New Mac Finds

September 25, 20141 Comment

Hello sparkly unicorn babies!

Today I bring you a post which is long overdue. Sister Megan gave me two things from Mac on my wedding day, which I had been eyeing for months! What a little sweetheart that gal is :).

Mac Strobe Liquid Lotion

If you guys have been devoted ND fans, then you already know – I am all about the dewy face. I steer clear of anything with the word “matte” in the title most always. Give me a sun-kissed, glowy face or give me death I like to say!

This face lotion from Mac provides a beautiful iridescent glow that, when applied under foundation, gives a beautifully natural “lit from within” finish to the skin. I don’t wear this everyday, but on those days where my skin is lookin’ sad and dull – strobe lotion be where it’s at.

Mac Eyeshadow in Nylon

A cult favorite, this eyeshadow packs a serious punch. In the pan, it looks like nothing crazy – an eggshell-colored shade with a bit of sheen. But when applied to the lid, you get a wonderful highlighted brightness that words cannot describe. I also LOVE to use Nylon as a highlighter on my cheekbones and on the brow bone. Such a perfect shade to provide that pop without any crazy glitter. I love.

What have YOU been loving from Mac?

August Favorites

September 5, 20142 Comments

Yes I am late to be posting my monthly faves. So sorry little bunnies!

Makeup

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

I got the one in the gold tube a couple months ago and for the last month it has been performing like a dream. A few pumps on the ol’ curler and one or two coats makes for gorgeous, fluttery, full lashes. I have to make sure to really start at the base and wiggle my way up with this formula, but it is worth every effort.

Elf Long Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree

These $3 pots of wonder are a new discovery for me after watching Melissa on YouTube. The product is bouncy and kind of a dense gel consistency. I apply it with my ring finger and smudge it out with other colors using a tapered crease brush. I found that it did not crease on me or move at all. I have pretty normal eyelids if that helps (not overly oily).

NYX Butter Gloss in Éclair

I love ALL the NYX Butter Glosses and one of my faves has to be Éclair. It is a beautiful, pastel baby pink (signature color) and is perfect on it’s own or paired with a lipstick.

Hair

Oscar Blandi Dry Heat Protect Spray

I got the in my Summer 2014 Allure Beauty Box and was unsure of how I’d like it. Well, I am here to report that I love it. I really do. I don’t know about you, but one of my pet peeves is when I spray on a big juicy dose of heat protectant on my hair and then it’s just, wet. Then I feel pressured to wait for it to dry before I clamp 450 degrees of straight heat on to it. With this product, there is no pressure and ZERO waiting time, because it’s like, dry. It is sheer genius, I tell you.

My New Blow dryer! The Conair Inifinti Pro Blow Dryer

You guys. For seriously two years I was using THE WORLD’S MOST GHETTO blow dryer on the planet. I plucked it from the bottom clearance shelf at T.J Maxx and ended up paying the consequence until recently. I actually REGISTERED for this new Conair blow dryer at Target but alas, nobody chose this OR the lighted makeup mirror (SO rude). Since I purchased this over 3 weeks ago, my life is just, better. My hair dries faster and the color is beautiful. It is everything.

Random

Alex and Ani Bracelets

I found these two at The Rack and happily forked over the $14.97 for each. Here we have one initial bangle in the letter “N” and one “Capricorn” bangle even though I don’t believe one iota of that horoscope stuff.

Minute Maid Drops

Drinking water has never been super easy for me. I don’t get the people who are all, “water is so good!” Like, no. It’s not. Diet Coke is good. A lemon drop is good. Thankfully all the juice brands have come out with “water enhancement” products which help us water-haters cope. The ones by Minute Maid are pretty delish!

That’s all for now! Happy September!!

Summer Lovin’ Tag

August 18, 2014Leave a comment

Had me a blast…

Happened so fast!

See what I did there? And canijustsay, I DID NOT like ONJ in Grease. Sorry Liv, but your voice is nauseating and your baby hips in leather pants are just plain odd. Gotta love Beauty School Dropout though!

