From My Vanity

Beyond the Mask - In Theaters April 6th - A Must See!

2015-03-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm always excited and passionate about every post that I share with you on From My Vanity, and today I'm bringing you something I am just as passionate about...but that might be a little far-fetched as something that comes across my vanity. However, because of how much I've been looking forward to this movie, I couldn't not share the news with you. And I think it's okay to go a little off-topic on occasions, don't you?

A Little History of Beyond the Mask

“BEYOND THE MASK majors in surprises,” Burns said of the film that opens in the English countryside and ends in high action. “From production quality and special effects to acting to the storyline combo of gospel and adventure, this is Christian filmmaking 2.0,” Burns said, adding proudly, “and from a strongly homeschooled production community.”

Impressed by the artistic values, Dr. Bruce Eagleson, founder of the Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership, praised BEYOND THE MASK as endorsements also pour in from state leaders. “Movies should be a good story well told,” Eagleson wrote in his movie critique, “and while BEYOND THE MASK remains faithful to the gospel, primarily it is a good story well told."

“It’s unlike just about any movie I’ve ever seen,” said Christian filmmaking legend Stephen Kendrick, who contributed to Paul McCusker’s BEYOND THE MASK script. Kendrick’ films--like COURAGEOUS and FIREPROOF--made with his brother, Alex, ushered in the new Christian film era, and the praise hardly stopped at the script. “This movie has more green screen shots and CG effects than any other live action Christian film in history,” he exuded. “The real adventure has been their creative climb of that digital Everest.”

Crowdpleaser Andrew Cheney (SEASONS OF GRAY) is the dashing Will Reynolds, opposite Kara Killmer (“If I Can Dream” and “Chicago Fire”) playing Charlotte. Welsh actor John Rhys-Davies (LORD OF THE RINGS and INDIANA JONES) rounds out top action.Chad Burns directed; Aaron Burns produced and Tracey Burns is associate producer.

More Information:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

About the Movie, Beyond the Mask

Double crossed and on the run, an assassin for the British East India Company seeks to redeem his past by thwarting a plot against a young nation's hope for freedom.

The leading mercenary for the British East India Company, Will Reynolds has just been double-crossed and now is on the run in the American Colonies. Working to redeem his name and win back the affections of the woman with whom he's never been fully truthful, Will now hides behind a new mask in hopes of thwarting his former employer.

As his past life closes in on him, Will must somehow gain the trust and the help of his beloved Charlotte - as well as Ben Franklin - while he races against time to defuse a plot of historical proportions.

Coming to theaters Spring, 2015, Beyond the Mask is a revolutionary new family film that brings history to life in a faith-filled adventure celebrating grace, liberty, and the true freedom that can only be found in Christ.

See if It's Showing in a Theater near You!

Watch the Trailer

Because who doesn't love watching movie trailers, right? I know I do! Let's take a look...

Pretty intense, right? And the movie delivers all that, and more! :-)

Why You Should See Beyond the Mask

The Burns Family Studio has grown a lot since I saw their movie Pendragon: Sword of His Father back in 2008. Less than 5 minutes into this movie, I had to throw everything I thought I should expect (from watching Pendragon) out the window, as Beyond the Mask was in a league all its own!

The movie starts at a pretty quick pace, but calms down just a bit when Will assumes the roll of a local vicar. It doesn't take long, though, for things to heat up once again for Will and from there on out it was a wild roller coaster ride of adventure and romance.

I, personally, loved the action! My husband and I joked that it was like Batman got sent back in time! Things happen quick, and you definitely have to pay attention to the different loyalties in order to keep up. There was one part that I found rather confusing, but since I don't want to give anything away for you, I will keep that to myself. I'll only say that in the future, they shouldn't have two actors that look very similar to play parts on both the good side and the bad side. Especially when the majority of scenes with them are in the dark, haha! ;-)

The romance was a bit rushed and unrealistic (in my humble opinion) but I understand that a lot had to happen in an hour and forty-five minutes. I did appreciate that Charlotte was portrayed as a godly woman who thought and prayed about her attraction to Will.

All in all, I found this a wonderful action movie that had a meaningful message woven into it. There are so many different things in here that will appeal to a wide audience -- action, intrigue, romance, drama, and even a splash of humor thrown in here and there. It's a movie the whole family can go see and enjoy!

How You Can Bring it to Your Local Theater

After all the information that I've just thrown at you, who doesn't want to go see this movie, right? It releases in theaters on April 6th. One thing you must keep in mind is that you can only purchase tickets to see this movie ONLINE. There won't be an option to purchase your ticket at the theater doors. So definitely make sure you find a theater near you (via the link below) and you reserve your ticket as soon as possible!

Click here to see if there is a theater near you that will be showing it.

No theaters nearby? Well, not to worry -- you'll have to act quick, but you can still make it happen! You can request to become a THEATER CAPTAIN! All you have to do is sign up to help find a big group of people in your city that want to see this movie. It's not too hard -- I think you only need around 60 people to ensure the movie will show at your theater -- and they even have a few perks for you, as the Theater Captain. Can't argue with that!

BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY

Continue the Adventure!

Once you see this movie, I doubt you'll want to leave the historical adventure anytime soon, so Burns Family Studio has provided you with a few ways to keep the adventure alive for longer.

They've produced a movie companion book to go along with Beyond the Mask and have release the first chapter -- called Secrets of the Past -- so that you can read the history of Colonial America that was portrayed in this film.

Read Secrets of the Past

So, what do you think? I know that was a pretty lengthy post (even for me!), but there was so much information to share with you all! I highly recommend you take your family to see this movie. It's rated PG, in case you were curious. :-)

Let's support our fellow brothers, Aaron and Chad, by going to see the movie. As I've said already, Beyond the Mask is a movie your whole family will enjoy!

I was able to see a pre-screening of this movie in order to share my thoughts with my viewers. All thoughts are 100% my own.

The Secret to the Perfect Winged Liner (Tutorial)

2015-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's Monday again, but I have a fun and informative tutorial that might just turn your day around! :-)

If you're like me -- a girl who can't not do some form of a winged liner (or cat eye...whatever you call it) on a daily basis -- than you know there are days where you just want to throw your brush or gel pot across the room because you're fed up with trying to get an even wing.

I'm not the only one, right??

Well, the day I discovered this trick...the frustration of getting the perfect, even winged liner became a thing of the past! So let's move right into the tutorial, shall we?!

The Perfect Winged Liner Tutorial

Okay, so you're going to need either your favorite gel liner pot and fine tip brush OR a liquid liner pen. The ones I recommend are (obvious from the pictures) Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner and Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush. I love using gel eyeliner for my wings, but if you're more of a liquid pen girl, I highly recommend LORAC Front of the Line Pro.

The next thing you need to have on hand is Scotch Tape....or any kind of tape will work, really. :-) All you need besides these two items o finish off the look would be an eyeshadow palette and mascara! In this tutorial I use the LORAC Pro palette and the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

If you want reviews of any of the products I'm using today (well, except for the Scotch tape!), let me know in the comments below!

Prime your eyes! This is always super important, no matter what you're doing with your eyes. You want all your hard work to last all day! Here I am using the LORAC Behind the Scenes Eyeshadow Primer. I highly recommend this stuff -- you can read my full review here!

Now is when you apply the scotch tape. Place it onto the back of your hand once or twice before using it on your face, that way it looses some of it's tackiness and won't pull on the skin around your eye area too much. And this is how the magic will happen! ;-) Make sure you line up the tape following the angle of your lower lash line and coming up toward the tip of your eyebrow.

Now just do your eyes as you normally would. As I already mentioned, I used my LORAC Pro palette to get this eyeshadow look. (That palette is super awesome, isn't it?!)

Now just take the gel and liner brush and line across your lash line. Keep in mind, you can adjust the thickness of this wing to suit your own personal style -- so make it as small or thick as you like!

Create your wing just like you normally would, except that you don't have to worry about being precise with the end -- the tape will do that for you. So be as messy as you want, the tape catches it all!

FINISHED RESULTS

There you have it! Finish up with some mascara and a black eye pencil, if you like, and then apply your face makeup and you're ready to rock! When you blend out your foundation it will also help to smooth the transition of that line, and everything will come together like it's supposed to.

And just so you can see how dramatic a winged liner you can create using this trick, here's another look I did using my trusty scotch tape. (Please excuse the wild hair ;-)

See what I mean? I use it all the time, for a variety of winged looks, and it always gives me a flawless, sharp line. Just like I like it! ;-)

There you go! You're all set -- go create some fabulous wings and share them with me by either tagging me or using my hashtag #LadyKaty92 on any of my social medias!

And share with me in the comments below, do you like winging out your liner? Or do you prefer no liner?

Bellange Kabuki 10-Piece Makeup Brush Set Review

2015-03-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Brushes are an important part of your makeup routine (for those of us who like to use brushes to apply our makeup, that is), so I'm always on the lookout to expand my brush collection.

The company Bellange approached me in January, wanting to see if I would like to try out their brush set that included 10 different types of face brushes. The whole set retails for just under $20, which seemed a pretty decent price for face brushes, so I was intrigued and (as is obvious because I am writing this post) I said yes.

My Review of Bellangé Kabuki Makeup Brush Set

Retail: $19.99 (plus $4.77 shipping)

Packaging & First Impressions...
All the brushes were individually wrapped in plastic and inside this purple little makeup bag. While the thought behind the bag was cute, it isn't the type of bag I would reuse. It's made with really thin material and doesn't feel particularly strong.

You get 5 large brushes and 5 smaller brushes in this set. It's really cute that each large foundation brush has a 'matching' concealer brush. Maybe I'm the only one to find that neat, but I just wanted to mention it. :-)

The brushes themselves felt really nice. The large face brushes were very densely packed and relatively soft (not It Cosmetic soft, but reminded me of Real Techniques ;-). The smaller concealer brushes weren't as dense, but still relatively soft. For the price (basically $2 a brush) I was impressed and had high hopes.

Product & Application....
I had mixed results with these brushes. Some brushes I've discovered to be ones I reach for regularly now...but there were a few in this bunch that I wasn't too happy with. The two pointed brushes (94K and 84K) had the stiffest bristles, and because they felt so 'sharp', I didn't go anywhere near either of these two. The only other brush I didn't like was the Beautiful Blush & Bronzer (93K). The bristles weren't anchored in evenly, and this results in a patchy application. And, for me, this brush was too packed and stiff to serve as a blush brush...maybe a bronzer, but even then I felt like it was hard to blend out.

