch 15.80, Fab Contrast Stitch Skinny Jean 10.50

Basic Cap Slv Dress w/ Belt 14.90, Four of Hearts Bracelet 2.80, Thick Heeled Oxfords 24.80, Leatherette Striped Handbag 15.80

product credit: Forever 21

L'oreal Preference Les True Brunettes Hair Color Review

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Call me the Hair Color Whisperer.

My cousin Lauren has been contemplating lightening up her medium brown hair for weeks now and we finally decided to take matters into our own hands. I researched hair coloring kits online and came across L'oreal Preference Ultra Lightening Hair Color in Ultra Light Ash Brown UL61. A bit hesitant at first, I purchased the color and we headed home to experiment.

Contents of the Hair Color

SHADE COLOR: ULTRA LIGHT ASH BROWN UL61
Inside the Box:
Color Optimizing Creme Developer
Color Gel
Instructions
Gloves
Conditioner

The Process:

We read through the instructions and mixed the color with the developer. It's really important to shake the bottle up to maintain the right consistency! Instead of relying on the bottle to apply directly onto the hair, we emptied the contents into a plastic container and applied the color with a hair paintbrush. I feel like painting right onto the hair is so much more efficient than constantly squeezing the color onto your gloves or hair directly.

Lauren's hair is naturally a medium brown with reddish undertones. A few months back we colored her hair with a permanent medium brown color. Her roots were already visible and although we knew her hair wouldn't be as light as the box shade, we hoped that it would at least lift her hair 2-3 shades.

BEFORE

The first step was to apply the color 1 inch away from the roots all the way to the ends. After leaving the color to sit for 30 minutes, we then applied color to the roots for another 15 minutes. The color of the product is a light mauve/gray which was a bit intimidating, but after 10 minutes in her hair was already lightening up a bit. The hair dye scent was quite powerful while mixing and through the application but after a while you just get used to it! If you have strong allergies, I'd definitely recommend doing the allergy strand test before applying the all-over color! We then washed out the hair color in lukewarm water and applied the conditioner to her hair. The directions suggest to leave the conditioner in for 2-3 minutes and so we did, which by the way, the conditioner smells so good and makes the hair super soft!

The Results:

We were pleasantly surprised at the amount of lift this hair color was able to provide! The only thing that would've made the whole application better was if we had purchased two boxes instead of just one. We plan to use this color again on her in a month to brighten up the roots for school.

AFTER

Ultimately, I'd give this Hair Dye 5 stars. The color took so well and the application was incredibly easy! We made sure to choose the Ash Brown shade to counteract any unwanted yellow or orange tones from peaking through after the hair dye was washed out and it turned her once medium brown hair into a beautiful light copper brown shade.

Have you ever tried this product? What are your thoughts?

Link Love (:

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:48:00 +0000

credit:Shandi-Lee

TGIF. Seriously.

I don't know about you all, but I'm so looking forward to this three day weekend in honor of Independence Day! The only downfall is the possibility of rain here in Florida..but hopefully the showers will pass and we will be able to soak up the sun for the next few days! Now onto the goodies:

Need a boost in happiness? Check out Oprah's Happiness Plan. I

t's really inspirational!

Super Summer Sale at Forever 21!

Lighten up your dark hair naturally with Andrea from AndreasChoice new video tutorial.

Cute outfit ideas for 4th of July Weekend.

Loving Leighton Meester's new hair color...might want to try this color myself!

I love how informative Megan from Charade is. Here's here take on eating a raw diet for a week.

Check out Buzz Sugar's Fourth of July Movie Guide!

Fun fourth of July Nail Polish Ideas to try this weekend!:

Summer Hues

noreply@blogger.com (Meagan) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:36:00 +0000

I am currently obsessed with bright colors for clothes. Summer is all about soaking up the sun and having fun, so why not update your wardrobe with a few of these pretty pieces from Forever 21?

product credit: Forever 21

From Left to Right: Vibrant Floral Sweetheart Dress 22.90, H81 Anita SLVLS Woven Dress 16.90, Sweetheart Island Dress 24.90, Abstract Print Dress 13.50, Beaded Leatherette Sandals 15.80, Basketweave Sandals 13.80, Floral Cone Heels 22.80, Everyday Pleats Knit Dress 22.80.

P.S. What's your favorite hue for summer?