I was tagged by the wonderful Deb of DebE to do this awesome tag and am so happy to do so! Deb’s blog is just amazing – great reviews, beautiful photos and the cutest chi babies EVERRRRR!

Here we go!

1. Summer Lipstick You’re Loving?

Definitely Just Peachy by Wet’n’Wild – of the $1.99 varietal. It is gorgeous, summery and the perfect peach hue. Over top, I LOVE my Lancôme Gloss in Love in the shade Peach Show.

2. Summer nail polish you’re loving?

I have been wearing Teeny Bikini by Victoria’s Secret TONS this summer. Such a perfect Barbie pink.

3. Bikini you’re loving this summer?

DEFINITELY this little number, by Target. The top has padding and it pushes those babies to the sky, and the bottoms are perfect, i.e – they actually cover my bottom.

4. Favorite summer Frappuccino from Starbucks?

I have to admit I have wasted many a treat receipt this summer, but I DO enjoy the Caramel Crunch one.

5. Favorite fake tan?

I am going to have to give this one to the Rodan + Fields Foaming Sunless Tan. I did a whole review of it here and it is just a wonderful product, developed by the same broads who brought us Proactiv!

6. Favorite summer song?

DUH! In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry!

7. Favorite summer accessory?

Can sunblock count!? If so, I have been loving two: the first is a stick sunblock by Neutrogena (in SPF 70!). It doesn’t budge and I feel like my face is actually protected since it stays put. The other is the Silk Hydration by Hawaiian Tropic, it feels so nice on the skin and really moisturizes, plus it has that wonderful Hawaiian Tropic smell :).

8. Favorite summer fragrance?

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia

9. Summer book you’re loving?

This one!

10. What are you most excited to do this summer?

Welp – I got married which was a bit of a to-do. If you’d like to read more about that, check out the wedding tab above :).

Thanks again DebE for tagging me!

Currently Coveting

August 11, 2014August 11, 20141 Comment

Materialism at it’s worst, guys. I KNOW. But just indulge me 🙂

The list below is compiled of things I have taken a hard liking to over the past couple of months. It’s a bit longer than normal because I haven’t bought anything lately due to lack of job, trips to Potbelly and a teensy dent I put in the Jeep. Oopsa’ daisies!

Mac Blushes!!

I went to the Mac on NW 23rd here in Portland and had a swatchfest. I had ’em all up and down my arm like a lunatic and determined these shades MUST be mine.

Petal Power Mineralized Blush $27

Check out the new Mac mineralized packaging! I saw Sam Schuerman talk about the beauty of this blush and HAD to see for myself. I am currently REALLY digging blushes that can basically double as highlights, much like my current favorite blush which is Luminoso by Milani. This shade is an absolutely gorgeous pink with goldy undertones. Mamma want.

Sunbasque Powder Blush $22

Photo Cred

Sunbasque is a color I have heard tons about and I finally experienced it’s radiant splendor. It is definitely more of a mauvy, bronzed color with that shimmer I have grown obsessed with.

Margin Powder Blush $22

Photo Cred

To me, margin might be the perfect summer blush of all time. It is rose gold (reminiscent of Benefit’s boxed blush in Rockateur) but MUCH more glowy. It has brownish peach undertones and would PERF with my skin tone right now or with a slammin self tan.

Springsheen Powder Blush $22

Photo Cred

Springsheen. Oh, springsheen. How lovely and coral and perfect and luminous you are. Do you guys see why I need all these blushes? They are all SO me and wonderfully life-changing.

Other Stuff

Benefit Push Up Liner $24

I have never been a fan of gel liners. Back in the good ol’ days, I had Mac’s blacktrack and it completely dried out on me after like 8 months and I was PISSED. I have tried other drugstore brands since then and they’re okay but I always find myself migrating back to my liquids or pencils because it’s just too much work to lug out the pot AND the brush (not lazy at all, here). But then Benefit released this and my distaste for gel liner has been thoughtfully redacted. No need for a brush! No dried-up product! I need this in my life.