These were really the only brushes that were 'duds' for me. The other faces brushes were great. I was surprised to see, in the 5 smaller brushes, a brush that was for primer and shadow (82K). For me, this brush was too large to use in my crease and this isn't the type of brush I like to use to press shadow onto my lid. However, I did find that I liked to use this to cover spots on my face. Not what it's made for, but what I tend to use it for.

Major Likes & Dislikes...
My favorite brushes were the Flawless Foundation (91K), Fierce Foundation & Powder (92K), and the Magic Mineral Blending (90K). All of these were very soft, blended beautifully, felt great on my face, and all around I had no complaints with these. Definitely the highlight of this bundle! Two other notable brushes would be the 82K I mentioned already and the Perfection Contouring (81K). If you want to get a really precise contour in your cheeks, or want to sculpt your nose, this brush works well.

My least favorite part of this set is the inconsistency with the brushes. While some brushes were soft and blended beautifully, the pointed brushes were too stiff and the 93K brush had uneven bristles -- which is a disaster when you go to try to use it.

Another point I just wanted to mention is that some of the brushes had VERY mild shedding. And it wasn't all the brushes (and, keep in mind, I've washed all these brushes 3-4 times now). That's pretty good in my book, for such affordable brushes. I've had high-end brushes that shed worse.

Final Thoughts...
So, the big question...is this Bellange Makeup Brush Set worth purchasing or not. I would say that it's up to you. If you have zero face brushes and want a well-rounded 'starter set', I think this is worth the price. Out of the 10 brushes, there were only 3 duds for me. Even factoring those out of the equation, that's still $3 a brush. Which is a pretty good price.

I would say the best value would be to get a girl friend to buy this with you, and then you can divide the brushes up in between you. You don't need all these brushes to do a complete face routine, and several of these could all be done with one brush (especially with the smaller brushes. I tend to just use one to conceal the spots on my face, and hardly touch the rest).

What do you think? Are these brushes worth the price? Are you someone who likes to invest in high-quality brushes? Or do you like to find those treasures in the drugstore brands? I'm definitely a girl who wants to find the equivalent of a high-end brush hiding out somewhere with a drugstore price tag. ;-)

I received the products mentioned above from Bellange in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only review products I have personally tested thoroughly. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

From Food to Makeup -- it's all in Influenster's Refresh VoxBox (Unboxing & Review)

2015-03-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I received my last VoxBox from Influenster -- see what I got in my J'Adore box -- so I did a little happy dance when I received an email saying I was selected to get the newest #RefreshVoxBox.

If you don't know what all the fuss is about VoxBox's from Influenster....read my previous post to get all the details. It's basically a fun program where you get sent products for free to try out and talk about -- and you don't have to have a blog or Youtube channel! If you have some form of social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), then you can join this program and get sent free stuff!

If you want to join this (FUN!) program....leave your email address below and I'll send you a personal invite ASAP! ;-)

So do you want to see what I got in my box?? This post will be an unboxing/mini review on all the products I have tried so far. (Because who doesn't love an unboxing post, right?!)

What's in My Refresh VoxBox (plus reviews!)

First off, let me just say that I was SO sad not to receive the beautiful, decorative box that VoxBox's are typically shipped in. For some reason my things were just in a normal brown box. This made me sad, and I hope they bring back the fun packaging back in future VoxBoxes!

Beanitos Chips

I received two different bags -- one was White Bean with Sea Salt and the other was Nacho Cheese. We ate these up in short order. :-) Very yummy -- especially considering that they're made with beans. my husband doesn't like beans, but was a big fan of these. I liked that they were 'softer', almost melt-in-your-mouth kind of a chip. Much easier to chew than the typical tortilla chips. Safer for a baby/toddler to chew and not run the risk of getting a sharp piece stuck in their throat. Very yummy, and something we will repurchase!

Covergirl UltraSmooth Foundation

I was really, really sad about this....but the foundation was too dark for me! I didn't even have to try it on my skin to see that I wasn't near tan enough to use (Oh, the woos of foundation shopping!) I will say, for me, personally I would rather just remove the hairs (I use this facial hair removal spring) and not have to try to find a foundation that will 'lay' the hairs down for me. But that's just my two cents on it. ;-)

L'Occitane Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream

Who doesn't love creams?! Especially with this colder season still sticking around, many people need help adding extra moisture to their skin. My hands - cuticles, specifically - have been really try and rough lately, so I was happy to have this handy little jar sitting on my vanity to use before bed. It works really well, in my opinion. Get's the job done, and very moisturizing. The only thing is that it smells like baby lotion. Not that that's a bad thing....just an interesting detail I noticed. And something I don't particularly want to smell like when I get in bed to snuggle with my husband. :-P

Orgain Certified Organic Nutritional Shake

I actually didn't receive the shake in my box, just a $1 off coupon for it (Maybe an oversight?). I'm not too big on shakes, personally (I like to chew my food, lol) but I was intrigued to see they had a line for kids. I think I'll send my coupon to my sister to get her 2 year old daughter one of the Healthy Kids Organic Nuritional Shake.

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masques

This is the second mask I've tried from this brand (read my thoughts on the previous one) and I was thrilled to see that this was a peel off mask. I've always wanted to try one of these. I received a full-size product and was surprised, and pleased, to see that even after I applied the mask all over my face, there was still enough for 2 or 3 more masks. Definitely get your money's worth with this mask! It's always hard to tell if a mask works, but it felt very refreshing going on. The smell was a bit strong. Okay, very strong, but it wasn't as bad as the first mask I tried. If your sensitive to smells...I would be careful around this line of masks!

SkinnyGirl Tasty Nutrition Bar

Who doesn't love bars?? (Well, besides my husband...but he can remain the odd one out! :-P) SkinnyGirl is known for creating yummy treats that seem like indulgences....to be healthy and beneficial for you. I got the Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt and it was SO YUMMY!!! I love peanut butter, and I love chocolate....mix them together and I've got the best of both worlds. I highly recommend you give these bars a try. I know they're at Target that you can buy in bundles of 4 or 5, which typically comes to a little over $1 each. Decent price for healthy!

Listerine PocketPaks

I've bought these on my own before, so I instantly threw one of these paks into my purse, knowing I would use them up in no time. These are great if you don't want to be chewing gum, but would like just a little 'burst' of a breath refresher without spritzing perfume in your mouth (LOL, just a joke, don't try it! ;-P). These would be very handy if you had a long day job and after lunch just wanted to refresh yourself before going back to work. Very handy -- and so small, they fit anywhere!

DenTek Fun Flossers

These little flossers are so cute and something I definitely intend to send to my sister so she can use them for her little 2 year old. It's a scrubbing floss that is intended for young children. It removes foot and plaque and is designed to fit for kids teeth and also just the right size so they can hold it and start learning dental hygiene at an early age. So adorable!

DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks

I like these to put in my purse (yes, I have a rather large purse, lol!) to use when I am out and about and maybe notice something stuck between my teeth after eating lunch. That is always so annoying when it's right there between your teeth and nothing you can easily remove on your own. These come in really handy! And for only $4 you get over 100 flossers, so well worth the money, in my opinion.

And that was everything I received in my Refresh VoxBox. I love getting to try things out, because it's been the means of me finding products I continue to love and repurchase to this day. Like the Bath & Body Works Forever Red body spray.

Oh. My. Word.

I LOVE that scent and can NEVER get enough of it! And I originally received it one of my first Influesnter VoxBoxes. :-)

Are you a part of Influenster? What is one product you received as a sample/deluxe size and ended up falling love and repurchasing it? Share with me below!

Read past Influenster VoxBox Unboxings

I received these product for free from Influenster in order to review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of these product.

Vegan Nail Polish that Your Kids Can Enjoy with You (Review)

2015-03-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Who's ready to discover a new nail polish line??

Not only is this line made in the US and is kid-friendly, it's also natural, vegan, and "5-Free" (if you are just as lost as I was on what this phrase means....click here to have it explained! ;-) And the line has a lot of really fun colors --- and glitter polishes, too!

About Play Laugh Love, inc

$5.99 a bottle

As natural as it gets!

You will notice that our polishes may separate slightly or a lot, this is because, unlike other “natural” polishes, we don’t use any plasticizers. Plasticizers are plastic, and we only use non carcinogenic, safe, and nontoxic ingredients. Our ingredient list is very small: water- soluble/nontoxic copolymer, fruit & vegetables, natural mineral, pure cane sugar, may include: nontoxic pigments, and/or nontoxic glitter, and LOVE! Our natural peel off polishes are easy to apply and very quick drying. Just shake and 2 coats suggested. For the pearl glitters, dabbing is recommended. On fingernails, depending on lifestyle, they will last from 1-7 days with average of 4 days. On toenails, they up to 14 days and more.

Our polishes are plant based: made using fruits & vegetables. You'll see on our ingredient list we use lemons, spinach, beets, carrots, black currants, acerola cherry, and sugar. We truly are, as natural as it gets!!!!!

We offer bright, bold, soft pastel, clear/top coat, metallic, and pearl glitter colors for every girl, tween/teen, and women; for every mood, outfit, for play time, bonding with mom, sisters and/or friends, for romance, for work, relaxing: but the best part is you will have beautiful nails while staying safe from toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. So play, love, laugh with our natural peel off polishes.

Visit Play Laugh Love on....

Website / Etsy / Facebook / Twitter

My Review of Play Laugh Love's Nail Polish in Grapelicious

Packaging & First Impressions...
Isn't the packaging just SO cute?! They are a bit smaller than the typical nail polish bottle, I think. I receive the purple color in Grapelicous, which is a beautiful, vibrant purple that has just the perfect amount of sparkle/shimmer to it.

Depending on your budget, you might think $6 for a small bottle of nail polish is kind of expensive, but considering that these polishes are vegan, gluten free, odorless, kid-friend, and made in the US, I don't think they are that expensive.

Product & Application...

The timing was perfect for trying out this product, as I was visiting my family at the time and I used one of my little sisters as my 'model hand'. They really enjoyed the pampering session.

The nail polish goes on very nicely. Isn't too thick or too thin. It also dries pretty fast, just as the product claims. The formula is somewhat sheer, but even so my sister's tiny fingers only needed two coats. When I did this on my own fingers, however, I ended up applying three coats, just to make it really opaque. Because it dries so fast, I didn't notice this extra step as a hassle. And maybe it's just weird ol' me, wanting my polishes super opaque. :-P

Major Likes & Dislikes...
I LOVE these polishes for kids! Because they're so safe, and the bottles are so small, I feel comfortable giving my sister's the bottle and letting them do their own manicure, if they want (with a bunch of napkins underneath their hand, of course!) It's really nice to know that there are no harsh chemicals in this bottle -- and any spillage should be easy to clean up with some hot, soapy water, right?! :-)

So the special thing about these polishes is that you don't need to use a harsh nail polish remover to take them off, right? To remove them, all you have to do is soak them in water --- and on top of that they say that you don't need a basecoat or a topcoat with this polish. When I did my sisters nails, they took a bath that night and by the time they came out, the majority of the polish was gone. So I would say to go ahead and use the basecoat/topcoat. Not that this is a con about this polish, it's just something I found to not be entirely true -- for my experience at least.

Final Thoughts...
Whenever I sum up a review, I always ask myself "Would I repurchase?" And for this nail polish, I would say yes. I like that it's so safe for kids -- and having 6 younger sisters who LOVE to do their nails, I think getting them a small collection of this polish would be worth the money spent. I would just take care to use a top coat to seal in that nail polish and keep the bath from soaking away their beautiful nails. :-)

What do you think? Would you purchase this Live Laugh Love nail polish? Do you have any children who loves doing their own nails? :-)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My February Favorites!

2015-03-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

It's time for me to share the products I really loved during the month of February!

I also wanted to clarify that I am not picking products just to share -- I will only feature products in these monthly posts that I truely loved and used a lot during the month. If there is a month where I didn't gravitate toward any products more than others, I won't have a monthly favorites. Does that make sense? I hope so!

With that being said, I only have three products that really stood out to me this month. They were all relatively new purchases for me, and I just got into a rut where I was using them on a daily basis. Let's start from the top!

My February Beauty Favorites

Longwear Matte Liquid Lipsticks -- prices vary, Anastasia, LA Splash, & Ulta -- These are the products I have been most excited about this past month. I've always enjoyed matte, longwear lip colors, but this past month I just started purchases several new ones that have been popping up since the start of the year (I'm sure you've heard about them!)

My top favorite have to be the ones from Anastasia Beverly Hills. The colors I own are Heathers, Lovely, and Pure Hollywood. I love how light they feel on my lips and how they don't feel drying when I'm wearing them.

Also a favorite is Innocent Vixen from LA Splash. The line is a more affordable option ($11.95) and while they're a bit thicker and don't feel as light, they still wear well and look great.

And I can't forget my Lime Crime Velvetine! I actually originally purchase Wicked and Salem along with Cashmere, but this is the only one I kept. I'm not entirely fond of the formula, but my husband likes the color on me --- so of course I wear it! ;-)

The last one I want to tell y'all about are the Rimmel Provacalips ($6.69). I own, and love, the colors Make Your Move and Heart Breaker. They're definitely the most drying out of the three, but I love how well they stick to my lips! :-)

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer -- $7.99, Ulta -- While I don't think this concealers my undereyes at all, I do feel like it does a lovely job highlighting the areas of my face. I tend to use this when I am just having a regular day, nothing special, and don't mind if my undereyes aren't completely hidden. I've been grabbing it a ton this month!

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso -- $8.49, drugstores -- This one really surprised me, as I didn't think I would like this as much as I do. I bought it on clearance several months ago, but didn't pull it out until January. I was afraid it would have too much 'sparkle' in it for me, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it gave me a very natural, every-day flush to my cheeks. I've been wearing it almost constantly this month!

Not too many this month, but the ones I did love I feel like I 'loved' them every day, lol! I'm looking forward to discovering more new products this next month.

How about you all? What products did you find yourself constantly reaching for during the month of February? And if you're a matte liquid lipstick fan like I am....what's your favorite brand/color??

BoxyCharm's Sends Lots of Kisses Your Way! (February Unboxing)

2015-02-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

The last post for the month of February, and today we're talking all about the goodies that were sent out in BoxyCharm's February box. Are any of you subscribed to get their boxes? I'd love to hear what you thought of your the February box!

If you don't know what BoxyCharm is all about, see my first unboxing post and I lay out all the details of this fabulous beauty subscription service.

What's Inside BoxyCharm's February Box

This box was pretty different from all the others -- instead of opening up so beautifully as it previously did, this box opened at the side and I had to spill everything out. So no pretty picture of the box this time, sorry! But here's the card I received with it -- it was all about kisses and hearts this month!

Here's a quick snapshot of everything in my box. I always love using the fun, pink confetti paper that they use to package the products as a backdrop for my pictures. :-) As usual, we'll dive into each product in the order that I took them out of the box in.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was this pretty, apothecary-style bottle filled with powdered clay from Mullein & Sparrow. I did a little dance when I saw this -- I love doing mud masks to help keep my skin clear of acne. This is only a deluxe size sample, but it's still valued at $15 (they sell mini's for this amount on their website). There are several different types of clay in here, all of them very beneficial and detoxifying. Can't wait to use it!

Next was a chubby pencil from Jing Ai. I've never heard of the brand before, but loved the cute packaging.

As you can see, I got the color Pink Star. :-)

Isn't it really pretty? The perfect color for the upcoming spring, and also very appropriate for Valentine's Day, don't you think?

Here it is on my lips. I loved that the color applied very glossy and pigmented for a lip shine. It was a shade or two lighter than it looked in the pencil, but it stayed true to the swatch on my hand. I love it! Can't wait to wear it some more this spring!

Next up was a brush. I always get excited for brushes -- don't ask me why, I just do. :-) The brush is called a Duo Fiber Mini Round Brush, retails for $15, and is the type I would use to darken my outer corner.

It feels a tad bit still, so I don't think it will work well for blending anything out. But I think it will be great to pack on the color.

In a previous box (I think December) they included a Mistura brush, and this time they've sent a complexion corrector stick along. I looked on the card and on the product itself, but I can't figure out what color this is....or if they only had one available. So I checked the site and, indeed, they only sell one color.

Which seems strange, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it looked like it would go well on my skin tone. Not as an under eye concealer, but should work to conceal any acne spots. Though I must throw out there really quick...this concealer is $37 in Canadian dollars (which means about $30 in US dollars). Kinda expensive -- but that's why you subscribe to a beauty box, right? To try out brands you wouldn't otherwise purchase. :-)

Last, but NOT least, is this nail polish. I love to paint my nails and try glitters and whatnot, so this instantly jumped to the top of my favorites from this box. :-)

This is the first 'chunky confetti' nail polish that I've gotten from ncLA, but I have received a solid color from them and really liked the formula. So I have high hopes for this bottle!

The hearts look so beautiful in here. I'll post a picture on my Instagram page when I do a manicure with this. The price is a bit steep ($16), but the quality is pretty fabulous. :-)

And there you have it, all the products I received in my February box. I'm pretty stoked with everything I got. Nothing looks to be a dud, for which I am thrilled. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the concealer, but even if that's not all I had hoped it to be, it will still be well worth the $21 this box cost. Don't you think?! :-)

The Value of BoxyCharm's February Box

Now it's time to do the math. :-) The value always far exceeds the price of the box, but it's fun to see exactly how much.

Modern Minerals Mini Round Brush - $15

Mullein & Sparrow Mini Facial Mask (Deluxe size) - $15

ncLA Nail Lacquer - $16

Jing Ai Velvet Shin Lip Jewel - $22

Mistura Beauty Solutions C-2-P Complextion Corrector - $29.76

TOTAL = $97.76

Just shy of a $100 value to this box. Pretty good results for only $21. A girl can always use a mask, nail polish, a new eye brush, and another lipstick. And if the concealer works well and is in your color, so much the better!

Read past BoxyCharm Unboxings

So what do you think of BoxyCharm's February's box? If you received this (or wish you had :-), what was your favorite product from the box? I think mine is tied between the mask and nail polish.

I received the products mentioned above from BoxyCharm in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only recommend products I have personally used.

Blog Schedule Update!

2015-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Really quick, I want to get on here and let you know that my blog schedule is going to change up a bit. Starting this week I will only be posting twice a week -- Mondays and Thursdays (So the next beauty post will go up tomorrow). I'm not sure if this will be my new schedule from now on, but it will be for the next several months.

I've been finding myself worn thin between traveling, being a wife, and putting out quality posts for you all. And since the next few months will only get busier as we prepare to move and my husband has some down time to spend with me, I think this is the best way I can balance everything.

Who knows, maybe once we move and my husband starts radiology residency (and I never see him anymore, lol!), I'll be able to go back to my usual, 3 posts a week, schedule.

I was really torn while making this decision, but I think -- in the end -- it's for the best. I hope you all understand and aren't too disappointed in the lack of posts in the months ahead. Stick around -- I am hoping this schedule isn't forever!

So, the new schedule, once again, is Mondays and Thursdays at 7:00am, PST. And you never know....sometimes I may surprise you with a post in between ;-)

Love y'all!

Curl up with Sandra Byrd's New Victorian-Gothic book, Mist of Midnight (Review & Giveaway)

2015-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the talents of Sandra Byrd? Not only can she take you back in time, but she can also spin the most compelling and mysterious tale you have ever heard. I highly recommend her Tudor series, Ladies in Waiting.

But if you want something fresh, new, and just as full of mystery and intrigue as her previous hisyorical series, then jump into this post and see what I have to say about her newest book, Mist of Midnight!

About Sandra Byrd

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. The Tudor series’ end cap, Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I published in April, 2013.

A life-long lover of Victorian Gothic romances, Sandra’s new series, Daughters of Hampshire, weaves elements of that mystical, traditional genre with inspirational and literary threads. Mist of Midnight, the series’ first book, debuts in March, 2015.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens, and is passionate about helping new authors develop their talent and their work toward traditional or independent publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

More About Sandra...

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

About Mist of Midnight: Daughters of Hampshire, Book 1

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

Where you can purchase Mist of Midnight...

From the Author / Amazon

My Review of Mist of Midnight

I've been a fan of Sandra Byrd ever since reading the first book in her Ladies in Waiting series, To Die For and my love for her books continued to grow throughout the series. I learned so much about the Tudors through her books -- and my interest to learn more about this time period grew because of Byrd. So when I saw that she was starting another historical fiction series, I know I couldn't not read the book (even though I was a tad sad that we wouldn't be delving back into life at the royal court. So much intrigue! ;-).

With all of that background given, I think it's needless to say that I had very high expectations for Mist of Midnight. I wanted it to capture me in a time period that was so full of intrigue and tension that it pulled me effortlessly through the book.

The beginning of Mist of Midnight was rather slow -- but not in a boring way. It was an intense introduction that started to build in suspense and intrigue with every turn of the page. By the time I reached the half-way mark I was enraptured in the plot and completely engaged with the characters.

I found Rebecca to be such a heroic and strong character. To have gone through so much in the Indies, and then to return home and not find the rest and welcome you had looked forward to -- that would be tough! But her determined attitude just took it in strides.