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Body Butter $48

$48 body lotion necessitates a lengthy explanation, so allow me to deconstruct…

Alright gals. Body lotion 101 is in session. You all know I struggle with a couple of agonizing skin disorders. One being my keratosis pilaris otherwise known as chicken skin or those tiny bumps we sometimes get on the backs of our arms and legs. The other being my acute paleness. NOW. Ingredients such as glycerin and mineral oil upset the chicken skin, as the ingredients are not good for the root cause of these bumps – a hard build-up of keratin which plugs up the hair follicle.

Additionally, ingredients such as alcohol and mineral oil actually STRIP the color off of a self-tanned body. Which is NO BUENO.

So, in congruence with these obstacles – I have been on the hunt for skin lotions and butters devoid of these ingredients. And lemmetellya, there aren’t many. Organic or natural brands may not contain alcohol but then they mostly ALL have glycerin and mineral oil.

My discovery is this – Josie Maran body butter. It is free of alcohol, mineral oil and has only a small amount of “natural vegetable glycerin”.

PRAISE THE LORD allelujah! I will happily fork over this ungodly sum for a bit of skin relief – oh yes, I will.

Alex and Ani Bracelets $28 (approx.)

Let me explain. I have always wanted a charm bracelet. However, I am just not a fan of the Pandora line or the tradition charm bracelets that get all bulky. These bangles from Alex and Ani I find to be quite cute as you can stack them up and wear a bunch at a time. They come in all different styles and metals and I want a million of them.

Maybelline Hip Eyeshadow Duo in Electrified $5

Photo Cred

Kristin Gehm mentioned this duo on one of her recent videos and I need it. Unfortunately it is not available anywhere! If anyone finds this line of eyeshadows anywhere please let me know!

TIGI Bedhead Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo $20

My sister’s GF Shannon used this on me when she did my hair for our wedding and I am IN LOVE. It smells amazing and I found the result to be smooth and natural. I usually opt for drugstore dry shampoos but this might just make me a convert.

Benefit Maybe Baby Perfume $32

This perfume is everything to me. It has the same scent as my beloved Bathina Oil Mist from Benefit. An ultra-feminine, sweet, floral scent that makes feel like the ballerina I wish I were.

And that’s it! What have YOU been coveting??

Bare Minerals “I Do” Set Review

August 1, 20142 Comments

Backatcha today with another makeup review!

Man, I have missed makeup. I’ve missed talking about it, putting it on, buying it and everything in between. This summer + not working + going to Bali = ALOT of no-makeup days for this girl.

I am ready for m’war paint. SO ready.

This set was graciously given to me by my sis Rachel J right before our wedding ceremony. She certainly knows the way to my heart!

This is the case and it is SO adorbs – feast your eyes on the tiffany-blue lining!

I have to admit I have already used two of the products inside, which is why the one on the left looks dirty…sorry! Here we have:

Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara (Full sized)
Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 in the Inspiration (Full sized)
Ready Touch-Up Veil
Ready Blush in The One
Mini Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready
Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eye Liner (Full sized)

I haven’t tried this puppy yet, but I am really excited to! I have been wanting to try a waterproof prestige one and this will fit the bill perfectly.

This duo in The Inspiration has two beautiful colors, which are beautiful on their own or worn together. Muse is a very light frosted pink, which is a bit chalky but works fine over a primer. Passion is a gorgeous deep plum with a hint of gold micro-glitter. This color packs a bit more of a punch and is beautiful in the outer corners and smoked out a little.

I am SO excited to have the touch-up veil in my purse. I already know I love the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil so I am sure this pressed version will work like a charm!

Oh lawd, I LOVE me some Bare Minerals blush! I am already a fan of the mineralized ones, but this color in The One looks very lovely. I would say this color is a rose pink with a luminous finish.

The color of the mini lipstick in Get Ready is like a “your lips but better” shade for me. I think it will look lovely as an easy, everyday shade.

The Lasting Liner in Blackest Black is awesome! It was the only liner I brought with me to Bali and it stays put (even in the heat!), really pigmented and most importantly, doesn’t irritate my eyes!

And that concludes the kit! Let me know if anyone wants to see a look using all of these products, I would be happy to do so 🙂

Influenster Spring Fling Vox Box

June 16, 20148 Comments

So.