Captain Whitfield (I was nearly at the end of the book before I could think of him as 'Luke') was such a mystery! It took me forever to figure him out...

...literally, it felt like forever!

And my favorite part about reading a suspense book is figuring out who is the real bad guy and who is the good guy. So it was somewhat frustrating that it took me so long. Good job, Sandra! ;-)

Mist of Midnight was a bit stronger on the romance than I felt (or that I remember) her Ladies in Waiting series having, so if you love a good, tension-filled romance with a seemingly shady hero and cautious heroine, this book will definitely appeal to you! Personally, I'm more into the suspense aspect of this book, which was also satisfying!

If you can't tell by now....I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this Victorian time period and walking alongside Rebecca as she tried to solve the mystery of what was haunting her beloved childhood home. Get this book, curl up on a dreary day, and get completely lost in Mist of Midnight.

Lace Bookmark Giveaway!

Because who doesn't love to win something? And if you're a bookworm (like me!) than this is the perfect prize for you! Isn't this bookmark so lovely??

RULES: USA Only. Must be a Bloglovin' follower of From My Vanity. Winner is randomly chosen using Random.org. Once contacted, the winner has 1 week to respond to email. After a week, one more email will be sent. After another week, the winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be chosen.Giveaway ends on March 16th, 2015 at midnight.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your favorite type of book to read? Historical fiction? Suspense? Romance? Non-Fiction? Is Mist of Midnight a book you would want to read? Share with me in the comments below!

I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

How I Want to Decorate My New Family Room! (First Impression Review)

2015-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

If you didn't already know, I married a Navy doctor last April and have been living in California since. My husband was trying to get into a Radiology residency this year, and not too long ago we found out that he was accepted -- so we are going to be moving in a few months back to the other side of the United States. *happy dance*

So with all that said, a few weeks ago Bobee sent me this beautiful 'Family' wall decal. While I am REALLY tempted to put it up in my house right NOW -- I am holding myself back so that I can use it to decorate my new house in a few months. :-D

Even though I can't share the finished results of using this wall decal with you right now, I thought it would be lots of fun to tell you my plans and then -- after the move -- show you how it actually turned out and how working with this sticker was. So this will be like a two-part review. What do you all say? Sound like fun?

I am not pretending to be an interior designer or anything -- oh no! I hop on Pinterest to get any sort of inspiration and guidance when it comes to that! ;-)

About Bobee Inc

BOBEE'S DECALS FOR WALLS MAKE IT EASY & AFFORDABLE TO DECORATE YOUR HOME

Our unique designs provide creative accents for your nursery, kid's room, family room and more.

Vinyl wall decals take only minutes to install. No mess or time-consuming decor projects like painting or installing wallpaper.

Bobee decals come with a guarantee and are easily removable.

Change your decor simply and affordably.

Browse on Bobee Inc's Website!

My First Impressions of the 'Family' wall decal

The wall decal arrived in a sturdy cardboard tube packaging and was rolled neatly inside -- no worries about your wall decal getting a funky bend during shipping! Bobee also decorated the outside of the package with a cute bee decal and two colorful circles. I loved this special touch -- made the order feel very personal and special. (Who else is like that?!)

I got a cute handwritten note!

The decal itself was much bigger than I had anticipated -- I'm really bad ad judging size, but I would say it is bigger/longer than two 8x10 picture frames. So no matter where you put this wall decal -- up high or down low -- it will be easily seen and readable.

On the back of the wall decal there are both vertical and horizontal lines. I am really happy about this, as I always struggle with getting things to line up just right, so these lines will be a life-saver when I go to apply this to my wall.

How I want to Decorate My Family Room

This is where Pinterest comes in handy! I, personally, love wall decals and think they are such a personal and fashionable way to decorate your house. But, unfortunately, one of the draw backs of being in the military is that you move often. When I moved out here to my first home, I didn't know if I would be here one or two years, so I held off on getting anything. But, now that I know we are going to be in the next house for at least 4 years....I'm going to put my Pinterest window shopping to good use! ;-)

Here are several picture I've found on Pinterest that really capture how I want to decorate my family room using this new 'Family' wall decal.

Image Credit

Aren't they all so pretty? I have a wall with a bunch of family pictures that is currently on one wall of my house, and I think having them all surround my new 'Family' wall decal from Bobee would be so nice!

What do you think? How would you decorate your house with this wall decal? It's currently on sale for 10.99 on Amazon....would you get this wall decal?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dupe or Dud: It Cosmetics 'Tightline' vs. NYX 'Skinny Mascara'

2015-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited -- I've been planning this new series for weeks now and have been nearly bursting at the seams in my enthusiasm to share this idea with you all! *happy dance*

Dupe or Dud is where I'll be comparing two products that are very similar -- one high end and one drugstore -- and seeing if the cheaper product is a dupe for the more expensive one or if it's a dud. Because who doesn't like to save a little money, right?!

So let's get right down to business! And tell me in the comments below what you think about this new series!

The Products

So for my very first comparison I'm taking the It Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length mascara and seeing if NYX's new, more affordable, The Skinny Mascara is a dupe for it or not.

It Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length Mascara...

$24

Tightline Full Lash Length Black Eyelash Primer is a true game-changer in mascara and eyeliner technology. This multi-tasking beauty must-have utilizes an ultra-skinny wand, allowing you to start coating your lashes at their actual root, so you coat black along your entire lash length (unlike most mascara brushes that are too large to get to the root, leaving the first 1/3 of your lash roots bare!). This gives you ultimate length and volume.

Sorry, I didn't have a non-waterproof version of the IT Cosmetic Tightline :-/

NYX Cosmetics The Skinny Mascara...

$6.99

NYX Cosmetics ultra Skinny Mascara brush is perfect for coating every lash from root to tip - even along the bottom lash line! Finally, the smallest, thinnest lashes can get extra special attention too. The water resistant formula and micro brush work together to create long, beautifully defined lashes.

The Similarities

Skinny Tubes

They both are packaged in the exact same kind of tube, except that the It Cosmetics tube is almost twice as thick as the NYX one.

Tiny Mascara Wand

This is the aspect that sets it apart from other mascaras -- the teeny, tiny wand. And they both have the same tiny wand that gets right against the lash line and is able to coat every hair. People who have tiny, baby lashes on their lower lashes (LIKE ME!!) will love this!

Application

They both applied the mascara the exact same way. No clumping in any way, and yet coats the lashes with just the perfect amount of mascara to make your lashes much more noticeable.

Pigmentation

They both are a very intense matte black color. There's nothing grayish about either of these!

Longevity of Wear

I've tested these out on very long days -- wearing one on my right eye and the other on my left -- and neither of them faded or smudged. I don't have watery eyes, so I wasn't really able to test them on that, unfortunately. But if it's just a normal, long day, they work beautifully!

The Differences

Product Size

The It Cosmetic mascara has 0.118 fl oz (3.5 ml) of product in the tube, whereas the NYX mascara has 0.09 fl oz (2.8 ml). While they aren't the same size, there isn't that much difference and both tubes will probably feel like they last the same amount of time.

Different Formula Options

The It Cosmetics mascara comes in both a regular formula and waterproof, along with a travel size mini of the regular formula for only $10 (0.067 ml). The NYX Skinny mascara only comes in a regular, black formula.

So, Is it a Dupe?

I say that NYX's The Skinny Mascara is a definite dupe!

As you can see from the pictures, they look almost identical to each other, and I didn't notice any difference between them during the multiple wear tests I did.

If you don't care for waterproof formula's, than I would say definitely save $17 and purchase NYX's The Skinny Mascara. :-)

And that's the end of our first "Dupe or Dud" post! What did you think? Leave me your thoughts in the comments below -- along with what high-end product you'd like me to find a dupe for!! :-)

The products mentioned above were purchased with my own personal funds. I was not compensated in any way for writing this post -- I do it because I love it! :-) All thoughts are 100% my own.

L'Oreal Infallible's New Pro-Matte Line has a Solid Foundation! (Makeup Review)

2015-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I meant to get this review up several weeks ago, but it took me weeks to finally find this foundation in my local Ulta and I wanted to make sure I took plenty of time to try it out. So, while this is a bit later than planned -- and you've probably already seen dozens of reviews on this foundation -- I hope you will find it beneficial.

Just for reference: I have normal-to-oily skin that is very sensitive and acne-prone. On a normal day, without any foundation on, I get very shiny and oily and have to blot at least two or three times.

About L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation

Retail: $12.99 - $14.99

L'Oreal Makeup Designer Paris presents Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation, air-light texture with a demi-matte finish. For the 1st time, a super gliding mattifying formula with a high water content for maximum comfort that lasts.

Contains Shine Defy Blotting Spheres that act like blotting paper to mimic makeup artist gesture, instantly absorbing sweat and oil without disturbing color pigments. Medium coverage.

SHOP at L'Oreal

SHOP at Ulta

My Review of L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

First Impressions & Packaging:
The foundation is a thick, mousse consistency, so I was very glad to see this in a squeeze tube and not a glass bottle. It would've been difficult to get it out if the bottle didn't have a pump. And with it being in a squeeze tube, I can throw it around in my bag without being afraid it'll break.

This foundation is on the pricier end, for the drugstore. Not too terribly high, in my opinion...but definitely a product that will give you a pause before throwing it into your shopping cart.

Product & Application:
The formula is incredibly smooth and blends in beautifully -- whether you're using a brush or a sponge. It sets relatively quickly, so I recommend applying it in section to your face and make sure each section is blended in well before moving on. Because in a few seconds, it won't be budging!

I find that it's best to only use one thin layer on your face -- when I go in with a second layer I feel like it looks more cakey. The coverage is pretty good, definitely medium coverage. I'll still follow up with a good concealer on any acne spots I have at the time, but it does a great job at covering my mild hyper-pigmentaion.

Major Likes & Dislikes:
I like the coverage I get with this foundation. On natural days I will just use this and feel good to go. If I want a full coverage look, I'll just use a concealer on any spots. And because this foundation is a mousse consistency -- and very pigmented -- a little goes a very long way.

There are only 8 shades available, which can make it difficult for you to find a shade that will match well. I, personally, have to buy two shades and mix the two to get my perfect match. This can be annoying -- as I'm having to spend money on two foundation tubes, which is almost the same price as a high-end foundation. So.... :-/

Please excuse the dirty top!

Final Thoughts:
The foundation does a pretty good job keeping my face matte throughout the day. I wouldn't say that I'm 100% matte all day -- I definitely have to blot and powder a bit at least once through the day -- but it definitely doesn't make me as shiny as I usually am throughout the day. And when I do blot and retouch, the results are just as beautiful as when I first applied it.

If you can find your perfect shade -- and wait for this product to go on sale -- I don't think you will be disappointed with this foundation at all. Especially if you are someone who has oily skin. For my dry skin girls out there...I say that if you wear a moisturizing primer underneath and skip the setting powder, you could wear a thin layer of this foundation, too.

What finish do you go for in a foundation? Matte? Dewy? Luminous? Share with me in the comments below!

The product mentioned above was purchased with my own personal money. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only review products I have personally tested thoroughly. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Gifts to Give HER for Valentines Day!

2015-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Whether you send a link of this post to your boyfriend/fiance/husband or you're looking for something special to give to your fellow beauty-loving girl friend....I hope you'll find this post helpful!

I always love when brands come out with products especially for certain holidays, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Here are a few of the products on Sephora that caught my eye and would make a beautiful valentines present.

Too Faced Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer

Price: $34

What it is: A bronzer and blush duo that adds warmth, contours, and a pop of color while offering the radiant look of true love.

This would be my top choice (and, honestly, I might just gift it to myself, haha!) because it captures the spirit of valentines day the most. I know, depending on how big the blush is, it's not very practical...but I know there are some days when I just want to brush a combination of blush and bronzer onto my cheeks and call it a day. And practicality aside...the packaging is just so pretty, especially with the fancy "TF" etched into the blush. :-D

Dior Cheek & Lip Glow

Price: $37

What it is: A cheek and lip blush to give the skin a flush of pink.

Talk about luxurious! If you, or someone you know, likes to use stains this would be the perfect gift. The packaging is really beautiful and if you have the opportunity to go into Sephora sometime, you should see if they have a tester out and try it. It blends like a dream!

Givenchy Les Mini Prismes

Price: $39 ($75 value)

What it is: A mini compact box that includes Givenchy makeup must-haves for eyes, face, and cheeks, plus two applicators in universally flattering shades.

This is an all-in-one set that makes a wonderful gift -- and you also save money purchasing this set. Along with powders for the eyes and face, there's also a little drawer filled with mini applicators you can use to apply these with. So cute, and it would also look really pretty displayed on your vanity.

bareMinerals Fresh & Flawless 5-Piece Collection

Price: $39 (value $73.50)

What it is: A five-piece fresh-faced collection for the eyes, lips, and the complexion.

If she likes bareMinerals, this is the set to get! It's a value set, so you're saving money, and it also comes in this cute coral makeup pouch. And remember the BB eye cream I've been raving about recently?? Well, you get a deluxe sample size with this pouch. Pretty sweet, and a great set to get so you can try out a bunch of new products.

Prada Candy Gift Set

Price: $88 ($109 value)

What it is: Prada CANDY is instantly seductive—pure pleasure wrapped in impulsive charm. In an explosion of shocking pink and gold, Prada CANDY takes us on a walk on the wild side, showing us a new facet of Prada femininity where more is more and excess is everything.

I just recently used my sample vial of this perfume....and I really like it! If you know someone who loves this foundation, than this gift set is a no brainer -- and it comes in a heart box! What's not to like?

Fresh Sugar Sweeties Mini Lip Duo

Price: $22.50

What it is: A Sephora-exclusive pair of top-selling Sugar Lip Treatments, one offering sheer nourishment and the other a rosy tint.

Okay, so if you're wanting a more affordable gift to give someone, this is a really nice set. Sugar is a really luxurious brand that is all about the lips. So if a friend of yours is a lip balm junkie -- get this mini lip duo for her!

Soap & Glory Happy Pamper Gift Set

Price: $12

What it is: A must-have, giftable duo featuring two Original Pink rose and bergamot fragranced award winners for clean, smooth skin.

Okay, last one -- this is the most affordable gift set. And it even comes with a cute little box that takes you back to the 1900s. :-) Their body butters always smell beautiful and feel amazing. If you're a husband looking for a special gift -- this body butter would be something that could be incorporated into a lovely evening together. :-)

There you go! Just a few that I think could make lovely gifts for a girl in your life, or even a gift for yourself -- give yourself to some luxurious makeup products this Valentine's Day!

Did any of these jump out at you? Which one would YOU like to receive (if you could pick out your own Valentine's gift, of course :-)

BoxyCharm is celebrating the New Year with Makeup and Style (January Unboxing)

2015-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

This unboxing post is far overdue, I know, but I didn't get it till the end of January and I was traveling at the time. None the less, I hope you all will enjoy seeing what was inside BoxyCharm's January box and what I thought about all the products.

Subscription services are so much fun, because it's like it is your birthday every month. And who doesn't love getting gifts?! Especially when they're all related to beauty!

What's Inside BoxyCharm's January Box

Along with the typical cute design that BoxyCharm always does with their monthly boxes, this month's box had very light images printed onto the box. I liked the change

This month was all about celebrating a new year and new things. A box full of celebration!

I always like to take all the products out and get a group shot of them all. Then it's always trying to decide which one to open and try out first. :-)

The largest item inside was this full-size bottle of Tarte's Maracuja Bronzing Serum. Perfect timing, as we come into these warmer months (at least, for those of us in California :-). I don't know if I will use this on my face (I'm always scared of products making me break out) but I will definitely use this on my neck and chest area -- that part always tends to stay really pale on me, even when I am able to get tanned during the summer.

These flash tattoo's are a pretty big fad right now, so I wasn't too surprised to see them included in this month's box. I haven't ever tried these, but I think I'll put them to good use. They look like fun! And because they're gold and silver, they're really classy too.

The next product that was in my box was facial primer from Mirabella. I've never tried anything from them before, but I love trying new facial primers. I was surprised that this tube was full size -- as it's only 0.45 oz. And this primer retails at $29. With that in mind, I can't say I would ever repurchase it, but I'll definitely use this one up. It's a silicone type of primer, so I like to use that where I have the largest pores around my nose.

Beauty for Real included two products in this month's box. The first up is this True Color Lip Cream in the shade "Always There".

As you can see from the swatch, the pigmentation of this product is amazing!

The consistency feels like a gloss, but it looks like a lipstick. It also stays on really well and doesn't run -- on my lips.

The last product was from Beauty for Real and it their Perfect Pencil. I don't believe this has a shade name -- this product is supposed to suit all skin types and be the perfect natural nude.

As you can see, on my skintone it shows up as a beautiful red/brown. Reminds me of the color of the year -- Marsala.

Please excuse my dry lips, but I suppose it gives you a really good idea of what it would look like on people who have really dry lips. I found this pencil somewhat difficult to apply -- hard to get color to show up and somewhat dry -- but maybe that's because this is a new pencil and my lips are dry themselves.

Since I received both a lip pencil and lip color in the same box, I decided to apply them both and see the results. So in the photo above I have on the lip pencil underneath the lip cream. And I LOVED the outcome. The lip cream is a tad stick -- like a lip gloss -- so I prefer to wear this when I have my hair up in a pony tail.

And those are all the products that I received in my January box! A pretty amazing box, if you ask me. That Tarte product totally takes the cake! So let's do the math and see how much money this box saves you!

The Value of BoxyCharm's January Box

I don't know about you, but I'm expecting great results when we add this all up

Beauty for Real The Perfect Pencil - $14

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream - $22

Mirabella Face Prime - $29

Pur-lisse Skin Sparkle Flash Tattoos - $12

Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum - $47

TOTAL = $124

That's the most value I've seen from Boxycharm since beginning to get their boxes. That's pretty sweet!

Read past BoxyCharm Unboxings

What your thoughts are of this month's box. Was it worth the $20 dollars? What was your favorite item from the box?

An Easy Too Faced Cat Eyes Palette Tutorial (& Mini Review)

2015-02-04T07:00:00.001-08:00

I originally had thought to post my review of this palette and then wait a few weeks to share a tutorial with the palette...but after playing around with this palette, I thought it would be best to combine the two.

I know I'm going to be giving away my review...but I honestly wasn't very impressed with this palette. But before I spill all the beans, let's jump into the tutorial!

Too Faced Cat Eyes Palette Tutorial

Step 1: Sweep Meow All Over Lid

Make sure you apply primer before starting any eye look -- this will help your finished work last much longer, and also help to amp up the colors in your shadows.

Once that's done, apply Meow all over the lid. This will helps all the colors blend together.

Step 2: Pat Tiger's Eye in Outer Corner

Keep it concentrated only in the outer third of your eye. Don't worry if the colors aren't blended together -- we'll get to that in a little bit. :-)

Step 3: Sweep Leopard in Crease

This will help blend the previous colors together and also deepen up your outer corner.

Step 4: Press Purr onto the Center of Your Lid

Place it right into the center, and blend toward the inner corner of your eye. Once again, don't worry about how it looks, we'll blend it out in a minute.

Step 5: Blend!

Now is the time to take that big, fluffy, clean blending brush and sweep all the colors together into a seamless look.

Step 6: Line the Eye with Panther (wet)

Spritz a bit of facial spray (I used my Evian Facial Mist) onto your flat liner brush before picking up the color and lining your eye. If you aren't a fan of winging out your liner, then don't worry about it. :-)

Step 7: Highlight Your Brow Bone with Meow

You don't need much on your brush, just enough to highlight right below your brow bone and blend into your crease.

Step 8: Brighten Inner Corner with Kitty Glitter

I wanted a pop of color in my inner corner, so I thought Kitty Glitter would do the trick. It looked like a beautiful sparkling silver in the pan....but as you can see from the pictures, it didn't really show up that well. This was the color I was most disappointed with in this palette.

Step 9: Darken Lower Lash Line with Tiger's Eye & Leopard

To complete the eye look I took a mixture of Tiger's Eye and Leopard on a brush and swept it under my lower lash line.

The rest of the steps are just finishing up this look!

Step 10: Apply Black Liner in Waterline

I always like applying black liner in my water line. I feel it smokes out the look a bit more -- which is something I always like going for.

Step 11: Apply Mascara

Now just take your favorite mascara and give your eyes a really good coat!

And You're Done!

My Mini Review of the Too Faced Cat Eyes

As I said above, I wasn't too impressed when I swatched the colors on my arm the first time. And then when I used it to create this eye look, I liked it even less.

While the color swatches showed up on my arm pretty well (except for Kitty Glitter...I gave up on that one, lol), it took me several tries to get it to show up that well. Another thing I noticed was that when I would try to blend out the colors....I felt like the color would disappear.

While I used a primer before doing this eye look, it took me a good bit of work to build up the colors to what you see in my tutorial. I own several drugstore shadows that show up and blend much better than this palette.