If you are active on the social medias, have a blog or BOTH than you need to be signed up for Influenster if you haven’t already.

It took me about 10 minutes, I linked up all my SM accounts and BAM – 2 weeks later I was notified that I would be receiving the Spring Fling Vox Box. FOR FREE. Yes, my friends. I actually received free things. I feel like a real, live beauty blogger. Who is begged by major brands to promote their goods and services on the daily. I’m SO cool you guys.

AnyWHO – yes. Anyone can sign up, so give ‘er a try. I have no referral link and am not getting a dime for talking about any of these products. I just like free stuff. Simple as that.

Here’s what I got!

Kiss Press-On Nails

I am really excited to put these on. I have tried the Impression ones and they were SO thick that I couldn’t run my fingers through my hair without ripping out 20 strands. These look pretty and fairly natural, obvs I will report back.

Nivea Skin Firming Body Lotion

I am already a huge fan of Nivea. This formula seems like it’s RIGHT up my alley though – skin firming!? Yes please.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara

When I think of retro glam eyelashes, I think Twiggy. Yes, I will take a set of those! I am not sure about the hourglass brush, but of course I will give it a shot.

Peach Cobbler Air Freshener

This was to promote the movie Labor Day…whatevs. You guys know I love me some car air fresheners, esp the ones by Yankee. Not too sure about the peach cobbler scent and how that would mix with dirty hiking clothes in the back of Bry’s Jeep.

Softlips 5 in 1 Cube

I am SO PUMPED to try this little sucker out. It seems all the chapstick brands are trying to emulate the EOS balms (which I find to be fairly waxy, btw, they do work well as a lipstick base though). This will get lots of use this summer!

Playtex Sport Tampons

Let’s just go ahead and discuss this, shall we? Ew. Free feminine hygiene products are always a win in my book, I hate buying them. Also, I love that there is a chick hurdling on the box. It’s the stupidest predicament to feature, like how many women that buy these actually hurdle? Why not show a woman sitting on the couch with seven blankets, a Bud Light tall-boy and a Dance Moms marathon. MUCH more accurate if you ask me.

That’s all she wrote, folks.’Til next time!

Mini Collective Haul

June 5, 2014June 5, 20143 Comments

Hey Y’all!

For starters, I am obsessed with the show Girls on HBO. It’s reminiscent of Sex and the City, except they’re younger, not as glamorous and the topics more…raw? Interesting? Unbelievable, yet totally relatable. On one hand, I feel sympathy for these four young ladies and on the other, fortuitous, having lived through a seemingly mild (in every sense of the word) decade. No 2-week marriages, awful self-inflicted baby bangs or absent hippie parents for me – THANK GOD.

I digress. Now, for the reason we’re all here today. THE SH*T I BOUGHT.

Apparently it’s been a lash kinda phase for me.

Maybelline One by One Mascara

I think the brand is getting rid of this formula, hence it was on sale for $3.99. I can get away with using a rubberized wand as long as I pair it with a bristley one to build up the volume. I figured $4 was a heck of a deal so I grabbed it!

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

A cult favorite, this mascara will pair beautifully with the Maybelline one (like a fine wine). The wand has bristles, is thick-ish and the formula is on the wet side which will create some gorgeous lashes!

Covergirl Bombshell Liquid Liner

I bought this on a whim because my L’Oreal Carbon Black dried out and I felt like branching out. I gave it a try and it was pretty easy to use and I was able to construct a nice winged liner. Plus, the size is SO cute!

Ardell Demi Lashes in 120

These were only $3.49 at the Rack and I loooove them. I find the lashes with a bit of separation between the clumps look a bit more natural.

Ardell Short Individuals

For the wedding, I plan on wearing a set of top lashes and adding in some individuals where I need. Then, I am going to spruce up my bottom lashes with a few as well.

Kardashian Beauty Ombre Blush

This blush was $10 and 50% off and I wanted it really bad for a while so yes, I had to have it. It is the lightest shade in the line and a really cute babydoll pink. I found out about it from Sam Schuerman, who rocks btw.

My bachelorette party (if we’re calling it that) is this weekend. So stay tuned for THAT.