So, to sum it up, I really can't recommend this palette. Several of the colors are dry and chalky, and just difficult to work with. And for $36...I feel like you could just save up another $6 and buy the LORAC's Pro palette and get amazing pigmentation, blendability, and longevity of wear.

Have you ever tried any Too Faced palettes? Have you ever purchased a high-end palette that you were disappointed in?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above from Too Faced in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only recommend products I have personally used and liked.

My January Favorites!

2015-02-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

I've never done a monthly beauty favorites in the past, but I wanted to give it a go for 2015. Let me know if this is something you enjoy seeing, or not so much. I really love hearing y'alls feedback on what I post. :-)

Hopefully these posts won't be too length or drawn out -- my goal is to share with you a few of the products that I used the most during the month, and why I like them.

Let's jump right into it, shall we?!

My January Beauty Favorites

LORAC Mega Pro Palette -- $59, not available --I know, I know, y'all have heard about this so much, but I had to include it in this month's favorites because this is all I used when I was traveling this past month. It's amazing. If you can get your hands on it (for a reasonable price), I would say snatch it up. (If you want my advice, try joining some groups on Facebook that sells used makeup -- I've seen a few people selling their palettes. :-)

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Macadamia -- $48, Sephora -- I purchased this in the hopes that it would look natural on my skin when I was struggling with a lot of dry patches.

While I am not struggling with that as much anymore, this foundation still looks amazing on my skin. Very light and sets to a semi-dewy finish. It plays well if I set it with powder, or if I don't. And the best part....is that it looks great all day long!

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Shadow Cream -- $18, Ulta & Sephora -- I received this as a point perk from Sephora, and the more I use it the more I'm convinced I'll purchase the full bottle when this runs out. I've never used the MAC Painterly Paint Pots, but this gives me the same effect as I hear that does....and this one is $3 cheaper. I like using this on my natural days -- I'll just apply this with a winged liner, mascara, and I'm done.

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Blinged & Brilliant -- $7.99, Ulta -- I didn't notice this before, but this shade appears to be discontinued...so I'm sorry about that. But the formula of these eyeshadows are great. Very pigmented and full of shimmer! I like doing an eyelook with all matte colors, and then just use this in the center of my eye and blend it out toward the inner corner. It gives a beautiful pop of shimmering color that I love. :-)

Bath & Body Works Forever Red Eau de Parum -- $35, B&BW -- I love this scent! It's the most beautiful blend of pomegranate and vanilla....I just love to sprits this all over before bed. I feel so fresh, yet sexy. If you haven't ever tried this scent, look for it in your local Bath & Body Works. You'll love it!

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner -- $9.99, Ulta -- This is my second time purchasing this eye liner, so safe to say that I absolutely dig this stuff! It's so pigmented and dark, and glides on so effortlessly. If I have the time, I prefer doing my winged eye liner with a brush as opposed to a liquid pen, and this is definitely my go-to. I've tried a few cheaper gel eye liners, but none were as good as this!

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara -- $7.99, Ulta -- This is a very new purchase, but I am really loving how black it makes my lashes. It isn't dramatic on the length (though it does give me some length), but it is amazing for volume! Totally loving this at the moment!

Wow, you're still reading?! Thank you! It means a lot to me that you all take your time to read my blog posts -- after all, this wouldn't be my 'job' if it weren't for each and every one of you!

What beauty product was your favorite from this past month? Share with me in the comments below -- I'm always looking for new makeup to try!

Until next time, beauties!

An Awesome $250 Sephora Giveaway!

2015-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! And while you are all looking forward to getting a weekend break from work...I thought it'd be fun to give you another reason to celebrate.

Because who doesn't love a giveaway? Especially a Sephora giveaway!!

So to celebrate this awesome giveaway, I thought to show you my top 3 makeup products that you can purchase from Sephora!

My Top 3 Sephora Recommendations

1) Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Makeup

This formula helps skin achieve a natural, illuminated and bright finish— like the beautiful skin you were born with. Naked Skin is formulated with light-diffusing spheres, transforming you to look professionally retouched. Buildable coverage allows women to customize their look. Available in a meticulously calibrated range of shades, Urban Decay’s precise shade numbering system does poetic justice to both warm tones (ending in “.0”) and cool skin tones (ending in “.5”). The finish is matte, never flat, and luminous, but not shiny.

2) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers

Ideal for all skin types, Radiant Creamy Concealer is a multiaction formula that instantly obscures imperfections, blurs the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and hides dark circles and signs of fatigue. Hydrating and luxuriously smooth, it layers lightly for buildable medium-to-full coverage and a natural luminous finish. The multiactive botanical blend hydrates, firms, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin by helping its barrier retain vital moisture. It also delivers antioxidant protection to protect the skin against damaging free radicals.

3) Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencils

Made with a double-dose of premium micronized pigments, this lip pencil delivers a modern matte look. This lip color delivers super antioxidant resveratrol, which fights free radicals with potent long-term antiaging benefits. Each lip pencil contains the amount of resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $250 Sephora Gift Card

Co-hosts: Jenn's Blah Blah Blog • The Relevance Report • Geniabeme • Pretty Thrifty • A Good Hue • To Hell in a Handbag • Lush to Blush • Orange Marigolds • Jolie Pagaille • From My Vanity • Bene • Peanut Butter and Whine

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 2/13 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers! And if you sign up, let them know Katie at From My Vanity sent you! :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are some of your favorite makeup products that you buy at Sephora? What would you purchase if you won this gift card? Let me know in the comments below!

The products mentioned above where purchased with my own personal money. I was not compensated in any way for sharing these products. Sephora is not sponsoring this giveaway. I only recommend products that I have used personally and believe will be beneficial for my readers.

It Cosmetics Claims They Have Your Lash Extensions in a Tube (Beauty Review)

2015-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's the middle of the week already. Wow! My week has just flown by, in a very good way. I hope your week is going well, also!

Today I have a review of a newly released product -- at least, I just started seeing it pop up at my local Ulta. Since I had mixed feelings about mascara, I thought it best to post my review of it sooner rather than later, to give y'all a heads up on it. :-)

About It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Extensions Mascara

Retail: $24

The look of false lashes has never been easier or more accessible with this breakthough, one-step, melted-fiber infused mascara! The perfect alternative to complicated false lashes and expensive lash extensions, this innovative formula features the blackest black melted nylon fibers infused into IT Cosmetics' volumizing, lash-loving, award winning Hello Lashes Mascara so you can achieve long, thick, dramatic lashes in a quick one coat application.

Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Hello Lashes Extensions does the work for you. With one simple step, you get fuller, longer, more voluminous lashes instantly. IT's your lash extensions but better!

SHOP on It Cosmetics

SHOP on Ulta

My Review of Hello Lashes Extensions Mascara

First Impression & Packaging:
As with all of It Cosmetics' products, the packaging of this mascara tube is beautiful. Very sleek, edgy, and sophisticated.

This was a part of a QVC's Your Most Radiant You collection

The wand on this mascara reminds me of the Benefit They're Real mascara -- I haven't tried that mascara, but they look identical to me.

Product & Application:
The unique thing about this Hello Lashes Extensions mascara - what's supposed to make it stand out from the other mascara's that are on the market - is that there are fibers in the mascara that are going to help your natural lashes look as voluminous as falsies.

So you know all those duo mascaras, ones a regular mascara and the other is filled with fibers? This tube combines the two for ease and simplicity. And I would say that it did this job pretty well.

Major Likes & Dislikes:
I really liked the wand on this mascara -- the bulb on the end made it very easy to get the smaller lashes near the inner corner of my eye as well as make sure all my lashes are fanned out just the way I like them to me.

The only problem I found is that I would get little black fibers falling onto my face throughout the day. Maybe if you topped this with a waterproof topcoat mascara, you wouldn't have that issue, but I know without you start looking like a Dalmatian by the end of the day. :-P

Final Thoughts:
The formula is really nice -- it gives me the appearance of very thick, full lashes, and the fibers inside the tube do really help to add length to what I already have. The mascara formula doesn't clump and, as I've already said, I love the spiky bulb at the end.

But since it does give me fallout throughout the day, I can't say it's my favorite mascara or even one I would repurchase. But if you are curious to try it, I would recommend you get a good waterproof mascara topcoat to layer on top of Hello Lashes Extensions.

Do you enjoy trying mascara fibers to help amp up your lashes? Do you wear false lashes?? I have yet to dive into the world of falsies. :-)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above from It Cosmetics in the hopes that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, this does not guarantee a review or feature on my blog. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only review products I have personally used. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag

2015-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I spent a lovely couple of days with my husband. :-) So since I've been traveling a bunch this past month, I thought it'd be fun to share with you all the products that I took with me. :-)

I won't ramble on too much, I promise -- I'm just going to go over all the products and tell you why I brought them.

What I Take in My Travel Makeup Bag

Let's break it down in different categories!

Face

* Clinique Universal Face Primer -- $27, Sephora -- This primer is the best. Doesn't really help with enlarged pores, but I don't really have to deal with that. This keeps my foundation on all day and I've never had a problem with it breaking me out at all. Love it!

* Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide -- $48, Sephora -- I recently purchased this on the recommendation of the lady who was working at Sephora...and she was right. I love this foundation -- it gives me flawless, medium coverage that looks so natural on my skin.

* L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation--$14.99, Ulta--I purchased this right before I left, so I was able to test it out while away. I always like to take a high-end and drugstore foundation with me when I go places, and this one was great!

* Maybelline Fit Me Concealer -- $6.99, Ulta -- This one is always being raved about on Youtube and the Blogging community, so I won't go into too much detail as to why I brought it with me. It works like magic on any breakouts I might have and I wouldn't go anywhere without it!

* Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder -- $6.99, CVS -- This face powder is A-MAZ-ING! It is very light on your skin, doesn't look cakey, and doesn't change the color of my foundation. It makes my skin look beautiful and I love it!

* It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Palette -- $38, Ulta --This was a great one-stop-shop for me to bring along to do my cheeks with. It has a blush I like and a bronzer that looks great on my skintone to warm it up. Great palette well worth the price.

* Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer -- $30, Sephora -- I took this one because, while I love the bronzer in the It Cosmetics face palette, this one is more cool-tone while the other is a bit warmer. I like to use this one to contour my cheeks. And it smells great!

Eyes

* LORAC Behind the Lines Eye Primer -- $21, Ulta --I've raved about this a lot on here, so you all know how much I love this primer. No way I'm going anywhere without it!

* bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Cream Shadow -- $18, Sephora -- I got this as a point perk from Sephora and have been crazy about it ever since! I really like how it cancels out any redness on my eyes and if I want to have a really natural eyelook, with just a really good winged liner, this is what I put on.

* LORAC Mega Pro Palette -- $59, not available -- This is all I need when I travel. There are so many colors in this palette and I can create a very neutral, matte eyeshadow look or I can get all glam and sparkly. Love it! I'm just sorry y'all can't get it for $59 anymore... :-(

* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero -- $20, Sephora -- I am actually not a huge fan of this liner as I prefer my eyeliners to be more pigmented, darker, and black. But I brought this one along with me because I've been wanting to get more use out if it before it dries out on me.

* LORAC Front of the Lines PRO -- $23, Ulta --Y'all know how much I love this liner! It's the best pen liner I've ever tried and I love how fine the point is and how black the liquid is. And it's so handy for travel, so of course I threw this in my bag. :-)

* L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara -- $7.99, Ulta -- This is another new product that I've been trying out and I really like it. It gives me very black, long, thick-looking lashes. What's not to like?! :-)

Lips

* SoftLips Cube 5-in-1 Lip Care -- $3.49, Ulta -- I always have to take a lip balm with me when I travel and I've really been liking this one. It feels great on my lips, not to thick or sticky. And tastes yummy, too, lol!

* Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color -- $9.99, Ulta -- I own the color Nude Ballet. This is a really comfortable gloss that has just a little pigment to it. If I don't want to wear any color on my lips, but want them to look healthy, I'll wear this. It's something easy and effortless, so into my makeup bag it went!

* NYX Butter Lipstick -- $5.99, Ulta -- The formula of these lipsticks are amazing. They feel so good on the lips, give a lot of color, and last a pretty long time. The color I own is in Pops Explosif. It's a really natural pink that I love to wear.

* NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream -- $5.99, Ulta -- I am in love with this formula and had to bring the color Zurich with me. It is really long wearing and dries to a matte finish on your lips. While it doesn't really hold up to food, it does a fabulous job of staying put for several hours.

* Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor -- $7.49, Ulta -- Got to have a darker color with me for those evenings out! This one is in the color Rum Riche and it's a beautiful mauve. It glides on beautifully and looks great.

And that's what I took with me when I was traveling! What about you? What is a must-have product that you take with you when traveling? Do you tend to take more than you need, or do you skimp on a few products so there's less to bring?

My Top 5 -- Nude Lipsticks

2015-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love wearing a dark lip, but on those normal, natural days, a nude lip is definitely what I wear more often than not. And there are so many different types of nudes out there! So these are 5 of my top favorite nude lip products.

These nudes vary from a pinky-nude to a more brown-nude, but all of them are ones that I love and feel look flattering on my light, yellowish skintone.

These are in no particular order. :-)

Here they are all together, displayed so beautifully (or, at least I tried to display them beautifully...). And I've also swatched them all on my arm so that you could see how different, yet nude they are.
pic

They show up a tad different on my lips -- because the pigmentation on my lips are different then that on my arm -- so I'll include swatches of my lips for all the lipsticks. (Yes, my lips were sore after all this...! :-P)

1. Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Sable

I received this in a 4-peice set over the holidays and, unfortunately, I just discovered that it was a limited edition color. So I'm really sorry for including a color that you can no longer get...but it's still a beautiful color so I'll go ahead and share it with you. :-)

This shows up a very pinky-nude on my and is perfect for those days where I want to have some color on my lips, but nothing too bright or pinky. And this is the perfect shade for me.

2. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I've recently discovered NYX's Soft Matte Lip cream and have been loving them. I don't think it will be long before I have the entire line!

I always have a partiality toward matte lips -- I don't know why, I just like how it looks. So the fact that these are matte, but feel much more moisturizing and soft then a typical matte lippie...I'm in love. This color in Stockholm is that perfect nude, slightly tan, color that I'm looking for when I want all the drama to be on my eyes. And if I'm not feeling it so matte, I top it off with a sheer, pinky lipgloss and it really adds something special and beautiful to the nude lip look.

3. Maybelline The Buffs Lipstick in Lust

This is the sheerest nude lipstick that I own, and I like it for when my lips are really dry and I don't want to put any color on my lips. I use this color in Nude Embrace and while it doesn't give the appearance of a lipstick, it still gives the shine and tint of color that I want when going out.

And it's much more moisturizing than some of the other lipsticks I own.

4. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace

Can you tell I love matte lipsticks? This is the nude lip I reach for on the days that my lips are very moisturized and healthy and it gives me that really nude look.

And sometimes if my lips are dry I'll just top it off with a moisturizing lipgloss and it smoothes over any dry patches.

5. Rimmel Exaggerate Full-Color Lip Liner in Natural

(Before we jump into this color, I apologize for not having a lip swatch. I somehow completely missed out on getting on. :-/)

Now this is a color I wear when I'm wanting to have a really brown-nude lipstick! I've only worn it that way a day or two, but one way that I do like to wear it is to give my lips an ombre kind of look using this liner to outline my lips, fill in the sides a bit, and then top it off with the Maybelline the Buffs lipstick I mentioned above. That's a really pretty nude lip that I've really been enjoying recently as we're starting to welcome summer here in Cali. :-)

And that's it! That was really fun to search through my lipstick collection and see what I have. Did you all find it interesting or helpful?

Let me know in the comments below if you like this new series, "Top 5". And what do you want to see next? Eyeliners? Blushes? Mauve Lipsticks?

~ PIN IT ~

The products mentioned above where purchased with my own personal money. I only recommend products that I have used personally and believe will be beneficial for my readers.

Get a Professional-Looking French Manicure at Home in Minutes! (Nail Tutorial)

2015-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love painting my nails -- who doesn't?! -- and my favorite go-to for a classy look is a french manicure. It's so clean, professional, and will go with whatever outfit you happen to wear.

But, if you were anything like me a couple years ago...I royally failed at getting it to look like it was professionally done. Until about a year ago when I started doing my french manicures a different way. Now I get clean, polished, professional white tips every time! :-)

So let's jump right into it!

The Easiest French Manicure Ever!

First up, you have to have all the supplies! It's pretty simple -- the nail polishes you would normally need for a french manicure along with a flat nail brush and acetone. I, personally, like ORLY polishes, but Sally Hansen is also one of my favorite, more affordable, brands.

As far as tools go, you can find some at Ulta but Sally's Beauty Supply definitely has a nice variety of them available. I would go for a stiff, flat brush that will give you the really clean line you want. :-)

Contrary to what I typically do when I give myself a manicure, I do not apply a basecoat when I do a french manicure. You'll see why, later. But for now, just make sure your nails are filed, cleaned and your cuticles done.

The next step is to take your white polish and apply it to the tip of your nails. Don't worry about being super-neat , just apply a thin, even layer. Let it set for 5 or 10 seconds before going on to the next step.

Okay, now the fun begins and the magic happens! :-) Dip your flat nail brush into the acetone and then sweep it across your nail, giving your white tips a clean edge. Don't have too much acetone on your brush, or it could leak all over your hail and ruin the edges of your white polish.

Ta-Da -- now you have a very clean, polished, and professional looking white tip. Let's just finish it up now.

I have this step as optional, because sometimes I just skip it. Why? Because I feel like it doesn't look as natural. But if you like to have a very pinky nailbed, then by all means continue with this step! I enjoy doing this on special occasions.

Now, for this step, I don't apply this as a typical polish. I take care to just apply it all over my nail bed, making sure not to get any on the white polish. I do this because I don't like when the pink get's onto the white...it doesn't look as professional. In my opinion! If you like the pink over the white tip, just do it like you normally would. :-)

Last step! All you have to do now is apply the top coat. Make sure you're nail polish is completely dry before you do this step, so you don't smear the colors together.

~ PIN IT ~

And now your french manicure is complete!

If you give this a try, I'd love it if you'd tag me and hashtag #LadyKaty92 on any of my social medias so that I can find it!

I hope you enjoyed this french manicure. I find it's easy to do, dries really quickly, and looks really professional. Tell me what you think in the comments below!

Until next time!

IT Cosmetics is on QVC's TSV with their "New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin" collection!

2015-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

While I love a variety of brands and I'm one of those girls who uses about 50 different brands when doing my makeup (anyone else do that? Anyone? I can't be the only one!), It Cosmetics is one of those brands that stands out, in my mind, as having a lot of great products that I've loved over the years.

Yes, I've experienced a few duds (a review on one is coming soon, btw) -- every brand does, more or less, but their outstanding products far outweigh the bad. And I love that, while they are high-end, they're always featuring new products on QVC and offering it for an amazingly low price.

And that's the news I'm excited to share with you today! They're currently on QVC's website as their featured Today's Special Value ---- and the best part is that all the products in this collection are brand new, never before seen!! :-D

Today's Special Value -- $59.94

New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin

New! CC+® Eye Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream instantly helps to conceal skin discoloration from view, hydrates your under-eye area and features a unique Cold Spoon Technology™ cooling tip. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, silk and grape seed oil, this full coverage color-correcting cream is formulated to nourish the most delicate skin on your face.

New! CC+® Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream Compact is your award-winning, cult-favorite CC+ Cream in an innovative airless dispensing compact! With one push of a button, this compact releases a precise amount of CC+ cream, giving you skin care, sun protection and full coverage with each application. A multitasking beauty miracle, the CC+ compact is your full coverage foundation, SPF 50+ UVA/UVB physical-only sunscreen, brightening color corrector, anti-aging serum, pore minimizing primer, dark spot corrector and moisturizing day cream all in one step!

New! CC+® Airbrush Perfecting Powder is your lightweight, hydrating powder that is formulated to help erase the look of fine lines and pores, leaving your skin with the look of airbrushed perfection! Formulated talc-free and infused with hydrolyzed silk, hydrolyzed collagen, niacin and peptides, you can wear this skin-loving powder over your makeup or clean skin.

New! Blurred Lines™ Smooth-Fill Lipstick smooths the look of lip lines and adds color to your lips, giving you a natural-looking, pretty pop of color to revitalize your entire complexion! This lip-loving lipstick is formulated with nourishing ingredients including shea butter, jojoba, grape seed extract, cherry oil and hyaluronic acid.

New! CC+® Angled Buffing Foundation Brush is an ultra-luxe, plush makeup brush that does the work for you, making application simple and effortless. Custom-cut by hand and made with over 80,000 hairs, this brush flawlessly buffs makeup to help visually erase the look of pores and fine lines, airbrushing your skin to perfection. Use this cruelty-free, skin-loving brush with your foundation to create the look of your skin but better every time!

The Inside Scoop!

IT Cosmetics® New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! Five-Piece Collection goes beyond beauty. This Today’s Special Value® is on QVC® TODAY -- Monday, January 19, 2015 -- for one day only!

All of these products are brand new and exclusive to QVC at the moment -- I'm not sure how long it will take to start being available other places, but right now you can only buy it on QVC! And I heard that the brush alone will retail for $48 -- so getting this entire set for only $59.94 is an amazing deal!

Shop IT Cosmetics on QVC!

If you want to tune in to watch IT on QVC, they're showing it at 3 AM, 9 AM, 4 PM, 6 PM and 11 PM (ET) for more details on the New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! Five-Piece Collection.

If you just want to skip all that and get this collection before it's gone, Visit QVC.com, the QVC apps or call 800.345.1515 anytime TODAY (January 19th, 2015) until 11:59 PM (PT), to take advantage of this exceptionally low price while supplies last.

More Information on Jamie Kern & IT Cosmetics

What is your favorite IT Cosmetics product? If you haven't tried any yet, what product are you most interested to try?

I was not compensated to share this information with my readers. I am passionate about this brand and want to share great deals like this with you! I never recommend a brand/product that I do not personally use or enjoy. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Go BOLD with Too Faced Melted Liquified Lipsticks (Makeup Review)

2015-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to bringing this review to you. If you were like me, you always looked over the Too Faced Melted lipsticks when you went to Sephora, but weren't sure how something so bright would look on yours lips or how something that glossy could be longwear.

Well, let's dive into the review and you'll have all those questions answered!

About Too Faced Melted Liquified Longwear Lipsticks

Get the staying power of a stain, the intense color of a liquid lipstick and the high shine of a gloss in one long-wear formula.

Using exclusive technology to keep cauldrons of molten lipsticks liquid and creamy, Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick comfortably coats lips in bursts of intense, high-impact, super rich, saturated color that lasts for hours.

SHOP on Too Faced

or

SHOP on Sephora

My Review

First Impression & Packaging:
I was sent this lipstick in the color Melted Marshmallow and while it is a beautiful color, it just wasn't a color I would wear or that I think is flattering for my skintone/style. I wanted to give this a good try, though, for reviewing purposes, so I went to my Sephora (favorite place to shop!) and bought Melted Fig.

I personally am not a fan of the product being in a squeezy tube. I would've preferred a doe-foot applicator, but I was surprised that even with the seemingly awkward way of applying it, I was able to get a really precise layer on my lips without any mess.

Product & Application:
As I said, it was fairly easy to get a clean, even layer on my lips. The product is really creamy and pigmented. Nothing looked patchy at all, which was a win for me -- I hate having to spend so much time just trying to get a layer of lipstick that doesn't look all patchy and weird.

Melted Fig (I wasn't dealing with dry lips)

I would definitely agree that this lipstick stays on really long...but I personally don't think it stands up to any of the eating tests I put it through. Maybe it's because I often wipe my lips while eating, but I found that after I was finished with a meal, there was just a faint stain left from the lipstick.

Major Likes & Dislikes:
I like that once you put it on your lips, and if you just leave it alone and don't mess with it, it will look great! Whenever I wore this, I never had to sneak those peaks in a mirror to make sure the color wasn't running or I didn't have any on my teeth. For being such bold colors, I found this impressive.

Melted Marshmallow (I WAS dealing with dry lips!)

While this lipstick does give you a lot of shine...it still isn't flattering if you have dry lips. I was struggling with dry lips when I took the picture with Melted Marshmallow...and as you can see, it accentuated my dry lips. So not very moisturizing, even though it's shiny.

Final Thoughts:
I like these Melted Liquid Lipsticks! I wouldn't say they're longwear like Kat Von D or Lime Crime, but they definitely wear much longer than a typically, ordinary lipstick. And they're so vibrant! They also have colors and finishes that I really don't see in many other brands or at the drugstore. If you like to wear bold, statement lips, this line is definitely worth checking out!

Do you like bold, vibrant lip colors? Or are you more into the nudes, mauve, and more natural colors?

~ PIN IT ~

One of the products mentioned above was sent to me by Too Faced. The other was purchased with my own personal money. Regardless of who sponsored the product, I only recommend products that I have used personally and believe will be beneficial for my readers.

Featuring Borghese new Makeup and Skincare Collections (Giveaway)

2015-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was recently sent a bunch of things from Borghese, both skincare and makeup products. Not only did they do that, but they also sent double of everything -- so I can share with you! Before we dive into the giveaway, though, lets get to know the brand. If you're like me, you'd seen the brand in passing, but never really knew anything about it.

About Borghese

Borghese has combined the tradition of classic Italian beauty and modern sensibility to create a collection of color and treatment products of unparalleled effectiveness and quality that celebrate the unique beauty in every woman.

The Borghese of today is both active and interactive. We are actively pioneering new product technologies while we are responsive to a woman's beauty needs and wants. You want superior anti-aging skincare, daily skin maintenance, self-renewal spa care and luxurious color cosmetics - we are committed to bringing this to you!

From classic favorites like Fango Active Mud, to state-of-the-art Crema Straordinaria, our innovative products combine time honored botanicals and cutting edge technology to gently, yet effectively address your individual beauty concerns.

We believe beauty is not bound by age. We believe that innovation should fuse the traditional and the avant guarde. Most importantly, we believe every woman has a secret beauty waiting to be revealed and we want to help her discover it. Welcome to the beauty of Borghese!

About Callezione Classica Gift Set

Time-honored skin care. Collezione Classica, the classic collection is filled with Borghese’s best-sellers that leave skin balanced and renewed. Cleanse, lift and moisturize with spa-inspired Tuscan skin care. Treat yourself to beautiful skin with the best of Borghese. A $241.00 value.

Gift set includes:

Crema Saponetta Cleansing Creme, 6.7 oz – gentle foaming face cleanser that brings skin to a balanced state
Fluido Protettivo Advanced Spa Lift for Eyes, 0.5 oz - hydrates and lifts delicate eye area
Curaforte Moisture Intensifier, 1.7 oz – maximizes skin’s capacity to hold moisture
Botanico Eye Compresses, 60 count – cools and soothes tired, puffy eyes
Fango Active Mud for Face and Body, 7 oz – detoxifies, purifies and invigorates skin
Esfoliante Delicato Gentle Cleanser and Exfoliant, 3.5 oz – gently buffs away dead skin cells
Gift Box

About Eclissare Color Eclipse Collection

Shadow and Light Luminous Eye Palette

Neutrals have never looked so good. Stop and stare dazzling color. A rich combination of crèmes, soft shimmers and high impact glitters that create a perfect range of neutrals that can take your look from day to night. Long-lasting, crease-free shadows that are velvet in texture and blend seamlessly. Everything you need to create multiple looks - light and natural to dramatic and glamorous.

ColorGlass Lip Glosses

Lustrous and captivating, Eclissare ColorGlass Lip Gloss is a hydrating lip gloss that offers high shine and color. Ultra-reflective pigment and pearl deliver a luminous glow. Eclissare ColorGlass Lip Gloss are available in 9 new exciting shimmery shades.

5 Shades of Torrid Eyeshadow Palette

A saturation spectrum of 5 Demure to All-Out-Allure shades. Color that overshadows. Completely transcends. In finishes that you’ll find a phenomena; so-smooth mattes, polychromatic pearls, and gleam-and-glow metallics. Color with depth, dimension and luminance, it will stir and please, and may change the way you see color.

5 Shades of Sultry Eyeshadow Palette

A saturation spectrum of 5 Soft-Lit to All-Sizzle shades. Color that overshadows. Completely transcends. In finishes that you’ll find a phenomena; so-smooth mattes, polychromatic pearls, gleam-and-glow metallics. Color with depth, dimension and luminance, it’s tempered desire may change the way you see color.

Borghese Giveaway!

And now the fun part! There are going to be 3 winners -- two here on my blog and one on my Instagram page. :-) Over there I'll be giving away the entire Eclissare Color Eclipse Collection!

Enter Instagram Makeup Giveaway HERE

On this post there will be two Callezione Classica gift sets up for grabs (not including the boxes, sorry!). It will include everything I've listed above.

All the rules are in the Rafflecopter form below (at the bottom of the widget). Giveaway ends on February 16th, 2015 at midnight. So LOTS of time to enter! ;-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you ever heard of the brand Borghese before? If so, what's your favorite product they make? If not, what product would you most like to try?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above from Borghese. I was not compensated in any other way to write this post. I only share information that I think will be useful for my readers and I only recommend products I have personally used.

Top 5 New Drugstore Products I Want to try this Spring!

2015-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

There are so many new products popping up at the drugstore! While there is a part of me that wants to try them all, there are a few that stand out more than most. These are the products I am definitely stalking my local Ulta and drugstores waiting for them to arrive. :-)

1. L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte line

This whole line looks really intriguing, but the three products I am most intrigued to try are the 2-Step Lip Color, the Pro-Matte Foundation, and the Pro-Set & Spray Makeup Extender Setting Spray.

I love a matte finish for my foundation, so I'm always on the hunt for a new "holy grail" drugstore foundation. I've heard a few reviews, all good, so I can't wait to get my hands on this foundation.

One thing I am always looking for are lipsticks that will not transfer once dried. I can't be the only wife who loves to wear lipstick, but hates when I can't kiss my husband afterwards.

2. Rimmel Provocalips

I feel like I'm all about the lips as I start this new year -- I want to expand my lipstick collection, and really focus on those that will last (see my previous comment about kissing my man ;-).

So Rimmel's new Provocalips are definitely on my radar to snatch....whenever my drugstores decide to carry them, that is....they tend to be slow out here in the valley of California...

3. Real Techniques Sculpting & Conceal Brush

Who doesn't love Real Techniques?! If you don't own any, consider trying one of their kits. They're great.

Anywho, Real Techniques is coming out with two new brushes. The one I am most excited for is the sculpting brush. It looks like it'd be great for a variety of things! The other brush is their slanted concealer brush.

4. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect Foundation

I'm a fan of Revlon's Colorstay foundation, and I'm curious to see if this new formula will be any good. If it is, I would definitely prefer this Photoready Airbrush Effect over the Colorstay, because it has a pump!!

5. Rimmel Show-Off Matte Lip Velvet

I own two of the original Show-Off Lip Laquer and love the formula of them. Since I'm all about that matte when it comes to makeup, I am definitely going to purchase a few of these and see how they are. The color selection is really nice, too. I'm really eying the nude-pink one!

And those are the top 5 new products that I'm looking forward to getting and trying out in the weeks ahead. :-) Now...if only my local drugstores or Ulta would stock them... :-P

What products are you most excited to try?

~ PIN IT ~